Senior Life March 2019

VOLUME 21

OF FLORIDA

ISSUE 11

March 2019

myseniorlife.com

VETERAN USES BOXING TO RELAX

e f i L l u f r o l It’s a Co

Page 15

See the story about the 2019 Boomer Guide, page 18

SENIOR LIFE Keith Betterley

Winnie Bowcock, left, Michael Dalton, David Spurlock and Joanne Woodward were models for the 2019 Boomer Guide. Bowcock, a 93-year-old resident of Indian River Colony Club, loves to wear hats. Dalton and Spurlock play the bagpipes for the Space Coast Highlanders. Woodward keeps busy playing pickleball and boating.

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There’s no need to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick

BY AUSTIN RUSHNELL

Every year, local business, pubs and homes celebrate the spirit of the Irish people on March 17 — but how many people are aware of the origin of the story of St. Patrick’s Day? The story of St. Patrick’s Day is a long and colorful one, and it starts with the man himself: Saint Patrick.

Patrick originally describes himself in a sixth-century Latin autobiography simply entitled, “Confessio,” or “(My) Confession.”

Patrick introduces himself saying, “I, Patrick, am a sinner, a most rustic person, and least of all believers ...”

With these humble words starts the story of how Patrick came to Ireland and eventually converted the island to Christianity.

Many people today are unaware that Patrick wasn’t, in fact, Irish at all. The majority of historians today consider Patrick to have been a Welshman. In any case, Patrick himself tells us that he was captured as a boy by Irish pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. There, he had a “vision” of God, who told him to escape to the eastern coast of Ireland where a boat would be waiting for him. Patrick escaped the bonds of slavery and caught a ship back over the sea to Britain.

A few years later, Patrick received another vision wherein a multitude of letters were being sent to him from the Irish people, each one begging that Patrick return and administer the Christian faith to the people.

From there, Patrick returned to Ireland and began to convert the people and their kings to Christianity. Patrick encountered a myriad of difficulties along the way, including imprisonment, exile and persecution.

Eventually, after Patrick, all of Ireland was converted to Christianity and became a bastion of learning during the early Medieval “Dark Ages” and even produced the world’s first colleges, where classes were offered free of charge.

Patrick later was recognized by the Church as a saint, and it is his accomplishments that are celebrated today. As a direct result of St. Patrick’s conversion of Ireland, it became widely known as the “land of saints and scholars.”

Ireland also has become known across the world as the home of many authors, poets and learned men and women.

During this year’s St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, if you’re looking for a good place to celebrate, look no farther than the nearest Irish pub where there are bound to be festivities at hand.

Nolan’s Irish Pub will host its annual St.

SENIOR LIFE Austin Rushnell

The statue of St. Patrick stands on the iconic Hill of Tara in County Meath, Ireland.

St. Patrick holds up a shamrock, which he used to represent the Holy Trinity.

Patrick’s Day party starting at 9 a.m. and continuing into the evening. The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be conducted in Downtown Melbourne, with the festivities moving to Meg O’Malley’s Irish Pub and Restaurant.

The Cottage Irish Pub, in Eau Gallie also will celebrate the special day.

So, take this St. Paddy’s Day (from the Irish spelling “Pádraig”) to remember the man that worked so hard to spread enlightenment during the Middle Ages. Give a hearty “sláinte!” (Irish for “cheers!”) to your friends! SL

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Spring brings longer days for fun activities There is so much to look forward to in the spring season.

First, there is daylight saving time. The Florida Legislature approved making it permanent. But, before that can happen, it has to have the OK from the U.S. Congress. After two sessions, the measure still lingers and might have to go back to the Florida Legislature.

In any case, daylight saving time starts again March 10. Don’t forget to change the batteries in your smoke alarms when you change your clocks, springing ahead by one hour.

So, now there is more daylight to enjoy the outdoors and the many festivals and activities that usually take place during this time of the year. Check out our calendar of events and stories.

We also want you to check out our newest Boomer Guide magazine.

It’s a Colorful Life. That’s the theme of this year’s Boomer Guide magazine, which is available March 1 at the usual locations. You also can pick up a copy from our office at 7630 N. Wickham Road, Suite. 105 in Viera.

We made a pledge to bring you stories that make a difference in your lives. You’ll find some of those kind of stories in the Boomer Guide.

We continue in this edition of Senior Life with stories about digital devices that could be life-changing for some. There are so many ways of staying in touch with grandchildren and other family members. There are devices that remind you of tasks, to take your medication or to remind you of an appointment. We tell you about some of these things in our stories on technology.

There is so much though, prompting us to save some for the next edition.

In this edition, we also tell you about people getting satisfaction making a difference for others. Women philanthropists are doing just that.

Seniors do some creative things and we enjoy hearing their stories and then bringing those stories to you.

We hope that you too will be inspired to go out and do some things. As spring begins and as you look forward to summer, there is a lot to do and a lot to enjoy doing in the warm weather.

R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com

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Roger and Tina Williamson look over the plans for their Plantation Point home in Rockledge with Realtor Diana Roca. Roca was instrumental in helping the Williamsons upsize to a larger home.

Many pros, cons to upsizing to a new home

BY ERNEST ARICO

According to the website — realtor. com — there are six things to keep in mind before leaping into a larger home: 1. Think critically about your goals.

Before you hit the house hunting trail, take a moment to pin down what you really, actually need. For example, how are you actually going to live in this bigger house? Why do you want a bigger kitchen? Listing your goals will help you prioritize. Is the idea to accommodate your traditional nuclear family, or do you need to make rooms for seniors and young adults coming back from college? Is open concept right for you and your family? It sounds great to watch the kids when they’re little, but you’ll get a lot of noise as they get older, real estate experts say.

In other words, have a plan and find a home that works into it.

There’s been a lot of talk about downsizing — moving into a smaller home as you grow older. However, if you’re just starting to see your family grow, the opposite — upsizing — is much more relevant.

As your assets, family and lifestyle needs increase, you might find you’ve outgrown your home and need more space for your day-to-day living.

Upsizing isn’t as simple as it sounds though — from increasing your mortgage to maintaining a larger property, there are many factors to be taken into consideration before you upgrade.

Moving into a new, larger home has some undeniable benefits. Having more space allows you to give your children the space to grow both physically and socially. It can also impact your own UPSIZING continued to page 29 social lifestyle as adults.

A larger home can give you working space for personal projects or developing your own business before you have the startup capital to acquire a commercial space.

Upsizing also can have tangible financial benefits in the future. In a positive property market like Brevard County, your home’s value might appreciate over time, leading to considerable revenue

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Say Yes to New Adventures!

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Valerie Alday

Tap dancers performed during an open house at the Martin Andersen Senior Center..

Fun, games keep Martin Andersen Senior Center hopping

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Volume 21, Number 11 Senior Life of Florida 7630 N. Wickham Road, No. 105 Viera, FL 32940 321-242-1235 myseniorlife.com jill@myseniorlife.com

VOLUME 21

OF FLORIDA

ISSUE 10

February 2019

myseniorlife.com

Copy Editor Jeff Navin Feature Writers Ernest Arico Ed Baranowski Muffy Berlyn Chris Bonanno Brenda Eggert Brader Sammy Haddad Flora Reigada Austin Rushnell Maria Sonnenberg Julie Sturgeon John Trieste Photographers Walter Kiely Darrell Woehler

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

Page 2, 11, 13

South Pacific is calling

The

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

Polynesian dancers, exhibitors, educational information featured at annual expo

Office Manager Sylvia Montes

Editor R. Norman Moody

LASTING LOVE STORIES

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Lanakila’s

A Polynesian dance troupe will headline the entertainment March 1 for Senior Life’s Boomer Guide Senior Expo at the Space Coast Convention Center in Cocoa.

Aloha, boomer and senior family!

Could you use a little trip to the South Seas? If so, the Boomer Guide Senior Expo has a deal for you.

Senior Life’s Boomer Guide Senior Expo always sizzles with entertainment, education and giveaways, but this spring it will literally be on fire, thanks to the appearance of the Lanakila’s troupe of Polynesian dancers, headliners at the expo.

“This event launches the new 2019 Boomer Guide magazine that everyone has been waiting for,” said Jill Blue, CEO of Bluewater Creative Group, the publisher of Senior Life, Viera Voice and the Boomer Guide. “You won’t want to miss it. You’ll miss out on all the fun, entertainment and information available. The expo will bring together hundreds of participants with some of the best exhibitors that provide service for boomers and seniors.”

The popular event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, March 1 at the Space Coast Convention Center at 301 Tucker Lane, off Interstate 95 in Cocoa.

“We take people on a musical journey to Polynesia,” said

Aloha Brevard Expo

Pages Xxx

myseniorlife.com 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.

Technology time, page 8

BSO performs hits, page 14

Not too old to write, page 21 Fighting leukemia, page 31

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BOOMER BOO O MER OO CELEBRATING 13 YEARS AS BREVARD COUNTY’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR BOOMERS & SENIORS EDITION 2019 NO. 13

BOOMER

2019 Boomer Guide is here!

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2019

continued to page 13

6 8 10-11 15-17 21-23 25-27 28 30-31 35

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

COUPONS & DISCOUNTS

LISTINGS & MORE: Business Activities I Sports Clubs • Groups • Meetings Veterans Resources Senior Living Tour Hurricane Safety Health & Wellness Support Groups

Celebrating 21 Years

ANDERSEN

March 2019

©2019 Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. All rights reserved

Publisher Jill Blue

Design & Media Joan Sofet Hannah Peterson

Whether it’s Tai Chi, Spanish class or a music jam, there always is something interesting happening at the Martin Andersen Senior Center.

The center, located in the heart of Rockledge on Florida Avenue, offers all sorts of weekly activities with friendly folks offering expertise and companionship.

“We have members in their 50s and into their late 90s,” said Valerie A. Alday, president of the center. “We have 300 or 400 seniors here every day, having fun and enjoying the activities.”

The price for the fun and friendship is affordable. A yearly membership costs $15. Classes are priced from $1 for Spanish or a crafts class to $6 for Tai Chi or Yoga. Nonmembers prices usually are a dollar more per class.

“Our ‘busy fingers crafts’ class donates their hand-made items to the Brevard Sharing Center, local nursing

homes and hospice,” Alday said. “And, we have the whole range of exercise classes for all levels. We even have chair dancing.”

Anyone who wants to dust off an old musical instrument and perform should attend the weekly music jam on Wednesday afternoons. All playing levels are welcome to participate or just enjoy listening to the songs.

“The Wednesday afternoon music jam is new this year,” Alday said. “I like to be here on Wednesdays because I love listening to them.”

Ballroom and tap dancing are popular classes for those who want to “shake a leg.” Partners are not required for any activities.

“There are a lot of people who live alone,” Alday said. “Some seniors come here every day partly for companionship.”

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pg. 34

RiverView

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Join the Fun Tours, Cruises

pg. 34

Fantastic Sams

pg. 34

Johnson Aluminum/Rescreening pg. 21

Hansen’s Handyman

pg. 23

Nini’s Cuban Cuisine

pg. 34

pg. 28

Quits & More

pg 34

Brevard Skin

pg. 30

Gutter Cleaning

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M & M Heating-A/C

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SportClips

myseniorlife.com

Lighthouse Gala offers night of celebration under the stars

BY DARRELL WOEHLER Participants gathered under the stars and the glow of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse on Feb. 8 for the second annual Lighthouse Gala.

The event was held on the grounds of the lighthouse, which is at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

The event was to raise funds for the ongoing construction of the Keepers’ Cottages. These cottages will replicate the original designs on the lighthouse grounds where the lighthouse keepers and their families lived.

According to Jim Underwood, president of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation, the ticket price for the evening included membership in the Lighthouse Foundation.

