Senior Life, April 2023

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April 2023

Volume 25 Issue 11

CELEBRATING 17 YEARS

RESOURCE MAGAZINE

2023 EDITION • NO. 17

Fun &

Cornhole catching on page 5

myseniorlife.com

Exercise guru spreads joy exercising with sticks

ROBUST

Leisure

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ISSUE

SUPPORT GROUPS SENIOR LIVING TOUR SPORTS & ACTIVITIES VETERANS RESOURCES CLUBS & GROUPS VOLUNTEERING

Cool PLACES

Paddles Up Dragon Boat Racing

Celebrating 25 Years

New Boomer Guide arrives, page 28

Remembering fallen heroes, page 11

SENIOR LIFE Keith Betterley

Viera resident Jeanette White and her students enjoy the power of music and exercise at her We Stick Together classes on Friday mornings at the Merritt Island Square Mall. Story, page 12.

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Passwords, passwords and more passwords!

Are you one who struggles with trying to remember passwords or have you already resorted to a password manager that keeps you on track with only one set to recall?

First, there is a password for your phone, for your online banking, for all your social media accounts, for every online shopping line and so much more.

In addition to having dozens of passwords, experts will tell you that you need to change them from time to time. And you most likely won’t be able to reuse any.

So, what do you do about it?

A story you can read in this edition of Senior Life will share some options with you. There are password managers, apps that keep it straight, that are out there.

You’ll just have to decide whether it is for you and which one you should choose.

Some seniors choose to stay in their homes as they age rather than go to an assisted living facility. It might work for some and for a time if they take certain steps. Read about some of the things that need to be done to accomplish that and help keep you safe. Lighting, grab bars, furniture rearranging and other changes can help, but there is so much more to consider.

I was in a department store recently and noticed that it had what looked like about 20 checkout lanes with only two in service. At the same time, there were people lined up to pay at the self-checkout counters. After I left, I wondered what customers thought about using self-checkout, since they are popping up everywhere. So, we decided to explore it in a story. Here, we share some of what we learned.

As usual, there are plenty of other informative and entertaining articles in Senior Life, including stories about veterans in Brevard County.

Did you know that there is a veterans’ court? It handles certain cases in which veterans are charged with non-violent crimes. There have been veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder who have gotten in trouble with the law.

I have received several letters and notes letting us know what you think about some of our stories and what you want to see us explore. We appreciate every feedback and try to answer each one or look at your story ideas. SL

25th Anniversary

R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com

ANN

A

RY

Healing paws page 19

March 2023

Volume 25 Issue 10

myseniorlife.com

Tradition continues with fun Boomer Expo

Editor R. Norman Moody Office Manager Sylvia Montes Copy Editor Jeff Navin Art Department Jorjann Blake Videographer Klinton Landress Feature Writers Ed Baranowski Brenda Eggert Brader Ernie Dorling Nanette Hebdige Barbara Jean Mead Mark Mijuskovic Betty Porter Flora Reigada Wendy Scheuring

Educator at the expo!

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

Models from the 2022 Boomer Guide enjoyed the festivities at the 2022 Boomer Guide Expo.

BY JEFF NAVIN

Wearing green is a given on St. Patrick’s Day. Add the Boomer Guide Expo to the festivities on Friday, March 17. The 15th annual free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hilton Rialto Place Ballroom at 200 Rialto Place, near the Melbourne Orlando International Airport. The event is sponsored by Health First Health Plans and William A. Johnson PA. The new 2023 Boomer Guide’s Fun and Leisure issue will be handed out during the gathering and spectators will be able to meet the cover model and the other models adorning the pages of the award-winning publication highlighting Brevard County’s resources for boomers and seniors.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Department will conduct self-defense presentations for seniors.

Frank Robb of the Environmental Education Awareness Research Support and Services (EEARSS) also will give a presentation on some of the projects his Brevard County nonprofit is working on.

Robb plans to bring an alligator, snake and terrapin to the expo. He regularly goes to schools in Brevard County to talk about the environment.

Robb also produces a live podcast for the Titusville High School TV production class, and he does drone surveys with students from

myseniorlife.com SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Frank Robb

BOOMER EXPO

Frank Robb likes to point out that alligators have an endocrine system similar to human beings. This could help in future research. Robb will give a presentation at the March 17 Boomer Guide Expo. Expo details, page 15.

Suntree Internal Medicine 259-9500 Contact Senior Life by the 15th of each month regarding upcoming communityoriented events by email and mail. continued on page 20

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CELEBRATING 17 YEARS

RESOURCE MAGAZINE

2023 EDITION • NO. 17

Fun &

Leisure ISSUE

ROBUST

RESOURCE LISTINGS

SUPPORT GROUPS SENIOR LIVING TOUR SPORTS & ACTIVITIES VETERANS RESOURCES CLUBS & GROUPS VOLUNTEERING

Cool PLACES

Paddles Up Dragon Boat Racing

Celebrating 25 Years

Senior Life

Boomer Guide —the best resource guide in Brevard!

Senior Life of Florida is published on the first of each month. The entire contents of this newspaper are copyrighted by Senior Life of Florida with all rights reserved. Senior Life of Florida is not liable for errors or omissions in editorial, advertorial or advertising materials. Distribution of this newspaper does not constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE April 2023

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Publisher Jill Blue

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myseniorlife.com jill@myseniorlife.com

IV

Volume 25, Issue 11 Senior Life of Florida 7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940 321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

8 10-12 16 18 20 22 24 25 26 27

TIME MACHINE STRIPES/VETERANS HEALTH & WELLNESS CALENDAR TECH KNOW TIDBITS TRAVEL SENIOR LIVING MAP BCOA COLUMNISTS CLASSIC RIDES

COUPONS & DISCOUNTS Suntree Internal Truman Scarborough William A. Johnson Palm Shores Bistro

pg. 1 pg. 3 pg. 4 pg. 5

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Turkey Creek Sanctuary preserves Old Florida heritage

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

The Margaret Hames Nature Center in the Turkey Creek Sanctuary is located off of Port Malabar Boulevard in Palm Bay. It is staffed by volunteers nearly daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

separate trails ranging in length and purpose. A 1.5-mile raised boardwalk follows Turkey Creek, with a launch for privately owned kayaks and canoes, creek overlook sites and benches. Four sand primitive walks include a jogging and exercise loop.

“I didn’t know there were so many trails,” said first-time walker Amber Gantt of Palm Bay. The site is “peaceful and calming.”

A butterfly garden, picnic area and gazebo are available. Service animals

BY LINDA JUMP Bill Haddad of Palm Bay saw a dozen species of birds at Turkey Creek Sanctuary, joining an estimated 5,000 visitors last month.

“Today, I was walking more for the exercise,” the retired appellate attorney and avid birdwatcher explained.

That day, he saw a North Parula Warbler and Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, which he said is the smallest bird spotted there except hummingbirds.

The 133-acre undeveloped native Florida land off Port Malabar Boulevard in Palm Bay includes sand pines, scrub and turkey oaks with five

TURKEY CREEK Continued on page 6

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3

Games PEOPLE PLAY

Camaraderie of pingpong serves purpose at Senior Center

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER It’s the fun of the game that is the most important part of playing table tennis (pingpong) or lawn tennis.

Hitting techniques in both sports are very different in execution (in tennis more from the shoulder vs. in table tennis and pingpong more from the forearm and wrist).

Table tennis, also known as pingpong and whiff-whaff (in England), is a sport in which two or four players hit a lightweight ball (also known as the pingpong ball), back and forth across a table using small solid rackets. It takes place on a hard table divided by a net.

Except for the initial serve, the rules are generally as follows: Players must allow a ball played toward them to bounce once on their side of the table and must return it so that it bounces on the opposite side. A point is scored when a player fails to RESOURCE MAGAZINE G 17 YEARS

CELEBRATIN

2023 EDITION

• NO. 17

ROBUST CE

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The Free Boomer Guide features locations and listings of sports and games, including table tennis.

SENIOR LIFE Brenda Eggert Brader

Tom Indrick, a pingpong player at the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center, volleys the ball back to his opponents as his partner, Kathy Levesque, gives him plenty of maneuvering room. return the ball within the rules. Play is fast and demands quick reactions.

Spinning the ball alters its trajectory and limits an opponent’s options, giving the hitter a great advantage.

“It is great hand and eye coordination,” said Tom Indrick,

a player at the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center pingpong group. “It’s the reflex strategy that benefits the hand and eye coordination. Many professional baseball players play pingpong during the offseason for that reason. I feel such a difference in

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my health from playing.”

But playing for social and conversational fun is the group’s basic attraction.

“I played as a kid and hadn’t played since,” said Kathy Levesque, the coordinator of the group. “Then, I picked it up again. Some of us learn by our mistakes. It is a great sport.”

Pingpong is a trademarked name for the game also known as table tennis. In 1901, John Jacques registered Ping-Pong as a trading name in England, then the rights were sold to Parker Brothers.

These two names, table tennis and pingpong, referring to the same sport were retained until 2011 when the Ping Pong World Championship was introduced. Since then, they became two sports instead of one, according to the Ping Pong Academy.

