Senior Life - December 2018

‘The Voice’ rings in Christmas page 29

VOLUME 21

OF FLORIDA

ISSUE 8

December 2018

myseniorlife.com

Santa’s ‘sleigh’ heading our way

SENIOR LIFE Keith Betterley

Capt. Larry Helton of Camp Holly guides Santa and Mrs. Claus on a tour of the St. Johns River in Brevard County.

Although he’s a little worried about mischievous elves falling behind on the toy assembly line, Santa decided to surprise Mrs. Claus with a trip to Florida.

The happy couple usually like to take

a Florida vacation after the busy Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 Christmas rush when Santa and his reindeers deliver toys throughout the world.

“I’m getting a lay of the land here at Camp Holly,’’ said Santa, who enjoyed an airboat ride at Camp Holly in West Melbourne during his vacation. “It’s a

lot warmer here than the North Pole.

I also like the beaches, and I won’t say anything about a cold beverage at Camp Holly’s Tiki Bar. I love cold orange juice.’’

Migratory birds followed Santa, Mrs. Claus and the reindeers on their trip to Florida.

Home for holidays, page 6

Dancer doesn’t stop, page 8

Seniors like trikes, page 13

BY JEFF NAVIN

Come see us at Brevard Medical City State-of-the-art Medical Facility • Everything under one roof Conveniently located on Wickham Road in Suntree

“I love airboat rides at Camp Holly,’’ Santa said. “I love to see the gators and the wildlife. Capt. Larry (Helton) was gentle as we rode through the St. Johns River.’’

Mrs. Claus has been a little concerned

SANTA

continued on page 35

Local vets honored, page 19

Free Antibiotics

$25 gift

No need for a second trip to the pharmacy

Save gas, time and money Will fill one prescription per patient per visit if antibiotics are needed.

certificate if not seen in 30 minutes

Flu Shots Shannon Abe Hardoon, M.D. Scott Hardoon, M.D. Edwin Chan, M.D. Gary J. Hardoon, M.D. Ami A. Bhatt, M.D. Sandra Keefe, M.D. Jennifer Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Schneider, APRN Spreitzer, APRN, DNP Internal Medicine Internal Medicine Family Medicine Internal Medicine Family Medicine Family Medicine

(321) 259-9500 WEEKDAYS 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

6619 North Wickham Rd.

MELBOURNE

Same day appointments available for new patients as well as established patients. Give us a call and we can show you how easy and pleasant a visit to the doctor’s office can be.

Book your appointment online

Nikka Cohan APRN

Dawn Trundle APRN, DNP

Medicare Patients Welcome We Accept Most Insurance Evening & Weekend Office Hours Specializing in Adult Medicine

suntreeinternalmedicine.com

FROM THE

E ditor

Holiday season offers us many things to think about

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Space Coast Symphony Orchestra

Aaron Collins directs the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra for Christmas at The Avenue in Viera.

It is a free open air concert for the public.

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra offers free holiday concert in Viera

The area in front of the AMC Theaters where the 50-member orchestra will perform has been upgraded.

Christmas at The Avenue in Viera started “They’ve redone that area with jets and four years ago with a few hundred patrons fountains — it’s a bigger area,” Maltby said. listening to the Space Coast Symphony Although there will be limited seating, Orchestra (SCSO) perform Christmas music people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs outdoors. This year, 2,000 people are expected or blankets.

Patrons can sit and listen or stroll to attend the free holiday concert. along The Avenue and hear the music, according The Christmas at The Avenue concert will to Maltby. start at 7 p.m. Dec. 15, at 2241 Town Center “It’s nice to see the people smiling as they Ave.. are walking on The Avenue listening to the Aaron Collins, the symphony’s conductor, music,” she said. will direct the orchestra, now in its 10th season.

The night before Christmas at The Avenue, Michelle Bujold, The Avenue Viera a smaller chamber orchestra of the SCSO will marketing coordinator, said The Avenue looks perform at the 11th annual Messiah Sing Along forward to partnering with the Space Coast with Aaron Collins directing the orchestra and Symphony Orchestra for the Christmas concert Beth Green conducting the Indialantic Chamber every year.

Singers.

“Christmas at The Avenue is the perfect “It’s a wonderful tradition the symphony fit for our center,” she said. “It embodies has done since the beginning,” Maltby said. the holiday spirit while giving our patrons “We provide an excellent guest scores, music, or experience. We can’t bring your own if wait to see this year’s you have it. The show.”

Indialantic singers Connie Maltby, an do part of the SCSO board member concert with us, and special events then everyone is coordinator, said invited to sing the children are asked to choral part of the come up and conduct Messiah with us.” if they choose.

The 11th annual “They are called Messiah Sing forward to try their Along will start hand at conducting,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 Maltby said. “They use glow sticks as SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Space Coast Symphony Orchestra at St. John the they direct. There will Evangelist Catholic Among local music fans, Santa and Mrs. Claus be a sleigh ride and will be in town for Christmas at The Avenue, where Community at 5655 Jingle Bells type songs the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra will perform Stadium Parkway in for them to conduct.”

Viera. SL a free concert of holiday music.

BY MUFFY BERLYN

A Cup of Joe with GO at Suntree Tuesdays, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

JOIN GO TRAVEL for an Informative River Cruise Presentation

Many of us look forward to Christmas and other yearend holidays. It often means family gatherings for joyous celebrations.

We look forward to the parades, tree lightings and getting together with friends and family.

One of the joys of the season is sharing with others, including others in need, others we don’t even know or some who we may have never thought of assisting.

In this issue, through stories and calendar listings, we tell you about planned events, including concerts, gatherings and happenings around Brevard County.

Also this month in Senior Life, we bring you stories about giving to charities but checking to make sure that those receiving your money are spending it the right way. There are many ways to share with others who are in need during the holidays. Consider local charities.

You can read about how an animal shelter needs help or how Wreaths Across America still needs sponsors for its yearly placing of wreaths on the graves of veterans at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

During the holiday season, look out for others, including those you know who could suffer from depression. We tell you in a story about some of the things to look for in people you know who are alone.

While it is a time to celebrate, we still want to remind you of those things that might help to make your life a little better.

We want to remind you about fighting the flu and getting your shots. And if you are a smoker struggling for a way to stop by making a New Year’s resolution to quit, you should read our story on the subject.

In this issue, you will also find stories about the men and women who have given so much through their service in the military.

Whatever you do this holiday season we wish for you an informative, healthy and happy time with friends and family.

We celebrate you, our readers and advertisers, and look forward to continuing serving you in the coming year.

We already are considering new features and stories for the coming year. And as always, we want to hear from you.

R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com

Members of

Senior Life Fla

Award-Winning European River Cruises

THE TRAVEL EXPERTS

Patty Toppa Kathleen Stanton Tina Klump Donita Main

Located in Suntree Square 7777 N. Wickham Rd.

321-622-5955 or 321-777-7556 Go Travel Day Trips: Jan 20 - “Over the Tavern” & Champagne Brunch at Mission Inn Feb 24 - “The Marvelous Wonderettes” Songs from the 50’s & 60’s with Lunch!

Extended Tours: Mar 27: 2 Nights - Macon Cherry Blossom Festival CALL Go Travel for details: 309-241-6000

2

Learn about European River Cruising from an expert!

December 4th • 4 pm Experienced river specialist, David Holmwood has cruised almost all of the rivers in Europe. If you have questions on river cruising, he can answer them!

Limited Seating • RSVP Required

321-622-5955

Light Refreshments will be served

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

Ask about Solo/ Single cabin cruise specials with no single supplement.

• 5 STAR Ships • Expert-led Excursions • Fine Culinary Experiences • Exceptional Value

myseniorlife.com

FULLY LICENSED, BONDED AND INSURED

JOYCE HUNTER

A Mobile Travel Business—We come to you!

Day Trips • Group Tours • Individual Travel Planning

Blessings of the Season

SUSAN CASSONE

CINDY SMITH

321-355-7566

footprintstravel.biz

PATHFINDERS TRAVEL CLUB Meeting

Front Street Civic Center, 2205 S. Front Street, Melbourne Tuesday, January 15, 10 a.m.

Learn about Victory Cruise Lines – Intimate Coastal Cruises

Sail with Joyce from PORT CANAVERAL to the Eastern Caribbean Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas

Ships registry: Nassau, Bahamas

November 17 to 24, 2019

Rates starting at $1,099 per person double • Call early to get the cabin you want!

SENIOR LIFE photo

Do your homework before making any donations to make sure your gift goes toward helping causes that are important to you.

In this season for giving, watch where you give

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

“My helping certain charities is very personal with me,” said Manning, who gives to the Alzheimer’s Foundation because both her parents suffered from the disease.

Her husband and father were Shriner’s, so Manning donates to the children’s hospital run by the organization. She often goes anonymous with her donations.

“As my dad used to say, “it doesn’t count if it is known it is me,” said the 90-year-old Manning.

Giving isn’t just about money, either.

“Obviously, charities need money, but most also rely on volunteers and the smart ones understand that seniors make the very best of volunteers,” Kramer added.

Whether cash is tight or plentiful, giving of your time and experience is always a great way to give back and further connects you with an organization you admire. SL

’Tis the season for giving, and many worthwhile charities could use your support. Unfortunately, there also are a large number of “charities” that might not be that worthy of your help.

Of course, you can support any organization you wish, but if you want to make sure your hard-earned donation will actually go to helping the causes that interest you, you ought to do your homework.

Charitynavigator.org and Guidestar.org can arm you with knowledge about the organizations that you are considering. Charity Navigator, for example, will profile the group’s finances and practices. It can be an eye-opening experience to discover that charities feigning hard times have millions of dollars in the bank and pay their top executives sixfigure salaries.

The website lists top charities, including those that earned a “100” perfect rating for their practices.

Don’t forget the local charities, said Don Kramer, the CEO and founder of One Senior Place.

“There are innumerable national or global organizations that do great work but, for my money, getting behind organizations in your community is rewarding in an immediate, visceral way and determining whether or not a local charity is reputable can be pretty

By Attorney straightforward by TRUMAN SCARBOROUGH just asking around,” he said.

239 Harrison Street, Titusville, FL Titusville resident For A Complimentary Copy Pat Manning gives to local charities, Phone 321 267 — 4770 as well as to nonprofits that have a connection with her family.

ESTATE PLANNING BOOKLET

321-242-1235

“Joyce’s Journeys”

Exclusive Amenities. . . Exceptional Service

Circle Iceland: May 10 - 19, 2019 Explore the land of Fire and Ice!

9 nights hotel, Daily Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 7 Dinners AND so much more! $6,099 p.p. double , air-inclusive

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Historic Trains of the West: Oct. 2 - Oct. 12, 2019

Discover the Spirit of the Old West and thrill to the sight of hundreds of hot air balloons!

So many included features! $4,599 p.p. double , air-inclusive

Daytrips

Thurs., Feb. 14 – “Ain’t Misbehavin’” & Cheesecake Factory – Winter Park - $119 Wednesday, March 27 – “My Fair Lady” – Riverside Theater - $129 Saturday, April 27 – Blueberry Festival & May Stringer House – Brooksville - $88 Saturday, May 25 – “Billy Elliott” – Winter Garden - $99 To view additional trips with Wickham Park Senior Center and Barefoot Bay Pathfinders, visit us online.

For detailed trip information and MORE, visit: www.footprintstravel.biz Venator Mgmt. LLC, DBA Footprints Travel, FL Seller of Travel, Ref# ST39159

Cataract Surgery • Laser • Glaucoma Retina • Pediatric • Diabetes

Frederick Ho, MD, FACS Excellence in Ophthalmology since 1987 Board Certified in Ophthalmology Voted one of the top doctors and top Ophthalmologists in America.

Juan Carlos de Rivero Vaccari, MD, PhD Specializes in cataract surgery, laser surgery, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma management.

State-of-the-Art Surgery Center

321-757-7272

AtlanticEyeMD.com

8040 N. Wickham Rd, Melbourne

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

3

DECEMber 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS

6 8 10-11 14-19 20 22-23 25-26 28 30

NEIGHBORS CREATIVE SENIOR SENIOR LIVING TOUR STRIPES VETERANS BOOMER SENIOR SENTIMENTS HEALTH & WELLNESS COLUMNISTS CALENDAR NORTH BREVARD NEWS

COUPONS & DISCOUNTS

Volume 21, Number 8 Senior Life of Florida 7630 N. Wickham Road, No. 105 Viera, FL 32940 321-242-1235

pg. 28

Johnson Impact Windows

pg. 7

Hansen’s Handyman

pg. 30

M & M Heating-A/C

pg. 15

Sandy Soul Shoes

pg. 34

Chateau Madeleine

pg. 21

New Sparkles Cleaning

pg. 34

Johnson Aluminum Screens pg. 24

Join the Fun Tours, Cruises pg. 34

Brevard Skin

pg. 25

Fantastic Sams

RiverView

pg. 26

Johnson Aluminum Shutters pg. 36

pg. 34

Is it true that Varicose Veins are a sign of a medical issue?

I

Office Manager Sylvia Montes Design Frank E. Gonzales

myseniorlife.com

Editor R. Norman Moody

We encourage organizations to contact Senior Life by the 15th of each month prior with information and dates regarding upcoming community-oriented events by email and mail.

Copy Editor Jeff Navin

BOOMER

f you notice bulging veins, you have a significant medical condition. Bulging indicates a chronic medical condition.

Constant dilation causes blood to stop flowing back through the legs, leading to further damage. This includes swelling with tissue damage, legs swelling, aching legs, permanent skin pigmentation changes, and possibly leg ulcers.

Please call to schedule your free screening today!

CELEBRATING 12 YEARS AS BREVARD COUNTY’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR BOOMERS & SENIORS

The Boomer Guide is HERE!

Senior Life of Florida is published on the first of each month. The entire contents of this newspaper are copyrighted by Senior Life of Florida with all rights reserved.

Senior Life of Florida is not liable for errors or omissions in editorial, advertorial or advertising materials. Distribution of this newspaper does not constitute an endorsement of products or services herein.

Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.

4

SportClips

Yes. Please do not ignore signs of leg varicose veins.

Publisher Jill Blue

Photographers Walter Kiely Darrell Woehler Bob Parente

pg. 5

©2018 Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. All rights reserved

myseniorlife.com jill@myseniorlife.com

Feature Writers Ernest Arico Ed Baranowski Muffy Berlyn Chris Bonanno Brenda Eggert Brader Sammy Haddad Flora Reigada Maria Sonnenberg Julie Sturgeon John Trieste

Arnold Air

BOOMER

EDITION 2018 · NO. 12

FREE

Secrets to living a happy and healthy life

Dr. Hai H. Kenney, DO

AFTER

Most Insurances Accepted

in retirement

POWER OF AGE

Board Certified Vascular and Interventional Radiology

Serving Central Florida for over 17 years

Vascular Vein Centers

At your fingertips ...

BUSINESS FINDER HEALTH & WELLNESS ACTIVITIES • SPORTS CLUBS • GROUPS • MEETINGS SUPPORT GROUPS VETERANS RESOURCES SENIOR LIVING TOUR HURRICANE SAFETY

Riverview Tower at Suntree

6525 3rd St., Suite 208, Rockledge/Viera Celebrating 21 Years

Boomer Guide —the best resource guide in Brevard!

Helpful resources 24 hours a day MySeniorlife.com Call 321-757-9205

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

BEFORE

(corner of Suntree Blvd. and U.S. Hwy 1)

321-704-8505

www.BestVeinTreatment.com/Viera HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE All canned and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at our office through December 21 Because no one should go hungry Thank you for helping our Veterans in need!

myseniorlife.com

D I

C O V E R Y V I L L A G E

®

AT MELBOURNE

By Discover y Senior Liv ing

Braenwd! ALL-INCLUSIVE SUPERVISED INDEPENDENT LIVING N 36 APARTMENT HOMES

NOW OPEN!

CALL TOD AY MORE INF FOR O!

