Monday, May 27, 2019

Memorial Day Fast Facts



(CNN)Here’s a look at Memorial Day, a day honoring American soldiers who died serving the country in wars. It is observed annually in the United States on the last Monday in May.


Facts:

Several towns claim to be the originators of Memorial Day, but in 1966 Congress declared Waterloo, New York, to be the birthplace of the holiday.

Memorial Day originally honored military personnel who died in the Civil War (1861-1865).

The holiday now honors those who died in any war while serving with the United States.

It is also called Decoration Day.

Timeline:

May 5, 1866 – Residents of Waterloo, New York, observe a Memorial Day in honor of all who died during the Civil War. Businesses are closed and soldiers’ graves are decorated.

1868 – General John Alexander Logan officially proclaims May 30, 1868, as Memorial Day in honor of the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. Until after World War I, southern states celebrated a separate Memorial Day in honor of the Confederate dead.

1971 – Congress declares Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.

December 28, 2000 – President Bill Clinton signs the “National Moment of Remembrance Act,” which designates 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day each year as the National Moment of Remembrance.

US War Casualties:

Civil War – Approximately 620,000 Americans died. The Union lost almost 365,000 troops and the Confederacy about 260,000. More than half of these deaths were caused by disease.

World War I – 116,516 Americans died, more than half from disease.

World War II – 405,399 Americans died.

Korean War – 36,574 Americans died.

Vietnam Conflict – 58,220 Americans died.

Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm – 383 service members died.

Operation Iraqi Freedom – 4,410 service members died.

Operation New Dawn – 73 service members died.

Operation Enduring Freedom – 2,347 service members died.

Operation Freedom’s Sentinel – 69 service members have died as of May 2019.

Operation Inherent Resolve – 76 service members have died as of May 2019.



Friday, May 24, 2019

Memorial Day weekend events include cider and beer festival, food truck wars, luau paddle



Here are the best events and things to do in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Sebastian, Stuart and Port Salerno.


It’s Memorial Day weekend on the Treasure Coast. If you’re lucky enough not to work the holiday, we’ve included a bonus day of fun for What To Do in 772.





St. Lucie County





The second annual Cider & Beer Festival is 2-5 p.m. Saturday along Second Street in front of Pierced Ciderworks at 411 N. Second St., in Fort Pierce. The festival includes food trucks and 10 new cider flavors. Admission is $15, which includes a souvenir tasting glass. Proceeds benefit MMPS Environmental. Tickets are on sale in the cidery’s taproom. Plus, live music lasts from Friday to Monday. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/piercedcider.


Laurie’s Stories: Pierced Ciderworks opens in Fort Pierce as Treasure Coast’s first cidery


The Food Truck Wars event is noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center at 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place. It includes 40 food trucks from across the state competing for five awards, as well as live music, beer gardens, a children’s area and a splash pad. Admission is free. The cost of food ranges from $3 to $18, and most entrees are $6-$8. Both cash and credit cards are accepted at the food trucks. Bring chairs. For more information, go to foodtruckwars.com.







The Hot Rodding for Heroes: Memorial Weekend Car Show is noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery at 4200 Johnston Road, north of Fort Pierce. The car show of classic and collectible vehicles also includes a musical tribute to all service branches, taps and a toast, as well as live music from Uproot Hootenanny and food trucks. Admission is free. Registration is $10 per car. Proceeds benefit the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum’s Trident House Charities Program. For more information, call 772-460-0500 or go to www.summercrushwine.com.







Homegrown: Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery in Fort Pierce turns native muscadine grapes into wine


The Hop Life Brewing Company Beer & Food Pairing starts at 7 p.m. Friday at the St. Lucie Trail Golf Club’s upstairs Lakeview Terrace at 951 S.W. Country Club Drive in Port St. Lucie. The cost is $35 per person and includes a five-course plated pairing. Seating is limited. To make a reservation, call 772-336-2507. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/hoplifebrewingcompany.


