Large crowd welcomes home Honor Flight vets
Blast from the Past Senior Expo returns It’s Back!
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum, the site of the Boomer Bash Senior Fest on Nov. 7, offers an impressive display of vintage military aircraft.
Those attending the Boomer Bash Senior Fest in the Valiant Air Command’s new events center will be admitted free of charge to the Museum. Senior and military admission is generally $20. Dress in 1940s and 1950s attire to participate in a costume contest.
Centenarians are invited to attend the Expo. They will be honored in a special ceremony.
“We have planes from World War II. We have the Vietnam era. We have just about every war that we’ve had that’s had flying planes in them. We have them from those eras,” said Jim Grammatico, a representative for Valiant Air Command.
The aircraft on display include the F-14A Tomcat; 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.
The museum opened in 1977 and has grown substantially since then.
“When we started, we had two planes, just two,” Grammatico said. “We had the Tico Belle and there was a biplane too, a Stearman. Today, we have 55 planes and more coming in all the time.”
SENIOR LIFE Ken Schulze/Shutterstock
Attendees will be able to recreate the V-J Day Time Square Kiss during the Boomer Bash Senior Fest Blast from the Past on Nov. 7 at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Titusville.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Continued on page 3
Jewelry Appraisal & Liquidation Solutions
Jewelry Appraisals for Seniors
Downsizing?
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.
• Over 50 years of experience
• Accurate valuations for insurance coverage
• On-site & in-home services available
• Estate & liquidation guidance
Guiding
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 1103 West Hibiscus Blvd | Suite 307B | Melbourne, FL 32901
E ditor FROM THE
It is fall — Viera Harvest Festival is here
It is fall — even though temperatures might not indicate it — it’s time for the Viera Harvest Festival.
In addition, you can read about other fall events, including the Titusville Fall Festival, in stories and in our calendar of events in Senior Life
I can tell you, truly, that this edition of Senior Life is packed with stories I think you will find interesting, informative and entertaining.
We had to be very selective as we approached our deadline because we had more stories than we could publish in a single edition. So, we are giving you the best of those stories. Other stories that cannot wait, will go online at vieravoice.com/senior-life/ and might be mentioned in our printed calendar of events.
Many of you have told us that you like reading about veterans in our community. We have several stories in our Stripes section that will interest you — from a 100-year-old World War II veteran to a younger, severely wounded soldier who does his part to help others cope with their injuries as he also recovers.
We have also received some positive feedback on our series of 19thcentury churches. In this edition, we tell you about the Melbourne Beach Community Church, which has been in existence since 1892. There is so much history in these churches from the early days of Brevard County.
SENIOR Day Trips—Motor Coach Tours-Group Cruise
Subscribe to our weekly travel newsletter by email at jointhefun.us Departs Cocoa & Viera
• Christmas Day Trips
• Cunard - 14 Night Cruise with round-trip transportation to Miami Oct. 15-18, 2025
• Biltmore Christmas - King Tut - Gingerbread Dec. 28-31, 2025
• Cherry Blossoms & Andersonville March 22-26, 2026
• Broadway to Bermuda Cruise June 6-14, 2026
• Alaska Cruise, Train & Land June 8-20, 2026
Volume 28, Issue 5
©Senior Life of Florida
7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102
Viera, FL 32940
321-242-1235
myseniorlife.com
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
Mike Gaffey
Linda Jump
Lillian Nguyen
Betty Porter
Flora Reigada
Amy Tremante
Emily Warner
Nichole Yuan
©2025 Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. All rights reserved
Recently, while visiting with family, I stood captivated in front of a digital photo frame, enjoying looking at the photos as they scrolled through. That experience led us to write about these digital photo frames, how to upload your photos and how it works. You might consider one.
We love taking weekend day trips and we never seem to run out of places around Central Florida and just beyond. We share them with you in our Travel Time section anytime we find a gem. Orlando Wetlands Park is a short drive away from Brevard County and has so much to offer. If you like the outdoors and have never been there, you might want to read our story on it in this edition.
Enjoy your copy of Senior Life and let us know how we are doing. SL
R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com
Contact Senior Life by the 10th of the month regarding upcoming community-oriented events by email and mail. The Boomer Guide is an outstanding resource for Brevard. Grab yours today.
Check out Valiant Air Command’s more than 50 aircraft during Expo
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Continued from page 1
The museum attracted throngs of guests last year.
“Last year, I believe there were 33,000 people that came through,” he said.
The museum that the crowds came to see is made possible through the work of volunteers, Grammatico noted.
“The museum itself, you have to start I guess with the volunteers because this whole place exists from the volunteers,” he said. “People who are passionate that aren’t getting paid and teach people about planes, restore planes, people who run the museum. It’s all a passion. Nobody’s paid. Everything is volunteer.”
Grammatico also added the Museum will have an open cockpit day Nov. 29, where visitors can sit in aircraft.
“You’ll get the feel of what the pilots actually went through,” he said. “…. We don’t have it very often. Only two times a year, and last year was the first time we started it.”
The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, check out valiantaircommand.com.
“It’s really heartwarming to see people come in,” Grammatico said. “We have for kids, a little scavenger hunt. We have a little hedgehog that we’ve stuck out in different places.”
Senior Life’s Boomer Bash Senior Fest at the Valiant Air Command events center will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7. A photo area will recreate the V-J Day Times Square iconic kiss in New York.
The Expo will offer music and entertainment, tote bags to the first 200 people and lots of useful information for boomers and seniors.
For more information about the Boomer Bash Senior Fest, check out BoomerSeniorExpo.com SL
SENIOR LIFE Chris Bonanno
The only flying XP-82 Twin Mustang in the world is a proud part of the impressive collection at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Titusville.
SENIOR LIFE Chris Bonanno
An F-80/T-33 Shooting Star jet with a Miss America emblem is on display.
HOBBIES & PASSIONS
THE 14TH FEATURE IN A SERIES ON HOBBIES & PASSIONS
Passionate about gardening — hobbyists inspire community
BY NICHOLE YUAN
Butterflies and bees abound in the hidden gem known as the Brevard Discovery Garden.
In this area, hobbyist gardeners work to not only maintain, but to create a beautiful space that exhibits not only native Florida plants, but other Florida-friendly greenery that helps support the ecosystem.
In this place filled with colorful and fragrant florals, people can visit to admire the natural beauty as well as ask questions about particular plants, starting their own garden or even to address concerns.
“Our goal is to educate the community. Not just to show them pretty flowers,”said master gardener John Haase. “(And) everything we use (to educate) comes from the University of Florida.”
Haase explained the importance of learning not just how much sunlight and water a plant needs, but also the type of soil, nutrients, compatibility with other plants and even pruning needs. All of this he learned by completing the master gardener program through the University of
Florida.
“I always wanted to do it, to be a master gardener,” Haase said of his hobby. “I think I got the gardening kick from my dad because he liked to be outside. And he liked to plant and
weed and mess around, you know, with different kinds of plants and vegetables and flowers, and I think I got that gene from him.”
Haase enjoys the hands-on
experience of gardening as well as the social aspect. Whether it’s attending the monthly potluck meeting, engaging in conversations with his like-minded peers or helping someone with their horticulture questions, it’s evident that his hobby is much more of a passion.
For individuals interested in learning about the art of gardening, Haase suggests stopping by the Brevard Discovery Garden on Wednesdays when it’s open to the public, or attending a plant clinic at one of the county’s libraries. Even better, check out its upcoming event, the Autumn in Bloom Festival, on Oct. 11, to learn about the native flora of Florida, purchase one of many plants grown at the Brevard Discovery Garden or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery.
And for those wanting to volunteer, simply fill out a volunteer form and bring your driver’s license to the help desk. You may just discover your next new hobby.
SENIOR LIFE Nichole Yuan Volunteers get a variety of hands-on experience from planting to pruning.
SENIOR LIFE Nichole Yuan Brevard Discovery Garden has a dedicated butterfly garden that attracts a wide array of pollinators.
SENIOR LIFE Nichole Yuan John Haase stresses the importance of native and Florida-friendly greenery to help preserve the local ecosystems.
Space Coast Police K-9 Competition expects lots of fans
BY CHRIS BONANNO
The seventh annual Space Coast Police K-9 Competition is set for 6 p.m. Nov. 14 at the USSSA Space Coast Stadium in Viera.
