Stay fit, stay healthy and enjoy the year-end holiday season
As the year-end holiday season approaches, people tend to get busier with social activities, parties and gatherings. This can lead some to miss scheduled exercise sessions, visits to the gym and brisk walks.
There is no reason to slow down your exercise tempo because you are busy. Find the time to keep moving. It will help you stay healthy and fit.
There are many exercise programs at senior centers throughout Brevard County. Check out our Boomer Guide magazine for listings.
At the recent Boomer Bash Senior Fest held at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum, Alice Benjamin celebrated her 100th birthday by participating in Sit and Get Fit with Sticks, a rhythmic exercise to music.
Among activities that will keep you busy this holiday season are Christmas parades and concerts. In this edition of Senior Life, we bring you a list of some of those activities in Brevard County.
Like they always do, Space Coast residents came out to honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces at various Veterans Day commemorations. There were parades and ceremonies held in Brevard County, some of which you can read about in this edition.
Veterans Day is set aside to thank and honor all veterans who served honorably in the military in times of war and peace. At Senior Life, we honor veterans each month in a special section called Stripes. This month, you can read a profile about a retired Navy admiral.
There are so many interesting places for day trips around Central Florida. One such place I knew nothing about until I started exploring is Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park, a beautiful place on Lake Tohopekaliga. It is a large park with wide promenades along the lakeshore, a marina, food concessions and so much more to offer.
I’d like you to check out our This Old Church series. The churches we feature are among the oldest structures in the area. This time, we take a look at Georgianna Church on Merritt Island.
We love getting your feedback and suggestions. Let us continue to hear from you.
We wish you all the best this holiday season. SL
R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Children find forever homes in Celebration of Adoption
BY JEFF NAVIN
Several parents stepped up to the plate in the clutch with confidence and love on Nov. 18 at the USSSA Space Coast Complex as the annual It’s a Home Run! Celebration of Adoption honored the union of children with their forever families.
At 57 and 55 years old, respectively, Kerilynn Moss and Eric Moss will be parents for a second time after officially adopting their nephew’s son. Jamal Christopher Eric Moss celebrated his 13th-month birthday at the event.
Family Partnerships of Central Florida sponsors the annual event. Rockledge City Council member Dr. Michael Cadore gave the invocation, the presentation of colors was performed by the Space Coast Junior/ Senior High School ROTC and the pledge of allegiance was recited by representatives of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
“I
—Judge Charlie Crawford
Care also spoke.
National Adoption Day is held Nov. 23 each year. Sixteen children were adopted by 14 families in Brevard County.
“There will be challenges when I think about mortality and mobility,’’ said Kerilynn Moss, who lives in Titusville with her husband. “We really won’t have the length of time we would like. At 57, we can’t do the same things that we could do at 27.’’
be don’t panic and to be more patient. We want to give him the chance to
explore and not be so quick to judge.’’ For the past 13 years, Kerilynn Moss has been a utilization manager for a children’s psychiatric hospital. After earning her associate degree at the former Brevard Community College, she earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida, a master’s degree at Webster University and her Ph.D. at the University of Phoenix. She is a native of Oakland, California. Eric Moss moved to Brevard County in his late teens after growing up in the borough of Queens in New York City. He is the director of the first generation college
ADOPTION
Continued on page 20
SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue
Diana and Joshua Adams have already fallen in love with baby Vito.
HOBBIES & PASSIONS
THE 16TH FEATURE IN A SERIES ON HOBBIES & PASSIONS
Ceramics brings calm, expresses creativity of hobbyists
BY FLORA REIGADA
Doreen James has had a passion for ceramics since she was 16 years old.
She started out in her spare bedroom at home, but she soon expanded, meeting with others who shared the same passion.
James’ late mother was one of them. She understood the satisfaction of transforming a plain white mold into something decorative and often useful.
“My mother moved to Florida toward the end of her life, and I have wonderful memories of creating with her. Even though we were close, ceramics brought us closer,” James said.
James’ favorite ceramic piece that she created with her mother is a paper bag canister.
“It looks like a paper bag but it’s ceramic,” said James, who turned her passion into a business and is the owner of B ‘n’ S Ceramics in Titusville.
A favorite piece she made on her own is a Christmas tree. Another is a jack-o-lantern.
“I love anything with lights,” she said. “So much can be made with ceramics — animals, dishes, vases and seasonal decorations. They can be sold, displayed in the home, or given as gifts,” she said.
She explained the basics.
“B ‘n’ S uses pre-made forms,” she said. “We choose our colors and have a great time painting. The painted form is then fired in a kiln.”
For James, working with ceramics is therapeutic.
“It’s my quiet time,” she said. “It
Ceramics in Titusville. For more information, visit bnsceramics.com.
Candi Hauck has been the pottery director at the North Brevard Art League for 27 years.
“Ceramics, pottery and clay are allencompassing,” she said. “They are one and the same, and can be called either ceramics or pottery.”
Hauck will make anything sculptured, decorative or functional.
“I love teaching and watching people fall in love with clay, and throwing it on a spinning potter’s wheel,” she said.
While this is not literally throwing, Hauck explained that it’s about technique, not strength.
The North Brevard Art League is at 1421 Draa Road in Titusville.
For more information, visit northbrevardartleague.com. SL
BY LILLIAN NGUYEN
Brevard Zoo has a deal for seniors in December.
The Zoo is offering a special, limited-time discount for seniors from Dec. 1 through 24.
For more than 50% off the normal admission price, Florida residents age 65 and older can purchase a ticket to the Brevard Zoo for $12. Normal ticket prices for seniors stand at $22.95 online and $29.95 on-site.
With this limited-time offer, seniors can enjoy the Zoo’s beautiful 72-acre establishment, home to more than 800 animals representing 170 species from around the globe.Tickets can be purchased in-person or online at BrevardZoo.org
To qualify for the discount, all seniors must prove Florida residency by presenting a state-issued photo ID or utility bill with an address and matching photo identification. This limited-time offer cannot be combined with other discounts, including reciprocal membership. SL
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Candi Hauck Candi Hauck works on a piece of ceramic at the North Brevard Art League.
SENIOR
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Candi Hauck Pottery/ceramic classes are offered through the North Brevard Art League in Titusville.
Resident Businesses
Alura Senior Living
America’s Best Hearing
Aquatic Health and Rehab
Are We Living
Autumn House
Brennity of Melbourne
Buena Vida Estates, CCRC
Central Florida Spine & Pain
Chateau Madeleine Senior Living
ClinCloud Research
Counseling Resource Services
Discovery Village at Melbourne
Estate Planning & Elder Law Center of Brevard
Fifth Third Bank
Flourish Research – Merritt Island
Four Star Real Estate
The Fountains of Melbourne
Glenbrooke Senior Living
Market Street at Viera
Melbourne Mobile Podiatry
National Cremation Society
Next Day Access
NHC
One Senior Place Care Management
Palm Bay Memory Care
Palm Cottages Assisted Living & Memory Care
PRN Home Care
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Rhodes Law, PA - Ruth C. Rhodes, Esq.
Rockledge Health and Rehabilitation Center
Senior Living Guide
Senior Partner Care Services, In-Home
Senior Care and Care Management
Senior Scene Magazine
Serenades Memory Care by Sonata East at Viera
Sonata East at Viera
Sonata Viera
Space Coast Ophthalmology
Touch of Excellence
Tropic Moving
Vascular & Embolization Specialists
Victoria Landing Assisted Living & Memory Care
Viera Health and Rehabilitation Center
Viera Insurance Professionals
VITAS Healthcare
William A. Johnson, P.A.
YOURLife of West Melbourne
Zon Beachside
321.339.0551
8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, Florida 32940 Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm
By Randal C. Hill
Behind the Beat
‘My Little Town’ — Simon and Garfunkel
It’s humorous to see what experts in the music world thought was the location of Simon and Garfunkel’s “My Little Town,” the duo’s final Top 10 Columbia Records single.
Both born in October 1941, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel began performing during their adolescence as an Everly Brothers-based duo called Tom and Jerry. As juniors at Forest Hills High School in the sprawling New York borough of Queens, they cut a minor chart single called “Hey, Schoolgirl!”
Late in 1965, and using their real names, they scored a winner on Columbia Records with “The Sounds of Silence,” a No. 1 single that introduced five years of nonstop success before their breakup in 1970.
On October 18, 1975, Simon hosted the second broadcast of “Saturday Night Live.” In doing so, he brought on his former partner. They sang three songs together, including a new Simon composition called “My Little Town.”
The lyrics conveyed Simon’s often
downbeat reflection on things past.
In my little town I grew up believing
God keeps His eye on us all
And He used to lean upon me
As I pledged allegiance to the wall
In my little town I never meant nothin’
I was just my father’s son
Saving my money, dreaming of glory
Twitchin’ like a finger on the trigger of a gun
Really nothing but the dead and dying back in my little town
Nothing but the dead and dying back in my little town
Pretty dreary stuff, huh? But the fun began when people began to opine exactly where they thought that little town was.
