SL Febuary 2025 FINAL reduced

Indiafest highlights culture, customs, traditions,

Story, page 19

Wedding Vow Renewals Stories, page 14

Volume 27 Issue 9

myseniorlife.com

February 2025

Love will be in the air at Valentine’s Day Expo

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

The All You Need Is Love Senior Expo & Valentine’s Party will have several exhibits, demonstrations and vow renewals.

BY JEFF NAVIN Singles and couples of all ages are welcome for a Valentine’s Day to remember as Senior Life and HealthFirst will sponsor the second annual All You Need Is Love Senior

Expo & Valentine’s Party.

The event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 14 at the Nyami Nyami River Lodge at the Brevard Zoo at 8225 North Wickham Road in Viera.

The Expo is free, but entrance to the Brevard Zoo is not included. The

Suntree Weight Loss Center

lodge is near the entrance to the zoo.

“I’m going to get everyone’s heads bobbing and feet tapping,’’ said Zak Donley of WinterHawk Entertainment, who will be providing

Renaissance Fair loves new location

EXPO Continued to page 3

Story, page 8

SEMAGLUTIDE TIRZEPATIDE WEEKLY INJECTIONS STARTING AT

$75

CALL NOW! 321-491-GLP1

OR

321-491-4571

6619 N. WICKHAM ROAD, MELBOURNE, FL 32940 OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY, 9 AM TO 5 PM

E ditor

FROM THE

Time to celebrate — long marriages, art, hobbies and passions There are virtually no statistics on marriages of more than 70 years because it is rare. First, you must live long enough to get there and then there are simply the challenges of married life.

On Valentine’s Day, we celebrate dozens of long-term marriages, including at least one of more than 70 years. In this edition of Senior Life, we tell you about at least two of those long-term love affairs.

The celebration and vow renewals will be at the Senior Expo & Valentine’s Party at the Nyami Nyami Lodge at the Brevard Zoo. There is more information about the expo in a story and advertisement in this edition of Senior Life.

When we started our series on Hobbies and Passions, we thought of some of the more mainstream or common hobbies, and we had some of those. But we have also had some unusual ones — this time it’s a collection of rare bourbons. Read about how this collector started and now has a collection of more than 300 bottles.

In this edition, we tell you about some upcoming events this month that you might want to attend — Indiafest and the Florida State Gourd Art Festival. If you feel more adventurous and are looking for a day trip or an overnight trip, we share with you a story about the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. It is about a three-hour drive from Melbourne.

We also have stories and listings of some other events taking place around Brevard County that you might want to attend.

We are always looking forward to sharing stories about health and wellness topics that we think would be of interest to you. Do you know the benefits of a nap? We are learning more about the importance of getting a good nap. We share our findings with you.

Sometimes, there is so much that we want to share with you that we do all we can to find the room on our pages to bring you the best of the stories that inform, entertain and benefit you in all aspects of your life.

We love getting your feedback. Contact us any time. SL

R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com Volume 27, Issue 9 Senior Life of Florida 7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940 321-242-1235

2024 Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. All rights reserved Orion prototype module heading to Eau Gallie High, LIFELONG LOVE Couples renew vows at Valentine’s Party/Senior Expo Feb. 14 Story, page 8; 15

myseniorlife.com jill@myseniorlife.com Publisher Jill Blue Editor R. Norman Moody Office Manager Sylvia Montes Copy Editor Jeff Navin Art Department Jorjann Blake

Story, page 11

HISTORIC TREASURES Local archaeologist helps identify 1715 Spanish fleet artifacts Story, page 3

Volume 27 Issue 8

myseniorlife.com

January 2025

Lost in Space Coast rocks tunes of the past Story, page 21

myseniorlife.com SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

Lost in Space Coast, a new band of boomers in Brevard County, has quickly made its mark on the local music scene.

BY NICHOLE YUAN

some of the world’s most famous artists, such as Paul McCartney, Fleetwood Mac and Elton John are senior citizens themselves, it doesn’t seem so odd to watch the older population rock out to the music of their youth. And that’s precisely what

viewers will experience when seeing the local cover band, Lost in Space Coast.

Born from a mutual love of music, the members of Lost in Space Coast

Contact Senior Life by the 10th of the Suntree month regarding upcoming (321) 259-9500 Internal Medicine community-oriented events by email and mail.

Wedding vows nearly 65 years ago Story, page 8

Once upon a time, the thought of senior residents getting together and forming a band would have seemed absurd.

But in this day and age, where

State-of-the-art Medical Facility • Everything under one roof conveniently located on Wickham Road in Suntree

WEEKDAYS 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Free Antibiotics

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

No need for a second trip to the pharmacy

Schedule your flu shot with us

BAND Continued to page 27

6619 North Wickham Rd.

MELBOURNE

Amanda Christopher Hareer Ami A. Bhatt, Abe Hardoon, M.D. Scott Hardoon, Edwin Chan, Shannon Spreitzer Lovering, M.D. APRN, DNP Thaver, M.D. Al Salihi, M.D. M.D. M.D. M.D. Board Certified Medicare Patients Internal Medicine Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Internal Medicine Family Medicine Family Medicine Family Medicine Internal Medicine Internal Medicine Welcome

Nikka Cohan APRN

Angela Armellini Jasmine Montañez Amber Jack APRN APRN APRN

Sarah Hodge PA

Lisa Rathbun APRN

Jordan Galili APRN

We Accept Most Insurance Evening & Weekend Office Hours Specializing in Adult Medicine

Book your appointment online suntreeinternalmedicine.com

2025 Boomer Guide — coming in March!

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.

2

February 2025

Obstacles block casts for fishing industry

Feature Writers Ed Baranowski Chris Bonanno Ernie Dorling Randal C. Hill Susan M. Houts Betty Porter Flora Reigada Maria Sonnenberg Emily Warner

Senior Life

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

4 6, 26 10-12 16 17 18 22 24 27

HOBBIES & PASSIONS SERIES COLUMNISTS STRIPES/VETERANS HEALTH & WELLNESS BCOA NEWS CALENDAR TIME TO TRAVEL NORTH BREVARD NEWS CLASSIC RIDES

COUPONS & DISCOUNTS Suntree Internal Truman Scarborough Same Day Grab Bars One Senior Place

pg. 1 pg. 3 pg. 4 pg. 7

Rhodes Law William A. Johnson Viola Antiques Artistic Closets

pg. 9 pg. 17 pg. 27 pg. 28

myseniorlife.com

giraffes making a guest appearance,’’ Donley said. “That was so funny.

And, we can’t forget the meerkats. It’s so much fun.’’

“I’ll have Dean Martin’s ‘Volare,’ Donley was delighted to be asked Dusty Springfield’s ‘Son of a Preacher Man,’ ‘Easy’ by the Commodores and to work the second annual event once again.

‘Fever’ by Peggy Lee. I’ll have a lot of “I just want to make people smile upbeat, happy love songs. And, we and feel welcome,’’ Donley said. “It’s can’t forget ‘Oh What A Night’ (‘Desuch a fun, lovey-dovey event. I love cember, 1963’) by The Four Seasons telling people there, ‘Don’t you just and ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m look fabulous.’ ’’ Yours’ by Stevie Wonder.’’

Informative exhibits will include Roses and carnations, sponsored elder law, volunteering, health and

by CarePlus, will be given to all the wellness, travel, retirement options, women in attendance. The Expo caregiver resources, insurance, will feature wedding vow renewals 55-and-older living assistance, for 24 couples in a beautiful venue veterans resources, real estate, home and group setting. The vow, champagne toast and wedding cake will be health, transportation and medical research. sponsored by The Brennity. United One of the exhibitors will be HealthCare will sponsor the music. awarded a trophy for the best decoRhodes Law will sponsor wedding portraits given to all the vow renewal rated booth.

“We had so much fun last year,’’ couples.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s said Jill Blue, the publisher of Senior Life. “We wanted to book the zoo Beatles’ hit “All You Need Is Love” is venue right away since we liked it the theme song for the Expo. so much. It’s the sweetest event that Everyone is encouraged to wear pulls at your heart strings. People can red. bring their families. The vow renewal “It’s such a beautiful setting with is like a cherry on top of everything Valentine. It’s fun to spend the day with all of our new friends.’’

Edward and Suzanne McCarthy, who have lived in Indian River Colony Club for the past 30 months, will renew their vows at the Expo. They will celebrate 58 years of marriage on Nov. 23.

“We’ve never renewed our vows before,’’ said Suzanne McCarthy, who lived on Long Island before moving SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress to Florida. “It’s about time. We’re The Senior Life Senior Expo & excited about meeting other couples Valentine’s Party will have many who have been married for 50-plus informative exhibits.

EXPO Continued from page 1

Suntree Weight Loss Center

SEMAGLUTIDE TIRZEPATIDE WEEKLY INJECTIONS STARTING AT

$75

CALL NOW! 321-491-GLP1 321-491-4571

OR

6619 N. WICKHAM ROAD, MELBOURNE, FL 32940 OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY, 9 AM TO 5 PM

321-242-1235

years.’’

Edward McCarthy, a corporal in the Marine Corps, was wounded during the Vietnam War. “The key to a good marriage is giving 110 percent,’’ Suzanne McCarthy said. “It’s not a 50-50 deal.’’

SL

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

Flowers will be given to all ladies attending the Senior Life’s Senior Expo & Valentine’s Party.

ESTATE PLANNING BOOKLET

By Attorney

TRUMAN SCARBOROUGH 239 Harrison Street, Titusville, FL

For a Complimentary Copy, phone 321-267-4770

Interviewer: We’re excited to hear about the new Suntree Weight Loss Center at Suntree Internal Medicine!

Could you tell us more about the center and its grand opening?

Dr. Scott Hardoon: Absolutely! We’re thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Suntree Weight Loss Center on January 13th, 2025. It’s an exciting time for us, and we’re proud to offer amazing, low prices for GLP-1 agonist drugs like Semaglutide and Terzepatide. These medications have shown incredible promise in helping people lose weight and improve their overall health.

Interviewer: That sounds fantastic! What makes these medications so special, and why should people consider them?

Dr. Scott Hardoon: These medications, Semaglutide and Terzepatide, are incredibly effective at supporting weight loss. They work by helping to regulate appetite, making it easier to make healthier choices and lose weight. There are also significant health benefits that come with losing weight, such as reducing your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. It’s not just about looking good — it’s about feeling better and improving your overall well-being.

Interviewer: And I understand the pricing is very competitive? Can you elaborate on that?

Dr. Scott Hardoon: Yes, we are offering incredible introductory rates starting at just $75 as part of our grand opening promotion. We want to make weight loss more affordable and accessible to everyone who could benefit from these treatments. It’s an opportunity for people to start their journey without breaking the bank.

Interviewer: That’s an amazing offer!

I’ve heard concerns about medications purchased online. How does the Suntree Weight Loss Center address these concerns?

Dr. Scott Hardoon: That’s a great point.

One of the major advantages of coming to the Suntree Weight Loss Center is the safety and reliability we offer. Our medications are manufactured right here in the United States, and they’re administered by our trained staff under the guidance of licensed medical physicians. This is much safer than purchasing unregulated products from online marketplaces, where the quality and authenticity of the medication can be questionable. Our goal is to provide a safe, supervised, and affordable weight loss journey for our patients.

Interviewer: It’s clear that patient safety is a priority for you. What would you say to someone who’s considering starting their weight loss journey with you?

