AWARD-WINNING NEWSPAPER
Volume 19 Number 11
OF FLORIDA
March 2016
myseniorlife.com
Whirly-Girl promotes helicopter aviation opportunities for women Page 10
FEATURES
Shalom Dancers plan trip to Cocoa’s sister city Page 3
SENIOR LIFE George White
Sheryl Alberga enjoys sharing her knowledge during her Downtown Melbourne History-Eco Walking Tour.
Historical walk reveals secrets of Melbourne BY ELIZABETH STUMP Looking for an adventure in Melbourne? Check out the Downtown Melbourne History-Eco Walking Tour, operated by Melbourne History Eco Tours, LLC. “Melbourne has a beautiful, historic downtown, but most people don’t know any of the history behind it,” said Sheryl Alberga, who started the walking tours a year ago. “I
Page 13
thought an ongoing walking tour was needed downtown as an added activity for shoppers and restaurant-goers.” Alberga, who has been the chairperson of the Melbourne Beach History Center for 14 years, is well-versed in Melbourne history. Official town historical books serve as
CITY TOUR
continued on page 11
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Retired teacher promotes theater in Barefoot Bay
Local doctor improves lives through volunteer work Page 24
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time machine In March ...
Hoover Dam was officially turned over to the federal government on March 1, 1936.
On March 5, 1936, the Supermarine Spitfire, a British single-seat fighter aircraft, flew for the first time.
President Grant signed the The Yellowstone Act of 1872 into law on March 1, 1872, designating 1,221,773 acres of land in the future states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho as a public “pleasuring-ground,” to be preserved “from injury or spoilation, of all timber, mineral deposits, natural curiosities, or wonders within.”
Florida became the 27th state on March 3, 1845.
Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco Bay closed on March 21, 1963. The Federal Bureau of Prisons opened it as a highsecurity facility in 1934 and it housed many of America’s most notorious criminals.
The Eiffel Tower was dedicated in Paris on March 31, 1889. Gustave Eiffel, the tower’s designer, led the ceremony.
On March 29, 1848, an ice jam stopped the flow of Niagara Falls.
The Mir Russian space station ended its low-earth orbit when it splashed down in the South Pacific on March 23, 2001.
PHOTOS Shutterstock.com: Yellowstone, dgrilla; Hoover Dam, Timothy O’Leary; Florida postcard, Callahan; Spitfire, kamilpetran; Alcatraz, Anton Ivanov; Mir, Pavel L Photo; Niagara, Josef Hanus; Eiffel Tower, Hein Nouwens
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SENIOR LIFE
• MARCH 2016
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Sister city relationship thrives in Brevard County BY MARY BROTHERTON The 28th annual Jewish Heritage Festival, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Brevard, is scheduled for on Sunday, March 13 at Melbourne Auditorium. The sister city program of Cocoa will have a booth at the festival. Sister city relationships are designed to create greater cultural knowledge, which leads to better diplomacy. The city of Cocoa led the way in establishing a mutually beneficial relationship between Florida residents and Beit Shemesh, a city in Israel, when Cocoa adopted its sister city in October 2007. This was an effort to connect all of Brevard County to America’s only democratic ally in the Middle East, though the relationship had begun a few years earlier through the efforts of Central Life Church’s Rev. Ron Shelton.
SENIOR LIFE Photos
Shalom Dancers Alina Bonventre, Stephanie Hoffmanns, Hannah Crytzer, Elizabeth Newmeyer and guest dancer Susan Smith. plan to visit Israel in December.
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Hannah Crytzer, right, practices her dance routine with Alina Bonventre, Elizabeth Newmeyer, Stephanie Hoffmanns and Mikael Maynard.
Peace Ambassadors by some in the program. “We are hoping to secure a cost of around $2,000 per person. This price is much lower than other trips because we will be staying with host families in our sister city,” Mardirosian said. “We, here in Brevard, did the same thing for them when a Beit Shemesh delegation visited Florida a few years ago. We have eight young women we want to sponsor and are seeking donations to make this possible.” For almost 10 years, Cocoa’s sister city program has worked with children in schools and community programs utilizing technology, arts, literature and sports to help raise the next generation of peacemakers. For more information or to make a donation, call 321-536-0908. SL
With the help of Bridges for Peace, Christians who support Israel and build relationships between Christians and Jews, Shelton led a group to Israel JUST THE FACTS where they met with representatives of Beit Shemesh. 28th annual Jewish Kathy Mardirosian, a member of Heritage Festival the original sister city founding team, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday, March 13 said, “For me personally, the sister city $5/adults. Children under 13/free program has provided a very tangible Melbourne Auditorium way for me to bless Israel and to 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne teach other people in our community 321-951-1836 about how much we have in common with the people of Israel. This is a community-wide endeavor. It touches all lives as we seek to find ways to help one another, learn from one another and embark on new adventures together.” Theresa Miles and Mardirosian, a board member and the Sister City Program’s liaison with the city of Cocoa, founded the nonprofit ministry, Project: Restoration, which uses dance and interactive drama presentations. “We teach the Hebraic foundations of the Christian faith and support Israel and By Attorney the Jewish people,” TRUMAN SCARBOROUGH Mardirosian said. “We’ve had a dance 239 Harrison Street, Titusville, FL team since 2004.” For A Complimentary Copy The dance troupe, called Shalom Phone 321 267 — 4770 Dancers, is planning a trip to Israel in late December 2016. The group is also called
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NEW 2016 Boomer Guide is here!
BOOMER C E l E b r aT
2016 EDITIO N
5 HIk
I N g 10 Y E ars
BOOMER Young at h e
art Issue
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LOVE
Cruising? DO YOU sTI dream of Jean LL nie?
10 thANNUAL
DIRECTORY
CLUBs &
The Buzz ABo BUZZ ALDR uT IN
ACTIvITI
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Named the Best ART jOURN ALSenior Guide s for travelers 2015 Designated by NAMPA North America Mature Publishers Association
10th annual resource guide for Boomers and Seniors
Brevard’s Best Senior Resource
Pick up your copy at the following locations: • Titusville Public Library – 2121 S. Hopkins Ave. • Valiant Air Command 6600 Tico Rd., Titusville • Sunflower House – Merritt Square Mall • Freedom 7 Senior Center – 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd., Cocoa Beach
• Cocoa Beach Visitors Center – 8501 Astronaut Blvd., #4, Cape Canaveral • Cape Canaveral Library • One Senior Place, Viera • Viera Discovery Center, near Walmart Viera • Senior Life, 7630 N. Wickham Rd. #105, Viera
• Wickham Park Senior Center - 2785 Leisure Way • David Schechter Rec. Center, Satellite Beach • Palm Bay Senior Center – 1275 Culver Dr. NE • Inspired Living at Palm Bay, 350 Malabar Rd. • Health First Center for Family Caregivers 3661 S. Babcock St., Melbourne
For more information, call 321-242-1235
TheBoomerSeniorGuide.com
FROM THE
Publisher
It’s never too late or too early to strike a pose Last month, we had so much fun at our Senior Expo and the launch of our 2016 Boomer Guide. We’re already searching for our next exciting destination location. It won’t be long until we put out our annual call for models, so polish up your smiles and prepare to show us your good side. The expo was held at Space Coast Stadium, which reminds me that it’s now spring training time. This likely will be the last spring training for the Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium. The Brevard County Manatees also are offering a special for seniors you don’t want to miss. They begin play in April. It’s also time for spring break, so we’ll be seeing more young people in our neighborhoods, so be sure to watch out for pedestrians. Speaking of neighbors, this month, we have published a study conducted by our “neighbors on the other side of the pond” on page 11. I think you will enjoy not only reading about the study, but I hope you will take time to respond to our fun little questionnaire and send us your answers. Two months ago, when our ”Riddle Man” asked us to reach out to other readers to help him solve a problem that had puzzled him for 70 years, I didn’t expect the number of responses we received. So, this month, we have a follow-up article on page 14 based on those responses. I have a few surprises in store for you, too, but you’ll have to stay tuned in to read about some of them next month. Jill Blue-Gaines | jill@myseniorlife.com
Volume 19, Number 11 Senior Life of Florida 7630 N. Wickham Rd., #105 Viera, FL 32940 321-242-1235
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We encourage organizations to contact Senior Life by the 15th of each month prior with information and dates regarding upcoming community-oriented events by email and mail.
Feature Writers Ed Baranowski Mary Brotherton Mike Gaffey Sammy Haddad Lance Jarvis Jeff Navin Wendy Scheuring Maria Sonnenberg Elizabeth Stump John Trieste George White Linda Wiggins
New BOOMER Boomer BOOMER Guide 5 available now! C ElEb r aTI N g 10 YEars
2016 EDITION
Photographers Walter Kiely Bob Parente Darrell Woehler
Young at heart Issue
HIkINg hAvens
The Buzz ABouT BUZZ ALDRIN
10 thANNUAL DIRECTORY
Website Marc Rhodes, Cheryl Roe
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Senior Life of Florida is published on the first of each month. The entire contents of this newspaper are copyrighted by Senior Life of Florida with all rights reserved. Senior Life of Florida is not liable for errors or omissions in editorial, advertorial or advertising materials. Distribution of this newspaper does not constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.
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24 HEALTH & WELLNESS
• MARCH 2016
2/10/16 4:45 PM
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I ♥ my pet
Meet Otter
Happy Hour Every Day 4-7pm
Otter is an 11-month-old Chocolate Lab. Her hobbies are chewing, swimming, going out in the boat, licking faces and jumping on you. Her parents are Martha and Carl Johns of Cocoa.
Meet Hemi
Hemi is a 14-month-old feral cat rescue who now lives in Indialantic with his mom, Jennifer. He is a sweetheart who likes to play fetch and bite toes. Do you have the cutest pet in your neighborhood? Does your pet have a funny habit, a favorite toy? Include your pet in Senior Life’s I Love My Pet gallery. Email a photo aorlamp0303.a15 of your pet with its name and most endearing qualities to media@bluewatercreativegroup.com. aorlamp0303.a15 aorlamp0303.a15
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Friday, January 9, 2015 12:34:57 PM
D I V E I N & L IPage V E1 of 1 T H E A C T I V E L I FFriday, E SJanuary T Y9,L2015E12:34:57 PM YOU DESERVE! Page 1 of 1
Friday, January 9, 2015 12:34:57 PM
DIVE IN & LIVE THE ACTIVE LIFESTYLE DIVE IN & LIVE THE ACTIVE LIFESTYLE YOU DESERVE! YOU DESERVE!
Cocoa hosts 30th annual arts and crafts fair SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE The Historic Cocoa Village Association will host its 30th annual Fine Art & Craft Fair on Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7. Many of the participating artists and crafters will compete for more than $6,000 in cash and awards. Events begin on both days at 10 a.m. From 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Cocoa Civic Center, the public can view all items submitted for judging at a free reception with a cash bar. Visitors can listen to live music in the beer garden at the gazebo. Saturday’s entertainer will be Matt Rosman and Jessica Ottway will perform Sunday. Street entertainers will also be roaming. The Kids Zone provides a safe place for children to play. Nonprofit organizations will distribute information and promote their causes at booths provided at no cost, but any who want to sell art or handcrafted items must pay $30 for the booth space for the weekend. Call 321-631-9075 or go to VisitCocoaVillage.com for more information. SL
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Prices and availability subject to change without notice. All square footage dimensions are approximate. Subject to errors and omissions.
Cal-am Communities is a provider of housing for person age 55 and older. All permanent residents must be age qualified for occupency. *Proofs are displayed in low resolution and scaled to fit the page. Due to printing variables, ad proof is not an exact color match to how the ad will appear in the magazine. Prices and availability subjetct to change without notice. All square footage dimentsions are approximate. Subject to erros and omissions.