Laurie’s Stories: Local restaurants team up with Treasure Coast breweries to win food and beer pairing


The Memorial Day at the Museum ceremony is 9 a.m. to noon Monday at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum at 3300 N. A1A north of Fort Pierce on North Hutchinson Island. For more information, call 772-595-5845 or go to www.navysealmuseum.org.


More: Paralyzed vet’s 1,200-mile handcycle ride to end with a celebration in Fort Pierce


The Wild & Wacky Floatilla is noon to 5 p.m. Monday at Little Jim Bait & Tackle at 601 N. Causeway in Fort Pierce. It includes live music, beer specials, giveaways and a prize for the best float. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/littlejimbaitandtackle.


More: Original Tiki Bar managers throw lifeline to Little Jim Bait & Tackle





Indian River County






Get involved in the Vero Beach centennial year with a keepsake, a hardbound coffee-table book featuring the headlines, black-and-white and color pictures of the people, places, and events documented on TCPalm.com and your local newspaper since 1919. KELLY ROGERS/TCPALM





The Founders’ Day Centennial Tree Dedication starts at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at MacWilliam Park at 3361 Bridge Plaza Drive in Vero Beach. It recognizes the city’s incorporation in 1919. Then, the Family Day Celebration is 2-4 p.m. at Riverside Theatre at 3250 Riverside Park Drive. It features food trucks, religious booths, live music and children’s activities, including games and face painting. For more information, call 772-567-4341 or go to www.verobeach100.org.


More: TCPalm’s coverage of the Vero Beach Centennial


The Space Coast Symphony’s Cosmic Trilogy starts at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center at 1707 16th St. The program highlights the group’s innovative film trilogy and partnership with NASA for “The Planets,” “The Earth” and now “The Cosmos.” It features images of distant galaxies, nebulae and other astronomical wonders. Admission is $25 each but free for ages 18 and younger. Doors open one hour in advance. For more information, go to spacecoastsymphony.org.


More: Space Coast Symphony celebrates 10 years of making music


The 12th annual Earl’s Fest starts Friday and lasts through Monday at Earl’s Hideaway at 1405 Indian River Drive in Sebastian. It includes live music from 10 bands. Enjoy food and drinks for sale at the motorcycle-friendly restaurant. For more information, call 772-589-5700 or go to earlshideaway.com.


The “Words From War” Monument Charity Bar is 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Waldo’s Bar & Grill at the Driftwood at 3150 Ocean Drive in Vero Beach. Proceeds from $10 voodoo buckets and $5 beers benefit the Iraq-Afghanistan memorial monument that will stand at the entrance to Veterans Memorial Island at Riverside Park. The event also includes live music and raffles. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/nextgenveteransinc.


Laurie’s Stories: Treasure Coast breweries win big at 2019 Best Florida Beer professional competition


The Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary is 9-10:30 a.m. Monday next to Riverside Park at 3200 Riverside Park Drive in Vero Beach, south of the Barber Bridge. Bring lawn chairs and arrive early. If weather conditions are bad, the ceremony will be moved to the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center. For more information, call 772-410-5820 or go to www.facebook.com/veteranscouncilirc.


The 5K Race to Remember in memory of Tim Collins is 7:30-9 a.m. Monday at South Beach Park at 1706 Ocean Drive in Vero Beach. Collins, who passed away May 31, 2018, was an avid runner and loyal sponsor of the Run Vero Race Series. Registration is $25 and ends at 4 p.m. Friday. For more information, go to runsignup.com/race/FL/verobeach/5kracetorememberinmemoryoftimcollins.


Laurie’s Stories: Citrus Grillhouse reopens in Vero Beach with new name, different menu





Martin County





The Stuart Police Community Fun Day and Safety Event is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Park at 300 S.E. Ocean Blvd., in Stuart. Admission is free. A $10 wristband for ages 6 and older and a $5 wristband for ages 2-6 get kids unlimited access to activities, including a rock wall, an inflatable obstacle course, a toddler adventure ship, carnival games and snow cones. Kids younger than 2 are free. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/spoastuart.


