Front Row – Steering Committee: Milt Thomas, Dan Holloway, Scott Alexander, Suzy Feeney, Maryann Ronan-Lamson. 2nd Row – Andy Bowler, Dan Lamson, Tammy Adams, Lalita Janke, Walter Janke, Claudia Jimenez. 3rd Row – Jack Diehl, Jay Kramer
MILT THOMAS
It all began in June 2013 with a proclamation at Vero Beach City Council recognizing Humanist Recognition Week that then-Mayor Craig Fletcher refused to support because he refuses “…to support any organization that does not believe in Jesus Christ.” Then Vice-Mayor Tracy Carroll also refused to support the proclamation. Aside from the obvious constitutional issues that created, it revealed a side of Vero Beach inconsistent with its image.
That one act prompted a meeting of local clergy to discuss why this kind of attitude exists and what to do about it. The group then expanded beyond clergy to include representatives from government, healthcare, non-profits, the business community and educators. The group began meeting regularly and adopted the name of Compassion Vero with the purpose of spearheading a coordinated effort aimed at increasing civility, consideration, respect, acceptance, inclusion, kindness and compassion in the community of Vero Beach.
According to Suzy Feeney, Compassion Vero chairperson, “Our motto is ‘Respect for the Common Good’, and earlier this year we came together as a group to reduce the divisiveness, lack of civility, and general hostility that has pervaded public discourse and created a less than friendly atmosphere in some parts of our community.”
The group’s mission states, in part, that “The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all social, religious, ethical and moral traditions, calling us always to treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves.” It also calls upon all citizens to practice respect, patience, and inclusion to all others, communicate respectfully in government, business, schools and the media, eliminate bullying, harassment and demeaning behavior, and refuse and reject intolerance, bigotry and prejudice.
The group’s website is www.compassionvero.org, and it explains the objectives, principles and mission of the group as well as upcoming activities, articles of interest, words of inspiration and a list of “friends,” people and organizations who agree to stand by Compassion Vero’s mission. Feeney adds, “If you want to join us in upholding our mission, you may go to the website and fill out the form on the “Friends of” page. We encourage individuals, companies, non-profits, government agencies and all groups that share our vision for a Vero Beach that retains its small town, neighborly and friendly environment to add their names.”
Compassion Vero has scheduled several key events, beginning November 18th with a Vero Beach City Council proclamation noting the week of November 10-16 as Compassion Week and January 2015 as Compassion Vero month. A gathering of “Friends” event is planned for January 2015 (date, time, and location to be determined), and our “Friends” may join us in participating in the Indian River County Day of Service on April 25, 2015. Ms. Feeney concluded, “We still have work to do as we develop our speaker’s bureau, offer and train meeting ‘process advisors’, and search for ways to provide fun and friendly educational activities and gatherings to the community.”
The Compassion Vero Steering Committee includes Suzy Feeney – chairperson, Reverend Scott Alexander, Dan Holloway, Maryann Ronan-Lamson, and Milt Thomas. They are assisted by the committee of charter “Friends” Tammy Adams, Michael Birnholz, Andy Bowler, Jack Diehl, Walter and Lalita Janke, Carol Johnson, Vice Mayor Jay Kramer, Daniel Lamson, Penny C. Norris, David Phillips, and others.
For more information, please visit www.CompassionVero.org.
Indian River Guardian 
I consider this a positive step in a good direction for us. Thanks to all who stepped forward – and thanks to all those who choose to join in the future.
Oh you mean like the Nazi video you posted?
We didn’t create the video, only reported it, which is what journalists do.
The mission statement says it all. I am so proud of this group, 7 years ago Ernie Heaton and I raised funds and started the building of the Four Chaplains Monument in Riverview Park, Sebastian.
Today it looms over discrimination and bigotry that is interlaced in our Indian River County area. The Chaplains gave their life vests to four soldiers as the USAT Dorchester was sinking in the stormy seas 150 miles from Greenland, the date February 3, 1943. A Rabbi, a priest and two Protestant Chaplains were best of friends, BROTHERS all as they locked arms and went to their watery graves in the North Atlantic.They were all Brothers for they all had the same Father, as we all do. We respect all faiths and religious beliefs, and yes those that believe in Jesus Christ are certainly justified to do so, for is this not a Judaeo/Christian Nation, and those of us who served continue to preserve our Nation’s freedoms and are most conscious about not enforcing our own religious beliefs on others. Former Mayor Fletcher, hopefully by now has grown to realize that this nation is great because of the efforts of multi faith groups that stood together in all of our wars and conflicts! Visit the Four Chaplains Monument in Sebastian, read the story and learn that all of these Men would easily have fit into the Compassion Vero Team!