Senior Life, April 2020

COVID-19 Helpful Articles & Resources VOLUME 22

ISSUE 12

April 2020

Pages 5 & 6

OF FLORIDA

myseniorlife.com

Garage of memories Vintage firetruck at man’s home for sale Story, page 7

SENIOR LIFE L. A. Davis

Bill Purdue plans to sell his vintage firetruck before moving into a senior living complex.

Cherishing photos, page 8

SENIOR LIFE 7630 N. Wickham Road, No. 105 Viera, FL 32940

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Small growers survive, survive, page 18

Island of history, history, page 28

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Space Coast still full of diverse, healthy fruit treasures Do you know about all the tropical fruits grown here on the Space Coast?

While citrus groves have dwindled because of freezes and diseases, growers here in Brevard County are harvesting a variety of tropical fruits such as mango, guava, fig, sapodilla, papaya and lychee.

There still is some citrus, but many small growers have turned to other fruits while still growing some oranges.

In a story in this edition of Senior Life, we tell you about some of those growers and what they are doing.

For those interested in planting their own tropical fruits, check out the Brevard Tropical Fruit Club at brevardtropicalfruitclub.com/.

As I drive through the Viera traffic circle, I have often wondered if people know how to navigate it or are comfortable getting in and out of the roundabout. I wondered because I have seen near-misses and accidents there. I realize that some of you might have driven in large traffic circles elsewhere in the United States or abroad. But still, there were those questions in my mind. So, we decided to do a how to navigate the circle story, relying on experts to tell you.

Again, here we rely on the experts. There are certain vaccinations to fight pneumonia, flu and shingles that doctors recommend for people 65 and older. But often, some seniors might resist getting those shots. So, we decided to ask area doctors to tell us what shots you should get and what to expect. We share that information with you in this edition.

We also tell you about our military veterans, including a profile of a husband and wife who served and now live here in Brevard County. And, this is only one of the veterans’ stories we bring you each month.

In each edition of Senior Life, we bring you stories about our veterans and some of the extraordinary things other boomers and seniors are doing on the Space Coast and how they are participating and contributing to the community.

And as usual, we always are open to hearing your feedback, comments and suggestions for stories. That’s because our aim is to bring you the best, since we intend to continue to be the award-winning publication you have come to expect. SL R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com

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Short life of special needs child touched many

BY GEORGE WHITE

my gift from God. I think her brother and sister learned a great deal from her, too.”

“Writing the book helped me find my new normal. I wanted to put her brother and sister in there as superheroes because they were,’’ she said.

Learning the profound joy of caring for a special needs child is at the heart of the children’s book “How I Became a Superhero” by Phyllis Hoppes of Titusville. It was published in 2018 by Page Publishing Inc. of New York.

The book was Hoppes’ way of memorializing her youngest child Ashley, who was a special needs child. At age 3, Ashley was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease and cri du chat syndrome. Although the prognosis was for her to live to about age 8, she lived until age 19. The family’s other two kids, all born seven years apart, are typically abled.

Phyllis and her husband Rick took turns providing 24hour care throughout while both worked to help cover a mountain of medical expenses.

Ashley could never SENIOR LIFE photo Phyllis Hoppes was inspired to write a children’s book walk, never eat by after caring for her special needs child for 19 years. mouth and could not go outside for fear of getting sick.

“Special needs kids need to have “I started working on it two years superheroes: people who just want to after she passed away. She was just a read a book to them or sit down and neat kid — full of energy. The most talk or play with them and treat them wonderful little girl and she was as a typical kid. They laugh and giggle terminally ill. You could have the and have fun.” worst day in the world and you could Hoppes’ follow-up book is about come into her room and she would Ashley’s service dog, a beloved Saint brighten you up,” she said.

Bernard named Mo Mo. SL Ashley weighed about 35 pounds — about the size of a 4 year old.

“She basically was my baby that never grew up. We kept her at home and kept nurses and all the medical equipment we needed in our house.

We took care of her as best we could.’’

Mentally, she was about age 3 but she could understand a lot. She spoke about 20 words and the rest she used basic sign language. She could

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I learned so much from that little girl. I truly believe she was

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Volume 22, Number 12 Senior Life of Florida 7630 N. Wickham Road, Suite 105 Viera, FL 32940

Table of contents ©2020 Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. All rights reserved

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myseniorlife.com jill@myseniorlife.com

VOLUME 22

OF FLORIDA

ISSUE 11

myseniorlife.com

March 2020

Veteran’s history preserved

10-11 SENIOR LIVING SHOWCASE

Research brings new opportunities for Florida growers

Editor R. Norman Moody

Story, page 7

12-13 STRIPES VETERANS

Office Manager Sylvia Montes

Director of Business Development Kathi Ridner Art Director Adam Palumbo

Design Hannah Peterson Copy Editor Jeff Navin

Photographers Klinton Landress Darrell Woehler

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

Frank Sullivan has not given up on the potential of a citrus rebirth in Brevard County.

myseniorlife.com Cricket’s a hit in Brevard, page 3

Boomer Guide draws all, page 11

Goats clear Peppertrees, page 19

Viera continues to grow, grow, page 29

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.

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Feature Writers

Ernest Arico Ed Baranowski Chris Bonanno Marcia Booth Brenda Eggert Brader L. A. Davis Sammy Haddad Chloe Ho Jennifer H. Monaghan Flora Reigada Maria Sonnenberg John Trieste George White

7 NEIGHBORS

8 TECH KNOW TIDBITS

page 12

Citrus family still hopeful

Publisher Jill Blue

APRIL 2020

Gary J. Hardoon, M.D. Ami A. Bhatt, M.D. Lawrence Nelson M.D. Shannon Spreitzer Nikka Cohan APRN, DNP APRN Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Internal Medicine Family Medicine Family Medicine

Edition 2020 No. 14

Angela Armellini APRN

Laura Moncada APRN

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FREE SENIOR RESOURCE MAGAZINE

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

22-28 COLUMNISTS

30 NORTH BREVARD NEWS 33 BCOA NEWS

35 BOOMER SENIOR SENTIMENTS

COUPONS & DISCOUNTS ART

Celebrating 23 Years

GALLERY OF VIERA

Boomer Guide —the best resource guide in Brevard!

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.

Footprints Travel

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Cedar Creek

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RiverView Senior Resort

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Fidelity Tax Professionals

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2020 Boomer Guide

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Air Gagers A/C & Heating

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Personal Hearing Solutions pg. 34 Sharing Center Boutique Walgreens

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This innovative program is supported by an amazing group of volunteers who serve because they care. Unfortunately, the demand for services is higher than what the current program can support. A few hours of your support once or twice a week (or more) can make an incredible difference. The program operates on weekdays, Monday through Friday. If you enjoy working with people of all ages and making a difference in their life, this is a great volunteer position for you!

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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

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COVID-19

Helpful Articles & Resources

BE PREPARED: • Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation. Know where to turn for reliable, up-to-date information in your local community. Monitor the CDC COVID-19 website and your state and local health department for the latest information.

• Develop, or review, your facility’s emergency plan. A COVID-19 outbreak in your community could lead to staff absenteeism. Prepare alternative staffing plans to ensure as many of your facility’s staff are available as possible.

• Establish relationships with key healthcare and public health partners in your community. Make sure you know about healthcare and public health emergency planning and response activities in your community. Learn about plans to manage patients, accept transfers, and share supplies. Review any memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with affiliates, your healthcare coalition, and other partners to provide support or assistance during emergencies.

• Create an emergency contact list. Develop and continuously update emergency contact lists for key partners and ensure the lists are accessible in key locations in your facility. For example, know how to reach your local or state health department in an emergency.

IMPORTANT LINKS: ALERT BREVARD - www.member.everbridge.net/892807736724796/login CDC MANAGING STRESS - www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html CDC CORONA VIRUS PAGE - www.cdc.gov/coronavirus CDC CORONA VIRUS FACT SHEET - www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf CDC CARING FOR SOMEONE AT HOME - www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/care-for-someone FLORIDA HEALTH CORONA VIRUS PAGE - www.floridahealthcovid19.gov GOVERNMENT UPDATES - www.whitehouse.gov WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION ADVICE PAGE - www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 Patients with COVID-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness.

Symptoms* can include

STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

FEVER

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

COUGH

*Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19-symptoms CS 315252-A March 16, 2020, 1:32PM

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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

5

COVID-19

Helpful Articles & Resource

How to help locally with coronavirus preparations

BY PAUL KRUPIN Coronavirus concerns are on everyone’s mind. One of the most important questions that looms large is how we can help each other. How can we each make a difference?

Many people have families, friends, neighbors, the clubs and religious groups as a robust frontline support system. However, there are other people who do not have a support network and who will need help.

Here are some ideas on what you can do to help.

Organize a local support group Create a local neighborhood support circle and write down the names of people, their addresses, phone numbers, email and social media.

Call on seniors, people who live alone, families with elderly or small children, or people with learning or physical disabilities.

Adopt a neighbor Look for vulnerable people. Check on people regularly. Stay aware of their situation. Ask them what they need.

Make contact now, especially with people who are in a high-risk category, who might be in need or do

not have a healthy caregiver. Offer to assist with normal day-to-day tasks that become difficult if someone gets sick. Like moving garbage pails to the curb and grabbing the mail.

Consider cooking extra food and bringing pre-cooked meals for families in which everyone or the main caregivers are sick. Practice doorway and porch delivery.