Registered patrons were picked up at Exploration Tower at the port and bused to the event. The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation was established in 2002. It is dedicated to promoting access to the lighthouse, providing the public with knowledge and history and rebuilding three cottages that once stood on the grounds of the lighthouse.

“What once was, can be again.”

Food for the evening was promoted as a “Lighthouse Gala Menu — A Butlered Fare” and provided by Wild Ocean Seafood, Fishlips, and Rising Tide tap & table restaurants.

On hand to help in providing escorts were four U.S. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation teams from Ponce de Leon Inlet.

“We had some 140 patrons,

SENIOR LIFE Darrell Woehler

The second annual Lighthouse Gala was held Feb. 8 to raise money to build future cottages on the grounds of the lighthouse, volunteers and guests enjoying the food, drinks and atmosphere,’’ said Jim Underwood, the foundation president.

“Musical entertainment was provided

by Tropical Groove-The Kornicki Brothers. Throughout the evening, guests could sign up at a Silent Auction table for eight large baskets filled with goodies, which greatly aided in this fundraiser.”

In addition, sponsorship for this restoration project has also been provided by the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the State of Florida as well as funds from the Brevard County Commission.

For information on Cape Canaveral Lighthouse tours, call 321-3072900 or go to CanaveralLighthouse.

Tours. Tours also are provided by

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The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse originally was built in 1868 and recently celebrated its 150th Anniversary. This lighthouse is one of 30 in the Florida Lighthouse Association.

The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is the only fully-operational lighthouse owned by the United States Air Force.

SL

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5

Neighbors Diva Party brings fun for neighbors, nets funds for charity

BY MARIA SONNENBERG Julie Davis is on a campaign to channel women’s inner divas as a means of helping charities.

The Indialantic resident, fresh off a Diva Party that netted close to $1,000 for the Susan Komen Foundation and the American Cancer Society, is raring to go to organize more similar events.

Davis, who moved to Brevard County to start life anew after her first husband was killed by a texting driver, began hosting parties as a way of thanking her newly found friends.

“All my friends are important to me, from my neighbors and my hairdresser to my massage therapist,” Davis said.

When Davis married Clem Etrick on Dec. 12, 2012, the couple did their share of moving until they found the perfect nest at the Barringer Condominium beachside.

“Every time we would move, I would host a party for my new friends,” Davis said.

Throughout the year, Davis will scour stores to find the perfect future party gifts for her friends. At her last diva fete, attendees received a fun gift bag, a key chain with a pink crown and a seat belt cover made from sparkling fabric covered with pictures of girlie

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Julie Davis

Julie Davis, right, chats with door prize winner, Christine LoCascio during a Diva Party. shows.

“It covers the car seat belt and gives the driver a more comfortable ride,” Davis said.

Instead of hosting just a social occasion, however, Davis took it to the next level by encouraging guests to make donations to their favorite charity.

Her last event was aimed at raising money for breast cancer research.

“It was not specifically for breast

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Julie Davis

Irene Fox won first prize for the most glamourous at a Diva Party. She wore glass slippers and her silver ensemble completed the look.

cancer survivors, but it turned out to be that a good number of the ladies were,” she said.

The cancer survivors were invited to stand up and be recognized.

“It was very moving to see how many of them had battled breast cancer, and that a couple of them had had more than one type of cancer,” Davis said.

Even though the party is long finished, Davis was still getting

donations for the cancer charities.

“I was overwhelmed by the number of women who couldn’t make it but wanted to send a check,” Davis said.

With her parties, Davis hit upon a winning recipe.

“Life is tough, but you need to know how to have fun and to help others,” she said.

To contact Davis for help with a Diva Party, call 321-431-0235. SL

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2019

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The Experts in Aging

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2019

7

Tech Know Tidbits Embracing technology brings new world to seniors

BY AUSTIN RUSHNELL As technology continues to develop, it’s important that today’s seniors keep up with the evolution of modern tech.

There are multiple benefits to learning how to use computers, cell phones and even iPads for seniors.

Learning how to deal with today’s technology can improve one’s quality of life and even provide a whole new world of communication.

Some of the benefits of learning how to use technology include: having access to the internet and being able to use it to its fullest extent; communicating with friends and loved ones via social media, such as Facebook; having instant access to news sources via web pages; and even using sites such as Wikipedia to learn more about things that prompt curiosity.

Available options for seniors to learn more about technology include taking classes and getting involved with local groups at the library.

Organizations such as the Wickham Park Senior Center provide local seniors with the necessary tools to navigate online.

“Unfortunately, there is no single answer as to how seniors can better learn about modern technology,” said John Efird of the Wickham Park Senior Center, who ran the Senior Computer Class for about three years.

“In almost all cases, I have found that users need to be shown how to accomplish something, then doing it themselves with some individual attention to each student. Often good information on how to use devices can

SENIOR LIFE Austin Rushnell

Seniors can develop their technological skills by using public computers in their local library, such as the Central Brevard Library and Reference Center. be found by doing a Google search for ‘how do I ...’, or using YouTube for a similar search. Both Google and YouTube can provide answers for nearly any current technological device.”

Efird also recommends that seniors try and work with new skills one piece at a time, so as not to be overwhelmed by too much new information.

“The challenges of teaching technology are many,” Efird explained. “But the real key seems to be (seniors’) interest in accomplishing a specific task, such as connecting with others on Facebook, using email and finding things on the internet.

“Seniors seem to need new

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2019

information in small bites,” Efird added. “They seem to retain information better if they have some homework to reinforce whatever they have been taught.”

Although the Senior Computer Classes are no longer offered at the

Wickham Park Senior Center, Efird recommends a number of other resources that seniors can look into, such as: Brevard Public Libraries, which might offer technology and computer classes from time to time including classes on computer basics, tablets and phones. For information, call 321-686-1104 or go to brevardfl.gov/ PublicLibraries/Computers.

Senior Adventures in Learning, which offers some computer classes throughout the year in Melbourne.

For information, call 321-626-0963 or go to sailofmelbourne.org.

Computer Tutor, a business in West Melbourne that offers tutoring for Brevard seniors. For information, call 321-431-3866 or go to computertutor321.com.

Shepherd’s Center-Beachside, which also offers computer classes throughout the year. For information, call 321-610-3937 or go to myshepherdcenter.org.

With these resources at hand, Brevard seniors have the opportunity to develop their skills in managing technology in a world that is growing ever-more technologically dependent.

SL

Daylight saving time still controversial around country

BY MARIA SONNENBERG Daylight saving time arrives March 10, but June Mikell’s dogs couldn’t care.

“Dogs don’t understand the time change, so when we spring forward, they are waking me up at 5:30 instead of 6:30 and when we fall back, it is the opposite,” said the Suntree resident.

Mikell doesn’t mind the Florida Legislature’s desire to adopt daylight saving time year-round, as long as there is no more going back and forth in time.

“Even though it takes time for your body alarm clock to reset, leaving the time constant is a lot less stressful on everyone,” Mikell added.

Last year, the Florida Legislature overwhelmingly passed, with Gov. Rick Scott’s blessing, the Sunshine Protection Act to make the Sunshine State the only one in the country to adopt daylight saving time. There was a small problem.

Florida can want daylight saving time, but federal law doesn’t yet allow it. States can opt out of daylight saving time for standard time, as Hawaii and Arizona have done, but going in reverse would put the state into another time zone, which would

affect airline schedules, television viewing and the like. Most of Florida would be on Atlantic Standard Time, just like Nova Scotia.

Sen. Marco Rubio introduced federal legislation to make daylight saving time permanent on a federal

DAYLIGHT

continued to page 13

myseniorlife.com

The BOOMER GUIDE is Here Find your copy in the April Senior Life or pick up your copy at the locations below after April 1.

BOOMER CELEBRATING 13 YEARS AS

BREVARD CO UNTY’S MOST COMPREHENS IVE GUIDE FO R EDITION 20 19 NO. 13

BOOMERS & SE NIORS

BOOMER

FREE COPY

Colorful L ife a It’s

LISTINGS & M ORE: Business Activities I Sp orts Clubs • Group s • Meetings Veterans Reso urces Senior Living Tour Hurricane Sa fety Health & Wel lness Support Group s

Celebrating 21

Years

How to TH R I V past 55 E PAGE 66

Annual Boomer Guide is a ‘manual’ on how to build a great life Find everything you need to live your best life on the Space Coast, from clubs to activities, to health care and recreation, the best places to live and everything in between.

A few of our pick-up locations after April 1: TITUSVILLE • Titusville Chamber of Commerce, 2000 S. Washington, Titusville • Titusville Adult Social Center Center, 909 Lake Ave., Titusville

MERRITT ISLAND/COCOA BEACH • Freedom 7 Senior Center, 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd., Cocoa Beach • The Sunflower House inside Merritt Square Mall, Merritt Island

ROCKLEDGE • Martin Andersen Senior Center, 1025 Florida Ave., Rockledge

VIERA/SUNTREE • Senior Life, 7630 N. Wickham Road, #105, Suntree • One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera • William A. Johnson PA, 140 Interlachen Road, Suntree • Viera Discovery Center, The Avenue Viera, Unit 105, Viera

MELBOURNE/PALM BAY • Wickham Park Senior Center, 2785 Leisure Way, Melbourne • Greater Palm Bay Senior Center, 1275 Culver Drive NE, Palm Bay

BEACHSIDE • 55+ Club, DRS Center, 1089 S. Patrick Dr., Satellite Beach

For a pick-up location near you, or bulk delivery of 30 or more guides, call 321-242-1235.

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2019

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 BOO BOOMER O MER OO CELEBRATING 13 YEARS AS BREVARD COUNTY’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR BOOMERS & SENIORS CELEBRATING 12 YEARS AS BREVARD COUNTY’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR BOOMERS & SENIORS

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.

EDITION 2019 NO. 13

BOOMER BOOMER

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EDITION 2018 · NO. 12

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POWER OF AGE

How to

THRIVE past 55

PAGE 66 Celebrating 21 Years

Partnering Communities A

Cedar Creek

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C D E F G H I J K

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Celebrating 21 Years

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HISTORIC TITUSVILLE MAIN STREET KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

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Courtenay Springs Village

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

A

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Chateau Madeleine

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

The Brennity at Melbourne

7300 Watersong Lane, Melbourne, 32940 321-253-7440 BrennityMelbourne.com

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Lamplighter Village

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

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

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

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Buena Vida Estates

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

RiverView Senior Living Resort

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2019

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

myseniorlife.com

Senior Living

Viera del Mar hosts impressive grand opening

BY AUSTIN RUSHNELL Viera residents welcomed the grand opening of a new rehabilitation center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the close of last month.

On Jan. 31, the Viera del Mar Health and Rehabilitation Center held its grand opening, featuring guest speakers, a buffet and even a scavenger hunt.

The festivities began with a series of speakers, including doctors and department heads such as administrator Rachel Maser, who described the center as a place “where quality meets excellent guest service.”

After representatives spoke at a podium, the ribbon cutting was held and the doors of the facility were officially opened.

“The main goal (of the Center) is to prove a quality service to the patients and residents of Viera,” President of Gulf Coast Health Care Jamey Richardson said. “Some of the challenges are going to be getting the word out about what we do, and (sharing) understanding about some of the different services we provide that a traditional nursing home may not. “(Viera del Mar) is going to offer a myriad of services,” Richardson continued. “I think the first and foremost is going to be rehabilitation; we’re also going to offer long-term care services. We’re going to be looking at everything, from folks that

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

The Viera del Mar Health and Rehabilitation Center held its grand opening ceremony with a ribbon cutting. need special diets to people that need clinical care—things that will require 24-hour care.”

