Senior Life, December 2022

Parades, events pages 16, 17

Santa Shuterstock

DECEMBER 2022

Volume 25 Issue 7

myseniorlife.com

swings into the Space Coast

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are ready for some warm weather and relaxation after a busy season at the North Pole.

Tennis remains popular, page 6

Museum full of treasures, page 26

Veterans enjoy cruise, page 11

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Santa Claus is coming to town …

During the past few years, Santa has arrived in Brevard County skydiving, surfing, golfing, by airboat, by motorcycle and in a ’62 Corvette. This year, he’s in a horse-drawn carriage.

In any case, here we are at Christmas and the year-end holidays. For many, this is a special time with family and friends. It is special because it is the first in two years without a pandemic. It also could be the busiest in years because more people will likely be traveling. There has already been a surge in travel since 2019.

Remember, travel could be delayed or cancelled because of the weather and other factors. Check out our story about holiday travel. It might give you some tips whether you’re traveling by air or taking a road trip.

If you are spending your holidays on the Space Coast, there are lots of events and activities around the county, which we will tell you all about.

The holidays bring all sorts of goodies to eat and drink. But you can do it right and not overdo it if you follow some simple steps of which we remind you of in a story in this edition.

We sometimes warn you about scams. Now, we remind you to be cautious of cybercrimes by those who want to steal your identity or get into your critical computer data, including passwords and other information.

Did you know about the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science, a gem in Cocoa that is worth saving? The City of Cocoa is now operating with free admission but negotiating with a nonprofit group to take over the operation. Take a visit. It is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

In our November edition, we told you about the 50th anniversary of the Brevard Public Library system. Now, we bring you in this edition, a story about the system’s mobile library and its programs for children.

Check out our Stripes section, which contains military veterans’ stories and profiles on outstanding veterans who live on the Space Coast. Sponsors helped AVET Project take more than 130 veterans’ families on a two-night Bahamas Veterans Educational Cruise.

There is a lot of what you come to expect from us in this edition of Senior Life.

And as usual, we want to encourage you to continue to give us ideas for stories you want to read. We are listening. SL R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com

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Suntree Santa has again assembled his elaborate model train

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE It’s taken Willard Davis more than 30 years to complete Santa’s Christmas village with his model electric trains whistling by and running at full steam.

Every structure has been built with meticulous detail and includes familiar sites like Home Depot, Starbucks, Coca Cola and Cracker Barrel, to name a few. Even the New York Times’ Times Square building is complete with the ball drop and there are museums, a fire station, a hospital, five Catholic churches and of course an eggnog and a chocolate factory.

“It takes about 30 days to get everything assembled in my living room. My daughter puts up the buildings with the Christmas trees and I add the trains.” Davis said. “It comes up Oct. 1st and we take it down in March, much to the relief of my wife who can have her dining area back.”

Just like with any town, repairs and trimmings are always underway.

“We want to make some changes to the North Pole area,” Davis said, “and we’ll be adding Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchit’s residences to the Dickens village. I’ve read “Christmas Carol” to so many kids, I almost know it by memory”.

Davis retired from the Air Force in 2014. He, of course, had to include NASA’s rocket launch pad in his miniature township.

He’s been wearing St. Nick’s red suit in Suntree since 1997, looking very much like Santa on “The Miracle

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Willard Davis

Willard Davis has been Santa in Brevard County for more than 25 years. on 34th Street,” complete with lush white whiskers. He listened to thousands of children’s Christmas wishes sitting on his lap and consumed many peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, which are his favorite.

“I was fascinated with Santa as a child and hope I’ve brought happiness to many children in my years as St. Nick,” said Davis, who is called Santa Will by his friends.

For more than 25 years, he’s made appearances at churches, hospitals, malls and private parties where he now sees second- and third-generation children from the kids that once sat on his lap. He’s got some wonderful

SCARECROW STROLL

2

SANTA TRAIN

Continued on page 8

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

SENIOR LIFE Nanette Hebdige

Willard Davis spent decades completing his Christmas train and village.

myseniorlife.com

Festival lights up December celebration for Jewish families

BY MARIA SONNENBERG When Jamie Schmalenberger’s son Jude returned from his first day of kindergarten at Manatee Elementary School, he asked mom why he was the only kid in his class celebrating Hanukkah.

Jamie Schmalenberger, who had grown up in a much larger Jewish community in South Florida, realized it was very important to make certain Jude and his sister, Jemma, understood the

asked the kids if they had ever heard of Chanukah, or Hanukkah. These days, a lot more hands appear, and the kids look forward to the dreidels and accompanying gelt chocolate coins that are part of the traditional Hanukkah game.

Schmalenberger brings enough of the four-sided spinning tops, plus little sacks of coins, for all of Jude’s and Jemma’s classmates to take home. The kids love it.

She tells the children the history behind the eight-day holiday and how

Schmalenberger said. per day, with the biggest gift saved for This year, it starts in the evening of last. The family kicks off the holiday Dec. 18 and ends on the evening of the with a Hanukkah dinner, typically Dec. 26. brisket, paired with kugel noodle. For The menorah, the nine-branched dessert, it’s sufganiyot, or jelly donuts. candelabrum used in the Tabernacle Latkes, those addictive potato pancakes, and in the Temple in Jerusalem, plays are a huge favorite enjoyed that first meal an important part in Hanukkah. Every and every day of Hanukkah. night during the eight days, families light “They go very fast in our family,” one of the candles with the ninth candle said Schmalenberger, who expects lighting the others. A prayer is sung each that when Jude and Jemma grow up, evening. they will remember fondly those eight Dr. Mike Slotkin, the board president singular days known as Hanukkah. SL of Temple Israel of Brevard, the Viera synagogue that the Schmalenbergers attend, remembers how important the lighting ceremony was when he was growing up in Miami.

“The kids really looked forward to lighting the candles,” he said.

The lighting ceremony was nice, but the presents were even nicer.

“The presents were a big deal,” Slotkin said.

In his neighborhood, one or two presents per

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Jamie Schmalenberger

Jamie, left, Jemma, Jake and Jude Schmalenberger light menorahs to celebrate Hanukkah. significance of the Festival of Lights, as Hanukkah is known.

Although Hanukkah is not considered one of the High Holy Days of the Jewish faith, for this Viera family the holiday connects them with their faith.

Since Jude’s kindergarten days, Jamie Schmalenberger has visited her children’s classrooms each year to talk about Hanukkah. When she first started, only a couple of hands shot up when she

it commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after Jews revolted against their Greek-Syrian oppressors.

Hanukkah, which means dedication in Hebrew, is celebrated in November or December, according to the Hebrew calendar. Most years, it falls within the Christmas season “Twice that I remember, it has overlapped with Thanksgiving,”

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Publisher Jill Blue

NOVEMBER 2022

Volume 25 Issue 6

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7 8 10, 11 13, 18, 24 18 20, 22 25 26 27 31

Go to your closet and find your most colorful suit or flashiest dress for the upcoming Boomer Bash Senior Expo.

The theme for the second expo of the year is Livin’ Out Loud. It is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Space Coast Convention Center in Cocoa.

“We’re excited to gather and let loose,’’ said Jill Blue, the publisher of Bluewater Creative Group’s Senior Life, Boomer Guide and Viera Voice. “Wear bright colors as we put together another great expo. There will be a variety of exhibitors and fun programs to lead boomers and seniors to resources to stay active and have fun.’’

Dave Burford of Viera, a model for this year’s Boomer Guide, is known for his 14 colorful suits that range from confetti, to a red, white and blue patriotic suit, a Christmas suit, a silver suit, a pink suit and several multi-color suits.

“I’m honored to be on the cover of this upcoming issue of Senior Life,’’ Burford said.

During the Nov. 17 expo, potential models for the 2023 Boomer Guide will have an opportunity to have their photos taken for the popular publication.

Models 50 and older are encouraged to participate in what will be the first photo shoot to select models for the next Boomer Guide.

The resource guide has sections on business resources; health and wellness; sports, games and activities; clubs, groups and meetings; veterans; senior centers; a senior living tour; support groups; volunteering; local and state government listings; and emergency contacts.

The expo will have live music, Humana MarketPoint will sponsor the free coffee bar, Alura Senior Living will provide snacks and there will be bottled water to stay hydrated. Tote bags and other surprises will be handed out. For information, call 321-242-1235. SL

BOOMER BASH SENIOR EXPO NOV. 17

Office Manager Sylvia Montes Copy Editor Jeff Navin

Videographer Klinton Landress Feature Writers Ed Baranowski Kimberly Blaker Brenda Eggert Brader Nanette Hebdige Linda Jump Jennifer H. Monaghan Betty Porter Flora Reigada Madison Resnick Maria Sonnenberg

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Livin’ Out Loud in style

Editor R. Norman Moody

Art Department Maureen Reeder

A

December 2022

Volume 25, Issue 7 Senior Life of Florida 7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940 321-242-1235

ERS IV

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

ANN

Expo details, pages 16 -17

SENIOR LIFE staff photo

Dave Burford loves his colorful suits. He was a model for the 2022 Boomer Guide.

myseniorlife.com Suntree Internal Medicine (321) 259-9500 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.

Libraries boast rich history, page 7

Cheer for your favorite K9, page 13

Celebrate Artworks, page 27

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Senior Life

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.

Take a deep breath and take off for the holidays

BY MARIA SONNENBERG Travel guru Geraldine Blanchard has the perfect approach for avoiding holiday travel stress.

She stays home.

“As a rule, I like to stay close to home Christmas week,” she said.

However, as president of Global Tours and Travel in Melbourne, Blanchard helps clients who want to reconnect with loved ones or connect with new places, during the holidays, and can speak to the planning required for a successful trip.

First and foremost, start early.

“The later you wait, the more you will pay in fares,” said Blanchard, who notes that airline rates and schedules are published 10 months in advance.

Folks interested in vacation trips should consider a travel agent, since they will take care of the minutiae and provide help should snags occur.

“We tell our clients to ‘just show up,’” she said.

Accepting that travel invariably involves hiccups will also better prepare you to deal with the expected unexpected.

“Getting there can be tedious and you have to be on top of your game, but the power of the mind is phenomenal,” said Blanchard, who meditates while en route and attends church just before leaving on a trip.

Jean Paugh of All About You Travel Unlimited encourages travelers to make reservations early.

If they have not, they can expect to

4

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Holiday travel can be stressful, but early planning can make the journey a bit easier. pay more.

“There is some last-minute stuff,” she said. “Your rates are going to be a little higher.”

Paugh advises that if taking a

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

flight to reserve parking off the airport and to get to the airport three hours or more before a domestic flight.

Check in online.

“Embrace technology,” she said.

According to an AAA travel survey, a quarter of Floridians plan to take a trip during the holidays. Good luck to them if they plan to fly.

“Airline staffing shortages have resulted in fewer flights and higher prices,” said Debbie Haas, the vice president of travel for AAA — The Auto Club Group.

AAA recommends booking as early as possible for the best combination of availability and price.

If you can stomach it, book one of those predawn flights to avoid the delays and cancellations later flights often experience. Pad your schedule on both ends to give you wiggle room should delays occur, and give yourself a couple of hours between connections for a chance to catch the second flight should your first one be delayed.

The best day to leave for the holidays? That would be Christmas Day, typically the time when traveler numbers are down, as are the fares.

Accept the fact that tickets will cost you. Travel app Hopper is predicting record-high prices for flights, as well as for other transportation options.

Prepare for long TSA lines, hope for no weather delays and pray that COVID-19 doesn’t pop up, yet again.

Blanchard suggests three rules for travel, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.

“First is stay calm,” she said.

“Second is stay calmer and third is stay the calmest possible.” SL

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Games PEOPLE PLAY

Tennis has remained popular for decades with local seniors

BY LINDA JUMP

Jake Potrizeebi, 82, and Lito Guerrero, 80, both of Melbourne, have played tennis more than 100 years combined. They try to play several times week to maintain balance, eye-hand coordination and strength.

“Tennis is such a wonderful sport and provides a social life with your friends. It keeps you nimble,” Guerrero said as the two recently played in a senior doubles open play match at the Norm Holmes Tennis Complex at the City of Melbourne’s Fee Avenue facility.

“I’m just impressed that I can still play,” Potrizeebi quipped. He plays six hours most weeks.

An estimated 21.6 million Americans play, nearly half women, with the average age of players rising to above 40. The non-contact fastpaced sport is played on a court with a single or two players on each side of a net using cord-strung rackets.

Players try to earn four points by getting a felt-covered bounceable ball into the opponent’s side of the court

so their opponent(s) cannot make a valid return of the ball. Players can also lose a point if the server commits a double fault if the ball doesn’t go over the net into the diagonal square, or is out of bounds twice in a row. The serve ball is thrown into the air and hit overhand.

In tennis scoring, love means nothing, and points are scored as 15, 30 and 40. When both teams earn 40 points, it’s called deuce and the winner must make two consecutive points, the first called the advantage point. The ball can be struck as a volley, in the air before it bounces, or after it bounces once.

Players compete in a single game, a set of generally six wins and a match, composed of the best of three or five sets. The victor must win by two games. The rules are complex and haven’t changed much in the two The Free Boomer Guide features tennis locations and listings of other sports and games.

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

Jim Slate, 74, of West Melbourne reaches to return a volley as he plays doubles tennis at the Norm Holmes Tennis Complex at the City of Melbourne’s Fee Avenue facility. He plays tennis weekly to stay fit. centuries of play.

