In Memory, With Thanks

It takes a village, the saying goes.

As Thanksgiving approaches and we begin celebrating our company’s 20th anniversary, we pause to remember those who are no longer with us but helped us along the way. Some were the subjects of our stories who became fast friends and supporters. Others served as goodwill ambassadors.

With deep gratitude and fond memories, we salute the following:

Elodie Tabor McCready, founder of Chuck’s Seafood in Fort Pierce. In her later years, she worked as a hostess at the restaurant she once owned, handing out magazines to customers and serving as a goodwill ambassador at various events. She died in 2018 at age 101.

Dr. Ron Grober, who graced our cover and played magnificent piano at several of our events. He died in 2018 at age 82.

Ed Drondoski, who helped launch the magazine as an advertising representative before becoming our chief photographer and goodwill ambassador. He also gave us our slogan: “We fly our own mission.” Ed died in 2017 at age 57.

Christina Tascon, who shared her love of Vero Beach through her features and brought star power to our editorial coverage with profiles of people like Jake Owen. She died in 2021 at age 62.

Bud Adams, who gave us access to his photo library to present our Back Country feature that has appeared in every issue since 2006. Bud died in 2017 at the age of 91. The Back Country feature continues today and presents the photographs of his son, Robbie Adams.

Hildie Tripson, who opened her home — the Waldo Sexton homestead — for us to profile in our first year and supported us ever since. She died in 2021 at age 68.

John Jetson, who purchased multiple pages of advertising in our first year, helping ensure a successful launch. A Vietnam veteran, he devoted much of his time and resources to veterans’ causes. He died in 2020 at age 71.

Bob Dobens, who opened doors for us in Stuart as our society photographer. He died in 2018 at age 71.

Katie Enns, my mom, who suggested story ideas [most notably Cow Creek Chronicles], identified promising advertisers and promoted the magazine during her daily rounds. She died in 2021 at age 90.

Fred Rieger, who, with his wife, Terry, became one of our first Stuart advertisers. He once likened our magazine to a local version of Garden & Gun. Fred died in 2019 at age 80.

Gloria Moore, founder of Heathcote Botanical Gardens, who would call to alert us when competitor magazines encroached on our territory. She died in 2011 at age 82.

As we give thanks this season, we remember those who helped shape our journey — and those who continue to walk it with us.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.