Discovery Village At Melbourne is thrilled to announce that our addition of 36 brand-new, luxury Senior Independent Living apartment homes is now complete! We can’t wait to show you what we’ve added to our already spectacular lineup of lifestyle options. CALL TODAY to schedule your tour!

321.775.9174 | DiscoveryVillages.com 3260 N. Harbor City Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32935 | SUPERVISED INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE Prices, plans and programs are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Owned and operated by Discovery Senior Living. Void where prohibited by law. Assisted Living Facility License #12122. ©2018, Discovery Senior Living, DVM-0054 10/18.

321-242-1235

LET’S CONNECT!

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

5

Neighbors Shelter offers critters chance to go home for holidays The SPCA of Brevard invites the community to make room for a shelter dog or cat during the Christmas season through its Home for the Holidays program.

The pets are available Dec. 17 and can be kept until Jan. 4

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

Perfect guests await your invitation for the holidays. They won’t mind if your house is messy or if the food at your table is not gourmet. They just crave your company.

Through its Home for the Holidays program, the SPCA of Brevard invites the community to make room for a shelter dog or cat during the Christmas season.

“It gives animals a chance to get out of the shelter and spend time with a family,” said Susan Naylor of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Titusville.

The organization starts allowing the critters to go Home for the Holidays beginning Dec. 17.

“People can take pets home through Christmas Eve and keep them through Jan. 4,” Naylor said.

There is an ulterior, albeit goodhearted, motive behind Home for the Holidays. By allowing the shelter pets to strut their stuff at home, the foster families could easily fall under their spell and decide to offer a forever home.

“Many times, the fosters will

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy photo

either adopt the pet themselves or are able to find adopters through their own social circles,” Naylor said.

Of course, there is no requirement that the fosters make the holiday arrangement a permanent one. For shelter animals, even a few days out of confinement is much appreciated.

“Even if they don’t find a forever home, the break from the shelter does wonders for their mental well-being,” Naylor said.

While the SPCA is focusing on dogs because they tend to stress more in a shelter environment, cats also are welcome to go home for the holidays.

Among the dogs available for a Home for the Holidays visit is the canine great citizen Caesar. At a little more than 2 years old, he still is just a big boy. But, he never forgets his manners.

“He is our go-to event dog and handles crowds and being around other dogs like a champ,” Naylor said.

Caesar adores water and will splash around like a puppy if given the chance.

“He needs a home with no cats, but he will make up for that with cuddles and hours of Netflix binges,”

Naylor said.

Sweetie Monroe also awaits a holiday outing.

“She needs to be the only pet in the home but will pay you back in kisses and will insist on many belly rubs,” Naylor said.

At age 6, poor Serenity is the longest-term resident at the SPCA, and kennel life doesn’t agree with her. In fact, she gets so upset that she doesn’t show well as prospective adopters pass by this love bug who has excelled in obedience school. A good swimmer, Serenity is anything but serene. The energetic pooch loves the active lifestyle and would make an excellent exercise partner.

“Giving her a break from shelter life for even a week or so would benefit her greatly,” Naylor said.

Caesar, Monroe, Serenity and the many others at the SPCA would love to share your home for the holidays, and they will return the favor with boundless love.

For more information on the Home for the Holidays program at the SPCA of Titusville, call 321-567-3615. The Main Adoption Center is at 6035 Sisson Road in Titusville. SL

Is 70 the new 62 when it comes to retirement age?

BY MUFFY BERLYN Suze Orman, the famed financial guru from “Oprah,” strongly advised recently in her national column that “70 is the new retirement age — not a month or year before.”

Orman said her initial reason for boosting the retirement age is that people are living longer.

“Healthy people in their 60s today have about a 50 percent chance of living into their 90s,” she said. “Wait until 70 (to take Social Security) and your annual benefit will be 76 percent more than what you’re eligible for at 62. That higher payment can be a huge help in supporting you through a long life.”

Gwenne Gray, 75, a Florida resident who works fulfilling mail orders for a small business, said he could not wait until 70 to begin collecting his Social Security benefits.

“Even though I took Social Security at 67, it was not because I wanted to,” he said.

“I was forced by my situation.

I would have much rather waited until 70. I have continued to work though it’s part time. Many seniors SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of SuzeOrman.com

Financial advisor Suze Orman strongly suggests to aim for retirement at 70.

6

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

can’t really retire at 70 as the cost of living and medications are quite high.”

Maryellen Cantera, 65, a Florida resident working in real estate, said she is working to delay her retirement.

“I’m working full time now and I’d like to be able to save enough money so that by the time I’m 70, I have enough money to retire on Social Security,” Cantera said. “I likely will work part time after I retire. Both my parents lived to be older than 95, so knowing that I could have another 30 years, the money has to go a long way. It’s like 70 is kind of like 60 now.

People are living longer and healthier lifestyles and are able to continue to work.”

Mary Weller, 69, an adjunct instructor of Developmental Reading at Eastern Florida State College, said it’s really up to each person to decide whether they want to work until age 70.

“I love what I do; I’m at the top of my game, and I don’t see an end in sight anymore,” she said.

“Teaching is a fulfilling career no matter the challenges. And I tell my friends, ‘As long as there is hair dye and stylish shoes with good support, I’ll keep teaching.’ ” SL

myseniorlife.com

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

7

Boomer Bash & Senior Expo full of fun for all

BY JULIE STURGEON The festive mood at the Red, White & Boomer Bash & Senior Expo was not dampened by a few scattered raindrops at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center.

The event was conducted by Senior Life. Cedar Creek, located on Merritt Island, was the major sponsor.

A steady turnout of visitors to the Center on Merritt Island enjoyed barbecue, music by Marc Dobson — The One Man Band — and the companionship of fellow boomers.

In addition to the many exhibitors touting their expertise on health, finance, senior living, travel and more, the Center’s museum also was an attraction.

Veterans and others can enjoy the museum year-round free of charge.

“The Center’s staff was very welcoming to the Expo’s visitors,’’ said Norman Moody, the editor of Senior Life. “They are very proud of the extensive display of military and war memorabilia. It’s one of Brevard County’s hidden jewels.’’

One of the many healthcare providers on site was Hospice of St. Francis, which provides hospice patient care in the county.

The St. Johns Rivership Company, which features relaxing, lengthy riverboat rides along the St. Johns River, was a popular gathering spot.

The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse staff was at the expo as well. During its 29th season, the playhouse features a wide range of musicals including “The Nutcracker,” “Anything Goes” and “The Producers.”

One Senior Place, another Boomer exhibitor, will have several fun and meaningful events in December. It will host its holiday gala Dec. 7. The gala will benefit His Place Ministries’ Toy Drive. The following week, the Legacy Book Club will host a Tea and Sweets gathering Dec. 13, also at One Senior Place.

Senior Life’s Boomer Guide Expo will be held in February. Copies of the 2019 Boomer Guide will be distributed at the annual fun-filled event. SL

Octogenarian dancer: ‘Don’t get old, just keep moving’

BY MUFFY BERLYN Al Packard’s advice on aging is to never stop moving.

“Just don’t stop,” said Packard, the business manager at Dussich Dance Studio. And, he is a testament to those words.

At 87, he hasn’t stopped engaging himself in life. He has a weekly regimen of swimming, pilates, yoga, tai and tap and is the annual dance recital emcee at Dussich Dance Studio on Merritt Island.

Packard was a former dance teacher and co-owner at Dussich Dance Studio with Liz Bevilacqua, the current owner and dance instructor at the studio, now celebrating its 60th year.

With a history of ballet and jazz reaching back to the 1950s, Packard first learned to dance as a young student at Colby College in Maine, his home state.

“I started in college with modern dance,” he said. “One of Martha Graham’s members of her company came up to work for the college.”

After college, he spent two years

8

in the military; one year was in Germany, where he took ballet classes. He returned to the states to Fort Lauderdale, where his sister and mother had moved. He studied ballet and jazz, and performed with a group that later became the Fort Lauderdale Civic Ballet.

Packard, who is fluent in French and German, moved to Melbourne in 1960. He taught science and languages at Florida Air Academy (now Florida Prep). Two years later, he went to work for Pan Am and was later laid off. In 1967, he was going to retire when Bevilacqua called him.

“They were doing Swan Lake for their recital,” Packard said. “I had done the pas de deux. One of her students’ father worked with me, and it leaked out. She asked, ‘Would I coach her kids for pas de deux.’ ” He began teaching at Dussich Dance Studio and, five years later in 1972, he became a co-owner. He joined Dance Masters of America and continued his studies of dance with famed instructors Ron Daniels, David Howard, Gus Giordano, and famed film choreographer, dancer and

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Jamie McFarland

Al Packard began teaching at Dussich Dance Studio. Five years later in 1972, he became a co-owner. instructor Patsy Swayze, whose son was Patrick Swayze.

When asked his philosophy on aging, Packard said “I don’t

recommend it.”

“I always tell people don’t get old,” he said. “And keep moving … just got to keep moving.” SL

myseniorlife.com

Thanks to You, NAMPA Says We’re the Best

First Place Resource Guide Editorial Content Boomer Guide

“Comprehensive” is the word used in the front cover’s sell line to describe Boomer Guide, and judging by sheer heft, that’s correct. But it goes beyond being just informational. It’s also encouraging. Throughout the booklet are profiles of folks in their senior years alongside action photos of them at work, at play or volunteering.

It’s a grand effort to break the stereotypes of aging. It’s a keeper.

First Place Column Review Senior Life Muffy Berlyn

First Place Feature Layout Senior Life Cape Canaveral Lighthouse

— Judges from University of Missouri’s School of Journalism

First Place Topical Issues Senior Life Jeff Navin

First Place Resource Guide Design Boomer Guide

First Place Personal Essay Senior Life Ed Baranowski

First Place Table of Contents Boomer Guide

First Place Travel Column Senior Life John Trieste

Second Place How-to-Guide Senior Life Katie Parsons

Second Place Special Section Stripes Veterans Senior Life

First Place Front Cover Photo Boomer Guide

Third Place Feature Writing Senior LIfe Maria Sonnenberg

Second Place Senior Issues Brenda Eggert Brader and Maria Sonnenberg

Third Place Feature Writing Senior Life Maria Sonnenberg

Second Place Feature Layout Boomer Guide Roaring ’20s Expo feature

SENIOR LIFE ‘S WRITERS AND DESIGNERS EARN TOP HONORS

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

9

Plan ahead to find a home you’ll love for the rest of your life and you will never want to leave. Share fun activities and interests with friends who have shared points of reference.

Enjoy delicious food you don’t have to prepare for yourself (unless you want to). You’ve worked hard. Now, put your feet up and let your hair down in one of our local communities that are the best in the nation!

BOOMER CELEBRATING 12 YEARS AS BREVARD COUNTY’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR BOOMERS & SENIORS

BOOMER

EDITION 2018 · NO. 12

See the full SENIOR LIVING TOUR listings in the 2018 Boomer Guide, available at Chambers of Commerce and Senior Centers or call Senior Life at 321-242-1235.

FREE

Secrets to living a happy and healthy life in retirement

Brevard’s 55+ Retirement, Apartments & Assisted Living

POWER OF AGE At your fingertips ...

BUSINESS FINDER HEALTH & WELLNESS ACTIVITIES • SPORTS CLUBS • GROUPS • MEETINGS SUPPORT GROUPS VETERANS RESOURCES SENIOR LIVING TOUR HURRICANE SAFETY Celebrating 21 Years

Partnering Communities A

Cedar Creek

4279 Judith Ave., Merritt Island, 32953 321-454-7768 CedarCreekAssistLiving.net

B

Solaris Senior Center

C

Westminster Asbury

D E F G H I J K

10

HISTORIC TITUSVILLE MAIN STREET KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

535 Crockett Blvd. Merritt Island, 32953 321-454-2363 SolarisHealthCare.org

1430 Dixon Blvd., Cocoa, 32922 321-632-4943 WestminsterCommunitiesFL.org

A

Courtenay Springs Village

1200 S. Courtenay Pkwy., Merritt Island, 32952 321-452-1233 CourtenaySpringsVillage.org

C

B

Indian River Colony Club

D

1936 Freedom Drive, Viera, 32940 1-877-835-8765 IndianRiverColonyClub.com

Chateau Madeleine

Opening Fall 2018

205 Hardoon Lane, Suntree, 32940 321-701-8000 SuntreeSeniorLiving.com

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR STATION

F

E PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE

G

Discovery Village at Melbourne

3260 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, 32935 321-775-9159 DiscoveryVillages.com

Lamplighter Village

500 Lantern Blvd., Melbourne, 32934 321-254-0303 LamplighterHomesFL.com

H

MELBOURNE AIRPORT

I

J

Victoria Landing Assisted Living

1279 Houston St., Melbourne, 32935 321-622-6730 VictoriaLanding.com

K

Buena Vida Estates

2129 W. New Haven Ave., W. Melbourne, 32904 321-724-0060 BuenaVidaEstates.org

RiverView Senior Living Resort

3490 Gran Ave. NE, Palm Bay, 32905 321-312-4555 RiverViewSeniorResort.com

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

For more information on living communities in Brevard, call 321-242-1235

myseniorlife.com

Senior Living Help available for older drivers to stay on the road

BY ERNEST ARICO

14,675,160.

That’s the total number of licensed drivers in the state of Florida, based on 2016 figures listed at statista.com.

Of that number, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that 4,588,198 or 29.2 percent, represent licensed drivers age 60 and older.

Older Americans today are healthier and more active than ever before. The aging baby boomer generation is the fastest-growing demographic in the United States.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that by 2030, there will be more than 70 million people age 65 or older, and about 85 to 90 percent of them will be licensed to drive.

In fact, seniors are outliving their ability to drive safely by an average of seven to 10 years and, for the first time in history, plans for our “driving retirement” should be considered along with our financial retirement plans.

Many law enforcement agencies report that senior drivers are among the safest drivers on the road and often reduce their risk of injury by wearing seat belts, not drinking and driving and by observing speed limits.

SENIOR LIFE Ernest Arico

Beverly Lancaster, a 60-year-old resident of Viera, is a retired U.S. Air Force nurse. She has had her driver’s license for 43 years.

However, statistics also show seniors are more likely to be injured or killed in a crash due to age-related fragility.

With the exception of teenagers, seniors have the highest crash death rate per mile driven.

Beverly Lancaster, a 60-year-old retired U.S. Air Force nurse living in Viera, said she hopes to continue driving for many more years to come.

“I need to keep driving because it’s part of my independence,” she said.

It is a fact of life that people grow

older each day. And with increasing age comes changes in physical, mental and sensory abilities that can challenge a person’s ability to continue to drive safely.

But don’t worry. There are a variety of safe travel and driving options for the elderly because the real need is a broader awareness of the solutions, rather than a narrow focus on the problem.

This month, from Dec. 3 to 7, is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. The week aims to promote understanding of the importance of mobility and transportation to ensure older adults remain active in the community — shopping, working or volunteering — with the confidence that transportation will not be the barrier to strand them at home.

Two organizations that promote safe driving for the elderly are the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the American Automobile Association (AAA).

The AOTA believes that occupational therapy practitioners have the skills to evaluate a person’s overall ability to operate a vehicle safely and provide rehabilitation, if necessary, its website reports.

Many practitioners are specially trained in the full scope of driving rehabilitation. Occupational therapy

practitioners work with older adults as well as their families and caregivers, offering individualized assessment.

They can identify individuals’ unique challenges and find strategies that will help them live life to its fullest by keeping them active, healthy and safe in their communities, its website added.

In recognition of the changing demographics and the increase in the number of older drivers, AAA recently launched “Lifelong Safe Mobility.”

This initiative is dedicated to keeping seniors safe and mobile and driving as long as safely possible.

Senior safety and mobility is a quality of life issue, the website reports. By working to protect and promote it, you can help maintain confidence and independence among seniors, and foster a society where older adults can live to their full potential.

Each day during Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, AOTA, AAA and the Florida Department of Transportation will bring attention to a different aspect of older driver safety.