Volunteer Many organizations are looking for volunteers, especially students and young people, to help provide additional capabilities during the next four to six months.

If you are healthy, send them an email, contact them through their websites or social media pages, or call them and offer them help.

Donate to the food banks, homes, shelters Food banks will accept canned goods and unopened packaged goods not yet expired. They also will welcome financial donations.

If you have extra supplies at home, consider building a care package. Things in short supply include: hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, soaps, rags, tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, sponges, mops, plastic or latex gloves, buckets, soaps, laundry detergent and

disinfectant.

If you have extra new bottles of cold medicines. these also will be provided to those in need.

Some of the organizations are instituting procedures for remote drop off of donations and drive through pickup of care packages. Pay attention to new procedures to reduce the risk of face-to-face exposure.

Home delivery/store pickups Most of the major local grocery stores and chains offer online shopping with both in-store pickup and home delivery options. InstaCart (Instacart.com) and Rosies App (RosiesApp.com) have websites that can be searched by location to identify the participating stores in the local area.

If you know of a home-bound, less than capable, self-quarantined person or family, volunteer to go and pick up their purchases and deliver it to them.

Use your phone to make porch and doorway deliveries to reduce the risk of face-to- face exposure.

Deep clean and disinfection everywhere As an extra precaution, clean anything that people can touch frequently. Disinfect often-touched surfaces such as counters, chairs, phones, door handles, keypads,

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TV remote controls, kitchen and stovetops, desks and restroom surfaces.

Place a spray bottle and disposable paper wipes with disinfectant in your car. If you are out and about, wear gloves and wash commonly touched surfaces (doorbells, door handles, railings) before and after you touch them.

Get in this habit: Clean.

Touch. Clean again. Everything.

Everywhere. Every time. Everyone.

Get outside Event and school cancellations and travel restrictions are going to drive people inside. One of the best ways to de-stress and increase social distancing is to get outside. SL About the author Paul Krupin is a retired environmental specialist and attorney with 27 years of experience with numerous federal government agencies and another 20 years in industry. He was trained as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), nuclear emergency management team member, wilderness first aid responder, and was a county civil defense director in Idaho. He can be reached at pjkrupin@gmail.com.

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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

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Neighbors Vintage firetruck full of fond memories

BY L. A. DAVIS Not everyone has a full-size vintage firetruck in their shed. Merritt Island residents Bill and Jane Purdue have something to please the whole neighborhood.

“It’s a 1938 Ford Darley, opencab, 500-gallon pumper,” Bill Purdue said. “I call the shed my ‘firehouse.’

At one time, I had three engines in the firehouse and one sitting out back.

I’ve sold all but this one.”

Purdue, 86, is selling his last truck now because he and Jane Purdue, a retired nurse, are moving to a senior living complex. Obviously, the truck can’t go with them.

But Daisy, the family dog — a dalmation, of course — probably will.

“We are working on that,” said Jane Purdue. “Bill and Daisy rang bells for the Salvation Army at Christmastime. I believe they set a record — collected over $1,000 in a few hours.”

Although they have enjoyed the firehouse, early in their marriage there were no firetrucks.

Bill Purdue had to do some fast talking when he brought the first firetruck home in 1968. Their son, Will Purdue, was only 3 years old.

The younger Purdue, a Merritt Island High and Vanderbilt University graduate, went on to play basketball for the Chicago Bulls. After he retired from playing, he became an analyst for NBC. Bill Purdue, who is a retired U.S. Air Force reservist and volunteer

SENIOR LIFE L. A. Davis

A fan of vintage firefighting equipment, Bill Purdue once had four fire trucks.

He must now sell the last one – a 1938 Ford Darley.

Merritt Island firefighter, also held engineering jobs at Kennedy Space Center. He was on active duty at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia when he was told a nearby fire station was selling a 1928 American LaFrance 1,000 gallon pumper.

An avid fan since childhood, Purdue made the purchase. But, he didn’t tell his wife.

“I heard this loud engine and the house started shaking,” Jane Purdue said. “That’s when he had to admit he bought a firetruck.”

To accommodate that firetruck, the Purdues purchased two-plus acres on Merritt Island to build the “firehouse.”

“We built the shed before the house,” Bill Purdue said, noting they became enthusiastic collectors of vintage firefighting equipment. “Every summer, Jane would take Will back to the family farm in Virginia for a visit while I was on active duty. We would drive back to Florida loaded with potatoes and all sorts of produce.

We would stop at every antique shop along the way looking for vintage firefighting equipment.”

“We looked like ‘Sanford and Son,’ Jane Purdue added, “but we got a lot of great things.”

Bill Purdue said he is sad to sell his last firetruck.

“I put 40,000 miles on that truck,” he said. “Even though it’s open cab, I once drove it all the way to Massachusetts for a big national convention. There were 218 firetrucks there. We won the prize for driving the longest distance.” SL

Join Volunteers in Motion to make a difference SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE Imagine the ideal volunteer experience … then dream of one that is so personally rewarding you’ll be inspired to sign up today.

Volunteers in Motion provides transportation for individuals who are unable to use other Space Coast Area Transit services. The program offers transportation to locations such as medical facilities, pharmacies and grocery stores. Since its inception, Volunteers in Motion has assisted thousands of individuals who would otherwise be unable to live at home independently.

Program volunteers are provided training classes, state-of-the-art vehicles, gas and insurance, uniform shirts and cell phones during volunteer hours.

“We evaluated multiple volunteer opportunities, so that we could invest our time in something that provided the maximum value. We saw just how much this program was needed, and the fact that the county provided the vehicles and covered the liability aspect helped seal the deal. But the bottom line is, we really enjoy helping

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people. And that’s what it’s all about; people helping people,” Jim and Cinda Shanteau said.

This innovative program is supported by an amazing group of volunteers who serve because they care. Unfortunately, the demand for services is higher than what the current program can support. A few hours of support once or twice a week (or more) can make an incredible difference. The program operates on weekdays — Monday through Friday.

If you enjoy working with people of all ages and making a difference in their life, this is a great volunteer position.

“I decided to volunteer for the program for my own therapy. I found doing good for other people helped me stop thinking about my own problems.

Volunteering time and efforts toward an organization that is helping somebody less fortunate than you is time very well spent. Serving others has helped make me a well-rounded person,’’ Roger Widmann said.

Volunteer positions include vehicle operators, who transport clients throughout Brevard County. They drop off and pick up clients at medical

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Volunteers in Motion

Volunteers in Motion may be the only transportation for many in the community. facilities, transport wheelchairs and walkers, help clients with shopping and grocery bags, and help drop off and pick up prescriptions. Office support staff also are needed to answer phones, file and perform data entry functions.

When joining Volunteers In Motion, volunteers will receive instant gratification and see the expression of joy on the face of every single person that is helped.

There are no out-of-pocket expenses for program volunteers.

Driving a new van, volunteers will pick up and drop off those with limited mobility, assist them with

shopping, or possibly go with them to medical appointments. For many, it’s their only form of transportation.

With little time and effort, you are their ticket to independence. Will you step up and be their hero? To find out more, call 321-635-7999 or email info@321Transit.com.

“We volunteer once a week and have a wonderful time. The clients are all so appreciative, they just love us!

When we come home we feel so good, it’s like the best day of our life. It’s nothing monetary; it’s just a heartfelt thing. Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll need someone and they’ll be there for us,’’ Katie Smeltzer said. SL

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

7

Tech Know Tidbits Printing digital photos now easier than ever before

BY CHLOE HO In the age of digital photos, with every photo on a phone or a computer, we can miss the feeling of having tangible printed photos to display.

Having physical photos on display in the home or to share with friends and family will always be a great way to cherish special memories and does not need to be sacrificed in the digital age. In fact, printing digital photos might have become even easier than ever before.

Similar to the traditional polaroid camera, the polaroid portable printer can print photos any time, any place, without worrying about getting a bad shot. After taking photos on a smartphone, select the photo to print in the Polaroid app and that photo is printed on a portable printer in a matter of seconds.

All the portable printer needs is photo paper, which can be loaded easily into the paper tray and charged with a Micro USB cable. It requires no ink cartridges, making the printing process simple and easy. Instead, the printer uses heat activated crystal technology to bring the photo’s colors to life.

This printer works completely wirelessly by connecting to a device using Bluetooth technology. This

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Smart phones connect to portable printers using Bluetooth. elimination of wires and how the printer easily fits in any pocket, similarly to a phone, makes it great for vacations, events and working on the go.

The portable printer improves on the traditional printed pictures using modern technology. Wireless bluetooth printing, the elimination of ink cartridges and on the go printing

has made printing out favorite memories easier than ever before.

For Polaroid portable photo printers, go to polaroid.com/zipinstant. SL

Partnership allows for destination travels for hospice patients, families

BY CHRIS BONANNO A partnership between Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice & Palliative Care and a Cleveland-based company is set to allow local hospice patients to virtually visit dream destinations.

Wuesthoff has partnered with Flight to Remember Foundation, a non-profit organization that specializes in recording videos from drones, to provide memories for families of patients that are either at home or in hospice care and are unable to travel.

“We really believe in final wishes,” said Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice & Palliative Care executive director Sara Beil. “Let’s take a patient to the beach, let’s take a patient to the zoo.”