321-757-9205
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*Proofs are displayed in low resolution and scaled to fit the page. Due to printing variables, ad proof is not an exact color match to how the ad will appear in the magazine.
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500 Lantern Blvd. • Melbourne, FL 32934
Date
Our neighbors Merritt Island artist focuses on Florida’s beauty BY ELIZABETH STUMP Bonnie L. Butler isn’t your typical 61-year-old active grandmother. A resident of Merritt Island for more than 16 years, she’s also met many legendary Highwaymen artists, worked with one — R. L. Lewis — and continues to be a bustling painter of Florida tropical art. “I believe that the natural beauty of Florida should be maintained in my art,” Butler said. “I get my inspiration from Florida nature and the Highwaymen artists. It was my honor to work with and be mentored by Highwaymen artist R. L. Lewis for over eight years in his art gallery in Cocoa Village.” The Highwaymen artists were a group of African-American artists who originally sold their art along the highways of Florida in the 1950s and 1960s. Some, like Lewis, used to have their own art galleries, but most no longer paint. They are inducted in the Florida Art Hall of Fame in Tallahassee.
Butler paints at home these days in oil on canvas, depicting imagery like lighthouses, palm trees stretched over the water, hibiscus flowers and herons. “I first started out painting with my mother when I was 9 years old,” Butler said. She met Lewis in his art gallery in Cocoa Village in 2004 (now closed), when her sister purchased a painting from him. She began working at the art gallery a few days later, and also took classes from him, helped him teach other students, and attended art exhibits with Lewis. Now she’s considered one of their family, and still keeps in regular contact. Butler sells her works on eBay, at local auction houses and on her group page “Bonnie’s Art” on Facebook. She has also exhibited and sold her art at exhibits in Fort Pierce. To date, she has painted and sold more than 2,500 paintings. “I plan to stay here and open my own art gallery,” Butler said. “Mr. Lewis, his son and I are doing our best to keep art alive in Florida, and I plan not to ever let the beauty of Florida be taken for granted.” SL
Isle of Capri Casino Trip $45 - Wednesday, April 6th - Isle of Capri is a non-smoking casino - You will receive $10 free play and $4.00 off their buffet, your cost will be $14.59 per person for buffet and this is inclusive of tax and gratuity. Minimum of 35 needed for this trip, sign up by March 15th. Beautiful, the Carole King Musical $144 Saturday, May 7th - Tells the inspiring story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with husband Geoffrey Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writer and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Final payment due by March 15th, 2016. No extensions allowed. China Night at our office Thursday, March 24th, 6-7 pm - Thursday, March 24th, 6-7 pm. Come out and here about our escorted tours to China with Pacific Delight . Please RSVP by March 21st. Be sure toVisit checkour ourwebsite website for HOT DEALS or calltoday today Visit our website call to see our latest specials and ouror upcoming DAY TRIPS!
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Artist Bonnie L. Butler was mentored by Highwaymen artist R. L. Lewis.
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Whirly-Girl McColm works to promote helicopter aviation BY MARY BROTHERTON Laura McColm is a Whirly-Girl. Whirly-Girls International is a nonprofit, educational and charitable organization with more than 1,700 members from 44 countries who are dedicated to advancing women in helicopter aviation. Whirly-Girls, an official affiliate member of the Helicopter Association International, was founded in 1955 and promotes women in the helicopter industry. The Whirly-Girls Scholarship Fund administers various scholarships. McColm is the immediate past president for the Whirly-Girls and the group’s current webmaster. She earned her initial private helicopter rating in Oct. 2004 from what was, at that time, Helicopter Adventures Inc. in California. “Bristow Group bought Helicopter Adventures and another school named Vortex Helicopters in Louisiana, in 2007. I was hired on by Bristow as an instructor in 2008,” McColm said. Her early career was as a computer programmer, but she was hooked on flying helicopters after taking her first demo flight. She is currently one of several chief flight instructors at Bristow Academy in Titusville. “I guess one big difference for me, between my life as a programmer and
SENIOR LIFE Photos courtesy of Laura McColm
Laura McColm, right, earned her helicopter rating in California in 2004 and now works as a chief flight instructor at Bristow Academy in Titusville. mine now as a pilot,” McColm said, “is the difference in scale of potential consequences. As a programmer, if I made a big error, there could be delays, and possibly serious financial or legal implications. If I make an error now in
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my role as pilot, instructor and chief, people could die. That fact made me think long and hard about switching careers. Several friends of mine have died in helicopter crashes. And as one friend told me, ‘It’s a deadly serious industry.’ But the work is so meaningful to me through the WhirlyGirls, the 99s, and at Bristow.” The Spaceport 99s is a local chapter of The International Organization of Women Pilots, “the Ninety-Nines.” Thirteen women pilots chartered
the Spaceport 99s in 1964. Today, the organization has 64 female pilot members from Brevard County and surrounding areas. McColm said, “I love working with others, those interested in flying, or just starting out, or working in that first job, or experienced in the industry and working to make things better. I love making a positive impact. And if the work I do can help provide opportunities to others, help them make good decisions, help keep them safe in the air, then I’m on the right track. I just wish I had more time!” SL
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• MARCH 2016
Charming Residential Living with Weekly & Monthly Outings • Dining with Elegance • Assistance with Medication • Comparable Rates • Pets/Children Welcome • Three Delicious Hot Meals • Nintendo Wii • Laundry Care • Daily Walks as Tolerated • Rooms Internet/Cable ready • Socially Stimulating • Assistance with ADLs • Gardening • Sing-alongs • Trivia/Current Events • Assistance with Bathing • Holidays/Birthdays Celebrated 1971 Port Malabar Blvd. NE Palm Bay
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SENIOR LIFE Cory Davis
Sheryl Alberga discusses the history of the 100-room hotel built in 1924, which is now a business complex in Downtown Melbourne.
CITY TOUR
continued from page 1 references for the tour. Alberga has also worked in the environmental field in Brevard for 20 years, so she is familiar with the fauna, flora and Indian River Lagoon problems. This served as her inspiration for adding the eco portion of the tour. The tours last for one hour and can be tailored to seniors, adults and children. For example, in March, Alberga will conduct a tour for residents of Fountains Senior Living where she will shorten the walking time to accommodate the elderly, stopping for rest along the route. She tailors content slightly depending on the audience, speaking to seniors “more about the silent film actress Janet Gaynor than about Jim Morrison of The Doors.” The tours leave from Holmes Park,
914 E. Melbourne Ave., where manatee statues reside. The cost is $15 per adult and free for children younger than 12. There is a two-person minimum. “I have gotten very good feedback about this tour,” Alberga said. Here is just a sampling of the many questions that are addressed about the Indian River Lagoon and Melbourne during the tour: • What plants are invasive or medicinal? • Which plants were used in baby diapers and which were used as torches? • Where was the first downtown? • How can you help the Indian River Lagoon? • What happened to the piano player? • Who were the original settlers of Melbourne who arrived in 1867? For more information, go to MelbourneHistoryEcoTour.com, email historyeco@yahoo.com or call 321-609-0289. SL
Who is the best neighbor to have? According to a recent British study, people approaching middle age or beyond are far more likely to be helpful and friendly. The study showed people older than 45 are more likely to help their elderly neighbors with their shopping and check up on them daily. They also are more likely to know the names of all their neighbors. Dr. Sandi Mann, a behavioral psychologist from the University of Central Lancashire, said it was likely, “Due to the changes in the job market over the past 50 years, people often end up living significant distances away from their parents. However, as their parents age, the middle-aged neighbor is becoming increasingly worried about what might happen when their mum or dad needs help. This makes them more sensitive to the needs of vulnerable older neighbors who might also lack family close by; by keeping an eye out for them, they hope that others will do the same for their own parents in a neighborly ‘pay it forward’ scheme.”
This study made the staff at Senior Life curious. Do Brevard County residents feel the same way? We have created a fun questionnaire, based on the surveys conducted on the other “side of the pond” and would love to hear from our readers. Check all that apply.
qD o you check on neighbors if you have not seen them for a few days?
qH ave you ever shopped on behalf of neighbors? qD o you know your neighbors well enough to be on a first-name basis? qD o you feel responsible for keeping an eye on elderly neighbors?
qH ave you ever simply offered to keep a senior company during bad weather?
q Have you left a key with a neighbor or had a neighbor leave a key with you? qH ave you offered to help out a single parent with her children? qH ow many of your neighbors do you know by name?
qD o you feel comfortable borrowing a cup of sugar, milk or even a tool from your neighbor? qA re you comfortable asking the person next door to drive you somewhere when your car was out of order?
qA re you comfortable taking someone other than family or close friends with you in your car for an errand or to a doctor’s appointment? q If your toilet were out of order, would you ask to use your neighbor’s before driving to a public restroom?
qH ave you ever let your neighbor use your shower?
qH ow often do you talk with your neighbors? qD o you ever just chat with your neighbors?
Name: ____________________________________________________ Age: ______ Phone number: __________________________________ Please mail your responses to: Senior Life Survey, 7630 N. Wickham Rd., Suite 105, Viera, FL 32940 Your name will not be published
321-757-9205
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Sentiments If you could choose one superpower, what would it be? Photos by Walter Kiely & Bob Parente
Ranee Gill “If I had a superpower, I would like to have the ability to produce unlimited amounts of money, because then I would be able to help out all the animals in need inside all of the shelters, and that would make me feel good.”
Judy Johnson “If I had a superpower, I would want to have the superpower of compassion, being able to touch other people’s lives, and make a difference.”
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“For years I have been counseling my clients on the “Total Care” concept to address their concerns when a long term care situation arises. My“Total Care” approach means that I am able, through my close working relationships, to bring valuable professionals in the fields of accounting, tax, geriatrics, geriatric case management, long term care and finance to bear on your long term care problem. Combined with my legal expertise as a Florida Board Certified Elder Law attorney, I will provide you with a comprehensive plan for facing the future in uncertain times.”
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“If I could choose one superpower, it would be stretch power. If I had stretch power, I could reach things on the top shelf without having to ask somebody.”
Kathi Taylor “If I could have a superpower, I would like to have the power to touch everyone in one way or another so that they could be the best that they can be.”
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Bill Muckler “I am a super power. I am a U.S. Marine.”
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Snowbird makes the most of his time in Florida BY MUFFY BERLYN As writer and director at the Little Theater in Barefoot Bay since 2013, Richard Doyle has met many people. The theater’s 85 members and patrons live inside and outside Barefoot Bay. “I have always loved live theater,” Doyle said. “My great-uncle put on shows during the Great Depression and I think I may have inherited some of it from him. It’s fun and makes people smile when all goes well.” Doyle retired from Newburyport, a small coastal city in Massachusetts, where he had been a high school history and social studies teacher who was wrangled into leading his school’s theater arts class. “The students were very enthusiastic,” Doyle said. “The excitement in having all types of kids work together on a show makes everything worthwhile.” Under Doyle’s direction, the students performed 11 musicals and 14 plays, but when Doyle told the school superintendent something had to give, he was told, “If you don’t do it, nobody will.”
SENIOR LIFE Muffy Berlyn
Richard Doyle writes and directs at Barefoot Bay’s Little Theater.
