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Vol. 30 No. 5 January 30, 2012 A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine

Please see MCC, page 19

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Burke puts MCC backon growth track; teamswith FIT in classroomsBy Ken Datzman

Michael Burke took charge of

Melbourne Central Catholic High School

18 months ago as its new president. He

came here from a private school in

Arkansas, with expertise in enrollment

management and finance.

The veteran educator and administrator

has quietly used his skills to turn around

MCC’s long enrollment slide. The school,

known for its high rate of college placement

at leading institutions around the nation,

had experienced 11 consecutive years of

declining enrollment before Burke took the

helm.

This past year, MCC saw an enrollment

surge of 15 percent, with more than 370

students in the four grades. The first fall he

stepped in as MCC president, a new title

for the school, enrollment stood at 328

students.

“We have pretty much capped our

freshman enrollment at around 90 to 100

students,” said Burke, a former banker

who understands that private educational

institutions are also businesses.

“Our goal is to have 425 to 450 students

at MCC. We have the personnel to

accommodate those numbers. We’re

interested in students who want to be here

and their parents want them to be here.

That combination creates a community

environment where everything is positive,”

added Burke, whose school has formed a

unique partnership with neighbor Florida

Tech.

Applications to MCC are up 50 percent.

Its 15 percent enrollment increase for the

2011–2012 school year includes 127 new

families.

Burke said MCC has done a better job

delivering its message in the community

and that has played a role in the upward

enrollment trend.

“We just needed to show people the

great value MCC offers. It was really

important for us to share our message with

parents, elementary principals, and our

priests. We are committed to Catholic

education. We are committed to academic

excellence. I think we are communicating

these messages more effectively.”

Michael Burke is president of Melbourne Central Catholic High School, whose institution formed acollaborative relationship with neighbor Florida Tech that began this year. More than a dozen MCCstudents are now taking college–level classes in the morning at Florida Tech. Students can earn anHonors Diploma in math, science, engineering, business, and other disciplines, and a $10,000annual scholarship to attend the college.

BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth

of being viewed as youthful, vigorous and

energetic are many, both in one’s personal

life as well as their professional life. It

brings me great joy to know that I am

helping my patients to live happier, more

satisfying lives,” adds Dr. LaFleur, who has

focused her medical practice on eyelid

surgery and facial aesthetics for the last 12

years.

The surgery to correct excessive skin or

tissue on the upper eyelids, or to remove

bags from beneath one’s eyes, is known as

blepharoplasty.

Blepharoplasty is a proven and “highly

successful technique” for helping people to

look more youthful and alert, said Dr.

Carrie Palmer, a board– certified, fellow-

ship–trained ophthalmologist at The Eye

Institute for Medicine & Surgery.

When performing blepharoplasty, the

surgeons of the Facial Aesthetics Center at

The Eye Institute create small incisions

following the natural contour lines of the

upper and lower eyelids, providing access

for the removal of fat and excess skin. Once

removed, the incisions are closed with tiny

sutures. Depending upon the needs of the

patient, the entire procedure can take

Cosmetic eyelid procedures: The path to looking, feeling your bestThe eyes are said to be the windows to

the soul. Your eyes are also the first thing

that people see when they look at you.

“If you have bags under your eyes or if

your eyelids are beginning to droop or

exhibit excess skin and folds, you may

appear tired, older or less vigorous than

you feel, giving others a false impression of

whom you really are,” said Dr. Patricia

LaFleur, a local board–certified ophthal-

mologist and director of facial aesthetics at

The Eye Institute for Medicine & Surgery.

“Today’s active adults take pride in their

appearance. They want to look and feel

great. They want others to see them as the

vibrant people that they are. The benefits

BBN Brevard Business

News

JANUARY 30, 2012Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising InformationBREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 2

BBN SPACE COAST BUSINESSFIT to spark entrepreneurial spiritwith business–development lecture

The Nathan M. Bisk College of Business Center for

Entrepreneurship and New Business Development at

Florida Institute of Technology will offer a free presenta-

tion, “The Journey from My Garage to the Corner Office,”

from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Jan. 26.

The talk will be led by businessman Travis Proctor,

founder and president of Artemis IT in Melbourne. The

program will be held in the Evans Library, Link Multime-

dia Room, second floor, on campus.

Through the Visiting Entrepreneur Program, accom-

plished business leaders are invited to share real–world

knowledge, experience and insights in starting and

managing a successful business enterprise.

Originally from Montrose, Colo., Proctor has always

possessed the entrepreneurial spirit, from operating his

first company out of a renovated garage as a high–school

student to founding an IT services company while a

sophomore at Florida Tech, in 1995.

In this presentation, Proctor will share his experiences

and lessons learned along his journey.

In 1998, he received a bachelor’s degree in computer

science information systems from Florida Tech, finishing

first in his class.

His company currently employs 34 people and has

clients throughout Central Florida. In addition, he

manages two real–estate investment companies in Florida

and Colorado.

Proctor is an active member of the community and

serves on several community and company boards. He has

won numerous awards for outstanding service and

community support and was selected as one of the top four

leaders under age 40 in Brevard County.

In 2006, Florida Tech presented him with the “Gradu-

ate of the Last Decade” award, or GOLD. And in 2007, he

was the first inductee into the Montrose High School Hall

of Fame.

Seating for the event is limited. To RSVP, contact

Sharon Carnohan at 674–7167 or at [email protected].

The Nathan M. Bisk College of Business is an “integral”

academic unit of Florida Tech. The college provides “well–

rounded, high–quality” educational experiences to prepare

graduates for a variety of careers in the global business

environment.

In support of all undergraduate and graduate pro-

grams, the college provides “foundational knowledge” in all

areas of business and exposes students to ethical decision–

making and leadership challenges.

Junior League offers Community GrantThe Junior League of South Brevard’s 2012 Commu-

nity Grant application is available at www.JLSB.net. For

more than four decades, the JLSB has provided adminis-

trative guidance, financial support and volunteer services

for its adopted projects throughout South Brevard. The

JLSB is accepting applications for grants from community

nonprofit organizations. It will be awarding a grant of

$1,000 each to two community organizations that are

requesting funds for programs or projects that support the

South Brevard community. Applications must be submit-

ted by Wednesday, Feb. 15.

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BBN SPACE COAST BUSINESS

BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 3

BAC’s seventh annual ‘An Eveningof Coffee and Chocolate’ Feb. 18

ROCKLEDGE — The Brevard Achievement Center,

and presenting sponsors Southern Janitor and the Viera

High School Student Government, will host the seventh

annual “An Evening of Coffee and Chocolate” fund–raiser

from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Space

Coast Convention Center–Holiday Inn–Express, in

Cocoa.

Proceeds support BAC’s programs and services for

people with disabilities.

More than 20 eateries — including The Melting Pot,

Panera Bread, Mimi’s Café, Uno’s Chicago Grille and

Grills Riverside, as well as local specialty stores like

Ossorio Bakery and Café, The Bald Strawberry, Some-

thing Sweet Cake Studio, A N.Y. Pizzza House, Simply

Sweeties Chocolate Shoppe, Merri Cakes, Grimaldi

Candies and Alpine Yogurt Café — will participate in the

benefit.

As the event’s exclusive provider of specialty coffees,

Starbucks baristas also will be on hand to serve an

assortment of java.

“We truly are grateful for the extraordinary support

our annual fund raiser receives,” said Dayle Olson, BAC

president.

“Thanks to Starbucks, our wonderful food vendors, our

presenting sponsors and our many other corporate

partners like FP&L, SunTrust, Craig Technologies and

PSS Medical, ‘An Evening of Coffee and Chocolate’

remains one of Brevard’s best events.”

Guests can purchase handcrafted jewelry, pottery and

blown–glass items made by artists with disabilities at

Cogswell Street Studio, the art program of BAC.

There will be a wide range of items up for auction as

part of the program. Entertainment will be provided by

Randy Cabral, whose highly interactive brand of fast–

paced, clean comedy, has been featured on “The Jay Leno

Show,” “ABC,” “NBC” and “Fox.”

The cost to attend the event is $30 in advance or $35

at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets,

call 632–8610 or visit www.coffeeandchocolateevent.com.

