Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT) has announced the following changes to its fixed bus route service for the upcoming July 4th holiday period: 7/4-7/5: All fixed routes will NOT operate. Monday, July 5, 2010: All fixed routes will NOT operate. All fixed route bus services will resume on Tuesday, July 6. SCAT is offering free rides all summer to youth under the age of 18 who show their Brevard County Library Card. Since its inception in 2001, this “Read to Ride” program has offered public transportation to thousands of Brevard County students from the day after school lets out until the day before school begins. For further information, call 633-1878. Printable maps and schedules are also available on www.ridescat.com.

Cape Canaveral First Friday family summer parties will be held on July 2 and August 6 at Taylor Avenue between A1A and Poinsettia in Cape Canaveral from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy food and beverage vendors, live music, face painting, bounce houses, a rock wall, and street vendors selling arts and crafts/ For more details, call 868-1226.

Cocoa Celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks and the Brevard Symphony Orchestra from 7 to 10 p.m. in Cocoa’s Riverfront Park. Concert begins at 8 p.m.; fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. On June 16, the City of Cocoa will present a free showing of “Surf’s Up” (PG) as part of their “Free Movies in the Park” program. The film begins at 8 p.m. Look forward to a series of free Brown Bag Jazz Lunches every Friday throughout the month of July. Enjoy the music of local jazz musicians from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Myrt Tharpe Square Gazebo in downtown Cocoa Village. Bring your lawn chairs and a bite to eat.

Cocoa Beach This year’s Fourth of July celebration is scheduled to take place at Alan Shepard Park located at the eastern end of US Highway 520 in Cocoa Beach. Fireworks will be launched from an off-shore anchored barge on Sunday, July 4 after dark. In case of bad weather, the plan will be to reschedule the fireworks show for Monday evening, July 5. Those interested in helping out with the fireworks show are encouraged to participate in “Day After” Beach clean-up activities. Keep Brevard Beautiful will have two Cocoa Beach check-in sites for beach clean-up activities at the Cocoa Beach Pier and at Shepard Park starting at 8 a.m. on the following day. For information, contact Britta Moore, Assistant to the City Manager, at 868-3201. Please note that the City of Cocoa Beach prohibits the private possession and discharge of fireworks throughout the City.

The City of Cocoa Beach has installed its second red-light camera system at the intersection of northbound A1A and SR 520. This system will monitor the northbound lanes of A1A as well as the two left-turn lanes heading west onto 520. According to officials, this particular intersection is a very high pedestrian use area wherein motorists consistently attempt to “beat the light” before turning red. Once this system is activated, violation notices, rather than warning notices, will be issued. Records now show that since a similar system was installed at Fischer Park Drive this past April, there have been over 865 red-light violations recorded. In other news, the Ocean Research and Conservation Association (ORCA) recently announced that a new type of water quality monitoring system has been set up in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) at Cocoa Beach. The purpose of installing Kilroy in the IRL is to assess the potential role of red tide in fish and wildlife mortalities and disease and to assess the public health impact. Learn more about Kilroy and ORCA at www.teamorca.com. A series of Cocoa Beach historical items are on sale to help raise funds for the new Cocoa Beach Volunteer Historian Program. Copies of the “Cocoa Beach Then & Now” book and “80 Years of Cocoa Beach” DVD are still available for purchase at the Cocoa Beach City Hall at 2 South Orlando Ave. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office for additional details at 868-3235. Lastly, Commissioner Chuck Nelson will resume hosting his open house meetings in Cocoa on July 9 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Central Brevard Library and Reference Center (308 Forrest Ave.). The Cocoa Beach open house will resume on July 23 at the Cocoa Beach Library (550 N. Brevard Ave.) and will be held from 10 a.m. to noon.

Cocoa Beach Library Events for July: On July 17, Chris Kuzneski will give an author talk with Q & A and sign and sell copies of his latest suspense novel, “The Prophecy” at 3 p.m. When the writings of 16th-century visionary Nostradamus ring alarmingly true, Jonathon Payne and David Jones find themselves in a life-or-death race to stop those who would use the seer’s predictions for their own dark purposes. The Library will receive a portion of the profits from Books a Million from copies purchased at the book signing. On July 21, thriller writer Jamie Freveletti will be on hand to discuss, sign and sell her latest novel, “Running Dark,” at 2 p.m. Her second thriller sends her protagonist, ultra runner, and chemist Emma Caldridge to Africa, where she goes up against a crew of Somali pirates. Copies will be available for $24.99. Books-a-Million will donate a portion of the profits to the library. Don’t miss “Dear & Yonder — A Surf Movie” on Friday, July 23 at 7 p.m. Created by Tiffany Campbell and Andria Lessler, this film features a dynamic cast of women surfers, some of whom are bathed in the limelight, while others have only existed in quiet pockets until now. Each of their stories is unique, but a spirit of adventure and love they have for the ocean connects them. The showing is sponsored by Cocoa Beach Surf Museum and refreshments courtesy of Sunseed Co-op will be on hand. The library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave. Call 868-1104 for more details on these and other programs.

Satellite Beach Go to www.satellitebeach.org or call the Recreation Department at 773-6458 for information on ongoing summer activities and camps. The David R. Schechter Center offers numerous activities for kids, including “Mr. Science” Magic, Rocket, Electricity, Detective, Flying Aces Kite, Weird Musical Instruments, and Time Travel-themed camps. There are also loads of full-week camps, among them: Guitar, Theatre, Archery, Volleyball, Tennis, Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Soccer, Baseball, Wrestling Camp, Basketball, and Youth Football. The DRS Center also offers a range of classes and programs that cater to all ages, including Voice & Guitar, Cooking & Crafts, and Arts & Crafts. The Satellite Beach Rhythm in Motion Dance Program is also offering a number of dance classes, including Ballet, Tap, Pointe, Jazz, Gymnastic, Lyrical, and Acrobatics, along with an Intensive Dance Camp. Register early to assure your spot in one of their programs. Call the Satellite Beach Recreation Department at 773-6458, or log on to www.satellitebeach.org to find out more.

Indialantic July 17-18 sees the 12th Annual Indialantic Craft Festival in Nance Park. The festival will feature a variety of works by over 100 artisans from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. An expansive Green Market with plants, orchids, exotic flora, handmade soaps, gourmet spices and freshly popped kettle corn further compliments the weekend. To find out more, visit www.artfestival.com.

Eau Gallie EGAD (Eau Gallie Arts District) is proud to present their 2nd Annual Star-Spangled Event on Friday, July 2. Planned events for the event will include an apple pie bake-off, the Human Flag, and a patriotic window painting contest. A plein air painting competition will take place during the morning hours and the finished paintings will be judged in the afternoon at the Brevard Art Museum. Special guest judges will announce the winners of all three competitions at 8 p.m. at the band shell. The Eau Gallie Farmers Market will be set up on a section of Highland Ave. and will feature fresh produce, crafts and food vendors. Also, one-off custom created motorcycles from Tempest Cycles will be on display. In tandem with the event, the EGAD will hold its monthly First Friday Art Walk event from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Art studio, galleries, shops, boutiques and restaurants will remain open late for a free art walk featuring new exhibition openings and receptions in art galleries, artists in the square, and the Stephan Michael Connection performing at the band shell. The Brevard Art Museum will remain open to the public until 8:30 p.m. for Fringe Friday. Current exhibitions on view are “From Chaos to Abstraction: The Fractal Artworks of Frank Milordi”and “Just Suppose: The images of Jerry Uelsmann and Maggie Taylor.” The Rossetter House Museum will remain open for evening Ghost Tours. Call in advance for Ghost Tour reservations at 245-9855. The Art & Antique Studio will celebrate six years in Eau Gallie with their “Best of the Gallery Artists” exhibition and kickoff of the yearlong “Eight by Eight Project.” Erika Masterson Photography and Audible Images will feature “baked art” from Panita Bakery & Café at their Pineapple Ave. studio. Fifth Avenue Art Gallery will host “Surface,” a small group exhibition of emerging artists and Highway Grrls Gallery will feature the photo oil art of Lloyd Behrendt, renowned Cape Canaveral launch photographer and space historian. Nosh & Ganache, Concepts on Highland, Mezza Luna, Squid Lips and San Remo will feature delicious dining and festive atmospheres. To find out more, visit www.eaugalliearts.com.

Melbourne The Melbourne Independence Day celebrations are set to include a 9 p.m. fireworks display over the Indian River Lagoon and many other events and activities. Claude Edge Front Street Park provides the primary viewing area for the fireworks display. Free bus transportation is to be provided between the park and the Melbourne Auditorium with buses to depart for the park at 7:10, 7:50, and 8:10 p.m; they will return to the auditorium at 7:30, 8:10, 8:50, 9:30, and 10:10 p.m. The City is also co-sponsoring the Independence Day parade organized by Honor America, Inc., which is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 3. The parade is to begin on New Haven Ave. near the railroad tracks and proceed westward to Oak St., then travel northward on Oak Street to the Liberty Bell Museum. On July 4, the portion of New Haven Ave. between Front St. and U.S. 1 is to be closed to traffic from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. A section of Melbourne Ave. near Front St. will be restricted to eastbound traffic during the same period. The Melbourne Causeway is to be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic from about 8:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. for safety reasons. The boat ramp at Front St. will also be closed from 5 p.m. on July 3 until 9 a.m. on July 5. Visit www.melbourneflorida.com.

EVENTS

The Freedom 7 Senior Community Center will host a free safety seminar on July 14. Come out for coffee from 11 to noon for the “Summer Fun & Heat Safety” presentation by Karen Savage of Dignity Memorial as part of their “Smart & Safe Tips for Living Series.” Freedom 7 Senior Community Center is located inside the auditorium at the Cocoa Beach Country Club (5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.). Please call 783-9505 to RSVP, as space is unlimited. Learn more at www.freedom7seniors.org.

Brevard Food and Wine Fest. “A Taste of the Space Coast!” will be held Saturday, July 17 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Melbourne Auditorium (625 Hibiscus Blvd. in Melbourne). The event will feature a celebration of wines from all over the world, as well as a showcase for restaurants, specialty food service providers, and caterers. There will also be vendors with samples of healthier products and foods created from recipes lower in fat, carbs, and sodium. With local personalities as judges, there will be a special Chefs’ Challenge in a selected category with top honors awarded to the winner for “Best of Show.” Guests must be 21 years of age or older for entry into the event. Log on to www.atasteofevents.com, or call 303-5924 for more information.

Free Film Festival The third annual “15 Minutes of Fame” independent film festival will be held on July 9 and 10 in Palm Bay. Over 30 films produced by filmmakers from across the U.S. and around the globe will be shown. Films are from 2 to 30-minutes in length, with genres ranging from documentaries and music videos, to comedies and animation. The films will be shown in one-hour blocks, beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 9, and at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 10. Many of the filmmakers will be there to discuss their films. The festival is sponsored by local husband-and-wife filmmakers Ray and Migdalia Etheridge, and is presented free of charge. The program will be shown at the Tropical Days Inn Resort, 4700 Dixie Hwy, (U.S. 1) in Palm Bay. For further details, check their website at www.15minutefilmfest.com.

The Cocoa Beach Surf Museum (4275 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, in the Ron Jon Watersports Bldg.) will be opening their newest exhibit on Saturday, July 24, from 7 to 10 p.m. The exhibit will feature important Florida female surfers from the 60s up to and including the newest up-and-comers in the sport. While there, expect to meet some of them and learn more about the impact women have made in surfing. On Saturday morning, July 24, from 9 to 12 a.m., the CBSM will host a “Florida Women of the Waves” surfing social on the beach behind the International Palms Resort in Cocoa Beach. All women are welcome. For more information, go to www.cocoabeachsurfmuseum.org or call Melody at 537-2045.

A classic rock n’ roll art and photography exhibition by”Java” John Goldacker will run July 16 through October 9 at the King Center of the Performing Arts. Brevard County artist, photographer, and radio personality “Java” John Goldacker will have his first-ever showing of his original rock posters and concert photos. The Exhibition will coincide with this season’s run of the popular “Classic Albums Live” series at The King Center. To find out more, visit www.koolbeanz.com or the www.kingcenter.com.

Volleyball Tournament Sandbox Volleyball is holding a 2-on-2 sand volleyball tournament July 31 and August 1 at Paradise Beach in Indialantic. Men’s, women’s and co-ed teams will be competing. Their last tournament reached capacity, so sign up before Jul 29 to reserve your spot. Learn more at www.sandboxvball.com.

Food For Life Cooking Classes are now being offered in Brevard County. The classes are brought to you by The Cancer Project, working to advance cancer prevention and survival through nutrition education and research, and presented by Cocoa Beach resident Susie Fricker. The next $65, four-class series will be held in Rockledge on July 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Appleseed Health Foods. The classes cover a variety of cancer-related nutrition topics and demonstrate how to prepare meals loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals, high-fiber and low-fat foods, and healthy dairy alternatives. The series also provides information on planning meals and maintaining a healthy weight.  For more information, please visit www.cancerproject.org/classes, or contact Susie at 652-0563.

Parents and educators will learn how to end power struggles and bullying with Conscious Discipline July 23-24. “Do these kids think they can get away with this? They have another thing coming!” “Why is my child acting like this?” If you’ve ever asked these questions or even silently muttered the words to yourself, this two-day workshop may be exactly what you need. “Conscious Discipline: Two Days to A Better Way” will be held at the Riverside Presbyterian Fellowship Hall in Cocoa Beach on July 23 and 24. Teachers, parents, school administrators, counselors, and anyone who is involved in the life of a child will definitely take something away from this workshop. When parents and teachers model Conscious Discipline, children in their care become socially and emotionally intelligent. Children learn how to be assertive so that they are not victims in bullying situations. When children come from homes that have adopted the philosophy, or attend school where their teacher uses it, they have a strong sense of self-esteem and are connected children who intrinsically want to do the right thing whenever they can. Rewards and punishment are not needed to get the behavior we want to see in our children. “Conscious Discipline tends to become a way of life for most anyone who attends a workshop and implements it”, says certified CD Instructor Belinda Lorch. The difference between CD and other programs is that other programs ask the children to change. CD asks that adults look first at themselves, change if needed, then model for children how we want them to behave. In essence, we learn to be the person we want our children to become. Lorch has been teaching Dr. Becky Bailey’s philosophy for four years now, and she utilizes the information she learned in 2002 every day. Not only does she model the philosophy in her job teaching 3- to 5-year-olds for BCC Lab School, but she uses it in her own life as well. “I find myself being able to maintain self-control and composure more easily since I learned about Conscious Discipline,” says Lorch, owner of BrainBridge Connections. She has done many workshops here in Brevard County for several public schools including Endeavour and Turner Elementary, and is seeing an increase in demand for trainings by Brevard Public Schools and even other non-education-based organizations as well. Lorch has been accepted for the second year in a row to present at Florida Association for the Education of Young Children, a state-level conference to be held in Orlando this October where Dr. Bailey will be Keynote Speaker. If you’d like more information about Conscious Discipline, check out the following websites: www.brainbridgeconnections.com or www.consciousdiscipline.com. Conscious Discipline is becoming more widespread in Brevard County so seats are sure to go fast. Tuition is $225 per person or $210 per person if you are part of a group or organization with five or more people attending. Registration is ongoing and seating is limited, so call (321) 783-3676 or email belindalorch@gmail.com or bjlorch@bellsouth.net to register.

BUSINESS

Juice ‘N’ Java Café in Cocoa Beach is offering a series of activities this month. “Stories & Canvas,” a story time and painting on canvas class for children preschool age to 8 with local artist Sheri Stewart takes place on Wednesdays, until school starts, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Limit is 10 per class, so call 784-4044 to sign up in advance. Learn about eating plans without a diet and how to work out at home during a free seminar hosted by Ted Taylor on Wednesday, July 7 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free refreshments will be served. Call ahead to sign up. And save the date — Friday, August 20 — for a special wine tasting event held at the café. From 6 to 8 p.m., enjoy a tasting of 8 different wines from around the world, live music, and a wine bar appetizer menu. Cost is $10. Juice ‘N’ Java is located at 75 N. Orlando Ave. in downtown Cocoa Beach.

Petro Plumbing Service Inc. in Cocoa Beach celebrates its 45th Anniversary in business. In the early 60s, John and Velma Petro opened the plumbing business and nine family members spanning four generations have been involved in a heritage of service in Brevard County. Bob Petro and Dave Petro are now the sole owners of the business that prides itself in doing quality work at reasonable prices. Bob and Dave ask for everyone to stop by the shop/office at 157 N Orlando Ave. in Cocoa Beach for an unbelievable special offered Saturday July 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food, drinks, vendors, and door prizes will be available. Call 783-5422 for details.

Surfers Sports Pub celebrates its 6th Anniversary on July 4. The day’s events will feature live music, cornhole, free food, drink specials, giveaways, and more from noon till close. The event will also benefit the Central Brevard Humane Society. Bands include Lydia Can’t Breathe, Path to Prevail, Robots, Abdomen Canvas, A Light Divided, Pakalolo’d Up, Jasper’s Groove, and the Aquanuts. Check out the bar’s 26 new beer taps, free wi-fi, pool darts, foosball, and pinball — and don’t forget to bring a donation for the Humane Society. Surfers Sport Pub is located at 350 N. Orlando Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Call 784-2858 for more information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Slater Sculpture Site Established At the June 3 Cocoa Beach City Commission meeting it was decided that Triangle Park (at the northern end of the Cocoa Beach downtown area where A1A splits into Orlando and Atlantic Avenues) was the best location for displaying a life-sized bronze statue of Kelly Slater. According to a spokesperson for sculptor Natasha Drazich, the statue has been completed and its base is presently on its way from the foundry to be joined together before being delivered to the City. When mounted to a proposed coquina rock base, the bronze artwork will be approximately 8-1/2″in height and positioned in front of the existing waterfall on the site. Although no specific date was set for its arrival and formal donation to the City, Public Works personnel will need to conduct site preparation work at Triangle Park to make room for the statue.

Army Reunion The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone who served in the 2nd Infantry Division at any time. For information about the association and their annual reunion in Danvers, Massachusetts from August 18-22, visit their website at: www.2ida.org or contact Mike Davino at (808) 744-5062.

Central Brevard Multiple Sclerosis Self-Help Group Meetings are held every 2nd Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. at the Central Brevard Library (308 Forrest Ave. in Cocoa). All family members are welcome. For more information and to verify the next scheduled meeting date, call 636-0235 or visit them on the web at: www.cbmsgroup.org.

Benefit for Rachel Snyder Rachel, a Port St. John-based nurse, mother, and beloved friend to many locals, has been diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. After chemotherapy, she will have to undergo a double masectomy. Once recovered, she will have to undergo 6 weeks of radiation. Rachel is presently unable to work right now. She has a 15-month old daughter, Avery, with her husband Roger, and her parents are both deceased. A “Rally for Rachel” playdate and fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, July 25. Together, friends will unite in the journey of recovery from Rachel’s cancer by helping her through this challenging time in her life. Please join Avery and friends from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Gymboree of Melbourne, 3688 N. Wickham Rd. The playdate is free for all; donations are welcome and appreciated. A silent auction will be held while your children play.

CITY

Cape Canaveral Enjoy first Friday family summer parties June 4, July 2, and August 6 at Taylor Avenue between A1A and Poinsettia in Cape Canaveral from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy food and beverage vendors, live music, face painting, bounce houses, a rock wall, and street vendors selling arts and crafts/ For more details, call 868-1226.

Cocoa Look forward to a series of free Brown Bag Jazz Lunches every Friday throughout the month of June. Enjoy the music of local jazz musicians from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Myrt Tharpe Square Gazebo in downtown Cocoa Village. Bring your lawn chairs and a bite to eat. Tuesday, June 15 sees a traditional Florida Tea at the historic Porcher House (434 Delannoy Ave.) held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is planned for the third Tuesday of every month and will include food provided by Renaissance Catering of Cocoa and live entertainment. Cost is $14 per person. You can also request a complimentary tour of the historic home before or after lunch by calling Cocoa Main Street at 633-0806. Lastly, the City will present a free outdoor showing of “Daddy Day Care” on June 18 at 8 p.m. The film will be shown on the big screen in Riverfront Park. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Cocoa Beach Hurricane season is upon us again. The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and ends November 30. You can access important hurricane preparedness information through the City’s website at: www.cityofcocoabeach.com. In accordance with Cocoa Beach City coding, it’s against the law for owners or occupants of oceanfront property to permit direct lighting from their property to illuminate the ocean beach so as to be a hazard to fledgling sea turtles in making their way from their nests to the sea. The provisions in the code apply to the nighttime hours (dawn to dusk) until October 31. For more information, contact the City’s Development Services Department at 868-3296. Summer lifeguards are needed at the municipal pool. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and hold current certificates in Lifeguard Training, CPR-PR, and First Aid. For more details, contact the Personnel Office at 868-3272. The Summer Co-ed Softball League is accepting teams for players 18 and older at the Cocoa Beach Recreation Center. Call 868-3252 to learn more. The City is installing pet waste stations along streets where residents typically walk their dogs. Stations will be installed along Minutemen Cswy., Brevard Ave., and 4th St. South. These stations provide bags that are easy to use — and along with the trashcan bag, will biodegrade within 12 months in a landfill. Lastly, the Cocoa Beach Boating Club has informed City officials that there will not be a 4th of July boat parade this year. The club’s future plans are to determine if there will be enough interested boat owners and participants to organize a 2011 parade. For more information, call Walt Blazer at 783-1207

Cocoa Beach Public Library This month’s programs include “Compositional Photography with Mick West,” Tuesdays, June 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Jane von Thron Room. Cost is $5 per session. The four-session class will provide basic compositional elements and framing to assist students in capturing interesting, dynamic images with a digital camera. Prerequisites: A desire to take more interesting photographs, a digital camera and the ability to transfer digital images from a computer to a CD or thumb drive. Please register at sign up table. Enjoy “Across the Atlantic in a Flats Boat with Bob Brown,” Wednesday, June 9 at 1 p.m. Two brothers, Ralph and Bob Brown, crossed the Atlantic in a tiny shallow-water fishing boat to raise money for Wounded Heroes Foundation in the US, Canada and the UK. Bob will show a presentation of the voyage. “Restoring Damaged Rivers: Human Impact on Our Ecosystems (The St. John’s River),” a 30-minute DVD, will be shown Wednesday, June 23 at 1 p.m. The film is an award-winning portrayal of the negative and positive effects humans have had on the aquifers, springs, streams, rivers, wetlands, and oceans that comprise over two-thirds of our planet. Bring a sack lunch. Cookies and punch will be served. A Yoga Seminar will be held Saturday, June 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, June 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call 474-9121 for more information. To learn more about other Library programs, call 868-1104 or visit www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.org.

The Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center will be an official host location for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on Thursday, June 3, from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. The Aquatic Center will join more than 100 aquatic facilities around the globe to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson ever conducted and to build awareness about the vital importance of teaching children to swim to help prevent drowning. The Aquatic Center is located at 4800 Tom Warriner Blvd. at the Cocoa Beach Golf & Country Club Complex. For further information, call 868-3327 or visit www.wlsl.org.

Satellite Beach Here are some activities planned through Satellite’s DRS Community Center (1089 S. Patrick Dr.): Jr. Safe Boating Course, June 7-10 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Ages: 9-17. Cost: $6/person; please register early. Attendance at the four-day course is required to obtain a Boating Safety Education ID card, as required by FL State Law to operate a boat. Students must attend all four days to qualify. Hula Course every Tuesday throughout June from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Ages: 7-12. Cost: $35/session. The DRS Center is also offering numerous exciting summer vacation camps, including “Mr. Science” Magic, Rocket, Electricity, Detective, Flying Aces Kite, Weird Musical Instruments, and Time Travel themed camps. There are also loads of full-week camps, among them: Guitar, Theatre, Archery, Volleyball, Tennis, Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Soccer, Baseball, Wrestling Camp, Basketball, and Youth Football. They also offer many classes and programs that cater to all ages, including Voice & Guitar, Cooking & Crafts, and Arts & Crafts. The Satellite Beach Rhythm in Motion Dance Program is also offering numerous dance classes, including Ballet, Tap, Pointe, Jazz, Gymnastic, Lyrical, and Acrobatics, along with an Intensive Dance Camp. Register early to assure your spot in one of our programs. Call the Satellite Beach Recreation Department at 773-6458, or log on to www.satellitebeach.org to find out more.

Eau Gallie The Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) will hold its monthly First Friday Art Walk Event on June 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Art studios, galleries, shops, boutiques, and restaurants in the District will remain open late for a free art walk, featuring exhibition openings and receptions in art galleries, artists in Eau Gallie Square, refreshments and live music. To enhance June’s Art Walk, the EGAD will host a juried plein aire painting competition. Artists will paint in and around the Square during the afternoon and present finished paintings for judging at 7 p.m. In addition to the competition, “The Porsche Art Car” art project will be on display in the Square beginning at 5 p.m. Other collectible cars owned by area collectors will be on display bordering the Square. The band Encore will perform in the band shell from 6- 8:30 p.m. Featured also is a new art event called, “Sips ‘n Strokes,” with artists Sandy Johnson and Jini James engaged in a friendly painting duel on the same canvas. The audience will have a chance to add strokes as well. The finished painting will be auctioned at the end of the evening, with proceeds from the collaboration and other works sold by the artists donated to support the Cancer Care Foundation of Brevard. In addition, A&A will launch their new “Art of Eights” series and live music will be provided by Grumpy Al in the Courtyard. Pat Frazier and her whimsical goddesses will join Robin Rothrock for a show titled “Dreamers” at Highway Grrls Gallery, with the Mark Baker Band providing music. The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery will host the “Energy & Ecstasy” Exhibition, featuring world-renowned sculptor Esther Wertheimer. Maxine’s Salon will host the “Heal and Hope” wine tasting event to benefit families in Brevard County with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Also, the Brevard Art Museum will remain open to the public until 7 p.m. Current exhibitions on view are “Transformations,” the collaborative work of 12 poets and artists and “Just Suppose: The Images of Jerry Uelsmann and Maggie Taylor.” The Rossetter House Museum will remain open for evening Ghost Tours. Call in advance for Ghost Tour reservations at 245-985. Tickets are limited. For more information, visit www.eugalliearts.com.

Melbourne This month’s downtown Friday Fest is set for June 11 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Look forward to live entertainment, food and beverage vendors, arts and crafts, and children’s activities. On Tuesday, June 8, the MCMS Summer Concert with the Afiara String Quartet will take place at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church (2030 N. Hwy. A1A in Indialantic) at 7:30 p.m. For more details, call 427-1312. The Melbourne Municipal Band will offer a free Picnic Concert June 16 and 17 at the Melbourne Civic Auditorium (625 Hibiscus Blvd.) and a Swing Time Dance from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 25 at the Auditorium. The Melbourne Community Orchestra will present a free concert Wednesday, June 23 and Thursday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. Call 724-0555 to find out more about these and other events.

Melbourne Beach The Anglers for Conservation will host a free, “Get Kids Hooked on Fishing” program on Saturday, June 19 at 8:30 a.m. The event, to be held at Ryckman Park and Pier, is open to children ages 6- to 16-years-old.

EVENTS

The First Annual Surfrider Challenge at the Waterman’s Challenge will be held June 5-6. This contest and fundraising event for the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum takes place at the International Palms Resort (formerly the Holiday Inn) south of Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach. Surfing heats will take place both on Saturday and Sunday. You can find an entry form at: www.cocoabeachsurfmuseum.org. Sign up on June 4 at the International Palms Resort deck from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. or on Saturday, June 5, before the heats begin. The Saturday evening Luau will feature live music, a Hula demonstration, a silent auction, and food and beverages from 6:30 to 10 p.m. The public is invited for all events. For more information, visit www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach.

Ongoing Dick Catri exhibition at the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum. The Museum’s current exhibition, “Dick Catri: The Contests, The Teams, The Pioneer,” will run through the summer. Catri was among an elite group of early surfing pioneers that showed the world that East Coast Surfers were as capable as any in the ultimate proving ground, the big wave breaks of Hawaii’s North Shore. He was also known for his fearlessness at spots like Waimea Bay, Makaha, and Pipeline. Riding a massive 11′0″ Elephant gun shaped by Dick Brewer, he charged the biggest surf Hawaii had to offer and gained the respect of the locals, earning an invitation to compete in the prestigious 1967 “Duke” contest. As important as his accomplishments in giant surf, Dick brought home the knowledge he acquired surfing with the world’s best surfers in the world’s best waves and passed it on to his peers and many generations of younger surfers back on the East Coast. The Cocoa Beach Surf Museum is located at 4275 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, in the Ron Jon Watersports Building. For more information about this and other exhibits, log on to www.cocoabeachsurfmuseum.org or call 258-8217.

The annual Rotary Pineapple Man Triathlon is set for Sunday, June 6. This year over 600 participants are expected come to Ryckman Park in Melbourne Beach to swim in the Indian River Lagoon, bike 15 miles along A1A, and run 3 miles through beautiful neighborhoods along the Indian River. Race proceeds allow the Melbourne Beach Rotary Club to contribute significantly to national programs and local community by supporting various initiatives that make a difference — Melbourne Beach Town Projects; Brevard County Recreation Disabilities Program; Friends of the Melbourne Beach Library; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; International Leukemia-Lymphoma Society; Habitat for Humanity; The South Brevard Sharing Center, and The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project. For more information about the race, log on to: http://rotarypineappleman.org.

The Brevard Art Museum presents the opening of “From Chaos to Abstraction: The Fractal Artworks of Frank Milordi” on Friday, June 11. Milordi will give a Gallery Walk at 4 p.m. with a reception to follow from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Both events are free and the public is invited. Using a combination of his engineering education and his experience in the art world, Milordi has studied how chaos theory and fractals can be used to create art. The exhibition will be on view through July 25. Also on view is “Just Suppose: The Otherworldly Images of Jerry Uelsmann and Maggie Taylor.” Uelsmann’s photographs are considered classic traditions of 20th Century photography, while Taylor’s composite images of the everyday, fused with people from the past in unexpected ways, reflect her own imaginative ventures into digital technology. The show will run through August 1. The Brevard Art Museum is located at 1463 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie District of Melbourne. Call 242-0737 or visit www.brevardartmuseum.com.

Downtown Melbourne’s The Gallery will host “Ibiza Sounds of Summer” on June 11. Ibiza, one of the Balearic Islands, is considered a popular tourist destination due in part to its riotous nightlife. From 8 p.m to 2 a.m., experience the sound and feel of Ibiza without traveling across the globe with DJs Edge Howk, Andy Hughes, Luis Diaz, Keith Waterman, and Dave Gluskin. Cost is $5. The Gallery is located at 701 E. New Haven Ave. in historic downtown Melbourne.

Sentinels Of Freedom Space Coast will be hosting its fundraising dinner at 6 p.m. on June 17. Held the Crowne Plaza Hotel Ocean Front (2605 Hwy. A1A, Melbourne Beach), the dinner will honor Cpl. Robert Smith and his wife, and in so doing recognize all Sentinels Of Freedom. Colonel Danny McKnight, whose career included combat experience in Panama 1989 and Somalia 1993 will be the evening’s featured speaker. City of Cocoa Mayor Michael Blake and Carol Craig of Craig Technologies are the event’s honorary hosts. The Sentinels Of Freedom Space Coast’s mission is to provide medical, education, social, and vocational assistance to members of the US Armed Forces who have suffered severe injuries in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. The program helps them adjust to civilian life and prosper within the communities of Florida’s Space Coast. Dinner tickets are $100 per person, or $150 per couple. For more information, or to reserve dinner tickets, go to: www.sentinelsoffreedomfl.org.

VibeFest 2010 held at Wickham Park on June 19. This one-day festival, presented by SpaceCoastVibe, will feature music from 12 bands on two stages, food from around the globe, local art, games and activities fro the entire family, and high-energy performances from BMX, skateboarders, and motocross riders. The event runs from 2 p.m. till 11 p.m. To learn more, go to: www.spacecoastvibe.com/vibefest.

Indian River ARC Field Day 2010 Demonstrations set for June 26. The Indian River Amateur Radio Club will demonstrate their emergency communications capabilities to the public by setting up multiple radio stations, including the classic HF, UHF, and VHF transmitters as well as Morse code, satellite and digital units, some utilizing portable antennas and running from generators or by solar power to simulate emergency operations. Demonstrations, brochures, and information packets will be available. Visitors will have a hands-on opportunity to contact a stranger using a radio with the help of one of their operators. The free event will be held at the American Red Cross building at 1700 Cedar Street in Rockledge on Saturday, June 26, from 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 27, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The club also provides free instructional classes and testing for all levels of ham radio at least twice a year. For more information, call Dave Slawson at 392-4693.

Space Coast Feline Network’s Annual Silent Auction and Dinner is scheduled for June 26. Join the Network at the Radisson Resort Convention Center in Cape Canaveral for an evening of food, entertainment, a silent auction, door prizes, and bingo. Proceeds will go toward SCFN’s programs, including its low-cost spay/neuter program for feral and abandoned cats. Silent auction, cash bar, and entertainment begin at 6, with dinner following at 7. Last date to make reservations is Wednesday, June 23. For reservations: go to www.scfntnr.org. Tickets are also available at the Cocoa Beach Chamber of Commerce, 400 Fortenberry Rd., Merritt Island.

Jeannie Day, June 26 in Cocoa Beach. Everyone knows the 1960s TV series “I Dream Of Jeannie.” Fewer people know that the stars of the show made occasional visits to Florida’s East Coast due to the show’s frequent references to Cocoa Beach and the Space Center at Cape Canaveral. The “Jeannie Day” celebration made a splash in history as it demonstrated the cooperation of multiple organizations to plan a star-studded event. The first visit from Barbara Eden was on June 27, 1969, when Brevard commissioner Lee Wenner flew his aircraft South to Miami to meet up with the actress who played the character of Jeannie. Eden and cast returned to the Cocoa Beach area on November 25, 1969, for a publicity event to promote the final episode in which a mock wedding was to take place. It would be 27 years before she was to return to the area. A three-day-event in Cape Canaveral called “Space Day at Kennedy Space Center” was held on the second weekend of July 1996. Even the City of Cocoa Beach got involved when city officials commemorated the TV show by declaring a special “Jeannie Day,” which included renaming Primrose Avenue to “I Dream of Jeannie Lane.” Other Jeannie Days were held in 2004 and 2005, though Barbara was unable to attend. “Jeannie Day” was reborn in 2009 for the 40th Anniversary of the first visit by the actress. A get- together was held at the Surf in Cocoa Beach, the original location of Barbara and cast’s first visit. Among the attendees were participants of previous celebrations who shared their memories. On this occasion, there was a storytelling presentation with historic photos and a raffle drawing for a replica “I Dream of Jeannie” bottle. The plan for this year’s “Jeannie Day,” to be held on June 26, is to be even better. A telephone interview with Barbara Eden was recorded, and her message will be shared with the residents of the Space Coast. In addition, there will be a Jeannie look-alike contest, a belly-dancing demonstration, a slideshow presentation with storytelling, and a raffle for a replica Jeannie bottle and other collectibles, the proceeds of which will be used to support local historic preservation. Come join them on June 26 at Durango Steakhouse (5602 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach) from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. To learn more, email historian Ray Osborne at: rko153@gmail.com.

The Surfside Players present “Frost/Nixon” through June 13. Performances are held Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and active military, and $10 for students, with group discounts available.  Call (321) 783-3127 for reservations. Warning: This show contains strong language. The Players also present “The Thinking Actor,” an Adult Acting Workshop by the award-winning Lindsey Ferrentino. This is a four-Saturday workshop for those new to acting and for those looking to refresh their skills. This class is designed to help even the most seasoned actor overcome roadblocks. Students will learn: how to approach a script as an actor, not analyst; the importance of incorporating behavior into scene work; how to prepare before entering a scene; how to work with a director, take direction, but maintain your ground; how to develop complex characters and rid yourself of personal habits, and how to speak with subtext. Students will bring in a contemporary two-person scene that will be workshopped over the course of four two-hour sessions. The goal of this adult acting workshop is to develop a group of truthful and thinking actors in Brevard’s community theater. For ages 16 and up. For registration and more information, contact Linda Geiger, Surfside Players Educational Program Director, 783-3127 or 784-9347. Workshops are held Saturdays, June 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 10 a.m. till Noon. Surfside Playhouse is located at the corner of Brevard Ave. and Fifth St. South in Cocoa Beach. Call 783-3127 for ticket and program information, or visit www.surfsideplayers.com.

Cocoa Beach Skatepark Summer Skateboard Camp. Register at the Park (1450 Minutemen Cswy.) for a session. Choose from Week 1 (June 14-18), Week 2 (June 18-July 2), and Week 3 (July 12-16). Cost is $79 per week and includes personal instruction, two drinks and a snack each day, prizes and other free stuff, trivia contests, skate contests and games, local surf/skate history, and guest speakers and demos. Week runs Monday through Friday, and camp begins at 9 a.m. Supervised instruction from 9 a.m. to Noon; free skate offered from Noon till parent pickup. (Park opens to the public at Noon and closes at 9 p.m.) Bring a lunch or purchase pizza from the snack bar. There’s limited space, so register now. Call 868-3238 for more details, and read this month’s “Jedi Grind Tricks” for more information on other skate camps in the area.

Surf’s up this summer at the Cocoa Beach Surf Co. Surf School. Weeklong summer camps are starting to roll in and youths ages 8-16 are welcome. If you can swim and you’re ready to learn, their surf instructors are waiting to teach you. With the 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio you’re sure to get the ride of your life. Lunch is outfitted by the Shark Pit Bar & Grill, famous for their brick-oven pizza. Camps will be continuous through late July for both boys and girls. If you’re already fluent in the language of waveriding, instructor positions are still open. With CPR certification you can follow in the footsteps of great surfers like Todd Holland, who’ll be one of your fellow associates. Outgoing enthusiasm and an easy-going nature with kids is a must. For more information, call Randy Hazen at 799-9930.

Time again for Sheri Stewart’s Summer Art Classes. Geared for children aged 5 and up, the weekly-themed camps run through July 30. They’re held at Stewart’s stunning Bali Studios in Cocoa Beach, and are offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to Noon. Each week kids will be introduced to a different Master Artist, and will paint on canvas, wood, fabric, and paper. Bring a snack to enjoy during breaks and wear old clothes. Cost is $150 (all supplies included; $50 deposit required upon registration). For more details, call 720-2215, or visit www.balistudios.com. You can also find information on Facebook under “Sheri Stewart.”

Save the date: Thursday, July 1 sees a “Flotsam Jetsam,” a showing of new Rick Piper art at Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar. “Flotsam Jetsam” will premiere 20 new Piper pieces, both paintings and mixed media, and will feature music, wine, and food from 5 to 10 p.m. Rusty’s is located at 628 Glen Cheek Dr. in Port Canaveral. To find out more, call 783-2033.

BUSINESS

Wee Bee Baked Good & Other Foods has been born. Chef and baker Jackie Sampson has acquired the use of a commercial kitchen and now offers baked goods, party dishes, meals, catering, and private chef services. Take a moment to check out her website at www.weebeebaked.com. For more details, call 427-2340.

On Saturday, June 26, Cocoa Beach’s Juice ‘N’ Java and Matt’s Bicycle Center present “Bike Night”. Pedal in for a neighborhood gathering featuring live music, prizes and giveaways, and food and drink specials. The popular cafe will also host a June 4 wine tasting from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost is $10 per person with 50% off first glass of wine. The tasting will offer samples of 8 different wines, and their wine bar appetizer menu will be on hand. Juice ‘N’ Java is located at 75 N. Orlando Ave. in the heart of downtown Cocoa Beach. To find out more, call 784-4044.

Celebrate Bloomsday with Nolan’s Irish Pub on Wednesday, June 16. The good folks at Nolan’s Irish Pub will be hosting a tribute to James Joyce and Irish Art and Literature at 7 p.m. on June 16, “Bloomsday,” as described in Joyce’s masterpiece “Ulysses.” Enjoy music by Justin Murphy & Wid Kever, poetry recitations and readings from “Ulysses,” beer specials, and a free drink for anyone dressed in Victorian costume. Nolan’s is located at 5675 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. For more information call 783-8499.

Marco and Cinta Auddino’s Bakery is now open for business. Auddino’s offers high quality bread and baked goods made fresh daily. They also feature traditional and foccacia pizzas, Italian and meatball subs, and a wide array of fresh desserts and pastries — things like sfogliatelle, croissants, cannoli, turnovers, cheesecakes, cookies, cream puffs, brownies, fritters, and biscotti. You’ll also find espresso, Italian wedding cake, tiramisu, and gelati and granitas. Auddino’s is located at 523 Glen Cheek Dr. in Port Canaveral. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sandwich and pastry selection may vary daily. Call ahead to order take out items — 205-1210.

Downtown Melbourne welcomes Brio Italiano to the neighborhood. The restaurant and bar, located at 2005 Vernon Place, features a wide range of classic appetizers, soups, salads, and delicious entrees. You’ll find 9 different chicken dishes, including Francese, Piccata, and Cacciatore, 8 veal entrees, steaks, pasta, baked dishes, and fresh seafood. Drop in or call 676-8949.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Oil Spill Volunteers Needed. Keep Brevard Beautiful is partnering with the Brevard County Emergency Management Office to monitor our county shoreline for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. If you are one of the many citizens who love and care for our beautiful beaches, they’d love to recruit you to sign up and help. They are assigning volunteers 1/2-mile sections of the beach to monitor on a daily basis. Volunteers will be assigned to a section/team nearest to where they live or as near as possible. If you’re interested in being a site captain to coordinate other volunteers for your section let them know. To register, email: kbboilspillvolunteers@yahoo.com, or call 631-0501 ext. 204 and provide the following information: name; full address; age; email address; home and cell phone numbers; availability, and if you would like to be a site captain. For more information on this program, contact Larry S. Weber, President, KBB & KFB, at 631-0501 ext. 202, or email larryweber08@yahoo.com.

World Cup Soccer Camp with Coach Hugo Maradona at the Cocoa Expo Sports Center. June 20-25; July 11-16; July 18-23. Team Camps are also available; two coaches stay free with 10 or more registered campers. To register, visit: www.cocoaexpo.com/soccercamps.

The Brevard County Library System budget has been cut by more than $7.2 million in the past two years, representing a reduction of over 26%. A further $2 to $3 million budget reduction is being projected for the next Fiscal Year beginning October 1.

At the Cocoa Beach Library, these losses have directly affected the public in these ways:

The book budget has been reduced by more than 73%, from $123,000 two years ago to just $32,000 this year.

Operating hours have been reduced by 10%, from 65 to 58 hours per week.

Projected cuts for the next Fiscal Year could mean the book budget will be reduced to just pennies and operating hours could drop as low as 40 per week.

At the same time, business is up. The number of items checked out this year at the Cocoa Beach Library has risen 8% over the last year, while the number of people using the library has increased nearly 10% per open hour.