The game began in the 1800s in England as a lawn game. The Tennis Industry Association reported three million new players in 2020 alone, up 44 percent from 2019, reportedly because the game provides social distancing.

“Tennis is great for seniors because it keeps them going and it’s relatively

low impact on joints and knees,” said Chris Cymbolin, the senior recreation supervisor for tennis for the City of Melbourne. With 15 courts at the Fee Avenue complex, senior doubles are offered four mornings weekly.

Jim Slate, 74, of West Melbourne began playing tennis 15 years ago when he retired. “I enjoy the fellowship and good exercise.” SL

Organizations pass the legacy of chess to next generation

BY BETTY PORTER

The game of chess is popular in Brevard County, with more and more local residents of all ages learning to play it as well as participating in local tournaments.

The Space Coast Chess Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization, is one of the premier chess organizations in Florida. It supports scholastic and community chess programs locally by organizing and sponsoring chess events to foster the development of the game on the Space Coast.

Since August, the Foundation has sponsored three monthly tournaments.

Many of the participants were young people.

The final monthly tournament for 2022 will be Dec. 3. It is open to all ages and will take place from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Space Coast Health Foundation’s Center for Collaboration at 1100 Rockledge Blvd. For more information and pre-registration, visit spacecoastchessfoundation.org/p/ events.html.

Next year’s monthly scholastic and open tournament dates for January through April will be announced following the next SCCF board meeting.

Another group, the Brevard Chess Club, offers twice-weekly tournaments in Cocoa Beach and Melbourne. The tournaments are open to any skill level.

The Cocoa Beach tournaments are at 7 p.m.Tuesday at Bula Kava Bar and Coffee House at 124 N. Orlando Ave.

6

SENIOR LIFE Betty Porter

Owen Grant, right, has been a chess coach for 50 years. Across from him is Nicholas Warren of Rockledge and his 7-year-old son, Conrad, who has taken an interest in chess this year after playing it online. in Cocoa Beach. There is a buy-in of either $7 or $12 depending on what section the player participates. At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, the Brevard Chess Club hosts a tournament at Island Root Kava Bar in downtown Melbourne at 1900 Municipal Lane. There is a $10 buy-in.

Sean Malone runs the Brevard Chess Club and is also a vice president and secretary of the Space Coast Chess Foundation.

“While there are players of a wide range of skill levels, we keep the

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

events fun, social and inviting to all.

We also try to match up players in sections based on skill level,” he said.

More information about the Brevard Chess Club tournaments is available at BrevardChess.org. In addition, Malone encourages those interested to join the Facebook page Brevard Chess Club at facebook.com/ groups/1161975724375706 “One thing I love about chess is that when I am playing, I am so intensely focused that everything else

in the world seems to melt away for the duration of that game. I admit it can be frustrating when I feel like I am in a losing position or I make a mistake that costs me the game, but the feeling of satisfaction I get when I play a great game, find a brilliant move, or edge my opponent out in a time scramble is very thrilling” Malone said. “I would have to say winning a

CHESS

Continued on page 7

myseniorlife.com

25th Anniversary

NEIGHBORS

ANN ERS IV

A

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Brevard Mobile Library drives technology, art, reading activities

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER

More than a display container for shelves of books, the Brevard Mobile Library has evolved as a source of STEAM. “We provide programs on computer classes, and STEAM programs.

That is STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) with the A since we include art,” said Laura Eastman Hawthorne, the Brevard County Mobile Library supervisor.

“We have computer classes and theme programs with summer camps and schools. A class of children and teens works on a coding program that helps them learn to color code as in programming computers and learning about technology. I have four workstations in the handicap access van so they can use tablets and iPads.

During summer camps, I bring in groups of five to seven at a time to learn.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Laura Eastman Hawthorne

Children learn computer programming.

CHESS

Continued from page 6 hard-fought chess game makes you feel proud of yourself for hanging in there, finding the right moves, and for all of the work you’ve put in over time to get to your current level of chess knowledge.”

Brevard County offers newcomers to chess a lot of opportunities to learn the game at no cost. Instructional, friendly games are available at a variety of venues including from 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays at the Central Brevard Library at 308 Forrest Ave. in Cocoa.

Renowned chess coach Owen Grant, who has taught chess for 50 years in Brevard County, was asked by the Space Coast Chess Foundation to host the Sunday chess at the Library. He is at the Library on Sunday to teach and mentor folks interested in the game. A resident of Cape Canaveral, Grant said he does so because he loves the game and wants to pass along his knowledge and skills to the next generation.

In November, Grant mentored a father and his seven-year-old son who showed up at the Library.

Nicholas Warren of Rockledge said he had seen a flier about the chess lessons on Sunday at the Library and

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the Brevard Library System

Laura Eastman Hawthorne, the Brevard County Mobile Library supervisor, drives her mobile van to teach STEAM courses (science, technology, engineering, art and math).

“I do the driving all over Brevard and have been to places (such) as Satellite Beach, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, just all over. It is an extension of the main Cocoa Library creative lab. There was a bookmobile a few years back. When COVID hit, the mobile was parked. Getting a new vehicle, we decided to have more technology than books.”

Hawthorne also has created family entertainment such as an escape room for families and their children.

“They must solve three puzzles to get the combination lock to get out of the mobile library.”

Aging Matters seniors are helped with their androids and smartphones through a program called Askatech, Hawthorne said. Another advantage of the mobile library is whenever Hawthorne is out with the mobile library she also finds herself regularly signing up residents for library cards.

Story walks in the parks are very popular and are scheduled usually a couple hours of time during the afternoons and many times in coordination with other youth events going on around the county sponsored by organizations or schools.

“The community events are on a

weekend or at night at parks or at a school. A lot of times, I do my own program like story walks at the park and set up a schedule to do this.

“I put children’s book pages on signs and put the signs all around the park so while they are walking on a path they can read a book,” Hawthorne said. “At the end of the walk, they have a craft and activity sheet after reading the book.”

The Brevard Mobile Library schedules can be found on the library website on the Brevard County online site under libraries and on Facebook Brevard Libraries. SL

decided to bring his son, Conrad, along.

“My son started taking an interest in chess this year online. He also likes it because his uncle plays chess very well.”

Conrad, who attends Lake Fern Elementary Montessori School in Titusville, was very attentive as Grant showed him some strategies on how to maneuver chess pieces into the best position early to gain traction on your opponent.

Grant said he was about Conrad’s age when he learned to play chess at the YMCA where he lived in Syracuse, N.Y. Grant is famous for having won a chess match against grandmaster Bobby Fischer in 1964 at a tournament that took place in the Kodak Building in Rochester, N.Y. “I was only 17 years old at the time and I must say I was a bit nervous and in awe of Bobby Fischer,” Grant said. But then I sat down with him and remembered what my father had always said to me ‘on a given day you can beat anybody.’”

Grant then became an even greater fan of Fischer, who became the World Chess championin 1972 by winning the title match against Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union. The match,

played in Reykjavik, Iceland, was billed as a cold war confrontation between the U.S. and the USSR.

It attracted more worldwide attention and interest than any chess championship ever played. SL

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TECH KNOW TIDBITS

Avoid being a victim of cybercrime by being suspicious, alert

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

As CEO of Melbourne-based IT company Artemis, Travis Proctor has the bead on cyber-thieves bent on stealing valuable information.

“I am always thinking about cybersecurity, including when I am home,” he said.

Once, the issue of cybersecurity was of concern primarily to large corporations. Now, both small businesses and individuals are prime targets, and even data such as a specific visit to the doctor can be extremely profitable.

Cyber-burglars, armed with the knowledge that you recently visited a physician, can try to extract money by asking for credit card information and can gain access to even more personal details by asking recipients to click on a link.

Protection begins with passwords.

“We have unique passwords that change every 90 days for most all our accounts and use dual factor authentication for everything that supports it,” Proctor said.

He also depends on virtual private networks, or VPNs, to connect with important systems outside his house, and that is just the beginning.

“We have set up segmented virtual networks for guest WiFi access and for vendor-connected systems such as

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Cybercrime not only affects big companies, but it also affects individuals.

AC, lights, etc.,” Proctor said.

A home firewall and router setup adds another layer of protection, along with anti-virus and antimalware software running the home computers. And, yes, there is more.

“To ensure the security of our personal data, we keep it backed up on separate systems not connected

Space Coast Ophthalmology offers the

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to our home network to be able to restore from if something does happen to our in-home computers,” Proctor said.

Backing up data is not fun, but it can be a lifesaver should you become a victim of ransomware and not be able to retrieve your data.

Recapturing stolen data being held

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Willard Davis

Willard Davis includes some intricate details in his Christmas village.

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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

at ransom was a headache for large corporations. It is now a headache for everyone.

“The bad actors have figured out that the data is very important and they will hold it for ransom, which is very profitable for them,” Proctor said.

How is the data mined?

“They use automated software,” said Joshua Adams, the CEO of Rock Paper Simple and a programmer since age 11.

Educating every family member on the critical importance of cyber vigilance can make the difference between being hacked or not.

“With a young son at home, we work to keep him educated on what to look for as possible attempts for people to gain access to our personal information and systems,” Proctor said.

Proctor not only informally discusses cybersecurity with his son, but he takes it a step further.

“We have him annually complete a cyber training program online to just make him aware of some of the potential risks to which he may be exposed online and how to both spot and avoid them,” he said.

Ultimately, a suspicious mind may well be your best ally against cybercrime. Every email is suspect until proven otherwise. SL

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Continued from page 2

stories, and Davis proudly displays his Santa driver’s license that says, Nicholas S. Claus, Candy Cane Lane, North Pole. “Even Santa needs a proper ID.” “My doctor said to cut down on the cookies,” Davis said with a jolly smile.

“Am now 77, I feel great and I hope to continue my Santa journey for many years to come, keeping the magic and tradition of Christmas alive for young and old.”

Santa’s train can be viewed by appointment. Call 321-544-0169. SL

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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

9

STRIP STRI PES

Brevard Veterans News

Veterans helping other veterans comes naturally to some

In Brevard County, those who have the financial means to do so won’t hesitate when they know the cause will benefit their fellow veterans. Some will chip in with services and others will volunteer their time.

Brandon Lape has been successful as a realtor and real estate investor since leaving active duty in the Air Force, which gave him the opportunity to help veterans.

Brandon Lape Group eXp Realty was one of the major sponsors of AVET Project’s Celebrating Veterans Cruise over Veterans Day weekend to the Bahamas.

He and other business owners are supporters of the work the organization does to help military members transition to civilian life and cope with other veteran-related issues.

The AVET took more than 100

veterans and family members on the weekend educational cruise.

Participants learned about benefits and services available to them from experts in VA claims, legal matters, mental health and other issues. They also had the opportunity to relax and enjoy the camaraderie and family time. The cruise was free of charge to the veterans and their families through AVET Project fundraising and sponsorship from companies and

individuals who donated money and/or services. The organization, headed by Garren and Kim Cone, has advocated for veterans since about 2008.

Lape was a part of the Air Force on active duty for more than 12 years before transitioning to the Air Force Reserves. The active-duty military gave him a great sense of belonging.

He said that his real estate business and focus on helping other veterans has filled some of the void left after ending active-duty.

“It’s a way to give back to the military community that has given so much to me,” he said. “Real estate has given me something bigger than myself.”

Other sponsors were equally enthusiastic about helping fellow veterans. And that comes as no surprise to me. After covering veterans’ issues

through the years, I have learned that it is a brotherhood and camaraderie that goes on long after they leave the military.

“If you are in the position to help, you should,” said Adrian Kellgren, a former Navy pilot who is the director of production for Kel-Tec, a gun manufacturer in Cocoa. “It’s something important for us to do.”

Erin Kelly, a Realtor with eXp Realty and one of the sponsors, said that her success has allowed her to help fellow veterans.

“I’ve been very blessed,” she said.

“I want to give back.”

The veterans and some of the family members on the cruise participated in two sessions in which they listened to speakers and had the opportunity to get their questions answered, including a one-on-one with some presenters. SL

Veterans Hall of Fame inductee, family served proudly

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

Retired Lt. Col. Regina Hamilton grew up with parents who considered community service an honor, not an obligation.

“They were always doing something for the community and we would tag along,” she said.

Her father, retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Eugene C. Johnson, taught his children by example.

“He’s so dedicated,” his daughter said.

In 2017, Johnson became one of the handful of veterans inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame, an honor earned through service.

Johnson is one of those rare beings, a 90-year-old Melbourne native and a 1950 graduate of Melbourne Vocational High School. In 1951, dissatisfied with his freshman year at Florida A&M University, he enlisted in the Air Force at the suggestion of friends.

“I had been in ROTC at FAMU, and I thought at the time that the military would be a better option than college,” said Johnson, who would later earn his bachelor’s degree from Rollins College.

The Air Force took him around the world and brought him back to Patrick Air Force Base in 1971. The family moved to Satellite Beach, where Eugene and his wife, Ionia, would raise their two children, Reginald and Regina. Ionia passed away three years ago, but Johnson remains in his wellloved family home.

After 31 years, Johnson retired from the Air Force, but that did not mean he left Patrick and his job with the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute.

“A month later, I was back at my desk in the same job, but as a GS-9,” he said.

10

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the Johnson family

Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Eugene C. Johnson is one of the few veterans inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. Service in the military is a family tradition for the Johnsons.

He served as trainer, facilitator, curriculum coordinator and deputy director of academics before fully retiring in 1997, just in time for Gov. Lawton Chiles to appoint him to the board of Brevard Community College, now Eastern Florida State College.