“They had me over a barrel.” When he retired in 2002, he had nearly single-highhandedly helped build the theater program at the school. Two full-time theater teachers took his place. Doyle and his wife, Barbara, initially retired to the central west
LITTLE THEATER Little Theater began in 1984 with live performances in the spring and fall. If you’ve ever had a penchant to sing, dance or perform in front of a live audience, Little Theater is looking for new members, from inside and outside of Barefoot Bay. If you’d rather work behind the scenes, there is room for new members in props, ticket sales and backstage. Troupe meetings are from 7 to 9 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month in Building A from September through May. The current production, “This Land Is Your Land,” runs 7 to 9 p.m. March 2, 3, and 4 in Building A, Barefoot Blvd. in Barefoot Bay. For more information, call 772-202-4088 or 203-942-4190. SL
faces
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coast of Florida near St. Petersburg and Clearwater, where she had family. “It was too busy there,” Doyle said. “We had friends over here who said, ‘Why don’t you stop by Barefoot Bay?’ Eight years later, here we are!” Doyle retired as a snowbird, living six months in Florida and six months in New Hampshire. He has traveled extensively with his wife and is president of the Newburyport High School Alumni Association. In 2009, Doyle published his memoirs, “Winston Churchill was a Catholic Priest: Memoirs from ThirtySeven Years as a Public High School Teacher.” The title is a reference to a student’s answer.
“It started as a collection of funny answers to questions on tests,” Doyle said. “We’d sit there, teachers were correcting tests, and we’d be roaring with laughter. It started to expand beyond funny answers, to teaching as well as behind the scenes. True incidents of what we went through as a union. We walked into the classroom and never left. We chalked our way through the Vietnam War, the drug culture, political assassinations, riots and turmoil and came back for more each fall. We admired and emulated the older teachers and loved working with them. We had fun with the kids and enjoyed inspiring them to do well. You just have to keep moving forward.” SL
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Senior Life presents Is the dollar still missing after 70 years? emailed or handwrote letters and, although some shared similarities, the answers were quite different, yet almost all arrived at the same conclusion. This isn’t really a riddle. Some insist it’s a math problem that has been stated incorrectly. The puzzle directs readers to add, when subtraction is required. Others suggested a dollar isn’t missing, but only a penny hasn’t been accounted for, where some readers actually take that penny into account. One reader from Titusville wrote: “I have to admit that I had to read it about four times before it came to me. But Mr. Villoni is a master at the wordsmith’s equivalent of the hand is faster than the eye. In this case, the reader, if puzzled by this riddle, and I think most are at first glance, simply accepts what is written, the words, as being true and logical; but they, in fact, are not.” After he explained his version of the riddle, which involves subtraction, rather than addition, he wrote: “It really is a marvelous delusion of words created in much the same way as a magician creates an illusion with objects.”
BY MARY BROTHERTON The February issue of Senior Life created quite a stir among readers who read Lou Villoni’s riddle about three men who equally shared the expense of a hotel room, which posed the question, “What happened to the missing dollar?” Mr. Villoni has searched for the answer for more than 70 years and hoped Senior Life readers could help. Many readers called the office with their answers to the riddle, while others
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Another reader called it a matter of perspective. “The riddle is an ‘apples and oranges’ situation. This riddle is similar to holding up your two hands and asking someone how many fingers you have. You start by counting on your left hand … 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 and then you switch to the five fingers on your right hand and say 6 + 5 = 11.” Another reader exemplifies why Senior Life is such a successful publication. The paper does more than inform and entertain. It makes the readers think and it stirs memories. The reader wrote: I was 10 years old and arguing with my 11-year-old brother about something that I was sure I was ‘right’ and he was ‘wrong.’ My dad sat us down and told us this riddle. We worked together trying to find an answer, when my father said, “You only know what you know and you never
know what you don’t know.” Well, that confused us even more. So again, Dad sat down with the two of us, one on each side, and said, “If you asked the motel clerk, ‘How much was the room?,’ he would say $25. Correct?’ We both shook our heads. Then, he said, “If you ask the soldiers, ‘How much was the room?’ they would say $27. Correct?” Again we both shook our heads and said, “Yes!” Dad said, “Well these men are both right. Their answers are based on the information they have. Sometimes in life you will be with a friend, both traveling north on the same road, but one will be on the east side of the street and the other on the west. You may be looking at the same thing, but see it differently, such as the argument you guys were having earlier. Sometimes, there is no clear answer to life’s problems and you have to determine if it’s worth being right or better just to say, ‘Let’s just agree to disagree.’ That is the answer to this riddle.” The reader concluded with, “Thank you for taking me on a trip down memory lane, for it was over 60 years ago that I learned this very important lesson in life. I really enjoy reading Senior Life. Keep the articles coming!” Whether you think the riddle of the missing dollar is an illogical math question, a matter of perspective, a comparison of apples to oranges or a life lesson — you’re right. SL
AND THE ANSWER IS … $25 [cost of room] + $5 [refunded] = $30
$30 - $3 [given to the 3 men] - $2 [the bellhop kept] = $25 [cost of the room]
Thank you to all the readers who sent answers to the riddle.
Cocoa walking home and garden tour
The Cocoa-Rockledge Garden Club will conduct its Historic Walking Home and Garden Tour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 19. Included on the tour will be seven historic homes, the Derby Street Chapel as well as the historic Parrish Grove Inn. Tickets can be purchased at the Community Women’s Club on the day of the tour. For tickets, call Phyllis at 321-693-0499. The pre-tour tickets are $12 and $15 on the day of the tour. For more information, go to cocoarockledgegardenclub.com. SL
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Renderings of our new facility.
• MARCH 2016
• Assisted Living & Memory Care • Spacious Studio & 1 Bedroom Options Available with Walk Out Balconies • Beachside Living • Resort Style Amenities • Restaurant Style Dining • Daily Happy Hour • Enhanced Safety Monitoring Technology • Signature “Hands with Heart” Service
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Brevard’s 55+ Retirement, Apartments & Assisted Living
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Plan ahead to find a home you’ll love for the rest of your life and never want to leave. Share fun activities and interests with friends who have shared points of reference. Enjoy delicious food you don’t have to prepare for yourself (unless you want to). You’ve worked hard, now put your feet up and let your hair down in one of our local communities that are the best in the nation!
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See the full SENIOR LIVING TOUR listings in the 2016 Boomer Guide, available at Brevard County libraries and Senior Centers or 321-242-1235.
Partnering Communities A B C D E F G H I J K L
Heydays Senior Day Program
210 N. Grove St., Merritt Island 32953 321-474-8289 HeydaysOnGrove.com
HISTORIC TITUSVILLE MAIN STREET KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
La Casa Assisted Living & Memory Care 220 N. Grove St., Merritt Island 32953 321-449-8880 LaCasaLiving.com
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1430 Dixon Blvd., Cocoa 32922 321-632-4943 Westminsterretirement.com
Courtenay Springs Village
1200 S. Courtenay Pkwy., Merritt Island 32952 321-452-1233 CourtenaySpringsVillage.org
Indian River Colony Club
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500 Lantern Blvd., Melbourne 32934 321-254-0303 LamplighterVillage.com
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2129 W. New Haven Ave., W. Melbourne, FL 32904 321-724-0060 BuenaVidaEstates.org
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For more information on living communities in Brevard, call 321-242-1235
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1
Signs of a Vital Life Number
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“You’re going to eat this up!” – Loi-Lu Calain, Victoria Landing Resident Resort-style dining is only one sign that assisted living really can be vital – at Victoria Landing.
To discover all the other signs for yourself, call today for a personal tour.
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Student Art Competition for Children Ages 5-18
The Charlie Corbeil Conservation Awards Youth Arts Contest invites children to submit nature works With a focus on the flora and fauna of the Viera Wetlands
Call is open to ages K-12
Children’s photography, art and writing contest with more than $1,000 in cash prizes
Student Artist Competition
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SENIOR LIFE
Deadline to apply: 5 p.m. Friday, April 8 For details and submission requirements go to TheCharlieAwards.org or call 321-242-1235 Drop off submissions at Viera Voice – 7630 N. Wickham Rd., Suite 105, Viera, FL 32940 Winners Announced April 13 PRESENTED BY:
Bluewater Foundation
• MARCH 2016
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STRIPES Brevard Veterans News
Veterans Memorial Park expands BY MARIA SONNENBERG
One of the area’s most unique facilities will soon become even more singular as Brevard’s Veterans Memorial Park expands this year. The $1.5 million project, made possible through funds from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, will double the size of the park’s 4,000-square-foot Brevard Veterans Memorial Center building, located within the 80-acre park just south of Merritt Square Mall on Merritt Island. Completion is anticipated by June 2016. The partnership between Brevard County and the Veterans Memorial Center, which serves former and present members of the military and their families, provides for a multiuse facility that impacts veterans and the community at large, as well as to local businesses, with environmental, economic and recreational opportunities. Veterans Memorial Park is a place where people come to remember the sacrifices made by America’s soldiers. It is also a place where families can play and enjoy their freedom. “This facility serves many purposes,” said Brevard County Parks and Recreation director Jack Masson. In a prime location by scenic Sykes Creek, the riverfront park houses a Veterans Memorial Museum, a memorial garden with paths, a 335-foot lighted boardwalk and benches along the waterfront. Within the museum are historical artifacts, from flags and cannonballs to tanks and a helicopter. They represent every military conflict in which American blood has been spilled. The museum is more than a museum; it is also a community meeting place for patriotic events and
,
SENIOR LIFE Photo courtesy of Roger Scruggs
An aerial view of the Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island shows its beauty from a different angle. other special functions, a space where game and exercise groups get together and where organizations such as the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 123 meet to help veterans needing assistance with benefits. The park’s expansion will allow for plenty of additional breathing room for the museum and its military library. Currently, the museum has space to display only approximately half of its collection. The project also includes enhancement to the outdoor spaces with the addition of military monuments, trails that include one with accessibility for people with disabilities, a playground, an educational kiosk, a wildlife observation platform
overlooking the 22-acre stormwater pond, a picnic pavilion and a launching area for canoes, kayaks and other nonmotorized watercraft. The large pond benefits the environment by filtering stormwater from surrounding areas before it reaches the Indian River Lagoon. For local business, the pond also offers the opportunity for expansion, because if companies buy into the stormwater system to treat runoff from their properties, they are no longer required to have their own large retention ponds, which sometimes eat up as much as 25 percent of properties. The story of Veterans Memorial Park began in 1991, initiated by former Veterans Council chairman
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Maurice Meisner and County Commissioner Chuck Nelson. Veterans continue to lead the effort in the development of the park. For example, veterans will paint the expanded building at a savings of $50,000. Private donations, many of them from veterans, have allowed for purchases of display cabinets and other furnishings. “This is truly a park that benefits the entire community,” Masson said. Veterans Memorial Park is at 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway in Merritt Island. The park is open from 7 a.m. until dark, except for scheduled use. Admission is free. For more information, call 321-6331874. SL
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SENIOR LIFE
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MARCH 2016
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Indian River Colony Club hosts Viera High’s ball
House passes veterans bills
SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE More than 200 people attended the recent Viera High School AJROTC military ball at the Indian River Colony Club. The cadets, their families and friends enjoyed dinner and dancing at this black tie event. Retired Lt. Gen. William Welser III was the guest speaker. Welser is known locally as the head of the Space Coast Honor Flight organization, which ensures that World War II and Korean War veterans have the opportunity to visit their war memorials in Washington, D.C. It includes a special ceremony and a flight to Washington, D.C.
SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE
SENIOR LIFE Photos courtesy of VHS AJROTC
Retired Lt. Gen. William Welser III of Space Coast Honor Flight, left, Michael Alba, principal of Viera High School, and Retired Col. Timothy Thomas, AJROTC commander at Viera High School, attended the military ball.
Viera High seniors Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Marcelino Allen-George and Cadet Sgt. Maj. Alyssa Hamilton attended the military ball.