How you can help:

• Write or email your County Commissioners (Robin Fisher; Chuck Nelson; Trudie Infantini; Mary Bolin; Andy Anderson).
• Sign the Friends of the Cocoa Beach Library’s “Save Our Libraries” petition at the Library.
• Join the Friends of the Cocoa Beach Library. With more than 1,200 members, the Friends are the largest civic organization in Cocoa Beach. Memberships range from $2/year to Life Memberships for $100.
• Donate generously to the Friends of the Cocoa Beach Library Book Fund. All money donated to this fund goes directly to putting new books on library shelves.

Our message to County Commissioners: Maintain Library System funding at its current dollar level so that library open hours and book budgets do not decrease again next year. Oppose any further cuts to library budgets.

SAVE OUR LIBRARIES!

This information is provided by the Friends of the Cocoa Beach Library

CITY

CITY

The City of Cocoa is hosting three community events this month. April 10: MS Walk in Riverfront Park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; April 17: Trash Bash in Riverfront Park from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; April 25: Bridal Show from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Civic Center & Porcher House. To find out more, visit www.cocoafl.org.

Cape Canaveral’s next First Friday event is set for April 2. Activities will include a variety of food vendors, an assortment of novelty and craft vendors, children’s activities, including bounce houses, a giant slide and a rock climbing wall, and live entertainment along with beer and wine. The fun will take place on Taylor Avenue between A1A and Pointsetta Avenue from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. To find out more, visit www.cityofcapecanaveral.org, or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 868-1226.

The 85th Cocoa Beach Community Fest takes place April 10 in downtown Cocoa Beach. Scheduled from Noon to 11 p.m., this free, family-friendly event will feature kids’ activities, a raffle, arts and crafts, live music by Delgado, Cocolocos, and Vintage. Food and drinks will also be available. All proceeds will go to the Cocoa Beach Kiwanis, Elks, Rotary, and Lions Clubs. In turn, all of these organizations will be supporting local schools and residents. Check out this issue’s “Twenty Questions” feature (pages 18-19) for more details.

The City of Cocoa Beach is looking for volunteers who have ideas on how to gather and preserve the City’s history. Two of the projects that have been identified are: “Transitioning from Town to City” and “Timeline: People, Art, Education Space/Science, Hurricane Season, Government, Sports and Recreation, Taxes and Commerce, Medicine, Environment and Surfing.” Volunteers will collect memorabilia, photos, artifacts, and oral histories. The volunteers meet at 4 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at City Hall. Program volunteers are a working group who must commit time to perform research work. Those interested can obtain an application to become a member of the “Resident Historian Program” by sending an e-mail to the City Clerk’s Office at: cityclerk@cityofcocoabeach.comor by calling 868-3286.

Hammock Preserve update. The City of Cocoa Beach ranked 7 out of the top 25 grant entries for “small development projects” that were recently recommended for funding by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection — Division of Recreation and Parks — Florida Recreation Development Assisstance Program (FRDAP). Last year, the City re-submitted a $50,000 “no-match” grant application that was previously approved in 2008, but was not funded due to cutbacks in Florida’s 2009 operating budget. The “no-match” grant, if funded this year, will help enhance the Maritime Hammock Preserve park located south of Denny’s Restaruant on the west side of State Road A1A. Planned improvements will include: a wildlife observation deck; walking paths; picnic tables, covered picnic pavillions, information kiosks, and a tetherball court. The City must now wait to see if sufficient funding will become available in Florida’s 2010-2011 budget formulation and approval process. For more information, please contact City of Cocoa Beach Grantwriter/Public Information Officer Jerry Stansfield at 868- 3329, or email:jstansfield@cityofcocoabeach.com.

The 60-day trial period for Cocoa Beach’s Red Light Camera system at the intersection of Fischer Park and A1A is nearly complete. On Friday, April 2, the system will “go live” wherein violators will be issued a $150 citation for running the red light and/or failing to come to a complete stop before turning right when the light is red. According to City officials, during the trial period for the month of February, over 200 citations would have been issued for intersection violations had the system been fully operational. The red light cameras will become an integral part of a system that will enhance the pedestrian and vehicular safety program throughout the City. The City’s website – www.cityofcocoabeach.com — will contain an information section on the new red light camera system and how it all works.

In Cocoa Beach Public Library news: trained AARP volunteers will be on hand weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 to 2 p.m., and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 to 1 p.m.) to offer tax preparation assistance until April 15. A sushi-making demonstration presented by Ice Cream Junction and Oriental Food Market is set for April 8 at 2 p.m. Samples will be available to the first 50 people. “Music on a Sunday Afternoon” celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month with Jazz Vocalist Sybil Gage, Sunday, April 11 at 2 p.m. “Picaresque – a Longboard Film” will be shown Saturday, April 10. Presented by the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, the film begins at 7 p.m. Mikey DeTemple’s Highs Seas Film’s first surfing video release, the 16mm “Picaresque” will show longboarding in a new light, getting away from preconceived notions and turning up the tempo. Refreshments provided by Sunseed Co-Op. The library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave. in Cocoa Beach. To find out more about these and other scheduled programs, call 868-1104 or visit www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.com.

The Surfside Players are now accepting play submissions for their annual Playwriting Competition.They’re looking for original, unpublished full-length plays by current or recent Brevard County residents for a chance to be performed on Surfside’s stage. A complete copy of the rules of Surfside’s 10th Annual Playwriting Competition are available at www.surfsideplayers.com. Submission deadline is Sunday, April 4, and the winning entry will be performed June 25-27, 2010. For more info, call 783-3127. The Players also announce open auditions for “Frost/Nixon” by Peter Morgan at 7 p.m. on both Sunday, April 11 and Monday, April 12. There are roles for up to nine men and two women, ages ranging from late 20s to late 60s, plus a number of videotaped and prerecorded roles. Performance dates are May 28 to June 13, 2010 (three weekends), Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Playhouse is located at the corner of Brevard and Fifth St. South in Cocoa Beach.

Enjoy breakfast with the Easter Bunny April 3 at Pelican Beach Park in Satellite Beach. Kids through 1st grade age can enjoy donuts and juice and hunt for eggs. Parents should bring their cameras for photos with the Easter Bunny. Cost is $6 per child. Purchase tickets early at Satellite Beach’s David R. Schechter Community Center (1089 S. Patrick Dr. in Satellite Beach; 773-6458) as space is limited.

Look forward to the 2010 Melbourne Arts Festival April 24-25. Expect a 5K run, art workshops, live entertainment,  food court, kids activities, and a collection of some of the finest art on the beaches. To learn more, go to: www.melbournearts.com.

Downtown Melbourne’s Friday Fest will be held April 9 this month. From 6p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy vendors, activities, live music from John Quinlivan and Heartbreaker, and much more. Find out more at www.downtownmelbourne.com

Melbourne’s Henegar Center will host “Brevard’s Got Musical Talent” on April 11. Presented by the Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, the evening will showcase 12 young highly qualified musicians and vocalist finalists, chosen from a pool of over 50 auditioned from all across Brevard County, who will go forward to compete for first, second and third place prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250. Show time is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Also, the Henegar Center will present “The Sunshine Boys” from April 23 to May 16 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors. Call the Henegar box office at 723-8698 or visit www.henegar.org for more details. The Henegar Center for the Arts is located at 625 E. New Haven Ave. in downtown Melbourne.

The 2010 Summer Camp Festival will be held April 17 at the Melbourne Square Mall. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., families can visit with more than 30 exhibitors representing exciting summer fun and camp programs for sports, science, nature, the performing arts, and more. There will be demonstrations and seminars from various camps as well as lots of fun activities for the kids, including arts and crafts, face painting, and much more.

EVENTS

The 46th Annual Easter Surf Festival takes place April 2-4 at the Cocoa Beach Pier and Shepard Park. This Ron Jon sponsored event is one of the longest continuous running events in the country. Come out and becomes part of the history of East Coast surfing. To learn more, visit www.eastersurffest.com.

April 10-11, Satellite High is hosting the 5th Annual South Beaches Relay For Life. This is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser. Check out the ACS online at www.cancer.org or email Erica Elliott at erica.elliott@cancer.org to learn more about the event or to find out how to enter a team in the Relay.

Indialantic’s annual Spring Fling is scheduled for April 16. Come celebrate spring and “going green” at this free family event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Nance Park. The celebration will have a “green” theme promoting environmentally friendly products, displays and information booths. Along with a children’s area including rides and games, the seaside festival will feature unique vendors, live entertainment, and a diverse selection of food and beverages. Proceeds go toward generating funds of Indialantic civic improvements. For more details, go towww.fridayatfifth.com or call 508-6936.

The Cocoa Beach Surf Company is hosting surf artist Drew Brophy for a “drawing party” on April 16.From 4 to 7 p.m. in the Surf Complex, Drew will be signing copies of recently-released book, “How to Draw with Drew Brophy” and will mingle with visitors for a “Draw with Drew” activity. The Cocoa Beach Surf Company is located at 4001 N. Atlantic Ave. Call 799-9921 for details.

The 4th Suntree Spring Festival is set for Saturday, April 17. The free family celebration will be held at the The Centre at Suntree (6300 N. Wickham Rd.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  and will feature pony rides, jumping rooms, an obstacle course, face painting music, horse and carriage rides, a rock climbing wall, and plenty of games, prizes, and vendors. For more information call 302-0905.

The Cape Kennedy Corvette Club will be holding its 9th Annual Vettes at the Port show at Port Canaveral, Saturday, April 17. Held in The Cove waterside dining and recreation area from 8:30 a.m. till 3:00 p.m., the show is expected to draw more than 150 participants from all over Florida in addition to scores of spectators. A unique space shuttle trophy will be awarded again this year for the best Corvettes in 11 classes, from 1953 (the first Corvette) to today’s model. There will be music provided by DJ Fast Eddie; a charity poker walk to benefit the National Kidney Foundation; a silent auction; a 50/50 drawing with half the proceeds going to the Cape Canaveral Volunteer Fire Department for their charity; and many of the restaurants will be featuring special discounts. For additional information, visit www.capekennedycorvetteclub.com or contact Peter Johnson, president, at 794-8096 or Roger Wolf at 633-7576.

April 17 also sees Keep Brevard Beautiful’s 2010 Trash Bash. Bring the whole family to Pelican Beach Park and help clean up Satellite’s beaches, parks, and schools. Check in between 8 a.m. and Noon.

The 2010 Boards & Waves Expo is coming April 17-18. Held at the Cocoa Expo Sports Center (I-95 and S.R. 520), the event is the East Coast’s only consumer expo for surfers. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, meet with top shapers, see some of the latest board designs, learn about fin performance, and watch board shaping demos. There will be over 70 exhibits of surfboards, fins, and surf accessories on hand, as well as board painting by Drew Brophy, a homemade surfboard contest, SUP displays, educational seminars, prizes and giveaways, and much more. The event is open to the public and Saturday, April 17 sees the Expo Party from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the International Palms in Cocoa Beach. A portion of the proceeds from some of the events will go toward assisting the Surfrider Foundation and the Cocoa Beach High surf team. To learn more, go to www.boardsandwaves.com.

The Ron Jon Triathlon is set for April 18 at 7:30 a.m. Part of the 2010 Surf Coast Trifecta (a bike race and another triathlon are set for May and June respectively), the event will consist of a 1/4-mile river swim, 12.5-mile bike race, and a 5K run. For more details, check out the event’s page on Facebook.

The Historic Rossetter House Museum presents “Unmarked Graves in the Houston Cemetery?” on April 24. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this free Public Archaeology Day event invites you to join Rossetter staff and FPAN (Florida Public Archaeology Network) to survey the Historic Houston Cemetery. See Ground-penetrating radar in action to locate graves, archaeological displays and demonstrations, and learn about the symbolism of “grave art.” House tours are $5. Refreshments will be provided (donation suggested). The Rossetter House is located at 1320 Highland Ave. in the Eau Gallie Arts District. Call 254-9855 or visit www.rossetterhousemuseum.org.

Mark your calendars for April 29 and the 2nd Annual Taste of the Space Coast. The Space Coast Chapter of Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association proudly presents this event to be held from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will showcase food samples from over 30 restaurants from across Brevard County, local vendors, artists, and family activities. Admission is $10 per person. A cash bar will also be available. Live music will be provided by local bands Santos and the Naturalistics. 50% of the funds raised will help support the local high school culinary students. There are still spaces available for those restaurants or vendors who would like to participate. For more information, call Louie Morehead at 385-9600 or Joanna Kemp at 223-4003.

Hip Impressions is a belly dancing extravaganza where ladies of all ages will take the stage and perform the different styles of belly dance. Hip Impressions will be be held at the Henegar Center (625 E. New Haven Avenue) in downtown Melbourne on April 3. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the show will start at 7 p.m. For tickets, call the Henegar Center at 723-8698, or purchase via PayPal at www.ambellydanceclub.com.

The Conradina Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is sponsoring a Landscaping with Natives Tour on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit eight residential gardens landscaped primarily with Florida native plants in central Brevard County. Talk to the homeowners for tips and learn about other resources for using native plants in your landscaping. For more information and ticket purchases, call Sharon at 729-6857.

History Wednesdays with Ray Osborne. Enjoy multimedia presentations on local history, every Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Resort on Cocoa Beach movie theater, 1600 North Atlantic Ave. Learn about native cultures, the lighthouse, pirates, early settlers, heritage trails, treasure finds, famous visitors, local businesses, and the early days of the Space Program. Suggested donation: $3. To learn more, contact 243-8097.

Brevard Art Museum events for April: Enjoy “Navel Gazing: Fresh-Squeezed Visions of Florida” through April 11. Also, after a year of creative collaboration, 12 published poets and 12 award-winning artists are preparing to unveil their original, collaborative work at 7 p.m. on April 17. TRANSFORMATIONS is a unique presentation of poetry reading, art, music, and an opportunity to learn more about collaboration in the arts. In addition to the evening presentation, the exhibition will hang in the museum until May 15.  There is also a book, published by the Brevard Art Museum Press ($19.95 plus tax in the gift shop) which details the processes employed by each pair as they sought shared inspiration or common direction for their challenge. The Brevard Art Museum is located at 1463 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District. Visit them online at: www.brevardartmuseum.org.

The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery presents “Color Musings” through April 30. In her paintings, Clare Pearson Zipperly’s brush deftly captures a vibrant symphony of dynamic color in watercolors that rivals those found in oils. Join her at the opening reception on the First Friday Artwalk from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. this April 2. The reception is free and open to the public. Afterward, continue down Highland Ave., where you can enjoy dinner and drop in to visit shops and galleries, as well as the museum in beautiful downtown Eau Gallie. The gallery is located across the street from the Brevard Museum of Art. Call 259-8261 or log on to www.fifthavenueartgallery.com.

Melbourne Beach’s Barrier Island Center is offering several interesting events this month. Take a downwind kayak sail and paddle to explore the island’s natural shore and marine life around the lagoon on Saturday, April 10 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.Meet at the Center at 12:30 p.m. to organize carpooling to the south side of Sebastian Inlet and Wabasso Causeway. Cost is $48 per person (for ages 12 and up with previous kayaking experience) and includes kayak rental. Enrollment is limited to 10. Call 723-3556 to make your reservation by Thursday, April 8. Celebrate World Habitat Awareness Month with a special 1-mile guided on the Barrier Island Sanctuary Trail to discover the diverse flora and fauna from dune to lagoon. Enrollment is limited to 20. Call 723-3556 to reserve a spot. Visit www.cccturtle.org/barrierislandcenter for detailed information on their “Eco Explorers” Summer Camp or call the center to learn more about these and other programs. BIC is located at 8385 S. Hwy. A1A in Melbourne Beach. They can be found online at www.barrierislandcenter.com.

BUSINESS

It’s the perfect season to revisit Seafood Atlantic in Port Canaveral. Located at 520 Glen Cheek Dr. in the heart of the Port, Seafood Atlantic offers sea-fresh fish, oysters and more. In addition to being a well-stocked fresh fish market (they also ship orders), Seafood Atlantic offers waterfront dining. Enjoy a beer with your order as you watch the ships go by. They’re open Call them at 784-1963 or visit www.seafoodatlantic.net to learn more.

Drop by The Bald Strawberry, a new bakery in Cape Canaveral. Baker Linda Lopez and friendly staff offer fresh-baked breads and treats daily and bake cakes and pies to order. They’re also starting a gluten-free line of breads and goodies — including gluten-free doggy treats, as many dogs cannot handle wheat. This April they’ll start running daily specials. Look forward to Empanada Tuesdays, Croissant Wednesdays, Eclair Thursdays, and Pie Fridays. The Strawberry also displays local art, features three different-themed sitting rooms (including a record room where customers can spin old vinyl) and are looking at putting together a jam night. The Bald Strawberry is located at 6811 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cape Canaveral. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 704-6195.

If you haven’t yet, turn yourself on to Cape Canaveral’s Oceanside Cafe. Open Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this “Bagel Paradise” prepares several different varieties of bagel sandwiches, muffins, sweet pancakes, fresh fruit and garden salads, pizza, deli sandwiches, lunch platters, soups, and excellent Thai dinners. Check them out at 6710 N. Atlantic Ave., or call 868-0088 for more information.

Wayfast Signs has moved to 350 N Atlantic Ave. (the old Nearly Barefoot sandals shop) in Cocoa Beach. Though their location has changed, their phone number remains the same: 868-6728.

Spring is in the air at Bob’s Bicycles, and TrekFest is the perfect way to celebrate. With two locations — 1135 Fifth Avenue in Indialantic (725-2500) and 510 E. Eau Gallie Blvd. in Indian Harbour Beach (773-2093) — the folks at Bob’s offer sweet deals on bicycles and gear. Celebrate TrekFest with them April 7-11th. Learn more about other events as well their wide range of products and services, call or visit www.bobsbicycles.com.

The Burger Place is now open in downtown Melbourne. Located at 1904 Municipal Lane, the retro-style burger joint is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Buns are baked fresh on site, and burgers come in three sizes with a wide choice of simple toppings. They also offer homemade fries and shakes. Call 676-8914 for more information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Space Coast Art Festival is holding a contest for artists to design the 2010 art festival poster. The winning artist receives $250 in prize money as well as prestige and recognition. Past poster artists include Rick Piper, Henry Lund, Bruce Reynolds, Wayne Coombs, and Fred Cheney, among others. All work must be unpublished, original art created since 2008. Work can be any reproducible two-dimensional work (painting, drawing, photograph, mixed media, etc.) The winning design will also be reproduced on a t-shirt and may be used in Space Coast Art Festival advertising materials. Special consideration will be given to artwork that is particularly representative of the Space Coast. Additionally, since the artwork will be used on both the festival poster and the festival shirts, consideration will be given to designs that will work in both applications. All work must be received no later than Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at the Margaret Heins Gallery at 36 N. Brevard Avenue in Cocoa Beach or at M.A. Rigerman & Associates, 200 North 1 Street, Cocoa Beach. Submissions may be mailed to SCAF, P.O. Box 320135, Cocoa Beach, FL 32932. For further inquires regarding contest details, call the Art Festival office at 784-3322 or visit www.spacecoastartfestival.com.

The Way Church is excited to host a community Easter Celebration on April 4, Easter Sunday. There will be services for all ages at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. with a free carnival to follow, featuring jump houses, games, food, and an Easter egg hunt consisting of 7,000 eggs. The Way Church is located at 399 E. Eau Gallie Blvd. in Indian Harbour Beach adjacent to Texas Road House. For more information, call 779-0111, or log on towww.waychurch.com.

The Indian River Potters’ Guild is calling for ceramics entries for Cinco de Mug-O. All functional, scultpural and conceptual ceramic work honoring the drinking vessel is welcome. In celebration of the rich history of drinking vessels, the Guild invites artists in the local ceramic community to participate in this first open event. From ancient Greek kylikes to German steins, British teacups, Japanese tea bowls, and modern mugs, all share the same intimate function in quenching the thirst of the holder. Works submitted must be originals by the artist, and may not exceed 10_ in any direction. Deadline for submissions is May 5, 2010. For questions and more details, please contact Valerie Karas at vkaras@cfl.rr.com or call 543-3645. Visit the guild online at www.indianriverpottersguild.com.

The City of Cocoa is putting on two community events this month: The Spring Craft Fair March 6-7 in downtown Cocoa Village, and a Spring Praise Fest Concert from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in Riverfront Park. To find out more, visit www.cocoafl.com.

Beginning Friday, March 5, the Cape Canaveral Recreation Department will be hosting “Friday Fest” on the first Friday of every month. Activities will include a variety of food vendors, an assortment of novelty and craft vendors, children’s activities, including bounce houses, a giant slide and a rock climbing wall, and live entertainment along with beer and wine. The fun will take place on Taylor Avenue between A1A and Pointsetta Avenue from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Also, Opening Day Ceremonies for the Space Coast Little League are scheduled for Saturday, March 6 at 10 a.m. at the Cape Canaveral Ball Fields. To find out more, visit www.cityofcapecanaveral.org or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 868-1226.

On Tuesday, March 2, at 6 p.m., Cocoa Beach Mayor Skip Beeler will host a Town Hall Meeting at the Cocoa Beach Country Club. Mayor Beeler will present a briefing on the state of the City and will answer the public’s questions. Free refreshments will be served.

Trained AARP volunteers will be on hand at the Cocoa Beach Public Library on weekdays to offer tax preparation assistance from until April 15. Hours will be Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also, Brevard County Commissioner Chuck Nelson, who represents District 2, has scheduled his “Open House” for Friday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Library. Other Cocoa Beach Library events for March: “People in Print” presents mystery writer Kay Williamson on Monday, March 1 at 2 p.m. in the Jane von Thron Room. She will be signing her newest novel, “The Mysterious Woman on the Train,” which deals with ADC (After Death Communication), a phenomenon she has personally experienced. Enjoy an informative presentation entitled “Inshore and Backcountry Fishing” with Capt. Shawn Foster on Tuesday, March 2 at 6 p.m. Capt. Foster is a U.S. Coast Guard approved Captain. Learn about tackle, lures, and techniques from this professional fishing guide. The Friends of the Library Travel Film Series concludes this month with films on the first and third Wednesdays at 7 p.m. March 3: Ireland; March 17: Thailand. Look forward to a “Double Header Sunday” on March 14 with bestselling author Randy Wayne White at 1 p.m. Randy will be on hand to autograph and discuss his latest Doc Ford Novel “Deep Shadow.” Copies will be on sale for $25.95. Also, enjoy Music on a Sunday Afternoon with Acoustic Alliance at 3 p.m., one hour later than usual. The group will play swing and gypsy jazz. The music program welcomes back Good Time’N on Sunday, March 21 at 2 p.m. Enjoy Bluegrass, Folk and Pop Music. Florida author Tom Lowe, whose writing style has been compared to John D. MacDonald, will have a book signing on Wednesday, March 31 at 6 p.m. He will introduce his second mystery, “The 24th Letter,” featuring retired investigator Sean O’Brien. Copies will be available for purchase. Lastly, kids can look forward to an Easter Puppet Show on Tuesday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m. The Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Call 868-1104 or visit www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.org.

Satellite Beach is sponsoring Go Go Green!, an event based around recycling, reducing, and reusing on Saturday, March 13. The event will be held in the parking lot of the DRS Community Center at 1089 S Patrick Dr. in Satellite Beach from 8 a.m. to 12 Noon. The folks at the Satellite Beach Recreation Department have been long time advocates of recycling and this is the first of what will be a number of annual events. The day will offer a silent Auction of City Surplus property held in conjunction with a rummage sale, and will see loads of educational opportunities on recycling by Waste Management. Support local reuse efforts and bring your used eyeglasses to be collected by SB Lions Club; coffee mugs to serve soup at Daily Bread; baseball caps for a mission trip Guatemala; cell phones for Phone for Soldiers; wall calendars with pictures and greeting cards for local crafters and classes. Donate your old blankets, towels or sheets for injured wildlife. You can also bring your used batteries for recycling and Astro Too of Melbourne will be on location to take old electronics. People can bring their used bars of soap (not liquid) for collection by Global Soap. They will be sent to their plant where it’s boiled down for sanitation and reformed into larger bars and donated to areas of need. Please be reminded that this event is NOT a hazardous waste roundup. Things like pesticides, paints, etc. will NOT be collected. Refreshments and food will be sold by SB’s Police Athletic League for a nominal fee. For more information, contact Recreation Programmer Louise Stevenson at 773-6458.

Satellite Beach’s David R. Schechter Community Center events for March: 3/25: Community for a Lifetime Seminars at 12:30 p.m. The City of Satellite Beach has been moving forward with the State of Florida initiative, “Communities for a Lifetime” for our elder residents. The City, in conjunction with Wuesthoff Health System, is providing a series of lectures by local experts. The programs are open to all seniors and other adults. Held in the DRS Meeting Room. Free, but please RSVP to 773-6458. A light lunch is provided. 3/13: Whole City Garage Sale and City Surplus Silent Auction from 8 a.m. to 12 Noon. City surplus will be on display and sold via a silent auction. Clubs and organizations who wish to reserve a space in the DRS Parking lot to sell items to benefit their club functions, can contact 773-6458 for event details. This is a great event for groups to join who are trying to earn money for their Relay for Life cause. If you want to sell from your home, call 773-6458 and provide your garage sale location and they will distribute a master “Whole City Garage Sale” flyer listing your home location prior to and day of the event. 3/27: Samsons Island Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore the island’s trails in hopes of seeing some of the abundant wildlife and stay for a light picnic lunch. Demonstrations will be ongoing, and visitors can view or participate in river seining, exotic and native plant identification, primitive camping, wildlife exhibits, and bird watching programs. Visitors are welcome to bring their fishing pole, binoculars for bird watching and camera for nature photography. To reserve boat transportation, call 773-6458 and to schedule transport time from the SB Fire Dept. dock. Location: 1390 S. Patrick Dr. in Satellite Beach. 3/31: Anglers for Conservation meeting from 12 Noon to 2 p.m. Cost: $20 per class. The group will be conducting a two-hour intermediate fishing class, geared toward both kids and adults who are interested in improving their skills in knot tying, spin casting, rigging plastic baits, and handling and using shrimp and finger mullet for bait all while becoming a more conservation-minded angler. All tackle (soft plastic baits, hook, weights, rattles, and fishing line) is included in the class cost and can be taken home after the class. Location: the DRS Community Center. The Community Center is located at 1089 S. Patrick Dr. in Satellite Beach. Call 773-6458 for more information, or visit www.satellitebeach.org.

Registration underway for Melbourne’s Citizens Academy. Registrations are being accepted for participation in a Citizen’s Academy to be offered by the City of Melbourne at the Melbourne Auditorium from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. over three evenings, March 16, 24, and 25. There is no cost to participants and a light dinner is to be provided each evening. The registration deadline is March 8. The academy is designed to foster citizen involvement in the community and to provide a wealth of information about city government with speakers and activities that include a K-9 demonstration, a fire truck display, and a simulation of the City’s water treatment process. Topics include the fundamentals of local government, information about municipal services and resources, and insights into opportunities for citizen involvement in city government. Those interested in joining the academy should contact the City Clerk’s Office at 608-7220 or send an e-mail message to cityclerk@melbourneflorida.org with information including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all persons who would like to attend.

Melbourne’s Henegar Center will be presenting a Red Carpet Production of “The Producers” this month. Performances will be held on March 5 through 28 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for seniors (there is a $2 service charge for each ticket). Call the Henegar box office at 723-8698 or visit www.henegar.org for more details. The Henegar Center for the Arts is located at 625 E. New Haven Ave. in downtown Melbourne.

BUSINESS

Welcome the Happy Healthy Human organic raw vegan cafe to Indian Harbour Beach. The cafe, located at 1869 S. Patrick Dr., offers a wide range of smoothies, soups and salads, healthy treats and desserts, a choice of five meal platters served with salad, and revolving daily menu specials. Their hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays (their produce box day) from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. HHH also provides catering and party services as well as delivery within their area. To find out more, call 779-0077, or log on to: www.happyhealthyhuman.com.

Cape Canaveral has a new pizza joint in the form of Rocco’s New Jersey Boardwalk Pizza Express. They’re located at 7000 N. Atlantic Ave., 1.5 miles north of Ron Jon’s. Tracy and Micky Giokas serve up all your Italian favorites every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 784-3433 for more details.

At long last, The Music Rooms are open at 7095 Turner Rd. in Rockledge. The Music Rooms offer the ultimate acoustically engineered, climate controlled practice rooms designed for the serious musician with monthly or yearly leases available. They are large and can accommodate a wide range of instruments and musical styles, and are ideal for practicing, jamming, recording or teaching. They are also kept under 24/7 security camera surveillance and give room specific access control. To learn more, call Carl at 777-5936, or visit www.brevardmusicrooms.com.

EVENTS

March 13 sees the inaugural Cocoa Beach Wine & Food Festival held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Lori Wilson Park. The festival will feature an international Tasting Village comprised of over 20 local chefs preparing dishes from their respective countries to be paired with some specially selected wines. Enjoy live music from Three Dog Nigh and MoGeetz, food vendors, a beer truck, raffles, local artisans, a “Wine 101″ class, and much more. Tickets are $75 and are available for purchase through Ticket Web (www.ticketweb.com), a link for which is also supplied on the Festival’s website: www.cocoabeachwinefooodfestival.com. Find out more in this issue’s Restaurant section.

Mark your calendars for the 48th Easter Surf Fest to be held April 2-3 at the Cocoa Beach Pier. Check next month’s issue for more details.

Get ready for the Cocoa Beach Pier’s annual Reggae Beach Splash on March 27. Look forward to performances by UB40’s Ali Campbell, Maxi Priest, Julian Marley, and the Supervillians. Tickets are on sale now at the Pier and through Ticketmaster. To learn more, check this issue’s Local Amp section or visit www.cocoabeachpier.com.

Join students from Cocoa Beach High School on Friday, March 12 for An Evening of the Arts. The event, to be held in the CBHS auditorium, will feature performances and exhibitions by students, and Indian Harbour Beach’s Taste of Thai will host a pre-show light dinner available for purchase from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Desserts will be provided by Perkins Bakery. Visual art exhibitions begin at 6 p.m. and performing arts begin at 7:15 p.m. Admission is $5; $10 for dinner. Tickets may be purchased at the door or reserved through the Rotary Interact Club. Email them at cocoabeachinteract@gmail.com for ticket locations. Evening attire is suggested.

Local Artist Jane Hodges, Ph.D., will be the Guest Speaker at the Cocoa Beach Women’s Club Meeting on March 4. The public is invited to attend this event at the Cocoa Beach Country Club. Jane will be displaying her international photographs and will begin speaking at 11:30 a.m., following a “meet and greet” at 9:30 a.m. and the business meeting at 10 a.m. For more information, please contact Julia George at 868-7393 or email cbwcjuliageorge@yahoo.com.

The advisory board and co-directors of Breast Friends of Florida will be holding their first annual “Joy for Life” luncheon on Friday, March 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Indialantic. Reservations are available by calling Kristi at 729-9559 or by emailing conniecooke@breastfriends.com or sherrypalmer@breastfriends.com. Each year more than 200,000 American women learn they have cancer. This is an unwelcome “sisterhood,” but they find strength in the numbers and the sisterhood. Breast Friends was founded in Oregon in 2000 by co-founders Becky Olson and Sharon Heiflen. Both had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast Friends mission: “Until a cure is found… is to provide emotional support for women dealing with the trauma of cancer… one friend at a time.” Breast Friends of Florida, an affiliate of the national non-profit, was founded in July 2009 by breast cancer survivors Connie Chiles-Cooke and Sherry Palmer. Sherry and Connie met while receiving chemotherapy together and as a result a friendship was forged which resulted in the desire to assist other women through their diagnoses and treatments. For more information on Breast Friends visit the national website at: www.breastfriends.com. Click on “Resources,” “Florida,” and then the affiliate site.

The Brevard Art Museum presents “Navel Gazing: Artists Visions of Florida” through April 11. Sixteen artists were selected for this national juried exhibition, and eight Florida artists and eight artists from outside the state were selected to reconstitute existing ideas or make fresh-squeezed interpretations of Florida. “Navel Gazing” is sponsored in part through a $25,000 award for the Culture Builds Florida grant by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Also this month, the Brevard Art Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary of the Annual Brevard County Student Art exhibition. Culled from art programs throughout the county’s public and private schools, this exhibition celebrates the creative talents of students and the teachers who guide them. Teachers selected 10 works of art from their school. The Museum provides a high profile, prestigious venue for the multitude of talented youth in the county. The student exhibition runs through March 14 in conjunction with the “Navel Gazing” exhibition. Local favorite Rich Abrahams will perform at the Brevard Art Museum on Friday, March 5 at 5:30. Enjoy some delightful piano jazz in their galleries. Jazz Fridays are the first Friday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 and Museum members are free. Tours of the Museum are offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and take approximately one hour. Tours cost $2 per student and chaperones are admitted free of charge at a ratio of one adult to six children. Tours must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. To schedule a tour, please call the Museum at 242-0737. The Brevard Art Museum is located in the heart of the Eau Gallie Arts Disctrict, at 1463 Highland Ave. Call 242-0737, or go to: www.brevardartmuseum.org.

On March 5, the Eau Gallie Arts District will hold its monthly First Friday Art Walk Event from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Art studios, galleries, shops, boutiques and restaurants in the Eau Gallie Arts District will remain open late for a free gallery walk featuring: exhibition openings, artisans, demonstrations, refreshments, and live-music. In conjunction with First Friday Art Walk, EGAD will host the National Art Honor Society of Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy’s third annual “Empty Bowls” fundraising event in Eau Gallie Square. Attendees of the event will be served a cup of soup and bread in handmade ceramic bowls in exchange for a cash donation of $10 to help provide support for the South Brevard Sharing Center and Candlelighters of Brevard. Attendees will keep the bowl that they selected as a reminder of the meal’s purpose to raise awareness about the issues of hunger in our community. First Friday Art Walk is free and open to the public. The “Empty Bowls” event will begin at 5 p.m. in Eau Gallie Square on Highland Avenue. The X-Band will provide musical entertainment.

Eau Gallie’s Fifth Avenue Art Gallery invites you to view Donne Bitner’s “Painting by Discovery,” a collection of mixed media works of acrylic, pastel and graphite. Works begin with Bitner layering thin washes of acrylic, watercolor and gesso on paper, canvas, or wood. Initially there is no definite image in mind with Bitner following a more intuitive approach, resulting in magnificent surprises so unlike their beginning. Oil pastel, charcoal, and graphite add texture and line to the surface. Interesting shapes come from stamps, stencils, textured paper, and wood blocks. This is truly painting by discovery and will be exhibited in the Gallery throughout the month of March. Come join them at the opening reception on Eau Gallie’s First Friday Art Walk on March 5th, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Talk with Donne, see her artwork and enjoy light refreshments with wine.  The reception is free and open to the public. Afterwards continue your stroll down the street to enjoy dinner and other shops, galleries as well as the museum in beautiful Eau Gallie. The gallery is located in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne, across the street from the Brevard Museum of Art at 1470 Highland Ave. Call 259-8261 or visit them www.fifthavenueartgallery.com.

Eau Gallie’s historic Rossetter House and Museum will host a Murder Mystery Tour called “Time Traveler” Sunday, March 21. From 1 to 4 p.m., the Rossetter House is the scene of the crime and you play the sleuth in this “Clue”-based game tour. Use the clues to figure out the murderer. Guess right and enter the drawing for the grand prize. Tours begin every half hour. Call 254-9855 for reservations. Admission is $7.50 per person, $12 per family. The House will also host an “Egg Hunt With Easter Bunny & Friends” on Saturday, April 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 11: 30 a.m. Wear your Easter bonnet and bring your basket to hunt for eggs on the Rossetter grounds. Can you find the Golden Egg? The morning will feature candy, prizes and loads of fun. Parents should bring their cameras for children’s pictures with the Easter Bunny in his Garden Gazebo. Free for children ages 2-12. The Historic Rossetter House Museum is located at 1320 Highland Ave. in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne. Call 254-9855, or visit www.rossetterhousemuseum.org.

The Art Gallery Viera and The Home Center are proud to present “Digital Directions,” a digital workshop for artists by digital artist Jerry Hanzl on Saturday, March 6. Participants will learn all of the skills a working artist needs to compete in today’s digital world. Featured artist Jerry Hanzl will cover techniques on using the digital camera to capture subjects and photograph artwork; using the file system in Windows to save and locate images; and using Photoshop for color correction, resizing, and print preparation. Join the fun and informative workshop and get answers to all your questions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $75 and pre-registration is required. The maximum class size is 20 participants. For more information, contact Jerry at 633-4075. The Art Gallery of Viera is a Fine Art Gallery and Educational Center, offering a wide variety of mediums and day and evening classes. Classes are added often, so visit their web site at www.artgalleryofviera.com. They are located in the Home Center, Suite 135, 5410 Murrell Road, in Viera.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Wynfield’s Sports Bar in Satellite Beach hosted a benefit for Haiti on February 21, 2010, which raised $1,700. The benefit was planned by Amy Pastorius of Sharp 5 Entertainment and included performances by the ever-generous Pat Travers, Mary Pastorius, Over the Void, and Johnny Shameless Project. Thank you to everyone for coming out to support a great cause with great music. Special thanks to Russ Kellum for giving his time and hard work.

Art Scholarship Available: The Melbourne Art Festival will award one $1,500 scholarship to a graduating senior or alumnus from a Brevard County high school (or home-schooled senior). Applicants will be judged on the basis of his/her artistic and academic abilities, as well as performance, character, and extracurricular activities. The application is downloadable at www.melbournearts.org and must be completed and submitted to the Melbourne Art Festival office, together with all required supporting documentation, by Friday, March 19. Incomplete or late applications will NOT be considered. Inquiries should be made to info@melbournearts.org or by calling 722-1964.

WEGO Ministries (Worldwide Evangelical Gospel Outreach), a not-for-profit ministry, has started a Food Outreach Ministry. Bags of ready-to-eat foods will be handed out to the homeless and others in need between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at their office, located at 163 Minutemen Cswy. in Cocoa Beach. Monetary donations for this outreach ministry may be sent to WEGO Ministries: P.O. Box 320735, Cocoa Beach, FL 32932. For more information, please contact Coordinator Shenna Wilson (Coordinator) 536-4201 or the WEGO office at 799-9445.

February 25-28 sees the City of Cocoa’s Space Coast Mardi Gras, with a street parade and party set for Saturday evening, February 27. The festivities, held in historic downtown Cocoa Village and Riverfront Park. Expect food and beverage vendors, live entertainment, and loads of fun. To learn more, call 639-EXPO, ext. 11, or visit www.spacecoastmardigras.com.

The City of Cape Canaveral will be conducting their annual sea oats planting project on Saturday, February 13 at 9 a.m. at Cherie Down Park. Volunteers are needed to help plant 7,500 sea oats along the beach to further beautify and stabilize the Atlantic Ocean dune. Planting supplies will be provided by the City, and food and beverages will be available at the Park after completion of the planting activities. Help support this important community project. If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 868-1240.

Beginning Friday March 5, the Cape Canaveral Recreation Department will be hosting “Friday Fest” on the first Friday of every month. Activities will include a variety of food vendors, an assortment of novelty and craft vendors, children’s activities, including bounce houses, a giant slide and a rock climbing wall, and live entertainment along with beer and wine. The fun will take place on Taylor Avenue between A1A and Pointsettia Avenue from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. To find out more, visit www.cityofcapecanaveral.org.

The Cape Canaveral Library will be offering a five-week Beginning Memoir Writing Workshop this month. This workshop is designed to help the novice writer mine their life experiences for the “gold” that makes for an entertaining and enlightening collection of memoirs. The focus of the course is learning to tell your vast life story in small, enjoyable steps. A memoir is a wonderful keepsake for family and friends, and the process of writing an autobiography often sparks self-rediscovery through therapeutic backward reflection. Workshop participants can expect to receive: motivation, guidance, and feedback from the instructor to help conquer self-doubt and apprehension. This is a five-week course that will meet at the Cape Canaveral Library from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon each Thursday on: February 4, 11, 18, 25 and March 4. The cost is $7 per person, per class, which includes all instructional material. Writing experience and expert grammar skills are not necessary. Registration for the workshop is not necessary, but appreciated. Please sign up at the reference desk at the Cape Canaveral Library or call 868-1101.

The City of Cocoa Beach is looking for volunteers who have ideas on how to gather and preserve the City’s history. An organizational meeting is planned for early February (time, date and location to be determined) where volunteers can meet, hear some presentations on what other entities are doing, and express their ideas on how they should go about preserving the City’s history. Interested volunteers can obtain an application to become a member of the “Resident Historian Program” by sending an e-mail to the City Clerk’s Office at cityclerk@cityofcocoabeach.com, or for more information, please call (321) 868-3235.

Also in Cocoa Beach news, the City’s new “Red Light Camera” system will become operational on Monday, February 1, at the intersection of Fischer Park and A1A (just north of Publix and east of Wendy’s Restaurant). The red light cameras will undergo a 60-day trial period wherein red-light-runners and/or those who fail to completely come to a stop before turning right into the Fischer Park access roadway will receive a “warning notice.” On Friday, April 2, the red-light camera system will “go live” and all violators will be subject to paying a $150 fine.

Trained AARP volunteers will be on hand at the Cocoa Beach Public Library weekdays to offer tax preparation assistance from February 1 until April 15. Hours will be Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Other Cocoa Beach Library events for February: “People in Print” welcomes back popular Florida mystery writer Tim Dorsey who will speak about the writing process and sign books on Wednesday, February 3 at 2 p.m. His latest novel, “Gator a Go-go,” is the 12th in the “Serge Storms Series,” and will be available for purchase at the event. Dorsey is the author of “Florida Roadkill,” “Orange Crush,” “Atomic Lobster,” and other novels, all set in Florida. “People in Print” will also present author Lee Boyland on Thursday, February 4 at 1 p.m., who will discuss and sign “America Reborn,” the third novel in the “Clash of Civilizations Trilogy,” which includes “The Rings of Allah” and “Behold, An Ashen Horse.” Copies will be available for $20 or the entire trilogy for $50. “Music on a Sunday Afternoon” welcomes back the unlikely duo of former Homicide Detective and author Marshall Frank and retired Medical Examiner Jay Barnhard, who make up the Dick-Doc Duo, on Sunday, February 7 at 2 p.m. Revel in some light entertainment, humor and good music featuring Gypsy, Tango, Broadway Show Tunes, Movie themes, ethnic and classical music played on guitar and piano. Double Header Sunday — Valentine’s Day — February 14: Alex Berenson will autograph his latest thriller, “The Midnight House,” at noon. As a reporter for The New York Times, Alex Berenson has covered topics ranging from the occupation of Iraq to the flooding of New Orleans. A 1994 graduate of Yale University, with degrees in history and economics, he lives in New York City. “The Faithful Spy” won the 2007 Edgar Award for best first novel. Copies will be available for $25.95. Also on February 14, “Music on a Sunday Afternoon” presents pianist extraordinaire Marty Rosenberg at 2 p.m. Marty will present “Musical Valentines from American Composers from the Movies and Broadway Theater.” James Grippando will be the featured author at the annual Friends of the Library Book & Author Luncheon on Saturday, February 27 at 11:30 a.m. at International Palms Resort, formerly Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanside. Grippando is a best-selling author of 16 novels in as many years, including the critically acclaimed “Jack Swyteck” series. His latest novel, “Money to Burn,” is a thriller ripped from the headlines in which the author explores a world in which the destruction of financial institutions and the people who run them can occur in a matter of hours — perhaps even minutes. Copies of “Money to Burn,” which will be released by Harper Collins on February 23, will be available for $25.99. Tickets are available at the Cocoa Beach Public Library for $20 per person with a choice of chicken marsala or a vegetarian entrée. Call 868-1104 for information. The Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave. in Cocoa Beach. For more information on these and other events, call 868-1104 or visit www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.org.