Gov. Jeb Bush re-appointed Johnson to the job in 1999.

For 21 years, he was the veteran

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

coordinator for Piper-Gardner American Legion Post 191 in Melbourne and for 20 years he was in a similar role with the South Brevard Branch of the NAACP. As a lifelong Mason, he served the organization faithfully in top positions and is a pillar of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Melbourne. In 2011, Florida Tech awarded him the Julius C.

STRIPES

Montgomery Award for his exceptional service to the community.

When asked what his greatest achievement has been, he is quick to reply.

“The scholarships,” he said, referring to the Reginald E. Johnson

HALL OF FAME continued on page 13

myseniorlife.com

Cruise guides veterans to the help they need

BY R. NORMAN MOODY

SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody

Brandon Lape, left, of eXp Realty and Adrian Kellgren of Kel-Tec speak to veterans during the AVET Project’s Celebrate Veterans Cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean Independence.

Other veterans suffering from injuries or mental health issues listened through two informal educational sessions and were able to get questions answered during the cruise.

“Remember, there is always a higher purpose in whatever you are going through,” said John Lopez, as he encouraged his fellow veterans. “It’s OK to recognize that you are not OK. Recognize that you need help.”

Lopez of E&O Tactical, was one of the sponsors of the Celebrate Veterans Cruise.

Others spoke about suicide prevention.

Dr. Joseph Walden and Dr. Linsay Davy were among the presenters who were there to help those with questions about mental health issues.

Charisse Laverdiere, who lives in Menifee, California, wanted to learn more about mental health.

Laverdiere said that while on active duty between 1984 and 2003, her pelvis was shattered while serving in South Korea. She is getting help from the Department of Veterans Affairs for the physical injuries but not for the mental stress it causes.

“I haven’t gotten any help as far as mental health,” she said.

EPTIONA EXC L

Army Staff. Sgt. Raul Pacheco wants to know everything he can about his veteran’s benefits and services that will be available to him well before he retires from the military.

Pacheco and his wife Marisol, were among the more than 100 activeduty military members, veterans and their families who were part of AVET Project’s Celebrate Veterans Cruise to the Bahamas during Veterans Day weekend.

“I am approaching retirement,” he said. “When retirement comes, I don’t want to be rushing.”

Pacheco, who has served 18 years, said his main purpose for going on the cruise was to learn about his veteran’s benefits because many veterans don’t know what’s available to them.

She was encouraged by some of the information she was able to gather during the cruise aboard Royal Caribbean Independence.

Leah Bucholz, whose company, Prestige Veterans Medical Consulting, helps those filing VA claims when medical evidence is needed.

“It’s very important that if someone helps you with a claim that they are legally accredited,” she said.

Others like Carmella George, answered questions about VA claims

VETERANS CRUISE continued on page 13

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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

11

New Year’s resolutions: why they fail, how you can succeed

BY KIMBERLY BLAKER “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.

We can help write that story by setting goals.” ­— Melody Beattie The New Year is a great time to take inventory, set goals, and take charge of your life. But if you’re like most, making resolutions is much easier than keeping them. Rather than focus on the idea of a new beginning, which can lead to disappointment at the first slip, keep in mind that self-improvement is an ongoing endeavor. Setbacks are not failures; they bring wisdom and insight for future success.

Before making a split decision on this year’s resolutions, make a list of goals and changes you’d like to make. Then review your list, and cross off any you don’t feel genuinely devoted to.

Maybe you want to resolve to spend more time with your family, quit smoking, or lose weight. You’re more likely to succeed if you feel a strong personal commitment rather than ‘I should.’

One reason people don’t keep resolutions they make is the resolutions are often made to silence the pestering of a loved one. If you decide to quit smoking to get your husband off your back, you’re less likely to succeed. If you choose to quit smoking to feel healthier and be able to enjoy physical activity without being winded, you’re more likely to experience success.

Choose one or perhaps two of the resolutions on your list that you feel most committed to. Then choose one or two

you feel confident you can do with ease.

These last couple can be used as positive reinforcement for the more challenging first choices.

Next, make a clear plan for adhering to your resolutions. Put each resolution in writing, and write down the steps to achieve them. Let’s say your resolution requires a routine or schedule such as an exercise routine, a new diet, or steps toward completing your education.

Create a goal chart, a detailed plan, and a checklist to track your progress.

Also, post notes in strategic places such as the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, or steering wheel as reminders of your resolutions with tips on how to overcome temptation.

Make sure your family understands the importance of your resolutions.

Family support and their positive reinforcement can be most helpful. If your resolution is something your family has been nagging you about, ask for their encouragement. But explain that pressure and pestering, particularly during setbacks, could undermine your resolve.

Determine how each family member can help you to achieve your goal perhaps by taking on additional household chores or through affirmations of your continued success.

Adjust your environment to enable success. If eating healthier is your goal, don’t fill the cupboards with junk food for other family members. Find healthy snacks they’re willing to substitute. If you’re trying to quit smoking, avoid people, places, and things that remind or tempt you, at least until you have it well under control.

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Did you meet your 2022 goals? Make clear plans for your resolutions for 2023.

Don’t go it alone. If you have a friend with a similar resolution, make a pact. Work together to create a plan, and then make a point to check in with each other regularly for encouragement, praise, and support. If you resolve to get more exercise, do it together. Having a commitment and someone to accompany you will go a long way in helping you succeed.

time machine In December...

Finally, reward yourself, not just once you’ve achieved your goal, but periodically for your success so far. Small, periodic rewards can be motivation enough to keep you strong when you’re ready to throw in the towel.

Remember, whatever New Year resolutions you choose, success awaits you if you resolve never to give up trying. SL

Dec. 19, 1998

Dec. 1, 1955

Rosa Parks is arrested in Montgomery, Alabama for rejecting bus driver James F. Blake’s order to vacate a row of four seats in the colored section in favor of a white man. This incident leads to the birth of the American civil rights movement.

After nearly 14 hours of debate, the House of Representatives impeaches President Bill Clinton, approving two out of four Articles of Impeachment, charging Clinton with lying under oath to a federal grand jury and obstructing justice.

Clinton is the second American president to be impeached, the first being Andrew Johnson, who is impeached in 1868.

Dec. 28, 1832

Dec. 7, 1941

John C. Calhoun resigns from the office of vice president after a series of political disagreements with President Jackson.

He is the first American ever to resign the office of vice president. He serves under Presidents John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson.

The U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is attacked just before 8 a.m. The base is attacked by 353 Imperial Japanese aircraft in a raid that lasts a little more than one hour and leaves nearly 3,000 Americans dead.

By USN - Official U.S. Navy photograph 80-G-182874, U.S. National Archives.

Dec. 8, 1980

Musician John Lennon, formerly of the Beatles, is shot and fatally wounded in the archway of the Dakota, his residence in New York City. Lennon is rushed to Roosevelt Hospital in a police car, where he is pronounced dead on arrival at 11:15 p.m.

Dec. 30, 1803

The Stars and Stripes flag is raised above New Orleans as the United States takes formal possession of the territory of Louisiana, an area of 885,000 square miles, nearly doubling the size of the U.S. The territory is purchased from France for approximately $15 million.

Thure de Thulstrup, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Let the spirit of unity and peace prevail in your life

VETERANS CRUISE continued from page 11

and attorney Jessica Lynn Silva shared information about wills and trusts with participants.

The three-night cruise was supposed to start Nov. 11 following a Veterans Day ceremony at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island. Because of Hurricane Nicole, the ship arrived at Port Canaveral a day late and the veterans’ cruise was cut short by one day.

The educational session aboard the ship went on as planned with a modified schedule.

Garren Cone said that from comments he has heard, the educational cruise, which is part of AVET’s Project Recuperation and Reintegration, was well received.

“We know we reached an audience of 130 people,” he said.

“Everybody came away with more knowledge than they had before they got on the boat, plus everybody had fun.”

One important aspect is that the veterans were able to connect with each other and with experts who can help them. SL

HALL OF FAME continued from page 10

Scholarship Program, named after his late son.

Reginald and sister Regina, both Merit Scholars at Satellite High, were the first brother and sister African Americans to attend West Point.

Reginald tragically died during a

SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody

Raul and Marisol Pacheco want to be prepared for retirement from the Army.

SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody

Garren and Kim Cone head up AVET Project, a veteran advocacy organization. training accident just 21 days before graduating in 1980.

His parents channeled their grief into a scholarship program to assist Brevard high school graduates attain their dreams of higher education.

“We have been able to provide more than $4 million in scholarships every year, even during the pandemic,” Johnson said. SL

For many seniors, this will be the first holiday in several years where families will gather after the restrictions of the COVID pandemic. Recently, I returned to Wisconsin for a family wedding and reunion. What surprises!

Babies now were busy little people.

Everyone seemed pleasant and cordial.

A wedding environment added to the unity and peace.

Holiday events can be stressful.

Regardless of previous conflicts and issues, it’s a great time to start anew.

Among family and friends, we can heal divisions. We can carry the spirit of the season to our neighborhoods, villages, cities, states and nation. There is no need to be divided. Find common ground, similarities and likes. Build on them.

We can recognize the beauty of our diversity — the mixed cultures, the granddaughter with a ring in her nose, the grandson with lots of tattoos and gauges in his ears, the 30-something adult with pink hair, and the blondehaired grandmother in tight leather pants. It is a beautiful world after all.

When you are together, skip comments about appearances. Focus on good memories through the years.

Avoid discussing politics. Consider the elections as being over. Ask the youth about their favorite subjects at school and what they are doing for fun? Want a lesson in technology, ask about the new features on their special super iPhone.

Show that they are valued and loved. Be sure to move about and cover everyone.

Find out why our residents are so happy!

“

Challenges of Living to Age 100 Ed Baranowski End by responding with, “Thanks for sharing.”

Some armchair philosopher stated: “We are in the same boat.” Damcen Barr in From Woman up wrote: “We are not in the same boat. We are in the same storm. Some have yachts. Some have canoes and kayaks. Some are drowning.

They can’t even float. Just be kind and help when you can.

Our challenge as seniors is to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Help bring family, friends, neighbors and other community members together. Set an example with kind words, acts of kindness and renewed connections with others.

Reconcile with family members who have been estranged. Reach out to the less fortunate in your community by volunteering, contributing and sharing.

Join with various community groups.

Unite in efforts to provide food and gifts, and believe that unity and peace is possible. SL Ed Baranowski is an award-winning writer, artist, speaker and seminar leader. He lives in Melbourne and can be contacted at fast75sr@gmail.com.

Happy Holidays from

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Holiday Events Holiday Events DECEMBER 3 - 5

food, family fun, kid and pet friendly.

Dec. 5, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Junior League of South Brevard’s 36th Dec. 6, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. annual Festival of Trees Historic Cocoafun, Village, 1 Oleander food, family kid and pet friendly. year’s event, trees3 will- be DECEMBER 5 Wholeness to Freedom Ministries Dec. 2This 4, 9 11, 16 18 Cocoa, 321-631-9075 Dec. 5, 10 a.m.

5 p.m. showcased within business Junior League of South Brevard’s 36th 1619 Ferndale Ave. Christmas Tour ofinHistoric Homes Dec. 6, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. storefronts the Eau Gallie Arts annual Festival of Trees Melbourne, 321-425-5494 of Trees 10 a.m. District.

Light Up Rockledge/Festival Historic Cocoa Village, 1 Oleander Theevent, onlinetrees auction This year’s willwill be start Museums of3Brevard’s third annual 6Cocoa, p.m.

321-631-9075 Dec. and end on Dec. 5. showcased within business Merritt Island Holiday Parade Holidayhttps://brevardcounty.jl.org/festivalTour of Historic Homes.

The Enjoy festive storefronts in the Eau Gallie Arts 10 - 11:30 a.m. tunes while strolling through decorated tours begin Friday, 2 and endwill startParade Lightstarts Up aRockledge/Festival Trees of-trees/ District.

TheDec. online auction at Merritt tree IslandofHigh display.

Auction proceeds go to Sunday, Dec. Dec.318.

Tours run between 10 6 p.m. and end on Dec. 5.

School and ending at Edgewood JuGrandparents Raising Grandchildren. a.m. and 2 p.m. Some appointments Enjoy festive while strolling DECEMBER 4 https://brevardcounty.jl.org/festivalnior/Senior Hightunes School.

Free, just abring a canned food item. through decorated tree required.of-trees/ Island High School Space Coast Lightfest Stroll Weekend Merritt Rockledge Civic Hub Auction The historical Homes: 100 display.

Mustang Way proceeds go to Dec. 4 to 7 , 6:30 to 10 p.m.

530 Barton Blvd.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

The Moore Cultural Center & MuDECEMBER 4 are drive Merritt Island,321-221-7540, 321-633-1874 Walk thru, all other nights Rockledge, ext 112.

Free, just bring a canned food item. seum, Pritchard House, Cape Canavthru.

Space Coast Lightfest Stroll Weekend Rockledge Civic Hub eral Lighthouse, Sams House, Field United Church of Christ Wickham 2785 Leisure Dec. 4 to Park, 71895 , 6:30 to 10 p.m. Way Riviera DECEMBER 6 530 Barton Manor, Lawndale House Museum, Holiday BazaarBlvd.

Walk thru, allAvenue other nights drive Black Willow Ranch Christmas Festival at the Viera are Rockledge, 321-221-7540, ext 112.