In his book “Paul Simon: A Life,” writer Marc Eliot proclaims, “’My Little Town’ is clearly Queens, and all the references to schoolbooks, saluting the flag and so on appear to be symbols of nostalgia for the days
Simon and Garfunkel grew up.”
Hold on. Garfunkel had his own take on the subject. In a Wikipedia article, he insisted that the tune was about his childhood, how he grew up where music was not seen as either desirable or exciting and that his parents insisted that Garfunkel acquire an education unrelated to singing. (He earned a bachelor’s degree in art history in 1965 and, two years later, he earned a master’s degree in mathematics.)
of Tom and Jerry as much as for the years of Simon and Garfunkel.”
Not so, counters music critic Dave Marsh, the author of “The Heart of Rock and Soul.” ‘My Little Town’ is a portrait of the middle-class Forest Hills, New York neighborhood where
So where was this mysterious burg? Nobody knew until the mid1980s. In an interview with Bill Flanagan for his book “Written in My Soul: Conversations with Great Songwriters,” Simon admitted, “I was picturing a town. I was thinking about Gloucester, Massachusetts. A friend of mine comes from Gloucester, and he used to talk about what it was like to grow up there ... . That song was entirely an act of imagination. ... There’s no element of me in there at all.”
Well, now we all know. SL
BCSO breaks ground on regional law enforcement training center
BY MIKE GAFFEY
A $20 million building that will serve as a regional hub for advanced law enforcement training for local, state and federal officers will be “a symbol of law and order,” Florida Rep. Tyler Sirois said during a Nov. 14 groundbreaking ceremony in Viera.
“It’s going to be a beautiful building,” Sirois, who represents the state’s 31st House District, said about the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office’s Regional Law Enforcement Training Center.
The 47,684-square-foot facility will be built on county-owned property along Judge Fran Jamieson Way, between the Brevard County Health Department and the Brevard
County Government Complex.
Designed by Tsark Architecture LLC in Melbourne, the state-of-theart facility will include classroom and defensive tactics training areas and also house the Law Enforcement and Corrections Academies and West Precinct Operations, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey told attendees.
“This is a legacy for our agency,” Ivey said as he thanked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez, Florida Senate President Ben Albritten, Sirois, former Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, Brevard County commissioners, County Manager Jim Liesenfelt, former County Manager Frank Abbate, retired BCSO Chief Alan Moros, BCSO Chief Financial Officer Brett Carman
and Undersheriff Douglas Waller for backing the project.
“Without them, without their support, without their commitment, this project doesn’t happen,” Ivey said.
Partly funded by $10 million from the Florida Legislature, the facility will free up much-needed space for BCSO’s West Precinct at the Government Center, and for other county departments.
“We’re busting at the seams,” Ivey said.
In its request for state funding, BCSO said the center will “provide specialized training programs in critical areas including de-escalation training, human trafficking, highly addictive and lethal narcotics and scenario-based skill development.
Furthermore, it will have far-
reaching benefits, including enhanced public safety through better-prepared officers; improved community trust by ensuring officers are trained to employ fair and equitable practices; and through the adoption of best practices through continuous professional development.”
While the facility is scheduled to open in spring 2027, Ivey joked that the construction team at Rockledgebased W+J Construction Corp. “has committed to me that they can do it much sooner than that.”
Sirois closed the groundbreaking ceremony by giving special thanks to Ivey “for his vision and his leadership.”
“No one cares more about the safety or our community and the men and women of this department than Sheriff Ivey,” Sirois said. SL
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Brevard County Sheriff’s Office This is a rendering of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Regional Law Enforcement Training center to be built in Viera.
SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s lyrics of “My Little Town” convey Simon’s downbeat reflection on things past.
Back by popular demand —
Powered by
WARBIRD MUSEUM
Expo draws crowd to Titusville for fun-filled
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Residents packed a hangar at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum at the Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville Nov. 7 for Senior Life’s 1940s and 1950s-themed Boomer Bash Senior Fest.
“We love them. We’re Boomers. We love it,” said Tracie Corsillo who attended with Valerie Mutter. “We absolutely love these events.”
Guests had the opportunity to receive free tote bags, other giveaways, enjoy entertainment, music and take photos similar to the iconic 1945 V-J Day sailor-kissing-a-woman (a dental assistant). A photo booth was set up at the event. Some also participated in a 1940s and 1950s-themed costume contest.
“We always have fun. We love (Bluewater Creative Group CEO) Jill (Blue) and her shows,” Mutter said.
The Salvation Army of North Central Brevard served free lunch from its canteen sponsored by Devoted Health and Senior Life
Alice Benjamin of Merritt Island celebrated her 100th birthday by participating in Sit and Get Fit with Sticks, a rhythmic exercise demonstration.
Guests also had the chance to visit with businesses and organizations that serve seniors, including Rhodes Law, one of the presenting sponsors at the event. Another presenting sponsor, Health First, also had representatives on hand.
“I’m definitely having a lot of fun and I’m actually having fun observing everybody else having fun and just being here to help support the community any way we can,” said Rebecca Osgood, a community educator in Health First’s memory disorder clinic.
Parrish Healthcare, also a presenting sponsor, had employees staged and ready to help those in need.
“With being with the health and wellness center, we want to talk to people about staying active and keep(ing) moving as they age,” said Meghan Johnson, a health and wellness supervisor with Parrish. “We’re excited that we just had a partnership with Parrish Healthcare and the YMCA of Central Florida. So, we’re excited to be able to relocate and open our new facility on Cheney Highway.” SL
TECH KNOW TIDBITS
Small cordless wet/dry vacuums are very portable, easy to use
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
So, you need to clean up a mess but don’t want to drag out the big shop vacuum and the extension cords from the garage.
There are other solutions to the five-gallon vacuum on wheels, among them is the one-gallon Ryobi cordless wet/dry vacuum.
Until recent years, most shop vacuums were round and bulky. And while they have plenty of use, the smaller cordless are so much more portable and easier to use if you simply want to vacuum out your vehicle or even the crevices of the couch. They can be taken inside the vehicle while the vacuum is being used. The bigger vac usually will have to stay outside the car.
Have a liquid spill that is too
much for paper towels? No problem. The small vac can suction up a gallon of liquid.
The small vacuum takes a battery.
If you have battery-powered Ryobi tools, it’s probably the same battery as the vac.
In addition to Ryobi, there are several other cordless brands, such as Bauer, Craftsman, Worx, DeWalt and Rigid. Most come with several attachments.
Some of the heavy duty shop vacuums might have more powerful suction than the cordless vacs, but most of the smaller ones have adequate power to handle carpet or hard surfaces in a vehicle. The smaller vacs are so much easier to store.
Some of the small vacuums can cost from $50 to $160 or more for a three-gallon, depending on the brand. They are available in home
History – Then and Now features Space Coast landmarks or sites in pictures and what those same areas look like today in photographs.
Then 1950s
Now 2025 History — Then and Now
SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody
The Ryobi cordless vac uses a rechargable plug-in battery.
SENIOR LIFE Lillian Nguyen
Today, the Flatiron Building at 927 E. New Haven Ave., houses offices. The name Flatiron comes from its triangular shape, which is similar to a cast-iron clothes iron.
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the Brevard County Historical Commission
The Flatiron Building in downtown Melbourne was built in the 1920s and has since served many purposes. In the 1950s and 1960s, the building housed a barbershop and a men’s apparel store on the first floor.
SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody
Cordless wet/dry vacs are much lighter and easier to use.
Brevard trainees help spot right whales off the Space Coast
BY LINDA JUMP
Julie Albert of Melbourne will soon look for critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whales passing through waters off the Space Coast. The sighting network coordinator for an area that includes Brevard County knows that with only 384 remaining, it’s vital to track each one.
“Brevard County is part of their critical habitat area for calving, but sightings are completely weather dependent. If it’s cold, we see more of them. If it’s warm, they stay farther north,” she said.
Right whales travel slowly close to shore, making them easier to see — and kill, so early whalers dubbed them “the right whale to kill.” By the 1890s, they were nearly extinct.
Without intervention, scientists predict they will no longer be able to reproduce by 2035. There are only 70 reproductively active females left.
The distinctive V-shaped blow of water when they surface to breathe is unique. Their deeply notched tails are black on both sides and they lack a dorsal fin. They can be 50-plus feet long and 140,000 pounds.
Albert, who trains volunteers for the Blue World Research Institute, a nonprofit based in Cocoa, will offer a class at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at The Barrier Island Center at 8385 S. Highway A1A in Melbourne Beach.
Most sightings are from late December through April. Go to the Right Whale Sighting Network on Facebook for a full class schedule.