Viera High School’s cadets had many experiences to celebrate, including participation with Gov. Rick Scott at the signing of the AllAmerican Flag Act ceremony, 61 cadets recognizing first responders at the September 11 football game and excitement about the raider competition team going to the state finals. Several
of the cadets have also volunteered to assist with the Honor Flight organization. Currently, Viera has the largest ROTC program in Brevard County, with many cadets annually attending college, receiving ROTC scholarships for college, and selecting careers in the military. SL
To continue the fight to improve benefits and services for the nation’s military veterans, the Florida House of Representatives passed several pieces of legislation with the support of Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) which will reform construction of new VA facilities, rescue failing ones and expand access to mental health services. “Washington needs to put its best foot forward to ensure that veterans get the quality care and customer experience they deserve,” Congressman Posey said. Among the bills passed by the House is H.R. 3106, the Construction Reform Act of 2016, which authorizes construction of new VA facilities and installs an inspector general to investigate cost overruns and keep construction projects on schedule. The House also passed H.R. 3234, the VA Medical Center Recovery Act, to send emergency teams to quickly rescue and turn around failing VA facilities, and H.R. 2915, the Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, to provide better mental health care options for female veterans and expand access to mental health services for veterans who served in classified missions or sensitive units. SL
Indian River Colony Club “The Place Patriots Call Home”
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Indian River Colony Club • 1936 Freedom Drive • Viera (Melbourne), FL 32940
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SENIOR LIFE
• MARCH 2016
STRIPES
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Defensively speaking… what’s going on
See Us In 2016
Army photo by Sgt. Juan F. Jimenez
Paratroopers test the capabilities of an MRZR4 LT all-terrain vehicle during familiarization training at Fort Bragg, N.C. Jan. 21.
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U.S. Air Force photo by Scott M. Ash
Tuskegee Airmen former Cadets Walter Robinson Sr., left, William Fauntroy Jr. and retired Col. Charles McGee join Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James at the Pentagon Feb. 16. The Tuskegee Airmen shared their stories and experiences with the secretary.
Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pasquale Sena
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class T. Westmoreland fires a shot line from the USS Gonzalez during a replenishment at sea with the USNS Joshua Humphreys in the Persian Gulf, Feb. 14. Westmoreland is a gunner’s mate.
Mukesh Aggarwal, M.D. Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Craig Cole, M.D. Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Nicholas Pefkaros, M.D. Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Omar M Kazi, M.D. Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Schedule Your Appointment by Calling
(321) 266-3896 Four Locations:
Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian Marion
Marine Corps Capt. Evan Bernstein, right, speaks to veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima and their families during a tour on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. on Feb. 19. More than 75 veterans and their family members toured the station to commemorate the 71st anniversary of the battle. Bernstein is an MV-22B Osprey pilot assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165.
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Researching the Confederate soldier in your family’s roots
SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE
The Genealogy Society of South Brevard (GSSB) presents Kathy Stickney, who will speak on “Researching Your Confederate Soldier” on Wednesday, March 9 in the parish hall of the Holy Trinity
Episcopal Church, located at 1830 S. Babcock St. in Melbourne. Stickney has been researching her own family for 18 years. Most of her father’s family fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War, so she has methodically researched and written articles about their involvement
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in the war. Her novel, “For Those I Love,” released by Tate Publishing in August 2013, was based on her family. A graduate of The National Institute on Genealogical Research in Washington, D.C. and The Institute of Genealogical & Historical Research at Samford University, Stickney’s articles have appeared in numerous local, regional and national genealogy publications. She is a member of the Florida State Genealogical Society and serves as a member of the FSGS Pioneer Descendant Certification Committee. The program begins sharply at 10 a.m. with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. Admittance will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Membership in GSSB is $25 a year, and all programs are free to the public. Go to GSSB.net for more information and a membership application or call 321-432-2793. SL
SENIOR LIFE Photo
A Confederate monument stands prominently in an Owingsville, Ky. cemetery.
Boomers, Beatles and beer Dissatisfied with your investment service? Who do you call when you have questions or concerns? Tired of calling 800 numbers and not getting any answers?
Call a Financial Advisor who understands the importance of SERVICE in your investment plan. BY MARY BROTHERTON
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The Holy Name of Jesus (HNJ) Catholic Church in Indialantic will hold a unique and fun concert Saturday, April 9 with food, drinks and great music performed by 1964: The Tribute. Since the early 1980s, 1964: The Tribute has been thrilling audiences all over the globe with what Rolling Stone magazine has called the “Best Beatles Tribute on Earth.”
Shirley Polidori
Vice President/Investments
(321) 222-2303
760 Country Club Drive Titusville, Florida 32780 Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com
Congrats to our lucky winner! GRAND PRIZE
Congratulations to Ross Steketee (pictured here with Angela Dial) for winning the Grand Prize at our 10th annual Boomer Guide Senior Expo on Feb. 5th at Space Coast Stadium in Viera.
Enjoy your trip to Portland, Maine! 1 Pair of Roundtrip Tickets Melbourne to Portland, Maine
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SENIOR LIFE
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•Stories •memories •pictures
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1964: The Tribute takes its audiences on a musical journey to an era in rock history people of all ages embrace. This group is hailed by critics and fans alike as the most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute in the world. Choosing songs from the preSgt. Pepper era, 1964 recreates an early 1960s live Beatles concert with period instruments, vintage costumes, hairstyles, onstage mannerisms, speaking voices and unmistakable harmonies of the lads from Liverpool. HNJ Principal Mary Ann Irwin, Ed.S. said, “Toast Taste and Tunes is a community affair sponsored by Holy Name. We are hoping to attract 3,000 people who will enjoy great music and great vendors. It’s an opportunity to sample and purchase awesome Space Coast food in a safe, friendly, familyoriented place.” Tickets are $50 each before March 15 and include free food samples from local restaurants. Snacks, beer and wine will be for sale. Attendees should bring their own lawn chairs. Event chair Erica Knight said they are still accepting applications from restaurants and vendors. Irwin said she hopes Toast Taste and Tunes will become an annual event, with themed musical acts. “It’s for the community,” she said. “We want to use our awesome space and create an atmosphere that shows we are part of a larger community. Everyone is welcome.” Tickets can be purchased from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the HNJ office located at 3050 N. Hwy A1A in Melbourne or by going to hnj.org/ttt. Call 321-773-2783 for more information. SL
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“Prodigious Savant” and “Deviant Acts” by J. J. White BY MARY BROTHERTON Space Coast author J.J. White provided two different books for review, each vastly different from the other, except for three elements. Both books are relatively free from the minor errors that plague even bestselling blockbuster authors from time to time and they are edge-of-the-seat, late-night-binge-reading books that are difficult to put down once opened. Both books are set, predominantly, in Vermont. The similarities end there. “Prodigious Savant” is the story of Gavin Weaver, a typical teenage boy who gets into the usual mischief adolescents find amusing. When he survives a tragic accident, the young man wakes from a coma with mysterious mental abilities and specialists call him a savant. He becomes a media darling known as the Whiz Kid. He undergoes a transformation in every sense of the word, including a unique feature at the site of his head trauma. Skillful writing pulls the reader in and even skeptics find his explanations plausible. The research into psychiatric disorders, brain injuries, international intrigue of the 1960s and even the game of chess have readers simultaneously rooting for and disgusted by the main character, Gavin, who wants nothing more than to marry his childhood sweetheart. Set in the early 1970s, “Deviant Acts” portrays a Vietnam veteran thrust into the role of reluctant hero when his eccentric aunt hires him to locate and retrieve her adopted daughter, Cheryl, who had been kidnapped. Jackson Hurst wants another fix, but with no money, no job and few prospects, he accepts his Aunt Camille’s offer, despite its many outrageous conditions. The recalcitrant Hurst, plagued by posttraumatic stress disorder, long before PTSD was a common term, finds heroin brings relief from nightmares that come in a terrifying series that replays his memories of the most despicable tragedies he witnessed in Vietnam. If not for his affection for his cousin, the man most people know as a failure and a loser would have preferred to take his first cash advance to a nearby commune to fade away into a drug-induced haze of flower power and free love. Only his deep love for Cheryl propels him to do what he knows he must. Both books indicate White has thoroughly researched his subjects and is intimate with historical elements that influenced two decades of his own childhood and young adulthood. Filled with twists and surprises, readers who enjoy O. Henry will be delighted to read J.J. White’s “Deviant Acts” and “Prodigious Savant.” SL
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r e t a W e l l i v s u t i T g n i t s a T t a e r G Clean S Fresh S
I
Committed to providing you with reliable, great-tasting drinking water that meets or exceeds all safety and regulatory standards.
I
f you have been listening to the news lately, you have been hearing a lot about lead-tainted drinking water in Flint, Michigan. Here at the City of Titusville, we want to assure you about the quality of drinking water that we provide to you and your family.
n Titusville, our water comes from groundwater pumped from the Surficial and Floridan Aquifers. We also purchase treated water from the City of Cocoa whose water sources include groundwater, the Taylor Creek Reservoir, and aquifer storage recovery wells.
To understand what happened in Flint, you have to first look at the source of their water: the Flint River. The Flint River water is considered corrosive because it contains a very high level of chloride ions. This high level is thought to have resulted from the use of road salts. Road salts are used to accelerate the rate snow melts on roadways.
Our source water does not have the same high chloride ion level as the Flint River. In addition, Titusville’s water treatment process includes the use of lime, which contributes to pipe scale (the white deposit that you see on your showerhead). This scale helps to line pipes to prevent leaching.
Corrosive water can pick up (leach) lead and copper from household plumbing (especially in older homes). Water utilities routinely add corrosion inhibitors to avoid lead and copper corrosion. Unfortunately, in Flint, they did not.
Titusville monitors the lead and copper levels in its drinking water at different locations in its system in accordance with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule. Our monitoring results are reported in our annual water quality report (www.titusville.com/ccr).
For additional information on lead in drinking water and ways to minimize exposure, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
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myseniorlife.com
OUR columnists Community trust The Sandwich Generation Linda Wiggins Janet Scioli would be my Human of the Month nominee, if there were such an award. Last month in this paper, I wrote about the surprise 100th birthday party she organized for her family’s “adopted grandfather,” World War II veteran Paul Mathews. As a member of the Sandwich Generation — which means my husband and I are raising children at the same time as being concerned with the care of at least one aging parent — I have become increasingly interested in preferred options for aging out someplace other than a Medicaid-funded nursing home. Not only do we want to make my husband’s mother’s wishes come true to live where she wants to live, we as boomers enlightened by our parents’ experience want to advance-engineer our own life with the end in mind. The Sciolis have hit upon an idea whose time has come: adoption, at least figuratively, well past the age of majority and into the advanced double digits. Janet and her husband Mike knew Paul for years; Paul and Janet are members of a community chorus that performs for residents of nursing homes, an awesome mission in itself. After Paul was unable to continue living alone, he tried out living with a
distant relative and experienced a much reduced social calendar (isolation). He came to visit the Sciolis and found the chemistry was great, so he asked to make it permanent. The Sciolis agreed, Janet promising she will be “at his side when he takes his last breath.” After I filed my story, I went to visit the Scioli-Mathews residence to learn more about how this works for them and how it might work for others. I already knew they lived on River Road in Rockledge overlooking the Indian River Lagoon, so I was fairly confident that money was likely not a motivating factor. Paul pitches in a voluntary amount each month from his considerable pensions, and when he dies, the Sciolis likely will benefit in some fashion, along with Paul’s remaining distant relatives. I have no problem with the adopting family benefiting, as long as the adoptee’s end-of-life care needs are met as well. Not everyone who enters this agreement with a vulnerable elder will be an angel like Janet, who approaches it as the mission that it truly is. What safeguards can be put in place to make sure the elder doesn’t immediately get chucked into a nursing home or worse — a life shortened through neglect or other abuse for the convenience of the adopter? I intend to delve into this further and see what can be done to perfect this promising solution to a growing problem. To read the full story of the Sciolis and Mathews, go to myseniorlife. com and look for the headline, “Battle survivor enjoying heaven on earth.” SL Linda Wiggins can be reached by email at LindaWiggins123@aol.com.