Merrifields to address Propeller ClubThe Propeller Club of Port Canaveral will meet at

11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Fishlips Waterfront

Bar and Grill, 610 Glen Cheek Drive, in Port Canaveral.

The speakers will be Jeanne and Mike Merrifield of Wild

Ocean Seafood Market. Their presentation is tilted “How

Port Canaveral is Critical to the Commercial Fishing

Industry.” To make a reservation to attend the gathering,

call 452–5426 or visit www.propellerclubcanaveral.com.

Novelist Edna Buchanan here Feb. 11The Cocoa Beach Library’s annual “Book and Author

Luncheon” featuring Pulitzer Prize–winning mystery and

crime novelist Edna Buchanan will begin with a social at

11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the International

Palms Resort, 1300 N. Atlantic Ave., in Cocoa Beach.

Lunch is at 12:15 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. Tickets

are available at Cocoa Beach Library through Feb. 6. She

will be discussing her latest novel, “A Dark and Lonely

Place.” This is a romantic, historical thriller. For more

details about the event, call the library at 868–1104.

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BBN EDITORIAL

BBNBrevard

Business

News


4300 Fortune Place, Suite DWest Melbourne, FL 32904

(321) 951–7777fax (321) 951–4444

BrevardBusinessNews.com

PUBLISHERAdrienne B. Roth

EDITORKen Datzman

OFFICE MANAGERFrank Schiffmann

Brevard Business News is published every Monday byBrevard Business News Inc. Bulk Rate postage is paid atMelbourne, FL and Cocoa, FL. This publication servesbusiness executives in Brevard County. It reports onnews, trends and ideas of interest to industry, trade,agribusiness, finance, health care, high technology,education and commerce.

Letters to the Editor must include the writer’s signatureand printed or typed name, full address and telephonenumber. Brevard Business News reserves the right to editall letters. Send your letters to: Editor, Brevard BusinessNews, 4300 Fortune Place, Suite D, West Melbourne, FL,32904, or email [email protected].

Subscription Rates for home or office mail delivery are$26.00 for one year (52 issues). Send all addresschanges to: Circulation Department, Brevard BusinessNews, 4300 Fortune Place, Suite D, West Melbourne, FL,32904, or email [email protected].

Astronomers discover two new planets orbiting double sunsBy Javier Barbuzano

Using data from NASA’s Kepler mission, a team that

includes a University of Florida astronomer has discov-

ered two new planets orbiting double star systems,

something that had never been seen until last Septem-

ber.

The newly confirmed planets, called Kepler–34b and

Kepler–35b, was recently announced in the online edition

of the journal “Nature,” said Eric Ford, UF associate

professor of astronomy. William Welsh, associate

professor at San Diego State University, is the lead

author on the paper.

Kepler–34b and Kepler–35b both orbit a “binary star.”

They are actually a pair of gravitationally bound stars

that orbit each other. While the existence of such bodies,

called “circumbinary planets,” had long been predicted,

they remained just a theory until the team discovered

Kepler–16b in September 2011. They dubbed Kepler–16b

“Tatooine” because of its resemblance to the two–sun

world depicted in the “Star Wars” film series.

“We have long believed these kinds of planets to be

possible, but they have been very difficult to detect for

various technical reasons,” Ford said. “With the discover-

ies of Kepler–16b, 34b and 35b, the Kepler mission has

shown that the galaxy abounds with millions of planets

orbiting two stars.”

The planets were discovered by measuring the star

light decrease as the planets pass in front of, or transit,

either of the two stars. Kepler also measures the star

light decrease when one of the stars passes in front of the

other. The mutual gravitational tugs of the stars and

planets cause the times of the transits to deviate from a

regular schedule, allowing astronomers to confirm the

planet and measure its mass.

Both planets are low–density gas giants, comparable

in size to Jupiter, but much less massive. Compared to

Jupiter, Kepler–34 is about 24 percent smaller in size,

but has 78 percent less mass. It can complete a full orbit

in 288 terrestrial days. Kepler–35 is about 26 percent

smaller, has 88 percent less mass, and completes its orbit

around the stars much faster — just 131 days.

The astronomers believe the planets are made

primarily of hydrogen and too hot to sustain life.

“Circumbinary planets can have much more complex

climates, since the distance between the planet and each

star change significantly during each orbital period, the

length of an alien planet’s year,” Ford said.

“For Kepler–35b, the amount of incoming star light

changes by over 50 percent within a single Earth year.

For Kepler–34b, each Earth–year brings ‘summers’ with

2.3 times as much star light as winters. Over the course

of a year, the change in the amount of sunlight heating

the Earth varies by only 6 percent.”

NASA’s Kepler mission, which began in March 2009,

uses a 1–meter space telescope trained on one small

portion of the Milky Way for several years.

Astronomers analyze data from the telescope for

periodic dimming that indicates a planet crossing in front

of its host star. The mission’s goal is to find the frequency

of Earth–size planets in the habitable zone of their host

stars — where a planet might have liquid water on its

surface.

Most Sun–like stars in the galaxy are not alone, like

the Earth’s sun, but have a “dance partner,” forming a

binary system or binary star. Kepler has already

identified about 2,165 eclipsing binaries, of the more than

160,000 stars being observed.

NASA originally planned to stop receiving data from

the Kepler spacecraft in November 2012.

“Astronomers are practically begging NASA to extend

the Kepler mission until 2016, so it can characterize the

masses and orbits of Earth–size planets in the habitable

zone. Kepler is revolutionizing so many fields, not just

planetary science,” Ford said. “It would be a shame not to

maximize the scientific return of this great observatory.

Hopefully common sense will prevail and the mission will

continue.”

The public can contribute to searching for planets

using real Kepler data by visiting PlanetHunters.org,

which works with the latest version of Internet Explorer,

Chrome, and Firefox. For additional information,

downloadable slides, and full resolution versions of

artwork after the embargo lifts, please see http://

sdsu.edu/kepler. For more information about the Kepler

mission, visit: www.NASA.gov/kepler.

Intercoastal Insurance to support Florida’s 15,000 Special Olympics athletesSpecial Olympics Florida recently announced that its newest sponsor is Intercoastal Insurance Inc. in Melbourne.

Intercoastal’s gift of $10,000 will help Special Olympics Florida to fulfill its mission of providing year–round sports

training and competition to 15,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athlete or their

family. The program promotes physical fitness, self–esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be

productive, respected and contributing members of their communities. In addition to financial support, Intercoastal

Insurance’s president, Cindy Dropeski, has a 30–year history of supporting Special Olympics in Brevard County and

throughout Florida. Many of her agency’s employees serve as Special Olympics volunteers and coaches, and hold

leadership positions within the nonprofit organization in Brevard County. Intercoastal Insurance has also supported

athletes beyond Brevard County, as sponsors of several of Special Olympics Florida’s premier fund–raising events, and

employees have volunteered at Special Olympics national and international competitions. “It’s only through the support

of companies like Intercoastal Insurance, and individuals, that we are able to offer our array of programs and services,

throughout Florida, at no cost to the athlete or their family,” said Monty Castevens, president and chief executive officer

of Special Olympics Florida. “This is critical so that no one is left on the sidelines due to financial barriers.” For more

information, visit www.SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org.

Cambridge Elementary School receives a gift of 2,500 booksCambridge Elementary Magnet School in Cocoa received a “wonderful gift” to start the new year. The Board of

Directors of the Brevard Jewish Community School (BJCS) donated the institution’s entire inventory of library books.

The BJCS was forced to close its doors just prior to the beginning of the current school year. Among the possessions left

behind was the school’s “much–loved library” of 2,500 books. The books range in reading levels from early reader

through middle school, although the majority of the library’s contents focus on the elementary school reader. Most of the

books were hand–chosen and cared for over the years by Sharon Deligdish, the school’s librarian. In an e–mail to the

school, Lee Kananack, BJCS representative, stated that they were delighted to be able to offer their school’s books to

Cambridge. “We know that whether some ultimately find their way into your classrooms, become part of individual

students’ personal collections at home, or join the others in your library, they will be just as treasured and enjoyed as

they were while with us.”

Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationJANUARY 30, 2012 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 5

BBN SPACE COAST BUSINESSSAME to bestow honors on FIT’s Locurcio,Gen. Petraeus at event in Maryland

Ralph Locurcio, Florida Institute of Technology

professor of engineering and director of the construction

program, has been selected to receive the 2012 Society of

American Military Engineers (SAME) Golden Eagle

Award for contributions to the engineering profession.

Locurcio was chosen for his lifetime service to the

Army Corps of Engineers, his service to the engineering

firm STV Group, after retirement from the U.S. Army,

his years of service to SAME, and his continuing service

to the profession through his development and launch of

the bachelor’s program in construction management at

Florida Tech.

Just two Golden Eagle Awards will be presented at a

formal dinner in Bethesda, Md., on March 28. The other

will be for retired Gen. David Petraeus, who will receive

the 2012 Golden Eagle Award for contributions to

national security.

“We are extremely proud that Dr. Locurcio is receiving

this honor. He is a highly respected faculty member and

a person who always goes the extra mile to achieve

excellence in everything that he does,” said Florida Tech

College of Engineering Dean and Harris Professor

Fredric Ham.

In 2005, Locurcio, a graduate of the U.S. Military

Academy at West Point, earned the SAME Gold Medal

for Lifetime Achievement.

He was singled out at that time for his service as chair

of two SAME national engineering conventions, and as

chair of the Academy of Fellows and Industry Affairs

Committee, where he coordinated several engineering

service chiefs briefings and senior executive group

meetings. He has been a member of SAME since 1969

and a SAME Fellow since 1985.

Indian textile traditions are showcased atFIT’s Ruth Funk Center through April 28

The Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts has opened its

new exhibition, “Traditional Textiles of India,” which

runs through April 28 in the galleries located on the

campus of Florida Tech in Melbourne.

India’s long and varied history has produced a

“stunning” collection of textile traditions. From the

domestic to ceremonial space, these woven materials

convey a unique perspective on adornment.

Traditional Textiles of India, co–curated by Thea

Rusch and the Asian Cultural Association, features

vibrant textiles from regions across India including

Gujarat, Orissa, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

Embroidered phulkaris (a “flower–working” embroi-

dery technique), wedding and folk saris, and block–

printed linens illustrate an exceptional tradition of

handcrafted skill.

Highlights from the Funk Center’s permanent

collection will be presented along with objects on loan

from private collections.

Regular hours for the Funk Center are Tuesday to

Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, from 12 to

4 p.m. The facility is located at 150 W. University Blvd.

Admission is free.

For more information, visit http://textiles.fit.edu, or

call 674–8313.

12th Annual Florida Tech / Harris

Ethics & Leadership Conference“The most powerful business seminar on the Space Coast”

March 22, 2012

Sponsors:

SCB Marketing and others

As seen in Spacecoast Business

January 2012 Volume 6 Number 10

New Year, New Opportunities

“... the mistakes and unplanned storms that may have thrown us off our

plans in the past are now behind us, filed under ‘Lessons Learned.’”

Josh FieldContributing WriterSpacecoast BusinessJanuary 2012 Volume 6 Number 10President, SCB MarketingEditor–in–Chief, Spacecoast Business

Business Ethics Isn’t an Oxymoron!Everyone has to Play by the Same Rules

“... I cannot deny that there are some business persons who misrepresent,

cheat, embezzle and act in other reprehensible ways. ...”

T. Roger Manley, PhDContributing WriterSpacecoast BusinessJanuary 2012 Volume 6 Number 10ProfessorNathan M. Bisk College of BusinessFlorida Institute of Technology

Decisions for the Year Ahead

“... I guess the Bible was right when it said, ‘A dog will return to its vomit.’”

Jeff PiersallContributing WriterSpacecoast BusinessJanuary 2012 Volume 6 Number 10CEO, SCB MarketingVP of Sales, Spacecoast Business


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Health First welcomes newlyelected leadership at hospitals

ROCKLEDGE — Health First has welcomed elected

incoming medical–staff leadership at two of its four

hospitals in the county.

Following a recent medical–staff election at Holmes

Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, the following

officers were elected to serve the term that began this

month and ends December 2013: president, Dr. Norberto

Schechtmann, MIMA; Dr. vice president, Tamer Ahmed,

Medical Associates of Brevard; and secretary–treasurer,

Dr. Edgar Figueroa, Health First Physicians.

“I know the dedication and commitment these three

highly respected physicians bring to the table will help to

further strengthen the relationship between the medical

staff and the hospital,” said Judy Killebrew, HRMC’s

interim president.

Additionally, members of the Palm Bay Hospital

medical staff elected these officers, for the same term:

president, Dr. Christopher Rehak, Brevard Emergency

Services; vice president, Dr. Anthony Tran, Medical

Associates of Brevard; and secretary–treasurer,

Dr. Frederick Peterson, Vitas Healthcare.

“I am looking forward to the continued good work

between the hospital and medical–staff leadership that

benefits not only our patients but also our staff,” said Palm

Bay Hospital President Judy Gizinski.

SCC Foundation seeks Daffodil volunteersSpace Coast Cancer Foundation is seeking compassion-

ate, motivated volunteers to assist in its mission of

providing need–based support to ease the financial burden

of cancer treatment. Volunteer opportunities include

assisting with the Daffodil Gala, community events and

business operations. Space Coast Cancer Foundation

provides financial assistance and support to cancer

patients and their caregivers and strives to promote

community awareness of relevant health–care issues

through a variety of outreach functions. If you would like to

become part of the Daffodil volunteer program, contact

Shannon at [email protected] or call

264–5504. The Space Coast Cancer Foundation Board of

Directors includes Dr. Richard Levine, Linda Bradley, Tina

Norman, Eddie Norman, Harry Jones, Melissa Flammio

Clark, Nancy Payne, John Riordan, Linda Miedema, Ph.D,

Grace Vista and Shannon Simmons.

Eau Gallie Founder’s Day Fish Fry Feb. 18The second annual Eau Gallie Founder’s Day Fish Fry

will be held from 12 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, in the

Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne. The event will

feature food and live entertainment, including perfor-

mances by the band “Mark Baker & Friends” and the

“Matt Sams Band.” The Founder’s Day Fish Fry is a

revival of the town’s historic celebration of George

Washington’s Birthday from the 1920s to the 1950s. Event

sponsorships are available from $125 to $2,500. Volunteers

are needed to help staff the event. Groups, students or

organizations seeking community–service hours may

contact the EGAD office for more information. Call Lisa

Packard, Fish Fry chairperson, at 543–0638 or send an

e–mail message to [email protected]. She is also the

contact for sponsorship information.

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Dr. Clevens makes presentation atinternational meeting in San Diego

Dr. Ross Clevens, a board–certified specialist in facial

plastic and reconstructive surgery in Brevard, has been

chosen by The American Academy of Facial Plastic and

Reconstructive Surgery to present at its annual event in

San Diego, Calif., to be attended by more than 500 facial

plastic surgery peers.

The AAFPRS is the largest organization of its kind. It

represents more than 2,700 facial plastic and reconstruc-

tive surgeons throughout the world.

Each year, the AAFPRS holds an annual meeting,

which attracts medical students, residents, Fellows, and

practicing physicians in the field of facial plastic and

reconstructive surgery from around the world. This year’s

meeting was held Jan. 18–22 at the U.S. Grant Hotel.

Dr. Clevens made a presentation on “Techniques in

Forehead Lifting: Rejuvenation of the Upper Face.” He also

participated as an expert on the panel discussion the

“Basic Principles of the Aging Face from the Masters.”

Dr. Clevens served as a director of this course in both

2006 and 2008.

The Clevens Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery

provides facial plastic surgery at offices in Melbourne and

Suntree.

Regions Bank in Viera to host blood driveRegions Bank, in partnership with Golden Providers,

will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday,

Jan. 30, at 7750 N. Wickham Road, just east of Interstate

95, in Viera. A number of vendors will take part in the

event, including Sentinel Care Inc, Charles F. Allia

Accounting, Home Instead Senior Care, IndeQuest Nurse

Case Management, South Brevard Funeral Home and the

Slonim Law Firm. The community will have the opportu-

nity to meet with professionals from these organizations

for guidance on how seniors can live at home longer.

