The 13th Viera Voice Scarecrow Stroll will be held from Oct. 2 to 16, culminating with the Viera Harvest Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at Woodside Park off of Murrell Road in Viera East. The handcrafted ’Crows will be sold at a silent auction during the Viera Harvest Festival to benefit the Florida Wildlife Hospital. For information, call Senior Life at 321-242-1235.
BY LINDA JUMP
Jane A. Hodges and Bobbie Greenawald are practicing their runway walks and defining their philosophy of life as they prepare to compete in the 2025 Ms. Senior America this month.
“This isn’t a traditional beauty contest. We were judged on our dignity, maturity and inner beauty,” said Hodges, 77.
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Jeremiah Zeleny Viera residents Bobbie Greenawald, left, and Jane Hodges will compete in Ms. Senior America.
The Senior Life’s Morning at the Museum event brought in quite a crowd to the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science. Many of those attending the fair said they were surprised to learn about the museum’s existence.
It can be easily missed since it’s tucked away on a residential neighborhood near the west end of Michigan Avenue, a short distance from Eastern Florida State College and the University of Central Florida Cocoa campus.
I decided that since it was so little known by many who attended the event, we should have a story letting readers learn about the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science. It has so much to offer, and admission is free.
Remember jai alai, the fast-paced game that once was a rage in Melbourne and elsewhere around the state, especially South Florida? What was the fronton building in Melbourne is still there, but as a different business. There are only memories of jai alai and the Greyhound racing that followed on the same property. We chronicled a bit of the history in a story in this edition of Senior Life
Titusville has seen many changes, with new businesses and repurposed commercial properties in recent years. Sprouting out of the ground of what was part of the old Searstown Mall is a new development. The Titusville Resort and Destination development will include a hotel, apartments, restaurants and retail businesses. We have a story that updates you on the progress of the multi-phase development.
Have you heard about The Ms. Senior America Pageant? There are two Viera residents who are participants in the pageant to be held next month in Atlantic City. Read their story in this edition.
In each edition of Senior Life, we write about a day trip or short overnight trip of places we have visited. This time, we feature Silver Glen Springs, a recreation area in the Ocala National Forest. The forest offers plenty of recreational activities, but we focused more on the Silver Glen Springs area.
We love telling stories about volunteerism and what others are doing to make a difference in the community. Everyone can do something. We have a story about a 97-year-old resident of an assisted living facility who sews and crafts Teddy Bears for children in hospitals.
As I often say, we always welcome your input and ideas. Reach us by phone or email. SL
R. Norman Moody
New Life Mission event raises funds, awareness, features
BY LINDA JUMP
Opening Doors for Women, an Oct. 23 fundraiser for the New Life Mission, which provides services for homeless women with children, will be held at the American Muscle Car Museum in Melbourne.
Last year’s event raised more than $75,000, and this year’s goal is $100,000, said Karem Sapp, the organization’s donor relations officer.
New Life Mission, Inc. has been serving the community for 16 years. The program offers safe housing, onsite childcare, transportation, education, mental health resources, nutrition, job training and life skills to clients. The agency has a 90 percent success rate through its education, accountability and goal achievement.
“This ministry doesn’t offer handouts — it equips people to rebuild their lives with purpose.”
— Greg Phelps
“This ministry doesn’t offer handouts — it equips people to rebuild their lives with purpose. They teach fiscal responsibility and how to move forward with hope and stability,” said Greg Phelps of Eighty Second Capital, the main sponsor of the event.
New Life Mission Village sits on
25 acres in the heart of Melbourne. The peaceful setting amid large pine trees and green space has a lot of room for potential expansion.
The red-carpet evening will feature both live and silent auctions of donated items, refreshments and tours of the museum.
“This year’s raffles focus on experiences. Intracoastal Brewery will allow the winner to choose flavors to create their own signature brew that would go into production, with the proceeds also going toward New Life Mission,” Sapp said.
Another experience is a chef’s wine dinner at Urban Prime.
The program runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $100 each before Sept. 1, increasing to $125. They are available at https://bit.ly/45XjRYR.
The Muscle Car Museum at 3500 Sarno Road in Melbourne is a nonprofit displaying more than 400
A New Chapter Begins at
cars
The New Life Mission fundraising committee is excited about planning the Opening Doors for Women event at the American Muscle Car Museum.
more than 50 Indianapolis 500 pace vehicles, rare Shelby’s, classic Ford Mustangs and 80 first-place national show winners.
The private museum runs on solar energy and is not open to the public, but used for car club events, fundraisers such as this one, and for school and assisted living facility visits.
In addition to the muscle cars, the museum also houses Coca Cola memorabilia, antique gas pumps, jukeboxes, pedal cars, soda coolers, motorcycles and auto-related neon signs. SL
vehicles from the 1950s to current cars in Mark Pieloch’s collection on more than 42 acres. Featured are
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Karem Sapp
HOBBIES & PASSIONS
THE 13TH FEATURE IN A SERIES
BY FLORA REIGADA
One of the reasons Kathy Phillips loves quilting so much is because no two quilts are alike.
Her stepmother, a seamstress, taught her to sew and quilt. For Phillips, quilting proved easier for her than making clothing. She picked up her quilting needle and has not let go since.
Creativity is in her blood.
“I grew up with creative people, and I love designing,” she said. “My father was a gifted sign painter and designer and my mother was a Renaissance person. She painted and sang beautifully.”
The owner of Kathy’s Quilt Studio, she now operates online because she is the caregiver for her disabled husband.
She makes pillowcases, wallhangings and bedspreads. She also passes on her passion for quilting, teaching the craft to children, people with disabilities and seniors.
“Anybody can quilt,” she said.
Kathy’s Quilt Studio reaches out to the community.
“We donate 40 quilts annually to Pre-K and kindergarten students at Coquina Elementary School,” Phillips said.
For information, call 321-529-0117 or check out kathysquiltstudio.com.
Jeanette Kidd, the president of Space Coast Quilters Guild, has been sewing and quilting since she was eight or nine years old. She learned from her mother and older sister.
She said she gets deep satisfaction from quilting.
“It literally saved my life after I fell into a deep depression when I was in my 40s. Quilting gave me a reason to live and to get out of bed in the morning,” Kidd said.
Making bedspreads, wall hangings, place mats, Christmas stockings and decorations, the Guild reaches out to meet the needs of the community with their creations.
“We support Honor Flight, which transports American veterans to Washington, D.C., to honor and celebrate their service at our nation’s memorials,” she said.
Other organizations where they donate their work include St. Francis and Vitas Hospice, as well as local food banks.
The group welcomes new members.
“We have lunch after our meetings. I have never been in a group like this. It is my sisterhood,” Kidd said.
Space Coast Quilters meet from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. each Tuesday and Wednesday at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church at 414 Pine St. in Titusville. For information, contact them at spacecoastquilters@gmail.com or namagrams@gmail.com or visit them on Facebook. SL
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Kathy Phillips Kathy Phillips, center, the owner of Kathy’s Quilt Studio, donates quilts to Pre-K and kindergarten students at Coquina Elementary School in Titusville. The women, who are holding the bags, teach those classes and the others are their assistants.