The drones are able to take videos from either local places or far-away locations with Flight to Remember, according to Beil. Drone videos have been taken in places such as Las Vegas, Arizona’s Grand Canyon and even Europe.

“They get the footage, whether it’s grandma’s backyard or that one special place they wanted to go,” Beil said.

Beil said the videos normally cost about $200, but they’re provided free to Wuesthoff. Beil also noted that families get to keep the videos, which

8

Drone footage is shown from a Flight to Remember produced video. she said are of the “absolute highest quality.”

Though Beil said Wuesthoff has not yet had any requests as of March 16 for videos, she did express enthusiasm for the videos that are to be made in the future.

“It’s something that the family can

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Flight to Remember

share together,” Beil said. “… This is something that they can hold on to.”

Ashley Davis, the Flight to Remember director, also expressed excitement for the partnership in a release put out by Wuesthoff.

“We are proud to be partnering with an organization like Wuesthoff,”

Davis said. “They truly care about providing quality care and experiences for their patients. And, offering this service is another example of their dedication.”

For information about Flight to Remember, go to flighttoremember. org. SL

myseniorlife.com

FREE ONLINE YOUTH

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Charlie Corbiel

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A Youth Art, Photography and Writing Contest is being sponsored by the Viera Voice in an effort to raise awareness on how to protect our wildlife and nature habitat.

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Creative writing about wildlife or conservation

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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

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Senior Living Chateau Madeleine increases activities, restricts access to residents

BY R. NORMAN MOODY The coronavirus pandemic pushed many into social distancing. For some senior living facilities such as Chateau Madeleine Senior Living and Memory Care, that has meant allowing only essential personnel on its campus in order to protect residents.

“There are a lot of things going on with seniors and lockdown,” said Eric Hardoon, the executive director of Chateau Madeleine. “Depression could set in.”

But Chateau Madeleine is not about to let boredom and depression set in with residents at its modern, new facility in Suntree.

It has increased the number of activities and events to keep residents involved, entertained and happy.

He said residents are well cared for physically and that their mental well being is very important. Every available personnel has been recruited to help with stepping up events and activities for residents.

“We are big into getting our

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Chateau Madeleine

Chateau Madeleine has increased activities and events for its residents.

residents involved in our activities and events,” Hardoon said.

He has taken extraordinary steps to make sure residents are well at a time when contact must be restricted to protect them from the COVID-19 virus. In addition, the facility is using its website, social media and a photo sharing site so family members will see and know what is happening with their loved ones at Chateau Madeleine.

Family members and friends can go to suntreeseniorliving.com or to the facility’s Facebook site. Photos are being uploaded through Smugmug. com so photos can be shared with family.

“If they want to do video conferencing, we’ll set it up,” Hardoon said.

He said the staff will set up What’s App to do video links with family members.

This is a virtual window to Chateau Madeleine,” Hardoon said. “It’s all about mental wellbeing.” SL

Space fans can send AstroGrams messages into space

BY GEORGE WHITE The recent ramp up of the commercial and manned space programs bodes well for the introduction of a new way for space fans to support and share the program — AstroGrams actually launched into space, to the moon, Mars or a roundtrip to the International Space Station.

AstroGrams Inc. is backed by Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke, who had met founder Tom O’Connor years ago doing space-related charity work. They started brainstorming about how to help instill enthusiasm into the space program, especially among young people who one day will fill its ranks.

“AstroGrams will allow anyone to send their own message into space, enabling them to celebrate, commemorate or communicate an important event.”

— Charlie Duke Duke remembered that he had left a photo of his family on the moon as a unique gesture.

“It was my desire to make my family part of the mission, so this was my way of taking them with me and recognizing the role they have played in my life,’’ Duke said. “AstroGrams will allow anyone to send their own message into space, enabling

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SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

AstroGrams are available for free to pediatric patients facing tough medical battles. The company dedicates a portion of each payload to accommodate them, according to Tom O’Connor. them to celebrate, commemorate or communicate an important event or loved one in a truly unique way.”

Added O’Connor: “It was very striking and was a fantastic thought that you’re not just there alone, you’re there together as a family.’’

AstroGrams are available for free to pediatric patients facing tough medical battles. The company dedicates a portion of each payload to accommodate them, according to O’Connor.

Customers inscribe a small aluminum plaque with their name and a message. It is then sent into

space. They can stay involved — from start to finish — through regular communications about the launch and progress of their AstroGram. It includes a live stream of the launch where permitted, as well as other communications.

Following the launch, customers are sent certificates signed by the launch director and Duke and a copy of the manifest to prove that the AstroGrams were carried aboard the rocket or sent back from the space station.

The inaugural AstroGrams launch flew aboard a Firefly Alpha

rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Other launches are expected this year from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, he said.

Companies have offered to fly cremains as a space memorial for many years, including Celestis, a Houston-based company created in 1994. To date, AstroGrams and its offerings and economy remain unique in the market, according to O’Connor.

The cost of AstroGrams starts at $99 to $198, depending on the destination. For information, go to AstroGrams.com. SL

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

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SeniorLife

STRIP STRI PES

Brevard Veterans News

VA announces award for Palm Bay Clinic

SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE

The Orlando VA Healthcare System has announced the award of a lease to 5200 Professional Center LLC to house its new Palm Bay Clinic.

The Palm Bay Clinic will be located at 5200 Babcock Street in Palm Bay. The new clinic will provide

approximately 8,500 square feet of space, which will open in phases. The first phase will provide primary care services to veterans already enrolled in care at the Viera Health Care Center. Basic laboratory services also will be available at the initial phase.

The need for future services will be evaluated as the clinic develops and will be determined and based on the care demands of veterans utilizing

the clinic.

Congressman Bill Posey helped to obtain approval for the Palm Bay facility.

“After almost eight years of working toward this important goal, I’m pleased that Palm Bay area veterans will now soon be able to get the VA medical services they need closer to home in Palm Bay. With almost 35,000 veterans enrolled at

the Viera Clinic, this new primary care VA facility will help the VA keep up with the growing demand for services.”

Activation of the Palm Bay Clinic is expected to be completed by June 1, with patients being seen during the first week of June.

For information, call 407-6314436 or go to vhaorlpublicaffairs@ va.gov. SL

Operation Warm Heart helps needy military families This year was no different for the support that enlisted members and families with needs received from the Military Officers Association of America Cape Canaveral chapter.

The military takes care of its own, but there are certain expenses that some junior enlisted members

might encounter for which they need additional help.

MOAACC takes care of some of those expenses through its donations to Operation Warm Heart.

For more than 27 years, the MOAA organization of retired, former and current military officers has been

supporting operation Warm Heart at Patrick Air Force Base through the 45th Space Wing.

In 2015, the Good Deed Foundation of the MOAACC chapter took over the mission of supporting the junior enlisted members and their families.

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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

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STRIPES

Veterans’ Advocate R. Norman Moody

always worth noting that residents of Brevard, especially veterans, do not hesitate when it comes to supporting veterans or current service members.

MOAACC supports students with scholarships and honors those headed to military academies. But that is just a small part of what these officers do in the community.

The MOAACC donations go to Warm Heart, which is administered as a non-governmental support mission by the First Sergeant’s Council at Patrick Air Force Base.

It offers junior enlisted personnel, spouses and children funds to cover financial hardships, unreimbursed hardship travel, holiday and special expenses, as well as some family events during the year.

In February, the chapter presented a donation of $5,000 to the First Sergeant’s Council. The traditional presentation ceremony usually is made earlier but because of a busy rocket launch schedule, the presentation by the Good Deed Foundation was delayed until Feb. 11. MOAACC is the largest donor to the Operation Warm Heart fund.

MOAACC has been active in Brevard County since 1958. The group includes retired and former officers, active duty members from all branches of the military, as well as spouses and surviving spouses. Many of its members are residents of Indian River Colony Club in Viera. They are involved in many worthy causes on the Space Coast. SL

myseniorlife.com

Love blossomed at West Point for cadet couple

BY MARIA SONNENBERG West Point might not seem to be a top romantic spot, but the United States Military Academy served to bring together Rick Funk and his wife, Kathy Ann. Rick and Kathy Ann were part of West Point’s Class of 1980, the first class that admitted women. Rick defers to Kathy Ann when it comes to West Point achievements.

“He called us and told us he could hardly talk or walk.”

— Rick Funk “Kathy Ann was the secondhighest ranking woman in the class and graduated in the top five percent academically,” said Rick, the lead pastor at the Melbourne Beach campus of Advent Lutheran Church.

Engaged as cadets, Rick and Kathy Ann were not allowed to marry until after graduation. They will celebrate their 40th anniversary this December.

Being a military couple posed long-distance challenges for the young couple, as Rick attended the Armor Officer Basic Course in Fort Knox, Kentucky, while Kathy Ann pursued the Military Intelligence Basic Course in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. When she was assigned as a military intelligence officer to Fort Benning, Georgia while he attended flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama to become a Scout helicopter pilot, compromise was required.

“We each commuted an hour,” Rick said.

Fortunately, their next assignment took both of them to the same location, Wurzburg, Germany. In 1986, the couple was back to Fort Rucker, where Rick worked for the Army Aviation Combat Developments Office. Kathy Ann went into the Army Reserves and became mom to Kelly Lee. Rick’s West Point mentor, a chaplain, proved pivotal in his later career choice.

“I wanted to be like him,” Rick said.