The Luau Paddle & Party is 5-9 p.m. Sunday at Flying Fish Paddle Sports at 4969 S.E. Dixie Highway in Stuart. The Hawaiian-themed group paddle begins at 5 p.m. The best outfit wins $50 and prizes. Then, dinner begins at 6 p.m. and includes Sailfish Brewing Company beer, party favors and live music. The cost for the paddle is $15 if you need a board and $10 if you have your own. Proceeds benefit the Surfrider Foundation Treasure Coast Chapter. Dinner is $12, except kids ages 5 and younger eat free. To make a reservation, call 772-486-7454. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/surfridertreasurecoast.


Laurie’s Stories: Discover kayaking trail, secluded beach at St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park


The fifth anniversary Memorial Day Weekend Bash at The Twisted Tuna starts Friday and lasts through Monday at 4290 S.E. Salerno Road in Port Salerno. It features live music, a late-night DJ, dancing, giveaways, drink specials, an anniversary cake and food for sale, including brunch on Sunday and Monday. Plus, it’s the second anniversary of The Twisted Craft & Creamery at 4745 S.E. Desoto Ave. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/thetwistedtuna.


Laurie’s Stories: Barhopping by boat: Dock at these Treasure Coast waterfront restaurants


The Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony at Memorial Park starts at 10 a.m. at 300 S.E. Ocean Blvd., in Stuart. The event is dedicated to the men and women who sacrificed their lives in defense of this nation. The parade begins at Southeast Amerigo Avenue on East Ocean Boulevard and ends at Memorial Park, where a ceremony begins at 11 a.m. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/veteranscouncilmartincounty.


Laurie’s Stories: Stuart Heritage Museum preserves Martin County’s history


Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Read her weekly column, Laurie’s Stories, on TCPalm.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TCPalmLaurie or Facebook at faceboook.com/TCPalmLaurie.



Source: Memorial Day weekend events include cider and beer festival, food truck wars, luau paddle



Tuesday, May 21, 2019

These renovations will boost appraisal values the most



Homeowners wanting to maximize the appraisal value of their home should think about outside space.


Even though kitchens and bathrooms will have an upward effect on values, the Appraisal Institute says outdoor improvement projects will have a larger benefit.


“The latest research shows that home renovations focused on the exterior of a property are most likely to generate a positive cost-to-value ratio,” said Appraisal Institute President Stephen S. Wagner, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS. “However, not all home improvement projects offer a full return on investment – cost doesn’t necessarily equal value.”


Replacing a garage door or adding a deck will also provide additional value for sellers.


Source: These renovations will boost appraisal values the most



Friday, May 17, 2019

Hands Across the Sand, beach cleanups, wrestling, mountain biking top this weekend



Here are the best events and things to do in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart and Hobe Sound.


This weekend marks the middle of May. Spring lasts for another month, but these events and things to do across the Treasure Coast sure make it feel like summer. Here’s What To Do in 772.


Indian River County





The American Red Cross Hangar Party is 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at the Corporate Air Hangar at the Vero Beach Regional Airport at 3450 Airport West Drive. Learn how to prepare for this hurricane season, which starts June 1, and enjoy live music, food and beverages, a silent auction, exhibitors and a children’s zone. Admission is free. Proceeds benefit the local Red Cross to aid in response to disasters ranging from home fires to hurricanes. For more information, call 772-562-2549 or go to redcross.org/hangarparty.


More: American Red Cross asks: Are you ready for hurricane season?


The Boots & Brews outdoor country music concerts are 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in front of Riverside Theatre at 3250 Riverside Park Drive in Vero Beach. Enjoy live music from two bands, as well as food, beer and cocktails for sale, plus free beer samples from Walking Tree Brewery. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Dress in cowboy or cowgirl attire to enter a raffle. For more information, go to www.riversidetheatre.com.