For example, AOTA reports on its

A GUIDE FOR TREATING THE COMMON STYE (OR continued CHALAZION DRIVING to page 12 Advertisement

KUTRYB EYE INSTITUTE

730 S. Washington Ave. | Titusville, FL 32796 | 321.267.2020 | www.KutrybEye.com Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Accepting New Patients

321.267.2020

Restor ActiveFocus Cataract Implant: Are You a Good Candidate?

I

f you are considering cataract surgery, you may notice that choosing an intraocular lens implant (IOL) has gotten more complicated because there are more choices now. The standard monofocal IOL, which is covered by insurance plans can provide a single focus point, generally either distance or near. An advanced technology IOL called the Restor ActiveFocus can offer the advantage of providing good distance vision as well as mild to moderate near and intermediate vision, with fewer side effects than previous models.

You might be a good candidate for an ActiveFocus IOL if: 1. You would like to wear glasses as little as possible, but understand that you will still need glasses for reading books, seeing small print, and performing small up-close tasks such as threading a needle.

2. You would like to have good distance vision and be able to read price tags and menus or to work on your computer, or send a text message or make a phone call on your cell phone without glasses. The

321-242-1235

ActiveFocus IOL, was designed to reduce the incidence of glare and halo and waxy vision experienced with previous multifocal IOL’s, but as a compromise it provides less near power - making it best for intermediate and mild near tasks. I’ve been a big proponent of this concept for many years and have noticed a greatly improved patient satisfaction with the ActiveFocus IOL as long as patients are counseled to expect less near vision than they ideally want - but far more than they would get with a standard monofocal IOL. 3. I typically tell patients that they will get about half as much near vision as they want - but that a little will go a long way for everyday tasks. Whereas standard monofocal IOL patients will generally have to wear either bifocals or +2.50 readers, the ActiveFocus IOL patients are advised to buy +1.25 readers to use as needed, for reading books and other small up-close tasks.

Keep in mind that some patients are NOT good candidates for an ActiveFocus IOL: 1. If you like wearing glasses or don’t mind wearing glasses

2. If you need to do an extensive amount of night driving 3. If you are currently naturally nearsighted and love to read or perform near tasks without wearing glasses 4. If you have macular degeneration, macular pucker or significant corneal disease As a cataract surgeon, I’m very much a perfectionist. Since I’ve been performing cataract surgery for over 20 years, I’m able to determine which patients are best suited for certain IOL’s and I’m very careful to discuss all the options with patients and work to come to a proper decision for each individual patient.

Dr. Michael Kutryb is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He has served Brevard County for 19 years and has performed more than 20,000 cataract and laser procedures. Dr. Kutryb can be reached at Kutryb Eye Institute at 321-267-2020.

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

11

Ageless Authors give older writers a voice

BY WENDY SCHEURING

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy photo

Aging Matters in Brevard purchases, wraps and delivers gifts for 1,500 seniors around Brevard County. The organization is looking for volunteers and donations.

Aging Matters in Brevard needs holiday donations/volunteers

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER It’s that time of year again when your spirits are lighter, laughter is heard anew and holidays mean stretching time to include family and friends.

Aging Matters in Brevard has some special Christmas wishes this year with which the neighbors and friends in Brevard County might just be able to help and spread some additional holiday cheer to seniors.

“We all know the holidays can be a lonely time for seniors,” said Sherri Law, the director of advancement for the agency. “Many of the seniors we serve have no other caregivers or family present. Some families are in different parts of the country and some don’t have families.

“We partner with the community around this time of year to help with the holidays,” Law said. “The Florida Today partnership purchases, wraps and delivers gifts for 1,500 seniors around the county.

“In addition to the (gift) program, we also provide holiday meals to make sure they have enough food to eat at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Another group of support comes from the Jess Parrish Medical Foundation based in Titusville.”

During the holidays, the organization is desperate with a need for extra volunteers to deliver the meals.

“It takes a couple of hours out of the day to deliver meals,” said Josh Jensen, CEO and president of Aging Matters in Brevard.

“Everyone asks, ‘what can we do this time of year,’” Law said. “This time of year, the tax-deductible donations are needed to purchase the items for support of the seniors around the county.

All client support is needed this time of year, including the lunch program, the caregiver program and Meals on Wheels.”

For those who love to shop, volunteer shoppers help purchase the many items

12

You can help Send tax-deductible donations to: Aging Matters in Brevard (a 501©(3) nonprofit organization) at 3600 W. King St., Cocoa, FL 32926; call the development office at 321806-3767 or donate online at agingmattersbrevard.org given to those seniors without families.

“I haven’t seen the preparations yet, but I understand all the rooms are full of gifts,” said Jensen, who took on his position fairly recently and has not yet been at the center over a Christmas holiday.

“Volunteers are shopping now and (started) wrapping the Saturday after Thanksgiving,” Law added.

“Essentially the monetary support we receive from government sources funds about 60 percent of the program (at Aging Matters),” Law said. “We depend on the support of the community to make up the rest. We need financial support throughout the year.”

Send tax-deductible donations to: Aging Matters in Brevard (a 501©(3) nonprofit organization) at 3600 W. King St., Cocoa, FL 32926; call the development office at 321-806-3767 or donate online at agingmattersbrevard. org Also, call the phone number to volunteer to deliver meals or work in some capacity for the organization that has been in existence in Brevard County since 1965.

“We are definitely a mission-driven organization,” Jensen said. “Our board members could serve on any board in the county but choose to be on this board because they believe in what the agency is doing. We can’t do what we do for the county without the support of our donors.” SL

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

To help promote writing among seniors, Larry Upshaw and author Ginnie Siena Bivona created Ageless Authors to encourage, motivate and give older writers a voice.

Siena Bivona didn’t begin writing until her mid-40s.

Her first novel, “Ida Mae Tutweiler and the Traveling Tea Party,” premiered as a Hallmark made-for-TVmovie entitled “Bound by a Secret,” starring Meredith Baxter, Lesley Ann Warren and Timothy Bottoms.

“We started a contest for writers ages 65 and older and compiled the best selections into an anthology called “Ageless Authors Anthology.”

Siena Bivona passed away last year at 87, and her long-time friend Upshaw continues the tradition of Ageless Authors.

Now, a second anthology is in the making with a new writing contest underway.

The categories are memoir, humor,

DRIVING

continued from page 11 website that drivers who find it painful to rotate their body to reach the seatbelt can benefit from a cloth loop attached to it so they can pull the seatbelt on with only slight turning. Those with stiff fingers from arthritis can depress the seat-belt latch with a small tool that they leave in the car.

Also, taking notice of changes such as having trouble seeing at night can be remedied by choosing to restrict driving to daylight hours. Those experiencing anxiety in heavy traffic might find errands to be more pleasant if they plan to drive at times other than rush hour.

Another proactive way for older adults to enhance their safety behind the wheel is to be sure their car’s adjustments are best for them by participating in a CarFit event.

CarFit is an educational program developed by the American Society on Aging in collaboration with AAA, AARP and AOTA. It is designed as a volunteer-run program available free of charge in local communities.

The volunteer leaders include occupational therapy practitioners who use a checklist to ensure that each driver’s car is adjusted properly for the best “fit,” and that the safety features of the vehicle are explained, increasing the likelihood that they are being used optimally. The entire process takes about 20 minutes.

Conversations at CarFit events are geared toward educating drivers on ways they can increase their comfort and safety on the road in their own vehicles. Knowing how to adjust mirrors and the proper way to sit in the vehicle are just two examples of how CarFit can save lives. Attendees receive a goody-bag with resources, including information on driving selfevaluations, suggestions for addressing common problems, helpful websites and driving rehabilitation programs.

“The CarFit check-up is intended to spark a conversation about taking

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy photo

adventure, romance (essay, short story, fiction or nonfiction, 3,500 words or less) and poetry (50 lines or less). The cost to enter is $20 and the deadline for submissions is March 15. Authors can enter multiple submissions.

Winners receive cash prizes and certificates.

Ageless Authors also assists authors with creating cover designs for books and with publishing in online stores such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

For more information, go to Agelessauthors.com. SL advantage of all the safety features our cars have to offer,” said Elin Schold Davis, project coordinator for AOTA’s Older Driver Initiative.

“Occupational therapy practitioners and driving specialists are not in the business of taking licenses away but supporting people to live life to its fullest by educating drivers and their families about the changes that have the potential to affect driving and the resources available.”

For a listing of all the CarFit events in Florida, go to the website car-fit.org/ carfit/RegisterCarFit/FL. Another avenue available for senior drivers is the Mature Defensive Driver class.

Many mature drivers have never looked back since receiving a driver’s license. Traffic laws, automobiles, conditions, your driving habits and the roads you travel every day have changed over time. Even the most experienced drivers will benefit from brushing up on driving and safety skills. In addition, you will save money on your insurance rates.

The class is a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) approved course. It is for drivers 55 and older. Senior drivers that complete this course will receive up to a 10 percent insurance discount on their automobile insurance rates during the next three years. This includes Geico, USAA, Progressive, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, AARP and all other carriers licensed in Florida.

The Mature Driver Insurance Discount Course is available in a classroom or online.

Another program available for mature drivers is through the Florida Department of Transportation’s Safe Mobility for Life Program.

Gail M. Holley, the program’s research manager, said the state is planning numerous events during Older Driver Safety Awareness Week.

“We want to promote the

DRIVING

continued to page 20

myseniorlife.com

A

B IN CONCERT FOR SENIOR LIFE Julie Sturgeon

Boomer Bash participants take a spin on iTrikeMoore tricycles at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Park on Merritt Island.

Tricycles bring seniors together for fun, fresh air

physically active, and that bothered her.

“I had always been very physically The fresh air and freedom of active, including biking for 10 years,” pedaling a bike can be exhilarating at Moore said. “So, losing that ability any age. really made me feel old fast.”

But for some seniors, maintaining Moore got back on her bike and balance on a two-wheel bike is no worked hard at it, riding for hours at a longer possible. time during the summer of 2017.

Adult tricycles, or trikes, are ideal “The problem was that George for seniors who enjoy bike riding but couldn’t go with need the added me because of his stability a third balance issues,” wheel offers. With Moore said. “So, it trikes, riders do not wasn’t very social need to maintain and fun for me.” balance and are not One day, the as liable to tip over.

Moores stopped Terri and by Bob’s Bicycles George Moore so George could are a trike riding try out a trike. couple who offer He instantly said group cycling tours he felt like a kid. to help seniors get The Moores soon moving and get together. purchased two “We’re not trikes and started about miles and having a blast physical fitness as riding together.

— Terri Moore much as getting A retired social seniors back out psychologist, in the community and socializing in Moore became aware of the benefits of fresh air, enjoying an hour ride in the physical activity for seniors. She soon morning,” Terri Moore said. decided to start a business so others A bonus feature of adult tricycles could join them on their excursions. is a flat seat, which allows the rider to Her company, iTrikeMoore tours, sit upright instead of leaning forward. emphasizes an easy-going approach.

Atlas SunTrikes are modified for Weekly Wickham Park morning comfort, safety and ease. rides consist of an hour tour where The trikes have three speeds for riders enjoy a leisurely group ride. gentler pedaling, both hand and foot Trikes are provided for all tours. brakes, and of most importance, “It’s just been so much fun for us wide cushioned seats with padded to see people really engaged with their ergonomic backrests. bodies again.”

Moore said. “We feel It was after five knee surgeries like we are part of something good.” spanning more than a decade that Terri For more information, call 321-372Moore knew she had work to do to 8333, or go to iTrikeMoore.com or regain her physical strength. Moore had started to lose her ability to be Facebook online. SL

Valentine’s

BY JULIE STURGEON

“We’re not about miles and physical fitness as much as getting seniors back out in the community and socializing in fresh air, enjoying an hour ride in the morning.”

February 13, 2019 AMWAY CENTER ORLANDO, FLORIDA GIVE THE GIFT OF ROMANCE D U R I N G T H E H O L I D AY S

PURCHASE TICKETS AT TICKETMASTER.COM OR CHARGE-BY-PHONE AT 1.800.745.3000.

SENIOR LIFE Julie Sturgeon

Terri and George Moore share their enthusiasm for trike riding with other seniors.

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

13

SeniorLife

STRIPES Brevard Veterans News

Saxophonist hits all right notes during storied military career

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

Some seemingly mundane incidents can have tremendous impact on a person’s life. In the case of Andrew Cleaver, this happened when an elementary school buddy showed him the saxophone he had found at home.

“I was hooked,” Cleaver said.

From that day forward, the saxophone would be an important part of Cleaver’s life and his career.

The Baltimore native, who grew up in Lakeland, graduated from Florida Southern College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education.

“I thought I was going to be a teacher,” the Melbourne resident said.

His band director had other ideas, however, and he arranged for special auditions with the Marines and Air Force bands. The Air Force made Cleaver an offer he couldn’t refuse.

Cleaver enlisted in 1988, joining the Heritage of America Band at Langley Air Force Base as a saxophonist.

By 1992, he was in Germany as the principal alto sax in the concert band of the United States Air Forces in Europe Band. Other additions to Cleaver’s resume at the time included the job of lead alto to the Air Force’s Glenn Miller Band, the military’s

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Andrew Cleaver

Andrew Cleaver, who enlisted in the Air Force in 1988, has performed in front of England’s Queen Mother, former Prime Minister John Major, and Presidents Bush, Clinton and Obama. Cleaver was part of the Inauguration Parade for President Obama and served on the funeral procession for President Ford.

version of the Glenn Miller Band, and of drum major for its ceremonial band.

The result was that Cleaver was very, very busy with the sax.

The sax even led him to romance, for it was during one of his

performances in England that he met his future wife, Ruth, a dancer.

Cleaver’s audiences have included some heavy hitters such as England’s Queen Mother, former Prime Minister John Major and U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Obama. He was part of the Inauguration Parade for President Obama and served on the funeral procession for President Ford.

He will never forget the performance for the Queen Mum, not just because of the extraordinary lady who was listening, but also because the whole gig was spent playing in the rain.

“We were basically marching in the mud,” he said.

Bill Clinton joined Cleaver onstage to play the extra sax that had been brought just in case.

“At one point, he lost track of the music and I got to help a U.S. president get back on track,” Cleaver said.

After Germany, Cleaver headed to Scott Air Force Base to join the Band of Mid-America, where he served as drum major, sax player, photographer and videographer. The assignment led to two years with the Air Force Public Affairs Office at the Pentagon. The job was great, but the first day on the job could have been better.

“My first day at the Pentagon was Sept. 11, 2001,” Cleaver said.

Two years later, he joined the United States Air Force Band in Washington, later playing sax as a member of the Air Force’s premier jazz ensemble, the Airmen of Note, until he retired in 2009.

“Growing up, I had listened to the Airmen of Note, and they were like the Beatles to me,” he said.

Among Cleaver’s career highlights was participating in the Grammywinning “PDQ Bach — Music for an Awful Lot of Winds and Percussion.”

“It’s nice to have our name on the jacket of a Grammy winner,” he said.

These days, he works for the IRS, but don’t get scared, for Cleaver is a manager in the department’s Charities Division, which helps small charities apply for federal tax exemption.

In his spare time, he performs with the Central Florida Winds, the Space Coast Big Band and Melbourne Municipal Band’s sax quartet. He teaches the instrument, too, and his students include a 76-year-old retired police officer who wanted Cleaver to knock off a bucket list must-do for him. SL

World War II veteran, space program engineer pens memoir

BY FLORA REIGADA Ike Rigell of Titusville has been more than an eyewitness to history.

He helped make it and has recorded his experiences in a memoir, “Ike: The Memoir of Isom ‘Ike’ Rigell.” It is published by Koehler Books.

Born in 1923, Rigell grew up in Slocomb, Alabama during the Great Depression.

“I enlisted in the Marine Corps right after high school,” he said.

Rigell’s baptism of fire came Dec. 7, 1941 on Midway Island, where the 18 year old was operating a small, combat-telephone switchboard.

“Japanese naval forces attacked Pearl Harbor in the morning and attacked our Marine garrison at night,” he said.

Rigell went on to fight in the battles of Midway, Iwo Jima, Saipan and Tinian. He was wounded by a piece of shrapnel from a mortar shell.

