Public invited to April 5 Audubon lecture and concert in Vero Beach

Growth and Preserving resources is a major issue in Indian River County so we have decided to invite the public to part of the Audubon Academy, a statewide meeting for chapter leaders in Audubon bringing in speakers for 2 days of in-depth education on sustainable growth issues,  planning, and environmental advocacy.

The public is welcome to attend an Evening Lecture on Planning for Growth by Phil Laurien and a Folk Song Concert by Frank Thomas and Jeanie Fitchen April 5th, 7 pm, at the Vero Beach Community Center, 2266 14th Ave.  Doors will open at 6:45pm and the lecture starts at 7:00 pm followed by the Concert.  Public will be asked to make a donation.

Phil Laurien, Executive Director of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, is one of the best new bright minds to show up in this business in years. His approach to planning is to build relationships with local officials, the development community and citizens, then help them develop a common vision for the region.

• Bachelor of Arts Miami University (Ohio), Masters in Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati.
• 33 years experience: Directorship of three regional planning councils in Ohio and Florida, staff planner status at two RPCs in Kentucky and New Hampshire.
• authored numerous white papers, comprehensive plans and zoning codes in Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and New Hampshire.
• guest lecturer at four universities and the National Business Institute teaching planning, zoning and subdivision practices.
• teacher and an advocate for Smart Growth
• fond of quoting Edward Albee: “In a democracy, people generally get exactly what they deserve.” 

Frank Thomas - Folk Singer and Writer, known as the “Father of Folk in Florida,” has written over 500 songs about Florida. Though his wife Ann died in 2004, Frank continues the rich tradition of passing on Florida history through story telling in song.  They recorded nine albums including Cracker Nights , Florida Stories, Bingo!, Spanish Gold, and Just Another Day… . Together, Frank and Ann Thomas produced and hosted a weekly singer-songwriter radio show for WMNF-FM in the Tampa area. They traveled Florida performing their music at schools, festivals, music and folk clubs, on television, and on concert stages. They received many awards.  Frank will be joined by

Jeanie Fitchen is one of Florida's most renowned folk singers and songwriters. Among her most noteworthy accomplishments are numerous commercial and public television specials, radio appearances, concerts, and albums.  She made her folk debut at age 15 on the Old Marble Stage at the Florida Folk Festival in White Springs in 1966. Since then she has continuously been a major performer there and many other festivals and concerts.  "Her songs have a quality and freshness that are as lovely as nature itself. The sounds emanating from her guitar and her exquisite voice, are like water flowing free in a brook." .....The Orlando Sentinel.   She has a beautiful voice!

Come hear beloved natives heart-felt songs by Frank & Lisa Thomas, and Jeanie Fitchen!