INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Six presentations were given by various groups in front of the Indian River County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, all of which received the support of all five county commissioners.
Celebrate Children’s Week
In unity with many municipalities across the state of Florida, the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners officially proclaimed the dates of April 6 to April 12 “Children’s Week.”
According to Executive Director of Early Learning Coalition Jacki Jackson, the Coalition brought $2.8 million of state and federal funds into the county last year, helping 904 children in the community and maintaining a zero wait list.
Recognition of “Kick Butts Day”
According to the official proclamation, in Indian River County, nearly one fourth of all high school students and 7.4 percent of middle school students use some form of tobacco product.
A student group known as SWAT, Students Working Against Tobacco, requested the Board’s support in recognizing March 19 as “Kick Butts Day” in Indian River County.
The group is known for taking a stand against the the tobacco industry and its efforts to persuade children to use tobacco products, and for informing peers and adults about the harmful effects of tobacco.
“[The kids] appreciate your support, and will continue to appreciate your support when they come back to you for stronger and more intense tobacco free laws for our county,” said Leslie Spurlock, Tobacco Prevention Specialist at Quit Doc Research and Education Foundation.
American Security Council Foundation Annual Golf Tournament
The American Security Council Foundation will be hosting its annual “Step Up America” Golf Tournament on March 29, at Bent Pine Golf Club in Vero Beach. Lunch and registration begin at Noon, followed by a 1:30 p.m., shotgun start. Cocktails and awards will conclude the event.
The entry fee is $150 per person and proceeds will fund scholarships to Indian River County students whose parents are active duty military, veterans, law enforcement, and first responders.
Participants will have the opportunity to win several prizes, including a 2014 Buick Verano in a hole-in-one challenge.
There is still room for foursomes and singles to sign up for the tournament.
National Eye Donor Month
According to representatives of the Medical Eye Bank of Florida, between the Indian River County Medical Center and the Sebastian River Medical Center, 35 eye donors helped up to 70 people last year.
In order to raise awareness about eye donation, the Board will support the Eye Bank by recognizing the month of March as National Eye Donor Month.
For more information, visit www.donatelifeflorida.org.
Surveyors and Mappers Week
Commissioner Bob Solari read a proclamation recognizing March 16 through March 22 as “Surveyors and Mappers Week.”
Solari thanked approximately a dozen surveyors in attendance at the meeting, saying their responsibility as surveyors is the “foundation” for American’s property rights.
March for Meals Month
President and CEO of the Senior Resource Association Karen Deigl stood in front of the Board expressing the importance of the Meals on Wheels program that has been serving Indian River County for 40 years.
Deigl said Meals on Wheels “ensures our seniors receive a hot, nutritious meal each day,” and allows seniors to “remain living as independent as possible and improve quality of life.”
Commissioner Joseph Flescher said he is sure the seniors appreciate the meals, but “the true spirit of the program” is personal contact Meals on Wheels provides for people who are not mobile.
From March 17-21, community leaders, local officials, and local celebrities will show support for the program by making personal deliveries to homebound seniors, according to a press release.
Several opportunities to donate and volunteer will be available to community members throughout the week.
Call (772) 469-2060 or visit www.seniorresourceassociation.org.