During the opening, Viera del Mar offered hors d’oeuvres and a full buffet, made entirely by in-house chefs. There also was a steel drum musician from the award-winning band Caribbean Crew.

Houston Prater, one of the licensed practical nurses, mentioned that Viera del Mar will provide post-

acute services to its guests, including cardiac patients and those suffering from acute injuries.

Richardson also expressed a desire to keep Viera del Mar a viable part of the Viera area.

“We want to be part of this community,” Richardson added. “We want to make an impact on people, and we want the community to share with us what it is that we need to do to make (Viera del Mar) better.”

Tours of the facilities are currently being offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

For more information about Viera del Mar Health and Rehabilitation Center, go to gchc.com/locationpage/viera-del-mar-health-andrehabilitation-center-2 or call 321775-6800. For those looking to sign up, ask to speak with Director of Community Relations Melissa Conn.

SL

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2019

myseniorlife.com

Local actor finds second home at Melbourne Civic Theatre

BY MUFFY BERLYN

ANDERSEN

continued from page 4

Social activities are especially important for seniors living alone.

Group exercise and a connection to other people can ward off depression and maintain good emotional health.

Many more services are offered at the center, including wellness lectures, bone building classes, grievance counseling and holiday dinners.

Visitors are welcome to stop in for a tour and to pick up a schedule or the latest newsletter. The center is staffed

DAYLIGHT

continued from page 8 level, but it got stuck somewhere in time. The idea, however, is by no means dead.

“We plan to reintroduce it this Congress, and to continue working to make daylight saving time permanent,” said Arielle Mueller, who spoke on behalf of Rubio’s office.

Proponents of the plan claim making daylight saving time permanent benefits the economy, eliminating a substantial economic decline that comes every November when clocks move back. It also helps the agricultural industry, which is disproportionately disrupted by biannual changes in time due to upsetting farm schedules and farmers’

321-242-1235

W hy A re W e D ifferent?

L

Courtesy of usan uo i

Susan Suomi is a seasoned actor at the Melbourne Civic Theater, who will be starring in “The Country House,” which runs from March 22 through April 28.

theater and auditioned for “The King and I.” “I was cast as one of the Asian wives,” Suomi said. “I was told that I would need to dye my hair black. So, I went home and told my parents what I had done. They were stunned. ‘You went where? You did what? You’re dying your hair black?’ From then on they never missed a production, until I married and moved away.”

“The Country House” runs March 22 through April 28, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday showtimes. The Melbourne Civic Theatre is at 817 Strawbridge Ave. in Melbourne.

For information, call 321-723-6935 or got to mymct.org. SL

by dedicated volunteers who love what they do.

Martin Andersen and his wife donated the property for the Martin Andersen Senior Center. Andersen was a publisher of The Orlando Sentinel, who was a key player in the formation of Central Florida’s road development.

The center’s schedule can be viewed online at martinandersenseniorcenter. com/activities.

The Martin Andersen Senior Center is located at 1025 S. Florida Ave. in Rockledge. For information, call 321-631-7549. SL

t

Set the clock

a ar ayli sa in ti e e ins

t

relationships with their supply chain and distribution partners.

A 2015 Brookings Institution report also claims that a permanent daylight saving time would reduce the number of robberies by 27 percent because of additional daylight later in the day.

The American Journal of Public Health and the Journal of Safety Research also say that permanent daylight saving time would reduce car crashes and car wrecks involving pedestrians, thanks to increased visibility in additional sunlight.

Dogs, unfortunately, still will want to go out for their constitutional at the same time. SL

Because we are the ONLY Retirement Community in Brevard County licensed to offer 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.

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

W NO AI W TL T IS AK T D IN EP G OS IT

Susan Suomi, 66, is a seasoned actor who has found a theater home at the intimate 93-seat Melbourne Civic Theatre, where she treads the boards.

“Melbourne Civic Theatre is my home away from home,” Suomi said.

“It’s a successful little theater with a dedicated and talented director and tech crew.”

Her current role at MCT is Anna in “The Country House” by playwright David Margulies. Set to open March 22, it is a play about a family of actors.

“Anna is the matriarch of this family who has gathered on the one-year anniversary of the death of Anna’s daughter,” Suomi said.

Suomi currently is a service coordinator for seniors in HUD independent living housing in Brevard County. But, acting and forming flesh and blood characters from the pages of a stage play is her passion.

“I have a need to create and I love the challenge that performing brings to my life,” Suomi said. “Even though it’s challenging, the pleasure at the end is worth it all.”

One of Suomi’s favorite things about acting is preparation. She reads the play several times, thinks about the character’s history, their relationships with other characters and even their clothes and other details.

“There is always something that helps me to become the character,” she said. “It might be an article of clothing, a petticoat, a hat. It might be a prop, an umbrella or a cigarette. It might be an accent. It’s always different.”

Her love of acting began at 14 when she walked into a local community

For a complimentary tour and lunch, call Teri 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 A 501 (c)(3) Not For Profit Organization

SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2019

13

Central Brevard Art Association continues to guide artists

BY MUFFY BERLYN The Central Brevard Art Association (CBAA) has welcomed beginning to advanced artists for 55 years.

The CBAA’s Rockledge Studio provides members with opportunities to learn in art classes, workshops and seminars. Artists can meet and socialize with other artists. The association creates venues for artists to show their work.

Vicki Taylor, a retired esthetician,

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Vickie Taylor

Vicki Taylor, an artist and member of the Central Brevard Art Association, stands next to a watercolor she painted from a photo taken in Key West of docked shrimp boats. The rusty ship is named Metamorphosis.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Anne Sands

Anne Sands, an artist and member of the Central Brevard Art Association, stands next to her painting “The Swans.”

is an artist in many forms, including photography, watercolor, oil and acrylic. During the past 15 years, she has held many roles, including first vice president.

“CBAA is great for new artists who are just beginning their art journey. …

Artists of all calibers from beginner to proficient are welcome,” Taylor said.

Paula Phelps, a pastel painter who was a senior reporter for Sports Illustrated in New York City, recognizes that being an artist can be a solitary path.

“Creativity is a lonely sport,” she said. “The fellowship at CBAA has been an ever-valued, embracing and

LIVE YOUR

supportive family. I was in search of local space to show and artistic souls to share the joy of creation.”

Anne Sands, a retired registered nurse, is a watercolor and acrylic artist. She looked for a creative outlet after retiring and discovering the art association.

“I get inspired by the talents of others,” she said of the association.

“There are opportunities to learn new techniques. In addition, I can participate in two major CBAA art shows each year. It is a wonderful way to socialize with like-minded artists.”

The association has instituted a CBAA Art Scholarship at Eastern

Florida State College.

“After we are long gone, this scholarship will continue to help struggling art students reach their own goals,” said Taylor, who also was a CBAA Scholarship fundraising chair.

Donations can be made to the scholarship fund through the EFSC website at easternflorida.edu.

The association offers art classes throughout the week. The CBAA is located at 103 Barton Blvd. in Rockledge.

For information, call 321-632-2922, email cbaaartist@gmail.com or go to cbaaartists.com.SL

Best Life!

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WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT? • Resort-style amenities including easy-entry swimming pool, full-service bar, chauffeured transportation services, 24-hour concierge and more • Walking exterior nature trail that captures active Florida Wildlife and “Salt Life” living with river vistas and gentle year round breezes • Purposely-built, all-inclusive community offering Supervised Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care so residents can age in place • Professional medical, nursing, rehabilitation, nutrition and Certified Dementia Practitioner teams onsite

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2019

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SeniorLife

STRIPES Brevard Veterans News

Former JAG officer turns to boxing to unwind

BY MARIA SONNENBERG Attorney Tony Hernandez loves nothing better than to fight the good fight, whether in court or ringside.

To de-stress after a day helping clients with their family or civil law issues, the Cocoa Beach lawyer heads to either the boxing ring or to jiu-jitsu training. At 59, he is the acknowledged senior member at Outlaw Boxing in Palm Bay, as well as at Off the Grid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Cocoa Beach.

He is good enough to compete, but the problem is finding competitors.

At Tampa’s Arte Suave Cup, a major jiu-jitsu tournament, Hernandez found himself the elder statesman.

“It was surreal, being the oldest guy,” Hernandez said.

Because he can’t find local competitors in his age group for both boxing and jiu-jitsu, Hernandez is forced to travel farther to major metropolitan areas. He plans to visit Brazil this year to compete in one of the larger competitions there.

Before establishing his Cocoa Beach law practice a couple of decades ago, Hernandez spent two stints in the Air Force.

“The first time, I was in the Air Force for five years and left as a sergeant. Then, I went to college at the University of Tampa and then on to law school before going back into the Air Force as a JAG, and left as a captain,” he said.

Being stationed at Patrick Air Force Base helped Hernandez discover the charms of the Space Coast. The area reminded him of his homeland Cuba, which he left in 1961 when his family became political refugees. It was not supposed to be a long stay in

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Tony Hernandez III

Attorney Tony Hernandez III poses with boxing trainer Corey McCray of Outlaw Boxing in Palm Bay. Hernandez trains there several days a week.

America.

“My family thought they would only have to be in the United States a few days before the situation in Cuba fixed itself,” Hernandez said.

Fidel Castro’s Communist regime continued its iron grip on the Caribbean island and thoughts of a quick return home eventually vanished for Hernandez and his family.

He originally wanted to become an EPA prosecutor, but enrollment at Vermont Law School, one of the best in the country for environmental law, changed his mind.

“Although I enjoyed it, I came to realize that my gift was for litigation,” he said.

As Brevard’s Hispanic population has grown, Hernandez has found that his client base has evolved. He has seen such a demand for law services from the area’s fast-growing Latino community that Hernandez opened a satellite law office in Palm Bay last year. His firm also provides a legal clinic every third Saturday at the Hispanic Center in Palm Bay. When not helping clients or training in martial arts, Hernandez enjoys recounting family stories from Cuba.

“My mom was a storyteller and she felt it was very important to tell these stories, no matter how difficult they were to tell,” he said.

Hernandez must have inherited his mom’s ability to make connections through the spoken word. For of all the aspects of his job, he loves speaking on behalf of his clients the most.

“I just can’t get enough of it,” he said. SL

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MOACC’s Survivor Assistance Team comes through for widows

When a husband or wife dies, in addition to dealing with the emotional and traumatic experience, the surviving spouse also must make critical decisions that will affect his or her life and benefits.

Dealing with the grief makes it much more difficult to handle all that needs to be done. It can be overwhelming.

That’s where the Survivor Assistance Team from the Military Officers of America Cape Canaveral Chapter comes in.

I know that there are other groups such as the Disabled American Veterans posts in Brevard that do similar work. In this column, I will tell you about the MOACC team.

“Preparing for the inevitable is

Veterans’ Advocate R. Norman Moody

intimidating to a lot of people,” said retired Air Force Lt. Col. Chuck Shaw, who heads the MOACC team.

The team monitors local obituaries daily and compares them to its membership roster of 1,400 members.

They then offer their assistance.

The team helps couples to prepare and supports the surviving spouse through all that must be done when a

wife or husband dies.

“It hits a widow at the worst time of their lives,” Shaw said. “We help them right after.”

Though the program is for MOAAC, Shaw said no veteran needing help would be turned away.

According to MOACC, among the things that must be done following a death: Reporting the death to the veteran’s service branch, the Department of Veterans Affairs and others.

Filling out military benefit forms and assuring that the forms get to the proper agency such as Defense Finance and Accounting Service and the VA. Coordinating with county government offices such as the

Property Appraisers Office, Tax Collectors Office and the County Clerk.

In addition, there are many other things that must be done. The MOACC website moaacc.org/SurvivorAssistance. aspx offers links and more information on what couples should know.

