EXPO SEASON Sizzles
SeniorFest revives ’40s, ’50s vibe at museum venue
BY JEFF NAVIN
Break out the bobby socks, poodle skirts, Mary Jane shoes, aviator glasses, Panama, fedora, homburg and pork pie hats as the BoomerBash SeniorFest returns to the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Titusville for the first time in several years.
The popular Senior Life Expo is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7. The Bash, which will celebrate the 1940s and 1950s with a Blast from the Past, will be held at
the Valiant Air Command’s new events hangar. Those attending the Expo will not have to pay the normal admission fee of $22 to the Warbird Museum as long as they enter through the Expo entrance.
The Military Officers Association of America Cape Canaveral Chapter (MOAACC) will recognize veterans at 10:45 a.m.
The Warbird Museum offers an impressive display of vintage EXPO
Continued on page 3
performs regularly throughout Brevard County. Here are some of their upcoming events:
Nov. 11: 10 to 11 a.m., Veterans Day, Buena Vida Estates, 2129 West New Haven Ave.
Nov. 23: 12 to 1 p.m. Honor Flight Reunion
Jill@bluewatercreativegroup.com
Publisher Jill Blue
Editor
R. Norman Moody
Office Manager
Sylvia Montes
Copy Editor
Jeff Navin
Design/Photography
Jorjann Blake
Feature Writers
Ed Baranowski
Chris Bonanno
Ernie Dorling
Susan Houts
Linda Jump
Lillian Nguyen
Betty Porter
Flora Reigada
Amy Tremante
Emily Warner
FROM THE
E ditor
There’s lots to do in, near Brevard County — let’s keep moving
I like to say, “keep moving.” And part of that is finding places for short day trips, especially places where there are hiking trails or walking areas that allow you to stretch your legs.
There are plenty of places within an hour or two of Melbourne or elsewhere on the Space Coast. Hontoon Island State Park is one of those places I knew little about until I visited recently. It was such a pleasant surprise that we tell you all about it in this issue of Senior Life. We visited on a weekday, so there were few others at the park. The park rangers, boat captain and the employees there were very welcoming, attentive and helpful.
There are some hobbyists who take advantage of opportunities to look for sea glass when they are near a beach where they know some can be found. They then turn the glass into jewelry and other artful pieces. Sea glass, with the appearance of tumbled stones, is most often found on beaches and other shorelines.
We have a story in this edition about hobbyists who turn sea glass into outstanding pieces of art. There is a local club for sea glass hobbyists.
We are not sure how many 19th century churches we’ll find in Brevard County, but after writing about three of them, we feel compelled to find others and continue the series of stories. It has been well received by readers.
It’s November and once again we get to celebrate the military veterans in the community on Veterans Day. Each month, we honor service members with stories about them, including a featured veteran each month. Senior Life will also celebrate veterans at its BoomerBash SeniorFest that will be held Nov. 7 at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum’s new events center in Titusville.
Did you know that Brevard has one of the highest percentages of veterans — more than 12% of the adult population, which is greater than 65,000 veterans. In this edition, we list Veterans Day events on the Space Coast that you might want to attend.
Can you believe it is time to start letting you know about Christmas and year-end events? The end of the year is still two months away, but some events and parades start early on and knowing gives you time to plan. SL R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com
INSIDE THIS
military aircraft from just about every war and era where planes have been utilized.
A photo booth will recreate the V-J Day Times Square iconic kiss in New York. Free tote bags (while supplies last); coffee sponsored by VIPcare; a water station sponsored by Amedisys; a snacks station sponsored by Volunteers in Motion; a prize station sponsored by CarePlus; ice cream; chicken nuggets and hot dogs will be offered. The presenting sponsors are Health First, Rhodes Law and Parrish Healthcare.
Exhibitors, some dressed in costumes from that wonderful era, will line the floor. Demonstrations and activities — including a costume contest sponsored by United Healthcare — also are planned. Prizes will be given away each 30 minutes.
“We’re happy to be back after several years,’’ said Jill Blue, the publisher of Senior Life. “Get ready to pucker up and duplicate that iconic kiss. Everyone gets to take home a great photo memory to show their friends.’’
Winterhawk Entertainment will play musical hits from the 1940s and 1950s.
“This beautiful venue is full of history, intriguing planes and each of those planes has a fascinating story,’’ Blue said. “If those planes could only talk, we could learn so much.’’
Alice Benjamin will celebrate her 100th birthday a day early at the Expo. Other centenarians are invited to attend the Expo.
“The hard-working volunteers really make this place tick,’’ Blue said. “They refurbish and work for years behind the scenes. They could work for years on just one plane to get it pristine and ready for everyone to honor it.’’
The aircraft on display include the
F-14A Tomcat; an F-80/T-33 Shooting Star decked out in Miss America paint; a Navy Blue Angels plane; and the only flying XP-82 Twin Mustang in the world. Guests can use flight simulators in the museum, which is located at the Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville.
“This is one of our favorite destination Expo locations in Brevard County,’’ Blue said. “Everyone is thrilled and amazed when they walk into this historical amusement park.
The museum, which opened in 1977, has grown tremendously since then. After opening with the Tico Belle and the biplane Stearman, more than 55 planes have been added.
An estimated 33,000 people visited the museum last year. The Warbird Museum will have an open cockpit day Nov. 29. Visitors will be able to sit in an aircraft.
The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For information, check out valiantaircommand.com.
For information about the BoomerBash SeniorFest, check out BoomerSeniorExpo.com. SL
Chateau Madeleine Celebrates 6th
ur
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of VAC The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum has an impressive collection of vintage military aircraft.
SENIOR LIFE file photo
Those attending the BoomerBash SeniorFest Expo will be given free entry to the Warbird Museum.
HOBBIES & PASSIONS
THE 15TH FEATURE IN A SERIES ON HOBBIES & PASSIONS
Sea glass keeps seniors active collecting, creating art
BY LINDA JUMP
Diana Watkins of Melbourne Beach moved to the Space Coast in 1960 with her family and has been an avid beachcomber ever since. A decade ago, she and a neighbor, Ann Fisk, met on the beach but walked different directions.
“We didn’t want to get in each other’s way,” Watkins explained.
That year, with help from Fisk, she started the Florida East Coast Sea Glass Club and the annual Ocean Treasures Festival scheduled for Feb. 21, 2026 at the Barrier Island Center. “People all over the world beachcomb and we’re in a perfect place,” Watkins said.
Sea glass is pieces of broken glass, mostly from mass-produced bottles or tableware, that have tumbled and churned in the ocean until the sharp edges are smoothed and weathered. Sea glass is used in jewelry, art pieces and home décor.
Fisk has given talks about sea glass colors and their sources. Rare colors are red and cobalt blue, among others. Early medicine and cosmetic jar glass is also rare.
“I found a piece of porcelain and sent a picture to Mel Fisher Museum that confirmed it came from the 1715 fleet. I made it into a bracelet,” Fisk said.
In 1715, 11 ships with an estimated $11 million in gold, silver and goods sank off the area’s coast during a storm, with beachcombers annually finding its treasures.
Vicki Lupo of Melbourne Beach found a black amethyst handle from the 1715 fleet, and Dee Dee Lorch of Satellite Beach, a docent at the McLarty Treasure Museum, has found pink barnacle clusters and
“People all over the world beachcomb and we’re in a perfect place.”
— Diana Watkins
glass from the fleet.
Local collectors also found everything from 1715 fleet objects, whale poop, glass fishnet floats, plenty of sea beans, empty sea turtle eggs and even a bag of cocaine.
“We found a square package two years ago in seaweed. When we realized what it was, we called the police and turned it over,” said Joanne Saunders of Melbourne Beach.
Rosie Meerbott, 96, of Melbourne Beach has collected most of her life.
“I never found anything great, but I bought my first metal detector with my first Social Security check. It’s been a lot of fun and I’ve met interesting people.”
The best time to beachcomb?
“After the highest high or lowest low tide, with a west wind or after a storm because you need a rock line with seaweed,” Watkins said. She said that while sand restoration has slowed finds, there is still plenty of sea glass for the taking. Items found in national parks and protected beaches cannot be kept.
The group meets at 1:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month in
the Melbourne Beach Library. On Nov. 19, the topic is “Rocks in my Head.” Guests can show collected rocks and stones. SL
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Diana Watkins
glass, broken glass made smooth through churning in ocean waves, is used in jewelry, art and home décor.
SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump
Dee Dee Lorch of Satellite Beach displays items she found from the Spanish 1715 fleet that sunk off the nearby coast in a storm.
Tunnel to Towers dedicates smart home to wounded officer
BY ERNIE DORLING
In the early dark morning hours of Thanksgiving Day in 2018, Bridgewater resident and former Jasper, South Carolina Sheriff’s Deputy Heather Betz, a seasoned patrol officer, found her midnight shift to be unusually quiet.