“We’ve had six great years of having this event,” said Yvonne Martinez, the coordinator of the competition and vice president of the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation.
“We started obviously at Cocoa High in 2018 and we’ve gone to Space Coast Stadium. This year, we have a field of 16 civilian competitors and we’ll have about 20 police and working dog competitors, so we’re really excited. Some of them are repeat competitors, but we also have a new group of competitors, so we look forward to seeing that.”
Patrons at the event will have the opportunity to see the K9 handler teams navigate an obstacle course that includes fence jumps, car window jumps, climb and slide, and a low crawl obstacle, among others.
“We always have one new obstacle,” Martinez said. “We call it the mystery obstacle. We don’t say what it is until (the) event day.”
Some competitors are locally based, according to Martinez. Among the participants are those from as close as Patrick Space Force Base and other areas of the state to those from as far away as Rock Hill, South Carolina, Martinez said.
The event will also feature a hard dog/fast dog competition, which is
The Space Coast Police K-9 Competition has been held since 2018. Competitors will
and working dog K9 teams. An obstacle course will be one of the highlights of the
a two-part event that will be held as one where the K9s handler will send the dog down the field to apprehend a decoy dressed in a bite suit. The speed by which the K9 completes the trip and how hard the K9 engages the decoy will both be assessed.
“We will allow all of the civilians to compete in the hard dog/fast dog because it goes by fast and everybody loves watching that,” Martinez said. “There could be 100 dogs out there and it would never be boring to watch that particular part of the competition.”
Tickets for the event are $5, Martinez said, with patrons also
SPCA of Brevard will launch new doggy daycare in Titusville
BY LILLIAN NGUYEN
The SPCA of Brevard plans to open a new doggy daycare where “playtime has a purpose.”
Wagmore Playcare in Titusville will provide a place for dogs of all shapes and sizes to enjoy a day of play.
The profits from the daycare will directly support the SPCA and its mission to rescue and care for animals in need. The project was made possible by a legacy donation from the late Michael Smith.
The doggy daycare, at 425 Chaney Highway, is under construction and is expected to open late this year or early next year.
The SPCA of Brevard is a nonprofit organization that does not receive funding from the government or any national organizations. Instead, it relies on its two thrift stores, a monthly giving program and donations.
The idea of opening a doggy daycare was sparked by a personal experience of the SPCA of Brevard’s executive director, Susan Naylor. She said that her friend, who owned a pit bull puppy, was denied entry at a local daycare because of their policy against certain breeds.
“That really upset me,” Naylor said. “I wanted the opportunity for dogs, regardless of their breed, to be able to have playtime.”
Wagmore Playcare will not have
similar policies; however, dogs will still undergo temperament testing to ensure they are placed in the appropriate playgroup.
Once the daycare opens, members of the community will be able to sponsor dogs in the shelter to join in on play sessions. Naylor hopes that the sponsor program will lead to adoption opportunities when pet owners see their dogs bonding with the shelter dogs.
Construction for Wagmore Daycare began thanks to a generous legacy donation.
“We were blessed with a wonderful man; his name was Michael Smith,” Naylor said. A section of the building will honor Smith and his two dogs, which have since been adopted into a loving family.
able to purchase $25 tickets for reserved seating that will include a swag bag. Those interested in purchasing tickets can do so through spacecoastpolicek9foundation.org/ store
“I just think there’s a love in this community for our four-legged heroes and they (the community) show it,” Martinez said. “They show up every year. They donate. They support the cause so much to where we (the Foundation) were able to purchase two new police dogs for (the) Palm Bay Police (Department) and one for (the) Rockledge Police (Department).” SL
By Randal C. Hill
Behind the Beat
The upbeat Eagles ballad “Lyin’ Eyes” tells of a woman entangled in webs of frustration, deceit and entrapment. She lies to everyone — her elderly husband, her younger lover, herself.
The affair she has undertaken is, as with many such assignations, a bandage on a painful issue and not a step taken to eliminate the basic problem.
“We saw a lot of beautiful women around Hollywood who were married to wealthy, successful men,” Eagle Glenn Frey once said. “We wondered if they were unhappy.”
He later recalled being out with some of the band members when an incident occurred that would unexpectedly benefit the countryrockers’ career. “One night, we were drinking at a bar when I spotted this stunning young woman with a much older, fat, rich guy. One of the guys commented, ‘Look at her. She can’t even hide those lyin’ eyes.’ Immediately, we all began grabbing for cocktail napkins to write down lyrics to go with that great observation.”
Creating tunes is never easy. In fact, much of the time spent is often
‘Lyin’ Eyes’ — The Eagles
a long and frustrating process that includes countless revisions.
But when Frey and fellow Eagle Don Henley composed “Lyin’ Eyes,” Frey later admitted, “I don’t want to say it wrote itself, but once we started working it, there were no sticking points. Lyrics just kept coming out, and that’s not always the way songs get written.”
Within two nights, they had the music and the lyrics stitched together. Fellow Eagle Bernie Leadon later told Rolling Stone, “Glenn was a great storyteller. Just listen to the way he sings ‘Lyin’ Eyes.’”
As the second Asylum Records single from the group’s millionselling One of These Nights album, the infectious 45 shot to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. (Elton John’s “Island Girl” kept
it from the coveted top spot.) The Eagles’ masterpiece earned the band a Grammy a year later, and country superstars Dolly Parton, Buck Owens and Lynn Anderson all released cover versions. “Lyin’ Eyes” also appeared on the hit soundtrack of the 1980 movie “Urban Cowboy.”
You can’t hide your lyin’ eyes
And your smile is a thin disguise
I thought by now you’d realize
There ain’t no way to hide your lyin’ eyes
In the story, a woman slips away from her husband after telling him that she’s going out to visit a friend “who’s feeling down.”
She drives on through the night, anticipating
Because he makes her feel the way she used to feel
The fleeting moments she enjoys with her lover include a promise that will never be kept.
She swears that soon she’ll be coming back forever
She goes away and leaves him with a smile
At the story’s end, she sadly realizes that her affair will never restore the life she once enjoyed.
She wonders how it ever got this crazy
She thinks about a boy she knew in school
Did she get tired or did she just get lazy?
She’s so far gone she feels just like a fool SL
Viera Harvest Festival brings scarecrow fun to community
BY JEFF NAVIN
During the Viera Harvest Festival, the public can stroll to see the best of all the scarecrows all in one place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 18 at Woodside Park.
For two weeks prior to the gathering at Woodside Park, the 13th Viera Voice Scarecrow Stroll will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Oct. 2 to 16 at businesses throughout Viera, Suntree and Rockledge.
Businesses will build a scarecrow to invite strollers to their location along a mapped route across the greater Viera/Suntree area. The public will view and vote on the unique creations for the People’s Choice and Best of Show — along with other awards.
Woodside Park and its eight acres of nature trails for walkers and bicyclists will be the site for the second consecutive year. The park is located off Murrell Road at 1703 Crane Creek Blvd. in Viera. Before being held at Woodside Park for the first time last year, the Viera Harvest Festival had been held at The Avenue Viera.
More than 23 handcrafted ’Crows will be sold at a silent auction during the Viera Harvest Festival to benefit the Florida Wildlife Hospital. It has been selected to be the event’s charity of choice. Florida Wildlife Hospital will also
build a scarecrow.
The Penny Creek Band, a bluegrass band led by vocalist and bass player Susan Pounds, guitarist and vocalist Chris Paganoni, mandolin player and vocalist Fritz Kraemer and vocalist and banjo player John Apfelthaler, will entertain the crowd at the Viera Harvest Festival.
“There’s a certain sound and feeling that the Penny Creek Band brings to the harvest time of year,” said Jill Blue, the publisher of Senior Life. “It’s a true bluegrass music concert. It makes you want to tap your toes and dance around.”
A pull-out map for the Scarecrow Stroll is available at the Senior
Life office at 7350 Shoppes Drive #102 in Viera. It also will serve as a voting ballot, showing readers where to go to see the scarecrows and get a secret code as proof of the visit.
“All the businesses have been wonderful designing colorful and creative ’Crows,” Blue said. “We have returning builders who have been making scarecrows for several years.”
Blue is delighted to have the Florida Wildlife Hospital as this year’s charity of choice.
