EverythingBrevard.com Blog

Editor Insights: Lessons in Glamour, Grace and 'Chosen Family'

Wed, 01 May 2024 0:00:00 CDT

Would you spend 17 hours flying on three planes from two airlines through four states to watch a movie?

That’s what my daughter and I did the last weekend of April. The hullabaloo was not intentional, of course. It was supposed to be a simple two-segment flight plan to the small coastal Central California airport in beautiful San Luis Obispo (SLO) for the 30th Annual SLO Film Festival. But treacherous tornado-spawning weather in our stopover city of Dallas tossed those plans into the wood chipper.

At age 11, my kiddo, Ella Grace Helton, has an acting career that already spans eight years, with work in feature films, episodic TV shows, commercials and a Broadway show. She’s also written and directed two of her own short films that have screened and won awards in youth categories at festivals. She even won the Independent Spirit Award at the Space Coast's own 25th Annual Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival for her film "The Muralist."

She loves bringing characters to life, which has led us on many adventures. Ironic, I had no idea when I created her @adventuresofellagrace Instagram account years ago to what degree the kid’s life would live up to the name.

Her first film role was opposite Adam Sandler in “Hubie Halloween,” but she had her first lead role in a feature film shot in 2023 and due for wide release at the end of this year, appearing opposite actress-turned-filmmaker Heather Graham in the drama-comedy “Chosen Family.” Heather wrote, directed and stars in the film. Heather is not only the nicest human on the planet, but the consummate professional who values her actors’ input and who brings decades of experience working in an industry that has always undervalued women. And still does.

We zig-zagged across the country — leaving Atlanta between Ella’s filming days for “Sweet Magnolias” and while I was on deadline for this magazine — not just to watch a film. We had seen “Chosen Family,” after all, at its world premiere at the 39th Annual Santa Barbara Film Festival in February (we flew direct from Orlando to Los Angeles and drove up the coast — without incident!) But when we heard that Heather was being awarded the King Vidor Award for Excellence in Filmmaking at the SLO Film Festival, we knew we had to be there. Some people are genuine and kind. Heather is that, magnetic and so much more. And so deserving.

In the panel discussion Heather sat down for, hosted by “The Hollywood Reporter” Senior Writer Chris Garner, she was open about her parents not supporting her dream of acting. She, in fact, shared that she had to turn down the iconic film “Heathers,” or risk being kicked out of her home. She became financially independent at age 17, after starring in “License to Drive” and has been independent ever since. Now, at 54, Heather is a vision of glamour and grace. She radiates joy, and emanates pure love for those who support her.

That’s what “Chosen Family” is about, as the title declares. In the film, Ella plays the precocious role of Lily, a young girl who challenges Heather’s character Ann — leading to a showdown that reveals the importance of those we choose to call family.

As Ella and I sat in the front row listening to Heather talk about her prolific body of work, career choices, eccentric co-stars, the dams put up for women in the industry and her determination to start her own production company, I welled with pride as Ella applauded with fervor. She recognizes a dream that needs to come true.

Later, Ella stood on stage after the film screened at the historic Fremont Theatre in San Luis Obispo, fielding questions in her own Q&A session. The poise and grace this mama witnessed led to a salt-soaked face. We had never practiced or prepared for such an event. It was just Ella speaking from her heart, baring her old soul.

I forget sometimes that not only do I lead by example in my actions and teaching as Ella’s mother and life manager, but in who I choose to allow to influence Ella. The rocky travel we endured to get to San Luis Obispo (with my motion sickness issues in full miserable effect) is now a story we can tell, infused with humor. We didn’t do it just to watch a movie, but to watch the historic events unfold all around this movie. To be there as Heather was recognized for a lifetime of pursuing her passions, with little support in the beginning, but now with the love and support of her chosen family, and now with clear goals to continue paving the way for women and young girls who have ideas and stories to share.

While stopped over in Dallas as dangerous weather swirled around us, I had to come to peace that we may well have had to turn back to Atlanta and not reach our intended destination. But the universe got us to SLO, to Heather, and allowed Ella to write another chapter in her adventures. The lengths we go for the right reasons may be treacherous when traversing them, but they yield the deepest etchings of our personal stories.

It’s all for you, kid.

Connect

Ella Grace Helton
EllaGraceHelton.com
Instagram: @adventuresofellagrace
Facebook: /adventuresofellagrace
IMDb: imdb.me/EllaGraceHelton

Lee Nessel
Instagram: @Lee_Nessel
Facebook: /leenessel

Meet Our Managing Editor

EverythingBrevard Managing Editor and proud word nerd Lee Nessel is an award-winning journalist. She thinks best through her fingertips and started churning out iambic pentameter as a kid. She embraces last-minute cross-country travel and also works as a junior publicist thanks to her daughter Ella Grace Helton’s child acting adventures. She prefers to operate behind the scenes, shining the spotlight on the uplifting stories of the people making an impact on the Space Coast, as well as upcoming talent in the entertainment industry. Lee loves the barbell, home cooking and can’t stop tapping her foot to the great rhythms of being a ballroom dance mom.

Fabric Illustrator Kestrel Michaud Finds Freedom, Career in Artistic Quilting

Wed, 01 May 2024 0:00:00 CDT

When Kestrel Michaud first learned about fabric art, she had no idea she could make a career from it. However, thanks to Patreon and the discovery of quilting as an art, she’s able to make a living from her passion as a fabric illustrator.

Her passion is apparent in her work: Beyond the bright colors and intricate details, her quilts build worlds and fire the imagination.

“It’s incredible the quilts she’s done,” said Lynne Brezina, art services manager of Brevard Cultural Alliance. “She can quilt any theme you can imagine — gators, waves, even superheroes. No subject is off limits.”

Michaud’s always been artistic.

“My mother was an artist. My sister and I had crayons in our hands even before we learned to walk,” she said.

She had been taking sewing lessons through 4H when her mother took her to see a fiber artist’s presentation.

“I was 15. Watching her presentation and how she explained her process of making art out of fabric was the spark of inspiration,” Michaud said. “I completely fell in love with using fabric to make art.”