SENIOR LIFE David Reigada
Quilters, Jeanette Kidd, the president of the
By Randal C. Hill
Behind the Beat
“Rhinestone Cowboy”— Glen Campbell
Kismet. Another word for fate or destiny. If we’re lucky, kismet, should it enter our life, will be seen as something positive.
As one of 12 children, Glen Campbell was born in 1936 on an Arkansas farm with no electricity. When he was four, one of his uncles gave him a $5 Sears guitar and taught him how to play it. Campbell took to the instrument easily and proved to be a most passionate prodigy.
At 14, he left school and moved with some of his brothers to Houston, where they found work installing insulation. But Glen Campbell kept on playing — in churches, in bars and on local radio outlets. In 1960, he moved to California and eventually became a top Hollywood session guitarist and vocalist, as the goodlooking Campbell also possessed a warm-as-honey singing voice.
In the mid-1960s, he briefly toured as a Brian Wilson replacement after the Beach Boy leader battled drug problems.
In time, Campbell became a Capitol Records hitmaker and a
TV celebrity with his “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour.”
He even landed a role in the John Wayne movie “True Grit.”
But as the years rolled on, Campbell gradually lost his luster. His TV show was axed, his name slipped off radio-station playlists and nobody came forth with more movie roles. But Campbell, who was still in his 30s by the mid-1970s, felt he still had much left to offer the world of entertainment.
One day in 1974, while driving in Los Angeles, he tuned into a countrymusic station and first heard the song that would change his struggling career. “Rhinestone Cowboy” had been done by a New York singer/ songwriter named Larry Weiss, who was striving for stardom with the original tune that he hoped would put his own name in lights. While nothing in Weiss’ song was anything that Campbell could relate to — he had never been a struggling New York country hopeful — Campbell loved the song’s flow and the determination that dominated the narrative.
To Campbell, “Rhinestone Cowboy” had the potential to herald a comeback, maybe even become his signature song if it ever became a hit cover disc under his own name.
He bought a cassette of Weiss’ album “Black and White Suite” and carried it with him during a threeweek Australian tour. He claimed later that he listened to “Rhinestone Cowboy” so often that, by the time he returned to America, he could whistle the darned song backward.
Once home, Campbell charged into the office of Capitol Records executive Al Coury to tell him of the discovery he had made. But before Campbell could share Weiss’ creation with Coury, a record executive told the artist that he first wanted him to hear a tune that he felt had great potential for the one-time superstar. It was called “Rhinestone Cowboy.”
Kismet?
Campbell’s lavish version of “Rhinestone Cowboy” rocketed to No. 1 (his first-ever Hot 100 charttopper) on both the pop and country Billboard lists. Had that been random luck? Or maybe — maybe — something else. SL
Fall Term 2025
Every Tuesday, Sept. 16 to Nov. 4
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EXERCISE:
Chair/Mat Yoga
Line Dancing for Beginners
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Spanish Conversation for Beginners
Intermediate Spanish
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WELL-BEING:
Thriving in the 21st Century Planning for the Golden Years
All Things Financial Effective Listener ( two workshops)
TRAVEL:
National Parks
Adventures (and Misadventures) - Part VII
LECTURES:
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Hubble Fall and Rise of China
European Civilization
Ancient World Part 6
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Colonial America
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OTHER: Appreciating Poetry
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Classes are FREE after a small registration fee.
SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ was Glen Campbell’s most famous song.
Wildlife Hospital sets record caring for thousands of animals
BY SUE DEWERFF
It was 1973 when Brevard County naturalists Carlton and Gladys Teate launched a makeshift facility to treat wounded and displaced wildlife creatures — operating from a wooden trailer filled with hand-me-down animal cages. They first partnered with the Brevard Humane Society.
It was a place where people could bring orphaned baby squirrels, wounded tortoises and birds with broken wings to be nurtured back to health and released back into their environments.
After going through location and management changes, and a 1998 anonymous donation, the Florida Wildlife Hospital opened on the current site in Palm Shores.
A new hospital was built in 2003 and it has matured through the past decades from its humble beginnings to a state-of-the-art wildlife rehabilitation facility with full-time staff and a growing network of volunteers.
To date, this year, the hospital has seen more than 5,000 patients.
“It’s a record-setting accomplishment,” said Tracy Frampton, the executive director. “Our mission is a labor of love. We depend on volunteers and staff dedicated to rehabilitating every animal we take in and returning them to their natural habitat. That’s our end game.”
Now celebrating 52 years, the Florida Wildlife Hospital continues to rely on community donations, grants, memberships and fundraisers, offering
MS. SENIOR AMERICA
Continued from page 1
Although the women live at Indian River Colony Club, Hodges will represent Hawaii, where she taught school. Greenawald will represent her ancestral home of Louisiana.
Both at-large contestants said those states lack state contests, so they will work to find sponsors and contestants to begin them.
“I hope to go to two fairs to see if they can start a state pageant there,” Greenawald, 78, said.
Florida canceled this year’s pageant for lack of competitors.
“I said, ‘Let’s have a Florida pageant in my living room with friends’ and we did (in the neighborhood clubhouse) on April 8. My husband (Dave Hutton) was the emcee. Our Ms. Senior Floridians IRCC Princess party in memory of Sybil Yocum was taped and sent to national,” Hodges said.
Based on the recording, Greenawald was invited to be an atlarge contestant. Hodges was invited in 2023, after her first competition.
Both women were inspired by Yocum, who also lived in IRCC and was a longtime supporter of the Ms. Senior America program. She mentored Hodges, who is mentoring Greenawald.
The national contest for women at least 60 years old will be held Oct. 5 to 10 on the boardwalk of the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City. During a preliminary round, contestants are scored from one to ten based upon an interview, their philosophy of life, evening gown modeling and talent. The top 10 scorers become finalists. The
Terri Herst and Wink, an owl who is blind in one eye and has lived at the Florida Wildlife Hospital for five years, enjoy a summer day.
educational programs for schools and other groups to cover the costs of caring for the resident animals and travel-related expenses.
From pulmonary issues to lacerations and pelvic fractures caused by both human intervention and their environment, the list of species and unique situations of each can be as
winner earns a small cash prize and travel stipends for appearances in children’s hospitals, schools, veterans facilities and groups.
“My platform is financial literacy for the elderly. Sixty percent of seniors lose their bank accounts and 67 percent are scammed out of their brokerage accounts from unscrupulous family members, caregivers and even their brokers and bankers,” Hodges said. Her talent is Hawaiian dancing.
“Life
is not a dress rehearsal. You must be prepared to reach out and grab the dream or possibilities before they pass you by.”
— Bobbie Greenawald
Greenawald plans a dramatic dialogue about her life travels.
“Life is not a dress rehearsal. You must be prepared to reach out and grab the dream or possibilities before they pass you by,” she said.
Denise Russo-Caizzo, one of the co-founders of the national pageant, agreed. “Do it. Don’t let age hold you back.”
Joyce Chautice, 87, now of Cocoa Beach, was Ms. Senior America in 1999.
“It was such a terrific experience. I especially enjoyed going into nursing homes to see all the smiles I could give to residents who might not have visitors.”
After attending a Texas modeling school while teaching, Greenawald
scientifically determined food and medicines. And there is an on site full-time veterinarian. A special section dedicated to imaging on site has become vital for the hospital’s ability to X-ray animals for immediate treatment.