Shaw learned from the experience of one of his daughters. Her husband was killed while serving in Iraq in 2005, and she had to navigate through all that had to be done.

That’s when Shaw decided to become involved with the MOACC Survivor Assistance program and soon became the team leader.

“I decided I couldn’t sit back and watch one more widow go through that.” SL

Tuskegee Airman receives long-deserved final tribute

BY AUSTIN RUSHNELL Hundreds of people recently paid final respects at the reinterment of a Tuskegee Airman who had been first buried in an unmarked grave.

The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African-American pilots that flew in World War II. They were distinguished as the first group of African-Americans to fly in WWII and have since been praised for their efforts during a time of racial segregation.

On Feb. 7, Tuskegee Airman Flight Officer Edwin Cowan, along with his wife Theda Cowan, was reburied with full military honors at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

Cowan, who died in 2009 at the age of 88, originally had been buried in an unmarked grave on the grounds of a Merritt Island church.

When Ray Norman, a board member of the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, learned about that, he started actions that led to the reburial.

After two years of planning, Edwin and Theda Cowan were formally reburied together at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. Members of the Cowan family from five states were there to celebrate the couple’s lives.

Also present at the ceremony were veterans organizations such as the American Legion, Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution and a unit of “Buffalo Soldiers.”

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of E.R. Moody

Edwin and Theda Cowan were reburied at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery with full military honors on Feb. 7. Edwin Cowan was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen.

The reburial ceremony was opened with the cremains being brought in on a caisson accompanied by an honor guard.

A speaker informed the crowd that Edwin Cowan had trained for 527 hours of logged flight time, but had never seen combat due to the close of the war.

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educator. He moved to Florida later in life and founded a Red Tails chapter.

Theda died in 2007 at the age of 87, and Edwin died two years later. They were both buried in a family plot on Merritt Island.

During the reinterment ceremony, Cowan was given a full military sendoff with rifle volley and taps, as well as two flags that were presented to

daughter, Leslie Cowan.

Two U.S. Air Force T-38s flew over the final notes of the ceremony. “(I got) goosebumps,” said Linda Jensen of the Daughters of the American Revolution, when describing the ceremony. “Seriously.”

“It was phenomenal,” added Brian Jensen of the Sons of the American Revolution. “It’s a piece of history.” SL

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Cape Canaveral National Cemetery

Veterans will be pinned during the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

Vietnam War commemoration focuses on honoring homeless

BY JULIE STURGEON

A Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration will be held Saturday, March 30 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

The event, part of the nationwide tribute, will honor Vietnam War veterans, including those held as prisoners of war (POW) and missing in action (MIA), for their service and sacrifice to the United States.

This year’s focus is on struggling homeless Vietnam veterans. The theme is “Grateful Nation: from Sea to Shining Sea.” Dr. Hal Kushner, a flight surgeon during the Vietnam War and a POW for five and a half years, will be the guest speaker. Kushner is featured in the PBS documentary “The Vietnam War” by Ken Burns.

“Our event committee is diligently working with local homeless organizations to invite our homeless and less-fortunate veterans,” said Marylou Wade, the event chair, “so they can receive their deserved recognition and official Vietnam 50th lapel pin.”

The Vietnam veteran lapel pin will be presented to all Vietnam and Vietnam era veterans following the formal ceremony. Don Murphy, the cemetery director, along with the keynote speaker, will pin Vietnam veterans.

“The Vietnam 50th Anniversary lapel pin, a small token, yet deep in heart and symbolism, displays to all veterans that they, and their service to our country, is not forgotten,” Wade said.

The program will include a reading of names of Vietnam burials since March 2018.

Dennis Vannorsdall, a retired Air Force chief master sergeant who is manager of Brevard County Veterans Services, will be the master of ceremonies.

Featured will be soloist Suzy Cunningham, the strategy and integration manager at Kennedy Space Center; Chaplain Craig “Doc” Glynn, a Vietnam Green Beret medic; and the Terrier Sound Titusville High School ensemble.

There will be Vietnam, POW, MIA, and Gold Star wreath presentations, along with formal military honors by a

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U.S. Army unit from Fort Stewart .

“We mean not to parade these veterans, but to respectfully honor them and their service to our country,” Wade said. “Some of our less-fortunate veterans may not even know they are eligible for burial in a national cemetery.”

Families of veterans are encouraged to attend.

The event begins at 10 a.m. at the Flag Assembly Area on the grounds of CCNC at 5525 N. Highway U.S. 1 in Mims. SL

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Boomer Guide models lead colorful lives

BY JEFF NAVIN There’s no guarantee that any of the boomers and seniors featured in the 2019 Boomer Guide will have a 100th birthday party.

It’s still a colorful life for models Joanne Woodward, Winnie Bowcock, Kevin Givens, Michell Mimi Ann Givens, Barbara Roy, Patrick Marshall, David Spurlock and Michael Dalton who have their passions and hobbies that will allow them to thrive in the final chapters of their lives.

The Boomer Guide was released March 1 at the Boomer Guide Senior Expo held at the Space Coast Convention Center in Cocoa.

“This year’s theme is it’s a colorful life,’’ said Jill Blue, the publisher of Senior Life and the Boomer Guide. “Our life is surrounded by color, colorful people and colorful events. I want them to use the Boomer Guide to make their lives healthier, happier and vibrantly enriched. There are so many clubs that people have not heard about until they picked up the magazine.’’

Woodward, a nurse who managed a retirement home for 25 years, lived in Ohio until her retirement at 65 three years ago.

The cover model knew that she would move to Melbourne’s Lamplighter Village since she had been visiting her parents there for several years.

Woodward’s passion is boating and pickleball.

“I love the water in all ways,’’ Woodward said. “I really knew I was missing something. It’s so beautiful out there with the manatees and dolphins.’’

Mimi Givens, a painter, teaches English at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy. When she retires with her husband Kevin, she will have more time to paint.

“I have to credit the Brevard Cultural Alliance for placing my paintings all over the place,’’ Givens said. “I would not be painting or have my paintings shown if they were not such a great friend to me.’’

Bowcock, 93, loves to wear her colorful hats; Marshall cooks Creole and Cajun food; Givens loves cooking for his wife; bagpipers Dalton and Spurlock want to share their love of music and their special instruments of choice; and Roy loves her grandchildren and her pet dogs who have saved her life after bouts with epilepsy. SL

SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2019

SENIOR LIFE Keith Betterley

Michell Mimi Ann Givens, an English teacher at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, loves to paint.

She often comes up with ideas while traveling around the state with her husband, Kevin.

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Students at Merritt Island High School worked with teacher Teresa Nick to improve recycling at the school.

SENIOR LIFE photo

Merritt Island High School embraces recycling

Last September, I received an email from Steve Hatchcock, the head custodian at Merritt Island High School.

They were looking for bins to collect recyclables in the classrooms.

The school had opted out from single-stream recycling and would be recycling only paper and cardboard on campus.

Teresa Nick, an environmental science and biology teacher who sponsors the school’s Earth Club, wanted to keep collecting other recyclables and needed bins to keep everything else separate from the paper and cardboard. Those were the only items that would be going in the classroom bins per school instructions.

I was able to provide her with 22 green 14-gallon bins that she could keep for as long as they are needed to be used strictly for recycling.

After dropping off the bins to

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According to Charlie McMahon, the energy conservation specialist at Brevard Public Schools, school recycling dumpsters can be used for single-stream recycling as long as only acceptable items are placed in the dumpster and there is no contamination. That means that the recyclables Nick collects can go straight into the recycling dumpster.

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In a meeting with MIHS Principal James Rehmer, who kindly agreed to see me without an appointment, I received the OK to work on a campaign to raise awareness about recycling. We also would concentrate on reducing campus litter and single-use plastic bottles.

That was when Love Your Campus came to be. With the focus on the three Rs, we have been working with MIHS to Reduce Litter, Reuse Bottles and Recycle Better. The campaign was launched Feb. 1 and ran until March 1. Students, teachers and staff have been working together to improve in all three areas.

Earth Club students have been involved in creating infomercials, hanging signs, making banners, manning the cafeteria recycle bin and collecting recyclables from the classrooms.

Teachers received the signs, are recycling in their classrooms and using the signs to help identify what goes in the bin.

Custodians, such as Tyrone Smith, provided the blue bin by the cafeteria and gave support during lunch.

Recycle Brevard is all in with this campaign by not only providing the green bins and signs, but also bringing a trivia game to help students recognize what can be recycled on campus. In just two weeks, there was a 63 percent increase in participation in the game. It is hoped that intervention pays off and shows its effects in the recycle bins on campus.

On Feb. 8, with help from our friend Elizabeth Baker from I Pick Up Litter, 17 students joined us and Nick for a campus cleanup. We were happy to work together and remove litter from school grounds.

Students do care and Nick hopes that the campaign results in “more awareness and education among young people on how to properly dispose of waste and, hopefully, promote the use of less single-use plastic.”

And, she pleads for everyone to “be mindful of your daily actions; they have a direct impact on our environment.”

Recycle Brevard would like to support teachers such as Nick and schools such as MIHS, which are making recycling better in Brevard. If your school is interested in our Love Your Campus campaign, please contact us. SL Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@ RecycleBrevard.org.

myseniorlife.com

Health & Wellness Calendar

March 13 • 9 a.m.

Stem Cell Therapy Seminar Duran Golf Club 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-212-7514 March 15 • 3 p.m.

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One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-984-3200 March 21 • 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Free Community Health Fair 300 Malabar Road Palm Bay 321-720-1831 March 28 • 6 p.m.

Uncovering the Mysteries of Aging, The Study of C. Elegans Worms Lifelong Scholarship Society Center for Aeronautics and Innovation 1050 W. NASA Blvd.

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H ea l th & W el l ness Senior Life

Traumatic brain injury haunts seniors at alarming rates

BY MARIA SONNENBERG Never take a fall lightly, even if you feel OK afterward. You could very much regret it later.

“It’s better to err on the side of caution because traumatic brain injuries are more of a concern than many people realize,” said Dr. James Ferro, a neuropsychologist with Psychology Associates of Brevard in Melbourne.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health, traumatic brain injuries in the 65-and-older population account for more than 80,000 emergency room visits annually. Three-quarters of these require hospitalization. The Centers for Disease Control have termed traumatic brain injuries “the silent epidemic.”

The impact to the head disrupts normal brain function, affecting cognitive ability. Short-term memory might be impaired, as can the ability to focus and control impulses and emotions. Dementia might develop as a long-term result.

As the years advance, so does traumatic brain injury-related hospitalizations and deaths. The older

the age of the individual, the worse the outcome is.

Pre-existing conditions, such as a history of stroke SENIOR LIFE photo or heart Dr. James Ferro says issues, also seniors need to negatively avoid falls. impact the outcome after a fall. The older the person, the longer it takes to recover from a traumatic brain injury. Some might not be able to recover at all.

“It represents a mortal threat,” Ferro said.

In seniors, the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries are falls, with motor vehicle accidents coming in second.

The Glasgow Coma Rating Scale is commonly used to test the severity of a traumatic brain injury.

Depending on the severity of the injury, computerized tomography or an MRI might be needed to accurately pinpoint the damage.

Symptoms include nausea, blurred

vision, confusion, slurred speech, headaches and loss of consciousness.

Mild injuries mainly require rest, over-the-counter pain medications and perhaps a short hospital stay or at-home monitoring. Treatment for serious injuries can necessitate medications to prevent further damage, surgery and months of rehabilitation.

To prevent falls, the professionals recommend “fall-proofing” the home to remove tripping hazards. For active seniors engaged in sports such as biking, horseback riding or skiing, the use of a helmet is recommended.

Falling once increases the risk for falling again, with worse consequences.