HistoricCaroling Rossetter House Museum & - 3 p.m. thru.4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24Noon Christmas photo props, craft stations Dec. Gardens, Green Gables United Church of Christ Park, 2785 Leisure Way Riviera kids, hot chocolate 6 bar, local 6Wickham and 7 p.m.

DECEMBER 451for Riviera Dr. NE vendors, BBQ and bounce house.

The Avenue, 2261 Town Center Ave. Black Willow Ranch Christmas Festival Caroling at the Avenue Viera Palm Bay, 321-693-9894 Dec. 2Viera, 9 a.m.

5 p.m.

321-634-5390 Christmas photo props, craft stations Dec. 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24 Christmas on 7 the Boulevard 2350 Black Willow Trail, Mims for kids, hot chocolate bar, local 6 and p.m.

Cocoa Beach Christmas Parade Holiday Tree Lighting 6 - 9 p.m.

321-684-9402 vendors, BBQ and bounce house.

The Avenue, 2261 Town Center Ave.2 p.m.

5 8 p.m.

East Coast Christian Center 9 a.m.

- 5 p.m.

Viera, 321-634-5390 starts at Triangle Park heading 2020 Space Coast Toy Run Eau Blvd.

Gallie Square, 450 Highland Ave.Parade 3474 Viera 2350 Black Willow Trail, South to 1st Street south onMims S. Orlando 9 a.m.

3:30 p.m.

Melbourne, 321-622-4223 Holiday Tree Lighting Viera, 321-452-1060 321-684-9402 Ave. (A1A).

Starts at Azan Shrine Center 9 a.m.

5 - 8 p.m.

Holiday in the City, Cape Canaveral Triangle Park, 2Coast S.orOrlando Ave. $15 new unwrapped toy 2020entry Spacefee Toy Run Eau Gallie Square, 450 Highland Ave. City of Palm 6 - 10Bay p.m.

Cocoa Beach, 321-868-3200 AZAN Shriners Center 9 a.m.

3:30 p.m.

Melbourne, 321-622-4223 Taylor Ceremony and Poinsetta Avenues Tree Lighting 1591 W. Gallie Blvd., Melbourne atEau Azan Shrine Center 9 a.m.

Cape Canaveral, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Holiday in the City,321-868-1226 Cape Canaveral JuneStarts Park Block Party & Light Parade 321-259-5302 $15 entry fee or new unwrapped toy Lighting 6the holiday tree. Perfor- 10live p.m.

4 p.m.

AZAN Shriners Center December 5Avenues Taylor and Poinsetta mance by the Heritage High School Bring donated the Melbourne Brevard DECEMBER 11 1591 W. Eauitems Galliefor Blvd., Cape Canaveral, 321-868-1226 Ambassador Show Choir.

Humane Society.

Holiday Marketplace, outdoor event 13th annual Central Florida’s 321-259-5302 Palm Bay City Hall Police Foundation Park Vendors, artisans and crafters.

Messiah Sing-Along December 5 120 Malabar Road 4150 Miami Ave. 10 a.m.

- 2 p.m.

7DECEMBER p.m.

11 Palm Bay, 321-726-5682 Melbourne, 321-914-3877 Faith Fellowship Church Holiday Marketplace, outdoor event West Drive-in concert by the Space Coast 13th annual Central Florida’s 2820 Business Center Vendors, artisans andBlvd. crafters.

Symphony Orchestra Messiah Sing-Along Palm Holiday Light Parade 10 a.m. -321-259-7200 2 p.m.

The Avenue, 2261 Town Center Ave. Dec. 3Suntree, 7 Bay p.m.

6 p.m.

Faith Fellowship Church Viera, 321-634-5390 Breakfast withFlorida SantaWinds Outdoor Concert Drive-in concert by the Space Coast Central The Symphony parade leaves Eastern Florida State Business Center Blvd.

Orchestra 8:30 - 10:30 42820 p.m.a.m.

College and heads north onCenter San Filippo Suntree, 321-259-7200 DECEMBER 12 The Avenue, 2261 Town Ave. ChildrenThe willmusicians receive aand Christmas MaestrostockSabino Drive.

It will then move west Viera, 321-634-5390 ing and have aCentral picture with Santa. missed playing for their Concert Cape Canaveral Reindeer Runon Florida Winds Outdoor 5K MalaRoad and end at Minton Road, in Cocoa Beach Center patrons. them for a “socially bar Cherie 4 p.m.RecJoin Down Park front of City Hall.

DECEMBER 12 321 Ramp distant” holidayand concert on the front Cape Canaveral, 321-241-4520 TheRoad musicians Maestro Sabino Eastern Florida State College Cocoa Beach lawn the church. haveof missed playing for their Cape Canaveral Reindeer Run 5K Santas Community College Parkway SE Suntree Methodist Church 250Skydiving patrons.United Join them for a “socially Cherie Down Park 10Bay, a.m.321-952-3443 - 3 p.m.

American Police Hall of Fame Palm 7400 N. Wickham Rd., Suntree distant” holiday concert on the front Cocoa Cape Canaveral, Beach Pier,321-241-4520 401 Meade Ave. and Museum: with Santa 321-405-2359 lawn ofBreakfast the church.

321-783-7549 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Skydiving Santas 9:30 - 11Suntree a.m. United Methodist Church 10 a.m.

3 p.m.

Home for the Holidays Concert • Cocoa Beach Christmas Boat Parade Breakfast andN. a Island selfie Holiday station with •7400 Merritt Wickham Rd.,Parade Suntree Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave. 6:30 p.m.

• Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade Santa. Includes museumParade admission.

•321-405-2359 Mims Christmas 321-783-7549 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church • Downtown Melbourne Bicycle Parade American Police of Fame • Bible on Hall Parade Garden St.Light Cocoa Beach Christmas ••Melbourne Parade Boat Parade 6350 Horizon Drive • Merritt Island Holiday ParadeLight 2073 • Palm Bay Drive-thru Holiday Titusville, 321-267-4323 • Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade Titusville, 321-264-0911 • Cocoa Rockledge Holiday Parade •Parade Mims Christmas Parade • Downtown Melbourne Bicycle For event details page 28 Parade • Bible ondetails Parade Christmas Party forsee Persons For event page 28 Titusville Holiday Grinchsee Fest • Melbourne Light Parade Disabilities Anthony Holiday Food and Bake Sale 10 a.m. -•4Palm p.m.Bay Drive-thru Holiday Light withSt. •a.m.

Cocoa 37th Art & Craft Holiday Bazaar Noon 3 p.m.

9 - 2Rockledge p.m. Holiday Parade Parade Holiday shopping with 75 crafters, For event details page 28 Over 200 unique artisans, street Pies, cakes, breads, perogies, VFW Post 4228, 4411see Capron Road For event details see page food. Holiday music, pictures with28the Titusville, 321-614-8233 St. Anthony Holiday Food and Bake Sale Grinch and Santa.

37th Art & Craft Holiday Bazaar 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Titusville Civic Center Dec. 4 cakes, breads, perogies, Over 200 unique artisans, street Pies, 4220 South Hopkins Ave. Santa Paws for the Cause 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Dec. 3 and 4 Bring your pet and children Wednesdays DECEMBER 9 and join Art & Craft Holiday Bazaar Rescue Rebels by Cash 4 Canines, Inc., Coping with Holiday Stress as a 10 a.m. Computer - 4 p.m. Basics an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization, Caregiver Breakfast 5:30 -handcrafted 7:30 p.m. creations, 200 vendors’ for photos with Santa.

9DECEMBER - 11 a.m.

Learn computer basics, Windows vs Wednesdays 9 live music, food trucks and more.

Myrt TharpeLyon, Square (Gazebo) Michele executive Apple, saving files and social media.

Coping with Holiday Stressdirector as a of Computer Basics Historic Cocoa Village 9 Stone Street YourLife of West Melbourne and Caregiver Breakfast Brevard Adult Education Lifelong 5:30 -Ave. 7:30 p.m.

434 Delannoy certified dementia practitioner, Cocoa Village, 321-305-4584 9 11 a.m.

Learning, 321-633-3660, ext. 31462.

Learn computer basics, Windows vs will offer tips on how to handle Cocoa, 321-631-9075 Michele Lyon, executive director of Apple, saving files and social media.Pictures with holiday stress with your lovedand ones.

YourLife ofSanta West Melbourne DECEMBER 8 & 9 Brevard Adult Education Lifelong Wholeness to Freedom Breakfast served, limited seating, 2 5 p.m. certified dementia practitioner, Learning, Shell Harbor Lunch & Learn ext. 31462.Green Fundraising Event321-633-3660, must RSVPtips 321-751-6771. willGables offer on how to handle Dec. 8 and 9, 11:30 a.m.

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

1501 South Harbor Cityyour Blvd. holiday stress with loved ones.

DECEMBER & 9Harbor Learn about the new8Shell Giving Tuesday, community fundraising DECEMBER 11 Breakfast served, limited seating, Melbourne, 321-794-8901 Retirement in Rockledge.

Shelldonations HarborCommunity Lunch & Learn event. Food welcome. must RSVP 321-751-6771.

“A View from the Moving Garden” Seating limited, musta.m.

RSVP. Dec. local 8 and 9, 11:30 Food trucks, vendors, bounce 15thWhimsical annual Messiah Sing-Along Fashion Show River Rocks Learn about the new Shell Harbor 3 p.m. house and face painting.

DECEMBER 11 3 5 p.m.

6485 South U.S. 1, Rockledge Retirement Community in Rockledge. Creations from Caberbe Joseph “A View from the Moving Garden” 321-265-6884 Seating limited, must RSVP. Whimsical Fashion Show River Rocks 3 - 5 p.m.

6485 South U.S. 1, Rockledge Creations from Caberbe Joseph 321-265-6884

cookies, jams, apple butter and visit from Elizabeth. Music includes vegan offerings. Sales conducted Christmas carols and uplifting songs outside in a drive thru. to get you into the true Christmas St. Anthony Orthodox Christian Church spirit.

Social distancing, limited cookies, jams, apple butter and visitTacos from Elizabeth.

Presented byRoad, Space Coast Symphony. seating, forRSVP. Toys Music includes 4031 Melbourne must veganAurora offerings.

Sales conducted Christmas carols and uplifting songs Eastminster Presbyterian Church 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

305-812-4940 TWC 638true S. Patrick Dr. outside in a drive thru. to getSanctuary, you into the Christmas 106 N. Riverside Drive SignBeach, Depot321-777-2047 Satellite St. Anthony Orthodox Christian Church spirit.

Social distancing, limited Brevard Symphony Orchestra Indialantic, 855-252-7276 1845must S. Patrick 4031 Aurora Road, Melbourne seating, RSVP. Drive Sounds of the Season Indian Harbor 321-233-0966 DECEMBER 17 305-812-4940 TWC Sanctuary, 638Beach, S. Patrick Dr. 2Holiday p.m. Fire Rescue Open House Kris KringleBeach, Market321-777-2047 Satellite ASatellite special concert featuring full Beach Orchestra Brevard Symphony Dec. 10th 17 toannual Dec. 20 A Star is Born orchestra, ap.m. guest 5:30 - 8:30 Sounds of the Seasonnarrator, and Noon 3 p.m.

Dec. 17, 11-a.m.

- 6 p.m.

DECEMBER 17 many favorites, including 2 p.m.familiar Guest appearance by the Grinch.

Live nativity scene.

Dec. 18, Noon - 8 p.m.

Kris Kringle Market Sleigh Ride, selections from full The A special concert featuring Satellite Beach Fire Rescue Dec. 19, 9 a.m.

6Tabernacle p.m.

Church Dec.Celebration 17 to Dec.-20 Nutcracker, and White Christmas. orchestra, a guest narrator, and 1390 S. Patrick Drive Dec. 20, 10 a.m.

5 p.m.

1314 Dixon Blvd.

Dec. 17, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Special musical performance of many familiar including Satellite Beach,favorites, 321-773-4405 Free admission 321-210-4666 Dec.Cocoa, 18, Noon - 8 p.m.

‘Twas Night Before from Christmas.

Sleighthe Ride, selections The Melbourne Auditorium Dec. 19, 9 a.m.

- 6 p.m.

Music Director Nutcracker, andChristopher White Christmas.

625 Hibiscus Ave. Dec. 7 Dec.E. 20, 10Beach a.m.

- 5Boat p.m.Parade Cocoa Confessore will lead the orchestra.

Special musical performance of Melbourne, 321-608-7420 Free6admission Grinch-mas at PGG p.m.

King Center ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Melbourne AuditoriumPark 6 - 8 p.m.

Near Centennial 3865 Wickham Rd, Melbourne MusicN.Director Christopher DECEMBER 625 Cocoa E. Hibiscus Ave. 18 Meet the Grinch, make a reindeer craft Beach BrevardSymphony.com, 321-345-5052 Confessore will lead the orchestra. Holiday Bicycle Parade or have your face painted. Kids eat freeMelbourne, 321-608-7420 King Center details see page 28 Jess Parrish Medical Foundation with adult purchase $8 or more. For event The Nutcracker 3865ToN. Wickham Rd,ofMelbourne Gala Go DECEMBER 18 Pizza Gallery Brevard Ballet Academy BrevardSymphony.com, 321-345-5052 DECEMBER 19 42250 - 7 p.m.

Holiday Bicycle Parade Town Center Ave., Suite 113 Dec. 10 • 6 p.m.

Snow Days11 on •the Space Coast28 Take a magical driveFoundation amidst holiday For event details see page Jess Parrish Medical Viera, 321-633-0397 Dec. 2 p.m.

