Crystal Bujol is the Artistic Director for the Gifford Youth Orchestra, a youth enrichment program she created in 2003 at the request of a Gifford Resident, Annie Laura Powell.
She moved to Vero Beach from her hometown of Los Angeles, California, the prior year and was asked by the Facility Director of the Gifford Community Aquatic Center, to produce a Kwanzaa program for the residents of Indian River County in 2002. The celebration not only brought many residents to the pool, which was the intent of the program, but also introduced Dr. Bujol as an event planner and program developer and put her on the radar of Annie Powell.
ACHIEVEMENTS IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY:
From that time to now, Dr. Bujol has initiated several other programs and events primarily for the under-served community, at the request of Gifford residents, such as: the Gifford Girls Tennis Club requested by Larry Staley, Parks and Recreation Director; The Gifford Boys Tennis Club, requested by Henry Smith, GYAC Physical Education Coach; the Gifford Community Intergenerational Band, requested by Lawrence Trapp, retired music teacher at Vero Beach High School; Senior Citizens Violin Class, requested by Larry Staley, K-12 Coach; and several other workshops and programs including: Meditation Workshops, Drumming Workshops, Enneagram Workshop for parents, and Budgeting Workshops for Gifford Youth Orchestra students. At the request of Freddie Woolfork, President of the Gifford Front Porch Revitalization Council, she created and published the Gifford Newsletter from 2003 to 2009 for which she was the editor and photographer assisted by many Gifford Community columnists and feature writers.
HER PHILOSOPHY:
Her philosophy is “See a need and prepare to fill it only if asked by the people it would serve.”
HISTORY AND EDUCATION:
As a classically trained pianist, college educated metaphysician, and U. S. Government trained computer expert, upon moving to Vero Beach, Florida in 2002, she brought with her many experiences with teaching children and adults, creating institutions such two churches and one university, and many educational services in the highly technical field of computers and the universal spectrum of music as a healing art. What she didn’t know how to do, she learned along the way with the assistance of awesome board members, collaborative community organizers, and loving and committed parents and staff. She earned her MA in Spiritual Sciences from the Southwest University in Los Angeles in 1978, and her PhD is in Spiritual Psychology from the InnerCircle University in Los Angeles in 2000.
Master of Science Degree in Entomology and Economic Zoology. President/CEO, BSI Environmental Services, Inc. Thirty-five years of experience in the field of environmental consulting specializing in environmental assessment of properties for contamination and compliance with regulatory requirements. Charter School Administrator for Indian River Charter School (999-2005). Member of Rotary International Sunrise Club of Vero beach, Pilot International Treasure Coast Club, Loyal Order of the Elks Vero Beach Club, Environmental Assessment Association. Printed author in Georgia Entomological Society publications. GYO Board Service: 2020 to present.
Retired Ophthalmologist. 42 years practicing in Vero Beach, Fl. BA The Johns Hopkins University. MD University of Miami, Residency Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Founder Florida Eye Institute. Founder New Vision Eye Center. Associate Professor Florida State University College of Medicine. Board of Director Senior Collaborative of Indian River County, Founder Sight Foundation, former Board of Director Indian River Chamber of Commerce. Proud grandfather. GYO Board Service 2022.
M.S. Educational Leadership, Nova Southeastern University; B.S Education, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. 27 years as Educator with the School District of Indian River County. 14 years as Women’s Ministries President. First Lady of Kingdom Works Ministries. Former Member of MLK Jr., Birthday Committee; Parents Involved in Education (P.I.E.); Hope Academy Advisory Board; and Indian River County Connected for Kids. GYO Board Service 2022.
Resident of Indian River County since the age two. Graduated from Vero Beach High School in 2004 and attended Stetson University earning a degree in Finance and minor in Business Law. Works at iTHINK Financial, which is a non-profit credit union with offices in Florida and Georgia, for over 14 years. Currently part of the Senior Management team where his role is to oversee the commercial and SBA lending departments. Anthony lives in Sebastian, FL with his wife, Melissa, and young son, Alexander.
Alameda County California Resident. Adjunct Professor, Patten University, Department of Education, Oakland, California. Beginning Teacher Support and Administration Provider (BTSA). Elementary School Teacher completing 42 years in June 2016, currently employed part time for the Oakland Unified School District. Owner – “Word Tutoring,” Oakland/Berkeley, CA. 1985 – 1992. Owner –- ‘Aunt Bead Jewelry Designs,’ 2012 – present. GYO Board Service: 2003 to present.