Competitors in pingpong and table tennis don’t participate in the same competitions, which makes another difference between the two games. Although there’s a world championship for both, table tennis is an Olympic sport while pingpong isn’t.

The $2 membership a month for each group member covers the purchase of new equipment and a Christmas party, Levesque said for those who are center members. The group plays from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at the senior center. SL

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The pingpong balls are white and yellow in color, but yellow is much easier to see so it is utilized at the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center.

myseniorlife.com

Chasing the one perfect toss for a different kind of hole-in-one

BY ERNIE DORLING Cornhole is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, with top-tier players earning six-figure incomes.

As legend has it, sometime in the early part of the 14th century, Matthias Kuepermann, a cabinet maker in Germany, invented the game, using grain-filled bags and a board with a hole in it. Kuepermann is thought to have used cabinet materials from his shop to build the board.

Kuepermann filled bags with grain that would be thrown onto the board in an effort to land in the round hole on top of the board. Through time, cornhole evolved into a lawn game enjoyed by those who simply wanted to pass the time while sparking up the grill and opening a beer or some other beverage.

Today, cornhole, also known as sack toss or bags, is more than just

SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling

Brian Grew started playing cornhole eight years ago while attending a barbecue.

a lawn game. Cornhole has gained national attention, with some events being televised on ESPN. The goal is simple — score points by either landing the bag on the board or putting the bag through the hole. It sounds simple, but there is an art to it.

PGA Tour golfer Joel Dahmen plays cornhole to improve his golf game. Golfers know, or should realize, that almost every shot requires a certain rhythm to it.

The movements in cornhole, including the follow through and the arm moving upward with a bit of wrist motion, emulate to some degree a golf swing. In both sports, there is a certain harmony between the body and arm swing.

Retired after 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, Brian Grew, known affectionately as Red, first started playing cornhole eight years ago at a friend’s home during a barbecue.

“I love the game,” Grew said.

Grew now runs the Monday night league at The Backyard. “We have 16 teams divided into an A and B division, depending on one’s skill level.”

Grew was getting the teams ready for the prompt 6 p.m. start on a Monday night.

“We will have almost 100 players here this evening,” he said. “If everything goes right, we will be here until about 11 p.m.”

Grew also said that his league, and other cornhole leagues around the county, have helped raise thousands of dollars for worthy causes, mostly involving children in need of some medical attention and to support

SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling

Cornhole players like to gather at The Backyard on Monday night for competitive matches. The Backyard is located at 5270 N. U.S. 1 in Palm Shores. other than on Monday, those interested in trying the game can do so at The Backyard, located at 5270 N. U.S. 1 in Palm Shores.

“We have a huge league on Monday, but most any other day we are open,’’ said Tamara Herzner, the manager. “You can come in and we’ll set up the cornhole game for you.”

For information about where to play cornhole, check out the Facebook page called 321 Cornhole. It provides information about tournaments, games and fundraisers. SL

various high school athletic programs.

“There are tournaments and fundraisers happening all the time,” Grew said. “This sport gives back whenever and wherever it can.”

The game is easy to set up and take down. You can take it with you almost anywhere. And, anyone can play it as long as you can toss a onepound bag 27 feet.

Those interested in playing cornhole can find games almost anytime and anywhere throughout Brevard County. On most nights,

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TURKEY CREEK Continued from page 3

are allowed, and the walks are ADA accessible. Parking and access are free.

Self-guided tours can be accomplished by plaques on the boardwalk rail or with a brochure from the Margaret Hames Nature Center staffed by volunteers nearly daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special events, ranger-guided tours, nature day camps, a nature library, exhibits and a small gift store are included, said Lisa Bassett, an assistant ranger.

“We have all sorts of wildlife and we’re home to the endangered gopher tortoise,” she said. Many people come to see alligators and manatees, but she said sightings are “hit or miss.” Small projects are ongoing, but no major changes are planned, she said.

Amanda and Orlando Roma of West Melbourne spent a weekend morning letting their children sleep.

“Only adults today, but the kids love it,” Orlando Roma said.

“I feel safe here because there’s a mixture of young, old and families from all cultures. People are really friendly and helpful,” Amanda Roma said. “You walk down one path and feel like you’re in Costa Rica and another and think you’re in Georgia.”

The sanctuary opened in 1981 with conservation land donated to the city and Audubon Society by General Development Corp. Florida Community Trust and the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands program added acreage. The nature center opened in 1991.

The nonprofit Turkey Creek Sanctuary Society, Inc. raises money for the site. Two fundraisers will be held this month, an art show from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 1 with 60 vendors in the nearby Tony Rosa Community Center and Turkey Creek SAFARI 1ZONE(S): SAFARI 1ZONE(S): SAFARI 1 SAFARI 1 ZONE(S): ZONE(S): A B C D A B C D EFDEfrom FGEFGH A B C D E A B C FGHGH H Day SAFARI 1 ZONE(S): A B C D E 9 Fa.m.Gto 2Hp.m. April 15.

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Bonnie Jacobs

A Witches Broom is a dense compact cluster of branches and needles.

Though rarely injuring the tree, it can be the result of mites, insects, viruses, fungi or a genetic mutation.

Environmental displays and local artwork can be viewed beginning at 9:30 a.m.; a native plant walk will be conducted at 10 a.m.; ranger tours will be held at 1 p.m.; a planter carving demonstration at 11 a.m.; and a 10:30 a.m. children’s story time is planned.

SL

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IRCC resident will participate in Ms. Florida Senior America Pageant SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE Indian River Colony Club resident Jane Hodges will head to The Villages for the Ms. Florida Senior America Pageant on April 23.

The winner will qualify for the Ms. Senior America Pageant, which honors women who have reached the age of elegance and exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all seniors. Ms. Senior Florida is scored on four categories: interview, philosophy of life/inner beauty, evening gown and talent.

Hodges’ talent is hula. She learned Hawaiian hula while teaching in Honolulu, where she met Don Ho. She became a member of Don Ho’s Harem, where audience participation was encouraged at his dinner shows on Waikiki Beach.

Hodges, who has earned seven degrees, including two doctorates and a law degree, is proud to advocate for women and minorities to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers, particularly in aerospace and securities professions. Her career in aerospace education spanned more than 50 years, She retired from NASA in 2000.

In 2021, Hodges earned the National Space Club Cape Canaveral Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Jane Hodges

Jane Hodges wants more women to consider careers in STEM fields.

She was the first woman recognized for this prestigious award.

Hodges is married to Dave Hutton, a native of Scotland, who was an international oil engineer. They met while working for an NGO in the Niger Delta in 2000. She was forming a space science curriculum for the 40 schools Shell Petroleum Development Company built in the oil rich area. SL

time machine in April...

April 1, 1957

The BBC TV show “Panorama” runs a segment about the Swiss spaghetti harvest enjoying a bumper crop due to mild weather and the elimination of the spaghetti weevil. It is an April Fools’ joke.

April 2, 1531

Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon sights Florida and claims it for the Spanish Crown after he lands at the site of present-day St. Augustine.

April 6, 1896

After a hiatus of 1,500 years, the first Olympics of the modern era are held in Athens, Greece.

April 10, 1847

Publisher Joseph Pulitzer is born in Budapest, Hungary. He endows the journalism school at Columbia University and establishes a fund for Pulitzer prizes.

April 14,1865

President Abraham Lincoln is shot and mortally wounded while watching a performance of “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C.

April 2, 1805

Hans Christian Andersen, a fairy-tale author, is born in Odense, Denmark.

He writes 168 fairy tales for children, including “The Princess and the Pea,” “The Snow Queen” and “The Nightingale.”

April 22,1864

“In God We Trust” is included on all newly minted coins by an Act of Congress.

Source: Shutterstock

8

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

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Brevard Veterans News

Horses share special bond with recovering veterans

Don Pearsall knows the soothing calm that being with horses can bring.

He’s been around horses since he was about 7 years old.

It was of great help owning horses after he returned from the Vietnam War with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I know what it did for me and my PTSD. They just made me feel much better,” Pearsall said. “It changed my attitude.”

Now, Pearsall said the same kind of horse therapy is helping other veterans with PTSD. He, along with his wife, Dorothy Walsh Pearsall, have started the Equine Therapeutic Cavalry, part of Veterans’ Connections to a New Life, a nonprofit veteran assistance organization.

New research shows equine

therapy, a treatment method that uses the connection between people and horses to enhance emotional healing — can jump start the healing process for veterans who suffer from PTSD, according to a 2021 publication of the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry.

Pearsall said that the equine therapy, which is conducted at Debra Grey’s

Tranquility Farms in Scottsmoor, is free to the veterans. Walsh Pearsall works with the women veterans, while Don Pearsall works with the men’s therapy. There are nine veterans taking advantage of the program, but there is room for more who might need help.

Equine therapy helps to facilitate bonding between horse and veteran, which can help in overcoming fear and in regaining confidence.

Pearsall said the veterans have opportunities to ride the horses, help groom and feed them and to help with other equine chores around the farm.

No experience working with horses is necessary.

“The horses are good therapists,” he said. “The horses pick you.”

Veterans’ Connections provides

steel-toed boots for those in the program. The therapy sessions are usually twice a week, but veterans are encouraged to go to the farm as many times as they like.