Dr. Scott Hardoon: We would say, come see us! Let’s start your weight loss journey together in a safe, supportive, and affordable environment. Our team at the Suntree Weight Loss Center is here to guide you every step of the way, and we’re excited to help you achieve your health goals.

Whether it’s losing weight or improving your overall health, we’re here to make sure you succeed.

Interviewer: Thank you so much for sharing all this valuable information with us today. We look forward to hearing more as the grand opening gets closer!

Dr. Scott Hardoon: Thank you! We can’t wait to welcome everyone on January 13th and help them begin their

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

3

HOBBIES & PASSIONS THE SIXTH FEATURE IN A SERIES ON HOBBIES & PASSIONS

Iron Man competitor develops taste for collecting bourbon

BY ERNIE DORLING Have you ever walked into someone’s home and found yourself in the middle of a shrine to all things bourbon? I’m guessing not.

That’s what Viera resident Kevin Francis created for himself. Francis, who moved to Viera with his family from outside of Atlanta in 2023 to escape the cold weather and the big city traffic, has become a sort of “bourbon whisperer” since first tasting bourbon in 2019.

“I was participating in an Iron Man competition in Louisville, Kentucky,” he said. “The race is very demanding, beginning with a 2.4-mile swim, then a 112-mile bike ride and ending with a 26.2-mile run. There was some downtime a couple of days prior to the race, and a friend suggested we go to a whiskey distillery. We went to the Peerless Distillery, where we tasted a variety of bourbons. I was immediately hooked. I had never really tasted bourbon before. What I did drink before that was Tequila.”

While Francis has developed a taste for all things bourbon, he enjoys sharing his collection with friends.

“I love introducing bourbons to friends and tasting new bourbons that they might bring over,” he said.

“But my favorite bourbon is King of Kentucky, which isn’t cheap. You can only buy it in Kentucky.”

Francis spends two to three hours a day researching bourbons online and seeks out deals on unique brands that might be available. He now has 300 bottles of bourbon in his collection.

“I look at the secondary market to see what’s available. It’s a bit like being

“I love introducing bourbons to friends and tasting new bourbons that they might bring over.

But my favorite bourbon is King of Kentucky, which isn’t cheap.

You can only buy it in Kentucky.”

— Kevin Francis a stockbroker; you really need to learn the economics of bourbon trading,” he said.

The bourbon market took off in 2019, in part due to people wanting to stock up on discontinued brands and the scarcity of other brands. Many people find the unique taste of bourbon alluring.

“I drink my bourbon neat. I don’t add ice,” Francis said.

Bourbon is currently a $9 billion industry, and that’s just in Kentucky.

While the taste draws many to its ranks, collectors fall in love with the bottles they come in, while others enjoy the prestige of owning a rare or limitededition bottle.

“If you’re interested in collecting bourbons, do some research,” Francis said. “Join a Facebook group associated with bourbons and watch prices. Very often, local stores will overcharge you for collectible bottles.”

Francis is happy to talk to anyone interested in learning more about bourbon and collecting bourbon. He can be reached at kevfran99@yahoo. com. SL

SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling

Kevin Francis, an athlete who participates in Iron Man competitions, first tasted bourbon in 2019 and now has a collection of more than 300 bottles.

The free Boomer Guide features listings for a wide array of hobbies, interests and groups.

E

RESOURCE MAGAZIN

FREE

Art of Aging

e

Inside the guid ES

LISTINGS & RESOURC & MEETINGS CLUBS, GROUPS ES VETERANS RESOURC TOUR SENIOR LIVING ACTIVITIES, SPORTS SUPPORT GROUPS HELP EMERGENCY

+

PEARL JOYRD & HOWA

NAME NE THAT TU BLUE DIAMOND Celebrating 27

Years

BAND

Land River Sea

CRUISING

Va

er lentine’s Dinn

THE SPACE COAST’S

NO. 18

2024 EDITION/

The new 2025 Boomer Guide comes out March 14.

Pickup your copy at the BoomerFest! Expo, which will be held at the Frank Forester Recreation Center in Rockledge.

PM 3/18/24 3:43

model double

truckv2.indd

3

PROFESSIONAL GRAB BAR INSTALLATION Come check out our delicious daily chef specials!

One Call Stops the Fall® SPECIAL HOURS 5 - 9 pm RSVP —

321-752-5222

• BREAKFAST PalmShoresBistro.com • LUNCH Dinner for two, • DINNER four-course meal • CATERING includes a • PHARMA LUNCHES bottle of wine.

• DINNER PROGRAMS Menu will be online

CATERING - We can customize a menu or meal for any event from cocktail parties to business functions.

1/4 MILE SOUTH OF THE

PINEDA CAUSEWAY

4

Follow

5060 U.S. HWY #1 PALM SHORES

321.752.5222

“To-Go” orders Call 321-752-5222 Opt. 1 HOURS: SUNDAY - TUESDAY: 8 AM - 3 PM WEDNESDAY - SAT: 8 AM - 8 PM

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

We’re LOCAL

Safe. Fast. Affordable.

Free estimates — Call today!

800-215-7560 SameDayGrabBars.com Franchise Opportunities Available

myseniorlife.com

WHY BREVARD COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE RAVING ABOUT THIS CHRONIC PAIN RELIEF BREAKTHROUGH Are you tired of living with back pain that won’t let you do the things you once enjoyed?

Have you tried everything and found no relief?

It is time to consider an alternative that has worked for thousands of other Brevard county residents. Dr. Andrea Izquierdo, AP, of Bodhi TCM Acupuncture, offers an innovative approach to healing.

Imagine waking up free from pain. You are able to enjoy your life, have more energy, sleep better, and do the things you love. These are the types of results and success stories patients at Bodhi TCM experience each week.

Success stories like Sher K. from Melbourne: "After three days of severe back pain, I was ready to go to the ER. I couldn't sit, stand, or lie down without pain.

Their treatments are effective for Luckily, I got a last-minute many chronic pain conditions such as: appointment with Dr. Andrea. With her neck, shoulder, knee pain, foot pain, course of treatment, I felt significant failed surgeries and more, as seen by relief. My back is stronger than ever, their many 5 start reviews and and even my shoulder pain and foot testimonials tingling have improved. I highly recommend anyone in pain to see her." Billy F. of Satellite beach shares: These amazing results are due to their personalized treatment protocols, which address the root cause of chronic pain by blending Traditional Chinese Medicine with their own Cellular BioModulation Therapy.

“As a veteran I have had many issues, knees replaced, neck surgery, back pain, you name it. Since starting treatment, this is the first time I have been able to walk without pain. They want to do a fourth knee replacement, but I will be avoiding that now thanks to my treatments here.”

“Everyone is different, even if two patients have the same chronic pain diagnosis, the approach needs to be Another one of their happy patients, unique to truly address the root cause.” - Christophe of West Melbourne shares: Dr. Andrea explains “I had been suffering from shoulder “Thats why all of our protocols are pain and received cortisone injections, personalized. During our comprehensive but the relief was short-lived. Then I consultation we go over medical history, found Andrea and her team who lifestyle and health goals. If I can help, I specialize in acupuncture. The results will tell the patient exactly what it takes were remarkable. Within a month, my to help them achieve their health goals.” pain and inflammation had vanished. It didn't just alleviate the pain; it seemed Dr. Andrea continues: to heal me. I wonder why I hadn't tried it sooner.”

“Once we get started, the best part is that our treatments are very relaxing.

It is proven that chronic pain becomes Most patients fall asleep and do not want worse over time, making it harder to to leave the office.” treat.Delaying treatment means extending suffering unnecessarily.

Continuing to struggle with chronic pain does not have to be part of your Don’t waste another day of your life in life. Even after years of finding no hope, pain. Take the first step and call today going through surgeries, steroid shots, to setup a consultation and find out prescriptions and even procedures like how you can too be pain free! kyphoplasty, patients are still able to obtain great results. Like Rachael G. of Viera who shares: "She has given me results after just a few sessions, whereas other doctors have literally just shrugged at me and said they didn't know what else they could do for me beyond a prescription. She is thorough and truly listens.”

Meet the Practitioner Dr. Andrea Izquierdo, AP. Started Bodhi TCM Acupuncture in 2017 with the purpose of bringing a different type of healing to the Space Coast. She completed her Premedicine studies at the University of Florida, and her Acupuncture Physician degree at FCIM in Orlando. She is nationally Board Certified and has studied overseas at the 301 hospital in Beijing China as well as Tibet.

Having performed over 15,000 treatments at her practice, she has helped thousands of Brevard County residents with seemingly hopeless Chronic and complex conditions.

Blending Ancient Chinese Medicine with Modern Science, Dr. Andrea and her team develop personalized treatment protocols to address the root cause of pain even when everything else has failed.

Scan this code to see their patient success stories or visit: www.bodhitcm.com

Call (321)312-0771 To Schedule A Comprehensive Consultation ADVERTISEMENT

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

5

Behind the

By Randal C. Hill

Beat

‘Laughter in the Rain’ — Neil Sedaka When you’re a celebrated recording star whose career suddenly goes south, there’s little chance that you’ll ever regain your place of prominence on the hit charts. But sometimes the good winds of fate blow your way and, unexpectedly, you find a whole new — and adoring — audience.

Neil Sedaka, born in Brooklyn in 1939, was a piano prodigy who played the classics but who was also drawn to the rock ‘n’ roll that blasted from his bedroom radio.

When Sedaka was 13, an apartment neighbor introduced him to 16-yearold Howie Greenfield, an aspiring poet/lyric writer from the same building. They hit it off immediately, and with Greenfield providing the words, Sedaka sold 25 million teenoriented singles before the Beatles swept him from radio playlists in 1964.

Six years later, Sedaka kept his properties here but moved his family to England, where he recorded three hit albums. In 1972, he met longtime fan Elton John, who invited Sedaka

to join John’s newly created Rocket Records label.

Sedaka and Greenfield had ended their partnership; Sedaka thus hooked up with another New York lyricist, Phil Cody.

Later, Cody recalled helping with the former hitmaker’s mid-1970s comeback: “Neil had a house in the Catskills. We got together one morning, and he played the melody to ‘Laughter in the Rain.’ I just sat there with a blank stare on my face. I had nothing. I had totally nothing.

“I excused myself and went out.

We were up in the country, so I just took a walk and sat down in a field, smoked a joint, and nodded off under a tree. I got myself up a couple of hours later and walked back. Neil was still there. I sat down, picked up a yellow pad of paper, and in five minutes I had most of the song done.”

Cody’s lyrics recalled moments of an earlier, more innocent time, when the thrill of new love defined a wondrous and meaningful relationship:

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Neil Sedaka’s “Laughter in the Rain” quickly became a hit in 1974 in the United Kingdom.

Strolling along country roads with my baby It starts to rain, it begins to pour Without an umbrella we’re soaked to the skin I feel a shiver run up my spine

I feel the warmth of her hand in mine And then came that oft-repeated chorus: Ooh, I hear laughter in the rain Walking hand in hand with the one I love Ooh, how I love the rainy days And the happy way I feel inside There’s a good chance that Sedaka’s tune conjured up memories from a decade earlier, when the Ronettes described a similar moment: Walking in the rain And wishing on the stars up above And being so in love Sedaka recorded “Laughter in the Rain” in Los Angeles in 1974. It quickly became a UK hit that same year. In 1975, he joyfully rode his new Rocket Records single to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart here in the States.

Ironically, while four Liverpool lads had trashed Sedaka’s early career, it was a Brit who resurrected it a decade later. SL

Live your best life at Chateau Madeleine!

From laughter to unforgettable moments, our newest Hollywood hotspot is where the residents are living it up!