Dec. 19 - 20, 5 - 10 p.m. lights and Gala To Gosing along with carolers.

Eau Gallie Performing Arts Center 26 tons of snow with snow slides and Design your own experience — DECEMBER 19 4 - 7 p.m.

1400 Commodore Blvd.

Dec. 9 play areas.

Train ride, light displays, selection of entrées, SnowMelbourne, Days on the Space Coast Take a magical drivedesserts, amidst holiday 321-622-4713 Holiday Fashion Show hayrides benefit appetizer Dec. 19 -and 20, more.

5 - 10 Proceeds p.m. lights andand singwine. along with carolers.

2Design p.m.

Hope for North Brevard.

La Cita Country Club 26 tons of snow with snow slides and your own experience — Annual Golf Cart Christmas Parade Shell Harbor Retirement Community Sand Point Park, 777 Country Club Dr. desserts, play areas.

TrainTitusville ride, light displays, selection of entrées, 6:30 p.m.

2855 Murrell 321-863-6357 Titusville, 321-269-4066 hayrides and more. Proceeds benefit appetizer and Road wine.

Golf Decorating Contest Rockledge, 321-265-6875 Hopeannual for Cart North Brevard.

La Cita Country Club 12th Family Christmas starts at 5 p.m.

Holly Jolly Christmas Trail Sand Point Park, Titusville 777 Country Club Dr. Extravaganza Walk-Ons, 8550 Napolo Dr. on the Parkway 5Christmas p.m.

321-863-6357 Titusville, 321-269-4066 11 a.m.

- 4:30 p.m.

Viera, 321-610-7011 6 9 p.m.

Hosted by the Kiwanis Club Free food, live entertainment, 12th annual Family Christmas East Coast Christian Center Titus Titusville HollyLanding, Jolly Christmas Trail giveaways, train rides, and more.

Extravaganza Dec. 16 680 N. Courtenay Parkway 321-403-2415 5 p.m.

Fred Poppe Regional Park 11 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

Holiday Bike Parade Merritt Island, 321-452-1060 Hosted by the Kiwanis Club 1951 Malabar NE Free5food, entertainment, p.m.live Road DECEMBER 13 Titus Landing, Titusville Palm Bay, 321-952-3443 giveaways, train rides, more.or non-perA Christmas Carol Show Entry is free with aand canned 321-403-2415 Glozzy Jolly Drive for Christmas Toys Fred Poppe Regional Park 7 p.m. donation benefiting the •1951 Portishable St. Johnfood Christmas 2St. - 6Joseph’s p.m. Catholic Church Malabar Road NEParade Children’s Hunger Project.

Decorate Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade DECEMBER 13 Promise •Palm Proceeds/toys Family Bay, 321-952-3443 5330 Babcockgo St.toNE bicycles with brightly colored lights, • Satellite Beach Holiday Parade of Brevard.

Glozzy Jolly321-727-1565 Drive for Christmas Toys Palm Bay, garlands or other holiday decorations.

For event details see page 28 • Port St. John Christmas Parade The 2 - 6Paper p.m.Clinic, 7341 Office Park Place Cocoa Riverfront Park • Merritt Island Christmas Boat Viera, 321-261-0418 Run 1 Mile,Blvd.

Viera Parade Proceeds/toys Dec. 10 go to Family Promise Run 401 Santa Riveredge • Satellite Beach Holiday Parade 7:30 a.m. of Brevard.

27th annual Reindeer Run The Magic Christmas Toy Shop Cocoa, 321-631-9075 For event details see page 28 The Paper 8 a.m.

6:30 - 8:30Clinic, p.m. 7341 Office Park Place Run Run Santa 1 Mile is an all-Santa This race1Movie features festive Viera, 321-261-0418 Run Christmas Run Santa Mile, Viera inathe Field Proceeds benefit North Beaches event.

The Imperial Dancethe Corps of Dussich one mile course.

Call to register.

7:30 a.m.

6 p.m.

Police Athletic League Youth Directors Dance Studio presents anShop Evening of The Magic Christmas Toy Calvary Viera, Run“How RunChapel Santa 1 Mile321-636-7696 is an all-Santa the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

Dance.

Council Program.

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. event.

This race features a festive Eau Gallie First Baptist Church Merritt Island Moose Lodge Cherie Down Park, 321-751-8890 The Imperial Dance Corps of Dussich DECEMBER 24 one 1501 mile course. to register.

W. EauCall Gallie Blvd.

125 Imperial Merritt Dance StudioSt., presents anIsland Evening of Eve Service Calvary Chapel Viera, 321-636-7696 Melbourne, 321-254-2339 321-452-2046 Dance.annual Edgewood Holiday CraftChristmas Ninth 5:30 p.m.

Merritt Island Moose Lodge Fair and Truck Event Voices fromFood the Manger “Unexpected,” the King.

DECEMBER Dec. 17,arrival 18 of24 125 Imperial St., Merritt Island 9 a.m.

3 p.m.

9 - 11 a.m.

Big stage, live music, photo booth,Coast Christmas Eve Service Snow Days on the Space 321-452-2046 Edgewood Junior/Senior Featuring original dramaticHigh School family friendly, bring a chair or blanket.

5:30 p.m.

5 - 10 p.m.

180 Merritt Ave. EMary, Joseph, monologues from Voices from the Manger Church At Viera, 9005 N. Wickham “Unexpected,” arrival of the King.Rd. 36 tons of snow.

Merritt Island, 321-454-1030 shepherds and Kings with a surprise 9 - 11 a.m.

Viera, 321-259-3454 Big stage, live music, photo booth, Sand Point Park Featuring dramatic family friendly, bring a chair or blanket.

Breakfastoriginal with Santa 101 N. Washington Ave. Church At Viera, 9005 N. Wickham Rd. 9monologues - 10 a.m. from Mary, Joseph, Titusville, 321-863-6359 shepherds andwith KingsSanta. with a surprise Viera, 321-259-3454 Take pictures Jingle Bell 2 Miler Rockledge Country Club 5:30 p.m.

1591 S. Fiske Blvd.

Satellite Library required.

One Beach Senior Place Gibson Center Library Rockledge, 321-616-6074 751 Jamaica Blvd., 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, Satellite Viera Beach 835 Sycamore St., Suite H Holiday Marketplace 321-751-6771 Titusville, 321-567-2028 9:30 a.m.

- 2 p.m. required.

Gibson Center Library Dec.One 18Senior DECEMBER 18Place Proceeds benefit FFC Summer Camp DECEMBER 808558th Spyglass HillChildren’s Road, Viera 835 Sycamore St.,12 Suite H annual Renaissance Fair at Green Gables Planet Palooza Scholarships.

321-751-6771 Titusville, 321-567-2028 Christmas Parade Noon 5 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

Faith -Fellowship Church 9 a.m.

See the rings of Saturn, Medieval fun… including, gypsies, the DECEMBER 12 DECEMBER 18the moons 2820 Business Center Blvd.

1805 Oak St.on North to Ocean of Jupiter, craters the Moon and Royal Navy, music and food trucks.

Renaissance Fair at Green Gables Planet Palooza Viera, 321-259-7200 Melbourne Beach Noon Gables, - 5 p.m.1501 S. Harbor City Blvd. even Green 6:30 the p.m.ice caps of Mars.

Space Museum See the rings of Saturn, the moons MedievalNorth fun… including, gypsies, the American Melbourne, 321-794-8901 Santa’s Pole Outlet 308 Pine St, Titusville, 321-264-0434 The Nutcracker of Jupiter, craters on the Moon and Royal Navy, music and food trucks. for Families and Kids p.m. even4the ice Lunch caps of Loss, & Mars.

Learn DECEMBER Green Gables, 150115 S. Harbor City Blvd. Hearing 10 a.m.

- 2 p.m.

Merritt Island High School Auditorium American Museum Medicaid Planning 11 a.m.

- 1Space p.m.

Melbourne, 321-794-8901 Malabar Baptist Church 308 Pine St, Titusville, 321-264-0434 100 Mustang Way 10 11 a.m.

Lunch will be provided to in-person 1655 Malabar Road Join Attorney William A. Johnson inattendees only.

RSVP required.

Merritt Island, 321-452-2046 Hearing Loss, Lunch & Learn DECEMBER 15 Malabar, 321-723-1602 person or Planning virtually (email link). RSVP 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, 321-751-6771 Medicaid 11 a.m.

- 1 p.m.

10 - 11 a.m.

Lunch will be provided to in-person Join Attorney William A. Johnson inattendees only. RSVP required. person or virtually (email link). RSVP 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, 321-751-6771

December Calendar of Events December Calendar of Events

16

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

myseniorlife.com

Parades, events get in step ushering in holiday season

BY FLORA REIGADA The bright lights, colorful decorations, parades and events signify the delights of the Christmas season. And, Dec. 3 is never too early to begin the celebration of the year-end holiday season.

This year, there is no shortage of parades and events in Brevard County to usher in the season.

Saturday, Dec. 3 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Winterfest 2022 will take place on the Minuteman Causeway in Cocoa Beach. The Christmas Parade starts at 2 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 3 2 p.m.

The Bible on Parade starts from and returns to the Melbourne Auditorium at 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. For more information, call Jesus is the Key Ministries at 321-773-1489 or visit jitk. org/bible-parade-home-page.

Saturday, Dec. 3 6 p.m.

The Light Up Viera Holiday Parade starts from and finishes at Viera High School at 6103 Stadium Pkwy. in Melbourne and includes fireworks. For more information, visit LightUpViera. com or call 321-242-1200 ext. 4554 or email Events@Viera.com.

Saturday, Dec. 3 4 to 7 p.m.

Light Up Rockledge and Festival of Trees takes place at the Rockledge Civic Hub at 530 Barton Blvd. in Rockledge.

For more information, call 321-2217540, ext. 160 or email kcharbonneau@ cityofrockledge.org.

Friday, Dec. 9 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade launches at Valencia docks in Rockledge and ends at Intracoastal Waterway Park, the north side of SR5

Hundreds of Santas participate in the annual Run Run Santa 1 Mile in Viera.

20. For more information, call 321-6319075 or visit historiccocoavillage.com.

Saturday, Dec. 10 1 p.m.

The Cocoa/Rockledge Holiday Parade starts at Rockledge High School at 220 Rockledge Ave. and ends at Lee Wenner Park at approximately 2:30 p.m. For more information call 321-633-1874.

Saturday, Dec. 10 6 p.m.

The Titusville Christmas Parade starts at Titusville High School at 150 Terrier Trail and proceeds north on U.S. 1 to Downtown Titusville. For more information, call 321-267-7922, or visit titusvillechristmasparade.com.

Saturday, Dec. 10 6 p.m.

The Melbourne Light Parade starts at 1300 Martin Luther King Blvd. and

heads south to Hibiscus Blvd., then west to Gateway Drive. For more information, call 321-544-1777 or visit melbournelightparade.org.

Saturday, Dec. 17 11 a.m.

The Port St. John Christmas Parade starts at the corner of Waterloo Avenue and Faye Blvd. and proceeds to the corner of Carole Ave and Fay Blvd. For more information, call 321-633-7499 or visit happenings.net.

Saturday, Dec. 17 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Family Christmas Extravaganza takes place at Fred Poppe Regional Park; 1951 Malabar Road in Palm Bay. For more information, call 321-952-5725 or visit familychrsistmasextravaganza.com/.

Saturday, Dec. 17 5:30 to 10 p.m.

The Merritt Island Christmas Boat

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

Parade proceeds from the Sykes Creek Causeway Bridge and continues north through Sykes Creek, ending at the Seaway Drive Bridge and Barge Canal.

For more information, call 321-2130478 or email kaleb@bluemarlinre. com.

Saturday, Dec. 17 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Turkey Creek Christmas Boat Parade will start at Turkey Creek in front of Palm Bay Marina, heading east past Palm Bay Point to the Indian River, then turn around behind the Lazy Turtle Restaurant, back to Turkey Creek. For more information, call 321-536-4175.

Saturday, Dec. 24 8 a.m.

Surfing Santas begins in front of Coconuts at 2 Minutemen Causeway in Cocoa Beach. For more information, call 321-633-7499 or visit surfingsantas. org. SL

COMMUNITY HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS Harmony Farms’ Blizzard at the Barn event is back

It’s been two years since Harmony Farms hosted Blizzard at the Barn, its annual family day and craft fair.

While the pandemic briefly prevented the opening of the barn doors to a wider community, the therapeutic riding program remained strong. And, the organization’s purpose of helping those in the community that can benefit from the healing power of horses never wavered.

Blizzard at the Barn From 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 4, Harmony Farms will once again host Blizzard at the Barn at the farm at 2205 Pluckebaum Road in Cocoa.

The event includes hands-on equine activities, kids games, food and a holiday crafts and gift fair.

Admission to the event is free.

Proceeds from the event support the therapeutic riding program at Harmony Farms.

The program provides equineassisted therapy and activities to disabled individuals of all ages to improve their physical, mental and

321-242-1235

emotional wellbeing.

Learn more at harmonyfarmsinc. com/.

‘A Ceremony of Carols’ concert welcomes the holiday season

Justin Walker and the 50 mixed voices of the Brevard Chorale will welcome the Christmas season with “A Ceremony of Carols” by renowned choral composer Benjamin Britten.

The program also includes a host

of holiday favorites, plus a crowd-pleasing sing along.

Brevardians can experience the quintessential holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 at the Simpkins Fine Arts Auditorium at Eastern Florida State College at 1519 Clearlake Road in Cocoa.