Laurie’s Stories: Laugh it up at adults-only comedy shows in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce





The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 99’s Young Eagles event is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Vero Beach Regional Airport at 3400 Cherokee Drive. Airplane rides are free for kids ages 10-17 with parents or guardians. EAA Chapter 99 has flown 870 kids in the past 20 years. To register, call 772-713-0607. For more information, go to eaa99.org.


More: Historic plane ride stirs memories for FP woman | Anthony Westbury







Team up with Walking Tree Brewery and Keep Indian River Beautiful for the May Cleanup from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center at 4875 43rd Ave., in Vero Beach. Gloves, pickers and buckets are provided. Volunteers get a ticket for a free beer or soda redeemable that day. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/walkingtreebrewery.


Photos: Keep Indian River Beautiful beach cleanup and replanting in Vero Beach





IGNITE Wrestling is noon-3 p.m. Saturday at Walking Tree Brewery at 3209 Dodger Road in Vero Beach. The event features multiple matches and includes the IGNITE debut of former IMPACT star Caleb Konley. Tickets are $5-$15 plus fees. For more information, go to ignitewrestling.com.


Photos: Chokeholds and piledrivers draw cheers at IGNITE wrestling invitational in Vero Beach




Martin County





The Splash and Movie Night featuring “Aquaman” is 5:45-9:30 p.m. Friday at Sailfish Splash Waterpark at 931 S.E Ruhnke St., in Stuart. Enjoy two hours of waterpark access from 5:45-7:45 p.m. After sunset, watch the movie while floating on an inner tube. Kids ages 12 and younger require adult supervision. Tickets are $12.95 each, plus taxes. The event isn’t included in season passes. If rained out, the makeup date is May 24. To get tickets, go to www.sailfishsplash.com.







More: Martin County’s Sailfish Splash Waterpark pursues 10-year, $5 million expansion plan


Family Movie Night in the Park featuring “Zootopia” is 7-10 p.m. Friday at Sailfish Ballpark at 600 S.E. Georgia Ave., in Stuart. The movie begins at sunset. The night also includes free popcorn, lawn games and trivia. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Admission is free. Bring a new or gently used life jacket to donate to the YMCA for Water Safety Month. For more information, call 772-288-5340.


More: Stuart commissioners vote to keep Sailfish Park ballfields for baseball players





The Treasure Coast Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation’s Hands Across the Sand is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Stuart Beach at 866 N.E. Ocean Blvd. Participate in a beach cleanup starting at 9 a.m. and learn about the issues of seismic airgun blasting and offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. Paddle out with your surfboard, kayak or paddleboard starting at 10 a.m. Join hands in solidarity starting at noon for 15 minutes, forming a continuous line in the sand. For more information, go to handsacrossthesand.org.


Photos: MC, PBC locals gather up garbage for C4CW Beach Cleanup in Stuart


The Avant-Garden Party, an outdoor benefit for the Arts Council of Martin County, is 3-9 p.m. Saturday at 130 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., at Dixie Highway in downtown Stuart. Watch four artists paint large-scale murals and enjoy live music, artists and vendors, food trucks, a full bar and garden games. Admission is a $10 donation. For more information, call 772-287-6676 or go to www.martinarts.org.


Photos: ArtsFest 2019, by The Arts Council of Martin County, opens for the weekend in Stuart





Club Scrub’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at the Camp Murphy Trail Head at Jonathan Dickinson State Park at 16450 S.E. Federal Highway in Hobe Sound. The day introduces kids and their families to mountain biking and features guided trail rides for all ages, snacks, beverages, goodie bags, raffles and a free barbecue lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The park entrance fee is $6 per vehicle for up to eight people. Kids must bring their own bikes, helmets and closed-toe shoes and come with adults. To register, go to clubscrub.org.