After four years of service, he earned a degree from Georgia Tech.

He entered the space industry in 1952 at the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Next came the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. Rigell went on to become a member of the original launch team at Cape Canaveral.

“I was a member of the launch team

14

for the free world’s first satellite, Explorer 1, and the team which launched the first American, Alan Shepard, into space,” he said.

Rigell’s other accomplishments in the space industry include being chief engineer and deputy director for every launch of the Apollo program during which 12 men walked on the moon.

Leaving NASA, he worked for United Technologies and retired in 1991 as vice president of United Space Boosters, Inc., Florida Operations.

Rigell and his wife, Katherine, have been married for 64 years.

Their retirement has been a time of travel and intrigue.

The couple took two trips to Russia, where they distributed Bibles in Red Square.

“We smuggled Bibles into China,” he said.

She did her part.

“I hid little New Testaments in pockets inside my petticoat,” she said.

Rigell’s publisher writes, “Ike’s emotional, poignant and often humorous account of his life pays tribute to our history through the timehonored tradition of storytelling.”

For more information, go to koehlerbooks.com/book/ike-thememoir-of-isom-ike-rigell/. SL

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada

World War II veteran and space industry pioneer Ike Rigell of Titusville has penned his memoir, “Ike: The Memoir of Isom ‘Ike’ Rigell.”

myseniorlife.com

Auxiliary unit forms to serve veterans, military members, families It always is so refreshing to see the many organizations and groups that advocate for veterans represented at different events in Brevard County.

There were a few at this year’s Veterans Day commemoration at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center.

One table included the newly forming American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 344, which will make its home at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center. The group will meet there at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of every month.

Dorothy Walsh is president of the unit, which started with 20 charter members, and expects to have 25 to 30 by the time it is officially chartered this month.

Walsh is a true advocate for veterans,

Veterans’ Advocate R. Norman Moody

who is involved in many different endeavors that help those who served in the military or those still serving and their families.

She and others were at the commemoration at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center sharing information

about the new unit.

These are all people who are true volunteers, advocates for veterans and their families. That is their objective, their reason for being an auxiliary unit — to serve.

American Legion Auxiliary’s mission is to serve veterans, active duty military and their families. It provides educational programs and scholarships.

One auxiliary program is to develop leadership among children and educate them about the basic ideals and principles of government to help ensure the survival of democracy.

“The auxiliary is to help support the aims and accomplishments of the American Legion,’ Walsh said. “We

WINTER CHECKUP TIME Check Your Heater Before You Need It

support each other.”

American Legion is a veterans’ service organization dedicated to mutual help. It serves to mentor youth, sponsors community programs advocating patriotism, promotes national security and shows dedication to fellow veterans.

The auxiliary unit will be for those 18 and older and will also have a junior unit for children up to age 17.

For those who would like to know more about the unit or maybe join it, they can attend one of the meetings held at the Veterans Center.

Potential members also can contact Walsh at 321-426-6736 or dwalshusa@ gmail.com. SL

The Murtha Law Group, PA Kevin M. Murtha

Attorney and Counselor at Law

RESIDENTIAL ONLY Air & Heat Tune-Up

Matt Walker

Now Only

Licensed & Insured Commercial / Residential

$54.95

*parts not included Limited Time Offer One Discount per household

Serving Brevard County · Estate Planning · Wills · Trusts · Probate · Family Law 7351 Office Park Place Melbourne 32940

CALL TODAY 321-544-0953

KMurtha@MurthaLaw.us

321.600.4989

Trusted Legal Advice

Indian River Colony Club 888-835-8765

55+ Military Community

• Secure Country Club Living • 2-4 BR Single Family Homes • Extensive Maintenance Program, inside & outside!

• Private 18 Hole, Par 72 Golf Course • Over 40 Groups & Activities

Come and play! Join one of our resident hosts to play a round of golf, have dinner in the At Ease Club, tour the community, and have the opportunity to ask your host all of your questions about living here at IRCC.

Getting in the spirit of Christmas, IRCC members celebrate and donate with the annual tree lighting party See our home listings and floorplans online at

www.ColonyClub.com

Golf is a gift that lasts all year!

Memberships are available.

real estate

Ask about our Military Discount!

Indian River Colony Club · 1936 Freedom Dr · Viera FL 32940 · corporate@colonyclub.com 321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

15

We’re more than just a home healthcare company

Images from 2018 Veterans Day at Brevard Veterans Memorial Center SENIOR LIFE Darrell Woehler

For nearly 20 years, the VNA has focused on caring for patients and our community • • • •

Chronic disease management Post-surgical nursing care Physical therapy Medication management

• Free community blood pressure and sugar screenings • Community flu shot clinics

321.710.9345 www.vnatc.com

License# HHA299991471

Say Yes to New Adventures!

31

5 STAR RATING

Residential Living | Assisted Living Skilled Nursing Care Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Services

Open House

CALL TODAY our Hear Y e v t December 18th • 10am-1pm Lo 1200 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL Health 32952 Fair Refreshments • Music • Prizes & more!

1200 S. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island April 13 • 9 - 1 Visit: www.CourtenaySpringsVillage.org

321-452-1233

SNF# 11070961

Call for info: 321-452-1233

Retirement Housing Foundation ALF# 7476 SNF# 11070961 AT COURTENAY SPRINGS VILLAGE Celebrating For Language Assistance Service, Call: 562-257-5255 TDD # 800-545-1833 Ext. 359 FOR MORE INFORMATION FREE PLEASE CALL Residential Living | Skilled Nursing Care | Rehabilitation 321-452-1233

and Therapeutic Services

16

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

myseniorlife.com

Holiday season can be tough on military families

SPECIAL FOR SENIOR LIFE

BY CHRIS BONANNO For military families, the holiday season isn’t always easy, as some must deal with loved ones being stationed away from home.

Still, families have found ways to deal with the separation.

Among those doing so is the family of U.S. Air Force Capt. Henry L. Sims Jr., nicknamed “Shooter.” He is stationed in southwest Asia. Sims lived in Rockledge when he was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base, but he has relocated his family to Georgia while he’s deployed.

Sims missed Thanksgiving (also his birthday) with his loved ones, but he said he’ll spend Christmas with his family that includes his wife Latisha, along with his 22-year-old daughter Deja, 15-year-old son Jordan, three brothers and two sisters.

Still, with tours of duty that have also included a deployment in various roles to the Horn of Africa, the Sims family has had to adjust.

“Separation from the family is never easy, however, there are ways to get through it,” Sims said in an email. “My wife and I like to create milestones instead of counting down the days to the end. This helps time go by. Also, we take advantage of the time apart to focus on personal goals.

We like to cheer each other on and it takes our attention away from the long days away.”

Latisha Sims adds that the time spent apart is difficult.

“Holidays are filled with many traditions for my family, and my husband’s absence will be missed,” said Latisha Sims via e-mail. “Though I may surround myself with extended family, the holiday experience isn’t the same. My soul yearns to be near my husband, entertaining friends/ family, enjoying holiday treats and making memories.”

To communicate with each other, Capt. Sims said the pair uses FaceTime. Latisha Sims adds that she enjoys that and another form of corresponding.

“During the earlier part of my husband’s military career, there were

321-242-1235

Former POW speaks at MOAACC luncheon

SENIOR LIFE photo

U.S. Air Force Capt. Henry L. Sims Jr. and his wife, Latisha, plan to spend the holidays with their family.

times where phone calls were near impossible,” added Latisha Sims. ”Going from nearly no communication to an experience where I can see and hear him is amazing … Though I am a big fan of modern technology, to be honest, I still favor handwritten letters; they make me smile and warm my heart. My husband is quite aware of my feelings for this antiquated means of communication and surprises me occasionally with a letter that I can add to my collection.”

As Latisha Sims mentioned, communication hasn’t always been as accessible for military families.

Former U.S. Army Infantry Capt.

Donn Weaver, who served in Korea and Vietnam in the late 1960s and into 1970, was engaged to be married while serving overseas. Some of the modern technology did not exist, so Weaver had to communicate with her through hand-written letters.

“No emails, no calls,” Weaver said.

FAMILY

continued to page 20

Retired Air Force Col. Michael Lane, a former prisoner of war, was the featured speaker at the October luncheon of the Military Officers Association of America, Cape Canaveral Chapter (MOAACC). He spoke about his experiences of being shot down over North Vietnam, his time in captivity and his repatriation to the United States.

Lane entered Air Force pilot training in 1964. He completed training in F4 aircraft and in April 1965 reported for his first operational assignment at Royal Air Force Bentwaters in the United Kingdom.

He was transferred to Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam on Nov. 12, 1966, and he was shot down over North Vietnam 20 days later. He was held prisoner for 2,270 days before being repatriated on Feb. 18, 1973.

Lane served for several years in various capacities in the Air Force Systems Command, retiring in September 1986. He then began a second career working for McDonnell Douglas Helicopters and forming a company with three other colleagues to build aircraft simulators and ground-based training systems before finally retiring in 2013.

Lane’s military awards include: a Silver Star; 2 Legions of Merit;

FREE Hearing Tests CALL TODAY!

SERVING ALL OF BREVARD

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of MOAA

Michael Lane was born in 1941 in New Haven, Connecticut. He was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC Program at the University of Notre Dame on Feb. 1, 1964. He went on active duty beginning June 6, 1964.

the Distinguished Flying Cross; the Bronze Star with V device; a Purple Heart; the Air Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal and the POW Medal.

SL

321-253-6310 You Deserve Better Hearing NOW MAKING HOUSE CALLS IN-HOME EVALUATION* *small service charge

Full service & testing in your home • Full Line of 100% Digital Hearing Aids • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee • State-of-the-Art Testing Equipment • We Service All Makes & Models • More than 25 Years Experience

VIERA OFFICE

One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Rd. Financing available, Insurance accepted

A Respectful Experience, We Listen to You and Hear What You Say

SANDRA WAGNER BC-HIS

PersonalHearingSolutions@outlook.com • PersonalHearing.org

STRIPES

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

17

SENIOR LIFE Bob Parente

Veterans had the opportunity to paint a few of the stars of a 190-foot by 100-foot American flag at the inaugural Suntree Veterans Day Celebration at Jack Mahon Park.

There were enough veterans to stand on each of the 50 stars.

Flag painting highlights event honoring veterans

BY CHRIS BONANNO Hundreds spent Veterans Day honoring American heroes at the inaugural Suntree Veterans Day Celebration at Jack Mahon Park.

The event featured a program that included a Patriot Guard flag line, the National Anthem and invocation that preceded words from guest speakers, including Kay Hilbrandt, who served as a Women Airforce Service Pilot or “WASP,” and Brevard County Commissioner Curt Smith.

“We’ve got freedoms today that probably a few countries in this world aspire to,” Smith said. “You just can’t say enough of our veterans and what they’ve done for us.”

But perhaps the highlight of the event involved the painting of what Suntree Master Homeowners Association facilities director Mike Beasy said was a large 190-foot by 100-foot American flag on the park grass by organizers. A few of the stars were left unpainted prior to the event on purpose so that veterans could come and paint them.

“It’s awesome for what the flag stands for,” said Richard MacDonald of Suntree, who served for seven years in the Air Force and who helped paint one of the stars. “It stands for all the good stuff that America’s about.”

In addition to the ceremonial events, a car show featuring cars owned by veterans also was held. Free refreshments were donated by local businesses, according to organizers.

The event was put on by the Suntree Master HOA. The association members believed there needed to be an event in the area to honor military heroes.

“We love our veterans,” said Susie Parente, who serves as the association’s social and marketing director and who helped organize the event. “They’re the stars of our community, (and) we wanted them to paint our stars.”

“Todd Foley is our general manager and he’s been wanting to do something like this for a long, long time and we

felt this was the time to do it,” added Forrest Miles, a veteran of the Korean War, who also serves as president of the association’s board of directors. “Very big endeavor of putting this flag out. Our staff did all the painting and we think everybody’s going to enjoy it.” SL SENIOR LIFE Bob Parente

Kay Hilbrandt, who served as a Women Airforce Service Pilot or “WASP,” spoke about her experiences during World War II.

DIANA ROCA, REALTOR ® Coldwell Banker

321-960-0140 | RealtyBrevard.com

Whether you are looking for a vacation home, downsizing to a hip condo, or up-sizing where family can visit comfortably – Realtor® DIANA ROCA and TEAM USA MORTGAGE is the reliable team you can trust.

We take care of all details, from application to closing.

Visit www.TeamUSAMortgage.com or Call us at (877) 996-9998

SENIOR LIFE Bob Parente

Veterans painted some of the stars during the ceremony at Jack Mahon Park in Suntree.

18

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

STRIPES

NMLS: 9908

myseniorlife.com

Wreath ceremony honors local veterans

BY FLORA REIGADA National Wreaths Across America Day will take place Dec. 15 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery and more than 1,400 additional locations across the United States, at sea and abroad.

The events, coordinated by Wreaths Across America, host the placing of wreaths where U.S. veterans have been laid to rest.

Betty Jo Green is location coordinator for Wreaths Across America at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

“It is an honor to serve,” Green said.

According to the group’s website, its mission is to “remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve and teach your children the value of freedom.”

The community is invited to attend the local ceremony, the third at the 2½-year-old cemetery at 5525 U.S. 1 in Mims. It starts at 11:45 a.m.

Donna Baroody, adjutant at the American Legion Post 1 in Titusville, said the organization will assist with the event, as it did last year.

“Our American Legion Riders escorted the wreaths to the cemetery,” she said. “We also participated by acquiring wreaths and assisting at the event. Honoring our veterans is our No. 1 mission.”

Individuals and organizations can help by placing the wreaths on

SENIOR LIFE Flora Reigada

Wreaths Across America honored 2,600 veterans interred at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims. This year’s event is Dec. 15 at the 2½-year-old cemetery.

the graves.

“In 2017, we were able to honor all 2,600 veterans interred,” Green said.

“But given the rate of increase, the projected need for the Dec. 15 ceremony at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery is 4,600 wreaths.”

However, fundraising is an ongoing process.

“We need many volunteers interested

in fundraising throughout the year.”

Recent efforts have helped, but about 3,000 wreaths still need to be sponsored to honor each veteran interred this year.

Wreaths can be sponsored for $15 each.

“We welcome all donations,” Green said.

Checks can be made payable to Wreaths Across America and sent to:

Betty Jo Green P.O. Box 372041 Satellite Beach, FL 32937 For more information, call 321-7771007 or go to wreathsacrossamerica. org.

Another wreath-laying ceremony will be at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 15, at the Brevard Veterans Cemetery, 1143 Day St. in Titusville. Wreaths can be ordered at wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/42811/ Overview/?relatedId=42659. SL

Automatic Fall Detection

Includes wristband, belt clip and your choice of colors

20 20

% OFF

321-242-1235

STRIPES

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

19

BoomerSenior

FAMILY

continued from page 17 Weaver said he proposed to Jeanne Weaver, now his wife, on a boat in July 1969 as Apollo 11 lifted off. The lack of communication made him worried about the engagement.

“We did through letters, plan the wedding,” Weaver said. “I wrote about 100 letters. She wrote about 200.”

Weaver noted the situation was challenging, but that he and the other soldiers made the best of it.

“I was not just lonely but hoping against hope that I would have many holidays with her and the four kids that we ended up having,” Weaver added. SL

Sentiments

What was the most memorable event (happy) in your life this past year?

Photos by Walter Kiely

SENIOR LIFE photo

U.S. Air Force Capt. Henry L. Sims Jr. is stationed in southwest Asia. Sims lived in Rockledge when he was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base, but he has relocated his family to Georgia while he’s deployed.

The world’s trusted source for non-medical companionship and home care for seniors.

• Transistional Care • Medication Reminders • Personal Care Call for Consultation • Meal Preparation 321-751-1003 • Light Housekeeping • Transportation for shopping/ doctor appointments

HHA 29993664

Pat Wentworth

Iris Rogers

The most memorable moment of my life this past year was when my granddaughter Kiara was born.