Admission at the door is $10 for adults and seniors; $5 for students. Featured soloists include Connie Maltby, Sally Boyles, Pam Petersen and Robert Yost.

The Christmas music on the first half of “A Ceremony of Carols” provides listeners with a reverent musical experience, steeped in tradition.

The contrasting second set includes references to joyful cultural aspects of the season, such as watching Christmas movies, giving and receiving gifts, and of course, singing carols. Pianist Jean Black will accompany the chorale during the concert. For more information about the Brevard

Chorale or “A Ceremony of Carols,” visit BrevardChorale.org or call 321-794-7528.

Under the direction of new artistic director and conductor Justin Walker, the Brevard Chorale is an all-volunteer group of mixedvoice adults from Central and North Brevard who enjoy singing quality choral music. Walker thinks “A Ceremony of Carols” is a concert with the perfect combination of reverent and joyful music.

“Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” is a glorious 20-minute masterwork by one of the greatest British composers of the 20th century,” Walker said. “And everyone will be in the holiday spirit after a second half full of Christmas favorites.”

The Chorale is one of two community choruses sponsored by the Department of Performing and Visual Arts at Eastern Florida State College. For membership information or concert schedules for the Brevard Chorale, visit BrevardChorale.org or call 321-7947528. SL

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

17

Behind the

Beat

By Randal C. Hill

‘You’re So Vain’ — Carly Simon You walked into the party like you were walking onto a yacht Your hat strategically dipped below one eye, your scarf it was apricot You had one eye in the mirror as you watched yourself gavotte And all the girls dreamed that they’d be your partner, they’d be your partner And you’re so vain, you probably think this song is about you Don’t you, don’t you?

of the airplane, and you could see the reflection in a cup of coffee.” (And we were supposed to figure this out?)

Some lyrics of Carly Simon’s No. 1 hit often left many music fans scratching their heads in wonder.

Let’s start with the little-known word gavotte. “A gavotte is a French dance,” Simon said. “I thought I would use a word that was slightly presumptuous. He’s gavotting because that’s what a pretentious, vain man would do.”

Then there is that mysterious line “There were clouds in my coffee.”

That statement came about during a flight that Simon took with her piano player, Billy Merritt. She explained, “As I got my coffee, Billy said to me, ‘Look at the clouds in your coffee.’

There were clouds outside the window

But the question that most fans asked was: Who was Simon ridiculing in “You’re So Vain,” an Elektra Records tune that topped the Billboard singles chart for three weeks in the waning days of 1972? That hit, whose creation consumed nearly a year of Simon’s time, came from her third LP, No Secrets, a No.1 Billboard album for over a month.

Simon claims that “You’re So Vain” actually refers to a total of three famous, arrogant individuals. She has stated that ex-husband James Taylor and Rolling Stone Mick Jagger are definitely NOT the men she had in mind when she put pen to paper many years ago. Other possible candidates

Simon claims that “You’re So Vain” actually refers to a total of three famous, arrogant individuals.

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” is still a mystery.

— deep breath here — have included David Bowie, Cat Stevens, Kris Kristofferson, David Cassidy and Jack Nicholson.

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“I was brought up by a mother who was adamant that you didn’t even kiss a man until you were in love with him,” Simon has admitted. “So I was in love with a lot of men. I was besotted by the lads! I was definitely a romantic.”

Recently, Simon admitted that the second verse was about actor Warren Beatty—but only the second verse.

You had me several years ago, when I was still quite naïve Well, you said that we made such a pretty pair and that you would never leave But you gave away the things you loved, and one of them was me I had some dreams, they were clouds in my coffee, clouds in my coffee In August 2003, she agreed to reveal the unknown names to the highest bidder of a Martha’s Vineyard charity auction. Dick Ebersole, the head of NBC Sports, won with a bid of $50,000, but he had to agree to never reveal what she told him.

And so, to this day, Carly Simon’s mystery men have remained a mystery. SL

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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

19

HEALTH & WELLNESS Enjoy holiday feast, but do it without overindulging register that we’re full. By chewing your food well and eating slower, it will prevent going back for seconds

BY NANETE HEBDIGE

Navigating through the holidays feeling good about dietary restrictions is like pushing a boulder uphill, when food frenemies bombard us from every corner.

Outta sight, outta mind — Remove temptation by not buying it and having it at home

A clinical study published for the Clinical Research in Cardiology revealed cardiac issues peak during the holidays, so it’s important to entertain healthy eating during the holiday food extravaganza.

Don’t go out on an empty tank — Have a healthy snack beforehand, drink a large glass of water, as it will regulate cravings so you’re not so ravenous

Petite desserts are key — A small piece of pie is enough to curb that sweet tooth and provide flavor factor

Tis the season for marathon overeating and we want to enjoy tempting foods that bring fond memories without a major guilt trip.

Exercise — Include outdoor activities and add more exercise during the holidays

Eleanor Baker is the owner of Elevated Nutrition and Wellness and a registered medical nutritionist and dietitian.

“Common sense is the white elephant in the room and overindulging is easy. The binge started with Halloween candy, carried onto Thanksgiving feast, then Christmas and the last hurrah, New Year’s. It comes tied with a nice red bow that taxes the arteries and expands the waistline,” Baker said.

“I counsel my clients to practice these simple strategies to curb food

Food during the Christmas season can be enticing. intake during the holidays and as a general wellness rule of thumb for healthy eating.”

Eat three daily meals — Skipping meals due to hectic schedules causes overeating at dinner, so eat regularly during the day

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Use smaller plates — A smaller dish equates to smaller portions Outsmart the buffet — Be mindful and survey the lineup to avoid dishes on the naughty list Slow eaters eat less — It takes about 20 minutes for our brain to

Focus less on the food — The holidays are all about family and food complements that. Focus less on eating and spend more time on laughter and cheer

Baker suggests not flooding the fridge with leftovers or bringing cookies home, no matter how tempting!

Go to elevatednutritionandwellness.com to learn more about nutritional wellness.

SL

Project RELIEF volunteers offer respite to caregivers “We are here to give caregivers a break; to give you the opportunity to be refreshed.”

BY JENNIFER H. MONAGHAN

Project RELIEF is a statesupported program that offers inhome respite for up to four hours.

A volunteer comes into homes and provides companionship for loved ones.

—Liesa Johnson

It is free of guilt and free of charge.

“We are here to give caregivers a break; to give you the opportunity to be refreshed,” said Liesa Johnson, the director of Project RELIEF. “Caregivers have to look out for their own health, too.”

Volunteers are carefully selected and trained. Many of the volunteers are retired nurses, but more importantly, they are chosen for their compassion and their love for the

elderly and their patience.

The volunteers don’t do handson. However, given their experience, they are very observant and can spot different things and report to caregivers, Johnson said.

Theresa Flanagan, a retired nurse who worked in a variety of fields from home care to ICU and the operating room, has been a Project RELIEF

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volunteer for three years. Her mother died from Alzheimer’s disease two years ago.

“Growing up, I always wanted to be a nurse to help people get better,” she said. “I did a lot of teaching, educating patients and their families.

Interacting with them was priceless. I loved all my positions in nursing, but

homecare was the most rewarding.

“After I retired from nursing, I decided to give back. I hooked up with Project RELIEF after an informational session at Joe’s Club. It gives me a happy heart to get families out to do

PROJECT RELIEF continued on page 24

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Practicing proper foot care takes some effort

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER The average person takes approximately 10,000 steps per day, which can add up to more than three million steps per year.

Each step can place two to three times the force of your body weight on your feet. You rely on your feet and ankles, so it’s important to keep them healthy and pain free, according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS).

“In general, what seniors struggle with is reaching their feet,” said Dr. Martin Lenoci, an orthopedic surgery specialist at Steward Medical Group, Melbourne. “A lot of times what we see is seniors don’t realize they are having a mild or significant foot problem.

“Good daily habit for seniors is hygiene, to wash and dry their feet.

Some people will want to let feet drip dry but this can lead to fungal infections. Dry between the toes, look for sores, skin changes and try to catch problems before they become bigger problems.”

Lenoci said that people who have arthritis, crooked toes or a fallen arch need more arch support and that the pain they might be having can be improved if they improve the shoes they are using.

“Some people need to get into a shoe with more room in it, arch support and may function, not in style but it is what functions for some people.

“Some people are blessed with good feet and can wear anything (shoe) and not have problems. People can live with hammertoes, only if causing some pain but are functional, with compromise it can be left alone.

(No required surgery.)

“Individuals, particularly special

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Steward Medical Group

Dr. Martin Lenoci is a podiatrist with the Steward Medical Group.

needs with diabetes and those with poor circulation, are at high risk because they develop problems and may lose a leg,” Lenoci said. “If you are a diabetic, there is no minor problem with the feet.”

Recommending exercise for feet, Lenoci said a lot of people try to walk for bad feet and that doesn’t work well. He recommends other exercises.

“Select low impact aerobics and they should also select exercises that preserve the joint. People need to incorporate these low impact exercises and switch over entirely. Swimming is easiest on the joints and allows people to move their joints and muscles and alleviates stress and strain on joints.

Swimming and water aerobics are ways for good exercise.”

Foot exercises recommended by the AOFAS include walking on beach sand (massages feet and exercises toes). For hammertoes,

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Foot exercises can be as simple as walking on beach sand.

SENIOR LIFE Brenda Eggert Brader

This is a closeup view of hammertoe on the right foot. raise toe and point and curl toe. Hold for five seconds, repeat 10 times or

pick up 20 marbles with toes and place all in a dish. SL

St. Bernard puppy lasts in the memory of Melbourne family

BY JEFF NAVIN Christmas 1966 was a special holiday for the Dillon family of Norwalk, Connecticut. It was time to get their first dog.

The four boys ranging in age from 6 to 2 were a little older and less apt to step on a tail or a paw. Just in case, Gary and Susie Dillon had settled on the quintessential big, friendly wanna-be lap dog.

A female St. Bernard.

The original Dillon St. Bernard was named Heidi and she eventually followed the family down to Islamorada, where the family moved in 1974. The elder Dillon alternated between his regular job as a plumber and his dream job as a charter boat captain.

Fishing already was in his blood as his boat, appropriately named Heidi Baby, was a fixture in the waters of Montauk on Long Island Sound. Susie, whose given name is Mary, was nicknamed Susie for the popular 1957 hit song “Susie-Q” by Dale Hawkins.

“Gary and his mom lived above a veterinarian’s office when he was a child,’’ Susie Dillon said of her late husband, who died two years ago after a long illness. “There were Dachshunds, Great Danes and all

22

SENIOR LIFE Jeff Navin

Susie Dillon pets her St. Bernards Orange Blossom and Ginger. kinds of different dogs.’’

Heidi was purchased from a pet store in Norwalk, and Susie’s brother, Donald, brought Heidi to the house on Christmas Eve to give the boys a Christmas to remember.

“My youngest son, Robert, looked under the puppy Heidi and was wondering how we could wind her up like a toy,’’ Dillon recounted. “He had no idea that she was real.’’

Where to place a puppy for a nap

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

always is a work in progress for the first-time dog owner.

“I had an old fabric playpen,’’ Dillon said. “She just went in between it.’’

Since then, the Dillons have had Daiquiri, Chili, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Guava, Orange Blossom and Ginger.

All were short-hair St. Bernards except the last two — Orange Blossom and Ginger. Orange Blossom was 13 months old and

Guava was 3 years old when the Dillons moved to Melbourne in October 2010.

Now, Orange Blossom is 13 years old. She’s lived the longest of them all.

In 1969, when the Dillons traveled to Europe in the autumn, they visited the Great Saint Bernard Pass which links Switzerland and Italy. St. Bernards have a rich history dating back to at least 1670 at the hospice and congregation. More than 2,000 people have been rescued from blizzards by the dogs through the years.

Short-haired St. Bernards have always been preferred in the treacherous area. Long-haired dogs accumulate moisture and have frozen to death during rescues and avalanches.

“They’re great with kids,’’ Dillon said. “They were great with my children, my grandchildren and now my great grandchildren. They have a sweet temper, and they’re all cute.

They’re wonderful for kids of all ages.’’

St. Bernards are as friendly as any breed, but they will protect their master.

ST. BERNARD

continued from page 31

myseniorlife.com

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23

Conventional septic systems were designed to remove pathogens from onsite waste disposal and, if maintained, do a pretty good job.

They were not designed to reduce nitrogen pollution from seeping through porous soils into waters. And, Brevard County’s 80,000 septic systems are leaking nitrogen into the Indian River Lagoon and St. Johns River today.

The crazy thing is that taxpayers are paying millions to get rid of old conventional systems, while the county is allowing construction of around 1,000 new ones every year.

We can do better!

The 54,000 septics leaking into the Indian River Lagoon watershed contribute some 400,000 pounds per year (almost 20%) of the nitrogen pollution in the IRL feeding algal blooms.

Fortunately, in 2018 the County’s Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) plan created an overlay of areas near the IRL and its tributaries and prohibited any new conventional systems. New homes must be connected to sewer lines or use new high-performing systems that remove at least 65% of the nitrogen. It also established a fund to help residents pay for the removal (or connection) of old systems. This fund has now been expanded to high-impact properties across the county. (brevardfl.gov/ SaveOurLagoon/SepticUpgrades)

Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

Ironically though, during the 2020-21 fiscal year, the county approved some 900 new conventional systems that may have to be upgraded or removed in coming years. Many observers think the county should extend the overlay requirements to the whole county. No new conventional systems.