More: Twenty-four hours not enough time to see, do all that Jonathan Dickinson State Park offers




St. Lucie County





The U. S. Coast Guard Station’s third annual Open House and Community Appreciation Day is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 900 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce. Tour the boats, touch the gear and see live demonstrations from local law enforcement agencies, including the K-9 unit. The event kicks off National Safe Boating Week, which is Saturday through May 24. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/uscgstationfortpierce.


More: Ed Killer: Coast Guard Auxiliary has provided a history of service


The Lincoln Park Advisory Committee Family Fun Day is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Percy Peek Gymnasium at 2902 Avenue D in Fort Pierce. The day includes children’s activities, music, face painting, bounce houses and food for sale. Admission is free. The subcommittee of the Roundtable of St. Lucie County coordinates programs and initiatives across Lincoln Park to help the Restoring the Village Youth Initiative. For more information, call 772-466-4766.


More: Lincoln Park Advisory Committee’s Family Fun Day is May 18 at Percy Peek Gym


Pet Supermarket’s grand opening in Port St. Lucie is 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at 3015 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd. The event includes refreshments, samples of dog food and treats, pet-themed raffles and giveaways, face painting for kids and dogs and cats available for adoption. The first 25 paying customers get a free bag of dog food. For more information, call 772-408-1800 or go to www.petsupermarket.com.


More: Martin County needs a pet-friendly hurricane shelter — and could soon get one





The Haitian Flag Day Festival is 2-10 p.m. Saturday at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center at 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place. The festival includes live music and DJs. Admission is free. The organization’s purpose is to bring the Haitian community together, promote Haiti’s art and culture and educate about the history of Haiti. For more information, call 772-240-3039 or go to www.facebook.com/treasurecoastculturalfestival.


Photos: Haitian Flag Day celebrated in Port St. Lucie


The Memorial Day Beach Cleanup is 8-10 a.m. Saturday at the Smithsonian Marine Station and Ecosystems Exhibit at the St. Lucie County Aquarium at 420 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce. Pickers, gloves and buckets are provided. Registration isn’t required. Aquarium admission isn’t included. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/smithsoniansms.


Laurie’s Stories: How to show visitors the best of Fort Pierce in one weekend


Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Read her weekly column, Laurie’s Stories, on TCPalm.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TCPalmLaurie or Facebook at faceboook.com/TCPalmLaurie.


Source: Hands Across the Sand, beach cleanups, wrestling, mountain biking top this weekend



Tuesday, May 14, 2019

7 House Habits to Break in 2019



Bad Habit #1: Using the wrong cleaning products.


Why it’s bad: Harsh chemical cleaners strip the protective finish off of materials like stone, wood and tile. And soapy products can leave a hazy residue on them. If your counters and flooring are looking dull or worn, you may want to re-evaluate your cleaning routine. Consider a natural solution. Or, opt for cleaners made to suit specific materials.


Bad Habit #2: Building permanent clutter piles.


Why it’s bad: There are lots of reasons to declutter: reduce stress, improve organization, find your keys. But the real reason clutter made our list is the pest factor. When you leave a tower of cardboard boxes or “donate items” in a corner or closet, you’re creating a metropolis for pests. Gnawing rodents, allergen-packed roaches and venomous spiders will feel right at home in undisturbed piles of stuff.


Bad Habit #3: Letting debris down the drain.


Why it’s bad: These days, there are dozens of drain solutions to save you from clogged pipes. If your sinks, tubs and showers drain slowly, you have a problem with an easy fix. But if you let it go for too long, you could end up with some serious plumbing issues. It could cost $100 to $300 to hire a plumber, and rates increase for after-hours emergencies.


Save yourself the service call and prevent clogs from the start:


Don’t put grease or coffee grounds down the drain.

Get a hair catcher for your shower and/or tub.

