BY AMANDA HEIL

When you meet Heather Williams at Morning Side Church in Port St. Lucie, you would never know that she has hits on the radio. Williams is so down to earth and sweet that she seems like any other person. With everything she has been through, she never never hides her love for God and tries to help every person be the best he or she can.

She may be a singer, but she is so much more than that — a mother, a wife, a friend and a loyal servant of God.

Nowadays, many artists don’t confine themselves to a genre because they feel that their music can fit into so many different areas.  While her songs are generally played on Christian radio stations, she doesn’t label herself as a Christian singer.

“I am a singer, I just happen to be a Christian,” Williams said. “I think that obviously my songs and my music are inspired by God and my relationship with Jesus, but that does not mean that every song is just about that. I can sing about everyday issues and everyday things. I think I am a singer of life.”

Williams started singing at 4 or 5 years old. Her childhood was horrible; she suffered a lot of abuse and was not alllowed to listen to music.

“When my mom and my stepdad would leave the house, we had one little radio-type thing with a tape deck on top of the refrigerator and I used to sneak the tapes and the two that I remember were Elvis Presley and The Beatles,” she said. “I remember Elvis Presley’s ‘Jail House Rock’ and I would dance and sing along to it.”

A longtime friend, Haylee Hester, owns one of Williams’ first CDs, which Williams had made with her husband. The album is called “UTurn.”

“I met my husband, Tim, back when he was already into music and I was actually pretty shy, believe it or not. I was persuaded to sing with him,” she said.” When coming up with a band name, we honestly would get lost all the time and had to do U-turns so we called our band that.”

Williams went solo after the death of the couple’s son.

“Tim felt the desire to be on the road and do things,” she said. “I don’t know if it was a way for me to, get my mind off all the things that I was going through.

“I am a big believer in that pain creates passion. I think that you can be passionate about love, but the best songs you hear are by the people who have had their hearts broken. You totally have to be punched in the face to be able to sing a good blues song.

Her son’s death was a defining moment.

“I prayed about it and basically I told God “God, if you want me to do this you are going to have to get me through the door because I am done pursuing it,’” she said. “A week later, someone told me that they wanted to pay me to go and record. I laughed and thought they were kidding. Next thing you know, I am recording and that’s the album that got me my record deal.”

Williams is a recording artist with Fair Trade Services. You can also find her at her website .

U2 is her favorite band. She says that the band has not only influenced mainstream music but church music. “You wouldn’t even have praise and worship music if it were not for them,” she said.

Ella Fitzgerald is her iconic figure “forever and ever amen,” she said. “She was amazing. She just took a song and told a story to perfection and could still have a pain in it, if that makes any sense. Also, the Beatles and Elvis Presley. They were my first childhood crushes. Michael Jackson, I mean how can you not say Michael? Pat Benatar’s ‘Love is a Battlefield’ was awesome.”

With Williams winning the 2012 Reader’s Choice Award for best Christian female vocalist, she is dealing with fame. It has been almost three years she signed a record deal. The first year was a major adjustment, she admits.

“I was not prepared for it at all,” she said. “The first few months were normal and everyone kept telling me, ‘Just get ready. Things are going to go really fast.’ I just laughed at it.

“I am going to be brutally honest here. I got kind of full of myself and got caught up in everybody telling you how awesome I was and being surrounded by all these people  I looked up to, and going, ‘Oh, my gosh, they like me!’ So, it was a soul-searching time the first year.

“These last couple of years, I have come into my own. I keep my priorities straight and as long as I do that I am good.”

Look for more from Williams, because this is only the beginning.

BY REBECCA WALL

Anytime 20-year-old Phil Isme walks into a room, his animated personality, contagious humor, big smile, and charming nature creates an inviting presence.

Isme’s characteristics have given him opportunities where the stage is his outlet.

As a theater major at Indian River State College, Isme has been consistently performing for the past four years. Before that, his inspiration to perform on stage stemmed from when he was growing up.

“I loved when people in movies would have so much fun. They would be in fun situations you know you could never be in life,” he said. “I used to think, ‘Man that looks so much fun, I wish I could do that.’”

Isme was a sophomore in high school when he decided to join the theater club, which put on several shows throughout the school year.

A few of Isme’s stand-out roles include Mr. Warbucks from the musical “Annie,” Audrey II from “Little Shop of Horrors,” and the Cowardly Lion from “The Wizard of Oz.”

Isme’s love for acting and performing continued into his college career.