Cocoa Beach’s Freedom 7 Senior Center present its 4th Annual Hot Night in the City, Friday, February 19 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Expect the presentation of the “8 over 80″ Awards, meant to honor eight people over 80 years old who have affected their community in postive ways. Your $15 ticket price will include light, warm food, one drink (soft or hard), live music by Delgado, a silent auction, a 50-50 raffle, and more. Tickets are available now at the Freedom 7 Senior Community Center, BunJava Coffee, Ann Lia Gift Shop, Cocoa Beach Health & Fitness, Simply Delicious Cafe & Bakery, Juice & Java, and the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. The event will be held inside the auditorium at the Cocoa Beach Country Club, 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. in Cocoa Beach. Call 783-9505 for more details or check out www.freedom7seniors.org.

Cocoa Beach’s Surfside Players present an “Anti-Valentine” this month in the form of “Boy Gets Girl.” Set to run February 12-21, the Second Stage production tells the story of Theresa Bedell, a successful reporter in New York who loves her work and the life she has made for herself. A relationship with a man would complete the picture, so she agrees to go on a blind date with a friend of a friend. Tony is attractive and funny, but Theresa isn’t sure, and after a second date she’s convinced they have nothing in common and sees no point in continuing the relationship. Tony, though, thinks otherwise. What at first seems like persistence on his part grows into obsession, and Theresa’s annoyance with Tony turns to terror as he begins to threaten her and those around her. Ultimately, Theresa must fight to save herself from being erased by Tony’s actions — actions which call into question the assumptions at the very heart of romantic pursuit. Performances are for two weekends, February 12-21, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. As part of Surfside’s “Second Stage” series, it is recommended for mature audiences only. All tickets are $10. For reservations, call 783-3127. The Surfside Playhouse is located on the corner of Brevard Avenue and Fifth Street South in Cocoa Beach. Visit their website at www.surfsideplayers.com.

Satellite Beach’s David R. Schechter Community Center will be hosting a “Hob Nob Q&A with County Commissioner Mary Bolin” on Thursday, February 25. One of a series of planned seminars for seniors, the talk will take place at 12:30 in the DRS Meeting Room. The DRS Community Center is located at 1089 S. Patrick Drive in Satellite Beach. The Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 773-6458 or visit www.satellitebeach.org.

The Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) will kick-off the 2010 First Friday Art Walk Season on Friday, February 5 at 5:30 p.m. New to FFAW in 2010 will be artisans in Eau Gallie Square with art for viewing and for sale. In addition, EGAD will host the Space Coast Firefighters’ Challenge Chili Cook-Off. Eight fire stations from around central and south Brevard will be participating along with area “celebrity judges.” In addition, the public will also have an opportunity to sample each station’s chili and cast votes for a “People’s Choice Award.” From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. all art studios, galleries, shops, boutiques and restaurants in the Eau Gallie Arts District will remain open late for a free gallery-walk featuring: exhibition openings, artisans, demonstrations, refreshments, and live-music. The Chili Cook-off judging will begin at 6 p.m. in Eau Gallie Square on Highland Avenue. The Buck Barefoot Band will provide musical entertainment for the event, and the Brevard Art Museum’s Jazz Friday will feature the Right Brothers Band. Jazz Friday is free for Museum Members and $10 for non-members; other First Friday events are free. Log onto www.eaugallieartsdistrict.com.

Eau Gallie’s historic Rossetter House will host a “Ghost Tour” of the dwelling on Friday, February 5 at 5:30 p.m. In October 2008, a team of psychics toured the Rossetter House, the Roesch House, and the Houston Family Cemetery. Join the Rossetter folks for an exciting tour where they will share with you the “impressions” psychics said they received on this historic property. Tour is approximately 60 minuntes; cost is $7.50 per person. Call for reservations — 254-9855. Also at the house at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 14, you can enjoy a Victorian Valentines’ Day Tea. Make your own Victorian Valentine, wear your finest Victorian Hat, and join them for an afternoon of tea in the garden and croquet on the lawn or an old-fashioned game of bingo. Cost is $15 per person and includes a house tour. Call 254-9855 for reservations. The Historic Rossetter House Museum & Gardens is located at 1320 Highland Ave. in the Eau Gallie district of Melbourne.

Enjoy three local ethnic festivals this month — Italian Festa, India Fest, and the Annual Greek Festival. The Italian Festa takes place February 5-7 at the Wickham Park Pavilion (2500 Parkway Dr.; Melbourne). The event is sponsored by the Florida Federation of Italian American Clubs. For more information, call (772) 237-5100, or visit www.ffiac.com. India Fest will be held Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14 at the Wickham Park Pavilion (3845 N. Wickham Rd.; Melbourne). Enjoy colorful costumes, music, dancing, vendors, children’s activities and delicious food and drink. Lastly, the popular Greek Festival will take place at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church (5965 N. Wickham Rd.; Melbourne) 2/26-2/28. To find out more, call 254-1045, or visit www.saint-katherine.org.

BUSINESS

Cocoa Village welcomes its newest addition to the restaurant scene, The Vault Martini Lounge & Restaurant, located at 114 Harrison St. in the heart of the Village. The Vault offers a wide range of appetizers (like wings, dips, pizzas, and calamari); salads; sandwiches; steak, seafood, and veal entrees, and a nine pasta dishes. They also have a special lunch menu, which features wraps, kabobs, salads, fish and chips, and a gyro platter. Dine in or take out. Call 305-5991 to find out more.

Another addition to Cocoa Village is Soups & Stews by Lea, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a cafe-style setting. Located at 313 Delannoy Ave., Lea offers free delivery (within their range) 7 days a week. Expect an impressively refined variety of soups (like Italian wedding and lobster bisque), and stews and chilis, along with a rotating cast of four more soup specials per day. But while soups and stews are their specialty (there are too many in their repertoire to count), they also offer a paella dinner special; an authentic, Mediterranean-inspired tapas menu; 7 kinds of salad (including a prosciutto and caramelized pear salad); house-baked empanadas; 10 types of sandwiches; a breakfast menu; desserts, coffee drinks, and a selection of wine and beer. They also host live music on Friday evenings. Call ahead for pick up or delivery — 504-4004, or check them out online at www.soupsandstewsbylea.com.

The Flying Corkscrew’s next tasting is set for Friday, February 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Meet Alberto Scarani, master winemaker from the Ca’ Montebello Winery in Cigognola, Italy, who will be pouring a fantastic selection of wines. This is a free event and Ken and Marilyn will be offering special prices on all of Alberto’s wines. On February 26, the Corkscrew will host Dana Lennon of FHI Imports of Merritt Island. She’ll be pouring some spectacular wines from around the globe. Again from 6 to 8:30 p.m., another free event with special pricing on their wines. Don’t forget the Corkscrew’s month-long special on Douglas Hill wines — Cabernet, Merlot, and Chardonnay for $6.99 a bottle. (At this price, no case discount.) The Corkscrew also has a rack of sale wines, accessories, hats, wine and beer shirts, wine glasses, carafes, and cigar accessories at a 25% discount. The Flying Corkscrew is located at 1877 S. Patrick Dr. in Indian Harbour Beach. Call 773-8757, or log on to www.brevardwines.com.

East Coast Coffee has just released its entertainment lineup for February. 2/6: Just Blue; 2/13: Shep Gold Saturday; 2/20: Grumpy Al; 2/27: Mark Nathan. East Coast Coffee is located at 258 E. Eeau Gallie Blvd. in Indian Harbour Beach. Check them out online at www.eccoffee.com, or call 610-4745.

Clear your calendar, book a hotel room, find a pet-sitter, and arrange for a liver transplant, because Coaster’s Pub will be the Belgian Beer Magnet in Florida from Friday, February 26 to Sunday, February 28. This three-day beer event will feature 35 taps of Belgian Beer and lots of specially-priced bottles. Since most of the beers are rare and high-octane, the plan right now is to serve the most of the draught beer in 8 oz. wine glasses rather than full servings to allow you to try more different beers and styles, according to their website. This promises to be the most extensive lineup of Belgian beer taps Florida has ever seen. But don’t expect an outdoor street party; they’re simply taking their pub and restaurant, equipped with 35 taps, a capable kitchen, and room for an acoustic guitarist, and offering area beer geeks a three-day slice of heaven. Come Thirsty. Leave Safely. For more details, call 799-BREW, or visit  www.coastersbrewpub.com where you’ll find updated developments and a growing list of beers to expect. Coaster’s Brew Pub & Restaurant is located at 971A E. Eau Gallie Blvd.

EVENTS

The Convention & Visitors Bureau is getting ready for their 25th Annual Chowder Cook-Off on Friday, February 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are $15; regular admission tickets are $20. The event is open to the public and will host approximately 1,200 people. This is a great opportunity to sample food from local restaurants and bars and hotels while supporting your local community. There will be a silent auction, featuring packages from local shops, attractions, restaurants and more. Pre-sale tickets are available at www.visitcocoabeach.com, at the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (400 Fortenberry Road, Merritt Island), the Tourist Information Center (8501 Astronaut Blvd. in Cape Canaveral), the Brevard Zoo (8225 Wickham Rd., Melbourne), Conch Key Grill and Tiki Bar (6533 US Hwy. 1, Rockledge), and Crest Cleaners and Laundry (all nine Brevard Locations). Admission includes sample tastings of all chowders and twists, a cash bar, silent auction, drawings, live entertainment by hayfire and tons of fun. For more info, call 784-6444, or go to www.visitcocoabeach.com.

The Cocoa Beach Citizen’s League will have a luncheon meeting on Thursday, February 5 at the Cocoa Beach Country Club (5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.). At this event, the League will announce the person to be honored as Citizen of the Year. There will be other items on the agenda as well. For more information, call 783-7192 or 783-8389.

“Love Haiti,” a benefit concert for victims of the recent disaster, is being planned for Saturday, February 6 from 4 p.m. till? at the Space Station (at the Clarion Hotel, Merritt Island — 260 E. Merritt Island Cswy.). Join “Java” John, host of  “On the Flipside” on Tropic Wave Radio (www.tropicwaveradio.net), and “An Acoustic Record” on WFIT  (89.5 FM); Larry Hoppen, lead singer of the multi-million record selling band Orleans; the Ashley Gang; Jeff and Josh Pinkham,; Old Friends in the Way (an acoustic Grateful Dead tribute band), and singer/songwriter Ben Wilson. $15 suggested donation at the door. 100% of all the proceeds from the door and raffle will go directly to aid the Haitian people through the Harris Rosen Foundation.

Titusville Coin Show: February 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Searstown Mall, 3550 S. Washington Ave. in Titusville. Dealers present to appraise or purchase coins, scrap gold/silver, paper money, gold, jewelry, and exonumia. Contact Kevin Seymour at 386-427-8927 for more information.

The Florida Artisans invite everyone to their February Art Show on Saturday, 2/20. The free event will be held at the International Palms Resort (former the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This show will feature some of the Space Coast’s most talented artists and their works, including original paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, wooden bowls, and more. The group will be exhibiting in the Dolphin Ballroom, so come “rain or shine.” The Palms Resort is located at 1300 N. Atlantic Ave. (A1A) in Cocoa Beach. For more information, call Joe with the Florida Artisans at 292-0514. You can also check them out online at www.floridaartisan.com.

The Brevard Achievement Center will be hosting its 5th Annual “Evening of Coffee & Chocolate” fundraiser on Saturday, February 27. Presented by Southern Janitor, the event will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Space Coast Convention Center/Holiday Inn Express at SR 520 and I-95 in Cocoa. Proceeds will provide programs and services for persons with disabilities in Brevard County. For more details, visit www.bacbrevard.com.

“Java” John Goldacker is back on February 27 with another great music event at the Space Station (Merritt Island Clarion Hotel) — A Spaced Odyssey, a musical tribute to Jerry Garcia. From 2 p.m. to midnight, the 7th installment of this very popular local tribute to the late Jerry Garcia makes its long awaited return. Born of an idea by co-creators (“Java” John and “Grateful” Dave Grooms) to pay tribute to the Grateful Dead frontman, Jerry Daze began in the fall of 1999 at Java John and Jen’s Kool Beanz Coffeehouse. The very successful event ran three years before Kool Beanz closed. The event was so popular that fans clamored for more. The event continued on in different venues for the next three years with the same excitement and success and is now back after a five-year hiatus. This year the event welcomes many new faces, and a very special treat with Ed Munson and Toni Brown joining the fun. For 20 years Toni was publisher and editor of Relix magazine, an eclectic music journal focused on the Deadhead community and “intelligent music alternatives.” She sold the magazine to focus on her music career, and this year published “RELIX: The Book!” a beautiful chronicle of her time with the famed magazine. Enjoy live music by Dave & The DeadBeats; New Gravity; Old Friends in the Way; Ungrateful Buskers; BluesGotUs; Patti & Frank; Bluesboro Band, and more (bands subject to change). The evening will also feature the ever-popular “Terrapin Station Wagon Liquid-Light Show.” Tickets are $10 at the door. Since almost everyone has been affected by a family member with cancer, proceeds from the event and raffle will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation For The Cure. For more details, contact Java John at javahnagila@hotmail.com

The Brevard Art Museum presents “Navel Gazing: Artists Visions of Florida” through April 11. Sixteen artists were selected for this national juried exhibition, and eight Florida artists and eight artists from outside the state were selected to reconstitute existing ideas or make fresh-squeezed interpretations of Florida. Navel Gazing is sponsored in part through a $25,000 award for the Culture Builds Florida grant by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Also in BAM news, Museum School Classes begin this week. Call 254-7782 for more information. Upcoming workshops: Everything Painting with Jerry Lanham, February 13-14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Lorna Meaden Porcelain and Inspiring Surfaces, February 6-7 from 9 a.m to 4 p.m.; “Make Your Own Dinnerware” Party — in just three classes, you will make a complete place setting. Great fun for a group of friends, Red Hats, family, and more. Held Saturday, February 13: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, February 27: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, March 13: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visit the Brevard Art Museum School Studio Gift Shop, located in the Renee Foosaner Education Center at the corner of Highland and St. Clair. All work is handmade by teachers and advanced students, and includes one-of-a-kind sculptures, ceramic pieces of all kinds, paintings, jewelry, and fused glass. For more information call 254-7782. Lastly, the Right Bros. Band, featuring Nick Chirico will perform at the Brevard Art Museum on Friday, February 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the Museum galleries. Jazz fridays are the first Friday of each month. Admission is $10 and Museum members are free. The Brevard Art Museum is located in the heart of the Eau Gallie Arts Disctrict, at 1463 Highland Ave. Call 242-0737 or go to www.brevardartmuseum.org.

Mark your calendars: The Cocoa Beach Wine & Food Festival will be held March 13 at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach. This year, proceeds will benefit Brevard County Project Hunger by stocking local food banks. With every $1 the Festival raises, they’ll purchase $9 of food. This year’s theme is International Flavors. Visitors will sample gourmet delights paired with fine wines from around the world as more than 20 local chefs represent their respective countries by with selections of ethnic foods. In addition, they’ll have a seafood category, showcasing some of the best seafood restaurants in Brevard County. The perfect day will end with a sunset concert featuring Three Dog Night. Tickets are currently on sale at www.ticketweb.com. To find out more, visit www.cocoabeachwinefoodfestival.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The American Cancer Society is in the process of recruiting teams and volunteers to participate in and help plan the 2010 Relay For Life of Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral –- a unique community event that allows individuals from all walks of life to join in the fight against cancer. The next meeting is on Tuesday, February 9th from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Cape Canaveral Hospital, Conference Room B. Anyone interested in being a part of the upcoming Relay For Life event is invited to attend. Many volunteers and teams are needed to make the 2010 Relay For Life a success. All the money raised goes to their mission of saving lives through research, advocacy, patient services, and education. For more information about Relay For Life, volunteering, forming a team, sponsorship or underwriting opportunities, please call Anne at 433-3109 ext. 109, or go to www.relayforlife.org/cocoabeachfl to register your team online. Check back with the Resident for more details as they unfold.

Drum Classes in Cocoa Village: The start of a new year is often very challenging and stressful for our bodies, our minds, our wellbeing, and our happiness. Group drumming is a fun and exciting way to offset the effects of stress and can lead to positive biological changes. In this drumming class led by Fred Goodnight, participants will explore basic hand and stick techniques and learn basic rhythms from Africa and Brazil as well as urban application. All ages and levels are welcome. There will be a few percussion instruments to loan, but please bring a drum if you have one. This will be an ongoing class every Tuesday throughout the coming year. The cost is $10 and classes are held at Nature’s Spirit, 405 Florida Avenue in Cocoa Village from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. each Tuesday evening. For directions or information about Nature’s Spirit, contact Doreen at 632-1221. For information about the class, contact Fred Goodnight at (330) 232-1827.

Recurring events for the City of Cocoa include the Cocoa Florida Tea at the Village’s Porcher House on the third Tuesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Brown Bag Jazz Lunches take place every Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Myrt Tharpe Gazebo, which also sees the Village’s Farmer’s Market every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning this year, the City’s Movies in the Park program will take place every third Friday at 8 p.m. in Riverfront Park and at the new City Hall. This month’s film, “Roxanne,” starring Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah, will be shown on January 15 at 8 p.m. Check www.cocoafl.org to find out more.

Expect new activities offered by the City of Cape Canaveral this month, beginning with country line dancing classes and a fiction writing course, which starts 1/15 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Others include beginning and advanced salsa classes each Wednesday evening and an Internet workshop from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on 1/13. Friday, 1/22 sees Jazz Under The Stars from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and a “Traveling Skate Park” will be provided on 1/16 from Noon to 5 p.m. To learn more about these and other activities, visit the “Recreator” newsletter in the Recreation section of the City’s website: www.cityofcapecanaveral.org.

Make your voice heard at the January 7 Cocoa Beach City Commission Meeting on the Oil Drilling Resolution at 7 p.m. in the Commission Room (located on the first floor of City Hall, 2 S. Orlando Ave.; Cocoa Beach).

Cocoa Beach’s Freedom 7 Senior Center will be holding a Winter Rummage Sale Fundraiser on Saturday, January from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The rain-or-shine event will be held in the auditorium of the Cocoa Beach Country Club (5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.). Free admission to the public. Expect household items, artwork, antiques, collectibles of all kinds,

clothes, and more. Cost for sellers per table: $10 F7 members/$20 Non Members. (Join for only $10 and save; membership helps support F7, is tax deductible, runs from October 1

through September 30 of each year, and gets you a card with discounts at many local businesses/services as well as most F7 activities). Call 783-9505 for information and table reservation. Payment required in advance to secure your table. Visit the Freedom 7 Senior Center online at: www.freedom7seniors.org.

Now is the time to sign up for the Youth Basketball season at the Cocoa Beach Recreation Center. Here are the programs being offered during the 2010 season: Pee Wees (ages 5-7) — play starts 1/6 and continues on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5 p.m. through the week of February 8, 2010. Pee Wees (ages 8-9) — play starts on 1/5 and continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. through the week of February 8, 2010.

Costs for the above categories are $45 for Cocoa Beach Residents ($50 for non-residents).

Each additional child costs for Pee Wees are $40 for Residents and $45 for non-residents. Juniors and Intermediates consist of two groups — ages 10-13 and ages 14-16. Leagues will begin the week of 1/4 and end the week of March 8th, 2010. Costs for the above categories are $50 for Cocoa Beach Residents ($55 for non-residents). Additional child costs are $45 for Residents and $50 for non-residents. Many coaches are needed. Any parents interested in being coaches for Junior and Intermediate teams, please contact the Cocoa Beach Recreation Department as soon as possible by calling 868-3252 or 868-3274.

The Cocoa Beach Library will be closed Friday, January 1 for New Year’s Day and again on Monday, January 18 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Their Friends of the Library Travel Film Series will commence on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 7 p.m., January through March. This month’s destinations include: Germany: Berlin, Munich & Bavaria (1/6), and Greece and the Greek Isles (1/20). People in Print presents bestselling author W.E.B. Griffin on Saturday, January 9 at 11 a.m. A storyteller in the grand tradition, Griffin is the author of six best-selling series: “The Corps”; “Brotherhood of War”; “Badge of Honor”; “Men at War”; “Honor Bound,” and “Presidential Agent” His latest novel, “Honor of Spies,” released on December 29, is number five in the “Honor Bound” series, and will be on sale for $26.95. Proceeds from books bought at the event benefit the Library. People in Print will also present “Sketches in My Garden,” by Donna Lee Bowers, Tuesday, January 19 at 2 p.m. in the Jane von Thron Room. Written over many years of gardening in several states, Donna Bowers has found that flowers encouraged her to paint and teach in watercolor. She has incorporated her garden watercolors into a delightful book showcasing her talent as both a writer and artist. She was a founding member of the Brevard County Watercolor Society, a member of the Transparent Watercolor Society, and a watercolor instructor at the library for several years. She has written two novels and several children’s books. You can also look forward to “Too Good to Be True: The Rise and Fall of Bernie Madoff,” by investigative journalist Erin Arvedlund, on Thursday, January 21 at 2 p.m. Arvedlund’s book narrates the dramatic full story of Madoff’s rise and fall. She has written for Barron’s, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Dow Jones newswires, The Moscow Times, and has freelanced for Fortune and Outside. Copies will be available in hardcover for $28 and softcover for $24. Music on a Sunday Afternoon will kick off the New Year with “Remember When? Experience Again!” featuring professional soloist La Senora, aka Bess Cohen, on Sunday, January 10 at 2 p.m. Enjoy music from the ‘20s and ‘30s, Glenn Miller, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and more. The program will also present The Brevard Early Music Ensemble, on Sunday, January 17 at 2 p.m. with medieval and renaissance music played on authentic instruments of the time by fully costumed musicians. The Ensemble, which comes under the umbrella of the Brevard Theatrical Ensemble, will play 13th- and 14th-Century instruments such as the tambor, lute, recorder, and the bowed psaltery. If you’ve never heard a crumhorn or a zink, you’re in for a real treat. Enjoy an Oriental Cooking Demonstration, Thursday, January 28 at 2 p.m. Ice Cream Junction and Oriental Food Shop will demonstrate methods of oriental cooking and will provide samples for the audience. Please register at the sign-up table, and check the event and activity schedule for information on loads of other events. The Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Call 868-1104 or visit www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.org.

Here are some activities and classes offered this month through Satellite Beach’s Recreation Department, located at the David R. Schechter Community Center, 1089 S. Patrick Dr. in Satellite Beach. 1/12: Anglers for Conservation; 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This is a two-hour intermediate fishing class, geared toward both kids and adults interested in improving their skills in knot tying, spin casting, rigging plastic baits, and handling and using shrimp and finger mullet for bait, while becoming a more conservation-minded angler. All tackle (soft plastic baits, hook, weights, rattles, and fishing line) is included in the class cost and can be taken home after the class. Cost: $20/class. Every Saturday, Zumba Classes (8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., ages 16 to adult; 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for beginners and seniors). Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program. Contact certified instructor Crystal Harrison at 427-7223, or visit www.zumbawithcrystal.com for details and prices, which vary between the two classes. 1/16: Adult Heartsaver CPR Courses; 9 a.m. to Noon. For a 2-year American Heart Association Certification. Cost is $35 (includes certification card; books available for $15) Location: Satellite Beach Fire Department. Registration and payment guarantees you a spot in the class and must be made by noon on Friday prior to the course. Make checks payable to City of Satellite Beach and mail or drop payments to: Satellite Beach Fire Dept., 1390 S. Patrick Dr., Satellite Beach, FL 32937. Questions or concerns can be directed to 773-4405 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The DRS Community Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 773-6458 or check www.satellitebeach.org for more details.

Join the Town of Indialantic on January 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Nance Park for their free annual Winter Festival. Enjoy live music, art demonstrations, clowns, fun and games for children, specialty food vendors and lots of unique shopping opportunities. And don’t forget the popular chili cook-off competition between the Indialantic Departments and the Melbourne Beach Commission. For more details, visit www.fridayatfifth.com, or call 508-6936.

Indialantic’s Heritage Committee is pleased to present local historian Bob Gross as a program guest speaker at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 17, at Indialantic’s Town Hall Council Chambers (216 Fifth Ave.). Bob will speak on Florida’s “Boom and Bust — Then and Now,” and the resulting Depression of the 1920s and 1930s and the impact on Brevard County. He will provide some insight into the causes of the boom, some of the remedies that were used to alleviate the bust, and the impact on local businesses and residents. He will also provide some comparisons to the present boom and bust and potential impact to Brevard County. Public welcome, admission is free. To learn more, call 536-4218.

Scheduled events for the City of Melbourne: 1/9 – the Eau Gallie Civic Center Open House/Rummage Sale at the Eau Gallie Civic Center (1551 Highland Ave.; Melbourne) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet the Center’s instructors, watch demonstrations, and learn more about their facility. If you’d like to clean out your closet, garage or storage area, sign up to rent a table for the rummage sale for only $15 per 8-foot table. Space is limited, so call 255-4608 to secure a table now. 1/14 – the Brevard Antiques and Collectors Club Show at the Wickham Park Senior Center (2785 Leisure Way, in Wickham Park off Parkway Dr. 1/15-1/17 – Sea Shell Festival in the Melbourne Auditorium (625 E. Hibiscus Ave.); each day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 724-2449 or log on to www.melbourneflorida.org.

Melbourne’s Henegar Center for the Arts presents “You Can’t Take It With You” January 8-30. This popular production relates the humorous encounter between a conservative family and the crazy household of Grandpa Martin Vanderhof. Critics have admired the witty one-liners and the intense visual theatricalism. Performances are held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Henegar Center is located in historic downtown Melbourne at 625 E. New Haven Ave. For ticket information, call 723-8698 or visit www.henegar.org.

Join the Melbourne Beach community for their annual Community Night Potluck Dinner, Wednesday, January 27 at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Center. To learn more, go to: www.melbournebeachfl.org.

BUSINESS

East Coast Coffee and Tea is under new ownership, but they still host live original music and present local art in their relaxing café setting. Here are some of their events planned for January – 1/2: Art Gallery Opening with Jackie Scone, art and stained glass with music by Shep Gold from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; 1/9: music by Just Blue from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; 1/16: music by Grumpy Al from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; 1/23: Mark Nathan; 1/30: Sweet Serena. East Coast Tea and Coffee is located in the Publix Plaza at 285 E. Eau Gallie Blvd. (at the corner of Eau Gallie and South Patrick Blvds.). Visit them online at: www.eccoffee.com.

The Thirsty Lizard (previously Declan’s Irish Pub) in Satellite Beach is now under new ownership and recently celebrated its grand opening. Along with great atmosphere and beverages, the Thirsty Lizard offers an impressive lineup of live local music, including January performances by Odie’s Bone (1/15), Lady and the Tramps (1/22), and Sygnal (1/29), as well as regular Wednesday open mic nights and acoustic performances by WilCor each Tuesday. Ladies Nights (featuring 2-4-1 wells, wine, and drafts) are held every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and Bingo games are hosted each Thursday. Every Friday and Saturday sees live music; check this issue’s calendar page for more information. The Lizard is also the home of $1 Jell-o shots and $1.50 PBR tallboys as daily specials. Don’t forget to join them on February 7 for their Super Bowl Party. The Thirsty Lizard is located at 1132 Hwy. A1A in Satellite Beach. Call 777-7228 for more information.

Ken & Carrie’s Plumbing of Cocoa Beach has moved from their old digs to a new address: 10 Francis St. in Cocoa Beach. Call them at 799-5499.

Force Fitness and Mixed Martial Arts of Cocoa Beach is officially opening on January 9.

Their brand new, state-of-the-art facility offers over 4,000 square feet of cardio and strength training equipment with a dedicated 1,500 square foot mixed martial arts area that offers mats, heavy bags, a boxing ring, and an octagon cage wall. Group classes such as yoga, cardio kickboxing, and zumba are offered as well. Force Fitness also boasts a wellness room where acupuncture, massage, and facial services will be available to all members. Force Fitness is located at 801 North Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Stop by during the month of January and receive half off your enrollment fee. Be sure to ask about their corporate and family membership specials. Call 613-3950 for more details, or visit www.forcefitnessgym.com.

EVENTS

To start 2010 off with a bang, the folks at the Flying Corkscrew have decided to host two free wine and beer tastings in January. The first will be held on Friday, January 8 from 6 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. Ken and Marilyn will be pouring some new finds from Chile and California as well as favorites like Moscato D’Asti and Chocovine. They’ll also be sampling six craft beers. The next tasting (Friday, January 29, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) will feature a dozen of their great beers and some wonderful wines. The Corkscrew will also be having a month-long special on Douglas Hill wines — cabernet, merlot and chardonnay for $6.99 a bottle (no case discount). They’ll also have a rack of sale wines, accessories, hats, wine and beer shirts, wine glasses, carafes, cigar accessories and more at a 25% discount. Their business hours for 2010 are: Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Flying Corkscrew is located at 1877 S. Patrick Dr. in Indian Harbour Beach. Call them at 773-8757 or visit them online at www.brevardwines.com.

The Three Man Army is coming to Melbourne’s Gallery Club Saturday, January 16. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., the gallery will be taken apart and put back together by renowned local artists Bruce Reynolds, Gary Propper. The Gallery Club is located at 701 E. New Haven Ave. in historic downtown Melbourne. For more details, call 557-2643, or visit www.thegallerymelbourne.com.

The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery invites you to experience “Expressions of Art” during January, beginning with an opening on January 8. There are as many forms of art as there are artists’ personalities, and artists use these forms to express their moods, thoughts, ideas, emotions and passions into art. These diverse expressions can be found in “street” art, museum art, dance, ballet, music, song or verse. Creative expressions such as writing limericks or prose and singing on the street corner can be as surprising and pleasurable as an orchestra playing. Expressions of art are everywhere, but many times we do not even realize it. Some art gets overlooked or goes unrecognized as art forms, and the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery is drawing attention to these various expressions of art in our everyday world. Come see how the Gallery’s member artists use their “expressions of art” at the free reception on the Friday opening of January 8th, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Visit the gallery and the artists, and enjoy the collection with light refreshments and wine. Afterwards, continue your stroll down the street to enjoy dinner and other galleries in the Eau Gallie Arts District. “Expressions of Art” runs through January. The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery is located in downtown Eau Gallie, across the street from the Brevard Museum of Art. Call 259-8261, or visit them online at www.fifthavenueartgallery.com for more details.

Enjoy “An Introduction to Florida Grasses,” a presentation by Walter Kingsley Taylor, Ph.D., author and professor emeritus, University of Central Florida, 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 14. The presentation will take place at the Nyami Nyami River Lodge in the Brevard Zoo, 8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. The event is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Conradina and Sea Rocket Florida Native Plant Society. For more details, call 729-3840 or log on to www.fnps.org.

Chase away the post-Holiday blues with a luncheon and fashion show, sponsored by the Cocoa Beach Woman’s Club, on January 23 at the Cocoa Beach Country Club. The lunch, which begins at 11:30 a.m., will be catered by Chef Damian Josephson, and will feature a cascading jumbo shrimp cocktail centerpiece, a fresh salad, a main dish of grilled chicken with a sun-dried tomato parmesan cream sauce, and a variety of miniature pastries and cakes. A fashion show featuring the popular “Accessories and More” from Sarasota will follow. There will also be drawings for precious gemstones, a presentation by the Artful Bra Project in support of breast cancer awareness, raffle baskets and a door-prize drawing.  Proceeds help support the various charitable and service activities of the Woman’s Club.   Advanced reservations are required and are only $25 per person. Contact Julia at 868-7393 for tickets.

Here are just a few of the Barrier Island Center’s events scheduled for January: 1/9 (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.): Pelican Island Sunset Paddle. Celebrate National Bird Day with a paddle around Pelican Island for a bird’s-eye view of this thriving rookery where 16 different species of birds nest. Meet at the Barrier Island Center at 2:30 p.m. to carpool to the launch on Jungle Trail. Please wear water shoes and  sunscreen and bring your water bottle, snack, and clothes to layer as needed. Binoculars are optional. Tandem touring kayaks available for a party of 2 or singles for individuals. Children under 12 must paddle tandem with an adult. Cost of kayak rental is $38 per person. Enrollment is limited to 20 people/10 kayaks. Call 723-3556 to make your reservation by Thursday, January 7. No refunds after this date, unless minimum of 6 enrollments is not met. If the weather does not permit, after meeting to launch, the rain date will be Sunday, January 10. 1/16: Beach Clean-Up at 9 a.m. Give the beach a fresh beginning for the new year. 1/17 (2 p.m.): “Ospreys of Pelican Island: An Exploration into the Life of the Fish Hawk.” Join Bob Montanaro of the Pelican Island Audubon Society for an intimate look at nesting ospreys through several years of observations and photography. Bob will share other exciting wildlife encounters within the Refuge too… everything from river otters, a family of pileated woodpeckers to fighting red-shouldered hawks. The Barrier Island Center is located at 8385 S. Hwy. A1A in Melbourne Beach. For more information, call 723-3556 or log on to www.barrierisland center.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Winners of the Cocoa Beach Library’s Third Annual Singer Songwriter Contest Announced. The 3rd Annual Singer-Songwriter contest was held at the Cocoa Beach Library on Saturday, December 5th.Criteria was based on originality, lyrics, melody and overall performance and was judged by a panel of professional singer-songwriters consisting of Bob Lamber, Sharon Osuna, and Sunnyland Steve, and also included a People’s Choice ballot. 1st Place: Sarah Bryant; 2nd Place: Jessica Lynn Williams; 3rd Place: Christine Reilly; People’s Choice: Susan Simonetti. Congratulations to all who participated.

Property Compliance Group (PCG) had its genesis in the economic downturn that has plagued Brevard County for the last two years. Brevard County’s loss has been a gain for homeowners, sellers, and buyers. Tom Ramsey and Jeff Molner have leveraged their 17 years of County field inspection service with their more than 40 years experience in the construction industry into a service organization to help distressed home owners save their homes or avoid costly penalties, and help new home buyers get value for their investment.  These two Army veterans are intent on helping those in need and as a “We Help Brevard” (Brevard’s premier senior referral service) company, have already made a difference in many senior citizens’ lives. PCG is fully compliant with all necessary licenses, insurances, and background checks, and is a member of the Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI); the Melbourne Area Association of Realtors; the Melbourne/Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce; My Safe Florida Home, and the Florida Association of Code Enforcement. Whether buying, selling, or owning, they can help you with all your home repairs and maintenance, home inspections, or code enforcement mediation. PCG is also happy to meet one-on-one or with your organization, club, or neighborhood to expound on our services and give instruction on the “do’s and don’ts” of hiring a contractor safely. Visit them online at: www.propertycompliancegroup.com. Tom may be reached at 749-8583, and Jeff at 431-8113.

Here are some January events hosted by the First Baptist Church of Cocoa Beach you’ll want to attend. “The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry” film opens at the Merritt Square 16 Theater in the Merritt Square Mall on January 15. Also, a free Deaf and Hearing Impaired Awareness Presentation by Marietta Patchin of the Space Coast Center for Independent Living at 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 20. Free Gospel Music Concert 5 p.m., Saturday, January 23. This event features rhythm and blues singer Eddie Scott. For more information about these events, contact Holly Lay at the First Baptist Church of Cocoa Beach 783-2844. Discount tickets at $7 each are available for “The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry.” The First Baptist Church of Cocoa Beach is located at 830 S. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach.

Attention First Peak Stakeholders: Over the past two years, Justin Enjo has been studying the wave breaking effects once associated with First Peak at Sebastian Inlet. This research has been part of his Master’s degree at the Florida Institute of Technology. About six months ago he made a discovery that relates the wave breaking at First Peak to the sediment transport morphodynamics at tidal inlets. With current research and this discovery, he and his colleagues will be able to send a proposal to the US Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Florida in order to 1) increase the natural sand-bypassing at Sebastian Inlet; and 2) enhance the surfing wave First Peak. Enjo proposes forming a think-tank of stakeholders to begin navigating the complex processes of permitting, fundraising, and bringing this proposal to reality. With the help of John Hearin (from ASR Ltd. and the Space Coast Reef Project), the current group has created a presentation to share the First Peak project with you. On Monday, January 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., they will be holding an open dialogue session at the DRS community Center in Satellite Beach (1089 S. Patrick Dr.).  The PowerPoint-style presentation will be held in the general meeting room. If you have any questions, call (518) 268-8050.

December promises numerous Holiday-related events hosted by several Beachside communities. Here’s a brief listing…

COCOA 12/1-1/3: Holiday On Ice, an outdoor ice rink open daily for skating, visits with Santa Claus, and a fire pit to make s’mores. The six-week event will also feature “snow nights,” where kids can play in real snow and movie nights featuring holiday classics on the big screen. 12/5-12/6: Holiday Craft Fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 12/12: Taste of the Village in Riverfront Park. Come sample the food, services, and products available from Cocoa Village merchants. Enjoy live entertainment on the main stage and a corn hole tournament on the center field. 12/20: Christmas Market, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 12/31: Family New Year’s Event, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Riverfront Park.

CAPE CANAVERAL 12/4: Free Holiday Movie in the Park, featuring the live-action version of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” Bring a blanket or lawn chair to Manatee Park at 7 p.m. to enjoy the film. Free popcorn will be on hand and the Kiwanis Club will be selling refreshments. 12/12: The 14th Annual Reindeer Run; 8 a.m. at Cherie Down Park (8492 Ridgewood Ave.). Advance registration is $25; $30 for on-site registration. For more information or to register, call the Cape Canaveral Recreation Department at 868-1226. 12/13: The Annual Tree Lighting Program; 7 p.m. Celebrate with performances by the Dickens Carolers and the Cape View Rocket Chorus at the Cape Canaveral Library. For more information, visit www.cityofcapecanaveral.org.

COCOA BEACH 12/12: Breakfast with Santa at the Cocoa Beach Recreation Center (321 Ramp Rd.) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registrations requested; cost is $7. Call 868-3252 or 868-3274 for more details. 12/12: Annual Christmas Street Parade; 2 p.m. 12/12: Christmas Boat Parade; 6 p.m.

SATELLITE BEACH 12/14-12/19: Twilight Santa visits. Santa will begin his travels atop a brightly decorated fire truck on specific routes at 6 p.m. each night and will continue until 9 p.m. 12/14: Jackson Avenue south to Park Avenue, east of South Patrick Drive; 12/15: Park Avenue south to Cinnamon Drive; 12/16: west side of South Patrick Drive, to include Satellite Beach portion of Tortoise Island; 12/17: Cassia Boulevard, south to DeSoto Parkway; 12/18: DeSoto Parkway, south to City Line; 12/19: Pelican Coast. Due to limited time, Santa is unable to make special visits or stops. Other events scheduled through the David R. Schechter Community Center and Satellite Beach Recreation Department: 12/1-12/31: Holiday Dog Food Drive The Satellite Beach Dog Park will be collecting food for the Brevard County Humane Shelter throughout the month. Food, either canned or bags, can be brought to the Satellite Beach Dog Park for delivery to the Shelter. 12/2-12/15: Satellite High School Holiday Concerts. All begin at 7 p.m. in the SHS auditorium. $5 general admission; $3 seniors, students, and children. Shows include an orchestra with show choirs on 12/12; jazz bands on 12/14; and bands and chorus on 12/15. 12/4 and 12/5: Santa’s Workshop performances. The Jr. Theatre workshop group (ages 5-12) will offer two performance of their production “Santa’s Workshop” Friday, 12/4 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, 12/5 at 11 a.m. Performances held at the SB Civic Center Auditorium. Tickets are $3 each and are available at the door. 12/9: Phone Calls From Santa’s Elves. The SHS  Jr. ROTC along with the SB Rec. Dept. will provide calls from Santa’s Workshop. Parents can call their office at 773-6458 and arrange for their child to receive a call from a Santa elf. Be prepared to give the Department useful information about your child. Mailed forms and calls are accepted through 12/8 at 5pm. Santa’s elves will call on 12/9 only  from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A form to complete is available at: www.satellitebeach.org and should  be faxed to 777-5207 or mailed to the SB Recreation Department. 12/11-12/13: Bethlehem Walk from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., sponsored by Our Father’s House, 535 Cassia Blvd. 12/12: Santa’s Party. The party, held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. will start in Mrs. Claus’s Winter wonderland Dining Room with yummy desserts, including a chocolate fountain and a complete dinner (meatballs, pasta, salad, and breadsticks), followed by a stop at Santa’s workshop where elves will help you make some beautiful holiday crafts. Then it’s off to the Candyland Dance Room where you’ll learn some of the elves’ best moves. The journey ends with a stop at the North Pole for a photo opportunity with Santa, his elves, and Mrs. Claus (bring your own camera). $5 for children 2-10; $7 ages 11-adult. Please register by 12/4. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. 12/19: Holiday Boat Parade. The Banana River Power Squadron sponsors this parade which starts at 6 p.m. in the north end of Satellite Beach’s Grand Canal. 12/19: Jingle Bell 2-Mile Run. Santa hats will be given to the first 500 entrants along with jingle bells for everyone’s shoes. Best holiday costume and fun stocking awards. Santa will arrive on the fire truck. Run begins at 5:45 p.m. at the Satellite Beach Public Library. Entry fee is $28 ($15 for children 12 and under). Register at www.runningzone.com

INDIAN HARBOUR BEACH 12/11: Christmas In The Park in Gleason Park. The spirit of the season will come alive with festive multicultural and all-time favorite tunes, set to a contemporary beat by the Learning Station. Children and adults alike will sing, dance, move, groove and cheer to the contemporary original sound and interactive holiday songs. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. in the main hall of the IHB Recreation Center.