Regions Bank will have a drawing for a $50 gift card and

other giveaways. Blood donors can make themselves an

ice–cream sundae, free of charge.

Republican women to meet Feb. 1The Melbourne Area Federated Republican Women

will meet at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at The Holiday

Inn (formerly Imperial Hotel) in Melbourne. The speakers

will be Ken Rhoden and Blaise Trettis, candidates for the

office of Brevard County Public Defender. The reservation

deadline is Jan. 30. Call 727–1212. Republican women and

men are invited to attend the event.

Space Coast Cloud Circle to hold discussionThe Space Coast Cloud Circle will have an open

discussion of the various industries that are benefiting

from cloud–computing technology from 6 to 7 p.m. on

Feb. 7 at Charlie and Jake’s restaurant, 6300 N. Wickham

Road, in Melbourne. The program is designed for attor-

neys, radiologists, small–business owners, local govern-

ments as well as orthopedic and physician practices.

Others are welcome to join the discussion. The Space Coast

Cloud Circle is a group of “cloud enthusiasts whose

purpose is to provide an open forum to promote awareness

and literacy of cloud–computer technology.” To RSVP or for

more information, call 345–1513.

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BBN SPACE COAST BUSINESSSurgical Associates of Brevardwelcomes Dr. Drexel Dobson

ROCKLEDGE– General surgeon Drexel Dobson III has

joined Surgical Associates of Brevard, one of Wuesthoff

Health System’s physician clinics.

Dr. Dobson provides expertise and treatment of the

following: general, colorectal and laparoscopic surgery;

gastrointestinal and cancer surgery; abdominal wall and

hernia repairs; rectal surgery including hemorrhoids and

fissures; minimally invasive da Vinci robotic surgery; and

single incision and incisionless surgery.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and

a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery.

Dr. Dobson is a fellowship–trained colorectal and

general surgeon who specializes in the application of the

da Vinci robot to advanced laparoscopic procedures.

Dr. Dobson said he was the first surgeon in the world to

perform a single–incision robotic gallbladder surgery in

2008. He has trained many surgeons across the U.S., in

both academic and private practices to successfully

complete their first procedures with the da Vinci robot in

general and colorectal surgery.

Dr. Dobson attained his M.D. degree at University of

Miami/Miller School of Medicine. He then completed a

residency at Rush Presbyterian–St. Luke’s Medical School/

Cook County Hospital, followed by a fellowship in colon

and rectal surgery at Cook County Hospital. He is fluent in

both English and Spanish.

Surgical Associates of Brevard’s address is 1004

Beverly Drive, Suite D, in Rockledge. Office hours are

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments

can be made by calling 636–8241.

Dean Mead to conduct tax seminarDean Mead will host an educational seminar for

business professionals at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, at

the Imperial Plaza office building in Melbourne. The

seminar is titled “Pitfalls and Planning for the Tax

Consequences of Loan Workouts and Debt Restructuring.”

Dean Mead attorneys Vicki Berman, Steven Lee and

Christine Weingart will delve into a number of scenarios

for loan workouts and debt restructuring. Imperial Plaza’s

address is 6767 N. Wickham Road, Suite 400. Lunch will

be offered and there is no cost to attend the seminar. Make

your reservation before Jan. 31 at [email protected].

Space Coast Pops’ Sinatra concert setThe Space Coast Pops Orchestra will present the

concert “It’s all about Sinatra” at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday,

Feb. 4, at Merritt Island First Baptist Church, on State

Road 520 and Courtenary Parkway. This is the second of

the Pops’ Subscription Series programs. Conductor and

Music Director Richard Hayman will direct the orchestra

in some of his own arrangements of Pop music and then

accompany guest artist Tom Heitman in a selected group

of popular songs made into vocal classics by the “Chairman

of the Board,” Sinatra. Heitman is back by “popular

request” to sing a variety of Sinatra songs, including “The

Lady is a Tramp,” “Come Fly With Me,” “I’ll Never Smile

Again”, “Where or When,” and “The One I Love.” Single

concert tickets are $20 in advance at ticket outlets ($3

more at the door the day of the concert). Call 632–7445 for

further information.

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By Ken Datzman

Twenty years ago, Florida Tech’s athletic

department ventured into community fund–raising

to help support the school’s scholarship program by

creating an event called “Sporting Affair.”

With its humble beginning — the first such

social gathering was held in a dining room on the

campus of Florida Tech — Sporting Affair has

grown to become one of the region’s best–attended

community events, drawing hundreds of people

each spring to Suntree Country Club in Melbourne.

“It is one of the biggest fund–raisers in the

county and a great way to reach out to the commu-

nity and bring people together in a social setting

who support Florida Tech,” said Matt Kilcullen,

assistant vice president for athletic fund–raising at

the private institution, where many student–

athletes, including a contingent from Brevard

County, study engineering and other challenging

disciplines in the classroom.

Sporting Affair brings together area business-

people, Florida Tech graduates, and supporters who

turn out to take part in a day of activities that are

capped with the opportunity to win thousands of

dollars when numbered golf balls are dropped from

a helicopter onto a green near the Suntree County

Club clubhouse.

Florida Tech will host its 20th “Sporting Affair”

and ninth “Chopper–Dropper” event on Friday,

March 16. The 2012 edition will include a golf

tournament (1 p.m. shotgun start), a $1 million

hole–in–one shootout sponsored by Berman,

Hopkins, Wright and LaHam, CPAs, and a cocktail

reception and auction put on by Mercedes–Benz,

Porsche, Audi of Melbourne.

Chopper–Dropper tickets are $50 each and

include admission to the cocktail reception and

auction. Items to be auctioned will include four

tickets to a Chicago Cubs game and four tickets to

the Michigan at Notre Dame game Sept. 22.

Tickets are available through members of the

Sporting Affair committee, Florida Tech coaches,

and other representatives.

There is a dedicated website, too, for ticket

purchases. Visit www.ChopperDropper.com.

The ball landing closest to the pin wins $25,000

for its ticket holder. The runner–up receives

$10,000, and the third closest ball will bring its

ticket holder $5,000. Additionally, the next 10 balls

closest to the pin win $1,000 each. Ticket sales are

under way.

“As fund–raisers for the athletic department, it’s

our job to work on this on a daily basis,” said

Kilcullen. “This year we sold tickets in December,

Florida Tech’s 20th Sporting Affair March 16 at Suntree CountryClub; $25,000 goes to the winner of Chopper–Dropper golf–balldrop; event sponsorships available; benefits athletic scholarships

Florida, “that money is going to trickle down into our sports programs

in one way, shape or form. Our goal is to sell all 2,500 tickets.”

Florida Tech has more than 20 sports programs, including men’s

and women’s NCAA swimming and diving, and men’s lacrosse.

Women’s lacrosse will be added next year. The school will kick off its

inaugural football season in 2013.

Florida Tech is looking to rally the business community behind the

event and is offering Sporting Affair sponsorships ranging from $500 to

$10,000, with various amenities at each level.

With a $1,000 or more Sporting Affair sponsorship, an individual or

business will receive benefits as an “Athletic Partner” of Florida Tech

for the remainder of the year, said Ashley Gardner, Florida Tech

development officer for athletic fund–raising.

“In general, these benefits are wide ranging and include tickets to

Florida Tech sports events free of charge, recognition of their company

at these events, and hospitality passes. When Florida Tech plays a

basketball game at the Clemente Center, Athletic Partners have

access to the hospitality room on the mezzanine level of the facility,

where food and non–alcoholic drinks are served,” she added.

Gardner said there are many different ways an individual or

business can get involved as a sponsor. For full details, call Gardner at

674–8420 or send an e–mail message to [email protected].

Florida Tech has built ‘Sporting Affair’ into one of the region’s most successfulevents. It raises money for athletic scholarships, which benefits many area studentswho attend the private institution. From left, Sporting Affair committee membersinclude: Travis Proctor, Matt Kilcullen, Joe Flammio, and Ashley Gardner.

whereas last year the ground swell didn’t start until

January and February.” He said the Florida Tech

coaches “have been terrific helping us” sell the

tickets.