I moved here last year and I am very excited that all of my family is coming here this year for Thanksgiving.

Val Klotz

Tammy Brodhead

The most memorable moment of my life this past year was when my rescue dog Toby made my home his forever home.

The most memorable moment of my life this past year is everyday with my Pit bull. There are only happy days!

DRIVING

Live the Lifestyle You Deserve at Lamplighter Village

Open House December 15th!

Why rent when you can buy for less!

Resort Amenities & Activities Beyond our luxurious new homes, there will be plenty to enjoy with your new neighbors: • Resort-Style Pool Deck • Pool Side Outdoor Kitchen & Wet Bar • WiFi Sundeck • Wellness Fitness Center

• Ceramics Studio • Dog Park • 8 Pickleball Courts • 8 Shuffleboard Courts

New homes from the low $100s

• 8 Bocce Ball Courts • 18 Hole Mini Golf Course • Aqua Aerobics & Yoga • 70 Activities Monthly

Pre-owned homes from $30,000

Special incentives included as well!

New homes starting in low $100’s, 2 and 3 bedroom homes, 1200 to 1600 sq. ft! All appliances included, complete with front porch, carport and storage shed. Upgrades everywhere!...2” x 6” construction, crown molding, double pane windows, double sinks, fiberglass showers and more! Maintenance free living outside home! Ask about our year end promotion!

Incredible selection of pre-owned homes from the low $30’s, with great locations….lakefront, preserve and canal views, big back yards! Some homes completely remodeled and renovated. Appliances included, screened lanais and storage shed also! Easy financing available on all homes!

Come see why Lamplighter Village is the PREMIER age

LamplighterHomesFL.com qualified community on the Space Coast.

Upcoming Events in December!

CALL US TODAY TO BOOK A HOME TOUR

(321) 254-0303

20

• Children’s Christmas Party – 12/1 • Resident Christmas Party – 12/8 • Christmas Golf Cart Party – 12/9 • Cal-Am Christmas Party – 12/13 • New Year’s Eve Party – 12/31

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

Lamplighter Village Age Qualified Community 500 Lantern Blvd.

Melbourne, FL 32934

from page 12

importance of knowing how to drive safely longer and how to remain active and independent long after transitioning from driving,” she said.

Holley said the Safe Mobility for Life Coalition’s mission is to implement a strategic plan to increase the safety, access and mobility of Florida’s aging road users and eliminate fatalities and reduce serious injuries.

“The organizations that represent the Safe Mobility for Life Coalition all have responsibilities and/or interests in aging road user safety and mobility,” she said.

Holley said during Florida’s Older Driver Safety Awareness Week a special website will go on line live. The address is: safemobilityfl.com/ODSAW2018. htm The webpage is a one-stop shop to promote the program’s keys to achieve safe mobility for life — understand, be proactive and plan.

From the site, Holley said people will be able to: Find an event near them with an interactive map.

Order educational materials.

Schedule a workshop.

Download an outreach toolkit.

Sign up for the e-newsletter that will launch Dec. 3.

Holley said additional links available are the program’s community calendar where they will post all CarFit, AARP and AAA driver safety courses, and FLOWmobile locations when they become available. The links are: calendar.google.com/calendar/ and Florida’s Guide for Aging Drivers: safemobilityfl.com/Outreach.htm#guide.

SL

myseniorlife.com

“To care for and nurture the human spirit one resident at a time.”

Limited lake-view apartments now available ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

World-class senior living community located in the heart of Suntree.

Chateau Madeleine provides the backdrop for a refined Floridian lifestyle. Engaging and welcoming, it’s Melbourne’s premier place to stay and create memories with family and friends alike.

All-inclusive monthly pricing: Ask about the Founders Club 3-Year Lock Rate & Special Pre-Lease pricing

1 & 2 bedroom luxury apartment homes.

Features wood-like flooring in living room, carpet in bedrooms, walk-in closet, kitchenette, ceiling fans and more!

PET FRIENDLY

All-inclusive Memory Care private studios with secured courtyard & garden.

Business Partner

ALF license pending

Reserve your new apartment today!

Call 321-701-8000 321-242-1235

NON-SMOKING

sales@suntreeseniorliving.com www.suntreeseniorliving.com The office is located inside Suntree Internal Medicine at:

6619 North Wickham Road • Melbourne, FL 32940

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

21

Health & Wellness Calendar

Dec. 5 • 9:30 - 11 a.m.

VNA Community Wellness Clinic The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) is a Medicare certified home health agency that also provides community wellness services throughout Brevard.

Get blood pressure and glucose screened for free.

Fast from midnight the night before to get glucose screened.

Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104 Dec. 14 • 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Can You Hear Me Now?, Lunch and Learn Personal Hearing Solutions will showcase new advances in hearing aids in a one-onone meeting.

One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-253-6310

Health & Wellness Senior Life

Flu shot, precautions can help in avoiding virus Doctors recommend a flu shot for people older than 65, pregnant women and people with diseases such as COPD, asthma, heart and nervous system disorders.

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER It’s here again — cold and influenza season. Mount your defenses by getting your sleep and keeping the hand sanitizer in use.

“For flu and cold prevention, the best thing is to avoid anyone sick,” said Dr. Evangelia Fotopoulos, a family medicine physician of the Steward Medical Group in Melbourne.

“The other thing is soap and water and hygiene and hand sanitizer. If someone is coughing, stay at least 3 feet away from the person.”

Fotopoulos also recommends wearing a mask over the nose and mouth if you are sick and going to the doctor, or you have an appointment and will be waiting in the office.

“In close proximity in care facilities, you have more of a chance to catch the flu,” Fotopoulos said.

“Not only if you catch it, it can linger on surfaces such as doorknobs and remote controls. It is important to clean afterward.”

She recommends coughing and sneezing into a tissue and disposing of the tissue and then washing your

LIVING WELL

SENIOR LIFE photo

hands. Usually those are the key factors.

“I recommend a flu shot for especially high-risk young patients, people older than 65 and pregnant women and people with diseases such as COPD, asthma, heart and nervous system who are at higher risk,” Fotopoulos said. “Flu immunization shots have been effective even in previous years when not as effective against the special strain. It helps you keep from getting complications.”

Self-limited flu usually goes away in two weeks, added Fotopoulos. Fever goes away in about two to five days.

“Anything over 100 degrees is considered a fever,” Fotopoulos said. “Influenza virus is muscle and

headache and a general fatigue with coughing and sneezing. These flu-like symptoms are very general. Be aware during flu season an incubation period is one to four days. Give yourself time for your body to fight this.”

Treat it by staying home, resting and getting plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, advised the doctor.

“Get electrolytes into the body and have chicken soup because it has electrolytes,” Fotopoulos said. “If you feel like you are not getting fluids in and the fever is not responding to home remedies, then contact your family care provider and get tested for the flu.” SL

sponsored by

Keeping muscles toned can prevent debilitating and life-threatening falls

Mike Patterson, PT

greater the muscle tone, the less likely a fall.

One of the greatest dangers that seniors face daily is simple gravity. As people advance into their later years, falls are an ever-present risk that can lead to serious injury and even death.

These are fairly simple exercises that anyone can do at home. There’s no fancy equipment necessary, only a chair.

For example, something as simple as holding onto the back of a chair and standing on tiptoe — raising and lowering heels from the floor — can help tone a person’s “anti-fall” muscles in the lower body.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 3 million older people in the United States receive treatment in emergency departments after sustaining a fall. More than 800,000 are hospitalized, often for a hip or head injury.

Falls are the number-one cause of traumatic brain injury among seniors, also accounting for 95 percent of hip fractures. More than 300,000 require hospitalization for this serious injury, which is often caused by falling sideways. To make matters worse, if a senior suffers one fall, the chances of falling again double.

Why seniors are prone to falling This raises a critical question: Are such falls simply an inevitable part of growing older?

Not necessarily.

There are several reasons people 65 and older are more prone to falling. One is the loss of muscle mass that occurs as people age and become increasingly inactive. This loss has a number of negative consequences. It weakens the lower body, making a fall more likely.

22

Exercises also include rising slowly from a chair and sitting again, repeatedly.

These may seem simple enough, but doing such exercises regularly can lower an elderly person’s risk of a serious fall.

Remember, your muscles provide your skeletal system with padding – an important function that prevents bone fractures. As the muscle mass declines, the bones may break more easily as they contact the hard surfaces.

To get more specifics on Senior Strengthening, please make it a point to attend the next health lecture at One Senior Place. You’ll learn specifics about the different exercises seniors can do environment and avoid tripping hazards. to keep muscles strong. Make yourself Some seniors experience medication more fall-resistant: Please join us Dec. 14 side effects, such as dizziness. Nerve at 2 p.m. damage in the legs and feet can also be a Living Well Lecture factor for those who have suffered heart problems or type 2 diabetes. In addition, "Strength Training for Seniors" that inward sense of where one’s body is positioned relative to other objects can Speaker: Mike Patterson, PT diminish with age. All of these things Friday, December 14 at 2 p.m. can contribute to a dangerous fall.

Other causes There are many other problems that contribute to falling, for example, vision impairment. When a person can’t see well, it’s hard to negotiate the

Falls are preventable But of these causes, the loss of physical strength is one that a person can mitigate with a little effort. That means exercising to keep important muscles toned. The

When such people do trip or stumble, they may have difficulty catching themselves and preventing the fall because of a weak upper body.

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

One Senior Place

8085 Spyglass Hill Rd., Viera, FL 32940

Register at rockledgeregional.org or by calling (800) 522-6363

myseniorlife.com

Distract self to avoid holiday depression

N LTATIO

ONSU FREE C

WE PUT OUR

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Baking, shopping and gatherings to party and see friends. People love the Christmas holidays. But for some people, depression seeps in. Those happy times become cold and blue.

“Depression during the holidays — it comes up every year and generally people think of the holidays as a happy time going to parties,” psychologist Irvine P.R. Guyett said.

“But a lot of people are left out of that due to traveling or a senior left at home alone. It is an absence of those happy opportunities to participate in something. It also can remind people of times that no longer exist in their past or they miss family. The holidays bring up a lot of those kinds of memories.

“Then there are the ‘supposed to’s’ — such as getting a gift, trying to decide what to get, not being able to afford it, thus creating conflict.

Or, people don’t want to get together with family because some kind of strife is going on and they don’t want to. Things are not good at work, companies finish off the year by firing people at the holidays, or at the end of a fiscal year in October, companies lay people off and people are facing the holidays with no work.”

A lot of the depression stems from either reminding people of a loss or a sense of looking back at the year. That, too, can cause depression.

“Did I get done this year what I wanted to get done or did I do something this year that I should not have done, so guilt is associated with

in Caring for your loved one

SENIOR LIFE photo

Psychologists say the best way to deal with depression is to “work at it during the year. See that you stay in touch with friends and have things you enjoy doing.” it. Some people are on the edge of being moderately happy and then the holidays come and pushes them over the edge and they think about things that make them even more unhappy.”

So how do you cope with depression?

“The best thing is to work at it during the year,” Guyett said. “See that you stay in touch with friends and have things you enjoy doing. So, you are keeping your mood at a good place all the time and being around people who you enjoy and are supportive of you. Get involved in activities that are going to sustain you even when other people are not around. Do things you enjoy doing in a routine so when tough

It’s tough

for seniors to stop smoking

BY ERNEST ARICO Smoking is tough to give up at any age, but it can be particularly difficult for seniors whose smoking habit is decades long.

Smoking also is a lifestyle habit that can lead to several life-threatening diseases. Because of this, an increasing number of people are trying to give up the habit.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 42 million adults smoked in 2016, highlighting the large number of people who continue to put their lives at risk. These adults can turn to tips from physicians and those who succeeded at quitting as they try to stop smoking.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explained that the mortality rate for those who smoke is three times higher than for people who don’t smoke. The conditions directly related to smoking include respiratory disease, several forms of cancer and vascular disease. In total, the number of people who die from these side effects of smoking is around 480,000 a year.

SMOKING

Sign s of a

times come along you have these things to sustain you.”

Guyett suggests joining a club that is going to have a social around the holidays, or join a neighborhood party, something with conviviality, a sense of fun. That is taking the opposite direction of sense of loss.

Senior support is available locally.

“Aging Matters in Brevard provides support groups and workshops on ‘Coping with the Holidays’ at the Sunflower House Senior and Caregiver Resource Center in the Merritt Square Mall,” said Sherri Law, the director of advancement for the organization. SL

5

Vital Life Number

♥ Care Management ♥ Care Assistance ♥ Companions/Sitters ♥ Transportation and Errands ♥ Dementia Care ♥ Meal Preparation ♥ Medication Reminders ♥ Home or Facility Assistance ♥ Housekeeping / Laundry ♥ Hourly or Live-In Specialists ♥ On Call Supervision 24/7 ♥ Pet Assistance

Our Caregivers are background screened, insured, licensed, bonded and payroll employees.

We Bill Insurance Companies

We are a Senior Resource Information Center

321-255-0107

Lic S227323

www.comfortsohc.com Serving Brevard County for 19 Years

ts r A e h T

“Color me happy!”

–Pauline, Victoria Landing Resident

A neighborhood full of the arts is only one sign that Victoria Landing residents enjoy a vital life.

Discover all the other signs for yourself, call today for a personal tour:

321-339-0206

1279 Houston Street, Melbourne, Fl 32935 www.VictoriaLanding.com Assisted Living Facility License #12434

continued to page 31

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

23

Johnson Aluminum Products LLC NEW PATIOS & RESCREENING

RESCREENING POOLS & PATIOS

10 OFF 250 321-956-3102 %

up to $

with this ad.

ONE COUPON PER ORDER/MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF SALE

www.JohnsonAluminumProducts.com 365 Stan Dr. #102, W. Melbourne, FL

24

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

LIC. & INS. CBC-1260648

myseniorlife.com

Behind the

Beat

‘Those Were the Days’ — Mary Hopkin, December 1968

BY RANDAL HILL Paul McCartney of the Beatles first heard of Mary Hopkin when he was eating dinner at his father’s Liverpool home one night. Included at the table were friends Twiggy (the British supermodel) and her manager.

The conversation turned to TV talentdiscovery shows, and the younger McCartney wondered aloud whether anyone was ever really discovered on such programs?

Twiggy responded that she recently had seen a cute 17-year-old Welsh girl named Mary Hopkin on a show called “Opportunity Knocks.” Twiggy, impressed with the young lady’s high, clear voice, predicted — correctly — that Hopkin would win on the next week’s broadcast.

McCartney became intrigued enough to tune in. He too quickly fell

under the spell of Hopkin’s voice and her striking and wholesome looks.

The Beatles had recently started their own label — Apple Records — and were on the lookout for talent other than themselves to promote.

“So, I thought, OK,” McCartney said, “quite right. We should sign her up for Apple, maybe make an interesting record with her.”

To Hopkin’s amazement, McCartney called her and suggested they meet for lunch in London. They did (along with Mary’s mother) and, on the same day, visited a neighborhood recording studio where Hopkin recorded several songs.

Years earlier, at a London club called the Blue Angel, McCartney had heard “Those Were the Days,” at the time sung by touring American performers Gene and Francesca Riskin. The tune featured a haunting

Russian melody but, courtesy of Gene Riskin, employed English lyrics and arrangement. The song had originated as a 1925 Russian romance piece called “Dorogoi Dinnoyu” — literally.

McCartney loved the song and suggested it to friends Donovan and the Moody Blues, but neither showed interest. Later, McCartney decided to produce the tune himself with Hopkin.

“I thought it was very catchy, it had something, it was a good treatment of nostalgia,” McCartney said. “(Hopkin) picked it up very easily, as if she’d known it for years.”

The future eight-million seller became Apple’s second released single, immediately following the Beatles’ “Hey Jude.”

McCartney was prescient in picking “Those Were the Days” for his new artist. The song reached No. 2 on Billboard, and numerous other artists,

including Bing Crosby and Dolly Parton, recorded the rousing tune.