“You need to undertake steps to reduce further head injury, because another fall may exacerbate the problem,” Ferro said.

That said, don’t let fear of falling prevent you from pursuing the activities you enjoy.

“Just be careful,” Ferro said.

Dr. James Ferro practices at 6767 N. Wickham Road, Suite 306, in Melbourne. To contact him, call 321751-1925. SL

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21

Automatic pill dispensers handy, not substitute for caregiver

BY JULIE STURGEON For many seniors, medication management is a daily task that can be an essential but sometimes confusing exercise.

As the number of prescription drugs for the elderly soars, the pill-dispensing industry has come out with some very handy medication organizers.

Leah Hundley, 81, uses several pill containers for husband Bob’s 20-perday pills. Hundley, a retired nurse, is punctual and precise with her 87-yearold husband’s pill management.

“Bob has diabetes, GERD, high blood pressure and cholesterol. So, he takes seven pills in the morning, four at dinner, five at bedtime,” Hundley said. “I like

the pill organizers I get at the dollar store because they are portable and I can mark the names of the pills on them.”

Hundley said she would be reluctant to change her current pill regime for Bob. For seniors without a caregiver at home, remembering to take prescription drugs can be a challenge. For these folks, a pill dispensing system might help.

The Livefine automatic pill dispenser is a 28-day electronic pill organizer that includes alerts. The dispenser can be used up to six times per day and includes a flashing light and safety latch.

The Livefine has a price tag at around $80, but some say it has been a life saver for loved ones who would otherwise forget to take their medication.

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SENIOR LIFE Julie Sturgeon

Leah Hundley makes sure her husband Bob takes his medications on time every day.

Similar to the Livefine, the GMS Med-e-lert 28 Day Automatic Pill has a 28-day dispenser and six alarms. It comes with both clear and solid lids and sells for around $80. GMS Med-e-lerts, purchased from GroupMedShop, add an additional layer of oversight.

A talking alarm clock is featured with the e-pill MedCenter combination pill organizer box. The clock has four alarms, which can be set throughout the day.

The alarm will sound until an “acknowledge” button is pushed. The e-pill MedCenter claims to have extralarge capacity pill boxes as well as an extra loud talking alarm. The device also has a large display for easy viewing of the date, day and time. The alarm

and seven-day pill box retails for $60.

For those who want something simpler and cheaper, the seven-day Pill Pro is a handy, non-electronic solution.

At around $12, the Pill Pro is organized into trays for morning, noon and evening.

Each tray is removable and the lids snap tight, a nice feature for arthritic fingers or hands.

Most pharmacies sell regular pill organizers, while electronic dispensers can be found on Amazon and other online retailers.

“I am in favor of anything that helps patients remember to take their

PILLS

continued from page 25

LIVING WELL sponsored by Colorectal cancer: Get screened and take action to lower your risk

By Drexel Dobson, MD

Colorectal cancer claims about 56,000 lives each year in the United States. That’s the second-highest death toll among all forms of cancer when we combine male and female statistics. With March being Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good time to remind people that screenings and healthy lifestyle choices can help you beat the odds.

This year, about 140,000 people will learn they have colorectal cancer (a cancer of the colon or the rectum).

Given the relative commonness of the illness, it’s important that people take good care of themselves, focusing on prevention and early detection.

Who is most at risk?

As we age, our risk of developing colorectal cancer increases. Some people younger than 50 are also at a higher risk than the general population and should receive an examination. This group includes anyone with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease and various other forms of cancer:

22

breast, ovarian or endometrial.

Screenings reduce risk There’s plenty a person can do to lower the risk of colorectal cancer. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons has a number of practical recommendations. One of the most important risk-reducing actions is to get screened for the disease. This is crucial, because there are often few symptoms associated with colorectal cancer. In many cases, a person can have the illness and be entirely oblivious to it.

Remember, if you detect it early enough, your chances of survival are extremely good. Between 80 and 90 percent of colorectal patients are restored to normal heath when the illness is caught in its earliest stages.

Screening procedures Digital rectal exams and colonoscopies are common screening methods covered by Medicare and conventional health plans. The latter procedure furnishes a visual examination of the colon’s entire length via a camera on the end of a long, flexible tube. The physician can also use the device to remove polyps if any show up

SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2019

during the examination.

There are other cancer-screening procedures available as well. For example, fecal occult blood testing, which reveals blood hidden in the stool. A sigmoidoscopy, a visual examination performed in a doctor’s office, can also detect colorectal cancers, as can a barium x-ray. Ask your physician which screening procedure is right for you and how often the screenings should take place.

Be sure to choose a specialist It’s important to note that survival rates among colorectal patients rise when they seek treatment from surgeons trained specifically in the field of colorectal surgery. Patients also experience fewer complications when treated by these specialists.

Their advanced training and

experience make them your best choice.

Adopt healthy behaviors A healthy lifestyle goes a long way toward the prevention of colorectal disease. You should eat a diet low in fat and high in fiber. Refrain from all tobacco use: If you smoke, start a cessation plan, immediately; if you don’t smoke, do not start. Drink alcohol only in moderation. Note that smoking and drinking alcohol in tandem greatly increases the risk of colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers.

Also, make sure you exercise three to four days every week for at least 20 minutes each time. Even moderate exercise – climbing stairs, walking, gardening – can provide you with a preventative health benefit.

Drexel Dobson, MD Steward Surgical Specialists Steward Medical Group 1133 Seminole Dr. Rockledge, FL 32955 8055 Spyglass Hill Rd. Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940 321-637-2975

myseniorlife.com

Kidney Foundation offers help in fighting disease liquid withdrawal from the kidneys.

“It takes 6.3 pounds of fluid in three hours,” Karan said. “It is like running a marathon every time you have a treatment.”

“One in nine Americans has kidney disease and one in three are at risk to develop kidney disease at some time in their life,” said Savanna Lanza, the CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Florida based in Orlando. “The risk factors associated with kidney disease are high blood pressure, diabetes, family history and ethnicity and race such as Hispanics and African Americans, who are more likely to develop the disease.

Anyone age 60 and older is at high

risk. A huge shortage for kidney donors makes it a three- to sevenyear wait for a kidney transplant.

“Staying healthy is through exercise, eating healthy and drinking tons of water. A very healthy lifestyle will prevent the disease.”

The Kidney Foundation provides help for paying for patients’ dialysis, gasoline to get to the clinic, paying utility bills or financing the cost of rejection drugs, according to Lanza. Free kidney screenings are offered to communities throughout Florida, including one on March 14 in Orlando. March is kidney month.

Check the website for all programs and screenings at KidneyFL.org. SL

Leading the Future of Primary Care

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of National Kidney Foundation Florida

Kidney Foundation Florida participates in many health fairs across the state of Florida to share vital kidney information.

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Kidney disease is life-changing and there is no cure.

Receiving a new kidney is “the best deterrent we have to kidney failure,” said Joe Karan, who received a kidney in 2013. Dealing with kidney disease changed his life.

Collapsing at his son’s wedding in 2008, Karan discovered he had fluid backup that destroyed the kidney from pressure. He found out how grueling the process could be when he had to use ostomy bags for eight

What’s next?

The seventh annual Footprints in the Sand Kidney Walk 5K fundraiser will be held May 11 at the Cocoa Beach Pier. Go to the National Kidney Foundation website for more information. to 10 months and then he began dialysis treatment for 4½ years.

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These are the folks whose spiritual needs Advent Lutheran Church plans to meet with the ability to drive up for Ashes and a Prayer on Ash Wednesday, March 6 in Suntree and Melbourne Beach.

Clergy from the Suntree church at 7550 N. Wickham Road will administer ashes to the foreheads of the faithful who drive up from 7 until 9 a.m. and then again from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m.

The Melbourne Beach campus of Advent Lutheran Church will offer Ashes and a Prayer from 7 to 9 a.m. at the 1805 Oak Street location. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the six-week period of repentance preceding Easter. SL

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Beat

Old drinking song provides melody for iconic anthem

BY RANDAL HILL Do you recognize this song?

To Anacreon in Heaven, where he sat in full glee A few sons of harmony sent a petition That he their inspirer and patron would be When his answer arrived from the jolly old Grecian Voice, fiddle and flute No longer be mute It doesn’t ring a bell? The words to this old British drinking tune from 1775 might not be familiar, but “To Anacreon in Heaven” features a melody you have heard — and sung — countless times.

Francis Scott Key was a Washington, D. C. lawyer — and an amateur poet.

During the War of 1812, Key was dispatched to Baltimore by President James Madison to negotiate for the release of a prominent surgeon, Dr. William Beanes. He had been captured and was being held aboard a British ship as a civilian prisoner of war.

Key boarded an English vessel

under a flag of truce in Chesapeake Bay on Sept. 7, 1814. He secured Beanes’ release but was then detained on a British ship while the English proceeded to attack nearby Fort McHenry.

Beginning at 6 a.m., British warships fired rockets and mortars at the fort for 25 continuous hours, while more than 1,000 American soldiers inside responded with cannon fire. More than 100 miles away, Philadelphia residents heard the explosions.

Due to a lack of accuracy with the weaponry on both sides, little actual damage was done. Four Americans inside the fort perished.

When the British ran out of ammunition, they hauled up their ships’ anchors and sailed out to sea.

As the storm clouds eased and drifted away, and as dawn brought light to the smoke-filled sky, Key saw that Fort McHenry’s 15-star flag still defiantly waved.

Overcome with relief and emotion, Key began writing a poem of praise — “The Defense of Fort McHenry” — on the back of an envelope he had in his pocket. The lyrics that flowed from his pen became a testament to American

Gravity’s pull downward seems to increase as all of us age

Gravity can drag you down. Is it just me or is there more gravity this year than ever before?

Yes. Every year since I hit 50, the gravity seems to increase and it seems to be the strongest right around me for some reason.

Just look at the facts.

My chest muscles are being pulled down into my abdomen by some unseen force. I just can’t understand it. When I go to the gym, all those younger guys don’t seem to have much gravity around them.

What’s up with that?

You would think with an MBA I could figure out why the gravitational pull in my aura is much more intense than all these younger folks.

My doctor says gravity has been pulling at me three or four decades longer than the people I’m surrounded by. OK, but how come things jump out of my hands and hit the floor more than them?

It’s just not fair.

I try to put my watch on and it’s pulled out of my hand and plops to the floor. The culprit? Gravity.

I’m brushing what’s left of my hair and the brush suddenly drops to the floor. Gravity? Yep. Oh and look, there’s some more of my hair on the floor, too. Gravity?

So how come when things drop out of other people’s hands it falls right to their feet, but with me it hits the floor and somehow propels itself

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Funny thing is...

resolve, endurance and the willingness to persevere against overwhelming odds.

Baltimore newspapers quickly printed his verses and soon, with Key’s blessing, his brother-in-law set the words to the melody of a group singalong called “To Anacreon in Heaven,” a rousing number popular in pubs throughout Baltimore at the time.

That November, a local music store printed Key’s words for the first time under a more lyrical title: “The StarSpangled Banner.”

By the time the war ended a few months later, Key’s soul-stirring song had become ingrained into America’s popular culture.

On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed a law making “The StarSpangled Banner” the official United States national anthem.

While the tune has played a large role in molding the modern image of America, only its first verse is usually sung, while the other three remain unknown to most people. All four verses conclude with the same line: O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

On March 3, we’ll again honor National Anthem Day, as we have every year for 88 years. SL

SENIOR LIFE Julie Sturgeon

The Accutab can be mounted under a cabinet for easy access.

PILLS

continued from page 22 medications,” said Suntree pharmacist Ken Matthys.