With just a few peaceful hours to go before the end of her tour, she was looking forward to joining her husband for a morning cup of coffee. On that same morning, Betz, who was patrolling as a K9 unit with her dog Evo, received a radio call regarding a domestic disturbance. Doing what she had done countless times in the past, she answered the call. What happened next changed her life forever.
Betz and Evo had been working as a team for six months and were still developing the trust that allowed them to rely on each other. Betz was flourishing in every aspect of her career, convinced that nothing could affect her. With Evo by her side, she raced to the scene of the disturbance.
“I was the third unit to arrive,” Betz said. “The dispatcher had kept us apprised of the situation, telling us that the husband was threatening to kill his wife.”
When Betz arrived, the man inside had already shot his wife eight times. Seconds after she arrived, the situation escalated, and shots rang out. Betz returned fire, hitting the shooter twice. Betz was also shot twice in the chest, saved only by her bulletproof vest. Then, her world changed forever when the assailant’s bullet struck her in the face under her eye.
Fragments of the bullet found their way into her brain and her eye, damaging the optic nerve, causing
her to lose sight in her right eye. The shooting also cost her the job she loved, as she could no longer do it. And, because the sheriff’s department had purchased Evo, she lost her trusted partner.
“It’s been a difficult process,” Betz said. “I struggle with things because of the brain injury. I struggle with tasks like handling bright lights, picking up and storing items on shelves, and performing everyday activities that we often take for granted. But I don’t feel like a victim.”
Tunnel to Towers Foundation investigated Betz’s story and found that she sustained catastrophic injuries, including blindness in her right eye, traumatic brain injury, and severe damage to her ankle and tendons. She also suffered a stroke and developed debilitating autoimmune disorders. She has endured multiple surgeries, years of therapy, and ongoing struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder.
“After nine months of home renovations, we were able to present Heather with a renovated home, all designed to make the home safer for her,” said Jack Mullane, the project manager for Tunnel to Towers.
“Heather embodies the courage and resilience that define the very best of our heroes,” said James Jacobs, a retired FDNY Battalion Chief, who was a spokesperson for Tunnel to Towers during the dedication ceremony. “This is just one way for us to say thank you to Heather for her sacrifice and dedication to her country.”
Tunnel to Towers provides support to families of fallen first responders, including police officers and veterans. Founded in honor of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who on his day off, lost his life on September 11, 2001, after racing on foot through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to join his squad.
Tunnels to Towers was born from the tragedy of 9/11 and carries out its mission to do good by providing mortgage-free homes to gold star and
fallen first responder families and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
“I want to thank everyone from Tunnel to Towers for their support,” Betz told the 100-plus friends and family who attended the dedication ceremony. “I’m not a hero. I did what I was trained to do and did what I had to do. Your support means more to me than you can ever imagine. The one thing I would tell everyone is that you can never give up the fight.”
Betz may have been wounded in the line of duty, but her spirit — and her faith in others — remain unbreakable.
For more information about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, their mission, and how to support this organization, check out t2t.org SL
After long planning, Ellis Road widening set for next year
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Construction will widen a 1.8mile stretch of Ellis Road from two lanes to four between John Rodes Boulevard and Wickham Road in West Melbourne and Melbourne.
The construction is set to begin in May 2026, according to Abby Hemenway, the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) public information officer.
Plans for the project go back more than a decade, with information on the City of West Melbourne’s website showing that a Project Development and Environment Study was conducted in 2014.
“This has been a long time coming,” Hemenway said. “We’re really, really excited that now we’re reaching the final phase of the plan which is construction.”
The project is the No. 1 strategic intermodal system priority for the SCTPO, the Central Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization Alliance and on the Florida Department of Transportation D5 2022 Freight Project Priority List, according to Hemenway.
“This roadway is going to come complete with some really innovative technology,” she said. “There will be three new signalized intersections
and two existing signalized intersections that will have some of what we call ITS, which is Intelligent Transportations Systems. We will be adding CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) to those two existing signalized intersections and Bluetooth within the project limits for 100 percent coverage of traffic incident detections.”
The estimated construction cost for the project is $57 million, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
“If you’ve driven this corridor before, it’s very narrow and it doesn’t offer a lot facility-wise to different types of users,” Hemenway said. “So, some of the safety improvements include lots of new lighting on this corridor. It’s very dark if you go out there currently, some realignment of some access management. You have a lot of different businesses along this corridor, a lot of industrial warehouses. So, some access management makes it a little safer going in and out of driveways and the most exciting thing I think is (the) addition of new bike lanes and sidewalks.” SL
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of SCTPO
The process of clearing land at Ellis Road began in July. Construction to add lanes will begin in May 2026.
SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation renovated Heather Betz’s home. The organization held a ceremony that attracted many of her neighbors and friends.
SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling
Heather Betz, a former police officer, was injured in the line of duty.
By Randal C. Hill
Behind the Beat
Many creative people seem to have a muse that provides muchappreciated guidance. But what happens when that same muse goes AWOL — and at a moment when it’s needed the most?
After creating musical odes to America’s natural wonders, John Denver selected a new subject for his final RCA Records winner; “Calypso” also became the singing poet’s last visit to Billboard’s Top 10 singles listing.
The haunting ballad was released as the B side to “I’m Sorry,” which briefly topped the Billboard chart. But when that song slid out of first place, “Calypso” emerged as the preferred offering and is now the better remembered of the tunes.
Oceanographer and documentary filmmaker Jacques Cousteau inspired an entire generation to take an interest in the world’s waters.
As a youngster, a near-fatal car wreck had left Cousteau with two broken arms. For his rehabilitation, he began swimming in the Mediterranean Sea — and quickly became fascinated with all things ocean. He co-invented the Aqua-Lung, in use to this day in
‘Calypso’
— John Denver
SCUBA diving. He eventually acquired a World War II British minesweeper which, in time, became the Calypso and a floating research laboratory and movie studio.
Denver met Cousteau in Belize and was so impressed with what he saw that, on the spot, Denver felt inspired to write “Calypso,” a ballad meant to honor Cousteau’s ship and the good being done on it.
Denver took his acoustic guitar (which he always carried with him) and quickly created a rousing chorus.
Aye, Calypso, the places you’ve been to
The things that you’ve shown us, the stories you tell
Aye, Calypso, I sing to your spirit
The men who have served you so long and so well
John
Then somehow, Denver slammed into an artistic brick wall, as the words simply stopped flowing. Discouraged and embarrassed, he returned home to Colorado and spent some sleepless nights trying to conjure the remaining
lyrics he sought. He always drew a blank.
What had happened to the muse from his past that had inspired him to create such works as “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Rocky
Mountain High” and “Sunshine on My Shoulders”?
Strangely, Denver’s lyrics about honoring Cousteau’s oceangoing vessel eventually came to him while he was skiing near his Aspen home. While on the slopes, Denver experienced an electric-like zap that demanded his return home to bring the remainder of “Calypso” to a proper finish.
The rest of the words flowed effortlessly to him as he drove 25 minutes to his house. By the time Denver pulled into the driveway, the uplifting lyrics were finished.
To sail on a dream on a crystalclear ocean
To ride on the crest of the wild raging storm
To work in the service of life and the living
In search of the answers to questions unknown
To be part of the movement and part of the growing Part of beginning to understand Denver would declare, “It’s one of the best songs I’ve ever written,” and he often closed later concerts with “Calypso.”
Thank you, muse. SL
Brevard County Sheriff Ivey has new K9 companion
BY CHRIS BONANNO
If you see Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey around town, you’ll almost certainly see his new K9 partner Saint Francis, or Saint, a 2-year-old bloodhound who started with the Sheriff in April.
“Saint’s learning his new role as our mascot obviously,” Ivey said. “He’s trained to search for missing children or seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. He’s also been through our child comfort program so he’s learned his new role. He’s going with me everywhere. He’s meeting everybody. Everybody loves him. They’ve embraced him.”
Saint has assumed a role previously held by another bloodhound, Junny, who died of cancer earlier this year.
When everybody sees him they tell him, “you’ve got some big shoes to fill, but he’s doing it. He’s living up to it,” Ivey said.
The sheriff also noted that the dog goes on vacation with him and accompanies him when he speaks at gatherings.
“He lives with me and he’s a great dog,” he said.
Ivey also discussed how he came into contact with Saint.
“We breed our bloodhounds,” Ivey said. “Our K9 unit very carefully breeds our own bloodhounds and
he is out of our second litter that we had. When we first got him, some of our public met him, his name
was Boomer. As cool as that name was, we wanted to have his name be something very profound and
“He’s trained to search for missing children or seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. He’s also been through our child comfort program ...”
— Sheriff Wayne Ivey
meaningful in our community. So, with us doing everything we do for animals and homeless pets and against animal cruelty, we thought Saint Francis was just a perfect fitting name.”