Spring is nothing to sneeze at Funny thing is ... Sammy Haddad The old saying goes “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” So then why is the astrological sign for Leo the lion in July and August? It’s just one of those many questions I have, like, why they call where you park a driveway and where you drive a parkway. And, while I’m giving you things to think about, answer me this: why do all you folks who like to invest give all your money to a person called a broker? Shouldn’t they be called a richer or something like that? And consider this. How come two of the richest professions, doctors and lawyers, call their business a practice? Shouldn’t they get it right before they charge us all that money? Another question I have is, why does Walmart have locks on their doors
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when they’re open 24/7? I don’t get it. Also why do they call those things apartments when they’re all stuck together? Speaking of structures, why do they call it a building when it’s already done? OK, enough of the Henny Youngman one-liners. There is a myth and an old saying that springtime is for lovers. If that’s true, why are most babies born in the summer? The saying should be springtime is for allergists. They love it this time of year. Just look around at the yellow dusting of pollen everywhere and you’ll see why. Some yards look like the Mojave Desert. Springtime can’t be for lovers because people can’t stop sneezing. It’s not real romantic when the love of your life has a nose that makes them look like they could lead Santa’s sleigh. Does it conjure up amorous emotions when your partner reaches into a pocket to pull out what you think is an engagement ring and comes out with a handful of Kleenex? The truth be told, most babies are probably born in the summer because November is pollen free. SL
Luck Challenges of Living to Age 100 Ed Baranowski Are you lucky? A 93-year-old participant at a recent New York State Club luncheon program in Palm Bay responded to my question, “What are your secrets of living a long life?,” with one word. “Luck.” How’s your luck? Did you ever think luck was a factor in your longevity? A World War II veteran said, “I got through five years of the war with the grace of God and lots of luck.” Luck can be good or bad. St. Patrick’s father was a Roman government worker in the British Isles. At age 16, Patrick was kidnapped by raiders from Hibernia — now Ireland. His bad luck resulted in him being a slave shepherd in Ireland. His good luck came from praying often and his escape aboard a ship. After some good luck, the ship was wrecked in a wild storm. The crew ended up on a deserted island without food. After more prayer, a herd of wild pigs appeared. Patrick eventually got free, went to Europe to become a priest, and then became Bishop of Ireland. The four-leaf clover is a good luck charm. St. Patrick used the normal
3-leaf clover to explain the Trinity of God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The fourth leaf symbolized God’s grace. There is the rabbit’s foot, a horseshoe hung above a door with the opening upwards, a rainbow, a lady bug, wishbone, the number “7” and other “good luck” charms that may be used during a long life. Many others comment about the luck of the Irish. Was it chance or destiny? Was the success brought on by special personal efforts combined with faith? People who live a long life most often make their own luck. People who follow a healthy lifestyle are more likely to experience wellness. Special efforts to have a good diet, exercise and daily motivation create the luck. Kate Rockwood from health.com states, “people create good luck when they expect good things, cultivate lots of friends and acquaintances, look for a silver lining, and trust their gut.” We all have intuition and instincts based on our experiences. Good habits can, and have, brought many good fortune. When we manage our risks and, better yet, avoid them, our luck improves. Being prepared favors luck. It’s your perception and your attitude that keeps one lucky through a long life. SL Ed Baranowski is president of TOPICS UNLIMITED, a Melbournebased education, seminar and consulting company. He can be reached at topicsed@aol.com.
Ocean Shore Boulevard makes a scenic day drive Touring the Town John Trieste Ocean Shore Boulevard (A1A) hugging the shoreline in nearby Flagler County is still one of the most scenic auto trips in Florida. I recommend that you take your family and friends on this leisurely drive that will take you back in time to what Florida looked like in the mid-20th century. This day trip has much to offer, including great vistas of the Atlantic and interesting stops in the towns of Ormond Beach, Flagler Beach and Beverly Beach as you drive north. I suggest starting your trip in Ormond Beach. Take I-95 North to exit 268. This is Route 40 East. Take Route 40 East for 4 miles and go over the Halifax River Bridge. Just over the Halifax River Bridge on the right is the outstanding Rockefeller winter home, The Casements. Its most famous resident, John D. Rockefeller, purchased the home as his winter residence in 1918 and now The Casements serves as a cultural center for Ormond Beach. Make this your first stop. It’s then a few more blocks east to Oceanshore Boulevard. Go north on A1A and start enjoying the outstanding and uninterrupted vistas of the Atlantic Ocean on the right.
In a short time, you will enter the delightful city of Flagler Beach. Stop here for lunch at one of the accommodating seafood restaurants along Ocean Shore Boulevard. After lunch, take a brisk walk on Flagler Beach’s famous and active fishing pier. If time permits, Flagler Beach also offers two other interesting and educational stops. Located at 3501 South Old Kings Road, the Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park contains the remnants of a sugar mill and plantation destroyed by the Seminole Indians in 1836. For more information, call 386-517-2084. At the Flagler Beach Historical Museum, 207 South Central Ave., experience history from the Stone Age to the Space Age. For more information, call 386-517-2025. Continue north on Ocean Shore Boulevard for about 7 miles to Beverly Beach, called “The Little Town with a Good Heart.” Stop in at the Beverly Beach Town Office and say hello to the town clerk and the office’s dedicated staff. Open Monday through Friday, it’s located at 2735 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. For more information, call 386-439-6888. Continue north on Ocean Shore Boulevard to Palm Coast. Take Hammock Dunes Parkway West, and merge onto Palm Coast Parkway west and eventually to I-95 South. This is a first-class day trip that meets all my requirements that it be educational, inexpensive and a positive experience for the family. SL
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Health & Wellness Senior Life
Local doctor treats less fortunate during unusual vacation BY GEORGE WHITE Dr. Mukesh Aggarwal is a board certified ophthalmologist serving Brevard County since 1980. The founder of Eye Clinic & Laser Institute, with offices on Merritt Island, Titusville, Viera and West Melbourne, Aggarwal had a calling since childhood to help others. The best way he saw to accomplish this was to be a doctor. He is considered one of the top ophthalmologists in the area. The result of his success and gratitude refocused his efforts on giving back and helping those who do not have access to quality care. Below is an interview with Aggarwal on his latest pilgrimage to Delhi, India in December 2015. SL: How did you become involved in doing charitable mission work? MA: I started doing mission work in 1988. I was invited by Dr. R.A. Henriques to assist in providing eye exams in the poorest barrios in Santo Domingo. Locally, I donate my time by working with the Rotary Club, Lions Club and The Brevard Health Alliance.
SENIOR LIFE Photos courtesy of Dr. Aggarwal
Dr. Mukesh Aggarwal and other professionals provided free eye care while Aggarwal was on a missuon trip to Delhi, India in December 2015. Since then, I have worked with Maheshwar Foundation which has
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helped revive two dormant hospitals and helped build and supports others. Tell me something about the people you helped. The people we saw are the ones with the most need. They are very humble and have no means. Many travel 30 miles barefoot to these camps. These missions are in remote areas of the country. The people don’t have basic necessities such as electricity, plumbing, potable water. What did you most enjoy about working with charitable organizations/foundations? The ability to help those people that otherwise would not have access to care. They are more often-times forgotten and/or neglected. Most of the people we see are limited in education, are illiterate and do not have the basic means or knowledge to seek help. What most encouraged you in your work? That I was not alone in my belief in giving of yourself to help others that are less fortunate. It was very satisfying seeing doctors from previous missions and meeting new ones that are quite successful in their own right and highly respected within the medical community giving of their time to assist us in rendering help to the needy. I want to emphasize that we did this in late December during our Christmas break and we were not staying in fancy hotel rooms. Were you able to purchase medicine, supplies and materials you needed for the mission? How? Some of the doctors, myself included, donate from our own pockets any medicine that can be of use to these people. We are fortunate to have a partnership with doctors and companies
within the country that lend their support as well as international groups such as Rotary and Lions Club. What was a typical day for you? It was hectic. We had a two-day window to see as many patients that time allowed. I saw in excess of 350 cases [and provided] quality vision exams. My wife, Dr. Rajee Paul, who is a general practitioner, saw over 900 cases. You start very early and you finish late in the evening. It is quite exhausting, but the rewards and the rejuvenation one feels by giving back keeps us going. What was the biggest surprise about the country? The people? Yourself? It doesn’t take long to realize what a great country the United States is and how lucky we are. Just the basic infrastructure that we take for granted. Our public utilities. Our roadways. I laugh thinking about when the power or Internet goes down for 30 minutes and how I’m inconvenienced by that. I hope as you read this that you consider the power in giving … or in the spirit of giving. To be motivated, however possible, to give to others. Many times it is through money, donating food, clothing, etc. Sometimes it is as basic as donating your time. Being there. We all can GALLERY make a difference. I am still surprised that a country like India that has made some significant advances in technology and industry has forgotten about the poor andGALLERY the weak. They are outcasts in today’s world. I see the same thing happening to our less fortunate here at home. SL For more information about the Maheshwar Foundation, go to maheshwar-foundation.org.
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SENIOR LIFE
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Walking, water exercise suitable for all BY WENDY SCHEURING The way to fitness is as simple as taking a walk. “Start slow then work forward in increments,” advises Joanna Auter, fitness coordinator for The Brennity at Melbourne. The goal is to shoot for walking three times a week for 15 to 20 minutes a day. “Many of us who have not been active, have shortened and tightened muscles,” said Auter, an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer and group exercise instructor. “The key is to keep moving.” Auter also owns FitGirl Personal Training, and teaches basic and power yoga and indoor cycling at Health First Viera. The commitment to walking three days a week for 30 days is the cornerstone. Once that 30-day goal is reached, it becomes less tempting to fall back into old patterns. Keeping a calendar to monitor progress also helps, as well as having an accountability partner. For the second increment of 30 days, Auter suggests increasing walking to four to five times a week, and beginning a weight training regimen. “People who are above 50 need to work out their arms, shoulders and back muscles,” she said. “If you are not familiar with weights, it’s best to be safe and hire a personal trainer, even if it’s for a few sessions so you can make sure you are doing it right. Posture and form are very important to weight lifting. You can also add stretching to this regime. Warming up and cooling
Lunch & Dinner Cruise Cruising the beautiful waters of the St. Johns River from Historic Downtown Sanford
SENIOR LIFE Photo courtesy of Joanna Auter
Personal trainer Joanna Auter and her Aqua Fitness class at The Brennity. down are really important.” For those who have difficulty on dry land, water exercise is an option because it is non-weight bearing and allows for free range of motion. A warm salt water pool is optimum as it helps ease pain and loosen stiff joints. Safety should not be overlooked when beginning a new exercise program. In a group fitness setting, an instructor can guide participants to ensure that exercises are performed properly. Auter suggests visiting a group class and observing before joining in. Once the commitment is made to join, starting out slowly is the rule. It is OK to work hard and feel your muscles working, but nothing should hurt, according to Auter.