Skyler Snyder, a veterinary tech, is part of the staff who works to solve multiple problems to facilitate positive options for birds such as pelicans, who often become victims mistakenly hooked by local fishermen.
“This is a common occurrence, and we are fortunate to be able to have these resources to help bring them relief,” Snyder said.
The hospital is open year-round, seven days a week. It is located at 4560 N. U.S. Hwy. 1, just south of the Pineda Causeway.
Workshops for all ages and other fundraising events can be found on the website.
“We are honored to be the recipient of this year’s upcoming fundraiser for the (Viera Voice Scarecrow Stroll from Oct. 2 to 16) Viera Harvest Festival,” Frampton said.
complicated as they are to cure.
The facility now houses many ambassador animals that have suffered blindness or injuries to the extent that require long-term and extensive rehabilitation. They reside in the many bird aviaries and extended housing in the rear of the main building.
Patients now are receiving
Frampton said she is unsure what kind of scarecrow her crew will build for this year’s Viera Voice Scarecrow Stroll next month, but past entries have included Awesome Opossum scarecrow and a Scary Black Crow.
“We look forward to sharing our mission and educational resources at the Oct. 18 event at Woodside Park in Viera.”
For more information, check out floridawildlifehospital.com. SL
taught for the Department of Defense for 28 years in Korea, the Philippines, Italy and Belgium. She is the president of the Army Women’s Club at IRCC and a fundraiser for veterans programs. Hodges earned two doctoral degrees, her second at age 68 from Emory University School of Law. She has traveled and worked in more than 90 countries, after starting
her career as an elementary school teacher in Hawaii. Hodges was a university professor and consultant and later a public relations director for NASA, assisting with 50 launches. She is also an author of workbooks integrating aerospace into curricula and a published photographer. SL
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Jeremiah Zeleny
Jane Hodges, left, and Bobbie Greenawald are going to Atlantic City for the Ms. Senior America pageant from Oct. 5 to 10.
SENIOR LIFE Sue DeWerff
STRI PES Brevard Veterans News
New social club fosters camaraderie among veterans
Some military veterans feel more comfortable talking about their service and other subjects in the camaraderie of other former service members.
And while there are many veterans organizations in Brevard County, a new group will give veterans another option for socializing with peers.
One Senior Place, which is a resource office for senior products and services in Melbourne, has started Liberty Company, a social club for U.S. military veterans.
Those who participate can enjoy coffee and donuts, swap stories and meet old and new friends at One Senior Place at 8085 Spyglass Hill Road in Viera.
The gatherings are set for 10 a.m.
on the first Wednesday of each month.
Tami Hatten, a guest relations specialist at One Senior Place, said the idea for the get-together came from the veterans.
“We had a men’s meeting in June and they started talking about how they could get together,” she said.
One Senior Place took the idea and made the get-togethers happen.
This is an opportunity for area veterans to gather to talk, to share stories and concerns.
The camaraderie of military outfits is born of shared experience and sacrifice.
Angie Higgins, the director of One Senior Place, hopes Liberty Company will become a thriving group for another reason — the pleasure to be found in the company of friends.
The club’s name is a play on words combining the idea of free time — and a military unit.
“Brevard is home to a lot of veterans,” Higgins said. “This will be a chance for them to come together and just kick back and enjoy themselves.
“Ultimately, we’re planning to
bring in speakers to address topics of special interest to veterans. But first, we’re just going to get it started and see where it goes.”
Each year, One Senior Place honors veterans with Every Day is Veterans Day, an event that brings together resources, speakers, veterans and their families for an afternoon of music, refreshments and camaraderie.
In addition, various One Senior Place events throughout the year provide help and information for veterans from different eras.
Liberty Company is free, with no dues or joining fees.
For more information about Liberty Company, call One Senior Place at 321-751-6771 or go to OneSeniorPlace.com/events SL
Retired Air Force chaplain provided unwavering support for troops
BY ERNIE DORLING
In 1976, Paul Anka released his hit single, “Times of Your Life.” That same year, John Baker joined the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps.
“I joined the Air Force Chaplain Corps because I felt that is where God had called me to fulfill my ministry,” Baker said.
Baker grew up in Yuba City, California. After attending seminary at the Graduate School of Theology in Berkeley, California, he joined the Air Force as a reservist.
“I graduated from high school in 1971,” Baker said. “All of my cousins were drafted and went straight to Vietnam. I expected the same would happen to me, but when my draft number was drawn, my number was 251. With that number, I wouldn’t be drafted. I felt God had stepped in and called me to become a chaplain.”
Baker received his master’s degree from the American Baptist Seminary of the West, was ordained and joined the Air Force Reserve as a chaplain. In 1986, he went from reservist to active-duty chaplain.
“Air Force chaplains do the same ministry as civilian pastors,” Baker said. “We teach Bible classes, preach, administer the sacraments and baptize. The uniqueness of the chaplain corps is where we minister. As a chaplain, I have held worship services in the cargo bays of C-5s and C-130s, and under the wing of F-15s. I’ve served communion in the desert, placing the elements on sandbags as an altar.”
In 1993, Baker was asked to accompany a team of eight noncommissioned officers (NCO) on a mission to Vietnam called Operation Full Accountability (OFA). OFA was tasked with finding the remains of U.S. troops who were missing in action.
“The team I was part of was tasked to find a pilot who went down with his F-105 in Vietnam,” Baker said. “After a month of searching, we finally found him at the bottom of a pond. We found a few bone fragments among the wreckage, but it was
enough. His remains were placed in a small aluminum box and given to me. Holding that small box was a spiritual moment for me. A pilot who was missing for almost 30 years was found and going home.”
In 1995, Baker was deployed to Operation Northern Watch.
“The commanding general asked me to visit our Special Forces in the hills of Turkey,” Baker said. “As soon as the chopper took off, we
were hit by 75mm shells. It knocked me to the ground. I had no idea what was happening. Thank God an NCO grabbed and started dragging me to safety behind some rocks. That’s
Jewelry
one big difference between a civilian pastor and a military chaplain; the civilian pastor doesn’t get shelled when making a pastoral visit.” Baker retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2010 while stationed at Patrick Space Force Base.
After retirement, Baker spent three years as a logistics engineer for Honeywell, working on a Navy contract. Baker and his wife of 22 years, Lou Jean, make Suntree their home.
“We decided we want to live near the ocean,” he said. Baker enjoys playing golf and spending time with his grandchildren. “Lou Jean and I also enjoy cruising and volunteering at the Faith Viera Luther Church where we worship,” Baker added. Army chaplains represent all faiths and denominations. Their service motto is “pro Deo et Patria” — For God and Country.
Like Paul Anka, John Baker is having the time of his life. SL
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of retired Lt. Col. John Baker John Baker retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2010.
Gold Star Mothers gather in tribute to the loss of their children
BY ERNIE DORLING
If you see women dressed in white shirts, a dress and a blazer with a gold star on their lapel on Sept. 28, it’s most likely a Gold Star Mother.
The American Gold Star Mothers (GSM) is a 100-year-old organization founded by Grace Darling Seibold, who lost a son during World War 1 while flying with the British Royal Flying Corps in France in 1918. The members worldwide are made up of mothers who have lost a child in service of the United States Armed Forces.