Also, there is a state law that requires septic owners near sewage treatment lines to hook up within one year of notice that the lines are available. Many owners have not been notified or have not complied, so the pollution continues.

It can be expensive to hook up, so the current SOIRL funds can be important, and they may have to be replenished once the county, hopefully, begins working toward compliance, like Vero Beach, Sarasota and other communities are doing.

Conventional septics did an important job 100 years ago to protect health; today, we must protect our Indian River Lagoon too. We can do better!

For more and to help, visit HelpTheLagoon.org, facebook.com/ BIRLC/ and twitter.com/HelpTheLagoon.

SL

continued from page 20

things they enjoy, like bowling, lunch with a friend or a movie. Distracting the client with music, coloring, telling jokes, going for walks is very rewarding. Each one’s personality is different. I like them all.”

Project RELIEF is a program run by the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation in Melbourne, whose goal is to keep families together for as long as possible. The organization is fully

focused on serving both the client and the caregiver.

The relief program offers family members and loved ones a muchneeded break. Respite care can increase a caregiver’s ability to attend to a home-bound elder without becoming ill themselves. This program is supported by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

For more information, go to brevardalz.org or call 321-253-4430.

SL

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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

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myseniorlife.com

BCOA NEWS

BCOA meetings are open to the public and are held the second Thursday of each month at the government center in Viera. For information, contact Cindy Short at 321-6332076, FAX 321-633-2170, cindy.short@brevardfl.gov, brevardf l.gov/HumanServices/CommissionOnAging or at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, B-106, Viera, FL 32940.

Brevard Commission on Aging

Depression in seniors can heighten during holidays Holidays can be the backbone of our relationships — highlights in the histories of our lives. They are traditions that serve as the foundations for many families. But because of these ties, mental health professionals note an increase in depression for seniors during the holidays.

Roughly one in four seniors (age 65 or older) suffers from depression.

More than 70% of older Americans feel isolated and lonely. And nearly one-third of all non-institutionalized older Americans live alone. Source: Florida Department of Elder Affairs, 2022.

Common signs of senior depression include: • Lack of appetite • Extreme fatigue — excessive sleeping. The body shuts down to escape from the outside world • Problems concentrating • Anti-social — may stop doing everyday things such as going to church • Older adults may not express sadness (unlike kids with depression) • Abuse of drugs or alcohol • Being angry, sarcastic and criticizes others’ joy of the season Tips to beat depression include: Encourage seniors to exercise — various studies reveal that staying physically active makes people feel

good and has the same effect on mood and brain chemistry as antidepressants.

Keep alcohol use to a minimum — alcohol is a known depressant.

Caregivers can create festive drinks such as eggnog or flavored hot chocolate to help seniors cheerfully toast to the season.

Don’t feel obligated to buy lots of gifts — giving can make you feel good but in times of financial despair, giving gifts can create a lot of stress.

Instead, caregivers can help seniors write and send personalized cards to family and friends.

Stay connected socially — volunteer at a soup kitchen (or other organization) with a caregiver — giving back improves people’s moods and increases their sense of self-worth.

Caregivers can also teach seniors how to use computers or cell phones to connect socially with family and friends. They can take seniors to a local coffee shop or look at Christmas lights for holiday cheer outside the home.

Be a good listener — Sometimes, all it takes to help a senior with the holiday blues is simply listening.

Through conversation, caregivers can help seniors live in the present (instead of dwelling on the good old days) and keep holiday expectations realistic.

Encourage them to talk with their healthcare provider The holidays can cause people to

feel anxious and depressed. But for some, holiday tensions can lead to full-blown clinical depression. Often, older adults don’t realize they are depressed. If you suspect depression in someone you know, you may need to bring it up more than once. Let the person know that depression is a treatable medical illness and not something to be ashamed of.

Everyone feels sad on occasion.

The holidays may stir feelings of separation; however, many individuals will recover as the holidays pass.

Depression is different because it causes individuals to be unable to continue to function in their everyday lives.

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes to understand how they feel

Solution, Puzzle page 30 S E C

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Some of the common symptoms of depression in older individuals include persistent sadness, withdrawal from social activities, slowed thinking, lack of energy, lack of interest in things that were once pleasurable, excessive worry, frequent tearfulness, feelings of worthlessness or helplessness, weight changes, changes in sleep patterns and concentration problems.

Depression is a medical condition.

Depression prevents older adults from enjoying life as it could be and takes a heavy toll on their health. If you believe you or a loved one suffers from depression, you should consult a mental health care provider, or consider going with them and speaking to their primary care physician about these concerns. SL

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NORTH BREVARD News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John

Brevard Museum offers glimpse of 10,000 years of life here

BY LINDA JUMP The Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science in Cocoa shows visitors glimpses of life on the Space Coast from the Ice Age through the Space Age for free.

“We exhibit ‘The People of Windover’ with artifacts found during excavation near Titusville in the mid1980s,” said Ben Rader, a part-time facility attendant. The Windover burial site unearthed 168 nearly-intact skeletons buried over a 1,200-year period, more than 7,000 years ago.

Some archeologists claim they’re the oldest remains found in the U.S. The Asian-appearing natives wrapped their dead in a cloth of woven palm leaves, put corpses into a ritualistic fetal position on their left side, buried under water held down with stakes. The bodies were preserved for millenia in the black bog.

In addition to the Windover exhibit, the 15,000 square-foot museum has a hands-on learning center for children, Florida’s Ice Age with recreations of skeletons of a wooly mammoth, mastodon, saber-tooth cat and giant ground sloth, and Grace Taylor’s collection from local life in the early 1900s.

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

A replica of a mammoth skeleton is in the Ice Age section.

The diary of Mims pioneer Selina Roberts, whose husband worked in the local turpentine fields, inspired a recreation of earlier days. Delaware North loaned its Hubble Space Telescope and Orbiter display formerly in the IMAX building at Kennedy Space Center.

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

Bob Mink, a volunteer docent from Titusville, shows the head of a Windover woman, using forensic reconstruction of a female skeleton found in the Windover archeological site in the 1980s.

Now the city is looking to turn over operations to The Brevard Museum and Sciences Center (BMSC) that was incorporated as a nonprofit in June 2021.

“We want the museum to stay active, but the city doesn’t operate museums.

We submitted a contract, but haven’t heard back from them (BMSC),” said Samantha Senger, the public information officer for the city.

Gregg Stoll of the BMSC said the group had negotiated with the city to provide four to six exhibits and programs at the museum annually.

“When the city contract came back, it was completely different with us taking all the responsibility and liability for the property,” he said.

He said the group is planning a counter-offer to the city, but couldn’t give specifics.

Bob Mink of Titusville has volunteered as a docent for six years, after retirement as a geologist. Anna and Robert Halbweis, visiting the area from Vienna, Austria, praised him for teaching them about the Windover prehistoric people.

“Bob was so informative and we learned so much,” Anna Halbweis said.

Robert Halbweis had been a high school exchange student locally, and wanted to return to the warm climate to surf.

Jeremy and Tammy Bullock of Rockledge walked Tux, their lab-pit mix on a trail recently.

“The trails are great — paved, sand or boardwalk. We’ve come three times in the past month,” Tammy Bullock said. Her husband said the museum was closed when he’d previously driven by. “I noticed people there recently and finally went in. The history of the early Florida settlement was interesting,” Jeremy Bullock said.

The museum is open free from 10

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

Jeremy and Tammy Bullock of Rockledge walk Tux, their lab mix, on the trails.

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

A Hubble Space Telescope and Orbiter is displayed.

The museum at 2201 Michigan Ave. was built in 1973 on 22 acres with trails through several Florida ecosystems, and a butterfly garden. The site was built and operated for 45 years by the Brevard Museum, Inc., then transferred to the Florida Historical Society in 2014. Their agreement with the City of Cocoa terminated March 1, 2021, and after losing money the financial operation and assets were passed to the City of Cocoa.

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SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

Robert and Anna Halbweis of Vienna, Austria enjoy learning about Florida history and the people who lived here.

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

Ben Rader, a facility attendant, holds a scavenger hunt card available to young visitors.

a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. SL

Become a model train conductor

BY LINDA JUMP Model sections of the Florida East Coast Railway system will be displayed at the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science this month as part of a Christmas program.

Saturdays in December from noon until 4, children and adults can conduct a train. The last free admission is at 3 p.m.

“The FEC played a prominent role in shaping Florida’s past with Brightline already shaping Florida’s future. All but the line from Miami to Key West is still in operation today and will soon serve as a portion of the Brightline connection between Miami and the Orlando Airport and beyond,” said Gregg Stoll, the coordinator of FecNtrak.

He said the display will be at N scale, meaning a locomotive would be about 5 inches long.

One inch equals 116 inches. The 220-foot display will include modules from Cocoa, as well as Jacksonville and Miami.

Wireless hand-held throttles will be used to control each train.

“It’s high-tech and we’ll let kids run the trains,” he said.

Inside the museum, a permanent display is set up to show Cocoa and Rockledge train rails and buildings by the Space Coast Model Train Club.

“It even has a model of the Indian River Hotel, the Brevard Hotel and the concrete business and citrus farms,” said Ben Rader, a facility attendant.

myseniorlife.com

ART & CULTURE

North Brevard Art League back in full swing

BY FLORA REIGADA

Put on hold during the pandemic, the North Brevard Art League is up and running with meetings, classes and workshops, all open to the community.

Monthly meetings take place at 6 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month. However, because of the holidays, the December meeting will be held the second week, at 6 p.m.

Dec. 14.

Meetings are theme-based and an artist of the month is announced at each. December’s theme will highlight the holidays.

“Our holiday party will be held at the December meeting,” said Diane Winrich, a board member who is the league’s media liaison. “Those who want to take part in the gift exchange are encouraged to bring a gift.”

The league encompasses many art media, such as acrylic, watercolor, oil, photography and pottery. A kiln is available on the premises.

Winrich’s media are watercolor and pottery.

North Brevard Art League member Renee Stewart’s focus is mixed media, or two-dimensional art, such as collage.

She broadens her artistic skills at art league classes and workshops.

“A watercolor workshop helped develop my skills and gave me excellent tips and pointers,” she said.

Classes include pottery, youth art, mixed media and drawing with pen, ink and pastel.

An open studio from 6 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday helps to encourage creativity.

“Open studios offer the opportunity to sit down, relax and express your creativity any way you want,” Winrich said. The fee is $5.

The North Brevard Art League is open to membership. Although there is a cost, membership options are

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Diane Winrich

At a Christmas card workshop conducted by the North Brevard Art League, President Helen Wheatley, left, and Kathie Benson discuss a stamping technique. Classes, workshops and demonstrations are held on a regular basis and are open to the community. available on a per case basis to those struggling financially. Classes and workshops also involve a fee.

In January, there will be a beading class, in February a traditional portrait class and in March an abstract portrait workshop.

The community is invited to the league’s annual art show, March 30 through April 2, at the Titusville Holiday Inn at 4715 Helen Hauser Blvd.

“We have an amazing group of people, learning and having fun in the process,” Winrich said.

The North Brevard Art League is at 1421 Draa Road in Titusville.

For more information, call 321-383-7441 or visit northbrevardartleague.com. SL

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National Cookie Day

Holiday Celebration Concert 3 - 5 p.m. Free Community Band of Brevard concert.

Merritt Island High School 100 Mustang Way 321-338-6210

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National Blue Jeans Day

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12

Gingerbread NationalDay Decorating Spicy Guacamole

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Ask the Doctor Lunch & Learn 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Presented by Pasquale F. Reino, DO, Orthopedic Surgeon with Repeal Day Roaring Hughston Clinic.

Twenties Party RSVP Required.

Guided Barrier Island 5 - 9 p.m.

One Senior Place Sanctuary Hike A custom engraved bottle of 8085 Spyglass Hill Road 9:30 - 11 a.m. Free bourbon, three course meal, Viera, 321-751-6771 Enjoy a 1.0 mile stroll from 20s costumes and dancing. dune-to-lagoon.RSVP: 28 North Gastropub BIChike4Dec22.eventbrite. 2250 Town Center Ave. com Viera, 321-241-1159 Max capacity 15 people.

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Old-Fashioned Christmas 3:30 p.m.

A free concert featuring traditional Christmas songs and carols.

Riverside Presbyterian Church 3400 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Bch., 321-426-0360

A Ceremony of Carols 7:30 p.m.

Eastern Florida State College 1519 Clearlake Road Cocoa, 321-501-0833

Election Day

Court Kingz VS BCSO Enforcers 7 p.m.

Presented by the Brevard Prevention Coalition.

Viera High School 6103 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-987-1496

Third annual Florida Snow Day 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Eau Gallie Square 1453 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-430-4403

18

National Twin Day

Christmas Around the World and Back 3 p.m.

A concert by the Space Coast Flute Orchestra.

First Baptist Church 4300 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-385-7236 Food Pantry Day 1 - 3 p.m.

Open to all.

First United Methodist Church Cocoa Beach 3300 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-783-8991

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Turtle Adoption Day

19

National Heroes and Heroines Day

National Ice Cream Day

Space Coast Light Festival Nov. 23 to Jan. 1 Fred Poppe Park 1951 Malabar Road Palm Bay, 321-458-3515

Open Studio

North Brevard Art League 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesdays 1421 Draa Road, Titusville

20

Love Your Freckles Day

AARP Smart Driver Course 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This course is open to drivers of all ages and costs $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. This class is taught by a certified volunteer instructor.