Last year, there were at least two sightings in Brevard, she said. But in
a peak year such as 2009, 250 whales were recorded in the southeast, 39 of them newborn calves. “In 2018, there were none,” Albert said.
The first two right whales were spotted in North Carolina on their way to Florida last month, said Joel Cohen, her assistant with BWRI, which collaborates with other nonprofits to protect right whales. The waters off the coasts of Florida and Georgia were designated critical habitats because it’s the primary birthing site.
Ed Perry, a retired 32-year park ranger at Sebastian Inlet State Park, has photographed some of the right whales passing through the county through the years to help Albert identify them.
“In 2016, a mother and calf
entered Sebastian Inlet and stayed two days. The calf was later named Sebastian. Many people here got to see them. That was the most beautiful event of my career.”
Clipper, his mother, was struck by a vessel and lost part of her fluke. She later died when she was struck by another ship.
Many are named and tracked. Names are often based upon their scars or the patterns of callosity, large raised skin patches on their heads. Their life span is 70-plus years. Females, who mature at about age 10, reproduce only every six to 10 years, with a gestation ranging from 18 to 20 months.
Greg Hendricks, a Coast Guard Auxiliary Sector coordinator, said his volunteers are trained to spot and
report local sightings.
“In December, we begin warning boaters on marine radios that it’s calving season. People have to stay 500 yards, a quarter mile, away from them and the speed limit is 10 knots as they come into shore.”
Report sightings immediately at 888-97-WHALE. SL
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Joel Cohen
Blue World Research Institute offers training for volunteers to identify right whales off the coast of Brevard County.
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Ed Perry Right whales have divided blowholes that blow a V-shaped breath.
STRI PES Brevard Veterans News
American Legion post advocating for veterans while looking for permanent home
About a year ago, we published a story about American Legion Post 420, a new post that was looking for a home in Suntree.
The post is still looking and still has that vision of a permanent home to host events and offer a familyfriendly environment for veterans.
Even through its grassroots efforts to find a home, it has not stopped its members from advocating for veterans, young people and the community.
The post is sending a student to the American Legion Boys State, which is a program that sends top high school juniors to Tallahassee for firsthand experience in how government works.
It is a week-long program in which students run mock government and engage in civic leadership.
Post 420 members are also concerned about suicides among veterans.
“We want to do more with suicide prevention,” Post Commander Rosemarie Yeary said. “That’s near
and dear to our heart.”
Yeary said that the son of someone who is now a member of the post died by suicide. This has created even more awareness of the critical issue.
The Post meets the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at 2401 Post Road, while it plans for its own place in Suntree. Yeary said that while they do have a meeting space, it is still a little difficult not having their own building.
“We recognized that there was an unmet need in Suntree/Viera,” Yeary said. “We have started a building fund.”
The Post is growing. It now has 57 members, 15 auxiliary members
and 11 sons of the Legion. The oldest member is 90 and the youngest is 47 years old.
The American Legion, the world’s oldest and largest veterans organization with 1.6 million members, was founded after World War I in 1919. The organization advocated for all those who served in the Armed Forces, for youth and for the community.
“We are more focused on helping our veterans,” Yeary said.
There are several American Legion posts in Brevard County.
For more information about Post 420 and how to join, contact Yeary at 321-266-5115. SL
Retired Navy admiral faces his toughest battle with optimism,
BY ERNIE DORLING
Retired Navy Rear Admiral
William “Woody” Sutton has faced storms at sea, international crises and the enormous weight of command.
“I grew up around the water in Brunswick, Georgia,” Sutton said. “I knew shrimpers. And from an early age, I knew I wanted a life that took me to sea as a boat captain.”
In 1966, Sutton received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, the same year the Beatles released their hit single, “We Can Work It Out.”
In July 1970, Sutton was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy.
“My first assignment was as an anti-submarine warfare officer,” Sutton said. “I was finally starting to realize my dream of being at sea.”
But that first assignment at sea didn’t last exceptionally long. Due to his strong math skills, the Navy sent him to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to pursue a master’s degree in naval engineering and ship design.
As his career progressed, Sutton found himself teaching at the Naval Academy and later commanding a guided missile destroyer. In late
“If
— William Sutton
1982, he was nominated as the naval aide to President Ronald Reagan.
“I was one of four aids (one each from the military services) who coordinated all military operations for the president’s office as well as Camp David,” Sutton said. “The job included carrying what is known as the football with the nuclear codes that the president needs in the event of a nuclear attack.”
Sutton spent three years as Reagan’s aide. “Reagan was one of the finest gentlemen I’ve ever met,” Sutton said. “I learned more about leadership and how to deal with people from him than anyone I’d ever met.”
Sutton’s last assignment was as the commander of the Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. In July 2000, after 33
years in the Navy, Sutton retired. Afterward, he worked in legislative affairs and then became the president and CEO of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, a trade association respresenting more than 575 member organizations. That subsequently led to his appointment by President George W. Bush as an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing and Services.
grace
said from his motorized wheelchair overlooking the fairway at the course. But despite the progression of the disease, Sutton remains as positive as possible.
“I was in that job for two years. Of course, with a new administration taking over the White House, new people were taking over,” Sutton said.
While Sutton has prepared for and faced enemies throughout his career, today he is confronting an enemy unlike any he’s met before — one that can’t be outmaneuvered or defeated by strategy. Sutton has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This progressive neurological disorder weakens muscles and robs the body of movement, speech and breath. For a man whose life revolved around precision, discipline and control, the diagnosis was devastating.
“Nothing quite prepares you for losing control of your own body,” Sutton said.
Since then, his life has undergone a dramatic change. Simple things, like morning walks, are no longer part of his daily routine.
“I used to love to golf, especially at the Duran Golf Course,” Sutton
“If there is a message here, you can’t always choose your battles,” he said. “But you can always choose your bearing. I continue to find new ways to do things and will continue to do what I can for as long as I can. This disease is not curable, but it can be controlled to some extent. It affects everyone differently. The important thing for me is to try and stay as positive as possible for the people around me.”
The person around whom he remains positive is his wife, Claudia, who is his constant companion. Both Claudia and Woody Sutton praise the help and support they receive from the Veterans Administration as they navigate through this most challenging time in their lives.
For Sutton, who spent a lifetime commanding ships through rough seas, the horizon is no longer measured in miles or medals. It’s measured in moments — and the grace with which he meets them.
There is no doubt, as the Beatles said, Woody Sutton, with his wife Claudia at his side, has embraced the saying, “We can work it out.” SL
SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling William “Woody” Sutton has enjoyed a reputable career in the U.S. Navy, including working for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush.
Retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm.William Sutton
Wreaths Across America prepares to honor fallen veterans
BY SUE DEWERFF
Each December, Wreaths Across America honors the service and sacrifice of the nation’s veterans by placing live remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes at more than 5,500 locations across the nation.
Cape Canaveral National Cemetery will participate during this holiday season to remember and honor fallen U.S. veterans and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
“We have about 12,000 veterans laid to rest here, and our goal this year is to ensure that every one of them is remembered with a wreath,” said Katie Beauseigneur, an assistant location coordinator for Wreaths Across America at the Cape Canaveral location.
The National Cemetery began internment in January 2016.
“We are currently a bit more than 50% to our goal, but we still need approximately 6,000 additional wreaths sponsored to reach full coverage,” she said in mid-November.
Beauseigneur is a proud mother of three U.S. Marines.
“My oldest son was a wounded warrior who now rests at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, and his memory inspires me daily.”
Together, Beauseigneur and Ruth Osborne, the location coordinator, an 11-year Marine veteran, volunteer to lead the efforts ensuring every hero is remembered.
Donn Weaver, a long-time WAA coordinator at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, said
Weaver, who was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in 2020.
“I know every year someone will place a wreath on his grave, and I do the same here,” he said.
Wreaths Across America —
“Keep Moving Forward”
The inspiration for this year’s theme was from the final words of Army Capt. Joshua Byers, who was killed in 2003 in Iraq.
National Cemetery is located at 5525 U.S. 1 in Mims.
Several other Brevard locations will have ceremonies at smaller cemeteries, including:
• Brevard Veterans Cemetery, Titusville
• Brevard Memorial Park in Cocoa
• Pine Crest Cemetery in Cocoa For more information, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org. SL
Marines in Brevard celebrate 250 years of legacy, Semper Fidelis
BY ERNIE DORLING
On Nov. 10, 2025, the United States Marine Corps marked its 250th birthday — a remarkable milestone for one of the most storied and respected fighting forces in the world.
On Nov. 15, the Marine Corps League’s Brevard County Detachment 513, under the direction of its Commandant, retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Chuck Betz, hosted 250 guests. Among the guests were active and currently inactive Marines (there is no such thing as a former Marine; you’re either on active duty or not) at the Space Coast Convention Center in Cocoa.