He has been involved in several Indian River State College productions and is currently practicing for an upcoming show, “Wait Until Dark.” Isme is really looking forward to the show, which is scheduled for May 24.

Isme plays one of the main characters whose villainous, non-humorous role is going to be somewhat of a challenge to Isme as this character is the complete opposite of his natural persona.

However, with a challenge comes tremendous drive and determination, which has been behind Isme’s career on stage.

In addition to acting, Isme took on a new venture this past year, stand-up comedy. Isme has several favorite comedians who have inspired him: Martin Lawrence, Arnez J, Jim Carey, and Will Smith in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

On Oct. 5, Isme performed for his first time as a stand-up comedian at Mickey Finns in Port St. Lucie.

“It’s funny because a lot of people always saw me doing stand-up, but I was the only person who didn’t see me doing stand-up,” Isme said.

“The one night I checked it out and just ended up doing it, and really liked it,” he said.

His eighth time doing stand-up, Isme tied for first place in a competition, which won him a spot to perform at the Fourth Annual St. Lucie County Beerfest on Jan. 21.

He has also opened for famous comedian, Rich Vos, who placed third on Last Comic Standing and was on Dave Chappelle’s skit.

Isme has most recently performed his comedy bits at Shindig Irish Restaurant & Pub in Port Saint Lucie and Refuge in Stuart. He is also currently a part of a local improvisational group called Clapping Monkey.

Isme has had tremendous support and encouragement from friends, family, and fans. They say he is a true talent with a good heart, who has a bright future doing what he loves the most, making people laugh.

“I just want people when they see me to be like, ‘Oh, I’m going to laugh today; I saw Phil,’” he said.

BY JANINE HOGAN

Kenny Celestin is a well-known name in the local sneaker and urban culture community. As a business owner, people lover, and trend setter, he here speaks about his love for shoes, his plans, and his goals.

Watch Kenny take us into his life with a quick look at his business, the Sneaker Rush events, and things he is doing for the Treasure Coast.

BY TORI ROLLINS

Pastor Wallace Welch of The World’s Church of the Living God of Florida has been both an inspiration and example of God’s word to the people of St. Lucie County and parts of the world.

He was called to ministry at the church and has been ministering, counseling and encouraging individuals to strive toward perfection in Jesus Christ.

“For God created every man and woman giving them meaning and purpose with a clear vision,” said Welch.

Welch  describes his life as a tribute to the greatness of God. Through God, Welch has become a pastor, entrepreneur, engineer and author.

Welch was born on Feb. 20, 1956, in Pompano Beach as the youngest in a family of six.

At the age of 19, he felt the calling to do God’s work and took upon different works within the ministry — first holding as deacon, then as associate minister and finally as pastor.

Welch also is no stranger to the business aspects of life. Working as a floor sweeper at a manufacturing firm, Welch advanced to assistant general manager due in large part to his ability to perform complex precision-machining techniques.

He held that position until 1992 when he stepped out on faith and started his own corporation, SirTech Precision Inc. Since the inception he has repeatedly produced highly elaborate components from hard plastic and metals.

He has owned that business for 20 years. Wallace aspires to one day open a high-tech manufacturing training school to give many the same opportunity he was given.

“”Mr. Welch is the best boss anybody could have,” said Joyce Miller, an employee of 19 years.

Welch ventured into writing in November 2004 with his first book, “How to Become a Winner in Your Relationship.” Just as he promised God, he wrote one chapter per week completing the book in exactly nine weeks.

On March 12, 2006, the book was ranked first on the Barnes and Nobles website’s best sellers’ list.

Regardless of all his accomplishments, Welch has kept as his main goal to assist, teach, and love people.

“Through his teaching, I have been inspired in my profession as a nurse, wife, and mother,” said church member Debra Rollins, “I have been able to have a successful marriage for 34 years because of his teachings.”

“He has always taught me how to go about things with integrity,” said church member David Staples. “He has shown me how to take charge as a man, yet respect another’s authority.”

BY REBECCA WALL

After a decade, the Florida Panthers have earned their spot in the eastern conference quarterfinals.

The team finished the regular season atop of the Southeast Division making first-time franchise history. The Southeast Division Champion Panthers ended the season in third place among the National Hockey League standings.

This finish left the Panthers facing three-time Stanley Cup Champions, the New Jersey Devils in the first round of the playoffs. With much anticipation, Game 1 brought a frenzy of fans to the Bank Atlantic Center.