One way that Saint is being utilized in the community is at events such as the K9 Saint Francis Kids Day held at Viera High School on Oct. 11. There, patrons had the opportunity to adopt animals, explore a host of Brevard County Sheriff’s Office assets, and enjoy food and activities for children.
“The whole idea behind it is twofold,” Ivey said. “One, it’s a major adoption event. We want to try to get our animals out and into the public as much as we can. We’ve had several adoptions today. It’s also an opportunity for the kids to come, have a good time.” SL
SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock
Denver received inspiration for the “Calypso” lyrics while skiing in Aspen, declaring it was one of the best songs he had ever written.
SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue Saint Francis, a 2-year-old bloodhound, is Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey’s new K9 partner.
TECH KNOW TIDBITS
Red light therapy offers a new wave for wellness
BY EMILY WARNER
Looking after your health is an on-going, lifelong journey.
From vitamins and gym memberships to whole foods and supplements, the health industry is full of an endless stream of products and treatments that each promise their own benefits.
Technology has even taken its place in many peoples’ wellness journeys, with red light therapy currently being a popular choice.
Red light therapy (RLT), which is sometimes also called low-level laser
Jewelry Appraisal & Liquidation Solutions
light therapy or non-thermal LED therapy, among other names, uses low levels of red light to improve a wide range of skin-related conditions.
This type of technology works through the red light providing more energy to your cells. With this extra help, your body is able to more efficiently produce collagen, improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
Through these improved functions, your body is then more capable of recovering from various health and cosmetic issues. These can include: reducing stretch marks, wrinkles and age spots, and improving acne, scars,
Jewelry Appraisals for Seniors
Downsizing? Settling an estate, or just curious about your jewelry’s value? We offer expert, trustworthy appraisals with a personalized approach.
Jewelry Appraisals for Seniors
Over 50 years of experience
Accurate valuations for insurance coverage
Downsizing? Settling an estate, or just curious about your jewelry’s value? We offer expert, trustworthy appraisals with a personalized approach.
eczema and hair growth. With its usage going back many decades, through the years, red light therapy has even been used in photodynamic therapy. Combining low levels of RLT with a photosensitizer drug, it has been shown to help treat warts, acne and skin cancer, among other skin conditions.
On-site & in-home services available Estate & liquidation guidance
• Over 50 years of experience
• Accurate valuations for insurance coverage
• On-site & in-home services available
• Estate & liquidation guidance
Guiding you with Expertise and Integrity
Guiding you with Expertise and Integrity
Contact Peter Indorf, GG, RGA for your free consultation today!
Contact Peter Indorf, GG, RGA for your free consultation today! 321-914-0118
www.jewelryappraisal-liquidation.com
321-914-0118
1103 West Hibiscus Blvd | Suite 307B | Melbourne, FL 32901
www.jewelryappraisal-liquidation.com
1103 West Hibiscus Blvd | Suite 307B | Melbourne, FL 32901
Although medical professionals have not currently discovered any significant side effects of using RLT, there is ongoing discussion about the overall effectiveness. The red light options you will find at gyms, spas and medical centers will most likely produce varied results from the at-home light therapy options.
As an alternative to smaller,
Other considerations such as duration and frequency of treatment, along with the wavelengths of the red light can all change the effectiveness as well.
treatments, some facilities offer full-body options.
how successful it is as a form of treatment.
Although red light therapy has been around for quite some time, there are still dozens of on-going studies testing this technology and
If you are interested in trying red light therapy, it can be helpful first to talk with your primary care provider or dermatologist. SL
Organizations will set Thanksgiving tables for the hungry
BY FLORA REIGADA
Brevard County has traditionally answered the call to help others. This year will be no different as organizations and churches provide free Thanksgiving meals to those in need.
Organizations and churches providing free meals include:
• North Brevard Charities in Titusville will give away a prepackaged dinner with a turkey or ham along with fixings. Dinners may be picked up from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 at Isaac Campbell Park at 701 South St.
For information, call 321-2696555 or go to northbrevardcharities. org.
• First United Methodist Church of Titusville will serve a Thanksgiving meal following a 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday, Nov. 30. Registration is not needed.
The church is located at 206 S. Hopkins Ave. For information, call 321-269-7631 or check out fumctitusville.com.
• Lifepointe Ministries’ Table of Grace free holiday meal will be served from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day at the Titusville Civic Center at 4220 S. Hopkins Ave. Dine-in, takeout or delivery is available. For information or to reserve a meal, call 321-301-5832 or
of canned vegetables and nonperishable food items that await distribution to North
a Thanksgiving meal.
email lpmholidaymeals@gmail.com
• The Salvation Army in Melbourne will serve two Thanksgiving meals. The first will take place following the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, Nov. 23.
The second is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday from the canteen. People are encouraged to arrive on time because supplies are limited.
The Salvation Army is located at 1080 Hickory St. in Melbourne. For information, call 321724-0494 or go to melbourne. salvationarmyflorida.org
• National Veterans Homeless Support will provide a Thanksgiving meal to homeless veterans and their families, as well as to other veterans in need. Meals will be delivered on
Thanksgiving morning. For information, call 321-2087562 or visit nvhs.org/.
To learn how you can contribute your time and resources, contact the organizations listed above.
“Many will be able to give thanks,” said Sandy Thomas, the director of operations at North Brevard Charities. SL
SENIOR LIFE Emily Warner
at-home red light
SENIOR LIFE David Reigada
Lomika Hardy, the community engagement services coordinator at the United North Brevard Food Pantry, shows shelves
Brevard’s needy as part of
STRI PES Brevard Veterans News
Brevard Veterans Memorial Center streamlines to better serve veterans
If you are a veteran in need of assistance or information on anything to do with veterans’ issues, the place to turn when you don’t know where else to go is the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island.
If you are a veteran looking for the camaraderie that can only be found with fellow service members, the Center might just be the place to start.
The Veterans Center has recently reorganized to help streamline its operations and merged two different operating boards into one.
Before, there was a board of directors for the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center and another for the Brevard Veterans Council, which was a sort of coalition of veterans’ organizations. Now, it has merged into one — the Brevard Veterans Memorial
Center.
“It’s more efficient,” said Dean Schaaf, the president of the newly formed Brevard Veterans Memorial Center board. “We’re still doing what we did before.”
Schaaf, Vice President Don Pearsall and the rest of the newly elected board of directors take office on Nov. 12.
“If we get a call from a veteran needing assistance, we know where to refer them. Schaaf said. “It’s kind of a
broker house for any type of veteran support.”
The Brevard Veterans Memorial Center has long been the most widelyknown veterans’ organization on the Space Coast. It boasts a museum with artifacts from wars in which the United States has been involved — from the Revolutionary War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. And entry to the museum is free.
The Center also has a 4,600-volume library of military history housed in a 1,000-square-foot room. A plaza out front is a monument garden honoring different military units, commemorating various wars and celebrating veterans with a pathway of commemorative bricks. The plaza is a tribute in monuments to veterans from wars dating back to before the U.S.
Independence to those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Established in 1978, the Center is run by volunteers.
There are 17 veterans’ organizations, such as Disabled American Veterans 123, American Legion Post 344, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Rolling Thunder, that are tenants that meet at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center.
An amphitheater being built at the site will be administered by the Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department. It will be the venue for gatherings such as Veterans Day, Memorial Day and other veterans’ events. The amphitheater, expected to be completed later this year, will also be a venue for concerts and other public events. SL
Former Marine recruiter still values victories in guiding youth
BY ERNIE DORLING
In 1975, Barry Manilow released his hit single, “Could It Be Magic.”
That same year, George Austin, born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and wore the Marine Corps uniform for two decades.
“Helping young people achieve their potential was the most rewarding part of the job.”
— George Austin
“I was taught at an early age to serve my community and my country,” Austin said. “At 15, I was
a United States Junior Diplomat and represented the country in about eight different countries and U.S. territories. When I was old enough, I enlisted in the Marine Corps to pursue a career and college opportunities.”
Austin comes from a long line of military veterans. His father and uncles served in the U.S. Army. Even his wife, Maxine, whom he met while on recruiting duty in Rockledge, was in the Air Force and stationed at Patrick Space Force Base when they first met.
That family tradition continued when his son, Payne, joined the Marines and arrived for training at Parris Island, South Carolina, 40
years to the day when Austin arrived there.
Austin began his military career as a wireman in the communications field. Three years later, he changed his military occupation field and became a full-time Marine Corps recruiter, a role he held until his retirement in 1995. Austin accepted the challenge of becoming a recruiter, not sure if he’d experience the same sense of fulfillment that came from leading Marines in the field.
“The job came with long hours, quotas, and the endless task of finding qualified applicants,” Austin said.
What surprised Austin was how quickly the work became personal.
“It wasn’t just giving speeches in high school gyms,” Austin said. “It was helping young men and women, many who were at crossroads in life, or just eager for discipline, and in need of someone to believe in them.”