From its humble beginnings in a Philadelphia tavern, where early recruiting involved not much more than a few beers and a promise of adventure, to its modern role as America’s expeditionary force in readiness, the Marine Corps’ legacy is steeped in valor, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to duty.
From the Revolutionary War through every major conflict since, Marines have played decisive roles on land, at sea and in the air. During World War II, their courage at Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal became symbols of American determination. The iconic image of Marines raising the flag atop Mount Suribachi remains one of the most enduring photographs in U.S. history.
The keynote speaker at the Marine Corps Ball was retired Marine Sgt. Maj. Duane Guise.
“Tonight, we are not just celebrating a birthday, we are honoring a sacred promise, passed from one valiant generation to the next: the promise that the United States Marine Corps will always, fiercely, be there when our nation calls,” Guise said. “An Army brother once asked me why I was building a bridge over a ravine instead of climbing down and up over the other side. I told him that I wasn’t building
the bridge for myself; I was building it for the Marines coming behind me, so they would never have to wonder how to cross. For 250 years, Marines have been building bridges, sometimes literally, sometimes figuratively, that the next generation can cross. That’s why we endure. That’s why we thrive. The Marine Corps forges us for life.”
Today’s Marine Corps continues to evolve with the times, training with advanced technology, integrating cyber and drone warfare capabilities, and focusing on readiness across multiple domains. Yet, the heart of the Marine Corps
remains unchanged: its people. Every Marine — past, present and future — embodies the values of honor, courage and commitment.
For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has stood as a symbol of strength, discipline and loyalty. As the Corps looks to the future, one thing remains certain — the Marine spirit.
“Semper Fidelis,” will continue to guide America’s Marines for generations to come.
Former President Ronald Reagan said, “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they’ve made a difference in the world. But the
Marines
City of Cocoa, Brightline hold emergency response exercise
BY CHRIS BONANNO
The City of Cocoa and Brightline partnered on an emergency response exercise along U.S. 1, just south of State Road 528 in Cocoa.
As part of the exercise first responders dealt with the aftermath of a simulated incident involving a Brightline train striking a vehicle where extrication was needed. Additionally, it included crews responding to smoke inside the train.
Cocoa Fire Chief Jonathan Lamm said there was still an impressive number of first responders who took part in the event.
“We had crews both in the train, outside of the train dealing with an actual car that was on its side,” Lamm said. “We had specialty units from Brevard County dealing with a hazardous materials incident. So, when you put this all together, you’re looking at between 30, 40 units just to respond to one incident the way it is and approximately 60, 80 first responders altogether. That’s not including the staffing that we have
amidst a backdrop of hope that the area will soon be the site of a new Brightline station in Brevard County. Lamm added that planning for the event stretched back some time.
“We’ve been working on this for a little over six months. It started moving faster once we got an actual date set,” Lamm said. “Obviously, with us being in the peak of hurricane season in September and October, you really have to plan around that and then holidays coming up too so this actually wound out perfect for us.”
It also won’t be the last time such an exercise is held in Brevard County, according to Lamm and Patrick Clark, head of safety and security with Brightline.
“We’re going to keep doing this because we want to keep that relationship there,” Clark said. “I may not be here, chief may not be here. But our teams will continue to coordinate for years to come. It just makes things a lot easier. You don’t want to meet everybody for the first time when you get on scene.” SL
don’t have that problem.” SL
SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling
The U.S. Marine Corps Leagues Brevard County Detachment 513 celebrated the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday with 250 guests.
SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling Sgt. Maj. Duane Guise was the keynote speaker.
SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling Former Army Maj. Donn Weaver and Jeanne Weaver were guests at the Marine Corps Ball.
SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling Retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Chuck Betz is the commandant of Detachment 513.
SENIOR LIFE Chris Bonanno
The city of Cocoa firefighters and Brightline personnel hope to continue periodic training exercises on responding to accidents involving trains.
Veterans feel appreciated during Take a Vet to School Day
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Joe Ponds is a U.S. Army veteran who served his country in the Vietnam War and is a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association of Florida.
As Veterans Day approached, Ponds undoubtedly could have spent his Friday, Nov. 7 in any number of ways. However, he thought it was important enough to make the roughly two-hour trek from his home in Beverly Hills, Florida to participate in Take a Vet to School Day at Viera Elementary School.
“We love it that they love us and are thanking us for our service,” Ponds said. “And also, it’s an opportunity for us to share our story and provide some inspiration and motivation and encouragement to them to at least consider military service as a viable option as far as a career, a profession. There are some skills that you learn in the military that you can’t get anywhere else.”
As part of the day, students had the opportunity to participate in a “Boot Camp” on the school’s field that was led by the participating veterans. There, the students went through several stations at which they:
• Received dog tags and learned about a mission statement
• Learned to line up in formation and march
• Navigated an obstacle course; and
• Participated in Tug Of War and Salute Tag games
The idea for the event was brought to the school by Samantha McGill, a teacher at Viera Elementary School.
“I’ve been doing Take a Vet to School Day for 19 years,” McGill said. “This is my second year at Viera Elementary and it’s the second year we’re doing Take a Vet to School Day. For 19 years, we had school on Veterans Day and so my friend and I at another school decided we had to do something. So we had … 30 vets in the media center talking to our sixth grade, and then it just got bigger and bigger and bigger.”
In addition to the boot camp, a static display which included a Brevard County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was provided and there was also a program in the school’s cafeteria prior to a parade to conclude the festivities.
Kristin Gulliver, a volunteer for
Jewelry Appraisal & Liquidation Solutions
“Today is about more than remembering history. It’s about recognizing the courage, sacrifice and quiet strength that continue to strengthen our communities every single day.”
— Stephanie Booth, Viera Middle School principal
the event, said that according to her schedule there were “close to 200 veterans joining us.”
“It’s amazing to see the kids and the pride that they have for their veterans, the understanding that they have and just to celebrate, to know what it means,” Gulliver said. “A lot of them decide they want to go into the military or go into service because of what they see today.”
Viera Elementary School wasn’t the only local school that hosted a veterans-themed event on Nov. 7. Viera Middle School also held a ceremony for veterans in its school cafeteria.
“It was fantastic,” said Richmond Pollock, who served in the U.S. Air Force and who noted that his granddaughter was among those who spoke at the gathering at Viera Middle School. “The community has always supported veterans well and an event like today is a great example. You could really feel the love and the way that the community feels about us.”
The event featured speeches from faculty and students in military families, along with performances by the Viera Middle School Chorus,
Jewelry Appraisals for Seniors
Downsizing? Settling an estate, or just curious about your jewelry’s value? We offer expert, trustworthy appraisals with a personalized approach.
Jewelry Appraisals for Seniors
Over 50 years of experience
Accurate valuations for insurance coverage
Downsizing? Settling an estate, or just curious about your jewelry’s value? We offer expert, trustworthy appraisals with a personalized approach.
Viera High School band and Rockledge High School JROTC, who presented colors at the event.
Among those who spoke at the event was Stephanie Booth, the assistant principal of discipline at the school and a U.S. Navy veteran. “Today is about more than remembering history. It’s about recognizing the courage, sacrifice and quiet strength that continue to strengthen our communities every single day,” Booth said in remarks to attendees at the event. “When I was 19 years old, I raised my right hand and enlisted in the United States Navy. I was in boot camp when 9/11 happened. Overnight, the world changed and so did the meaning of service. I worked on the flight
deck of an aircraft carrier in crash and salvage, a job that taught me in the most real way what teamwork, courage and responsibility mean.”
Beth Reed is an event organizer, spouse of a military member and a Purple Star Liaison for the school.
“It means the world to me to educate our community and our staff regarding … the veterans, what their lives look like and how selfless it is and the sacrifices that they make,” Reed said. “It is important for me for the community to come together.” SL
On-site & in-home services available Estate & liquidation guidance
• Over 50 years of experience
• Accurate valuations for insurance coverage
• On-site & in-home services available
• Estate & liquidation guidance
Guiding you with Expertise and Integrity
Guiding you with Expertise and Integrity
Contact Peter Indorf, GG, RGA for your free consultation today!
Contact Peter Indorf, GG, RGA for your free consultation today! 321-914-0118
321-914-0118
www.jewelryappraisal-liquidation.com
www.jewelryappraisal-liquidation.com 1103 West Hibiscus Blvd | Suite 307B | Melbourne, FL 32901
SENIOR LIFE Chris Bonanno
Veteran Ernest Hare speaks to students during the Take a Vet to School Day at Viera Elementary School.
SENIOR LIFE Chris Bonanno Vietnam veterans Joe Ponds and Seburn Woods were among the veterans who participated in Take a Vet to School Day.
WEStill DO
50+ VOW RENEWAL
Who Can Sign Up:
Couples married more than 30 years, who have not participated in the vow renewal ceremony in the past
Date/Time: The Vow Renewal ceremony will take place during the Senior Life’s Senior Expo on Feb. 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. Friends and family are welcome to attend and take photos.