“This year, we are working to support the Florida Wildlife Hospital,” Blue said. “We love what they do to help injured wild animals
in Brevard County. Their staff and volunteers are true humanitarians. They have built some wonderful ’Crows through the years. They always have a cool nature theme based on rescued animals.”
The People’s Choice award trophy will go to the ’Crow with the most votes collected during the two-week Stroll.
The scarecrows will be moved to the Viera Harvest Festival for judging for Best of Show, Best Use of Hay, Most Whimsical and Best Name. The scarecrows will be placed up for silent auction to benefit either the charity or the school.
Continuing with tradition, the kids’ Mini-Crow building contest is open to children in two categories — ages 5 to 8 and 9 to 14. The mini crow can be any character that includes hay in its design, be no taller than 3 feet and can be carried by the child.
The Pumpkin Patch returns with miniature pumpkins. There will be hay bale horses ready for photos with the children.
Local physicians from Orlando Health will represent the Ted E. Bear Clinic and will be on hand to give full exams for bears and other stuffed animals brought by children. Certificates of wellness will be offered after the exams.
For information about the Viera Harvest Festival or the Scarecrow Stroll, call 321-242-1235. SL
SENIOR LIFE photo
“Lyin’ Eyes” was a hit on the Eagles’ One of These Nights album.
SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue
People will place bids for scarecrows on display at the Viera Harvest Festival, with all proceeds going to benefit the Florida Wildlife Hospital.
321.339.0551
8085 Spyglass Hill Road
Viera, Florida 32940
Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm
Please call (321) 339-0551 to RSVP
One Senior Place Presents… seminars and events for seniors only! Join us for a day of free health screenings, cooking demo, and more at our Healthy Living Day!
UPCOMING SEMINARS
Friday, October 10th at 10am: “Senior Health Friday With Nurse Lisa” presents: What is The GUIDE Model?
Monday, October 13th at 10am: SPECIAL EVENT - Job & Volunteer Fair
Wednesday, October 15th at 10am: Planning for Pets: Caring for Furry Family Members –Presented by: Rhodes Law, P.A. & Raymond James
Monday, October 20th at 1pm: Living Well With Diabetes Part 2: Complication Prevention & Medication Management
Tuesday, October 21st at 1pm: Medicare Educational Event – Presented by Health First Health Plans
Thursday, October 30th at 1pm: SPECIAL EVENT - Senior Trick-Or-Treat Schedule
For details, stop by or see our full calendar of events on OneSeniorPlace.com
TECH KNOW TIDBITS
Stay connected — digital frames allow sharing thousands of photos
BY EMILY WARNER
One of the greatest benefits of technology is that it allows you to stay connected with friends and family.
Whether your loved ones live across the state, country or even halfway around the world, it’s always meaningful when you can receive a call or photo, catching you up on each other’s lives.
Although there are many gadgets that can be used to stay connected over long-distances, digital picture frames remain a tried and true item.
At a first glance, digital frames look near-identical to a standard photo frame, except in place of a photo, there is a digital screen. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, with the option of portrait or landscape, you can display the frames on a flat surface or hang them on a wall.
Since you won’t be adding physical photos, there’s no need to
worry about prints. Instead, you’ll be able to digitally upload your photos to a corresponding app or, depending on the brand, directly to the digital frame.
Some frame styles allow you to directly import pictures via a memory card or connected cord to your phone, computer or tablet. Although you can upload your own photos, the great benefit of digital frames is that your friends and family can upload their photos to your device.
Now, instead of having to wait until the holiday season to see your grandchildren, you can catch up on all the fun by seeing new photos of them each day.
A continuous slideshow of everchanging images, many brands of digital frames can hold thousands of photos — no worry about deleting or choosing favorites to make more room.
Some frames even come with an option to organize your photos
into albums. Plus, with most options allowing you to connect directly to power, you won’t have to fret about replacing batteries.
One of the greatest benefits of digital picture frames is that they allow you to feel more involved in the lives of your siblings, children, grandchildren, parents or friends.
With these frames, it’s a fun and interactive way to feel as though your loved ones are right there with you, sharing their special moments and beloved memories.
Digital photo frames are available
from Best Buy, Costco, Amazon, Walmart and other retailers.
Prices on digital photo frames start at about $45 depending on the size, storage capacity and other factors.
Cocoa Beach church’s annual gift-basket auction benefits charities
BY MIKE GAFFEY
A small Cocoa Beach church hopes to continue to raise big bucks for the community during its fall giftbasket auction.
St. David’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church at 600 S. 4th St. will host its 15th annual Bid or Buy silent auction Oct. 24 to 26, with all proceeds helping local charities.
“We are always remembering those who for whatever reason need a helping hand,” said Jeanne Weaver, a resident artist, vestry member and historian at the church, which is celebrating its 75th year of service and ministry this year. “We are named after St. David of Wales who said, ‘Be joyful and keep your faith and creed and do the little things that you have seen me do and heard
about.’ Today, we still follow those words with our Bid or Buy auction.”
Despite having a congregation of only a little more than 100 members during the winter months, the church and its Outreach Ministry, which conducts the yearly auction, has raised almost $500,000 for the community.
Created throughout the year by parishioners, about 100 various baskets packed with items will be available for young and old, as well as themed baskets for pets, golfers, cooks and the holidays. Auctiongoers also can bid on 100 gift certificates good at local businesses. Participants can bid on a basket or item or pay the “Buy it Now” price.
Some of the nonprofits benefiting from the auction are Family Promise of Brevard, The Salvation Army, Nana’s House, The Central Brevard
Sharing Center, The Children’s Hunger Project, Second Harvest Food Bank, Matthew’s Hope and a food pantry at Cape View Elementary School.
“We partner with these organizations to show our love,” said Roxanne McCormac, a senior warden of the church’s vestry. “It’s not a fundraiser for the church. It’s something the church does for the community.”
Auction hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24; from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 and from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, following services at 7:30 and 10:15 a.m. Free wine and appetizers will be served during the Oct. 24 auction, and free hot and cold drinks will be available Oct. 25.
For more information, visit stdavidsbythesea.org or call 321-783-2554. SL
SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody
Digital photo frames are an excellent way of displaying hundreds of family photos in a single setting.
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of St. David’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church St. David’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church will conduct its 15th annual Bid or Buy silent auction to help local charities Oct. 24 to 26.
STRI PES Brevard Veterans News
Honor Flight volunteers go above and beyond to serve veterans
Before the veterans arrived recently to board the first Space Coast Honor Flight out of Melbourne Orlando International Airport, board members and other volunteers had already been there since at least 3 a.m.
These people are dedicated to serving those, mostly aging men and women, who served in the military. The veterans are taken on a one-day trip to Washington D.C. to visit the monuments in their honor.
Jerry Blum, a Navy veteran, went on one of the Honor Flights three years ago. Since then, he has been volunteering to see that other veterans can have the same opportunity.
“It’s just wonderful people,” he said. “They were wonderful to me. I just want to give back.”
There are many others who have dedicated many hours through the years since the Space Coast made its first flight in October 2010 with veterans from Brevard County.
I have seen Duke Scales, the organization’s bugler, at every Honor Flight event I have attended since 2011. His father was a World War II veteran.
He does it, he said before the most
recent flight, “out of responsibility for the guys and women who are going on this trip.”
Many others serve with enthusiasm. These volunteers go above and beyond to serve the veterans.
It’s just such a pleasure to be around these vets,” Marcia Lambert said. “I call it an honor and a privilege.”
I could go on naming others whom I have observed doing their part through the years. They include Teri Eno, retired Navy Rear Adm. Jim Hart, Suzanne Olson, retired judge David Dugan and Lou Seiler, an Air Force veteran who is the organization’s videographer/ photographer.
“I just love what I’m doing,” Seiler said.
All previous flights were out of Orlando International Airport. The first trip from Melbourne was Sept. 6.
These volunteers of the Space Coast Honor Flight are true advocates for veterans who do their work with passion and care.
On the most recent flight, they managed to get the word out to Space Coast residents, who filled the airport to greet the veterans as their flight arrived about 10:45 p.m.
The 45 men and three women were met with cheers, flag and sign waving, and words of appreciation for their military service as they filed into the terminal and through an honor guard saber arch. SL
Navy retiree from Viera spends career providing counseling to veterans
BY ERNIE DORLING
In 1975, Earth, Wind and Fire released its hit single, “Shining Star.” That same year, Dr. Daphne Brown, a clinical psychologist, who had always been an observer of the unseen, was sworn into the U.S. Navy.