Certified and Licensed Hole Health Aide 19 years practicing in Indian River County. Additionally, 6 years Administrative Assistant for Habitat for Humanity; Member COPE from 2012 to present; Member of the Progressive Civic League from 2012 to present; and Secretary of the De. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Committee as Secretary and Parade Coordinator. GYO Board Service: 2022
Retired corporate executive (GE, ITT, CitiGroup), former board member and chair of Hope for Families Center and Bridges Early Learning Center, Indian River County. Volunteer consultant with the National Executive Service Corps providing management and organization guidance to non-profits. Former resident of Vero Beach. Grandfather and photographer. GYO Board Service 2015 to present.
Carl J. Thompson is a seasoned executive and clinician whose career spans leadership in the telecommunications industry and service in medicine as a Physician Assistant. Over nearly two decades in telecom, he held senior roles including President & COO of North American Wireless and General Manager for Advanced TelCom Group, earning a reputation for strategic insight, team-building, and operational turnarounds. After a successful executive career, he pursued his long‑standing interest in medicine, completing his M.M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies and earning strong clinical evaluations for his competence, compassion, and professionalism. His work reflects a rare blend of analytical rigor, human-centered leadership, and service-driven purpose.
John Tschinkel, retired engineering executive, author, and devoted patron of classical music, died peacefully at his home in Vero Beach, Florida on March 21. He was 95.
He was born in 1931 in the village of Masern, Yugoslavia — present day Slovenia — in an ancestral home built circa 1613. His father, John, was of a German ethnicity (Gottscheer) and his mother, Maria, of Slovene heritage. The family endured World War II through both Italian and German occupation. At the end of the war, the family, including brother Paul and sister Mitzi, relocated to Austria. In 1950, John boarded his first plane to make the journey alone to America where he settled initially in the German enclave of Ridgewood, New York City.
He arrived with only five years of formal schooling and no English; within months became fluent. He went on to earn both a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. He served briefly in the U.S. Air Force before launching a distinguished career in engineering, rising through several executive and leadership roles and retiring in 1996 as Vice President of Engineering at Veeco.
In 1958 he married Anne Wall, who had emigrated from England. They made their home in Great Neck, on the north shore of Long Island, where they raised their two sons, Christopher and Simon. John served as a Commissioner for the Belgrave Water Pollution Control District serving the wider Great Neck area. He was ultimately elected to three three-year terms.
John and Anne moved to Bent Pine in 2000. In retirement, John turned to documenting the historical record of his village. Drawing on his interest in genealogy and a deep appreciation for European history, he wrote “The Bells Ring No More”, a memoir including cultural commentary about growing up in a small, rural town. Published first in Slovenia in Slovene, and later in English in 2012, the book earned him the prestigious Gallus Prize from the Slovene government in 2018, recognizing his contributions to the development of Slovene culture and history.
He and Anne traveled widely, having visited six continents and 49 countries. Their annual attendance at classical music festivals in Europe resulted in John’s patronage of young musicians. He voluntarily arranged and promoted concerts of rising performers at local Vero Beach venues, often covering travel expenses and hosting the musicians in their Bent Pine home.
John was a raconteur, sharing stories over wine and fine food, and a man of intellectual curiosity. He was working on a sequel to his first book at the time of his death.
He died as he had lived — surrounded by family and friends, at home, listening to the classical music he loved. He is survived by Anne, his wife of 67 years; his sons Christopher and Simon; and his brother Paul.
Johnny Blayne Jennings, age 82, entered eternal rest on December 14, 2025. He was born on August 4, 1943 in Vero Beach Florida to the late Johnny Jennings and Noretha Jennings Wright.
He lived a life rooted in faith, service, and devotion to family.
After graduating from Gifford High School, Johnny attended Florida A&M University and then took a leave of absence to serve in the military.
He joined the United States Army, where he served honorably for six years from 1963 to 1969. Following his military service, he returned to Florida A&M University and successfully earned his bachelor’s degree in political science. He then continued his education at Howard University, where he obtained his law degree.
Johnny Blayne Jennings enjoyed a distinguished legal career spanning more than 40 years. He served honorably as an attorney under the Florida Bar Association before retiring with respect and distinction.