One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 719-648-1052

Medicaid Planning Seminar 10 a.m.

Presented by Elder Law Attorney William A. Johnson, PA One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

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National Thank You Note Day

Make Cut-Out Thankful For Snowflakes Day My Dog Day

Basic Computing/Ask a Tech 1 - 3 p.m.

Sunflower House 777 Merritt Island Cswy., #201 Merritt Island, 321-452-4341

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

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FRIDAY FRIDAY National Build National Day of Joy DayService Community

Back to Work 50+ Job Fair 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Space Coast Health Foundation 1100 Rockledge Blvd.

Rockledge, 321-504-7600

Moonlight and Music on the Promenade 6 - 9 p.m.

Cocoa Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd.

Cocoa, 321-631-9075

Dueling Pianos by The Copper Piano 6 - 9 p.m.

Murdock's Bistro & Char Bar and The Copper Piano 600 Brevard Ave., Cocoa 321-806-3352

Casino Happy Hour 3:30 - 5 p.m.

Sip your favorite drink, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and casino games.

Shell Harbor Retirement Community 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge, 321-265-6875

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Medium John Rogers 6 p.m.

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

Senior Fitness Class 1 - 2 p.m.

RSVP required.

Sunflower House 777 Merritt Island Cswy. #201, Merritt Island 321-452-4341

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National Letter Writing Day

Herald the Holidays Celebrating the Season 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 and 8 Free concert by the Melbourne Municipal Band.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-724-0555

Passport Wednesday 5 - 6:15 p.m.

Event hosted by the Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Melbourne Courthouse 51 South Nieman Ave. By appointment only, go to brevardclerk.us/passports

Blue Christmas

Holiday Golf Cart Parade 5:30 - 9 p.m.

DRS Community Center 1089 S. Patrick Drive Satellite Beach 321-773-6458

National Marine Corps Brownie Day Birthday Motown Magic Moments

Our Lady of Lourdes 7 - 9 p.m.

Live Nativity Enjoy an evening of "Magic 6 p.m.

Moments" with Voices Live nativity sponsored by of Classic Soul. Concert the Knights of Columbus. benefits the Evans Center. Our Lady of Lourdes Gleason Center, Florida Catholic Church Tech.

1626 Oak St. 150 W. University Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-723-3636 Melbourne, 321-674-8006 Come dance with us!

7 p.m.

Holiday songs with the Swingtime Jazz Orchestra.

625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-724-0555

Meet The Grinch 4 -7 p.m.

Free raffle, treats and crafts. All ages welcome.

Sponsored by the Melbourne Police Foundation 1700 W. New Haven Ave.

National Cookie Exchange Day

Christmas Party and Car Show 4 p.m.

The Burger Inn 1819 N. Harbor City Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-254-2211

Snow in Love 7 p.m.

Dec. 21 and 22 “A love letter to music in the holiday season” Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-285-6724

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National Call a National Friend Day Mousse Day

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Florida Concealed Carry Course 5:30 p.m. $55 Women only Courtyard by Marriott 3435 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach Focused Fire Training 866-382-9111

National Mikcey Mouse's Underdog Day Birthday

Sing We Now of Christmas 7 p.m.

Free concert by the Indialantic Chamber Singers.

Our Lady of Grace Church 300 Malabar Road SW Palm Bay, 321-725-3066

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National Christmas

Caroling at the Avenue 6 - 8 p.m.

Bands, orchestras, musical groups and more are invited to perform in Central Park this Holiday season.

The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-63.4-5390

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National Bacon Day

Friday Afternoon at the Movies 1 - 3 p.m.

“Top Gun” Maverick Sunflower House 777 Merritt Island Cswy., #201 Merritt Island 321-452-4341

SATURDAY SATURDAY

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Holiday Car and Craft Show 10 a.m.

Food Trucks and a live D.J. playing 1950s music.

South Beach Community Center 500 Old Florida Trail Melbourne Beach 321-952-3210 Festival of Wreaths Auction 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Fundraiser for the Brevard County Students-In-Transition program.

Riverview Senior Resort 3490 Gran Ave. NE Palm Bay, 321-312-4555

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Celtic Christmas 7 p.m.

Celtic instruments and choir.

St. Andrew UMC 3380 Dairy Road Titusville, 321-2639-7631 Christmas Memories 2 p.m.

A Christmas concert by the Harbor City Harmonizers.

Holy Trinity Episcopal School 5625 Holy Trinity Drive Suntree, 321-345-7292 Customer Appreciation Day Quilts and Lace, 7720 N. Wickham Rd., 321-622-8602

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National Ugly Sweater Day

Pancakes with Santa 9 - 11 a.m.

Pancakes, hot Cocoa, pictures with Santa.

Palm Shores Bistro 5060 U. S. Highway 1 Palm Shores, 321-752-5222 Wreaths Across America 11:45 a.m.

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery 5525 U.S. 1 Mims, 321-383-2638

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Good GriefEve Christmas Run Run Santa 1Day Mile

7:30 a.m.

Perfect for kids & family members of all ages. Run or walk 1 Mile in a Santa suit.

Calvary Chapel Viera 2852 Fellowship Place Viera, 321-412-1830 Christmas Live Nativity 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Club Zion 830 S. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-799-4340

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New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve Gala Dinner & Dance 7 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Live music with the 12-piece Rock & Roll Revue. Featuring vocalists Len Fallen and the Swingtimers Trio. Ring in the New Year with the best music from the Golden Age of Rock & Roll - 50s & 60s.

Hilton Rialto Melbourne 200 Rialto Place Melbourne, 321-724-0555

myseniorlife.com

Surfboard art takes bold approach at Brevard Zoo SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE Brevard Zoo invites guests to see some unique artwork as they stroll through the different sections of the zoo.

Bold Boards — Visions of Florida, art painted on surfboards, will remain on display through April 2 at the Brevard Zoo. “We actually commissioned 28 artists to paint surfboards with their own visions of Florida,” Brevard Zoo

Executive Director Keith Winsten said.

The bold art exhibition showcases the work of 28 artists, who upcycled surfboards donated by the local surfing community to celebrate what makes Florida special. This includes the waterways and wildlife that should be protected and a shared commitment to its preservation.

While strolling through each loop of the Brevard Zoo, see what makes Florida a place like no other.

It is exciting to take in this

celebration of surfing, art, local waterways and a shared commitment to conservation as the Brevard Zoo embarks on building a world-class

Aquarium and Conservation Center at Port Canaveral.

Look for these bold boards during the next visit to the Brevard Zoo. SL

Quality legal services with a Compassionate Touch for you and your family LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES. Are you prepared?

Have you finalized your estate planning documents, power of attorney, and health care advance directives? Do you have a loved one in need of Medicaid, Long Term Care planning?

2022 Breva rd Co unty Editio n

William A. Johnson, Esquire Brevard County’s only Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law Attorney

Th Lon e Florid & Nug Term Caa Answrsing Homre er Boo e k™

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

We are here to help! 321-253-1667 From our families to yours ~ we wish you a joyous holiday season

FloridaElderLaw.net 140 Interlachen Rd. Ste. B, Melbourne

SENIOR LIFE Robert Parente

Bold Boards — Visions of Florida, art painted on surfboards, will remain on display through April 2 at the Brevard Zoo.

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

History — Then and Now

History – Then and Now features Space Coast historic landmarks or sites in pictures and what those same areas look like today in photographs.

Then - 1980s

Now - 2022

SENIOR LIFE photo

Mathers Bridge, which once was wooden, joins Indian Harbour Beach to the southern end of Merritt Island.

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE Nanette Hebige

Mathers Bridge is a 700-foot-long, low-level swing bridge at the southern tip of Merritt Island.

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

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Market Square Market Square Market Square Antiques

Health Insurance

Hearing

You Deserve Better Hearing

ANTIQUES WANTED TO BUY High prices paid!

Buying costume jewelry, flatware sets, coins, old military items, pottery, toys, trains, old paintings, figurines & much more

CALL TODAY! FREE Hearing Test including FREE In Office Demo of Latest Technology!

321-253-6310

8085 Spyglass Hill Rd., Viera (inside One Senior Place) SERVING ALL OF BREVARD Financing available, Insurance accepted

FREE AT HOME VALUATIONS Over 25 Years’ Experience in Antiques

SANDRA WAGNER BC-HIS

PersonalHearingSolutions@outlook.com PersonalHearing.org

321-634-2647

Health Store

Health Insurance

Junk Removal

Local help with your Medicare questions.

ASAP

Junk Removal

Part A, Part B or Part C? Medicare Part D RX Plans?

Medicare Supplements?

Medicare Advantage Plans?

Specialist in Real Estate Clean Outs

Free Immunization Assessment

June Clark

Sanitizing • Fogging • Cleaning Mold Damage • Fire Damage Post Construction Clean Up CERTIFIED IN WATER DAMAGE

by our Pharmacy Team

Licensed Sales Agent

321-591-4949

juniperfl202@aol.com

Make your immunization make a world of difference.

Shingles, pneumonia, and more available now!

10% OFF

Seniors Day is the first Tuesday of each month.

MyUHCagent.com/juneclark 20 years serving Brevard

8. Mountaintop offering 12. Active leader?

13. Beneath’s opposite

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14. Basic math word 15. Company’s yearly meeting 16. Asymmetry 18. Dynamite creator

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20. BBQ treat

28. Followed

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21. Slangy assent 24. Post-blizzard equipment

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32. Choice in fencing 33. ___ compos mentis

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34. Emulates an eagle 36. College major

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37. Marine division 39. Argues noisily 41. Calyx part

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44. Casino area 46. Smoke signals 50. Not fixed

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55. Family 56. Circuit component

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57. A Carrey persona 58. Bonnet occupant?

59. Midterm, e.g.

60. Some pitches 61. Tool with teeth © Lovatts Puzzles

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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

Crossword solution page 26

Licensed & Insured

DOWN

CROSSWORD

1. Champagne qualifier

321-358-5189

Expires 12/31/22

*Some restrictions apply

ACROSS

4. Shakes up

for Veterans, Seniors, and First-Time Customers

*20% off Regular Price Merchandise with bonus points 55+ with Balance Reward Card

1. Reach across 2. “Cogito, ___ sum” 3. Currying implement 4. Turnkeys 5. After-hours dispenser 6. Take the wrong way?

7. Boom or mast 8. Practical, as a plan 9. “Canterbury Tales” locale 10. List ender 11. Tribulation 17. Mouth piece 19. Spud bud 22. Declare openly 23. Spirit 25. Australian export 26. Lived 27. Hardens 28. Albatross, symbolically 29. Exemplar of dryness 30. Barbershop sound 31. Attraction 35. SWAT team members 38. Projection from camshaft 40. Serengeti grazer 42. On, as a lamp 45. Farfetched 47. Bits of fiction 48. Boxer’s bane 49. Distort, as numbers 50. Back at sea?

51. Bill stamp 52. Stubborn one 53. High school class, for short 54. CSI facility

myseniorlife.com

What’s your signature dog breed?

Senior Life is introducing a new feature this month for families to brag about their favorite dog breed.

Brevard County dog owners are welcome to recommend their signature dog for a story.

Media@bluewatercreativegroup.com

ST. BERNARD

SENIOR LIFE Jeff Navin

Ginger, who is 5 years old, is the wildest of the St. Bernards that the Dillon family has owned since 1966.

continued from page 22 “They’ll get you trained within no time to get you to do what they want you to do,’’ Dillon said. “They might not be wild, but they have the deep bark and size. They like to slobber. It’s not like it runs off the ceiling, but don’t get one if you’re not ready for a big dose of slobber from time to time.’’

Since 1966, the Dillons have fed the dogs boneless chicken thighs mixed with rice and kibble.

During their Connecticut days, the Dillon family spent summers on Betts Island, off the coast of Norwalk. The rustic cottage didn’t have running water or electricity.

They had a cistern in the backyard for water, gas for lights, a refrigerator and a stove and a generator for everything else. Heidi and the children went swimming every day.

It was a good place to eat clams and other seafood delights each day.

After leaving Islamorada, the family bought a chicken farm in Live Oak which kept them busy. After a brief time living in Ocala, they moved to Melbourne. SL

Restaurants

2850 South Hopkins Ave. Sunday – Thursday: 9am-9pm Friday & Saturday: 9am-10pm

321-383-1616

Nature’s Market Health Foods Brevard’s Health Food Store

701 S. Apollo Blvd. Melbourne

321-724-6923

NaturesMarketMelbourne.com

1956 Cadillac Sedan De Ville

Sewing Classes Brother and Baby Lock Sewing and Embroidery Machine savings!

Always the perfect gift!

Gift cards available.

Dec. 10

Customer Appreciation Day Door prizes and goodies

Dec. 27-29

Children’s VEST Sewing class!

Machines will be provided.

M, W, Th, F: 10am - 5pm, Tues: 10am - 7pm Sat: 10am - 2 pm, Sun: CLOSED

7720 N. Wickham Rd. Suite 111 Melbourne, FL 32940

321-622-8602

www.quiltsandlace.com beth@quiltsandlace.com

11638 US 1 Sebastian, FL 32958

772-388-1700

Owner: Jayden Switzer

This 1956 Cadillac has a 365 V8 engine and a Hydro glide transmission. It is an all-original four-door hardtop with no post or pillar. Jayden Switzer, a senior at Viera High School, bought the vehicle about six months ago from a private owner in Georgia.

He always wanted this vehicle because he likes the body line and uniqueness.

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2022

myseniorlife.com