Cost: Entrance to the Senior Expo is free. Vow renewal, cake, champagne toast and digital photos are free. Registration is required.
The Senior Expo is an independent event. Entrance to the Brevard Zoo is not included.
Venue: Vow Renewals will take place in a group setting on the veranda overlooking the giraffe habitat at the Nyami Nyami River Lodge. The River Lodge (convention hall) is on the left side of the Brevard Zoo entrance gate.
Dress: There is no wrong dress attire for this occasion. Wear the dress of your dreams, formal or casual. Men can wear a suit, uniform, something casual or opt for a special look to make lasting memories. Photos will be taken during and after the wedding vow renewal.
Sign up: Registration is required. Limited to the first 20 couples. Deadline to register is Jan. 20. Call early to reserve your spot.
For more information, call Sylvia at 321-242-1235.
Friday, Feb. 13 — Wedding Vow Renewal
Who Can Sign Up:
Couples married more than 30 years, who have not participated in the vow renewal ceremony in the past
Call to register 321-242-1235
Registration is required.
The vow renewal ceremony takes place during Senior Life’s Senior Expo & Valentine’s Party on the veranda at the Nyami Nyami River Lodge at the Brevard Zoo.
Deadline to register is Jan. 20. Space is limited.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Still going strong — People in their 80s keep hitting the gym
BY ERNIE DORLING
At an age when many are slowing down, a growing number of people in their mid-80s are doing the opposite. Whether lifting weights, cycling or stretching in a yoga class, these octogenarian athletes are proving that age is truly just a number.
Take Lynne Cario, for instance. Cario is 85 years old and has been working out for more than 30 years.
“I do it to stay healthy, strong and to be able to enjoy life,” she said. Cario works out daily at the Viera Pro Health & Fitness Center. “I take no blood pressure or cholesterol medication. I truly believe that staying active has everything to do with that.”
Cario exercises more than two hours a day, incorporating cardio and strength training into her routine.
For 87-year-old gym regular Tom McLennan, the motivation is simple — he wants to stay healthy.
“When I retired at 54 and moved to Florida, the first thing I did was join a gym,” McLennan said. “I play golf
Monday through Friday, then go to the gym afterward and spend an hour on the elliptical machine, with the goal of burning 1,000 calories. I walked the course every day up until two years ago. My blood work always comes back near perfect, and I’m not on any prescription drugs. Making the gym a daily habit has also become a social thing. I have met several friends, including my wife, at the gym.”
Bill Hanafin, who is from Boston and an avid Red Sox fan, is now 81 years old and has been actively playing sports for most of his life.
“I joined Health First 12 years ago to stay fit and busy after years of being a caregiver for my late wife,” Hanafin said. I have Parkinson’s Disease, so I exercise for health reasons. I start with stretching and walking at least two miles, then spend about two hours working on a variety of cardio and weight machines. I’ve met so many people at the gym that it has become a huge part of my social life. Of course, the only downside of going to the gym is having to deal
with all the New York Yankee fans,” he added with a grin.
Cario, McLennan and Hanafin join a growing population of older adults embracing fitness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of Americans over 80 who regularly engage in moderate exercise has doubled in the past decade. Many gyms now cater specifically to seniors, offering lowimpact classes, modified equipment and social support that keeps participants coming back.
Research indicates that exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain independence and mobility. Regular physical activity in older adults also improves balance, boosts mood and helps manage chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
For these determined gym goers, the message is clear: the key to longevity might just be found in a good sweat and a cheerful outlook.
Centenarian, senior takes her doctors’ advice to keep moving
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
Alice Benjamin celebrated her 100th birthday rhythmically hitting drumsticks together, on the floor and overhead as onlookers applauded her.
“I had a doctor tell me, ‘You are like cement. If you don’t move, you’ll set up like cement,’” Benjamin said. “I say keep moving.”
Benjamin, of Merritt Island, turned 100 on Nov. 8 but celebrated a day earlier during Senior Life’s Boomer Bash Senior Expo at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Titusville.
Benjamin participated with others in a demonstration of Sit and Get Fit with Sticks, a fitness exercise that combines hand-eye coordination and rhythmic moves to music. Jeanette White, the instructor, said Benjamin is a regular in the exercise class at the Anderson Senior Center in Rockledge.
“This is my main exercise,” she said, “This group is wonderful.”
Dr. Minal Desai is a retired physician who conducts Bone
Builders exercise programs at the Eau Gallie Civic Center as a volunteer for Aging Matters in Brevard. She advises starting an exercise program early, but
that it is never too late to begin.
“It is always good to start at any age,” she said. “You want to make sure that you stay fit to take care of yourself.”
Desai said exercise is important for muscle toning, muscle strength, improving posture and balance. Many of the participants in the Bone Builders program tell her that they have been able to get off blood pressure and other medication because of getting fit.
Participants are 55 years old to 90 years old, most in their 70s and 80s. They are also counseled about proper diet.
She said that in addition to the physical benefits, it is good to participate in Bone Builders because it is also good for mental health. Participants have a social connection.
Desai was an internist at Patrick Space Force Base before retiring. She now volunteers to lead the Bone Builders from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Eau Gallie Civic Center in Melbourne.
“It’s a give back time for me,” she said. SL
SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling Lynne Cario, 85, has been working out for more than 30 years.
SENIOR LIFE Caleb Nyberg
Alice Benjamin attributes her physical and mental health to staying active and participating in Sit and Get Fit with Sticks.
SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody Alice Benjamin celebrated her 100th birthday participating in an exercise program at the Boomer Bash Senior Fest.
THE FIFTH FEATURE IN A SERIES ON 19TH CENTURY CHURCHES
Georgianna Church still spreading God’s word after 139 years
BY LINDA JUMP
After its centennial celebration in 1986, the Georgianna Church on Merritt Island struggled to keep its doors open, with a single weekly worship service and part-time pastor that drew two dozen worshipers.
These days, the church at 3925 S. Tropical Trail draws more than 600 weekly in three services and the youth group alone has 150.
“We just held [the annual Pie Auction] and we raised $216,000 that we gave to Exodus Road ... a Colorado nonprofit seeking to prevent human trafficking.”
— Joe Mayer
“The most important part of Georgianna’s history is not about buildings, but about the people, the body of Christ. … This is the legacy that has been passed down through the years and is ours to sustain,” said Corky Calhoun, the senior pastor.
The original 70-seat chapel opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1886. It is still used for weddings, funerals, musicals and small events, said Mona Becker, the executive pastor.
The homestead community in the center of Merritt Island began with home prayer meetings until Franklin and Sally Allen donated the land in 1885. A sailboat brought in the wood for construction from St. Augustine and it was carried by hand to the site. Most of the wood is original, although in 1998, a BMW car rammed the front corner, moving the building a foot.
“We want to preserve it for the
future,” Becker said.
Currently, three services are held at 8:15, 9:45 and 11:15 a.m. in the nearly 10,000 square feet Transformation Life Center, a multi-use addition in the same type of architecture that opened in 2009. The 9:45 a.m. service is live streamed.
“We want to use our church to reach out to the community,” Becker said.
Joe Mayer of Rockledge began attending as a newlywed 35 years ago at the invitation of neighbor Jim Craig. The church had been closed temporarily, and was trying to rebuild.
“We got 20 people on a good day, but Pastor Ned Keller did a good job keeping the doors open. With Rev. Charles Parker, we grew a little bit but once we got the church’s first full-time pastor Calhoun (in 2004), his personality and preaching set the church on fire,” he said.
A signature annual event is a pie auction that has continued for decades.
Built in 1886,
“We just held it and we raised $216,000 that we gave to Exodus Road,” Mayer said. Exodus Road is a Colorado nonprofit seeking to prevent human trafficking.
Shortly after Calhoun arrived, while Mayer was the finance chairman, a reverse tithe was suggested by Calhoun.
One hundred envelopes were given to church attendees, each with $100 to bless others during the week.
“‘I’m going to show you God’s
math,’ the pastor told me, and he was right. We heard all kinds of stories the next week about blessing others and that Sunday, we had $30,000 in the collection plate,” he said. Usually, he said, they received less than $10,000.
“We believe that we were given a special purpose. Our mission is very simple, but very important,” Calhoun said.
For more information, go to georgianna.org SL
Counselor
SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump
The Georgianna Chapel on Merritt Island was abandoned between 1950 and 1955. Corky Calhoun, the current pastor, arrived in 2004 and has brought new life to the chuch through his personality and preaching.
SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump
the 70-seat Georgianna original chapel is still used for weddings, funerals and small events.
Brevard Commission on Aging
How seniors can overcome depression, loneliness during the holidays BCOA NEWS
It’s no small irony that the holiday season — meant to be the most joyful and magical time of the year — is often instead a bog of depression and loneliness for so many people.