McCartney also believed the work had international appeal and asked Hopkin to record versions in Italian, Farsi, Spanish, French and German — sung phonetically, just as the Beatles had done when they cut German versions of “She Loves You” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” in 1964.

Alas, Hopkins’s star soon faded but not before leaving behind two more Top 40 winners with the McCartneyproduced singles “Goodbye” and “Temma Harbor.”

A downbeat footnote: On Christmas Eve 1975, Francisco Macias Nguema, the president of Equatorial Guinea, ordered the execution of 150 coup plotters in a football stadium while powerful amplifiers blasted — yes — Hopkin’s “Those Were the Days.” SL

Christmas means more than just a gift from a store One of our family traditions is to watch “The Grinch” every year during the holidays. Besides being a fun movie, the main message it conveys never gets old — the holiday season means a bit more than just buying gifts.

Published in 1957, numbers from 2001 indicate that the book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” had sold almost 3.5 million copies. “The Grinch” movie, released in 2000, sold more than 48.1 million tickets in the U.S. alone. That shows that Dr. Seuss’ message has reached many, but have we learned anything from it?

With another increase in retail sales of 4.7 percent recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau for the month of September (when compared against September 2017) and the projection of the National Retail Federation (NRF) of about 4 percent growth in retail sales this year, it seems consumption is not slowing down in the U.S. A report from Statista.com reveals that 78 percent of consumers plan on spending more or the same on holiday gifts as they spent during the previous year. So the trend seems to indicate that shopping still is a significant activity for the majority of consumers, especially during the last two months of the year when, according to NRF, “as much as 30 percent of annual sales” happen.

Due to the increase in sales, some might argue that the holiday season is a time of overconsumption and heightened consumerism (Investopedia). Consumerism,

BEYOND the CURB

DERMATOLOGY

Marcia Booth

President & Founder, Recycle Brevard

as James Shelley explains in his essay “Fight Consumerism: Love your stuff!” reflects a constant dissatisfaction with material goods and that dissatisfaction produces the restless pursuit of satisfaction in the form of something new.

What could be an alternative to that?

Shelley’s advice is to love and appreciate what you already have.

In our family, we practice that and we take it one step further — finding meaning in the things we do; spending time on things that matter to us. To add a bit of zest, this year we are trying something new: we will use SoKindRegistry.org, a gift registry with a twist. It allows us to get creative and ask for and give meaningful gifts other than stuff. We will see what happens.

I think it is a charming idea because I believe that Christmas doesn’t come from a store. I believe Christmas means a little bit more.

Happy holidays! SL Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@ RecycleBrevard.org.

Healthy SKIN • Healthy YOU® SERVING BREVARD COUNTY FOR OVER 50 YEARS

Richard C. Kirkpatrick, M.D

Mario J. Sequeira, M.D

Kristine C. Hertzog, PA-C Brookelynn K. Kendrick, ARNP-C Fonda K. Schreiber, PA-C

• • • • •

Cheryl Young, PA-C

Allison Raco, PA-C

Liz Meredith, PA-C

Mark Snavely, PA-C

Makesha Holbrook-Curd, PA-C

Cristine Cooke, CCE, CME

Team of board-certified dermatologists and medical professionals Specializing in general and cosmetic dermatology MOHS surgery Full-service aesthetic center for a healthy glow year round Laser skin rejuvenation, cosmetic fillers, and Botox®

BRING THIS AD IN AND RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR PRODUCT PURCHASE IMMEDIATE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE • WALK-INS WELCOME

Monday through Friday • 8 am to 5 pm

Viera 321-752-5994

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM the staff at 321-242-1235

Andrew Miner, MD

Titusville Rockledge Palm Bay 321-267-3376 321-636-7780 321-372-1382 BREVARDSKIN.COM

Senior Life SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

25

Winter Park visit should include Morse Museum Fans of the Louis Comfort Tiffany collection need to visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park. It has the largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany art in the country.

In fact, all art aficionados should visit this museum at least once a year.

That’s what I do. Its changing exhibits will keep the entire family happy.

View their very well-done orientation film “A Legacy for the Community.” Then, pick up the Morse Museum’s complimentary audio tour cell phone. Your cell-phone tour provides an ongoing narrative of the wonderful Laurelton Hall gallery and ends in the amazing Tiffany Chapel.

This original Tiffany Chapel was on display at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Docent tours often are available during open hours. Inquire at the visitors information desk.

The Morse Museum contains Tiffany’s most prized possessions, including paintings, art glass, pottery and furniture as well as windows, lamps and many other items that were on display at the Chicago World’s Fair and those in his many homes.

Louis Comfort Tiffany was a man of many great talents. He was an architect, painter, decorator, photographer and landscape architect. He also excelled as a master designer of quality arts and crafts, ceramics, furniture, enamels, jewelry and mosaics.

The Morse Museum also has other outstanding collections. Its American

Touring the Town John Trieste

Decorative Art and Sculpture boasts more than 900 fine examples.

There is a painting and graphic arts section that displays hundreds of prints.

Its European and Miscellaneous Collection of American Decorative Art also has great examples of glass and ceramics.

Truly, the Morse Museum is a local art treasure at 445 N. Park Ave. in Winter Park. For more information, call 407-645-5311.

It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. It is closed Monday.

There is a modest admission charge that varies according to age.

Make this a day-long tour of Winter Park. Visit the museum early and then enjoy lunch at one of the many fine restaurants along Park Avenue.

If time permits, end your day in Winter Park by enjoying a boat ride on the Scenic Boat Tour at 312 E. Morse Blvd. and Lake Osceola. The tour is one-hour and travels through three lakes and two canals on the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. There is a fee for the boat tour. For information, call 407644-4056. SL

Angels present throughout year help us face challenges Angels have been part and parcel of our long lives. When we were a newborn, family and friends would refer to us as “that little angel.” As we grew and tested our new environment, the angel label might have given way to a “fallen angel” status. “He lost his wings.”

Whatever your religious or spiritual heritage, there are references to the good angel (our conscience) and the bad angel (the devil). Cartoons often showed each sitting on our shoulders as we decided right from wrong.

At Christmas time, displays in town squares, church yard Nativity scenes and creches show angels flying above the birthplace of Jesus. Our Sunday school and church sermons often included the role of angels. Carols “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” and “Angels We have Heard on High” echoed the presence.

Holiday decorations most always include angels. Lots of Christmas trees have an angel on top. When we were young, it was an easy task to put the beauty on top. As we got older, the idea of climbing a chair or ladder to put her there has become a challenge. Church Christmas pageants always include angels. Remember your children and grandchildren playing that role.

As we moved into our teen years, that special girl in our life was “an angel.” As our love matured, that sweetheart was often referred to as “angel.” With mature love, comedian Henny Youngman commented: “My wife is an angel; she is always up in

Challenges of Living to Age 100 Ed Baranowski the air harping about something.”

Always an angel!

When we have coped with medical challenges such as a heart attack, stroke or cancer, the doctors and nurses who brought us back to good health were labeled “angels.” In nursing homes, rehab centers, assisted living and hospice centers, the many caregivers are the angels who keep us going.

Holiday travel is much more pleasant with caring flight attendants, wheelchair crews and other caregivers at airports and bus stations. In our communities, there are many angels such as Volunteers in Motion who provide transportation to medical appointments. The Meals on Wheels crews are so often called “food angels.”

Whatever your beliefs, count your blessings for the giving, sharing, caring, joyous and special angels in your life. They are present throughout the year to help us face our daily challenges. SL Ed Baranowski is president of Topics Unlimited, a Melbourne-based education, seminar and consulting company. He can be reached at topicsed@aol.com

Black Friday brings out the worst in everyone ’Twas the night of Black Friday, And all through the place People were lining up for steals, With full cans of mace.

Yes, in 12 hours, the doors would open, To our favorite stores and boutiques, So the revelers could seek deals, That were cheap and unique.

But the first hurdle faced, Is to get in the door, Through the stampede of humanity, Who’ll try to knock them to the floor.

They’ll spend the whole night together, With talk of families and careers, Until 6 a.m. the next morning, When their smiles turn to jeers.

Yes when those doors open, It’s everyone for themselves, New friends turn to enemies, Trying to get to those shelves.

They run like there’s fire, And they gotta get out, But they’re actually running in, As they yell, scream and shout.

It’s like Jekyll and Hyde, Going from nice to insane, Hey it’s a holiday tradition, But don’t get in their way.

And what do they find, When they get to their prize, Brands nobody’s ever heard of, And they’re all the wrong size.

26

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

Funny thing is...

Sammy Haddad

Hey what about that 55-inch TV, There’s not one left you know, Oh those were bought by employees, About an hour ago.

So you waited all night, In that long dreary line, When you could have your TV, If you just shopped online.

So why do they call it, Black Friday anyway, Because retailers are profitable?

That’s not what I’d say.

It’s because folks have gone, From good cheer to bad jeers, From being Thankful on Thursday, To a Friday fight at Sears.

So what about the next day?

After Black Friday’s done, And the bruises are healing, And your headache is gone.

BLACK FRIDAY continued on page 30

myseniorlife.com

The Experts in Aging

The Experts in Aging

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

27

D E C E M B E R Calendar

2

SUNDAY

National Pie Day

Markstein Quartet Plays Holiday Favorites 3 p.m.

Catherine Schweinsberg Rood Central Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-633-1792

Vernon Boushell Concert Series “An Old Fashioned Christmas”

3:30 p.m.

Riverside Presbyterian Church 3400 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-525-7825

9

National Pastry Day

Robert Navarro Quartet

2 p.m.

Space Coast Jazz Society presents Robert Navarro.

Rockledge Country Club 1591 S. Fiske Blvd.

Rockledge, 321-960-4897

Space Coast Symphony Youth Orchestra “Winter Magic”

4 p.m.

98 youth musicians play holiday favorites Highland Fellowship Church 1591 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-652-4913

16

National Chocolate-covered Anything Day

3

MONDAY

National Roof Over Your Head Day

Victorian Holiday Tours

Dec. 3 to Jan. 4 Times vary Come see the beautiful Pritchard House decked out for the holidays and learn about Christmas traditions from the Victorian era.

Guided tours are conducted by costumed docents.

Pritchard House Museum 424 S. Washington Ave. Titusville, 321-607-0203

10

Dewey Decimal System Day

Old Fashioned Holiday Party

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Listen to Christmas music, play Christmas Bingo with prizes and watch a live performance of square dancing at 11:15 a.m. Bring a dish or favorite holiday cookie/dessert.

Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.

Cocoa Beach, 321-610-4542

17

4

TUESDAY National Sock Day

What Will Happen To Your Family & Your Money If You Go Into A Nursing Home?

Music on a Sunday Self-Empowerment with Afternoon: Platinum Coast Self-Hypnosis: 7 Tips to Chorus Make Your New Year’s 2 p.m.

Resolution a Reality

11

National App Day

“A Christmas Carol”

6 p.m.

Join us as Broadway and film actor Duffy Hudson, without the aid of props or costumes while playing all 30 characters, brings this magical tale to life. Ideal for the entire family.

Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104

Christmas with Sal Valentinetti

18

24

10 a.m.

Well-known Christmas carols interwoven with scripture. Orchestral accompaniment, singalong Eastminster Presbyterian Church 106 N. Riverside Drive Indialantic, 321-723-8371

The Surfing Santas event is an annual Cocoa Beach tradition that brings hundreds of surfers dressed up as Santa. Watch them ride in on the waves and kick off the holiday weekend beachside at this free event.

Coconuts on the Beach 2 Minutemen Causeway Cocoa Beach, 321-720-8033

30

31

Eastminster Presbyterian Surfin’ Santas 2018 Church “Lessons & Carols” 8 a.m.

Bacon Day

Accordion Club Meeting 2 - 5 p.m.

Elks Lodge #1532 315 Florida Ave. Cocoa, 866-422-2322

New Year’s Eve /National Champagne Day

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner & Dance

7:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Come out to the New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance with Swingtime, a 22-member Big Band with vocalists Sally Hart (from the “Lawrence Welk Show”), Len Fallen and the Swingtimers Vocal Trio.

Hilton Rialto 200 Rialto Place Melbourne, 321-339-7705

Melbourne Community Orchestra

12

National Ambrosia Day

American History with Rick Rakauskas

THURSDAY

6

National Microwave Oven Day

25

Jan. 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

7

FRIDAY

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Elder Justice Educational Card Party and Fashion Seminal, “Avoiding Probate” Show

8

SATURDAY National Brownie Day

Holiday Art & Craft Fair

9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

There will be vendors and exhibitors.

Edgewood Jr./Sr. High 180 E. Merritt Ave. Merritt Island, 321-432-0677

11 a.m. RSVP Learn how to ensure your assets are passed on to your chosen beneficiaries.

Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.

Cocoa Beach, 321-610-4542

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Enjoy a luncheon, door prizes and craft sale.

Cocoa Rockledge Garden Club 1493 S. Fiske Blvd.

Rockledge, 321-537-8060

Indialantic Holiday Tree Lighting

Swingtime “Holiday Dance”

7 to 10 p.m.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-724-555

2 - 4 p.m.

Harbor City Harmonizers annual Christmas Concert Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy 5625 Holy Trinity Drive Suntree, 321-345-7292

13

14

15

7 p.m.

Nance Park 201 N. Miramar Ave. Indialantic, 321-723-2242 National Guard Birthday

Tea & Sweets

National Salesperson Day

Sounds of the Season XV

National Cupcake Day

Space Coast Symphony 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Orchestra “Messiah Sing Join us for an afternoon of Along”

Wreaths Across America

19

20

21

22

Workshop for those who are writing or interested in writing.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

“Discussion on Women in the Castle” by Jessica Shattuck Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

6 - 10 p.m.

Festival featuring music, crafts, food vendors and makers in a family friendly environment.

Downtown 163 Minutemen Causeway Cocoa Beach, 321-613-0072

7:30 a.m.

Every participant receives a full Florida-style Santa suit to wear. Every Santa that crosses the finish line will receive a festive Finisher’s Medal. Run real fast and you could win an overall or age group award. You must wear your Santa suit to participate.

Calvary Chapel 2852 Fellowship Place Viera, 321-412-1830

28

29

11:45 a.m.

The Patriot Guard Riders Tea & Sweets with the Cape 7 p.m. will lead an escort for Canaveral Pen Women.

Handel’s glorious oratorio the truck carrying all the One Senior Place sung by hundreds — plus wreaths to Cape Canaveral 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Cemetery. the Indialantic Chamber Viera, 321-751-6771 Cape Canaveral National Singers Melbourne Municipal Band Cemetery St. John the Evangelist Antiques appraisal with Concert “Sleigh Ride” 5525 U.S. 1 Catholic Church Rich De Rosa Dec. 12 and 13 Mims, 321-383-2638 5655 Stadium Parkway 2 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Viera, 855-252-7276 The Bootlegger’s Ball Palm Bay Library Christmas tunes with an Christmas Party 80-member concert band. 1520 Port Malabar Blvd. NE Palm Bay, 321-952-4519 Doors open – 6:30 p.m., Melbourne Auditorium Dinner – 7:30 p.m.

625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Roaring 1920s theme Melbourne, 321-724-0555 2:30 p.m.

“The Early Presidents” Part III Buena Vida Estates 2129 W. New Haven Ave. W. Melbourne, 321-724-0060

National Hard National National Roast Candy Day Sangria Day Pig Day Space Coast Chorus Writers Workshop Neighbors Book Club 1 - 3 p.m.

2 - 4 p.m.

Holiday Sing Along

6 p.m.

Join the Space Coast Chorus for traditional Christmas Our local chapter of 1:30 p.m. the Sweet Adelines Paula Hogan lectures about music and more.

Cocoa Beach Library International sing and the natural power of the 550 N. Brevard Ave. perform in the barbershop mind and how to access it Cocoa Beach, style. Join us for a joyful with self-hypnosis.

321-868-1104 celebration of the season a Cocoa Beach Library cappella.

550 N. Brevard Ave. Courtenay Springs Open Cocoa Beach Library Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104 House 550 N. Brevard Ave. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104 Courtenay Springs Village 1200 S. Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island, 321-452-1233 Christmas Eve / Happy National Festivus Eggnog Day

23

5

Bathtub Party Day

“Tropical Holiday” Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 7:30 p.m.