EAU GALLIE 12/4: Eau Gallie Arts District’s First Friday Art Walk and Holiday Tree Lighting. The Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) will hold its monthly on the First Friday Art Walk Event on the 4th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. All art studios, galleries, shops, boutiques, and restaurants in the area will remain open late for a free gallery-walk, featuring exhibition openings, demonstrations, refreshments, and music from the Mark Baker Band. In conjunction, EGAD will hold its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Event in Eau Gallie Square. Holiday festivities surrounding the tree lighting will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will feature musical performances by St. Paul’s United Methodist Church’s Adult and Preschool Choirs. In addition, the Brevard Youth Ensemble will perform in Eau Gallie Square and carol along Highland Avenue. EGAD’s special guests, Santa and Jingles, will arrive in Eau Gallie on a 1960s fire truck in time to light the holiday tree at 6 p.m. The galleries and shops in the District will be brimming with opportunities to purchase unique and artistic holiday gifts. Featured in the Walk is Art & Antique Studio’s 6th Annual Holiday Boutique. Also, the Highway Grrls Studio & Gallery will be hosting an exhibition featuring artist Rick Piper and his award-winning art. The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery will continue with their 27th Annual Designer Holiday Craft Show that will feature hand-made holiday gifts from award-winning artisans. Indian River Potter’s Guild will be open as well, and will offer a variety of original pottery pieces for sale. Customers can browse through their gift shop while listening to the inspirational acoustic guitarist and singer Arturo Escharte. Also that night, Jazz Friday will be held in the Brevard Art Museum and will feature Hafer House Jazz. Enjoy the current exhibition while experiencing a live jazz concert from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Other weekend holiday events being held in the District are the Brevard Art Museum’s “Razzle Dazzle” Event and the Historic Rossetter House Garden Wonderland and Holiday Tea. Razzle Dazzle kicks off Thursday, December 3 with a preview opening cocktail party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring imaginative tablescapes, live entertainment, creative catering, and festive cocktails. On Saturday, December 5, the Historic Rossetter House Museum and Gardens will host their Christmas Garden Wonderland. The House and Gardens will be decorated for the season by local florists and volunteers. Santa will be greeting guests of all ages in the Garden Gazebo from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. while the Brevard Theartrical Dickens Carolers stroll through the lighted garden walk and sing carols. Refreshments will be served. On Sunday, December 6 at 2 p.m., the Historic Rossetter House will be open for a Victorian Garden Holiday Tea. Wear your finest Victorian hat and enjoy afternoon tea in the garden and croquet on the lawn or a game of bingo. Call 254-9855 for reservations. On Sunday, December 6 at the Eau Gallie Civic Center, Link Johnsten of Eau Gallie Florist will provide holiday decorating tips. This event includes a wine-pairing demonstration and delicious food stations by local cuisine. General admission is $50 and reserved seating is $100 per person. Call 242-0737 for more information. Visit EGAD online at: www.eaugalliearts.com.

INDIALANTIC 12/3-12/18: First Annual Indialantic Holiday Tree Walk. Starting 12/3 at the tree lighting celebration, the City will sponsor a friendly competition between merchants for the best holiday tree in five categories: Best Traditional; Wackiest; Most BLing; Best Seaside, and Most “Indialantic.” The public will vote on who wins in each category with the winners to be announced on 12/18 at 6 p.m. under the tree at Nance Park. Maps of the trees’ locations and voting ballots will be available at various participating establishments and at Town Hall.

MELBOURNE 12/4: First Friday Walk, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 12/4-12/5: Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Crane Community Center (1440 Mosswood Dr.). For more information call Jerri Woodring at 255-4609. 12/5: Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. Registration begins at 7 a.m.; race begins at 8 a.m. Ballard Park, 924 Thomas Barbour Dr. 12/5: The Bible on Parade, 2 p.m. Costumed characters take spectators back to biblical times. Free. No matter where you are on the parade route, children will be given a raffle ticket. Every ticket gets a gift at “The Celebration” that follows. Free hot dogs, cake, and drinks for everyone along with live music and presentations. The parade starts and returns to The Melbourne Auditorium, 625 East Hibiscus Blvd. For more details, visit www.thebibleonparade.org. 12/5, 12/12, and 12/19: 9th Annual Candlelight Shopping and Christmas Traditions, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each Saturday until Christmas, downtown merchants have come together to offer great entertainment and uniquely affordable gifts all set within a traditional holiday atmosphere. Many shops will be serving traditional holiday fare such as wassail, cookies, tea, hot chocolate, mulled cider, and cakes. Visitors can stroll the streets and visit over 70 unique boutiques, shops, restaurants and nightspots, and enjoy a wide variety of solo violins, harp, bagpipers, storytellers and other musicians, entertainers, carolers, church, school and youth choirs, and “Father Christmas.”Special activities will also be featured each night: — 12/5: horse-drawn carriage rides; 12/12: Brevard Theatrical Ensemble and Holiday Light Parade; 12/19: “‘Twas the Week Before Christmas,” with carolers, violinists, Santa and the Dance Mania All-Stars. For more information, go to: www.downtownmelbourne.com, or call Melbourne Main Street at 724-1741. 12/9-12/10: Melbourne Community Orchestra presents “Strike up the Holidays,” 7:30 p.m. the Melbourne Auditorium (625 Hibiscus Blvd.) Admission is free, but tickets are required. For more information call 724-0555., or visit www.mcorchestra.com. 12/12: Light Parade, 6 p.m. The parade route begins on Hibiscus and Babcock Street going south along Babcock Street to 192/New Haven Avenue, continuing east along Strawbridge Avenue and ending at Waverly Place and Strawbridge Avenue. For more information, call 544-1777. 12/13: The 8th Annual Flutes & Voices of Christmas Concert,  2 p.m. The Indialantic Chamber Singers and the Space Coast Flute Orchestra will perform their holiday concert at two venues — 2 p.m. at Suntree United Methodist Church (7400 N. Wickham Rd.; Suntree) and 4:30 p.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church (106 N. Riverside Dr.; Indialantic). Admission is free, though donations are gratefully accepted to cover the costs of music and instrument maintenance. For more information, call 960-5000.

MELBOURNE BEACH 12/4: Holiday Bazaar and Preview Party. Join the City of Melbourne Beach for a History Preservation and Awareness Board event to raise funds for the Ryckman House Restoration Project. The preview party and pre-sale features estate items such as silver, local and vintage art, jewelry, china, art deco items, antiques, vintage Merritt Island pottery, brass and bronze items, and crystal. Required tickets are $10, with a limited number available. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. If you’re interested in attending or have items to donate, call Marty Remark at 723-7270. The event will be free and open to the public on 12/5. 12/5: History Center Christmas Exhibit. Continuing into January, the Center will display a collection of special Christmas ornaments depicting historic places in Brevard County. The Center is located at 2373 Oak Street across from Spessard Holland Golf Course and is open on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 12/10: Christmas Tree Lighting, 6:30 p.m at the Town Hall Complex. 12/12: Children’s Christmas Parade beginning at 9 a.m. The parade route will begin at Ryckman Park, will travel east along Ocean Avenue and will return to Ryckman Park. For more information, contact the Melbourne Beach Volunteer Fire Department.

Recurring non-seasonal events for the City of Cocoa include the Cocoa Florida Tea at the Village’s Porcher House on the third Tuesday of each month from 11:30 a.m to 1 p.m.; Movies in the Park every Friday at 7 p.m. at Riverfront Park (until 12/15) and beginning in 2010, every third Friday at 8 p.m. in Riverfront Park and at the new City Hall location from 1/15/10 through 9/17/10. Also, Brown Bag Jazz Lunches take place every Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Myrt Tharpe Gazebo, which also sees the Village’s Farmer’s Market every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on these and other events, go to: www.cocoafl.org.

The Cocoa Beach Public Library will be closed Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24 and Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, and will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 31. The Library’s Third Annual Amateur Singer/Songwriter Contest is scheduled  for Saturday, December 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ten contestants have been chosen; now it’s time to hear their original songs, judged by a panel of professional singer/songwriters consisting of Sharon Osuna, Sunnyland Steve and Bob Lambert. There will also be a people’s choice award. Criteria will be based on originality, lyrics, melody, and overall presentation. A presentation called “Sailing Half Way Around the World with 80 Year Olds” is set for Wednesday, December 9 at 2 p.m. Join Nancy Abbott and Jim Roberts as they share a Powerpoint presentation of their sailing exploits from Trinidad and across the Pacific to Australia whilst celebrating their 80th birthdays en route. The Music on a Sunday Afternoon series presents “Christmas Around the World” with the Tommy Doyle Band, Sunday, December 13 at 2 p.m. Tommy and Annette will get you in a global frame of mind as they explore Christmas songs from other countries on accordion and keyboard. Special Occasion Music will be played by Lynn and Joseph Gray on guitar and violin in the main library while you browse on Sunday, December 13 from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. December 15 sees the Oppose Oil Drilling Campaign Session from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. Recurring Library events include Master Gardening Clinics each Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Captain’s Room. Children can look forward to a Christmas Puppet Play on Tuesday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. The Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave. in Cocoa Beach. For more information on programs, call 868-1104 or visit www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.org.

The Surfside Players are putting on a traditional Holiday Cabaret December 11-20. The show will be filled with old-fashioned family Christmas and holiday traditions, and their lobby will also be a drop-off spot for non-perishable food items to help stock local food banks, as well as toys for hospitalized children. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10. Call the box office at 783-3127 for details. The Players will also be holding open auditions for “Boy Gets Girl,” by Rebecca Gilman, on Sunday, December 13 and Monday, December 14 at 7 p.m. at the playhouse. The Players need a cast of seven: three women, aged 18 to 50s, and four men, aged 21 to 80. No experience necessary and no advance preparation required. Wear comfortable clothes. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. The show will run for two weekends, February 12-21, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. “Boy Gets Girl” is part of Surfside’s “Second Stage” series and is recommended for mature audiences only. For more information, call 783-3127, or visit their website at: www.surfsideplayers.com. The Surfside Playhouse is located at 301 Ramp Road, on the corner of Brevard Avenue and Fifth Street South in Cocoa Beach.

Melbourne City offices that were temporarily located to 830 N. Apollo Boulevard during construction of a new City Hall and a parking garage have returned to 900 Strawbridge Avenue during a move that was completed on Monday, November 23. The offices involved in the move were the Engineering Department; the Code Compliance Division, which includes building inspection and fire prevention services; the Personnel Division; and the Risk Management Division. The new Melbourne City Hall building was completed earlier this year. Work is underway on the four-story parking structure, with a completion expected in early December. The parking garage, located between Strawbridge Avenue and Palmetto Avenue, is to serve the historic Melbourne downtown area along with accommodating City employees and visitors. A parking management plan is being developed and is to include some charges for use of the garage with the revenue to be used to help pay for operations and maintenance. Parking is to be free until the management plan is implemented some time in early 2010.

BUSINESS

The Flying Corkscrew will be bringing in more champagnes and sparkling wines for your special holiday celebrations. They also have plenty of great gift ideas for the upcoming holidays, including memberships for their beer and/or wine clubs and gift cards. Ken and Marilyn also offer some great holiday wine specials. Buy any 6 bottles of wine and you’ll get a 15% discount; buy a case (12 bottles; same or mixed) and receive 20% off. They’re also offering a “free” brewer’s pint glass with every 6 pack of beer (same/mixed) purchased. Don’t miss their special (and complimentary) Holiday Wine & Beer Tasting on Friday, December 11, featuring sparkling wines, dessert wines, and more. The tasting runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in their shop at 1877 S. Patrick Dr. in Indian Harbour Beach. Drop in or call 773-8757 to find out more or to learn about their weekly specials. Visit the Flying Corkscrew online at: www.brevardwines.com.

Indian River Outfitters will be holding a Kayak Demo Day on Sunday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ballard Park in Eau Gallie. Stop by this free event and take one of their new 2010 kayaks for a spin. They’ll have fishing kayaks, recreational kayaks, and sit-on-tops free to try. Knowledgeable staff are there to answer all your questions. Visit www.iroutfitters.com for more information, or find them on Facebook. Indian River Outfitters is located at 249 E. Eau Gallie Blvd. in Indian Harbour Beach. Phone 779-4228 for more details.

Every year for the past six years, Karl Ronstrom at First Photo Studio in Cocoa Beach has been collecting food for Santa. Karl will take a professional 5×7 photo of you or your family with Santa in exchange for one can of food. Donations will go to the House of Hope in Merritt Island, First Methodist Church, and others. Last year, Karl’s Santa Food Drive collected over 1,000 cans of food. Drop in Fridays and Saturdays December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19. Fridays: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. First Photo Studio is located at 2021 N. Atlantic Ave. (Banana River Square) in Cocoa Beach.

Jumps Tiny Tavern has just opened at 201 Taft Avenue (behind ABC) in North Cocoa Beach. This bar is dedicated to one the owner’s fathers, a Vietnam veteran who lost his life this past March at the age of 60. He loved music and fun with good friends, and that’s the staple at Jumps. They also host a horseshoe league, and are currently accepting sign-ups for Saturday games. Come join the fun and an island atmosphere along with the NFL ticket every Sunday. Call 784-7893 for more information.

City Tropics Bistro has just announced a new early dining menu. Choose from 10 entrees, each for just $6.99 Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Items include: mahi-mahi; 6-oz. sirloin steak; tortellini quattro formaggi; blackened or barbecued chicken; grilled pork chop; 10-oz. Salisbury Steak; pulled turkey with gravy; All-American Chicken Salad, and a chicken Caesar salad. City Tropics is located at 249 Fifth Avenue, Indialantic. Call 723-1300 for more details.

Enjoy the annual Banana River Power Squadron Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, December 19 with DolphinGirl Cruises & Eco-Tours. They will cruise along with festively lit boats through the Grand Canal, from start to finish. Complimentary hot cocoa, snacks and holiday music along the way. Cruise departs 4:30P p.m. to 9 p.m. (approx end time) on their comfortable, 40′ pontoon boat. Cost is $45 per adult, $40 for seniors and military, and $35 for children ages 2-11. Cruise departs from Sundance Marina, 4399 N. Hwy. US 1, Melbourne. Reservations are required. Call 591-3670, or check out www.dolphingirltours.com for further information.

Let the Art Gallery of Viera help with everyone on your list with their Holiday Gift Shop, open until December 23. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, choose from a wide range of unique, handmade original gifts of exceptional quality to fit every budget. You can even get gift certificates for art classes. Art Gallery of Viera is a Fine Art Gallery and Educational Center, offering a variety of media, local and international artists, and loads of day and evening classes. Visit their website at: www.artgalleryofviera.com, or call 890-1415. The Gallery is located in the Home Center, 5410 Murrell Road, Viera.

On November 11, Space Coast Harley-Davidson implemented new hours: Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., close Sunday and Monday. Space Coast Harley-Davidson is located at 1440 Executive Circle NE in Palm Bay. Call 259-1311 for more information.

Complexion’s Center For Clinical Skin in Merritt Island announces the addition of derma rolling to its extensive menu of skin care treatments. Innovative skin needling, or derma rolling, is set to give non-ablative lasers a run for their money. Derma rolling is an effective treatment for anti-aging, enlarged pores, and acne scarring. The technique is a definitive credit-crunch skin rescue option — simple yet effective and suitable for all skin types and skin tones; laser-like results for sun damaged skin, facial and décolleté lines and stretch marks at a fraction of the cost. Derma roller results include skin tightening, skin texture improvement, pore size reduction and improved capillary blood supply. Complexion’s Center For Clinical Skin Care is located at 1355 N. Courtenay Pkwy., Suite I on Merritt Island. They are open Monday through Friday, with evening and weekend appointments available upon request. For more information, call 986-8866, or visit www.complexionsskincare.net.

EVENTS

Sunday, December 20 sees the 2009 Winter Arts & Music Festival in the Eau Gallie Arts District. Enjoy live music from the likes of Peter Baldwin; Kaleigh Baker; Will Frazier of Whole Wheat Bread; Nathan Anderson of JunkieRush; Jeremy Collings of Lady & the Tramps; Skart  (of Supervillians); Bryce Creighton of Scholars Word, and many others. Over 60 local vendors will be participating in the community gathering for all ages. The free event will run from Noon to 7 p.m. For more details, visit: www.winterartsandmusicfestival.com.

The Kelly Slater Project will be holding a Holiday Wine Tasting at Cocoa Beach’s Big Surf Cafe to raise funds for their Kelly Slater sculpture on December 19 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The cost is $20 for the wine tasting, unlimited hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a raffle ticket. For sponsorship information or to learn more, call 302-1484 or visit www.thekellyslaterproject.com. Big Surf Cafe is located at 3210 S. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach.

Take part in the Space Coast Sentinels of Freedom “Jingle Ball Drop” Saturday, December 19 from Noon to 3 p.m. Purchase a numbered golf ball to be dropped from a helicopter onto the green at the Duran Golf Course in Viera. Cost is $50 to purchase a golf ball (price includes entry and lunch for two on the day of the event). Eleven prizes will be offered: one $10,000 for the closest target and 10 $1,000 prizes for the next 10 balls closest to the target. Only 1,000 balls will be sold. First come, first served. The Sentinels of Freedom Space Coast, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to provide medical, educational, social, and vocational assistance to members of the US Armed Forces who have suffered sever injuries in the line of duty after September 11, 2001. Registration information is available online at: www.sentinelsoffreedomfl.org, or by calling 266-8810.

December is Migration Month at the Barrier Island Center in Melbourne Beach. Got to www.barrierislandcenter.com to find out about scheduled beach clean-ups, hikes, paddles, art projects, and their Barrier Island Bash, set for December 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join the Caribbean Conservation Corporation for an elegant evening of sea turtles and art to celebrate a fantastic year of sea turtle conservation. The Bash will feature live music, a wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and exhibits by local artists. Proceeds from artwork sales will benefit sea turtle education at the Center. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the door. RSVP and purchase tickets online at: www.cccturtle.org, or call 1-800-678-7853.

Sign up now to join the Mad Hatter Party Bus to Tampa’s Gasparilla Pirate Fest, Saturday, January 30. The bathroom-equipped bus leaves Wal-Mart in Viera; parking is available at the nearby Murphy gas station. Booze and coolers are permitted on the party bus. Cost for the day trip is $65, which includes VIP seating for the VIP parade with an Ybor City follow-on party and food. Return to Viera around midnight. Details and credit card payments at: www.piratesatthepier.com. For more details, contact gary@madhatterpromotions.com, or call 543-1346.

The Satellite Beach Founder’s Day Celebration and and S.B. Woman’s Club Marketplace is set for Saturday, November 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the David R. Schechter Community Center. The theme “Rock Around the Clock” will set the tone for the festive city event. Expect a spectacular parade, live music and entertainment, food, a plant sale, a farmer’s market, and superior crafters. Parade entries (neighborhood characters encouraged) can call to participate in the parade which sets off at 11 a.m. from DeLaura Middle School. Contact the Schechter Center at 773-6458 for more information. The Center is located at 1089 S. Patrick Dr. in Satellite Beach.

November events at the Cocoa Beach Public Library: On November 7, the Library’s “People in Print” series will present Tom Howes, co-author of the best-selling non-fiction book “Out of Captivity: Surviving 1,967 Days in the Colombian Jungle.” At 1 p.m., Howe will speak about the amazing story of his and his co-authors’ five-and-a-half year fight for survival as hostages of the Colombian terrorist organization FARC. Copies of his book will be on sale for $26.99. Proceeds from books purchased at the event will go to the Library. “Treasures and Heirlooms,” an antiques and collectibles show-and-tell with Linda Margolis, founder and President of Brevard Antiques & Collectibles, will take place Tuesday, November 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Jane von Thron Room. Bring items for discussion and identification (no jewelry please). No appraisals will be given. Also on November 10 at 7 p.m., Mike Knight, Brevard County Director of the EEL Program, will present “Update on the 1000 Islands.” Last year, the south 1000 Islands in Cocoa Beach were purchased for preservation by Brevard County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) program. Knight will give a powerpoint presentation on the progress and plans of the program, including the removal of non-native invasive plant species, replanting efforts, and future recreation goals. If you’ve been wondering what’s happening in the islands, and what will be happening over the next few years, then this program will answer your questions. Friday, November 13 is the deadline for applications for the 3rd Annual Singer/Songwriter Contest due to be held on Saturday, December 5 at 1 p.m. Ten names will be drawn for the competition, which will be judged on originality, lyrics, melody, and overall performance by professional singer/songwriters. Pick up an application or download one from the Library’s website at: www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.org. Lastly, the Library’s Youth Program will present “Sometimes It’s Turkey — Sometimes It’s Feathers,” a Thanksgiving puppet show on Tuesday, November 24 at 6 p.m. Please note that the Library will be closed Wednesday, November 11 for Veterans’ Day as well as Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 for Thanksgiving. The Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. Call 868-1104 for more information, or visit their website.

Come to Cocoa Beach’s Freedom 7 Senior Community Center on Tuesday, November 10 for a “Celebration of Life” event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Celebration, a gathering of friends to honor the lives of the present members of the Community Center, will also fondly remember the members who have passed on — those who enjoyed playing, volunteering, learning, teaching, sharing, and laughing as Freedom 7 members. Sponsored by Vicki Pike-Green in honor of her late mother, Alice Plezia Clifton, the event is open to both members and non-members, but seating will be limited to the first 50 people who RSVP one week prior. Enjoy a mini-version of “Treasures in the Attic,” hosted by Joe Morgan; the barbershop quartet Anytime, Anywhere; a photo-adorned “Memory Tree of Life” to list the name of your loved one; free 10-minute memory screenings offered by BAFI and the East Coast Memory Disorder Clinic, and a lunch prepared by Anacapri Pizza (baked ziti, salad and bread). RSVP now by calling 783-9505. The Freedom 7 Senior Community Center is located at 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. in Cocoa Beach.

The Surfside Players will be holding open auditions on Sunday and Monday, November 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. for “Fiddler on the Roof” as well as their upcoming musical revue, “Holiday Cabaret.” “Fiddler” requires a large cast of all ages, including children and teenagers. Anyone may audition and no special preparation is required. Attendees will read lines from the script, sing passages from the musical score, and learn and practice a dance number, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you can move and dance in. Please, no flip flops or sandals. Men interested in trying out should start growing their beards now. In addition, director Steven J. Heron is planning a traditional Holiday show to entertain you during those hectic days of December. He will be listening and watching the “Fiddler” auditions for talent to be part of the “Holiday Cabaret.” If you’re interested in auditioning but cannot attend the Fiddler auditions, please call the Playhouse at 783-3127 and leave your name and phone number. Performances for “Holiday Cabaret” are scheduled for December 11 through 20 (two weekends), Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Performance dates for “Fiddler on the Roof” are January 15 through 31, 2010 (three weekends), Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Surfside Playhouse is located 300 Ramp Rd. in Cocoa Beach. Call 783-3127 or visit www.surfsideplayers.com for more details.

A newly developed Port Canaveral third-grade curriculum helps Florida students meet the next generation of state standards in social studies, science, math, science, language arts, visual arts, and technology. The web-based EMBARK (Energizing Minds-Brevard Area Resources for Kids) course is being implemented as part of a partnership between Port Canaveral and Brevard County Public Schools (BPS) and is designed to make learning relevant with real-life applications. Port staff and a team of highly qualified Brevard educators created the integrated web-based lessons highlighting the significance of the international seaport and its benefits to the community. Lessons involve virtual tours prior to the students’ visit to Port Canaveral, where they will conduct hands-on field experiments and interviews with staff and tenants. For more information on the EMBARK program, visit www.portcanaveral.com.

The selection of Ralph Reigelsperger to serve as the City of Melbourne’s public works and utilities director has been announced. Reigelsperger, who is scheduled to begin work this month, was most recently the public works director for Hamilton, OH, where he also served as the city engineer. He will replace Bob Klaproth, who is to retire at the end of October after nearly 30 years of service to the City. As public works and utilities director for Melbourne, Reigelsperger will be responsible for seven divisions and 230 employees as well as  Melbourne operations that range from water production and water reclamation to streets, stormwater management, facilities, and fleet management.

BUSINESS

Help The Flying Corkscrew celebrate their ribbon cutting Wednesday, November 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy the company of great people as well as snacks and a beer and wine tasting, and remember to drop in this month to stock up on holiday beverages. Seasonal beers are just beginning to show up, and the Corkscrew offers one of the best selections in the area. Brooklyn’s Black Chocolate Stout is there, and more will arrive as the month progresses. Also, on Saturday, November 14, the Corkscrew’s Ken and Marilyn will be hosting a charity event for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 6 p.m. Cost is $20 per person for a beer and wine tasting with cheese and crackers and snacks. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Society. Call 773-8757 for more information on these and other scheduled events. The Flying Corkscrew is located at 1877 S. Patrick Dr. in Indian Harbour Beach.

East Coast Coffee & Tea in Indian Harbour Beach offers a number of events this month. Located at 258 E. Eau Gallie Blvd. (in the NE corner of the Publix Plaza at E. Eau Gallie Blvd. and S. Patrick Dr.), the café/gallery hosts musicians Mark Nathan and Harry Star on November 7, beginning at 7 p.m.; November 14 sees a performance by Roy Jay from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Grumpy Al will play a riveting live set on November 21 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and November 22 features medium John Rogers from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.. The featured artist for November is local favorite Frits Van Eeden. Visit their website — www.eccoffee.com — for information on more events, or call 779-4618.

The Greener Living Center of Brevard is celebrating a ribbon cutting on November 18 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Home Center of Viera. They’ll be featuring the latest in eco-friendly products and services along with special entertainment, a cupcake buffet, cyber golf, gourmet dogs, and bio-fueled and electric vehicles within their marketplace and learning center. The Greener Living Center is located within the Home Center of Viera at 5410 Murell Rd. in Viera. For more information, call 890-1400, or log onto either www.greenerlivingcenter.org or www.thehomecenterviera.com.

Visit the Surf Gallery at their new location: 100 5th Ave. in Indialantic and feel the vibe of international music, color and texture of original Florida art. Offering artistic glass, jewelry, pottery, tile mosaics and sculptured carved tikis, the Surf Gallery also offers beautiful and exotic on-site picture framing for all canvas and paper art works. Drop by or call 951-2787 for more details. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Check out their website at: www.thesurfgalleryonline.com.

After 25 years of barbering, David Anthony has opened a new shop in Cocoa Beach. Anthony, who graduated Barber School in Ft. Lauderdale 1985, moved to New York where he worked as a full-service barber in downtown Manhattan. After three years, he returned to Deerfield Beach where he practiced until 2002 when he moved to Cocoa Beach. Anthony offers an old-school barbershop with a new-school twist, specializing in all regular, clipper and military hair cuts for $8. And yes, hot lather neck shaves are included! Women and children are also welcome at The Barbershop, located at 5360 N. Atlantic Ave., Suite A next to Domino’s Pizza. You can call 208-2284 to make an appointment, though walk-ins are welcome.

Cocoa Beach’s new Kenkou Fitness Team works from a 600-sq. ft., bare bones personal training studio located in a remodeled residential garage. This isn’t your typical gym; in fact they’re very different then most, and here’s why: there are no enrollment fees, ever; they offer private one-on-one sessions, so you’re not forced to work out in an intimidating setting like the gym — and you have the ability to choose the length of your fitness program. Kenkou does not have high-pressure sales associates who get paid to force you into a year-long contract. Their program offers unique, private, and personalized fitness training programs for men and women who are serious about changing their lives. The Kenkou Fitness Team is located at 104 Roosevelt Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Call 613-3062 for more details or visit them online at www.kenkoufitness.com.

DolphinGirl Cruises & Eco Tours has loads of events scheduled for the month of November. 11/21: Kids can enjoy time on the water for free while earning about the Indian River Lagoon, local history, and native birds and plants. Have lunch at the Conch Key Grille following the cruise and your child will receive a free cookie or ice cream. The cruise departs Saturday, November 21 at 10 a.m. and returns  at Noon. Cost is $27 per adult; $24 for seniors age 62 and older, and one free child ages 2-11 per full-paying adult; $22 for additional children ages 2 through 11 years old. Cruise departs from Conch Key Grille & Tiki Bar, 6533 S. Hwy. US 1 in Rockledge next to Suntree Blvd./Rotary Park. Reservations are required. Call 591-3670, or check out their website at www.dolphingirltours.com for further information. Ask about their planned Shuttle Launch and Thanksgiving Day cruises on their 40′ pontoon boat.

Rude Dogz, which offers Merritt Island’s best flame-grilled Wisconsin beer brats, hamburgers, Italian sausage, Philly cheesesteaks, Chicago dogs and more, is now open for business. Located at 705 N. Courtenay Pkwy., the take-out-only Rude Dogz is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more details, visit www.rudedogz.net or call 693-0101.

EVENTS

More than 200 thrill rides, amusement games, exhibits, free shows and food stands will be included in The Space Coast State Fair in Brevard County. The fair will run through November 9 at the 50-acre Cocoa Expo Center on S.R. 520, just west of Interstate I-95 in Cocoa. The Fair will be open at 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 1 p.m. to late on Saturdays and Sundays. This year’s fair again features free unlimited rides and free shows with fair admission throughout the 11-day run. Admission is $10 Sunday through Thursday, and $12 Friday through Saturday. For more information about show dates, times, activities and ticket information, call 639-EXPO (3976) or visit www.cocoaexpo.com.

The World Skin Cancer Foundation’s Slater Brother’s Invitational Surf Contest is scheduled for November 6-8 behind Coconuts on the Beach in Cocoa Beach. Come out and watch a talented field of world-class surfers including C.J. and Damien Hobgood, Rob Machado, Shea Lopez and 9-time ASP World Champion, Kelly Slater. The Invitational is also proud to announce that their newest hometown hero, world-renowned skateboarder, Adam Taylor, will be joining the mix. Watch Adam and other skateboarding pros tear it up on the mini-vert ramp situated right on the beach. The weekend of parties kicks-off Thursday, November 5 at Rusty’s at the Port with a street party including live music and entertainment. Enjoy the contest the next morning, but be ready to have a good time Friday night when the bonfire party heats up at Coconuts with the music of national recording artist G. Love. Saturday will be another day of world-class surfing and skateboarding, but Saturday night belongs to the Pirates Ball Costume Party and Silent Auction at Coconuts. All types of costumes are welcome. In addition, dermatologists will be providing free skin cancer screenings on November 7. To find out more, visit www.worldskincancerfoundation.com.

The Suntree Fall Festival will be held Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 6300 N. Wickham Road. The free family festival will offer pony rides, face painting, train rides, food samples and loads of children’s activities. To find out more call or email Linda at 302-0905 — langelo@cfl.rr.com.

The 1st Annual Art in the Park event will be held Saturday, November 7 — rain or shine — at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach. A wide variety of artists will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. displaying unique handmade items like pottery, jewelry, paintings, photographs, glass, candles, woodcarving and more. The free event also promises live music, face painting and a raffle drawing. A portion of the raffle proceeds will go to Friends of Children of Brevard in support of kids in foster care. Lori Wilson Park is located 1500 North Atlantic Ave (A1A) in Cocoa Beach; the event will be held at the north entrance.

The Sixth Annual March of Dimes Bikers for Babies Ride goes down November 7-8 at Space Coast Harley in Palm Bay. The weekend kicks off Thursday, November 5 with a pre-registration party at Long Dogger’s Bike Night, with live music by Open Fire and a 50/50. Make a weekend of it and join them Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for live music with Open Fire, Kingstreet, and Elgin Hooper, radio host Iron Dave and emcee DJ Doc Holiday, as well as a fashion show at 2 p.m. Look forward to vendors, food, beer, 50/50 and more. On Sunday, November 8, registration is open from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Then it’s kickstands up and off they go at 11 a.m. After the ride, enjoy lunch (included with registration), live music with the Sweetwater Junction Band, DJ Doc Holiday, vendors, beer, a tattoo contest and a silent auction loaded with awesome goodies. The cost is $35 per rider; $10 per passenger. Register by November 1 and save $10. Join them this year and help them save the tiniest of lives. For more information, call April at 695-4512 or Lisa at 259-1311, and visit www.bikersforbabies.com.

Get Hammered at the Brevard Art Museum on Saturday, November 7 from 7-10 p.m. Get buzzed on great art when “Tools in Motion” opens at the Museum with this year’s fall fundraiser, “Get Hammered!” The event opens a fascinating exhibition where hammers, saws, wrenches, screwdrivers and other tools are transformed into art of great imaginative power. The exhibit will run through January 17, 2010. But before that, the Museum will host a “Girls’ Night Out” on Wednesday, November 4  from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fashion coach and author Kim Williams Dahlman will offer advice on fashion and accessories for all body types. Maxine’s Salon and Spa will have hair and makeup consultants on hand, too. Plus, expect boutique shopping, a silent auction, wine, and food catered by Mezza Luna. Tickets are $30 and available at the Museum Store. Local favorite Ron Pirtle will perform at the Museum on Friday, November 6 at 5:30 as part of Jazz Fridays, held the first Friday of each month. Admission is $10 and Museum members are free. For more information on these and other events, call 242-0737 for more information. The Museum is located 1463 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie District of Melbourne.

This year, In Visible Ink’s 5th Annual Rock for Toys 4 Tots Event (held in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps.) will be held at The County Line Saloon, Sunday, November 8. The Saloon, located at 4650 W. New Haven Ave. in Melbourne, will host 7 bands starting at 3 p.m. through 11pm. Admission is a new, unwrapped children’s toy. It is about the kids – especially this year when the economy and life is really hard. Call 454-2416 for more information.

The Conradina Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will host a free presentation by Chris O’Hara on Monday, November 9. O’Hara, South Area Land Manager Brevard County EEL Program, will speak about his work from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Melbourne Public Library, 540 E. Fee Ave. For more information about the EEL Program visit: www.eelbrevard.com. For more information about the meeting, call 729-6857.

Mermaid Gifts in historic downtown Melbourne will be having an Open House/Evening Garden Party on Friday, November 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 10% of all sales will go to the Woman’s Center in Melbourne. Kim Cruickshank (former owner of Lord Ravenswood Hall) recently opened the new shop at 909 E. New Haven Ave, #12 in the downtown area. She’ll be celebrating the last Melbourne Friday Fest of the year with a party, whose theme is “A White Light, Magical Night,” by opening the French doors of her boutique into her back garden where white wine and finger cakes will be served with crystal, silver and fine linens by white candlelight. She’ll also be launching a new line of herbal tinctures and salves, and medium Mark Anthony will be on hand along with violinist Michael Manganelli. Mermaid Gifts’ regular hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring this notice to the party on November 13, and receive 20% off your total purchase day and night. For more information, call 952-2417.

Also on Friday, November 13, The Gallery Club of downtown Melbourne will present “Surreal Visionary Art by C. Cambrea.” Cristine Cambrea’s impressive exhibit record includes being featured on Emmy Award-winning Current TV, a solo show at Artsee Gallery in New York, and many others. The opening reception is from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with the show running until December 5. The evening will offer a chance to meet the artist and enjoy live music by Mark DeSouza, complimentary appetizers, and a cash bar for wine and beer. The Gallery Club is located at 701 E. New Haven Ave., Suite 201 in downtown Melbourne. For more information on these and other events, call 557-2643, or visit www.thegallerymelbourne.com.

The Artist Connection will host the “Friends Of Art” American Festival at the Searstown Mall in Titusville on U.S.1 on Saturday, November 14. From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., artists and crafters will be exhibiting their work in time for early holiday shopping. Some will actually be creating pieces while you watch. Many items will be on display, including paintings, sculpture, metalwork, stained glass, murals, photography, glass etching, jewelry, handmade guitars and more. Enjoy live music and performances, plenty of food and good times for the whole family. For more information, call 632-6979.

On Sunday, November 15 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Milliken’s Reed proudly presents the 6th Annual Steve Miller Biker and Blues Bash. Organized with Space Coast Harley/Buell to assist EARTH Awareness in raising funds to purchase guitars and other musical instruments for Harbor City Elementary School, this year’s event features performances by John Lee Hooker, Jr., Steve Thorpe, The Bone Dogs, Big Banana River Band, and Jon Parrot. This is a free concert, but donations will be appreciated. The Bash will also feature the historic works of the Highwaymen on exhibit, children’s art activities, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and great fun. Learn more by calling 636-7231, or by visiting www.earthawareness.org or www.stephenmillerblues.com. Milliken’s Reef is located at 683 Dave Nisbet Dr. in Port Canaveral.

November’s “Trash to Treasures!” events at the Barrier Island Sanctuary and Education Center in Melbourne Beach offer a variety of activities in recognition of America Recycles Day on Sunday, November 15. For more details, call 723-3556 or visit www.barrierislandcenter.com. The Sanctuary is located at 8385 S. Hwy. A1A in Melbourne Beach.

The Cocoa Beach Woman’s Club is hosting its annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Vendor Fair on November 21 at the Cocoa Beach Country Club. From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Fair will showcase a large variety of handcrafted items and bake sale goods, as well as a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Admission is free. Bring the whole family and do some holiday shopping. Proceeds go toward supporting the club’s various service activities. Contact Julia at cbwcjuliageorge@yahoo.com for more details.

November 21-22 sees the 13th Annual ArtWorks “En Plein Air” Festival, hosted by EGAD (Eau Gallie Arts District). Artists will demonstrate their craft throughout the free, family-friendly weekend which features 95 juried booths and plenty of food and drink with continuous outdoor, live entertainment, easy access and plenty of room for strollers. Hours are 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. for both days. No pets, please. Simultaneous events occur at the Brevard Art museum, the Eau Gallie Public Library and local galleries. The festival also promises the Florida Chalk Artists Association members demonstrating their skills, a student art show, works by the Brevard Porcelain Artists at the Eau Gallie Civic Center, and a youth-oriented “Make It Art for Kids” visual arts program by the Brevard Art Museum School. For more information, call 242-1456.

The 46th Annual Space Coast Arts Festival will be held Thanksgiving weekend, November 28-29 in downtown Cocoa Beach. The juried show of fine arts and fine crafts also offers food, drink, live music, student arts, and loads of children’s activities. All of this is kicked off with a 5K run on Thanksgiving morning (11/26). Always a fun-filled family weekend and a great opportunity to run into friends and neighbors, you can learn more about the Festival by checking out the Program Guide inserted into this month’s issue or by logging onto www.spacecoastartfestival.com.

Celebrate some true Florida treasures during the art festival (11/28-29) with original Highwaymen artists Al Black, Roy Mclendon and Mary Ann Carroll (the only female of the group). Their gallery will be located at 8 Minutemen Cswy. where the legendary artists will be available to discuss their life’s work and sign books. Their are 26 original Highwaymen painters, of these, only six remain. Come browse their award-winning Florida landscapes.

Community volunteers are getting together to serve those who are in need, homeless, or hungry this Thanksgiving season. Dinner starts at 11 a.m. and will end at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, November 26 at Sydney Fischer Park, 2100 block of A1A in Cocoa Beach. Call Daniel Socarras at 591-2441 if you have any donations or are interested in volunteering.

Plan ahead for another Artisans Market at Juice N’ Java on December 2 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The gathering will offer an opportunity to buy directly from local artists. Expect sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewelry by Pam Werneth; quirky mermaid and tropical art by Lorene Prell of Black Dog Gallery; mixed media creations by Diane Reynolds; pottery by Fran, and unique clothing by Barb Schurlaff. Juice-N-Java Café is located at 75 N. Orlando Ave. in downtown Cocoa Beach. For more information, call 784-3349.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The well-recognized VanGo Mobile Museum takes off this month loaded with masterpieces by Picasso, Van Gogh and Cassette, to name but a few. Sharing world-famous, original artwork with school children who have never been to a real museum is just one goal of the educational unit on wheels. The exhibit of well-known masterpieces is provided by Brevard County artists “Pieces of Eight.” The painted reproductions were a project the group took on to learn more about the styles that influenced the art world. The local artists also published a collection of their work called “The Masters’ Pieces,” which will serve as educational background for the children. Learn more about them group at www.piecesof8.net or by calling 773-3699. Check out the mobile museum project at www.vangoartmobile.com.

If you ever considered being a Child Advocate in the past but were unable to attend the lecture classes, another option is soon to be available. Starting the week of November 16, anyone who meets the requirements to be a Guardian ad Litem may sign up to take the majority of their training online. Guardian ad Litems must be 19 years of age, pass the background screen, provide references and complete 30 hours of training. After training, being a GAL only takes between 6 to 8 hours a month. Classes will complete on December 5 at the Moore Justice Center. For more information please call Patricia Williams at 321-690-6823 or email patricia.williams@brevardcounty.us.

As we reported last month, all Brevard County Public Libraries are having their budgets cut beginning October 1. The Cocoa Beach Library, for one, will experience a 63% reduction in the book budget, a loss of 126 staff hours per week, and a reduction in library open hours by 7 per week. To help with the book budget cut, the Friends of the Library have established a “Book Fund.” All donations to this fund will go toward purchasing books for the Library’s collection. To help with the loss of 126 staff hours per week, the Library will be actively recruiting volunteers to help out in each department; a handout is available at the Library listing all the volunteer opportunities. All help they receive is extremely appreciated, if even if you can offer only a few hours per week. To fin out how you can help, call 868-1104, or stop by the library at 550 N. Brevard Ave. in Cocoa Beach.

These new hours for the Cocoa Beach Public Library will take effect on October 4: Sunday, 1-5; Monday, 10-6; Tuesday 9-8; Wednesday, 9-8; Thursday, 10-6; Saturday, 9-5. The Library’s featured artist for October is Central Brevard Art Association member John Cielukowski, whose original acrylic paintings employ images of farm animals, cats, and amusement park memorabilia. Here are just a few of the Library’s events planned through October: Oktoberfest music with The Retro Reeds, Tuesday, October 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The “People in Print” series presents Annette Clifford, author of “The World’s Toughest Job: Tales of Modern Motherhood,” Wednesday, October 14 at 3 p.m. Annette, a journalist and mother of three, writes a weekly parenting column in Florida Today and other newspapers nationwide. Learn how to grow herbs in Brevard with Horticultural Extension Agent Sally Scalera, Thursday, October 15 at 10 a.m. Cost is $5.00. To register, call the Extension Office at 633-1702 or register online at brevard.ifas.ufl.edu. The 14th Annual Sea-Bean Symposium and Beachcomber’s Festival will take place Friday, October 16 (from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Saturday, October 17 (from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) Noted scientists, authors and enthusiasts of sea-beans and other drifting materials will be present. Displays, slides, beach walks, contests and discussions will make this an interesting weekend. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Curtis Ebbesmeyer, a pioneering oceanographer who will unravel the mystery of marine currents, uncover the astonishing story of flotsam, and change the world’s view of trash, the ocean, and our global environment by calling attention to the threats that global warming and disintegrating plastic waste pose to the seas — and to us. Bring your sea-beans and unidentified treasures to the experts; See the famous “Bean-O-Matic” and help identify your sea-beans; Win prizes at the Bean-A-Thon or in the Odd Bean Contest. Lastly, the Library’s popular Harvest Festival will take place Sunday, October 25. Featuring children’s games, contests, crafts and refreshments, this celebration is sure to draw a big crowd. The Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Call 868-1104 for more events, or visit www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.org

Come to the Freedom 7 Senior Community Center on Saturday, October 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for their annual rummage sale. Rain or shine, the sale will take place inside the auditorium at Cocoa Beach Country Club. Tables for sellers will be as follows: $10 for F7 members; $20 for non-members. Call 783-9505 for more information or to reserve now. Pre-payment is required to anchor your reservation. Shoppers mark your calendars — this will be a great chance to help a worthy local cause, as well as help the individual sellers earn some money while you cash in on bargains for Christmas shopping. Freedom 7 is currently accepting reservations for tables as well as donated items for their fundraising table. Other Center happenings include their hosting of flu shots Wednesday, October 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Wednesday, December 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registered nurses from Maxim Healthcare will provide the vaccines. Maxim files most insurances with zero-expense to the consumer. The Freedom 7 Senior Center is located at 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. in Cocoa Beach. For more details on these and other events, call 783-9505 or visit www.freedom7seniors.org.