Of all age groups, depression and the holidays for seniors can be the worst mix, as social isolation among seniors can have particularly harmful effects on mental and physical health.
As the whirlwind of yearly family gatherings and social events begin, those who have lost loved ones or are living alone might find themselves mired in specific kinds of senior depression and holiday loneliness.
Why loneliness can intensify for seniors during the holidays
Older adults may face unique challenges during the holidays that contribute to feelings of loneliness, including:
• Loss of loved ones
Holidays can serve as painful reminders of lost family members or friends who were once integral to past celebrations.
• Physical limitations
Mobility and other health complications can prevent seniors from participating in festive activities as fully as they’d like. They can also be uncomfortable distractions during what should be a time of celebration.
• Geographic distance from loved ones
Some seniors may live far from their family members, as adult children often
move with their own families to distant locations. This can make in-person gatherings difficult to impossible.
How to overcome loneliness and isolation for seniors
Fortunately, there are many effective ways to combat senior loneliness during holidays and get in a festive social spirit. Here’s how seniors can navigate the season in healthy, uplifting ways.
Connect with others
Maintaining existing social bonds — but also forging new connections — is essential for overcoming loneliness at Christmas and other winter holidays.
Here are some strategies:
• Reach out to family and friends
Initiate phone calls or video chats with loved ones; even short conversations can brighten a day.
Consider planning some simple activities together early in the season, such as cooking, baking, crafting or shopping to bond in fun ways with less stress than the big dates proper.
• Join community events
Local community centers and organizations often host holiday activities. Participating in these events can help you meet new people, discover other social opportunities, feel more connected to your city or region and even establish some new holiday traditions.
• Volunteer Helping others offers countless benefits for you as well. Besides
BCOA meetings are open to the public and are held the second Thursday of each month at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, B-106, Viera, FL 32940. For information, contact Cindy Short by phone at 321-633-2076, FAX at 321-633-2170 or email cindy.short@brevardfl.gov.
creating a meaningful sense of purpose and connection during the holidays, it can also help you learn new skills (which is good for brain health), meet new people who share your values, have fun and give you a great sense of accomplishment. Look for local charities seeking volunteers during the holidays.
Embrace technology
Technology can bridge the gap between seniors and their families while also supporting cognitive health:
• Learn how to do video calling
Learning to use virtual meeting apps like Zoom or FaceTime can make it easier to stay in touch with friends and loved ones in the comfort of your own home. Reach out to knowledgeable friends and family members to help you get started. This skill will allow you to attend convenient virtual appointments with your doctors also.
• Use social media
Social media platforms can help you stay updated on what your family is doing without even picking up a phone. Use it to respond to post photos and videos, and be sure to share your own as well.
Seek professional care
If you still can’t shake those feelings of depression, it’s essential to seek professional help:
• Counseling services
Many therapists specialize in geriatric mental health and are also
available for added convenience.
• Support groups
Joining a group for seniors can provide camaraderie, understanding and maybe even new friends. Many organizations offer support for grief and loneliness.
Choose festive and joyful activities that work for you
Make a point of doing things that bring you joy, and consider starting some new holiday traditions of your own. Take some time to decorate part or all of your home, try out some new holiday recipes or begin a new hobby. You could travel somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit, take a class or join a book club.
While the holiday season can be challenging for seniors, it doesn’t have to be a time of loneliness and despair. By actively seeking out social connections, embracing technology, establishing routines and doing activities that spark joy, you can find plenty of wonder and fulfillment during this season.
Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and many resources are available to support mental health and well being.
This holiday season, don’t miss out on making things merry and bright. SL Source: spectrumcs.org/about/ blog/405-how-seniors-can-overcomedepression-and-loneliness-during-theholiday-season.
TIME TO TRAVEL Lakefront Park
Lakefront Park — a gem on Lake Toho, has a lot to offer
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
Can you say Lake Tohopekaliga? It does not matter; just say Lake Toho and enjoy some of what it has to offer.
What it has to offer is the City of Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park, a large gem of a community waterfront park that has something for just about everyone. And the park, at 201 Lakeview Drive, is less than 50 miles away from Melbourne and an easy drive on U.S. 192.
“We get locals and international travelers. We get quite a variety.”
— Yvette Passmore,
Florida Everglades Eco-Toon Tours
The park has wide promenades, paved walking trails, bicycle paths, pavilions, concessions and a marina, where visitors can take a pontoon boat tour. It offers beautiful views and wide-open spaces.
The property is many acres
of well-maintained waterfront park along Lake Toho that attracts residents, out-of-town visitors and sometimes even international tourists, who drop by for a relaxing day away from nearby major attractions.
“I usually come here three times a week,” Kissimmee resident Pamela Marsh said. “I just like to walk. They usually have a lot of stuff going on.”
It is not unusual to come across a wedding party, civic group gatherings or school children on outings at the park.
Yvette Passmore and her husband, Chris, own Florida Everglades EcoToon Tours, the pontoon boat that operates from the Big Toho Marina at the park. They also operate Captain and Tequila Dockside at the marina.
“The boat has been busy through the year,” she said.
Passmore said the park and the
boat tour attract wildlife adventurers, bird watchers and families.
“We get locals and international travelers,” she said. “We get quite a variety.”
On a recent weekday fall afternoon, dozens of people strolled, others sat on picnic mats on the lawn while several teenagers fished from the banks of the lake.
Lake Toho, which is about 23,000 acres, has long been known to be one of the best places to fish for bass.
192 passes through St. Cloud, where there are a variety of eateries.
The Catfish Place is one such eaterie that offers excellent catfish, shrimp and other seafood. The restaurant is located at 2324 13th Street in St. Cloud.
For more information about the park, visit kissimmee.gov/ParksRecreation-Events/Parks-TrailsPublic-Lands/Parks/KissimmeeLakefront-Park.
Every number from 1 to 9 must appear in:
• Each of the nine vertical columns
• Each of the nine horizontal rows
• Each of the nine different colored shapes
Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or color.
Solution on page 26 HOW TO SOLVE SUDOKU
A good place for lunch while visiting might be one of the two food concessions in the park. The drive back to the Melbourne area on U.S.
ADOPTION
Continued from page 3
students program at Eastern Florida State College. He also earned his associate degree at Eastern Florida State College before earning both his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree at Warner Southern.
As far as stepping up to the plate in a time of need, it didn’t take long.
“We didn’t have a choice,’’ Kerilynn Moss said. “That’s our family, that’s our blood and that’s what we do.’’
Back in 2011, becoming a mother
For information about the Lakefront Park pontoon boat tours, visit FloridaEvergladesEcoToonTours.com or call 407-717-1024. SL
again was the furthest thing from her mind.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer,’’ Moss said. “I had to give up having my own biological child. This baby is a promise fulfilled. Who knew that I would have a baby at 57.’’
Judge Charlie Crawford gave the closing remarks before the children and their new parents ran and walked the bases at the old spring training venue to conclude the touching event.
“This is awesome,’’ Crawford said. “I love it. It’s the best thing I do. Of all the stuff we do at the courthouse, it’s the best thing.’’ SL
SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody
Kissimmee Lakefront Park provides a relaxing day trip with paved walking trails, bicycle paths, pavilions, concessions and pontoon boat tours.
SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody
Lakefront Park in Kissimmee features a promenade, pavilions, concessions and a marina.
December Happy Holidays
1 2 3 4 5 6
Yarn Addicts
1 - 3 p.m.
Crocheting group.
DeGroodt Memorial Library
6475 Minton Road SE Palm Bay, 321-952-6317
Carols in the Park
December 1 to 24
6 - 8 p.m.
Enjoy holiday favorites performed by local schools, choirs and community talent.
The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390
Preventing Osteoporosis
1 p.m.
Speaker Susie Bond, RDN, LDN, will talk about preventing osteoporosis.
One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Painting with Pearl
10 a.m. - noon
A fun-filled instructor led class to paint your own watercolor or acrylic painting
Cocoa Public Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-633-1792
Comfort and Joy Holiday Concert
7 p.m.
Presented by the Brevard Chorale.
First United Methodist Church
206 S. Hopkins Ave. Titusville, 321-632-1111
Journey to Bethlehem
Family Movie Night
5 - 8 p.m.
The movie will be “The Star.”
Indian River Church 1355 Cheney Highway Titusville, 321-213-1013
Parrish Medical Center’s Gift of Light
5 - 7:30 p.m.
Tree lights and fireworks. Honor a loved one by placing a light on the tree. Crafts, music, dancing and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Parrish Medical Center 951 N. Washington Ave. Titusville 321-269-4066
Holiday Tree Lighting 6 - 8 p.m.
Nance Park 201 N. Miramar Ave. Indialantic 321-723-2242
Messiah Holiday Singalong 7 p.m. A beloved holiday tradition uniting hundreds of voices from across Central Florida.