Be part of Chateau Madeleine's exciting future!

Schedule a tour today!

321-701-8000 Locally owned and operated

6

Assisted Living License #AL13351 suntreeseniorliving.com

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

205 Hardoon Lane • Melbourne, FL 32940 sales@suntreeseniorliving.com

myseniorlife.com

321.339.0551

8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, Florida 32940 Monday –Friday 8:30 am –5 pm

Visit OneSeniorPlace.com

The Experts in Aging

A SPECIAL EVENT HONORING OUR VETERANS Featuring a patriotic tribute provided by The Cleavers

8 t h

A N N U A L

EVERY DAY IS VETERANS DAY!

FREE EVENT! PRESENTED BY

Friday, February 28th, 2025 10am - 1:30pm

Space Coast Center For Collaboration 1100 Rockledge Blvd (US-1) Rockledge, FL 32955

Must Call 321-751-6771 to RSVP

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

7

TECH KNOW TIDBITS Google Lens brings speed, convenience in comparison searches

BY EMILY WARNER Hardly anything is more convenient than when technology does the heavy lifting for you, genuinely making your life easier.

The Google Lens application is a prime example.

Though Lens has been around for nearly a decade, it remains surprising how few people take advantage of it, let alone the staggering amount that aren’t even aware that it exists.

Although at times it feels as though there’s an overabundance of new tech products and programs flooding the market, it isn’t always easy distinguishing which ones are worth your while. Google Lens most certainly is.

Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), Lens was created to help make peoples’ lives easier, in a wide range of scenarios, allowing the world to become more accessible just in the palm of one’s hand. Whether you

need help translating text, identifying a plant, searching where to buy a piece of clothing or quickly price comparing items, Lens can assist with all of it, along with so much more.

Using Lens is incredibly simple as it was purposely made to be user friendly. Open the Google app on your phone, select the camera icon on the right side of the search bar, and snap a photo — that’s it. Whether your picture is of clothing, food, a car, or an animal, Google instantaneously generates the buying options, prices and search results.

Gone are the days when you would find yourself continuously searching stores and websites for that one item in particular, frustratingly only finding things that were similar but not the same.

For people who by the time something needs to be replaced, completely forget where it was purchased, this technology is perfect.

Google has managed to take what

SENIOR LIFE R. Norman Moody

Open the Google Lens app and click on the camera icon at the search bar. used to be an hours-long process and has streamlined it to mere seconds.

This real-time convenience is also incredibly helpful with the translation feature. For reading labels, signs and any other text that’s printed in a foreign language, Google Lens provides accessibility in a whole new light, most especially for those who

SENIOR LIFE R. Norman Moody

Snap the photo with Google Lens to begin comparison shopping. enjoy traveling internationally.

With Google Lens, the possibilities feel endless. Try it out for yourself and see firsthand how it could help make your life that much easier. SL

Renaissance Fair returns for 10th year in new Melbourne location

BY CHRIS BONANNO It may be at a new location, but the Brevard Renaissance Fair is still entertaining throngs of patrons as it celebrates its 10th anniversary on weekends through February.

“I never in my imagination would have thought about spending this much

Join AARP on a Walk with a Doc Take a walk with friends, and have your top medical questions answered by a healthcare professional.

Second Friday of every month | 9-10 a.m.

Merritt Square Mall 777 E Merritt Island Cswy Merritt Island, FL 32952 To learn more scan the QR code or visit aarp.org/WWADFL

8

money to build a Renaissance Fair, but we did and wanted it to be grandiose,” said Peter Moolhuizen, the president of the Fair. “We want people to go in and go ‘wow.’”

The Fair is being held at 3190 New York Ave. after it had been held for the previous nine years at Wickham Park in Melbourne. In August, the Brevard County Commission approved a lease of the land for this year’s event.

Moolhuizen is hopeful a long-term agreement will be reached for the site to host both the Fair and other events.

“We have over 13 acres of just the event site which is way more than we had at Wickham Park,” Moolhuizen said. “At Wickham Park, we had 13 acres but there were trees and bushes.

Here, we’ve got a plain, empty clean canvas to work off of and so our creativity is now going to show up a little bit.”

Among the creativity on display is a new 169-foot long castle along with a new joust arena that has almost 200 feet of stables, said Moolhuizen, who noted that the number of entertainers and staff that come together to make the event possible is “into the hundreds.”

“I suspect we’re going to see a huge influx of entertainment over the next several years,” Moolhuizen said.

The Fair began on Jan. 18. It will continue for four more weekends on Feb. 1 and 2; Feb. 8 and 9; Feb. 15 and 16 and Feb. 22 and 23 with hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the exception of an education day on Feb. 3 where the Fair runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to brevardrenaissancefair. com.

“We bring in different entertainment too,” Moolhuizen said.

“With the six weeks now, we have that flexibility to bring entertainment in, have another group come in another week. You can see something different every weekend, almost. That makes it, I think, more appealing to the people.”

A one-day pass will cost $29 for adults, $23 for college students,

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

The Brevard Renaissance Fair’s new location gives the event more than 13 acres, with much more open space than it had at its previous venue.

Renaissance Fair WEEKEND THEMES Pirate Weekend Feb. 1 and 2

Celtic Weekend Feb. 8 and 9

Beerfest Weekend Feb. 15 and 16

Carnivale Weekend Feb. 22 and 23 seniors age 65 and older and active military or veterans, while admission for children ages 5 to 11 costs $17.

Children under 5 years of age are given free admission. Parking will also cost $5.

Tickets can also be purchased through the website. Two-day “Royal Family,” season and pet passes are also available. SL

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

Dozens of colorful characters are all part of the Brevard Renaissance Fair.

myseniorlife.com

RHODES LAW, PA ESTATE & MEDICAID PLANNING • PROBATE • GUARDIANSHIP

YOUR ELDER LAW EXPERT:

RUTH C. RHODES, ESQ. BOARD CERTIFIED ELDER LAW ATTORNEY

WHAT WE DO: ESTATE & MEDICAID PLANNING, GUARDIANSHIP, GUARDIAN ADVOCACY, PROBATE & TRUST ADMINISTRATION,

ASSET PROTECTION, AND MORE!

ALREADY HAVE ESTATE DOCUMENTS? It is recommended to have your Estate Planning Documents reviewed by an experienced Estate Planning Attorney every 3 to 5 Years, or whenever there is a significant life event such as Relocation, Marriage, Divorce, Death or Disability of an individual in your planning, birth or adoption of a child, or changes in your financial situation to name a few.

You should also have your Out-of-State documents reviewed to ensure they will cover you in Florida, even if you are only a part-time resident.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!

321-610-4542 WWW.RHODESLAWPA.COM

OFFICES MELBOURNE AND VIERA

Join Us! Thursday, Feb. 13 • 2 - 4 p.m.

Movie Matinee RSVP required.

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

321-242-1235

Friday, Feb. 14 • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Visit our booth at Senior Life’s Senior Expo & Valentine’s Party Nyami Nyami River Lodge, Brevard Zoo 8225 N. Wickham Road, Viera

Wednesday, Feb. 19 • 10 - 11 a.m.

Healthcare Directives Simplified: Ensuring Your Medical Wishes Are Honored One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

9

STRIP STRI PES

Brevard Veterans News

Brevard County benefits with unsung veterans’ advocates

During my many years of writing about or simply attending military and veterans’ events, I see some of the same people involved — those who always seem to be helping or who are engaged in some way.

One of those people is Kimberly Benton. Sometimes you’ll see her in blue pants with red stripes down the side and a white shirt, part of her uniform of the Marine Corps League.

It might be at a presentation of Colors at an Avet Project event such as its celebration of women veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

At times, it might be a send-off of veterans on an Honor Flight from

Melbourne to visit the monuments in their honor in Washington, D.C. She has also been a part of standing guard at the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall during the annual Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion at Wickham Park in Melbourne.

Benton served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including time in

Okinawa, Japan and at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, beginning in 1996.

Now on VA disability for an injury sustained in the military, Benton said she is willing to help fellow veterans whenever possible.

After attending an Avet Project’s Symposium for PTSD, she was recruited in 2012 to help and was eventually named vice president of the organization.

“I help with fundraising, and I am at the events,” she said. “I also help people independently.”

She is grateful for the help she received from the Avet Project and others along the way since her

military service. This makes her want to help other veterans in need.

“I know there were times when I needed people by me and they weren’t there and there were times when there was the miracle of them being there,” Benton said. “I want to pay it forward.

That’s what we’re here to do. I want to be there for others. I believe in taking care of the community.”

Benton is one of those who help without seeking recognition for what they do for others. There are many of those veterans’ advocates in Brevard County who should be recognized for what they do for others. SL

Retired Marine from Viera serves community, performs at inauguration

BY ERNIE DORLING In 1977, the Steve Miller Band released its hit single “Fly Like an Eagle.” That same year, Bridgewater resident Charles Betz (Chuck to his friends) joined the Marine Corps under the Marine’s delayed enlistment program.

“I was 17 and between my junior and senior year in high school,” Betz said. “I knew from when I was 5 years old that I would join the military. As I grew older, I became more interested in the Marine Corps. They had a reputation for being the best and I wanted that challenge.”

Betz grew up on a small farm in Alliance, Ohio. After completing boot camp, Betz was assigned as a combat correspondent.

“My most challenging and rewarding assignment in the Marine Corps was from 1987 to 1989 when I was a drill instructor at Parris Island, South Carolina,” he said. “It was during that assignment when I was able to help mold young men into being Marines.”

Betz left active duty in 1991, returned to Ohio and became a police officer, rising to the rank of detective.

He also joined the Marine Corps Reserve, serving with an infantry and weapons unit. He eventually retired as a

Gunnery Sergeant in 2003.

Betz met his wife while both were police officers in Ohio and eventually decided they wanted to move south to a warmer climate. After a short stop in South Carolina, they decided they wanted even warmer weather, eventually settling in Viera.

“My wife had landed a job as a deputy sheriff in South Carolina,” he said. “She was shot in the line of duty and medically retired. That’s when we decided it was time to really retire.”

Since moving to Viera, Betz has become the Senior Vice Commandant of the Brevard Marine Corps League.

“The Marine Corps League engages in activities that aid the community, such as the Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive,” Betz said. “This year, we raised over 500 toys for needy families.

Our Military Order of the Devil Dogs Pound 273 raises money for Children’s Hospitals and provides supplies and food to the Brevard County Animal Shelter. I am also the Color Guard/ Honor Guard Commander for the League. We provide services throughout Brevard County and at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.”

Betz is also a member of the Brevard Police and Fire Pipes and Drums, where he plays the bass drum.

“We were invited to play at the

10 SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Charles Betz

Retired Gunnery Sgt. Charles Betz knew at 5 years old that he wanted to join the military. inauguration of President Trump,” Betz said. “It was an honor for us to be a part of this.”

In the song “Fly Like an SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Charles Betz Eagle,” a verse goes, “Feed Charles “Chuck” Betz is the Senior Vice the babies who don’t have Commandant of the Brevard Marine Corps League enough to eat; shoe the and makes sure he is part of the solution helping children with no shoes on those in need, including the Children’s Hospital their feet; house to people and the Brevard County Animal Shelter. livin’ in the street; Oh, solution. This Marine is Flying like an there’s a solution.” Charles Betz has made sure he’s part of the Eagle. SL

myseniorlife.com

Every Day is Veterans Day event honors those who served

BY BETTY PORTER Every Day is Veterans Day is a reminder that one day is not enough to express gratitude to the men and women who have served in the military.