“Not everyone is a physical person. Not having coordination is a very real thing,” Auter said. “People need to learn how to move their bodies in a correct way.” Aside from the obvious benefits of increased physical fitness and mobility, exercising also reaps psychological benefits, including relief from depression, especially in seniors who may have lost a spouse or whose social circle has gotten smaller. “Seniors should keep as active as they can,” Auter said. “When you keep moving, you will improve the quality of life.” For more information, contact Auter at 321-253-7446 or email joannaauter@gmail.com. SL
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Senior Athletes BY WENDY SCHEURING NUTRITION: I eat three big meals a day and make healthy choices including eggs, fruit, cereal, salads, vegetables and cranberry juice.
to work up to swimming an hour a day. Swimming is such a stress reliever. The first 20 minutes are hardest and by the last 20 minutes, I am so relaxed, I don’t want to stop. Nothing ever hurts when I swim. For walking, my dog is my motivator. NUTRITION: A person my size burns 90 calories for every 10 minutes of swimming freestyle so I burn more than 500 calories a swim. I eat anything I want to and enjoy frozen yogurt every night. I eat healthy, including fish, fruit, salads, California red velvet yams and no red meat, except meatloaf now and then.
Flip Soars, 83
FAVORITE WORKOUT ACTIVITY: I enjoy taking the Stand and Be Fit Class at the wellness center because it gives me a total body workout, using dumbbells, resistance bands and therapy balls to strengthen the muscles. I also do Tai Chi three mornings a week, walk daily and play cornhole every Friday with my spouse and neighbors. MOTIVATION: I have been moving all of my life and have always enjoyed being active outdoors. In my younger years, I did a lot of horseback riding, and took ballet and tap lessons, and, after I had children, I got into golf. I am motivated by how good I feel when I move.
Charlesana Bureau, 74
FAVORITE WORKOUT ACTIVITY: Swimming. I swim for one hour up to four days a week in a heated indoor pool. I also walk my Westie for 40 minutes twice a day. I don’t enjoy the weight machines at the gym, but I know that strength training is critical for seniors. MOTIVATION: I first started swimming at age 65 when I saw a senior lady side stroking down a lap lane and thought I can do that, too, even though I had not swum since childhood. It took me up to a year
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“living.” Today, my motivator is being happy, being ready to go and having more energy. NUTRITION: I read food labels and use a program I created called Fab 5 to determine which food choices are good or bad when it comes to fats, carbs, sodium, sugars and portions. I also cut down on red meat, and include vegetables, fish and fruit in my diet.
Alex Quintana, 75 Stan Oley, 50
FAVORITE WORKOUT ACTIVITY: I do P90X at my home. On the tennis court, I do a fitness program I created called “Fit by Tennis in 60” (FBT60). I am a master tennis pro and I travel most of the year to speak and train tennis pros and found myself eating out at restaurants, which caused me to gain weight. I lost 40 pounds doing FBT60. MOTIVATION: In the past, when my doctor told me I was in bad shape, my motivation was
FAVORITE WORKOUT ACTIVITY: I walk four to six miles every morning, and go to Health First to use the exercise machines and swim. At home, I do my warmups and I do cardio workouts on my computer. MOTIVATION: I love getting up in the morning and going to the gym. I lost the 35 pounds that I wanted to and I’m still trying to lose additional weight. NUTRITION: I eat a good breakfast and for lunch and dinner, I eat something light like soup, salad or red meat and vegetables. I eat a lot less than I used to, have cut my beer consumption, and don’t eat anything after 9 p.m. in the evening.
Are you a Senior athlete? Call Senior Life at 321-242-1235 and tell us about your workout routine.
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* Train to be a Hospice Volunteer * Training provided at no cost No previous experience necessary To qualify, you must attend all classes
MARCH 2016 PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE
Monday 7 pm • Wednesday 7:30 pm • Thursday 6:30 pm Mar. 2, 3 .......................................................Linda Z , Art Demo Mar. 7, 9, 10 ................................................. Michael Szabo, Teacher Radio, TV Megan Mullen, Student Mar. 14, 16, 17 ............................................. Hector Roman, Acrylic Artist Dr. Angela Spencer, Neurologist, Author, Artist Mar. 21, 23, 24 .............................................Jim Fern, Animation DEMO Mar. 28, 30, 31 .............................................Barbara Rios, Value study DEMO
Training is held in Melbourne and Titusville Learn more about upcoming training classes by calling Vicky Hamilton, Volunteer Coordinator, Titusville Mary Larson, Volunteer Coordinator, Melbourne 321-269-4240 or toll free 866-269-4240
First run shows broadcast Mondays at 7 pm
Get the
Smile You Deserve! One crown in only One visit Your local state-of-theart dentist is right down the street
26
SENIOR LIFE
• MARCH 2016
Cedric C. Chenet DDS, PA
General & Cosmetic Dentistry Modern, High-Tech Care 30+ years experience
11 Years of Excellent Service in Brevard County 7331 Office Park Place Suite 100, Melbourne
(1/10 mile North from corner of Wickham & Murrell)
321-622-3895
www.chenetdental.com
Comprehensive Range of Treatments • CEREC same day Restoration • Dental Exams & Preventative Services • State-of-the-ArtFacility • Intra Oral Camera • Cosmetic Imaging • Digital X-Rays • Crowns (Caps) & Bridges • Cosmetic / Tooth-Colored Fillings • Zoom 1-hr Whitening • Implant Restorations • Extractions & Minor Oral Surgery • Customized Full & Partial Dentures • Endodontic / Root Canal Treatment • Porcelain Veneers & Cosmetic Bonding • Complete Implant Services
myseniorlife.com
Supplemental coverage should be considered for foreign travel
Ask Lance Lance P. Jarvis SHINE Dear Lance, My husband and I will be taking a cruise to Europe this summer and will be traveling around Europe as well. How will our Medicare insurance work if we need medical care during the time we are on the ship and in Europe? — Cautious Traveler Dear Cautious Traveler, I hope that you have a great cruise and enjoy your travels throughout Europe. With limited exceptions, Medicare does not cover medical care outside the United States and its territories. The U.S. territories are Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. According to Medicare, it will pay for medically-necessary health care services if: • The vessel is of American registry. • The physician is duly registered with the Coast Guard to render the professional services in question. • The services are rendered while the ship is in a U.S. port (or within six hours of departure or arrival at a U.S. port), regardless of whether it is an emergency. If the ship is more than six hours away, Medicare will not cover health care services.
If you decide to travel across U.S. borders, there are other things to consider. If traveling through Canada between Alaska and a U.S. state, and the Canadian hospital is the closest, Medicare will determine coverage for treatment on a case-by-case basis regardless of whether it is an emergency. Certain types of medical emergencies and hospital care are covered by Medicare if you are in the U.S. when the emergency occurs and the closest hospital is a foreign hospital. Prescription drug plans do not cover purchases made outside of the United States. It is also important to review your health insurance coverage before taking an international trip. There are several options for health care coverage in the event that health care is needed while traveling outside the U.S. Several Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies offer foreign travel emergency coverage. Standard Plans C, D, F, G, M and N include this coverage. Plans apply a $250 yearly deductible with 80 percent payment, up to a $50,000 lifetime limit. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover some emergency health care expenses while you are out of the U.S. Contact your plan to determine whether your plan includes this provision, its limits of coverage, and the situations in which you will be covered. Trip (or travel) insurance is available from many companies and travel agents. They offer policies with comprehensive coverage, including medical evacuation to the nearest hospital that can treat the medical condition or even transportation
back to the U.S. In addition, should a death occur, the policy will pay for the remains to be returned to the U.S. Some policies include trip cancellation coverage that provides reimbursement for trip costs in the event that an illness or injury prevents traveling at the scheduled time. For more information, SHINE also provides a fact sheet (PDF) on this subject in English and Spanish on its website, FloridaShine.org. Once on the home page, select “Resources,” then click on “Resource Links.” Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a detailed fact sheet, “Medicare Coverage outside the United States.” It can be found on Medicare’s website, medicare.gov, by selecting
“Forms, Help & Resources,” click “Free Medicare Publications,” and type in the keyword or ID Number 11037. SL About SHINE SHINE is an award-winning statewide volunteer program that provides free, unbiased and confidential counseling and information for people on Medicare, their families and caregivers. SHINE is a program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and is administered in partnership with the state’s 11 Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). In Brevard County, the ADRC is the Senior Resource Alliance, located in Orlando. To contact a SHINE counselor, go to floridashine.org or call 1-800-9635337 or 321-752-8080.
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321-757-9205
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SENIOR LIFE
•
MARCH 2016
27
Space Coast Stadium successful venue for Senior Expo BY MARY BROTHERTON
PHOTOS BY DARRELL WOEHLER, MARC RHODES AND CORY DAVIS
The annual Senior Expo and 10th Boomer Guide launch Feb. 5 was a surprising success. The surprise was how many people attended despite a windy, 40-degree day. More than 1,000 people of all ages lined up to see Dolly Niemic Konwinski, a second baseman and third baseman in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Known for great destination locations, the Senior Expo was held at Space Coast Stadium this year. Also popular for its themed events, the 2016 baseball-centric expo was called the 7th Inning Stretch. Free peanuts and Cracker Jack ran out before noon and many vendors reported their stock of giveaways ran out quickly, too. The purpose of the annual expo is to introduce Brevard residents to the many wonderful exhibitors and service providers in the county as well as to launch the Boomer Guide. In 2015, the North American Mature Publishers Association named the Boomer Guide the “Best Senior Resource Guide” and awarded Senior Life the coveted Best of Show trophy. The Boomer Guide connects readers with thousands of service providers, clubs, organizations and support groups. For more information about advertising your business or to have a free listing for your nonprofit organization in next year’s Boomer Guide, call 321-242-1235. SL
Space Coast Dance Club members enjoyed the day.
Cathy Noren and Jean Uhl played cornhole.
Dolly Niemic Konwinski, second from left, enjoyed meeting her fans at the Senior Expo.
The event began with a fitness walk around the stadium’s warning track.
More than 1,000 people attended the annual Senior Expo.
It was a good day to wear silly stovepipe hats at the Senior Expo.
Senior E xpo Thank You to Our Sponsors Host Sponsor
Beckman Williamson Funeral Home
BREVARD VETERANS COUNCIL
CocoaBeach4Less.com Congressman
Bill Posey
Admission to Sunday & Tuesday home games $2 off all other home games Silver 'Tees Club t-shirt
Join the
Silver 'Tees Manny's Senior Fan Club
Presented by
$30 for 19 games 28
SENIOR LIFE
• MARCH 2016
(321) 633-9200 manateesbaseball.com myseniorlife.com
Senior Life
News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John
North Brevard Diverse music highlights benefit BY FLORA REIGADA The North Brevard Historical Society is presenting its 23rd annual Afternoon in the Park and BBQ, and the community is invited. It will take place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday March 19 at Fox Lake Park in Titusville. The event is free. Bring your appetite for a barbecue chicken or pork lunch served 12 to
2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at the North Brevard Historical Museum, 301 S. Washington Ave. Lunch tickets may also be purchased onsite at Fox Lake Park’s large pavilion. Expect more goodies at a bake sale. You might also feast your eyes on antique cars, with their gleaming chrome grills, running boards or tail fins. Look for the cars on display and
SENIOR LIFE Photo courtesy of the North Brevard Historical Society
Baked goods will be available for purchase at the North Brevard Historical Society’s 23rd annual Afternoon in the Park and BBQ.