Austin dedicated eight years to managing the recruiting stations for the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area, which he regards as his most memorable and rewarding assignment. He recalls one particular young man whose family was involved in various forms of criminal activity. This young man was the only member of his family who
is the Admissions and Student Transition Coordinator
Trinity Episcopal Academy.
had not been arrested. Despite his family’s efforts to dissuade him from joining the Marine Corps — claiming he would be selling out to the government — he enlisted anyway. That young man received a commission and retired 24 years later as a full-bird colonel.
“Helping young people achieve their potential was the most rewarding part of the job,” Austin said.
For the past five years, he has served as the Admissions and Student Transition Coordinator at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy.
“Trinity offers a very disciplined educational environment,” Austin explains. “I assist students in transitioning into our program. Much like my experience in the Marine Corps, I value the quiet victories — witnessing young men and women grow into confident adults as they seek to find their own path.”
Austin has spent 50 years helping young people navigate their futures. With Austin involved, it just might be magic.
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of George Austin George Austin
at Holy
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of George Austin George Austin served 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, most of that time as a recruiter.
Brevard honors those who served with Veterans Day events
BY LILLIAN NGUYEN
More than a century ago, the War to End all Wars ended during the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
Originally known as Armistice Day to mark the armistice signed between Allies of World War I and Germany, it ended hostilities on the Western front of the war. It later became known as Veterans Day in the United States.
Today, 107 years later, Veterans Day is set aside to honor all those who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
Several community events in Brevard County will take place in honor of veterans.
Saturday, Nov. 8
Palm Bay Veterans Parade
10 a.m.
Palm Bay will celebrate military families with a parade, local history and a day of community pride. The parade will go east along Port Malabar Boulevard from the Tony Rosa Community Center to Veterans Memorial Park. Arrive early for the best viewing spot.
Saturday, Nov. 8
City of Cape Canaveral Veterans Day Parade and Barbecue
11:11 a.m.
The parade is hosted by the VFW Post 10131. The parade will begin at Cape View Elementary School at 8440 Rosalind Ave. It will proceed east on Washington Ave., then south
A Veterans Day ceremony at the Brevard Veterans
Space Coast.
on Orange Ave. It ends at Veterans Memorial Park at 265 Polk Ave.
Festivities and a community barbeque will take place beginning at noon at Xeriscape Park on Taylor Ave. It will feature hot dogs and hamburgers for purchase, live music, vendors, family activities and a recognition ceremony of veterans.
Saturday, Nov. 8
Veterans Day Recognition Dinner
6 p.m.
The recognition dinner will be held at the Holiday Inn Viera
is among the
Conference Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Military Officers Association of America Cape Canaveral Chapter’s Good Deeds Foundation.
For more information, go to GDFD.org or contact Larry Jackson at 321-242-1331.
Tuesday, Nov. 11
Annual Brevard Veterans Memorial Center’s Veterans Day Ceremony 9:30 a.m.
The ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial Center Plaza/Park
at 300 S. Sykes Creek Parkway on Merritt Island.
Wednesday, Nov. 12
Music at Noon Noon – 1 p.m.
The free concert will be held at the Martin Andersen Senior Center at 1025 Florida Ave. in Rockledge to celebrate Veterans Day.
The New Horizons Band of Rockledge will perform, along with JD Daniel, a keyboardist, vocalist and composer who will perform his new recording “The Bells of Freedom.” SL
SENIOR LIFE R. Norman Moody
Memorial Center
commemorations scheduled on the
Navy marks 250 years with ball at Indian River Colony Club
BY ERNIE DORLING
This year, the United States Navy proudly commemorated its 250th anniversary, reflecting on two and a half centuries of dedication, sacrifice and maritime strength.
Since its founding on Oct. 13, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized the first naval force to challenge British dominance at sea, the Navy has stood as a vital shield for the nation and a beacon of freedom around the world.
Across the country and around the globe, commemorative events were held to honor the Navy’s legacy. One such celebration was hosted by the Indian River Colony Club (IRCC) in Viera.
Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. John McMorrough served as the master of
ceremonies for the Oct. 13 event.
“The celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Navy stands as a monumental occasion,” he said in his opening remarks. “Not only does it mark a quarter of a millennium since the Navy’s founding, but it also acts as a vibrant testament to the enduring spirit, tradition and excellence that naval service has forged in the tides of history.”
What began with a handful of converted merchant vessels evolved into the world’s most powerful naval force, comprising aircraft carriers, submarines, destroyers and specialized fleets that operate across every ocean. Throughout its history, the Navy has been central to America’s defense and its role in global affairs — from fighting in the Revolutionary War and securing
sea lanes during World War II to maintaining freedom of navigation in today’s complex international waters.
The Navy’s 250th anniversary is not only a milestone in history, but also a celebration of the people who have worn the uniform. Sailors past and present have carried forward a tradition of honor, courage and commitment, serving on distant seas, in the skies and beneath the waves.
Generations of Navy families have also borne the weight of sacrifice, supporting missions that have kept the nation secure.
“The backbone of the Navy is the enlisted ranks,” McMorrough said. “From the flight decks of an Aircraft carrier to the Navy Corpsman saving lives afloat and ashore with the Marines, the enlistees carry the load. We need to recognize these unsung
heroes who perform the day-to-day duties that keep ships, aircraft and stations functioning. This includes the young mess cooks who rise at 0300 to ensure the crew is fed, as well as the engineers working in spaces hotter than most people can imagine. These are the people who make the Navy great.”
The Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from Bayside High School in Palm Bay presented the Colors. They conducted a cake-cutting ceremony under the leadership of retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Macias.
The anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the Navy’s humanitarian contributions. From delivering disaster relief to fostering international partnerships, the Navy has often been the first to respond when help was needed most. These missions underscore the Navy’s role not only as a defender of American interests but also as a force for global stability and compassion.
More than 200 people attended the Navy Ball at IRCC, including former Vietnam POW and retired U.S. Air Force Col. Mike Lane, a resident of the IRCC.
SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling
This year’s U.S. Navy Ball commemorated
SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. John McMorrough served as the master of ceremonies recognizing the enlisted ranks as the backbone of the Navy. He attended with his wife Sue.
SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Mike Lane, a POW in Vietnam, and his wife Ruth celebrated at the U.S. Navy Ball with more than 200 people.
Waterway Warriors volunteers wage war on tons of trash
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Imagine what it would take to pick up tons of trash from along Brevard County Waterways.
It takes a group of local volunteers called Waterway Warriors to make Brevard waterways cleaner and safer for everyone.
Waterway Warriors, founded in 2020 by Sharon Noll and a group of volunteers, holds twice-monthly cleanup events in the county as they work to remove trash.
“We normally have roughly about 30 people at any given event, depending on the location of where we are going to be cleaning and what type of trash removal we’re going to be doing,” said Noll, who is also the organization’s president. “So there are some events that are very walkable for seniors — flat ground, and then there are some events, like Tire Island, that you’re actually hauling out tires from the water.”
The group says on its website that it has removed 101 tons of trash and has more than 500 volunteers.
Noll said the genesis of the
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Waterway Warriors
Waterway Warriors volunteers fight a constant battle against trash along Brevard County roadways and the Indian River Lagoon shoreline.
organization could be traced back to 2017 when she began cleaning up the Pineda Causeway. In 2019, it started to build momentum. The Waterway Warriors was then founded as a nonprofit in 2020.
“The growth has been exponential and 100 percent due to the community’s support,” Noll said. The group adopted the Pineda Causeway in 2020 in collaboration with the Florida Department of
Transportation.
Since then, it has also adopted other areas including sections of roadway along State Road 528 and areas in west Eau Gallie, Cocoa and Rockledge.
Noll has a simple message for those who want to join the organization.
“You show up. That’s really how easy it is,” she said. “Visit our website, figure out where we’re going to be.”
She also said that wearing closetoed shoes is required.
Noll added that the organization provides drinking water and all equipment, including safety gear necessary for the clean-ups.
The next event will be staged at Kayak Beach from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 in Port Canaveral. The event will feature a short ribboncutting ceremony prior to a group clean-up on State Road 528.
“Our ribbon-cutting is very quick,” Noll said. “It will happen, probably around 8:15 a.m. and then we all get in our cars and we drive to very specific locations where there is trash to pick up.” SL
Thousand Islands Fest set for Nov. 8 in Cocoa Beach
SPECIAL FOR SENIOR LIFE
The Friends of the Thousand Islands will hold its second annual Thousand Islands Fest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Cocoa Beach Pool Pavilion.
Kayak safety demonstrations and tours will be conducted. A pontoon
boat tour to North Crawford Island will include a Florida native plant tour and native flute playing. Local musicians will play during the day.
Mike Knight, the director of the Environmentally Endangered Lands program; Laurilee Thompson of the Merritt Island Wildlife Association;
Dr. Robert Weaver of Florida Tech; and Dr. Duane De Freese, the director of Indian River Lagoon’s national estuary program will give presentations.