The public is invited to the eighth annual patriotic gathering called Every Day is Veterans Day, a special event recognizing veterans for their service.

Veterans and their families will be honored. The event includes refreshments, door prizes, music and information from veteran and military organizations and sponsors. The event is free of charge and will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at the Center for Collaboration at Space Coast Health Foundation at 1100 Rockledge Blvd. (U.S. 1) in Rockledge.

The event is sponsored by One Senior Place in Viera. Co-sponsors of the event include VITAS Healthcare and Rhodes Law P.A. While Every Day is Veterans Day is usually held in October, it had to be postponed to February because of Hurricane Milton.

A bugler will play Reveille to open the patriotic event, which will officially start with the posting of the Colors, Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem by retired Army Lt. Col. Cynthia Watkins-Pishdad. The Space Coast Highlanders Bagpipe & Drum band will make their way through the assembled crowd and play several

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of

The eighth annual Every Day is Veterans Day is set for Feb. 28 at the Space Coast Health Foundation. numbers.

The keynote address titled, “Salute to Veterans,” will be made by retired U.S. Army Col. Steve Bond, the president of the Florida Council of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).

“My topic will be why every day should be Veterans Day and what we can all do to make that happen,” Bond said.

The Florida Council has 37 Chapters and 38,000 MOAA members in Florida. The largest Chapter in MOAA is in Brevard County — the Cape Canaveral Chapter, with 1,000 members.

A 29-year veteran of the U.S. Army, Bond participated in combat operations in Panama (1989-90) and Saudi Arabia/Kuwait (1990-91), as well as humanitarian/peacekeeping operations in St. Croix (1989) and

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Space Coast Highlanders Bagpipe & Drum

The Space Coast Highlanders Bagpipe & Drum band will be back again this year to perform during Every Day is Veterans Day. Haiti (1994). After retiring from the Army, he worked for one of the largest Defense-Aerospace companies in the U.S. as a director of business development based out of Melbourne.

A highlight of Every Day is Veterans Day is a special pinning ceremony for U.S. military veterans of all eras. The solemn ceremony is intended as a meaningful moment of recognition that also fosters a sense of camaraderie and pride among those who served in the armed forces.

Gold Star families (those who lost a family member in the line of duty) will also be pinned and thanked for their sacrifice to the nation. Music during the pinning ceremony and break will be provided by the Space

Coast Symphony Saxophone Quartet, under the direction of Andrew Cleaver.

“We are honored to once again present this very special day of recognition for veterans and their families,” said Don Kramer, the founder and CEO of One Senior Place. “We call it Every Day is Veterans Day because one day of the year is not enough to express how grateful we are to the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform.”

Attendees to the event are invited to wear red, white and blue in a show of patriotic solidarity. Space is limited. RSVP to One Senior Place at 321-751-6771 or go to OneSeniorPlace.com/events. SL

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

11

Air Force veteran’s service is defined by courage, compassion

BY SUSAN M. HOUTS

Hawk said.

Hawk later Vietnam veteran Thomas Hawk’s transitioned to the remarkable life is a testament to bravery, helicopter squad, resilience and commitment to helping assisting in lifeothers. saving rescues.

Hawk, a resident of Viera Del Mar, One mission was born in Sandusky, Ohio, where he proved especially grew up in a close-knit military family. harrowing — In 1966, Hawk enlisted in the Air while rapelling Force, intending to study medicine. from a helicopter, His journey into military service was the aircraft was uniquely influenced by his father, who shot down, SENIOR LIFE contacted a family friend, Royal H. leaving Hawk Susan M. Houts Brown, the commander of the Jolly Thomas Hawk, who stranded in Green Giant Squadron (air rescue served in the Air the jungle. He group). Hawk had grown up with Force, said his survived by Brown’s son, “Buster” Brown, when proudest moment covering himself their families lived in Germany. The was helping to with leaves and older Brown welcomed Hawk to the rescue orphans in breathing through squadron.

Operation Babylift. an S tube while SENIOR LIFE Susan M. Houts Hawk’s first night in Vietnam was Viet Cong forces Thomas Hawk distinguished himself by helping to save lives during an airplane a harsh introduction to war. A rocket crash in Vietnam, earning him a commendation medal. searched for him through the night. attack claimed the life of his bunkmate Using a radio, Hawk contacted his team due to shrapnel. Hawk’s medical team worked tirelessly for the three following the next morning, but due to enemy Commander Brown’s question, Republic of Vietnam, on March 16, impersonation incidents, they required days to repair wounded soldiers.

“What nickname did you call my son?”

1970.” The citation noted his “complete “I was indoctrinated real quick,” him to verify his identity. and Hawk’s answer, “Buster Brown,” disregard for his own safety” as he led to his rescue. unhesitatingly entered the area to locate Comprehensive Back at camp, Hawk was stationed and remove crash victims, persevering Range of Treatments Get the at the Army morgue, where he watched in his humanitarian efforts.

• CEREC same day Restoration over the bodies of fallen soldiers. One • Dental Exams & Reflecting on his survival, Hawk Preventative Services night, he discovered a soldier still alive You remarked, “I should have died many • State-of-the-Art Facility among the dead and helped save his life. times,” including surviving a near-fatal Deserve!

• Intra Oral Camera Hawk’s proudest accomplishment motorcycle accident years later.

• Cosmetic Imaging was working to rescue orphans from After the war, Hawk earned degrees 35+ years experience • Digital X-Rays One Vietnam. Coined “Operation Babylift,” from Eastern Florida State College and • Crowns (Caps) & Bridges crown in 15+ Years of Excellent Service in Brevard County the effort helped rehome orphans • Cosmetic / Tooth-Colored the University of Central Florida. He as the U.S. troops withdrew from only Fillings Two locations in Melbourne to better serve you founded Central Data Computer Centers Vietnam. Many orphans were adopted • Zoom 1-hr Whitening One in Titusville and helped establish 7331 Office Park Place Suite 100 • Implant Restorations in America; many others in France and ( mile North from corner of Wickham & Murrell) computer systems at the Florida visit other parts of the world.

• Extractions & Minor Oral Surgery 321-622-3895 Institute of Technology.

Hawk’s heroics continued when www.chenetdental.com • Customized Full & Partial Your local Growing up with six siblings, he dragged several people from a Dentures state-of-theHawk’s life has been marked by service, fiery C121 aircraft crash in Da Nang • Endodontic / Root Canal art dentist is resilience and an unwavering dedication Treatment before it exploded. These efforts earned right down to others. His legacy inspires those • Porcelain Veneers & him the Air Force Commendation www.

Cosmetic Bonding the street around him to live with courage and Medal for “outstanding achievement • Complete Implant Services as a firefighter at Da Nang Air Base, compassion. SL

Smile

60+ SENIOR GROUP TRAVEL “Stefan’s Join the Fun Tours”

Pick up your 2025 travel brochures at BoomerFest! Expo Friday, March 14 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Get Ready to Travel in 2025

Day Trips: Orange Blossom Opry • Mt. Dora Boat Tour Cruises: Alaska • Queen Elizabeth 12-Day Cruise •

Celebrity Equinox Cruise Motor Coach: Charleston • New York, New York • Branson • Beau Rivage • Helen, Ga. • Key Largo Christmas Tours: San Antonio • Europe & Québec Markets • Biltmore • Myrtle Beach • New Year’s in Paris Subscribe to our weekly Travel Newsletter at

www.jointhefun.us

321-594-0392 Viera — Ormond — Jacksonville

12 SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

Liberty Bell Museum honors local philanthropists SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE Several local philanthropists will be honored when the Liberty Bell Museum conducts its Patriot Awards Dinner at 6 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Grand Manor on 1450 Sarno Road in Melbourne.

John Casey, Brian Jensen, Mark Pieloch, Dean Schaaf

and Rose Yeary will receive Patriot Awards for their service to the community.

Joel Freeland and Alex Gregoire will be honored as Young Patriot Award winners.

Tickets are available by email at honoramericafl@ gmail.com or by calling 321373-2311.

The Liberty Bell Museum is located at 1601 Oak Street in Melbourne. SL

myseniorlife.com

Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care

Saturday, Feb. 22 10 am to 1pm Photo Booth • Animal Balloons Snacks • Live Music Food Trucks • Kid’s Face Painting Crafts and More!

Take a ride as a passenger in a Classic Car!

Only 5 minutes from Viera!

Assisted Living License AL#13616

777 Roy Wall Boulevard • Rockledge • FL 32955 321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

13

Our longest married couples are renewing their vows at the Senior Expo & Valentine’s Party, Feb. 14

Couple celebrate 73 years of marriage with vow renewal

BY ERNIE DORLING In 1951, the United Nations opened its offices in New York City. That same year, the St. Louis Browns signed a new pitcher named Satchel Page while President Harry Truman relieved Gen. Douglas McArthur of his command in Korea.

Frank and Maxine Jennings married in Cincinnati, Ohio that same year.

“I was 19 years old and had just gotten drafted,” Frank said. “We SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the Jennings married on Thanksgiving Day in Frank and Maxine Jennings 1951 and went to San Antonio, (in forefront) were married on Texas for two days for our Thanksgiving Day in 1951. honeymoon. I still have the receipt for the two nights at the hotel. The he was assigned to a rifle company. room cost $7.50 a night. Less than a “I was in combat for almost week later, I was in basic training at 10 months,” he said. Once his Fort Ord, California.” commitment to the Army was over, Maxine Jennings had just finished Jennings went home and returned to high school. the bakery business. During the next “I was living in Crittendon, 16 years, he worked in every aspect Kentucky while in high school,” she of the company, rising to operations said. “I went to Cincinnati during the manager. summer between my junior and senior “I was later recruited by a year in high school and worked in company in Buffalo, New York, a bakery my aunt had set up. After which was a nationwide bakery graduation, I went back to Cincinnati business. I retired in 1996,” Jennings to work. That’s when I met Frank, who said. was working at the bakery. I knew Maxine Jennings stayed home right away that he was the one.” and raised their two sons, James and Frank Jennings deployed to Korea Gary. immediately after basic training, where “But once the kids went off to

in 1997.

“We had enough of the cold weather,” Maxine Jennings said. “We love it here.”

After moving to Melbourne, Frank and Maxine engaged in various volunteer programs.

“The most rewarding and satisfying program Max and I have been involved in is the Space Coast Honor Flight,” Frank Jennings said. “Working with veterans, coordinating the monthly luncheons and helping them with their Honor Flights to Washington is most satisfying.”

Frank and Maxine Jennings, both 92, are celebrating 73 years of marriage. This year, on Valentine’s Day, the Jennings will renew their vows, along with more than two dozen other couples, at the Senior Expo & Valentine’s Party at the Nyami Nyami River Lodge at the Brevard Zoo. “We made it this far because we listen to each other,” Frank Jennings said.

“Frank is right,” Maxine Jennings SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling added. “We talk things out. We solve issues without fighting. There is no The Jennings are excited to renew their vows Feb. 14 at the Senior Expo such thing as luck in a marriage. We overlook each other’s faults and & Valentine’s Party. forgive each other’s mistakes. We spent years sharing our dreams. I college, I went to work for a company would tell any young couple marrying that published trade magazines,” she today to adopt the same philosophy.” said. “I worked there for 20 years.”

SL The Jennings moved to Melbourne

Viera couple survive WWII to commemorate 65 years of marriage

BY ERNIE DORLING Initially worlds apart, overcoming the hardships of World War II they met each other. Now, this Viera couple is marking 65 years of marriage.