The members support each other and help keep the memory of their children alive by helping veterans and those currently serving in the military, along with their families. Each year on the last Sunday in September, the nation observes Gold Star Mothers and Family Day and the culture of support that has helped mothers and families grieve.
On Sept. 28, the GSMs from Brevard County will meet at the Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island to pay tribute and honor the loss of their children during war. This closed remembrance event, restricted to Gold Star families, is in keeping with similar gatherings taking place throughout the country on that same day.
Jeanne Weaver, a GSM since 2010, after losing her son, Army 1st. Lt. Todd Weaver in Kandahar, Afghanistan, is active, along with her husband, Donn Weaver, in organizing the tribute and candlelight vigil.
“Different people act differently,” Jeanne said, about losing a child in military service. After Todd’s death, Jeanne Weaver, an accomplished artist, was inspired by the wonderful comments about her son from various individuals.
“As I listened to those words, or read those words, pictures began to form in my mind, and from those pictures came the inspiration for 21 paintings in memory of Todd,” she said. “I had to nurture his memory in the same way that I nurtured his life. It was a way to honor his memory. As long as people
say Todd’s name, he will always be alive in our hearts and memories.”
While there are a number of Gold Star Mothers in Brevard County, the group making up the Brevard members is small, in part because some GSMs find it challenging to talk about their loss, even to close friends and family, because of the intense pain associated with the loss of a loved one and are reluctant to engage with others who might not understand their loss. Other GSMs, however, understand that their journey is unique and find that
such connections are a place where they can share their feelings and find empathy.
While black is the traditional color of mourning, GSMs wear white to honor their children’s goodness and innocence.
This ceremony is just one small way to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Cape Canaveral chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is funding the entire GSM event at the Veterans Memorial Center. SL
SENIOR LIFE Matt Clark
Jeanne Weaver, a Gold Star Mother, has created 21 paintings to honor the memory of her late son, Todd.
Local Purple Heart recipients honored during inspiring annual ceremony
BY CHRIS BONANNO
The Space Coast Chapter 453 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart honored recipients of the award during its ninth annual Purple Heart Recognition Day.
The ceremony was held at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island.
The Purple Heart is awarded to U.S. military service members who were wounded or killed in action.
Select recipients are honored each year. Seven Purple Heart recipients were honored at the Aug. 10 event:
Army Sgt. Lloyd Lasenby, CW/2 Tom Thompson, Col. Mark Baaden and Pasquale Coniglio; Marine Corps Sgt. Jeff Patterson and Sgt. Raymond Burkard; and Air Force Col. John Mansur.
A representative for each honoree delivered a speech to the crowd that assembled on both the first and second floors inside the museum at the Veterans Memorial Center. Honorees were each presented with a quilt made for them by representatives with the Quilts of Valor Foundation.
Additionally, each will have a brick placed with their names in the VMC’s plaza area.
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Carl Miller was credited with starting and making the ceremony a yearly event. Chapter Commander Keith
respect. I was proud to be with you in Vietnam and I’m even prouder to be with you today to honor you as you embody the spirit of service and
Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina, a former Marine who was representing U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, also
“Today, we’re honoring seven Purple Heart recipients that are here locally within our congressional
SENIOR LIFE Matt Clark
A crowd gathered to honor Purple Heart recipients at the ceremony at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center Museum.
SENIOR LIFE Matt Clark Mark Baaden receives a quilt from the Quilts of Valor Foundation. All the other PURPLE HEART
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Brevard County honors 9/11 heroes, victims with remembrance ceremonies
BY CHRIS BONANNO
A nation vowed never to forget.
On the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001, Brevard County is set to remember with ceremonies honoring the victims and heroes of that day.
Nearly 3,000 died in the attack in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania. Many others died later as a result of exposure to toxins.
• The City of Rockledge will host its annual remembrance event at 9 a.m Saturday, Sept. 6 at its Civic Hub at 530 Barton Blvd.
Jennifer LeVasseur, the Rockledge city clerk and public information officer, said the event will feature speeches from Rockledge Public Safety Department Deputy Fire Chief Jim Wilson and from Training Chief Dustin Hill of the Plant City Fire Rescue. Additionally, there will be musical performances made by the Rockledge High School Strings Ensemble and the Kennedy Middle School Chorus.
“The tragedy that took place on September 11, 2001 will forever be one of the most significant events in our nation’s history,” LeVasseur said. “We believe that it’s important to remember those innocent lives that were lost not only on that day, but in the days, weeks and years
following the event as a result of this heinous act. It’s critical that we take the time as Americans to thank the law enforcement officers, firefighters, military members, search and rescue teams, and others who courageously ran toward danger instead of away from it. We will continue to bring our local community together so that we never forget it.”
• The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 32 will host its 9-11 Special Event and Remembrance from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept.
10 at the Eau Gallie Civic Center at 1531 Highland Ave. in Melbourne.
“It’s really just about recognizing our first responders,” said Rodney Deflumeri, the commander with the chapter. “When we’re talking about first responders, we’re talking about the military after 9-11, firefighters after 9-11 and police officers, law enforcement and all first responders. That includes paramedics, everybody.”
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey and retired U.S. Air Force Maj. James G. Cusic III will speak at the event. Deflumeri said that the gathering is free.
“All the proceeds from that event go toward helping veterans,” Deflumeri said.
• A Patriot Day Ceremony will also be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Sunflower House at 3125 Fell Road in West Melbourne, according to an event flyer.
Ivey, West Melbourne Deputy Mayor Pat Bently and retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. “Lou” Hoffman are slated to attend the ceremony, which will also feature music by the AmBRASSadors Ensemble, the Satellite High School Choir and a
presentation of colors by the Satellite High School JROTC.
• Finally, a 9/11 remembrance ceremony will take place at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center Plaza on Merritt Island from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11. Retired U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Wayne Justice, Ivey and a representative from the 1013 Club are among those who will speak at the ceremony, according to Donn Weaver, the vice president of the VMC and a Gold Star father.
“It means a special thing each year because as we now look at 24 years
and next year will be even more important, the 25th remembrance. We are now getting into the younger adults, who are parents who were kids when 9-11 happened,” Weaver said. SL
SENIOR LIFE photo
The Avenue Viera displays a 7-foot one-ton steel I beam that was recovered from the World Trade Center.
SENIOR LIFE photo Veterans and other visitors place flowers and small U.S. flags on a memorial steel beam at The Avenue Viera.
Museum tucked away in Cocoa offers great exhibits
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
PHOTOS BY MATT CLARK
Just off nearby busy roads in Cocoa, the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science could easily be missed, since it sits almost hidden in a quiet residential neighborhood.
With displays depicting the Ice Age and life in the 1800s to the Space Age, this gem of a museum at 2201 Michigan Ave. in Cocoa has a lot to offer. And admission is free.
However, at a recent senior fair at the museum, many visitors said they did not know about its existence or that they had never visited.
“To this day, we get people who live in the neighborhood who didn’t know this was here,” said Gregg Stoll, who started volunteering at the museum about four years ago. “We get that every day.’
About 75 to 100 people on average visit the museum on each of the three days a week it is open — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Visitors often number up to 150 on the first Saturday of each month and every Saturday in December, which is when the Florida East Coast Railway Society has a model train program and teaches children about railroad safety. Stoll said attendance has increased more than 300 percent in the past four years.