The couple moved to Boston so Rick could pursue a master’s of divinity degree at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, a prerequisite for Army chaplains. He kept his wings serving as a helicopter pilot for the Army Reserves, later re-entering active duty, this time as an Army chaplain deployed to Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

In 1992, Rick again left active duty for the Reserves and a job as civilian chaplain at West Point, working for his mentor, Chaplain Dick Camp. As an Army reservist, Kathy Ann joined West Point as a faculty member in the Russian Department.

The next chapter of the Funks’ life took them to Stony Brook School, a Christian boarding school in New York, to Fort Collins, Colorado to start a church, and to the tiny island of Kwajalein, which is part of the Marshall Islands. Here, Rick was the civilian Protestant chaplain, while Kathy Ann worked as engineering manager for the ALTAIR missile defense radar system. Both of their daughters graduated high school in the minute slip of land with 1,500 inhabitants.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Rick and Kathy Ann Funk

Rick and Kathy Ann Funk graduated from West Point in 1980.

After another stint in Colorado, the Funks were Florida-bound to be closer to Rick’s mentor, who was dying of Parkinson’s.

“He called us and told us he could hardly talk or walk,” Rick said.

The former helicopter pilot became chaplain for VITAS Hospice and later the lead pastor at Advent’s beachside campus. Kathy Ann works for Riverside Research as a systems engineer on missile defense radars. Rick’s versatile wife also is Melbourne Municipal Band’s flute

section leader, a private pilot with her own Cessna 172 and a ham radio operator.

Rick, no slouch in the activities department, biked 1,400 miles of the Pacific Northwest in 2011. Author of a 12-week spiritual fitness program, the well-balanced pastor once held the Guinness Book of World Records mark for balancing 18 milk crates on his chin.

That is a well-balanced individual.

SL

Community service earns IRCC resident induction to Hall of Fame

BY MARIA SONNENBERG When Indian River Colony Club neighbor retired Lt. Col. Skip Taylor recommended that Juan Santiago be considered for the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame, the retired Sergeant First Class and his wife, retired Lt. Col. Carmen Nizzi-Santiago, were floored.

“We didn’t even know there was a Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame,” Carmen said.

They know now after Santiago was selected for the 2019 Class to the Hall of Fame. It recognizes veterans who, through their military service and beyond, have made significant contributions to the Sunshine State.

Santiago was one of only 16 in the state to be honored with the award last year.

A native of Puerto Rico, the 81-year-old Santiago served in the Army for 22 years, including five years in Vietnam, where he earned two Purple Hearts. After retirement, Santiago, as he puts it, “followed his wife” to assignments in Germany and Italy where, while working as a GS recreation specialist, he saved the life of an Air Force major general who had suffered a heart attack.

In 1992, the couple moved to IRCC and Santiago began working with the

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Juan Santiago

Retired Sgt. First Class Juan Santiago has been inducted into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame.

Florida Marlins in their minor league operations at Space Coast Stadium.

When not working, he would walk through the stands to talk to veterans.

During his 15 years as a U.S.

Army Recruiting Command Center of Influence/VIP, Santiago has worked closely with Brevard, Osceola and Pasco counties Army recruiters, interfacing with businesses, schools

STRIPES

and families in a variety of events.

With more than 1,500 hours at high school classrooms and special events, Santiago has connected with students in all of Brevard’s 16 high schools. He has mentored students on life goals, citizenship and service.

Santiago also often can be found at JROTC competitions, coaching and encouraging cadets.

For more than two decades, Santiago has adopted the widow of an Army buddy. He calls the now-almost 100 year old, with no close relatives, twice a day, visits her several times a week, shops for her and takes her to appointments.

Juan and Carmen are frequent visitors to Fort Benning in Georgia and Fort Jackson in South Carolina. In the past two years, the couple made 12 trips to these Army bases to cheer on graduates of basic training.

“Sometimes, their families can’t attend. So, we are there for them,” said Carmen.

Santiago was recommended for the Veterans’ Hall of Fame for embodying the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selflessness, honor, integrity and personal courage.

“Juan is the epitome of a soldier for life,” continuing to serve military, veterans and civilians alike,” wrote Taylor in his nomination letter. SL

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

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Social Security scams haunt seniors SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE The Social Security Administration continues to raise public awareness about telephone impersonation schemes.

Andrew Saul, the commissioner of Social Security, and the Office of the Inspector General have made concerted efforts to educate the public about these scams. Fraudulent callers mislead victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for purported Social Security number problems.

Social Security has taken action, including helping OIG create an online reporting tool at oig.ssa.gov, providing people who call the agency with updated information on the scams and how to report them.

“It is appalling that scammers are playing on emotions like fear to get people to act without thinking,” Saul said. “Everyone should just hang up and never give out their personal information. People should go online

to oig.ssa.gov to report these Social Security scams.”

Scammers are sophisticated and there are many variations to this fraud.

For example, a caller might say he is from Social Security and that the person’s Social Security number is suspended or has been used in a crime.

The caller identification might be spoofed to appear to originate from a government number. Fraudsters might text or email fake documents in attempts to get people to comply with their demands. These scams have become the No. 1 type of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission and Social Security.

Social Security will never tell you that your Social Security number has been suspended, contact you to demand an immediate payment, ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone, ask for gift cards or cash, or promise a Social Security benefit approval, or increase, in exchange for information or money.

Seniors have to be careful of Social Security scams.

Social Security employees do occasionally contact people — generally those who have ongoing business with the agency — by telephone for business purposes.

Typically, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, someone who

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

is already receiving payments and requires an update to their record, or a person who has requested a phone call from the agency.

If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, in most cases Social Security will mail a letter. SL

Tax season is extended because of COVID-19 outbreak SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE Following President Donald J. Trump’s emergency declaration pursuant to the Stafford Act, the U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued guidance allowing all individual and other non-corporate tax filers to defer up to $1 million of federal income tax (including self-employment tax)

14

payments due on April 15, 2020 until July 15, 2020 without penalties or interest.

The guidance also allows corporate taxpayers a similar deferment of up to $10 million of federal income tax payments that would be due on April 15, 2020 until July 15, 2020 without penalties or interest. This guidance does not change the April 15 filing deadline.

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

“Americans should file their tax returns by April 15 because many will receive a refund. Those filing will be able to take advantage of their refunds sooner,” Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said. “This deferment allows those who owe a payment to the IRS to defer the payment until July 15 without interest or penalties. Treasury and IRS are ensuring that hardworking Americans and businesses have

additional liquidity for the next several months.”

This will result in about $300 billion of additional liquidity in the economy in the near term.

Treasury and IRS will issue additional guidance as needed and continue working with Congress, on a bipartisan basis, on legislation to provide further relief to the American people. SL

myseniorlife.com

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SENIOR LIFE photo

Volunteers from FPL have helped Meals On Wheels and Aging Matters deliver meals to seniors.

FPL teams up with Brevard nonprofits to help homebound seniors about 85 area residents, according to Melbourne city council member Paul Alfrey.

“It’s education for me sitting on the council as a vice mayor to make decisions for the city and actually meet the people that really, we can impact their life,” Alfrey said.

Alfrey, along with West Melbourne deputy mayor John Dittmore were part of one such group that delivered meals.

“It’s a great group of volunteers,” Alfrey said. “… I’m very blessed to be here.”

As both Dittmore and Gaetjens

BY CHRIS BONANNO Volunteers with Florida Power & Light, in conjunction with Meals on Wheels and Aging Matters, delivered meals March 7 to homebound seniors throughout south central Brevard.

More than 25 FPL employees gathered at a company service center off Ellis Road in Melbourne and divided up into small groups. Those groups subsequently delivered cold lunches that FPL external affairs manager Bart Gaetjens said included a chef salad and milk.

Those deliveries were made to

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part of FPL’s philanthropic Power to Care Week, which is in its 12th year of existence. It has a presence well beyond the borders of Brevard County.

“There are 23 locations throughout 13 counties today, where we’re working on similar projects giving back to the community,” Gaetjens said.

For information about FPL’s Power to Care events, go to fpl.com/ community/volunteers. SL

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noted, the program means more to homebound seniors than simply having a meal to eat.

“It helps to give those people a level of independence because it brings something to them when they’re not in a facility somewhere,” Dittmore said.

“In some cases, I think some of these seniors, these may be the only people they’ll see all week. So, it’s not just about delivering meals, it’s also the warmth and the friendship behind it of interacting with these people,” Gaetjens added.

The event, Gaetjens said, is

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

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CALL FOR ENTRIES – B&W PHOTO CONTEST Our goal is to find the best black and white photographers from all over the Brevard County area and to acknowledge and award them for their work.

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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

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THE FOURTH IN A SERIES ON BREVARD COUNTY AGRICULTURE

Some growers in Brevard County, who once grew citrus exclusively, have turned to other fruits.

SENIOR LIFE Darleen Hunt

Small growers keep citrus dreams alive

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

Every morning from November to February each year, Jerry Hunt wheels a little portable fruit stand in front of his picturesque farm on West Crisafulli Road on Merritt Island. Beautiful, ripe oranges overflow the tiny mobile business that caters to people who want the unique taste of Indian River fruit.

While the large commercial operations have given up on growing oranges in Brevard County, the hobby farmers are keeping the flame alive.

In Malabar, Ron Rincones tends to a few acres of oranges, primarily for his family’s consumption.

“It’s harder to grow oranges these days, but you can do it,” Rincones said.

Hunt agrees.