All pill dispensers and medications should be monitored closely, particularly with patients who have dementia, Alzheimer’s or memory loss. There have been reports of spills ruining pills, accidental overmedication and other glitches.

“I would have to know a lot more about it, the size and the comments by other users,” Hundley said. “I would not think most people could afford them.

The best place to research pill dispensers is by reading online user reviews. It is always a good idea to consult with a physician or pharmacist for expert advice on medication management.

No pill dispenser is a substitute for the oversight of a caregiver. SL

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Sammy Haddad

under the nearest couch or table?

Have you ever seen a fork roll? It does for me.

Gravity gets it to the floor, but what’s making it roll under the table?

I’m sure you’ve heard of Murphy’s Law, which states that “If anything can go wrong it will.”

Well, there is an axiom to that which states, “If something falls to the floor, it will roll to the most inaccessible spot under the furniture.” Maybe I should have gotten that Ph.D. after all. Then, at least people would believe me rather than laugh when I tell them that the reason that my feet don’t leave the floor anymore when I jump is the overwhelming gravitational pull in the one-foot-square area around only me.

Truth is you can replace the word gravity every place in this column with aging. Yeah folks, as you age, gravity can become a real drag. SL

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

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2019

25

Engagement at 80 presents new challenges for author

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Claire Gibbs

P.E.O. GW Chapter member Claire Gibbs chats with Florida P.E.O. Scholarship winners Maeriaha Marshall and Shessana Buisretre, a survivor of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

Women philanthropists remain committed to providing opportunities seven female students from Iowa Wesleyan College. It thrived primarily in smaller towns and by word of mouth.

Furthering the education of women always was a critical goal.

“Collectively, P.E.O.s take great pride in providing educational opportunities for women all over the world,” said Claire Gibbs, a P.E.O. member from West Melbourne.

The group is open to women 18 and older who wish to participate in philanthropic outreach to positively impact women’s lives in their community as well as around the globe.

BY MARIA SONNENBERG With the financial assistance of a P.E.O. scholarship, Shessana Buisretre, a survivor of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, is on track to finish her associate degree at Eastern Florida State College this December. She then plans to transfer to the University of Central Florida for her bachelor’s degree.

What is P.E.O? A lot of people don’t know, although the 230,000-member women’s philanthropic organization celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. Nine chapters of the Philanthropic Educational Organization thrive in Brevard County.

P.E.O. was founded in 1869 by

PHILANTHROPISTS continued to page 27

It happened! Yes, the future is not like you think it will be. Life happens if you accept the challenges and recognize the blessings.

After my wife of 58 years left this earth to become an angel, I was not looking for love.

Wendell Berry wrote: “Healing is impossible in loneliness.” There is little comfort in being alone. We need to get out and meet people. Even God said: “It is not good for man to be alone.” We can move on with love.

No, I did not meet her at a bar. We met in church. After 22 dates in 28 days, we were linked heart, mind and soul. We missed six days because she plays Bingo twice a week. We learned a lot about compatibility: spiritual, mental, physical, social, financial and much more.

After endless dates, visits and discussions, I found myself energized in so many ways beyond my beliefs.

Do we go forward? We concluded, if it is one day, a week, a month, a year, a decade or two decades … it will be worth every minute. Each day, we get to know each other better. We are blessed and joyful.

We have disrupted aging, we had re-invented ourselves and we looked forward to a new adventure. I found the right ring, I got down on my knees (I had some trouble getting up), and she accepted my proposal. At 80 years young, I was engaged. Reactions from family and friends covered a range

Challenges of Living to Age 100 Ed Baranowski

of good wishes to “what?” There were the “Why marry again?” and “Take time; allow a year; deal with your grief!” statements. Admonitions included “Slow down!” and “It’s too soon!”

We took time to look at our habits, routines, practices, old ways, new ways, faults, foibles and flexibility.

We found out what worked and what didn’t work. Future challenges include the combining of households. There is my stuff, her treasures, sentimental objects and compromises to be made.

Wedding plans have been discussed. This will not be a long engagement. Everyone of us has a book loaded with many stories. Now is the time for a new story, the next chapter. We cleaned out the “debris” of the mind and heart, working like an artist with a new canvas. We welcome the challenge of a new life together.

SL Ed Baranowski is president of Topics Unlimited, a Melbourne-based education, seminar and consulting company. He can be reached at topicsed@aol.com

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2019

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

The VITAS team celebrates during a Feb. 5 ribbon cutting and open house for its new inpatient unit to care for hospice patients.

VITAS’ new inpatient unit bolsters care SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE Residents of Brevard County will soon have improved access to hospice through VITAS Healthcare’s Inpatient Center at Rockledge, located at U.S. 1 and Robles Lane.

VITAS, the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care, celebrated the grand opening of its new inpatient unit (IPU) on Feb. 5 with a reception and ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials and business leaders.

“The construction of the VITAS IPU at Rockledge underscores our commitment to meeting the growing demand for our quality, compassionate care in the Space Coast community,” VITAS General Manager Susan Acocella said. “We chose this area of Brevard County so that local VITAS patients who have complex symptom management needs that require highly skilled care around the clock will have greater access to our inpatient hospice services.”

The 14,000 square-foot, state-ofthe-art facility houses 14 private rooms and offers comfort-focused amenities, including a spacious family area, two kitchens and overnight accommodations for family members. Two screened lanais for patients and families are nestled in serene surroundings bordering Brevard County’s River Walk Family Park. Wireless internet access and cable television are available for visitors.

Doctors who refer patients to VITAS also benefit from the new IPU, which accepts 24-hour direct admissions (including weekends and holidays) and offers protocols for complex and highacuity hospice patients.

“VITAS has been serving the residents of Brevard County for more than 16 years in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities and in their homes,” Acocella said. “We look

VITAS

continued to page 32

myseniorlife.com

Pelican National Wildlife Refuge dates back to Teddy Roosevelt A great local gem for a one-day visit is the close-by Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.

This island refuge is located within the Indian River Lagoon between the Sebastian Inlet and the Wabasso Causeway. This small island is the first national wildlife refuge, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903.

Under his administration, he set aside Pelican Island as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds. The refuge was created to protect egrets and other birds from extinction by plume hunters.

Early in the 20th century, bird plumes for women’s hats were the height of fashion. Bird plumes were in great demand.

Pelican Island is only accessible by boat or chartered boat tours.

Nesting birds are very easily disturbed.

Therefore, don’t get too close to the Pelican Island or to disembark.

The best time to visit is during nesting season, which is late November through late July. Expect to see brown pelicans, wood storks, white ibises, black-crowned night herons, double-crested cormorants and a wide variety of herons.

In the waters surrounding Pelican Island, marine life in the Indian River Lagoon includes sea turtles, dolphins and many manatees.

There are viewing facilities on land located west of Highway A1A on the north end of Historic Jungle Trail. These facilities include an accessible three-quarter mile roundtrip trail and boardwalk that also includes an 18-foot high observation tower overlooking Pelican Island and the Indian River Lagoon. There is a parking lot and restrooms at these facilities maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

Pelican Island Pontoon Boat Trips are available at the Environmental Learning Center from 9:30 a.m. to

Touring the Town John Trieste

11:30 a.m. on Saturdays.

Spend a beautiful morning on the Indian River Lagoon with a nature guide, who will share his knowledge.

The Environmental Learning Center is located at 255 Live Oak Drive in Vero Beach at the western base of the Wabasso Bridge on County Road 510.

For information, go to discoverELC.org, call 772-589-5050, ext. 114 or go to Reservations@ discoverELC.org.

While in the area, visit the Sebastian Inlet Fishing Museum (321984-4852) located on the south end of the Sebastian Inlet Bridge.

In addition, go to the McLarty Treasure Museum (772-589-2147) located on the Atlantic Ocean just a halfmile south of the Sebastian Inlet Bridge.

For lunch or dinner, I always recommend Shutters Restaurant at the Disney Caribbean Beach Resort located on A1A just south of CR 510 in Vero Beach. For information, call 772-2342076.

Getting to all these gems is easy.

Take A1A south from Route 192 in Melbourne.

It is a pleasant 18-mile drive to the Sebastian Inlet Bridge. SL

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PHILANTHROPISTS continued from page 26

There also is a social component.

“We share in fun and friendship with wonderful and diverse women,” Gibbs said.

Chapters meet 15 times a year, with up to three meetings allowed to be social occasions. Meetings typically include short educational programs on subjects that range from bone health to the needs of charities such as The Haven.

“Brothers in Love,” as the ladies’ male partners are known, often are welcome at the socials.

To join, you must be invited, but that is no hard task. Contacting peointernational.org/contact-us will connect you with a local chapter.

“A few of the chapter’s members meet with someone who is interested, explain what is involved and mutually agree that she understands the personal commitment and responsibilities that come with membership,” explained Gibbs.

Brevard’s nine chapters have granted scholarships to approximately 200 women.

“Personally, P.E.O. is a source of encouragement and support for women, both for members through chapter life and for women who benefit from P.E.O.’s philanthropic assistance,” Gibbs said. SL

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2019

27

SUNDAY

M A R C H Calendar MARCH MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Present a

6 – 8 p.m.

and

Books-A-Million

3

National Anthem Day rant Seafood Festival

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

March 2 & 3 4580 1st Street Grant, 321-723-8687

onta Chocolate Festival

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Boulevard Melbourne, 321-729-0755

ative G r oup

The Avenue Viera 2251 Town Center Ave. # 109

FOR INFO, GO TO VIERAVOICE.COM

4

National Pound Cake Day Bone Builders 9 a.m., Mon., Wed. & Fri. Martin Andersen Senior Center, Building 3 1025 Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-631-2749

Zumba Gold for 50+ Crowd

5

Fat Tuesday

6

Ash Wednseday

Quilts & Lace Expansion Party Boogie On Down Concert 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sale to celebrate new space.

7720 N. Wickham Rd., Ste. 111 Suntree, 321-622-8602

Boomers Aerobics ith Christina

9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.

Cocoa Beach, 321-783-9505

11 - 12 p.m. $5/class Viera Regional Comm. Ctr. 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 732-512-8548

11

12

7:30 p.m.

Melbourne Municipal Band at Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Boulevard Melbourne, 321-724-0555

7

National Be Heard Day

5 - 10 p.m.

Celebration Square 4600 Dixie Highway Palm Bay, 321-952-3443

3 - 6 p.m.

Scott Ctr. for Performing Arts 5625 Holy Trinity Drive Melbourne, 855-252-7267

Eau Gallie First Friday

W.E Mean Business Expo 2019

Cocoa Beach Friday Fest

Space Coast Doll Show

8

9

6 p.m.

Eau Gallie Downtown 540 Montreal Ave. Melbourne, 321-428-5040 6 - 10 p.m.

Downtown Cocoa Beach 247 Minutemen Causeway Cocoa Beach, 321-613-2158

10

2 p.m., Second Sundays Rockledge Country Club 1591 S. Fiske Boulevard Rockledge, 321-327-3728

Indiafest

March 9 & 10 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Wickham Park Amphitheater Z2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-779-0110

17

National Girl Scouts Day

Jewelry with Joan Kisner

Historic Rossetter House 1320 Highland Ave Melbourne, 321-574-2737

Safe Driving Course a.m. - 4 p.m.

Total Brain Workout Class 8:30 Buena Vida 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Buena Vida Estates Cocoa Beach Library 2129 W. New Haven Ave 550 N. Brevard Avenue West Melbourne, 321-724-0060 Cocoa Beach, 317-370-9329

uestions about our Hearing Keto Support Group Personal Hearing Solutions 6 - 7 p.m.

9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cocoa Beach Library 8085 Spyglass Hill Road 550 N. Brevard Avenue Melbourne, 321-253-6310 Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104 Spanish Class Mondays Intermediate 1 - 2 p.m.