To keep interest high and attract more people,

Sporting Affair underwent a “remake” years ago

and introduced “Chopper–Dropper,” which has

created a lot of excitement at these events.

Joe Flammio, a member of the Florida Tech

Board of Trustees, is the one who came up with the

idea after seeing it in action at a benefit for Brevard

Community College. A BCC Trustee called him and

asked if he would purchase a $50 ticket for their

golf–ball drop, which he did. “The following year,”

said Flammio, “they didn’t do it for their benefit so

I brought the idea to Florida Tech.”

Florida Tech introduced Chopper–Dropper as

part of the program and it soon became the center-

piece of Sporting Affair, attracting people in the

region who had not attended previous gatherings.

“In the beginning, we wanted to advertise a

$50,000 pot, but in order to do that we had to have

$50,000 in reserve,” said Flammio, who was an

investment professional with A.G. Edwards & Sons

before retiring a few years ago.

“So we went to the Florida Tech Board of

Trustees, which at the time was chaired by Phil

Farmer, and asked for their support. Phil, in turn,

asked board members to volunteer and guarantee

the pot, in case we didn’t sell all of the tickets. About

five guys stepped up and said they would guarantee

the $50,000 pot.”

The first couple of years, “there were probably

10 of us who had to write checks to guarantee the

winnings,” he added. “I think it was the third or

fourth year we sold all 2,000 tickets for Chopper–

Dropper.”

Businessman Travis Proctor, a Florida Tech

computer–science graduate, said the “willingness of

the trustees to step up and guarantee the winnings

allowed us to get the momentum rolling and grow

the event into a big success.”

Proctor, president and founder of Artemis I.T.

Solutions in Melbourne, said the Chopper–Dropper

tickets are sold through a “legion of volunteers in

the community. This is one way they choose to

support the university. It has certainly allowed us to

continue to aggressively sell these tickets.”

This year, Florida Tech has expanded the

number of Chopper–Dropper tickets by 500, to

2,500. “We think it’s a pretty aggressive bump up,

but we have a really good team of people out there

‘selling’ the tickets and that is the key,” said

Flammio.

“Ultimately,” said Kilcullen, the winningest

men’s basketball coach at the University of North





Apple Specialist Visual Dynamics at The Avenue Viera offers fullslate of training classes and seminars for individuals, businesses— introduces ‘Appy Hour’ — quickly becomes popular social eventBy Ken Datzman

VIERA — The explosive growth of mobile

applications over the last few years has dazed most

tech–tool consumers, as tens of thousands of these

devices have hit the market targeting just about

every niche thinkable.

And there is no let up in 2012. There seems to be

an unlimited opportunity for entrepreneurs and

businesses creating new app software.

“It’s overwhelming. Pretty much anything you

can think of, the market has come up with an app for

it. Some people use them for business, some for

education, and some for enjoyment,” said Ana

Nesbitt, the general manager for Visual Dynamics

Inc.’s new store at The Avenue Viera.

Last week, for example, a company introduced an

app that allows consumers to identify wines with

natural cork closures. The app, “CorkWatch,” was

developed by the nonprofit Cork Quality Council and

ReCork. Users can search a database of more than

1,700 wines to identify which ones are sealed with

natural cork.

Some of the strongest app growth is coming from

the social–networking arena. Companies are putting

enabled apps at the fingertips of people of all ages.

According to Forrester Research, the market for

social–enterprise apps is expected to grow at a rate

of 61 percent through 2016, reaching $6.4 billion

compared to $600 million today.

To help consumers sort through the bewilder-

ment of the “app world,” Visual Dynamics, a

longtime Apple Specialist in Brevard, has designed a

program that ties in learning with socializing.

“Appy Hour” is offered twice a month, on the

second and fourth Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., at Visual

Dynamics’ The Avenue store. The event is offered

free of charge to the community and includes

appetizers and wine.

“It’s an instructor–led roundtable. We talk about

the apps that are available and try to simplify things

for the consumer. We give some of our recommenda-

tions, what the staff is using, and what the training

department is using,” Nesbitt said.

“Then, we open it up for discussion so people can

tell us what apps they like and how they are using

their iPad. ‘Appy Hour’ has become a social event

that people look forward to. We also showcase our

coolest new accessories for the iPad,” she added.

The event is exclusive to Visual Dynamics’ store

in Viera. The company also has a location in Indian

Harbour Beach. Interested parties are asked to

register in advance for “Appy Hour.” The Viera

store’s phone number is 433–0607.

“Appy Hour” is preceded by a class titled “Intro-

duction to the iPad,” which is also free of charge and

begins at 5:30 p.m. “People can come in and learn

the basics of the iPad and stay for the social event,”

she said. “A lot of people received iPads for Christ-

mas gifts. We are here to help them learn more

about the iPad’s features.”

Visual Dynamics, located next to Books–A–

Million at The Avenue, has a dedicated training staff

and a well–equipped computer classroom where a

full slate of classes and seminars are conducted,

many of them without cost, for individuals as well as

for businesses.

It’s a growing part of the company’s overall

operations. The two full–time trainers are Jeff

Hixson and Javier LaBoy. The training facility has

individual workstations with computers and other

equipment.

“Some people prefer to bring their own laptop and

train on the device they are used to, and that’s okay.

We have two spots in the room for people who want

to do that,” Nesbitt said.

The introductory seminars, including “iWork,”

“iLife,” “Mac,” “MS Office,” and “iPad,” are free of

charge to the public. Various seminars are offered

each day, Monday through Saturday.

“Saturday,” said Nesbitt, “is a huge day for

training at The Avenue store. We run a repeating

schedule on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We

focus on ‘Introduction to the Mac,” followed by ‘iMac

101,’ which is a more in–depth class. But we always

start with the introduction class and give a general

overview.”

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday

through Saturday, and 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The 101 classes are $29.95 per seat. Visual

Dynamics also sells a package of sessions called “5

for $99.” These are “one–on–one sessions with a

trainer” who “thoroughly” covers the Macintosh and

its many features. “The ‘5 for $99’ buyer has one

year to use the five hours of training,” Nesbitt said.

Visual Dynamics markets a “90 for $99” training

package as well, targeting businesses. “We will come

to your business or your home to provide 90 minutes

of training for $99. Visual Dynamics also provides

set up and delivery if an individual or business

purchases a computer from our store,” she said.

Special–event classes are available, too, at The

Avenue store every month.

Last month, for example, “GarageBand” was

showcased. GarageBand is a music–creation app

now available for iPhone and iPod touch users.

GarageBand uses Apple’s revolutionary “Multi–

Touch” interface to make it easy for anyone to create

and record their own songs, even if they’ve never

played an instrument before.

This month’s special–event classes focus on the

“iPad in Business.”

One of the store’s most popular classes is “iTunes, iOS and iCloud,”

Nesbitt said. “It’s a one–on–one class. We demystify the Cloud.” Apple’s

“iTunes in the Cloud,” “Photo Stream” and “Documents in the Cloud”

work seamlessly with your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC to

automatically and wirelessly store your content in iCloud.

The class fee for “iTunes, iOS and iCloud” is $29.95. “We offer a

series on ‘iWork’ and ‘iLife’ as well.”

Visual Dynamics is planning to host a “Game Night for Kids” in

February. There will be games featured that are available on iOS

devices, such as iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad.

“Our ‘big kids’ at The Avenue store are super–excited about teaching

this class,” said Nesbitt.

“It’s something they thought of and developed together. We are

tentatively looking at Feb. 20 as the date because it’s a school holiday.

It will give the kids something constructive to do and their parents can

shop or see a movie while they are in class.”

For a schedule of classes available at The Avenue store and the

Indian Harbour Beach store, visit www.VisDynInc.com. The beachside

store phone number is 773–7788.

Ana Nesbitt is general manager of Visual Dynamics’ new store at The Avenue,located next to Books–A–Million. The company has expanded its training classesand seminars, many of which are offered free of charge to the public, including‘Introduction to the iPad.’ Others are $29.95 per seat.





DGF introduces its new Academy ofLeadership and Career Development

TITUSVILLE — The Doctors’ Goodwill Foundation

(DGF) has announced the launch of its Academy of

Leadership and Career Development program.