“If it worked for me, it will work for them,” Pearsall said.

He said that supporters such as Donn Weaver with the Military Officers Association of America Cape Canaveral Chapter, Brian Whalen of Indian River Colony Club, the Brevard Federated Republican Women and others have all helped to make equine therapy a reality.

Veterans’ Connections to a New Life relies on donations to carry out its work to help veterans transition from military to civilian life. SL

A woman’s place is aboard the ship for Navy veteran

BY MARIA SONNENBERG The Navy that Lorena Dugan joined in 1979 was very different than today’s, at least in attitude toward those first women assigned to combat ships.

The men didn’t know what to make of them and their own wives and sweeties didn’t trust them with their men.

“The wives really didn’t want that first batch of women going to sea with their men,” Dugan said.

Dugan joined the Navy not because she craved seafaring adventures, but rather because the service offered her the best opportunity to work with computers without the wade of four years of college before actually working in the field. A military brat, Dugan was no stranger to living in different parts of the planet.

“I lived in 27 different places and I didn’t see anything wrong with that,” said Dugan, now firmly ensconced at Indian River Colony Club.

“We wanted something that would affect lives, and Honor Flight is an organization that says if they’re going to do something, they do it.”

—Lorena Dugan

She met her first husband aboard a Navy ship and probably would have remained in the military longer than the five years, five months and 15 days she served, but her second baby didn’t have the best of timing.

“I was pregnant with my second child and was told my ship was leaving in six days to help with the Iran hostage

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

Lorena Dugan enjoyed her time in the Navy. She is now active with the national Honor Flight organization. crisis and that I needed to get my affairs in order,” she said.

At the time, if husband and wife were both on assignment, they would have to sign over custody of their children to someone else. Dugan would have none of that, so she left, but the military remains dear to her.

After a stint designing software and installing it on ships for the Department of Defense, Dugan, a single working mom for 15 years, earned a degree in psychology. And oh, she met David, a former Army captain and attorney who later retired as a circuit court judge.

10 SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

“David is the perfect husband,” she said.

The couple are very active with Honor Flight, the national organization that transports vets to Washington, D.C. at no cost to celebrate their service to the country and to allow them to reflect at the war memorials in the Nation’s Capital.

“We wanted something that would affect lives, and Honor Flight is an organization that says if they’re going to do something, they do it,” she said.

The couple are on the board of Honor Flight and also vet and train

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guardian escorts who accompany the veterans on their flights. With six flights from Brevard annually carrying 30 veterans each, the two have plenty of vetting and training.

“About half of the vets don’t have any family members who can go with them,” she said.

Dugan remains grateful to the Navy for launching her career and providing her with a work ethic that served her well.

“They will teach you whatever you are willing to learn,” she said.

“I had a good time.” SL

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Tough Ruck 26.2-mile march honors fallen military, first responders

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE Steve Celeste has been training to be a part of Tough Ruck 26.2 Boston For The Fallen, a 26.2-mile march honoring fallen military and first responders.

“This is my first Tough Ruck along with 11 other participants and we call ourselves the Red, White and Boston.

I’m the only one from Brevard County on our team raising awareness and funds for the families of our fallen heroes,” Celeste said.

The event takes place April 16, the day before the Boston Marathon and the SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Steve Celeste 26.2-mile course will also go through some old battle and historic sites.

The names of fallen comrades are listed A transplant from Boston and retired on streamers and carried in backpacks military veteran, Celeste became aware during the Tough Ruck march. about this initiative from his First comrades with us in our rucksacks.”

Sergeant at Fort Bragg, Ranger Joe This year marks the 10th anniversary Shelley and decided to start training for of the Boston Marathon bombing on the April event.

April 13, 2013, where many Tough “I’m so glad to be a Ruckers were at the finish line on that fateful day assisting the injured after the part of this because it blasts. raises awareness and More than 1,000 participants have signed up for this event who have funds for the families trained to partake in this extremely of our fallen — they physical fitness march. They each will carry a 15-pound backpack with the deserve the best care in names of many fallen heroes. their hour of need.”

Tough Ruck is the only march partnering with The Boston Marathon —Steve Celeste and all finishers earn the official Boston Marathon Medallion of recognition from “I’m so glad to be a part of this the Boston Athletic Association. because it raises awareness and funds Military Friends Foundation is the for the families of our fallen — they official site for Tough Ruck. deserve the best care in their hour of For more information, check out need,” Celeste said. “We ruck to honor runsignup.com/steveceleste.

SL our heroes by carrying the names of our

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Steve Celeste

Steve Celeste, a retired military veteran, will participate in his first Tough Ruck 26.2-mile march, which will take place on the same route as the Boston Marathon.

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11

Cocoa Beach wins coveted JROTC District Championship SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE The Cocoa Beach Junior and Senior High School Army JROTC Drill Team won the District Championship trophy for the 20222023 school year on March 4 at the Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island.

Six other schools — Cocoa, Rockledge, Heritage, Viera, Astronaut and Merritt Island — competed in categories ranging from Color Guard to Platoon Armed Drill to individual demonstration.

Those seven schools will move on to the State Competition.

Following through on a pledge made early this school year, the Good Deeds Foundation of MOAACC provided funds for every trophy at eight meets from September to March for the 15 JROTC high schools competing in Raider Challenges, Air Rifle and Drill meets.

That total passed $3,400 and included a new, GDF perpetual trophy to recognize the annual winner of the drill competition named after MOAACC member Lloyd Stafford, a Texas A&M graduate who provided his Aggie Sabre as part of the trophy.

SENIOR LIFE photo

Donn Weaver, Doug Bisset and Dan McIntyre of MOAACC award the new trophy to Cocoa Beach Junior and Senior High School JROTC. GDF member Doug Bisset created the new trophy, which was presented, along with dozens of others, at the final Drill Meet for JROTC of the 2022-23 School Year.

The meet also was supported by the Veterans Memorial Center.

A moment of silence was held for Kiara Terwilliger, a cadet from Cocoa High School, who was killed at her home in Cocoa just three days before the competition. SL

SENIOR LIFE photo

JROTC instructors helped many from of the 15 Brevard County high schools.

Viera resident spreads joy of exercising throughout community

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

SENIOR LIFE Keith Betterley

Participants in the We Stick Together classes enjoy the camaraderie provided by Viera resident Jeanette White, left.

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

Jeanette White, center, presents a $1,000 check to Aging Matters in Brevard president Tom Kammerdemer along with Laura Kutrub, a Classic Universe brand ambassador.

12 SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

Viera resident Jeanette White has had a lifelong affair with fitness.

White fell in love with jazzercising in California when she started out as an instructor 42 years ago.

She has been spreading the joy of exercise throughout her community ever since.

“I love music and there’s always been a symbiotic relationship about movement through music that’s carried through exercise,” said White, a graduate of Cocoa High School. “Where would exercise be without music to make it fun and engaging?”

Having had several surgeries, what pulled her through was exercising to regain her mobility.

“Rebuilding and core restrengthening for ADL, Adult Daily Living skills are crucial at any age but more so with the elderly,’’ White said. “It involves eye-hand coordination to maintain and keep that range of motion active.”

Her free We Stick Together classes have quite a following on Friday mornings at the Merritt Island Square Mall. At 10 a.m., her students — of all ages — sit in chairs using sticks and exercising to enhance their agility.

White has been invited to participate in the Classic Universe Woman Pageant World Finals as the Florida delegate for women 55 and older. It will be held this July in Las Vegas.

Aging Matters in Brevard, her charity of choice, is the lead agency

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in Brevard County focusing on the needs of seniors.

“This charity is dear and near to my heart, as it brings awareness to elderly affairs to support their safety, health and most importantly improve their quality of life,” White said. “I’m no beauty queen, but I feel brave enough to participate in this pageant which is a platform that showcases a person’s journey and hopefully it will bring awareness to Aging Matters.”

“Where would exercise be without music to make it fun and engaging.”

— Jeanette White

White is no newcomer to the philanthropy arena since she has been involved in many fundraisers for nonprofits throughout her career, sharing her vision and raising money for people in need.

In Florida, she has been a fitness advocate and educator. She was the fitness director at the YMCA in the Lake Mary Community Center, and she started the first African American Walking Club in Orlando.

It was sponsored by The Florida Department of Health.

“I imagine how something

STICK EXERCISE

Continued on page 19

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HEALTH & WELLNESS More Americans have added massage to their health routine

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER In 2018, approximately 19 percent of Americans had some form of massage.

And, they have a wide range of reasons for doing so, according to the American Massage Therapy Association.

More and more people — especially baby boomers — recognize the health benefits of massage. They choose from among many massage styles to get relief from symptoms or to heal injuries, to help with certain health conditions and to promote overall wellness. More than half of all massage consumers got their last massage for health and wellness reasons. Just 16 percent of consumers list pampering as their primary reason for their last massage, and 30 percent received a massage for pampering during the past year. Nearly half of consumers got a massage last year for relaxation or stress reduction.

Men are more likely than women to discuss massage therapy with their doctor or health care provider. In 2021, 63 percent of consumers who got a massage for health and wellness reasons stated it was part of a treatment plan from a doctor or medical provider.