Even so, when she went to Ringling College of Art Design, she put the fabrics away, thinking there was no career for her passion. Then her illustration professor saw her high school portfolio.

“It was all fabric, and after that, he refused to let me do anything but fabric art,” she said.

Upon graduation, need again overcame passion, and she worked as a graphic designer for seven years. Then, she discovered quilting.

“I realized there actually was a career in fabric art, but it was in quilting. So that’s when I started my transition,” she said.

Her quilts are not bedding but sheer art to be hung and admired. Michaud’s works have appeared worldwide in galleries, museums, quilt shows, and more. She’s a board member of the Studio Art Quilt Associates and a member of the Florida Artist Group.

She is open to commissions, but generally creates from her imagination. She sells prints and patterns through her Etsy store and in galleries, but it wasn’t until she discovered Patreon that she was able to transition into a full-time career.

Patreon is an online platform where people support an artist with a monthly subscription in return for exclusive content. Depending on their subscription, Michaud’s patrons get an instructional video based on an ongoing quilt-along project and another on a design topic chosen by patrons. Patrons also get access to past videos.

“She’s a fantastic instructor,” Brezina said, adding that Michaud does demos and classes around Brevard.

Patreon is the steady paycheck that gives her the freedom to pursue her passions. For her, that’s exploring her steampunk fantasy world. Each quilt tells its own story, but she hopes someday she’ll have enough quilts to tell the complete tale of her world.

Michaud urges creatives to use their own imaginations in following their passions: “If you have an idea of how to create artwork in your own tradition, make it happen. Don’t be stuck in the old ways because that’s the way it’s always been done.”

See Kestrel’s Work

Her quilt “Bremen Town Musicians” will be on display May 27-July 28, 2024, at the 2024 Art Max Jax 74th Annual FLAG Exhibit and Symposium at the The Wilson Center for the Arts, Florida State College, in Jacksonville, FL.

See framed prints of her works at Urban Prime in Melbourne until 15 May.

Patreon: KestrelMichaud
Website: KestrelMichaud.com
Instagram: KestrelMichaud
Etsy: KestrelsArtQuiltShop

Dana Packard: 25 Years of Impact as Victims’ Advocate

Wed, 01 May 2024 0:00:00 CDT

“When people have support, it helps empower the victim to reclaim their independence and move forward in their journey. Love shouldn’t hurt and home should be safe.”

— Dana Packard, Community Services Administrator, Palm Bay Police Department.

For 25 years, Community Services Administrator Dana Packard has led the Palm Bay Police Department’s Victim’s Services Unit. The first of its kind in Brevard County, the unit responds alongside law enforcement to domestic violence, sexual assault, and violent person crime cases so victims have someone there right away to inform them of their rights.

The Palm Bay Police Department is extremely proud of the program, which started in 1998 with just Packard and one other victim advocate. At first, they only responded to domestic violence cases, but as the program grew and added team members, they now respond to all violent crimes. Packard currently leads a team of two additional full-time victim’s advocates and five volunteers.

They have assisted neighboring municipalities in bringing their own victim’s services in-house because they have found it to be so powerful.

“Immediately in our city, it reduced recidivism at the same residences,” Packard said. “It increased shelter admission significantly because people were getting information, transportation, and all the things they needed to be able to go to a shelter if that is what they chose to do. It also helped increase successful prosecutions at the state attorney’s office because there were advocates that kept the victims engaged in the process.”

Over the years, the department has partnered with Zonta Club of Melbourne, a member of Zonta International, a worldwide service organization dedicated to helping educate the public about domestic violence and human trafficking.

“We share the same mission,” Packard said. “Zonta is trying to make sure that anyone who is victimized has the support and resources to successfully overcome the situation and rebuild on a solid foundation. We work together mutually in outreach to try to educate the public about domestic violence and what they can do to prevent it, how they can access resources, and what we have in our county that is available to help people.”

Packard said one way we can help is by normalizing the conversation and ending the stigma that often comes with domestic violence.

“Nobody apologizes about being burglarized, nobody is embarrassed to tell their friends and family that someone broke into their house or their vehicle,” Packard said. “But there is still a stigma attached to domestic violence.”

Packard and her team at the Palm Bay PD will assist anyone who contacts them — no one will be turned away even if they don’t live within city limits. Victims do not need to be ready to file a law enforcement report in order to get assistance, and everything is confidential.

After 25 years working to support local victims, Packard said she still finds satisfaction in helping other women.

“It’s really rewarding,” she said. “And it is an absolute honor to help somebody through their worst moments to come out on the other side and have a brighter future for themselves and their children.”

Connect

Palm Bay Police Department Victim’s Advocacy Program

321-953-8998
24-hour line: 321-952-3456, option 1, then option 0.
Email: VictimServices@pbfl.org
Website: https://www.palmbayflorida.org/government/city-departments-f-to-z/police/requests-services/victim-witness-services

Zonta Club of Melbourne:

zontaspacecoast.org

15 Mayors Share What Keeps Them Up at Night

Wed, 01 May 2024 0:00:00 CDT

What’s going on here on Florida’s Space Coast? Good question, and you will have answers on May 17.

The Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 16th Annual Mayors Breakfast to answer that and all the burning questions. Getting a few elected officials into one room at the same time can be a scheduling nightmare, so getting 15 to commit to appear is a major accomplishment. This unique breakfast hosts 15 of the 16 mayors of the cities and towns in Brevard County — something that happens only once a year.

Each mayor gets 5 minutes to provide an update on their respective city or town. This definitely is not a dull event! Back by popular demand is Sheriff Wayne Ivey. His witty banter sets the tone of the breakfast, and all the mayors have upped their game to bring levity balanced with seriousness to the event.

The 16th Mayors Breakfast is May 17 at Space Coast Convention Center, 301 Tucker Lane, in Cocoa. This informative and entertaining event has been a sell-out the past few years. In bringing together this diverse group, we are recognizing the need to work together, to ensure that Brevard’s future is secure, both socially and economically. In addition to the update on each city or town, the mayors look toward the future, recognizing that each is interdependent on the others.