“My father was a career soldier and my mother supported his military career with enthusiasm and aplomb,” Brown said.
“While I had no plans to join the military myself, I was assigned to a training externship at the Tucson VA hospital from 1974 to 1975 as part of my doctoral training program. I found the work with veterans to be extremely rewarding. While I explored each branch of the service, the Navy sent a helicopter pilot in summer whites to my front door. As a result, I joined the Navy.”
Brown was born in Nuremberg, Germany, and grew up a military brat living in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and the greater Washington, D.C. area. In 1969, she started college in Mississippi at the age of 16.
In 1975, after finishing her master’s degree in clinical psychology at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Brown was sworn into the Navy Reserve by her father, Army Maj. Gen. Jack Albright Brown.
Brown finished her studies in Arizona, where she honed her understanding of the labyrinthine workings of the human mind.
Her interest was not simply in healing, but in connection — how stories shaped people, how trauma rewrote destinies and how a kind word could be both anchor and sail.
After graduation, Brown headed off to an internship at the Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland.
“My first job was that of a functioning clinical psychologist,” she said.
Brown’s naval career spanned more than 35 years — much of it in the U.S. Navy Reserve. However, Brown returned to active duty from October 2006 to April 2009 in support
of Operation Noble Eagle, established in response to the terror attacks on 9/11. She was subsequently deployed to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.
“This was my most memorable tour,” Brown said. “We had an excellent staff, and we were able to build some outstanding behavioral health programs for local deployed service members who were transitioning back to the states. The most rewarding aspect of my work was witnessing the impact it had on the troops to overcome the stresses of their operational environment.”
Brown retired in 2011 as a captain. In 2019, after retiring from her civil service job in Germany, Brown and her husband of 19 years were looking for a warmer climate.
“My husband was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, and I wanted a state with a broad array of medical and memory care resources that he might need as his disease progressed,” Brown said. Brown found what she was looking for in Melbourne.
Brown’s husband passed away in 2021.
“I visit him and my parents in Arlington National Cemetery at least once per year,” Brown said.
Since then, she has kept busy traveling to the Arctic Circle, the Greek Islands, and taking an Amazon River cruise.
“I also play a lot of computerbased games that focus on logic, memory and critical thinking skills,”
Brown added.
“After watching my husband’s decline with Alzheimer’s, I work very hard to keep my brain active.”
It’s just possible that Earth, Wind and Fire had Brown in mind when they sang, “Shining Star.” SL
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Daphne Brown
Daphne Brown was sworn into the Navy Reserve by her father, Army Maj. Gen. Jack Albright Brown.
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Daphne Brown Daphne Brown retired from the Navy as a captain.
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Daphne Brown
Dr. Daphne Brown, a clinical psychologist, enjoyed a long career in the U.S. Navy.
WWII veteran Rosenfield poised to celebrate 100 with family, friends
BY ERNIE DORLING
George Rosenfield, a resident of Sonata Viera, was born in 1925, the same year “Mein Kampf,” a political manifesto written by Adolf Hitler, was published.
In 1943, at the age of 18, Rosenfield found himself in Italy fighting Hitler’s army as a member of the U.S. Army’s famous 10th Mountain Division.
On Oct. 16, Rosenfield, a World War II veteran who helped liberate Italy, will celebrate his 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and community leaders in Melbourne.
George Rosenfield grew up in the Baltimore, Maryland area. “I was drafted when I turned 18,” Rosenfield said. “The Army sent me to Camp Hale in Colorado to learn to ski. Once I learned to ski, I was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division and sent to Italy. Our unit was part of Operation Encore, a series of attacks on the Germans that became known as the Climb to Glory.”
Thrown into the chaos of war at the age of 18, Rosefield tears up talking about that battle and climbing the ice-covered mountain to allow the allies to break through what was referred to as the Gothic Line in Italy.
“After that climb and battle, only 17 of us walked out under our own power,” Rosenfield said. “We were just kids, but we learned fast.”
While in the Army, Rosenfield obtained a master’s degree in industrial engineering.
“I became an officer and fought in Korea,” Rosenfield said. “The army would have me build bridges and then blow them up,” he added, shaking his head, demonstrating his sense of humor.
After retiring with the rank of major, Rosenfield went on to have a career in the space industry, where he is credited with helping create and design the algorithms used in sending astronauts to the moon.
Today, Rosenfield struggles with health issues associated with aging. Still, on most days, he tries to get to the gym at Sonata Viera to exercise to the best of his ability and tries to eat healthy.
“About once a week, I’ll have a sip of something,” Rosenfield said, although he didn’t specify what that sip was. He also attends Temple Beth Sholom in Melbourne, which he helped found in 1958.
“George has been a part of the fabric of our community since its very beginning on the Space Coast in the 1950s,” Rabbi Craig Mayers said. “He is an inspiration, and we wish him continued strength, health and success as he approaches this milestone.”
A long-time member of the Cape Canaveral Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Rosenfield has been instrumental in helping to raise money for the many charitable causes supported by the organization.
“George has been a great asset to MOAA as well as our community,” said Hans Hunt, the second vicepresident of the chapter. “He has a wealth of knowledge and experience
that he has shared often over the years. MOAA representatives are excited about attending his 100th birthday celebration.”
Michelle Barns, a concierge at Sonata Viera, has known Rosenfield for a year.
“He is always witty and personable,” Barns said. “I always look forward to talking with him. He also gets more mail than any of our residents.”
When asked what he attributed to turning 100, Rosenfield said, “I’m not sure if God doesn’t want me, or if he isn’t finished with me.”
If you were to ask the people who know George, they would no doubt all tell you that God clearly isn’t finished with him, not just yet. SL
SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling
George Rosenfield has been instrumental in raising money for many charitable causes in Brevard County.
SENIOR LIFE
Courtesy of Kent Rosenfield
U.S. Army Maj. George Rosenfield served in WWII and the Korean War.
Crowd cheers veterans on first Honor Flight from Melbourne airport
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Exhausted but with bright smiles, 48 veterans and their guardians arrived back at Melbourne Orlando International Airport on their latenight Honor Flight. They arrived to cheers and applause from a large and energetic crowd gathered to receive them from their day-long trip to Washington, D.C.
“I couldn’t believe it,” 86-year-old Air Force veteran Wallace “Wally” Murray said. “How many people? Where did they all come from?”
Murray enjoyed the reception, the camaraderie and the sites in Washington where he was stationed from 1969 to 1972.
“You never get tired of seeing the changing of the guard” at the Tomb
of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., he said.
The group of veterans left Melbourne with Space Coast Honor Flight in the early morning for the day-long trip Sept. 6 to visit the monuments in their honor in the nation’s capital. They came back to a boisterous, flag-waving, sign-carrying crowd that greeted them.
“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” Air Force veteran Tina Smith said. “This is way more than I expected. The volunteers treated us like kings and queens.”
It was the first Honor Flight to leave and arrive at Melbourne Orlando International Airport. The previous 82 flights since Space Coast Honor Flight started in
October of 2010 were out of Orlando International Airport.
“It’s the culmination of a couple years of trying to get charter flights out of Melbourne instead of having to fly airlines out of Orlando, and this is the result,” said retired Navy Rear Adm. Jim Hart, the president of Space Coast Honor Flight. “The credit doesn’t go just to me. It goes to our board and it also goes to the airport.”
The group visited monuments such as the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Women’s Memorial, the Air Force Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
“Is it about taking them to their memorials to visit the places that were built to honor them,” said Neal Johnson, an Honor Flight volunteer who served as a guardian for a veteran when one was unable to attend.
Despite the early morning departure and late evening return, a crowd gathered to celebrate the veterans, with many at the arrival holding signs with slogans such as “Home of the free, because of the brave” and “Thank you for your service” and others holding American flags.
“If this doesn’t make someone patriotic, I don’t know what does,” said Renee Purden, the director of public safety and chief of police at the airport.
Airport Executive Director Greg Donovan served as a volunteer guardian for a veteran on the flight.
Murray’s daughter Robin Grennell flew in from Chicago, where she
lives, to accompany her father as his guardian for the Honor Flight.