“Thousands and thousands of massages help to relax people’s anxiety and stress, helps with getting rid of tension, aches and pains, sore muscles, helps with flexibility and range of motion and whip-lash (and injuries), preand post-surgery,” said Chris Otwell, the assistant director of the Space Coast

REASONS FOR MASSAGE IN THE PAST YEAR

Massage types

Health or Wellness (net) 73% Soreness/stiffness/spasm 26% Pain relief/management 26% Injury recovery/rehabilitation 12% Keep fit/healthy/wellness

54% of all consumers received their last massage for health or wellness reasons

THE MASSAGE THERAPY PROFESSION The number of massage therapists has increased by 14% over the last decade.

25% Control headaches/migraines 16% Pregnancy/Prenatal

12% work in more than 1 practice

6% Relaxation/stress reduction 43%

77% of massage therapists describe themselves as a sole practitioner

Pampering/special occasion/just to feel good 30% Sports Conditioning 8% Other/Don't know

In 2021, massage therapists spent 10% of their time cleaning and sanitizing their massage room and office.

1%

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of American Massage Therapy Association WHERE In what typeDO ofMASSAGE massageTHERAPISTS setting doWORK? you work?

Education Center in Melbourne.

Swedish massage. Therapists use their Before a massage takes place, body to use force and effort, not their the therapist needs patient medical hands. Usually, a massage takes roughly 33% 52% 36% information.

50 minutes22% to an hour.”9% “Usually, aClient’s general intakeMyofoffice improves blood home My home Swedish Spa or massage salon Client’s workplace information is taken,’’ Otwell said. circulation, helps with relaxation, “Massage therapists are licensed relieves stress, improves posture medical professionals in the state of imbalances, overworked muscles Florida so they take 15%information 6% like a 5% 6% and stressed joints. The3% deep tissue physician would in the doctor’s office.

Chiropractic Massage therapy Healthmassage club Hospital/ Hotel/ is a more specialized We cover intakes evaluation history,or athletic office or and integrated only franchise Medical office Resort/ massage. orSimilar to Swedish, a deep health care clinic or chain facility clinic Cruise conditions, discover what work they tissue is commonly used to target didAMTA’s and kind Research of activities 2022what Massage Profession Report is basedand on fourwhat 2021 AMTA benchmark surveys that track the state of the profession. To obtain the full report, log in at amtamassage.org/research. AMTA members receive the report problem as a benefit of their membership. areas of the body to relieve they do now and take it from there to do pain and stress from knots, spasms, a massage that will help them recover.

Check out AMTA’s Career Success series back or neck pain, tension headaches “Relaxation or deep tissue massage Learn about various workplace options at are the most popular. Basic is the or other injuries. amtamassage.org/careerguides SL

Swedish massage relies on a variety of techniques — effleurage, percussion and kneading, among others — to relieve tension, improve blood circulation and give your mood a boost.

Deep tissue massage has some overlap with Swedish massage in that both techniques use similar strokes. Deep tissue massage involves applying considerably more pressure in order to target the inner layers of muscle tissue. According to a 2014 study published in “The Scientific World Journal,” the potential payoff is a reduction in muscle tension and considerable relief for those who suffer from chronic pain.

Sports massage is designed for athletes, those in gym and casual exercisers. The masseuse typically uses a combination of multiple techniques (stroking, kneading, compression and trigger points) to improve joint range of motion and flexibility while reducing muscle tension.

Prenatal massage is specifically designed and deemed to be safe for pregnant women.

Source: American Massage Therapy Association

Improved technology makes life easier for pets, their owners

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

Jazzy the cat still wonders how her late-evening snack magically appears in her bowl every night and how, even when no one is around, she still gets three solid meals a day. It’s no feat of prestidigitation, but rather technology making life easier for Jazzy’s human, Nichole Warren.

Warren relies on the Petlibro (petlibro.com) Essential Wi-Fi feeder to keep Jazzy’s tummy full when she is not there.

“We mostly use it as a midnight snack in addition to Jazzy’s breakfast and dinner food, and it is also great for us when we go on vacation,” Warren said.

The Pineda Crossing resident believes the device paid for itself months ago.

“When we go on vacation, we just adjust the times to feed her without needing to hire a pet sitter to come in the morning and evening,” Warren explained.

“The cost savings with that alone was worth the expense.”

At the recent Global Pet Expo, the massive annual gathering of the $77 billion U.S. pet industry, exhibitors touted an array of tech-driven products designed to make life easier for pet parents. Although the innovations help pet parents of all ages, older pet owners will particularly appreciate how these can help keep their pets healthier, happier and safer, and make keeping pets easier as they age.

“As pet ownership is increasing,

so is the use of artificial intelligence technology to allow owners to stay on top of their pet’s activities and health,” said Dr. Jeanne Goodfellow, a senior professional services veterinarian with Merck Animal Health.

Take as an example Sure PetCare (surepetcare.com), which features an array of artificial intelligence products that track a dog’s location, provide water intake details and keep tabs of pets when they come in and out of the house.

GPS collars have been available for years, but the newest generation adds significant enhancements. Sure PetCare’s Animo GPS provides realtime information on the dog’s location and also tracks daily activity, calorie burn, sleep quality and the amount of scratching, shaking and barking the pup does.

“By learning pets’ normal behavior patterns, you will be able to spot deviations in behavior that may require a vet visit,” added Goodfellow, who discovered her own dog had an ear infection after his Animo collar alerted her that he was shaking his head more often than normal.

Felaqua Connect, also a Sure PetCare product, is a smart water bowl that provides insights into drinking behavior by connecting with a cat’s microchip and highlighting changes which could otherwise be missed.

Using an app, the bowl will tell the owner how often, when and how much the animal drinks. Owners also receive notifications when water needs changing.

16 SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Nichole Warren

Jazzy the cat likes the convenience of regular timed food and water.

Smart pet doors such as the appcontrolled SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect is also connected to the pet’s microchip. The pet door knows when the animal is home, monitors the animal’s long-term activity and notices changes in behavior. Owners receive notifications when a pet enters or leaves the house, while animal intruders are not allowed access. Owners can lock and unlock the door anytime via the app, too.

Playtime has also gone the tech route.

Wickedbone (cheerble.com) is an appcontrolled bone owners can use to play

long distance with their pups. Owners drive the bone through spins, flips and turns remotely.

Even that bane of cat ownership, the litter box, has gone high-tech.

PetSafe (petsafe.com) is among several companies manufacturing smart cat litter boxes. PetSafe’s ScoopFree, which self-cleans, also tracks a cat’s health via real-time data and notifications.

Pets enrich our lives, and now technology is enriching our pets’ lives.

SL

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1

Hello April SUNDAY SUNDAY

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National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day

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1 - 5 p.m.

Brevard’s best chocolatiers, Quilting group that pastry chefs and meets once a month. restaurateurs come Suntree/Viera Library together to raise funds. The 902 Jordan Blass Drive Grand Manor Suntree 1450 Sarno Road 321-255-4404 Melbourne, 321-952-1443 Bones and Balance Boniface Hiers Spring Car 10 - 11 a.m. & Truck Show Wickham Park 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Senior Center Music, 50/50 drawing, 2785 Leisure Way food, awards and vendors. Melbourne Boniface Hiers Chevrolet 321-543-6358 800 S. Harbour City Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-948-7553

9

Easter

Church at Viera Easter Celebration 9:30 a.m.

Easter celebration and Easter egg hunt following the service.

USSSA Sports Complex 5800 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-259-3454

10

National Siblings Day

Scottish Country Dancing 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Springs of Suntree Clubhouse 8300 Holiday Springs Road Suntree, 321-242-1734

TUESDAY TUESDAY

4

National Hug a Newsperson Day

Muscle Memory, Strength, Balance 10 - 11 a.m.

909 Lane Ave. Titusville 321-609-0999 Tap & Jazz for Seniors 11 a.m. - noon 909 Lane Ave. Titusville 309-236-778

11

Election NationalDay Pet Day

Bingo 4 Cash 1 p.m.

Italian-American Club of South Brevard 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne, 321-242-8044

Duran Golf Club Easter Sunday Brunch 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Tradewinds at Duran 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-504-7771

Brevard Investment Education Group 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Group that meets to talk about stock market investments.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Purly Girls Knitting Club 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Knitting group to trade patterns and ideas.

Cape Canaveral Library 201 Polk Ave. Cape Canaveral 321-868-1101

16

17

18

Cocoa Beach Air Show Jazzercise LO April 15 and 16 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Featuring the U.S. Air Force Wickham Park Thunderbirds.

Senior Center Lori WIilson Park 2785 Leisure Way 1500 N. Atlantic Ave. Melbourne, 321-698-0445 Cocoa Beach, cocoabeachairshow.com Music Monday 6 - 7 p.m.

Space Coast Classic 15K Women in Jazz and 2 Mile performance and lecture.

6:30 a.m. — 15K Cape Canaveral 7 a.m.— 2 mile Public Library Quest Elementary School 201 Polk Ave. 8751 Trafford Drive Cape Canaveral Viera, spacecoastrunners.org 321-868-1101

23

Spring Mix 3 p.m.

Presented by Central Florida Winds.

