FELLSMERE — Over the course of the last six months VeroNews.com has been covering the news of Fellsmere, we have come across some wonderful people and organizations who strive to serve others.

And, in the spirit of the Christmas holiday, we would like to share with you some of our favorite inspirational stories of the year — which for us started in July.

We couldn’t possibly include every single uplifting and inspiring story that we have published, but here are excerpts from a small sampling we have selected.

These stories include long awaited and much-deserved recognition of members of the US Navy Armed Guard and Merchant Marines, a profile of a Fellsmere fixture – Korky Korker and his historically developing hobby – and Operation Hope’s backpack giveaway helping Fellsmere’s students to get ready for school. 29 US Navy Armed Guard, Merchant Marine vets receive credit after 63 years, by Debbie Carson, posted Nov. 22

FELLSMERE – Nearly 30 World War II veterans who served in the US Navy Armed Guard and Merchant Marines finally received the recognition they deserve 63 years after the war.

“I think it’s the most beautiful thing the government has done for me,” said veteran Thomas Vitale, of Vero Beach, who traveled to Marsh Landing Restaurant from Vero Beach with his wife to accept a certificate of recognition.

Members of the two groups traveled from all over to receive their certificates, including one from Cocoa and others from Port St. Lucie, Melbourne, West Melbourne, Barefoot Bay, Sebastian, Fellsmere, Vero Beach and numerous other towns out of the area.

“We wouldn’t have won the war without you guys,” U.S. Congressman Bill Posey said Saturday morning, addressing a packed room of about 70. “We wouldn’t be free today” if not for your service.

Read the full story here

Fellsmere’s Korky Korker develops more than photos – history, by Debbie Carson, posted July 21 FELLSMERE — Tucked away on the far end of his house is a narrow darkroom crammed with chemicals, equipment and stacks of aging photographs from early Fellsmere.

Korky Korker has a penchant for all things Fellsmere and history and has developed a knack for acquiring hundreds of old photographs to preserve for posterity.

“It’s really like a detective-type business,” Korker said, “especially when you’re doing history.”

“There’s a lot of history in this town,” Korker said. Fellsmere was the first to let women vote, the first to have sidewalks, the first to have concrete roads, and the first to have electrical lights.

Many of the photos Korker has preserved can be seen hanging on the walls at Marsh Landing, which once had been the Fellsmere Estates Building.

“I think history is the most important thing this country has,” Korker said.

Read the full story here

700 kids get new backpacks at Fellsmere’s Operation Hope, by Debbie Carson, posted Aug. 22

FELLSMERE — Children from all over Indian River County came out to Operation Hope in Fellsmere Saturday morning for fun, food and free backpacks crammed with school supplies.

Volunteers worked late Friday evening, stuffing supplies such as folders and paper and pencils into backpacks – filling 701.

There were about 900 kids last year, according to Jesse Zermeno, Operation Hope’s president and CEO.