Regularly clean sink stoppers.

Flush drains regularly with hot water or a non-corrosive drain cleaner.

Don’t overfeed your garbage disposal.

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Bad Habit #4: Ignoring pools of water.


Why it’s bad: Water can pool all around your home’s interior and exterior. And while these little lakes may seem harmless, left unaddressed they could sting you in the wallet later on.


Roof: Water that sits on the roof for an extended period of time erodes roofing materials, adhesives and flashing.

Basement: Pooling water from a leaking water heater is a sign of corrosion and shouldn’t be ignored.

Crawlspace or yard: Standing water in your crawlspace or yard could be a sign of poor drainage or even plumbing issues. If you don’t remedy the cause, you risk extensive mold growth and damage to your home’s foundation.

Bad Habit #5: Putting off air filter changes.


Why it’s bad: Leaving dirty filters in your HVAC system can reduce energy efficiency, run up your utility bill and pollute your indoor air. According to the Department of Energy, replacing dirty air filters can reduce energy consumption by up to 15 percent. Plus, it will save you from having to shell out $2,000 to $6,000 to install a new furnace.


Bad Habit #6: Quick-fixing stains.


Why it’s bad: We don’t always have the time and products we need to properly remove orange juice from the carpet or red wine from a stone countertop. Sometimes, we grab whatever’s under the sink and smudge at the spill until it’s a faded memory (or we cover it with a coaster).


When we do this, we lose our best shot at reversing the damage. The longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove when you want to rearrange the furniture or sell your house – whether the stain’s in the flooring, on the countertop or in the curtains.


If this bad habit has already caught up to you, you can purchase a deep-cleaning package to tackle tough stains throughout your home for anywhere from $200 to $500.


Source: 7 House Habits to Break in 2019



Friday, May 10, 2019

Mother's Day events, Spring into Gardening Festival, Stuart Heritage Museum this weekend




Mother’s Day rules this weekend on the Treasure Coast.


Before you celebrate mom — especially with Sunday brunch at one of the many local restaurants offering specials — check out some of the best events with What To Do in 772.



Martin County





The Stuart Heritage Museum Day is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 161 S.W. Flagler Ave., in downtown Stuart, as part of the Martin County Historic Preservation Month. The day includes special tours of exhibits and artifacts at the museum, book signings, local jewelry creations, a silent auction, a raffle for a mint condition 1928 book on the Ashley Gang and tram tours throughout downtown Stuart locations led by Sandy Thurlow at 11:30 a.m. and Alice L. Luckhardt at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tours spots are limited. Sign up by calling 772-220-4600.


More: Stuart Heritage Museum gearing up for Historic Preservation Month activities


Laurie’s Stories: Stuart Heritage Museum preserves Martin County’s history







More: Stuart, Florida: 12 interesting facts about Martin County’s biggest city


Celebrate Mother’s Day at The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast with free admission for all types of moms from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach. Mothers and grandmothers also can enjoy light refreshments, a flowery gift and a complimentary coffee bar by Bunkhouse Coffee Bar. For everyone else, admission is $8.50 for ages 3 and older, $4.25 for ages 1-2 and free for kids younger than 1. For more information, call 772-225-7575 or go to www.childrensmuseumtc.org.







Restaurant review: Bunkhouse Coffee Bar serves treats, healthy fare


The Treasure Coast Flute Choir’s Mother’s Day Concert is 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday at Ground Floor Farm at 100 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in Stuart. The free concert features a range of instruments and a variety of music. Go early to visit the farm and enjoy brunch. For more information, call 772-600-4230 or go to www.groundfloorfarm.com.


The Mother’s Day Butterfly Release remembering all children gone too soon starts at 3 p.m. Sunday at Memorial Park at 300 S.E. Ocean Blvd., in Stuart. The free event includes guest speakers and refreshments. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/madisonsmiracles01.