After the presentations, a question and answer speakers’ forum will be held.More than 20 organizations will talk about the progress being made to
help the Indian River Lagoon. The Florida Wildlife Hospital will bring animals and several activities — including a scavenger hunt — will be held for children.
The event will have food trucks and a native plant sale. The pavillion is located off Minutemen Causeway and adjacent to the Country Club. SL
Brevard’s Premier Senior Retirement & Assisted Living Communities
The Terrace at Courtenay Springs 1100 S. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island 32952 321-252-1221
Alura Senior Living 777 Roy Wall Blvd., Rockledge 32955 321-549-3980 AluraSeniorLiving.com
Indian River Colony Club 1936 Freedom Drive, Viera 32940 321-255-6000 ColonyClub.com
The Brennity at Melbourne 7300 Watersong Lane, Viera 32940 321-253-7440 BrennityMelbourne.com
Chateau Madeleine 205 Hardoon Lane, Suntree 32940 321-701-8000 SuntreeSeniorLiving.com
Buena Vida Estates 2129 W. New Haven Ave., W. Melbourne 32904 321-724-0060 BuenaVidaEstates.org
These are top senior living facilities on the Space Coast. All of these wonderful places offer amenities to live a comfortable life in retirement.
• 1950s Music • Costume Contest • Photo area
SaveDate!the Presenting Sponsors
DIRECTIONS
From South Brevard
I-95 to exit east on the 407
The ’40s & ’50s are calling!
Blast from the Past
Come dressed — ’40s, ’50s theme
Costume contest, 11:15 a.m.
Meet at the United Healthcare table
SCHEDULE
9 a.m.
Doors open, Exhibits, Activities
Tote bags to the first 200 9:50 a.m. 100th Birthday Celebration
for Alice Benjamin
We Stick Together performs 10:45 a.m. Veterans recognition
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Music & Entertainment
• Tour the Warbird Museum
• 1945 iconic Kiss photo booth
• The Salvation Army Canteen
Free Lunch — hot dogs, chicken nuggets, water, ice cream, snacks.
(While supplies last)
EAST BREVARD/BEACHES
U.S. 1 to 405, west
Left on Tico Road.
Entrance is on the right FROM NORTH BREVARD
I-95 exit SR 50 east
Health • Finance • Senior Living
Clubs
and
Right on the 405, right on Tico Road
Entrance is on the right.
Right on the 405 south, Right on Tico Road. Entrance is on the right.
Air Command, New Events Hangar, 6600 Tico Road,
TIME TO TRAVEL
Hontoon Island — a jewel of a state park enjoyed for millennia
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
The native Mayaca tribe knew for two millennia the treasure that is this island bordered by the St. Johns River, Hontoon Dead River and Snake Creek.
The island, about an hour and a half drive from Melbourne, has served different purposes since the early original inhabitants — including a homestead, a boat yard and a cattle ranch.
Today, the property is Hontoon Island State Park. It offers unique experiences where visitors can enjoy hiking, bicycling, boating, fishing, a picnic pavilion, a shower station and a small store. Soon it will also offer primitive camping at 12 tent sites and in rustic cabins for rent.
Though it has long reopened after being closed following hurricane damage a few years ago, the park might still not be well known.
“What people tell me is that it’s a quiet gem,” said Adam Hull, a park service specialist at Hontoon Island. “Not a lot of people know about it. It’s kind of out of the way.”
Hull started as a volunteer several years ago at Hontoon Island and now manages the park.
Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of flora and fauna along wellmarked trails.
“It’s pretty diverse,” Hull said. “We have everything from bobcats, coyotes, deer and even bears.”
There are also different species of birds, including Black-bellied Whistling duck. On a recent weekday
morning, there were five manatees feeding on plants in the river at the shore near boat slips.
This is where the Mayaca tribe gathered shellfish from the St. Johns more than 2,000 years ago and lived on what today is Hontoon Island State Park.
“You can’t ignore the historical aspect,” Hull said. “As we know it, the Mayaca were here. This whole area is a shell midden.”
The Mayaca were a hunter-gatherer tribe of Native Americans who lived in Central Florida along the St. Johns River before the arrival of Europeans.
Artifacts such as pottery, a large owl totem carved out of stone and shell middens were found on the island. A replica of the owl totem is displayed at the park.
Hontoon Island State Park’s
parking lot is at 2306 River Ridge Road, which is near the end of a quiet residential area on the shores of the St. Johns River just west of DeLand. A free ferry is ready to take visitors across the river to Hontoon Island. It is also accessible by private boats.
The park is open every day at 8 a.m. and the park’s ferry operates until one hour before sunset. Admission is free, though donations are accepted.
Pack a lunch, grab your camera and head to Hontoon Island State Park, which is not a long drive from the Space Coast.
For more information on the
History — Then and Now
History – Then and Now features Space Coast landmarks or sites in pictures and what those same areas look like today in photographs.
Then 1893
Now 2025
Hontoon Island State Park, visit floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ hontoon-island-state-park SL
Hontoon Island
SENIOR LIFE Lillian Nguyen
Pub Americana in Cocoa Village occupies what was once the State Bank.
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of History of Central Brevard
1893 two-story building was the Brevard County State Bank until the 1930s.
SENIOR LIFE R. Norman Moody Hontoon Island State Park visitors can enjoy hiking, bicycling, boating, fishing and picnics.
SENIOR LIFE R. Norman Moody
A free ferry ride takes visitors across the St. Johns River from the parking lot to Hontoon Island State Park.
Happy Holidays
THE FOURTH FEATURE IN A SERIES ON 19TH CENTURY CHURCHES
LaGrange Church was first between New Smyrna, Key West
BY LINDA JUMP
Brevard County’s LaGrange Church was built in 1869 and its cemetery was open to all, regardless of religion or skin color.
This year’s Zonta Club of Melbourne’s Historic Brevard Christmas ornament will commemorate the site at 1575 Old Dixie Highway, three miles north of Titusville.
The first LaGrange Community Church was a simple log structure built on the north end of the cemetery. It was the first Protestant church building between New Smyrna and Key West. The current church building was constructed in 1893 in a two-story Gothic Revival style. It was not only a church, but was also the first school in North Brevard and social center for LaGrange, a settlement between Mims and Titusville.
“Everything in the church is original, including the stained-glass windows that were restored. There are 16 rows of wooden benches eight feet long with hinges on the backs so the back can go down or up,” Ginny Cooper said.
She is a 30-plus year volunteer who coordinates the church events schedule, including weddings, funerals and religious services.
The church and cemetery were refurbished beginning in the 1990s, first the church and then the cemetery, led by Rosalind Foster. The Titusville Garden Club continues work
The LaGrange Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and its earliest marked cemetery gravesite is for a veteran of the War of 1812.
identifying and marking sites and cleaning and restoring or replacing tombstones. The church’s second story was damaged by fire, and during renovation it was removed, according
to Cooper.
The LaGrange Church and Cemetery Association owns the site.
President David Ferguson said the historic cemetery is open from dawn
“Everything in the church is original, including the stainedglass windows that were restored. There are 16 rows of wooden benches eight feet long with hinges on the backs so the back can go down or up.”
— Ginny Cooper
to dusk. It houses the earliest settlers to the county as well as famous civil rights activists Harry T. and Harriette Simms Moore, martyred when their home was bombed in 1951 on Christmas Day. Moore was president of the county and state NAACP. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 and is a Florida Heritage Site. The earliest marked grave is for a War of 1812 veteran who died in 1869. St. James Colored Missionary Baptist Church was formed with its own building on the site at the end of the 1800s and later created the Mims Colored Cemetery on the back acreage. Several other churches formed from the church. The Zonta Club has commemorated a county historic site on a Christmas ornament every year since 1999. The LaGrange church is featured on the new ornament this year. SL
Zonta Club historic ornament depicts old Mims church
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
Historic Brevard ornaments offered by the Zonta Club of Melbourne offer a unique look at Brevard County.
The LaGrange Church in Mims is depicted in the Historic Brevard ornament offered this year.
The ornaments, which depict
historic Brevard County landmarks, can be hung on a Christmas tree or displayed on a small stand. Zonta started selling the ornaments in 1999 and has produced one each year since then. It started as a fundraising effort and now also serves as awareness of Zonta and what the organization does in the community.
“We have our collectors,” said
to our
• Christmas Day Trips
• Biltmore Christmas, King Tut, Gingerbread Dec. 28-31, 2025
• Cherry Blossoms & Andersonville March 22-26, 2026
• Nashville & Louisville April 7 - 14, 2026
by email at
• Broadway to Bermuda Cruise June 6-14, 2026
• Alaska Cruise, Train & Land June 8-20, 2026
• Amish Tour — Mayberry, Walton’s Mountain Nov. 6 - 15, 2026
Sandy Michelson, a member of the club. “They buy them every year. They want to keep up the collection.