“It just takes more work, not like in the old days,” he added.

Hunt, a retired general contractor, is able to grow citrus to the extent of annually producing 1,500 boxes purchased by juice processing plants, in addition to selling the fruit out of the stand. Six of the 19 acres he owns are planted with oranges, a hundred trees per acre. These days, caring for 600 trees is not easy.

Canker is no longer as much of an issue as is greening, which he keeps at bay through a strict schedule of fertilization.

Hunt does no advertising other than a small “Fruit for Sale” sign 500 feet from his property. He goes by the

honor system, which has yet to fail him. After the oranges, grapefruits, lemons and tangerines are exhausted, Hunt’s stand takes a hiatus before the fruit from the other trees in his yard, including guava, fig, sapodilla, papaya, lychee and mango, is ready.

“It’s harder to grow oranges these days, but you can do it, It just takes more work, not like in the old days.”

– Ron Rincones Mangos seem to be overtaking citrus for the local hobby farmers.

Jerry Hunt, who grows oranges, also is growing other fruits which he sells from a stand in front of his farm.

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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

“Everybody is planting mangos around here,” he said.

Still, Hunt loves citrus. When people pick his brain about planting citrus in Brevard County, he refers them to the Brevard Tropical Fruit Club, which brings more than 3,000 trees each April for its annual sale at Melbourne Auditorium.

“That’s the place to get the best trees,” Hunt said.

Do not expect instant satisfaction from the new trees.

“You have to baby them for three years and they won’t go into full production for five years,” Hunt said.

The taste is worth it.

“There is nothing like Indian River fruit,” Hunt said. SL

SENIOR LIFE Darleen Hunt

myseniorlife.com

Controversial roundabout actually safer than thought

BY GEORGE WHITE The Viera roundabout, which debuted in 2003 at the intersection of North Wickham Road and Lake Andrew Drive, is an example of a modern roundabout designed to slow driver speeds and reduce the overall number and severity of crashes.

The only problem, which comes up all too often, is many drivers do not understand the proper way to use the roundabout designed for traffic entering the circle to join traffic already in the circle into a one-way counterclockwise flow.

Conventional intersections have 32 vehicle and 16 pedestrian conflict points, while roundabouts have only eight vehicle and eight pedestrian conflict points. Because there are no crossing movements in a roundabout, left-turn and right-angle crashes are eliminated.

Statewide, roundabouts have been proven to reduce the number of fatal and severe injury crashes by 82 percent at a stop-controlled intersection, and 78 percent at a signalized intersection, according to the website AlertTodayFlorida.com.

During the five-year period from 2015 to 2019, there were 219 crashes within the roundabout and 100 feet on the approaching ramps. However, there were no serious injuries or fatalities in any of those crashes, according to Kim Smith, the education and safety coordinator for the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization.

“That is an important designation,

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

According to the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization, there were no serious injuries or fatalities in crashes at the Viera roundabout from 2015 to 2019. as it is a benefit of a roundabout.

When crashes occur, they are typically low speed and injuries and damage to vehicles are typically far less severe,’’ she said.

Here are some tips on traveling the Viera roundabout: • Determine which way you will go before you approach the roundabout.

• Turn right to enter while yielding right-of-way to vehicles already in

the roundabout • Pick a lane and stay in it. If you are turning right, enter the right lane.

If you are turning left, enter the left lane. If you are going straight, you can enter either lane.

• If you start from the outside lane, you must exit at the first or second exit. Do not take the outside lane all the way around to the third or fourth exit of the roundabout as you will improperly cross in front of the

path of the car on the inside lane.

• Never change lanes in the roundabout. The lane you exit in needs to be the same lane in which you started.

• When you approach your street, use your right-turn signal and exit the roundabout while watching for and yielding to pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the exit roadway.

For information, go to Spacecoasttpo.com. SL

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Health & Wellness Senior Life

Vaccinations ward off illness when seniors obtain shots

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER A selection of vaccinations is recommended for senior adults to keep them safe from disease.

“There are a number of them. First one is the flu vaccine recommended every year,” said Vanessa Degyansky, the community health nursing supervisor at Brevard County Health Department Viera Clinic. “We really have only a couple of months out of the year that is not officially flu season.”

The season goes from August to May, Degyansky notes, so if a senior didn’t get the flu shot until January, they can get another in August.

“We also suggest that once adults turn age 50 it is recommended to get vaccinated against shingles since they’re at risk for shingles then,” Degyansky said. “Especially if they have ever had the chickenpox (varicella disease). The varicella virus never leaves your body and stays forever. When it resurfaces, it does as shingles.”

When a senior reaches age 65 and older, they should consider getting vaccinated against pneumonia.

“There are two types of vaccines.

Adults should get both vaccines but should be given at least one year apart

from each other,” Degyansky said.

“You should end up getting both to protect against all strains.”

The TDAP shot includes vaccination for three diseases — tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). During the past few years, there has been an increase in whooping cough cases. A tetanus shot is good for 10 years, according to Degyansky.

Lastly, the hepatitis A vaccination is highly recommended for anyone age 60 and older.

“All vaccines can have a potential reaction, but optional severe reaction is minimal,” said Cynthia Ramos, the assistant community health nursing director at the Viera Clinic of the Brevard County Health Department.

“Flu vaccine is not a live vaccine and some people just react to a foreign substance in the body.”

“I decided I should get the pneumonia shots when my doctor recommended them, especially since once you have them you don’t have to get them again. I also get the flu shot annually,” said Emma Donahue, 70. “I haven’t gotten the shingles vaccination mainly because I am not ever around children, babies or pregnant women.” SL

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Seniors should check with their health care provider about recommended vaccinations.

Alcoholism too often affects every member of the family

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER No cure exists for alcoholism.

Considered an alcohol-use disorder, it is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled dependence on alcohol.

“The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s 2018 study estimated 5.8 percent or 14.4 million adults 18 and older had a diagnosed alcohol use disorder — 9.3 million men and 5.3 million women,” said Patricia Z. Munson, MA, a retired executive director who managed an alcohol and substance abuse prevention and intervention agency for 30 years.

“Every member of the family unit is affected by this and needs treatment on how to better deal with the alcoholic as well as learning how to deal with their emotions,” Munson said.

To detect an alcoholic, look for behaviors.

“My father was an alcoholic,” said Jennifer Schmitz, the business development director for Palm Point Behavioral Health. “He drank openly at home and we could see the change in his mood. As far as detecting being an alcoholic, look for life changes, not going to work, becoming depressed, changes in mood, changes in routine and loss of desire of activities.”

As the disease develops, there

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SENIOR LIFE Brenda Eggert Brader

Alcoholics make sure they accommodate their schedule to meet their needs of alcoholic beverages at certain times each day.

Many spend more time drinking, make their schedules evolve around drinking and give up family activities. are changes to the brain. There are physical and psychological effects.

These include withdrawal symptoms when trying to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed, and increased tolerance for more alcohol to make the person feel as they did when they first started drinking, spending more time drinking or making their schedule revolve around drinking, according to Munson.

“You can’t get anybody to seek help unless they are ready,” added Schmitz. “I know that like forever.

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

They have to be ready. Some people don’t have an addiction but can turn to addiction if something happens in their life like losing a loved one, a spouse or a child — something considered traumatic or have PTSD from war.”

If there isn’t an intervention or realization that help is needed, the person can continue drinking.

“This leads to increasing their tolerance and leading to more physical and psychological change,” Munson said. “As the drinking continues,

physical damage to the liver, heart, blood and other organs will increase and may not be reversible. This makes the road to recovery longer and harder.”

Brevard County offers help for alcoholics. The National Alliance on Mental Illness deals with addiction and recovery, offering support groups at Palm Point. More help is found locally through Alcoholics Anonymous, Circles of Care and others. SL

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North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lake Ave., Titusville

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SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the City of Melbourne

Cleaning up the Indian River Lagoon is an important project for Brevard County residents.

Baffle boxes are an effective tool for cleaning the stormwater that enters the Indian River Lagoon.

Baffled by baffle boxes?

There have been a number of articles recently about the biggest baffle box east of the Mississippi being installed in Melbourne.

That’s great, but what is a baffle box and what does it do?

Rain washes trash, grass clippings,

allow heavier material to settle and reduce the nitrogen and phosphorous loading in the water.

The recent news has been about the Cliff Creek baffle box being installed on the river side of U.S. 1, just south of Lake Washington Road. It is made of concrete measuring 25 feet wide,

Baffle boxes help clean up the Indian River Lagoon road dust, fertilizer and other waste into the stormwater system. It then empties into the Indian River Lagoon.

Baffle boxes help clean up this stormwater by capturing much of this contamination. They are underground structures with multiple chambers and screens that skim off floating debris,

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Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

20 feet long and 15 feet deep.

It will serve a 515-acre drainage basin bounded roughly by Stewart Road to the west, Sweetwood Drive to the north and downtown Eau Gallie to the south. The processed water will flow beneath Pineapple Boulevard and into the river.

Construction should be completed by late May. In addition to eliminating most debris, it is expected to extract 3,400 pounds of nitrogen and 830 pounds of phosphorous from the water entering the lagoon annually. The City of Melbourne will service the unit on a schedule that varies according to rain.

The Cliff Creek unit will be jointly funded by the City of Melbourne and the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Trust Fund. It will cost more than $715,000.