North Brevard Senior Center
listen for the woodwinds and brass as the Titusville High School Jazz Band performs live. Other musicians slated to perform are Jason Domulot, Josh Whitaker, T.J. Weber, Josh Keels and Rick Seguso. Coordinating entertainment for the event, Ed Mezick described the lineup as “an assembly of some of the best acoustic musicians in the county. They will perform a variety of genres including folk, blues, country and classic rock. The grand finale will be an open jam for everyone.” Proceeds from the event will support the North Brevard Mural Society and its collaboration with the North Brevard Historical Museum for a mural illustrating Titusville’s founding fathers and early years. It is planned for the outside north wall of the museum. Murals currently on display are the “Space and Time Capsule” at 5 Main Street and “Paddling Our Wildlife Paradise” at 410 S. Hopkins Ave. “The murals are places for education, conversation, conservation, inspiration and fun,” said Luann Malark, director of the North Brevard Mural Society. For more information about the event, call 321-269-3658 or go to nbbd. com/godo/historicalsociety. For information about the North Brevard Mural Society, call 321-4804733 or go to nbbd.com/npr/murals. SL
Pet food available for struggling families BY FLORA REIGADA When a Brevard County woman lost her job, it became difficult to provide for the two cats she had had for seven years. She faced the sad prospect of surrendering them for adoption. The cats are still in her care, thanks to the food drive for needy families with pets, sponsored by the SPCA of Brevard. “She did not need to lose her only family,” said Elizabeth Smith, cat adoption lead at the SPCA. “Anyone in temporary or permanent need is welcome to fill out an application. In return for one hour of volunteering per month, the applicant will be given a month’s supply of food for each pet in the home. Four consecutive months of this service qualifies a volunteer’s pet for discounted spaying, neutering and vaccinations.” Jobs include cleaning cages, windows to pet areas, doing laundry and playing with the animals. Food is also available to pets of the homeless. “The homeless usually do some volunteering. Most are happy to and they find it rewarding,” Smith said. “However, we understand if they cannot.” She recalled one homeless man who, despite a bad leg, helped assemble cardboard boxes used by the animals. A disabled woman does this on a regular basis. “The extra help makes a difference,” Smith said. She spoke of educational benefits gained by volunteering, especially for first-time pet owners. “It shows what is involved in pet care,” she said. For homebound seniors, pet food is provided on a caseby-case basis. Someone must be able to pick it up. When in supply, food is available for other pets such as birds, fish, hamsters and iguanas. “We do everything we can to keep animals in the home.
321-757-9205
909 Lane Ave., Titusville 321-268-2333
Mondays & Wednesdays • 10 a.m. Senior Fitness $3 for members/$4 for non-members Thursdays • 9 - 10 a.m. Blood pressure check
Mims-Scottsmoor Public Library 3615 Lionel Rd., Mims 321-264-5080 Thursday, March 3 • 1:30 - 3 p.m. Library Book Club “The Expats” by Chris Pavone will be discussed. Copies of the book are available at the reference desk. Thursday, March 17 • 6 - 8 p.m. Cook the Book Club This month is soup and salad. Call the reference desk for details. Wed. - Fri., March 23 - 25 Book & Bake Sale Held during normal operating hours. Wednesday and Friday 9-5; Thursday 12-8. Tuesday, March 29 • 2 - 3 p.m. Adult Coloring Club Join us monthly for this selfexpressing new craze. All materials provided.
Port St. John Public Library
6500 Carole Ave., Port St. John 321-633-1867
Every Tuesday • Noon - 3 p.m. SHINE - Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders Counselors assist with Medicare and Medicaid questions. 321-222-7981 Every Tuesday • 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Senior Games Every Friday • 2 - 4 p.m. Yarn Club Knit, crochet, needle arts.
Titusville Public Library
2121 S. Hopkins Ave., Titusville 321-264-5026 March 5 - 7 • Call for times Friends of the Library Book Sale Books, music and videos for sale.
Friday, March 11 • 1 - 2 p.m. Beginning Gardening Class $15, includes supplies and instruction. Register at reference desk. Wednesday, March 30 • 12 - 2 p.m. Instructional Line Dancing $4/class; $2 for seniors 55 plus. SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada
Elizabeth Smith, holding Puddles who is available for adoption, said volunteers can help with tasks to earn food for their pets in need.
Just because you’ve fallen on hard times doesn’t mean yours is not an amazing, loving home for animals,” Smith said. Anyone may volunteer or donate pet food. Drop off locations include the Main Adoption Center at 6035 Sisson Road in Titusville, the veterinary clinic at 425 Cheney Highway in Titusville, or SPCA thrift stores at 4220 S. Washington Ave. in Titusville and 685 N. Courtenay Parkway in Merritt Island. For more information, call 321-567-3615 or go to spcabrevard.com. SL
The Challenges of Retirement Income Planning Wednesday, March 16 • 11:30 a.m. LaCita Country Club 777 Country Club Dr., Titusville Featured speaker: Richard Cripps, CFA Chief Investment Officer, Equity Compass Strategies Hosted by Shirley Polidori, Vice President/Investments Stifel RSVP: 321-222-2303
SENIOR LIFE
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Senior Life SUNDAY
MONDAY
Viera Wetlands Nature Festival
Chocolate Festival
WEDNESDAY
2
AARP Volunteer Tax Assistance
Mouse & Keyboard Skills
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cocoa Beach Library 321-868-1104
9:30 - 11:30 a.m., $5 Central Brevard Library 308 Forrest Ave., Cocoa 321-633-1792
On Our Walls: Cathy Brion & Jo Lincoln
Brevard Federated Republican Women Lunch
DAYLIGHT SAVING
Indiafest
March 12 and 13 10 a.m. Sat.; 11 a.m. Sun. $5 adults; $2 children Wickham Park indiafestbrevard.org
K-9’s 4-Equine in Harmony
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 2.5 mile dog walk & festival to benefit Harmony Farms Harmony Farms, Cocoa harmonyfarmsinc.com
First Baptist Church Merritt Island 152 Magnolia Ave. 321-453-2144
Spirit Night @ Chick-fil-A
Blood Pressure Screening
Noon Get the latest information from Compass Research Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. Cocoa Beach 321-783-9505
10:30 a.m. - Noon Wickham Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne 321-255-4494
27
Easter Brunch
11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Tradewinds Restaurant Duran Golf Club 321-504-7771
Music on the Hill
4 p.m., $5 donation Music concert by advanced students of music. Unitarian Fellowship Hall Rockledge 321-254-3398
30
Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar Screenings
16
17
9:30 a.m. - noon Bill Posey Conference Center 2555 Judge Fran Jamieson Way RSVP: 321-631-7776 More info: 321-264-7755
9:30 a.m. 123 Barton Blvd. Rockledge, 321-631-7776
6 p.m. Memaw’s Restaurant 4916 Babcock Blvd., Palm Bay 321-631-7776
Jill Blashack Strahan shares her inspirational story. Holiday Inn Viera 8298 N. Wickham Rd.
Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar Screenings
Monday Movie Night
Developing and Maintaining Body Image
6 p.m. Women who are striving to establish and maintain a positive body image. Pamper Your Mind 2020 Hwy. A1A Indian Harbour Beach pamperyourmind.com
Estate Planning
10 - 11 a.m. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Rd. 321-752-2553
Watercolor Techniques
Senior Games
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Join other seniors for a variety of card games, Dominoes, Rummikub, etc. Port St. John Library 6500 Carole Ave. 321-633-1867
23
PURIM
Health Insurance Enrollment
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. w/ACA Navigator Teri Rice Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach 321-544-1153
Windows Basics Class
9:30 - 11 a.m., $5 Central Brevard Library 308 Forrest Ave., Cocoa 321-633-1792
30
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Rd. 321-752-2553
10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Bring your own mat and $5 Franklin T. DeGroodt Library, 6475 Minton Rd. Palm Bay 321-952-6317
10:45 - 11:45 a.m., $5 Cocoa Beach Library, 550 North Brevard Ave. 321-868-1104
An Evening with Soul Surfer Bethany Hamilton
5 p.m., $23-$150 Benefiting Coastal Community School Melbourne Auditorium coastalcommunityschool.com for tickets
SENIOR LIFE
Cribbage
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Palm Bay Library 1520 Port Malabar Blvd. 321-952-4519
• MARCH 2016
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Wickham Park antiqueautoclubcc.com
5:30 - 7:30 p.m., free Foosaner Art Museum 1463 Highland Ave. 321-674-8916
Grant Seafood Festival
March 5 & 6 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 4580 1st St., Grant grantseafoodfestival.com
North Brevard Strawberry Festival
8 a.m. - 6 p.m., free Pentecostals of Titusville 1010 Norwood Ave. 321-269-4041
Night Sounds Concert
7 - 9 p.m. The Last Chance Band Sebastian Inlet State Park 321-984-4852
12
Cajun & Creole Festival
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Space Coast Airport, Titusville JR Rib Shack valiantaircommand.com U.S. 1, Rockledge 321-591-3414
AccordionFest 2016
Classic Car & Truck Show
Noon - 6 p.m. Titusville Elks Lodge 2955 Columbia Blvd. 321-652-0680 cfaccordionclub.com
11 a.m. - 3 p.m., free Fundraiser for Friends for Animals Sanctuary Uno Pizzeria & Grill 8260 N. Wickham Rd. Viera 330-323-6158
Brevard Women’s Connection Luncheon
11 a.m. - 1 p.m., $18 Rockledge Country Club 1591 S. Fiske Blvd. To reserve: 321-266-3011 ohunt1944@gmail.com
Brevard MS Walk
8 a.m. registration Church at Viera 407-478-8882 ext. 55128
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19
Single, Separated, Widowed & Divorced
Saturdays On the Square 12 - 3 p.m., free Myrt Tharp Square Cocoa Village 321-631-9075
Florida Key Lime Pie Spring Fling
10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., free March 19 and 20 25 N. Orlando Ave. Cocoa Beach 321-385-9600 floridakeylimefestival.com
Viera Wetlands Nature Festival Free Viera Wetlands
29
Gentle Yoga with Eileen
Celebration of Cars
5 p.m. Pot luck dinner and guest speaker. Parrish Center 5301 N. Atlantic Ave. Swingtime Concert Swingtime Concert Cocoa Beach 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.; free 7:30 p.m., free Melbourne Municipal Band 321-868-7775 March 16 and 17 Melbourne Municipal Band free concert. Pianist Ko-Eun Yi Melbourne Auditorium Melbourne Auditorium 7:30 p.m. 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. $27/adult, $20/under 18 321-724-0555 321-724-0555 Atlantic Music Center 25 S. Wickham Rd. atlanticmusiccenter.com
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AARP Drive Safely Class
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Grandparents Raising Grandparents Raising 20 City Dream Tour Grandchildren Support Group Grandchildren Support Group 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.; $49.95
10 a.m. - 12 p.m., $10 with Pearl Ollie Central Brevard Library 308 Forrest Ave., Cocoa 321-633-1792
EASTER
10 a.m. Club Esteem 3316 Monroe St., Melbourne 321-631-7776
15
It’s Time to be a Parent Again Seminar
8 - 11 a.m. Titusville Elks Lodge 2955 Columbia Blvd. 321-269-7673
Grandparents Raising TICO Warbird Airshow Grandchildren Support Group March 11 - 13
14
5 - 7 p.m. Cape Canaveral Library 201 Polk Ave. 321-868-1101
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tradewinds Restaurant Duran Golf Club 321-504-7771
Popcorn Lover’s Day
7 - 11 p.m., free Heidelberg Restaurant 7 N. Orlando Ave. Cocoa Beach heidisjazzclub.com
Jam Session Heidi’s
22
Mimosa Brunch
Platinum Coast Orchid Society
10
10:30 a.m. - Noon Sunflower House 7 p.m., second Wednesdays Merritt Square Mall Doyle Carlton Pavilion 321-452-4341 Kiwanis Island, Merritt Island Antiques Appraisal 321-525-7540 2 - 4 p.m. Palm Bay Library 1520 Port Malabar Blvd. 321-952-4519
21