“When we started with the first ornament with the rocket garden at Kennedy Space Center, we thought we had enough sites for three years, but we’re still going strong,” Michelson said.
Collection number 26 is the latest. One ornament or the entire collection is available through Meehan Office and Art Products in downtown Melbourne or by contacting the Zonta Club of Melbourne. The ornaments are $30 each or $35 with a stand. For more information, visit zontaspacecoast.org/ fundraising/.
All proceeds from the ornament sales benefit local scholarship programs, community service projects and the local and international fight against human trafficking and violence against women.
Some of the ornaments in the collection include the Rossetter House, Field Manor, Cape Canaveral
Lighthouse, Cocoa Village Playhouse, Melbourne Beach Chapel and Wells Green Gables House.
The Zonta Club of Melbourne is a service organization to empower women and girls through hands-on assistance, advocacy and funding. SL
SENIOR LIFE photo
SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue Sandy Michelson, a Zonta Club member, displays this year’s historic Brevard ornament of the LaGrange Church in Mims.
Buena Vida Estates hosts lively Brevard Senior Billiards Tournament
BY SUSAN M HOUTS
Four Senior Living Communities on the Space Coast County came together for an afternoon of friendly competition, laughter and camaraderie during the latest Brevard Senior Community Billiards League Tournament at Buena Vida Estates.
The Oct. 21 event drew enthusiastic players and fans representing their home teams — the Salterra Sea Serpents, Zon Beachside Ballers, Sonata Stingrays and the BV Cruisers.
With cues in hand and plenty of team spirit, the competition was fierce. In the end, it was Buena Vida Estates claiming the victory and taking home the coveted trophy.
The energy in the room reflected more than just a game. It was a true celebration of active aging, sportsmanship and connection among seniors and community partners.
Steve Caiati, the lifestyles director at Buena Vida Estates, expressed his appreciation for the turnout and enthusiasm.
“It was wonderful to see everyone come together,” he said. “The energy, the sponsors, the laughter, the friendly rivalries — it was everything we hoped for and more.”
From the crowd and competition to the snacks and open bar, every detail helped to create an atmosphere of joy and inclusion. Two regulation tables were rented to accommodate the action, ensuring every player had a chance to thrive.
Dan Carter, the president of ITG Holdings and the manager of the Buena Vida Estates property, described the event as awesome.
The Brevard Senior Community Billiards League began earlier this year, originating with Assisting Hands Community Liaison. Some residents were already meeting to play billiards when the league was organized.
The first tournament was held in August in Indian Harbour Beach, sparking enthusiasm among senior living communities. The league has continued to grow ever since.
The next tournament, hosted by The Sharks, is scheduled for Feb. 9 at Shell Harbor.
For information or to get a senior community involved in the league, check out shouts@assistinghands. com SL
Two residences featured in Spade and Trowel Garden Club Holiday Tour
SPECIAL FOR SENIOR LIFE
The Spade and Trowel Garden Club will conduct its annual Holiday Tour of Homes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
The two featured homes in
Rockledge are at 8 River Ridge Drive and at 1403 Rockledge Drive. The River Ridge home will present a Christmas theme, while the Rockledge Drive home will highlight Thanksgiving. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25
on the day of the tour. The event will include refreshments, raffles, a sale of hand-made seasonal crafts, wreaths, table decorations and baked goods by club members.
Proceeds will benefit Candlelights of Brevard, which helps children with
cancer; Walk on Water, a horse-based ministry for special-needs children and veterans; and Life Recaptured, a ministry that operates safe homes for the survivors of human trafficking. For information, call 321-704-0165 or 321-750-7509. SL
SENIOR LIFE Susan Houts
After the success of the Brevard Senior Community Billiards League Tournament, another event is planned for Feb. 9 at Shell Harbor.
Chateau Madeleine celebrates, looks toward coming expansion
BY BETTY PORTER
Residents and friends of Chateau Madeleine Senior Living community celebrated its sixth anniversary with a Luau as it released details about its planned Atlantis Senior Tower.
The anniversary celebration Oct. 3 wooed the audience with authentic live Hawaiian music, hula dancers and a fire show. It also included a dinner of roasted pig, coconut shrimp and drinks made with pineapple.
Maryann Meyers, who has lived at Chateau Madeleine since May 1, invited her daughter Sharon Nazarek and son-in-law Dave Nazarek to join her for the Luau. She said that while it is all new to her, she is excited to have so many activities available and intends to participate in them.
Established in 2019, Chateau Madeleine bills itself as a resort style senior living community. The new tower will greatly expand the senior facility.
The three-story, 69,000 squarefoot Chateau Madeleine is part of the campus that includes Suntree Internal Medicine. It offers supported independent living, assisted living and transitional memory care in a setting resembling a Florida resort with lush greenery, including a 6½ acre lake and fishing dock.
The Atlantic Senior Tower will be an eight-story, 81-suite assisted living residence that is soon to be built on the 26½-acre campus. It will add 110,000 square feet to the campus, a resort-style pool, an expanded lake with a pontoon boat. It will also have a 3,500 square-foot banquet hall, a sports
BY BETTY PORTER
Having two birthday parties is the icing on the cake for Carol Cook of Rockledge who turned 100 years old on Oct. 13.
Cook lived at the Shell Harbor retirement community in Rockledge for more than two years until moving in April to her daughter Margie Meck’s home in Rockledge.
Lots of her friends, staff members and family were there to watch her blow out the candles, offer best wishes and celebrate with her.
Each of Cook’s four daughters and her niece Joan Davis and Joan’s husband Doug, who flew in from Denver, Colorado were here to help
bar and an indoor sports complex. A roof-top restaurant called The Launch Chophouse Experience will offer indoor and outdoor views of Space Coast rocket launches.
Janice Maynard, who has been a resident at Chateau Madeleine for about a year, said she is looking forward to seeing the launches as she misses seeing them having grown up as a native of Merritt Island.
Eric Hardoon, the executive director and administrator of Chateau Madeleine and his father, Dr. Abe Hardoon, who started Suntree Internal Medicine in 2002, made the announcement about the expansion.
her celebrate.
“Anyone who meets Carol knows they are valued and important to her,” her niece said. “To this day, she always listens with interest and is kind and accepting of everyone. Always a server, she puts others’ concerns above herself with much humility. Her warm smile is endearing,”
Cook attended Suntree United Methodist Church for many years. When she moved into a retirement community, she was thrilled to know that Steve Schantz was the visiting pastor.
“Carol is always such a sweetheart and a delight.” said Schantz, who attended the birthday party.
Daughter Susan Lackey, who flew
“We are glad to be part of the community and to give back to it. We have created jobs for more than 200 employees,” Abe Hardoon said. “We’ve created a place where seniors can thrive and live at their best during this chapter in their lives.”
Chateau Madeleine was named after his mother, Madeleine, who shared that same vision.
Eric Hardoon, who is Abe Hardoon’s son, said the new project will be a draw for loved ones of the residents to come and visit with them and enjoy dining and all of the amenities.
Dot Brett is 96 and has been living
at Chateau Madeleine for almost two years.
“I enjoy the food here and having so many things going on is very good,” she said. “I look on the TV screen, wohich lists the daily activities, and I go to most all of them.”
Eric Hardoon noted that the original building houses 82 residents. It it has been at capacity since they opened six years ago and they have a two-year waiting list. He said the new phase is on track to open in January 2027.
More information is available on the website suntreeseniorliving.com or by calling 321-701-8000. SL
in from Charlotte, North Carolina, said, “She’s always been patient, kind, understanding and loving.”
“Our mother is one of the most wonderful people in the world,” said Barbara Parsons, who lives in Columbus, Ohio. Two other daughters, Linda Ives and Margie Meck, live in Rockledge.
“She’s been the most inspiring and gracious mother. She is always so positive and has a can-do attitude,” Ives said.
Cook has six grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren between the ages of 5 and 12. Cook was born in Lexington, Kentucky but moved to the Washington, D.C. area when she was young.
Cook has lived in Florida since 2003. She was married for 63 years
before her husband passed away. It was in 1948 that she married Irvin and the two owned and operated a plant store in College Park, Maryland.
“She has always enjoyed gardening and growing indoor plants, and has been a life-long learner either by her own studying or by taking classes in the arts, history, music, religion, politics and more” her daughter Meck recalled.
“My mother has also always been a health nut before that term was even popular and she still participates in exercise to this day attending exercise classes,” she said.
The City of Rockledge offered a proclamation that read: “We hereby recognize Carol and offer best wishes for a happy 100th birthday.” SL
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Chateau Madeleine Once completed, The Launch Chophouse Experience will offer indoor and outdoor views of Space Coast rocket launches.
SENIOR LIFE Lillian Nguyen
Carol Cook celebrated her 100th birthday with many friends and family at the Shell Harbor retirement community.