Operated in the late 1960s by the Brevard Museum Inc., the museum then went to the Florida Historical Society in 2014. The Society turned over operation of the museum to the City of Cocoa in 2021.
Visitors can learn about the archaeological dig of the 7,000-yearold Windover burial site discovered in nearby Titusville and the native Ais and Seminole Indian tribes that lived in this area. A butterfly garden is just outside the side door. There is a Discovery Room for young children.
A woolly mammoth stands as a centerpiece in one hall of the museum, while a replica of the Hubble Space telescope and the Space Shuttle are displayed in another room.
The museum also has a 22-acre nature preserve with a trail that meanders through it.
Doris and Virgil Pope, who moved to Viera from the Bradenton area just six weeks before their recent trip to the museum, were
pleased with their visit.
“We were really impressed by the collection and displays,” Doris Pope said. “It was really great. We are interested in the archeology of Florida.”
The Popes said they also found the Hubble replica and space displays to be remarkably interesting.
The museum operates with one employee, Ben Rader, the coordinator, and a troop of volunteers. Brevard Museum Sciences Center, Inc., a nonprofit, formed Friends of the Museum to help raise funds and attract volunteers.
“There is a nonprofit that is a small group that will help with fundraising,” said Samantha Senger, the director of communications and economic development for the city. “We do have a group of volunteers working on that.”
Senger said the city maintains the
building but has no plans at this time for any major changes to the museum.
Stoll, who worked for 33 years in the space program, said it would be ideal to find a benefactor and have more volunteers so the museum can
open more days each week. For more information on the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science or to volunteer, visit cocoafl.gov or call 321-632-1830. SL
Among the museum displays are items from the Windover burial site and the native Ais and Seminole Indian tribes.
Doris and Virgil Pope, who moved recently to Viera, were delighted to discover the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science.
Natasha Flintbaugh and her 6-yearold daughter Hailey enjoy their visit and participating in scavenger hunts at the museum.
A huge whale bone is on display at the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science at 2200 Michigan Ave. in Cocoa.
Ben Rader runs the day-to-day operations of the museum.
A visit to Silver Glen Springs offers a cool short summer trip TIME TO TRAVEL
BY EMILY WARNER
If you’re ready for your next outdoor adventure, look no further than Ocala National Forest.
An expansive area of protected land, the forest offers visitors everything from hiking, biking and swimming to ziplining, kayaking and camping.
Sitting north of Orlando, it only takes about two hours to reach Ocala National Forest from the Viera area, making it a wonderful spot for a full day of exploring or a short weekend getaway.
Although it is worthwhile to see all the beautiful spots Ocala National Forest has to offer, if you only have one day in the area, consider checking out Silver Glen Springs. This is an ideal spot for swimming, boating and staying cool in the Florida heat. With crystal clear waters that sit at a year-round temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s also a popular place to snorkel.
Keep an eye out and you’ll certainly catch a glimpse of some wildlife, both above and below the water. The springs are home to a wide variety of fish and depending upon the month, manatees also enjoy frequenting these springs.
Adjacent to the springs is Lake George Trail, a three-mile roundtrip hike. Following relatively easy terrain, the trail weaves through dense vegetation with Spanish moss hanging from the oak trees.
The hike takes visitors up to the shoreline of Lake George, which
typically offers a welcomed breeze and allows you to enjoy great views of Florida’s second-largest freshwater lake.
After a day on the water and hiking through the forest, you may be ready to check out the dozens of picnic tables and grills throughout the grassy area on property. Taking a quick break and enjoying a well-earned picnic, this area allows you to continue enjoying Florida’s natural beauty.
When you visit Ocala National Forest, you’ll get a first-hand
Silver Glen Springs
swimming.
experience of Florida’s breathtaking landscapes. To help protect and preserve such an important area, be mindful of the rules at the springs and on the trail.
The Silver Glen Springs Recreation
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
Area is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with fluctuating closing based on sunset times.
A per person daily fee
SENIOR LIFE Emily Warner Lake George offers more opportunities for boating, as well as beaches for
SENIOR LIFE Emily Warner
In addition to the Lake George Trail, visitors can also hike the shorter Spring Boils Trail. It offers up-close views of the spring boils.
SENIOR LIFE Matt Clark
The building was acquired in 1961 by Florida Air Academy, which in 2015 became Florida Preparatory Academy.
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of History and Memories of Brevard County
The south side of this building was the home of Melbourne and Indialantic developer Ernest Kouwen-Hoven. It later became the Lincoln Hotel in 1926 and then it was renamed the Barcelona Hotel in 1957.
Begun in 1886, local Methodist church plans for next 100 years
BY LINDA JUMP
First United Methodist Church began in 1886 to serve 17 households within walking distance of Crane Creek.
The church at 110 East New Haven Ave. in Melbourne has weathered part-time pastors, dips in attendance, the Great Depression, building issues from storms, Covid and, most recently, a split in the denomination.
Initially, First UMC worshipers met in homes until a $979 oneroom building was built in 1887. Within a few years, that building was moved a block west to a larger site. With rapid growth, a spacious building was begun, until the Great Depression slowed completion to 1930. A successful massive campaign to reduce debt resulted in a mortgage burning in 1943 with a two-story building and new parsonage.
By 1952 with Brevard’s space program in full swing, the community
exploded with newcomers. Church leaders needed a much-larger sanctuary and more Sunday School rooms. The current church building held its first service on Easter 1958.
Suzanne and Lock Young each began attending the church more than
70 years ago. Suzanne was a Cornell University student in 1953, who helped her aunt who rented houses locally. Lock was fresh out of college and working for Radiation, Inc. when they met and married.
“We’ve seen a lot of changes and
challenges,” Suzanne said. When their children were growing up, an active youth group of 300 and multiple church school classes were
THIS OLD CHURCH
Continued on page 23
Dorothy Ross, 97, spreads comfort with handmade bears
BY SUSAN M. HOUTS
At 97 years old, Hampton Manor resident Dorothy Ross is still hard at work — though her office is a cozy corner with fabric, thread and a sewing machine.
For years, Ross has been creating handmade Teddy Bears for children in foster care and for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Officers give them to children at the scene of accidents or crimes to provide comfort in times of crisis. Today, all the bears go to children in hospitals.
Her son delivers each batch to Orlando, where
the bears begin their new journey in the arms of children who need them most. On average, Ross completes about 20 bears in a month or two— maybe about 100 per year.
“I wanted to do something to keep me busy and to give back,” Ross said, holding up a well-worn paper pattern — the same one she started with years ago. “The cutting of the fabric is the hardest part. These curves make it tricky.”
Ross also pays close attention to the details that make each bear safe and long lasting. Instead of attaching buttons for the eyes and nose, she carefully stitches them with thread, eliminating any choking hazard. She even sews the decorative ribbon securely in place so it will stay on through countless hugs and adventures.
The sewing is steady work, but stuffing the bears presents another challenge for Ross, who has arthritis in her hands. Still, she pushes through each stitch and each handful of stuffing, knowing the joy and comfort these bears will bring.
Her commitment has not gone unnoticed. “She is remarkable,” said Tammy Bullock, the activities director at Hampton Manor. “She inspires all of us here at her Hampton Manor family.”
Ross’ bears are more than fabric and stuffing — they are a tangible symbol of care
and reassurance. For a child facing a frightening moment, the simple act of hugging something soft and warm can make the world feel a little safer.
From her careful cutting to her precise stitching, every bear carries a piece of Ross’ heart. And whether they are riding along with a sheriff’s deputy or waiting in a foster care office, her creations are always ready to give comfort — no questions asked. Ross’ dedication to bringing a little joy to children in difficult moments is, quite simply, terrific. SL
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Tammy Bullock
Despite bouts of arthritis, Dorothy Ross sews about 100 bears a year for children in hospitals.
SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump and courtesy of First United Methodist Church
Suzanne Young, left, has attended First United Methodist Church for more than 70 years. The first one-room church, right, was built in 1887. The current sanctuary, center, is located at 110 East New Haven Ave. in Melbourne.
Viera
Free Harvest FESTIVAL
HEALTH & WELLNESS
A good night sleep is essential for better overall health
BY AMY TREMANTE
Catch some z’s. Hit the sack. Get some shuteye. … Whatever you call it, sleeping is a health investment that pays off every morning.
While many seniors experience changes in their sleep patterns as they age, making a good night’s rest a priority isn’t just about waking up refreshed; it’s about keeping the mind sharp, the body strong and the mood sunny.
Quality sleep is a nightly housekeeping service for your brain, helping you process information, solidify memories and maintain sharp thinking skills. Studies show that seniors who consistently get seven to eight hours of restful sleep each night have better concentration, problemsolving ability and a lower risk of cognitive decline.
During deep sleep, the body repairs tissues, strengthens the immune system, and balances hormones. Restorative sleep is your built-in repair shop, without the labor costs. Rested seniors enjoy better heart health, lower blood pressure and lower risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and stroke, not to mention more energy for all the things and
people they love.
Good sleeping habits also keep you safe. Daytime drowsiness can lead to trips, slips and falls. Wellrested seniors have better balance, coordination and reaction time — critical for avoiding accidents at
home and in the community. Here are some expert sleep tips:
• Keep a consistent bedtime and wake-up time — even on the weekends
• Limit caffeine and alcohol, especially after lunch
• Avoid heavy meals within a few hours of bedtime
• Create a dark, quiet, cool and cozy sleep environment
• Turn off and tune out from devices such as TVs and cell phones
at least one hour before you lay down
• Stay active during the day, so your pillow will be irresistible at night
A restful night isn’t just about feeling refreshed in the morning — it’s a youth serum. It won’t physically turn back the clock, but it will make you feel a whole lot younger when you wake up.
If you consistently feel unrested and tired, suffer from snoring, have difficulty falling asleep or waking up or wake up multiple times during the night, consider consulting a local sleep medicine doctor. You could be one simple test away from a better night’s rest. SL
Amy Tremante is a registered nurse, who lives and works in Brevard County.
SENIOR LIFE photo
Rested seniors enjoy better heart health, lower blood pressure and a lower risk for chronic conditions.
321.339.0551
8085 Spyglass Hill Road
Viera, Florida 32940
Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm
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
Every Monday at 9am: The Club – Games for Active Seniors
Monday, September 8th at 2pm: Inside the World of Black Bears – Presented by Brevard Zoo
Tuesday, September 9th at 11:30am: Ask The Doctor – Lunch and Learn – Stroke Signs, Symptoms and Treatments
Tuesday, September 16th at 10am: EDC of Florida Space Coast presents The Launch Pad of Tomorrow
Wednesday, September 17th at 10am: Plan Ahead for a Peace of Mind – Presented by Rhodes Law PA
Tuesday, September 30th at 10am: One Senior Place Care Management presents Resources for Caregivers in Crisis
First Wednesday of every month at 10am: Liberty Company – A Social Club for Veterans Friday, October 3rd at 10am: Medicare 101 – Presented by Clear Strategy Schedule
For details, stop by or see our full calendar of events on OneSeniorPlace.com
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Summer Jazz
4 p.m.
A concert of jazz favorites by the Brevard Brass Quintet. Rockledge Presbyterian Church 931 Rockledge Drive Rockledge, 321-482-6948
Chair Yoga with Pam 12:15 - 1:15 p.m.
Cape Canaveral Library 201 Polk Ave. Cape Canaveral 321-868-1101
Painting with Pearl
10 a.m. - noon
An instructor-led watercolor or acrylic painting class. Cocoa Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-806-3760
10 a.m. - noon Presentations and a guided walk to look for butterflies, caterpillars and chrysalis.
Brevard Discovery Garden 365 Lake Drive Cocoa, 321-633-1702
The Grand Departure
7 p.m. Presented by the Melbourne Community Orchestra. Melbourne Auditorium 625 Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-285-6724
Sip & Smoke
5:30 p.m.
Cigars and spirits on the patio. 28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159
National Bartender Day SATURDAY
September Dinner Dance
5 - 10 p.m.
Featuring Janice and Renee.
Italian American Club 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne 321-242-8044
Friday Night Karaoke
6 - 10 p.m.
Hook & Eagle Tavern 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-639-3487
September Starry Nights Earth, Wind & Fire music video plus a star-worthy art-theme project. $35 per person includes wine and snacks.
Galleria of Art and Photography
7720 N. Wickham Road, Suite 107 Suntree, 321-338-9787
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Players’ Choice Concert
3 p.m.
Presented by the Community Band of Brevard.
Merritt Island High School
100 Mustang Way Merritt Island 321-258-5580
The Bear Necessities: A Black Bear Talk
2 - 3 p.m.
Presentation by the Brevard Zoo on the daily care and experiences learned by the zoo’s three bears. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
S.E.A.T. Noon - 1 p.m. Seated exercise for ageless training is a workout that includes movement, muscle, mobility and music. Wear red. North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-268-2333
28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159
Line Dancing Fun
5:30 - 7 p.m.
Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Drive NE Palm Bay, 321-724-1338
Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony 10 a.m.
The ceremony will include remarks from guest speakers and moments of reflection to commemorate this day of national significance. Sacrifice Park 120 Malabar Road Palm Bay, 321-953-8912
Stillness and Strokes
Simple, gilded meditation and Balli Ho rhythmic music. Paint mandala art on canvas. $25 per person includes wine and snacks. Galleria of Art and Photography 7720 N. Wickham Road, Suite 107 Suntree, 321-338-9787
Wheels & Wags Noon - 4 p.m. Live music, pet vendors and motorcycles. Space Coast Harley Davidson 1440 Sportsman Lane NE Palm Bay, 321-259-1311
Turtle Krawl 5K 7:30 a.m. Benefits the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. Nance Park 201 N. Miramar Ave. Indialantic, 321-676-1701
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Live Jazz Concert
2 - 4 p.m.
The Jeff Rupert Quartet. Presented by the Space Coast Jazz Society. Brevard Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island 321-960-4897
The Launchpad of Tomorrow with The Space Coast EDC 10 - 11 a.m. Presentation on the EDC’s mission to secure the economic future of Brevard County. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
MMB Concert: Sway with Us September 17 and 18 7 p.m.
Concert presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-724-0555
Painting with a Purpose 6 - 8 p.m. Fundraiser
The Arc of Space Coast 1700 Cedar Street Rockledge, 321-690-3464
Cook the Book Club 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Recipes from “Grandma’s Wartime Kitchen” by Joanne Hayes. Mims/ Scottsmoor Library 3615 Lionel Road Mims, 321-264-5080
Cocoa Beach Friday Fest
6 - 10 p.m.
Live music by Saylor and the Captains, food trucks and vendors. Downtown Cocoa Beach 225 Minutemen Causeway Cocoa Beach, cocoabeachmainstreet. org
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Bunco for Boobies
1 - 4 p.m.
100% of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne 321-255-4494
NASA Presentation on IMAP Program and Falcon 9 Launch 4 - 6 p.m. Cape Canaveral Library 201 Polk Ave. Cape Canaveral 321-868-1101
Early Bird Trivia 4 - 6 p.m. Pizza Gallery 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-633-0397
Regular Line Dance Class
1 p.m.
DRS Community Center 1089 South Partick Drive Satellite Beach 321-779-2914
Bocce 9 a.m. Italian American Club 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne 321-242-8044
Line Dancing Fun
5:30 - 7 p.m.
Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Drive NE Palm Bay, 321-724-1338
Estate Planning 10 a.m. Presented by elder law attorney William A. Johnson. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Cuban Dinner and Conversation 6 p.m.
Fundraiser for Cuban partner churches, with music and keynote speaker.
Suntree United Methodist Church 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-242-2585
Casino Night Fundraiser 6 - 10:30 p.m. Fundraiser for the Titusville Playhouse. $80 ticket includes, $100 in PLAYhouse money and dinner. Titusville Playhouse 301 Julia St. Titusville, 321-268-1125
27
Second annual Friends of the Poor 5K Run/Walk
8 a.m.
Finlandia: Songs of Heart and Homeland 3
Venue, wagers remain — but of jai alai, dog racing only the history
BY MICHAEL BRYAN
Before betting on Greyhound dogs and cards games, the wager was on jai alai, the fast-paced sport that drew crowds to the long defunct Melbourne fronton.
At its peak, jai alai was one of Florida’s most exciting and fastestgrowing attractions. Players in this almost forgotten sport used a handheld wicker cesta, hurling a small ball at speeds more than 150 mph inside a three-walled concrete court known as a fronton.
Crowds watched the action, placed bets, and enjoyed a night of fastmoving, high-stakes entertainment.
The Melbourne fronton featured seasoned Basque athletes alongside rising American players.
Theresa Briel, a Palm Bay resident, has fond memories of jai alai in Melbourne.
“When my husband and I first started dating in 1982, we went there a lot,” she said. “We enjoyed watching the game and placing bets on our favorite teams. We miss it. … We would love for it to come back”
Brevard Jai Alai opened on Nov. 1, 1971. It was later known as Melbourne Jai Alai. For two decades, Melbourne Jai Alai operated seasonally, drawing fans seeking a new kind of thrill. As the years passed, Florida’s gambling scene shifted, which led to a steady decline in attendance at frontons across the state, including Melbourne.
In 1990, because of a national
THIS OLD CHURCH
Continued from page 18
needed. “Everybody was moving to this area with the missile program.”
Despite all the changes, the church moves on with the belief it has the core values for the future.
“We believe in inclusivity and redemption, grace and love and, above all, the transforming power of Christ. We exist to love God, love people and change the world,” said the Rev. Dionne Hammond, who shares ministry with her husband Craig at First UMC and St. Mark’s UMC on A1A. “We welcome all people and generations, embrace our community, are extravagant with God’s gifts, worship with an inspiring passion and believe that everyone is a child of God and a person of worth,” Hammond added.
The church has endured and evolved.
“We are excited about our new partnership with St. Mark’s UMC over the past year blazing the trail to becoming one church with a new name serving both the mainland and beachside communities,” Hammond said. Over the years, First UMC birthed other churches in the area, including St. Mark’s as well as Wesley, St. Paul’s in Eau Gallie and Palm Bay Methodist.
Services are held at 9 a.m. for modern worship in person or online and at 11a.m. for classic worship. Tuesdays are dinner church at 6 p.m. in the welcome center. For more information, go to firstchurchmelbourne.org SL
strike by the newly formed union of jai alai players, the last jai alai game in Melbourne was played and the fronton closed in April 1988.
The complex reopened as the Melbourne Greyhound Park, shifting the focus and roar of the crowd from the high-speed action of jai alai to the racing of Greyhounds.
David Sprenkle, a former Melbourne resident, said he went to jai alai only a few times.
“I did work for the electrical contractor that did the transition to Melbourne Greyhound Park,”
Sprenkle said. “They were already running dogs and the jai alai players were still picketing out on Wickham Road.”
Greyhound racing continued until April 2018. Following Florida’s statewide ban on dog racing in 2020, the facility once again evolved, becoming today’s Club 52 Poker Room, featuring a simulcast system where patrons can wager on races and jai alai events from around the world.
Melbourne’s history of jai alai is just a snapshot of Florida’s changing entertainment landscape. It reminds
people of a time when Brevard County embraced the world’s fastest ball sport.
Although the Melbourne fronton may be gone, its wall-towall memories still bounce around Brevard. The crack of the ball and the cheers from the stands once marked Melbourne’s world of jai alai.
Fans lined up with family and friends to catch a glimpse of the action under the bright lights, clutching betting slips, snacks and cheering for their favorite players with anticipation. SL
SENIOR LIFE photos
Jai alai, a once popular fast-paced game played in Melbourne, has drastically declined in popularity through the years. Many people younger than 30 are not familiar with the game, which originated in the Basque region of Spain and France.
BCOA NEWS
Brevard Commission on Aging
BCOA meetings are open to the public and are held the second Thursday of each month at the government center in Viera.
For information, contact Cindy Short at 321-633-2076, FAX 321-633-2170 or email cindy. short@brevardfl.gov. BCOA is located at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, B-106, Viera, FL 32940.
Falls among older adults remain a public health crisis
September is recognized as Falls Prevention Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the risk of falls among older adults and promoting strategies to prevent them.
Falls are a major health concern for older adults, with more than 25% of Americans 65 years and older — about 14 million — experiencing a fall each year.
In nursing homes, the rate jumps to 50 to 75%. These falls result in more than 800,000 hospitalizations annually and cost more than $50 billion in medical expenses. Notably, one in five falls causes serious injury, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in older adults, accounting for roughly 38,740 deaths annually.
Despite making up only 17.3% of the U.S. population, older adults contribute to 75% of fall-related deaths. A hip fracture is particularly devastating, with only 50% of those affected surviving beyond one year.
Key risk factors
Fall risks stem from both environmental and physiological issues.
Health-related factors: Aging diminishes vision, hearing and balance. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cognitive impairments, urinary incontinence and muscle weakness worsen the risk.
Medications: Polypharmacy and
certain drugs like antidepressants, antianxiety meds, seizure treatments and diuretics heighten fall risks.
Florida spotlight
Florida mirrors national statistics with 24% of adults older than 65 falling annually. In Brevard County, with nearly 147,000 seniors, around 35,280 falls occur each year. About a third need help with daily activities and nearly 5,820 require skilled nursing or long-term care.
Prevention and safety strategies
Reporting falls to healthcare providers is crucial for early intervention and medication reviews. Multiple prevention strategies can dramatically lower the risk:
Exercise and activity
• Focus on balance and strength exercises such as Tai Chi, yoga, resistance bands and walking.
• Consult healthcare providers to tailor safe, effective exercise programs.