As a community known for unity in achieving its goals, Brevard has set its sights on becoming a region known as much for its thriving manufacturing, technology, and space industries as it is for its beautiful beaches and unique attractions. We’ve also prioritized education and our environment to ensure we have a skilled workforce and a great place for families to call “home.”

Beginning with networking and a buffet breakfast at 7:30 a.m., the event will feature 15 mayors and will end at 11 a.m., or as timely as possible considering the number of politicians in the room.

Each mayor will have the floor, describing the challenges he or she faced this year, the successes they accomplished, and future development plans. Participants will have the opportunity to hear the incredible growth Brevard is experiencing and how this may impact their business decisions and plans.

The cost is $40 in advance for chamber members, $45 for non-members until May 7. This continues to be a sold-out event, so purchase tickets early.

Tickets

Online: GreaterPalmBayChamber.com
Contact: Cindy Hunt 321-951-9998
When: May 17, 7:30-11 a.m.
Where: Space Coast Convention Center, 301 Tucker Lane, Cocoa, FL

Meet Our Thought Leader:

Nancy Peltonen serves as President/CEO with The Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on a committee for the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, while always finding time to volunteer with local organizations and travel the world.

New Life Mission: 15 Years of Breaking the Binds of Homelessness

Wed, 01 May 2024 0:00:00 CDT

For 15 years, New Life Mission (formerly Brevard Rescue Mission) has been breaking generational cycles of homelessness by providing long-term housing combined with programs to help women develop personally and professionally. Some 90% of its graduates go on to live self-sufficient and independent lives.

One of those graduates is event photographer Jen Pritchett. Pritchett graduated in May 2023 and lives in a New Life Mission rent-controlled home with her two sons, ages 12 and 16. She had moved in with her mother to escape domestic violence, but her mother died unexpectedly, leaving them “instantly homeless,” she said.

211 directed her to New Life Mission.

A January 2023 count by Brevard Homeless Coalition found that 1,052 people in Brevard County experienced homelessness, an uptick of 15% from the year before and the highest count since 2015. New Life Mission has doubled its capacity since its inception, now serving 39 families at a time, and CEO Amy Lyon said they receive over 200 calls and referrals each month.

New Life Mission begins by placing families in group living homes. Then they help families with the basics, from medical care to recovering important documents. Then, they help families to achieve true financial and emotional independence through counseling, budgeting, and career help that includes higher education or training. As families progress, they can move from group homes to independent apartments at one of New Life Mission’s other campuses.

“You’ve got to be ready for a hard reboot on your life. It’s not a shelter. It’s a program,” Pritchett said.

As a Christian-based program, New Life Mission also offers Bible study and spiritual encouragement.

“One benefit I didn’t expect was that I developed a relationship with God that I’d never had before,” Pritchett said.

The program also is for the children. New Life Mission has a preschool and daycare so parents can concentrate on getting back on their feet. They also help kids with counseling and education. Lyon said one of the goals is to prevent homelessness in future generations.

Pritchett said her eldest was able to enroll at West Shore Junior/Senior High School in Melbourne. Pritchett herself is graduating from Eastern Florida State College with a degree in graphic arts.

The program generally runs two years.

“It depends on the family. Some women just need time. They already have a car and a job. They need to breathe, save money, and learn how to manage their finances,” said Staci Donovan, director of development. “Many come to us with a lot more challenges. These families need more time to work through the program, find healing from their past and hope for tomorrow.”

New Life Mission does not accept government funding and relies on donations. It recently hosting its annual fundraising — Community Share and Care luncheons, which had 800 guests across two days, which typically earn a third of the operating budget. If you’d like to donate, visit newlife-mission.org.

New Life Mission also is hosting an open house on May 16 where guests can tour the property. New Life Mission hopes to grow its services as it continues to make an indelible contribution to solving homelessness in Brevard.

Learn More

Open House: May 16, 4-6 p.m.
New Life Village, 326 Croton Road, Melbourne, 32935
Website: newlife-mission.org/
Facebook: /NewLifeMissionBrevard
Instagram @newlife_mission
X: @New_LifeMission
YouTube: /channel/UCbrQqSkqYelHwjg5u4_svvA

Wildlife Hospital Finds Itself Otter This World With 7 Rescue Pups

Wed, 01 May 2024 0:00:00 CDT

The days are “otterly” delightful at Florida Wildlife Hospital now that seven river otter pups have settled in as patients. Staff at the Palm Shores nonprofit have their hands full with the inquisitive and voracious orphans whose appetite for life is only surpassed by their appetite for fish.

An otter, much less seven, are not routine patients at the hospital that cares for more than 5,000 injured or orphaned animals, birds and reptiles each year. Staff keep the facility open 365 days a year, without ever charging a cent. So, it’s a good thing otters are rare patients given the cost and length of caring for them. The average length of stay for other animals at the hospital is nine weeks, with an average cost of care per animal of $130. Otters are in a different league altogether.

“For otters, the cost is closer to $4,000 per animal,” said Executive Director Tracy Frampton. “Some animals are treated and released in a matter of weeks, while some must stay up to six months. In the case of these otters, it may be even longer.”

Because of high metabolism, otters eat a lot. They also have a predilection for seafood. As they get older, the hospital will need to buy live fish and fiddler and blue crabs to mimic the animals’ diet in the wild.

“Fish and seafood are expensive,” Frampton said.

The pups did not arrive en masse, but rather trickled in beginning Dec. 22, when a sibling trio was admitted after their mother had succumbed to a car. The sister died, but the two remaining boys are hearty. On Feb. 5, they were joined by another male that had been found floating and barely responsive in the St. Johns River. He had a serious case of fleas, plus an ectoparasite. After isolation for treatment, Boy Three got together with Bos One and Boy Two — a good thing for everyone.

“Otters have a much better chance of being released if they are raised with conspecifics, meaning animals from their own species,” Frampton added. “They learn from each other and they are less likely to bond with their caregivers. It is a lot of trial and error, watching each other and playing.”

Preventing bonding with humans is critical for their success as wild creatures.

“Our goal for all our patients is getting them back in the wild where they belong,” Frampton said. “Otters habituate to humans easily and we want them to stay wild, so volunteers do not interact with them. Anyone caring for them must be rabies vaccinated because they can carry rabies. We really try to limit contact with humans, so they stay wild.”