Rita Singler was just 8 when WWII came to Hinterweidenthal, her German village near Strasbourg, France.

“I lived in a cave that had housed beer from WWI, along with most of the 1,600 villagers, along with about 400 German soldiers, for about a year,” Rita Singler said. “Everyone was trying to avoid the bombing by the Americans and the British.

We were under constant assault by the French, German and U.S. forces. Many nights, I was left alone while my parents snuck out to our small farm and did what they could to collect milk from our two cows and whatever food they could find. We all dealt with trauma, hunger and clothing shortages.”

John Singler grew up during the war in Yugoslavia, now known as Serbia and Montenegro. Singler and his brother, along with his parents, were all placed in a prison camp at the end of the war by Josip Tito, the president of Yugoslavia.

“After the war, Tito rounded up everyone that spoke German,” Singler said. “The camps were nothing but death camps. Tito was trying to starve everyone to death.”

“It took us years to recover from the war,” Rita Singler said. “Supplies and food were scarce for years.”

While Rita’s family was foraging for food after the war, John’s had

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the Singlers

John and Rita Singler met in Germany, where he was serving in the U.S. Army. a family connection in the United States, who moved to Yugoslavia and occupied their home during Tito’s reign.

“One night, my parents told my brother and me to be ready to move quickly, that we were escaping.”

John Singler said. “Our family member from the U.S. had bribed a couple of guards. The next thing I knew, we were all making our way to Hungary,” John and his family walked through the woods into Austria. They would spend the next three years in a camp, awaiting an opportunity to immigrate to the U.S. It came in 1950 when the family moved to New York City to live with an uncle. A year later, the family moved to Leeds, Massachusetts.

At 18, Singler joined the U.S. Army, eventually becoming an electrician after attending the Nuclear Weapons School in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He was then sent on a tour of duty to Germany, where he met Rita.

14 SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling

The Singlers retired more than 15 years ago and settled in Viera East.

“We met at a dance,” Rita Singler said. “The villagers all frowned upon anyone dating an American at that time.”

It became challenging to see Rita after a few incidents in the village,” John Singler said. “At one point, we were restricted to the base. But I found a way to see her.”

In 1959, John’s duty in the Army ended, and he returned to the U.S. while Rita remained in Germany.

“This was long before cell phones, the internet and email,” John Singler said. “But we kept in close contact through the mail.”

That same year, 1959, Rita arrived in the U.S. and lived with a family member in Buffalo, New York for a

year. John and Rita reconnected, and in May 1960 they got married.

“I had never seen so much of everything, including food, when I arrived in New York,” Rita Singler said. “I was 24 years old and I had never had an aspirin.”

John spent his career as an electrician in the plastics industry, while Rita worked in the theater department at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts for 25 years. After retiring more than 15 years ago, the Singlers settled in Viera East.

The years have taken their toll on both of them. John no longer plays golf because of health issues. Making clothes had been a passion for Rita, but she can no longer sew. Still, they go on walks, read and enjoy dinners out.

“There is no secret to a long marriage,” John Singler said. “It’s all about give and take. But we both had the same goal — take care of our family.”

“We started with absolutely nothing,” Rita Singler said. “It wasn’t always easy, but our faith kept us going. And we still love each other.”

The Singlers have two daughters and a son, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Both John and Rita Singler will soon be 90 years old.

The couple will celebrate 65 years of marriage this year.

On Valentine’s Day, they will renew their vows, along with 24 other couples, at Senior Life’s Senior Expo & Valentine’s Party at the Nyami Nyami River Lodge near the entrance to the Brevard Zoo. SL

myseniorlife.com

Presenting Sponsors

Hosted by

Free admission

SENIOR EXPO & VALENTINE’S PARTY

You’re invited to our second Valentine’s Day event

Exhibitors • Music • Surprises Flowers for the ladies While supplies last

Friday, Feb. 14 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wedding Vow Renewals Beautiful venue, group setting, champagne toast, professional portrait and wedding cake.

Call for information and time.

• Dress in red Volunteers bring • Live music love and light.

• Photo area Hosted by

FLOWER SPONSOR

PHOTOGRAPHY SPONSOR

Singles, Couples

Family & Friends

Venue:

Nyami Nyami River Lodge at the Brevard Zoo 8225 N. Wickham Road, Viera

(I-95 & Wickham Road) Free Parking Expo is FREE. The lodge is in front of the zoo.

Entrance to the zoo is not included.

Presenting Sponsors

INFORMATIVE EXHIBITS

EXHIBITORS

Elder Law, Finance, Volunteering, Health & Wellness, Travel, Retirement Options, Caregiver resources, Insurance, 55+ Living Assistance, Veterans Resources, Real Estate, Home Health, Transportation and Medical Research

St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care is Brevard County’s only independent nonprofit hospice provider.

Consider volunteering with us to help serve our community. From shopping help or card writing to simply taking time to sit and talk, volunteers provide the love and light our neighbors need.

WEDDINGVOW SPONSOR

Visit reflectionslsc.org/volunteering or call 321-269-4240 today.

For information, call 321-242-1235 or go to boomerseniorexpo.com

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

15

HEALTH & WELLNESS Short naps can help improve mood, reaction time and memory

BY FLORA REIGADA Taking naps about four times a week refreshes Ron Boyd of Titusville. He is better able to face his day with greater focus.

Eating makes him drowsy, so after lunch, he will grab a book and retreat to his recliner. Before long, he is asleep.

“I set my timer for 30 minutes because my doctor cautioned me against sleeping longer, since it would interfere with my nighttime sleep,” he said.

Instead of nodding off in front of the television in the evening, a nap helps him to remain awake and alert while watching an interesting program or reading a book.

Anita J. James, the president of the North Brevard Senior Center, takes power naps after a busy day working at the center.

“Their length depends on how much I do. They help me recuperate,” she said.

Eduardo Hernandez, the Sleep Center manager at Parrish Medical Center, also

“I set my timer for 30 minutes because my doctor cautioned me against sleeping longer, since it would interfere with my nighttime sleep.”

— Ron Boyd advised against long naps.

“Throughout the day, sleep pressure builds and short naps can be beneficial and restorative, improving our mood, reaction time and memory, but long naps can push back on our bedtime, causing a poor night’s sleep. They may be a sign of underlying health issues such as short-term memory retention and cognitive decline,” he said.

Other than when she feels sick, Yvette Kling of Titusville does not nap.

However, she admits to taking “unwilling cat naps” after the line dance class she teaches at the North Brevard Senior Center.

Hernandez recommended keeping sleep time consolidated, whatever time of day or night, a person

takes their extended sleep. He referred to those with shift work and different schedules.

“Consolidating sleep is healthier than breaking it up,” he said.

Hernandez also spoke of “sleep hygiene.”

“The best conditions are a cool, dark and quiet room in a comfortable sleeping position.

It’s best that those with sleep apnea avoid sleeping on their back, because that may close the airway. If joints cooperate, sleeping on one’s side is better.”

For those who have trouble falling asleep, overthe-counter medications include melatonin.

“For some, it works wonders, but it is not FDA regulated and the capsules’ strength can vary,” Hernandez said. SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Dennis Taylor

With grandson Makoa snuggled in his arms, Dennis Taylor of Titusville looks ready to lie down for a refreshing nap.

You’re Going to Love Your Next Chapter!

Discover the difference of resort-style retirement living.

Our all-inclusive services and amenities empower you to live independently while curating moments that encourage connection and growth. Enjoy engaging events, freshly prepared meals, beautiful accommodations, and so much more! Embrace worry-free days as your story continues to evolve at Shell Harbor.

February Events How to Right-Size Wednesday, February 5 at 4:00 p.m.

There’s more to life when there’s less to worry about! Join local experts and discover useful tips for organizing and moving through the downsizing process with ease. RSVP by February 2

Shell Harbor

Age in Place Wednesday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m.

Be our guest for an educational seminar by Practitioners in Motion, First Light, and Legacy Healthcare! Learn expert advice and practical information about aging in place. RSVP by February 14

Call today to RSVP or schedule a private tour:

321-252-1221

2855 Murrell Road  Rockledge, FL 32955  ShellHarborRetirement.com

16 SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

myseniorlife.com

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 or cindy.short@brevardfl.gov.

BCOA is located at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, B-106, Viera, FL 32940.

Early detection screening proves valuable for good health Most resolutions focus on improving our health, quality of life and becoming more active. The resolution most of us leave out may well be one of the most valuable approaches to maintaining our health — early detection health screening.

Many diseases that cause us the most pain, disability and even death can be prevented or reduced in severity through early health screening. Screening tests, vaccinations, and regular visits with a healthcare provider can help people live longer and healthier lives.

The American Heart and American Stroke Associations recommend checking your blood pressure regularly to alert you to unhealthy blood pressure swings.

Knowing your numbers and working with your doctor to keep your blood pressure normal is an effective way you can avoid or lessen heart disease

and stroke. Blood pressure monitors are easier to use and more accurate than in the past.

Approximately 38 million Americans have diabetes and 90 to 95% of them have type 2 diabetes.

These figures included 28 million seniors aged 65 and older. You can ask your physician for an A1C blood test that will give your blood sugar average over the past 3 months.

This is a simple and effective test to determine if you have diabetes or prediabetes.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America recommends memory screenings as a significant first step toward finding out if a person may have a memory problem and providing baseline information for your provider.

A memory screening is a simple and safe evaluation tool that checks memory and other thinking skills. It

can indicate whether an additional checkup by a qualified healthcare professional is needed. It takes about 30 minutes and is confidential.

Early recognition of mild cognitive impairment and memory loss provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals to treat this condition, and possibly slow down the changes in memory and other thinking skills.

The Health First Memory Disorder Clinic provides memory screens free to anyone in the community 18 years of age and older.

If you would like to schedule a free memory screening, please call 321434-7614 for more information.

Another important screening for Floridians is skin cancer detection.

According to Tampa General Cancer Institute Oncologist Dr. Sujal Shah, “Florida is a unique outlier compared to most of the country. We see a

much higher caseload of skin cancer, specifically melanoma,” Shah said.

In fact, the American Cancer Society said Florida has the secondhighest rate of new melanoma cases, and about 630 people die in the state each year from it.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Solution? Get screened annually.

There are many other early detection health screenings like these that will help you understand your risk of health issues.

Ask your doctor what tests are recommended for someone your age and gender.

Take charge of your health now since we all know that if you don’t love yourself, how can you take care of others or yourself. SL

Creators of gourd arts convene for annual festival in Melbourne

BY BETTY PORTER Gourd artists, gardeners and gourd growers from across the country will converge on Melbourne to share their artistic creations in gourds.

The 28th annual Florida State Gourd Arts Festival, which has been held in Melbourne for the past 12 years, will take place Feb. 21 to 23 at the Azan Shriners Center at 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. in Melbourne.

The Festival is free and open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday Feb. 21 and 22 and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday Feb. 23.

For the three-day festival, gourd growers bring with them large trailers full of gourds that the artists will transform into unique and creative works of art.

The theme of the 2025 festival is Growing Gourds.

“The front of the Shriners

auditorium is turned into one large gourd patch,” said Therese Ferguson, a local artist and gourd society member/coordinator.

“Inside the auditorium, there is a competition area, crafted gourds, gourd tools and crafting supplies and a kid’s corner with lots of fun things to do.”

Classes are scheduled throughout the three days. To sign up for the classes, visit flgourdsoc.org.

Crafting demonstrations will take place throughout the festival. There will be silent auctions, food, gourd-making supplies and finished gourd art available for purchase.