Suntree United Methodist Church 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-405-2359

24

Spring Choir Concert 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Performance by the EFSC concert choir, conducted by Dr. Robert E. Lamb.

EFSC Simpkins Fine Arts Center 1519 Clearlake Road Cocoa Florida Native Plants of the 321-433-7629 Space Coast Seminar 1 - 2 p.m.

Rockledge Gardens 2153 U.S. 1 Rockledge, 321-636-7662

National Columnists' Day

Space Coast Poets 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404 Brevard Antique & Collectibles 1:30 p.m.

April's subject is “Hot or Cold.” Bring one item for study and discussion.

Melbourne Beach Library 324 Ocean Ave.

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

5

Passover Begins

Sit-n-Stitch Group 1 - 3 p.m.

Embroidery, knitting, crochet group.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404 Shell Club Meeting and Open House 1 - 3 p.m.

Satellite Beach City Hall 565 Cassia Ave. Satellite Beach 732-277-1860

12

National Grilled Cheese Day

Music that Moves You Concert April 12 and 13 7 p.m.

Presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne 321-724-0555

19

National Banana Day

Bridge Noon - 3 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy Merritt Island 321-453-1776

Melbourne Bch.,321-795-7363

25

Non-Fiction Book Club 3 - 5 p.m.

April’s discussion is on “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404 Coin Talk with Bob 6 - 7:45 p.m.

American Numismatic Association.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

26

National Administrative Professional Day

Wednesday Art Group 1:30 - 4 p.m.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Community Support Day 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cape Canaveral Library 201 Polk Ave. Cape Canaveral 321-868-101

6

Introduction to Stamping and Card Making 1 -2 p.m.

Cape Canaveral Public Library 201 Polk Ave. Cape Canaveral, 321-868-1101 Chess Night 6:30 p.m.

Island Kava Melbounre 1900 Municipal Lane Melbourne 321-914-0914

13

Marine Corps Birthday

Brevard Corporate 5K 6:30 p.m.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport Aerospace Drive Melbourne, 321-751-8890 Three Course Lunch and Meet Up 11:30 a.m.

Lunch and entertainment.

Italian-American Club of South Brevard 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne 321-242-8044

20

Volunteer Recognition Day

Neighbors Book Group 2 - 4:30 p.m.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

April Fool's Day

AARP Driving Class 9:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Pre-registration on the AARP website required.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree 321-255-4404 2023 Home Show & Expo 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Featuring local businesses.

Presented by the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Lowe’s Palm Bay 1166 Malabar Road Palm Bay 321-951-9998

7

FRIDAY FRIDAY National Day of Good Friday Commuy Service

Friday Night Dancing 7 p.m.

Funds collected are donated to the scholarship fund Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy.

Merritt Island 321-453-1776

SATURDAY SATURDAY

8

National Empanada Day

Cocoa Village Book Festival 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Book signings, book sales, children’s activities and guest authors in stores throughout the village.

Historic Cocoa Village 434 Delannoy Ave. Cocoa, 321-631-9075

Gospel on the Lawn 5 - 7 p.m.

Features local musicians, praise dancers, soloists and food trucks.

Rockledge Civic Hub 1600 Huntington Lane Rockledge, 321-631-7419

Easter Craft Festival 10 - 11 a.m.

Rockledge United Methodist 1935 S. Fiske Blvd.

Rockledge 321-632-7387

14

15

National Gardening Day

ShrimpFest 6 - 10 p.m.

The Propeller Club's signature fundraiser.

Cocktails, shrimp dinner, live entertainment and dancing.

Cruise Terminal 5 9245 Charles M. Rowland Drive Port Canaveral 321-698-5296

21

Mikcey Mouse's Birthday

Viera Nature Festival 2023 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Vendors, exhibitors and children’s activities.

Viera East Clubhouse Park 1600 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-255-4500 Space Coast Cars and Motorcycle Show 5 - 8 p.m.

Thrifty Produce Parking Lot 920 Barton Blvd.

Rockledge 321-658-2004

22

Earth Day

29

Good Grief Day

Rockin' the Sunset: 38th annual Melbourne Greggie and the Jets Art Festival 7 - 10 p.m.

April 22 and 23 Elton John tribute band.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Proceeds support St. Francis Wickham Park Reflections programs.

2500 Parkway Drive Little Shop of Horrors USSSA Sports Complex Melbourne, 321-722-1964 April 20 — 7 p.m.

5800 Stadium Parkway April 22 — 2 and 7 p.m.

Viera, 321-269-4240 Port St. John Community April 23 — 2 p.m. annual Golf Classic Presented by the Eau Gallie Wabtec's annual Veterans 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

High School Golf Tournament Indian River Preserve Theater Company.

Noon Golf Club Eau Gallie High School Spessard Holland 3950 Clubhouse Drive 1400 Commodore Blvd.

2374 Oak St. Mims, 321-863-7499 Melbourne, 321-242-6400 Melbourne Bch., 321-435-7000

27

28

National Arbor Day

Casino Night Wine & Whiskers Cars Under the Stars 6:30 -0 9:30 p.m.

6 - 9 p.m.

Black Panther Proceeds benefit Live entertainment, raffles Wakanda Forever Harmony Farms. and adoptable pets.

5 - 11 p.m.

Space Coast SPCA of Brevard Thrift Store Free movie in the park Convention Center 790 S. Apollo Blvd.

Wickham Park 301 Tucker Lane Melbourne, 321-327-8305 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-633-2046 Cocoa, 321-631-9433 FCA Vision Night 6:15 p.m.

Chamber and Community Make-n-Take Tea Herb Container Garden A night of worship, Orchestra Concert 1 p.m. testimonies and 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Rockledge Gardens encouragement.

EFSC Simpkins 2153 U. S. Highway 1 Calvary Chapel Viera Fine Arts Center Rockledge, 321-636-7662 2852 Fellowship Place 1519 Clearlake Road Viera, 321-369-9339 Cocoa, 321-433-7629

30

"A Little Night (time) Music" 3 p.m.

Concert by the Indialantic Chamber Eastminster Presbyterian Church 106 N Riverside Drive Indialantic 321-426-0360

18 SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

myseniorlife.com

RCDS provides solutions for those with disabilities

BY BARBARA JEAN MEAD

You have hearing loss. Your wife has had a stroke leaving her with a partially paralyzed leg. You no longer drive, and you need a ride to a medical appointment.

The Resource Center for Disability Solutions has the answer to these and many other challenges.

With locations in Rockledge and Vero Beach, RCDS provides a variety of free services to area residents, including amplified phones for the hearing impaired; canes, walkers, wheelchairs and portable ramps for the physically impaired; and wheelchair accessible van rides for grocery shopping and medical and legal appointments.

Verifying your local address and your disability qualifies a consumer to receive services from their office.

“No asterisk after free,” said Ken Kerstetter, the RCDS program services manager. “We don’t diagnose and develop a treatment plan. The individual shares what their life goals are. It is consumer driven.”

An umbrella agency that can assess and refer to other resources, RCDS has been something of a secret to the public while primarily receiving referrals from the Department of Veterans Affairs, senior residences, vocational rehabilitation and the Brevard County Schools.

The RCDS has existed in Brevard County and Indian River County since 1975 as a nonprofit organization. It celebrated its 48th anniversary in February. It

SENIOR LIFE Barbara Jean Mead

The staff of the Resource Center for Disability Solutions remains ready to provide a variety of free services to area residents.

“No asterisk after free. We don’t diagnose and develop a treatment plan. The individual shares what their life goals are. It is consumer driven.”

— Ken Kerstetter

was Florida’s first Center for Independent Living, is one of 15 in the state and one of 352 independent nonprofits around the country.

Transition services are on hand for those who are going from a restrictive setting such as a nursing home to more independent living.

Training is provided one on one or in groups in financial and household management, as well as

social skills and personal care.

Referrals and resources are available to place the person with the appropriate services and information on special equipment.

When funds are available, RCDS can provide home accessibility modifications.

To schedule an appointment or for additional information, email info@rcdsfl.org or go to atrcdsfl. org. SL

SENIOR LIFE Barbara Jean Mead

James Lisa and Louis Ontiberoz, who are drivers for the Resource Center for Disability Solutions, demonstrate how to use the wheelchair lift.

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SENIOR LIFE Keith Betterley

Jeanette White and her students enjoy the power of music and exercise at her We Stick Together classes on Friday mornings at the Merritt Island Square Mall.

STICK EXERCISE

Continued from page 12

should happen, put ingenuity together and get the wheels in motion — I call it Imagineering and make it happen.”

Her students donated funds and White matched their donations to raise $1,000, making it her first successful fundraiser for Aging Matters. The check was presented at the Duran Golf Club for the charity.

“A person that has their health has many wishes, but the person that loses their health has but one,’’ White said. “If I can touch someone with that awareness, then that makes a big difference in my life.” SL

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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

19

TECH KNOW TIDBITS

Options abundant for taking the pain out of passwords

BY BARBARA JEAN MEAD

Are you still using your wife’s birthday or your pet’s name as your password? Password managers help create strong passwords for all your online accounts and alert you when leaks are found. Convenience and protection from hackers often are cited as reasons to use them.

Keeper, 1Password, and Dashlane are some recommended by Consumer Reports in its October 2022 issue. They have free and paid versions that include different features.

Keeper’s free version lets you generate a password on your mobile device, but doesn’t give you a desktop and doesn’t autofill passwords for you.

Dashlane’s free version allows you to store up to 50 passwords, but only on a single device. 1Password doesn’t have a free version, but offers a free 14-day trial.

Cybernews found the top two password managers in March 2023

SENIOR LIFE Barbara Jean Mead

Password managers are a useful tool for everyone of all ages.

were NordPass and RoboForm.

NordPass is user friendly and has 24/7 live chat support for up to seven browsers. RoboForm, considered the best password manager long before its competitors were conceived, has military grade encryption, one-click

login and low prices.

“There are a lot of good ones,” said Dan Douglas, the owner of Data Dan Computer Services in Cocoa. “I have RoboForm,” Douglas said. “I bought a lifetime family subscription back in 1999. I primarily got it to prefill

information. I got so tired of putting address information into forms. So, initially I got it just to fill out lots of forms and then they had the ability to memorize your credit cards. When you went to buy something on the internet, you could check the RoboForm.

Fortunately, they have evolved it enough that it’s still adequate for what I use it for. But now browsers like Edge or Chrome can store your passwords and associate them with your profile.

“When the password managers generated their own password, it would come up with some long gobbledygook thing. But, that really ties you to the password manager since you would never remember what it was unless you wrote it down or exported it. But, I don’t like that feature. I like knowing what my passwords are but that’s just me.

“The need for a password manager has kind of gone away. If I were starting fresh today, I would use the one within the browser.” SL

Self checkout — love or hate — is likely here to stay

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

Most grocery chains and big retailers incorporated self-checkout during the pandemic presumably to minimize people interaction while shopping.

There are advantages and disadvantages to almost everything, but no matter how liked or disliked,

the self-checkout trend is apparently here to stay.

Some customers dislike it because they feel they’re doing the job someone else is hired to do.

Additionally, self-checkout lines do not go any faster because some retailers don’t have enough staff to assist with technical check-out issues.

Plus, customers have expressed

annoyance with hearing, “unexpected item in the bagging area” or “wait for assistance.”

Not only do customers find the service challenging, but some stores are having an equally difficult time.

The service was implemented by some to cut down on labor costs by eliminating the number of cashiers.

However, additional staff had to be hired to remain vigilant that customers are doing it right and to provide help to deal with technical issues.

Self-checkout might not be as effective as expected. Machines break down easily, there are price discrepancies and stores have to contend with increased theft or items inadvertently missed during checkout.

“I really dislike using self-checkout as it takes away human interaction and has made people lazy,” said Christy Kramer of Port St. John. “The (department store) I shop at has done

away with most of their cashiers and the customer service staff have an attitude when helping customers.

Most of the time, they don’t even know how to fix technical issues, which is very frustrating.”

Despite its challenges, selfcheckout is growing in popularity.

According to Business Insider, 86% of tech-savvy millennials and GenZ are embracing the service as they find it more seamless, while Gen X and Boomers think it has dehumanized the whole shopping experience.

It’s a conundrum whether the self-checkout technology represents progress — with some consumers preferring self-service while others still demand the traditional cashier method.

However, even with the disparaging issues of self-checkout, technology keeps evolving and the service is a growing trend that will likely remain. SL

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20 SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

myseniorlife.com

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BuenaVidaEstates.org (321) 616-8790 • Toll-free (800) 742-0060

2129 West New Haven Avenue West Melbourne, FL 32904

A 501(c)(3) Not For Profit Organization

ACROSS 1. Not his or hers 4. Forest growth 8. Citrus flavoring 12. Share 13. Biker’s aid 14. It may be gray 15. Pilot’s calculation 16. General quality 17. Act worried 18. Brunei bigwig 20. European skyline sight 22. Greet from a distance 23. Provides with more pieces?

27. Source of oil 29. It may come out of left field?

30. Set one’s sights 31. Send flying 32. Nod, maybe 33. In ___ 34. Cockpit reading (abbr.)

35. Beachgoer’s goal 36. Brad’s beloved in “Rocky Horror” 37. Original document 39. Unbroken 40. “A Bug’s Life” extra 41. All-points bulletins 44. Sonata, e.g.

47. Not absorb 49. Lode load 50. Secured 51. Gad about 52. Cooler 53. Easy partner 54. Flouted the limit 55. Back lot construction

321-242-1235

CROSSWORD

— Entrance on Doherty Drive —

DOWN 1. Boardwalk purchases 2. “Coppelia” costume 3. Dogged souls 4. Music span 5. Separate 6. Blood, so to speak 7. Like some olives 8. Rocker Frank 9. Pitcher’s stat.

10. Brief moment in time 11. ___-Bo 19. One way to stand 21. Calf’s place 24. Parts of a shower 25. Chigger 26. Certain fungus 27. Bedding item 28. Kind of skirt 29. Wrestling win 32. Wheels and deals 33. Buyer’s hope 35. Number of lords a-leaping 36. Said ‘I don’t’ to?

38. Aesthetic judgment 39. Pass on the right?

42. Branch headquarters?

43. Enraptured 44. Switch position 45. Almost a birdie 46. Not allow to sit 48. React to spilt milk © Lovatts Puzzles

Crossword solution on page 26 SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

21

TIME TO TRAVEL

Tavares delights on ground, in the air

BY MARIA SONNENBERG Tavares is pretty at eye level, but it is stunning from the air, thanks to the necklace of natural wonders that encircles the seat of Lake County that sits by the shores of Lake Dora.

To see Tavares from the sky, just board a seaplane at America’s Seaplane City, as the town of 20,000 calls itself. Every day, seaplanes come and go, some privately owned, but a large number are part of the Jones Brothers Seaplanes’ fleet, which take passengers on tours that range from a 15-minute Splash and Dash on Little Lake Harris to multi-hour breakfast, lunch or dinner tours from its lakefront home base at idyllic Wooton Park.

“We average 30 to 40 tours and excursions a week,” said Petr Closi, the president of Jones Brothers Seaplanes.

SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg

Tavares is known as America’s Seaplane City.

Closi adds that popular among the tour menu is the 30-minute Harris Chain & River Run, which skims low over the Harris Chain of Lakes before heading to the river. The Seaplane Bar Hop, another favorite, visits several waterfront restaurants so guests can enjoy live music and cold brews.

For the energetic, a Fly Out, Paddle In option takes visitors to the Harris Chain of Lakes by air and returns them with a guided kayak tour via the beautiful Dora Canal.

Theme park groupies can see the

Orlando theme parks from the air during a tour that combines the parks with a spot for gator watching. All flights take off and land on the water before taxiing to terra firma.

While guests young and old enjoy the adventures, one age bracket is particularly enthusiastic.

“I’d say seniors are among our main demographic,” Closi said.

A perfect place for seaplane watching is Puddle Jumpers Restaurant on Tavares’ downtown waterfront, just a few feet away from where the seaplanes wait for their next passengers. Albeit the closest to the planes, Puddle Jumpers is only one of several restaurants in a handsome downtown district that also includes three hotels, a wine bar, boat and kayak rentals.

The city’s festivals revolve around seaplanes. Like migrating birds, seaplanes flock each spring to Tavares’ Seaplane-a-Palooza. In February or March, it’s time for the annual Planes, Trains and BBQ. The city is also justly proud of its connection to nature. The eight-acre Tavares Ecological Park, the first of its kind in Florida, features trails and wooden bridges that meander around and above five retention ponds that help protect Lake Dora’s water quality.

Downtown Tavares is also the start of the Tav-Lee Trail, a 3.5-mile bicycle route that is part of Lake County’s 25-mile trail network.

Commissioner Kirby Smith, the chairman of the Lake County Board of County Commissioners, is a lifelong Tavares resident. For Smith, the city never gets old.

“Tavares is emblematic of America’s small towns; it’s family friendly atmosphere, connection to nature and local businesses offer something for every resident and visitor,” he said.

Seaplanes dominate the skies, and the hearts of Tavares’ citizenry. Even the city’s logo carries the image of a seaplane that proudly announces Tavares as America’s Seaplane City.

SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg

Seaplanes are a fun way to see the beauty of Lake Dora.

“Seaplanes aren’t just the symbol of Tavares, they’re an important part of the community and have a significant impact on economic development,” said Smith.

City administrator John Drury agrees.

“It is an appropriate moniker for a

city serving as the natural stopping point for seaplane pilots en route to the Bahamas and other island nations,” wrote Drury in an email.

For more on Tavares, see tavares.org. For seaplanes, go to JonesAirAndSea.com or call 352-5081800. SL

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22 SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

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Behind the

Beat

‘The Cisco Kid’ — War

Inspirations for a hit song can sometimes spring from a most unusual source.

Members of the California septet War hailed from different neighborhoods in and around Long Beach and Compton, both burgs part of the Los Angeles suburban sprawl. Of disparate backgrounds and different ages, the musicians found a common thread of interest in creating tunes together.

“We mixed and mingled everything, even mariachi music,” War’s keyboardist Lonnie Jordan recalled. “We played blues constantly.

We were trying to imitate what we heard, but it came out being something else.”

Blues and mariachi weren’t their only musical genres. Influenced by the young musicians’ racial diversity, elements of soul, jazz, reggae and mainstream rock ‘n’ roll were also combined to create an aural stew that defined War’s distinctive sound.

They went by a series of names —

the Creators, the Romeos, Nightshift.

In 1969, while playing a small Hollywood club, a record producer caught their act and soon introduced them to British superstar Eric Burdon, who recently had split from his hitmaking Animals group. The result was Nightshift becoming War and backing Burdon on the 1970 reverie-inducing, million-selling MGM Records single “Spill the Wine.”

Burdon left the band and never had another hit; War, though, was just beginning a seven-year run on Billboard’s Hot 100 charts. Switching to United Artists Records, the group saw 11 hit 45s keep the War name burning hot.

Their biggest winner — No. 2 on Billboard’s chart — was “The Cisco Kid,” which was based on a favorite children’s TV show of theirs called — surprise — “The Cisco Kid. “Up until that point, the cowboy heroes were people like John Wayne,” Jordan said. “When the TV series came around, the band discovered their first non-white hero — a

By Randal C. Hill

guy. Every show ended with a corny joke about the adventure they had just endured. Then both would laugh, Cisco would say, “Oh, Pancho!” and Pancho would say, “Oh, Cisco,” and the two would ride off as the credits rolled.

Each War member contributed to “The Cisco Kid,” which featured an irresistible, chugging instrumental engine that drove a story line that defied analysis — or logic: The Cisco Kid was a friend of mine/He drink whiskey, Pancho drink SENIOR LIFE Creative Commons the wine War is an American band of different We met down on the fort of Rio ages and backgrounds that mixed and Grande/Eat the salted peanuts out of mingled music genres. can The outlaws had us pinned down Mexican cowboy.” at the fort/Cisco came in blastin,’ “The Cisco Kid” was a popular drinkin’ port half-hour Western that ran from 1950 The musicians met Duncan to 1956, with Cisco (Duncan Renaldo) Renaldo, TV’s Cisco Kid. War’s and his partner Pancho (Leo Carillo) guitarist Howard Scott said, “It was spending 156 episodes chasing down an honor to meet that guy. He was lawbreakers. Children were the targetthis old, elegant Spanish gentleman viewing audience, so gun violence with white hair, lighthearted and very was always downplayed. likable.”

Cisco often shot a pistol from As to their best-selling single ever? a villain’s hand, while Pancho’s “He thought our song was funny,” Scott said. SL bullwhip frequently disarmed the bad

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 - 1950s

Now - 2023

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of City of Cocoa

The Porcher House was used as the Cocoa City Hall in the 1950s.

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

Cocoa City Hall is now located at 65 Stone Street.

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

23

NORTH BREVARD

News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John

Titusville Sailing Club open to beginners, experienced sailors

BY FLORA REIGADA

For Brandon Kutchera, the commodore of the Titusville Sailing Club, sailing has been a passion since childhood.

“It represents freedom to me,” he said. “There is nothing like gliding across the water in complete silence, using only the power of the wind.”

Those who share Kutchera’s passion are invited to the club’s general meeting. Open to the community, it takes place at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the Titusville Marina Captain’s Lounge.

“The club exists to offer the community an affordable way to sail. We welcome members of all experience levels and offer monthly and annual memberships,” Kutchera said. “While it’s possible to learn the basics in a few hours, there’s an art to sail trim that can take a lifetime to master.

“It’s a joy to sail back and forth while tweaking controls to find where I can gain a little more speed or efficiency, with minimal use of gas engines,” he said.

Boat ownership is not a membership requirement. The club owns a fleet, from single person dinghies to a large keel boat.

Membership provides access to all.

Anyone with a boat, including

The Titusville Sailing Club welcomes new members to its monthly meetings.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Titusville Sailing Club

non-members, is welcome to join the group’s open sailing days. They take place at the club’s boat yard, roughly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Saturday after the general meeting.

Kutchera recommends first reaching out, since a growing membership may necessitate a

change of location.

Sailing on the Indian River, the group is treated to manatee, dolphin and occasional alligator sightings.

Kutchera sails mainly with singleperson dinghies.

“They are lightweight, easy to HISTORIC TITUSVILLE rig and can beMAIN ready to sail in a few STREET

Brevard’s Premier Senior Retirement SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Cpl. Mariah BiddleLiving Communities & Assisted

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

minutes,” he said. “They feel like sports cars on water.”

The Titusville Sailing Club is at 10 A Max Brewer Memorial Parkway in Titusville.

For more information, email titusvillesailingclub@sailTitusville. com. SL

Therapy dogs from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Paws and Courtenay Springs Village Stripes College recently visited Titusville’s American Police Hall of 1200 S Courtenay Pkwy., Merritt Island 32952 Fame and Museum.

321-452-1233 CourtenaySpringsVillage.org

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR STATION

A

B

Shell Harbor

C

Alura Senior Living

D

The Blake at Viera

E

Sonata East at Viera

F

The Brennity at Melbourne

G

Chateau Madeleine

H

Buena Vida Estates

2855 Murrell Rd, Rockledge 32955 321-265-6858 ShellHarborRetirement.com

C

777 Roy Wall Blvd., Rockledge 32955 321-549-3980 AluraSeniorLiving.com

E D

Opening October 2022

5700 Lake Andrew Dr.,Viera 32940 321-343-7200 BlakeAtViera.com 4206 Breslay Dr., Viera 32940 321-326-9995 SonataVieraEast.com 7300 Watersong Lane, Viera 32940 321-253-7440 BrennityMelbourne.com

A

B G

F Palm Shores

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE

Palm Shores MELBOURNE AIRPORT

H

205 Hardoon Lane, Suntree 32940 321-701-8000 SuntreeSeniorLiving.com 2129 W. New Haven Ave., W. Melbourne 32904 321-724-0060 BuenaVidaEstates.org

24 SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

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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 321-6332076, FAX 321-633-2170, cindy.short@brevardfl.gov, brevardf l.gov/HumanServices/CommissionOnAging or at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, B-106, Viera, FL 32940.

Polypharmacy often creates adverse drug reactions Although people 65 years and older comprise about 20 percent of Brevard County’s population, seniors account for more than one-third of spending on prescription medications.

Many seniors have lists of medications and herbal remedies that multiple providers prescribe.

When a person needs five or more medications, it’s called polypharmacy.

The World Health Organization suggests that while the definition is numerical, the emphasis should be on reducing inappropriate polypharmacy.

The United States has one of the world’s highest medication usage rates per capita. Management of polypharmacy is a challenge for all healthcare providers. Hence, this article will review strategies to reduce polypharmacy and skills to improve medication use management.

Aging places individuals at risk of multi-morbidity (coexistence of two or more chronic health conditions) due to associated physiological and pathological changes and increases the chance of being prescribed multiple medications.

Adverse drug effects An adverse drug effect is an injury from drug use. An adverse

drug reaction is an effect that refers to harm caused by a drug at its usual dosages.

The drug classes commonly associated with preventable adverse drug effects are cardiovascular drugs, anticoagulants, hypoglycemics, diuretics and NSAIDs. Adverse drug effects are higher in older adults due to metabolic changes and decreased drug clearance that comes with age — this risk compounds by increasing the number of drugs used.

Multiple medications increase the potential for drug-plus-drug interactions and the prescription of potentially inappropriate medications.

Use of over-the-counter and complementary medications During the past decade, over-thecounter (OTC) medications have increased, with studies showing that these agents are highly prevalent in the elderly population.

The challenging part is that only less than half of the patients discuss using herbal supplements or other products or complementary medicine with their medical providers. Analgesics, laxatives, vitamins and minerals are among the most commonly used OTC classes

of OTCs. There are safety issues regarding their use, including risks for herb-drug interactions.

mouth).

Source information: aafp.org/pubs/ afp/issues/2019/0701/p32.html

Transitions of care Transitions in someone’s care, between hospital, home or institutional setting such as a nursing home, are a common source of medication errors and put patients at risk for polypharmacy. This can cause a lot of medication errors and adverse outcomes.

Additional information: The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety and national security threat. The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects the DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting. SL

Strategies to prevent polypharmacy *Maintain an accurate medication list and medical history and update them whenever possible. *Bring all medications, including prescription, OTC, supplements and herbal preparations, to your healthcare providers. *Review any changes with all your healthcare providers and, if possible, provide all the changes in writing. *Use the fewest possible number of medications and the simplest possible dosing regimen. *Link each prescribed medication with its diagnosis, provider, dosage, frequency and route of administration (topical, injections,

National Take Back Day Saturday, April 22 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Collection Sites: Melbourne Police Department Palm Bay Police Department Health First’s Palm Bay Hospital Cocoa Police Department

Deadline for Real ID extended again for two years

To get a Real ID, you will need Security card or tax form such as Bluewater - Issue 3 of address. to present documents to the localCreativeaGroup W-2, and two proofs DMV office providing your age and Additionally, if you have changed identity, Social Security number your name through marriage, you and address. That means bringing a will need to provide a marriage birth certificate or passport, a Social certificate. SL

BY BETTY PORTER Traveling but don’t yet have a Real ID? Not to worry, the Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline for full enforcement for another 24 months.