Hello November
Family Harvest Festival 3 - 6 p.m. MG car show, craft show, live music, games and BBQ cook-off. Eau Gallie First Baptist 1501 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. Melbourne, 321-254-2339
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Packing
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Help pack Christmas Child shoeboxes.
Indian River Church 1355 Cheney Highway Titusville, 321-213-1013
Riverfront Triathlon
6:45 - 10 a.m.
Swim, bike, run event.
Cocoa Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd. Cocoa, 561-768-7889
Coffee with a Cop 9 - 10 a.m. An opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know the Brevard County Sheriff’s deputies in the community. Cherie Down Park 8330 Ridgewood Ave. Cocoa Beach 321-868-1220
Muscle Memory 10 - 11 a.m. Strength and balance. North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-268-2333
Car Show Nights 5 - 8 p.m. Cars, music and food.
Calvary Chapel Melbourne 2955 Minton Road West Melbourne 321-952-9673
Salsa Mingle 6 - 7:30 p.m. Learn how to salsa. Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne 321-608-7400
Senior Beats Noon
Drumming Cocoa Beach Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. 321-783-9505
Spooks and Spells, Music to Mystify 7 p.m. A free concert presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-724-0555
Senior Life's BoomerBash Senior Fest 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Blast from the Past Expo with exhibitors demonstrations, prizes, lunch, photo booth and '40s costume contest.
Valiant Air Command 6600 Tico Road Titusville, 321-242-1235
Fall Craft Show
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Hand-crafted items, four animal rescues, Samurai Sharp will sharpen knives and scissors and you can donate blood at the Blood Mobile. Heritage Isle Clubhouse 6800 Legacy Blvd. Viera, 321-576-0264
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Landscaping with Florida Natives Tour
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
A self-guided tour exploring seven gardens. Brevardlandscape tour.org
Fay Lake FestiFALL
Chili Cook Off
1 - 5 p.m.
Fay Lake Wilderness Park 6300 Fay Blvd. Cocoa, 321-631-4367
Pickleball Mixer
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Open to all skill levels. Ted Whitlock Center 370 Championship Circle Palm Bay, 321-952-3231
Bones and Balance
10 - 11 a.m.
Wickham Park
Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne 321-255-4494
Line Dancing 4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne 321-255-4494
Veterans Day Picnic
11 a.m.
VFW Post 4206 3201 Dairy Road Melbourne 321-724-4121
Using Facebook to stay connected over the holidays
1 p.m.
A beginner-friendly session that shows how to safely use Facebook to share photos, send messages, join groups and stay connected with loved ones.
One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Soups On Us
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and a drink. Fundraiser benefiting the NVHS for the Veterans. Ohana East Coast Realty 474 N. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne 321-890-2382
Seventh annual Space Coast Police K-9 Competition
6 - 10 p.m.
More than two dozen police and military and civilian teams compete. Benefit for the Space Coast K-9 Foundation.
USSSA Space Coast Complex
5800 Stadium Parkway Viera
Native Plant Sale
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Florida native flowers, shrubs and local plant experts. Enchanted Forest 444 Columbia Blvd. Titusville, 321-264-5185
Space Coast Cars & Motorcycles
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Titus Landing 2520 S. Washington Ave. Titusville, 201-658-2004
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Heroes United to Heal Designer Bag Fundraiser
3 - 6 p.m. Silent auction, music, food, door prizes and raffles.
Merritt Island Moose Lodge 3150 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Merritt Island 850-919-4824
Soul Line Dancing
3:45 - 5:30 p.m.
Beginners class.
Greater Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Drive NE Palm Bay, 321-724-1338
Yoga for Seniors
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-268-2333
Medicaid Planning Seminar 10 a.m. Seminar presented by William A. Johnson.
One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Spade and Trowel
Garden Club Holiday Tour of Homes 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tour two Rockledge homes. All proceeds go to Walk on Water, Life Recaptured and Candlelighters of Brevard. 1403 Rockledge Drive and 8 River Ridge Drive in Rockledge 321-704-0165.
Titusville Jeep Meet 6 - 8 p.m. Orleans Bistro 2204 S. Washington Ave. Titusville, 321-567-7567
"Wicked" and "Wicked: For Good" 11 a.m.
Special double feature. AMC Viera 16 2241 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-775-1210
Operation: Trivia 11 a.m.
Test your knowledge and honor our heroes in this fun, militarythemed trivia event. From history and pop culture to patriotic facts.
One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
41st annual Festival of Trees
9 a.m. Trees, wreaths and festive decor for sale benefiting the Junior League of the Space Coast. Wickham Park Community Center 2815 Leisure Way Melbourne spacecoast.jl.org
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Vendor Fair
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Homemade crafts, local artisans and baked goods. Greater Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Drive NE Palm Bay, 321-724-1338 Eighth annual United in Thanksgiving 7 p.m. 30 faith traditions gather to honor loss, healing and the power of love.
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church 3050 N. Highway A1A Indialantic 321-750-4462
Titusville Amateur Radio Club Monthly Meeting
6 - 9 p.m. Masonic Hall 19 N. Washington Ave. Titusville, 321-269-1886
Happy Feet 10:40 a.m. In-place walking Cocoa Beach Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. Cocoa Beach 321-783-9505
Glow Golf and After Party
5:30 p.m. Nine holes of glow-inthe-dark golf followed by a DJ dance party with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Centenarians honored with special star treatment
Cheerful 105 year old celebrates birthday with friends
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Irene Sierzant was born the same year that women in the United States were granted the right to vote. The 105 year old recently celebrated her birthday with friends at Viera Health and Rehabilitation Center, where she lives.
The jovial celebration on Oct. 21 drew friends from the center, as well as others who live elsewhere.
“I’m so surprised,” said Sierzant of the group that gathered to celebrate her.
Those in attendance included Darlene Kinzel, who is a friend of Sierzant and a former resident of the facility. She came back to celebrate with her.
“It’s truly amazing,” Kinzel said. “I can’t get over the fact that she remembered my name. Irene’s a truly amazing person to know.”
Kinzel said that Sierzant enjoys being around others.
“She likes coming to the activity room and socializing and doing activities and I, again, can’t get over how she can move in her wheelchair, ... because she probably can beat me in a race in a wheelchair.”
Claire Liss, another friend of Sierzant, said that she enjoys bingo at the facility.
“She only plays with one card … and she still hits Bingo,” Liss said.
Isabelle Chmielewski was emotional as she spoke about Sierzant.
“I was a resident here but came back to see her,” Chmielewski
said. “… She made it good here for me. I’m so happy that she’s here and getting to be with friends and celebrating her birthday — 105 years old. That’s great.”
Sierzant offered some advice, among them was a tip to write down memories.
“You’re not going to remember years later,” Sierzant said. “You’re going to say “gee, I think it was about a year ago, maybe it was five years ago or maybe it was 10 years ago.
Sierzant also offered a financial tip.
“Spend your money on yourself and never mind how much it costs because eventually it won’t be yours anyway,” she said.
Francis Edwards has often visited Sierzant. The two have long chats, including about Sierzant’s Polish heritage.
Edwards said Sierzant has two sons, one in Arizona and another in North Carolina. SL
SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue
Six centenarians from Brennity of Melbourne in Viera were honored at a party held Sept. 22. Each of the centenarians — Paul Surprenant, left, Josephine Durham, Inez Gallagher, Hal Gibson, Ethel Murray and Joe Siegelman —
centenarians, their relatives and their friends
Violinist Char Good entertained the crowd. Stuart Moore of WESH News also attended the party
SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue
Josephine Durham, right, Joe Siegelman and four other centenarians were honored with a star named after them and a certificate to denote that status.
Irene Sierzant
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Morning foot pain could be plantar fasciitis, but it’s treatable
BY AMY TREMANTE
If your first steps out of bed in the morning cause you excruciating pain, you may have plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tar fashee-EYE-tiss) is one of the most common, and most painful, foot problems around.
This condition happens when the thick band of tissue — the plantar fascia — that runs along the bottom of your foot gets inflamed. The
•
plantar fascia supports your arch and absorbs shock when you walk. But too much stress — from standing all day, running marathons, wearing unsupportive shoes or gaining weight — can cause tiny tears and inflammation. The result is a sharp, stabbing heel pain that is worse in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
The good news is that most cases can be treated without surgery, although patience is required.
Doctors usually prescribe specific stretches, rest, ice, supportive shoes and sometimes custom orthotics. Rolling your foot over a frozen water bottle is a common, and cheap, remedy. Physical therapy, night splints and anti-inflammatory medications can also be prescribed to manage symptoms and promote healing.
In rare and stubborn cases, steroid injections or newer treatments such as red-light therapy or shockwave therapy could be recommended.
As for prevention, wear shoes with good arch support and cushioning (your flip flops and cute
BCOA NEWS
Brevard Commission on Aging
flats may have to go to the back of the closet). Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces, stretch your feet and legs often, and replace your sneakers before the soles are crushed into crepes.