Nevertheless, humans do need to step in to educate the orphans. A large tub serves as a classroom for many survival lessons.

“While ‘river’ is in their name, pups need to be introduced to the water and taught how to swim,” said veterinary technician and otter caregiver Corey Mullen. “Mother otters will dunk their babies to get them started, but we use a more gradual method by increasing the water depth as they get more comfortable in the tub.”

Pups first paddle with their front paws, hind end trailing tails slapping the water's surface uncoordinatedly.

“As they got stronger and more curious, they put their heads under the water and started to blow bubbles,” Mullen said. “This was a major milestone, holding their breath would soon follow.”

The hospital also offers natural enrichment using objects like pinecones and rocks for the pups to play with. A large tube entices them to practice swimming through it and hone “zoomies.” In the past months, they have mastered “catching” frozen fish in the tub.

Two more orphans joined the pack March 5. The male and female are behaviorally ahead of the other three, but behind in weight. Before being introduced to the first three, they will be housed separately until hospital staff ascertain they are not carrying any diseases.

The first girl in the crowd of furry little dudes is already making sure her voice is being heard.

“The female is very vocal and has lots of opinions,” Frampton said.

The otter population boom at the hospital continued when a male arrived from Eau Gallie Veterinary Clinic on March 21 with severe facial wounds. He had surgery at Florida Wildlife Hospital on March 26 to clean and repair wounds and is recovering well.

Another girl otter joined the crowd, too. She was a bit underweight, in rough shape and presumed orphaned, but she is eating well and getting stronger.

“If they continue to improve, both of these otters will move outside with the other five as soon as they are done will quarantine and healed from surgery,” Frampton said.

If all goes well, the pups will be released to the wild — in an undisclosed location — when they’re about 8 months old. Estimates are that the pups were 7 weeks old or so when they arrived at the hospital.

It will be a bittersweet day for Mullen has to say goodbye to her charges.

“It’s been such a joy to watch them grow and get more confidence as they hit their milestones,” she said.

While the baby otters have found their champion in the hospital, the hospital could use champions to help with the expenses of caring for the otters and the many other critters under their wing. The 51-year-old nonprofit, which receives no government funding, depends entirely on support from the community.

Community members can help Florida Wildlife Hospital keep wildlife healthy and wild by becoming a monthly supporter, donating cash or supplies from the hospital’s Amazon wish list, adopting an Ambassador Animal or leaving an estate gift. Volunteers also are always welcome.

Learn More

Florida Wildlife Hospital

4560 N. U.S. Highway 1, Palm Shores
321-254-8843
floridawildlifehospital.org

2024 Complete Guide to Unique, Creative, Awesome Summer Camps on the Space Coast

Wed, 01 May 2024 0:00:00 CDT

Summer camp is where kids go to be kids and get through the hottest time of the year with some cool experiences. Some of the most sought-after camps, like Brevard Zoo and Space Camp at Kennedy Space Center (which is sold out), fill up quickly. But there’s something for every creative mind on the Space Coast, including unique and lesser-known options — all with the common goal of sparking imagination and creativity.

Here’s a look at some camps you may not have heard of, and some maybe you have. Get ready to unleash your budding chef, fisherman, artist, sailor, rock star, fashionista, athlete, thespian, scientist, potter and equestrian. Kids will emerge with not only enriching experiences but also education about our environment, sustainability, animals, and life skills.

Below, we highlight several camps, each with additional links to more camps in the same categories. Plus, you’ll find a comprehensive list of links at the end, with a designation of where each camp is located. Click the links to learn age range, hours, fees and more details.

If you don’t see your Brevard County summer camp listed, feel free to email Lee@everythingbrevard.com with information and it can be added to this online resource.

Complete list of summer camps in Brevard County

VISUAL ARTS

It’s a treat for budding artists to have their imaginations nudged by amazing Space Coast professional creatives, including world-renowned collage artist Derek Gores, who continues to produce the Create Your World Summer Art Camp in the Eau Gallie Arts District.

Each of the camp’s seven weeks has an uber creative theme and is offered Tuesday through Friday in three time options: all day, half-day morning or half-day afternoon.

“At Create Your World Summer Art Camp, we carry on the tradition done so well for years at the former Foosaner Art Museum. I actually attended an earlier version when I moved to Florida at age 10,” Gores said of his fourth year leading the camp. “We emphasize a broad array of art materials and projects, some directed skill-building, and lots of room for individual personality and imagination. We are not a cookie-cutter art class.”

Camp is at the Highland Avenue Fellowship, with space for four age groups to have their own dedicated classrooms. Campers get lots of outdoor creative time, too, including a build-it-yourself mini-golf hole.

Weekly themes spark the projects, with some new ones this year including Art Safari, Art Around the World, Art at the Movies, and the grand finale, Art Theme Park.

“Art is the spark of innovation and outside-the-box thinking that is useful to every child, no matter their future path,” Gores said. “When a child is able to create their world on a piece of paper or canvas, they can take the leap to creating their own future out in the real world.”

The camp welcomes sponsors, which allows for continued scholarships. Last year, Create Your World granted more than 60.

Learn more about the seven weeks of creative themes at

Create Your World Summer Art Camp
591 Highland Ave., Melbourne, FL 32935
321-468-3251
info@derekgores.com
Instagram: @create_your_world_art_camp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083210438329

More art, crafts camps:

Anana Prana Art & Yoga Camp (Cocoa Beach)

Arts for All Studio (Melbourne)

Creative Connections Academy (Satellite Beach)

House of Clay (Satellite Beach)

Lori Prell Gallery (Cocoa) Call: 321-626-1801

Maria Laughlin Art & Studio (Suntree)

Mimi’s Crafts (Satellite Beach)

MyMakerscape (Indialantic)

Sewing & Art

MyMakerscape is back for its eighth year of sewing camps and fourth year of art camps in its Indialantic studio. All supplies are provided, and kids can make matching outfits for themselves and their doll, or even design and make their own outfit in Camp Fashionista. Art camps include painting and wood crafts, which are cut in studio.