“It was really great seeing all of the memorials but honestly the people have made this experience like nothing I have ever experienced ever,” Grennell said. “The way that Melbourne has shown up, the time and effort that people put into this, to make them feel special, to give them the welcome home that they deserve, I mean, unbelievable. It is truly unbelievable.”
Honor Flight has taken more than 2,200 veterans from Brevard County to Washington, D.C. since beginning the trips from here in 2010.
There were veterans from all branches of the military. The flight included four Korean War veterans, 41 Vietnam veterans and three post Vietnam veterans.
Three are older than 90 years old. The oldest was 95-year-old Seymour “Sy” Weinlauf.
SL
SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue
Robin Grennell flew in from Chicago to accompany her father Wallace “Wally” Murray for the Space Coast Honor Flight.
SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue
An enthusiastic crowd was on hand to welcome veterans returning from their Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue Veterans returning from the Honor Flight were welcomed with the traditional arch of swords and a cheering crowd.
Iraq War veteran spreads his story of recovery to inspire others
BY ERNIE DORLING
All Russ Marek remembers is an intense flash of light; he told his doctors after waking up from a coma 13 weeks later at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Short of that, he has no recollection of what happened to him or how he ended up in the hospital without a right arm and a right leg. The doctors told him it was a blessing he didn’t remember.
In addition to losing an arm and a leg, Marek suffered burns over 20% of his body. He also suffered a serious brain injury, which has contributed to his having difficulty in re-learning to talk and swallow liquids.
Marek, whose full name is Paul Russell Marek, was serving in Iraq on Sept. 16, 2005. He was eight days from rotating home. It was his last assignment. He had just been promoted to staff sergeant two weeks prior. Marek’s last mission was to intercept an enemy convoy of 150 trucks coming in from Iran that were suspected of supplying arms and ammunition to the insurgents. His tank was the last in a formation of three to roll over a culvert hiding a massive IED (Improvised Explosive Device) that September day. The 70-ton M1A1 Main Battle Tank was no match for the 1,000 pounds of explosive wrapped around a 155 mm artillery round that shot up through the bottom of his tank, blowing the 23-ton turret completely off the tank
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Russ Marek
“My message to all veterans is to keep smiling. There is nothing you can do to change what happened. Don’t dwell on the past.”
— Russ Marek
hull. Three soldiers in Marek’s unit died that day. Marek would have died that day, too, had it not been for the quick response by the Army medics who were credited with saving his life.
It has been 20 years since that fateful day. “I’ll never forget the doctors at Walter Reed telling me that Russ may never walk or talk again,” Marek’s father, Paul Marek, said.
Not only is Russ Marek walking and talking, but he also continues to reinvent himself by giving back to other veterans who are struggling
with their own physical and mental challenges. Marek’s initial thought after coming out of his coma was that
it was good to be alive. His focus then was to get better.
“The brain injury shut down all functions on the left side of my body,” Marke said, as he struggled to get the words out. “I had to learn to speak and swallow.” And get better, he did.
Marek spent five to six hours a day, seven days a week, in physical and speech therapy. And what so many thought to be impossible, he proved to be possible. Today, Marek is articulate, able to walk, albeit with canes and works every day to regain as much independence as possible. He has endured long operations for an arm and leg transplant.
“I believe God saved me in order to advance the science of limb transplants,” Marek said.
Marek has taken his 20-year journey of recovery, inspiring wounded veterans throughout the South.
“I decided I was going to help others,” he said.
At one VA hospital, Marek (with the help of his father), after speaking to a group of veterans, was informed by the medical staff that three of the patients who had exhibited suicidal thoughts walked away, thinking that if Marek could do it, so could they.
“My message to all veterans is to keep smiling. There is nothing you can do to change what happened. Don’t dwell on the past,” he said. Marek served as the commander
VETERAN
Continued on page 18
Brevard’s Premier Senior Retirement & Assisted Living Communities
Alura Senior Living
A B C D E
777 Roy Wall Blvd., Rockledge 32955 321-549-3980 AluraSeniorLiving.com
Shell Harbor 2855 Murrell Road, Rockledge 32955 321-252-1221 ShellHarborRetirement.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
These are the top senior living facilities on the Space Coast. All of these wonderful places offer amenities to live a comfortable life in retirement. Buena Vida Estates 2129 W. New Haven Ave., W. Melbourne 32904 321-724-0060 BuenaVidaEstates.org
SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling Russ Marek was critically injured when his tank hit an improvised explosive device in Iraq.
I
SaveDate!the Presenting Sponsors
Blast from the Past
Come dressed ’40s - ’50s theme
Costume contest, 11 a.m.
SCHEDULE
9 a.m. Doors open
Tote bags to the first 200
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Music & Entertainment
• Tour the museum/aircraft
• Activities
• Ice Cream
• Celebrating Centenarians
• 1945 iconic Kiss Photo area
• Exhibit tables
From South Brevard
Entrance
US
TIME TO TRAVEL
Orlando Wetlands offers nature-filled day a short drive away
BY EMILY WARNER
Nestled between Orlando and Titusville, in the town of Christmas, is the Orlando Wetlands Park. At more than 1,000 acres, visitors have a plethora of scenery and trails to check out in this beautiful area.
However, with such a picturesque landscape, it may take visitors by surprise to learn that the area is a manmade wetland, used by Orlando and a few of the other neighboring cities, as a treatment site for reclaimed water.
Although activities such as boating, swimming and fishing are not permitted on property, visitors are encouraged to take part in hiking, biking (non-motorized) and horseback riding.
With an abundance of diverse wildlife as well, it’s always a wonderful idea to bring your binoculars and camera to capture the variety of species that call the
wetlands home.
Although there are many winding dirt trails around the wetlands and into the surrounding forests, you won’t want to miss the Cypress Boardwalk, which is more than 2,000 feet long. Taking you out over the water, this path allows you to feel immersed in nature and grants a front-row view to the wetlands.
Try to keep an eye out for turtles below the boardwalk or roseate spoonbills up in the trees. Don’t worry, you won’t have to keep a keen eye out to spot a gator, as they love sunbathing along the sides of the trails — just be mindful to keep your distance.
The Orlando Wetlands Park is free to visit and is open Tuesday to Sunday, sunrise to sunset and the visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on holidays. Upon stopping by the visitor center or visiting the park’s website, keep
an eye out for any upcoming events hosted at the wetlands.
The park also offers free tram tours from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays on a first-come, firstserve basis, weather permitting. The hours change seasonally beginning in November.
With this park being only 50 miles away from downtown Melbourne, fellow Brevard residents will be happy to know that the wetlands are only an hour drive away. Whether you decide to take your whole family or set out on a solo venture, thanks to its visitor center, tram rides and easy paths, the Orlando Wetlands Park makes for the perfect day trip for anyone. SL
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 1920s
Now 2025
SENIOR LIFE Matt Clark
The State Bank of Eau Gallie building now houses the FM Pizza Oven.
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of History and Memories of Brevard
The State Bank of Eau Gallie was built in 1925 at the corner of Eau Gallie Boulevard and Highland Avenue.
SENIOR LIFE Emily Warner
The Orlando Wetlands Park has a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts. The 2,000-foot boardwalk gives you front seat access to cross the wetlands and be more immersed in the beautiful environment.
SENIOR LIFE Emily Warner
Although adult gators are typically easy to spot, keep an eye out along the water’s edge or in shallow spots for baby gators.
THE THIRD FEATURE IN A SERIES ON 19TH CENTURY CHURCHES
Melbourne Beach Community Chapel — enduring more than a century
BY LINDA JUMP
Melbourne Beach Community Chapel was the first church on Brevard County beaches and has weathered hurricanes, fires, floods and lightning strikes for 133 years. And today it holds a congregation of about 100.
“It’s sustained over the years and endured,” said John Secret, who has pastored the church since 2000. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the chapel, shaped like a Latin cross at 500 Ocean Avenue, is nondenominational. “We embrace all traditions. We are fostering rather than divisive.”
Community leaders originally met seasonally at the home of Miss Grace Cummings, with mainland pastors serving as supply preachers. That home’s site is now part of the church parking lot. Retired Air Force Chief of Chaplains Roy Terry started yearround services about 1982.
A large Terry Center was constructed across the parking lot for its centennial in 1992 to house church school classes and a large fellowship hall. Secret said average attendance is about 70 people. Services are traditional.