What would have been the deadline to get your Real ID star on your drivers’ license was May 2023.

That has been extended to May 2025.

By then, travelers will have to have drivers’ licenses or identification that meets certain security standards.

Florida driver licenses have a star in the upper right-hand corner to indicate that it is a Real ID, a law that came into effect after 9/11.

The purpose of Real ID is to make identity documents more consistent and secure, according to the DHS. Suntree residents Rick and Olive Pollak got their Real ID when they renewed their driver licenses.

“We travel a lot and having the Real ID star on our licenses gives us peace of mind knowing that we won’t run into a delay because of not having proper identification,” Olive Pollack said.

The couple recently took a monthlong road trip across the country. They ran into some bad weather situations, including a storm that was ironically named Olive.

“We did have a delay of 3½ hours in traffic due to the weather, but it was smooth sailing when it came to checking into hotels showing our Real ID driver license,” she said.

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

Real IDs were conceived as part of 2005 legislation.

Travelers who don’t present a Real ID compliant license or acceptable alternative beginning May 7, 2025 will not be permitted through the security checkpoint at airports or to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases.

The original deadline of May 3, 2023 was deemed unworkable in part due to the pandemic and its continued disruption of states’ abilities to issue the Real ID compliant drivers’ licenses.

The DHS issued a statement on Dec. 5, 2022 saying the new deadline will give state licensing agencies time to work through the backlogs created by the pandemic. The extension also gives the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) time to implement innovations to make the process as smooth as possible, according to its website.

Conceived as part of 2005 legislation in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the first enforcement date was set for 2008, but has been delayed multiple times.

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

2 2 5 8 6 4 6 8 9 8 9 5 1 6 4 7 5 4 8 1 3 4 9 6 Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Solution on page 26

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

25

Bluewater Creative Group - Issue 3

Follow your nose to Titusville’s new barbecue restaurant

BY FLORA REIGADA The rich aroma of smoked meat and its sweet, smoky flavor fills the mind as Brad Russell talks about the restaurant he and his wife Shelly Russell plan to open.

It will be BB-Rad’s Smokehouse at 1817 WashingtonDifficulty: Ave. in Titusville.

Easy That’s the former site of the old Howard Johnson’s restaurant and other dining establishments throughout the years.

Robert Tadlock, the general manager, helped develop the vision.

The building is being remodeled inside and out, with new plumbing, electrical work and equipment.

Many know Brad Russell as the lead pastor at The Grove Church at 1450 Harrison St. in Titusville.

But do they know he also loves smoked barbecue and he is passionate about it?

“We want to introduce the community to the amazing taste of coastal barbecue and create an environment they will enjoy,” Russell said.

In addition to smoked meats, the

menu will include macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, corn pudding, baked beans and an original coastal slaw recipe.

The restaurant is a private, forprofit business that is not connected to the church. Russell will not be theby Margie E. Burke Edited pitmaster.

“Shelly and I are the owners and creative vision behind BB-Rad’s, but we will not be running the smoker or day-to-day operations,” he said. “My primary role is still lead pastor of The Grove Church. We see this opportunity as an extension of our personal ministry to the community.”

At BB-Rad’s, General Manager Robert Tadlock will keep things running smoothly.

Titusville City Council member Joe Robinson spoke of the city’s support for local businesses. He recalled his days as the executive director of North Brevard Charities.

“If someone donated funds, it was my job to invest that back into the community,” he said.

SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada Robinson still does this by Robert Tadlock, left, and Brad Russell stand outside of BB-Rad’s Smokehouse, frequenting local restaurants. He which will soon open in Titusville. Tadlock will be the general manager of the encourages the community to restaurant, which is owned by Russell and his wife, Shelly.

SUDOKU

2 2 5 8 6 4 6 8 9 8 9 5 1 6 4 7 5 Crossword 1 4 8 Solution Next4generation needs influence 3 of present-day experienced seniors 6 9 patronize Titusville’s assorted eateries.

You might just see Robinson at BBRad’s Smokehouse.

“I’m from Texas and I’m always ready for some good barbecue,” he said. SL

Puzzle on page 21

Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

What impact do you have influencing others? As a senior with a long life of experience and wisdom, you can make a difference. You can be the champion of new ideas, honorable behavior and ethical conduct.

During your lifetime, you have been challenged by the influence of parents, grandparents, teachers, preachers, coaches, mentors, peers and so many others. Today, your grandchildren are being influenced by social media, bloggers, YouTube, podcasts, TikTok and peers. The delivery system has changed, but the messages are similar.

When I completed my graduate studies in marketing in the 1960s, we looked for the early adopters to be the influencers. Celebrities and sports stars had a great impact on buying decisions. Brands, style, taste and behavior were communicated. Our decisions were and are influenced by outside sources.

As a grandparent, we could influence a grandchild to go to college by buying the Florida Prepaid College Plan. Tuition is paid, go to school and get a degree.

They could have other ideas, but you can guide them through the decision process. Do not lecture or preach. Show them the benefits, values and lessons learned. Discuss and communicate while accepting their feedback.

Seniors have had a great influence on legislation. Years back, the Gray Panthers focused on passing laws to help us during the retirement years.

Today, the same activism prevails without the marches and protests.

Political action groups support candidates who look favorably on preserving Social Security and Medicare programs. Seniors write

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

SUDOKU Solution

Puzzle on page 25

Solution to Sudoku:

8 4 6 9 2 1 5 7 3 2 5 9 7 8 3 4 1 6 3 1 7 5 4 6 8 9 2 4 3 8 6 5 9 7 2 1 7 2 5 1 3 8 6 4 9 9 6 1 4 7 2 3 8 5 1 7 4 3 9 5 2 6 8 5 9 2 8 6 7 1 3 4 6 8 3 2 1 4 9 5 7

26 SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

Challenges of Living to Age 100

Ed Baranowski letters, send emails, vote and visit their legislators. AARP membership has influence when its leaders appear at hearings to represent millions of members.

There is the power of belonging.

That’s influence.

Local groups such as Helping Seniors of Brevard, Aging Matters, the Commission on Aging and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs work for seniors with their presentations that influence decision makers.

Seniors have the power, they have the capacity, they are a force, and they have stories and wisdom to influence.

When I got out of bed the other morning to write this column, my wife Gina asked, “Are you getting up for good?”

I responded through bleary eyes, “No, for evil.”

Yes, we all can have an influence for good. Accept the challenge. Share your lessons learned. Explain our rights, risks, responsibilities and have an influence on the world you occupy.

SL Ed Baranowski is an awardwinning writer, artist, speaker, and seminar leader. He lives in Melbourne and can be contacted at fast75sr@ gmail.com.

myseniorlife.com

1937 Packard 120 Sedan Convertible

Owner: Bob Parks

The 1937 Packard 120 Sedan Convertible has a straight-eight cylinder engine and a four-speed manual transmission. It is a rare four-door convertible. Bob Parks, a sporting goods distributor, owned a used foreign car as a 16 year old, but he always liked the classic cars. Back then, Parks could not afford a classic car. He has owned the 1937 Packard for about 1½ years, and he has several classics.

Market Square Antiques

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Friends of the Suntree/Viera Library Volunteer Opportunity The 902 Jordan Blass Drive, Melbourne, FL 32940 Seeking volunteer to coordinate and oversee library landscaping.

321-242-1235

greatlibraryfriends@gmail.com If you enjoy the library and have an interest in gardening, we invite you to join us.

Sample tasks the volunteer would coordinate: Tree and shrub trimming, removal of any dead plants, weeding and mulching Check the sprinklers and arrange for repairs when necessary Consider where improvements such as adding flowers, shrubs or trees might be appropriate Please reply to vickis@cfl.rr.com to let us know!

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

27

The wait is over!

Pick up your copy at the locations below.

Boomer Guide 2023 is a ‘manual’ on how to build a great life Find everything you need to live your BEST LIFE on the Space Coast, from clubs to activities, to health care and recreation, the best places to live and everything in between.

A few of our pick-up locations:

2023 Boomer Model Peter LeMaster

TITUSVILLE

Titusville Chamber of Commerce 2000 S. Washington, Titusville Titusville Adult Social Center 909 Lake Ave., Titusville AZINE CE MAG

MERRITT ISLAND/ COCOA BEACH

RESOUR RS G 17 YEA

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Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd., Cocoa Beach Merritt Island Public Library 1195 N. Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island

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VIERA/SUNTREE Senior Life, 7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102, Viera One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera William A. Johnson PA,140 Interlachen Road, Suntree Viera Discovery Center, The Avenue Viera, Unit 105, Viera

MELBOURNE/PALM BAY Wickham Park Senior Center, 2785 Leisure Way, Melbourne Greater Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Drive NE, Palm Bay Melbourne Regional Chamber 1005 East Strawbridge Ave., Downtown Melbourne Buena Vida Estates 2129 W New Haven Ave, Melbourne

BEACHSIDE 55+ Club, DRS Center 1089 S. Patrick Dr., Satellite Beach

For a pick-up location near you, or bulk delivery of 30 or more guides, call 321-242-1235.

28 SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2023

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