“We both knew we had something special here.” Suzan Phillips and Susan Schuyler Smith barely knew each other when they came to the conclusion together that they’d do anything they could to save McKee. For five years, the two Susans and the “Saturday Morning Gang” met each week to fight for the beauty that opened twenty years ago as McKee Botanical Garden.
Stuart Hirstein is looking towards greater achievements for his students as head of Saint Edward’s School. “We aim to graduate students who will be prepared for college and beyond, who will be active and valuable citizens in their communities, and who exhibit the power of human kindness and a generosity of spirit,” Hirstein emphasizes. “Knowing how far we’ve come, and with an eye on where we’re going, I’m looking forward to a bright future!”
College and a budding career kept Jessica Linus Watford far from Florida, but when she was ready for something new, working at her family’s business for a summer seemed like the perfect way to plan her next move. It didn’t take long before she realized she not only liked the work she was doing at the Linus Cadillac Buick GMC dealership, but she was good at it.
Nothing keeps Vero Beach resident May Brandt from painting — not gardening, taking enrichment courses, or spending time with her sisters, who visit often. That’s why on Wednesday mornings, she packs up her supplies, dons a hat, and heads out to meet up with fellow plein air artists.
Unable to find the type of shoe he needed, Vero Beach native Lange Sykes decided to build them himself, which is how Riomar Shoes was born. “It’s interesting — I wear my shoes every day and I continue to get compliments. I’m really proud to have founded this company here in my hometown of Vero Beach.“
It wasn’t a planned passing of the torch from one generation to the next. Far from it. In fact, at one time, Suzanne Leigh-Vilas saw herself standing in front of a classroom instructing and inspiring students. Preparing lesson plans and grading papers would fill her after-school hours. “When I was in college, I never thought I’d be back in Vero Beach, let alone working here at the store. I’m really glad how things turned out. I’m happy here.”
IRGF is introducing young players to the game while teaching them life skills. Our mission is to create programs and events that promote knowledge, player development and service in the game of golf,” PGA Life Member and Master Professional Roger Van Dyke explains. “Golf is not only fun, it teaches values and good manners and places honesty above winning. There’s no referee out there on the course to determine whether or not your shot was within the rules. It’s all up to you.”
So what does the future hold for the now-32-year-old who, as his father says, basically oversees every aspect of the business and is in the process of spearheading a new company initiative? Where does he see himself in five, 10, 15 years?
It took almost two years before the Bells finally found the perfect property in Central Beach. The problem was that it came complete with a classic 1950s cinder block house and carport. Both had to go.
“The impact UP has made throughout the last year is a true testament to our dedicated staff’s collective embodiment of our purpose, which is to inspire and empower people living in poverty to lift themselves and their families to economic self-sufficiency. Everyone here has a heart for the mission.”
Home is where you design it. Meet the Dudzik family and explore the John's Island villa they made their own.
Supermodel Kim Alexis will speak at Fashion Meets Art event, an occasion styled to encourage happiness and inspire imagination.
As she always planned, Rennie Gibb has returned home to Vero Beach and now welcomes others to the community she never stopped adoring.
After living in various climates and showcasing his work around the globe, artist Maciek von Ato settled into the Vero Beach community and began creating.
Toby Hill passes the reins to his son Chris, in the first story of our series about the next generation of local family-run businesses.
As Michael Kint retires from a long career with the United Way, we celebrate the work he has done in our community.
The Senior Resource Association provides endless opportunities to keep our elderly residents active and involved.
Sometimes uncertain times require a fresh approach, even to fresh produce. Brittany Swartz, manager of the Farmers Market Oceanside, created the Farmers Market drop off program to ensure that local artisans could get their products to customers, without anyone having to leave the safety of home.
Everyone has their own "How I Came to Vero Beach" story. For the Gillmores, it includes two generations, several countries and a partnership with local firms who understood the family's vision and transformed a John's Island home into a light-filled waterfront retreat.
Compassion and dedication are just a few of the attributes embodied by members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Indian River chapter. As they mark their 15th anniversary and look to the future, there is "paws" for celebration.
When Melissa and David Bowser decided to renovate the John's Island condo that had belonged to Melissa's parents, they handed over the keys to a team of carefully chosen professionals, crossed their fingers and waved goodbye. It really came down to the trust factor.
The wedding of local Drs. Divya and Anand Haryani was a celebration of family and time-honored traditions.
The MacWilliam-Sexton union is one of those “happily ever after” tales that began a century ago when their great-grandfathers, Waldo Sexton and Alex MacWilliam Sr., put down roots in Indian River County.
The first thing artist Minakshi De wants you to know is she’s a storyteller, that in place of words she uses paint, pastels and mixed media to give voice to the events that have shaped her life.