“Exploring creative outlets like sewing and art not only offers a therapeutic escape but also fosters personal growth and self-expression for both young and adults,” said MyMakerscape owner Flo Mandus.

Mandus said she’s seen some former students continue to sew and even embark on their own entrepreneurial ventures. She said she’s witnessed countless benefits, including increased confidence, stress relief, and a sense of accomplishment.

“It's incredible to see how these activities can positively impact mental well-being and overall happiness,” she said. “Sewing teaches patience, which is important in life. I also love to start every kid telling them that with sewing and even art, we go through different emotions. We experience happiness when we accomplish something, frustration when things don't turn out as expected, but then we learn to adapt, improvise, and work through it.”

Check out MyMakerscape’s 16 weeks of sewing and art camps running from early June through August.

MyMakerscape camps
344 Fifth Ave., Suite 1, Indialantic, FL 32903
Call or text: 321-693-2637
flo@mymakerscape.com
Instagram: @mymakerscape
Facebook: /mymakerscape

SAILING

With over 70 miles of coastline and so much river access, water activities are natural on the Space Coast. Melbourne Yacht Club hosts summer camps for kids age 6-17 that include a variety of activities. They also have a homeschool program during spring and fall.

“Sailing is a lifelong sport that allows kids to enjoy being on the water, while developing their skills, encouraging independence, and building their self-confidence,” said MYC Sailing Education Director Nicole Dooley.

Summer Camps - Melbourne Yacht Club
Melbourne Yacht Club
1202 E River Drive, Melbourne, FL 32901
mycflsailinged@gmail.com

Eau Gallie Yacht Club in Melbourne also lists a youth summer sailing program. Visit their website or call 787-601-8570.

SCUBA DIVING

Hatts Diving’s scuba camp for ages 10-16 focuses on fundamentals of the traditional scuba course in a fun atmosphere. Campers earn their PADI Open Water Diver certification and study PADI AWARE Coral Reef Conservation lessons.

Campers learn what they can do in their daily lives to help protect coral reefs for generations to come. The camp is taught on-site in Hatts’ classroom and training pool in Melbourne.

The camp includes five full days at the dive shop, a pizza/ice cream party, and two days of open water diving. Three different camp sessions are offered, beginning May 28, followed by a kids advanced open water/nitrox camp in July.

“Our kids scuba camp focuses on introducing kids to the underwater world through scuba certification and ocean conservation,” said Director of Training Kendra Makowsky. “Throughout the course of two weeks, students get to study ocean conservation while learning to dive and get the opportunity to dive on the reefs of South Florida.”

Hatts Diving camps

Downloadable flyer

2006 Front Street, Melbourne, FL 32901
321-723-5932
hattsdiving@gmail.com

FISHING, SURFING

Space Coast Fishing Academy’s Capt. Gio, a.k.a. retired firefighter and paramedic David Giovannini, welcomes anglers age 10-17. Space is limited to three anglers per week with the goal of having fun, fishing and incorporating knowledge of the local river systems and the effects we have on them.

Select weeks, campers will get hands-on experience with local groups doing clam restoration and mangrove replenishment, but most days will be spent on the river. Depending on what’s biting, campers may be surf fishing for snook and tarpon or be within a mile of the coast trying to catch the elusive tarpon.

Budding anglers will learn additional skills like knot tying, fish identification and rigging different bait types.

Camp runs 7 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday with the meeting location to be determined on fishing reports and how the fish are biting.

“I look forward to getting these young anglers on the water while instilling in them a passion for conservation and environmental stewardship,” Capt. Gio said.

spacecoastfishingacademy.com
givemeavent@gmail.com

Cocoa Beach is the hub of all things surfing on the Space Coast, including at least 10 surfing camps. Check out these links to find a good fit. Several mix in art and other activities.

More fishing and surfing camps:

SpaceCoastFishingAcademy.com (Various locations)

Catalyst surf & fishing camps (Melbourne Beach)

Club Zion Surf Samp (Cocoa Beach)

Island Watercraft Rentals Surf Camp (Cocoa Beach)

Mary Moon Surf Art Camp (Cocoa Beach)

Ohana Surf School Surf & Art Camp (Cocoa Beach)

Sandy Beach Surfing Surf ‘N Science Camp (Cocoa Beach)

School of Surf (Cocoa Beach)

Surfet Girls Love Surfing (Cocoa Beach)

The Question Center School (Cocoa Beach)

FILMMAKING

Returning for its third year is Filmmaker Workshop, a one-week intensive July 8-12 for youth to learn how to make their own short film. Campers can work solo on a project or team with others. It’s led by filmmaker/producer Jennifer Jacono of Jacono Studios, who also brings in other industry professionals to help educate and guide the budding Scorsezes.

Campers start with writing a script, do some storyboarding, make a shot list, scout locations, work with Turner Talent for casting their actors and go make a movie!

The most rewarding part is getting to see their film on the truly big screen, as part of the youth program at the annual Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival, held each fall at Premiere Oaks 10 Theater in Melbourne. Kids can invite friends and family to view their film in a real theater.

“Filmmaker Workshop inspires kids to have fun making personalized short films,” Jacono said. “Everyone can choose how and what to shoot. Learning the entire process allows kids to improve their media skills with each new project and helps to explore solutions to technical challenges that come up along the way. It is always an adventure.”

Filmmakers Workshop

Jaconostudios.com (click on MORE and FILMMAKER WORKSHOP) or register at this Eventbrite link.

New in Brevard this summer is Movie Kamp, where kids age 13-18 will learn the skills necessary to create their own films — screenplay writing and story development, camera operation, lighting, and audio.

Led by filmmaker Marcos Noriega, with his industry standard equipment, campers will film on location in the Eau Gallie Arts District and at the historic William H. Gleason House (Gleason gave Eau Gallie its name.) Campers will explore roles in acting, directing, make-up, wardrobe, and more. A screenplay will be voted on, with everyone working on one project during the week and then screened on Sunday at Pineapples.

“We want to let kids know that there is a whole other art form available to them. This is something that is fun and exciting and it could be a career choice for them. Movie Kamp is the introduction,” Noriega said.