Advanced 2 - 3 p.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Ctr., 1025 Florida Ave., Bldg. 1 Rockledge, 321-453-5098

18

19

13

Larry, Steve, Rudy/ The Gatlin Brothers

7 p.m.

King Center 865 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-242-2219

1 - 4 p.m.

Melbourne Square Mall Cocoa Beach Library 1700 W. New Haven Ave 550 N. Brevard Avenue Melbourne, 321-802-4185 Cocoa Beach, 321-225 - 1394

Little Feat

7:30 p.m.

King Center 865 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-242-2219

Lunch & all supplies included.

Quilts & Lace 7720 N. Wickham Rd. #111 Viera, 321-622-8602

Church Rummage Sale

14

24

25

4 p.m.

King Center 865 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-242-2219

11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Mondays Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Avenue Cocoa Beach, 321-784-8092

Chocolate-covered Raisin Day

World of Musicals

31

National Crayon Day Melbourne Air & Space Show 9 a.m.

March 30 & 31 The first full demonstration of the F-35 Lightning II Melbourne Int’l Airport 1 Air Terminal Parkway Melbourne, 321-395-3110

Path nders Travel Club

National Tolkein Reading Day

OverEaters Anonymous

26

National Spinach Day

Downsizing with Style

2 p.m.

Free seminar Solaris Senior Living 535 Crockett Blvd.

Merritt Island, 321-454-4035

Bingo

4:30 p.m. Doors open 6 p.m. Early Bird 6:30 p.m. Regular games Tuesdays & Wednesdays Knights of Columbus 3450 Kilmarnoch lane Titusville, 321-268-2764

15

7 a.m - 3 p.m.

The Habitat Golf Course 3591 Fairgreen Street Valkaria, 321-952-6312

A c Treasures and Bake Sale 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Suntree UMC 7400 N. Wickham Rd Melbourne, 321 504-9917

16

National National Quilting Day Kansas Day Space Coast Warbird Airshow Needlework Fair

The Early Presidents

Brevard Eye Center CataLaze Vision Seminar

March 15 through 17 11 a.m.

2 - 8 p.m.

Cocoa Beach Library Freedom 7 Senior Center 355 Golden Knights Blvd 550 N. Brevard Avenue Titusville, 321-268-194 Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.

Cocoa Beach, 321-783-9505 2:30 p.m.

Buena Vida Estates 2129 W. New Haven Ave. West Melbourne, 321-724-0060

Pablo Cruise

Christian Pianist Dr. Ross Jutsum

3 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

One Senior Place Buena Vida Estates 8085 Spyglass Hill Road 2129 W. New Haven Ave. West Melbourne, 321-724-0060 Viera, 321-984-3200

10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

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

Brevard Symphony Orchestra: Grainger, Dvorak and Bach 2 p.m.

King Center 865 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-242-2219

8 p.m.

King Center 865 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-242-2219

Painting ith Joan Kisner

Put Spring in our Step Dance St. Baldrick’s Brevard: Big Shave

20

21

22

23

King Center 865 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-242-2219

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church 300 Malabar Road Palm Bay, 321-720-1831

Martin Andersen Senior Center, Bldg. 1 1025 Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-453-5098

2-3:30 p.m.

Cocoa Beach Library 550 N.Brevard Avenue

International Students Homeland Sho case

Melbourne Chamber 6 - 10 p.m.

Music Society presents The Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd Morgenstern Piano Trio

Tribute to Holly ood Concert

7:30 p.m., March 20 - 21 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Melbourne Auditorium 1200 S. Courtenay Pkwy 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd Merritt Island, 562-257-5255 Melbourne, 321-285-6724 2 p.m.

Front Street Civic Center 2205 S. Front Street Melbourne, 321-720-9948

St. Patrick s Day Celebration 11:30 a.m.

Viera Elks Lodge #2817 5820 South U.S. 1 Rockledge, 321-504-3111

Courtenay Springs Open House

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Space Coast Convention Center 301 Tucker Lane Cocoa, 856-266-2518

National National Good Pi Day Samaritan Day One on One Tech Help Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Lecture 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

National National Let’s National St. Patrick’s Sloppy Joe Day Laugh Day Proposal Day Day Music on a Sunday The Bead Ladies Taste of Titusville Get the Led Out 7:30 p.m.

A ernoon Rose ood Duo Jewelry Making Class 1 - 5 p.m.

2 p.m.

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

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Florida Tech CAI building 1050 NASA Blvd Melbourne, 321-674-7007

National National Peanut Barbie Day Cluster Day Women We Love Luncheon DIME Stitch Lab Bits & Pieces annual 12 - 2 p.m.

March 8 and 9 Charity Golf Tournament

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

2129 W. New Haven Avenue Indian River City UMC Wednesdays West Melbourne, 321-698-2311 1355 Cheney Hwy. Freedom 7 Senior Center Music of the Night Concert Titusville, 321-267-7922.

5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.

Symphonic Works for Winds Brevard Users Group (BUG) Parkinson’s Fight Club 7 p.m.

Computer Class Cocoa Beach, 321-783-9505 3 p.m 2 - 3 p.m.

Free Concert 2 - 3 p.m.

Unlimited Kickboxing Suntree UMC Space Coast Daily Park One Senior Place 55 Goodwin Drive 7400 N. Wickham Road 8085 Spyglass Hill Road 6091 Stadium Parkway Melbourne, 321-405-2359 Melbourne, 321-751-6771 Merrit Island, 321-368-9307 Viera, 855-252-7276

Daylight saving National time Returns Napping Day Space Coast Jazz Society Jazz Bon Worth’s Mobile Store 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Concert: Fred Goodnight

2

SATURDAY

National Banana Cream Dress in Blue day Pie Day First Friday by the Bay Every Day is Veterans Day!

April 5 Newspaper of Viera & S untree ........... Bl ue wa ter Cre

1

FRIDAY

Peak Performance Stem Cell Therapy Seminar

9 a.m. Mar. 13, 20 & 26 Duran Golf Club 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, RSVP 321-212-7514

27

Florida Senior Day

One-on-One Tech help

1 - 4 p.m.

Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Avenue Cocoa Beach, 317-370-9329

4:30 p.m. Doors open 6 p.m. Early Bird 6:30 p.m. Regular games Tuesdays & Wednesdays Knights of Columbus 3450 Kilmarnoch lane Titusville, 321-268-2764

Between Kohl's and Office Depot

1 - 5 p.m.

Melbourne Square Mall 1700 W. New Haven Ave Melbourne, 321-802-4185

National Single National Goof National Chip Off Day and Dip Day Parents Day Community Health Fair Spanish Class, Beginning Sea Turtle Preservation 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Free 1 - 2 p.m., Fridays Society’s Turtle Talk

1:15 p.m.

Buena Vida Estates 7:30 p.m.

2129 W. New Haven Ave St. Mark’s UMC West Melbourne, 321-724-0060 2030 N. Highway A1A Indialantic, 321-213-5100

28

Black Forest Cake Day

Bingo

29

Vietnam War Veterans Day

Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104 Hot Night in the City Cocoa Beach, 321-783-9505

Space Coast Women’s Amateur Golf Championship March 23 & 24 Duran Golf Club 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-504-7776

30

Take a walk in the park Day

John Deer Embroidery 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Thursdays Legacy Event

Buckaroo Ball

Tini Thursday

Schuler Auction

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Cocoa Beach Library Titusville Senior Center 550 N. Brevard Avenue 909 Lane Drive Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104 Titusville, 321-268-2333

Bingo

Lesson 7 p.m. Dance 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd Melbourne, 321-724-0555

5 - 9:30 p.m. $5 martinis Pizza Gallery & Grill 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-633-0397

The Rat Pack

8 p.m.

King Center 865 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-242-2219

March 29 - 31 Three days hands-on $149.

Lunch & all supplies incl.

Quilts & Lace 7720 N. Wickham Rd #111 Viera, 321-622-8602

Poetry in Song Concert

7:30 p.m.

Indialantic Chamber singers Advent Lutheran Church 7550 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-426-0360

6:30 p.m Space Coast Convention Ctr. 301 Tucker Lane Cocoa Beach, 321-631-9433 10 a.m.

Cliff Shuler-Auctioneer 422 Julia Street Titusville, 321-267-8563

The Space Coast Men’s Amateur Golf Championship March 30 & 31 Duran Golf Club 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-504-7776

Between Target & Buffalo Wild Wings

EXPIRES 94/15/19 • CODE 0402

UPSIZING

continued from page 3 2. Determine whether bigger is truly better. Before beginning your search, consider not just the home’s square footage, but also the layout. What people want and need isn’t necessarily what builders are producing. You might think you’re getting more space, but if that space isn’t useable or feels tight, does it really help you in the long run?

3. Buy only the space you’ll use.

Before you move forward with your upsizing plan, you should make sure the rooms or features in the larger house will actually be used.

4. Crunch the numbers. Are you prepared for the real financial burden of upsizing? Remember, it’s not just the sticker price on the house; it’s the long-term costs associated with it.

When you go up (in square footage), you get higher property taxes, higher utilities and more maintenance.

And acquiring more rooms means shelling out for more furniture, too.

Make sure you can afford to move up without becoming “house poor.”

You can prevent this sad fate by using online affordability calculators to figure out how far you can stretch your dollar. Or talk with your lender to get the big picture on the costs of your move.

5. Consider the resale value.

Upsizing now can mean a tidy profit later if you choose your home and location wisely. Sure, you might think that once you’ve found the right size home, you’ll stay forever. But you might find yourself

said. “I don’t want to waste people’s downsizing a few years from now. time.”

As with any home purchase, look at Roca said one of the new issues your potential new place through the facing real estate agents today eyes of future buyers. Keep the latest is dealing with the “sandwich buying trends in mind as you scope generation” of homebuyers. out listings, and your new home According to the website could pay off down the road. seniorliving.org, as the elderly 6. More space might mean buying population grows and a new crop in a different neighborhood. After of young adults are financially you’ve predicted the future, don’t struggling to attain a solid financial forget what you learned from the foothold in trying economic times, past: It’s all about the neighborhood. individuals “sandwiched” between Perhaps your starter home is in the aging parents and adult children perfect up-and-coming community are referred to as “the sandwich — close to work, retail stores and generation.” They are often put in restaurants. But having more room the position to care for both their to spread out often means spreading children and parents simultaneously, farther away from the place you and this support is often both want to live. So make the choice. Are emotional and financial. you willing to move to a different This rising demographic already neighborhood — one that might be accounts for about 47 percent of far from where you live now? adults in their 40s, 50s and 60s who Diana Roca, a real estate agent in have a parent 65 or older and are also Brevard County since 2011, and who raising a youngster or supporting a works out of the Coldwell Banker grown child. In fact, one in seven of Residential office in Cape Canaveral, these adults are financially assisting said her top priority is finding out the both their parents and one or more client’s needs, criteria and lifestyle.

Ask about our move-in specials children.

“I make it a point to have the “You really have to know what client describe a lifestyle they want,” the client wants in that situation,” said Roca, who also is certified Roca said. “You have to be honest with the military as a relocation with the client. You have to tell associate and as a senior real estate them, listen, you’re not going to find specialist. “Is their lifestyle cooking, something in that price range. It’s a entertaining, gardening? Knowing learning curve for them. They’re not what the client’s needs are makes it a going to believe you until you show lot easier in finding the home they’re them.” looking for.”

Tina and Roger Williamson Roca said once she receives that of Rockledge can relate to the information from the client, she starts “sandwich generation” issue. sending them pictures of properties In April 2017, the Williamsons and homes that may fit their needs. were living in a 1,358 square-foot “I ask them to give me feedback on home in Port St. John. The problem what they like and don’t like” she

was — so were eight other people — her daughter, boyfriend and child; her son, wife and child; her elderly father and her ill sister from West Virginia. There also were five vehicles.