Plantar fasciitis might sound fancy, but it’s really your feet saying, “I’m overworked and under supported.” So, if you are hobbling to the bathroom in the morning like you’ve aged 40 years overnight, don’t ignore it. A little TLC now can keep you on your feet and pain free for many mornings to come. And if the classic rest, ice, and stretch isn’t helping, please see a podiatrist!
BCOA meetings are open to the public and are held the second Thursday of each month at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, B-106, Viera, FL 32940. For information, contact Cindy Short by phone at 321-633-2076, FAX at 321-633-2170 or email cindy.short@brevardfl.gov.
Senior Santa invites you to bring holiday cheer to forgotten seniors
Senior Santa, Inc. is calling on the community to help spread holiday joy to local seniors who might otherwise be forgotten this season.
After continuing the long-standing TRIAD tradition through a local nonprofit last year, Senior Santa has officially become its own nonprofit organization — ensuring this beloved holiday effort will continue for years to come.
For the 2025 holiday season, Senior Santa, Inc. has adopted the residents of 11 central Brevard nursing homes. Community members can help by selecting a Senior Santa ornament, each representing a senior and their wish list.
Ornaments will be available starting Nov. 3 at the following locations:
• Atlantic Pack and Parcel 870 N. Miramar Ave. in Indialantic
• Joe’s Senior Resource Center 1344 S. Apollo Blvd. in Melbourne
• One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road in Viera
• Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce 4100 Dixie Hwy. NE in Palm Bay.
Unwrapped gifts should be dropped off — with the matching ornament enclosed in the bag — by Monday, Dec. 2 to any of the same drop-off locations.
“We’re grateful for the outpouring of support from the community each year,” said Jennifer Barton, a board member and owner of Seniors Helping Seniors. “Even a small gift makes a huge difference in reminding a senior that someone cares.”
Senior Santa, Inc. was incorporated in 2025 as a registered nonprofit. Its board of directors includes Barton (Seniors Helping Seniors), Lauris Cady (Atlantic Pack and Parcel), Terry Stone (retired), and Amanda Walker (Orlando Health).
All donations are tax deductible. For information, call 321-722-2999.
Aging Solutions, Inc., Office of the Public Guardian is calling all elves
The Elves for Elders gift collection/ donation deadline is Dec. 5.
For individuals in the community who have suffered life-changing events, injury, illness or disability, are requiring care and will be spending the season in care facilities.
• New items needed: Clothing, hygiene/toiletry items, shoes, sensory and social stimulation items, books to read and activity books. Current individual wish lists are online at aging-solutions.org
• Gift fund: Available for
monetary donations to cover the cost of medications, transportation and other harder to find personal items or adaptive equipment. Gift fund donations can be sent to Aging Solutions, Inc., P.O. Box 410832, Melbourne, FL 32941 or can be made online at aging-solutions.org
BCOA has teamed up with the Brevard Commission on Aging, the Brevard County Manager’s Office
and the District 5 Commissioner’s office. Contact Danielle Stern at Danielle.stern@brevardfl.gov to be an elf for a senior this year.
Gift/donation drop-off locations:
• Aging Solutions, Inc. 1299 Bedford Drive, Suite A in Melbourne.
• County Manager’s Office 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Building C, Suite #301 in Viera. SL
Every number from 1 to 9 must appear in:
• Each of the nine vertical columns
• Each of the nine horizontal rows
• Each of the nine different colored shapes
Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or color.
SENIOR LIFE R. Norman Moody
Foot-support sleeves are often used in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.
1. Catch
4. Like new
8. Fair share, maybe 12. Clean Air Act org.
13. Think tank nugget
14. Wind up on stage?
15. Gymnastics ideal
16. You name it
17. Steady
18. Jury’s determination
20. Gala gatherings
21. Brass
23. Certificate features
25. Ex of George and Rod
CROSSWORD
27. Typist’s ailment
28. It’s a wrap
31. Presidential first name
33. Capital near Yellowstone National Park
35. Hospital unit
36. Kind of instinct
38. Set
39. Waned
41. Olympic archer
42. Magical wish granter
45. Necklace item
47. Heap praises on
48. Rat
49. I problem?
52. Catalina, e.g.
53. Shoe strengthener
54. Vacation location
55. Round sound
56. buco
57. Drunkard
DOWN
1. Track action
2. Jungle swinger
3. Criminal underworld
4. Peewee
5. Heart-throbs
6. Like worker bees
7. “The Joy Luck Club” author
8. Engine attachments
9. Be against
10. Handed-down history
11. Lawyers’ charges
19. Arm bone
20. Ace
21. Dress
22. Cream ingredient
24. Flue residue
26. Pond buildup
28. Intrepid
29. Menu option
30. They’re caught on beaches
32. Turkey
34. Suggestive look
37. Sioux tents
39. Former Cuban president Castro
40. Small wooded hollows
42. Smooth
43. Prosperity
44. Zero
46. Chorus member
48. Losing come-out roll in craps
50. Mail place (abbr.)
51. Bran source
Solution — page 26
Lovatts Puzzles
NORTH BREVARD
Space Coast Regional Airport lands major improvement projects
BY FLORA REIGADA
Infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of the primary runway, are moving forward at the Space Coast Regional Airport.
The improvements are expected to benefit the area’s economy and aerospace industry, since it is the nearest airport to the Kennedy Space Center and used by aerospace companies, private jet charters and general aviation. It is also the location of the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum.
“We are completing the rehabilitation of the airport’s primary runway. This involves upgrading of existing pavement, storm water upgrades and safety improvements,” said Justin Hopman, the deputy director of operations for the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority.
The $8.9 million dollar runway project is funded by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation.
“It is scheduled to be completed within the next few weeks,” Hopman said.
Another improvement is the construction of a new, 96-foot traffic control tower. Safety is a major factor, since the current tower does not
allow for maximum visibility of the airfields. The $9 million dollar tower project is funded by the FAA and the Florida Department of Transportation. It is underway and scheduled to be completed in September of 2026. Finally, a new roadway will connect Challenger Avenue to Grissom Parkway. This will support an upcoming multi-phase industrial development, Space Coast Innovation Park. More than one million squarefeet of aerospace buildings have been conceptualized by the developer.
Be careful of the challenges in making changes, contracting for services
As seniors focus on dealing with increased prices for goods and services, they switch. Making changes at any age can present challenges. Medicare Advantage Plan and Supplement Plan vendors are out in force.
Be careful. Make comparisons, check with SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, a volunteer group that will help you make comparisons and guide your decisions).
Seniors are bombarded with mailings from cellphone and internet service providers. “Switch and save money!”
Telemarketing techniques are often used. Special discounts are provided. Fixed monthly fees are offered for 24 to 36 months. Be sure to get those terms in writing. “Sign up, today!”
You have choices of contracting for service in a retail store, by telephone or using a self-install process.
Seniors reported challenges in switching one service for another. One provider placed a 72-hour unlock period before a transfer could be made. Attempts to speak to a personal representative at a call center resulted in a recording: “We are experiencing heavy call volume.” Hours later, you may connect with a special sales representative who works hard to get you to change your mind. “Special discounts for a loyal customer.”
Closing out your account, getting a final bill, and finding a way to return the modems, routers, and equipment is another challenge. After a conversion, one senior received a notice from the former provider instructing the customer to take the equipment to the
Challenges of Living to Age 100
Ed Baranowski
UPS/FedEx store where they would return the equipment. Two days later, another notice came in an email stating “the equipment should be delivered to a Recycle Center.” Where is that located?
Want to stop your recurring payment from your checking account?
Financial service providers take special precautions to identify the account holder. If you cannot go to the banking office, you can request a DocuSign form and complete the task.
Changing credit card or debit card providers can also be a challenge. Ideally, it is best to have a primary financial service provider in your residence city. There is comfort in being able to visit face-to-face with a service representative. Further, when your family deals with probate, a will or trust, local help makes life easier when settling an estate.
Before you switch, ask “What’s in it for me?” Before you accept the challenge of switching services, order a supply of patience pills. SL
Ed Baranowski is an award-winning writer, artist, speaker and seminar leader. He lives in Melbourne and can be contacted at fast75sr@gmail.com.
This is a public partnership, for which the Airport Authority will provide the roadway and the developer will construct the buildings. The roadway construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2026, and completed in September 2027.
Glen Kemp of Titusville spoke of the airport’s importance and its impact on businesses, such as real estate.
“While we live in the shadow of
Orlando International Airport, as a commercial real estate appraiser of 40 years, I can appreciate the importance of Space Coast Regional Airport’s role in supporting the aerospace industry and business,” he said.
Space Coast Regional Airport is at 355 Golden Knights Blvd. in Titusville.
For more information, visit flyspacecoast.org SL
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority
A runway rehabilitation and a new control tower are among the improvements to the Space Coast Regional Airport.