More: Mother’s Day #GiftingGoals: Problem-solving gadget gifts for Mom





Indian River County





The second annual Wine, Film + Fashion event at the Vero Beach Outlets is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday near the Banana Republic Factory Store at 1748 94th Drive, just west of Interstate 95. The event, which is the official kickoff to the Vero Beach Wine + Film Festival on June 6-9, includes a fashion show at 1 p.m., four official trailer preview screenings, complimentary beverages and shopping discounts. For more information, call 772-770-6097 or go to verobeachoutlets.com.


The Deep Dive into the Lagoon through Literacy event at the Indian River County Main Library is 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at 1600 21st St., in Vero Beach. Learn how to care for the Indian River Lagoon through hands-on STEAM and literacy activities at the free event for kids ages 4-13. Take part in creating a community mural, take a photo with a mermaid and win prizes. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/moonshotmoment.


The Diez de Mayo Fiesta at the Market is 3-5 p.m. Saturday at 1865 14th Ave., in Vero Beach. The party includes a mariachi band, a taco truck and Corona specials. For more information, call 772-226-5893 or go to marketverobeach.com.


The Butterfly Gardening Seminar at Busy Bee Lawn & Garden Center is 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at 7445 U.S. 1 in Vero Beach. Learn how to establish and properly care for a butterfly garden, as well as which plants to choose based on the type of butterflies you want to attract, at the center’s last class of the season. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/busybeegardencenter.


Laurie’s Stories: Citrus Grillhouse reopens in Vero Beach with new name, different menu





St. Lucie County





The Spring into Gardening Festival with the St. Lucie County Master Gardener Volunteers is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension at 8400 Picos Road, west of Fort Pierce. The festival includes plant vendors, horticulture merchants, a plant fashion show, a taste of the tropics and garden tours. For more information, call 772-462-1660 or go to stlucie.ifas.ufl.edu.


The St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce’s Fishing Frenzy and Festival is 2-6 p.m. Saturday at Causeway Cove Marina at 601 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce. It includes music, food, games, prizes and a weigh-in from the offshore dolphin-only fishing tournament. For more information, call 772-595-9999 or go to stluciechamber.org.


The Family Seining in the Seagrasses event at the Smithsonian Marine Station and Ecosystems Exhibit is 9-10:30 a.m. Sunday at the St. Lucie County Aquarium at 420 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce. Discover some of the animals that live in the seagrass beds of the Indian River Lagoon with a brief presentation inside the aquarium, followed by a seine-netting lesson. Then, enter the water and collect animals in the same way as Smithsonian scientists. Participants must wear clothes that can get wet and water shoes with heel straps. The cost, which includes aquarium admission, is $4-$6 each. To register, call 772-465-3271. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/smithsoniansms.


The Osprey Trail 8K/25K Run at George LeStrange Preserve is 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at 4911 Ralls Drive in Fort Pierce. The loop-based race takes runners around a lake and through terrain that includes technical single-track winding trails, hard-packed gravel, oak-lined hammocks, oxbows, hills and low-lying flatlands. The cost is $42-$60. There also is a free children’s run. Proceeds benefit the Oxbow Eco-Center’s Earth Day Festival. For more information, go to runtheosprey.com.


Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Read her weekly column, Laurie’s Stories, on TCPalm.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TCPalmLaurie or Facebook at faceboook.com/TCPalmLaurie.



Source: Mother’s Day events, Spring into Gardening Festival, Stuart Heritage Museum this weekend



Thursday, May 9, 2019

11 first-time home buyer mistakes to avoid [VIDEO] | Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports



Everyone makes mistakes. But in home buying? Those mistakes can cost you dearly. Not only can they mean more in costs (think tens of thousands more), but they can also hinder your mortgage loan. Avoid these all-too-common first-time buyer mistakes: for video click HERE


Source: 11 first-time home buyer mistakes to avoid [VIDEO] | Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports