Senior Life, Sept. 2021

VOLUME 24

OF FLORIDA

ISSUE 5

myseniorlife.com

September 2021

Fight continues to save endangered sea turtles

Page 23

Slowing the aging process

SENIOR LIFE Fred Mays

Jim Wright does a weight-lifting exercise under the guidance of trainer Rod Stewart. See story, page 11.

Colorful birdhouses, page 3

It’s bright at night, page 6

SENIOR LIFE 7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102, Viera, FL 32940

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In our Tech Know section of Senior Life, we regularly bring you stories of technology — smartphones, kitchen appliances, watches and other tech gadgets.

I had never really thought of hearing aids as a technology story.

But that changed with the advancements that are making a big difference in the lives of many with hearing loss.

Hearing aids are getting smaller, including some that are controlled with a smartphone and are rechargeable rather than having to change batteries.

One-third of adults between the ages of 65 and 74 and nearly half of those older than 75 have trouble hearing. Government efforts are being made to help bring down the price of hearing aids.

The advancements in hearing aids are continuing. We tell you more about it in this edition of Senior Life.

We also want to tell you about some seniors who are not just sitting around. They might be slowing the aging process by staying physically fit. There are some who are bicycling long distances, training in a gym or doing whatever is necessary to remain in good health.

In our latest edition, we told you about seniors who stay active by continuing to work at jobs they enjoy doing. In this edition, you can read about J.T. Shealy. He is well beyond the normal retirement age, but has a passion for Bluegrass music and he finds it hard to give up promoting concerts.

Titusville Garden Club Tree Farm brings together both men and women to share in a love of growing plants and sharing their expertise with others. They share some tips in our story about the club, which was formerly known as the Titusville Men’s Garden Club.

Have you ever wondered how a song came about? What inspired it or how it was composed? If so, I invite you to read Behind the Beat. Each month, Randal Hill tells us about a song or its author or singer. This month, you can read about Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May.” I could go on about the other interesting stories in your Senior Life. Each month, we try to carefully select feature stories we believe will help you and keep you informed and entertained. We also listen to your suggestions. And we strive to continue being the award-winning publication you have come to trust. SL R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com

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Gary Envrard and Diane Bledsoe of Barefoot Bay make colorful birdhouses that have become quite popular.

Retired couple drawn to crafting birdhouses like birds to a feeder

BY JENNIFER H. MONAGHAN Bright eye-catching birdhouses capture attention in a Barefoot Bay neighborhood.

A retired couple in South Brevard County makes the colorful birdhouses — individually hand-painted, one-ofa-kind designs. The display in front of their home draws in passersby.

A selection is offered for sale.

“We have fun with it. It brings us a lot of joy and we meet a lot of nice people, too,” said Diane Bledsoe and Gary Envrard, the Barefoot Bay couple whose hobby has evolved

during the past three months.

“I’ve always been an artsy person and very creative since I was a child.

I’ve done various forms of art. So, when COVID-19 happened to us last year, I wanted to try something new. I saw a mandala painting and I thought I would try that. I found it to be really good for my life,” Bledsoe said. (Mandala is a graphic and often symbolic pattern.)

“In the spring, Gary decided to build a birdhouse. It all started from there,” Bledsoe said. “And he hasn’t stopped making birdhouses, and I haven’t stopped painting them. It has

been good therapy for me. You can sit down, have some music on, be alone with your thoughts and paint away. I find that I’m a much happier person now. I wake up every day and I paint,” Envrard is a retired carpenter.

“Making birdhouses gives me something to do,” he said. “When I had my construction company, I’d work long hours. Now I go fishing in the mornings every day except weekends, and while Diane paints all day, I putter around making things.

First, I made wooden plant boxes, then stands to hang them, and then I went to the birdhouses.”

St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care building new in-patient hospice in Melbourne SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care announced Aug. 9 that it had begun construction on a new, 10-bed in-patient hospice care center at Melbourne Regional Medical Center.

“We know that there is a growing need for greater access to hospice care close to home,” said Joe Killian, the president and CEO of the nonprofit.

“Data shows us that a significant number of our patients reside in the Melbourne area, yet there isn’t a hospice care center here. This area is fast growing and underserved. We look forward to meeting those patients and their families where they are, and at a time they need quality care and convenience the most.”

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The center will be staffed by St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care clinicians, including its highly specialized and board-certified hospice and palliative medicine physicians.

The nonprofit strives to provide specialized care that reflects the values, preferences and traditions that matter most to each patient and family.

“We’ve had our eye on the increasing need in central Brevard County,” said Cami Leech Florio, the chief strategic officer. “With the recent and continuing population growth, now is the time to open an in-patient unit here, and we found a great partner in Melbourne Regional Medical Center.

Ron Gicca, the president of Melbourne Regional Medical Center said, “We are proud to support our community partner, St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care, in providing the important and compassionate service for our Melbourne families.”

Melbourne Regional Medical Center is a 119-bed hospital, which is part of Steward Health Care, the largest physician-owned health care network. SL

“I’ve never seen Gary smile so much. He’s so happy doing that work,” Bledsoe said.

At the urging of their family, the couple decided to sell the birdhouses.

We had just been keeping them on the floor, these beautiful works of art.

Why don’t we put a sign out there and see what happens? they thought.

“Some of them, I don’t want to part with,” Bledsoe said. “They’re all one of a kind, but I can always paint another one, I guess.”

Birdhouses are on display weekends at 729 Lark Drive in Barefoot Bay. SL

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Table of contents Volume 24, Issue 5 Senior Life of Florida 7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940 321-242-1235

©2021 Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. All rights reserved

myseniorlife.com jill@myseniorlife.com Publisher Jill Blue

Editor R. Norman Moody Office Manager Sylvia Montes Art Director Adam Palumbo Copy Editor Jeff Navin

myseniorlife.com We encourage organizations to contact Senior Life by the 15th of each month prior with information and dates regarding upcoming community-oriented events by email and mail.

Feature Writers Ernest Arico Ed Baranowski Brenda Eggert Brader Mike Gaffey Sammy Haddad Linda Jump Fred Mays Jennifer H. Monaghan Flora Reigada Katie Sivco Maria Sonnenberg John Trieste

7 8 10 12-13 16 18-20 21 24-25 28

SEPTEMBER 2021

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Bioluminescence, the lagoon’s light show, attracts paddlers

BY FRED MAYS In only a few waterways in the world does the aquatic phenomenon of bioluminescence occur. The Indian River Lagoon is one such place.

Bioluminescence happens when the water is disturbed, triggering a reaction among microorganisms that causes them to light up and glow, not unlike fireflies.

Why does it happen in the lagoon?

According to Dr. Edith Widder of the Ocean Research and Conservation Association (ORCA), bioluminescence is caused by a single-cell organism called dinoflagellates. It is found in algae rich warm waters like the lagoon.

When the water is disturbed by a boat paddle, or a hand gliding through the water, the dinoflagellates react by lighting up, actually glowing.

There are several varieties of dinoflagellates. One version is toxic and causes Red Tide, which is common along Florida’s Gulf Coast. It kills fish, and even dolphins and manatees.

According to Widder, “There are

SENIOR LIFE photo

Paddlers have flocked to local waters to observe the bioluminescence. approximately 70 known dinoflagellate species. They use their bioluminescence as a form of defense to ward off predators. In some dinoflagellates that produce a single dim flash when disturbed, the light is a warning to potential predators “Don’t eat me or

you’ll be sorry because I’m toxic.”

The version found in the lagoon is generally not toxic, although in heavy concentrations it has caused fish kills.

The bioluminescence in the Indian River Lagoon is, in fact, a tourist attraction. Several outfitters lead

nighttime kayak trips in the lagoon. The water lights up with each stroke of the paddle. According to Wyatt Howard, a guide with A Day Away Kayak Tours in Titusville, people are “in awe” of the light show. They find it “just as cool as seeing a rocket launch.”

Fin Expeditions in Cocoa Beach is another outfitter with nighttime kayak trips. They launch from the Cocoa Beach Municipal Country Club.

A Day Away Kayak Tours launches as many as three trips a night during the peak bioluminescence season. They take as many as 40 paddlers in a single trip.

Fin Expeditions keeps their trips small, usually about 10 boats.

The best time to experience bioluminescence is in the warm summer months when the dinoflagellates are most active. But there is also a light show in the cooler months. It is triggered by a different organism called the Comb Jelly, which is active in the cooler water. The winter lights are not as vibrant as the summer lights. SL

Indian River Lagoon tours offer great sights of diverse estuary Giangarra’s trips. “Clark always has new information about the The Indian River Lagoon lagoon status in his area. Such is a vast expanse of water, a treat to enjoy our lagoon with stretching from Volusia friends.”

County to Palm Beach County, Island Boat Lines operates approximately 156 miles. out of Sunset Grill marina, The biggest section of the off the State Road 520 lagoon is in Brevard County.

Causeway in Cocoa Beach.

It is considered by marine They operate two boats. One scientists to be the most diverse is an old fashioned three-deck estuary in the United States. paddlewheel, The Indian Fishermen, recreational River Queen from Cocoa. It is boaters and kayak paddlers can mostly chartered for weddings be found all along the lagoon. and corporate functions, but it No boat? No problem! There often has room for individuals are a number of boat tour looking for a lagoon experience. operators to get you out on the The company also has a water.

44-foot pontoon boat that can SENIOR LIFE photo Good Natured River Tours The Indian River Queen provides a unique Indian River Lagoon experience. accommodate as many as 47 of Melbourne provides daily people for two-hour wildlife tours from the Grills Restaurant tours of the lagoon. They also lagoon wildlife tours out of Honest Tracy Gray of Cocoa Beach and her on U.S. 1. They generally travel past offer a sunset cruise.

John’s Fish Camp in south Melbourne friend Randy Dalrymple of Jacksonville Dragon Point and the Mathers Bridge.

Banana River Boat Tours operates Beach. He’s a Coast Guard certified took the cruise on a Sunday morning.

Their boat is 45 feet long, and partially out of Merritt Island. It provides eco master in 100-ton vessels, but prefers “We saw dolphins! A mother and her tours, fishing trips, sunset cruises and enclosed for inclement weather. small boats for eco tours. A boat full is baby,” Gray said. And Dalrymple special trips to watch rocket launches.

Common sights are dolphins, manatees six to eight people. Depending on luck, observed “she had a big redfish, and was During the summer months, it features and wading shore birds. They offer two they get to spot dolphins, manatees and flipping it up in the air and catching it.” nighttime bioluminescence tours for tours a day that last about two hours, birds that nest in the lagoon mangroves.

If small boat tours are more to your cruisers to experience the light show in Tuesday through Sunday. There is a the water. SL Vince Lamb is a regular on liking, naturalist Clark Giangarra offers sunset cruise on Saturday.

BY FRED MAYS

6

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

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Neighbors The RSVP seeks volunteers to help others in community

BY JENNIFER H. MONAGHAN If you’ve ever met Terry Stone, you probably have heard her appeal for volunteers to help others.

“Do you have an hour or two a week that you can volunteer to help in our community? We are seeking retired and senior volunteers to help us help seniors and handicapped individuals remain in their homes.”

Those words are said by Stone whenever she is in the public recruiting volunteers for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

In 2013, Hazel Banks, a retiree, and a friend signed up as volunteers under the Meals on Wheels program.

“I’m widowed. I enjoy helping and, on the one hand, it’s like a job, but on the other, it’s not. You pick your time,” Banks said.

She added, “It gives retired people something to do. You can’t sit around and go out to lunch every day.

You’ve got to do something that feels worthwhile, be a contributor to your community.”

Banks volunteers on average eight hours per week in four programs. She delivers meals to home-bound seniors (Meals on Wheels); transports clients as needed to appointments (Senior

SENIOR LIFE Katie Sivco

Hazel Banks, left, has volunteered for Meals on Wheels since 2013.

TransServe). She is the last-minute backup driver for volunteers who are unable to fulfill their schedule (Vets Driving Vets); and once a month she delivers donated pet food to

housebound people as part of the Pets on Wheels program.

Banks said she signed up initially to deliver meals as something to do and to meet people. The personal

rewards are numerous, she said.

“Regardless of how often I deliver, they thank me and all the drivers and Aging Matters,” she said. “They say, ‘where would I be without this.’ We hear that a lot.”

That deep gratitude that’s expressed by her clients gives Banks such satisfaction that she recommends that others volunteer as well.

Volunteers choose which programs and what capacities they wish to serve.

In addition, volunteers are needed to prepare meals in the kitchen, assist in the VITA Tax Preparation, and more. Volunteers must be at least 55 years old and have a desire to help the community.

For more information about RSVP and Brevard County nonprofit programs, contact agingmattersbrevard.org or call 321631-2769.

RSVP, a federally funded program, is America’s largest volunteer network for people 55 and older. In Brevard County, this program is administered

by Aging Matters. Each volunteer receives pre-service orientation, training from the organization where they serve and supplemental insurance while on duty. SL

Harvest Festival, Scarecrow Stroll move to Viera Regional Park

BY MARIA SONNENBERG A local rite of fall for a decade, the Viera Harvest Festival and the Scarecrow Stroll are back after a COVID-created hiatus.

The Viera Voice and its parent company, Bluewater Creative Group, launched the celebration of autumn’s arrival in 2011. But for the 2021 iteration, the Viera Community Institute is stepping in to orchestrate the festival, while the Viera Voice continues to organize the popular Scarecrow Stroll.

“Viera’s Harvest Festival and Viera Voice’s Scarecrow Stroll bring unique opportunities for attendees to make memories with family and friends and celebrate our community,” said Laurie Widzgowski, the marketing and event coordinator for The Viera Company and the Viera Community Institute.

Additional changes are in store as the Oct. 16 event moves from its original location at The Avenue Viera to its new home at Viera Regional Park at 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way. “I’m envisioning a bit of a different look and feel,” Widzgowski said.

The location at The Avenue could not accommodate food trucks, which will have a significant presence at this year’s Festival, scheduled from

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo

Pumpkins and scarecrows are a true part of the Viera Harvest Festival and Scarecrow Stroll. It will be held Oct. 16.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16.

Vendors and crafters will be there, too.

No self-respecting Harvest Festival would fail to include a Pumpkin Patch, and Viera’s is no exception. In addition to this perfect photo opportunity for the season, the Festival will host several other pumpkin-intensive events, including

a pumpkin carving competition and even the Pumpkin Chuckin’ Contest, sure to be a favorite with younger throwers.

“We have some great activities planned for the children,” Widzgowski added.

An abundance of Kodak moments are in store for families to snap photographic souvenirs of the day.

Also expect plenty of live music, plus a DJ. Since this is an event celebrating the bounty of the land, farmers and their harvests will be in attendance.

Although cowboys are not usually associated with these types of events, they will attend the Viera Harvest Festival, and they certainly belong. The former Duda ranch, the land that now houses thousands of families, was once the home to Florida cattle and the Cracker cowpunchers that kept them in line.

The day will be jam-packed with activities, games and arts and crafts for the younger members of the family.

The Scarecrow Stroll welcomes imaginative entries in the Children’s Mini-Crow category, as well as in the Adult and Family Scarecrow and Business Scarecrow divisions.

Attendees will vote for top ’crows and winners will be announced during the event.

More than 2,000 people are expected to celebrate autumn’s cozy comforts after a long hot summer at the Viera Harvest Festival. Plan to join them.

For more information on the Viera Harvest Festival, go to viera. com.

For entry details on the Scarecrow Stroll, call 321-242-1235.

SL

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

7

Tech Know Tidbits

New hearing aid technology is music to user’s ears

BY MIKE GAFFEY Advances in technology are making a major difference in the lives of millions of American adults suffering from hearing loss.

Today’s hearing aids offer far greater benefits than those made decades ago. And more innovations are on the way to help the one-third of adults between ages 65 and 74 and nearly half of those older than 75 who have trouble hearing.

“It’s really wonderful now in terms of technology,” said Sandra Wagner, a licensed hearing aid specialist and the owner of Personal Hearing Solutions at One Senior Place at 8085 Spyglass Hill Road in Viera.

Modern battery-powered hearing aids are small enough to wear inside or behind a person’s ear.

A microphone in the hearing aid detects sound around the wearer, an amplifier makes the sound louder and a receiver sends the amplified sounds into the ear.

“All hearing aids of today are 100 percent digital, 100 percent programmable,” Wagner said.

Hearing aids that fit in the ear are created from a silicone impression of a wearer’s ear canal, Wagner said “These are custom-made like you would make a tooth or a denture,” she said.

Today’s advanced hearing aids can be customized to amplify

8

SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey

Sandra Wagner, right, is a licensed hearing aid specialist and the owner of Personal Hearing Solutions at One Senior Place in Viera. sounds for a wearer’s unique type of hearing loss. Many have Bluetooth compatibility, a wireless feature that enables a wearer to listen to mobile phones and other devices without feedback or interference.

More hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, eliminating the need to regularly replace buttonsized batteries. Some have portable, pocket-sized chargers that can power batteries on the go.

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Most advanced hearing aids have smartphone apps that allow users to make adjustments, send calls directly to their hearing aids, contact their hearing care provider or monitor battery life. Some can convert speech into text and translate different languages. Top-line hearing aids have features that mask tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.

Wagner’s clients are thrilled with today’s hearing aids. “Absolutely,”

she said. “More natural sounding response, more connectivity to Bluetooth devices, better, more natural sounding hearing. Virtually no feedback anymore, no whistling.”

Other innovations in the works are enhanced eyeglasses that display speech converted to text by a smartphone app, and another app that can isolate a single person’s speech in a crowded, noisy place and deliver it to a user’s hearing aids. Lab researchers also are pursuing gene therapy that might someday restore cells responsible for hearing.

Although 48 million Americans have hearing loss, only 14 percent can afford hearing aids, which cost an average of $5,000, are not covered by Medicare and are seldom covered by insurance.

In an attempt to lower costs, President Biden in July issued an executive order directing the Department of Health and Human Services to come up with rules allowing hearing aids to be sold over the counter.

Wagner, a member of the Florida Hearing Aid Society, said the group’s attorneys have had no success in convincing Medicare or other agencies to cover some hearing aid costs.

For more information about Personal Hearing Solutions, go to PersonalHearing.org or call 321253-6310 for a free hearing exam.

SL

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SENIOR LIFE Fred Mays

Sandy Tristano Godfrey and Dahlia, top left, Tom and Lisa O’Bryan, top right, and the Mathers Maulers bike group believe in the importance of keeping physically fit.

Staying fit takes effort and commitment

BY FRED MAYS They say age is just a number.

As Rocky Balboa said in “Rocky,” “The only undefeated athlete is Father Time.

As we get older, everyone, to some degree, has physical limitations.

But you can slow the aging process by keeping yourself fit and healthy into your senior years. It takes commitment, dedication and a willingness to compromise with your body, but it can be done. More and more seniors are doing it.

Jim Wright of Viera is 72 years old.

His goal is to bike from coast-to-coast across America next year. A retired engineer in the aerospace industry, Wright works out three days a week at Performax in Suntree. He plays golf, and regularly does 50-mile bike rides.

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Wright’s personal trainer at Performax, Rod Stewart, said he caters to the older athletes. “The older we get, we lose flexibility and mobility, so we start out extremely slow.” In some cases, when balance is an issue, they do chair exercises. “Every exercise session offers mobility training.”

Bending and stretching are important for older athletes. Yoga and Pilates are popular classes for the retirement crowd. The booming popularity of pickleball is because of seniors who used to play tennis and now want a slower game and less court to cover.

Sandy Tristano Godfrey of Palm Bay is 70 and blind, but that doesn’t keep her from working out. She walks several days a week with her guide dog, Dahlia. She goes to the gym on the days she doesn’t walk. “I’ve done

50 floors on the Stairmaster,” she proudly points out. With the help of a sighted guide, she also runs in the “Sprint For Sight” 5K every year.

Running has been a big part of Tom O’Bryan’s life for years. The Melbourne resident ran his first marathon in 1994, and went on to qualify for the Boston Marathon in 2000 and 2008. A high school English teacher, O’Bryan also coaches cross country. He’s 68 years old and can be found running the Melbourne Causeway bridge on weekends with his wife, Lisa.

Running might not be for everyone.

But if you have a good sense of balance, cycling is good exercise into your 70s and even 80s. There is a group of riders, the Mathers Maulers, who meet every Saturday morning before dawn at the Starbucks in Indian

Harbor Beach. Their rides are usually about 50 miles. Most riders are in their 70s, and do more than ride their bikes. One member of the group is a powerlifter and state champion in his class. Another is a competitive swimmer.

If you are looking for something a little more sedate, many medicare supplement insurance plans offer Silver Sneakers. Seniors get free gym memberships and exercise classes specifically designed for older people.

The classes also offer the opportunity to social network with other seniors.

Stewart said “exercise is different than training.” Jim Wright is training for his bike trip, but most seniors are just exercising for better fitness and health. Set goals, make a commitment and enjoy the health and social benefits that add to your life. SL

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

11

STRIP STRI PES

Brevard Veterans News

Hanson fills many roles in helping local veterans

Through the years, I have mentioned or quoted Chip Hanson several times in newspaper stories and columns.

Now, I want to tell you what a spirited advocate he is for veterans here in Brevard County and elsewhere — anywhere he is needed.

He is a chaplain, a veterans’ benefits service officer and a volunteer at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

He does so much more for his fellow veterans.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, Hanson said he was influenced to help others by the difficulties he faced at war and the poor treatment received when his generation of warriors came home.

He saw too many of his fellow

Marines killed in action.

“Everybody I started out with was killed,” he said. “I lost so many people.”

He said he wants to continue to help veterans, including this new generation of warriors, many of whom served multiple tours in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

When he returned from the war, he

worked in banking, always thinking of what he could do to help his fellow veterans. So, after retirement in 2006, he became ordained as a chaplain.

He said it all evolved through the years as he became chaplain for the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, Disabled American Veteran Chapter 123, Veterans of Foreign Wars 10148, American Legion 344 and the DAV Department of Florida.

In addition, he is a service officer helping veterans navigate through the Department of Veterans Affairs rules and regulations to claim the benefits they have earned.

There are few people that I know of that do so much for veterans as Hanson.

He seems to be involved with many

local groups that advocate for veterans.

Almost every time I have an occasion to stop by the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island, I see Hanson advising a veteran, filling out paperwork or preparing to help the next person in line. He leads the invocation at events at the Veterans Memorial Center, conducts graveside services for veterans at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery or wherever else he is asked to serve. You also might see him helping at a hospice organization.

He said he will serve fellow veterans in whatever way he can.

“I’ll be here if they need to talk or if they need anything,” he said. SL.

Center. The event is sponsored by Club 1013 Retired New York police officers and the Veterans Memorial Center.

Two decades after the United States took the fight to the enemy in Afghanistan and elsewhere, troops were withdrawn and the Taliban militant group took control of the country.

“It makes it more important for Americans to remember the sacrifices,” said Donn Weaver, whose son, Army First Lt. Todd Weaver was killed in action in Afghanistan 10 years ago. “It’s important to understand and remember.”

The remembrance ceremony will be held Sept. 11 at the Brevard Veterans

Memorial Center’s Memorial Plaza. The event begins at 12:30 p.m. with displays, vendors, food trucks and special events.

The Tribute Ceremony will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Weaver, who is chairman of the Brevard Veterans Council and vice president of the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, said the event will include live music and a special presentation by a dog team.

“I think it will be a great event,” he said. “The focus will be on the sacrifices of those who went to fight in direct combat as the result of the (9/11) attacks.”

The current situation with the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of one remembrance event that had been scheduled. The City of Rockledge has cancelled its event “due to the significant increase in COVID-19 case numbers.”

The Warbird Air Museum in Titusville will mark the occasion with a field of flags and wreaths in front of the museum. It also will hold a fly-in/ drive-in breakfast. The cost is $12 and includes admission to the museum. SL

Veterans Center holds Patriot Day tribute Sept. 11

BY R. NORMAN MOODY

To never forget means to pass on to the next generation. And Patriot Day and 9/11 ceremonies in Brevard County intend to do just that.

A 20th anniversary tribute will be held at the Brevard Veterans Memorial

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Ceremony honors 12 Purple Heart recipients

BY MIKE GAFFEY Indialantic resident Carl Miller’s Purple Heart medal nearly came at the cost of his life.

In February 1969, U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Miller lay face down in mud near Da Nang, Vietnam, his left arm severed. Two Marines he had shared a foxhole with moments before were dead from a mortar explosion.

A Viet Cong soldier then sprayed him with bullets, striking him twice in the left leg and once in the hip, and left him for dead.

U.S. forces found Miller and other surviving Marines the next day. He spent the next two months hospitalized in Guam, where doctors performed multiple surgeries that saved his life and arm. Miller spent a year in a full-body cast, shriveling from 224 pounds to 92 pounds when the cast was removed.

Miller was one of 12 local Purple Heart recipients honored Aug. 8 by Chapter 453 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart during a ceremony at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

The Purple Heart medal was revived in 1932.

at 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway on Merritt Island.

Other honorees were Capt. Charles Donovan, Sgt. John Erskine, Lance Cpl. Joshua Frey, Sgt. First Class Jonathan Langford, First Sgt. Mike Lomax, Sgt. Ray Lynch, Master Sgt. Adrian Marquez, Col. Danny

McKnight, Sgt. Brian McGinnis, Sgt. First Class Juan Santiago and Staff Sgt. Thomas Trotter.

Attended by about 150 people, the fourth annual event had special meaning for Miller, Chapter 453’s commander.

“To see it have the success that it has is exciting because I know I’m doing something for my fellow veterans, especially my Purple Heart guys,” Miller said.

A Chapter 435 member read each honoree’s story, and some family members added personal memories.

Engraved pavers with each honoree’s name were on display and will be placed around a Purple Heart monument at the Veterans Center.

Created in 1782 by then-Gen. George Washington and originally called the Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart is awarded to U.S. military personnel wounded or killed in action. More than two million service members have been awarded the military decoration — 400,000 of them posthumously — since the medal was revived in 1932. Purple

Heart Day is celebrated annually on Aug. 7.

One of Sunday’s honorees, nowretired Army Col. McKnight was commander of the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at the battle of Mogadishu in 1993. The firefight left 19 U.S. troops dead and was the subject of the 2001 film “Black Hawk Down.”

“Thank each and every one of you for what you’ve done and thank you for letting us be here,” said the 28year veteran, two-time Purple Heart recipient and Rockledge resident, who was accompanied by his wife, Linda.

Chapter 453 has honored 42 Purple Heart recipients and expects to pay tribute to more heroes in the future, Miller said.

“These experiences really should be known by the public,” Miller said, “because you hear about the number of deaths recorded, but a guy gets wounded, goes home and you never hear a thing about him again. Well, we’re going to stop that. We’re going to honor our Purple Heart recipients and this is how we do it.” SL

Honoring veterans fits former Air Force medical tech perfectly

BY MARIA SONNENBERG Confucius supposedly once noted that if you choose a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life. If that is true, Christine Tate hasn’t worked in years.

“I love what I do,” said Tate, the community engagement and veteran outreach coordinator for St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care.

Tate’s job entails honoring and helping veterans, be they hospice patients or not. She started on the job this February, after 12 years of serving St. Francis as an admissions nurse.

She does her job extremely well, for the Reflections’ We Honor Veterans program has for a second time earned Level V — the highest achievement — from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, which created the national program to celebrate the service of military men and women.

Although her duties with We Honor Veterans have proven to be a challenge due to significant pandemicrelated restrictions at local retirement

and assisted living communities, Tate thinks outside the box to continue serving.

“We found ways to continue connecting,” said the St. Louis, Missouri native.

During her tenure as a nurse, she became adept at scheduling Zoom meetings between hospice patients and family members. Because she is a registered nurse, she is granted access to nursing homes and senior communities, COVID uptick or not.

At Town Square senior community in Viera, for example, she orchestrated the installation of a Wall of Honor for resident veterans. The wall is one of several in the county.

“We help make these walls unique for each facility,” she said.

She is sometimes one of the last persons a veteran will see on this earth, as she holds the hands of hospice patients and talks to them, thanking them for their service.

She also organizes vet-to-vet cafes to help hospice patients connect with other veterans over breakfast or lunch. Part of her job includes alerting

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of St Francis Reflections

Christine Tate helps veterans through St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care. veterans of the benefits to which they are entitled. The cafes offer an informal opportunity for one-on-one education.

Tate’s “Patriotic Bingo” sessions also provide a fun channel for communicating about benefits.

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“Some don’t even know they are entitled to benefits,” she said.

The daughter of an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, Tate spent 12 years with the Air Force as a medical technician. The GI Bill allowed her to earn her LPN and RN degrees.

With her former husband, a flight nurse, Tate moved to Titusville, even though neither of them had connections in the area.

“God took us there,” she said.

She soon met the late George Taylor of the National Veterans Homeless Support and began volunteering at stand downs for homeless vets.

In 2009, she joined Hospice of St. Francis, where just under a third of patients under hospice care are veterans.

Her passion for helping veterans steered her to Honor Flight, where she now currently serves as fundraiser.

She also chairs the Women’s Veterans Council at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center.

“I have such an amazing job,” she said. SL

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BCOA NEWS BREVARD COMMISSION ON AGING

BCOA meetings are open to the public and are held the second Thursday of each month at the government center in Viera. For information, contact Cindy Short at 321-633-2076, FAX 321633-2170, cindy.short@brevardfl.gov, brevardf l.gov/ HumanServices/CommissionOnAging or at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, B-106, Viera, FL 32940.

September is World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month Did you know?

Approximately 50 million people worldwide have Alzheimer’s disease, an irreversible and progressive neurological disorder.

In the United States, roughly six million people — two-thirds of whom are women — live with Alzheimer’s. In Brevard County alone, more than 20,000 seniors are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

It’s estimated that an equal amount (or more) might be living with the disease without the diagnosis.

The difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia: Dementia is an umbrella term for a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain and impacting memory, thinking, behavior and emotion.

The most common dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 60 to 80% of cases.

Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia also can sometimes affect people who are

under the age of 65.

The symptoms: The specific symptoms a person living with dementia experiences will depend upon what parts of the brain are affected and the particular disease that is causing the dementia. Symptoms might include: • loss of memory • difficulty in finding the right words or understanding what people are saying • difficulty in performing previously routine tasks • personality and mood changes Although each person will experience dementia in their own way, eventually, those affected will not be able to care for themselves and need help with all aspects of daily life. Dementia is the leading cause of disability and dependency among the elderly.

There is currently no cure, prevention or treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

Advice for a caregiver: An approach to dementia care

Facts and figures from Alzheimer’s Disease International, alzint.org The 10 Commandments of Caregiving for Alzheimer’s: Always, Always, Always AGREE … Never Argue REDIRECT … Never Try to Reason DISTRACT … Never Shame REASSURE … Never Lecture REMINISCE … Never Say Remember?

REPEAT … Never Say “I Already Told You” SAY “DO WHAT YOU CAN”…

Never Say “You Can’t.”

ASK … Never Command ENCOURAGE and PRAISE …

Never Condescend REINFORCE … Never Force that recognizes and respects the personal history, character and individuality of the person living with dementia has been shown to

impact the progress of the disease positively.

The Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation, based in Melbourne, produced the 10 commandments (see chart) of caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or most other causes of dementia, the problems associated with dementia, such as restlessness and depression, can be treated. It also might be possible, especially in the early stages of dementia, to improve, but not cure, someone’s cognition with medication.

Just because a loved one has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, they still need to maintain a sense of wellbeing and individuality throughout their illness. As a caregiver, this is vital.

Talking to your doctor is one of the most important steps you can take. You can also reach out to the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation at 321-253-4430. SL

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History Then and Now History – Then and Now features Space Coast historic landmarks or sites in pictures and what those same areas look like today in photographs.

Then - 1920s SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Cocoa Village Playhouse

The building that now houses the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse opened in 1924.

Cocoa Village Playhouse grows under HawkinsSmith’s leadership

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Cocoa Village Playhouse

The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse was once called the Aladdin.

Now - 2021

SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody

The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse puts on shows throughout the year.

16

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

It is difficult to separate self-described “Drama Mama” Dr. Anastacia Hawkins-Smith from the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse, because since 1989 the two have been inseparable.

Under Hawkins-Smith’s leadership as CEO, the 1924 theatre once known as the Aladdin has blossomed, earning a well-deserved reputation for excellence in productions that span theatre, dance, song and film. Now, Hawkins-Smith must lead the Playhouse out of a pandemic-induced slump.

“The pandemic left us with an audience one third of whom we have served over 30 years,” said Hawkins-Smith, who is now leading efforts to raise funds for the historic playhouse.

A reflection of the changing entertainment industry, the Playhouse as the Aladdin screened silent movies and later became Brevard’s first talkie movie house. Several theater chains operated the building as it faded from its heyday. Enter the City of Cocoa, which saved the building and renamed it the Cocoa Village Playhouse. The City sold it to Brevard Community College, the precursor of Eastern Florida State College, for $1 in 1984. As a nonprofit, the Playhouse was restored and brought back to its original splendor. Ten years ago, the City of Cocoa again took ownership, completing the renovation of the auditorium and upper balcony and the expansion of the orchestra pit.

“We continue to use live orchestras, while other theaters

use recorded music,” HawkinsSmith said.

Hawkins-Smith had just been on the job for two years when the Playhouse was accepted into the National Register of Historic Places as The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse. A year later in 1992, the Playhouse launched the Stars of Tomorrow, a robust program that now counts more than 250 young thespians.

The performer base of more than 600 volunteers are instrumental for the annual “Broadway on Brevard” series. In addition to theatrical productions, the Playhouse hosts the Aladdin Film Series of classic films, while the Spotlight Series showcases individual performers and groups such as the Galmont Ballet, the Playhouse’s resident ballet company, and the Golden Steppers, Brevard’s senior citizen tap dance organization.

Fun fact: British composer Tony Macaulay, who penned hits such as the “5th.

Dimension’s (Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All,” chose the Playhouse for the world premiere of its “Build Me Up Buttercup: the Musical.”

Hawkins-Smith and hundreds of volunteers are intent in helping the Playhouse weather the continuing storm of COVID-19.

“We are asking the community to purchase tickets to our productions, to audition and to donate to help keep our historic theatre alive,” HawkinsSmith said.

For season offerings and support opportunities, go to cocovillageplayhouse.com. SL

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Nadia Rudovich, left, teaches Gwen and Greg Jacobson during a social ballrom dance class at We Dance Academies in Viera.

SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo

We Dance provides enjoyment for adults of all abilities

BY JENNIFER H. MONAGHAN

We Dance Academies, with studios in Viera and Melbourne, is inviting older adults to register for its social ballroom dance classes.

“Dance helps everyone, older adults too, to keep moving, to enjoy their social life, and in a classroom setting they can find and meet new friends,” said Nadia Rudovich, a We Dance ballroom dance instructor.

For most of her 16 years as an instructor, Rudovich said she has taught older adults up to age 95.

“We try to find a way to make our students happy, and to benefit from moving, music and communication,” she said.

She observed that older students take lessons for a variety of reasons, such as for physical activity, to revisit a childhood hobby or dream and, in

one special instance, Rudovich said, to find solace after the death of a spouse.

“Dance can significantly improve muscular strength and endurance, balance and other aspects of functional fitness in older adults. Additionally, dancing might be useful in preventing falls in the healthy older-adults population,” according to studies reported by the National Institutes of Health.

“I see the older students rediscover their energy through dance. They become more active. Moreover, I think it makes them feel more connected to others,” Rudovich said.

For older adults, Rudovich recommends the Slow Waltz, FoxTrot and Rumba.

“These are great dances for older people,” she said. Music is an integral aspect of dance lessons, and “for many, listening to the music brings

“I see the older students rediscover their energy through dance. They become more active.

Moreover, I think it makes them feel more connected to others.” back memories of their youth and makes them happy,” she said.

Music can relieve stress, reduce anxiety and depression and reduce agitation, according to research reported on the Mayo Clinic website.

Also stated, listening to music can provide emotional and behavioral

benefits for people with dementia.

Ekaterina VaganovaYachmennikova, co-owner, founder and artistic director of We Dance, also noted, “Dance lessons provide a fun escape from your typical daily routine, plus a chance to relax, relieve stress, and concentrate just on yourself.”

There is a Friday Night Social Dance Party, where students have the opportunity to practice and mingle in an informal setting.

For more details about social ballroom dance classes, as well as other types of dance classes offered at We Dance Academies, go to wedanceacademies.com or call 321425-0111.

We Dance Academies newest Viera location is at 7640 N. Wickham Road.

SL

with a funding partner, reviewed and approved by County staff and the County Commission, designed, licensed, contracted and then executed. The County Commission approved the 2021 Revision in February with all its projects. The contracted amount is 112, with 100 in design. Fifty have been completed; those 50 projects have reduced the TN in the lagoon by about 100,000 pounds a year.

There are many similar projects being constructed at different locations in Brevard County. Baffle boxes, for example, are large inground structures that slow the movement of stormwater and partially clean it of the waste carried off lawns and streets. Stormwater

accounts for 26% of the TN entering the lagoon. Currently, seven baffle boxes have been completed, reducing TN by 16,100 pounds a year. Two are currently in design and construction and six more are in planning, which will reduce TN by an additional 11,383 pounds a year.

Restoration of the lagoon is not a simple task. The pollution comes from many sources (stormwater, septic systems, sewage line leaks and muck flux), requiring hundreds of projects to achieve the needed nutrient reductions. Those who care about the issue should understand that “restoration takes time!”

For more information, go to HelpTheLagoon.org SL

— Nadia Rudovich

Restoration of Indian River Lagoon will take time

Yes, restoration takes time and progress is being made.

Here are the numbers. More than 2.8 million pounds of Total Nitrogen (TN) fill the lagoon annually, feeding repeated algae blooms, fish kills and now manatee deaths.

The Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) Plan is made up of 313 projects that combined will reduce the TN by 1.3 million pounds per year. That’s a lot — almost 50%.

So, what are those 313 projects and what’s happening? The projects vary a lot. Examples run from adding new advanced treatment to the Titusville Osprey Wastewater Treatment Facility ($8.8 million to reduce TN by 8,660 pounds a year, under construction) and dredging

18

Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

muck (the black goo that coats the lagoon bottom) from the Grand Canal ($15.5 million reducing TN by 89,025 pounds a year, under construction) to building an Oyster Reef at the Riverview Senior Resort in Melbourne ($30,300 reducing TN by 77 pounds a year, completed).

Each project is first proposed

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

myseniorlife.com

Mirrors tell more than embarrassing truthful tales

Mirror mirror on the wall. We grew up with this, thanks to the movie “Sleeping Beauty.”

When I was young, I never met a mirror I didn’t like. Now, the only ones I like are those funhouse mirrors that make you look skinny.

You know mirrors are a lot like candy counters.

Huh? Yeah, when you’re young you love to visit them as often as possible, but when you’re older, you can do without them.

If it wasn’t for mirrors I would think my chest muscles are still above the belt line. You see what decades of gravity will do to you?

You walk around in public thinking you’re still that finely built specimen of a couple of decades ago then, bam! You pass one of those mirrors and see your dad looking back at you, and where did that second chin come from?

Unfortunately, visits to the dreaded

Are you grumpy, ornery, unpleasant and cranky? Did you know that people who are happy, pleasant and graceful live a long life?

Recently, a reader shared with me a Facebook group “One cranky old man’s memes.” After checking it out, I noticed a warning “This group may not meet Facebook standards.” The members who added their memes appeared to vent, show anger, add observations and capture their life events.

One comment stood out: “I envy people that grow old gracefully. They age like fine wine.” Another stated: “I’m aging like milk. I’m getting sour and

chunky.” Some were sarcastic: “What’s he buying at Advance Auto Parts?” A contented contributor added: “I ate 11 times and took five naps and it’s still today.”

We can contribute, we can participate, we can be vital. One writer stated: “Aging may have slowed me down, but it hasn’t shut me up.”

How do we do it gracefully? Start by believing there is good in the world and have hope.

Joseph Wolfe, the chaplain for EWTN, commented that seniors are “weathered by the ebb and flow of life, the waves of trial and crisis, and the

Funny thing is...

Sammy Haddad

mirror must occur when getting ready to head out in public. I wish there was another way. I mean you’re walking around having a great day. Then, it’s time to go out and you glance in the mirror.

Uh, forget it. I’m going back to bed.

Mirrors at our age are best viewed from across the room. Then, our blurry eyes just see a silhouette of a person and imagine we still look the way we did two decades ago.

Rodney Dangerfield asked the doctor why he wanted to throw up every time he looked in the mirror. The doc said, “I don’t know, but your eyesight is perfect.”

When I was a kid and all my buddies

were saying they wanted to be firemen or astronauts, I said I wanted to make mirrors. Yeah, making mirrors. I could see myself doing that. That wasn’t punny was it?

You know my rear view mirror fell off the other day while driving. I haven’t looked back since. OK, just one more fun pun. My neighbor has two huge mirrors by his front door. The other day after an argument he told me to leave and I said “Don’t get up, I’ll see myself out.”

So, when it comes to mirrors look at it this way, then look at it that way, then look the other way. I say, “Mirror, mirror, on my door, I guess I’m not 21 anymore.” SL

Seniors who shift from grumbling to pleasant might live longer Challenges of Living to Age 100 Ed Baranowski driving winds of the unexpected. In a particular way, the elderly’s hope is seasoned with wisdom, confidence and patience, along with a keen sense of humor. They are poignant witnesses of hope.”

We all remember Wally Funk, 82, who was a Mercury-era astronaut trainee in the 1960s. With grace and excitement, she accepted the invitation of Jeff Bezos to travel on the Blue Origin New Shepard capsule into space on July 20. After landing, she displayed

elegance in speech and manner.

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Melbourne is celebrating its 90th anniversary in December. As part of the celebration, members are involved in “Acts of Kindness.” Seniors are out working on community projects, painting houses, helping at Daily Bread and graciously helping others.

Check out the movie “Queen Bees.”

It shows people in a retirement home that exhibit the spectrum of mean, angry to gracious.

Seniors are energized when they shift from grumbling and complaining to being part of the solution and not part of the problem. They smile with their lips turned up; they laugh, they share; and they enjoy life. Be thankful and gracious. How will you be remembered?

What’s your perspective? SL Ed Baranowski can be contacted at fast75sr@gmail.com

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Behind the

Beat

By Randal Hill

‘Maggie May’ — Rod Stewart

One has to wonder. Somewhere in England in 1971, was there a woman in her mid-40s — and possibly wearing a Mona Lisa smile — who heard “Maggie May” and realized that she might have been the inspiration for Rod Stewart’s breakthrough rock tune?

We’ll probably never know.

Roderick David Stewart was born in London in 1945, the youngest of five children of a construction foreman and a stay-at-home mother.

He quit school at age 15 to work a variety of menial jobs, including that of gravedigger. Music became Stewart’s free-time obsession, and he took up the guitar, the banjo and the harmonica. Although he always preferred singing. Later, mimicking such American soul stars as Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, Stewart sang with numerous bands before ending up in the iconic UK outfit Small Faces.

He recorded both as the Small Faces front man and a solo artist. The first two Rod Stewart albums didn’t bring him fame or fortune, but his third effort — “Every Picture Tells a Story” — made Rod Stewart’s name known throughout the music world, thanks to a hit single based on an event from his adolescence.

Years before America’s Woodstock and Monterey Pop concerts, England had the Beaulieu Jazz Festival. Held annually since 1956 in the town of Hampshire, the outdoor gathering offered music as

Rod Stewart was born in London in 1945. well as a chance for hip young Brits to dress in bizarre outfits and get wild away from their own neighborhoods.

In July 1961, Stewart and some pals sneaked onto the festival grounds and headed for the beer tent. There,

SENIOR LIFE Eddie Mallin

Stewart met a woman about twice his age. “One thing led to the next, and we ended up nearby on a secluded patch of lawn,” he recalled years later. Stewart admitted that his “going all the way” for the first time lasted

mere seconds. But that experience, brief as it might have been, would provide his ticket to superstardom a decade later.

Inspired by his introduction to manhood, Stewart eventually filled about 20 notebook pages with a fantasy yarn about a complicated and erratic relationship. He later developed that tale into a story-song about the trials and tribulations of a life shared with an older lady. “I feel I’m being used” gives way to “I love you anyway’ before the ultimate proclamation, “I wish I’d never seen your face.”

Stewart and guitarist pal Martin Quittenton created “Maggie May,” the slightly tweaked title being gleaned from “Maggie Mae,” an old Liverpool folk song which the Beatles had included as a snippet on their “Let It Be” album.

Curiously, Stewart’s multimillion-selling “Maggie May” had almost been left off his “Every Picture Tells a Story” LP, as the tune had no chorus and no hook, just a bunch of rambling verses. The future smash — recorded in just two takes — was released as the B-side of Stewart’s 45 “Reason to Believe,” a Tim Hardin ballad. But disc jockeys soon flipped the single and, seemingly overnight, “Maggie May” handed the sandpaper-voiced rock ‘n’ roller his first international winner. SL

Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve offers unique walk into the past Senior Life readers, here is a wonderful day trip that is inexpensive, educational and a delight for your entire family and out-of-town guests. The new Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve and Visitors Center is located just northwest of Interstate 95 and County Road 512.

You can step into the new Visitors Center and pick up information on what to see in the area.

The Trailhead Preserve is on almost 90 acres that is a good experience for informative walking trails, diverse native wildlife and the opportunity to enjoy primitive camping.

You will enjoy walking or riding your bike over this new two-mile Trans Florida Central Rail Trail that spans above the very busy I-95. The paved path runs from the Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve on the west side of the bridge to the North Indian River County Regional Park located on the east side of the bridge. This new majestic Rail Trail Overpass runs parallel to the original early 20th century railway tracks that carried logs between the towns of Fellsmere and nearby Sebastian to

20

Touring the Town

John Trieste

the east.

Either before or after your visit to the Trans Florida Central Rail Trail, head to the nearby Historic Downtown section of Fellsmere, located a few miles west on County Road 512.

As you enter Fellsmere, County Road 512 is also called Pennsylvania Avenue. At North Broadway Street (the only traffic light in town),make a right and on your left you will find at 44 N. Broadway St. and Oregon Avenue the Fellsmere Estates Building that was built in 1926 and restored to its prime recently. Every effort was made to refurbish the building similar to those of early 20th century days. Located in the building is the accommodating Marsh Landing Restaurant, known for hard to find southern

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

The new Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve is one of many things to enjoy in Fellsmere. delicacies. Here are just some of their selections: Frog legs, gator tail, fried oysters, coconut shrimp, catfish fingers, fried green tomato, corn fritters, fried pickles, fried okra, buffalo wings and the tasty swamp cabbage soup. The restaurant is open seven days a week. For more information, call 772-571–8622.

Do drive around this small town and view the many historic buildings, including the Fellsmere Historic Church just opposite Marsh

Landing, The Lady of Guadalupe Church and the many, fine homes that were built during the early 20th Century.

Fellsmere also is the home of the exciting annual Frog Leg Festival, conducted in Little League Park on Broadway and held on the third week in January.

For information, call 772-5710250.

For additional Fellsmere tourism information, call 772-511-1616. SL

myseniorlife.com

Health & Wellness Easily torn, meniscus might heal on its own or need arthroscopic surgery

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Activity in a wide variety of sports can be a detriment to the knee’s meniscus. Twist wrong, and once torn, it takes a bit for the meniscus to heal.

Suddenly it tears from playing tennis, volleyball or skiing.

“Meniscus tears are very common in high performance athletes and/or the older generation,” said Dr. Robert Brennan, an orthopedic surgeon with Steward Medical Group. “You may see people playing tennis wearing knee braces. That is because they have a meniscus tear. The meniscus is the (knee’s) shock absorber and when people run the meniscus helps as the shock absorber. In a bending or twisting injury if it tears it causes pain.

It affects people when they try to do strenuous activities or go downstairs, it hurts. When they go to the gym it hurts even more and feels like it is moving back and forth. They can walk on it but put it in the wrong position of a twist and they get a zing to the knee.”

It occurs without a warning and sometimes without even knowing how it happened.

“I’ve had meniscus tears, one in

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Steward Health Care

A meniscus tear is highlighted within the knee. each knee at different times,” said Bill Hinkle about the painful knee injury.

“I had surgery on one and it healed easily exercising it at home. When it

happened, it was very painful. You can’t straighten out your leg without pain. I am not sure how I did them, but I have had injuries during exercise

all my life because I am into running and a lot of sports.”

When the physician checks the patient’s knee for a meniscus tear, he normally gives a pain shot and schedules an MRI scan for diagnostics.

“Many times, in physical therapy the pain goes away,” Brennan said.

“The first three weeks are for therapy.

The meniscus can heal on its own or shrinks and they get pain relief.

So, if they fail this treatment and anti-inflammatory, then arthroscopic surgery is needed. That is highly successful outpatient surgery all in the same day.”

No amount of prevention exists for the twisting injury or for the older individual, Brennan advises.

Years of normal wear and tear weakens a meniscus making twists or tearing easier in the older generation.

The Mayo Clinic suggests practicing exercises to strengthen knees and muscles around the knees, maintain healthy height to weight ratio and use shoe inserts to distribute the weight across the knee.

“Maintain good posture and if you do exercises, make sure to do them properly,” Brennan said. SL

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Bear constellation 5 Infuriated 8 Wish for 12 Largest of the Marianas 13 Yes, to Pierre 14 Girlfriend in Cannes 15 Rescue 16 No __, ands or buts 17 Ceremonial garb 18 Views as 20 Office furniture 22 Nonsense!

23 Turkish honorific 24 Plant firmly 27 Important person 30 Call __ __ cab 31 Switch positions 32 French monarch 34 Web addr.

35 __ out (relax) 37 Chicago airport code 38 Parish priests 40 Scourges 42 Hotfoot it 43 Chatter 44 White, in Paris 46 More scarce 49 Jokey magic word 50 T, in Athens 52 All excited 54 Blackthorn fruit 55 Bonn single 56 “Soft Watches” painter 57 Sorts 58 Prohibited insecticide 59 Paradise

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DOWN 1 Nasty!

2 Felt sorry about 3 Red-tag event 4 Unit of current 5 Clammy 6 __ Wiedersehen 7 Spurn 8 City in Poland 9 In a frenzy 10 Robin beaks 11 Links gizmo 19 Trendy 21 Future turtles 24 Flightless bird 25 TV’s __ Griffin 26 Island near Java 27 Cranberry locales 28 Metallic element 29 Mr. Vidal 33 Egos’ counterparts 35 Arrogant 36 Built 39 Makes sore by rubbing 40 Meadow murmur 41 Scrape 43 Foot soldier 44 Seed pod 45 Peek 47 By Jove!

48 Part in a drama 49 Frat letter 51 Relief 53 Tonic partner

Crossword solution, page 28

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

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Humane Society opens pet daycare

BY FLORA REIGADA

Do you need a place to pamper your pet while you’re away on vacation or even at the doctor for an hour or two?

If so, there is good news.

The Brevard Bed and Biscuit pet daycare hotel, an arm of the Brevard Humane Society, has opened its doors.

At 155 Pioneer Road on Merritt Island, it shares a building with the Humane Society’s Adoption Center.

The pet daycare recently had a soft opening, but a grand opening is being planned.

The Humane Society said the new venture will not be in competition with for-profit businesses because the need for such service is so great.

Proceeds benefit the Humane Society, a non-profit, no-kill-for-space shelter.

Since 1952, it has provided a variety of services. Among these are low cost spaying and neutering, vaccinations and placement of pets in loving homes.

“The hotel caters to dogs, cats and other creatures too,” said Theresa Clifton, the Brevard Humane Society’s executive director.

She initially thought that mainly dog owners would be interested. But to her surprise, cat owners were the first to inquire and take their place at the front of the line, waiting for the pet daycare hotel to open.

Although no adoptable animals are at the hotel, plenty are waiting at the nearby Adoption Center, for their forever home.

The Brevard Bed and Biscuit pet daycare hotel has opened at 155 Pioneer Road on Merritt Island.

The pet hotel remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. People can register their pets anytime day or night, for hours, days or months.

Expect rooms, not cages or crates.

Catios for cats and suites for dogs offer a variety of options, costs and sizes to choose from, such as junior suites for the economy minded,

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even for a couple of hours.”

Clifton said she is pleased by the support demonstrated by other local pet care facilities, which have been overwhelmed with business.

For information, call 321-609-5257 or go to brevardbedandbiscuit.org To find out more about the Brevard Humane Society go to BrevardHumaneSociety.org. SL

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standard suites, deluxe and VIP. “VIP suites feature private porches, televisions for ‘guests’ to watch and security cameras. Every need is met, including a place to play,” Clifton said.

“It is a super idea,” said Brenda Armstrong, the owner of two dogs — Bandit, a dachshund, and Toby, a rat terrier. “I would sign up my doggies,

SENIOR LIFE Katie Sivco

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

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Call (321) 616-8790 to Reserve Your Cottage Today!

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Volunteers work to protect sea turtles, educate public on how to help

BY MARIA SONNENBERG A disturbing sight awaited Peter Bandre during a morning beach visit at Indialantic in 1982. Dead sea turtle hatchlings were scattered across the parking lot, squashed by cars.

The babies had been trying to make their way to the ocean after hatching that evening, but mistook the lights from the boardwalk parking lot for the moon that was to guide them into the sea.

“Our primary goal is to educate people on how they can help sea turtles.”

– Susan Skinner

Bandre vowed to help the hapless reptiles. His passion for the job led to the creation of the Sea Turtle Preservation Society, or STPS, the all-volunteer group that for more than three decades has protected sea turtles in Brevard.

“Our primary goal is to educate people on how they can help sea turtles,” said Susan Skinner, chair of the board of directors.

Brevard’s 72 miles of shoreline provide a critical nesting environment for loggerheads, green sea turtles and leatherbacks, three of the world’s seven species. Florida serves as nest site for 90 percent of sea turtle eggs laid in the United States, and the Space Coast’s long stretches of beaches and the Indian River’s foraging opportunities attract these “lawnmowers of the ocean” by the thousands. The county ranks among the top nesting sites.

“Only Palm Beach County has Peter Bandre helped create the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. more,” Skinner said.

Sea turtles return to their Healing Center, which STPS helps “hometown” when they are ready to fund from proceeds from events such lay eggs, and the cycle repeats itself as the upcoming Turtle Krawl 5K. In year after year.

2016, for example, STPS delivered STPS’s 450 volunteers help sea 1,500 washback post-hatchlings to turtles survive through a multithe Healing Center after Hurricane pronged approach that includes Matthew and a subsequent strong public education on the threats facing weather system pushed them back onto these reptiles, menaces such as boat the beaches. propellers, lights and ocean-going Several times a week during June trash. Although connecting with the and July,iN STPSremodels hosts educational night ow specializiNg public during COVID was challenging, walks that allow the public to view a STPS volunteers took it in stride • Screen Repair loggerhead nestingpaiNtiNg on the beach. The wiNdows aNd using Zoom and social media to doors reach popular programs sell out quickly. approximately 3,000 individuals • Flooring Installation Like many volunteers, Skinner was at schools, youth groups and other hooked on turtles after attending one of • Soffits, Siding community organizations.

Turtle Over 20The years Experience • Lic / Ins 19-RC-CT-00009 the walks.

House in Indialantic and the Turtle and Fascia “I wanted to do something for Nest kiosk at Port Canaveral also them,” she said. provided educational opportunities.

• Sheetrock Work STPS welcomes volunteers and The group also orchestrates the Sea donations. Go to seaturtlespacecoast.

Turtle Transport Program, the first in org, where details on the Turtle Krawl Florida. Trained volunteers deliver 5K are also available. The Turtle House injured sea turtles to rehabilitation is at 111 S. Miramar Ave. in Indialantic. facilities throughout the state, but primarily to Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle SL

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23

Over Ove

32 32

Senior Life

News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John

North Brevard

SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada

At the Titusville Garden Club Tree Farm, member Rick McEntire spoke of the hardy hibiscus bush and its blossoms, which come in a variety of colors.

SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada

At the Titusville Garden Club Tree Farm, member Louis Kaspar holds the colorful blossoms of the crepe myrtle tree.

Garden clubs share practices of successful gardening

BY FLORA REIGADA

Many new Florida residents have held a withered plant and wondered why gardening methods that worked back home, don’t work here.

For new and long-time residents alike, the Titusville Garden Club and its partner, the Titusville Garden Club Tree Farm (formerly the Titusville Men’s Garden Club) can help with gardening issues.

The club even holds periodic plant and tree sales events, with the next coming in October.

Kathleen Heide, a Titusville Garden Club vice-president, said that there are gardening challenges presented by Florida’s heat and humidity.

“People move here from up north

and they want to plant familiar, northern flowers and trees, or they want to go all tropical,” she said. “Some plants require the dormancy of winter. Nor are we in South Florida. It does get cold here.”

Before people rush to spend money on vegetation and landscaping, Heide suggests talking to neighbors to see what works and to visit local nurseries.

“The Titusville Garden Club is a good resource,” she said. “Many from the northeast join to avoid making mistakes. We have speakers. Everyone is welcome.”

According to club members, easy to grow flowers include geraniums, pentas, zinnia and milkweed, which attracts butterflies.

“For landscaping, trees such as native cabbage palms do well. So do

date palms, oak trees and the flowering crepe myrtle,” Heide said.

Vegetables present their own challenges. Heide recommended planting tomatoes in autumn or early spring, during cooler weather. This is also true for lettuce, kale and collard greens.

Known as a vegetable garden companion, the marigold repels mosquitos and aphids.

These are but a few gardening tips.

The community is invited to learn more at the Titusville Garden Club and the Titusville Garden Club Tree Farm.

“Our mission is to stimulate knowledge and love for gardening and protection of our native plants and wildlife through conservation of our natural resources,” said Wendy Grantz, a

publicity chairperson and retail manager for the organization’s Event Center and Gardens.

The Titusville Garden Club is at 5275 Sisson Road. Meetings are held there at 10 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, call 321-264-4266 or go to titusvillegardenclub.com The club’s next plant sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m Oct. 8 and 9 at the Tree Farm.

The Titusville Garden Club Tree Farm is at 1230 Thoreau St. Meetings are held there at 10 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month.

Check out their online newsletter, The Bloomin’ News for events such as plant sales and additional gardening tips or check out nbbd.com/npr/tmgc. SL

Wizard of Oz museum set to open in Cape Canaveral

BY KATIE SIVCO

You won’t need to go somewhere over the rainbow to experience the magic of the south’s only Wizard of Oz museum.

A Wizard of Oz museum is set to open in Cape Canaveral by late October. Here, guests can journey down the yellow brick road with Dorothy and her beloved friends while exploring Oz’s early days as a bestselling children’s book series.

The museum’s owner, Fred Trust, first began as a collector of the Oz book series, which were written by L. Frank Baum between 1900 and 1920.

His collection has grown to more than 2,000 pieces from the Wizard of Oz franchise, including posters, trading cards, props, toys, games and lifesize replicas. Trust said much of the memorabilia will be organized in the museum by decade and character.

“I started buying the books for reading purposes to my kids. And then I started collecting them,” Trust said.

There is currently one other Wizard of Oz museum in the world and it’s

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Fred Trust

A collection of vintage book covers featuring the Wizard of Oz will be on display at the Wizard of Oz museum in Cape Canaveral. located in Wamego, Kansas. Trust has donated some of his collectibles to the original museum, but it was always his dream to open his own.

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

One aspect to set the Cape Canaveral Wizard of Oz museum apart is an immersive experience that will be included in the admission

price. Guests will get to walk through several rooms with projected scenes from the 1939 film and originally designed scenes inspired by the Oz books. Another few rooms will offer guests an immersive experience inside the paintings of Vincent van Gogh as projectors display moving images on the walls, floor and ceiling set to music.

“We hear references to the Wizard of Oz in everyday life. It’s embedded in American culture,” Trust said about the appeal of the franchise.

Trust expects the museum to be a hotspot for tourists coming on cruises from Port Canaveral.

“This will be an attraction you won’t want to miss,” Trust said. “I hope the museum encourages people to stay an extra day in town and bring business to nearby hotels and restaurants.”

Trust said tickets are projected to cost around $65 for non-residents and $35 for Florida residents. The museum is located at 7099 N Atlantic Ave. in Cape Canaveral. SL

myseniorlife.com

J.T. Shealy is Brevard’s Mr. Bluegrass

BY MARIA SONNENBEG

Bluegrass music must prove to be effective against aging since bluegrass promoter John Tandie “J.T.” Shealy looks nowhere near his 81 years.

Brevard’s Mr. Bluegrass has promoted the musical genre for years, in the process tempting top acts in the country to perform in Titusville, a city not typically recognized as a mecca for this music.

Last year was a nightmare for impresarios such as Shealy, but he is back in action with a full lineup of performances that should keep bluegrass fans delighted.

Shealy honed his passion for bluegrass in his native South Carolina.

“People couldn’t afford to go to concerts, so it was standard to get together in small groups and listen to bluegrass,” said the Mims resident.

Lured by jobs in the fledgling space program, Shealy’s father moved his seven children to Mims in 1957, just as J.T. graduated from high school.

After a stint in the Air Force and a few years working for Pan Am, Shealy said he was “drafted” to work at the First National Bank of Titusville, a job that taught him how to gauge small businesses. When the chance to purchase a furniture store arose, Shealy knew he had a solid business opportunity. He was right. For 38 years, he ran Home Furniture, a go-to store in North Brevard.

“We didn’t get rich, but we made a

Women’s Golf Association seeks new members

good living,” he said.

With four friends, he also launched the Community National Bank, a business he ran for 13 years. After several iterations, the bank is now part of the Regions network.

To indulge his passion for bluegrass, Shealy decided to convert an empty back room in the furniture store to a concert venue.

“We had 75 chairs, all from scratch and dent,” he said.

The modest concert hall didn’t dissuade top bluegrass bands in the country from stopping by for an intimate concert and a highly appreciative audience.

Shealy’s bluegrass concerts continue to draw fans well outside the Brevard County line.

“There is no one doing indoor bluegrass concerts,” Shealy said.

The furniture store concert hall is history, but Shealy finds venues such as churches eager to host his concert season, which begins in October and ends in March. He has slated multiaward-winner Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road to kick off this year’s series Oct. 14. Joe Mullins and Radio Ramblers, Little Roy & Lizzy, Fast Track, the Amanda Cook Band and the Appalachian Road Show round out the schedule.

When not organizing concerts, Shealy can be found at the gym, cycling or playing golf, and, of course, listening to the ageless music known as bluegrass.

For more, see jtsbluegrass.com. SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Walter Kiely

Brevard’s Mr. Bluegrass, J.T. Shealy, has promoted the musical genre for years.

SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE The Melbourne Women’s Golf Association welcomes golfers of any skill level to join them Tuesday mornings at Crane Creek Reserve at 475 West New Haven Ave. Its 2021/2022 season starts Sept.

7 and runs through the end of May 2022. It offers both an 18-hole and nine-hole leagues.

The association said it is a friendly group that welcomes players of all ages. The oldest member will celebrate her 100th birthday in October.

The group hosts fun events during its calendar year, including the annual Christmas Scramble and Spring Fling. Many players often get together for lunch at a variety of local restaurants when the game is over.

It is a handicap league; each player must have or establish a handicap and enter their score in the GHIN system.

For membership details, contact Patti Newell at 978-979-8095 or patti.newell@gmail.com; or Bobbie Seigler at 321-728-9116 or blseigler@aol.com. SL

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321-267-0008

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

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Just to be safe — please call each event location to confirm date and time.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Mark Your Calendar Sept. 2, 6 - 10 p.m.

An evening to support Florida's marine resources. Drinks, catered dinner, raffles, auctions.

Melbourne City Hall, 900 E. Strawbridge Ave. Melbourne, 407-854-7002

Sunday in the Park Community Art Show Sept. 12. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Green Gables, 1501 S. Harbor City Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-794-8901 National Cheese Independence Day Pizza Day

Game On! Riverfront Tri @ Cocoa 6:45 a.m. - Noon Swim, bike and run at Cocoa Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd.

Cocoa, 321-433-8700

Brevard Caribbean Fest 2021

6

Labor Day

Labor Day Scramble Golf Tournament

7

National Beer Labor Day Lovers' Day

Trivia Tuesday

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1 - 3 p.m.

Second annual bowling fundraiser to raise money for the Haven for Children.

Silent auction and 50/50 will be available. $400 per team of six members (Ticket price includes bowling and shoe rental). Proceeds will go to the Haven for Children.

Bowlero 1099 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-537-4279

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National Pancake Day

Ninth annual Fall Brawl Car and Truck Show

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Space Coast HarleyDavidson 1440 Sportsman Lane NE Palm Bay, 321-259-1311

Warrior Women Expo

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

American Police Hall of Fame & Museum 6350 Horizon Drive Titusville, 321-264-0911

Party Bridge

12:15 - 4 p.m. Mondays and Fridays Martin Andersen Senior Center, 1026 Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-632-6314

Vendor booths, food and drinks inside. Blood drive outside.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-674-5700 RepitDay 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Live animals.

Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-608-7400

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10

11

It’s Showtime!

Be Healthy, Be Happy Health Fair

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$2 per person Viera Regional Community Center 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-633-2046

5 - 8 p.m.

Pizza Gallery & Grill 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-433-7055

GFWC Melbourne Ice Cream Social

Bingo

10 a.m. - Noon, Third Wednesday Sunflower House inside Merritt Square Mall 777 E. Merritt Island Causeway, 321-452-4341

First and Third Thursdays 10 - 11 a.m.

Sunflower House inside Merritt Square Mall 777 E. Merritt Island Causeway Merritt Island, 321-452-4341

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Presented by Personal Hearing Solutions and a Clinical Education Specialist.

Boxed lunch provided. Must RSVP. Viera, 321-751-6771

1 p.m.

Monthly meeting — Hear about Adopt a Manatee Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-258-9229

20 Brevard Symphony Orchestra

Free Movie in the Park

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10 - 11 a.m.

Hilton Rialto, 200 Rialto Place Melbourne, 321-254-9453

Constitution Day

10 a.m.

Master Gardener will answer questions.

Cocoa Beach Library, 550 North Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104

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27

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9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-254-0254

6 - 9 p.m.

Show off your trivia skills and win prizes. Call ahead to reserve a table for your team.

2 Angry Wives Pub 3826 Murrell Road Rockledge, 321-848-0227

Line Dancing

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Living 1026 Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-631-7549

9:30 a.m.

Perfect for anyone who wants a Zumba class that recreates the Zumba moves you love at a lowerintensity. Choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion, and coordination. Come ready to have fun. Members $5, non-members $7.

Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd Cocoa Beach 321-783-9505

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VFW Day

Hurricane Rug Hooking

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Second and Fourth Wednesday Members $2, nonmembers $3 North Brevard Senior Center, 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-298-2796

Senior Fitness

10 a.m.

Bring your own water and hand weights. Cost is $5 First United Methodist Church 3300 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-783-8991

4 - 5:30 p.m.

Brevard Veterans Memorial Center 400 Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island, 321-453-1776

Air Force Birthday

Arts & Crafts at Sunflower Tinnitus and Hearing Loss, Jean-Michel Cousteau: House Lunch and Learn Seminar Protecting Our Water Planet

6:30 - 7:15 p.m.

We Dance Academies 7640 N. Wickham Road Unit 114, Suntree 321-334-9136

Zumba Gold

10 -2 p.m.

Music, 50/50 drawing, food, and awards.

American Legion Post 394 Palm Bay, 321-948-7553

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Social Ballroom Class

Autumnal Equinox

9/11 Remembrance Car and Truck Show

9/11 20th anniversary Brevard County Memorial Tribute

1 p.m. First and third Wednesday Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Dr. Suntree, 321-255-4404

World Alzheimer’s Day Medicaid Planning Seminar 10 a.m.

Seminar presented by Elder Law Attorney William A. Johnson, P.A. Limited seating must RSVP. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771 Canasta: Hand and Foot

Patriot Day

7 - 9 p.m.

“Grease” McLarty Park 790 Barton Blvd.

Rockledge, 321-633-1874

Sit-n-Stitch

National Chocolate Milk Day China Painting Trivia Tuesday

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-698-0445

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Guacamole Day

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

11:15 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Doors open at 10 a.m.

Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-258-8837

Single tickets for opening 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. night go on sale today.

Call 321-345-5052 for more Greater Palm Bay Senior Center information.

1275 Culver Drive NE Palm Bay, 321-724-1338

Jazzercise Lo

7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 & 9 Concert by the Melbourne Community Orchestra Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-285-6724

Wine & Whiskers

15

Space Coast Jazz Society Rockledge Country Club 1591 S. Fiske Blvd.

Rockledge, 321-636-6022

National Wife Caviar Day Appreciation Day National Ice Bowling forCream the Haven Day

Sept. 3 - 6 Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier 401 Meade Ave., Cocoa Beach, 407-984-7325

14

12

Tai Chi

National National Uncle Sam Day National Pecan Grandparents French Fry Day Pie Day Day Ron Teixeira Trio Open Pickleball Pizza with a Purpose 2 p.m.

1 p.m. Mondays Fundraiser

3 - 5 p.m.

The Community Band of Brevard Merritt Island High School Auditorium 100 Mustang Way Merritt Island, 321-338-6210

The event is free for all temple members. Nonmembers are welcome.

Suggested donation of $18 per family.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks. Stations with games, crafts and how a shofar works.

Temple Israel of Brevard 7300 Lake Andrew Dive Viera, 321-631-9494

13

Noon - 9 p.m.

Live Caribbean entertainment and food.

Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-600-1234

11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Members $3, non-members $4 North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-383-0735

Welcome Back: Remembering Marion Scott

9 - 10 a.m.

Refreshments and coffee will be served at the sign-up event. The club will meet on Wednesdays beginning Sept. 15.

One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera 321-751-6771

National Newspaper National Fruitcake Carrier Day Toss Day 36th annual National Indoor/Outdoor Car Show Apples, Honey and Fun Rosh Hashanah Celebration Kidney Foundation Surf 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Presented by Florida’s Finest 2 Festival 2021 5 p.m.

National V-J Day

2 - 3 p.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Living 1026 Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-631-7549

Tap & Jazz Class

4

SATURDAY

2

8

3

FRIDAY

6 - 9 p.m.

Join us for our first version of Wine & Whiskers. $10 and a bottle of wine gets you in the door after hours for delicious hors d'oeuvres, shopping and Great Decision raffles. Live entertainment Discussion Group

by Fred Cavese. Please RSVP. 9:30 a.m. First Wednesday SPCA of Brevard Group meets to discuss 790 S. Apollo Blvd. current events.

Melbourne, 321-567-3615 Merritt Island Public Library 1195 N. Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island, 321-455-1369

8 a.m. shotgun start Two-person scramble Duran Golf Club 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-504-7776

6 - 9 p.m.

Show off your trivia skills and win prizes. Call ahead to reserve a table for your team.

2 Angry Wives Pub 3826 Murrell Road Rockledge, 321-848-0227

THURSDAY

1

Open House— The Club for Active Seniors

Space Coast Banquet & Auction

5

WEDNESDAY

Silver Sneakers

11 a.m. - Noon Members $6, non-members $8 Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 469-662-4176

Wreath Workshop

10 a.m. – Noon Create a ribbon wreath Free event. Space is limited, masks are required. Must RSVP. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

30

BCSO Shred Program

9 - 10:30 a.m.

Grant Community Center 4580 1st. Street Grant-Valkaria 321-264-7755

Dream Board

1 - 2:30 p.m.

Sunflower House inside Merritt Square Mall 777 E. Merritt Island Causeway Merritt Island 321-452-4341

Master Gardner Clinic

Titusville Fall Artisan Event 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Titusville Civic Center 4220 South Hopkins Ave. Titusville, 321-383-0254

Sixth annual SCMO Police Motorcycle Challenge

9 a.m.

Space Coast Harley Davidson 1440 Sportsman Lane NE Palm Bay, 321-259-1311

25

National Beautician’s Day

Cars Under the Stars

DogFest

Bras for a Cause – Stop Human Sex Trafficking

Harvest Festival and Craft Fair

Reggae & Rum Festival

Alzheimer’s Association Annual Memory Walk

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

5 - 9 p.m.

The Avenue Viera Wickham Park Pavilion Melbourne, 321-633-2046 Viera, 407-522-3308 6 - 9:30 p.m.

Cocoa Beach Hilton 1550 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-720-5473 1 - 10 p.m.

Cocoa Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd.

Cocoa, 813-919-9192

BSO's 2021-2022 Oct. 1 Season "Where Will

the Music Take You?" begins on October 16 with "Around the World in 80 Minutes."

Subscriptions are available now.

Opening night on sale September 20.

Call 321-345-5052 for more information.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Green Gables 1501 S. Harbor City Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-794-8901 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Cocoa Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd.

Cocoa, 407-730-1115

National Oct. 2Mutt Day Melbourne Beach Writers Group

10:15 a.m. First Saturdays of the month Connect with other writers to share work and discuss the craft and business of writing.

All experience levels welcome.

Melbourne Beach Library 324 Ocean Avenue Melbourne Beach 603-491-1412

( 321) 723- 3288

E ST . 1924

A history deeply rooted in the values of respect, community, value and dignity.

Compassionate Senior Care -Chapel with Full Services -Trips and Outings Around Town

-Computer Access in Library -On-site Beauty Salon

-Full Calendar of Social and Recreational Programs

2800 Fordham rd. Palm Bay 32905

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

27

time machine In September...

Sept. 3, 1838

Anti-slavery leader Frederick Douglass begins his escape from slavery by boarding a train in Baltimore dressed as a sailor. He rides to Wilmington, Delaware, where he catches a steamboat to the free city of Philadelphia. He then takes a train to New York City, where he is protected by the Underground Railway network.

Sept. 1, 1923

Boxing champion Rocky Marciano (1923-1969) is born in Brockton, Massachusetts as Rocco Francis Marchegiano.

He fights Jersey Joe Walcott for the heavyweight title on Sept. 23, 1952, knocking him out. In 1956, he retires as the only undefeated heavyweight champion. He dies in a plane crash in 1969.

Sept. 16, 1620 Sept. 1, 1939

At 5.30 a.m., Adolph Hitler’s German armies invade Poland to start World War II in Europe.

The Mayflower ship departs England bound for America with 102 passengers and a small crew. The ship weathers dangerous Atlantic Ocean storms and reaches Provincetown, Massachusetts on Nov. 21. The Pilgrims disembark at Plymouth on Dec. 26.

Market Square

Crossword Solution Crossword on page 21

Rubbish Removal

Roofing

Sudoku Solution Puzzle on page 19

Senior Care

Wellness

Easing the issues of independent living with respect, dignity & compassion Karen Wernlund BS Psy Care Consultant 321-622-8030

emeraldcare21@gmail.com

Emerald Care Management LLC We offer a 30 minute care consultation to help you stay independent at home.

28

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

September Special

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674 Wickham Rd, Melbourne Wickham Green Center

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Ask about specials!

321-383-1616

Nature’s Market Health Foods

Trivia on Tuesdays!

Mon-Sat: 11 am - 9 pm Sun: 10 am - 9 pm

321-848-0227

Brevard’s Health Food Store

701 S. Apollo Blvd. Melbourne

2AngryWives.com

321-724-6923

3826 Murrell Rd., Rockledge

NaturesMarketMelbourne.com

Restaurant

20% Dine-in or Take-out Off Must present coupon.

One coupon per order. Exp. 9/30/21.

Catering • DoorDash • GrubHub • UberEats Tacos • Tortas • Burritos • Quesadillas Horchata • Vegetarian • Kid’s Meals 3580 Cheney HwY,

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Denise Bilder, MSW Senior Consultant Independent Living • Assisted Living Memory Care • Long Term Care • Respite Care

Direct: 321-403-2366 • Office: 321-209-8686 denise@allyslc.com • www.allyslc.com 142 N. Orlando Avenue, Ste. 100, Cocoa beach

321-242-1235

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or email media@bluewatercreativegroup.com

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

29

Market Square Activities & Classes

Activities & Classes

Air Conditioning

NEW VIERA LOCATION!

Enrolling for the new season 2021-2022!

and on-site, Service available on site Full-time, factory certified service engineer  Repair

7720 Rd. Suite 111 We N. try Wickham our best to ‘under-promise and over deliver’ WeDanceAcademies.com Melbourne, FL 32940 321-622-8602 quiltsandlace.com • beth@quiltsandlace.com To register, call 321-334-9136

7720 N. Wickham Rd. Suites 111 & 112 & 113 Melbourne, FL 32940

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

WANTED TO BUY

Buying costume jewelry, flatware sets, coins, old military items, pottery, toys, trains, old paintings, figurines & much more

$200 off

New Systems &

Repairs

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September 14 DIME Patch Party Webinar September 25 Check out the Q&L website for class schedule and events.  We areKimberbell an authorized, “Day full line at retailer for Baby Lock®, the Fair”®, Floriani Event,® & Anita Goodesign® Brother® , Koala

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321-634-2647

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

We’re still here, serving seniors since 1965

\I A ing

Call us to Volunteer: » Assist with Food Prep Seeking Volunteers to: at the Kitchen Assiston with Food Prep »• Meals Wheels Driver at the Kitchen » Provide a senior • transportation Meals on Wheels Delivery Driver » Provide a veteran • transportation Provide a senior transportation to » Provide information important to Caregivers at the appointments Sunflower House

g

Matters IN BREVARD

Please call today for further information (321) 639-8770

Call us if you need: » Caregiver Respite Caregiver Training Call us» if you need: and Support • Caregiver Respite, Training » Case Management and »Support Catering • Catering » Handyman Services • Home Safety Modifications » Information and Referral • Light» Light Housekeeping Housekeeping • Meals on Wheels » Meals on Wheels » Personal • Personal CareCare » Seniors at Lunch • Transportation Fellowship Dining » Transportation » Volunteer Opportunities

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

WEARE 0 .<Q& Senior TranServe Meals On Wheels Retireu VeTs Driving Vets S en10r CD missro'n driven So no seviior- rrs h.u�.

Volunteer Program Please call today for further information transportation for non·driving seniors

.--WIThe �Kitchen

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(321) 639-8770

Sunflower House

community caregiver center

An inffiative of the Corporation for National t, Community Service

Seniors At Lunch

group dining at neighborhood sites

Home & Community ,\ Based Services

Aging Matters in Brevard is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit orginization recognized by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Agingbyasthethe Lead Agencyoffor senior in Agency Brevard County.

Aging Matters in Brevard is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofu organimtion recognized Florida Department Elder Affairsservices and the Area on Aging as the LRad Agency for senior servues in Brevard County.

www.AgingMattersBrevard.org Serving the Matters of Aging Since 1965 • www.agingmattersbrevard.org Visit us on Facebook & Instagram

30

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

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FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES Choose our FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES Choose(HMO-POS) our CareOne PLATINUM plan:

CarePlus offers CarePlus offers the level of benefits CarePlus offers the level of benefits CarePlus offers you deserve. the level of benefits the you leveldeserve. of benefits you deserve. you deserve.

Now available available inNow Space Coast!

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You in may beaffordable able to enroll in this You in may beaffordable able to enroll this CarePlus plan to today.

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Choose(HMO-POS) our CareOne PLATINUM plan: Choose(HMO-POS) our CareOne PLATINUM Out-of-network coverage forplan: CareOne PLATINUM (HMO-POS) plan: Out-of-network coverage hospitals and specialists infor Brevard Out-of-network coverage hospitals specialists infor Brevard and Indianand River counties Out-of-network coverage for hospitals specialists and Indianand River countiesin Brevard hospitals specialists in Brevard $20 Indian copayand for specialist and River countiesoffice $20 copay for specialist and River counties visitsIndian (in-network) and office $20 copay for specialist visits (in-network) and office $25 (out-of-network) $20 copay for specialist visits (in-network) and office $25 (out-of-network) visits (in-network) and stay* $150 copay for hospital $25 (out-of-network) $150 copay for hospital stay* $25 days(out-of-network) 1-7 (in-network) and $150 copay for hospital stay* days (in-network) and $170 1-7 (out-of-network) $150 copay for hospital stay* days (in-network) and $170 1-7 (out-of-network) days 1-7 (in-network) and $0 copay for in-network $170 (out-of-network) $0 copay for in-network $170 (out-of-network) primary care physician $0 copay for in-network primary care physician office visits $0 copay for in-network primary care physician office visits primary care physician $0 copay for Tier 1 prescription office visits $0 copay prescription office visits drugs, $10for forTier Tier1 2, and $0 for Tier prescription drugs, for Tier1 2, and $30copay for$10 Tier 3** $0 for Tier prescription drugs, for Tier1 2, and $30copay for$10 Tier 3** drugs, for Tier 2, and $0 for transportation $30copay for$10 Tier 3** $0 copay for3** transportation $30 for Tier to plan-approved locations $0 copay for transportation to locations (upplan-approved to 50 one-way trips per year) $0 copay for transportation to (upplan-approved to 50 one-waylocations trips per year) to plan-approved locations PLUS more! (up to 50 one-way trips per year) PLUS more! (up to 50 one-way trips per year) PLUS more!

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CarePlusHealthPlans.com @CarePlusHealthPlans CarePlusHealthPlans.com *Per hospital day **From@CarePlusHealthPlans a preferred cost-sharing retail pharmacy. Space Coast area. CarePlus is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in CarePlus depends on CarePlusHealthPlans.com contract renewal.

Referrals and/or authorization may be required for certain specialists.

This plan covers certain from out-of-network providers in Brevard and *Per day **From a preferred retail Space Coast area. CarePlus is an may HMO planservices withYou a received Medicare Enrollment in CarePlus depends on @CarePlusHealthPlans CarePlusHealthPlans.com Indianhospital River counties in Florida.

Exceptcost-sharing in emergency or pharmacy. urgent situations, non-contracted providers deny care. will pay contract. a higher copay for services received by non-

contract renewal. authorization mayretail be required forSpace certainCoast specialists.

This plan certain from out-of-network providers inour Brevard and contracted providers.

Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation toproviders treatiscovers CarePlus members, except inpayemergency situations.

Please call Member *Per hospital day Referrals **From aand/or preferred cost-sharing pharmacy. area. CarePlus an may HMO planservices withYou a received Medicare contract.

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Referrals and/or authorization may be required for certain specialists.

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Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are underapplicable no obligation toproviders treatRights members, inpayemergency situations.

Please call our Member @CarePlusHealthPlans CarePlusHealthPlans.com based on a 5-star rating system.

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Except in emergency or urgent situations, non-contracted may deny care.

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32

SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2021

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