The chapel, founded in 1892, is still popular as a wedding destination.
“The carillon was refurbished and we have a real bell that we ring during weddings. We used to do up to 80 weddings a year, but with cultural changes and Covid, our numbers are down to about 20 this year,” said Secret, who is a retired Air Force chaplain (lieutenant colonel).
One of those weddings in April 1984 was for Paula and Al Jenkins.
“We had a friend who introduced
us there and we started to attend. It’s a wonderful congregation and we’re one big family,” Paula Jenkins said. Through the years, she has overseen the Sunday school and is currently chapel secretary. “We have a wide diversity of people, and everyone knows everybody. It’s comforting to have a prayer chain,” she said.
The chapel’s foundation was undermined in a 1924 hurricane, closing services for three years. In 2004, the Terry Center had interior damage and was rededicated the
VETERAN
Continued from page 13
of the Military Order of the Purple Heart on the Space Coast for two years. He continues to require 24/7 care and trains three days a week with a fitness instructor as he continues to work towards more independence. He continues to raise money for
following year.
“With a deep appreciation for its tradition and history, a strong vision for the future continues in fulfilling our mission as the caring Christcentered chapel,” Secret said.
Worship is held at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Casual dress is encouraged. Small group Bible studies are held at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday and Women’s Home group at 10 a.m. on Thursday. Once a month, an after-church fellowship is held in the Terry Center.
For more information, go to mlbcommunitychapel.org SL
veterans groups and organizations. However, he accepts no money or fees for his motivational talks.
“If sharing my story with other veterans and their families helps them with their healing and inspires them to keep going, then I’m continuing to fulfill the mission I was sent here to do,” he said. SL
SENIOR LIFE Matt Clark
The Melbourne Beach Community Chapel, the first beachside church in Brevard County, is often used for weddings.
SENIOR LIFE Matt Clark
The Melbourne Beach Community Chapel was founded in 1892.
SENIOR LIFE Matt Clark
John Secret, the pastor, leads the congregation at Melbourne Beach Community Chapel.
Adaptability, wit, vivid memory define
BY BETTY PORTER
Celebrating her 102 birthday, Jo McClintock became in September the oldest woman residing at Chateau Madeleine in Melbourne.
She was one of its first residents and, according to its executive director, Eric Hardoon, one of its wittiest.
“She’s become like family. It’s because of her personality. She’s honest and doesn’t sugar coat anything,” he said.
She was born in Missouri on Sept. 20, 1923. Her real first name is Una Mae, but she adopted Jo as her nickname after a boy in fourth grade called her Puny Uni. She remembers that vividly.
She remembers a lot of the events of her life vividly, including all of the places where she has lived from the age of two. Due to the nature of her father’s job, he and the family were subjected to his being transferred to a different state every two years. And then when she married her husband, who was in the U.S. Air Force, the moving-often trend continued.
Perhaps the most memorable of all the places she has lived was shortly after she married.
“My second home as a bride was in an apartment house used by prostitutes in the Red Light district of Kansas City, which had been bought by our government for use as housing for the military,” McClintock said.
Years later, after her two daughters were born, her husband was sent to a base just outside of Tokyo, Japan.
She remembers celebrating her 30th birthday there.
“I had my 40th birthday in Germany,” she said. “As my daughters and I were flying there, our plane lost an engine over the Atlantic and made an emergency landing in Shannon, Ireland before continuing our trek to Germany.”
Military service leads to living in many locations.
“After our time in service in Germany, we went to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where my husband retired from the Air Force after 25 years of active duty,’ McClintock said. “We then went to Illinois and lived across the river from St. Louis, Missouri.
“My life was full and made easier by the ability to adapt and to carry a sense of humor. Life is constant change and you have to be adaptable.”
— Jo McClintock
“When my husband passed away, we had been married for 59 and a half years and I was left with lots of good memories,” she said. “My life was full and made easier by the ability to adapt and to carry a sense of humor. Life is constant change and you have to be adaptable.”
She said she is very blessed to be living at Chateau Madeleine so close to her daughter, Ann Scott, who is a resident of Suntree.
Evelyn Breault, the director of activities at Chateau Madeleine, has often enjoyed speaking with McClintock.
“Reaching 102 years of age is such an incredible milestone,” Breault said. “We are honored to have Jo as part of our Chateau Madeleine family. Her life is an inspiration and we cherish the opportunity to recognize this special moment with her.” SL
The Murtha Law Group, PA
Kevin M. Murtha
Attorney and Counselor at Law
Serving Brevard County
Estate Planning
Wills
Trusts
Probate
Family Law
7351 Office Park Place Melbourne 32940 KMurtha@MurthaLaw.us 321.600.4989
Building the next chapter at
Chateau Madeleine
SENIOR LIFE
Courtesy of Chateau Madeleine At 102, Jo McClintock still vividly remembers events in her life from a
Senior Life Slice of the Good Life Expo was refreshing
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
Slice of the Good Life Expo, the final in a series of Senior Life’s summer events, brought out the best watermelon carvers and a crowd that enjoyed the fun and informative event Aug. 27 at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Museum.
The event’s presenting sponsors were Heuston Legal, One Senior Place and Health First. Seniors and boomers had an opportunity to access a lot of useful information and enjoy lunch served by The Salvation Army of North Central Brevard from its emergency canteen truck. Participants were able to visit the museum and use a salvaged submarine periscope to view the surrounding area and amphitheater under construction. SL
Chefs put on a show carving watermelon into works of art
1st
BY LILLIAN NGUYEN
Chef Ritchie Sorrentino, Andrew “AJ” Asistin and Walid Massad of The Brennity at Melbourne teamed up to win the inaugural Watermelon Carving Contest at Senior Life’s Slice of the Good Life Expo with their entry called The Brennity.
The third and final in the summer series of Senior Life’s free Senior Day events was held Aug. 27 at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center at 400 Sykes Parkway on Merritt Island. Free watermelon was provided for all who attended the event.
“It was an amazing day,” said Jill Blue, the publisher of Senior Life. “The Chefs really hit it out of the park in coming up with outstanding ways to carve up this wonderful and refreshing fruit.” SL
Chef Ritchie Sorrentino is the culinary director for The Brennity at Melbourne.
A Brevard County local for more than 35 years, Sorrentino’s background includes at restaurants and hotels such as the Radisson Resort at Port Canaveral. His skill and passion for food presentation helped lead his team to victory in the Watermelon carving competition.
Andrew “AJ” Asistin is a member of The Brennity’s culinary team. Asistan has worked alongside Sorrentino at the Radisson Resort since 2016 and has a wide range of artistry and culinary skills. His expertise includes fruit carving, a key element to his team’s winning submission.
Walid Massad developed his skills in Boston before moving to Florida two years ago. As a Sous Chef at the Brennity, his experience with different cuisines brings a broader perspective to the team. His skill and precision with fruit carving helped secure his team’s success in the competition.
Congratulations to the carvers!
Chef David Jones graduated from culinary school in Melbourne in 2008 before becoming the culinary director at Sodalis Merritt Island. Originally from Rome, New York, his love for his craft started at a young age. He is certified in Chocolate Creation and Advanced Sauces from the Culinary Institute of America.
Chef Jack St. Clair is the director of dining service at Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehab Center. His experience in healthcare dining and his more than 20 years in hospitality includes country clubs, hotels and restaurants. St. Clair’s standard of excellence provides flavorful meals for his residents.
Lee Hyde
is the executive chef for the
Culinary Management/ Devereux Foundation. Hyde’s training started in his father’s restaurant before he enrolled in South Florida Community College’s culinary training program in Avon Park. He has worked in restaurants and in the healthcare industry. He has about 20 years of experience.
The Brennity of Melbourne’s Ritchie Sorrentino, Andrew Asistin and Walid Massad carved the winning sculpture.
Volunteers from The Salvation Army served lunch and drinks at Senior Life’s Slice of the Good Life Expo.
Free tote bags were given out to attendees at Senior Life’s Slice of the Good Life Expo held at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island.
Shirley Moreau takes a look through the submarine periscope in the military museum.
Space Coast Woman’s Club volunteers helped out at Senior Life’s Slice of the Good Life Expo.
Exhibitors presented invaluable information for seniors and boomers at the Expo.
Sherlon
Jr.
