Mary Schenkel

Vero Beach

Society Editor at Vero News

I am the Society Editor for Vero News covering community events in the greater Vero Beach area.

Featured in: Favicon

veronews.com Favicon

newsbreak.com

Articles

Pool report: Cheers for Float Hope kids’ new safety skills

2 days ago | veronews.com | Mary Schenkel

Supporters of Float Hope, which provides free swimming instruction to underserved children, gathered for a reception at the beautiful home of founders Jeff and Eilis Powers, where the poolside setting highlighted the importance of that skill. “We put 350 children in the water this year. And that is because of you guys. It’s 100 percent tied to funding. And the problem is, this year we’re going to try to top it,” said Jeff Powers.
Choices, choices: Artistic food for thought at ‘Athena’ dinner

2 days ago | veronews.com | Mary Schenkel

Members of the Vero Beach Museum Athena Society had a difficult decision to make at its annual dinner: choosing which of five outstanding works to purchase for the museum’s permanent collection. The top tier membership of 148 households selected from four contemporary works and one 19th century painting. All had been on view for three weeks prior to the dinner, and guests had a chance to peruse the options one last time over cocktails before voting their choices.
Building ‘Block’: New talent adds to allure of String Camp, International Music Fest

2 days ago | veronews.com | Mary Schenkel

Award-winning musicians and students from around the world will again converge at the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach for the Mike Block String Camp, which runs July 7-12, and its related Vero Beach International Music Festival, both founded by the innovative, Grammy-winning cellist Mike Block.
Ode to ‘Mothers and Daughters’ at Poetry & BBQ fundraiser

1 week ago | veronews.com | Mary Schenkel

Amateur and professional poets shared their innermost thoughts at the 14th annual Poetry & BBQ fundraiser to benefit the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation. This year’s Mothers and Daughters themed presentation, which featured renowned poets Cathy Smith Bowers, Tina Mozelle Braziel and Sarah Freligh, as well as members of the LRJF writing groups, took place at the Richardson Center at IRSC, neighbor to the Laura (Riding) Jackson cracker style home that is cared for by the foundation.
Tip o’ the cap to Vero in Bloom ‘Ladies Hat’ floral fundraiser

2 weeks ago | veronews.com | Mary Schenkel

McKee Botanical Garden was awash in magnificent flowers at an inaugural Vero in Bloom Ladies Hat Luncheon to benefit the Green Heart Tribe – the Women’s Beautification Committee of Vero Beach. The sold-out affair raised funds to support the enhancement of Vero’s barrier island with creative and colorful flowerbeds and hanging baskets.
Head, Heart & Hands Awards: Helping nonprofits’ mission

3 weeks ago | veronews.com | Mary Schenkel

Residents of the Indian River Club gathered to bestow grants totaling $160,000 to 22 local nonprofit organizations at their 11th annual Head, Heart & Hands Grant Ceremony.
Generosity suits ’em to a ‘Tea’ at Women’s Club’s party

3 weeks ago | veronews.com | Mary Schenkel

Spring was in the air as ladies in festive hats and fascinators gathered at the historic Women’s Club of Vero Beach for its annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Described as a “delightful triple scoop of generosity,” organizers explained that proceeds would benefit their Historic Restoration Fund, the Gifford Youth Achievement Center and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County.
Hey, Community Service League: Thanks a ($2.18) million!

1 month ago | veronews.com | Mary Schenkel

John’s Island Community Service League members had a lot to celebrate at their Closing Luncheon at the John’s Island Club, most particularly the distribution of a whopping $2.18 million in grants and scholarships during its 2024-25 season. Distributions included $1.655 million in annual grants, $113,500 in strategic grants, $59,500 in prior year commitments, $250,000 to the United Way of Indian River County Hurricane Relief Fund and $102,000 in scholarships.
Backus’ annual juried photo show keeps its ‘Eye’ on the prize

1 month ago | veronews.com | Mary Schenkel

Artists and photography aficionados packed the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery for the opening reception for the 30th annual Through the Eye of the Camera juried photography exhibition, which is on view through June 20. In his welcome address, Marshall Adams, executive director, pointed out that 30 years ago, photography was still “trying to get the popular buy-in as an art form at a museum.”They were fortunate that Janie and Mike Hinkle, then owners of a photography business, recognized its value.
May Pops hits uplifting notes for hospital and its mission

1 month ago | veronews.com | Mary Schenkel

The Windsor Polo Field once again took on the appearance of Camelot, with lines of flag-topped cabanas dotting the northern end of the field for the 34th annual May Pops Spring Concert to benefit the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation. Sponsors and VIP guests enjoyed a catered pre-concert buffet while general admission concert-goers spread out on the south side of the lawn with their own picnic baskets.