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community 3050 N. Highway A1A Indialantic 855-252-7276
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Saint Teresa Choir Christmas Concert
4 - 5 p.m.
Saint Teresa Catholic Church 203 Ojibway Ave. Titusville, 321-268-3441
Fire Department
Holiday Open House
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Satellite Beach Fire Department 240 Jackson Ave. Satellite Beach 321-773-4405
Twilight Santa Departs 6 p.m. from Satellite Beach Fire Department, 240 Jackson Ave. Satellite Beach Visits Jackson Ave,.south to Park Ave. East 321773-4405
Music Monday 6 - 7 p.m. Dave DeLuca. Cape Canaveral Library 201 Polk Ave. Cape Canaveral 321-868-1101
Holiday Bingo 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. A night of festive fun, prizes and holiday cheer. 785 E. Merritt Island Causeway Merritt Island 321-765-9877
"A Holly Jolly Concert" Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 7 p.m. Presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band.
Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-724-0555
DeLaura Middle School 300 Jackson Ave. Satellite Beach 321-773-4407
Golf Cart Parade 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Orlando Park 1000 S. Ramona Ave. Indialantic 321-723-2242
26
A Haunting Holiday Family Ghost Tour
6 p.m.
A family-friendly journey through the spirited side of Cocoa Village, blending true history, holiday lore and ghostly tales. Cocoa Village 641 Brevard Ave. Cocoa, 321-222-7634
Calvary Chapel Viera 2852 Fellowship Place Viera, runsignup.com
27
Saturday Bird Walks 9 - 10 a.m. All levels of birders are welcome. Sam's House at Pine Island 6195 N. Tropical Trail Merritt Island 321-449-4720
Parades, events, Surfing Santas kick off holiday cheers
BY FLORA REIGADA
There is nothing better than to ring in the holiday season with a Christmas parade. And, there are parades and events across Brevard County from north to south, so there is likely one near you.
Mark your calendar with this year’s listing of parades and events.
CHRISTMAS PARADES
SATURDAY, DEC. 6
Merritt Island Holiday Parade
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Starts at Merritt Island High School, then south on Courtenay Parkway (State Road 3) to Edgewood Junior/ Senior High School on Merritt Avenue.
321-633-1874
Mims Christmas Parade
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Starts at Mims Elementary School. Hosted by the Mims Volunteer Fire Department at 2476 Taylor St. in Mims. Visit the Mims Volunteer Fire Department facebook page.
321-267-9652
Bible on Parade
2 p.m.
Celebrating the birth of Jesus, the parade will take place starting at and returning to the Melbourne Auditorium at 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. 321-773-1489 / jitk.org
Palm Bay Holiday Parade
6 p.m.
Begins at the Eastern Florida State College campus, proceeding to Malabar Road and ending at Minton Road in front of City Hall. 321-952-3443
FRIDAY, DEC. 12
Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade
6 p.m.
Begins where Barton Ave. meets the Indian River in Rockledge, heads north up the Intracoastal Waterway to the Cocoa Basin, loops in for viewing at the Cocoa Riverfront Park and continues north under the bridge and up the coast to Magnolia Point. 321-631-9075
SATURDAY, DEC. 13
Cocoa/Rockledge Holiday Parade
10 a.m.
Takes place from Rockledge High School and ends at Lee Wenner Park in Cocoa.
321-633-1874
Cocoa Beach Christmas Parade — Christmas in Toyland
2 p.m.
Takes place in downtown Cocoa Beach. cocoabeachkiwanis.org
Cocoa Beach Boat Parade
6 p.m.
Starts at Marker 101 near Centennial Park on State Road 520 and proceeds along the Intracoastal Waterway. cocoabeachrotary.org
Titusville Christmas Parade
6 p.m.
Starts at Titusville High School and proceeds to downtown Titusville. 321-267-7922 / ircchurch.org
FRIDAY, DEC. 19
Golf Cart Parade
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The parade will start at Orlando Park, 1000 South Ramona Ave.in Indialantic. 321-723-2242
Cocoa Village Holiday Bike Parade
6:30 p.m.
Decorated bike parade with holiday music. Begins at Cocoa Village Park, 401 River Edge Blvd. in Cocoa. 321-631-9075
SATURDAY, DEC. 20
Port St. John Christmas Parade 11 a.m.
Travels east along Fay Boulevard from Waterloo Avenue to Carole Ave. 321-863-7499 portstjphncommunityfoundation.com
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
THURSDAY, DEC. 4
Sensory Santa Visit 3 to 6 p.m.
For children and adults living with autism and other learning differences. Located at The Avenue Viera, 2261 Town Center Ave. 321-543-5390
FRIDAY, DEC. 5
Moonlight Music on the Promenade 6 to 9 p.m.
Admission to the concert is
complimentary, provided you bring along a brand new and unwrapped toy for the Cocoa Police Department Toy Drive. Located at the Cocoa Riverfront Park at 401 Riveredge Blvd. 321-631-9075
SATURDAY, DEC. 6
Light Up Rockledge 4 to 7 p.m.
Food and gift vendors, reindeer games, live music and Santa. Located at Rockledge City Hub, 530 Barton Blvd. in Rockledge. 321-221-7540
SUNDAY, DEC. 7
Santa Paws for the Cause 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Photos with Santa for pets and children. Benefit for Rescue Rebels by Cash 4 Canines at Myrt Tharpe Square at 12 Stone St. in Cocoa Village. 321-305-4584
Second annual Snow Party 2 to 4 p.m.
Holiday music, vendors and snow. All proceeds benefit the Brevard County Foster and Adoptive Parent Association. Located at Max Rodes Park, 3410 Flanagan Ave. in West Melbourne. 270-205-9388
Fire Department Holiday Open House 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Appearance by the Grinch and live musical performances. Located at the Satellite Beach Fire Department, 240 Jackson Ave. 321-773-4405
FRIDAY, DEC. 12
Christmas in the Park 6 to 9 p.m.
Located at the Eddie Lee Taylor Senior Community Center at 3316 Monroe St. in Melbourne. 321-608-7450
SATURDAY, DEC. 13
Holiday Illumination Celebration and Tree Lighting 3 to 7 p.m.
Holiday performances, tree lighting, food trucks, holiday market, gingerbread house competition and a 5K.zLocated at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway in Merritt Island. 321-243-0405
SATURDAY, DEC. 20
Run Run Santa 1 Mile 7:30 a.m.
Particpate in a run or walk. Meet at Calvary Chapel Viera at 2852 Fellowship Place. runsignup.com.
17th annual Family Christmas Extravaganza 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Food, live entertainment, games, pony rides, exhibits and special guests. Located at Fred Poppe Regional Park at 1951 Malabar Road NW in Palm Bay. 321-952-3400
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24
Surfing Santas of Cocoa Beach 7:30 a.m. to Noon Will take place at the end of Minutemen Causeway in front of Coconuts on the Beach. Admission is free. surfingsantas.org
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31
2025 New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Dance 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band at the Hilton Rialto, located at 200 Rialto Place in Melbourne. 321-339-7705. SL
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of CPRP Community Outreach Plenty of parades and events in Brevard County mark the Christmas season.
NORTH BREVARD
News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John
Parrish Healthcare partners with YMCA for fitness services
BY LINDA JUMP
The Parrish Health and Fitness Center at the Target Crossroads Shopping Plaza in Titusville will close Dec. 7, reopening early next year at 2200 Cheney Highway with YMCA of Central Florida management.
“This collaboration enables a continuum of care that bridges clinical services with communitybased wellness programs,” Parrish Healthcare President George Mikitarian said in a prepared statement. He said the partnership, a first for Parrish, will expand preventative health, rehabilitative and fitness services.
The YMCA will handle daily operations and provide fitness and wellness programs, while Parrish will provide physical therapy, an outpatient lab and other clinical services.
Current Parrish members can transfer membership to the YMCA and any of its Central Florida family centers for exercise and fitness for the interim, said Samantha Decker, the director of Communications and Community Affairs for Parrish
Both organizations partipated in the recent Boomer Bash Senior Fest at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum.
Healthcare.
Decker said the current fitness center pods will be replaced with an open concept, large group exercise rooms and a community conference room that can be reserved by community members. Additionally, more modern workout equipment is planned.
Museum closing,
BY MIKE GAFFEY
The American Police Hall of Fame & Museum in Titusville is closing after 22 years, but the museum’s building could eventually become the city’s new police headquarters and emergency operations center.
Titusville City Council members voted unanimously at a Nov. 11 meeting to approve a feasibility study by staff and professional consultants to potentially acquire the 50,000-square-foot museum at 6350 Horizon Drive.
Titusville City Manager Thomas Abbate said staffers recently toured the museum and determined it would be a good candidate to become a police and emergency operations hub.
Abbate said a cost estimate of consultation services for the feasibility study could be ready by the time of the council’s next meeting and that the council could expect a comprehensive report for review in early 2026.