This October 2-4 sees the inaugural Cocoa Beach Air Show, featuring over three hours of military and civilian aerial performances taking place over the oceanfront from Noon to 3 p.m. Military performers already announced include the U.S. Air Force Viper East Demo Team, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the U.S. Air Force Reserve 920th Rescue Wing. The Take-Off Party on Friday night, October 2nd will kick off air show weekend in Cocoa Beach. The Golden Knights will perform a dazzling night jump over the ocean and land in the middle of the party.  The Air Force Reserve’s elite pararescuemen will be performing high-altitude low-opening jumps into the Atlantic Ocean from the HC-130P/N or “King” — the backbone of the 920th Rescue Wing. They’ll be demonstrating how they “get to work” when they have to rescue mariners in distress or astronauts who have bailed out of the space shuttle. Then the HH-60G Pave Hawks, or “Jollies,” will sweep in for some precision water action operations with the PJs. Finally, a grand finale three-ship, air-to-air refueling. Lastly, look for the soon-to-be released Navy Seal Rescue documentary on the Smithsonian Channel featuring the 920th Rescue Wing. For more details, check out www.cocoabeachairshow.com.

Surfside Players will present “Beyond Therapy” October 2 – 11, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. All tickets are $10. This is the first show this season of Surfside’s “Second Stage” program of avant-garde plays. As such, “Beyond Therapy” contains strong language; and is intended for mature audiences only. The Surfside Playhouse is located at 301 Ramp Rd. in Cocoa Beach. For reservations and more information, call 783-3127 or visit www.surfsideplayers.com.

Don’t miss the 1st Annual Cocoa Village Oktoberfest October 22-25. The four-day event kicks off on Wednesday, October 22 with the Brevard County Schools Night from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. All Brevard County students get an unlimited ride armband for just $10 when they show their student ID. Friday, October 23 sees the Fest’s Halloween Party from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dress up for the contest for loads of prizes. On Saturday, October 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., celebrants will enjoy free admission to the carnival and midway Riverfront Park. Afterwards, from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., the Oktoberfest Street Party will be held for $10 per person between Brevard Ave. and Harrison St. Look forward to four live performance stages and more. The event winds down on Sunday, October 25 with free admission to the carnival and midway park area from 11:30 a.m. till 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.cocoavillageoktoberfest.com

Plan ahead for Satellite Beach Founder’s Day & Woman’s Club Marketplace on November 7. The theme “Rock Around the Clock” will set the tone for this festive city event. Expect a spectacular parade, live music and entertainment, food, a plant sale, a farmer’s market, and superior crafters. Parade entries (neighborhood characters encouraged) can call 773-6458 to participate in the parade which steps off at 11 a.m. from DeLaura Middle School. Contact Suzanne at 777-5947 for craft or artist booth rentals.

Here’s a brief list of activities and classes planned through Satellite Beach’s David R. Schechter Community Center. Sunday, October 4: Skate Contest at noon. Ages 8 to adult. Skaters sign up and pay the $10 entry fee at the Satellite Beach Skatepark on the day of the contest — no pre-registration is necessary. Prior to skating, a signed waiver must be on file and completed by parent. Skaters 18 years or older may complete their own waiver. All skaters must wear a helmet — no exceptions. Tons of prizes, raffle, contest awards. Refreshments and food will be available. Friday, October 16: Creatures of the Night from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ages: 8 to 12. Kids can join this exciting program on their school holiday to learn about bats and owls. This is not just any nature program; students will be searching for both night creatures on Samsons Island. Cost is  $12. Space is limited, so enroll quickly. Call 773-6458 for more details. Also on October 16: Craft-o-Rama Blast at the Center from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ages: 4 to 11. Enjoy an evening of fun, food and crafts. Make a holiday craft for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Kids will enjoy crafts, hot dog, chips and a drink while parents get time to go shopping or grab a bite to eat. October 24: Bring your dog in costume to the Halloween Howl. The Satellite Beach Dog Park hosts this annual event for the enjoyment of the dogs and their crazy owners who dress them up for Halloween. Ages: adult handlers. The event begins at 10 a.m. Cost is $3.50 per dog. Note: Dog Park entry requirements apply (printed rabies shot records and county tags). On October 25: “Spook Parade.” The SB Lions Club and the SB PAL have joined forces to bring you a free parade that will walk west from the SB Methodist Church (450 Lee Ave.) to the DRS Community Center at 5:45 p.m. Upon arrival, children will enter the Teen Zone where they will be met by PAL and Lions Club members. Kids will enjoy entertainment, music, refreshments and fun games. All the little “spooks” will leave with a bag filled with goodies. Ages: 2nd grade and younger. For more information on these and other programs, call the Center at 773-6458, or visit www.satellitebeach.org/recreation. The Center is located at 1089 S. Patrick Dr. in Satellite Beach.

Come share the fun with family and friends from 6 to 9 p.m. at “Friday at Fifth’s” October 16 Fall Festival in Indialantic’s Nance Park on A1A and Wavecrest Ave. This free community event will feature vendors, pumpkin and face painting, a children’s area with clowns, a magician, rides and activities, food and beverage booths and live music. For more information visit www.fridayatfifth.com, or call 508-6936.

On October 2, the Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD)will hold its monthly First Friday Art Walk Event from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. All art studios and galleries in the Eau Gallie Arts District will remain open late for a free gallery-walk featuring exhibition openings, demonstrations, refreshments, and music. To enhance October’s First Friday Art Walk, EGAD will host “The Great Pumpkin Stroll,” an artist’s pumpkin and gourd-carving competition with judging and prizes. The carved pumpkins and gourds will be lit and on display along Highland Ave. during the Art Walk. Winning creations will be on display at the Rotary Band Shell in Eau Gallie Square where the Brevard Symphony Orchestra’s Brass Quintet will present a free performance. Featured in the Art Walk is the Indian River Potters Guild’s Grand Opening and ribbon cutting. The Art & Antique Studio’s opening reception entitled, “A Journey through Water,” will display works by watercolorist Vicki Damon. The Highway Grrls Studio will host the “Nancy Dillen Retrospective: 30 Years of Art in Brevard County” along with live music from the Mark Baker Band. Allaprima Styling Group Studio and Salon will hold an art opening and book debut by Cindy Michaud titled, “She Knew, Finally,” and The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery will present the beautiful paintings and wire weavings of artist K. Shannon titled, “Seeing the Possiblities.” Art Expressions will be hosting a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) contest featuring arts and crafts by local artists. The Brevard Art Museum galleries will also be open from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for Jazz Friday. The Rossetter House Museum will remain open for evening Ghost Tours (call ahead for reservations at 245-985). For added First Friday enjoyment, Christine’s Café, Nosh & Ganache, Concepts on Highland, and San Remo restaurants will feature delicious dining and festive atmospheres. In addition to spectacular dinner menus, Mezza Luna and Squid Lips will be showcasing live entertainment. For more information, visit www.eaugalliearts.com.

The 2009 Melbourne Main Street Masters of Art Celebration will take place October 3-4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Historic Downtown Melbourne. Downtown Melbourne’s fall art festival is in its 16th year, and again is a limited, juried fine arts show with over 65 artists participating and displaying their original creations. The “art promenade” will run down the center of East New Haven Ave. from Waverly Place to Depot Drive. The event also features an entertainment pavilion in the Christmas Cottage and LoPressionism Gallery parking lot at 1002 E. New Haven at Depot Drive, where a variety of dance demonstrations and lessons will take place throughout each day. Car shows will also take place both days on Depot Drive, featuring the Space Coast Region Porsche Club of America on Saturday, and an assortment of exotic cars and Classic American makes on Sunday. Also “across the tracks,” the Berri Patch Preschool will host a variety of children’s activities in front of the Christmas Cottage. Also within the art promenade, a beer and wine pavilion will serve up refreshing beverages, food vendors will be serving a variety of tasteful meals and snacks, and Brevard County Bonsai Club members will demonstrate methods of artistic shaping of bonsai trees. For more information, call Melbourne Main Street at 724-1741.

BUSINESS

The highly anticipated opening of Sand on the Beach Bar & Grill is at last upon us. Located at 1005 Atlantic St. in Melbourne Beach, the multi-level Sand on the Beach (a member of the extended Djon Pepaj family) offers breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy spectacular oceanfront patio dining, as well as a bikini bar on the second level, and a full-liquor outdoor oceanfront lounge which opens at 5 p.m. For more details, call 327-8951 or go to www.sandonthebeach.com

Celebrate the Grand Opening of Indian River Potters’ Guild Friday, October 2, at 5 p.m. in the downtown Eau Gallie Arts District. The Guild, located at 1542 Guava Ave., will celebrate with live music, pottery demonstrations, and art gallery tours from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. A working pottery studio and ceramic art gallery, the IRPG offers a unique venue for art enthusiasts.  Its members share a passion for working with their hands, creating beautiful pieces for everyday use. Join the party and see for yourself why the Guild is already gaining a reputation as Brevard’s best ceramic studio and gallery. For more information, call 610-7802 or visit www.indianriverpottersguild.com.

The Art of Coffee in Cocoa Beach is proud to announce yet another of their legendary happenings on Sunday, October 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The popular café, located in the Banana River Square at 2053 N. Atlantic Ave., will host a day filled with original jams from Miami-based singer/songwriter Sol Ruiz and special guest Mike Mineo. Sol will be celebrating her return from a successful European summer tour and the release of her latest CD. The day’s events will also include a showing of local art, crafts and jewelry as well as homemade treats, good eats, coffee, tea, smoothies and more. To find out more, call the café at 783-0626.

Welcome the folks of Boardhead’s Deli to downtown Cocoa Beach. The small cold- and hot-sub sandwich shop, located at 24 N. Orlando Ave, Ste. G (across from Heidi’s, between Roberto’s Little Havana and Cocoa Beach Thai and Sushi), serves excellent hoagies and wraps, and snacks Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 785-2700 to place orders for pick-up, or drop in for a visit.

Shots Sport Bar is opening this month at 142 N. Orlando Ave. in downtown Cocoa Beach. Join their Halloween Pub Crawl on October 31, with individual costume contests to be held on the hour of each crawl visit — Coconuts on the Beach at 9 p.m.; Shuckleberry Fin’s at 10 p.m.; back at shots at 11 p.m. and ending at the Inner Room at Midnight. For more information, call 783-3777.

Cocoa Beach Brewing Company (Chris McCall — 150N. Atlantic Ave.; Cocoa Beach; 613-2941)

Brano’s Italian Grill, located at 3860 N. Atlantic Ave.; 474-2164

On Saturday, October 3, Fishlips at the Port is hosting a VIP Pilot Reception Street Party from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Come celebrate with the pilots after the Cocoa Beach Air Show (see above) and show your appreciation for the men and women in uniform. ”The Artist Connection” will have some of their artists on the street early showing their artwork from Noon to 10 p.m. The Tiki Band will be performing during the street party. Fishlips is located at 610 Glen Cheek Dr. in Port Canaveral. Visit www.fishlipswaterfront.com or call 784-4533 for more information.

Also at the Port, Milliken’s Reef presents “Art Walk In The Sand,” every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Socialize with local artists and enjoy live music, drink specials, and great food. This event is held in conjunction with The Artist Connection and Friends Of Art. For artist information, call 321-632-6979. Milliken’s Reef is located 683 Dave Nisbet Dr. in Cape Canaveral. You can visit them online at: www.millikensreef.com

On Saturday October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wabasso Dasie Hope Thrift Shop will be holding a special one-day-only storewide blowout sale. With hundreds of items at just $1, this will be a great event for the whole family to attend to find those special deals and save money on new wardrobe items for the fall. The huge outside sale with loads of merchandise priced at $1 or less will be held in front of the store at 8860 U.S. Hwy. 1, just one block north of the 510 Causeway. And your shopping dollars count: for every $4 spent at the store, three meals are served to a Dasie Hope child; for every $5 spent, $8 worth of school or other educational supplies are donated. For more details, call store manager Colleen at (772) 918-4640.

EVENTS

Plan ahead for the Sixth annual March of Dimes Bikers for Babies Ride November 7-8 at Space Coast Harley. The weekend kicks off Thursday, November 5 with a pre-registration party at Long Dogger’s Bike Night, with live music by Open Fire and a 50/50. Make a weekend of it and join them Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for live music with Open Fire, Kingstreet, and Elgin Hooper, radio host Iron Dave and emcee DJ Doc Holiday, as well as a fashion show at 2 p.m. Look forward to vendors, food, beer, 50/50 and more. On Sunday, November 8, registration is open from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Then it’s kickstands up and off they go at 11 a.m. After the ride, enjoy lunch (included with registration), live music with the Sweetwater Junction Band, DJ Doc Holiday, vendors, beer, a tattoo contest and a silent auction loaded with awesome goodies. The cost is $35 per rider; $10 per passenger. Register by November 1 and save $10. Join them this year and help them save the tiniest of lives. For more information, call April at 695-4512 or Lisa at 259-1311, and visit www.bikersforbabies.com.

Attention plant lovers: Monday evening, October 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Melbourne Library, 540 E. Fee Ave., the Conradina Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society presents biologist and Florida native Tim Kozusko, who will speak on the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park and the landscape shaped by the unique interaction of fire and water that supports one of the more floristically diverse ecosystems in Florida. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact 729-6857. Join them for an inspiring evening and maybe leave with a door prize. The Conradina Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is a non-profit organization. Check www.fnps.org for additional information.

Come take part in a Breast Cancer Awareness and Educational Surf and Volleyball Event Saturday, October 24 at the Cocoa Beach Pier. The event, scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is sponsored by Rockledge MRI and the P.E.T. Center. Call Rob for more information at 432-6165.

On October 17, the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum will sponsor the Third Annual Causeway-to-Causeway Paddle Challenge. The C2C is a grueling 22-mile time challenge for all types of paddle craft. The course starts on the Indian River at the 520 Causeway in Cocoa Village and runs all the way to Pineda Causeway and back. It’s one of the longest paddleboard races in the world. For more information, go to www.cocoabeachsurfmuseum.org, or call 258-8217.

A fashion show entitled “The Fashionable Traveler,” will take place Saturday, October 3 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Tides, PAFB. The Tides is located at 1001 N. Hwy. A1A, at Patrick Air Force Base. The show will feature fashions from Caché and Patchington, and the speaker will be Barbara Moss, who has traveled extensively and will share some of her travel experiences. Show tickets are $12, which includes luncheon, goodie bags for each attendee, and door prizes. The show is sponsored by First Baptist Church of Indialantic, and tickets can be purchased by contacting the church office at 723-5217.

The Joe Realino Fund is having its 28 annual Chad Carroll Memorial duffer’s scramble golf tournament on Sunday, October 11. The event will be held at the Cocoa Beach Country Club. Cost is $75 per player and registration begins at Noon. Shotgun start 1 p.m. Expect plenty of food, drink, fun and prizes. The Realino Fund assists with living expenses for qualified hospitality industry employees in Brevard County who are out of work due to injury or illness. Since 1969, the non-profit Fund has given out over $1 million in assistance and was named one of the 1,000 Points of Light Foundations. For more information, contact Joanna Kemp at 223-4003, or Ron Chabot 636-2377.

On Friday, October 16 starting at 6 p.m., The Gallery Club of downtown Melbourne will present the artist solo show, “Panther: The Journey.” Panther has been painting and showing her art in Brevard County for over 16 years and her art has reached wide audiences with highly successful Wyland Galleries at Boardwalk, Polynesian, and Porto Fino Disney locations. Her new solo show will feature both her fresco “Rock” artworks and the newer high-gloss wood creations. We see in her work a celebration of woman and the female body, a fascinating sea journey, and an eagerness to explore and share more inspiration and innovation in art. The Gallery Club is located at 701 E. New Haven Ave., Suite 201 in Melbourne. Call 557-2643 for more information on Panther’s opening and other planned events or visit www.thegallerymelbourne.com

The Georgianna United Methodist Church is holding its first Holiday Bazaar on October 31. The event hosts 16 quality vendors with a large variety of hand-crafted and handmade items. Items include porcelain art, stained glass, watercolors, fine wood turnings, beaded jewelry and barefoot wear, as well as folk art, machine embroidery, aprons, tea towels, quilted purses, tote bags, and wall hangings. You’ll also find hand-crafted sterling silver jewelry, painted gourds, Santas, angels, ornaments and much more for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Yum Yum Foods will include handmade chocolates and cookies for the Fall and Christmas seasons. Baskets are available for gift giving throughout the holiday season. The United Methodist Women’s home made bakery will also be open to delight visitors. The Bazaar will be held in the main Sanctuary at 3925 South Tropical Trail in Merritt Island from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 31. Proceeds will support need-based missions.

A free craft show will be held Saturday, October 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 2030 Hwy. A1A in Indialantic. Contact the church for more details.

October Events at the Barrier Island Center (8385 S. Hwy. A1A in Melbourne Beach; 723-3556; www.barrierislandcenter.com) abound. On Saturday, October 10; 1 p.m.: Learn about the Sunshine State’s Alternative Energy Solution and how the clean free unlimited power of Florida’s sunlight can help you reduce your energy costs as well as your carbon footprint. John Drndak, Engineer and President of Climatic Solar in Vero Beach will share his 30 years experience using solar energy to heat homes, pools and even make electricity. And that same day at 2 p.m., follow environmental stewardship advocate and filmmaker Jeff Barrie on his adventure across America in search of solutions to our energy needs using conservation and green power. Thursday, 15 October from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. discover how energy powers the world around us and what we can do to conserve it with an adventure activity, story and eco-friendly craft. Enrollment is limited to 10 children ages 3 to 4 and their adult. To provide a quality experience for all, please make other arrangements for siblings. Call 723-3556 to make your reservation. Beach clean-up is set for Saturday October 17 at 9 a.m. and Saturday, October 24 at 1 p.m. come to decorate a reusable trick-or-treat sock with native creatures of the night that glow in the dark. Visit www.barrierislandcenter.com for more information.

The South Brevard Historical Society is pleased to present Society board member Jill Berry as their monthly program guest speaker. At 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 10 in the Melbourne Public Library (540 E. Fee Ave.), Jill will share the little-known and fascinating story of the pioneering Clohecy family who settled in south Brevard in 1874. Jill, a resident of south Brevard for over three decades, is a realtor and local historian and has been researching the Clohecy family for the last five years in preparation for a book. The public is welcome and admission is free. For more information, log on to www.southbrevardhistory.org, or call 725-4115.

The Suntree Fall Festival due to be held Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 6300 N. Wickham Road is still looking for sponsors. The free family festival will offer pony rides, face painting, train rides, food samples and loads of children’s activities. Please help them continue to provide families with a free outing for the day. To find out more call or email Linda at 302-0905 — langelo@cfl.rr.com

The Port Fest 2009 Street and Beer Festival is set for Saturday, October 24 at Port Canaveral. Events include the Pink Ribbon Walk for Breast Cancer, Flavors of the Port, two stages of live music, a cornhole tournament, bed and bathtub races, adult and kids shrimp -eating contest and a grand finale fireworks show. For event information, visit: www.visitportcanaveral.com. For vendor and sponsor information, contact Jennifer Teolis at (407) 947-0166.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Local film “The Cops Did It,” is set to open November 6 at the Roxy Cinema 10 on the corner of Babcock and Palm Bay Rd. The locally-produced comedy features more than 250 local actors and musician’s music, including contributions from David Pastorius, Jason Noon and the Lights Out Project, Steve Thorpe and more. Legendary filmmaker Lloyd Kaufman of NYC’s Troma films in plays “Wally the Pimp.” Check www.thecopsdidiit.com for further information.

The Brevard Art Museum has announced the receipt of a $1,100 grant from the Community Foundation of Brevard this past September. Funds received allow the Museum to continue its Art-n-Soul program, dedicated to survivors of domestic violence. Art-n-Soul provides an opportunity for children to express themselves creatively in a supportive environment and provides a window in which to see future successes. Because of the generosity of the Community Foundation of Brevard, the Museum will be able to continue the outreach program unprecedented in our community, which will explore, develop and practice creativity as a means of wellness for families affected by the turmoil of domestic violence. To find out more, go to: www.brevardartmuseum.com.

The Brevard Schools Foundation and the Brevard Cultural Alliance will be hosting a fundraiser on October 7 at the Heritage Isle Club House in Viera to benefit the Artist In Residence and their Discover the Talent in Children Programs. For the last two years, featured Resident painter and local muralist Vern Mattioli was chosen by the committee to work with students on a Florida wildlife scene for a local school as part of these programs. Help support this worthy cause. To find out more, go to www.artsbrevard.org.

Look out Facebook, here comes Peoplestring, the newest innovation to hit the cyber community. Membership is free, along with video email. Unlike Facebook and Myspace, Peoplestring pays its members per click to surf the web. Its new social portal has been described as “Facebook on steriods.” Log on to www.peoplestringguy.com to get your free membership.

Voter Registration by the Supervisor of Elections will be held in the Cocoa Beach Library Tuesday, September 1 from 10 a.m. until Noon to accommodate new registrations, name changes, address changes, replacement cards, vote-by-mail registration, and signature updates for the vote-by-mail option. Also in Cocoa Beach Library news, artist Jeanne Weaver will host a reception on Sunday, September 13 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Her oils are currently on display in the main library. As part of the “People In Print” series, best selling author Stuart Woods returns to promote, sign and sell his new book “Hothouse Orchid, the brand-new page-turning Holly Barker novel, on Friday, September 25 at 2 p.m. Copies of the novel, which will be released on September 22, will be available for $25.95. The Library’s “Music on a Sunday Afternoon” program kicks off a new season with award-winning folk song writer Sharon Osuna, Sunday, September 27 at 2 p.m. The performance will feature folk-style singing and acoustic guitar with loads of country blues standards and original songs featuring humorous lyrics and fun Florida themes. Sharon took honors in the Best New Florida Song Contest held during the 2007 Will McLean Festival. The Library will be closed Monday, September 7 for Labor Day. The Cocoa Beach Public Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave. Call 868-1104 or visit www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.com for information on other programs being held throughout the month.

Which leads us to some distressing news: All public libraries in Brevard County are having their budgets cut in the Fiscal Year beginning October 1. The final budget will not be adopted by the County Commissioners until September 22, but here is what is proposed for the Cocoa Beach Library: a 63% reduction in the book budget, a loss of 126 staff hours per week, and a reduction in library open hours by 7 per week. To help with the book budget cut, the Friends of the Library have esatblished a “Book Fund.” All donations to this fund will go toward purchading books for the Library’s collection. Response thus far has been outstanding, and the Libary thanks all of their generous donors. To help with the loss of 126 staff hours per week, the Library will be actively recruiting volunteers to help out in each department — Circulation Desk, Reference Desk, Youth Desk, and in the Technical Processing Department. A handout is available at the Library listing all the volunteer opportunities. All help they receive is extremely appreciated, if even if you can offer only a few hours per week. You can also help all of Brevard County’s libraries fight hunger. Donations of food can be dropped off at any County Library through September 30 to be given to County Food Banks. With the ever increasing cost of medical care, gasoline, groceries and many other items, many people are turning to food banks as a way to meet their needs and the needs of their families. For library locations and phone numbers, go to: www.brev.org or inquire at the library nearest you to find out how you can help.

The Surfside Youth Players are now accepting applications for the Fall 2009 Performing Arts Workshop Program for students in Grades 3 through 8. The program runs through November 12 with performances scheduled for November 13 and 14. Workshop classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays (attendance both days required) from 4:45 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. Tuition is $345 for the semester, and includes all supplies, a commemorative t-shirt, and a DVD recording of the final performance. Applications are available online at: www.surfsideplayers.com. You can also call 784-9347 or 783-3127 for more details. For three weekends, from September 4-20, the Players are also presenting “Harvey,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy that was famously adapted into a 1950 film starring James Stewart. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and active military, and $10 for students. The Surfside Playhouse is located at 301 Ramp Rd. in Cocoa Beach.

Summer is officially over, but there are still plenty of activities and classes planned through Satellite Beach’s David R. Schechter Community Center, located at 1089 S. Patrick Dr. Here’s a sampling of just a few: Saturday, 9/12 at the Satellite Beach Skate Park: “Beginners Only Skate & Pizza Session”; 10 a.m. to Noon; Ages 10 and under; Cost: $8/skater which includes skate session, pizza and beverage, and giveaways. The idea is to get the younger beginner skaters enthusiastic about showing off their tricks in a fun way. Everyone is a winner and pizza will be served to the skaters. No preregistration necessary; please sign up at the park on the day of the event. Saturday, 9/12 at the DRS Gym: “Blacklight Volleyball;” 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Ages 11-17; Cost: $5 per player paid at the door. Register at volleytechacademy@gmail.com. Direct questions to Coach Melanie at 917-6825. Saturday, 9/19 at the Satellite Beach Fire Department: Adult Heartsaver CPR Courses; 9 a.m.to Noon. The courses offer a two-year American Heart Association Certification; Cost: $35 (includes certification card – books available for $15). Registration and payment guarantees you a spot in the class and must be made by Noon on Friday prior to the course. Make checks payable to the City of Satellite Beach and mail or drop payments to: Satellite Beach Fire Dept.; 1390 S. Patrick Dr.; Satellite Beach, FL 32937. Questions or concerns can be directed to 773-4405. Saturday, 9/26 at the DRS Teen Zone: 8th Annual Adult Super Bunko Blast; Doors open at 6 p.m. and dice roll at 7 p.m. Enjoy this action-packed game, meet a lot of great people and win prizes. An “Italian Buffet” prepared by Bizzarro’s of Satellite Beach will be served along with soft drinks and adult beverages. Silent auction, Chinese auction, prizes and fun are included. This event is sponsored by the Police Athletic League (PAL); Cost: $15 advanced tickets (available at the Recreation Dept.) or $20 at the door. For more information, call PAL at 777-8336. Check also with the DRS Community Center for loads of other activites and events, including a series of helpful computer classes. For more information, call the Center at 773-6458, or visit www.satellitebeach.org/recreation

This month, the Historic Rossetter House Museum & Gardens in Old Eau Gallie will be the scene of a crime with participants playing the detective in a “Clue”-style Murder Mystery Tour. On Thursday, September 24 (at 6 p.m.; 6:30 p.m.; 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday, September 27 (at 1:30 p.m.; 2 p.m.; 2:30 p.m.; 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.), mysterious scenes will be played throughout the Rossetter House by a group of local actors during a 45-minute tour. Was it Miss Scarlett with the rope in the kitchen or Professor Plum with the candlestick in the study? Solve the mystery correctly and enter drawing for the grand prize. Admission is $7.50 per person; $12 per family (2 adults and 2 children). The Historic Rossetter House Museum & Gardens is located at 1320 Highland Ave. in the downtown Eau Gallie Arts District. For more information or to make a reservation, call 254-9855.

The Eau Gallie Arts District will hold its First Friday Art Walk Event on September 4. All art studios and galleries in the Eau Gallie Arts District will remain open until 8 p.m. for a free gallery walk featuring exhibit openings, demonstrations, refreshments, and music. Bring your blankets to enjoy music in Eau Gallie Square Park’s bandshell. Linda Peterson will perform jazz selections at the Brevard Art Museum’s Jazz Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jazz Friday is free for museum members and $10 for non-members. In addition, the 5th Avenue Gallery will hold an opening reception for their “100% Pure Florida” Exhibition. Visit www.5thAvenueArtGallery.com for more details. Also, the Highway Grrls Studio will feature the return of Maximilian Rener along with music by the Mark Baker Band. The Art & Antique Studios will host an opening reception entitled, “The Sky’s the Limit,” which features works by longtime friends Lolly Walton and Brian Trench. The Indian River Pottery Guild will offer a pottery demonstration, spectacular ceramics, and tasty treats. Be sure to walk around the corner to Guauva street to visit the Potter’s Guild. For added First Friday enjoyment, Squid Lips, Mezza Luna, Christine’s Cafe, and Nosh & Ganache restaurants will showcase live music, delicious dining, and festive atmosphere. For more information, go to: www.eaugalliearts.com

In addition to their Friday Family Fest scheduled for September 11, Melbourne Main Street is hosting an “Hipstoric” Florida Main Street Event and Conference from Wednesday, September 16 through Friday, September 18 at the Henegar Center in Historic Downtown Melbourne. The Center, located at 625 E. New Haven Avenue, will present discussions offering strategies for historic commercial district revitalization, with educational sessions presented by professionals from around Florida and the nation. Session topics this year include: marketing, branding, volunteer training, social networking, grant writing, cultural tourism, green communities, entrepreneur success, farmers’ markets, historic preservation, Florida architecture, urban design, web site development, economic restructuring, organization, and more. Across the nation, many towns are discovering that the Main Street approach can bring about dramatic positive change downtown. For more information on the Conference, call 724-1741.

The Melbourne Art Festival, Inc. (MAF) invites you to participate in its Silent Art Auction Saturday, September 26 at the Henegar Center in historic downtown Melbourne. The Auction’s proceeds fund the annual MAF Student Art Scholarship, awarded to a deserving Brevard County high school senior, and other art education endeavors in Brevard County. Artisans from the 25 Annual 2009 Melbourne Art Festival donated over 170 art pieces for this year’s Auction. Light refreshments with an open bar will be available for participants. Advance purchase entry tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple. An entry ticket purchased at the Auction on the day of the event will be $45 per person. Melbourne Art Festival, Inc. is a non-profit Florida corporation whose mission is to organize and present an annual art festival and to further promote and encourage artistic endeavors, education, and appreciation in Brevard County. For more details, call 722-1964.

Recreational opportunities ranging from classes in karate and belly dancing to indoor rummage sales and holiday events are announced in the newest edition of “Leisure Pursuits,” a free publication available at City of Melbourne facilities and online at www.melbourneflorida.org/leisure. Registration for a variety of fall classes for people of varied interests and ages began Monday, August 17 at the class sites. Leisure Pursuits will continue to offer a guide to recreation programs available in coming months. Along with listing classes that are held at various City recreation centers, the publication will also serve as a comprehensive resource for people interested in other recreation opportunities, including aquatic programs, tennis, and golf, and additional athletic programs. Leisure Pursuits also offers rental information for those interested in utilizing City buildings, pavilions, and pools for special events. Visit www.melbourneflorida.org/leisure or drop by Melbourne City Hall for your copy.

This October 3-4 sees the inaugural Cocoa Beach Air Show, featuring over 3 hours of military and civilian aerial performances taking place over the oceanfront from Noon to 3 p.m. Military performers already announced include the U.S. Air Force Viper East Demo Team, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the U.S. Air Force Reserve 920th Rescue Wing. The Take Off Party on Friday night, October 2nd will kick off air show weekend in Cocoa Beach. The Golden Knights will perform a dazzling night jump over the ocean and land in the middle of the party. For more details, check out www.cocoabeachairshow.com

Cocoa Beach’s 2009 Fall Into Winter 5K Run, which is open to all runners young and old, will take place on Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 a.m. The race will start on Cocoa Beach at 1st Street South; head south on the beach to a turnaround spot near 13th Street South; and finish at Coconuts on the Beach at the east end of Minutemen Causeway. Individual registration fees are $20 before September 12 and $25 after that date and until 7:15am on race day. Team competition is open to all area businesses and government agencies. Each team will consist of 1 female, 1 master runner (40 and older), and 2 other best finishing team participants. Team entry fee is $90 and will not be accepted after September 22. Trophies will be awarded to winners of the top 3 places in each age group and also for team competition winners. T-shirts will be given out to all registered competitors. To obtain an application form or for more information regarding this event, please contact Laird McLean at the Cocoa Beach Recreation Department at 868-3252 or 868-3274.

Calling all beach lovers: a coast-wide Beach Clean-Up organized by Keep Brevard Beautiful and Ocean Conservancy is set to take place Saturday, September 19 from 8 a.m. to Noon. The Clean-Up project, which will encompass beaches from the Merritt Island Refuge in Titusville down to Sebastian Inlet, is in great need of volunteers. Keep Brevard Beautiful, Ocean Conservancy and project sponsors will provide trash bags, gloves, data cards, pencils and sunscreen. Volunteers should bring drinking water and a snack, if desired. Free t-shirts while supplies last. Check www.keepbrevardbeautiful.com for more details on specific check-in sites.

BUSINESS

“Save the Date” for Thursday, September 17th at 6 p.m., when the good people of the Flying Corkscrew wine and beer shop join with Travelmax and Royal Caribbean for a night of wine tasting, light snacks and fun. Learn about Royal Caribbean’s impeccable Gold Anchor Dining Service onboard all of their ships from RC’s Joanne Cotterman. Knowledgeable staff from Travelmax (a Virtuoso Travel Agency serving Brevard County for over 25 years) will be on hand to answer any questions. Also, don’t miss out on the “One Night Only” Royal Caribbean discounts and prizes at the Flying Corkscrew, Melbourne’s Premier wine specialists. Hurry and RSVP by September 10th. Space is limited and first-come first-serve. Email or call your RSVP to marcy@travelmax.com or call Travelmax at 676-1770. Please note that the Flying Corkscrew’s regular Friday evening tastings have been suspended until the fall. Check back with the Resident for updates. The Flying Corkscrew is located at 1877 S. Patrick Dr. in Indian Harbour Beach. Call 773-8757 for more information, or visit www.brevardwines.com.

Come to Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar (628 Glen Cheek Dr.; Port Canaveral) this Labor Day Weekend, Saturday, September 5, to enjoy lots of great live music, great food and drink and loads of fun, including the popular “Corn Hole Tour.” From 5 p.m.-till, “Spred the Dub” with the Stone Soup Band, and DJ Nick Michael. You can even dock and dine at Rusty’s; call ahead to reserve your slip — 783-2033. Visit them online at: www.rustysseafood.com

Cocoa Beach’s T.F. Onion Café & Deli (located in the Cape Royal Building, 1980 N. Atlantic Ave.; Ste. 105) will stay open later on September 25 and October 16 for “T.F. Onion by Candlelight,” featuring fine dining dishes from their restaurants in New York. Call 784-9400 for more details and to make reservations for these very special nights.

Join Cocoa Beach Health and Fitness this month for a special offer. Enroll now and get a free session with a personal trainer, a free smoothie from the Smoothie Shack (located within the building), 1/2 off your first massage and $10 off a facial, as well access to over 140 classes per month including Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Spinning and much more. Cocoa Beach Health and Fitness is located at 355 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Drop in or call 613-2969 for more details. Check them out online at: www.cocoabeachhealthandfitness.com

Grown-ups can now enjoy the fun of Mary Moon’s popular Surf Art Camp during some upcoming September sessions. Session 1: 9/8-10 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Session 2: 9/11-13 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $250 includes all instruction, board rental and a healthy lunch. Enjoy three days of learning to surf, relaxing yoga and cool art projects. A sunset kayak trip is optional. Mary Moon’s Surf Art Camps will be held at the beautiful Beach Place Guesthouses (1445 S. Atlantic Ave.; Cocoa Beach). Call 799-3432 to reserve your session.Visit Mary Moon online at:
www.marymoonarts.com

City Tropics Bistro has announced that they’re extending their kitchen hours to offer a full menu Monday through Saturday until midnight. In addition, the Bistro (located at 249 5th Avenue; Indialantic) also recewntly implemented “Wine Down Thursdays,” in their wine room with a selection of different wines offered for tasting each Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. The cost is $15 per person and gets you delicious flatbread, pizza, and cheeses and fruit that will complement the wines. For more information, call 723-1300 or log on to: www.citytropics.com

The ever-popular Jersey Girl’s Deli (3800 N. Atlantic Ave., between IHOP and Subway in Cocoa Beach) is now open later in response to popular demand. Enjoy their excellent sandwiches Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays and Satrudays from 11 to 7 p.m. and Sundays from Noon till 6 p.m. They’re closed Mondays, but did we mention that they deliver, too? Call orders ahead at 613-2953.

EVENTS

The 17th Annual Doctors Lawyers Weekend Warriors Surf Festival will be held at Sebastian Inlet on Friday and Saturday, September 18 and 19. Each year, the festival benefits children’s charities in Brevard County with this year’s prime beneficiary being the Boys and Girls Clubs of Brevard. On Friday, September 18, Bill McMillan (Contest Director) will have the “practice heats” available, a rare opportunity to surf 1Peak with just a few friends. The judging will start on Saturday at 8 a.m. sharp. The Festival is also happy to announce that the location of their traditional surf party on the 18th will be the new Café Surfinista at 222 1st St. North in Downtown Cocoa Beach from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dinner will be $15 ($10 for kids under 12) and organizers will have live music, a cash bar and a ton of fun on hand. You don’t have to be a doctor or a lawyer, but you must be over 30 and have, or have had a job to compete. For more information on the event, contact Jack at 727-8100 or visit www.doctorslawyersweekendwarriors.com

The 24th Annual NKF Pro-Am Surf Festival benefitting the National Kidney Foundation takes place Friday through Monday September 4-7 at Shepard Park and the Cocoa Beach Pier in Cocoa Beach. Professional and amateur surfers will hit the waves beginning Saturday, September 5. Competitions include the Steve Casanova Men’s Pro, the Angel Eyewear Women’s Pro, Anarchy Eyewear Junior Men’s Pro, and the Space Coast Credit Union Men’s Pro Longboard. Surfing continues throughout the weekend with amateur and professional finals taking place on Labor Day. You can check out the surf conditions during the surf festival by visiting www.cocoabeachnow.com and viewing their online beach cam.

This world class event features both Professional and Amateur surfing events including competitive tandem surfing, a family-friendly swimsuit competition, bands and entertainment throughout the weekend to guarantee something for everyone, so bring the entire family out for a great time. The event will also feature a press and media day, a competitors party held at the Cocoa Beach Surf Company and a VIP reception for honored sponsors, guests, business and political leaders.

The weekend includes the popular Taste of Brevard and Silent Auction held Sunday night, September 6 at the Doubletree in Cocoa Beach.  Last year, this event featured over 25 fine local restaurants sponsors, more than 1000 attendees, and over 800 items in the Silent Auction. All of the proceeds go to the National Kidney Foundation of Florida whose mission is preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.

For more information on the NKF Pro-Am Surfing Festival call (407) 894-7325 or visit us online at www.nkfsurf.com.

Surfer’s For Autism comes to Cocoa Beach this September 19 at Lori Wilson Park, located at 1500 N. Atlantic Ave. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Surfers For Autism will take children with autism surfing under the watchful eye of amazed parents and beachgoers, all of whom are changed forever. Come out and support the kids and families or lend a helping hand. Read more about the event in this issue’s “Twenty Questions” feature, or call (561) 445-7154 for more information.

This month The Brevard Art Museum welcomes local photographer Ray Baldino and his black-and-white portraits featured in the his book “Brick by Brick: Documenting Lives and Telling Stories.” The Museum celebrates “Brick by Brick” in black and white with a special opening night “Black & White Party” featuring food, entertainment and book signing by the artist from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $40 per person or $75 per couple. Ticket sales benefit the Brevard Art Museum in this first of the Museum’s C.A.R.E (Community Artist Recognition Exhibition) series. “Brick by Brick” boasts 55 personal interviews of local luminaries with proceeds from the sale of the book benefiting eight local non-profit organizations. Photos from the project will be on view from September 12-27. RSVP to Tina at 242-0737 or email tina@brevardartmuseum.org. The Museum is located at 1463 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne. Visit the Museum online for more information on upcoming events and programs at: www.brevardartmuseum.com or tune into 89.5 FM to hear about developments during the new “Museum Minute” program produced in partnership with WFIT.

Cape Kennedy Corvette Club and Space Coast Vettes will be holding their annual charity poker rally to benefit Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation on Saturday, September 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning and ending at F. Burton Smith Park on SR 520, three miles west of interstate 95. Open to all corvette drivers for a $20 registration donation (passengers $10), the rally is expected to draw more than 100 participants from across Brevard. Last year, the rally raised more than $1,300 for Candlelighters. The preregistration deadline is September 15, after which donations are $25 for drivers and $13 for passengers. Participants will receive a continental breakfast, a hot dog lunch donated by Eckler’s Corvette Parts, a Kay’s BBQ dinner, soda, coffee, water and can enjoy an after-event party from 4-7 p.m., including DJ music and a 50/50 drawing. For the preregistration form, visit www.capekennedycorvetteclub.com and click on the events page. For additional information, contact Paul Anderson, event chairman, at 693-9001 or Art Hitch at 783-3211.

The Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Chamber Councils’ Golf Tournament on Friday, September 18 at the Manatee Cove Golf Club on Patrick Air Force Base, now open to the public. The tournament, a fundraiser for the Chamber Councils, the Military Affairs Council, the Better Business Development Council, the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, and the Air Force Association, is held in conjunction with the United States Air Force’s 62nd birthday and will begin with registration and lunch at 11 a.m. A shotgun start tee-off is scheduled for 12 p.m. and an awards ceremony will follow at 5 p.m. The entry fee for the tournament is $75 per person with the format being a four-person, best-ball scramble. Each player will receive a golf goody bag, a box lunch, two drink tickets, and an awards reception with a complimentary keg. Prizes will be awarded for best team scores, longest drives, and closest to the pin. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, beginning at $100 for a hole sponsor and up to $1,000 for the Gold sponsorship. For more information, to register as a player or to become a sponsor, contact the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce at 459-2200, or visit www.cocoabeachchamber.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Cocoa Beach brothers Ralph and Bob Brown are over 2,600 miles into their voyage up the coast of North America going across the Atlantic via the “viking route” to Greenland, Iceland and Europe — in their flats boat. They’ve already smashed their 1,547 World Record and hope to total around 6,000 miles by mid-August. Traveling in the same flats boat they used two years ago during their journey from North Carolina to Bermuda and then back to New York, the Browns look like they’re fully funded with the bright green wrap around the boat’s hull and stickers and banners flying, but don’t let that fool you. While some sponsors are sitting on the fence, the Browns are busy breaking and setting more crazy records. Follow their progress at: www.crosstheatlantic.com

Our friends at the Barrier Island Center and the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (part of Brevard County’s EEL Program) in Melbourne Beach have informed us that they recently launched the “Tour de Turtles” — an event that follows the marathon migration of nine sea turtles, representing five different species, from their nesting beaches to their foraging grounds. “Bree Varda,” a loggerhead, was released from the Barrier Island Center on July 31. Follow along to find out how long it takes each sea turtle to complete a marathon migration of 2,620 km (1,628 miles). Each turtle will be swimming for a cause to raise awareness about a specific threat to sea turtles. Visit www.tourdeturtles.com or www.cccturtle.com for more information. The Barrier Island Center is located at 8385 S. Hwy A1A in Melbourne Beach. Call 723-3556 for more details on programs, events, and classes.