Medication management
• Review medications regularly with professionals.
• Avoid or monitor high-risk drugs.
• Stick to prescribed dosages and report side effects.
Vision and hearing
• Get yearly eye and ear exams.
• Keep prescriptions up to date.
• Use single-vision lenses for outdoor activities to improve depth perception.
Home safety modifications
• Clear clutter, improve lighting and use nightlights.
• Install grab bars and stair railings.
• Wear supportive footwear and be mindful of pets.
• Use assistive devices such as canes or walkers when advised.
Additional preventive measures
• Maintain bone health through calcium and vitamin D.
• Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals.
• Avoid alcohol and manage chronic health issues.
• Report even minor falls, which may indicate deeper concerns.
Falls often result from a combination of environmental hazards, age-related changes and underlying health conditions. However, multifactorial and targeted single-factor interventions are proven to reduce fall risk. Awareness, early intervention and home safety modifications are vital for enabling older adults to live healthier, more independent lives. SL
38. Six-time U.S. Open champ Chris 39. Snail trail
42. Priest of the East 43. Wove
44. On the other hand
45. Volcanic fallout
46. Mermaid’s home 48. Can Solution page 26
SENIOR LIFE
Dr. John Potomski graduated from the Philadephia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
PURPLE HEART
Continued from page 12
district,” Medina said.
“What’s more important to recognize is how they demonstrated their love for country, their heart to defend — not what they left behind but each and every one of us — the greatest nation on the face of the earth, the United States of America. It is right and noble to honor each of these men.”
Honorees of the ninth annual Purple Heart Recognition Day Ceremony:
Sgt. Lloyd Lasenby, who served with the Army’s 101st Airborne Division and 20th Special Forces, was wounded while serving in Vietnam.
Chief Warrant Officer 2
Tom Thompson, who served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam with the Co. C 229th Air Assault Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, was wounded in the war.
Col. Mark Baaden, Served in the Army’s 304th CA Brigade, Task Force All American 82nd Airborne. He was injured in a vehicle-borne suicide
bombing in 2003 in Iraq.
Spec. 5 Pasquale Coniglio, who served with the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, was wounded by shrapnel in a mortar attack in Vietnam.
Sgt. Jeff Patterson, was serving with Marine Corps 2nd Division, 6th Regiment, 2nd Division — Desert Storm/Desert Shield. He was wounded in a mortar attack in Kuwait during Desert Storm.
Sgt. Raymond Burkard, a Marine who served with the Fox Company, 2nd Battalion 7th Reg. 1st Division, was shot in the right leg by sniper fire while fighting in the Korean War.
Col. John Mansur, served with the Air Force’s Det. 1, 56th Special Operations Group. He was wounded by small arms fire while piloting his plane in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.
Special Honor and Recognition:
Marine Lance Cpl. Carl Miller, who is credited with starting the recognition ceremonies nine years ago, is a Vietnam War veteran whose
arm was severed in a mortar attack and reattached. He was also shot multiple times in the leg. Miller was recently inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.
•
•
•
&
March 22-26, 2026
The annual ceremony in Brevard County is now named the Lance Cpl. Carl. W. Miller Purple Heart Recognition Day. SL
SENIOR LIFE Matt Clark
Bricks honoring each of the Purple Heart recipients will be placed in the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center plaza.
SENIOR LIFE Matt Clark
Tom Thompson served with the 1st Cavalry Division as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War.
NORTH BREVARD
A new project is now rising up at the old Titusville mall site
BY FLORA REIGADA
A new complex of shops, hotel and offices will begin rising from the old Searstown Mall property in Titusville.
The Titusville Mall, originally the Searstown Mall, completed in 1966, was once a city icon.
Now the 22-acre property is being demolished and is on its way to having a new identity as a $240 million multiuse complex, rebranded Titusville Resort and Destination.
Site work of the first phase of the multi-phase complex is well underway.
“Phase one is expected to be completed sometime next year,” Titusville City Manager Tom Abbate said. “The property has been a longstanding eyesore. Titusville Resort and Destination will be an inviting gathering place, with a hotel, restaurants and shopping conveniently at North Brevard’s doorstep.”
The plan has three phases with completion expected by 2029. Plans are moving at a good pace on Phase One with the demolition of the old Sears Department Store and the Regal Movie Theater.
The following will rise in their place after site and infrastructure work is completed.
• A six-story apartment building with 240 units.
• Two outparcel restaurants.
• A four-story assisted living facility, including independent living units and memory care units.
• A five-story, 153-room Cambria Hotel.
Jesse Wright, the CEO of California Retail Properties, is the developer.
The project will be good for the job market, with the memory care facility alone expected to employ about 50 medical personnel and support staff.
Phase two will include retail, office and medical space.
An 80,000-square-foot twostory building will encompass medical-related offices and businesses, including Parrish Healthcare, as well as a coffee shop.
Work is moving forward on the Titusville Resort and Destination
For now, several businesses are still open at the remaining section of the mall, including the Titusville Indoor Market, Sugabear’s Restaurant and Valentino’s Pizza.
old Searstown/Titusville Mall.
the project will bring and how it will help the economy.
Maurice Williams, the owner of Sugabear, is looking forward to what
Accept challenges, commitments in whatever form you choose
Remember when you were a child on the playground and you gave or received a paper cigar band from the cute kid with a baseball cap.
In your teens, you went steady and gave a promise ring or your class ring to “the one and only.”
In college, you may have gotten pinned. A fraternity pin was linked on a gold chain to a sorority pin. Later, it was the engagement ring and then the wedding ring. Each ceremony was a challenging commitment.
Recently, my wife and I received an invitation from friends at Buena Vida that read: “We’re Jumping Over the Broom.” Sandy and Tally were having a commitment ceremony.
What does that mean? Opening the invitation, we found the following paragraph: “This practice is well attested as a marriage ceremony for slaves in the Southern United States in the 1840s and 1850s who were often not permitted to wed legally. The act symbolizes a new beginning and a sweeping away of the past, and can also signify the joining of two families or offer a respectful nod to family ancestors.” Very interesting.
More than six years ago after my wife of 58 years went to heaven, I wrote Senior Life columns “Moving on With Love” and “Engaged at 80” (March 2019). Reactions from family and readers were mixed. My daughter asked: “What the hell are you doing?’ My son said: “I am happy for you
Challenges of Living to Age 100
Ed Baranowski
Dad.” Capturing the responses, other columns followed with “Post-Decision Doubt” and “Legal Complications.” Paperwork, filings, name changes, the prenuptial agreement and fees followed. After getting married, Gina became the “best Bonus mom ever.”
Reflecting on the commitment ceremony, it is a non-legal ceremony where two people declare their love and commitment to each other. There is no need for paperwork, a marriage license or certificate. There are no legal formalities, no marriage contract and no rights. It’s like a wedding. The couple jumped over a broom, exchanged rings, took no vows, kissed and danced to ”Love Is In the Air.”
The commitment ceremony was a joyous event for the happy couple and for all who attended. We are all challenged as we live life. There will always be legal, religious, social, family, community, residence location and financial decisions to be considered. Accept the challenges, make wise decisions and live happily ever after.
“With the apartments and senior living facility, it’s supposed to be like a little city in itself,” he said. It will
bring more tourists and customers to business owners, such as myself. I love it!”
