The Environmental Learning Center will launch its Lagoon Academy next week. The series of classes are designed for children and teens who are homeschooled. The education programs integrate the Sunshine State Standards for programs in STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – and are led by professionals with experience in teaching environmental education. All classes begin at 10 a.m., last two hours and are held four times a month. The cost is $90 for the four classes. The Lagoon Academy for children 7 to 12 years of age will be held Tuesdays, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26; a second set of classes will be held Wednesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27. The children’s classes will explore what causes weather, how to measure weather and the proper way to describe it. They will also learn what causes seasons, wind and clouds. The children will end the class with a weather prediction. The Lagoon Academy for teens 13 to 15 years of age also meets at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26. There are currently no Wednesday classes scheduled for teens. The teens will experience hands-on, science-based activities as they explore the ELC island lagoon campus. There are a maximum of 15 students per program. They should bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottle, snacks and a rain jacket. Founded in 1988 by members of the Pelican Island Audubon Society, the Environmental Learning Center has a mission to “educate, inspire and empower all people to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being.” To that end, the ELC invites visitors to immerse themselves in nature and learn about the human connections with it. The ELC occupies a 64-acre Indian River Lagoon island on the western base of the Wabasso Bridge on the 510 Causeway. The exact address is 255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach. You should also know that the ELC is a smoke-free campus. To protect both visitors and wildlife, the campus is also pet-free. The ELC also asks that visitors do not bring plastics, glitter, balloons or Styrofoam products with them onto the campus. For more information or to register for the classes, visit
DiscoverELC.org or call 772-589-5050.
The “End Overdose Summit” will be held 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, 2020 San Juan Ave. The summit will seek to “end stigma, end silence end overdose.” The topics it will explore will include the impact of one child’s overdose on the family and community, addiction and opioids, overdose response, and the state of opioid sales and addiction in Indian River County. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. The event is free. It is hosted by the Substance Abuse Center/SAFIR Coalition. For more information, visit SAFIRC.org.
Mulligan’s Skim Jam happens this Saturday, Sept. 2, at Sexton Plaza beach, 1025 Beachland Blvd., Vero Beach. Cost to enter ranges from $50 to $140. There are five divisions from beginner to professional. The awards ceremony begins at 6 p.m. at Walking Tree Brewery, 3209 Dodger Road, Vero Beach. To register, visit shorelb.com.