Local filmmakers Ray and Migdalia Etheridge of Palm Bay, who produce “no-budget” feature films as a hobby, are currently putting together plans for a new project called “The Money Trail,” a “cops and robbers adventure film,” which will be shot in Palm Bay on Mini-DV. Eighteen males roles need to be filled, and the movie will be shot on weekends in October and November of this year. Since 2007, they have put together three full-length feature films with local volunteer actors. For their “pay,” the actors are given a copy of the finished movie, which may be used as part of their acting resume.Migdalia adds that “what we get out of it is the thrill of having our movies shown in film festivals from coast to coast.” Their first film shot in Palm Bay, “Dying For Dollars,” was awarded the 2008 Florida Filmmaker’s Choice award at the Treasure Coast Film Festival, and their most recent effort, “He’s Dead,” has been shown in four film festivals so far, with nominations for Best Screenplay, Best Feature Film, and Florida’s Choice awards. For further information about auditions, you may contact the Etheridges at rayandmigdalia@yahoo.com

Grandparent’s Day is September 13. If you haven’t thought about getting something special for Granny and Gramps or for soon-to-be grandparents, consider “The Art of Grandparenting,” a collection of essays which includes thoughts by Port St. John author (and experienced grandmother) Rose Padrick. The new book, about to be released by Nightengale Press, is already being called the definitive reference for mastering this new, never-before-explored art form. Padrick’s “Open Letter To New Grandparents” is a heart-warming compilation of advice she has both taken and given as she forges her own Grammy path. Her popular weekly column “Rose’s Room” ran for three years in the Florida Today newspaper and is presently appearing in Brevard County Woman Magazine and the Boca Raton News. “The Art of Grandparenting” will be available at all online booksellers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Copies are also available at www.theartofgrandparenting.com and www.nightengalepress.com.

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The City of Satellite Beach is proud to announce the Grand Opening of Hightower Beach Park at 10 a.m. on August 1st. Located at 815 Hwy. A1A, Hightower Beach Park is a 17-acre oceanfront park with a 650 foot-long raised handicapped accessible nature boardwalk over palmettos and other vegetation from the roadside sidewalks to the shoreline and features dramatic ocean views. The improvement project in the planning for several years includes restrooms, a picnic pavilion, two observation pavilions and 31 parking spaces in addition to the boardwalk. Check out the City website at www.satellitebeach.org for details concerning parking and alternate transportation, or call 773-3657 for more information.

The theme for downtown Melbourne’s August 14th Friday Family Fest is “Cure for the Summertime Blues,” with the Steve Thorpe Blues Orchestra serving as the featured band. From 6 to 10 p.m., visit over 50 art, craft, business and food vendors, as well as the Kid’s Zone and rock climbing wall throughout the evening. Also, August is when Melbourne celebrates “Football Rivalry Night” and the college football season with various alumni clubs setting up tables and promoting their teams and clubs. So far, the City has the Brevard County Gator Club, the Space Coast UCF Alumni Chapter, and the Brevard Seminole Club participating in the planned events. Other alumni groups can contact Laird Gann, of Melbourne Main Street, for more information by calling 724-1741. Check www.downtownmelbourne.com for more details.

The Melbourne Civic Theatre, Brevard’s oldest community theatre, presents Ken Ludwig’s hilarious comedy, “Moon Over Buffalo.” As the moon rises over the Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo, New York, in 1953, it doesn’t take long for mistaken identities, unrequited love, a bottle of whiskey poured into a pot of coffee, and a lot of slamming doors to cause havoc in the lives of second-rate actors George and Charlotte Hay. ”Moon Over Buffalo” runs through September 6th, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for Adults, $18 for seniors, military, and students, and may be reserved by calling the box office at 723-6935. For more information, visit www.mymct.com. The theatre is located in Le Gallerie Plaza, 817 E. Strawbridge Avenue in downtown Melbourne.

This August 4th, join the Cocoa Beach Police Department as they host the 3rd Annual “National Night Out,” a celebration of the Neighborhood Watch Program. The Department is sponsoring the event, which features free food and drinks, games, prizes, crime prevention tips and fingerprinting kits. Beginning at 5 p.m. behind City Hall in downtown Cocoa Beach, the free event will also feature kid’s games, a dunk tank, a bounce house and a bicycle rodeo. Bring your lawn chairs and children and mingle with your neighbors, police officers and firefighters as well as City officials. This year’s theme for the celebration is “I Dream of Jeannie,” and the young-at-heart are encouraged to dress as their favorite character from the show. All who come in costume will be recognized. For more information, visit www.cityofcocoabeach.com

Through the City of Cocoa Beach’s “News and Views” newsletter, we’ve learned from Commissioner Skip Williams  that beginning July 20th, the city, in conjunction with funding from the Space Coast Area Transit and Florida DOT, has been providing ADA-compliant connecting bus service on Minutemen Causeway from downtown to the Freedom 7 Senior Center, golf course, pool, tennis courts, skate park, ball fields and public schools. Monthly passes are available with discounted fares to seniors and students.

The Brevard Schools Foundation is conducting a Back To School Supply drive for students in need of attending Brevard Public Schools this month. Supplies are accepted at any time, though distribution will begin on August 1st. Donated supplies can be turned in at the Cocoa Beach Public Library check-out desk (550 N. Brevard Ave.; Cocoa Beach; 868-1103). There are a number of requested items — too numerous to mention here — so stop by the Cocoa Beach Library for a list, or contact the Brevard School Foundation (2700 Judge Fran Jameison Way; Viera) at 633-1000, ext. 756, or visit www.bsf.brevardschools.org to learn more.

Now that all 27 holes of the Cocoa Beach Golf Course are using temporary greens, their rates have been revised during the re-greening and recovery period. Golfing rates are now $25 for 18 holes before noon with cart and $20 for 18 holes after noon with cart. According to pro-golf manager Joe Tucker, the temps are certainly a challenge for golfers, but their newly planted papsalum greens are looking better each week. If all goes as planned, residents can hope to be playing on their greens sometime during the month of September. Contact the Pro Shop at 868-3351 for information.

The Surfside Players of Cocoa Beach will be holding open auditions for “Beyond Therapy,” by Christopher Durang, on Sunday and Monday, August 2nd and 3rd at 7 p.m. at the Playhouse. There are roles for four men and two women of various ages. Audition consists of cold readings from the script; no preparation required. The show will run from October 2-11.  Please visit www.surfsideplayers.com or call 783-3127 for more information. The Surfside Playhouse is located at 301 Ramp Rd., Cocoa Beach.

The Cocoa Beach Library “People in Print” program welcomes back best selling spy novelist Daniel Silva for a book talk and signing on Saturday, August 8 at 2 p.m. His new Gabriel Allon thriller, “The Defector,” will be on sale for $26.95. All of Daniel Silva’s books have been New York Times and national bestsellers. Over the course of a brilliant career, he has established himself as the “gold standard” of thriller writers, a master writer of espionage and intrigue, and the creator of some of the most exciting fiction since Ian Fleming put down his martini and invented James Bond. The Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave. in Cocoa Beach. For more information on other events, please call 868-1103, or visit www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.org

BUSINESS

Join the organic food revolution with the good people of Café Surfinista (222 1st St. N. in downtown Cocoa Beach), where Julie (formerly of the Garden Cottage in Cocoa Village) is in the kitchen cooking up a new wave of phenomenal organic delicacies. You’ll find things like burritos, wraps, and sandwiches accompanied by chips and fresh house-made salsa, salads, a wide range of Sambazon smoothies (made with South American açaí berries), hearty, granola-based breakfast bowls, coffee drinks, fresh-baked goods like muffins and cakes, and a selection of organic beers and microbrews. Our favorites include their Pura Vida wrap (hummus, tomato, carrot, cucumbers, onions, spinach, green pepper, cabbage, mushroom and baby greens) and Da Bomb, a high-octane surf fuel sandwich comprised of peanut butter, banana, pineapple, brown sugar, cinnamon and crunchy granola. But check out their menu for yourself; everyone is sure to find a delicious obsession. Kids are catered to with an inventive and healthy-alternative menu in their beautifully-designed digs. Current hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from Noon to 5 p.m. Check with the Resident next month for new developments, or call 868-0203. Visit Café Surfinista at www.cafesurfinista.com to view their full menu.

Sue, Eddy and Ambra Raouda are back at Resident favorite the Pita Garden for a few weeks helping to hand it over for new owner Bobby Hallam, former owner of Cape Canaveral’s legendary Moon Hut. Amiable Bobby brings with him over 25 years of restaurant experience and the addition of some of his famous Greek specialties to their menu of popular, heart healthy Lebanese fare. Expect all your favorites like shwarma, felafel and hummus and baba ganoush platters along with newer items like gyros, spinach pies and more. Current hours are 11-9, Monday through Saturday, with plans to open Sundays for excellent breakfasts in the near future. Check back with the Resident for more details next month, and be sure to drop in and wish the Raoudas all the best on their well-earned retirement. The Pita Garden is located at 269 W. Cocoa Beach Cswy. (SR 520) in Cocoa Beach’s White Rose Shopping Plaza. Call 799-9933 for more information and to place orders ahead for pickup.

Jersey Girl Deli (3800 N. Atlantic Ave., Ste. 6 in Cocoa Beach) makes absolutely incredible sandwiches with an equally incredible attitude. Apart from offering 13 styles of cheese steaks (including 5 gourmet chicken varieties), they haev a strong selection of cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches (like the Carnegie Hall: hot pastrami with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on grilled Jewish rye), 5 kinds of hamburgers, hot dogs, 12 fabulous hoagies (including the Ben Franklin: sliced roasted turkey with mayo and cranberry sauce), 12 styles of green salad (plus four which can be ordered in a large tortilla bowl), desserts like frozen bananas, brownies and Philly water ice. Though hours are subject to change, Jersey Girl is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 to 7 p.m. and Fridays through Sundays from 11 to 9; closed Mondays. Call 613-2953 to call your order in ahead or for delivery within their large delivery zone. Catering service is also available. Check out their huge menu (which has to be seen to be believed) online at: www.jerseygirldeli.com.

Satellite Beach landmark Sun On The Beach (1753 Hwy. A1A; Satellite Beach) is now hosting live music and outdoor barbecue on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. at their beachside tiki bar. August 2nd sees a performance by Stormin’ Norman; August 16th: Good Time N’ Band; and August 23rd: WilCor. The 3rd Annual Balsa Bill and Ocean Natural Paddleboard Challenge takes place Saturday, August 8th behind the Sun On The Beach/Balsa Bill plaza with food provided by Sun On The Beach. First race: 9 a.m. water start. Activities include a sand castle building competition and a North vs. South tug-of-war. The all-ages event will donate all proceeds to the Surfrider Foundation, the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame and the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum. August 7th sees their pre-registration party at Balsa Bills Surf Shop from 6 to 8 p.m. with an Ocean Natural photography exhibit. For more details, visit www.balsabill.com, or call 799-8580. To view Sun On The Beach’s stellar menu, go to www.sotbfl.com). You can reach them by phone at 777-9483.

Stop into Cocoa Beach Health and Fitness to try out the Smoothie Shack, located at 1355 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. They offer a huge and healthy array of fresh fruit smoothies, juices, wraps, salads, sandwiches, fresh juices, shakes and coffee drinks. They also sell a variety of energy and fitness products. Ask about their popular wheat grass shots. They’re located inside the gym and are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 613-2629 for more information.

Welcome the new owners of the Angler’s Inn (formerly the Cottage Pub) at 366 N. Orlando Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Don and Bill’s smoking-friendy bar is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and features an eclectic collection of microbrews and craft and specialty beers. Taps include Arrogant Bastard, Dead Guy Rogue, Sierra Nevada, Blanche de Bruxelles, Guinness, Stoudt’s American Pale Ale, Peroni and Harpoon IPA. Angler’s also provides a wide range of of all your favorite domestic bottles and some specialty brews like cans of Oskar Blues Brewery’s Mama’s Little Yellow Pils. Regulars can request special labels if they’re not in stock. Happy Hour is celebrated Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 with $2.25 domestics. Ask about recurring craft beer specials. Monday is darts night and 2-4-1 Ladies Nights are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 11 p.m. For more information, call 799-9180.

Indian River Outfitters, (formerly Extreme Sports Kayaking) is now bigger and better to serve Brevard’s kayakers. Come in and see their new 2,000 sq. ft. store, packed with new items for fall. Let their educated staff put you in the kayak that’s right for you. They now offer Patagonia clothing and accessories and also carry the full line of Malone Auto Racks. If you want to try stand-up paddleboarding, you’ll want to try the new Ocean Kayak Nalu — a sit-on-top kayak that you can stand up and paddle. Great for the ocean or the river. We also carry the new Ocean Kayak Torque which takes your kayak fishing to a new level. It comes with a removable Minn Kota trolling motor and many outstanding comfort features. Need a lesson or two to help you paddle more effeciently? Looking for a specialty tour? Call the store and speak to one of their associates. Indian River Outfitters is located at 294 E. Eau Gallie Blvd., between A1A and the causeway. Call 779-4228 for more information.

The Firehouse Restaurant and Lounge, located at 923 E. New Haven Ave. in downtown Melbourne, and run by two volunteer firefighter brothers, offers hand-cut steaks and generous dishes, including a 56-oz. porterhouse. Decorated like an antique firehouse, the popular eatery is open daily for lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Their spacious bar is open daily from 11 a.m. to close. For more information or to place reservations, call 327-7919.

EVENTS

Beachside resident and visionary artist Rick Piper is hosting a premiere showing of new art on Monday evening, August 3, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Pizza Gallery and Grill in The Avenue, Viera. He’ll be premiering over 20 new original paintings and pieces of art. Called “A Midsummer Night Celebration,” this is the first time Pizza Gallery has hosted a showing of Rick’s art, and they’ll be changing gears for the evening by featuring a $10 food sampling bar, a wine tasting/full bar, live music on the patio, and wonderful large gallery walls filled with Piper’s new inspirations. Rick’s art will be featured there throughout the month of August.

The Kelly Slater Sculpture Project and the Central Florida Animal Reserve are teaming up to host a Casino Night Fundraiser on August 29 at the Cocoa Beach Country Club. Activities include blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em, craps, roulette, video horse racing, a silent auction, and a raffle. Tickets are $50 in advance and $100 at the door. The ticket includes entry, a buffet style meal, and $500 worth of “funny money” that may be traded for raffle tickets at the end of the evening. To order tickets, visit the events page at www.thekellyslaterproject.com. You can also email your request to tdrazich@hotmail.com. If you order your tickets before August 1st, you’ll receive a free raffle ticket at the door. They’re also currently seeking businesses that are interested in sponsoring a gaming table ($250). If your business decides to sponsor a table, they’ll display an electronic banner, a placard on the gaming table advertising you as a sponsor, a link to their website, two free tickets to the event, and an announcement by the emcee. If you decide to sponsor two tables ($500), they’ll include an engraving of your business name as a Bronze Sponsor on the final Kelly Slater monument. This bronze statue is to be installed at 4th St. N and A1A in Cocoa Beach. The other organizer of the event, Central Florida Animal Reserve, is dedicated to the preservation of the “great” cats. The facility houses over fifty lions, tigers, and cougars. Half of the proceeds of this event will benefit this worthy non-profit organization as well. Find out more at: www.thekellyslaterproject.com. See this issuees “Twenty Question” feature with the Kelly Slater Project’s sculptor, Tasha Drazich.

Local favorite Ron Pirtle will perform at the Brevard Art Museum on Friday, August 7th at 5:30 p.m. Ron Pirtle, jazz bass player and long-time performer on the Space Coast, will entertain in the Brevard Art Museum galleries. The Museum’s Jazz Fridays are held the first Friday of each month. Admission is $10 and Museum members are free. Jazz Fridays are sponsored in part by WFIT and AT&T Real Yellow Pages, and include both raffle and door prizes. The Brevard Art Museum is also offering second and third helpings of the wildly popular exhibition “Take Out.” The exhibition has been so well-received that the Brevard Art Museum is extending the show through August 30th. Visitors have returned two and three times to marvel at the artists’ interpretation of the take-out containers. Using a restaurant take-out container as a jumping off point, artists were invited to create artwork with few limitations. This national exhibition allowed artists of all levels to participate. Also on display at the Museum: “From Gutter to Gallery: Graffiti Gets In,” guest curated by Cynic, features artists and writers Sone 2, Slow, Typoe, Enve, This, Deps, Books, and photographers John Sluder, Casey Decotis, and James and Karla Murray. The Museum is located at 1463 Highland Ave. in the Eau Gallie District of Melbourne. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission: adults $5; seniors $3; children and students with I.D. $2. Free for Museum members. Special rates and tours are available for groups of 8 or more, and can be scheduled by calling Tina at least two weeks in advance. Call 242-0737 for more details.

It’s time for the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery’s annual August Madness auction and sale. Members are going crazy cleaning their studios to offer up a treasure trove of original works (framed and unframed), art supplies, and used art books specifically priced to find new homes. The auction starts August 1st and runs through the 29th. Join them at the opening reception on August 7th from 5:30 p.m to 8 p.m. Visit them, see the goodies and enjoy light refreshments with wine. The reception is free and open to the public. Afterwards, continue your stroll down the street to enjoy dinner and other shops and galleries as well as the museum in downtown Eau Gallie. During August Madness, the gallery features a member giving free demonstrations each Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Come see the methods behind the work and chat with highly respected artists. August 8th: Renee Decator “Texture & Color”; August 15th: Nancy Crawford ”Transparent Watercolor”; August 22nd: Mark Mittleman ”Photography”; August 29th: Judy Edwards “Encaustic Painting.” The gallery is located in the historic Olde Eau Gallie Riverfront area of Melbourne, across the street from the Brevard Museum of Art. Gallery telephone number is 259-8261. Visit them online: www.fifthavenueartgallery.com

You’ll think you’re in the islands when Art Gallery of Viera features “Tropical Daze,” a tropical wonderland on Friday, August 21st from 5 to 9 p.m. Savor the flavors and the sounds of the islands while perusing the best in tropical art. The event features the art of Angelie Villacampa, the Viera High School graduate who won the Central Brevard Art Association’s Scholarship award. Enjoy the steel drums of Frankie Lutz, cultural dancing by Sanlahi Filipino dance group, see an actual hammer and chisel demonstration by tiki carving wonder Ed Volonnino of Ed’s Heads tiki, the amazing driftwood carvings of Chuck Masek, the shell art stylings of Carol Smith and more. Artists will have hand-painted coconuts and palm fronds for sale, with the proceeds going to Devereux Florida located in Viera. Art Gallery of Viera is a full service gallery and art educational center. Classes are being added all the time, so check their website — artgalleryofviera.com — for continual updates. They’re located inside the Home Center in the Village, on the corner of Viera Blvd. and Murrell Rd. in Viera. Call 890-1415 for more information.

Here’s a list of free scheduled events at the Barrier Island Center in Melbourne Beach: Saturday, August 8th: “Lookout for Land Crabs!”; 1 p.m. Create a crazy crab in recognition of the giant land crab’s spawning migration, from their burrows in the intertidal lagoon across the barrier island, to the ocean to release their eggs. Saturday, August 8th: “Miracles from the Mangroves: Great Land Crabs, Mangrove Rivulus and Mosquitoes”; 2 p.m. Join D. Scott Taylor, Central Region Land Manager for the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program and world renowned expert on the bizarre mangrove rivulus, and see what all the buzz is about. Learn about the fascinating great land crab spawning migration, the secretive fish that share their burrows, and the intrinsic value of those menacing mosquitoes of the mangrove swamps. Saturday, August 15th: Beach Clean-Up; 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Help keep our beaches and ocean clean for the nesting and hatching sea turtles as well as spawning great land crabs. Wednesday, August 19: Oyster Mat Making; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Help the Nature Conservancy with their community project to restore oyster reefs in the Mosquito Lagoon of North Brevard County. The Barrier Island Center is located at 8385 S. Hwy. A1A in Melbourne Beach. For more information on events and programs, call 723-3556, or visit www.barrierislandcenter.com

Don’t miss the Titusville Coin Show on August 8th sponsored by the Titusville Coin Club, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Searstown Mall, 3550 S. Washington Ave. in Titusville. Dealers will be present to appraise or purchase coins, paper money, gold, jewelry and exonomia. Contact: Kevin Seymour at (386) 427-8927 for more information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A friendly reminder that turtle hatching season is upon us. To prevent turtle hatchling disorientation, all indoor and exterior lights that are visible from the beach should be shielded, repositioned, or turned off after 9:00 p.m. during sea turtle season. Because adult nesting females can also be disoriented by improper lighting, lighting ordinances apply through October 31.

North Star, the child grief support program at Hospice of St. Francis, needs caring adult volunteers to help. Volunteers play a major role in providing their services and are looking for men and women who are energetic, compassionate and patient. Volunteers must be willing to commit to the required screening and training. The North Star children’s groups are designed for children ages 3 to 18 and meet in the evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Volunteers are asked to commit to eight hours per month. No previous experience is required. Training is free of charge. Classes will be held on August 4, 11 and 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Classes will meet once a week for six weeks at Hospice of St. Francis, 1250-B Grumman Place in Titusville. To register for the North Star Volunteer Training, please contact Brooke Davis, North Star Coordinator, at 321) 264-1687.

A planned fireworks display over the Indian River Lagoon is to provide the highlight of Melbourne’s Independence Day celebration. The display is scheduled for 9 p.m. on July 4 over the Indian River Lagoon just south of the Melbourne Cswy. at Claude Edge Front Street Park. Free bus transportation will be provided between the park and the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 Hibiscus Blvd. Buses are to depart for the park at 7:10, 7:50, and 8:10 and will return to the auditorium at 7:30, 8:10, 8:50, 9:30, and 10:10. The portion of New Haven Ave. between Front St. and U.S. 1 is to be closed to traffic from  4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and a section of Melbourne Ave. near Front will be restricted to eastbound traffic during the same period. Additionally, the Melbourne Cswy. will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic from about 8:15 to 10 p.m. for safety reasons, with the boat ramp at Front St. scheduled to close from 5 p.m. on July 3 until 9 a.m. on July 5. The City will also host an Independence Day parade at 10 a.m. on July 4 in the historic downtown area of Melbourne. The parade will begin on New Haven Ave. near the railroad tracks and will proceed westward to Oak St., then travel northward on Oak to the Liberty Bell Museum.

Historic Downtown Melbourne’s monthly family-friendly Friday Fest continues its second decade of providing residents and visitors from throughout Brevard and surrounding counties with a July 10 street party, held from 6-10 p.m. Visitors can stroll the streets and enjoy over 60 art, craft and business vendors, food vendors a beer and wine station, and the popular Kid’s Zone. Most downtown shops remain open for Friday Fest, as do a number of restaurants and nightspots. To find out more, visit www.downtownmelbourne.com and check this issue’s interview with Melbourne Main Street’s Executive Director, Laird Gann. The scheduled performers for this month’s event: the ever popular Dub City Tribe.

As always, the Satellite Beach Recreation Department offers loads of events for kids and adults throughout the summer. Youth activities include Marine, Guitar, Art, Cartooning, and Magic and Science Camps, and other teen-oriented events are on hand throughout July and August. Find out more about these and other activities by visiting www.satellitebeach.org/Recreation or pick up a brochure from their location in the David R. Schechter Community Center located at 1089 S. Patrick Dr. in Satellite Beach. They’re open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can be reached at 773-6458.

The Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral Community Fireworks Show is set for Saturday, July 4 at 9 p.m. off-shore from Shepard Park in Cocoa Beach. Due to lack of participation, the Cocoa Beach Boating Club has decided to discontinue its annual July 4th boat parade.

The Cocoa Beach Parks and Recreation Department, located at 321 Ramp Road, is offering a Summer Fun and Sports Camp which runs through July 24. For more information, call 868-3252 or 868-3274.

The Brevard Schools Foundation is conducting a Back To School Supply drive for students in need of attending Brevard Public Schools this month. Supplies are accepted at any time, though it’s best if they’re dropped off before July 24th. Donated supplies can be turned in at the Cocoa Beach Public Library check-out desk (550 N. Brevard Ave.; Cocoa Beach; 868-1103). Distribution of items will begin on August 1. There are a number of requested items — too numerous to mention here — so stop by the Cocoa Beach Library for a list, or contact the Brevard School Foundation (2700 Judge Fran Jameison Way; Viera) at 633-1000, ext. 756, or visit www.bsf.brevardschools.org

Also at the Cocoa Beach Library, People in Print welcomes back best selling spy novelist Daniel Silva for a book talk and signing on Saturday, August 8 at 2 p.m. His new Gabriel Allon thriller, “The Defector,” will be on sale for $26.95. All of Daniel Silva’s books have been New York Times and national best sellers. Over the course of a brilliant career, he has established himself as the “gold standard” of thriller writers, a master writer of espionage and intrigue, and the creator of some of the most exciting fiction since Ian Fleming put down his martini and invented James Bond. And don’t miss “The Hunt for Lincoln’s Assassin,” Wednesday, July 22 at 2 p.m. This 50-minute National Geographic documentary investigates John Wilkes Booth’s daring escape attempt in one of the largest manhunts in U.S. history. The Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave. in Cocoa Beach. For more information on other events, please call 868-1103, or visit www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.org

BUSINESS

Art Gallery of Viera, the town’s first fine art gallery and educational center, recently opened to a burst of local fanfare. Art Gallery of Viera offers a wide variety of fine art including watercolor, pastels, oils, mixed media, pottery, silk painting, mosaics, sculpture and jewelry. Day and evening classes are also offered in the art educational center and include instruction in watercolor, landscapes, perspective drawing, mosaics, glass fusing and more. To find out more information about their upcoming events, go to: www.artgalleryofviera.com, or call 890-1415. They’re located inside the HOME Center, 5410 Murrell Rd.; Ste. 135 on the corner of Viera Blvd. and Murrell Rd. in the heart of Viera.

Catch the wave to a new you at New Wave Fitness, located at 7412 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cape Canaveral next to City Hall. New Wave Fitness offers 24/7 access, monthly memberships, on-site personal trainer, strength training, cardio, nutritional guidance, and state-of-the-art equipment. Come join them for their Grand Opening festivities Thursday, July 30 at 4 p.m. Register to win a free 3-month membership. T-shirts and other prizes will be given away. Memberships begin at just over a $1 a day. Daily rates also available for visitors. For more details, call 613-2940 or check out www.newwavefitnessllc.com

Check out the recently-opened Little Venice Pizza in Cocoa Beach. Located at 4295 N. Atlantic Ave., next to Ron Jon Surf Shop on the corner of SR 520 and A1A, Little Venice makes delicious pizzas, calzones and other Italian items. Call 613-3901 for take out and delivery information.

Welcome One World Surf Shop to Cocoa Beach as well. Located at 72. S. Orlando Ave., One World offer a large selection of surfboards, skimboards and stand-up paddleboards. The Scudders — Bob, Barbara and daughter daughter Kirra will be happy to talk with you about surfing and your surfing needs anytime. For more information, call 458-0143, or visit www.oneworldsurfshop.com

EVENTS

Mark your calendars: beachside resident and visionary artist Rick Piper is hosting a premiere showing of new art on Monday evening, August 3, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Pizza Gallery and Grill in The Avenue, Viera. He will be premiering 20-plus new original paintings and pieces of art. Called “A Midsummer Night Celebration,” this is the first time Pizza Gallery has hosted a showing of Rick’s art and they’ll be changing gears for the evening by featuring a $10 food sampling bar, a wine tasting/full bar, live music on the patio, and wonderful large gallery walls filled with Piper’s new inspirations. Rick’s art will be featured there throughout the month of August.

Join the folks at Eastwood Skate Park in Rockledge on July 15 at 6 p.m. for “Old Skars and Upstarts,” a night of live music and entertainment. Sponsored in part by Grind For Life, the all-ages event will feature appearances by the Anti-Nowhere League, The Duane Peters Gunfight, Cobra Skulls, Ashers, and Jakked Rabbits. Doors open at 6 p.m.; tickets are $16.50 in advance, $20 day of show. For more details, visit www.myspace.com/eastwoodskatepark, or call 633-0888. Eastwood Skate Park is located at 240 Gus Hipp Blvd. in Rockledge.

Port Canaveral businesses Fishlips and Rusty’s have joined together to present “Fireworks Before the Fireworks at the Port,” July 3 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m., but live entertainment will be provided beforehand and well into the night from the likes of On Hiatus, Vintage, DJ Nick Michael and DManufacture. For more information, call Rusty’s (620 Glen Cheek Dr.; Port Canaveral) at: 783-2033 or Fishlips (610 Glen Cheek Dr.; Port Canaveral) at: 784-4533

Consignment potters and gallery members will transform the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery during the month of July with small, affordable and personal pieces of pottery bowls and cups. During Eau Gallie’s First Friday opening July 3, the Gallery will feature recipes from their cookbook; as free samples. “Cups, Bowls & Recipes” runs from July 1-31. Afterwards continue your stroll down the street to enjoy dinner and other shops, galleries, and museum in the beautiful Eau Gallie section of Melbourne. Fifth Avenue Art Gallery is located in the historic Olde Eau Gallie Riverfront area of Melbourne, across the street from the Brevard Museum of Art. Call 259-8261 for more information, or visit them online at www.fifthavenueartgallery.com

For one night only on Saturday, July 25 Vapor Hookah Bar and Social Club and The Gallery Club will transform into Heaven and Hell-inspired venues to present a blockbuster art exhibit opening and costume dance party from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. A dance party will be held upstairs at The Gallery where heavenly costumed staff and décor will set the tone for a Heaven and Hell-themed art exhibit showing by NV Jasmin, Casey DeCotis, Angel Irlanda, Steve Barrientes, Rob Redding, Kelly Quinn, Claudia Pastorius, and other local artists. Art will be available for preview on Thursday, July 23 during operating hours, from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. at The Gallery and from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Vapor. Art purchased during the party will include a complimentary bottle of champagne to enjoy at the party or at home. The Gallery has a non-smoking environment for protection of art and the comfort of patrons. Vapor will showcase its upscale version of Hell, amped-up with music from around the world, hellish décor and costumed servers. Prizes will be awarded for the most hellishly fabulous guest costumes and a hookah tasting will be held at 8 p.m. for as long as the hookahs last. An outside bar will feature Hell-themed beers from around the world and sake Jell-o shots while the inside bar serves up outlandish signature champagne drinks and wines. Belly dancers and tarot card readers will add to the fun. The “Heaven and Hell” art exhibit and costume party is produced by DJ Edge Howk, with a cast of DJs with over 20 years experience in upfront dance music. From South Beach to NYC and Germany to Ibiza, DJs Edge Howk, Andy Hughes, Luis Diaz, Casey deCotis and Keith Waterman will bring the best dance music from around the world. Vapor Hookah Bar & Social Lounge is located at 701 E. New Haven Ave.; Suite 101; Downtown Melbourne; 216-1220. They’re on the web at: www.vapormelbourne.com. The Gallery Club is located at 701 E. New Haven Ave.; Suite 201; Downtown Melbourne; 409-8713 — www.thegallerymelbourne.com

Legacy Sports and Life Skills organized Ocean Safety Day on Saturday, June 13 to the delight of hundreds of spectators and participants. The event was hosted by the Melbourne Beach Volunteer Fire Department at the ocean access of Ocean Avenue in Melbourne Beach, right by Ocean Park. The Brevard County Ocean Rescue Department teamed up with the Melbourne Beach Marine Rescue Department to hold an exciting demonstration and show everyone how the two teams work together to save lives. People saw how multiple victims are rescued by well-trained individuals, all terrain vehicles, boats and even helicopters. After the demonstration, youngsters witnessed the rigors of ocean rescue. One hundred kids experienced lifeguard operations, safe swimming, safe surfing, an introduction to CPR, first aid, and the AED by the Health First Training Center as well as a nutrition and sun protection lesson. Guest speaker CJ Hobgood was there to inspire the kids by sharing his love for the ocean. Long Doggers provided lunch for all of the participants and volunteers, along with rash guards to wear and take home. Legacy Junior Lifeguard Surf Camps are committed to enhancing the lives of our children by creating programs that will teach ocean safety and awareness, develop physical strength and endurance, and inspire our youth to become future leaders with character. They are inviting students between the ages of 7 to 17 to participate in their ongoing programs. Students must be competent swimmers. Their camp is also a great first step for those who are interested in eventually becoming certified lifeguards. To enroll, visit their website at: www.legacysportsandlife.com. Week-long sessions will be held at both the Cocoa Beach Hilton and the Crowne Plaza in Indialantic at a cost of $199 per week per child. A sibling discount is available. There is also an option of a daily rate of $50 to accommodate out-of-town guests and those who can’t commit to an entire week. Participants will learn about the ocean, safe surfing, safe swimming, beach volleyball and life skills. For more information on events and programs, call 610-4881, or log on to www.legacysportsandlife.com.

The Kelly Slater Sculpture Project and the Central Florida Animal Reserve are teaming up to host a Casino Night Fundraiser on August 29, 2009 at the Cocoa Beach Country Club. Activities include blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em, Craps, roulette, video horse racing, a silent auction, and a raffle. Tickets are $50 in advance and $100 at the door. The ticket includes entry, a buffet style meal, and $500 worth of “funny money” that may be traded for raffle tickets at the end of the evening. To order tickets, visit the events page at www.thekellyslaterproject.com. You can also email your request to tdrazich@hotmail.com. If you order your tickets before August 1st, you’ll receive a free raffle ticket at the door. They are also currently seeking businesses that are interested in sponsoring a gaming table ($250). If your business decides to sponsor a table, they’ll display an electronic banner, a placard on the gaming table advertising you as a sponsor, a link to their website, two free tickets to the event, and an announcement by the emcee. If you decide to sponsor two tables ($500), they’ll include an engraving of your business name as a Bronze Sponsor on the final Kelly Slater monument. This bronze statue is to be installed at 4th St. N and A1A in Cocoa Beach. The other organizer of the event, Central Florida Animal Reserve, is dedicated to the preservation of the “great” cats. The facility houses over fifty lions, tigers, and cougars. Half of the proceeds of this event will benefit this worthy non-profit organization as well. Find out more at: www.thekellyslaterproject.com

Mary Moon’s popular Surf Art Camp runs through August 7, and you can sign still sign up for sessions. Surf Art Camp is an environmentally, physically, and artistically stimulating adventure. Camp runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily Monday through Friday. Each week your children will experience a creative array of art projects and daily 2-1/2 hour sessions of surf instruction. Art projects include airbrush, batik, clay, mixed media, mosaic, sculpture, watercolor and printmaking, completing 6 to 7 projects per camp. And if all that weren’t fun enough, there’s a Friday pizza beach party and a kayak adventure tour of the Thousand Islands Wildlife Sanctuary. The cost is $295/week and board rentals are available. The camp takes place at the Beach Place Guest Houses, 1445 S. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. For more information, contact Mary Moon at 799-3432, or visit www.marymoonarts.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations to Resident contributor Capt. Sherrie Stovall of Whitey’s in Sebastian Inlet on the birth of her son. Sherrie, you’re a legend.

A friendly reminder that turtle hatching season is upon us. To prevent turtle hatchling disorientation, all indoor and exterior lights that are visible from the beach should be shielded, repositioned, or turned off after 9:00 p.m. during sea turtle season. Because adult nesting females can also be disoriented by improper lighting, lighting ordinances apply through October 31.

The Convention & Visitors Bureau of the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to assist them with the day-to-day activities of their facility. They need to fill shifts Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 12 noon to 4 p.m. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer for the CVB’s Welcome Center (located at 8501 Astronaut Blvd., Suite 4; Cape Canaveral) contact Shannon Stanley or Yani Garcia at (321) 784-6444 or via email at cvbuser@cocoabeachchamber.com

Ever needed a legitimate excuse to go surfing? Well, on June 20, you finally have it: International Surfing Day. Created by Surfing Magazine, this unofficially official surfers’ holiday gives people a chance to promote and celebrate the sport while bringing awareness to the state of our oceans and beaches. The goal is simple: take the day, or at least a part of the day, to go out, catch a wave or three and — while you’re at it — help clean up your favorite beach. In conjunction with the Surfrider Foundation, they’ll be organizing a handful of official beach cleanups, but that doesn’t stop you from beautifying your own stretch of sand. For more information on scheduled local and international events, visit www.surfingmagazine.com/isd

Turtle hatching season is here. To prevent turtle hatchling disorientation, all indoor and exterior lights that are visible from the beach should be shielded, repositioned, or turned off after 9:00 p.m. during sea turtle season. Because adult nesting females can also be disoriented by improper lighting, lighting ordinances apply through October 31.

Melbourne’s new City Hall Offices have moved from the municipal building at 900 E. Strawbridge Avenue to an adjacent, five-story structure just completed by Certified General Contractors, Inc. The old municipal building, a two-story structure opened in 1964, is to be razed to make way for a parking garage. Because parking spaces will be limited during construction of the parking garage, several City offices are to remain at a temporary location at 830 N. Apollo Boulevard until the garage is completed later this year. Those offices include: Code Compliance, Engineering, Personnel, and Risk Management. Parking is available in several public lots in the downtown area. Parking for persons with disabilities is to be available at the new City Hall.

Just in time for Father’s Day, “I Ought To Be in Pictures,” the summer offering of Director Peg Girard and Melbourne Civic Theatre, is the story of Herb, a scriptwriter, whose teenage daughter arrives from Brooklyn bringing dreams of stardom. With his sometime paramour, Steffy, serving as his conscience, Herb’s comic and heartfelt personal struggles give way to his desire to once again dive into fatherhood with hopes of this time getting it right. The show runs each weekend from June 12 thru June 28 (Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.). Tickets are $20 for Adults, $18 for seniors, military, and students, and may be reserved by calling the box office at 723-6935. For more information, visit www.mymct.org. The Melbourne Civic Theatre is located in the Le Galerie Plaza, 817 E. Strawbridge Ave., downtown Melbourne.

Calling all golfers: the 1st Annual South Beach Seahawks Football and Cheerleader Golf Tournament is due to take place at the Baytree National Golf Links on June 28. For registration information, visit www.southbeachseahawks.com. Additionally, you can find registration forms on the site for the Satellite Beach Football Camp to be held at Satellite Beach High School, Tuesday through Friday, June 9-12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The camp is for children ages 9-13. Go to: www.southbeachseahawks.com for more details.

There are several camps and courses on hand through the Satellite Beach Recreation Department at the David R. Schechter Community Center, located at 1089 S. Patrick Dr. in Satellite Beach. The Jr. Safe Boating Course, for youths 9-17 years old will help kids obtain a Florida State Boating License. Courses run June 1-3 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and June 29 through July 1 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The $6 registration fee is payable in advance at the community center. “Seussical The Musical” Junior two-week camp runs June 15 through June 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fees are $180 for children ages 9-14; $150 for children ages 6-7. Sign up early — space is limited. Rhythm In Motion is offering an intensive summer dance camp at the community center as well. June 8 through 12, join them for classes in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theater, yoga and other disciplines. To find out more about all of these classes and activities, stop by the center, call the Satellite Beach Recreation Department at 773-6458, or log on to: www.satellitebeach.org/recreation

The City of Cape Canaveral will be offering a free movie at Manatee Park Friday, June 5 at dusk. Call the Cape Canaveral Recreation Department at 868-1226 for more information.

To commemorate the closing of the Surfside Playhouse’s landmark 50th season, the theatre is proud to debut on its stage the musical that started it all: “The Rocky Horror Show.” “Rocky Horror” is the full-stage rock musical that inspired the cult film. This is NOT the film and shadow cast experience. The performance features a live rock band and a full stage of singers and dancers and runs through June 7, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for students under 21. Please visit www.surfsideplayers.com for more information, or call 783-3127. The Surfside Playhouse is located at 301 Ramp Road in Cocoa Beach.

Help support Cocoa Beach’s Freedom 7 Senior Center at their 3rd Annual Hot Night in the City Fundraiser at the Cocoa Beach Country Club Friday, June 5 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. $15 tickets include great music by live band GreenLight, one drink (soft or hard), cocktail fare, admission to their silent auction and the presentation of the “8 over 80 Awards,” in which eight of the community’s inspirational elders over 80 years old will be presented with certificates of lifetime inspiration. Advance ticket sales locations: Elks Lodge (Cocoa Beach); The Surf Bar & Grill; Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce; Beef O’Brady’s (Cocoa Beach); Ann-Lia Gift Shop; Cocoa Beach Health & Fitness; Dalino’s Pizzeria Merritt Island and the Cocoa Beach Public Library. All donations are tax deductible. Call the Freedom 7 Senior Center at 783-9505 for more information.

City of Cocoa Beach employees will be offered an opportunity to give blood during a half-day blood drive session on Thursday, June 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On that day, the Florida’s Blood Center’s two-bed “mini blood mobile” will be located near City Hall for participating donors. If anyone is interested in giving blood during this scheduled session, please contact Lisa Barr, City of Cocoa Beach Personnel Office, at 868-3272.

If you’re a Cocoa Beach resident looking to renew your parking permit, it’s now easier and more convenient. Just go to www.cityofcocoabeach.com and click on “e-services,” then “parking decal by mail.” This permit ($5) will allow you to park anywhere in the city where there is a parking meter for without having to pay. For further information please contact the City’s Finance Department at 868-3295.

Local artist Jane Hodges, Ph.D. will display her international photographs at the Cocoa Beach Library during June and July with an opening hosted by Juice ‘N Java on Tuesday, June 2, in the Library’s Community Room, with music provided by Nolan’s Pub Irish Session Musicians from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Also at the library, The Blues Man and the Jersey Girl will present “Cookin’ at the Library,” on Wednesday, June 3 at 7 p.m. Featuring Sunnyland Steve and Amy Lucey, the duo will offer up a musical smorgasbord: everything from down home country blues to classic rock to Irish pub songs. The “People in Print” series presents Florida Today reporter Wade Arnold, who will sign and sell his new book, “Cocoa Beach (Then & Now)” on Wednesday, June 10 at 2 p.m. Following the book signing, stay to watch the DVD “80 Years of Cocoa Beach,” which was produced in 2005 by Jim Lasley for the City’s 80th anniversary. The Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave. in Cocoa Beach. For details on events, call 868-1103, or visit www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.org

The Cocoa Beach Parks and Recreation Department, located at 321 Ramp Road, is offering a Summer Fun and Sports Camp this summer, the next session of which starts June 29 and runs through July 24. Registration for this session begins June 22 at 8 a.m. For more information, call 868-3252 or 868-3274.

BUSINESS

Join the good people of Nolan’s Irish Pub (5675 N. Atlantic Ave. in the Cornerstone Plaza, Cocoa Beach) for their One Year Anniversary Celebration on June 11. Expect live music, great food, drink specials, prizes and giveaways. Call 783-8499, or visit www.nolansirishpub.net for more details.

Everything is made from scratch according to old family recipes at Rubio’s Cuban Café. The new restaurant, located at 6550 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cape Canaveral, offers “a slice of Havana on the beach,” with an extensive menu featuring traditional Cuab nappetizers, sandwiches and entrees like palomilla steak, ropa vieja, picadillo, empanizda, seafood dishes, soups, desserts, coffee drinks, daily lunch specials, a special kid’s menu. They’ll also be offering breakfast in the near future. Rubio’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 799-2200 to place orders for pick-up or for catering information.