Movie Kamp
action@moviekamp.com
214-532-0817
Facebook: /moviekamp

BALLROOM DANCE

Brevard County is rich with dancing opportunities, but one of the more rare forms of dance for youth is ballroom. Infinity Ballroom owner and head teacher Nadezhda Rudovich brings world-class training and experience to three Ballroom Champion Camps divided by age, for dancers as young as 5.

Activities include learning dance techniques, choreography, teamwork exercises, and fun dance-related games.

“We understand that each child has unique strengths and areas for improvement, therefore, our instructors will provide personalized attention to help your child progress at their own pace,” Rudovich said.

Spots are limited to no more than 10 people per group. Learn more about the three camps, which each run Monday-Thursday during June:

Summer Ballroom Champion Camp
Infinityballroomdance.com
1270 Lake Washington Road, Melbourne, FL 32935

More dance camps:

Broadway Bound Dance Centre (Melbourne)

Classical Movement Collective (Rockledge)

Heather’s Dance Studio (Palm Bay, Satellite Beach)

Dance Arts Center Info l Sign up (Indian Harbor Beach)

Dance By Holly Rock (Rockledge)

Dance Mania (Melbourne)

Dance Variations (Rockledge)

The Dance Zone (Melbourne)

Dussich Dance Studio (Merritt Island)

Galmont Ballet (Rockledge)

Graceful Gifts (Rockledge)

Heather’s Dance Studio (Satellite Beach)

Nicole Cote School of Dance (Palm Bay)

Sarah’s School of Dance (Titusville)

Turning Pointe of Melbourne (Melbourne)

Ultimate Dance (Suntree)

PERFORMING ARTS

Beachside Performing Arts has a new studio in Satellite Beach and is offering summer camps for various ages, including aspiring thespians as young as kindergarten age.

“Performing arts are so valuable for life skills like confidence and assertiveness,” said owner Katie Parsons. “I always say that if a student can get up in front of a group and sing a song or act out a scene, they can feel confident in any room.”

Younger campers will mix in art projects with musical activities and dancing while teens will perform or create complete plays. Aside from the one-week camps, teens age 14-18 also can do the summer intensive.

Beachside Performing Arts
765-730-0929
Katie@beachsideperformingarts.com
Instagram: @beachsideperformingartsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556743708886

More drama camps:

Arts for All Studio (Melbourne)

Dussich Dance Studio (Merritt Island)

Henegar Center (Melbourne)

Titusville Playhouse (Titusville)

CULINARY ARTS

The Gathering Table is fighting the summertime slide by building math, science and literacy skills in the kitchen. Choose from eight weeks of camps that each run Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Kids work together in small groups to prepare recipes from scratch, while they learn kitchen safety, basic etiquette and nutritional information. Meals are eaten together once cooking has finished for the day.

“Cooking not only teaches an important life skill for when they are older but establishes creativity and healthy eating habits,” said owner Carrie Sullivan.

The Gathering Table
318 E New Haven Ave., Melbourne, FL 32901
Call or text: 321-345-1965
thegatheringtableinfo@gmail.com
Instagram: @thegatheringtablefl
Facebook: /thegatheringtablefl

Florida Academy of Baking has five full-week summer camp options and some single-day sessions, which are listed as suitable for “dynamic duos.” Kids will be immersed in the academy’s professional-grade commercial kitchen with stocked work stations while learning to make recipes, and will come away with life skills including food preparation, food hygiene and kitchen safety.

Florida Academy of Baking camps
1370 Florida A1A, Satellite Beach, FL, 32937
321-622-6185
info@fabbaker.com

More culinary camps:

Sur La Table (Viera)

Florida Design

Design of the Times Florida in Palm Bay hosts one-day summer workshops for ages 5-13 that focus on easy to complete designs using creative plants and fresh flowers, plus how to care and handle them. Fun games reinforce the importance of sustainability.

The Saturday morning sessions have themes like Ghoulish Succulent Garden. There’s no class in May, but look for one-day options each in June, July and August.

Design of the Times Florida camps
2394 Minton Road, Melbourne, FL 3290
321-676-2452

THERE'S MORE!

We have SO much summer camp information, it didn't all fit in on one page!

CLICK HERE to view a comprehensive list of summer camps in Brevard County.

Complete List of 2024 Summer Camps in Brevard County

Wed, 01 May 2024 0:00:00 CDT

This is a comprehensive list of youth summer camps on the Space Coast, compiled to accompany our article on unique and lesser-known summer camps in Brevard County.

Click this link to read that story.

If you don’t see your Brevard County summer camp listed here, feel free to email Lee@everythingbrevard.com with information and a link, and it can be added to this online resource.

Animals, nature

Brevard Zoo (Viera)

Stella Maris Eco Camp (Sebastian Inlet)

Stella Maris Eco Camp (Melbourne Beach)

Nature’s Schoolhouse (West Melbourne)

Rockledge Gardens Little Bugs Club (Rockledge)

Baseball

Upper Deck (Melbourne)

Sports (general/mixed)

Lil Sports & Fitness (Melbourne and West Melbourne)

Overtime Athletics (Viera)

STEM

Camp Kennedy Space Center (sold out)

Camp Invention: Illuminate (at Merritt Island Christian School)

Code Ninjas (Viera)

Crafting Education Academy (Suntree)

Florida Tech (Melbourne)

Learning Forward Education Center Stream Academy - Reading & Math Intensive (Melbourne)

Creative Connections Academy (Satellite Beach)

Visual arts, sewing

Anana Prana Art & Yoga Camp (Cocoa Beach)

Arts for All Studio (Melbourne)

Create Your World Summer Art Camp (Melbourne)

Creative Connections Academy (Satellite Beach)

House of Clay (Satellite Beach)

Lori Prell Gallery (Cocoa) Call: 321-626-1801

Maria Laughlin Art & Studio (Suntree)

Mimi’s Crafts (Satellite Beach)

MyMakerscape (Indialantic)

Moms’ Romantic Reconnection Part 1: Declare Where You Want to Journey

Wed, 01 May 2024 0:00:00 CDT

Motherhood is a journey filled with boundless love, selflessness, and unwavering dedication. It’s also exhausting! Amidst the joys and challenges of raising a family, it's easy for moms to lose sight of their identities as women.