Brian Parker, 22, was among the excited fans who were experiencing their very first playoff game.

“The game was awesome!” he said. “The atmosphere was something I had never experienced and it was just so energetic with the towel waving and the crowd screaming.”

Parker has attended multiple Florida Panthers games throughout the season and sees potential for the team’s success in the playoffs.

“I can see them doing well,” he said. “They can possibly move onto the next round of the playoffs, but there’s a lot of tough teams in the playoffs and if they play their hearts out, it can be very possible to keep on rolling,” Parker said.

Panthers fan Viktor Zakharov was ecstatic to be a part of the playoff hockey atmosphere and sees future opportunity for the Panthers.

“Panthers have a lot of players who have a lot of potential and that can get you pretty far in the playoffs,” said the 21-year-old. “If they play well, they can advance.”

Although the Panthers fell 3-2 to the Devils in Game 1, they currently lead the series 3-2, as Game 6 is set to be played in New Jersey on April 24.

For more information about tickets, visit the Florida Panthers official website as the Cats continue to fight for their spot in the Conference Semifinals.

BY AMANDA JUNCO

This season, shoes have become the one detail that will make or break your outfit. Walk into Macy’s and you’ll see tons of colors.  Coloring blocking is very big for spring.

” We’re seeing a lot of wedges and espadrilles coming in right now,”  said Mercedes Pardo, a 20-year-old employee of Macy’s.

The strap is in demand more then ever. The look has taken over for spring, as every designer has at least one strappy design.  Strappy heels, wedges or sandals give an outfit an edge.

Wedges are becoming the shoes of summer.  They can easily be dressed up or dressed down. The same applies to  espadrilles.

“They make a cute look for summer because of the rope detail on the sole of the shoe,” said Jonna Wilson, also an employee of Macy’s. “They’ll go great with sundresses and make a cute outfit out of shorts and a T-shirt.”

Sandals and flip-flops are always in season when you live in Florida. But designers are really taking them to the next level. Now they are coming in all different fun colors.  The designs are different. Bright colors are splashed all over sandals, and patterns are making a comeback as well.  Jewels and stones are some of the details being used to dress up the every day sandal.

“I’m really into sandals, he ones that come with an ankle strap and a buckle,” said Dana Bowers, an avid shopper for more then 30 years. “They can be simple or they can have jewels all over. That way I can choose between casual and dressed up. Especially now that they are coming in so many different colors and styles.”

Neon colors are making their way through Macy’s, Nordstrom and similar stores.  Women are loving the eye-popping detail.  One shopper had said that she thought the brighter heels brought life to her outfit.

“They’re just fun!” said an onlooker while shopping.

From left, Marie Weber, Jean Hamilton, Georgiania Eigley, Alyce Manly, and Jean Scudero

BY AMANDA JUNCO

For the past 10 years, the Women’s Club of Port St. Lucie has been holding a fashion show in hopes of raising money to give out as scholarships to hopeful Indian River State College students.

There are over 50 members in the Women’s Club.  All work diligently every year in helping bring together the annual fashion show.

The Women’s Club hoped to raise $3,000. The money is divided into three scholarships of $1,000 a piece.  The scholarships usually go to women trying to reinvent themselves by going back to school and seeking out a new career.

Although ticket sales were down from previous years, the women were still able to meet their quota with advertisements in their booklets that were given to each attendee. Club president Julia Jackson and vice-president Barbara Covino persuaded Bealls department store to sponsor the show.

Many of the women look forward every year to modeling the clothes.

“It’s always so much fun,” said Marie Weber, an active club member.

You can see she truly enjoys modeling the clothes when you see her face as she glides through the ballroom of the PGA Country Club. Along with Bealls, a representative from Suit Yourself Swimwear was present and modeled some of the fashions from her local boutique located in Jensen Beach.

The women of the club each year make baskets or find local businesses to donate prizes to their baskets. There are usually between 15 and 20 prizes.  They range from wine baskets to dinner gift certificates to handmade paintings.

“This is the part I look forward to every year,” said Alyce Manley, who won two baskets this year. “We always have fun and it’s a great way to raise money.”

BY REBECCA WALL

On Feb. 26 in Sanford, a 17-year-old boy named Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by the community watchman, George Zimmerman.

This incident has been discussed all around the country by people ranging from celebrities to the president of the United States. There have been multiple rallies and protests across the country including here in Stuart. Protesters want justice for Trayvon Martin as Zimmerman remains uncharged for this killing.