During the past five years, Melbourne has installed seven smaller baffle boxes and has recently opened bids for construction of the Otter Creek unit. It will serve a roughly 300-acre area encompassing Sherwood Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

Other Brevard communities also are installing baffle boxes to help clean up their stormwaters that flow into the lagoon. The Lagoon Plan currently calls for the installation of a dozen more along the lagoon.

For some tips on what you can do to help the Lagoon, go to tinyurl.com/ HowToHelpLagoon. SL

myseniorlife.com

Behind the

Beat

By Randal Hill

‘Let It Be’ — The Beatles “Let It Be” offered a heads-up message for Beatle fans worldwide.

The group was breaking up and nothing could stop its eventual demise.

Those in the know really weren’t surprised. John Lennon, enamored with Yoko Ono, had basically lost interest in the band. George Harrison’s spiritual studies changed his priorities.

Ringo Starr was developing a film career and enjoyed becoming his own man.

Only Paul McCartney was in agony — he admitted to feeling insecure and wounded — about holding history’s most important rock band together.

In McCartney’s official biography, “Many Years from Now,” he told writer Barry Miles, “One night during this tense time, I had a dream I saw my mum, who’d been dead 10 years or so. And it was so great to see her, because that’s a wonderful thing about dreams: You actually are reunited with that person for a second. … It was so wonderful for me, and she was very reassuring. In the dream she said, ‘It’ll be all right.’ … So that got me writing the song ‘Let It Be.’ … The song was based on that dream.”

Many listeners interpreted McCartney’s lyrics as a Virgin Mary reference. Had McCartney meant for his song to be quasi-religious?

“You can take it that way. I don’t mind. I’m quite happy if people want

to use it to shore up their faith. … I think it’s a great thing to have faith of any sort, particularly in the world we live in.”

Mary McCartney had been a devout Catholic, who had Paul and his

younger brother, Michael, christened in her religion. Neither were devout Catholics as teenagers or adults.

“Let It Be” was recorded in January 1969, during the sessions for

“The Beatles” (better known as “The White Album”), with final touches being added to the tune in January 1970. McCartney was backed on the song by the other three Beatles, as well as organ/piano superstar Billy Preston and McCartney’s wife, Linda, as an uncredited vocalist. Uncredited also were two trumpeters, two trombonists, a sax player and a cellist.

“Let It Be” would, of course, also become the name of the final album of the Beatles.

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, released her own version concurrently with that of the Beatles.

Franklin’s version never charted, though, while the Beatles’ original hit the top of the singles charts.

The tune has lived on in interesting ways. “Sesame Street” used it as a song called “Letter B,” with McCartney’s lyrics being altered to list words that begin with B. Ike and Tina Turner, Joan Baez and John Denver would later cover the classic as album tracks.

“Let It Be” was played at Linda McCartney’s funeral in 1998.

“Looking back on all the Beatles’ work, I’m very glad that most of it was positive and has been a positive force,” McCartney once said. “I always find it very fortunate that most of our songs were to do with peace and love, and encourage people to do better and to have a better life.” SL

Art extends life, adds to adventure of tomorrow’s challenges Why create art? What is the purpose of art? We were designed to create and decorate. From an early age, we colored with crayons, finger painted, molded with clay and played creatively.

Our mothers taped our elementary school artwork on the icebox. We were praised for our artworks.

As we moved through the grades, we decorated our rooms, hung posters, produced signs and exhibited memories from our young lives. Thousands of years ago, cave dwellers captured their hunts and life with charcoal drawings on cave walls.

Stories of life were told in sketches and paintings through the years by our ancestors.

As a college business student, I took art classes as my dessert.

After dealing with endless paper bookkeeping journals and ledgers, the joy of drawing, painting and performing offered relief from boredom and academic fatigue.

When we moved into our own house after marriage, we decorated, designed the spaces, colorized and assembled. We became interior decorators. Our place was our artform. We enjoyed hobbies of sketching, painting and sculpting.

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Challenges of Living to Age 100 Ed Baranowski In retirement, we looked for new things to do. We checked our bucket list.

I remember John VanDyck, at 80 years old, joined the Strawbridge Art League to take art lessons. His inner creativity blossomed. He entered juried shows and received commissions. He died a few weeks before his 100th birthday.

Currently, local seniors have the luxury of taking art classes at the Art Gallery of Viera and locations in the Eau Gallie Arts District. Check the 2020 Boomer Guide for art groups near you.

Recently, I facilitated art activities at area memory care centers. In a secured room, I provided a brief lesson, supplied the materials and watched magic happen.

With a little coaching, the residents produced incredible

artworks. Each was different and unique.

Art therapy is used in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. At-home patients also can enjoy art activities.

Once creating art, thoughts shift to manipulating colors and shapes. Pain seems to take leave of a weary body.

Energy is restored; boredom vanishes.

Art is the challenge of a new adventure. We all have the capacity

and desire to create. With or without lessons, we can accomplish our own special results. Art heals, helps us flourish and makes us look ahead to tomorrow. Art stimulates, energizes and extends life. SL Ed Baranowski is president of Topics Unlimited, a Melbourne-based education, seminar and consulting company. He can be contacted at topicsed@aol.com.

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23

Take the challenge of 50 steps to make a difference Something had been brewing.

Since the 1800s, authors have been expressing concerns about the excessive use of our limited natural resources.

In the 1900s, writing became environmentalism when Aldo Leopold’s “A Sand County Almanac” was published in 1949. According to The History and Philosophy of Environmental Education in 2010, it was considered “the cornerstone of the American environmental movement and modern environmental thinking and writing.’’

The book questioned the “pursuit of affluence at the cost of the environment.”

Other books, such as “The Affluent Society” (1958) and “The Waste Makers” (1960), brought attention to increasing consumerism and its damaging consequences to society.

Then, in 1962, Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” sounded the alarm.

The book exposed the dangers and harmful effects on the environment and our health by the indiscriminate use of chemicals in the name of pest control.

Because of that book and her testimony before a Senate subcommittee on pesticides, Rachel Carson managed to strengthen the environmental movement and ignited the passing of many important environmentally focused legislations such as the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Solid Waste Disposal Act and Clean Air Act of 1965 and the Species Conservation Act of 1966.

According to history.com, “A

called teach-ins. They had a more educational focus to awaken the conscience of the nation.

U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson understood the value of teach-ins and decided to apply that effective strategy to raise public awareness on critical environmental issues.

the effort to awaken the nation’s ecological consciousness.

Umich.edu said, “Earth Day would serve as a reminder of the dire consequences that environmental issues could cause if left untreated and Marcia Booth also as a demonstration of what could President & be accomplished if environmentalists Founder, across the country worked together.

Recycle Brevard (Since the term teach-in) was too “I think our problem associated with radical war activism and also limited the application of here is that neither 1969 fire on Cleveland’s Cuyahoga these teach-ins strictly to college political party, nor the River shed light on the problem of campuses and academics,” they chemical waste disposal. Until that decided to change the name to Earth country as a whole time, protecting the planet’s natural Day with “the goal to involve an has looked at the resources was not part of the national entire society in a rethinking of many political agenda, and the number of of its basic assumptions.” dimensions.” activists devoted to large-scale issues What started from the idea of such as industrial pollution was — U.S. Senator Gaylord a national protest became a global minimal. Factories pumped pollutants celebration toward awareness and Nelson, On “Face the into the air, lakes and rivers with local actions.

Nation” in 1970. few legal consequences. Big, gasThis year, we celebrate the 50th guzzling cars were considered a sign anniversary of Earth Day. But, it will According to umich.edu, of prosperity. Only a small portion be tricky to celebrate this 50.

“Nelson thought that the emerging of the American population was With COVID-19 safety measures environmental movement needed familiar with — let alone practiced — taking place, many Earth Day political leadership to guide to have a recycling.” events are being canceled. However, lasting impact.”

In 1970, President Richard Nixon we can still honor our planet by On “Face the Nation” on April consolidated various environmental taking steps in our daily lives to 19, 1970, Gaylord said, “I think our responsibilities of the federal protect our environment. Under the problem here is that neither political government under one agency, the circumstances, why not challenge party, nor the country as a whole EPA — Environmental Protection ourselves to take 50 steps? If you are has looked at the dimensions, the Agency. reading this, your challenge starts The mission at Palmsize, Point Behavioral Health is to provide the nature, or the character of now!

Amidst the turmoil of the civil Email me your 50 steps. I will problem, andteens, the disasteradults that rights movement Vietnam War qualityandtreatment to this children, and older adults compile a list of all the many steps we are heading toward unless we do protests, the new environmental our community is taking and share it. something it.” policies got overshadowed.

The whose behavioral health or about chemical dependency symptoms Maybe we can inspire others to join us Nelson said April 22, 1970 would attention was on the war and passive are The interfering with their daily offer both inpatient — even if from a socialand distance. SL protests. sit-ins were a popular be the date of lives. a nationalWe teach-in Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@ activism tool. College campuses on the environment and created the services tailored to tospecific needs.

RecycleBrevard.org. created a variation outpatient of sit-ins Environmental Teach-In, Inc. lead

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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020 For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website.

Physicians are on the medical staff of Palm Point Behavioral Health but, with limited exceptions, are

The mission at Palm Point Behavioral Health is to provide quality treatment to children, teens, adults and older adults whose behavioral health symptoms are interfering with their daily lives. We offer both inpatient and outpatient services tailored to individual needs.