Metz
Carving: Flower Power
Carving: The Metz
Carving: Dolphin Paradise
Hello October
SATURDAY
National Bartender Day
1 2 3 4
Senior Beats Noon Cardio drumming. This class can be done standing or sitting. Cocoa Beach Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. Cocoa Beach 321-783-9505
Thursday Italian Lunch Noon
Italian American Club of South Brevard 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne 321-242-8044
Bingo 10 a.m.
North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-268-2333
Animal Crackers, Songs of fur and feathers
7 p.m. Presented by the Indialantic Chamber Singers. Our Lake of Grace Catholic Church 300 Malabar Road S.E. Palm Bay 321-426-0360
28th annual Puerto Rican Day Parade and Multicultural Festival 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Live performances, dancing, unique merchandise and ethnic foods. EFSC 250 Community College Parkway SE Palm Bay, unitedthirdbridge.org
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Animal Crackers, Songs of fur and feathers
3 p.m. Presented by the Indialantic Chamber Singers. Eastminster Presbyterian Church 106 N. RIverside Drive Indialantic 321-426-0360
Flower Heads - Self Portrait 5 - 7:30 p.m. Multimedia art class. Galleria of Art and Photography 7720 N. Wickham Road, #107 Suntree, 321-338-9787
Car Show Nights
5 - 8 p.m. Music, food and fellowship.
Calvary Chapel Melbourne 2955 Minton Road Melbourne 321-952-9673
Early Bird Trivia 4 - 6 p.m.
Pizza Gallery 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-633-0397
3-2-1 Orchestra
Dealer’s Choice Center Oct. 8 and Oct. 9 7 p.m. Presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band.
Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-724-0555
Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy light refreshments, a presentation and guided tours highlighting the services offered.
Gateway Breast Center Health First 1223 Gateway Drive Melbourne 321-724-5400
Rock & Roll Revue
Concert
7 p.m.
Presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band.
Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne 321-724-0555
Brevard Creative Crawl
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Fourteen studios will open their doors, giving visitors the chance to meet artists, see works in progress, and discover the stories behind the art. Explore, connec, and be inspired right where creativity happens. artsbrevard.org/Brevardcreative-crawl
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Kreines Wind Orchestra
4 p.m.
Joe Kreines tribute concert. Park Avenue Baptist Church 2600 S. Park Ave. Titusville, 321-482-6948
Senior Job and Volunteer Fair
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Meet Brevard organizations and employers looking for seniors. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Painting with Pearl
10 a.m. - noon An instructor-led watercolor or acrylic painting class.
Cocoa Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-806-3760
Fantastical Voyages Concert
6:15 p.m. Concert presented by the Melbourne Community Orchestra. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-285-6724
2025 Haunted Jail Trail October 16, 17, 18, 24, 25 7 - 11 p.m.
$20 per person. Food trucks will be available. Brevard County Jail Complex 860 Camp Road Cocoa, 321-506-8752
Halloween Dinner Dance 4:30 - 7 p.m. Live music, dancing and dinner. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne 321-255-4494
Boomer Bash Senior Fest 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. A Blast from the Past senior expo with live music, exhibitors, photo ops and prizes. Valiant Air Command New Event Hangar 6600 Tico Road Titusville, 321-242-1235
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
The American Sang Concert
3 p.m. Presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band. Eau Gallie High School 1400 Commodore Blvd. Melbourne 321-724-0555
Ninth annual Brevard Cancer Golf Tournament
8 a.m.
Benefit for the Jess Parrish Medical Foundation. The Great Outdoors Golf Club 137 Plantation Drive Titusville, 321-269-5524
Medicaid Planning
10 a.m.
Seminar presented by elder law attorney William A. Johnson. RSVP required. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
One on One Beginner Computer Classes
2 - 5 p.m. Learn the basics about computers. Melbourne Library 540 E. Fee Ave. Melbourne 321-952-4514
Opening Doors for Women
6 - 9 p.m. Fundraiser for New Life Mission. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auction and a museum tour.
American Muscle Car Museum 3500 Sarno Road Melbourne 321-480-9100
Haunted Trail 2025
7 - 10 p.m. Food trucks, movie under the pavilion and multiple scare zones to visit.
Rotary Park 1899 S. Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island 321-633-2046
26 27 28 29 30 31
October Vendor Fair
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Local artisans, baked goods, plants, home services and food trucks. Free admission.
Greater Palm Bay Senior Center
1275 Culver Drive NE Palm Bay, 321-724-1338
Halloween Market Oct. 27 and Oct. 28
6 - 10 p.m. Fall and Halloween vendors.
Space Coast Harley 1440 Sportsman Lane NE Palm Bay, 321-259-1311
Pumpkin Patch Oct. 17 to Oct. 31
Fundraiser. Pick your pumpkin, photo ops, treats and games. Launch Learning Preschool 315 S. Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island 321-453-6597
Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun
p.m.
Classic Broadway & Elvis 7 p.m. The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra presents music from Broadway's golden age, plus Elvis tribute artist Jack Smink. Riverside Presbyterian Church 3400 N. Atlantic Avenue Cocoa Beach 855-252-7276
Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival celebrate heritage, community
BY CHRIS BONANNO
A popular tradition on the Space Coast is set to be renewed as Florida’s 28th annual Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival takes place in Palm Bay on Saturday, Oct. 4.
This year’s parade theme is “The Echoes of Wisdom: Honoring Our Hispanic Elders,” according to United Third Bridge, Inc., which organizes the yearly event.
The parade will start at 10 a.m. from the Walmart at 1040 Malabar Road, the Parade and Festival president Samantha Bickman said. From there, it will go down Malabar Road and turn onto San Filippo Drive.
It eventually goes onto Community College Parkway to Eastern Florida State College, where the parade route ends and where the festival will subsequently begin. The festival concludes at 7 p.m.
Bickman said that she has enjoyed salsa music and hearing different artists through the years at the event, which will have some additions this year.
Music performances include Capullitos de Aleli, an all-women’s ensemble based in Central Florida.
salsa dance lessons in front of the stage, and then this year for the first time in Brevard County, we’re going to have a Miss Hispanic Heritage Pin-Up Contest.”
Bickman also noted that a car show and a Kids Zone would be available at the event as well. Food will be available from food trucks.
“We have health and wellness,” Bickman said. “We have different businesses in the community, nonprofits doing educational booths and just a lot of different craft vendors selling different items and just a lot of fun, a lot of community, everyone coming together to just celebrate the weekend.”
(the) 90s, 1992 and it started out very small with a small group of people coming together in the community to pretty much do networking, celebration to show our culture, etc. in the community. And then every year, it just grew bigger and bigger and bigger. It actually started as a parade and a salsa festival,” Bickman said. “And we now have just all different backgrounds to be
a part of the event and celebrate with us, Hispanic, Latino, just all different backgrounds, all different communities, coming together, bridge together to unite and support the community.”
For more information on how to participate in this event, email utbinc77@gmail.com; call 863-3814858 or visit utbunitedthirdbridge. org SL
“This year, we’ve added some little sweet additions, I call them,” Bickman said. “We have free salsa dance lessons by Salsa Mingle. She’s going to come out and do some free
The event, which offers free admission, has grown in its nearlythree decades of existence, Bickman added.
“My father was the founder. Sam C. Lopez, he was the founder back in
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of United Third Bridge
The Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival is a celebration of Hispanic heritage with music, food and community.
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of United Third Bridge
The annual Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival has grown into a popular event in Brevard County.
NORTH BREVARD
News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John
Streetscape project could bolster Titusville’s downtown
BY FLORA REIGADA
Titusville’s planned Streetscape project could eventually reshape the look of part of the downtown area.
The Titusville Redevelopment Agency recently met to discuss transforming downtown Titusville through a Broad Street Curbless Streetscape project.
“We want to make a downtown for both locals and visitors,” said Sue Williams, the Redevelopment Planner for the City of Titusville.
“The project aims to transform the car-centric downtown area into a pedestrian-friendly environment, which includes 12-foot sidewalks, angled parking and festival-friendly amenities. It seeks to enhance underutilized sites along Broad Street. This would encourage growth while supporting arts and entertainment venues, such as the Titusville Playhouse.”
The project has been approved to go forward. The estimated cost of this project is about $2.5 million.
“A parking garage is not part of the plan,” she explained when questions arose about the availability of parking and the possible inclusion of a parking garage. She referenced three studies that prove parking would be sufficient.