10 a.m.

Elder Law Attorney William Melbourne Auditorium A. Johnson will discuss legal 625 Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-285-6724 and financial strategies that can help you try to Advent Lutheran Church preserve your assets from Concert Series nursing-home costs.

“Pipe Organ Mini-concerts” One Senior Place and noon Dec. 18 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Advent Lutheran Church Viera, 321-253-1667 7550 North Wickham Road Suntree, 321-426-9378

8 p.m.

King Center, Melbourne

National Maple Syrup Day

WEDNESDAY

Advent Lutheran Church Concert Series “Pipe Organ Mini-Concerts”

Noon Advent Lutheran Church 7550 North Wickham Road Suntree, 321-426-9378 National Thank-you Note Day

26

27

8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Pickleball is a combination of tennis, pingpong, badminton and racquetball. The game is played indoors on the basketball court.

Joseph Davis Community Center 2547 Grant St. Melbourne, 321-608-7460

9:30 a.m.

This flowing Vinyasa style class promotes and enhances balance, flexibility, strength, agility, relaxation and clarity of mind. Suitable for students of all levels; modifications will be shown for beginners. Classes are $10.

Bring a mat or large towel.

Rockledge Gardens 2153 U.S. 1 Rockledge, 321-636-7662

Pickleball

National Fruitcake Day

Yoga in the Garden

Winter Begins 5:23 p.m. EST

National Date Nut Bread Day Cocoa Beach Main Street Viera Pizza’s Run, Run Festival Santa 1 Mile

National Chocolate Candy Day

Meet an Astronaut: Rick Searfoss

9 a.m. -6 p.m.

Come face-to-face with astronaut Rick Searfoss at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

This interactive Q&Aoriented program aims at inspiring children and adults alike.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex State Road 405 Titusville 855-433-4223

The History of Music with Rick Rakauskas

2 p.m.

“Andy Williams” Buena Vida Estates 2129 W. New Haven Ave. W. Melbourne, 321-724-0060

Happy New Year from the staff at Senior Life!

Between Kohl's and Office Depot

National Pepper Pot Day

Between Target & Buffalo Wild Wings

EXPIRES 12/15/18 • CODE 0402 9

Valentinetti highlights Christmas at King Center

BY WENDY SCHEURING Sal Valentinetti didn’t realize he had singing talent until it was pointed out to him as a teenager. A baritone player at the time, when young Sal crooned “Mack the Knife” his instructor realized that he had the makings of a singing prodigy.

Valentinetti credits his grandmother with instilling in him his love of big band music and the classics.

“My grandmother especially loved Frank Sinatra, Vic Damone and Jerry Vale,’’ Valentinetti said. “I would go to her house after preschool and we’d listen to the radio. We would dance and she would sing along. I hold those memories dear, especially since she’s since passed away. The smell of her

perfume and the sound of the music echoing through the house. I fell in love with the style and the class and everything about it.”

Valentinetti’s singing career, however, didn’t launch until a couple of years ago when he appeared on Season 11 of “America’s Got Talent.”

He placed fifth overall in the singing competition.

“I hadn’t performed for more than a couple of minutes until December 2016 when I sold out my first show at New York’s Paramount Theater on Broadway,” Valentinetti said.

In addition to entertaining his audiences with his rich, deep voice and classic big band-style, Valentinetti shares stories on stage about his growing up years.

“Growing up in my household, my heritage was important to me,’’ Valentinetti said. “Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and Mel Tormé were like icons to me. They went up on stage and joked around like they were sitting around your table having dinner.”

On Dec. 11 at the King Center, the singer will perform songs from his newly-released Christmas album, “Christmas Presents from Sal Valentinetti.”

“It will be my first time doing a Christmas concert surrounded by palm trees, which will be an interesting experience for me,” said Valentinetti, who hails from Long Island, New York. “The most exciting

VALENTINETTI continued on page 30

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy photo

Sal Valentinetti, who appeared in Season 11 of “America’s Got Talent,” will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at the King Center in Melbourne.

STRENGTH TRAINING FOR SENIORS! Ask about our move-in specials

LIVING WELL LECTURE SERIES: Do you notice a decline in your strength and stamina doing the activities you love? Please join Steward Rehabilitation Physical Therapist, Mike Patterson as he leads an interactive discussion on tips and techniques to maintain your strength and balance as you age. Stay active, register today!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 AT 2PM One Senior Place

8085 Spyglass Hill Road | Viera, FL 32940

Mike Patterson, PT

Register online at rockledgeregional.org or by calling (800) 522-6363.

Caring, Passion & Respect in Assisted Living Assisted & Independent Living Family Atmosphere 24-hour Medical Care 3 Spacious Floorplans Restaurant Style Meals Local Transportation Pet Friendly Starting at $3,095 – All Inclusive Veterans Aid & Attendance Qualified

Call for Tour or more Information:

321-242-1235

Ask about our move-in specials

321-454-7768

4279 Judith Ave., Merritt Island, FL 32953 www.CedarCreekAssistLiving.net

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

29

Senior Life

News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John

North Brevard Downtown Art Gallery celebrates 16 years of culture, class

BY FLORA REIGADA

Say Yes to New Adventures!

31

5 STAR RATING SNF# 11070961

Open House

321-452-1233

December 18th • 10am-1pm Refreshments • Music • Prizes & more!

Language Assistance Service, Call: 562-257-5255 TDD # 800-545-1833 Ext. 359 1200 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952

Residential Living | Skilled Nursing Care | Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Services

Jeff and Heidi Thamert are appreciative of Titusville and North Brevard communities. Their fine art gallery and custom picture framing business, the Downtown Art Gallery, recently celebrated 16 years of success. The community joined them for wine and sweets to celebrate the occasion.

“We opened our doors in 2002,” Heidi Thamert said.

They started in the front section of their building, working in a 1,000 square-foot area. Three artists were on board.

Through the years, there have been challenges and changes.

“There are slow times,” Thamert said. “In Florida, business gets slower in summer, but picks up in autumn.

There have been economic ups and downs.”

She sees promise in Red Canyon Software and Launch Now efforts to transform the historic Walker Hotel and bank into boutique-style apartments and Red Canyon’s first regional office.

Changes to the Downtown Art

VALENTINETTI continued from page 29

thing about the show will be that I’m thawing out.

“The air doesn’t hurt your face when you walk outside in Florida. You don’t have to wear 13 layers of clothes.

Layers are not that flattering for someone the size as me,” Valentinetti said laughing. “You don’t have to remove 3 feet of (snow) off of your car to get it off your driveway either.”

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Downtown Art Gallery

Art was on display when the Downtown Art Gallery in Downtown Titusville, owned

by Jeff and Heidi Thamert, celebrated its 16th anniversary.

Gallery have included expansion to a side gallery in 2009 and opening the back section of the building in 2017.

Five showrooms feature the works of 14 award-winning artists.

“We are family with our artists,” Thamert said.

The Thamerts also have witnessed

“Christmas has to do with community and family in Florida,’’ Valentinetti said. “Everyone gets along and does Christmas together.”

The entertainer will appear on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent Championship Edition” series airing Jan. 7.

“The series will have 50 acts from all over the world. It will be tremendous fun,” Valentinetti said. SL

HANSEN’S HANDYMAN SERVICES

Holiday

Special

Over 20 Years Experience

PRESSURE CLEANING SPECIALS

• Tile Repair • Sheet Rock Repairs & Texture • Counter Tops & Cabinets • Sewer & Drain Cleaning • Hang Interior Doors • Interior Trim Work • The “Honey Do” List

DRIVEWAY 2-car $75 Special up to 750sf

10off

$

SCREEN REPAIR

30

With SL coupon.

Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Expires 12/31/2018

Any single family 3/2 home & 1-car driveway $149 Not including roof.

Do you have trouble opening and closing your sliding glass door?

We can help!

Ask about our Senior Citizen Discount

321-302-9441 LICENSED & INSURED

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

changes in Downtown Titusville.

She commended the city for its beautification and revitalization project in 2010.

“They widened the sidewalk, added landscaping, benches and a courtyard,” she said. “This helps all downtown businesses and makes shopping more

pleasant for the customer.”

Both Thamerts are award-winning photographers. They also offer their expertise to help frame that special something.

“We get to see and frame interesting things, such as space memorabilia,” she said. “Recently, we did the framing for the Buzz Aldrin Foundation Gala.”

Thamert defines the Downtown Art Gallery’s mission as that of encouraging community arts, artists and culture.

“We look forward to having people find us and we enjoy meeting artists,” she said. “But we always appreciate our loyal customers.”

A holiday gift buying event, “Merry Mimosas!” involving the Downtown Art Gallery and other Downtown merchants, will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8.

The Downtown Art Gallery is at 335 S. Washington Ave. For more information, call 321-2680122 or go to thedowntownartgallery. com/. SL

North Brevard Events

Dec. 1 • 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mims Christmas Parade Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at Mims Elementary School and goes southbound on U.S.1 to Cuyler Street.

Mims, 321-267-3036 Dec. 2 • 1 - 4 p.m.

Blizzard at the Barn Holiday family day and craft show.

Pony rides, kids games, face painting, unique holiday gifts, food and more.

All proceeds benefit Harmony Farms.

Harmony Farms 2205 Pluckebaum Road Cocoa, 321-631-9433

Dec. 6 • 6 - 8 p.m.

27th annual Gift of Light Tree Lighting Gift of Light will be held where it all began almost 30 years ago—at the site of the original tree lighting. It has been developed into a wellness park. PMC’s 50-foot tree of lights will

BLACK FRIDAY continued from page 26

Well that’s when you look, At the credit card bills, And you suddenly shudder, And start to feel ill.

Because you maxed out your card, But you have that TV, Then suddenly realize, It was made in Fiji.

stand as a landmark-tribute. Enjoy holiday performances by the Titusville High School Orchestra, Astronaut High School Jazz Band, Space Coast Junior/Senior High School Chorus and the Titusville Playhouse. Visit Santa’s workshop to make a tree ornament or decorate a cookie. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, cider and baked goods.

Parrish Medical Center 951 N. Washington Ave. Titusville, 321-268-6110 Dec. 9 • 5 - 8 p.m.

Gateway to Christmas Celebrate the season with a walkway of decorated Christmas trees. There will be a silent auction of the decorated trees and raffles throughout out the evening. Proceeds go toward repairing the roof of the Family Life Center.

Gateway Community Church 2801 Tropic Street Titusville, 321-537-4254 And the dishes are chipped, And iPod doesn’t fit any plug, But you got 10 percent off, On that uneven rug.

But fear not hearty shoppers, You have 30 more days, To return all that stuff, Before the bills need to be paid.

So I with my laptop, And you with your phone, Will have a Merry Christmas everyone, If we just shop from home. SL

myseniorlife.com

SMOKING

continued from page 23 Although quitting can be especially challenging for seniors who have smoked their whole lives, it is essential that they seek help to stop as soon as possible because, as their bodies age, they become more vulnerable to heart disease and the cancers related to smoking.

The website — sunriseseniorliving. com — lists five tips to assist older adults as they work toward stopping the habit:

Stay away from triggers Many people find that factors like being around certain friends or family members and alcohol can trigger their cravings for a cigarette. Similarly, the Mayo Clinic pointed out that when adults are in certain places where they used to smoke, their desire to smoke again can increase.

Physicians say figuring out which places, events or people trigger seniors’ desires to smoke and coming up with a plan in case these situations do occur.

Carry a snack The website Smokefree.gov reports that something as simple as chewing on gum, hard candy or a healthy snack such as almonds whenever people want to smoke can reduce their chances of going for a cigarette.

Seniors might want to carry their

321-242-1235

favorite snack at all times just in case they get hit with a craving.

Surround self with support Sometimes being around family and friends can give adults the extra push they need to say no to a cigarette.

Children, grandchildren and other loved ones can serve as reminders of why adults quit in the first place, which might include their desire to live a longer life with their loved ones and protect them from secondhand smoke, says the magazine Everyday Health.

Engage in hobbies Another website — Helpguide.org — recommends that seniors start a new hobby or get back to an old pastime to distract themselves from the urge to smoke. Engaging in healthy activities such as going on runs or taking a walk with a pet will keep their minds off of smoking.

Seniors residing at assisted living facilities can join clubs or programs that meet frequently to alleviate stress and keep them busy with exercise and activities.

Do it one day at a time Quitting smoking is a difficult task that needs to be taken step by step.

EverydayHealth.com notes that it’s more like a journey and that adults have to keep in mind that during the first few days it might seem like going without a cigarette is impossible.

The news source pointed out that not everyone is able to quit cold turkey.

Sometimes taking it one day at a time and slowly cutting back is the best approach, so seniors should find out what works for them.

It’s important to remember that after a lifetime of doing something, stopping is bound to be a challenge. Using these tips will make the process easier and can motivate seniors struggling to quit.

While many seniors have been able to give up smoking, some cannot and are using e-cigarettes to fulfill their nicotine addiction.

AARP reports that while there’s no conclusive evidence that vaping helps people quit smoking, many older smokers are switching to it as a way to reduce their tobacco intake.

However, public health officials are divided over vaping’s benefits for older smokers. Some say it reduces the

harmful effects of smoking and it’s better than doing nothing.

A recent study, published in the journal Tobacco Control, estimated under a best-case scenario that if cigarette smokers switched to vaping over 10 years, there would be 6.6 million fewer premature deaths and 86.7 million fewer years of life lost.

Still, ongoing controversy over vaping has prevented many public health advocates from giving their blessing to this alternative to traditional smokes.

The Food and Drug Administration plans to regulate e-cigarettes in 2022, and in the meantime, the industry isn’t allowed to advertise its products as safer than cigarettes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 8.4 percent of adults 65 and older smoke.

Best advice — check with your doctor. SL Comprehensive Range of Treatments

Get the

Smile You Deserve!

One crown in only One visit Your local state-of-theart dentist is right down the street

35+ years experience 15+ Years of Excellent Service in Brevard County Two locations in Melbourne to better serve you

7331 Office Park Place Suite 100 ( mile North from corner of Wickham & Murrell)

321-622-3895

www.chenetdental.com

• CEREC same day Restoration • Dental Exams & Preventative Services • State-of-the-Art Facility • Intra Oral Camera • Cosmetic Imaging • Digital X-Rays • Crowns (Caps) & Bridges • Cosmetic / Tooth-Colored Fillings • Zoom 1-hr Whitening • Implant Restorations • Extractions & Minor Oral Surgery • Customized Full & Partial Dentures • Endodontic / Root Canal Treatment

www.

• Porcelain Veneers & Cosmetic Bonding • Complete Implant Services

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

31

CROSSWORD THEME: 21ST CENTURY

Why Are We Different?

Because we are the ONLY Retirement Community in

you a TRUE continuum of care.

Insights into why we moved to Buena Vida Estates — “We originally visited Buena Vida for lunch

as members of the Pennsylvania School Retirees organization. We came back for a personal tour and each of our children visited separately. After many conversations about Buena Vida, we decided to get on the waitlist. Getting on the waitlist gave us the opportunity to become more familiar with Buena Vida, enjoy some very good meals and join residents for various parties.

At one of the parties, a resident whispered, ‘Don’t wait too long.’ With that wise warning and getting to know some obviously satisfied residents better, we decided to make the move. We have lived here for seven months and are immersed in a big new family.

Friday afternoon music continues to let us enjoy our new friendships. We‘ve danced more in the past six months than in the previous six years. We feel the acceptance and relaxation of knowing we are home. Our family continues to grow as new residents arrive.

TA

KI N N O DE G W W PO AI SI T L T IS

T

Although we are in our 70s and in good health, we did not want to be a future burden on our children, so it just made sense to move now! Buena Vida Estates fulfills its promise to seniors, being here is the ‘Good Life’. ” — Larry & Peggy

For complimentary tour and lunch call Doreen or Debbie at (321) 724-0060.