Numerous young African American men are killed on annual basis, so why has this particular case provoked such an outcry? Some people think the media’s portrayal is one reason Martin’s death has gained such magnitude.

“The media and viral networks have portrayed this case to be a racial issue instead of an ethical one,” said 21-year-old Jessica Cravens.

Angelo Camelo, 20, also thinks social icons have significantly brought attention to this case.

“Part of this being blown to the proportion is has been is due to social icons such as Jesse Jackson and Will Smith giving it recognition and making it a big problem,” he said. “Jesse Jackson made it a racial inequality battle while Will Smith looked at it as an unfair justice to another American child regardless of age and race.”

According to a study released by the Justice Department, 93 percent of black murder victims are killed by other black people. If Zimmerman were African American, would the circumstances of this case’s massive public attention been different?

“There are other cases where people are killed unjustly and their murderers may be let free, but I believe that a young black man killed by an older white man fuels the controversial topic of race and inequality in America,” Camelo said. “In all, it is another teenager dead in America that should still be alive.”

BY REBECCA WALL

On Feb. 25 in Port St. Lucie, the third annual Festival Italiano was in full swing. The day of eating, dancing, fun, and entertainment celebrated and embraced the Italian culture and way of life.

The event was held at the Civic Center on a cool, breezy afternoon at Village Square on the corner of U.S. 1 and Walton Road.

This year’s festival was presented by Fort Pierce Arrigo Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram. Parking and admission into the event was free as large crowds gathered to celebrate the Italian culture.

There was live entertainment throughout the day and traditional Italian food provided by several local vendors, including Alfonso’s Pizza, St. Lucie Bakery, and Bella Roma.

There was a range of classic Italian food such as pizza, calamari, fresh mozzarella cheese, pasta, and Italian pastries like sfogliatelle and cannoli. Beverages included anything from beer or wine to Organo Gold coffee.

The Sons of Italy of Port St. Lucie also provided Italian favorites like meatball subs, sausage and pepper sandwiches, and zeppoles.

This local Italian organization was among the multiple sponsors of this year’s festival.

Proud and festive members of The Sons of Italy wore red shirts with Italian flag-themed sashes and crocheted hats.

In addition to serving food, The Sons of Italy sold raffle tickets to win a basket filled with Italian goodies. This raffle went toward the funds for their annual scholarship they award to a local student of Italian descent. Other vendors provided arts and crafts and Italian themed merchandise such as shirts, hats, and jewelry.

The Kids Zone was a big success as children enjoyed bounce houses, games, fun, and this year’s breaking of the pinata.

There were a few Italian Fiat automobiles on display as on lookers admired both old and new models.

The festival also had a bocce court sponsored by Lowe’s of Jensen Beach. This traditional Italian game was a big hit as people had fun and reminisced.

Carmela Buhrman of Port St. Lucie has vivid memories of bocce ball from her childhood and enjoyed watching the game come back to life.

“Seeing the Bocce court brought back many memories,” she said. “There was an ongoing bocce tournament next store to my house in Madison, N.J., where I grew up.”

“I know the game well and remember everyone used to bet on the players,” Buhrman said. “This game was a part of my childhood and I really enjoyed seeing a Bocce court at the festival.”

The festival will be back next year.

BY TORI ROLLINS

Since George Zimmerman shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford on Feb. 17, there have been demonstrations.

The main goal appears to be justice — justice meaning the arrest of Zimmerman, who told police he acted in self-defense.

On March 31, there was a protest at Roosevelt Bridge in Stuart. It was one of many rallies in Florida and across the nation on Martin’s behalf.

At least a few people think that public protests are not the way to achieve justice.

“I feel that we are not allowing the judicial system or the police to do their job,” said 23-year-old Adam Reynolds.

“We are protesting prematurely without all the facts,” he said. “Once we have the facts, then we (the public) will be able to decide if a protest is necessary.”

“I disagree,” said 32-year-old Luke Welch. “What happened to Trayvon Martin makes him protest-worthy!”

If Zimmerman is charged with and convicted of manslaughter, his punishment is up to $10,000 in fines and 15 years in prison. If convicted of murder, he could face death or life in prison without parole.

One South Florida resident has found way to protest without participating in demonstrations.

“I will not be attending the protest in Stuart,” said 19-year-old Alice Crenshaw, “because technology has given us other ways to voice our opinions without doing so in the physical sense.

“I will be protesting for Trayvon with my words on Facebook, not a sign.”