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Cruise ships offer unexpected fun for all on the high seas

I was so saddened when Wet ’n Wild closed its waterpark. But, alas, I found it again.

So, where did I find amazing water slides, surf wave machines, swimming pools for various age groups, jacuzzis, tiki bars and a lot of people wearing very little and jammed into the confined areas I just talked about?

On a cruise ship!

What? Yeah. I recently took a cruise after a two-decade absence on the high seas. I went expecting unlimited food — and there was.

It was food art that would make Michelangelo proud.

There was entertainment that rivals Las Vegas. I was not disappointed.

But, the last thing I expected was a water park. Yeah, a major water park with a basketball court, rock climbing, full gym and massage parlor.

I thought I was in tropical heaven, but that’s not all. There’s a lot of funny stuff on a cruise, and I’m not talking about the late night comedian.

I heard questions from passengers to the crew that made me fall over laughing.

For example, when a crew member was asked why the little kids have their own pool and they’re not allowed in the adult pool, the answer was, “Two reasons. Number 1 and number 2.”

Good answer!

I actually heard people stumbling out of the multiple-themed bars asking

Solution on page 35

Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all digits 1 through 9.

Funny thing is...

Sammy Haddad stuff like, “Do these stairs go up or down?” Which elevator do I take to get to the back of the ship?”

One asked if the ship ever sunk.

Huh? Now, I’m not saying there was too much alcohol consumed on the ship.

But, when you hear someone ask if on the last night of the cruise should they put their luggage out before or after they go to sleep, it kind of makes you wonder.

Now I know why the guard rails were so high on the top deck. One passenger was upset that his inside cabin didn’t have a window.

Duh. Maybe I should have ordered the unlimited drink package, also. I would have been oblivious to all this.

What amazed me was with 1,557 staterooms housing more than 5,000 passengers, how did they all find their way back to their rooms every night.

Or did they?

So, if you want to get wet and wild on the high seas, just cruise on out of here. SL

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

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Beautiful Hutchinson Island boasts two interesting museums This month, let me introduce you and your family to two great destinations located on delightful Hutchinson Island in nearby Stuart in Martin County.

These two museums are located a little more than one mile from each other on the lovely barrier island. They should be visited on the same day.

From Brevard County, plan to make this an all-day experience. Visit the Refuge Museum in the morning, take a nearby lunch break, and then go on an extensive tour of the Elliott Museum in the afternoon.

Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge Museum was built in 1876 and it is the only surviving House of Refuge for shipwreck survivors in all of Florida.

The Refuge has weathered many storms through the years and was built to provide shelter for all shipwreck survivors. Tours will provide you with a look at turn-of-the 20th century coastal living. Your Refuge visit will include seeing the small kitchen, dining room, parlor and modest bedroom all in period furnishings.

Outside, you will see a reproduction of a 150-year-­old surfboat and a World War II lookout tower. The Refuge has a nice museum store.

Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge Museum is located at 301 S. E. MacArthur Blvd. on Hutchinson Island. For information, call 772-2251875. There is a modest entrance fee. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

After undergoing a $20 million rebuilding, the Elliott Museum in Stuart now is open. The museum is dedicated to art, history and

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technology.

It features a new, permanent exhibit called “Wheels of Change” that showcases more than 50 Ford Model A commercial vehicles. Many have never been viewed in public.

The museum has an elaborate hightech, fully automated robotic parking and self-storage system for these 50 vehicles. This robotic three-story stacking system allows you to select one of the vehicles for closer viewing.

You can watch as it moves from its storage slot onto a custom turntable.

The custom turntable then rotates the vehicle for viewing.

On the first floor of this multistoried building, the 3,000-square foot “Changing Exhibition Gallery” allows the Elliott Museum to bring significant, national touring exhibitions to the region.

Also on the first floor and soaring overhead is an exact, full-scale replica of the Pelican hydro-aero plane that Stuart resident Hugh Willougby designed in 1910.

This spectacular exhibit inspired the museum’s marketing slogan — Let your Mind Soar.

In the Stuart Main Street Gallery,

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Visiting Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge Museum and the Elliott Museum on Hutchinson Island is a fun one-day trip. view recreated highlights of the historic city of Stuart and vehicles that were then part of people’s lives — here and across the nation.

On the second floor, enjoy the Baseball Gallery. It has a comprehensive, signed collection of baseball-related items, including autographed baseball cards, baseballs, bats and other artifacts. The exhibit is excellent and brought back memories of attending games at the three vintage New York stadiums.

We also had a delightful lunch at the museum’s Frances Langford Outrigger Café. Senior Life readers will remember Langford for her signature song, “I’m in the Mood for Love.”

Langford starred in 28 Hollywood films and became famous for appearing in Bob Hope’s USO Tours to entertain troops overseas during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.

Original Langford memorabilia

from her successful career adorns the walls and tables.

The Elliott Museum is located at 825 Northeast Ocean Boulevard in Stuart. For information, call 772-2251921 or go to elliottmuseum.org. It is open seven days throughout the year.

There is an admission charge, as well as senior and AARP discounts.

From I-95, take exit 101 and State Road 76 East. Turn right on Monterey Road at the WAWA. Keep left at the fork, cross U.S. 1 and the railroad tracks, and go approximately 1 mile to the end. Turn right on Ocean Boulevard (A1A) and continue east across two bridges to reach Hutchinson Island.

Turn right on MacArthur Boulevard from east Ocean Boulevard at the Marriott Indian River Plantation Resort.

From U.S. 1, take East Ocean Boulevard across the two bridges to Hutchinson Island. SL

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“Humanity at Sea,” left, and “Miami Moon” are two of Helen Wheatley’s creative paintings. Wheatley is a resident of Canaveral Groves.

SENIOR LIFE photos

Wheatley searches for the trifecta with her artwork “I’ve watched (Wheatley) grow as an artist, beginning with watercolor.

There is not an art form that she’s not going to try — from realist to abstract,” Hunt said.

“I think she must be involved in some form of art every single day.”

Wheatley’s art is on display at The Art Gallery of Viera. SL

BY JUDY BERMAN Helen Wheatley flings paint and uses unlikely materials such as combs and gears to create unique and gorgeous art.

“Some people are inspired by something tangible,’’ Wheatley said.

“When I begin something, I’m not sure where it’s going until I begin creating.

Then, it tells me what it wants me to do. I never understood that before experiencing it.”

After moving to Florida from Pasadena, Maryland in 1995, she was looking for a creative outlet. She began with watercolor. Wheatley got serious about it after winning her first award in 2000.

“I wanted to go beyond that and began to integrate it with collage and acrylic.”

The Canaveral Groves resident added sculpture to her repertoire after taking classes in each of these artistic fields.

For 10 years, Wheatley studied Ikebana, Japanese flower arranging, and Sogetsu style, which shaped her artistic outlook.

At first, learning the principles and elements of design started out very rigid. Then, they encouraged her to take those fundamentals and be more creative.

“You start using readily available resources and think of using them in a new way, including the use of nonartistic materials such as cement, wire, decayed leaves, and make it beautiful,” Wheatley said.

A basket of odd materials — a broken comb, wire, lids, gears — is at the ready to make a different imprint on the gesso that she puts on her paintings.

When the gear is laid on the print, it makes an imprint like a flower.

With the gesso, this creates a textured surface and she paints on it.

Then, she drags a palette knife across to create an uncontrolled surface. (That can be seen in her palm tree painting.)

Early on, watercolorist Darleen Hunt shared tips on the 3 P’s of painting: 1. Pleasure — That’s how most people start out. 2. Profit — Now, your painting is focused on what sells.

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SENIOR LIFE Judy Berman

Helen Wheatley stands with two of her sculptures and her paintings in the backround at the Art Gallery of Viera.

3. Prestige — You’re now painting to catch the judge’s eye and win awards.

“Every once in a while, you hit the

trifecta: You enjoy the painting, you sell your work and you win awards,” Wheatley said.

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29

Senior Life

News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John

North Brevard

SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada

The new Hyatt Place Titusville Kennedy Space Center hotel, located near the entrance to the Kennedy Space Center, will cater to business and leisure travelers.

The closest hotel to KSC nearing completion, opening soon

BY FLORA REIGADA

It’s a countdown to the grand opening of the new five-story, Hyatt Place Titusville Kennedy Space Center hotel nearing completion

at 6299 Riverfront Center Blvd. in Titusville.

The opening is planned for approximately June 1 and reservations are being taken for June 1 and beyond.

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offer,” said Mark Marquette, the community liaison for the American Space Museum and Space Walk of Fame at 208 Pine Street. “With all the improvement, rich history and energy downtown, we’re excited about the hotel and we look forward to having conferences there once or twice a year.”

Natural resources, such as the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Canaveral National Seashore, hiking and biking trails and the Enchanted Forest are within convenient access from the hotel.

Among its amenities is a private launch viewing room, where large windows can be opened during launches. In addition to having a birds-eye view of launches, guests will hear the rockets’ roar and feel the rumble.

For information about the Hyatt Place Titusville Kennedy Space Center hotel, call 321-383-2280 or go to hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/florida/hyattplace-titusville-kennedy-space-center/ mcozt. SL

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operate the Hyatt branded hotel.

Seven miles from the Kennedy Space Center, the 110-room hotel, consisting of standard rooms and suites, has the distinction of being the Center’s nearest lodging.