“Local visitors come in and are so surprised at what they see,” Ferguson said. “Most people have no idea what can be done with a gourd, let alone what a gourd is. It’s fun and educational.”

Brevard Gourd Patch is

one of five such Florida Gourd Society groups (referred to as patches) within Florida.

The Brevard group meets at 9 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at Eau Gallie Public SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the Brevard Gourd Patch Library. For more information Artists will transform gourds into unique and beautiful about becoming a member, works of art during the three-day, 28th annual Florida State contact Ferguson at Thereseart@ Gourd Arts Festival. aol.com. SL

Complete Funeral Services, Preplanning, Memorials and Cremations

More than

1,400 helpful listings

Our staff is committed to providing the highest standard of professionalism to those we serve

Coming Soon

1st Place

Best Senior Resource Guide National Association of Mature Publishers

The first place to find the new guide is at the 2025 BoomerFest! Expo March 14, Forester Recreation Center 960 Cogswell St. Rockledge

Your FREE must-have senior resource magazine Senior Living Listings, Clubs, Meetings, Organizations, Sports, Support Groups, Veterans Resources, Business Listings, and Health & Wellness

MyBoomerGuide.com

2024 Boomer Guide models

We can help you find a guide near you! Call

321-242-1235

321-242-1235

Jawaan M. Taylor Proprietor

Wendy L. Taylor Owner/CEO

Jeremy L. Taylor, LFDE Owner/Funeral Director

1039 Harvin Way, Rockledge • 321-735-4008 • TaylorFHC.com

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

17

Happy

SUNDAY SUNDAY

MONDAY MONDAY

February TUESDAY TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

Join us at the Buckaroo Ball

Live and Silent Auction

Race Announcer Sheriff Wayne Ivey

Wild West Race

FRIDAY FRIDAY

SATURDAY SATURDAY

1

National National Fundraiser for Harmony Farms EquineBartender Day Freedom Day Assisted Therapy Program Beginner Bird Watching Tickets: www.HarmonyFarmsInc.com 8 - 10 a.m.

or call 321-631-9433 This is a free program

for all ages and ability levels. Bug spray and sun protection recommended.

Veterans Memorial Park 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy.

Merritt Island 321-455-1385

Sat, Feb. 8

6 pm Cocktails *Cash Bar, 7 pm Buffet Join the Senior Life publisher at this event!

Tickets $75, or $65 with table of 8.

Space Coast Conference Center, 301 Tucker Lane, Cocoa

2

Groundhog Day

Indiafest Color Run 3K 8 a.m.

The Color Run is designed to promote health and fitness in the community while showcasing the colorful Holi festival of India.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy 5625 Holy Trinity Drive Suntree indiafestbrevard.org

9

National Pizza Day

Sybil Gage in Concert 2 - 4 p.m.

Presented by the Space Coast Jazz Society.

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

16

3

Feed The Birds Day

4

5

6

7

12

13

14

Sweethearts Valentine Senior Life's Senior Dance Expo & Valentine's 7 p.m.

Party A concert presented by 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. the Melbourne Municipal Exhibitors, music, vow Band. renewals and flowers Eau Gallie Civic Center for the ladies.

1551 Highland Ave. Nyami Nyami Melbourne River Lodge 321-339-7705 8225 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-242-1235

Splash 2025 Feb 15 and Feb. 16 Brevard’s largest display and sale of original watercolor paintings.

AZAN Shriners Center 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd.

Melbourne 321-259-5302

18

19

20

National Love Your Pet Day

22

25

26

27

National Chili Day

National Thank a Mail Carrier Day

After the Dream: Indoor Walking Community Leaders 8 - 9 a.m.

Consortium Walk in the gym.

10 a.m.

55+ Club of Satellite Join us along with local Beach leaders, wealth builders, DRS Center entrepreneurs and 1089 S. Patrick Drive professionals from across Satellite Beach the state.

321-773-6458 Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Gentle Yoga Melbourne 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

321-294-3225 Titusville Public Library 2121 S. Hopkins Ave. Titusville, 321-264-5026

10

Discover Brevard: Space History with Randy Coppola 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

A multimedia presentation on Cape Canaveral's early rocket and missile history.

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

11

Bingo 1 - 3 p.m.

Italian American Club of South Brevard 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne 321-242-8044 Early Bird Trivia 4 - 6 p.m.

Free to play.

Pizza Gallery 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-633-0397

How to Right-Size 4 p.m.

Join local experts and discover tips for organizing and downsizing.

Shell Harbor 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge 321-252-1221

AARP Free Tax Prep 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

All counselors are IRS certified. All returns are verified for accuracy by a second certified counselor. RSVP required.

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

Nearly Diamond: Neil Diamond Tribute Show 3:30 - 5 p.m.

A free ticket is required.

Riverside Presbyterian Church 3400 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach 321-783-6085

17

Presidents' Day

The Legacy of the Estate Planning Seminar Our Diamond Moores 10 - 11 a.m.

Anniversary Concert 6 - 7 p.m.

Presented by William A. Feb. 19 and Feb. 20 Learn how the local civil Johnson, board certified 7 p.m. rights activists pioneered elder law attorney. RSVP Melbourne Municipal the movement and required.

Band is celebrating 60 paved the way for future One Senior Place years of music. leaders.

8085 Spyglass Hill Road Melbourne Auditorium Titusville Library Viera, 321-571-6771 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

2121 S. Hopkins Ave. Melbourne Titusville 321-724-0555 321-264-5026

23

24

National Tortilla Chip Day

National Tootsie Roll Day

Pollinator Fair 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Presented by the Garden Club by the Sea. Experience the world of pollinators and interact with birds, beads, bats, butterflies and plants that support the local ecosystem. Nance Park 201 N. Miramar Ave. Indialantic, sbgca.org

Bone Builders 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Delay or prevent osteoporosis with gentle exercises using light hand weights. Geared toward seniors.

Cocoa Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-806-3796

Sit and Get Fit 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge 321-631-7549 Bingo 10 a.m.

Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne 321-255-4494

18 SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

Helpful Pharmacy Tips for Seniors 1 - 2 p.m.

An insightful workshop with pharmacist Jason Zealy. RSVP. The Brennity 7300 Watersong Lane Viera, 321-253-7440

Third Thursdays 5 - 8 p.m.

Live music, complimentary snacks in Central Park.

The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390

8

Brevard’s Children Buckaroo Ball and Families in Need 6 p.m.

Designer Purse Bingo Annual fundraiser for 5:30 p.m.

Harmony Farms. Cash Play bingo with a twist bar, buffet, live and silent for a chance to win a auction and dancing. Wild designer purse.

West Race with Space Coast Association race announcer Sheriff of Realtors Wayne Ivey.

2950 Pineda Plaza Way Space Coast Palm Shores Convention Center 321-242-2211 301 Tucker Lane Cocoa, 321-631-9433

Valentine's Day

21

National Caregivers Day

National Margarita Day

Alura Classic Car Show 10 a.m.

Car show and live music.

Alura Senior Living 777 Roy Wall Blvd.

Rockledge, 321-549-3980 Flutie 5K Run/Walk for Autism Awareness 8 a.m.

DRS Center 1089 S. Patrick Drive Satellite Beach runsignup.com

Gastropalooza V 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Food, music and a chef showdown.

28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159

28

15

Every Day is Tax Preparation Space Coast Porsche Veterans Day 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Happy Hour 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Sign up to receive a tax 4 - 6 p.m. information packet.

Craft cocktails, appetizers A special event honoring area veterans.

Palm Bay Senior Center and some amazing Presented by 1275 Culver Drive NE automobiles.

One Senior Place.

Palm Bay, 321-724-1338 28 North Gastropub Space Coast Center for 2250 Town Center Ave. Bocce Collaboration Viera, 321-241-1159 9 a.m.

1100 U.S. Highway 1 Open to the public.

Rockledge Italian American Club 321-339-0551 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne 321-242-8044

myseniorlife.com

Indiafest delivers burst of color, culture, celebrations of India

BY R. NORMAN MOODY Indiafest once again will celebrate the culture, music and traditional cuisine of India. The 28th annual Indiafest brings the colorful Indian heritage, customs and traditions to Wickham Park in Melbourne.

The festival, on March 8 and 9, usually draws about 8,000 to 10,000 people during the two-day event.

“I never dreamt it would grow this big,” said Nina Gadodia, the festival’s founder and chair. “Our community has been good. They have received us with open arms.”

The theme this year is Festivals of India, a celebration of several festivals held each year in different regions of India.

Gadodia said Indiafest will highlight five or six — Festival of Lights, Holi, which is the Festival of Colors, and Durga Puga festival, among others.

A different theme each year makes it fresh for repeat festival participants.

Visitors to the festival are encouraged to go to the discovery booth to learn about the different festivals and about India.

Gadodia said there is so much to see, experience and enjoy at the festival each year.

Indiafest was started 30 years ago, but was not held during two years—once because of hurricanes and another because of the Covid pandemic.

The festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 8 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 9.

Admission is $8 for adults; $4 for

Society’s art show brings talent, exhibit of watercolor

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Indiafest

The Indiafest organizers offer a different theme each year to educate people about the diverse culture of India. children younger than 12. Children who are five years old or younger are admitted free of charge. Proceeds from the festival are donated to various charities.

Indiafest has donated more than $1.4 million to charities and to assist with disaster relief efforts.

Indiafest will bring cultural shows, traditional Indian cuisine, a fashion show, music, Henna, arts and crafts, yoga demonstrations and a raffle.

The festival celebrates India and is for the entire community of Brevard County to enjoy.

“It’s a community affair,” Gadodia said. “It is wonderful. Everybody loves the celebration.” SL

Quality legal services with a Compassionate Touch for you and your family

BY BETTY PORTER Brevard Watercolor Society’s annual “Splash of Watercolor” Art Show will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 15 and 16 at the Azan Shriners Center at 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd.

The theme of this year’s Splash Watercolor art show is “Heart of Watercolor” and will feature what might be the largest exhibit and sale of watercolor paintings in Brevard County.

Nearly 100 local artists, many who have state and nationally acclaimed works, will be participating. In addition, student artwork from local colleges and high schools will be presented.

The show is open to the public with free admission and free parking.

“The first show that we gave a name to — Splash of Watercolor, an ARTragious Event — was held at the Cocoa Civic Center in 2000,” longtime BWS member Therese Ferguson, said. She currently serves as Art and Education chair.

More information is available on the website brevardwatercolorsociety. org.

For more information about “Splash of Watercolor” Art Show 2025, contact lbgriffi88@att.net. SL Read the full article at myseniorlife. com.

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Indiafest

Colorful outfits are always prevalent at the Indiafest held at Wickham Park.

William A. Johnson has been a Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law Attorney for 19 years and has more than 32 years of experience serving Brevard County.

We are here to help!

321-253-1667

Expert, Reputable, and Trusted Experienced Estate & Trust Planning William A. Johnson is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys. Two-time Member of the Year for Florida Bar Elder Law Section.

William A. Johnson 2024 Brevar d

Stop in for a free copy of our 2024 Florida Long Term Care & Nursing Home Answer Book

FloridaElderLaw.net

County Edi tion

The Flor Long Term ida & Nursin Care gH e Answer B om ook™

5.375x8.375_W

J_PA_Tip-in_20

24.indd

1

3/16/24

9:31 PM

WILLIAM A. JOHNSON, P.A. ELDER & ESTATE LAW OFFICE

140 Interlachen Rd., Suite B, Melbourne SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

19

CROSSWORD

Solution on page 26 © Lovatts Puzzles

33. Tears 37. Commend a G.I. 38. Cause of waste?

39. Backyard tree dangler 40. Memory stirrers 42. Comic-strip wife 43. Facilitates 44. Starter’s need 45. Ahead of the bell 48. Was out of sight?

