LARRY WAPNICK/GUEST COLUMNIST
It is both an honor and a pleasure to recommend Mr. Ardra Rigby for the school board seat that has been vacated.
I have known Mr. Rigby for over 10 years. As the former president of the Veterans Council of Indian River County Mr. Rigby was a tremendous asset on veterans projects that were vital to our county. He was always there, whether it was for fund raising, Interfaith breakfasts or playing “Taps” at all of our military ceremonies, Mr. Rigby did this willingly as a veteran and as a caring and concerned citizen. His efforts were “second to none” and he always continued to amaze me with his determination and the endless quality of his work!
In 2007, Ardra joined both Ernie Heaton (USAT DORCHESTER survivor, The Dorchester was an Army troopship carrying the Four Immortal Chaplains who gave their lives for four others on that frigid morning of Feb. 3, 1943 in the North Atlantic) and myself in forming The Four Chaplains Monument Committee of IRC, FL. Our mission was to raise funds and build a monument dedicated to ”Interfaith” In Action and the Four Chaplains. These men in their final minutes stood as brothers, all of different faiths and praying together as the ship fell beneath the stormy waves. Today this monument resides in the City of Sebastian, FL. and is a reminder to all about the supreme sacrifice of four men and the reasons we as citizens must stand together to fight the terrorism that threatens our liberties and our Nation’s Constitution. Ardra was one of five board members that started the project, and he is the last board member beside myself that stayed with the project until completion on Memorial Day of 2012.
I remember vividly when Ardra told the story about TAPS to an audience of over one thousand people at the Red White and Blue Vero Beach High School Concert in 2008. After his dramatization of how TAPS was created, he went to the back of the stage, and illuminated by a single spotlight, he placed a trumpet to his lips and played taps to perfection. There was not a dry eye in the auditorium, and the applause for this solo performance lasted for over five minutes. In his eyes it was something he wanted to do for the children, for 15 years earlier he was a member of the same Vero Beach High School band.
Ardra Rigby understands children and their need for responsibility. Ardra came from a large family, four sisters and 2 brothers. His parents taught all of the children about ethics, responsibility and the values of education. All of the Rigby children graduated from college and have done very well.
Growing up in Gifford, Florida, Ardra is as familiar with minority groups as he is with public servants, clergy, and all the officials of both the hospital and school boards. He has always, since I have known him, made a difference in various communities and organizations. He understands interfaith problems and has been a bridge of communication between many ethnicities. I am proud to say that Ardra has worked thousands of hours for the Republican Party, the Veterans Council of Indian River County and that he is an authority in championing and educating all people about the wisdom of a Great American, Frederick Douglas. Douglas, a Black Man, was an advisor to President Lincoln.
Ardra Rigby has the distinct honor of being a Marine, a Member of the Jewish War Veterans of IRC and a Deacon in his Church. He devotes many hours as a volunteer to neighborhood children who are in need of a role model and he has always been a great asset in the planning of all Four Chaplains Ceremonies that are held in Indian River County. As a teacher himself, he is an expert in understanding the needs in dealing with and improving our educational systems.
It is my firm belief that Ardra Rigby is the best choice to take over Mr. Peggler’s seat on the IRC Board of Education. Mr. Rigby is a great teacher, a man who has served his country as a Marine and a great human being who has given so much to this community.
Sincerely,
Larry Wapnick
Indian River Guardian 
I too have known Ardra for a long time and can certainly appreciate where you are coming from Larry however, I don’t remember seeing his name on the list of applicants.
I have decided to throw my support to Dale Simchick. I got to know Dale when she ran for County Commission and have watched her focus change a lot in these past few years, especially when she became involved with her sons little league baseball and simultaneously with his education. She is currently serving on the board of the Charter Middle School and that certainly should count for a lot. Simchick has experience in legislating because of the time she spent on the Sebastian City Council. While serving on Council Simchick was capable of making the hard decisions and she will be able to do so again if she gets appointed to the Indian River School Board.
Larry, FYI, Dale was one of the Council Members who approved the 4 Chaplins Monument while serving on the council She actually told me this because she is very supported of interfaith issues and she knew I was on that same page. .
Dale Simchick lives in the district and according to state law that is a requirement for this appointment. I don’t think that can be said of most of the applicants, however I am not sure if Ardra Rigby lives in the district.
While Larry has made an excellent suggestion, the sad fact of the matter remains that it is a political appointment This means that Governor Rick Scott will select someone who will benefit his own personal re-election dreams.
Dearest Bea, I am also a supporter of Dale’s, however not for this position. I was in fact present when she and the other Sebastian city council members approved the Four Chaplains Monument, and in fact they all have received certificates of honor for their courageous “Interfaith” efforts. That city council has made the City of Sebastian the greatest patriotic city in this state! The present councilmen have promoted and continued this great work! I would love to see Dale, again run for the county commission seat, she would be a great asset to this county and is greatly needed. I would certainly join you and any other person or persons in making this happen.
As far as Ardra Rigby, yes he is on the list of applicants, lives in the correct district and is by far in my opinion the best applicant for the school board position. Ardra is the sensible choice for this board. He has attended the local schools while growing up in Indian River County, he thoroughly understands the diverse ethnicities of all residents and their children’s educational needs. Ardra Rigby is a veteran and a great role model. He in my estimation still remains the ideal choice.
I realize that time is of the essence, but I also realize the Governor has his plate full, especially with the flooding and the problems affecting all of us at Lake “O”!
Sincerely,
Larry Wapnick
President of the Four Chaplains Monument, LLC. FL.
member, board of directors, Chapel of the Four Chaplains, Phila. PA.