2129 West New Haven Avenue West Melbourne, FL 32904

BuenaVidaEstates.org

(321) 724-0060

Follow us

INDEPENDENT LIVING Continuing Care Retirement Community

32

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

ACROSS 1. “An American in Paris” song “____-____-la” 6. Fitness venue 9. Five-star review 13. Desert wanderer’s hope 14. Debtor’s letters 15. Sweet potato, e.g.

16. Annoying tiny biters 17. Greyhound, e.g.

18. Lazybones 19. *It runs on iOS 21. *Swipe right, swipe left app 23. *21st century of Common ____ 24. *Update an iPod 25. Public health org.

28. Diplomat’s forte 30. V.I.P. in Hawaii 35. *Hit TV show about plane crash survivors 37. Apple leftover 39. The N of U.S.N.A. 40. Egyptian hieroglyph for “life” 41. *Demoted planet 43. Mandolin’s cousin 44. Curl one’s lip 46. Sandler or Arkin 47. Seedy source of Omega-3s 48. *Kilauea Volcano location 50. River in Bohemia 52. In the manner of, French 53. Popular pickling herb 55. Sashimi-style 57. *Not Jong-un 60. *Duchess of Sussex 63. Wintour’s favorite publication?

64. Form of “to be” 66. *Friends’ approvals 68. Not odds 69. Cambridge university 70. High society 71. “Bee ____” 72. Bartender’s concern 73. Past or present

Solution on page 35

DOWN 1. Clothe 2. Raja’s wife 3. “Hurry!” acronym 4. Like a ballerina 5. Hang out with 6. Wisecrack 7. *____Tube 8. Moldy-smelling 9. “Ant-Man” leading actor 10. Having the know-how 11. Swerve 12. Go wrong 15. Diced tomatoes packaging 20. African American civil rights org.

22. Octopus’ defense 24. Layered pastry of European escent 25. *Like modern mob 26. Fashion designer Karan 27. Off kilter 29. Float soda 31. 50 percent 32. Palate lobe 33. Birth-related 34. *Inanimate conversation partner 36. Short for Dorothea 38. Et alibi 42. Spaniard without “h” 45. Ruffles has them 49. Roman three 51. Aerie baby 54. South American domesticated animal 56. “____ You Were Sleeping” 57. “By ____, I think she’s got it!”

58. S-shaped molding 59. Women in habits 60. Boundary line 61. Related 62. *This team moved to Brooklyn in 2012 63. Relax, with “out” 65. *Deepwater Horizon, e.g.

67. Get the picture

myseniorlife.com

SUDOKU

William A. Johnson, Esquire Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law Attorney

Solution on page 35

“For years I have been counseling my clients on the “Total Care” concept to address their concerns when a long term care situation arises. My“Total Care” approach means that I am able, through my close working relationships, to bring valuable professionals in the fields of accounting, tax, geriatrics, geriatric case management, long term care and finance to bear on your long term care problem. Combined with my legal expertise as a Florida Board Certified Elder Law attorney, I will provide you with a comprehensive plan for facing the future in uncertain times.”

rida The Flo Care rm e T g Lon ing Home rs u N & Book ™ Answer unty Edition

Co Brevard 2014-15

Stop in for a FREE COPY of our Long Term Care & Nursing Home booklet.

ESTATE PLANNING • PROBATE • TRUSTS & WILLS GUARDIANSHIPS • MEDICAID PLANNING • LONG TERM CARE ADVANCE DIRECTIVES • NURSING HOME PLANNING

Come see us at our new location.

140 Interlachen Rd. Ste. B, Melbourne

321-253-1667 • www.FloridaElderLaw.net

Our aging community is a sacred asset that we should learn from, honor, and support.

\I A ing

Call us to Volunteer: » Assist with Food Prep at the Kitchen » Meals on Wheels Driver » Provide a senior transportation » Provide a veteran transportation » Provide information to Caregivers at the Sunflower House

g

Matters IN BREVARD

Please call today for further information (321) 639-8770 .<Q& Retireu S en10r Volunteer Program .--WIThe �Kitchen

�

0 Senior TranServe

transportation for non·driving seniors

--��

ii�

Sunflower House

community caregiver center

.@.

VeTs Driving Vets

B

CD

missro'n driven

An inffiative of the Corporation for National t, Community Service

Seniors At Lunch

group dining at neighborhood sites

Call us if you need: » Caregiver Respite » Caregiver Training and Support » Case Management » Catering » Handyman Services » Information and Referral » Light Housekeeping » Meals on Wheels » Personal Care » Seniors at Lunch Fellowship Dining » Transportation » Volunteer Opportunities WEARE

Meals On Wheels

So no seviior- rrs h.u�.

Home & Community ,\ Based Services

Aging Matters in Brevard is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofu organimtion recognized by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging as the LRad Agency for senior servues in Brevard County.

www.AgingMattersBrevard.org 321-242-1235

Serving the Matters of Aging Since 1965 • SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

33

Classifieds

Market Square Day Trips

FOR RENT

Sewing

Fully furnished camper rental, $400 a month offered at a discount for light duties 3 days a week at the Jumping Fleamarket in Cocoa. Queen bed, couch, full kitchen with silverware. All utilities included.

Retired person with income desired.

Call David 321-501-6666

Tours & Cruises from Viera Departing from

Walmart Garden Center

I-95/exit 191

Biloxi & New Orleans Christmas Dec 17 – 20 th, 2018 $225pp Beau Rivage with Free Food & Play

7 Night Cruise with Transportation to Miami Feb 23rd – March 2 nd, 2018 $99pp

RCCL, Symphony, NCL Bliss, Celebrity Equinox & Carnival Glory Call for Lowest Rate! $

HEALTH

Check out the Q&L website for class schedule and events.  We are an authorized, full line retailer for Baby Lock®,

National Programs for Cancer & Chronic Disease Holistic Dr. Kevin Kilday, Ph.D., D.PSc Have you wanted to quilt your own pieced top?

We try our best to ‘under-promise and over deliver’ Consultations & Affordable Supplements Enjoy a Lecture / Demonstration of the Check out the Q&L Dream website forFrame classLongarm schedule and events.

Brother Fabric Are You Toxic? Hair Mineral Analysis Testing Machinefull •• Rd. December 7th for Baby Lock®, 7720  WeN. are Wickham anQuilting authorized, line retailer Appointments at four Brevard Locations Entrance fee becomes a coupon when you attend.

Brother® , Koala ®, Floriani ,® & Anita Goodesign® Suites 111 & 112 & 113 321-549-0711 Free eBooks at Visit website for classes and events or call for more info.

Full-time, factory certified service engineer  Repair andon-site, Service available on site www.holistichealthcenter.us Melbourne, FL 32940

Brother®, Koala ®, Floriani ,® & Anita Goodesign® Sewing machines, notions, accessories, and fabrics  Full-time, on-site, factory certified service engineer

45 pp with $ 20 FREE PLAY We try best to ‘under-promise 7720 N.our Wickham Rd. Suite 111 and over deliver’ Dec. 13 th & 29 th th th Melbourne, FL 32940 Phone: (321)321-622-8602 622-8602, Fax: (321) 622-8574 Jan. 12 & 26 M,W,Th,F: 10am - 5pm, Tue: 12N - 7pm,

386-235-3443 • www.JointheFun.us

Odyssey Travel 146 S. Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, Fl. 32176

Fashion

HOUSEMATE

7720 N. Wickham Rd. www.quiltsandlace.com Suitesbeth@quiltsandlace.com 111 & 112 & 113 Melbourne, FL 32940

M, W, Th, F: 10a,- 5pm. Tues: 10am - 7pm,

Sat: 10am - 2pm, Sun: CLOSED Sat: 10am - 2 pm. Sun: CLOSED

Restaurants M,W,Th,F: 10am - 5pm, Tue: 12N - 7pm, Sat: 10am - 2pm, Sun: CLOSED

Looking for a Senior Citizen to share my lovely living accommodations in my Palm Bay home.

For more information, call 407-545-0495.

Phone: (321) 622-8602, Fax: (321) 622-8574

We’ve got

www.quiltsandlace.com beth@quiltsandlace.com

she

what wants

2850 South Hopkins Ave.

20%OFF

Sunday – Thursday: 9am-9pm Friday & Saturday: 9am-10pm

a single item.

321-383-1616

Restrictions Apply.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Nature’s Market Health Foods

Sandy

Brevard’s Health Food Store

701 S. Apollo Blvd. Melbourne

SOUL

321-724-6923

Head to Toe

NaturesMarketMelbourne.com

321.802.3183 117 5th Ave, Indialantic, FL 32903

Reverse Mortgage

Cleaning

Real Estate

Company for the holidays?

Are you 62+?

Free Estimates New Customers, $10 Off First Clean NOW SERVING VIERA, ROCKLEDGE, MELBOURNE AND PALM BAY

AEROSPACE REALTY

321-794-9001 Fax: 321-600-2020

Contact me to learn more.

3230 Murrell Rd. Rockledge, FL 32955

(321) 536-0577 “It’s not clean, unless it’s New Sparkles Clean.”

PROFESSIONAL Cleaning Services RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Sara Forst Griffin

Susan Blesch NMLS #1195806 SBlesch@aag.com Tom Selleck AAG Paid Spokesperson

WE GUARANTEE OUR SERVICES

Your Seniors Real Estate Specialist BK665439

321-877-4577 | NewSparkles.com

FREE ESTIMATES | Licensed, Bonded & Insured

SaraForstGriffin@Remax.net

Moving

Discover how homeowners 62 and better are enjoying the retirement they deserve using FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) loans.

760 Barnes Blvd., Rockledge

NMLS # 9392 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). AAG conducts business in FL. AAG is an equal housing lender. This ad was not approved by HUD, FHA, or any government agency. For full legal disclosure, please visit: www.americanadvisorsgroup.com/disclosure.

Hair

Health

Serving Brevard County.

Free Immunization Assessment by our Pharmacy Team

Moving people forward®

321.242.7742

twomenandatruckmelbournefl.com Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

U.S. DOT No. 1479936 | Fla Mover Reg No. IM18

Make your immunization make a world of difference.

Shingles, pneumonia, and more available now!

Seniors Day is the first Tuesday of each month. *20% off Regular Price Merchandise with bonus points 55+ with Balance Reward Card *Some restrictions apply

34

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

myseniorlife.com

SANTA

continued from page 1

about the size of Santa’s stomach.

“I’ve got to watch his sweet intake.

On Christmas Eve, he gets a lot of cookies. While I’m here, I have to keep track of the elves (by Internet) every hour to make sure the toys are being made.’’

A 35- to 40-minute airboat ride at Camp Holly costs $32.50. The onehour, eco-tour excursion by reservation costs $45. For information, call 321-723-2179.

“If you’ve never done an airboat ride, you should check it off your bucket list,’’ said Tia McKinney, whose father, Curt McKinney, owns Camp Holly.

Helton has worked in the airboat business for more than 25 years.

“I enjoy taking people out and seeing the smiles on their faces,’’ Helton said. “With sun like this, the gators like to sleep on the banks. I’m seeing a lot of migratory birds, great white egrets, blue herons, osprey hawks, an

Stop a cold before it starts

SENIOR LIFE Keith Betterley

Santa and Mrs. Claus took a vacation to Brevard County before Christmas.

occasional bald eagle and two or three varieties of owls.’’

After the airboat ride and a quick nap, Santa had plans to go surfing in Cocoa Beach.

“Before I forget, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!’’

Santa said. SL

Sudoku Solution Puzzle on page 33

Crossword Solution Crossword on page 32

New research shows you can stop a cold in its tracks if you take one simple step with a new device when you first feel a cold coming on.

Colds start when cold viruses get in your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If you don’t stop them early, they spread in your airways and New research: Copper stops colds if used early. cause misery.

But scientists have found a quick scientists placed 25 million live flu way to kill a virus. Touch it with cop- viruses on a CopperZap. No viruses per. Researchers at labs and universi- were found still alive soon after. ties agree, copper is “antimicrobial.”

People often use CopperZap preIt kills microbes, such as viruses and ventively. Frequent flier Karen Gaubacteria, just by touch. ci used to get colds after crowded That’s why ancient Greeks and flights. Though skeptical, she tried it Egyptians used copper to purify several times a day on travel days for water and heal wounds. That’s why 2 months. “Sixteen flights and not a Hippocrates, the “father of modern sniffle!” she exclaimed.

Businesswoman Rosaleen says medicine”, used copper to heal skin ulcers, and why Civil War doctors when people are sick around her she used it to prevent infection of bat- uses CopperZap morning and night. tlefield wounds. They didn’t know “It saved me last holidays,” she said. about viruses and bacteria, but now “The kids had colds going round and round, but not me.” we do.

Some users say it also helps with Scientists say the high conductance of copper disrupts the electri- sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had cal balance in a microbe cell and de- a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I stroys the cell in seconds.

Tests by the Environmental Pro- am shocked!” she said. “My head tection Agency (EPA) show copper cleared, no more headache, no more surfaces kill germs that are left on congestion.”

One man had suffered seasonal them. That way the next person to touch that surface does not spread sinus problems for years. It was so the germ. As a result of this new bad it ruined family vacations and knowledge, some hospitals switched even dinners out with friends. His to copper for various “touch surfac- wife Judy bought CopperZaps for es”, like faucets, bedrails, and door- both of them. He was so skeptiknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA cal he said, “Oh Judy, you are such and other illnesses in those hospitals a whack job!” But he finally tried it and, to his surprise, the copper by over half, and saved lives.

The strong scientific evidence cleared up his sinuses right away. gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. Judy and their daughter both said, “It When he felt a cold coming on he has changed our lives!”

Some users say copper stops fashioned a smooth copper probe and rubbed it gently in his nose for nighttime stuffiness, too, if they use it just before bed. One man said, 60 seconds.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The “Best sleep I’ve had in years.”

People have used it on cold sores cold went away completely.” It worked again every time he felt a and say it can completely prevent cold coming on and he hasn’t had a ugly outbreaks. You can also rub it gently on wounds, cuts, or lesions to cold since.

He asked relatives and friends to combat infections.

The handle is curved and finetry it. They said it worked for them, too, so he patented CopperZap™ and ly textured to improve contact. It kills germs picked up on fingers and put it on the market.

Soon hundreds of people had tried hands to protect you and your family.

Copper even kills deadly germs it and given feedback. Nearly 100 percent said the copper stops their that have become resistant to anticolds if used within 3 hours after the biotics. If you are near sick people, first sign. Even up to 2 days, if they a moment of handling it may keep still get the cold it is milder than usu- serious infection away from you and your loved ones. It may even save a al and they feel better.

Users wrote things like, “It life.

The EPA says copper still works stopped my cold right away,” and “Is even when tarnished. It kills hunit supposed to work that fast?”

“What a wonderful thing,” wrote dreds of different disease germs so Physician’s Assistant Julie. “Now I it can prevent serious or even fatal have this little magic wand, no more illness.

CopperZap is made in the U.S. colds for me!”

Pat McAllister, age 70, received of pure copper. It has a 90-day full one for Christmas and called it “one money back guarantee when used as of the best presents ever. This little directed to stop a cold. It is $69.95. jewel really works.” Now thousands Get $10 off each CopperZap with of users have stopped getting colds. code FLSL7.

Go to www.CopperZap.com or Copper may even stop flu that starts in the nose if used right away call toll-free 1-888-411-6114.

Buy once, use forever. and for several days. In a lab test, (paid advertisement)

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2018

35

Johnson Aluminum Products LLC Hurricane Shutters Screen Patios â&#x20AC;¢ Rescreens

HURRICANE SHUTTERS

Easy Open/Close Accordion Shutters

Buy directly from the manufacturer. Please visit our factory.

Free Estimates!

Avoid the rush, order early.

Why lift heavy panels?

Why take 8 hours to do a 30 minute job?

321-956-3102

10250OFF %

up to $

with this ad.

ONE COUPON PER ORDER/MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF SALE

www.JohnsonAluminumProducts.com 365 Stan Dr. #102, W. Melbourne, FL

LIC. & INS. CBC-1260648