49. Boot camp truant 50. Greens 57. Matter of interest?

58. Of higher rank than 59. Bolivian beast 60. Fox or turkey chaser?

61. Having no loose ends?

62. Urchin 63. His partner 64. Benevolent order 65. Hub for United DOWN

ACROSS 1. Water collection areas 6. Birdhouse nester 10. Burns up the telephone line 14. Columbia catch

15. Lifted, as an anchor 16. Dash of panache 17. Athenian square 18. Old World wild goat 19. Bailiff’s request 20. Indignant displeasure

22. Apportion (out) 23. Dow Jones listings (abbr.)

24. Like some points 25. More of a busybody 29. Fever or cruiser preceder 32. Heroic narratives

1. Award of merit 2. Do more than ask 3. Calls from the field 4. Unblemished 5. Golf coach’s concerns 6. Instincts sometimes indulged 7. Choir member’s outerwear 8. Without bumps 9. Cry to the queue

10. Sprouts 11. Xenophobe’s thorn 12. Cookbook instruction 13. Ugly expression 21. Geologic feature 24. Christmas staple 25. Head turner?

26. Early Ron Howard role 27. Developer’s concern 28. Bits of hail 29. Detective’s load 30. Circus lineup 31. Bonnet invader 33. Placid, for example 34. Commit a pinball foul 35. Deducer’s word 36. Playful pinniped 38. Isn’t out of 41. Verbalize 42. Spanish nobleman 44. Cherry center 45. Inheritance of the meek 46. Not in the dark?

47. Palindromic spinner 48. Chisholm Trail sights 50. November exhortation 51. Good competition 52. Computer whiz 53. Far from thrilling 54. “Lost Horizon” figure 55. Bahrain bigwig 56. Fit to be tried?

(321) 616-8790

20 SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

Toll-free (800) 742-0060 BuenaVidaEstates.org • 2129 West New Haven Avenue West Melbourne, FL 32904 Entrance on Doherty Drive

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

myseniorlife.com

The most anticipated event of the year!

Presenting Sponsor

Powered by

Senior News & Expo Company

myboomerguide.com

! t es F r e m o Bo S PAC E C OA S

T

BOOMER SENIOR EXPO

Friday, March 14 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Visit all the rooms — Exhibitors, Music & Entertainment Seminar Hub

30-minute seminars Scams, Safety, Wellness, Legal, Day Trips

Exhibit Hall

Exhibitors Coffee Bar Mini Lunch at 11:30am

Expo Hall/Gym

Exhibitors Demonstrations Pickleball class, Gardening and more Dessert Bar 12:40

Pick up your new 2025 Boomer Guide at this EXPO! Who will be the 2025 cover model?

Free Admission Free Parking

Check event updates at myseniorlife.com and boomerseniorexpo.com.

Forester Recreation Center 960 Cogswell Street, Rockledge

Volunteers bringnew facility in the center of Brevard County Brand

love and light.

Enter for a chance to WIN the Grand Prize Gold Sponsors

Exhibitors

St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care is Brevard County’s only independent nonprofit hospice provider.

Consider volunteering with us to help serve our community. From shopping help or card writing to simply taking time to sit and talk, volunteers provide the love and light our neighbors need.

Visit reflectionslsc.org/volunteering or call 321-269-4240 today.

BOOMERSENIOREXPO.COM 321-242-1235

Jill Wittamore Medicare Made Easy

Call 321-242-1235 or email media@bluewatercreativegroup.com

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

21

TIME TO TRAVEL

Gainesville

Florida Museum is a top jewel of the state’s natural history

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

There is no better place to connect with Florida’s earliest residents than at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. But you better hurry, or you may have to wait for this fascinating — and free — museum at the University of Florida.

It will temporarily close March 24 for several months as it undergoes a $30 million expansion project.

“What a great place to spend the afternoon!

I could have spent my entire day there!”

Kat Sheppard, visitor The project was slated to start in January but was postponed, giving visitors a few more weeks to catch up with a museum that is considered one of the nation’s top five natural history museums.

“A new interactive exhibit space will focus on the Thompson Earth Systems Institute and will help Floridians to become good stewards of the state’s natural heritage,” the communications manager Kaitlin Gardiner said.

Even without the refresh, there is plenty to see right now.

SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg

The Florida fossils gallery at the Florida Museum of Natural History displays specimens of Florida’s earliest residents.

“Lifelong learners can enjoy hundreds of live butterflies in the award-winning Butterfly Rainforest

Discover...

The True Worth of Your Jewelry!

Professional appraisals by a GIA Graduate Gemologist Specialists in antique, vintage, and modern jewelry Accurate, timely, and confidential expertise Trusted liquidation services to maximize your returns

Turn your treasures into opportunities.

Contact Peter IndorfCreative for yourGroup free consultation Bluewater - 2024 - Issue today!

12

321-914-0118

www.jewelryappraisal-liquidation.com

1103 West Hibiscus Blvd | Suite 307B | Melbourne, FL 32901

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

7 1 4

1 8 3 9

5

6

4 2 6

HOW TO SOLVE:

4 7

9 2

4 7 1 5

Copyright 2024 by The Puzzle Syndicate

7 9 3 2

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

(Answer appearson elseSolution wherepage in this26 issue)

22 SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

exhibit, witness a South Florida Calusa Indian welcoming ceremony, ride in a simulated glass-bottom-boat theater, experience a life-size limestone cave and enjoy fossil skeletons, including a mammoth and mastodon from the last Ice Age,” Gardiner added.

The charms of the place are many, starting in the lobby, where visitors can interact with a baby mastodon and his mom, as well as with a rather energetic sabertoothed cat. OK, these are virtual cavorts that unite humans with digitally created animals romping in the massive screen that greets visitors, but they are nevertheless SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg a magnet for young and old.

The Megatooth Shark, such as this fossil Galleries explore the many found in the St. Johns River is extinct. It facets of the state’s natural frequented the state’s waterways 6 to 11.6 history, from fossils such as the million years ago.

15,000-year-old mastodon found in the sediment of the Aucilla butterflies, finches and quail in a River to the people of South lush tropical garden punctuated Florida and their relationship with by cascading waterfalls. Adjoining the environment. Here, visitors the Rainforest are thousands of walk along a boardwalk through a Lepidoptera species on the Wall of mangrove forest, travel underwater Wings and scientists can be spotted to view larger-than-life marine busy at work in the Butterfly Rearing creatures, visit the house of a Calusa Lab. leader and more.

“What a great place to spend the Additional exhibits focus afternoon!” visitor Kat Sheppard on energy consumption and said.

“I could have spent my entire conservation, discuss current day there!” museum and UF research initiatives The Florida Museum forms and showcase plants species and part of the University of Florida’s their fossil ancestors. In the Water Cultural Plaza at 3215 Hull Road Shapes Florida gallery, visitors “ride” in Gainesville.

Museum hours are on a glass-bottom boat and walk 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through through a hammock forest, among Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. other activities as they learn about Sunday.

Admission is free, although the state’s most important natural there is a charge for the Butterfly resource.

Rainforest.

The jewel in the museum’s crown For more information, visit is the screened outdoor Butterfly floridamuseum.ufl.edu.

SL Rainforest, home to hundreds of

myseniorlife.com

Brevard volunteers at recruitment event answer call to serve

BY SUSAN M. HOUTS A volunteer recruitment event highlighted a diverse range of opportunities, catering to various interests and skills, drew community members eager to give back.

The inaugural Brevard County Volunteer Recruitment Event, hosted

by Assisting Hands Home Care in collaboration with the City of West Melbourne Recreation Department, Vitas Healthcare, YourLife Memory Care and Atlantic Shores Nursing and Rehab, brought together 18 organizations seeking volunteers to enhance their operations, marketing and community programs.

The South Brevard Sharing Center was onsite recruiting volunteers for its thrift store, food pantry and mentoring programs. The Brevard Zoo’s Restore Our Shores initiative sought individuals to support critical environmental projects — from planting oyster mats to improve the Indian River Lagoon to collecting environmental data. Meanwhile, the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation highlighted its need for volunteers to assist with Joe’s Club Day programs and provide much-needed respite care for Alzheimer’s caregivers by offering companionship and supervision in homes.

Vitas Healthcare showcased its wide range of opportunities, including spending time with hospice patients, creating quilts and crafting Memory Bears. For those seeking more adventurous roles, the Florida Wildlife Hospital appealed to animal lovers

SENIOR LIFE Susan M. Houts

Patti-Anne Crowell, left, of Sarah Care and Karen Wundeland of Helping Seniors of Brevard were pleased with the volunteer recruitment event. with opportunities, including cleaning habitats and walking tortoises.

Community member Barbara McLarnan attended the event to explore volunteer opportunities.

“I’ve been retired for two years and have finally finished all my house projects,” she said. “My husband is still working and I wanted to find a meaningful way to give back.”

Ivey Gonzalez, the special populations coordinator for the City of West Melbourne, emphasized the importance of volunteerism.

“We organized this event to connect the community with organizations that need support and to give those organizations a platform to recruit the volunteers they so desperately need,” she said.

SENIOR LIFE Susan M. Houts

Volunteer recruiter Karla Davis from the Brevard Association of the Blind explains volunteer opportunities to an attendee of the Volunteer Recruitment Fair.

Volunteering is not limited to retirees.

“We have a volunteer whose workplace allows her four hours a month to volunteer on the clock,” said Karla Davis, a representative for the Brevard Association for the Advancement of the Blind. “Many organizations have flexible time commitments, so even if you only have a few hours a month, there’s a place for you to serve.”

For attendee Jill Higgins, volunteering is a family tradition.

“My parents and uncle instilled in me that as a Christian, serving others is what we do until we no longer can,” she said.

The event was such a success that participating organizations are already planning future recruitment events throughout Brevard County, aiming to inspire more individuals to lend a helping hand. SL

AL 11595

Experience Senior Living 321-242-1235

BrennityMelbourne.com

321.415.9446

7300 Watersong Ln., Melbourne, FL 32940

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

23

NORTH BREVARD

News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John

Titusville City Council member connects with community over coffee

BY FLORA REIGADA Coffee and Conversation offers questions and answers on city issues and a chat with a Titusville City Council member in a casual setting.

Of all the questions her constituents asked new Titusville City Council member Megan Moscoso, her favorites are about her family.

On her Facebook page, she refers to herself as Wife, Mom and Titusville City Council Member.

“I’m mom to two wonderful children, ages seven and 11 and wife to Cristian, a local pastor,” she said. A dog and a cat that don’t get along complete the family.

As a council member, her main focus is Megan Moscoso listening to residents.

Toward that goal, Moscoso recently hosted a Coffee and Conversation event at the Sunrise Bread Company in Downtown Titusville. While speaking with her constituents, she enjoyed a latte and half of a pumpkin muffin.

“It went well. About 12 people attended. They asked questions about things that affect our daily lives, such as trash being dumped on the side of the road,” she said. “They also raised concerns about clean water.”

Moscoso’s goals include working

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Megan Moscoso

New Titusville City Council member Megan Moscoso hosted a Coffee and Conversation event at the Sunrise Bread Company in Downtown Titusville to get acquainted with her constituents’ concerns. on restoring the Indian River Lagoon and updating infrastructure.