This initiative will allow the doctors to collaborate with

area schools and colleges to benefit students from 10th

through 12th grades.

The Leadership Academy is an opportunity for students

exploring a career in science, technology, engineering,

mathematics and medicine to spend a week in a support-

ive–learning environment that promotes “respect, em-

braces diversity” and exposes students to a variety of

opportunities to explore possibilities for their future.

Under the leadership of the DGF, this one–week

program allows students to participate in programs offered

by area colleges and Kennedy Space Center.

With help from Parrish Medical Center in Titusville,

the curriculum will include workshops, tours of PMC and

lectures from leaders, all planned to help guide students in

their quest to make career decisions. Trips are designed as

both sightseeing and educational tours.

Programs will run from May to August. Look for more

information coming soon at www.doctorsfoundation.org.

In the past months, the DFG has worked “diligently”

with the University of Central Florida, Florida Institute of

Technology, Brevard Community College, Florida Solar

Energy Center, University of South Florida, area high

schools and Kennedy Space Center to develop partnerships

and opportunities for students.

Dr. Kantilal Bhalani, founder of the DGF, says the new

program “is one more step in the mission to bring opportu-

nities to those pursuing their career.”

The DGF is looking for partners in this new venture.

You may specify the initiative you would like your

donation to fund, either missions, education or scholar-

ships. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 909, Titusville,

Fla., 32781, or call 735–6492.

The web address is www.DoctorsFoundation.org.

New 24–hour urgent–care clinicopens on Wickham in Melbourne

Diagnostic and Clinical Care Services recently opened a

new 24–hour urgent–care clinic at 2100 N. Wickham Road

in Melbourne.

The clinic is jointly operated by Dr. Sangita Sahay and

Dr. Marilyn Moss. It provides care for patients 24 hours a

day, seven days a week, by offering online registration and

a state–of–the–art emergency medical–room system. They

are associated with “all the major hospitals in the area”

and “can send medical records anywhere.”

Board–certified physicians are available 24 hours a day

to provide an array of services, including in–house testing.

The clinic accepts credit cards and major health

insurance plans.

Some of the services provided include the treatment of

sprains and fractures, cuts or lacerations, rashes and

burns, eye injuries, and insect and animal bites. The

doctors also provide physicals for employment, sports and

school.

The clinic is a member of the Urgent Care Association

of America. To learn more about the clinic, call 752–7100

or visit www.doccs.us.

Rotary Clubpick up BBN

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BBN SPACE COAST BUSINESSHealth First opens a new center to lendits support to caregivers of older adults

Health First has announced the opening of The Center

for Family Caregivers, in response to the growing ranks of

family caregivers in the region who are taking on responsi-

bilities for elderly relatives with health–care needs.

A part of the Health First Aging Institute, The Center

for Family Caregivers has “significantly expanded” the

Aging Institute’s services, which were previously only

available to families dealing with the challenges associated

with Alzheimer’s disease.

“There is a rapidly growing number of caregivers across

our area that desperately need support and assistance to

deal with the day–to–day challenges of taking care of a

senior,” said Dr. Rosemary Laird, the medical director of

the Health First Aging Institute.

“Until now, our efforts have focused on those suffering

from Alzheimer’s disease. We have seen hundreds of

families helped by the services and support that the Center

offers. Now we want to expand our reach and range of

services.”

The center will assist caregivers of older adults who

need support and guidance. Its central message is families

are facing other challenges related to aging parents or

grandparents, and help is available for them too.

Dr. Laird said the goal for 2012 is to meet 2,012 new

family caregivers and welcome them to the center. Visit

www.CenterForFamilyCaregivers.org for more informa-

tion.

Buena Vida Estates reaches occupancymilestone, higher than industry average

Buena Vida Estates in West Melbourne, Brevard’s only

not–for–profit Continuing Care Retirement Community,

has reached 95 percent occupancy.

The senior living community has started a waiting list

for selected suite styles and locations.

According to the National Investment Center for Senior

Housing and Care Industry (NIC), the average occupancy

for senior housing throughout the country is 88.1 percent.

According to Donald Spalding, executive director of

Buena Vida, sales at the CCRC have been steady for the

last couple of years despite the economic downturn and

challenging real–estate market.

“Buena Vida’s reputation for providing quality care and

services has positioned the senior community as a leader

in the marketplace,” he said. “As the only CCRC in the

area, people are attracted to the medical and financial

assurance that only a CCRC can provide.”

Within the last year, Buena Vida has developed a

Lifelong Learning program, an on–site Outpatient

Physician’s Clinic and a non–denominational chapel,

which are all unique to senior housing communities in

Brevard County, he said.

Buena Vida has also developed ties with an on–site

real–estate broker, ITG Realty, and unveiled an innovative

Home Sale Assistance program to help seniors who are

considering a move to Buena Vida Estates. It will actually

buy someone’s home if it doesn’t sell in 18 months.

“In addition to allowing residents the ability to move to

Buena Vida worry–free, this program has removed the

home–sale objection as a reason not to move,” said Rusty

Melle, ITG broker.

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BBN SPACE COAST BUSINESSFlorida Tech lacrosse unveils inaugural schedule,Panthers set to host Saint Leo on Feb. 14 at MCC

On the same day he introduced his team, Florida Tech head lacrosse coach Ryan

McAleavey released the program’s inaugural 2012 schedule.

The Panthers’ slate consists of 14 games, seven will be played about one mile from

campus at Melbourne Central Catholic’s Hustler Stadium.

“For a first–year team, we have a lot of quality opponents on our schedule,” McAleavey

said. “It’s a nice mix of traditional powers like Catawba and Mars Hill with newcomers

such as Tampa and Coker. We are honored to begin the history of Florida Tech lacrosse

with a game against Saint Leo, which is one of the top teams in the state.”

Florida Tech will compete in the nine–team Deep South Conference with defending

league champion Catawba, runner–up Florida Southern, Lenoir–Rhyne, Mars Hill,

Rollins, Saint Leo, Tampa and Wingate. Tampa is also entering its first year of lacrosse.

“We’re going to start the season with the mentality that we want to win every single

game,” McAleavey said. “Is it possible? Probably not; we’ll take our lumps along the way,

no doubt, but that’s the mindset you have to instill in your players if you want to build a

winning program. That’s what we plan to do here at Florida Tech.”

The Panthers will play their first game against fellow Deep South Conference counter-

part Saint Leo on Feb. 14 at Hustler Stadium. They will then hit the road for three games

before returning home for a six–game stretch. The homestand will begin with Tampa on

Feb. 29 and conclude with Shorter on March 17.

FIT’s regular season will wind down with four road games at Coker (March 23),

Lenoir–Rhyne (March 30), Belmont Abbey (April 1) and lastly Florida Southern (April 4).

The top eight teams in the conference will advance to the tournament, which begins

with the quarterfinals round on April 10. The semifinals will be held April 12 and finals

on April 15.

Hustler Stadium is located on the east side of MCC’s campus at 100 East Florida Ave.

SBDC at UCF to host economic outlook for small businessesORLANDO — The Small Business Development Center at the University of Central

Florida University will host a presentation titled “Economic Outlook 2012” with forecaster

Dr. Sean Snaith at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Embassy Suites Orlando

Downtown, 191 E. Pine St.

The registration fee is $20 per person and includes a continental breakfast.

This event provides Central Florida businessowners with the opportunity to hear from

one of the nation’s top forecasters and address economic concerns facing the small–

business community.

The program will feature keynote speaker Dr. Snaith, economist and director of the

Institute for Economic Competitiveness with UCF’s College of Business Administration.

Dr. Snaith, who was named one of the “most accurate forecasters” in the nation by

“Bloomberg News,” will present his economic outlook and discuss how the economic

conditions are affecting the region and state, as well as examine the real–estate market

and employment outlook. He will also entertain questions from the audience.

Dr. Snaith’s presentation will be preceded by remarks from Teresa Jacobs of Orange

County government, which is sponsoring the event. To register or for more information

regarding the program, visit www.SBDCOrlando.com or call (407) 420–4850.