Check out Dolphin Girl Tours for several local cruise options. Special events for June: Saturday June 13, cruise departs at 5:30 a.m. (returning approx. 9 a.m.) to view the scheduled launch at 7:19 a.m. $37 per adult, $32 per child. Join them on Father’s Day, June
21, from 10 a.m. to Noon. Spend some quality time with Dad out on the water. Cruise the Indian River Lagoon while searching for dolphins, manatees, and other native wildlife. After the cruise, head to Conch Key Grille & Tiki Bar for lunch, with specials starting at
$14.95. Every cruise includes a gift for Dad and a picture of the family. $25 for Dad, $32 for accompanying adults, and $22/children. Dolphin Girl Tours embark on regular eco-tours and sunset cruises Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to Noon and Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 591-3670, or visit www.dolphingirltours.com

EVENTS

The 8th Annual Watermans Challenge will be held June 6 and 7 at the Holiday Inn, Cocoa Beach. Expect Pro Longboard and multiple Amateur divisions, SUP and Paddle contest, Sandcastle building, Tug-O-War and more. Pre-registration is June 5th at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach outside of Mambo’s Restaurant. The Saturday luau (hosted by Carrabba’s) will feature hula dancers, music by the Aquanuts and Just Push Play. Check back with the Resident next month for details, or visit www.cocoabeachsurfmuseum.org for updates as they happen.

The 1st Annual Taste of the Space Coast celebration is set for June 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., 6100 N. Courtenay Pkwy. in Merritt Island. Presented by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, the event will feature live music, exhibits, airboat displays and car shows, games and prizes, beer and wine tastings, and of course, the best food from over 30 local restaurants. $10 admission with 50% of the proceeds donated to Brevard County Schools’ Culinary & Hospitality Educational Program.

The Brevard Art Museum is offering hands-on art activities for kids every Thursday through the “Take Out” exhibition for free. Each week from 4 to 5 p.m. there will be a different art activity featuring a take-out box, the basis of the exhibition currently on display. Children will explore the surface, interior, and many methods of embellishment and constructions through a different activity each week. Every Thursday through July 2, the free hands-on kids’ activity will bring a new artful learning experience. No registration required. The Museum is located at 1463 Highland Ave. in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m., and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adults $5; seniors $3; children and students with I.D. $2. Free for Museum members. Free admission on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more details on evetns and summer programs, call 242-0737 or visit www.brevardartmuseum.org

The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery invites you to meet Julie Orsini Shakher of Miami and winner of Fifth Avenue’s 2008 Best of Show Award from their “100% Pure Florida Exhibition.” Entitled “Within Four Corners,” Shakher showcases spectacular works which are large yet delicate and sensitive with a sensual aggression of stroke. Her art is elaborate, detailed, narrative and multi-figural. Come join her at the Gallery’s opening reception on the First Friday of June 5, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. to enjoy light refreshments and wine. The reception is free and open to the public. The show runs June 2 -28. The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery is located in the historic Olde Eau Gallie (1470 Highland Ave.) Riverfront area of Melbourne just across from the Brevard Museum of Art. Call 259-8261 or visit them online at www.fifthavenueartgallery.com

The Gallery Club is proud to announce the solo show exhibit of artist NV Jasmin. In her first gallery solo show, Puerto Rican artist NV Jasmin brings the culture of the tropics to life in a strong series of lively figurative paintings. Her subjects and compositions pay homage to the religious and native life influences from her homeland. The exhibit shows through June 6. The Gallery Club is located in historic downtown Melbourne upstairs at 701 E. New Haven Ave. in downtown Melbourne.

Here’s the summer schedule for the Surfside Youth Players Summer 2009 Performing Arts Workshops at the Surfside Playhouse in Cocoa Beach: June 1-19: “Drama For The Stage,” 9:00 am to Noon, Grades 2-6. June 1-19: “Film Acting and Production,” 1 to 4 p.m., Grades 2-6. July 6-24: “Drama For The Stage,” 9 a.m. to Noon, Grades 2-6. July 6-24: “Film Acting and Production,” 1 to 4 p.m., Grades 2-6. July 27-August 14: “Summer Stock for Teens,” 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. featuring the musical “Children of Eden.” For more information, call 784-9347, or visit www.surfsideplayers.com

The Cocoa Beach Skate Park is offering a Summer Skateboard Camp beginning in June. Weekly sessions run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Available sessions: June 8-12; June 15-19; June 22-26; June 29-July 3, and July 6-10. The camp features supervised instruction from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and free skating from 1 p.m. till parent pick-up. Cost is $99 per week and includes daily pizza lunch and drinks, camp t-shirt, freebies, trivia contests, end-of-week contests, local skateboarding and surfing history, and guest speakers. Space is limited. The Skate Park is located at 1450 Minutemen Cswy. in Cocoa Beach. Call 868-3238 for more information.

Jr. Lifeguard and Surf Camps are being held at the Cocoa Beach Hilton (1550 N. Atlantic Ave.; Cocoa Beach) for children ages 7 through 17. Learn ocean rescue, CPR and first aid, safe surfing, take part in a lifesaving competition, enjoy beach volleyball and other fun activities. There are three sessions: 6/22-6/26; 7/13-7/17; 7/27-7/31. $19 per session. Visit www.legacysportsandlife.com to sign up, or call 610-4881. In conjunction with Legacy Sports and Life, celebrate Ocean Safety Day June 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the beach access of Ocean Avenue in Melbourne Beach. Ages 7 through 17. Activities include marine and ocean rescue demonstrations, CPR and first aid instruction and a lifesaving competition. $40 per participant, which includes a free rash guard and lunch. Go to www.leagcysportsandlife for complete details.

Register your kids now for Sheri Stewart of Bali Studios’ “Art in the Afternoon Art Camp — ’70s Style!,” which will run this summer from June 15 to July 23. Classes and themes include “Mosaic Master-Peaces” (June 15-18); “Feel The Love Beading” (June 22-25); “Tie-Dye Socks, Jeans and T’s” (June 29-July 2); “Groovy Recycled Design Signs” (July 6-9); “Splatter Peaces with Paint” (July 13-16); and “Thinking Green Sculptures” (July 20-23). Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., with after-care optional until 5 p.m. Price is $100 per week; $5 after-care per child. Bali Studios is located in the Cape Royal Building, 1980 N. Atlantic Ave.; Ste. 507 in Cocoa Beach. For more information, contact Sheri at 720-2215 or visit www.balistudios.com

Mary Moon’s popular Surf Art Camp runs through August 7, and you can sign still sign up for sessions. Surf Art Camp is an environmentally, physically, and artistically stimulating adventure. Camp runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily Monday through Friday. Each week your children will experience a creative array of art projects and daily 2-1/2 hour sessions of surf instruction. Art projects include airbrush, batik, clay, mixed media, mosaic, sculpture, watercolor and printmaking, completing 6 to 7 projects per camp. And if all that weren’t fun enough, there’s a Friday pizza beach party and a kayak adventure tour of the Thousand Islands Wildlife Sanctuary. The cost is $295/week and board rentals are available. The camp takes place at the Beach Place Guest Houses, 1445 S. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. For more information, contact Mary Moon at 799-3432, or visit www.marymoonarts.com

“Celebrity Visits” will be presented by local historian Ray Osborne during his “History on Wednesdays” presentations. The multi-media presentation will include celebrities like Jack Benny, Don Knotts, Gregory Peck, Eva Gabor, and “I Dream Of Jeannie” star Barbara Eden — all of whom visited the Space Coast during the height of their careers. Enter the contest and get a chance to win a custom-designed “Jeannie Bottle by Mario.” The presentations are held at the Discovery Beach Resort (300 Barlow Ave.; Cocoa Beach) from 1 to 2 p.m. and at The Resort on Cocoa Beach (1600 N. Atlantic Ave.; Cocoa Beach) from 5 to 6 p.m. every Wednesday. Suggested donation $3. Call 243-8097 for more information.

The Florida Trail Association will hold their monthly meeting Monday, June 1 at 6 p.m. at the Melbourne Public Library on Fee Avenue. The program includes a presentation of the Inca Trail Hike to Macchu Picchu. Refreshments and short business meeting to follow. The public is invited to attend. Call 726-0171 for details. Saturday June 6 sees the National Trail Day Event Hike and Picnic at Orlando Wetlands Park. Hiking group meets at the McDonalds at I-95 and Wickham Road in Viera at 7 a.m. Picnic begins at 11:30 a.m. Drinks, hot dogs and hamburgers provided. Bring your favorite dish, chips, deserts. Contact Tony 723-6339 for hiking info, or Dick at  638-8804 for picnic info. Saturday June 13: Trail Maintenance Hike at Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Sam’s Discount Club, 4255 W. New Haven Avenue in Melbourne. Contact Activity Leader Dale Weddle at 729-9162 if you are interested in participating.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Due to lack of participation, the Cocoa Beach Boating Club has decided to discontinue its annual July 4th boat parade.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has launched a new user-friendly website called www.disasterassistance.gov, which has been developed to ease the frustration felt by disaster victims searching through multiple federal programs to find aid. The new website will centralize the application process for federal disaster assistance and offer a clearinghouse for informational programs at the federal, state and local levels. Hurricane season is just around the corner, so check it out: www.disasterassistance.gov.

The City of Melbourne is currently searching for lifeguards, swimming instructors, and others who will help operate the three municipal pools beginning May 23. Job applications are being accepted now, with hiring to continue until the pools open. Available staff positions include pool supervisor, pool manager, lifeguard, swim instructor, and head swim instructor. Lifeguards must be at least 15 years of age and must have Red Cross certification. Lifeguard pay starts at $7.80 per hour. Swim instructors must be at least 16 years old and must have completed the Red Cross water safety instructor course. Swim instructor pay starts at $8.50 per hour. A complete job listing is available online at www.melbourneflorida.org/employ/jobsout.htm. The pools are to be open daily from May 23 through May 25 for the Memorial Day weekend, and then will operate daily for the summer from May 30 through August 9. The pools are to operate on weekends only from August 16 through September 27.

Remember to check the Satellite Beach Recreation Department website for their remainder of Spring events at www.satellitebeach.org. Use this link to download a copy of their jam-packed brochure: www.satellitebeach.org/Recreation/RecFlyer.htm The Department is a great resource for after school programs, day camps and classes and events for all ages. David R. Schechter Community Center is located at 1089 S. Patrick Dr. in Satellite Beach. Call 773-6458 for more details.

Another great resource for events is the Brevard County Parks and Recreation website, which lists a wealth of activities happening all over the County. Log on to: www.brevardparks.com, or call (321) 63-PKREC.

The Cocoa Beach Parks and Recreation Department, located at 321 Ramp Rd., is offering a Summer Fun and Sports Camp this summer, the first session of which starts June 1 and runs through June 26. Registration for this session begins May 2 from 9 to 11 a.m. For more information, call 868-3252 or 868-3274.

Sign your kids up for the Jr. Lifeguarding “Guard Start” Camp at the Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center (4800 Tom Warriner Blvd.) which runs June 1 through 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program, for children ages 10-14, costs $120 for residents ($150 for non-residents) and promises to expose kids to life saving skills, fitness and the benefits of teamwork. Camp prices include a whistle and a t-shirt. Spots are limited, so sign up soon. For more information, contact Aquatic Director Sara Joyce-Webb at 868-3327.

In Cocoa Beach Library news, the “Music on a Sunday Afternoon” program presents the Pan Sharks’ steel drum entertainment, Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m. Enjoy Caribbean calypso, Jamaican reggae, and tunes by Jimmy Buffet as well as other island favorites while learning about  the interesting history of the art form. The Library’s “People in Print” series presents Tom Lowe, who’ll sign and sell his first darkly suspenseful, atmospheric thriller, “A False Dawn” on Wednesday, May 6 at 1 p.m. Booklist says that “A False Dawn” makes good reading for anyone looking to stumble upon an unpublished John D. MacDonald Florida mystery. This is a great opportunity to meet a bold new voice in crime fiction. Copies will be available for $24.95. Refreshments will be served. Learn to make fresh vegetable egg rolls and dumplings with Marilyn from Cocoa Beach’s Ice Cream Junction and Oriental Food Store, Tuesday, May 12 at 6 p.m. There will be plenty to sample after the cooking demonstration. Please register at the sign-up table. “Sea Turtles: Vanishing Ancient Mariners” is a lecture to be presented by Cindy Dolloway of the Sea Turtle Preservation Society on Thursday, May 14 at 1p.m. Three of the world’s eight sea turtle species nest on Brevard County beaches. Our shores also host the largest concentration of nesting loggerhead and green sea turtles in the U.S. and the second largest nesting area for loggerheads in the world. Through Cindy’s powerpoint presentation, you can learn about the history of turtles on Brevard beaches, find out what you can do to help protect them and learn more about sea turtle walks. A 3-D Travel Extravaganza with John Lineberger will be presented Friday, May 28 at 1 p.m. Theses stereo slides were taken with a vintage Stereo Realist camera and are projected onto a special screen and viewed with polarized glasses. Seating is limited to 50. Please register at the sign-up table. Walk-in meetings are still held with Commissioner Chuck Nelson from 9-11 a.m. on the 4th Friday of the month in the Captain’s Room. The library will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th. The Cocoa Beach Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Avenue. Call 868-1103 or visit: www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.org

BUSINESS

The Flying Corkscrew Wine Shop, located at 1877 S. Patrick Dr. in Indian Harbour Beach, has recently relocated beachside from their old downtown Melbourne location. Along with a great selection of wine selected by proprietors Ken and Marilyn, you’ll find one of the best, most eclectic selections of bottled beers in the area. Expect hard-to-find American microbrews, all your favorite imports, artisanal Belgians, and surprises from around the globe. Their mix-and-match six-pack option can’t be beat. What’s more, they can order kegs for you from their long list of selections. Ken and Marilyn also host monthly tastings and can ship anywhere in the U.S. They’re open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11-6 and Thursday through Saturday from 11-7. Closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, visit www.brevardwines.com, or call 773-8757.

While in the same plaza, you can drop in and say hello to the good folks at Jerzee Boy’z Italian Ice, located at 1867 S. Patrick Dr. in Indian Harbour Beach. The shop sells 50 flavors of Italian ice as well as saltwater taffy, popcorn and beverages. Their excellent Italian ice is available by the scoop or by the pint. The shop also has a mobile cart service available for parties and events. Sunday is family day, and Tuesday is $1 scoop day. Stop by, or call 773-4090 for more details.

Welcome Baker’s Beads, “a beader’s paradise” and full-service bead store to the neighborhood at 266 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. You’ll find handmade jewelry, Swarovski creations, sterling silver, seed beads, glass fusing material and can avail yourself of free beading classes. To learn more, visit www.bakersbeads.com. Also, at the same location, you’ll find Baker Flooring. Boasting over 30 years in business in Brevard County, the company offers great prices on wood flooring, carpet, laminate and ceramic tile. They’re open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from Noon to 5 p.m. Call 613-3900 for more details.

Sunseed Co-op have announced new hours of operation. The organic food and sundry shop is now open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunseed is located at 6615 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cape Canaveral. For further details, visit www.sunseedfoodcoop.com, or call 784-0930.

Stan’s Hardware of Cape Canaveral is celebrating its 35th year in business Monday, June 1. During the celebrations, the family-owned and operated store will offer hourly drawings for door prizes, 10% off their entire stock (excluding sale items) and much much more. Stan’s is located at 106 Lincoln Ave. in Cape Canaveral. Call 784-1400 for information.

The Big Surf Cafe (3210 S. Atlantic Ave.; Cocoa Beach; 216-7653) is now open. They offer surfer-friendly food like salads, shape-your-own hot and cold “surfwiches” (served on “long” or “short” boards), or standards like “The 16th Street” — ham, turkey, Swiss cheese and pickles — and “The Pier” — teriyaki chicken breast, sauteed onions and provolone. There are pastas, smoothies, and a huge breakfast menu which includes breakfast plates of one- to three-egg combos, pancakes, three-egg omelets, and biscuits and gravy, among others. “Dawn Patrol Specials” include the “Loco Moco,” which is hamburger patty over rice with two eggs and brown gravy. Drop in and welcome them to the area.

Visual Dynamics, the Space Coast’s Premier Apple Macintosh and iPod Specialist, is presenting a series of free seminars on a variety of topics and creative applications throughout the month of May. All seminars require pre-registration and each is followed by a 1 hr. 20 min. in-depth class that may be purchased online or in-store for those interested. To view a list of offered classes and to register online, go to www.getmactraining.com and click on the “Training Classes” button at the upper-left corner of the page. Click the class of interest and use the on-screen options to register. Or call 773-7788 to reserve a seat (10 seats available per seminar). For more information call or stop by Visual Dynamics, 694 E. Eau Gallie Blvd. Indian Harbour Beach.

Art on Fifth is a great new art gallery and studio at 425 5th Avenue in Indialantic. The gallery is brimming with a delightful variety of colorful artwork, from paintings and tikis to jewelry and pottery, and the studio is bursting with creativity where camps and classes are held. Summer art camps will be offered every week throughout the summer from 1 to 4 p.m. from June 1 through July 31 and will be packed with fun projects including t-shirt painting, pottery, mosaics, papier mache, batik, creative collages and more, and are $150 including all supplies. For more specialized creativity, they offer mini-camps Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to Noon where a different visiting artist will teach their specialty each week including caricatures, pottery, copper sculpting, paper making and painting, acrylic painting, jewelry, calligraphy, pottery, drawing and calligraphy. The mini-camps are $75, including all supplies. Evening and Saturday classes are also offered in pottery, drawing and calligraphy, as well as kids’ art classes. Fun Monday features the visiting artist of the week and introduces the children to the wonderful variety of styles, media, and techniques of these wonderful local artists. Call Karen at 724-4490 to register for a class or camp, or to learn more about other events.

EVENTS

The First Annual Sea of Dreams fundraising event will be held on May 17th, one day ahead of National Beach Safety Week, which runs May 18 through May 24 at the Cocoa Beach Elks Lodge, 175 North Brevard Avenue in Cocoa Beach. The day begins at 9 a.m. and should run until 5 p.m. They’ll be throwing a luau and there’ll be plenty of food, music and games, and folks will be handing out sun safety and rip current information. A blood bank will be there as well to accept donations and they’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 243-8850 or 298-4438, or you can check their website: www.seaofdreamsinc.org. Read more about Sea of Dreams in this issue’s “Twenty Questions” feature.

Nolan’s Irish Pub (5675 N. Atlantic Ave. in the Publix Cornerstone Plaza; Cocoa Beach) is hosting a Relay for Life fundraiser in conjunction with the American Cancer Society in memory of Sharon McGarry May 17 at 3 p.m. The beer and wine tasting event will feature music, food and lots of fun in memory of Sharon who recently died at only 44. Tickets are $25.00 and are limited to the first 50. Puchase tickets at Nolan’s Irish Pub or call 783 8499 for more information.

Don’t miss “Once Upon A Barrier Island,” the 1st Anniversary Celebration Saturday, May 9 at the Barrier Island Center, 8385 S. Hwy. A1A, in Melbourne Beach. Free special events will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — oyster mat making, live animals, guest speakers, a guided hike, eco-arts, music, sea turtle sand sculptures and sidewalk art, and educational exhibitions. Refreshments will be available for sale. For more information, call 723-3556. For information about other events, visit www.barrierislandcenter.com

Mary Moon’s popular Surf Art Camp starts June 1 and runs through August 7, and you can sign up for any one of the 10 camp sessions now. Surf Art Camp is an environmentally, physically, and artistically stimulating adventure. Camp runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily Monday through Friday. Each week your children will experience a creative array of art projects and daily 2-1/2 hour sessions of surf instruction. Art projects include airbrush, batik, clay, mixed media, mosaic, sculpture, watercolor and printmaking, completing 6 to 7 projects per camp. And if all that weren’t fun enough, there’s a Friday pizza beach party and a kayak adventure tour of the Thousand Islands Wildlife Sanctuary. The cost is $295/week and board rentals are available. The camp takes place at the Beach Place Guest Houses, 1445 S. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. For more information, contact Mary Moon at 799-3432, or visit www.marymoonarts.com

The Cocoa Beach Surf Museum (4275 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach) is hosting “Surf Culture Art” with a Bruce Reynolds exhibit opening, beautiful original artwork, and music and light refreshments Saturday May 9, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Visit the museum online at: www.cocoabeachsurfmuseum.org for more details.

The 8th Annual Watermans Challenge will be held June 6 and 7 at the Holiday Inn, Cocoa Beach. Expect Pro Longboard and multiple Amateur divisions, SUP and Paddle contest, Sandcastle building, Tug-O-War and more. Pre-registration is June 5th at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach outside of Mambo’s Restaurant. The Saturday luau (hosted by Carrabba’s) will feature hula dancers, music by the Aquanuts and Just Push Play. Check back with the Resident next month for details, or visit www.cocoabeachsurfmuseum.org for updates as they happen.

The Cocoa Beach Skate Park is offering a Summer Skateboard Camp beginning in June. Weekly sessions run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Available sessions: June 8-12; June 15-19; June 22-26; June 29-July 3, and July 6-10. The camp features supervised instruction from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and free skating from 1 p.m. till parent pick-up. Cost is $99 per week and includes daily pizza lunch and drinks, camp t-shirt, freebies, trivia contests, end-of-week contests, local skateboarding and surfing history, and guest speakers. Space is limited. The Skate Park is located at 1450 Minutemen Cswy. in Cocoa Beach. Call 868-3238 for more information.

Register your kids now for Sheri Stewart of Bali Studios’ “Art in the Afternoon Art Camp — ’70s Style!,” which will run this summer from June 15 to July 23. Classes and themes include “Mosaic Master-Peaces” (June 15-18); “Feel The Love Beading” (June 22-25); “Tie-Dye Socks, Jeans and T’s” (June 29-July 2); “Groovy Recycled Design Signs” (July 6-9); “Splatter Peaces with Paint” (July 13-16); and “Thinking Green Sculptures” (July 20-23). Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., with after-care optional until 5 p.m. Price is $100 per week; $5 after-care per child. Bali Studios is located in the Cape Royal Building, 1980 N. Atlantic Ave.; Ste. 507 in Cocoa Beach. For more information, contact Sheri at 720-2215 or visit www.balistudios.com.

Here’s the summer schedule for the Surfside Youth Players Summer 2009 Performing Arts Workshops at the Surfside Playhouse in Cocoa Beach:  June 1-19: “Drama For The Stage,” 9:00 am to Noon, Grades 2-6. June 1-19: “Film Acting and Production,” 1 to 4 p.m., Grades 2-6. July 6-24: “Drama For The Stage,” 9 a.m. to Noon, Grades 2-6. July 6-24: “Film Acting and Production,” 1 to 4 p.m., Grades 2-6. July 27-August 14: “Summer Stock for Teens,” 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. featuring the musical “Children of Eden.” For more information, call 784-9347, or visit www.surfsideplayers.com

Come out to the 5th Annual Fiesta Brevard on Friday, May 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Resort Cocoa Beach. The event will feature competition for the best salsa recipe in the area and live entertainment that will spice up the night with Latin music, the 5th Annual Fiesta Hat Parade and Contest, and will also showcase Brevard’s finest non-profit organizations. This event will feature individuals from our community competing with one another to determine who has the best salsa recipe on the Space Coast. During the event, awards will be presented for the Judge’s Choice Award (all participating parties will be competing for this coveted title) and the People’s Choice Award (the winner of this award is determined “by the people” the night of the event). Fiesta Brevard will also showcase 26 of Brevard’s finest non-profit organizations. All proceeds of this event will go to benefit each participating non-profit organization. Tickets are available in advance for $10 or $15 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at all participating non-profit organizations and the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (400 Fortenberry Rd., Merritt Island). Admission includes four food tickets and a cash bar will be available. If you’d like to be a sponsor or participate in the salsa contest, please contact the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce at 459-2200 or visit www.cocoabeachchamber.com to check a list of participating non-profits.

Brevard Art Museum brings “Graffiti from the Gutter to the Gallery” to “Under Pressure: Brevard Underground.” The Brevard Art Museum is pulling an all-nighter Saturday, May 16. “Under Pressure: Brevard Underground” is a street party, an upscale lounge, and a dance party all in one energetic evening. The main event begins at 7 p.m. when five acclaimed graffiti artists (including Resident favorite Bruce Reynolds, who recently took home Third Place in the Sculpture category at the Melbourne Art Festival) take over Highland Avenue and create street-inspired masterpieces in a collaborative piece that includes audience participation. Enjoy a delicious mix of food stations, open bar, lock box and live and silent auctions and relax in the galleries as it becomes the Eau Gallie Lounge, serving martinis and offering two metropolitan motivated exhibitions: “Take Out” and “From Gutter to Gallery: Grafitti Gets In.” “From Gutter to Gallery,” guest curated by Cynic, features artists and writers Sone 2, Slow, Typoe, Enve, This, Deps, Books, and photographers John Sluder, Casey Decotis, and James and Karla Murray. Cross the street to the Ruth Cote Clemente Studio at the Renee Foosaner Education Center for “Breakfast with a Beat” starting at 10 p.m. Dance until the morning to live music. For more information, call 242-0737. $100 per person. 1463 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie District of Melbourne. Call 242-0737. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m., and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adults $5; seniors $3; children and students with I.D. $2. Free for Museum members. Visit www.brevardartmuseum.org for more details.

Billed as “Central Florida’s Largest On-the-Water Boating Gathering,” the Boat Brevard Water Fest on May 9 will be a record-breaking event as boaters from all over Central Florida will gather to celebrate the local boating lifestyle and kick-off the Brevard Marine Advisory Council’s First Annual Space Coast Boating Week and Waterfest. Boating Week and Waterfest promotes and highlights the recreational, economic, and ecological benefits of our shared waterways. The WaterFest will be held at Ski Island near Port Canaveral and will feature an island luau theme, live band/entertainment, a barbecue, drinks, island games for children and adults, water volleyball, giveaways and much more. Examples of some of the prizes offered include: vacation packages, tiki carvings, and gift certificates. This year’s inaugural event will also feature live entertainment by The Detours, a book signing by Bob Brown, author of “Bermuda Suicide Challenge in a Flats Boat,” and many vendors. For more information about the event, contact John Kavaliauskas at 591-2613. Founded in 2008, Boat Brevard has quickly become one of Central Florida’s fastest growing online communities. It’s a free online network for boaters and boat enthusiasts and contains Central Florida’s boat related news, upcoming events, marine classifieds, boater business directory, discussion forums, groups, blogs, videos, and photos. Additional information is available at: www.boatbrevard.com

To kick off their Youth gathering every Friday Night for the Cocoa Beach community, Living Bread Christian Fellowship Church is holding its First Annual Light Fest, featuring Jason Anthony (“The Chalk Guy”) on May 8. Youth group starts at 6 p.m. every Friday night, followed by an Open House at 7 p.m. Jason takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. Living Bread is located at 1801 S. Orlando Ave. in south Cocoa Beach. If you have any questions, contact Roxane Hathaway at 783-6610.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A new “all-media” art group recently formed and will be meeting May 26 and June 23 at 9:30 a.m. at the Cape Canaveral Library (201 Polk Ave.; Cape Canaveral). The goal for this new “Outdoor Artists’ Social” is to bring like-minded creative people together for informal companionship and group painting/drawing parties at various scenic locations in our area. The group will meet at the library once a month to network and talk about art, and will then head outdoors to create en plein air. The Social is intended to be informal and fun; artists of all levels of ability and experience are invited. For more information, call host Chelly Harkness at 432-5414, or contact the Cape Canaveral Library at 868-1101.

Ms. Emily Tam, a senior at West Shore Jr./Sr. High School has been selected as the recent Melbourne Art Festival’s 2009 Scholarship Winner. Ms. Tam was selected from among four finalists for the award based on her academic record, extracurricular activities, community service, numerous awards and honors, and the quality of her art as represented by work submitted for consideration. The scholarship is awarded annually to a public, private or home-schooled graduate from Brevard County who has been accepted at an institution of higher learning in a visual or graphic arts program. Ms. Tam has been accepted by both the Ringling College of Art & Design in Sarasota and by the Pratt Institute in New York.

Friends of the Thousand Islands, Inc. is being formally organized to carry on the work of the informal group of supporters who have championed the preservation of Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands for many years. The not-for-profit entity will seek tax exempt status to enable it to bring a more comprehensive level of support to long-term conservation activities for the Thousand Islands. The initial focus of the corporation emphasizes reforestation of the islands to establish immediate and successful growth upon the planned removal of invasive plants. Friends of the Thousand Islands, Inc. will collaborate with the City of Cocoa Beach and the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL’s) Program to support the environmental, recreational and educational goals identified in the City and County’s approved “Management Plan.” “As a corporate and tax exempt entity, we will be more effective in building membership, organizing volunteers, fundraising, obtaining grants, and developing formal collaborations, while providing accountability and transparency to the community for our activities,” said James Durocher, one of the group’s long-time advocates. Upon acceptance by the State, the initial directors James Durocher, Tony Sasso, and Jacques Dubois will pursue tax status from the IRS and also launch a community outreach effort. Current and prospective stakeholders can keep up by visiting and bookmarking: http://1000islands-cocoabeach.blogspot.com:80/. The site provides photographs, background information, and a link to the approved Management Plan. If you want to express your interest or support in Friends and want to be contacted, you can send an email with your contact information to: Jacques.Dubois81@gmail.com, or send a letter via U.S. mail to: Jacques Dubois, Attn: “Friends,” 660 S. Brevard Avenue, #1541, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931.

The opinions and preferences of current residents of the City of Melbourne are reflected in “Vision Plan 2020,” a document that seeks to provide a blueprint for growth of the city. The plan, first reviewed by elected officials on March 24 and to be discussed again at the April 14 City Council meeting, is available at the City’s web site (www.melbourneflorida.org). The 65-page plan reflects public comment gathered during a series of workshop meetings in which topics ranged from transportation and jobs to the environment, the visual appearance of Melbourne’s buildings and opportunities for recreation and night life. The plan outlines efforts to foster both business and residential activities in the two traditional downtown areas and along the commercial area of Babcock Street. Mixed-use activities would be encouraged along roadways that serve as main corridors and extensive efforts would be made to improve transportation opportunities, including accommodations for pedestrians, bicyclists, and mass transit. The vision plan also proposes an “urban service boundary” to indicate areas where Melbourne already provides municipal services or will in the future, a step that could expedite planning activities by allowing local approvals of “Future Land Use Map” amendments to Melbourne’s comprehensive plan that now need state or regional review.

Although the swimming season is still a couple of months away, the City of Melbourne is currently searching for lifeguards, swimming instructors, and others who will help operate the three municipal pools beginning May 23. Job applications are being accepted now, with hiring to begin in April and continue until the pools open. Available staff positions include pool supervisor, pool manager, lifeguard, swim instructor, and head swim instructor. Lifeguards must be at least 15 years of age and must have Red Cross certification. Lifeguard pay starts at $7.80 per hour. Swim instructors must be at least 16 years old and must have completed the Red Cross water safety instructor course. Swim instructor pay starts at $8.50 per hour. A complete job listing is available online at www.melbourneflorida.org/employ/jobsout.htm. The pools are to be open daily from May 23 through May 25 for the Memorial Day weekend, and then will operate daily for the summer from May 30 through August 9. The pools are to operate on weekends only from August 16 through September 27.

Be aware of an alert forwarded to the City of Melbourne from a representative of HUD regarding a web site that is characterized as misleading the public. The alert reads: “Please let your customers know that there is a deceptive website out there that is posing as HUD. This website is deliberately deceiving by public by using the HUD name in the web address as well as on the website. The website tries to dupe people into giving out personal information (known as “phishing”) — and because they’ve made their site appear to be an “official U.S. Government website,” some people may fall prey to this scam. The website is: http://bailout.hud-gov.us/

According to the Florida Recreation Development and Assistance Program (FRDAP) website, the City of Cocoa Beach has been awarded a $50,000 reimbursement grant for specified outdoor recreational amenities associated with the Maritime Hammock Preserve Park. In September 2008, a grant application was sent to FRDAP seeking $46,000 in funding to help complete the project plan for the hammock preserve. Amenities included a 1/2-mile exercise fitness/walking trail; 6 fitness stations; a tetherball court; a wildlife observation pavilion; 2 ADA-compliant picnic shelters; and a small public access parking area. The grant is a “no-match” award, meaning that the city will get reimbursed up to $50,000 that it will spend on the listed amenities. Staff are awaiting receipt of a formal agreement from FRDAP to culminate the deal. Once the agreement is received, it will go before the City Commission for acceptance, signing and return to FRDAP for further processing. Normally, such projects are given 3 years to complete after the grant agreement is signed.

Remember to check the Satellite Beach Recreation Department website for a schedule of Spring events, among them: a Flashlight Egg Hunt at the DeSoto Soccer Field (495 DeSoto Pkwy.; Satellite Beach), Thursday, April 9. The hunt begins precisely at 9 p.m.; make sure to arrive by 8:45 p.m. 1st through 6th Grade-age children can participate. Child must be able to hunt unassisted. Please bring flashlight only; bags will be provided. $6 tickets are required; purchase early at the David R. Schechter Community Center, located at 1089 S. Patrick Dr. in Satellite Beach. Call 773-6458 for more details. View a fill list of activities at www.satellitebeach.org

Try Zumba Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Cape Canaveral Recreation Department (7300 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral; 868-1226). Zumba is part aerobic fitness, part dance class based mainly on Latin rythms. No experience necessary, just a willingness to have fun and break a sweat. For more information, contact instructor Virginia Taylor, 506-2231.

In Cocoa Beach Library news, the popular “Music on a Sunday Afternoon” series kicks off Jazz Appreciation Month with Jazz vocalist Sybil Gage, Sunday, April 5 at 2 p.m. Also part of the series, Nolan’s Irish Sessions Musicians appear Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. This month’s open mic event will be held Wednesday, April 8 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come in and perform music (either original or cover tunes) or recite original poetry or stories. Time is limited to 10 minutes per participant. Show up, sign up, and play! Coffee courtesy of Juice ‘n Java. The Citizen’s Action Committee meets Saturday, April 18 at 10 a.m. Members of the public are welcome. The Playreaders Group meets every third Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Captain’s Room. Everyone who attends has a script and is encouraged to participate. Newcomers are always welcome. Contact Lois Palmer for details at 783-8645. Avail yourself of walk-in meetings with Commissioner Chuck Nelson from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the fourth Friday of the month in the Captain’s Room. The Library’s preschool storytimes include simple stories, fingerplays, action rhymes, music, poetry and a simple craft. No registration is necessary. The afterschool programs have age appropriate stories, poetry, crafts and other activities. Weekly storytimes: Tuesdays at 4 p.m., ages 4 to 7; Fridays at 10:15 a.m., under 5. The Youth Services Department will present “Humbug Rabbit: A Puppet Show for the Whole Family” Tuesday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. Call 868-1104 to reserve seats. Free tax assistance is offered by trained AARP volunteers through April 15, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the new study rooms. You must be there by Noon to have same-day service. The Library will be closed Easter Sunday, April 12th. The Cocoa Beach Public Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave., Cocoa Beach. Call 868-1103, or visit www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.org

BUSINESS NEWS

One of our favorite local eateries, Trevor’s Blue Toucan Restaurant, closed at 8177 N. Atlantic Avenue on March 31 and will be relocating to the Discovery Bay Plaza at 8501 Astronaut Boulevard in Cape Canaveral in about two weeks as we went to print.hef They’re in the process of renovating the former Indian restaurant in the plaza and looking forward to a much larger indoor seating area, while still having their Toucan Terrace on the west side of the building, ideal for fresh air lovers, smokers and owners of well-behaved dogs. Chef Trevor will still be featuring his tasty authentic Caribbean cuisine and “quick stop” hot deli line at lunch, but he will offer full breakfast and an expanded dinner menu, including fresh Florida seafood, steaks and more, plus beer and wine. They look forward to welcoming locals and tourists to enjoy their tropical setting, indoors or out, wonderful food and drink, and the sweet sounds of live steel drum music each Friday and Saturday evening. Please call 784-5300 for more information.

Fans of The Shack in Palm Bay have reason to celebrate; the widely-loved seafood restaurant which first opened back in 1972 is back in action after a long hiatus. Now guided by Dominick Villano, Gregory Schaeffer and Head Chef Mike Peterson (late of the Cove), The Shack had its soft opening this past March 11th, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Featuring a menu that sees a combination of the restaurant’s past and present, The Shack is still in its old location — 4845 Dixie Hwy. NE in Palm Bay — but clad in a freshly remodeled guise. They’re open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Monday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Drop in and welcome to the neighborhood. Call 327-2986 for more information.

Become a member of Brevard’s Green Team, a community partnership based on cooperation between eco-programs and local businesses. The Green Team offers recycling partnerships, can and plastic bottle recycling bins, oil recovery kits and pads, and much more. Their services are ideal for both small and large businesses, Chamber meetings, parades, and special events. For more information, visit www.brevardsgreenteam.org or call Executive Director Gary Kitchens at 784-9869.

The Local Lounge is a local radio show on WMEL 1300 AM, airing Sunday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The popular show features local music and discussions about local gigs and venues, and was just picked up by internet radio station Globalradio1.com and now has US and UK timeslots every weekday. Catch the show at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. EST every weekday, or listen to the podcast whenever you want at www.globalradio1.com. The show hosts local bands in studio almost every weekend and now plays music from unsigned and indie from this area as well as from around the world. Check them out.

Last month, an error was made in identifying new The Scrambled Egg’s location in Satellite Beach. The Scrambled Egg (727 Pinetree Dr. in the Lowe’s Plaza) is in fact located in Indian Harbour Beach. This City of Indian Harbour Beach is extremely proud of the new Lowe’s plaza, which includes Starbucks, a Taste of Thai restaurant, Beachside Toys, Tonic Restaurant, and The Scrambled Egg, plus many more shops and businesses.

EVENTS

Get set for the 2009 Melbourne Art Festival, Saturday, April 25 through Sunday, the 26th. More than 250 local and national artists will compete for cash awards as they display thousands of art pieces surrounding five street blocks in historic downtown Melbourne. Festivities begin Saturday with the USAT&F certified Osler Medical 5K Flamingo Run at 8 a.m. The field is limited to 1,500 competitors, so register early.  Both Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., one can visit the many artists’ booths, stop for a bite to eat at the multi-choice food court, or enjoy continuous live entertainment on the main stage. KidsWorld, an energetic arts and crafts center for the young ones, features numerous crafts for all budding artists. They’ll also enjoy the pirates from the Pirates Dinner Adventure in Orlando. All KidsWorld activities are free. Don’t forget to sign-up your promising young artist for the free art workshops, which are led by Festival and local artisans. The Festival is held in historic Downtown Melbourne near the intersection of U.S. 1 and interstate 192 (New Haven Ave.). Admission is free and a free park & ride service is available from Florida Marketplace (Melbourne) at 1459 S. Babcock St., and Indialantic Center (Indialantic), in the 800 block of A1A.  For more details, please visit www.melbournearts.org or call 722-1964.

The Indian River Chapter of the Florida Trail Association holds its monthly meeting on Thursday, April 2 at the Melbourne Public Library (540 E. Fee Ave.; Melbourne) at 7 p.m. Public is welcome. Contact Dick Louden at 321-638-8804 for more details. The Triple N Ranch Day Hike on Saturday April 11, sponsored by the Trail Association, meets at 7:30 a.m. at Sam’s Discount Club, 4255 W. New Haven Ave. in Melbourne. For more information, contact Lisa Myers at 726-0171. The group’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt/Hike, takes place Sunday April 12th. Meet at 9 a.m. at the McDonald’s parking lot, Wickham Road and I-95. Parents interested in having their children participate can contact Tony Flohre at  723-6339. The Florida Trail Association is a non-profit organization which promotes hiking for all ages and maintains the Florida  National Scenic Trail, creating a legacy for all those who enjoy the outdoors.

On Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m., The American Belly Dance Club will present “Hip Impressions,” a fund-raising event featuring local bellydancers from Brevard and surrounding counties at the Henegar Center, 625 East New Haven Avenue in downtown Melbourne. Doors open at 6 p.m. for shopping and refreshments. Tickets are $15 in advance, available at www.ambellydanceclub.com. For more information, contact Lisa Myers at 726-0171.

The 2009 Cocoa Beach Bikes and Bar-A-Thon is set for April 4, to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrive at Bunky’s Raw Bar (315 W. Cocoa Beach Cswy.; Cocoa Beach) at 10 a.m.; depart 10:45 a.m. Expect prizes, a raffle, bar tabs, loads of freebies, friends and loads of fun. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/bikesandbarathon, or email bikesandbarathon@aol.com.

Spring Fourth, April 4th, during 4 skateboard contests at the Cocoa Beach Skatepark (1450 Minutemen Cswy.). Entry fee is $15; registration begins at 10 a.m.; contest starts at 11:30 a.m. The day will feature an all ages flow course plus three street events (step-up, handrail and barricade). Cash prizes. Call 868-3238 for more details.

The Satellite High School Drama Department presents Ken Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies,” a rollicking comedy farce with mistaken identities, lunacy and laughter. Performances are held April 2-4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Satellite High School Auditorium (300 Scorpion Ct.; Satellite Beach). Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students. The show is rated PG-13. For ticket information, please call 779-2000 or email:  rion.fount@brevardschools.org

Get “tribal” during a “Day of Dancing & Drumming” to benefit the Back to School Foundation in Monkey Bay, Malawi, Sunday, April 5 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Café Unique Amish Deli & Coffee Shop (607 Florida Ave.; Cocoa Village). The event will feature live music, great food, a bazaar, dancing, a drum circle, and more. Bring your children and noisemakers — drums, bells, rattles, etc. Anyone interested in performing, entertaining, or being a vendor, contact Marie at 785-383-6303.

Download the Brevard Art Museum’s new Spring class and workshop brochure at www.brevardartmuseum.org. Their Spring Break Art Camp runs April 6-10. The Museum is located at 1463 Highland Ave. in the Eau Gallie District of Melbourne. The Museum itself is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., sponsored by Gatto’s Tires & Auto Service. Admission: adults $5; seniors $3; children and students with I.D., $2. Call 242-0737 for more details.

It’s time to sign your kids up for Legacy Sports and Life’s Spring Break Junior Lifeguard Camp. Your kids will have fun, learn to be safe, surf and get fit all in one week. The session will cover “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” which will teach kids how to be proactive, set goals and synergize. Sign up online or download the registration and waiver at www.legacysportsandlife.com. The camp will be held at the Cocoa Beach Hilton April 6-10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children can enroll for the entire week (Monday through Friday) or for individual days. Visit www.legacysportsandlife.com for more details.

34th Annual Indian River Festival takes place April 16-19 at Sandpoint Park in Titusville. The Indian River festival, now in its 34th year, will feature bull riding, bullfighting and the famous dancing horses on both Saturday and Sunday. Come for great entertainment, world-class Midway and rides, family fun, great food, arts and crafts, a duck race, raft race, corvette show and more. The “Bull Bash” will be held on Saturday at 7 p.m. Sunday sees free-style bullfighting and dancing horses. Call 615-8111 for more information, or e-mail BrevardProductions@gmail.com.

The Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce presents its 14th Annual Champions Cup Golf Tournament to be held at Duran Golf Club in Viera Friday, April 17. Player fees and sponsorship opportunities are staying the same low prices from last year. The funds raised during this event will benefit your business as well as our business community, going directly back into the valuable programs and services the Chamber provides. The CBACC is currently seeking sponsors and players for the event. Make this more than just a day on the golf course…network with fellow business partners, community leaders and golf enthusiasts of all levels. For more information, please contact  Michelle Lamb at 321-454-2027 or mlamb@cocoabeachchamber.com. In preparation for the event, the Chamber will be hosting a Chamber Golf Tournament Tune Up Clinic, Tuesday, April 7 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in conjunction with the Duran Professional Golf Staff. Instruction and practice Balls at no charge. Use the above contacts to register for the event.