It will cater to business travelers and tourists, especially those visiting the Kennedy Space Center. A positive economic impact is anticipated in Titusville.

Lisa McCotter, the general manager of the Titusville Mall at 3550 S. Washington Ave., looks forward to additional shoppers dropping by.

“Launches and even launch delays always bring an uptick of people to the shops and restaurants here. They pop into Bealls Outlet and visit the Wildwood Antique Mall,” she said.

“They also drop by my office to chat and ask about the shops and cinema.”

Downtown Titusville will benefit as well.

“We know the hotel will provide a unique venue for rocket launches and have a positive impact on all that Downtown Titusville has to

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Coronavirus postpones DogFest Space Coast until September

BY GEORGE WHITE Fears about the coronavirus spread has resulted in DogFest Space Coast being postponed until September.

DogFest Space Coast was scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18 at The Avenue in Viera. It now will be held Sept. 26.

DogFest, which benefits Canine

“If you have the opportunity to help change someone's life, like how Ninja has changed mine, it's a priceless feeling.”

— Karen Londos

Companions for Independence, is a national family- and dog-friendly event. Money is raised to support and celebrate the love of dogs and the bonds shared when training service dogs. These service dogs are provided free of charge to people with disabilities.

Karen Londos, the 2020 event chair and a local real estate agent, was born with a degenerative hearing impairment. In January 2016, she was matched up with Ninja, a Golden Retriever hearing dog from Canine Companions.

“If I have the opportunity to help change someone’s life, like how Ninja has changed mine, it’s a priceless feeling,’’ she said.

The program provides specially bred dogs and skilled companions such as Ninja and others for different conditions; facility dogs for visits inside hospitals and nursing homes; and dogs to help veterans and others with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The local DogFest event offers a chance to celebrate the people who raise puppies and selflessly train the special dogs early in life.

It also raises money for the overall national and local Canine Companions programs. It gives potential dog recipients a chance to learn about the program and its volunteers and to be placed on the waiting list for a dog.

Some of the recipients keep in touch with the folks that initially raised their dogs before an additional six months of additional training to help with specific needs, Londos said.

The concept of assistance dogs for people with physical disabilities began with Canine Companions for Independence in 1975. It has since placed 6,391 graduate teams.

A total of 1,160 puppies currently are being raised from 129 breeder dogs with 4,700 volunteers.

For more information, go to CCI. org. SL

SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo

Karen Londos, chair of the 2020 DogFest Space Coast, pets her hearing companion dog Ninja.

We wish you well during these difficult and trying times. Communicate with us on our Facebook page or by email at Media@bluewatercreativegroup.com

—The staff at Senior Life 321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

31

CROSSWORD

Theme: YEAR-IN-REVIEW

Solution on page 35

ACROSS

1. Pin location 6. BBQ sauce alternative 9. *Volodymyr Zelensky’s capital 13. 0103 food poison 14. Between sea and shining sea, abbr.

15. ative of American Great Plains 16. Famous fabulist 17. Band performance 18. Prefix with national and pol 19. *The Mueller ____ 21. *European country declared to be no longer free 23. Ostrich-like bird 24. Fix a horse 25. Old Spice: “Smell Like a Man, ____” 28. Diva’s delivery 30. Opposite of underdog 35. Seed covering 37. Share a boundary 39. Miller’s product 40. Leave behind 41. *Flute playing rapper 43. Pot contribution 44. Make corrections 46. Days in Havana 47. Nomad’s round house 48. Caesar derivative 50. “Fifteen Miles on the ____ Canal” 52. Mad Hatter’s drink 53. Hofbr‰uhaus offering 55. Bard’s before 57. *He got life plus 30 61. *Eurosceptics vs. pro-Europeanists point of debate 64. Sweeney Todd’s weapon 65. Seek damages 67. *Archie was one before he was born 69. *Bran, Lord of the Six Kingdoms, e.g.

70. “____ Now or Never” 71. *What Jeffrey Epstein had in store 72. Seaside bird 73. Volleyball divider 74. Set in motion

DOWN

1. Grazing ground 2. Maple tree or laptop brand 3. Downward dog, e.g.

4. Skip the big wedding 5. Benign fatty tumor 6. Pipe problem 7. *Europe voted to ban single-____ plastics 8. Take a tubby 9. *Best Actress in Supporting Role Oscar-winner 10. Tiny bit 11. Pitcher 12. Subject to change 15. To some extent, two words 20. Not urban 22. Final, abbr.

24. More gossamer 25. *Actor in Leading Role Oscar-winner 26. Wafting pleasantness 27. One born to Japanese immigrants 29. Footnote acronym 31. Performance with acts 32. Holey confection 33. Grossly unconventional 34. *Swedish environmentalist 36. Eye contact 38. Nicholas II was the last one 42. Willow twig 45. Go ashore 49. Tombstone acronym 51. Builds 54. Fluorescent red dye 56. Make an effort 57. Formerly, formerly 58. Better than never 59. #38 Down, alt. sp.

60. Some blow their own 61. *”Green Book,” winner of ____ Picture 62. Hip bones 63. Salty drop 66. Shoshonean 68. Summer sandwich?

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BCOA NEWS BREVARD COMMISSION ON AGING

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 321-633-2076, 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.

A living will can be the greatest gift to relatives

BY LAURA L. ANDERSON

No one wants to talk about their upcoming death or to contemplate the decisions to be made at the end of life.

We are not getting out of this earthly experience alive but, while we are alive, we have an opportunity, and some would say a duty to give direction and peace to our physicians and our loved ones regarding our wishes in the provision, refusal or withholding of medical treatments and procedures at the end of life.

It is one of the greatest gifts we can provide.

Each one of us has a fundamental right of self-determination in decisions pertaining to our own health, including the right to choose or refuse medical treatment.

In a perfect world, this personal right is exercised by us in the present moment after talking with

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Living Wills to refuse all lifeprolonging procedures at the end of life in order to permit the natural process of dying across the board.

Others decide to pick and choose among any number of life-prolonging procedures to artificially slow the dying process, such as placement or continuance on a ventilator, dialysis treatment, surgical procedures and blood transfusion, placement in an intensive care unit, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or active treatment of a reversible condition such as newly-discovered cancer, heart attack or pneumonia.

Start the conversation now with your family and physician, and memorialize your wishes in a Living Will to give them legal effect. No one should be placed in the heart wrenching and life altering position of making these decisions for us. SL

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individual and determine that the individual suffers from a terminal condition (imminent death), persistent vegetative state (no brain activity), or end stage condition (irreversible, progressively severe and permanent deterioration) with no reasonable medical probability of recovery from that condition.

And, if the physicians determine and document that the individual has no reasonable medical probability of recovering capacity to contemporaneously determine his or her treatment.

Only then does a Living Will and an individual’s wishes as expressed in that document direct the course of treatment and the use of life prolonging procedures at the end of life. As contemplated in a Living Will, a life prolonging procedure is one whose application would serve only to prolong artificially the process of dying.

Many people choose in their

our doctor, weighing the pros and cons, and conducting independent research and soul searching.

Unfortunately, many of the most important medical decisions must be made at a time when we are not physically or mentally able to make our desires known.

The Florida Legislature recognized this reality and, in an effort to ensure that this right of self-determination is not lost or diminished by later mental or physical incapacity, enacted legislation allowing for the use of advance directives to advise our physicians and others of what we would want or not want under certain circumstances.

A Living Will serves as instruction regarding how we want to die — our own specific wishes at the end of life. The directives of a Living Will come into play if the attending physician and another physician separately examine an

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

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BoomerSenior

Sudoku Solution Puzzle on page 26

Sentiments

What plans or traditions do you have for spring?

Photos by Ernest Arico

Rita Leatherberry Lewis

“I am looking forward to my annual Easter egg hunt with my family and grandchild.”

Maria Torres

“I am planning on attending two weddings, one in May and one in October. I also am doing work outside my home — painting, gardening, adding an outside shed and repairing my fence.”

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col.

Scott Waggoner

“Whatever my wife tells me to do, we do it.”

Jane Hall

For the past 11 years, it has been a tradition to go to a sunrise Easter Sunday service at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach. Then, we have a big family gathering at my home that includes an Easter egg hunt, a golf cart race and a group picture in front of the pond at my house.

time machine In April...

April 2, 1863

A bread riot occurs in the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia as angry people demand bread from a bakery wagon before wrecking nearby shops.

Crossword Solution Crossword on page 32

April 26, 1986

At the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine, an explosion causes a meltdown of the nuclear fuel and spreads a radioactive cloud into the atmosphere, eventually covering most of Europe. A 300-squaremile area around the plant is evacuated.

April 8, 1952

President Harry S. Truman seizes control of America’s steel mills to prevent a shutdown by strikers.

It is ruled unconstitutional.

Workers strike for 53 days and receive a 16 cents per hour wage increase and benefits.

April 11, 1970

April 3, 1860

In the American West, the Pony Express service begins as the first rider departs St. Joseph, Missouri. The Pony Express service lasts less than two years. It ends on completion of the overland telegraph.

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Apollo 13 is launched from Cape Kennedy. Astronaut John Swigert sees a warning light after an explosion on an oxygen tank in the service module and says, “Houston, we’ve had a problem here.” Swigert, James Lovell and Fred Haise transfer to the lunar module, using it as a lifeboat and begin a perilous return trip to Earth, splashing down safely on April 17.

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2020

35

THE 2 GRAN COUPE

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