Space Coast Law School offers legal seminars to publicThe Space Coast Community Law School, a project of the Brevard Bar Foundation, is

offering free legal seminars to the public on a variety of topics. The seminars are con-

ducted in the spring and fall of the year. The spring session, from 6 to 8 p.m., starts on

Thursday, Feb. 16, in Viera. The program runs for eight weeks. The seminars will be held

in the Brevard County Government Center, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Building C.

The seminars in Viera will address such topics as Florida firearms law, how the Florida

constitution and the U.S. constitution interact, business entities, probate law and personal

injury. The speakers are local judges and attorneys. Legal seminars will be offered in

Titusville beginning March 15 in the Brevard Room, 504 S. Palm Ave. The Titusville

location will focus on Social Security disability law, foreclosure law and bankruptcy law.

The Space Coast Community Law School, founded by Brigitta Hawkins, is sponsored by

Brevard Legal Aid, the law firm Cianfrogna, Telfer, Reda, Fahertt and Anderson, and the

Florida Design Group. To register for the seminars, call 269–6833 or send an e–mail

message to [email protected].

King Center

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Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts of Brevard Community College

Located on the corner of Post & Wickham Roads, MelbourneMMaMaxMaxwMaxwaxwexweM ll C. King Center for t

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BBN SPACE COAST BUSINESSKing Center, Cocoa Village Playhouse team upto present Roger & Hammerstein’s ‘Oklahoma!’

Currently enrolled high school and recent high–school graduates of the 2011–2012

school year who enjoy musical theater are invited to take part in a special entertainment

project. Brevard Community College’s King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne

and The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse have teamed up to present the first “Summer

Musical Theatre Project,” June 18–July 15.

Through special arrangements with R&H Theatricals in New York City, and under the

direction of the Playhouse’s Staci Hawkins–Smith, this four week collaborative project will

focus on skills such as auditioning, acting and stage experience, casting, dance, narration,

orchestra and behind–the–scene support roles.

The project also includes “chat–backs” with industry guests and educational studies on

Rodgers and Hammerstein and the birth of musical theater.

Classes and rehearsals will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 18

to July 15. The project culminates with three performances of “Oklahoma!” on the King

Center stage July 13, 14 and 15. No classes or rehearsals are scheduled on Wednesday,

July 4.

Auditions will be held on Sunday, April 15, at the King Center. Applicants will be

notified of their audition time. Callbacks will be held April 22 at the King Center.

Project tuition is $300. Tuition discounts for multiple students within the same

household may be available. Scholarships may be available based on financial need.

The application fee (required for audition) is $25 (through February). The fee is $35 if

paid in March. The fee is non–refundable and will be applied to tuition for selected

applicants. The money is due April 2.

For an application and further details, call 433–5718. Or to download an application for

the audition process, go to www.kingcenter.com. On the left–hand side, click on “Summer

Music Theatre Project.” Print out the application and fax it to the King Center at 433–

5817 or mail it to SMTP, King Center for the Performing Arts, 3865 N. Wickham Road,

Melbourne, Fla., 32935.

Haven for Children to host its annual golf tournament March 31The 11th annual Haven Challenge Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday,

March 31, at Suntree Country Club.

Through the Haven’s relationship with Melbourne–based Harris Corp. and their

partnership with the Orlando Magic, there will be guest appearances and participation by

Orlando Magic celebrities. Bo Outlaw and Nick Anderson, the Magic’s “community

ambassadors,” will be at the event. Bring an Orlando Magic item to be signed.

The tournament consists of three flights including a corporate challenge for businesses,

an open challenge and a women’s division challenge. The corporate winner receives the

specially designed Swarovski Crystal Trophy to be displayed at their place of business for

one year. The tournament gets under way with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. After the tourna-

ment, there will be silent and live auctions and a dinner.

The fee for individual players is $150. The fee for a corporate team of four player is

$1,200. Sponsorships are available, beginning at $300. For further information, call 676–

6888 or visit www.thehavenforchildren.com.

The Haven for Children Inc. operates three licensed residential group houses for

infants and children who have been removed from their family because of some form of

abuse or neglect.

Oceanside Charter Chapter offers scholarshipThe Oceanside Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association is

funding a $1,000 scholarship through the Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund.

The field of study is business. Candidates must be women who are citizens of the U.S. and

Brevard County, will be college freshmen or sophomores in August 2012, and are attend-

ing or have been accepted at a licensed, accredited vocational–technical school or commu-

nity college authorized to confer associate degrees. The applicant must have achieved a

cumulative grade–point average of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale. To apply, send your name

and e–mail address to Anita Carbone, who is coordinating the program. Her e–mail is

[email protected]. The application deadline is March 30. The first 10 completed eligible

applications will be reviewed. A minimum of three eligible applications must be received

to make the award. The winner will be notified in May. This is a one–time scholarship.

Funds are limited to tuition, books and fees.

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SPACE COAST BUSINESS

point where vision begins to become

obstructed, most insurance plans provide

coverage, as a repair of such a condition is

considered medically necessary, said

Dr. Palmer.

To correct ptosis of the upper eyelids, an

incision will be made along the natural

crease of the lid. The levator muscle (the

key muscle responsible for raising the

upper eyelid) can then be reached and

tightened. With the levator muscle

adjusted, its elasticity will be restored, thus

causing the eyelid to rise back to its desired

position. This surgery is called ptosis

repair.

Blepharoplasty and ptosis repairs are

performed on an outpatient basis at The

Eye Institute’s state–of–the–art, fully

accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center

located at 1995 West Nasa Blvd., in

Melbourne.

Consultations with Dr. LaFleur are

available in Melbourne or Rockledge.

Dr. Palmer is available for consultations

in Rockledge, Melbourne or Palm Bay.

l Restylane, smoothing away fine lines

and wrinkles.

“For patients whose primary facial

aesthetics concern is smoothing away fine

lines and wrinkles, Restylane treatment is

a therapy that I frequently suggest,” said

Dr. LaFleur.

As skin ages, naturally occurring

hyaluronic acid is lost, often leading to the

formation of wrinkles and folds. Restylane

works immediately by adding volume and

fullness to the treated areas via application

of a hyaluronic–based gel. Moderate to

severe facial wrinkles are often smoothed

away in a matter of minutes, said Dr.

LaFleur. “The results are very impressive.”

“Studies of Restylane indicate that 95

percent of Restylane patients continue to

see results for up to 12 months after their

initial treatment when patients returned

for a follow up treatment at four, five, or

nine months,” added Dr. LaFleur.

Restylane consultation and treatment

are performed in office and take just a few

minutes, according to Dr. LaFleur.

To schedule a consultation with Dr.

LaFleur or Dr. Palmer, in Rockledge,

Melbourne or Palm Bay, call 722–4443.

anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes, said

Dr. Palmer. Blepharoplasty is performed

under local anesthesia, with only mild

sedation necessary.

Following their procedure, most

patients experience slight, temporary

swelling and discoloration of the affected

area. This is expected, as the skin sur-

rounding the eye is extremely thin, Dr.

Palmer said. In order to minimize these

effects, patients are advised to apply

specific ointments to the incision sites and

to apply cool packs to the area at regular

intervals.

Swelling and discoloration are usually

gone within three to five days, and the tiny

incision marks usually fade over a short

period of time, leaving the incision sites

virtually invisible. Patients are advised to

refrain from strenuous activity for two

weeks following surgery. Wearing dark

sunglasses to protect one’s eyes from sun

and wind irritation is also recommended.

Carefully following these suggestions helps

the majority of patients to experience a

quick and successful recovery, according to

Dr. Palmer.

“My patients tell me that they really

appreciate the refreshed, natural and

youthful appearance that they regain as a

result of blepharoplasty,” said Dr. LaFleur,

adding, “It is a procedure that not only

enables you to look your best, but that

helps you to feel better about yourself.”

“Having seen countless numbers of men

and women who have had blepharoplasty

by Dr. LaFleur, I must say that her work is

exquisite,” said registered nurse Ann Riley,

director of The Eye Institute’s Ambulatory

Surgery Center.

l Ptosis repair, a fix for eyelids that

droop as a result of muscle weakness.