The Annual Joe Realino Memorial Fund’s Party with a Purpose will be held on Sunday, April 19. Due to be held at Jonathan’s Pub (140 N. Brevard Ave.; Cocoa Beach), the event promises plenty of music, food, drinks, and prize drawings. Someone will win $10,000 in a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $100 and only 200 will be sold. Tickets are on sale now at Jonathan’s Patrick’s Pub and Siggy’s American Bar. For information contact Jonathan at 783-9368 or Hank Kolsch at 960-2816.

Scheduled April events at the Barrier Island Center in Melbourne Beach include an introduction to butterfly gardening, Wednesday, April 15 and their Earth Day celebration held Wednesday, April 22 during which attendees can plant trees. For information on events and programs, call 723-3556 or visit www.barrierislandcenter.com

Come discover the rich history of our local area every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with author and history lecturer Ray Osborne at the Resort of Cocoa Beach Movie Theater (1600 N. Atlantic Ave.; Cocoa Beach). You’ll learn about the ancient natives that lived here and U-boats that sank ships off our coast. You’ll recognize the faces of celebrities, discover early pioneers and lighthouse keepers and hear fascinating treasure stories. Suggested donation $3.00. Call 243-8097 for more information, or visit www.capehistory.info

Beef O’Brady’s and Wahoo Coffee Co. of Cocoa Beach are sponsoring a golf tournament to benefit Christian Ramos Sunday, May 3 at the Cocoa Beach Country Club (5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.; Cocoa Beach). Shotgun start at 8 a.m. Cost is $100 to sponsor a hole; $240 per foursome to play. The event will be followed by a post party at Beef O’Brady’s in the Cornerstone Plaza, Cocoa Beach — beer and wings provided for participating golfers. For more information, contact Beef O’Brady’s at 784-3834, or Wahoo Coffee Co. at 799-2464.

Register your kids now for Sheri Stewart of Bali Studios’ “Art in the Afternoon Art Camp — ’70s Style!,” which will run this summer from June 15 to July 23. Classes and themes include “Mosaic Master-Peaces” (June 15-18); “Feel The Love Beading” (June 22-25); “Tie-Dye Socks, Jeans and T’s” (June 29-July 2); “Groovy Recycled Design Signs” (July 6-9); “Splatter Peaces with Paint” (July 13-16); and “Thinking Green Sculptures” (July 20-23). Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., with after-care optional until 5 p.m. Price is $100 per week; $5 after-care per child. Bali Studios is located in the Cape Royal Building, 1980 N. Atlantic Ave.; Ste. 507 in Cocoa Beach. For more information, contact Sheri at 720-2215 or visit www.balistudios.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Florida Winter Baseball League (FWBL), the State’s newest professional sports league, has announced a name for the team for their Cocoa (Brevard County) franchise. General Manager Sean Boudreaux and his staff had asked the Brevard County population to assist the team in creating an identity that reflects the communities that call Space Coast home. The team will be called the Space Coast Surge. Over 80 different names were submitted as potential names for the Brevard area franchise. The name was submitted by 7 year-old Keyshawn King and his parents, Jamal and Christina of Melbourne. As the winners of the contest, they will receive a prize pack that will include two season tickets for the franchise’s inaugural season at Cocoa Expo Sports Center and on field recognition during pre-game festivities on Opening Night. The Space Coast Surge are a professional winter league baseball team that will participate in the Florida Winter Baseball League. The team will play a 30 game home schedule at the Cocoa Expo Sports Center. Other franchises include the Lake County Black Bears (Leesburg), the Seminole County Naturals (Sanford), and the Miami Diamantes (Miami Diamonds). For more information about the Space Coast Surge and the FWBL, visit www.spacecoastsurge.com.

The Scafidis, owners of OceanSports World in South Cocoa Beach, lost their home and everything they owned in a house fire last month. Donations of gift cards and money are appreciated. If anyone has known the Scafidis and might have some photos of them at parties, events, surf contests, kids activities, etc., drop off some photos or a disc with photos on it at their shop, located at 3220 S. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach (783-4088). The Cocoa Beach Kiwanis has offered the use of their 501(c)(3) status which allows financial donations to be tax deductible. Please contact Ben Malik at (321) 794-6668 to make a tax deductible donation in the Scafidi’s name. All monies through the Kiwanis go entirely to the Scafidis; this just allows your donation to be tax deductible. PLEASE REMEMBER: it is important to note the Scafidis on these checks.

Come to the David R. Schechter Community Center for two great events this month. On March 14th, the Satellite Beach Woman’s Club invites you to a Bunco Party at 10 a.m. $10 gets you a ticket, a box lunch and many prizes. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Club’s “Code Blue” emergency assistance call box project for the newly-renovated Hightower Park in Satellite Beach. The call box will provides direct contact to local emergency response teams. To find out more, or to purchase tickets, call Dee Anderson (773-2743) or Del LaFrance (773-6898). On Wednesday, March 11th, the Community Center will host a St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at Noon. Enjoy traditional corned beef and cabbage, potatoes, carrots, a roll, dessert, and a beverage for your meal as you watch live entertainment. Center member tickets are $8; guests — $13. Tickets are required as seating is limited, so contact the center now. The David R. Schechter Community Center is located at 1089 S. Patrick Dr. in Satellite Beach. Call 773-6458, or visit www.satellitebeach.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

Running through March 31st, an exhibit of photographs, models and relics called “Red Cypress and Yellow Pine,” will chronicle steam logging, Melbourne’s first big industry, from 1912 to 1932. Presented by Union Cypress Railway historian Ed Vosatka, special attention will be given to artifacts from Melbourne’s first electric system produced by the then-new saw mill in 1914, and a piece of railroad track recovered in 2008 from a St. Johns marsh, where it remained buried for over 75 years. All these and more items will be on display at the Melbourne Public Library, 540 E. Fee Ave. in Melbourne. Call 952-4514 for more details.

In Cocoa Beach Library news, “Winter Wonderland Surf Sessions,” a locally-produced surf video, will be shown from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 7th at the Library. The 70-minute video was filmed and edited by Diana Wehrell-Grabowski, Ph.D.. Footage taken from November 2008 through February 2009 includes shortboarders, longboarders, boogie boarders, and SUPs. Local band The Aquanuts will be playing instrumental surf tunes during the show, which is sponsored by the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum. Popcorn and beverages will be available free courtesy of the Sunseed Food Co-op. People in Print presents mystery writer Mario Mozzillo, winner of the 1st Annual BookWise National Author Contest Award, on Wednesday, March 4th at 2 p.m. Music on a Sunday Afternoon presents Florida troubadour Chris Kahl, who will give a musical tribute to Florida on Sunday, March 8th at 2 p.m. Kahl writes and sings his own songs about the history and uniqueness of the state, taking honors in 2007’s Best New Florida Song Contest held during the annual Will McLean Festival. His music chronicles much of Florida’s history, including the space program, hurricanes, Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railroad and Ponce de Leon’s discovery of the state in 1513. Best Bets for Vacationing Close to Home with local author Dianne Marcum, will be presented on Wednesday, March 11th at 1 p.m. The author of “Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach & Florida’s Space Coast” will discuss jewels of Brevard County and ways to save time, gas, money and have lots of fun exploring the 76 miles of our Atlantic Coast. Open Mic Night will be held on Wednesday, March 11th from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Learn about redfish, trout and intracoastal fishing in Brevard County with an expert, Capt. Shawn Foster, on Tuesday, March 17th at 6:30 p.m. Come to the “Women of Local History Seminar” with Ray Osborne, Saturday, March 21st 10:30 a.m. to Noon. The local history lecturer and author will give a multi-media presentation for Women’s History Month focusing on women of local history. Sandy Purdy of Daybreak Rotary Club will show a powerpoint presentation called “Women of Hope,” on Wednesday, March 25th at 2 p.m. This project was founded four years ago in Kabul, Afghanistan, to help mothers and widows start handcraft projects and micro gardens that will enable them to feed their families and save lives. Unique handicraft items, such as silk bedspreads, beaded purses and hats, blouses, children’s clothing and pillow case sets will be available. This program is part of the Women’s History Month initiative. The Library is putting together a collection of CDs from local musicians and musical groups. If you or your group has a CD (containing no profanity, please) you’d like to donate to the library, please drop it off at the reference desk, attention Margot Gould or mail to Cocoa Beach Public Library. Tax assistance from trained AARP volunteers will be available through April 15th, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the new study rooms. You must be there by Noon to have same-day service. The Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave., Cocoa Beach. Call 868-1103 or visit www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.org

The Surfside Playhouse announces its 9th Annual Brevard Playwriting Contest. The winning play will be produced by Surfside Playhouse on June 12th, 13th and 14th of 2009. Submit scripts to Surfside Playhouse – Playwriting Contest, 200 N. First Street, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. Deadline for submission is March 29th. For information on rules and submission requirements, call 636-0900 or e-mail oldropp@aol.com.

BUSINESS NEWS

Welcome Satellite Beach’s new Scrambled Egg Cafe to the neighborhood at 727 Pinetree Dr. in the Lowe’s Plaza. You’ll find all your favorite breakfast dishes, 10 types of filling scramblers, 5 types of eggs benedict, 11 varieties of omelets, pancakes, and nearly everything else under the morning sun. Lunch is served as well; you’ll find fresh deli sandwiches and traditional favorites, homemade soups, burgers, salads and delicious wraps. Stop in, or call 610-8910 for more information.

EVENTS

Longtime Cocoa Beach surfer and nationally-recognized artist Bruce Reynolds will be displaying a range of original artwork at Rusty’s Seafood Restaurant (628 Glen Cheek Dr.) in Port Canaveral March 3rd at 6 p.m. The art show is being held in partnership with The Kelly Slater Project, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to help in the completion of the bronze sculpture of Kelly Slater which was designed and sculpted by artist Natasha Drazich. Please come out and support this worthy cause. Enjoy Happy Hour Drink specials, hors d’oeuvres and surf music played by the Aquanuts. To find out more, contact Rusty’s at 783-2033.

Celebrated beachside artist Rick Piper will be hosting a showing of big new art on Saturday, March 14th from 6 to 11 p.m. at Juice N’ Java Cafe (75 N. Orlando Ave. in downtown Cocoa Beach). He’s been creating an all-new body of work for the show, entitled “…WONDERFUL THINGS.” It’s set to be an extravagant and eclectic show, unlike any you’ve seen before, featuring installation art, inflatables, mixed material, sculpture and paintings, a wine bar, snacks, and music.
That same night, at the same location, there will be also be a food tasting of international cuisine hosted by Juice N’ Java owner Jocelyn Zambrana, billed as “A Culinarian’s Quest.” Sample a selection of recipes, researched and collected throughout her lifetime of travels around the world in search of the most authentic food and delicious culinary experiences. This food tasting ($10), will include 15 international delights at the special sampling bar and one complimentary glass of Jocelyn’s famous sangria. The art show is free and open to the public. For more details, call the Cafe at 784-4044.

Join in the Art for Autism benefit March 20th, 7 p.m. at Juice N’ Java Cafe (75 N. Orlando Ave. in downtown Cocoa Beach). This benefit — a showing of jewelry, paintings, drawing, photography and more — will help provide awareness and support for autism, with proceeds going to PALS (Providing Autism Links and Support for CARD). Wine and dine while viewing local artwork. If you’re an artist who’d like to participate, call Natalie Dunnege 613-2235, or log on to www.myspace.com/artforautism.

On Saturday, March 7th, a team of local students attending the University of Central Florida will be teaming up with the Marine Resource Council to assist in protecting the our shoreline along the Indian River. They will be cataloging the biodiversity of a selected area, and will then remove the invasive and non-native plants to insure that the native mangrove’s habitat can thrive in order to support the local ecosystem. Families are welcome. The event will be equipped with an educational tent to inform the next generation of the importance of the Indian River ecosystem. Come join them for a fun day of protecting our environment. For more information or to sign up, go to http://sites.google.com/site/teamgoodinvestment

Scheduled events at the Barrier Island Center in Melbourne Beach: 3/5: Oyster Mat Making; 3/7: Sunset, Moonrise Paddle and Island Cookout; 3/14 – Spring Fever Guided Hike on Coconut Point Sanctuary Trail; 3/19: Poetry Appreciation and Writing Workshop with Poet and Author Kathleen Thompson; 3/21: Poetry Reading by Kathleen Thompson and Beach Clean-Up; 3/22: Surf Fishing Workshop for Women by Women, and Eco Art Demonstration; 3/25: Vegetable Gardening Made Simple; 3/28: Shawangunk Preserve Pictorial Presentation and Musical Performance. The Barrier Island Center is located 8385 S. Hwy. A1A in Melbourne Beach. For information on events and programs, call 723-3556 or visit www.barrierislandcenter.com

A new exhibit featuring the work of Mark Longenecker and the Noble Brothers will be on display through June 12th during regular business hours at the BCC Planetarium in Cocoa — Custom Painted Surfboards by Artist Mark Longenecker and Aerosol Art by Cynic and Sone. Mark Longenecker, who owns Endless Summer Tattoo in Cocoa Beach has expanded his artistic talents from skin to surfboards. Longenecker spends many hours creating his one-of-a-kind designs on each surfboard that comes his way. Jeff Noble (aka Cynic) and Matt Noble (aka Sone) will show off their impressive eye-raising graffiti skills. To learn more about the program, get information on the artwork or the artists, contact Lynne Brezina at Brevard Cultural Alliance 690-6817. For more information on Longenecker call the Endless Summer Tattoo Shop in Cocoa Beach at (321) 799-9776 or visit his website at www.endlesssummertattoo.com. The BCC Planetarium is located at the BCC Cocoa Campus, 1519 Clearlake Rd. in Cocoa. Call the Planetarium for show and exhibits times at 433-7372.

The 2009 Cocoa Beach Bikes and Bar-A-Thon is set for April 4th, to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Matt’s Bicycles in Cocoa Beach has stepped up again to sponsor this years commemorative koozies — no more spillage when trying to read your door prize number. Beef-O-Brady’s will provide a special low-priced all-you-can-eat wing buffet set up for the hour of the participant’s arrival. Expect prizes, a raffle, bar tabs, loads of freebies, friends and loads of fun. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/bikesandbarathon, or visit bikesandbarathon@aol.com

The Annual Joe Realino Memorial Fund’s Party with a Purpose will be held on Sunday, April 19th. Due to be held at Jonathan’s Pub (140 N. Brevard Ave.; Cocoa Beach), the event promises plenty of music, food, drinks, and prize drawings. Someone will win $10,000 in a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $100 and only 200 will be sold. Tickets are on sale now at Jonathan’s Patrick’s Pub and Siggy’s American Bar. For information contact Jonathan at 783-9368 or Hank Kolsch at 960-2816.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Education budget woes are affecting students, teachers, and communities in Florida — and things are expected to get worse. Volusia County public schools have recently cut three sports and two academic fairs. In Brevard County, a multitude of teachers have reported many of their basic supplies for the school year had been used up weeks before Christmas break. Even before the current crunch began, Florida’s teachers typically spent $400 – $600 of their own money annually to purchase teaching materials and classroom supplies, with first year teachers often spending over $1,000. Many are wondering where the Florida State Lottery comes in. Although the lottery contributes to Bright Futures Scholarships and helps build schools through capital improvement programs, revenues are not directed toward day-to-day or per-student expenses, so lottery funds don’t help when those basic supplies run out. Help for those basic classroom costs is available from a unique program offered by Space Coast Credit Union. The credit union’s Education Donation Program allows SCCU members to donate a portion of the rewards points they earn on their SCCU’s Platinum Visa Card or Visa Debit/Checking Card cards to support education. Donors can dictate exactly where their dollar goes, whether it’s to a teacher, school group, athletic team, or PTO. Complete information about the Education Donation Program and an online registration form is available at the credit union’s web site, SCCU.com. Those interested in joining Space Coast Credit Union or in obtaining a credit or debit card can call the credit union’s main number, 752-2222, Monday through Saturday and speak to an Express Services Associate. Space Coast Credit Union is open for membership to anyone who lives or works in Brevard. For more information, please contact Jenna Bernardo, PR Director, at 779-1010, or Bonnie Klein, SCCU Marketing, at 752-2222 ext. 9203.

The Indian River Chapter of the Florida Trail Association invites the public to attend the chapter meeting at the Melbourne Public Library 540 Fee Avenue at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 5th. Weekly day-hike destinations for this month include: Tosahatchee Wildlife Management area on 3/8; Moccasin Island on 3/14; and St Johns River Kayak Trip on 3/15. For meeting times, locations and hike length, contact Lisa Myers 726-0171.

The Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce presents its 14th Annual Champions Cup Golf Tournament to be held at Duran Golf Club in Viera Friday, April 17th. Player fees and sponsorship opportunities are staying the same low prices from last year. The funds raised during this event will benefit your business as well as our business community, going directly back into the valuable programs and services the Chamber provides. The CBACC is currently seeking sponsors and players for the event. Make this more than just a day on the golf course…network with fellow business partners, community leaders and golf enthusiasts of all levels. For more information, please contact   Michelle Lamb at 321-454-2027 or mlamb@cocoabeachchamber.com.

Come join the Living Bread Christian Church’s newly-formed youth group, which meets at 6 p.m. every Friday night at Living Bread, 1800 S. Orlando Ave. in Cocoa Beach. For more information, please call 783-6610.

“John” is looking for people who are interested in converting a gasoline-powered dune buggy into an electric-friendly vehicle. Mechanical experience helpful, but not necessary. Call John at 613-2361 to express interest.

The Brevard County Library System is celebrating the Brevard Literacy Festival for the entire month of February. Check your local library’s listings for scheduled events. At the Cocoa Beach Library, Brad Meltzer will be the featured author at the annual Friends of the Library Book & Author Luncheon on Saturday, February 7th at 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach. He is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller “The Book of Fate” and five other best selling legal thrillers. He is also one of the co-creators of the TV show “Jack & Bobby,” and is the writer of the #1 bestselling graphic novels, “Identity Crisis” and “Justice League of America.” His fascinating new novel “Book of Lies,” also a New York Times #1 bestseller, digresses from the legal thriller mode, and will be available for purchase for $25.99. Tickets are available at the Cocoa Beach Public Library for $20 per person. Join the library for “Local Authors Day” on Wednesday, February 18th from 1 to 4 p.m. and meet some of the literary talent in the area. Their line-up features romantic suspense writer Roxanne St. Clair; military apocalyptic writer Lee Boyland; non-fiction writer, author and journalist, Carol Jose; juvenile historical fiction author Anne Bonner; travel writer Diane Marcum; award-winning quilter and author of quilting books, Margie Engel; crime writer Holly Vellekoop, and children’s sports writer Maura Moynihan. Each author will have a table to sell and autographs their books, as well as a 10-15 time slot to address the audience. The “People in Print” series presents Marshall Frank, Tuesday, February 3rd at 7 p.m. He’ll discuss his newest book, “Criminal Injustice in America,” in which he presents a powerful argument for amending laws and processes regarding the war on drugs, prostitution, abortion, capital punishment, sex offenses and more. “People in Print” also welcomes back popular Florida mystery writer Tim Dorsey, who’ll speak about the writing process and sign books on Wednesday, February 4th at 2 p.m. His latest novel, “Nuclear Jellyfish,” will be available for purchase at the event. Dorsey is the author of “Florida Roadkill,” “Orange Crush,” “Atomic Lobster,” and other novels, all set in Florida. “People in Print” welcomes Adam Davies, author of “The Frog King,” “Goodbye Lemon” and “Mine All Mine,” will be in person to discuss and sign his books on Saturday, February 28th at 2 p.m. Throughout Literacy Month, special book sales will be ongoing everyday in the main library. Youth Story Programs will feature books by an outstanding author at each of the weekly story times and there will be special prizes and book giveaways. The Youth Department is also hosting Florida author Kathleen Duble on Tuesday 10th at 4 p.m. Her novel “The Sacrifice,” which deals with the Salem witch trials, received the prestigious Booklist Top Ten Historical Fiction for Youth Award. The Youth Department invites you to celebrate books on Saturday, February 14th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dress like your favorite book character for our costume contest and book parade. Crafts, refreshments and fun! Visit www.brev.org for more information on events.

The Cape Canaveral Library is sponsoring a five-week workshop entitled “Telling Your Story: A Memoir Writing Workshop” taught by Chelly Harkness as part of Literacy Month. Classes will meet in the Library conference room on Tuesdays from 10 to Noon, starting on February 17th and running until March 17th. The cost is $5 per person, per class, which includes all instructional material. Writing experience is not necessary and people of all ages are welcome. For more information or to sign up for the classes, call or stop by the reference desk at the Cape Canaveral Library, phone 868-1101, or contact instructor Chelly Harkness at 432-5414.

In other library goings on, the Cocoa Beach Library is hosting their popular Open Mic Series Wednesday, February 11th from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Perform music, either originals or cover tunes, or recite original poetry or stories. Time is limited to 10 minutes per participant. Show up, sign up, and play! The Open Mic series takes place every second Wednesday. “Music on a Sunday Afternoon” presents Acoustic Alliance on Sunday, February 1st at 2 p.m. The band has a sound and approach that embraces traditional bluegrass, swing and gypsy jazz and features three- and four-part vocal harmonies as well as intricate and well developed instrumental pieces. Also included are original songs written by members of the band. Free tax assistance from trained AARP volunteers will be available February 2nd from April 15th, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the new study rooms. “Music on a Sunday Afternoon” welcomes back the unlikely duo of former homicide detective and author Marshall Frank and retired medical examiner Jay Barnhard, who make up the Dic-Doc Duo, on Sunday, February 22nd at 2 p.m. Revel in some light entertainment, humor and good music featuring gypsy, tango, Broadway show tunes, movie themes, ethnic and classical music played on guitar and piano. Join the library for Poetry Reading and Music on Wednesday, February 25th at 2 p.m. Local poets will read their original work, the recorder group, the C-Pipers will entertain you, and some great keyboard music will get you in the mood for some light refreshments. The Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 868-1103.For more information, call 868-1104.

Registrations are being accepted for participation in a two-evening Citizens Academy to be offered by the City of Melbourne on February 23rd and 25th. The academy is designed to foster citizen involvement in the community and to provide a wealth of information about city government with speakers and activities that include a K-9 demonstration, a fire truck display, and a simulation of the city’s water treatment process. The academy is scheduled from 5:15 to 9 p.m. at the Melbourne Auditorium, located at 625 Hibiscus Boulevard. There is no cost to participants and a light dinner is to be provided. The deadline for registrations is noon on February 17th. Those interested in joining the academy should contact the City Clerk’s Office at 953-6255 or send an e-mail message to cityclerk@melbourneflorida.org with information including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all persons who would like to attend. City Manager Jack Schluckebier said the academy is offered periodically as an introductory course for citizen involvement. Topics include the fundamentals of local government, information about municipal services and resources, and insights into opportunities for citizen involvement in city government. Mayor Harry Goode is to welcome participants to the academy. The City Manager is a speaker for the academy, along with other city officials. Speaker topics range from public safety to municipal utilities and budgeting.

Local Apple Specialists Visual Dynamics (694 E. Eau Gallie Blvd.; Indian Harbour Beach) have instituted a number of professional training programs, including “Up and Running On The Mac” (10 1-hour one-on-one classes) and “Getting More From Your Mac” (group classes scheduled weekdays and Saturdays). Other options include intensive training held in your home by a trained expert and a free seminar series. Visual Dynamics is a one-stop shop for all your Macintosh needs. To find out more about the training programs, visit www.getmactraining.com, or call 773-7788.

Visit the Left Bank of Paris without leaving Brevard at Rive Gauche, Eau Gallie’s unique cafe, market and art gallery. This specialty eatery, located in the site of a former bank, features crepes and quiches and homemade soups. In the former bank vault is the market, with a treasure of hard-to-find food items. Works by local artists and craftsmen are showcased on the walls of the eclectic eatery. They’re located at 1437 Highland Avenue in downtown Eau Gallie. Call 610-7975 for more details.

Chefs Frank DeMolfetta and Jedd Yudelson have opened their latest venture, the stunning Mezzaluna Italian restaurant, on Highland Avenue and Montreal Street in downtown Eau Gallie. House specialties include Veal Saltimboca, Penne Vodka, and something called Yudel’s Noodles. They’re open breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. They’re located at 1385 Highland Avenue. Call 254-6166 for information or reservations.

Congratulations to Boaz and the good folk at Cocoa Village’s Brasas Grill who’ve recently expanded. Visit them at 109 Brevard Ave. in Cocoa Village for excellent, all-you-can-eat Brazilian churrascaria, or call 683-1338 to make reservations.

Don’t forget to stop by VinnieLu’s Beachside Chocolates for all your sweet Valentine needs. They make a wide variety of special candy assortments, and their chocolate is amazing. They’re located at 981 G. E. Eau Gallie Blvd. in Melbourne. Call 777-5532, or visit www.vinnieluchocolates.com

Big Surf Cafe (on the site of the old Flaminia’s in Cocoa Beach) is set to open this month. They’ll feature great surf-themed food, like build-your-own sandwiches, pizzas and burgers. Check back with the Resident for more details.

“Winter Wonderland,” a surf video produced by Diana Wehrell-Grabowski will be shown at The Beach Shack (1 Minutemen Cswy. in Cocoa Beach) on Sunday, February 22nd from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. The film covers winter swells from November through mid February 2009. Shot at numerous Brevard County surf breaks, the film features many local surfers. From shortboarders to longboarders, and body boarders to snowboarders, there’s some “eyecandy” for everyone in this video. Aquanuts will be playing surf tunes throughout the evening.

The Surfet Saltwater Sweetheart Board Fest is happening on Valentines Day, Saturday February 14th. This event benefits the Boarding For Breast Cancer Foundation. The surf competition is hosted by Coconuts on the Beach beginning at 8 a.m. This includes girls and women’s pro divisions and amateur divisions sanctioned by the AAU. Tandem Team and Dudes in Drag will also be in the line up. Beginning at 6 p.m., the Cocoa Beach Skate Park will host a Girls Free Skate Session featuring Lea Taylor and music with DJ Longnecker. Registration Party is Friday, February 13th at Coconuts on the Beach from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: sessions@surfet.com, call 704-7683, or visit www.surfet.com.

Irish musicians Derek & The Young Wolfe Tones will be performing on Sunday, February 15th at 3 p.m. at the Cocoa Civic Center, 430 Delannoy Ave. in Cocoa Village. Tickets are $20 and are available at Nolan’s Irish Pub (5675 N. Atlantic Ave.; Cocoa Beach; 783 8499) or at The Irish Shop (818 East New Haven Ave.; Downtown Melbourne; 723 0122). Doors open at 2:30; show is at 3:00. This event is being sponsored by The Space Coast Irish American Club. For more information on the club, please call John Nolan at 212-8093.

This month at the Brevard Art Museum: Kevin Miller, Director and Chief Curator of the Southeast Museum of Photography Daytona State College, in Daytona Beach, Florida will present “Seeing is Believing – The Languages of Photography,” on Thursday, February 5th. The Southeast Museum of Photography is Florida’s most comprehensive museum of photography. An independent academic and public-service unit of Daytona State College, The Southeast Museum of Photography (SMP) is one of only 13 institutions in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to photography and one of a select few with a collection of such breadth and depth. Miller will share his insights of photography through his lecture. The illustrated lecture will take place at 10:30 a.m. in the Harris Auditorium adjacent to the Museum. The lecture is free. Be sure to check out the Museum’s “Annie Leibovitz: Women” exhibit which is on view through March 8th. The Brevard Art Museum is located at 1463 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie District of Melbourne. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m., and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: Adults $5; seniors $3; children and students with I.D. $2. Free for Museum members. Free Thursdays will be suspended during the run of this Leibovitz exhibition. Call 242-0737, or visit www.brevardartmuseum.org

Come to the 24th Annual Chowder Cook-Off with a Twist, hosted by the Convention & Visitors Bureau of the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce held on Friday, February 6th at Cruise Terminal #3 in Port Canaveral, beginning at 6 p.m. They’re in need of donations for the bar and items for door prizes. Donations can be dropped off at the Tourist Info Center, 8501 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canavera,l or the Chamber Office at 400 Fortenberry Road, Merritt Island. You can also call Mary or Yanni for pick-up at 454-2022.

On February 15th, from 4 to 7 p.m., the Central Brevard Art Association will host “An Evening With The Arts” at the Unitarian Center, 3115 Friendship Rd. (just off Rte 1 S. in Suntree.), a fundraiser for CBAA’s Youth Scholarship Program. Enjoy music by the Dic Doc Duo and others, entertainment, refreshments, and silent auctions, raffles, and sales of donated art. Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $25. For further info or tickets call 639-0586.
The public is invited to a free opening reception of the “Truth Or Dare” exhibit by Brevard’s Woman Artist of 2008, photographer Jeanee James, and digital artist Jerry Hanzl at the King Center (3865 N. Wickham Rd.; Melbourne) on Thursday February 5th from 4 to 6 p.m. By sculpting light, shadow and a bit of magic, she captures images that speak to the deepest feelings of viewers. The exhibit weaves a narrative of touching images from newborns to grandparents and ballerinas to body builders. Her photography was exhibited in January 2008 at the Orlando Museum of Art in their First Thursday exhibit, and her Maternity Fine Art Collection can be seen at Holmes Regional Medical Center, NICU Wing. In addition, she has won numerous state and local photography awards. One of her images was recently selected as the cover for the national photography magazine, “Life Images.” Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and talk with the artists and to view their wonderful work. For more information about the exhibit, contact Jerry Hanzl at 633-4075 or Jeanee James at 446-5675, or by email at jeanee@jeaneej.com

Celebrate the rich culture of India at Melbourne’s annual Indiafest, February 14-15 at the Wickham Park Pavilion (3865 N. Wickham Rd.; Melbourne). Tickets are $4 for adults, $1 for children and free for kids ages 6 and younger. For more information, visit www.indiafestbrevard.org

Space Coast Feline Network will be conducting a workshop for feral cat colony caregivers at the Central Brevard Library on Saturday, February 14th from 1-4 p.m. The workshop is for those involved with the care of feral cats and includes demonstrations on how to use traps and discusses feral cat issues. Call the Helpline to register at 631-7729 or register by sending $5 to Space Coast Feline Network; PO Box 624; Cocoa, FL 32923. SCFN is a non-profit organization dedicated to decreasing the feral cat population in Brevard County through low-cost spay/neuter services for feral cat caregivers. They also provide education to caregivers at quarterly workshops held at the Central Brevard Library in Cocoa. Further information can be found on the SCFN website at www.spacecoastfelinenetwork.com or by calling their 631-SPAY (631-7729).

Cocoa Beach’s Surfside Player’s Board of Governors recently approved the selection of shows for the 51st Season, running from 2009-2010. A schedule of performance dates will be released at a later time. The shows for Surfside Player’s 51st season, pending acquisition of rights, include: Frost/Nixon; Harvey; Prisoner of Second Avenue; Chicago; Fiddler on the Roof; Boy Gets Girl and Beyond Therapy. Scheduled special events include The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Holiday Cabaret. For more infromation, call 783-3127 or visit www.surfsideplayers.com

Tammy Paoletti headlines a tribute to Country Legends from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. February 14th at the HTEA Auditorium on Pineda Causeway in Melbourne. Other featured performers are Ken Moores, Bo Frazer, Gordon “Flash” Hasson and Steve Cowan. They will perform the music of Marty Robbins, Patsy Cline, Conway Twitty, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and many more. All seats are general admission and tickets are $18.  For tickets & information please call 723-8323 ext 317.

There’s a new radio show on AM 1300 WMEL called The Local Lounge. On Sunday nights starting at 6, they play music from local original bands and discuss local gigs and venues. Hosts Stefani Troye and Jonathan McFadden make fun of themselves, each other and the world in general in between playing tunes from unsigned and indie bands. The music comes mainly from this area, but they highlight bands from other areas of the country too. Check them out on Sunday nights or get in touch with them at locallounge321@aol.com or through myspace.com/thelocallounge.

Kick off the New Year at downtown Melbourne’s January 9th Friday Fest and dance in the streets to the sounds of the John Quinlivan Band. Historic Downtown Melbourne’s monthly family friendly street party enters its second decade of providing residents and visitors from throughout Brevard and surrounding counties with four non-stop hours of great music and dancing in the streets from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can stroll the streets and enjoy over 60 art, craft and business vendors, food vendors, a beer and wine station, and the popular Kid’s Zone. Most downtown shops remain open for Friday Fest, as all the hot restaurants and night spots in the area. Come early for easy parking, and bring your lawn chair. No coolers or pets, please. For more information, call Melbourne Main Street at 724-1741, or go to www.downtownmelbourne.com.

The Conradina Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society presents Blair Witherington “Florida’s Beach Plants: Thriving on Catastrophe,” Monday January 12th, 7 p.m at the Melbourne Library on Fee Ave. Blair, a research scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, will discuss plants and the way they adapt to different environs. The lecture is free and open to the public. Phone 729-6857 for more information.

Following acquisition of the remaining privately-owned parcels in the Thousand Islands in 2008, Cocoa Beach’s Land Management Committee (LMC) and the Brevard County EELs program have been developing a management plan as required by the Florida Communities Trust (FCT) that provided much of the funding for the purchase. To accomplish the goals of conservation, protection and enhancement of the natural resources of the Islands, the plan includes strategies to restore and enhance natural communities; create amenities that improve public access, and implement educational programs highlighting the assets of the land. Much of the discussion during the development of the proposed plan conceerned the removal of exotic invasive plants (Australian pine; Brazilian pepper; melaleuca and other species) from the Islands and the restoration of the native plant community. To address the concerns voiced by some residents, Australian pines will be removed in phases over a 5 to 7 -year period. As these trees are removed, native plants (oaks, cedars, pines and others) will be planted. The Cocoa Beach LMC and EELs have scheduled a public workshop to present the management plan to the community on Monday, January 12th, 2009 at 6 p.m. at the Cocoa Beach City Hall. A full copy of the proposed plan and an executive summary is available on the City’s website: www.cityofcocoabeach.com and will be available for preview at the Cocoa Beach Public Library. The City Commission is tentatively scheduled to consider the plan at its January 15th meeting.

Winners of the Second Annual Amateur Singer/Songwriter Contest  at the Cocoa Beach Public Library held December 13th have been announced. The contest produced 3 Judge’s Choice Winners and 1 People’s Choice Winner. Judge’s Choice 1st Place: Jessica Lynn Williams of Cocoa Beach; 2nd Place: Carl Vanderziel of Cocoa Beach; Third Place: Bruce Ivorry of Scottsmoor; People’s Choice Winner: Jessica Lynn Williams. The criteria was based on originality, lyrics, melody and overall presentation, and was judged by a panel of three professional musicians — Sharon Osuna, Sunnyland Steve, and Bob Lambert. Visit the library at 550 N. Brevard Ave. in Cocoa Beach, or call 868-1104 for more information on January programs.

EVENTS

Staff Scribe and accomplished sculptor Rick LaClaire  will be showing some of his incredible work at the “Fusion” art opening on Friday, January 30th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at downtown Melbourne’s LoPressionism Art Gallery. Artists Robin Linsmier, Mary Ellen McLaughlin, Erich Padilla and Denise Schweikert, and Mr. LaClaire himself will be on hand for the reception which also sees the joining of LoPressionism and The Christmas Cottage under one roof, just next to the train tracks at 1002 E. New Haven Ave. in the historic downtown district. In honor of the event, they’ll be holding an incredible sale from January 2nd to the 25th. Call LoPressionism at 722-6000 or the Christmas Cottage at 725-0270 for more information.

The Theatre Company of Palm Bay presents the French comedy “Don’t Dress for Dinner,” by Marc Camoletti, running January 9th through February 15th, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Performances are held in the Auditorium at BCC, Palm Bay Campus (Community College Pkwy; Palm Bay). Tickets are $22 for general reserved seating; $20 for seniors and students). Call the box office Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 723-3056 to purchase tickets. Visit www.theatreco.org for more details.

Attention skateboarders: Don’t miss Zorlac’s Shut Up and Skate Street Contest and BowlJam Saturday, January 24th from 8 a.m. till 8p.m. at Eastwood Skate Park (1/2 mile off 290 Gus Hipp Blvd. in Rockledge. Entry fee is $20 and gets you into their after party featuring live music held that night from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Call 663-0888 for more information, or visit www.myspace.com/eastwoodskatepark or www.myspace.com/zorlacfl.

The Melbourne Civic Theatre
 announces the performance of “Driving Miss Daisy” 1/16 through 2/1, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. 
dults: $17; Seniors, children and students: $14. Auditions are being held there for Tom Stoppard’s 
”The Real Thing”
 1/4 through 1/5 at 7 p.m. 
cheduled production dates: 2/13 through 3/1/09 at 8 p.m. Auditions for the “Theatre
mprov: The Game Show” are also being held 1/18 and 1/19 at 7 p.m. at the theatre. 
hey’re looking for stand-up comics, improvisors, comedy writers and actors. 
all the box office for more information at 723-6935, or visit them on the web at: www.mymct.org
Start the New Year off right with a host of free events at the EELs Barrier Island Center (8385 S. Hwy. A1A in Melbourne Beach). Take part in a naturalist-guided tour at the Maritime Hammock Sanctuary Saturday, 1/10 at 12 Noon. Two events are scheduled for Saturday, 1/18: a beach clean-up from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and a stargazing tutorial in the sanctuary from 6 p.m. to 8p.m. Call the Center at 723-3556 or visit www.barrierislandcenter.com for more details.
“Annie Leibovitz: Women,” a collection of portraits by the iconic photographer, runs through March 8th at the Brevard Art Museum, located at 1463 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District. Check the museum’s website — www.brevardartmuseum.org — or call 242-0737 for more information on the show or on the many other exciting Museum programs planned for January.

Heeding that old cliché about great minds thinking alike, two of Brevard’s award-winning community theatres will each present the beloved comedy, “The Odd Couple,” in January. The Neil Simon classic will open at the Titusville Playhouse, 301 Julia St. in downtown Titusville, and Surfside Players, 301 Ramp Rd. in Cocoa Beach, on January 16th, playing through January 31st in Titusville and one more day until February 1st in Cocoa Beach. The Titusville Playhouse will continue the 2008-2009 season on the main stage with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” and “The Sisters Rosenwieg.” Upcoming shows in the “Emma’s Attic” series upstairs are “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” and “Adult Entertainment.” The people’s Rising Star Theatre will present “Seussical, Jr.” on the main stage, plus two Attic shows, with additional productions by Children’s Theatre Arts. Tickets for “The Odd Couple” or TPI Flex-Passes, which provide six admissions of your choice, are now on sale. Individual tickets are $16, with discounts for students, military personnel, and senior citizens, and a Flex-Pass is $84. You can buy tickets or a Flex-Pass at the Playhouse weekdays between 9 and 5, or by phone with a credit card at 268-1125. For a complete performance schedule and other information about the 2008/2009 Playhouse season, please go to the Playhouse website, www.titusvilleplayhouse.com. Surfside will continue the main stage season with Lionel Bart’s “Oliver!”, followed by Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons.” The season will also include
“Sister Mary Ignatius/The Actor’s Nightmare” on the Second Stage and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Tickets for Surfside’s “Odd Couple” are $18, with discounts for seniors, military, and students; Surfside also features a Family Package for 2 adults and 2 children for $40. For information on Surfside tickets, call 783-3127, and see www.surfsideplayers.com for more details.

BUSINESS NEWS

Janie and Trevor Lowing recently opened a new café, BunJava Coffee, at 811 N. Atlantic Avenue in Cocoa Beach. They offer a laid-back European atmosphere and great coffee and food. BunJava has selected Latitude 23.5 as their coffee roaster, not only for their excellent coffee but for their commitment to sustainable growing and support of small farmers. As you would expect, a variety of your favorite coffee beverages are on hand, including an excellent choice of iced concoctions. They also feature a rotating cast of homemade soups (bread bowls available), salads, sandwiches, cakes, treats, bagels, scones and desserts. They’re open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to Midnight (when they feature live local music), and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Lowings also offer church, home or office coffee service, catering, bread and pastry trays, and meeting hosting services. Call them at 473-4352 for more information, or visit them online at: www.bunjava.com

If you haven’t already, welcome Ming and Pong to Cocoa Beach. As new owners of Thai Basil (675 N. Atlantic Ave.; Cocoa Beach), they offer the same great atmosphere and Thai food you came to expect from its old incarnation — but better! Join them Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 12 Noon to 9:30 p.m. Lunch is served everyday until 3 p.m., with their dinner menu taking over at 3:01 p.m. You’ll find all your authentic Thai favorites and an expanded menu that includes great sushi and Japanese entrees as well as pho’ noodle soup. Call 868-8262 to have your order ready for pick up or for delivery to Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island. Dine-ins welcome. Ming and Pong also offer their restaurant for private parties and can cater a variety of events. Visit them online at: www.thaibasilfl.com

In August of 2008, Train City, a well-known national internet company selling electric trains relocated to Cape Canaveral. Train City was established in Erie, PA, in 1980, and have been very active in purchasing large collections of electric trains throughout the country and selling them through mail order via the web. They’re located at 405 Atlantis Road, Ste. C113 in Cape Canaveral. For more details, call them at 799-4005, or take a gander at their website: www.traincity.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations are in order yet again for unofficial Resident mascot Brock Reynolds who won 1st Place in the Mixed Media category at November’s Space Coast Art Festival Student Art Show for the 2nd year in a row. If that weren’t enough, he sold all of the work he brought. Good on ye, Brock!

February 15th marks the Burger Inn’s 17th year in delicious business. Drop in for the best burger in town and congratulate Grumpy Al. All the best for the New Year, Al!

Last month’s featured artist, woodcarver Bob Graves, work will be displaying his work along with those of 75 other members of the Space Coast Woodcarvers Annual Show on January 31st at the Eau Gallie Civic Center (1551 Highland Ave.; Melbourne) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (321) 453-6862 for more details.

With the help of Staff Writer Kimberly Stone, the Beachside Resident has put together a free weekly email service that lets you plan ahead for your live music entertainment along Brevard’s beaches…and beyond! Called (brilliantly, we think) The Beachside Pipeline, the service is a great for both music fans and musicians. If you have an upcoming show you’d like to promote and have added to our calendar, email Kimberly at: beachsidepipeline@yahoo.com. Please include the name of your band with specific dates, times, and venues. Support local live music! And a special thanks Kimberly for making it happen.

Beachside Jazz legend Johnny Bolan retired at the end of November 2008 from Heidi’ Jazz Club in Cocoa Beach. Rich Abrahams and Al Goldenberg have since taken over his slot, playing at Happy Hour each Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Thanks for the memories, Johnny.

Just a reminder that the Brevard Genealogical Society holds meetings on the second Sunday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to Noon at the Central Brevard Library and Reference Center, located at 308 Forrest Avenue in Cocoa. Visit www.flbgs.org for more details.