For years, many have shaped their identities around being a mom, inadvertently feeling disconnected from their partners in the process. This sense of disconnection often becomes more apparent as children grow more self-sufficient, leaving moms longing to rekindle the connection and romance before they become empty nesters.

If you're a mom seeking to reignite the spark with your partner or deepen your connection, I’ll outline the best place to start to help you navigate the journey in this part 1 of a 2-part series. Like any adventure, starting is often the hardest part. So, take notes as we embark on this journey together.

Road Trip to…?

Mel Robbins, one of my favorite authors and podcasters, uses the analogy of going on a road trip. So, what is the first thing you would do if you were about to jump in the car to embark on a journey?

Before getting behind the wheel, you decide where you are going and put the address into your GPS. In relationships, this translates into “what do you want?” Before reading on, write down this question and spend some time trying to answer it: What do I want my future to look like in one, five, 10, or 20 years down the road?

Chances are high you have a clear vision of what you don’t want. Often, the answer to what you want is simply the inverse of what you don’t want.

If the answer eludes you, then I suggest trying something to engage what Shirzad Chamine, author of “Positive Intelligence,” calls our non-thinking brain. Chamine suggests that to evoke a curious mind, we need to slow down our left brain and access more of the right side of our brain. Neuroscience shows that our right brain lights up when we are curious or experiencing empathy. We shift our thoughts to the right brain by self-soothing and involving some of our five senses.

Breathe to Slow Down

Personally, I use dozens of techniques and have found that this also dramatically reduces stress. If you need proof that this works, I challenge you right now to jot down how stressed you feel on a scale from 1-10. Then try this 60-second exercise from “Positive Intelligence,” and with additions from the Health Coach Institute, see if your stress level drops.

For just one minute, try what I call the 5/5/7 breath. Take a deep breath inhaling for five counts, holding for five counts, and slowly exhaling for seven counts. This will activate your 10th cranial nerve, which flips your body almost instantly into a relaxed state. While doing so, use your sense of sound by listening intentionally to the furthest away sound for 20 seconds. Then intentionally shift and listen to the closest sounds around you. Then for the final 20 seconds, listen to the sound of your breath entering and exiting your nostrils. As a bonus, continue breathing and place some fingers under your nose, feeling the temperature of the air as it enters and exits your body.

This simple exercise will slow down the judgmental side of your brain and make it easier for the answers you are looking for to flow freely into your mind. Doing small steps, like stealing one minute to de-stress, can change the trajectory for the next hour of your life, helping you become more productive and giving you a greater sense of wellbeing.

Mom Guilt No More

When coaching busy moms, I’ve discovered most feel guilty about taking time for themselves. Are you scrimping on personal self-care, exercise, sleep, eating balanced meals? Do you take time to play, dream, explore?

Most are so caught up in pleasing or serving others that they feel guilty taking time for themselves. If this sounds like you, take a deep breath and realize that if you don’t allow yourself time to dream and envision what you want for your life, then odds are high you will keep experiencing more of what you have now.

Once you know what you want, going back to Mel Robbins’ analogy, you can take your foot off the brake and slowly move in a new direction.

What I’ve just described is the basis or starting point for healthy boundaries and habit change. It begins with clarity of what you want and what you no longer will accept from yourself. Although each person has a different vision of what they want, the process to get there is basically the same.

I’ve spent years refining this process for myself and have organized the steps for a book I’ve been writing.

As Mother's Day approaches, remember to prioritize your own needs and desires. Take time to reconnect with yourself, setting healthy boundaries for self-care and personal fulfillment. The deeper connection you have with yourself, the easier it will be to deepen the connection with your partner.

This Mother's Day, give yourself the gift of clarity. This newfound connection with your inner voice will help you navigate and keep you on the path to what you desire most.

In part 2 of Moms’ Romantic Reconnection, I’ll explore steps you can take to reconnect with your partner.

Free Guide

Johnny Lascha is offering a free guide to healthy boundaries and compassionate communication. Email him at johnny@ccvideo.net to receive a PDF of what he calls a roadmap to finding your voice.

Connect

Johnny Lascha
Beachside Health & Life Coaching Services
321-693-1681
www.beachsidehealthandlifecoaching.net

Meet Our Thought Leader

Owner of Beachside Health & Life Coaching, LLC, Johnny Lascha is a certified life coach and health coach, trained in the Habit Change Coaching Method. His niches include relationships, increasing energy, lowering stress, rebuilding self-esteem, weight loss and reducing the habit of self-sabotage. He’s also a group facilitator of the Gottman Institute’s ‘Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.'

Son's Illicit Fentanyl Poisoning Death Prompts Mom to Become Fierce Advocate

Wed, 01 May 2024 0:00:00 CDT

You Can Die on Your First Try

In November 2021, Suzy Periera found her 26-year-old son, Tristan, unresponsive on his bedroom floor. She immediately called the police, but he had already passed away. One of the police officers checked her son’s backpack and found a baggie filled with powder. She was told that Tristan died due to a “bad batch” of fentanyl.

Periera did not know what that meant.

So, she read, she educated herself, she researched. She was appalled when she learned that her son was unknowingly poisoned.

Fentanyl is a strong FDA-approved synthetic opioid drug used as an anesthetic and to treat severe or chronic pain. It’s 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. But people are dying from illicit fentanyl, produced by cartels in Mexico using a chemical produced in China. It’s mixed with other illicit drugs and can be sold as powders and nasal sprays, and pressed into pills made to look like legitimate prescription opioids.

“We have lost 7,000 kids between (age) 12-17 in this country due to fentanyl poisoning,” Periera said. “When you look at numbers for 20-29, the number jumps 10 times exponentially — 70,000 lost. They are out of the house. They have some money. They are in college. They are experimenting. When you look at those in their 30 and 40s, the numbers start coming down. The brain starts to mature. You may have lost some friends to it.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) describes signs of illicit fentanyl overdose as stupor, changes in pupil size, clammy skin, cyanosis, coma, and respiratory failure leading to death.