She noted that the effort is just beginning and its completion could take several years. This allows time for meetings and community input.
Angled parking is being included on Broad Street in downtown Titusville as
“We welcome the community,” she said. “Everything will come back to the Community Redevelopment Agency, the City Council and the people,” Williams said.
Rick Schreiber, the owner of the Infinite Mushroom Home Town Comic Shop, thinks this project could be a shot in the arm for downtown Titusville.
“It would be great to have people walking around,” he said.
“When I grew up in Titusville, we
had about 20 stores downtown. Even today, we have great businesses, such as a brewery, bars, restaurants, an ophthalmologist’s office and a lawyer’s office, but we don’t have much retail.”
Downtown Titusville also boasts historic buildings with rich history. Many have historic markers. One example is the Bank of Titusville and Trust Company, a neoclassical revival building on the corner of Washington Avenue and
Main Street. A self-guided walking tour of these structures can prove interesting.
For information about the Curbless Streetscape project, visit the city’s website titusville.com, then go to Departments and to the Community Redevelopment Agency. Schreiber remains positive about downtown.
“Let’s be the best we can be,” he said. “More people walking around will help accomplish that.” SL
Simple
Ibsen’s Gabler
“Death, Be Not Proud” poet
Hightail it
Early anesthetic
Checked out
Round Table address
Groupie
Sites for fights
Fillet
Fourposter, e.g.
Restraint
Where Hawkeye served
Merlin of football and TV
Colorful salamander
Quiet
Hotel employee
Appearance
Rational
Field measure
Sign from above
Raved (about)
Piecrust ingredient 5. Positive pole
Brown ermines 7. An LBJ beagle 8. Buzz 9. Receptive 10. Succotash ingredient 11. Place for a pad 19. Genesis garden 20. Shortstop Jeter 21. One who crosses the line? 22. Attention 24. Screened
Loiter
All over
Spick-and-span
Matter of contention
Mechanism
Like some buckets
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the Titusville Redevelopment Agency
part of the Curbless Streetscape project.
Family fun awaits at North Brevard Fall Festival
BY FLORA REIGADA
Residents will celebrate the season at the 14th annual North Brevard Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat. It will be sponsored by Brevard County Parks and Recreation and local community partners.
The event, which is free, will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 18 at Sand Point Park at 101 N. Washington Ave. in Titusville.
There will be food vendors and plenty of treats.
Guests of all ages are invited to get in season by wearing a costume.
Children will receive a free goody bag filled with treats and fun activities.
Since the event operates on a firstcome, first-served basis, guests can best secure their goodies by arriving early.
“This is a popular event, which annually draws 1,000 to 3,000 people,” said Erika Whitt, the recreational coordinator for North Brevard Parks and Recreation.
More than 30 exhibitors from local businesses, clubs, fire departments and police departments will hand out candy from their vehicles or trunks. These may be decorated and promote businesses.
Halloween-themed activities and exhibits include: bounce houses, caricatures, costume contests, booth decorating contests, face painting, and live music.
The event might also be an opportunity to network with
local groups and organizations. Those looking for job networking opportunities can connect with local government representatives on hand.
Event-themed picture settings will help capture fun memories.
The event will be capped off with a child-appropriate Halloweenthemed movie.
Local businesses and groups can register for free and volunteer by decorating or handing out candy.
For more informaion, call Whitt at 321-264-5037, email Erika.Whit@ BrevardFL.gov or contact North Area Parks Operations at 321-264-5105.
“We can’t wait to hear from you and see you at the festival,” Whitt said. SL
3 1 3 8 6 7
TO SOLVE:
Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
(Answer appears elsewhere in this issue)
Solution on page 26
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Brevard County Parks and Recreation
The North Brevard Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat returns for its 14th annual run.
Edited by Margie E. Burke
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Events this month aim to draw awareness to breast cancer
BY AMY TREMANTE
Welcome October: the month of pumpkins, scary movies, cooler weather and … breasts? In addition to all things fall, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.
From football cleats to food packaging, the signature pink that represents breast cancer awareness is hard to miss this month. The pink parade has a point, though — it gets people talking, asking for more information and scheduling those mammograms.
With all this pink talk, don’t think Breast Cancer Awareness month is just for the ladies! Although rare, male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of cases. Awareness campaigns increasingly feature men in pink, reinforcing breast health is everyone’s business.
Early detection is no joke: when found early, breast cancer is highly treatable, with survival rates exceeding 90 percent. Researchers are developing techniques that drastically reduce radiation exposure in breast imaging, which could mean earlier detection with less stress
on the body. One of the biggest advances recently is the addition of hormone therapies in breast cancer treatments and combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Researchers are continuing to find tumor biomarkers that help predict who responds best to which therapy.
One local support group offers breast cancer survivors assistance and camaraderie. Space Coast Survivors is a nonprofit whose mission is to provide financial, social, emotional, educational and physical assistance for breast cancer survivors in the community. The director, Judy Carroll, said the group offers “individual and group support in the form of lunches, crafts, mud runs, movies, coffee meetups, BBQs, swim parties, bike rides and walks on the beach.
“Most of all, we offer a safe place for individuals to ask questions, express fears, learn to laugh and share some common needs.”
Space Coast Survivors is an allvolunteer organization and is always accepting donations, which go directly to survivors.
While breast cancer is a serious
Seniors find ways of coping with the challenges of life
How is your day going so far? You turned on the TV news, opened the newspaper (delivered to your house or provided in an e-edition on your computer) or received a text on your iPhone.
Yikes! Is there any good news? We don’t usually ask “How am I going to cope?” We automatically cope based on prior experiences.
As seniors, life has thrown us some curveballs, new challenges, unexpected events and many good experiences to use when something strange or unusual occurs. We have a coping mechanism. We react, we respond, we adjust, we solve and we move forward.
Based on our benefit of living many years, we face or deal with our responsibilities, problems or difficulties successfully or in a calm or adequate manner. We cope. We have lived through wars, epidemics, failing health, family cruises, hurricanes and your list may go on and on.
As we sit on our patio enjoying the warmth of a tropical day in Florida, we contemplate, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”
The story about Catholic school children attending a church service in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 27 with “two kids killed and 17 more injured” forces us to think and try to cope. We can relate as many of us have grandchildren in schools.
Many years ago, when Charlie Gibson and Diane Sawyer were at the helm of the TV program “Good Morning America,” they invited the “God Squad” to help viewers cope. Rabbi Gellman and Monsignor Thomas
Challenges of Living to Age 100
Ed Baranowski
Hartman created the calm.
“Who’s to blame?” “Who’s at fault?” Maybe: bad stuff is nobody’s fault.” Their book ‘How Do You Spell God?’ (1995) answers the big questions from around the world.
Everywhere, people cope with fears, tears and cheers. Seniors use their life experiences for perspective. The older we become, the wiser we seem to become.
We cope by talking to God (prayer), talking to others (sharing and caring), sending a note (card, text or email), reading (holy books — Bible, Torah etc.), empathize (connect with shared feelings), sympathize (provide condolences), and are grateful (give thanks) and have hope.
Counselors and other professionals have ideas and methods to help people in distress who lack coping skills. Be part of the solutions rather than part of the problems. Contribute your ideas, thoughts and talents. Think positive!
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.
Space Coast Survivors is a volunteer organization for
disease affecting about one in eight women, a little humor and creativity can take away some of the fear and make important reminders stick. Events in Brevard County include:
• Breast Cancer Awareness Ride – 7 a.m. Oct. 4. A 10-mile family ride, a 35-mile and an optional 60-mile ride through Tropical Trail. Proceeds benefit the Space Coast Survivors. Ride starts at Bob’s Bicycle in Indian Harbour Beach.
• The ninth annual Breast Cancer Golf Tournament benefiting The Breast Center at Parrish Healthcare
and the Jess Parrish Medical Foundation on Oct. 20 at the
• Making Strides of Brevard presented by Health First Cancer Institute on Oct. 25 – festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 a.m. at The Avenue Viera.
Breast cancer is serious, but spreading awareness doesn’t have to be somber. Early detection, smarter treatments and fierce optimism are important. SL
Amy Tremante is a registered nurse.
Great Outdoors Golf Club in Titusville.
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Judy Carroll
breast cancer survivors.