Even after retirement, he continued his professional contributions as a published author, immigration advocate, and policy expert. He is forever remembered for his tenure as a trusted legal expert in personal injury, immigration and civil law, as well as for his commitment to justice and advocacy for others.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Johnny was deeply committed to service and community. A dedicated philanthropist, he generously supported causes that reflected his belief in fairness, opportunity, and helping those in need. His legacy is defined not only by his legal expertise, but by his compassion, integrity, and lifelong dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
He enjoyed volunteering with several organizations that include Gifford Florida Youth Orchestra and Southern Christian Leadership Conference (Indian River County). He loved traveling, riding his motorcycle, singing, playing his trumpet and most of enjoying live music. His quiet wisdom, kindness, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on all who knew him. A devoted Christian, Johnny was a faithful member of Corner Stone Church Christ Connecting Cultures where he served wholeheartedly in several ministries, including the Music Ministry and Men’s Ministry. His love for worship and fellowship reflected his deep commitment to God and to serving others. Johnny cherished his family and took great pride in being a loving husband, father, and brother. His life reflected humility, perseverance, and faith, and his example will continue to guide those he leaves behind.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny Jennings and Noretha Jennings Wright; his grandmother, Annie Mae Taylor; and his brothers, Milton Kent Jennings, Ronald Wade Jennings, and Nicholas Jennings.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Segundina Jennings; his stepchildren Felix Lopez Jr. of Philippines, Sarah Jean Lopez of Philippines, Hannah Dawn Lopez of Philippines, Ed Ryan Lopez of Philippines. His children with ex-wife Gloria Alridge Jennings of Indiantown, FL, Dr. JohnDre Jennings of Baltimore, MD, J Blayne Jennings (Latoria Jennings) of Bristow, VA and Jeremi Jennings of Vero Beach, FL; his sisters, Sandra Jennings Nichols of Miami FL, and Areba (Lonnie) James of Vero Beach, FL; and his brother, Alan (Josephine) Jennings of Vero Beach, FL; three (3) grandchildren Omari Taylor, Jayden Jennings and Mason Jennings and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.
Lana Timko Gerwien, age 82, of Stratford, died on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Lana was born in Bridgeport to the late Mary (Nemec) and William Timko. She graduated from Harding High School in 1957. Lana had been employed at People’s Bank for 25 years. She spent many years volunteering at St. James School when her children were students there in the 70s and 80s. Lana was a member of the East End Yacht Club Women’s Auxiliary and the Harding High School Reunion Committee. She had been an Avon representative since 1976. She traveled extensively with her favorite destinations being Martha’s Vineyard, Las Vegas and Hawaii.
Lana was loved by friends and family alike. She was a creative individual who loved to dance, sing, create beautiful gift baskets and write poems. She was a fashionista and you could always find her with a shopping bag in one hand and a camera in the other ready to celebrate in style and create memories for all. Lana loved any excuse to decorate her home with her collection of seasonal decorations, Boyds Bears and impeccable table settings. Lana loved to entertain and was always a welcoming and vibrant hostess. She was unapologetically sassy while cultured and classy and someone you could never forget.
Lana M. Gerwien Music Scholarship
Presented annually by the LJ Foundation in honor of Mrs. Lana Gerwien to support deserving performing arts students in need of financial assistance to continue their interest and love for music and dance. Participation in GAPA programs, financial need and the availability of scholarship funds determine each students selection and scholarship award amount.
Resident of Gifford, FL since age two. BS degree from St. Augustine College, Raleigh, NC with a major in psychology, minor in recreation. 40 years’ experience working with youth as coach for baseball, track & field, and martial arts. 35 years’ experience as Park Director; Summer Camp Director and Swim Coach. First African American licensed lifeguard in Indian River County. Director of the Gifford Aquatic Pool since 2003. Trained, licensed, and hired young people as lifeguards. Coached many of the parents, grandparents, and great grandparents of our GYO children. Teaches Senior Citizen Exercise Class in Gifford from 2002 to present. Served as a drummer at several Gifford churches from 1980 to present. President, Dr. M. L. King Birthday Committee from 2003 to present. Chairperson and Organizer of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Parade in Gifford. Member Gifford Progressive Civic League, Local NAACP, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Olympic High Hurdler on USA boycotted Olympic Team in 1980 . Uses this disappointment to teach young people to “keep on keepin’ on!” GYO GYO Board Service: 2017 to present.
