Sailfish City - Stuart Florida Community Site

Stuart, Fl - This coming weekend the Memorial Day tribute opens up at Memorial Park on East Ocean near the courthouse in Stuart.  We’ve all heard about the controversy surrounding Victory Forge and DCF but that didn’t put a stop to the program or the markers they are building to remember our fallen heroes.  My own uncle was one of those men who lived on the Treasure Coast and died in service to the country back in ‘86.

Now there is a new twist to the Memorial Day tribute and it’s ugly.  I’ve read a story over at TC-Palm from Geoff Oldfather about Westboro Baptist Church.  It seems this is a small congregation with a twisted view on the world who plans on picketing the Stuart Memorial Day event.  The Westboro group first started about 50 years ago by Fred Phelps and his congregation is mostly members of his immediate family.  Back in 1991 Phelps started protesting a park in Topeka, KS that was known for homosexual activity.  More recently he and his followers began protesting at funerals of U.S. soldiers killed in the war in Iraq.  These twisted people view the death and dismemberment of our troops as a punishment from God and cheer and praise it.  They beleive God is responsible for killing American’s because America tolerates homosexuality.

They particularly like the damage done to our troops by IED’s and think it’s revenge from God because a pipe bomb exploded near the home of one of Phelp’s daughters years back.  They beleive this is God’s retribution, using the same type of bomb to kill and maim our soldiers.  Now they plan on picketing the Memorial Day tribute in Stuart.  Here’s a small excert from their website about the Stuart Memorial Day picket schedule:

“God hates the military! You are natural brutes, each and every one of you, who are line up in troops at the harlot’s house. You are in BIG trouble for fighting for this nation of rebels without a cause. God will require this of you when you stand before the Great White Throne, instead of simply OBEYING the PLAIN, SIMPLE, EASY-TO-BE-UNDERSTOOD WORDS of Westboro Baptist Church”.

Geoff Oldfather mentions several groups of bikers are planning on attending the event to make sure the memories of our slain heroes are not trampled on by these loones.  There is also a group forming to start up a ring of protection around the park, more info can be found at TC-Voices.com.

I mentioned last month about a volunteer-run organization that was looking for fishermen to tag dolphin, in the hope of finding out more about their migratory patterns, and helping towards conservation of the species. I wanted to share with you one of his typical news items, and the info to sign up for the program if you wish to participate.

Enjoy….

Marine Anglers;

Well it appears that we are into another typical year of dolphin fishing. That translates into a different dolphin seasonal occurrence and abundance pattern along the East Coast than observed in previous years. All of the six years studied have been different. Subsequently, I do not know what constitutes a “normal” dolphin season. But what I am happy to report is the number of fish tagged so far in 2008, while below last year, is well above the average number.  

One of the articles in this newsletter shares some of the information from my self-imposed study of ocean currents 101. Having recognized these energy transfer systems as the main conveyor of dolphinfish and other highly migratory fish throughout the North Atlantic and world, I knew I needed to know more about them. Information presented here is just a taste of information available at the Universities of Miami’s Web site. The other article deals with the numerous inquiries received each year from anglers wanting to tag fish too large to bring in the boat. A simple solution is offered that converts the hand-held tag applicator into a long tag stick for tagging fish in the water.

Anglers, please remember that I would like to receive your photographs of fish that you tag, unusual fish and your trophy fish. Please email high resolution files of your photos (1 MB to 5 MB) to me. Be sure to identify the people in the picture, where and when it was taken, and who took the photo. Keep in mind that I can not use photos with large amounts of blood on the fish.

Good fishing,

Don

Donald L. Hammond

Marine Fisheries Biologist

Cooperative Sciences Services, LLC

961 Anchor Rd.

Charleston, SC 29412-4902

(843) 795-7524

cssllc@bellsouth.net

www.dolphintagging.com

Stuart, FL – (May 19, 2008) Back by popular demand, Eric Hansen and his brand of hot ‘n sexy flamenco jazz will be returning to Stuart’s RiverWalk Stage, Sunday, June 1, 4–7 p.m.   

Coming from Miami, Eric Hansen and his band the Hansenhaus Sextet offer up a sexy and contemporary blend of Flamenco music married with jazz and classical music and including some exotic rhythms from Latin America and Middle East percussion for added flavor. At a young age, Eric always had a fondness for classical, jazz and flamenco music, the music of Carlos Montoya and Andres Segovia struck a chord with him.  But now his influences come from all over, including pop culture.  In 2005 Eric released the critically acclaimed, ‘Across the Universe: A Beatles Journey’, where he combines traditional flamenco with his not so traditional interpretations of classic Beatles tunes. 

The RiverWalk Jazz series found Eric Hansen through the suggestion of downtown retailer John Bella from Bella Jewelry and Gifts where among other things he sells music.  “Eric Hansen is one of our best sellers.  I learned about Eric from his previous record label when they sent me a demo CD.  I was hooked and placed an order immediately.”  

When asked if he had a favorite CD of Eric’s, John Bella says, “I’m leaning towards Colores de Alma, but the Beatles one is total departure from his regular style and is a lot of fun. I really love them all and look forward to seeing him in person at the RiverWalk Jazz Series.” 

 For more information about Eric Hansen go to www.nuevo-flamenco.com . 

Free to the public the RiverWalk Jazz Series takes place in a beautiful outdoor setting along the St. Lucie River. Fans can come to listen to great jazz by almost all modes of transportation - car, boat and even segway and enjoy the show from either the decked amphitheatre or from the river in their boat. The RiverWalk Stage is located along the St. Lucie River boardwalk at the end of St. Lucie Ave in historic downtown Stuart. RiverWalk Jazz Series a public/private venture between the City of Stuart, Stuart MainStreet, the Downtown Business Association and the Stuart News, takes place on the first Sunday of each month starting at 4 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m. for the summer/fall months For more information regarding the RiverWalk Jazz Series contact the Stuart Parks and Recreation Department at 772-288-5335.