Many patients experience drooping

eyelids because of a weakening of key eye

muscles that help maintain the full,

natural, open eye position. This condition,

said Dr. Palmer, is known as ptosis.

Ptosis can be so significant, as to cause

patients difficulty with daily activities of

living, such as reading, driving, computer

use, television, or other hobbies or voca-

tional needs.

When a patient’s eyelids droop to the

Run set for Space Coast StadiumThe Guardian ad Litem program, advocates for abused, abandoned and neglected

children, and the Friends of Children of Brevard will host a run at 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 4 at

Space Coast Stadium. This is a family event. Participants are encouraged to come dressed

in the costume of the “superhero” they are to the children Registration begins at 6:30. For

more details, call 508–4595 or visit www.GalSuperHeroRun.com.

EyesContinued from page 1

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Paragon Realty

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Stop by and visit us at this year’s Cocoa Village Mardi Gras on Saturday, February 25th

Live Music, Jambalaya, Gumbo & Drink Speacials

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Visit www.paragonrealtycorporations.com to see office photos and floorplans!

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325 Fifth Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903

Come learn how your child will excel in a Catholic school.~ Meet teachers/staff and tour

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classrooms and labs~ Receive curriculum and

admissions information

Our SaviourCatholic School

8:30 AM - 12:30 PM5301 N. Atlantic Ave.

Cocoa Beach321-783-2330

oursaviourschool.org

Divine Mercy Catholic Academy9-11:30 AM

1940 N. Courtenay PkwyMerritt Island321-452-0263

dmccs.org

Holy Nameof Jesus

Catholic School12-2 PM

3060 N. Hwy A1AIndialantic

321-773-1630www.hnj.org/school

St. JosephCatholic School

9 AM -1 PM5320 Babcock St. NE

Palm Bay321-723-8866

st-joe.org

Our Lady of Lourdes

Catholic School9-11 AM & 4-6 PM

420 E. Fee Ave.Melbourne

321-723-3631ollmelbourne.org

Melbourne Central

Catholic High School

9-11 AM & 1-3 PM100 East Florida Ave.

Melbourne321-727-0793

melbournecc.org

St. Mary’sCatholic School9-11 AM & 4-6 PM1152 S. Seminole Dr.

Rockledge321-636-4208

stmarys-school.org

AscensionCatholic School9-11 AM & 4-6 PM

2950 N. HarborCity Blvd.Melbourne

321-254-1595ascensioncatholicsch.org

St. JosephCatholic School

9-11 AM5320 Babcock St. NE

Palm Bay321-723-8866

st-joe.org

St. TeresaCatholic School

9:30-11:30 AM207 Ojibway Ave.

Titusville321-267-1643

stteresa-titusville.org

MONDAY, JAN. 30th TUES., JAN. 31st THURSDAY, FEB. 2nd FRI., FEB. 3rdSUNDAY, JAN. 29th


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BBN SPECIAL FOCUSMelbourne Central Catholic High SchoolContinued from page 1

MCC surveyed the 127 families who enrolled students

for the first time at the 50–year–old school. The survey

included questions such as, “How did you hear about

MCC?” The main answer was “referral,” Burke said.

“We’ve done a lot of wonderful relationship–building in the

community.”

In general, the final choice of selecting a high school for

their son or daughter to attend came down to three things

in MCC’s favor, he said: “First was academic excellence

and second was faith formation. Those two were over-

whelming.” A distant third was MCC’s small, enclosed

campus environment.

On the academic excellence side, MCC touts its “100

percent” college placement. “Last year, we had 100

graduates who were awarded $6.1 million in college

scholarships, which is a fabulous number,” said Burke,

whose school added a music program this year and now

has a band and a choir.

These scholarship students are studying at Florida

Tech, Yale, Princeton, Notre Dame, and Villanova, among

other colleges.

Burke has reached out to Florida Tech in an effort to

tap some of its resources and faculty expertise. The two

schools share various athletic facilities and Burke wanted

to expand that relationship to the classroom.

Florida Tech, for example, uses MCC’s facilities to

practice and play men’s lacrosse and run track. MCC

students take advantage of Florida Tech’s new Panther

Aquatic Center.

After settling in as MCC president, Burke met with Dr.

Anthony Catanese, Florida Tech president; Dr. Dwayne

McCay, executive vice president and chief operating officer;

and Dr. Kenneth Stackpoole, senior vice president and

chief development officer.

The discussion covered a range of possibilities between

the two schools, and what came out of it was a collabora-

tive agreement that began this year. More than a dozen

students from MCC are taking college courses at Florida

Tech, as part of a curriculum option that the high school

now offers.

MCC students can access advanced, college–level

course work and earn an Honors Diploma in mathematics,

science, engineering, computer science, business, and

liberal studies. There is no extra tuition charge for MCC

students.

“It’s a natural fit for the two institutions, a great way to

share assets in the community,” said Burke, who worked

as a commercial lender in the early 1980s for AmSouth

Bank in Alabama before starting his career in education.

“We cannot afford to have Ph.Ds on staff. Through this

partnership, we are able to take advantage of Florida

Tech’s expert faculty. They have been so cooperative.”

During her first year as a senior at MCC, Kathy

Ridyward would head to the Florida Tech campus each

morning at 8 o’clock to start her school day. She took

“Accounting Principles,” a college–level business class as

part of the curriculum option for MCC students.

“Having the opportunity to take classes at Florida Tech

has allowed me to challenge myself academically and to

really experience what college will be like,” said Ridyward.

“I feel better prepared because of this experience.”

Collaborating with Florida Tech allows MCC students

the opportunity to be part of a highly regarded institution,

said Burke.

Florida Tech was named by “Forbes” magazine as one

of “America’s Best Colleges,” and it has been recognized by

a host of other publications, including “U.S. News & World

Report” and “Princeton Review.”

MCC students who complete two classes at Florida

Tech and graduate with a 3.0 average will receive auto-

matic acceptance into Florida Tech and a $10,000 annual

scholarship at the college.

“The collaboration between the two schools is much

more than dual enrollment,” said Burke.

The program will continue to grow, the two schools say,

as more classes are added to the schedule for the 2012–

2013 school year.

TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE

MCC is embarking on an ambitious technology upgrade

that will make the school’s classrooms more flexible and

personalized through the use of laptops, tablets, and the

application of new, “dynamic learning principles.”

“Our goal is to make each classroom totally digital,”

said Burke. “Last summer we spent about $100,000 on

infrastructure — servers, switches, and fiber. We did the

backbone work. The next step is to make the campus

Wi–Fi enabled, seamless from building to building.”

Each classroom will be transformed into a modern and

“engaging learning environment” using state–of–the–art

technology, including document cameras, a surround–

sound audio system, and a multimedia screen.

Teachers will be able to customize the curriculum and

learning pace for each individual, Burke said. Students

will be able to access information and communicate their

thinking in “compelling new ways.”

Burke said MCC will need to raise roughly $250,000 for

the next phase of the project. MCC’s 26th annual Benefit

Dinner Auction, set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, will

help support the technology initiative. The event, themed

“An Evening in the Enchanted Garden,” will be held on the

MCC campus.

The program will feature live and silent auctions, a

cocktail hour, and a gourmet dinner prepared by Creative

Catering by The Farinas Inc.

Event sponsorships are available and come with an

opportunity to have a classroom or building named in the

donor’s honor. Co–chairing the dinner auction are MCC

parents Donna McLaughlin, Freddie Erdman, and Kim

Vilardebo.

To purchase tickets and inquire about sponsorships,

call 729–4367.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

The week before Thanksgiving, MCC conducted its first

community service day. The entire student body partici-

pated in service projects around South Brevard.

“It was a way for us to give back to our community and

impress upon our students our obligation to serve others,”

said Burke, adding, “We received some fabulous comments

from the community about the effort we put forth.”

MCC bused its seniors to area senior–citizen centers to

help out, while the juniors went to the Genesis House,

which provides shelter to homeless women and their

children, to work on projects. Sophomores lent their

support to four elementary Catholic–school partners in the

area. And MCC freshmen took part in a six–mile beach

cleanup.

At the end of the day, all the students arrived back at

the MCC campus to attend mass, having gained a better

understanding of their county.

Good Question

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