“But first, I want to make sure I’m hearing the concerns of our citizens,” she said.

According to Ziyandra Nwa of Titusville, that was accomplished.

“It was very informative to know how your neighbors view the city,” she said. “This inviting, warm and personal way to get information out

was much-needed.”

Moscoso said she encourages town halls and citizen participation, support for local businesses, sustainable development and building a future that balances growth with environmental responsibility.

“We need to ensure our streets and homes are safe for everyone,” she said. “Join me in making these goals a reality.”

The Coffee and Conversation meetings are a part of that and others are in the works.

“They are a great opportunity to come together and have open, honest conversations about how we can improve our city collectively,” Moscoso said.

Watch for updates on her Facebook page, Megan Moscoso Titusville City Council Member. SL

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 1940s

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the Brevard County Historical Commission

Melbourne Naval Station Recreation Hall In 1942, Melbourne was chosen as a site for a pilot training base for the U.S. Navy. The large building with a curved roof housed recreation facilities for the base.

24 SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

Now 2025

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

Tropical Haven Community Center What was once the Melbourne Naval Station Recreation Hall is now the Community Center for the Tropical Haven residential community. It was built at the former Melbourne Naval Station.

myseniorlife.com

Family, friends, neighbors unite to celebrate Kubel’s 101st birthday

BY SUSAN M. HOUTS

attack on Pearl Harbor The Great Room of the Parasol 55in December plus community in Melbourne filled 1941, with laughter, love and admiration as Stanley resident Louise Kubel celebrated her enlisted in 101st birthday. the Army Friends, neighbors and family, Air Corps including five of Kubel’s seven and served children, eight of her 15 grandchildren, in World and three of her five greatWar II, Louise Kubel grandchildren from across the country supplying gathered Saturday, Jan. 11 to honor the fuel to the Flying Tigers in China. beloved centenarian.

Upon his return, the couple Originally from New Bedford, married and raised seven children Massachusetts, Kubel shared an in New Bedford and then Lakeville, extraordinary love story with her late Massachusetts. husband, Stanley, spanning 80 years.

“They were always together,” said She fondly recalled meeting him at a grandson Derek Moore. “She made wedding in April 1941 when she was most of the decisions; Stanley trusted 17. her completely.”

“My friend Elsie asked me to go Kubel’s family remembers her as with her, and I didn’t want to. But the calm, steady heart of their home. when she asked again, I grabbed my “My favorite memories are of jacket, and we walked to the venue.

Christmas Eve,” daughter Janice There, I saw a young man doing pullGallagher said. “She hosted a house ups on a pipe. He smiled at me and full of family, kept everything spotless later he found me on the dance floor and then began to prepare another and asked me to dance.” feast first thing Christmas morning.

Though Stanley wasn’t a strong We never saw her stressed or ruffled.” dancer, Louise let him walk her home.

Granddaughter Alicia Porter called From that night on, he visited her Louise and Stanley Kubel’s home daily. the “center of our ecosystem,” adding, They began dating and after the “Their house was my second home.”

Four local candidates vie for Florida House, others seek moves

BY CHRIS BONANNO Four Republican candidates are among those vying for the District 32 state representative seat now held by Debbie Mayfield.

Brevard County School Board member Matt Susin is one of the four Republican candidates seeking the position — Terrence A. Cronin Jr., Brian Hodgers and Robert William White are the others. Susin must resign from the school board to run in the election, according to Chris Muro, an associate professor in political science at Eastern Florida State College.

Mayfield, who was still listed as the District 32 incumbent, has announced her intention to run for Florida Senate District 19, which is held by Randy Fine, who is resigning to run for Congress. A special election must be held for the seat Fine is vacating.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has set a special election to fill the District 19 seat, which Mayfield will seek. The special primary election for the State Senate District 19 and House seat District 32 is set for April 1, with the special election on June 10.

“Florida is one of only five states that has adopted a ‘resign-to-run’ law, requiring current officeholders to resign from their elected positions before they can qualify for another seat,” Muro said in an email to Viera Voice.

“Florida Statute 99.012 requires this for elected as well as appointed positions.

Since only five states have adopted this provision, it is safe to say that the idea has not been seen as a necessary reform. There has been some recent attention given to the statute, due to Gov. DeSantis’ bid for the Republican nomination for president. The Florida Legislature passed a clarification in 2023 stating that the governor did not have to resign to seek the nomination.”

Muro said the process to fill a school

321-242-1235

board seat in the event a member resigns is left to the governor.

“There is no standard amount of time in which the seat must be filled. Florida law simply states that all school board vacancies shall be filled by the governor,” Muro said.

“Florida’s governor has broad powers of appointment and removal for numerous elected officials, except for members of the judicial branch.”

Fine, who was elected to be state senator in District 19 in November, is seeking a U.S. House of Representatives seat in a district that encompasses an area north and west of Brevard County. SL

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

Among the guests celebrating Louise Kubel’s 101st birthday were eight of her 15 grandchildren and three of her five great-grandchildren.

The couple moved to Florida in 2006 to be closer to eldest daughter Patricia Moore-Carroll, who lives in Brevard County.

Stanley Kubel died in 2021 at 99.

Kubel credits her long, fulfilling life and marriage to her faith and good nutrition, with her family recalling the organic garden Stanley Kubel tended long before it became popular.

Neighbors at Parasol admire Kubel’s resilience and kindness. A woman living life on her own terms, her motto, “Don’t give up — even when things are hard,” continues to inspire.

As Kubel embarks on her 102nd year, her legacy of love, faith and family shines brightly, touching all who know her. SL

The Murtha Law Group, PA Kevin M. Murtha

Attorney and Counselor at Law

Serving Brevard County · Estate Planning · Wills · Trusts · Probate · Family Law 7351 Office Park Place Melbourne 32940

KMurtha@MurthaLaw.us

321.600.4989

Trusted Legal Advice

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

25

4

7 9

2

Challenges of Living to Age 100 Ed Baranowski doses. Then, there are the over-thecounter (OTC) meds. Be sure to tell your primary care doctor about what you use.

The cover story of the AARP bulletin (November 2024) dealt with “The Future of Aging.” It focuses on medical breakthroughs that will change the way time impacts our bodies, our minds and our lives. The challenges for seniors and providers: prevent, eliminate, regenerate and fix.

Innovations like the DaVinci surgery system, orthoscopic procedures, imaging and collaboration of engineers and medical professionals help prolong our good health and wellness. Toss the canes and walkers, get a new hip joint or new knee joint and be on the move in a few days.

Scientists and doctors continue to be challenged to find remedies and healthy solutions to help seniors thrive well beyond age 100. SL Ed Baranowski is an awardwinning writer, artist, speaker and seminar leader. He lives in Melbourne and can be contacted at fast75sr@ gmail.com.

4 7 1 5

7 9 3 2

Copyright 2024 by The Puzzle Syndicate

Puzzle on page 20

Solution to Sudoku:

SUDOKU

More than 70 years ago, I had a little black book that had addresses and phone numbers with names of girls. Now, my iPhone list has most names that end with MD. When I was a child, Dr. Kaye took care of our medical needs, including house calls.

Now you can use portals, Tel-A-Med or an online nurse.

When I moved to Melbourne 20 years ago, I had to find a primary care doctor and specialists for different body parts. For years, my primary care doctor removed wax accumulations from my ears. Now, I had to go to an ear, nose and throat specialist. When a senior told her dermatologist about a discoloration in the nail of a big toe, he said, “I don’t do feet.” A quick visit to a foot and ankle specialist revealed cancer under the nail. The toe was amputated.

Medical services and health care are currently in the news for many reasons. Many news sources have focused on “Why does health care cost more in America?” Blame goes beyond insurance companies.

Hospitals, clinics and urgent care centers are for-profit businesses.

Many health plans suggest using the mail order prescription system.

What if you have a mailbox at the curb in a cluster at the condo where heat can impact the medications? Another challenge is “Did I remember to take my pills and shots?” Partners may remind each other, but living alone may create a different challenge.

Develop your own system — different colored pill boxes for a.m. and p.m.

CROSSWORD

Changes, challenges could lead to healthier living to 100

9 7 2 1 3 5 4 6 8 6 4 5 8 7 2 9 3 1 8 1 3 9 6 4 2 5 7 1 5 9 7 2 6 3 8 4 4 2 6 3 8 1 7 9 5 7 3 8 4 5 9 6 1 2 2 8 4 6 1 3 5 7 9 5 6 7 2 9 8 1 4 3 3 9 1 5 4 7 8 2 6 Puzzle on page 25

HISTORIC TITUSVILLE MAIN STREET

Brevard’s Premier Senior Retirement & Assisted Living Communities

A

Alura Senior Living

B

Shell Harbor

C

Indian River Colony Club

D

The Brennity at Melbourne

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

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

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR STATION

2855 Murrell Road, Rockledge 32955 321-252-1221 ShellHarborRetirement.com 1936 Freedom Drive, Viera 32940 321-255-6000 ColonyClub.com 7300 Watersong Lane, Viera 32940 321-253-7440 BrennityMelbourne.com

E

Chateau Madeleine

F

Buena Vida Estates

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

A B

D

C E

Patrick Space Force PATRICK Base AIR

FORCE BASE

Palm Shores MELBOURNE AIRPORT

F

These are the top senior living facilities on the Space Coast. All of these wonderful places offer amenites to live a comfortable life in retirement.

26 SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

myseniorlife.com

1981 Excalibur Roadster

Owner: Melvin Mills

This 1981 Excalibur Roadster is one of only 37 made that year. It has a 305 cubic-inch GM engine and a GM 400 automatic transmission. Melvin Mills, a Viera resident, has owned the vehicle for only a few weeks. He also owns four other antique cars. .

Market Square Market Square Market Square

Classifieds For Sale • Wanted Senior Services • Employment Real Estate • Rentals And more

Call today 321-242-1235 Deadline is the 12th of the month

Sell your home for only

2% Commission

Why pay more?

321-344-4309 | FLLifeRealty.net

321-344-4309 • Art Davis, Broker ArtEDavis@gmail.com ArtEDavis@gmail.com

ANTIQUES

Randy’s Pressure Washing

The Hurri“cano” Solution to your pressure cleaning need

WANTED TO BUY

Mildew & Rust Removal

High prices paid!

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

Free Immunization Assessment by our Pharmacy Team

Residential Services

Commercial Services

• Driveways & Sidewalks

• Homeowner Associations

• Pool Enclosures • Patios, Fences, Walls • Soffits & Gutters

• Buildings • Parking Lots • Common Areas

• Houses, Mobile Homes

Special pricing available for bundles of 2 or more services Make your immunization make a world of difference.

Shingles, pneumonia, and more available now!

FREE AT HOME VALUATIONS Over 25 Years’ Experience in Antiques

321-634-2647

321-242-1235

Seniors Day is the first Tuesday of each month. *20% off Regular Price Merchandise with bonus points 55+ with Balance Reward Card *Some restrictions apply

Happy Valentines Day 321-794-5168 FREE ESTIMATES

Celebrating 25 Years Serving Central Brevard RandysPressureWash@att.net Randy Cano, Owner – Viera, Florida – Licensed & Insured

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

27

Buy 1 Get 10% OFF or Buy 2 Get 20% OFF Plus FREE Installation

Get 10% off any order of $1,000 or more. 20% off two or more Closets or Garage Centers of $3,000 or more.

Not valid with any other offer. Expires Feb. 28, 2025

28 SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2025

myseniorlife.com