Florida recorded 2,744 illicit fentanyl-related deaths between January and June 2022, with 62 deaths within the Melbourne Medical Examiner’s jurisdiction, according to a 2022 Interim Florida Department of Law Enforcement report entitled, “Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons by Florida Medical Examiners,” published in July 2023.

Be Educated

Four months after her son’s death, in February 2022, Periera started a nonprofit and called it The Blue Plaid Society in honor of her son’s penchant for wearing blue plaid shirts. The organization has a board of directors and volunteers. The Blue Plaid Society was present at 41 events in 2023, including street parties, music festivals, and community and law enforcement meetings.

The society’s mission is to raise awareness and educate the community. Periera underwent cadet training to become one of 20 DEA Special Ambassadors in Florida. Her specialty is synthetic drug poisoning.

Deaths from illicit fentanyl are due to poisoning, not overdosing, Periera said. Poisoning occurs when ingesting a lethal substance. Overdosing happens when too much is taken.

Fentanyl is cheap and easy to produce. It is not derived from the poppy flower, like other opioids, which makes it easier for cartels to manufacture, according to Periera.

“Illicit fentanyl comes from China,” she said. “We [the U.S.] have had an agreement with China since 2008 that they will not send fentanyl here, so the Mexican cartels saw the opportunity. There is nothing stopping them from sending it to Mexico.”

But the cartels do not have the equipment, the people, or the skills to manufacture illicit fentanyl to the nanogram level as it is done for pharmaceutical fentanyl. Pharmaceutical fentanyl, which has been prescribed since the 1960s, is used in hospital settings for patients with terminal illness and for those who require palliative care.

“The best the cartels can get it to is 2 mg, and that can kill you,” Periera explained. “It is equivalent to 4 grains of salt. You cannot put consistency in pills and loose powders. One pill might have enough fentanyl to kill 20 people and another might not have fentanyl in it at all. You have no way of knowing how much fentanyl is in that pill.

“You also cannot tell the difference between what the cartels are producing and what is pharmaceutical. You cannot trust any pill you’ve gotten from anyone. Only take what’s prescribed by a doctor through a pharmacy.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs are laced with fentanyl.”

In addition to powdered fentanyl commonly being mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine into pills that resemble other prescription opioids, the CDC says the liquid form can be found in nasal sprays, eye drops, and dropped onto paper or small candies.

“Fentanyl changes people’s brains. Once you have that high, you have to have it. A small amount of fentanyl hooks people really bad,” said Blue Plaid volunteer Carey Chambers, a licensed practical nurse.

Kids At Risk

And to attract children, it’s often made to look like candy.

“In order to get kids to buy it, they make it look like Pez and gummy bears,” Periera said. “Jolly Ranchers are melted down then remolded into teddy bear shapes. They make it look like Skittles.”

Social media makes illicit fentanyl available in any community and children are especially vulnerable.

Children using apps that track location and with disappearing conversation features like SnapChat can be easily targeted, especially when their profile is public. Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and other social media apps are leaving kids vulnerable, too, according to Periera. Cash App and Venmo make payments hard to track.

The Blue Plaid Society does more than educate. It also distributes Narcan free of charge. Narcan is a brand name nasal spray containing 4 mg of naloxone, which can be administered to a person suffering from opioid overdose or illicit fentanyl poisoning.

“Spray it up their nose and keep alternating nostrils every 60 seconds,” Pereira said, “and call 911 to get emergency help.”

The Angels

Lastly, the Blue Plaid Society remembers the “angels” who have lost their lives to illicit fentanyl poisoning. Parents, spouses, children, and friends can design an angel card filled with photos and descriptions commemorating their loved one, which gets posted to the organization’s website and Facebook page.

“It’s a free service to our angel families, letting them know they are not alone,” Periera said.

From the DEA:

“Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered. Fentanyl is everywhere. From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison. We must take every opportunity to spread the word to prevent fentanyl-related overdose deaths and poisonings from claiming scores of American lives every day.”

— DEA Administrator Anne Milgram

Watch the full video

Learn More

Blue Plaid Society

blueplaid.org
Instagram: @TheBluePlaidSociety
Facebook: The Blue Plaid Society

DEA page with facts about Fentanyl

Next Event

The Blue Plaid Society will be at Back Brevard Heroes, an organization that supports first responders.
May 5, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Brevard Veteran’s Memorial Center on Merritt Island

EverythingBrevard.com Blog

Editor Insights: Lessons in Glamour, Grace and 'Chosen Family'

Connect

Meet Our Managing Editor

Fabric Illustrator Kestrel Michaud Finds Freedom, Career in Artistic Quilting

See Kestrel’s Work

Dana Packard: 25 Years of Impact as Victims’ Advocate

Connect

15 Mayors Share What Keeps Them Up at Night

Tickets

Meet Our Thought Leader:

New Life Mission: 15 Years of Breaking the Binds of Homelessness

Learn More

Wildlife Hospital Finds Itself Otter This World With 7 Rescue Pups

Learn More

2024 Complete Guide to Unique, Creative, Awesome Summer Camps on the Space Coast

VISUAL ARTS

Sewing & Art

SAILING

SCUBA DIVING

FISHING, SURFING

FILMMAKING

BALLROOM DANCE

PERFORMING ARTS

CULINARY ARTS

Florida Design

THERE'S MORE!

Complete List of 2024 Summer Camps in Brevard County

Animals, nature

Baseball

Brevard County

Cirque

Colleges

Eastern Florida State College

Culinary arts

Dance

Farm

Fishing, surfing

Floral design

Gymnastics

High schools

Horses

Ice skating, hockey

Martial arts

Music

Municipalities

Performing arts

Religious, life skills

Sailing

SCUBA diving

Sports (general/mixed)

STEM

Visual arts, sewing

Moms’ Romantic Reconnection Part 1: Declare Where You Want to Journey

Road Trip to…?

Breathe to Slow Down

Mom Guilt No More

Free Guide

Connect

Meet Our Thought Leader

Son's Illicit Fentanyl Poisoning Death Prompts Mom to Become Fierce Advocate

You Can Die on Your First Try

Be Educated

Kids At Risk

The Angels

From the DEA:

Learn More

Next Event