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By Mary Schenkel
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Oct. 14, 2009, 4:54pm
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I’ve always enjoyed surrounding myself with people who live happy lives. You know the types – the ones who are rarely without a smile on their face or who usually have a laugh bubbling up over something silly. Whatever funk you might be in, no matter how badly your day is going, when you’re around them, the world is good.
A perfect example is Jill Uttridge, whose birthday we celebrated at Scampi Grill (thank you Ed!).  We met several years ago at one of Linda Kline’s jewelry classes at the Museum and laughed our way through that semester and many others. As complete neophytes, we had no idea what we were doing, but it didn’t matter – Linda has the patience of a saint. My jewelry skills will never be ideal but the friendships created through those classes are worth their weight in gold. |
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By Mary Schenkel
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Sep. 30, 2009, 3:27pm
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 VERO BEACH -- Note to non-profit organizations looking for a good month to have a fundraiser – try September. Things have been so slow in Vero I actually headed down to Fort Pierce this past weekend for the Treasure Coast Beer Fest. I have to admit to being something of a beer snob and would much prefer a cold glass of water (OK, you can throw a little vodka in it) to any of that light stuff. Hearing that there would be some 200 varieties to sample, I joined Rob Callery, Randy Wytrval and our DD Harry Butler (who wasn’t going to take chances with his smokin’ hot new car) to hoist a few.
The event, founded last year by the Beerworks Charitable Foundation, was such a hit they moved it this time to a larger venue. The City Hall parking garage provided function over fashion, but then it wasn’t exactly a fashionista crowd anyway (several in the, “Do they not have a mirror?” category). Rob got the skinny on what to expect from Vero’s resident Beer Ambassador, Kristyn Lier, so we knew which breweries to hit first. It was hard to keep track of my favorites though - I might just have to do it all again! |
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By Mary Schenkel
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Sep. 11, 2009, 10:38am
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Although Labor Day began in 1882 with parades and speeches touting the benefits of trade and labor organizations, it has since become recognized as the symbolic end of summer. In Florida it’s hard to believe summer is over with temperatures still hovering in the high 80’s, but it’s always nice to have a three-day weekend and it makes a great excuse for a party. Not that anyone really needs an excuse - I’m just saying....
On Sunday, Cathy Hart and I were invited to an annual End of Summer Cook-Out in Sebastian. The party was hosted by an eclectic mix of guys and the 200+ guests were equally diverse. Hosts included Charlie Sembler, Sr. whose driftwood enhanced marina provided the perfect venue, Drs. Pedro Espat and David Haile, who came with a host of friends from the Sebastian River Medical Center, Ray Coniglio, Sebastian’s unofficial, apolitical mayor, John Morrissey, owner of Morrissey’s Irish Pub, Sebastian’s version of “Cheers,” and Michael Studstill, BBQ’er extraordinaire.
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By Mary Schenkel
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Sep. 1, 2009, 5:28pm
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VERO BEACH -- On NPR last week, I heard that the term “dog days of summer” was actually coined in ancient times. Greeks and Romans believed that the stretch of hot weather in July and August was caused by the “dog star” Sirius, the brightest star besides the sun. Funny enough, I learned that little tidbit as I was on my way to the Vero Beach Hotel and Spa for the doggie adoption party they hosted with the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County. The hotel allows people to bring their pets with them – any animal, any size, no extra charge or deposit. Just hope nobody tries to get creative...
The dogs on hand were small breeds with large vocal chords, all clamoring to be top dog. But that’s OK, everyone there was an animal lover so they understood. I admit to having a soft spot for the HSVB. They do a terrific job dealing with the animal control and adoption problems created by humans - puppy mills, irresponsible pet owners, animal cruelty, a poor economy, etc. OK, I’ll get off my soap box, but if you can help them - volunteers, good homes and $$$ are always needed! |
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