“There is a sense of urgency because we’ve heard that there are other entities potentially also looking at the Police Hall of Fame for acquisition,” Abbate added. “However, they’ve told us that their preferred customer would be the city, because of the law enforcement connection to the Hall of Fame.”
Founded in 1960 by retired Police Chief Gerald Arenberg in North Port,
could
“This partnership has been well received by the community,” she said. The indoor pool will be reopened by 2027. She couldn’t immediately cite an estimate of the renovation cost.
“In conjunction with the nearby Titusville YMCA, our Brevard neighbors will now enjoy expanded access to the Y’s life-changing
“... our Brevard neighbors will now enjoy expanded access to the Y’s life-changing programs and services for all ages to keep our community strong and thriving.”
— Kevin Bolding
programs and services for all ages to keep our community strong and thriving,” said Kevin Bolding, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Florida. The Titusville YMCA is located at 2400 Harrison Street.
The YMCA’s goal is to improve overall health and youth empowerment as a Christian mission in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake and Marion counties.
Parrish Healthcare is a collaboration of hospitals, providers, insurers and community-based service partners. SL
open a home for Titusville Police
Florida, the museum was moved to a former FBI building in Miami in 1989. In 2001, construction began on the 50,000-square-foot facility adjacent to the former site of the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame. The police museum reopened in its new home in 2003.
Supported by the United States Law Enforcement Foundation, a national nonprofit, the museum features law enforcement exhibits, police vehicles, a shooting range and a memorial listing the names of more
than 11,500 officers killed in the line of duty, according to the museum’s website.
Museum officials proposed a major expansion in 2020 that included a 120-foot-tall eternal flame monument and a “Walk of Heroes.”
But Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $2.5 million in state funds for the project in 2023, and the museum faced a sharp drop in fundraising in 2023 and 2024.
On Oct. 28, Abbate told the City Council that museum officials told him that the museum would be closing and the facility would be available to the city.
County officials are also considering what to do about a fiveyear, $5 million tourism capital grant awarded the museum in Fiscal Year
2023 for its planned expansion.
Brevard County Government Communications Director Don Walker said in a statement that the county’s Tourism Development Council “placed a hold on any future payment requests and began reviewing previous invoices” after learning that the museum was closing.
“In total, the Hall of Fame received $1,944,329 from the five-year capital grant” and an additional $714,583 from a previous tourism grant in Fiscal Years 2020-23, Walker stated.
At the Tourism Development Council’s Nov. 12 meeting, Director Peter Cranis said the council will seek an audit from the Brevard County Clerk of Court’s Office to see whether any grant funds can be recouped.
SENIOR LIFE Caleb Nyberg
The YMCA and Parrish Health and Fitness Center have partnered to bring fitness and wellness care to residents of north Brevard County.
SENIOR LIFE photo
The American Police Hall of Fame & Museum at 6350 Horizon Drive in Titusville is closing after 22 years.
CROSSWORD
29. Streisand, in fanzines
33. Totally
34. Incline
36. Dairy farm sound
37. Social misfit
39. Come together
40. Don’s group, with “the”
41. Spur
43. Moves briskly
45. Mop wielders
48. Golfer’s gadget
49. Children’s card game
50. Spear vegetable
56. Target
57. Retain
58. Bound along
59. Layer
60. New Testament book
61. Lion’s share
DOWN
1. Spell-off
2. Tore
3. It’s measured in degrees
ACROSS
1. Lingerie purchases
5. It has a big mouth
9. Sharp left or right
12. Sandwich man?
13. Drill
14. Made a fast stop?
15. Hinders
17. Anonymous John
18. Family address
19. Bumbling
21. Persian potentates
24. fide
26. Try 27. Poi source
9. Shade of green
10. Surmounting
11. Sweet root
16. Sprays
20. Collar
21. Forest fellow
22. Healthy
23. Wagon part
24. Like some shoulders
25. Klutz’s cry
28. Mater leader
30. It’s loaded
31. Sack
32. Reacts emotionally
35. Oil of wintergreen, e.g.
38. Cold war grp.
42. Honshu city
44. Kingdom
45. Switch
46. Sing the blues
47. General assembly?
48. Bugle favorite
51. Flash
52. Stroke
53. Viscous stuff
4. Kind of fund
5. Drops 6. Heartache
7. Blow it
8. Varnish ingredient
54. Downs’ opposite
55. Rigid Solution on page 26
Volunteers of America opens new housing for disabled, low-income residents
BY LINDA JUMP
For the first time, Mike Hernandez has neighbors he calls friends, and Angel Rivera believes he can start a new life “going straight.”
Both men are among the first residents of Space Coast Commons in Palm Bay.
“Space Coast Commons represents
Space Coast Commons at 1981 Corvair St. SE in Palm Bay opened in early fall by Volunteers of America of Florida with 61 one- and two-bedroom apartments for low-income families and individuals, those with special needs and homeless households.
a significant step toward addressing the affordable housing crisis in Palm Bay. … Residents don’t need to couch surf,” said Janet Stringfellow, the CEO/President of Volunteers of America of Florida, which built the units for low-income families, individuals with special needs and the homeless.
The 31-unit affordable housing project held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last month. The $9 million Section 8 facility at 1981 Corvair St. SE took just over a year to be built by M. H. Williams Construction Group of Melbourne, ahead of projections. The site offers one and two-bedroom fullyfurnished apartments with laundry facilities, a community room and onsite parking.
Hernandez moved in October with just a few boxes at his third place since
Get out, get involved, mingle, renew friendships
It’s the season to be jolly! Seniors who live long lives are involved in all types of activities. They participate. They get out and socialize.
Look for opportunities to attend holiday events, concerts, parties and family gatherings. Don’t make excuses.
Recently, I attended a senior event at the Eau Gallie Baptist Church. A large group mingled at round tables. They had a warm-up activity that triggered memories. The potluck lunch was outstanding with choices for all diets.
Regular attenders welcomed new arrivals. A speaker with a brief message provided — Secrets for living a long life.
At a recent presentation at One Senior Place, Lisa Conway outlined a lot of benefits of socializing. During the holiday period, many people feel alone and reflect on times gone by.
Create new memories. Senior centers, Bingo, travel clubs like the Satellite Beach 50+ Club, AARP Chapter programs and many church groups look forward to welcoming new participants.
You will improve your mental health, reduce your loneliness and create new friendships by getting out. Bake some cookies and call some neighbors and friends to come over to enjoy tea or coffee with your sweets. Accept invitations. Need a ride? Call a friend, Uber, Lyft, Stellar or check Volunteers in Motion (321transit.com).
Send greeting cards and include an invitation for an afternoon tea, a glass of wine or “Dutch Treat” lunch at a local restaurant. Don’t stay isolated.
Challenges of Living to Age 100
Ed Baranowski
Use your email address files. Connect with old friends and neighbors. How about a cookie exchange?
Go to the Strawbridge Art Gallery in downtown Melbourne to get your art museum fix. The all-inclusive artist group changes exhibits each month. Gift items are available. Sit down, relax, visit, observe, enjoy and consider joining.
When my father lived in a retirement home, he checked the mail delivery time. He sat in a chair near the boxes. As he pretended to read his mail, he greeted others. Other residents would stop for a chat and catch up on world events.
Join with others to decorate your residence, your church or condo clubhouse. Involve local family with decorating and other holiday activities. Can’t get out? Use your telephone. Call old friends. There is a wow with the direct contact. You can often renew old friendships with a direct call. Celebrate. Do it now. 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.
moving to the area from upstate New York six years ago to be near his sister. “I never thought I’d have a brandnew home with all this furniture. I’m disabled, and this is my forever home,” he said.
Rivera was able to adopt Luna, an Australian Blue Heeler, from Canines for Vets after moving to the Commons this fall. The former Marine said, “I don’t know my future, but for this year I’m going straight. I had everything and lost it. After my divorce, I was done,” he said. Suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, now, he said, he’s hopeful.
Kera Beard, the development manager, said the building is nearly full, with two families moving in soon and leaving two remaining. Rent is no more than 60 percent of a resident’s income, with a few units reserved
for extremely low-income residents. Beard said she was once a single mother working three jobs and living nearby “who would have loved such a beautiful place for people to come to heal.”
Volunteers of America is a faithbased nonprofit operating since 1986 with programs in 47 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to serve more than 2 million people. VOA signed a 99-year lease with the City of Palm Bay and partnered with Brevard nonprofits for screening and counselors.
Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina said his passion is for veterans. “I trust Volunteers of America,” he said.
“As we approach Christmas, we offer thanks for (being able) to offer our residents the silent night they deserve,” Stringfellow said. SL
SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump
SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump Angel Rivera, 63, shares a glance with Luna, a Canines for Veterans Australian Blue Heeler. Rivera is among the first to move into Space Coast Commons in Palm Bay.