“We really needed to upsize very quickly,” Tina Williamson said. “We knew exactly what we wanted.”

Today, the Williamsons live in a 2,900 square-foot home in the Plantation Point subdivision in Rockledge. The house has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a twocar garage, swimming pool, a large patio, breezeway and mother-in-law suite.

Although her father passed away in late 2017 and her sister returned to West Virginia, the Williamsons don’t mind the bigger house now because when family members come to visit, they have plenty of room to accommodate everyone.

“We got ourselves back to normal,” she said. “We were used to that lifestyle.

Tina Williamson also credited Roca for finding the right home.

“She knew about our situation,” she said. “We had long conversations and she (Roca) was determined to find what we liked, that fit us and that we were comfortable with. It was more personal for her.”

What should you do? Tina Williamson summed it up best: “You’ve got to love the property you’re moving into,” she said.

“When you walk in (the house), it should fit you.”SL For more on the topic of upsizing homes, see the April issue of Senior Life.

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2019

29

Senior Life

News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John

North Brevard Public art outside the box tells Titusville’s interesting tale

BY FLORA REIGADA Titusville is taking art to the streets and the winners of an Art Outside the Box project have been announced.

Their creations are wrapped around eight Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) traffic control boxes in Downtown Titusville, between Garden and Grace Streets on U.S. 1.

The winners are:

• Photography: Jeff Thamert and Brandon Stanley.

• Watercolor: Olivia Pickering and Darleen Hunt.

• Acrylic: Terrence Cope and Renee Stewart.

• Mixed Media: Michelle Akimenko and Betty Whitmire.

Artists were asked to reflect a theme representing Titusville’s history, nature or space. Images of pelicans, a brilliant sunrise, a vivid flower, wetlands, a turtle, beach, waves, fish and more emerged.

The project was a collaboration between the North Brevard Art League, the Greater Titusville Renaissance and the Titusville Community Redevelopment Agency.

“Each of the artists donated their works, which were then printed on vinyl wrap and placed on the boxes,” said Catherine Musselman, executive director of the Greater Titusville Renaissance.

She thanked Jeff Thamert, co-owner of the Downtown Gallery, also one of the contest winners, for transferring the art to digital.

Thamert’s winning photo was taken at Black Point Wildlife Drive, within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

“I often drive by Black Point on my way to the beach and it’s always beautiful,” he said. “It’s a little gem right where we live.”

Musselman also thanked Diane Cannon and Valorie Stanley of the North Brevard Art League for their work on the project.”

“We are excited to bring art to the streets in our downtown district. It is part of the continuation of beautifying our community,” Musselman said.

“Not only will our local community members enjoy the beautiful artwork, but also the many visitors coming to our area for our trails, beaches and Indian River Lagoon.” SL

SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada

Betty Whitmire’s winning art, “Nesting Ospreys,” is displayed on a traffic control box at Garden Street and S. Washington Avenue in Downtown Titusville.

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Sam DiBlasio

An aerial view of the Brevard County Veterans Cemetery shows improvements such as a renovated entrance way and a paver walkway. Sod is needed to complete the restoration and Friends of the Cemetery is asking for donations.

Donations needed to complete restoration project

BY FLORA REIGADA

Thanks to Sam DiBlasio and Friends of the Cemetery, the Brevard County Veterans Cemetery has gone from neglected and overgrown to a resting place that honors the 127 veterans interred there.

The cemetery is located at 1143 Day St. in Titusville.

Individuals and organizations have helped the cemetery with their efforts and finances.

The organizations include the Alpha Friends of Indian River City United Methodist Church, the Veterans of

Afternoon in the Park Barbecue rescheduled

BY FLORA REIGADA Barbecue lovers looking forward to the North Brevard Historical Museum’s annual Afternoon in the Park Barbecue will need to put their appetites on hold.

The family fun event, usually held in March, has been rescheduled for Oct. 19 at Fox Lake Park.

“Too many of our members had scheduling conflicts,” said Amy Spillers, the vice president of the Historical Society of North Brevard and Museum.

Meanwhile, the community is invited to visit the museum and check out its brighter paint and better organized, visitor-friendly interior.

Additional improvements have been made such as an enhanced display of yearbooks from local schools, a new oak case to display astronauts’ handprints and easier access to the late Sen. Jesse Parrish’s roll-top desk.

Other exhibits include a Native American display, a gallery of historic postcards and military memorabilia.

The Museum is located at 301 S. Washington Ave. in Downtown Titusville. For information, call 321269-3658, email titusvillemuseum@aol. com or go to nbbd.com/godo/history/ index.html .” SL

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Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4228, the American Legion Posts 1 and 359, the Pilot Club and Boy Scouts Troop 488 of St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church.

One more improvement is needed to bring this project to a completion.

“It is the installation of a lawn on 6,500 square feet of the cemetery that encompasses 78 veterans’ graves,” DiBlasio said. “Right now, the area is mostly weeds, rocks and roots.”

DiBlasio hopes the community will help in this effort.

“I have met with contractors and their quotes range from $3,500 to $4,000 to kill the weeds, turn over the

soil, grade the ground and lay new sod,” he said.

DiBlasio explained that with 4,000 square feet of sod already in place, the group understands the amount of care it will take to grow and maintain the lawn. A recently modified sprinkler system helps.

Other recent upgrades include curbing around oak trees and the placement of a cemetery directory and map.

Throughout the restoration, six flagpoles with service flags were installed, the cemetery entrance was renovated, a paver walkway was

completed and new benches were set in place. A donated Navy cannon dating back to 1895 is on the site.

“Everyone involved in the cemetery restoration has honored our veterans while uniting the community,” DiBlasio said.

Now he is asking the community to come together once more, so the veterans at the cemetery can rest in peace beneath a lush carpet of green.

Checks or money orders can be made out to Friends of the Cemetery and mailed to: Friends of the Cemetery, P.O. Box 1966, Titusville, Florida 32781. SL

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ACROSS 1. *Animated Isle dwellers 5. Dropped drug 8. *Kind of editing 12. Doing nothing 13. Hoodwink 14. Support person 15. Toothy wheel 16. Distinctive flair 17. Tadpoles, eventually 18. *”Bohemian Rhapsody” protagonist 20. Norse capital 21. *Kathy Bates’ Annie Wilkes, e.g.

22. Contrary conjunction 23. Withdraw, like Ukraine from Soviet Union 26. Sweet Madeira wine 30. *”Green Book” nominee 31. Completely lacking 34. Clip contents 35. Like pleasant winter day 37. Charge carrier 38. Food between meals 39. Relating to ear 40. Religious split 42. *”BlacKkKlansman” nominee 43. Sweet treat 45. *Paths to glory 47. One or some 48. Wharton’s “The House of ____” 50. Shipping hazard 52. *T’Challa, a.k.a. Black ____ 54. Arranges into categories 55. One with pants on fire?

56. Japanese stringed instrument 59. *Nominations for “A Star Is Born” (2018) 60. *Olivia Colman’s royal character 61. Discharge 62. Fill to excess 63. Casual attire 64. *”The ____ Emperor,” winner of 9 Oscars DOWN 1. “Can you ____ it, man?”

2. Schiller’s address to joy 3. *The Oscars show is filled with it, informal 4. Tranquil 5. Seductive beauties 6. Tire in the trunk 7. Say it isn’t so 8. *Ryan Gosling’s role 9. *Former American ____ and best

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Solution on page 35

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continued from page 26 forward to soon opening the doors to our Rockledge IPU and providing the comfort and specialized care some of our patients need.”

VITAS’ Inpatient Center at Rockledge is the company’s first inpatient unit built from the ground up in Brevard County. The facility is expected to serve about 550 patients annually.

VITAS will begin accepting hospiceappropriate patients at the IPU in early 2019.

VITAS IPUs like the new Rockledge facility enable VITAS to provide care for hospice patients whose symptoms have become unmanageable in their homecare setting. Most patients return home after spending a few days in the unit.

For information about VITAS services, call 321-751-6671 or go to VITAS.com/Florida. SL

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supporting actress winner 10. Emmet Brickowski’s brick 11. *Robinson in “The Graduate” 13. King’s order 14. Run ____ of the law 19. Red, as in healthy complexion 22. *”The ____ and the Beautiful,” winner of 5 Oscars 23. Heidi’s shoe 24. Fill with optimism 25. Locomotive hair 26. Twiggy’s skirt 27. Size 28. *Kevin Hart stepped down from this role 29. Ox connectors 32. *Bale’s role 33. “____ la la!”

36. *Literary forgerer portrayer 38. *2-time Oscar-winning Dame 40. *Jessica Lange won Best Actress for “Blue ____” 41. Famous existentialist 44. Teen worry 46. Israeli money 48. *Jackson ____ of “A Star is Born” 49. Stupid or silly 50. Result of hair follicle infection 51. “Cogito, ____ sum” 52. Neighborhood map 53. *Best Picture and Best Foreign Language Film nominee 54. Dry, Demi-____, Doux 57. “____ the season ...”

58. Giant Hall-of-Famer

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Cornhole gains popularity at Greater Palm Bay Senior Center

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Whether born in 14th century Europe, created in the hills of Kentucky or invented by native Americans, the bag toss game of cornhole is growing in popularity.

An active group formed just two months ago at the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center, the cornhole players love the game and all it brings with it.

“It started as a good activity for the senior citizens,” said Bo Olinski, the leader of the group who suggested bringing the game to the center. “It’s not hard on the body parts, it provides exercise, fellowship and lots of humor.

There aren’t that many activities for seniors other than playing cards.”

A few of the members say they have played the game “up North.” Enjoying the game there, they pursued it here.

Each player has four corn bags each, tossing toward the hole in the platform beyond. The bags are made of cotton duck fabric filled with corn and powder.

Each weights 1 pound, according to Olinski.

Janice Savarese is a new member of the senior center who joined the cornhole group.

“I joined to get into some sort of activities,” Savarese said. “I play bocce, cornhole, sit down exercises. I can try to get myself to see where I fit in and go and make it. I am getting to meet friends here. I am enjoying it now.”

Joining the senior center after her husband’s passing, Fran Stevens played cornhole when she lived in the North.

“My balance is really bad, but I

SENIOR LIFE Brenda Eggert Brader

Seniors at the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center have developed camaraderie while playing cornhole. can use a cane,” Stevens said. “This is good exercise, gives me a chance to meet more people. Just the friendship of the whole thing is great. If you don’t participate in something, you just sit at home and get old. Here at the Palm Bay Senior Center, people are busy and active.”

Ruth Jorge just started the game. In fact, it was only her third time playing and yet she looked like a pro, easily picking up points with each toss.

The group meets from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Monday at the senior center. All members must be members of the senior center. SL

Solution on page 35

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Sudoku Solution Puzzle on page 33

Sentiments

How do you plan to take advantage of daylight saving time this year?

Jack Holland

Isabelle Mulligan

“I’ll most likely take a longer walk in the morning than I normally do. I’m usually out walking for a couple of hours, so maybe I’ll make that three hours.”

“For me, being a photographer, (daylight saving time) gives me an extra hour of daylight at night, so I can go out and take more photos.”

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Crossword Solution Crossword on page 32

Joe Curry

“I would be running (with the extra time from daylight saving time) because I haven’t been running very much this winter. But once the daylight saving happens, it’s a lot easier for me to go running.”

“I get off of work around an average of 2:30, 3 o’clock, and I like to come home and throw stuff on the grill, chill with the dog and just enjoy the nice weather. So, I like (having) that extra hour. It gives me a little more opportunity to do things I want to do.”

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