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. March 19 and 20 Benefits The Haven for Children Lamb Shop and Cottage 1765 S. Patrick Dr. Indian Harbour Beach 321-412-6243
11 a.m. - Noon AARP - Indian Harbour Beach Recreation Center 1233 Yacht Club Rd. Indian Harbour 321-773-0552
3 - 7 p.m. Fill a paper bag for $5 Titusville Public Library 321-264-5026
20
Art & Collectible Sale
Blood Pressure Screening Blessing of the Bikes
11
4 - 6 p.m. Parrish Health Village 321-269-4066
PALM SUNDAY
12 - 4 p.m. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library 955 E. University Blvd. Melbourne 321-952-4511
5
Hug a GI Day
9
9:30 a.m. - Noon Satellite Beach Civic Center Taste of Titusville 321-690-6817 5 - 8 p.m. Brevard County Investor’s Sample variety of food from local restaurants. Education Group Searstown Mall, Titusville 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Suntree/Viera Public Library Tickets available at Titusville Chamber office 321-255-4404
Pauline Bryan Society Garden Party
AARP Tax Preparation
4
SATURDAY
8
4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Night of prizes and huge Vivaldi’s Gloria discount on WinShape 3:30 p.m.; free summer camp in June. Riverside Presbyterian Church 8300 N. Wickham Rd. 3400 N. Atlantic Ave. 321-369-9339 Cocoa Beach Tickets required: 321-525-7825 Movie Night 5 - 7:30 p.m. or riversidepres.org “Into the Woods” Cape Canaveral Library 321-868-1101
13
National Anthem Day
FRIDAY
7
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Watercolors on display Eau Gallie Library 321-255-4304
Friends of Titusville Library Super Senior Luncheon What is Normal 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $25 or $35 Spring Book Sale 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., free Memory Loss? Sample and vote for Brevard’s Best Chocolate Fix with creations from local chocolatiers. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. zontaspacecoast.org
3
THURSDAY
Jazz Fridays @ Foosaner
Free Festival Featuring: Exhibits • Workshops • Music • Contests • Bounce Houses • More
Dentist’s Day
1
TUESDAY
11 a.m. - 2 p.m., $18 Blood Pressure Screening Holiday Inn 8298 N Wickham Rd., Viera 1 p.m. Daily Bread RSVP 321-727-1212 815 East Fee Ave. Medicare Planning Seminar Russia & the Near Abroad Melbourne 6:30 p.m. 10 - 11 a.m. 321-676-2900 FIT Lifelong Scholar Society Presented by Tradewinds Restaurant William A. Johnson, PA Duran Golf Club One Senior Place RSVP 321-674-8382 8085 Spyglass Hill Rd. 321-752-2553
Saturday March 19, 2016
6
Calendar
MARCH
Take a Walk in the Park Day
24
Jewelry Making
1 - 3 p.m., $15 Registration required. Central Brevard Library 308 Forrest Ave., Cocoa 321-633-1792
Cowboys and Native Americans of Florida
2 - 3:30 p.m. Cape Canaveral Library 201 Polk Ave. 321-868-1101
31
Chair Yoga with Joyce Cook Master Gardeners
9 - 11 a.m. West Melbourne Library 2755 Wingate Blvd. 321-952-4508
Instructional Line Dancing Watercolor Fun 12 - 2 p.m. $4 / Seniors: $2 Join Cathy and learn to line dance or just brush up on your skills. Titusville Library 2121 S. Hopkins Ave. 321-264-5026
1 - 4 p.m. Cocoa Beach Library 550 North Brevard Ave. Captain’s Room 321-868-0163
25
26
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Dr. 321-255-4404
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Merritt Island Library 1195 N. Courtenay Pkwy. 321-506-2231
Zumba
Gardening Class
TGIF Seaside Piecemakers Spanish with Miss Dolly
9 - 10:30 a.m. Merritt Island Library 1195 N. Courtenay Pkwy. 321-506-2231
april
Melbourne Air & Space Show
1 - 3 p.m., $15 Central Brevard Library 308 Forrest Ave., Cocoa Contact Patti 321-225-1844
1
April 1 to 3 Times and prices vary New this year: Friday Night Flight combining aviation and fireworks. Melbourne Airport airandspaceshow.com
April Showers Ball
2
Cheeseburger in Paradise 5 - 9 p.m., $65 Fundraiser hosted by Melbourne Alumnae Panhellenic to benefit Brevard County collegiate women. 3781 Riverside Dr. Melbourne map.wildapricot.org
7 - 10 p.m., $7 Melbourne Municipal Swingtime Band Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. 321-339-7705
myseniorlife.com
Classes, trip add gold to golden years from Ascension Catholic Church in Melbourne at 8:30 a.m. and returns around 5 p.m. Shared interests and conversation starters abound in the selection of courses offered. Acrylic art, history, current events, music, computer help, yoga, strength training, balance class, sports talk and foreign languages are popular choices. “So many people say they feel stronger and better after doing our exercises,” Wheeler said, while language and other topics stimulate the mind. “It’s always good for the brain to learn something new.” Classes will be held Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Trinity Wellspring Church in Satellite Beach. Cost is $30 for the semester for up to four classes a day for one day and $45 a semester for both days. For class times and more information, go to sailofmelbourne.org or call 321-622-6474. SL
BY LINDA WIGGINS Ah, the day you’ve dreamed of is finally here. No more chasing the almighty dollar. Time to enjoy life in retirement, travel, perhaps do what you’ve always wanted to do but could not because of other obligations. Now what? Senior Adventures In Learning (SAIL) hopes to help boomers and seniors answer that very question with a new slate of classes on a myriad of topics starting April 12 and 13 for seven weeks, and with an actual adventure on the water March 18. The jaunt takes place during the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Show, one of the nation’s oldest, largest and most prestigious juried outdoor art festivals. Artists from all over the world jockey for 1,200 slots in categories that include clay, digital art, drawing and graphics, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, watercolor and wood. The tour includes a look at Rollins College’s Knowles Memorial Chapel and the Cornell Art Center, as well as the estate of former Rollins president Hugh McKean, patron of the Morse
SENIOR LIFE Darrell Woehler
Jean Frischman, left, Nancy Bynan, Art Pappas, Cookie Shanklin and Camille Blok enjoy bridge class.
Sudoku Solution SENIOR LIFE Darrell Woehler
Puzzle on page 34
Sita Parsons learns to paint in an art class offered by Senior Adventures in Learning.
Gallery Museum and the world’s largest collection of Tiffany glass. Included is a stroll in Winter Park Village, a prototype community mixing shops, boutiques and cafes with urban style living. Lunch is on your own. The top highlight is a scenic boat ride through the small canals behind mansions, including the homes of war hero Lee Scott Jr., author of “With God as my Copilot,” and Fred Rogers of the acclaimed children’s show, “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” “This is our first time doing this tour, and I think it will not only be something boomers and seniors enjoy, but it will spark special memories for lively conversation,” SAIL director Beverly Wheeler said. The $70 fee includes bus transportation, art show, boat ride, sightseeing and guide. The bus departs
2
ENTER TO WIN
Delbert McClinton
TICKETS
LIVE – May 6th KING CENTER
FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
3865 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne
Multi-Grammy Award-Winner Delbert Mcclinton
Country music legend, Delbert McClinton earned his first Grammy nomination in 1989 for Live from Austin and his first win in 1991 for his duet with Bonnie Raitt on Good Man, Good Woman. He earned two more Grammys and topped the Billboard Blues chart with a series of albums, including Nothing Personal, Cost of Living and Acquired Taste. Call it blues, country rock or American roots, Delbert McClinton is truly an innovator in American music.
One winner will be drawn for a pair of tickets. Mail or email for a chance to win! Mail Senior Life, 7630 N. Wickham Rd., #105, Melbourne FL 32940 E-mail: name, address and phone to media@bluewatercreativegroup.com
Deadline to enter April 15.
Enter to Win — Delbert McClinton tickets Name _______________________________________ Address ______________________________________ _____________________________________________ Phone _______________________________________
Courtesy of
Email ________________________________________
321-757-9205
SENIOR LIFE
•
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Crossword Puzzle THEME: U.S. PRESIDENTS ACROSS 1. Bit of parsley 6. Jodie Foster’s “___’s Island” 9. Hat-tipper’s word 13. Baby grand, e.g. 14. ____ ____ mode 15. Baggins of the Shire 16. DNA and RNA 17. Any high mountain 18. Daisylike bloom 19. *Hailed as the “Father of the Constitution” 21. *First Republican President 23. Lungful 24. Darn a sock, e.g. 25. Bldg unit 28. *John Adams to John Quincy Adams 30. Soldier’s knapsack 35. Inside scoop 37. 16 of these in Tennessee Ernie Ford song 39. Masonic doorkeeper 40. Smoothie berry 41. *George to George W. 43. Hindu serpent deity 44. Most are now wireless 46. Glacier’s deposit 47. Smiley face 48. Chole____ 50. Windshield option 52. “C’____ la vie!” 53. Number of judges on Supreme Court 55. Leave speechless 57. “On guard” to a fencer 61. *Under him, the White House debuted its website 65. “Will comply” in radio communication 66. One of five W’s 68. Smooth 69. Fill with high spirits 70. Tan maker 71. October 31 option 72. Scarlet and crimson 73. Indeed 74. Hollers DOWN 1. Unwanted correspondence 2. Type of type 3. Policemen’s surprise 4. Calcutta’s home
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SENIOR LIFE
Solution on page 34 5. Blake Lively’s “____ Girl” 6. Indian flatbread 7. “____ at ease” 8. Breakfast syrup 9. Catchall abbr. 10. ____phobia, fear of heights 11. Cain’s unfortunate brother 12. Between dawn and noon 15. Movie “Smokey and the ____” 20. Talk like Demosthenes 22. Cartridge contents 24. Official command 25. *First to live in Executive Mansion
• MARCH 2016
26. Lace loop 27. *Clinton signed North American Free ____ Agreement 29. *First “Dark Horse” presidential candidate 31. Sound of a small bell 32. Emanation from a loudspeaker 33. Knight’s breastplate 34. *First to run against a woman 36. Wedding cake layer 38. 18-wheeler 42. Of the kidneys 45. *Liberia’s capital named after him
49. Jar cover 51. “American Horror Story” disgraced clown 54. Full of news 56. Accustom 57. Water carrier 58. World’s longest river 59. Alternative to Saran 60. Parts of play 61. Flipside of pros 62. Asian weight unit 63. *Like President’s office 64. Brooklyn players 67. Tint
myseniorlife.com
Don’t
Flush That!
W
e use them for babies’ bottoms, our faces, and to sanitize countertops. Wipes are everywhere. Whether they are called baby wipes, antibacterial towelettes or wet wipes, they all have one thing in common: They are clogging the wastewater systems throughout the U.S.
Wipes do not break down like toilet tissue, even those wipes marked as flushable. Once flushed, these wipes can clog your sewer line. They can even cause clogs in the city’s sewerage system affecting lines, pumps, and other machinery. When wipes build up and cause a clog in the collection system or cause a pump to break down, backups and overflows can occur that are costly to repair and can interrupt service. Wipes that make it through to the wastewater treatment plants can cause problems there, clogging screens and pumps increasing repair and maintenance costs. All wipes, whether they are labeled as flushable or not, should be placed in the trash, not the toilet. The only paper product that should ever be flushed is toilet tissue, which is specifically designed to disintegrate in water.
Brought to you by the City of Titusville Water Resources Department www.titusville.com
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March brings end to disappointing legislative session BEYOND the CURB Marcia Booth
President & Founder, 3Rs and Beyond
Here we are in March already. March is when spring starts and the Florida legislative session ends. While one carries the meaning of renewal, rebirth and re-growth, the other may mean the end of a painful period for Floridians. I say painful because not all decisions made by policymakers in Tallahassee are in line with what we, the people who voted them in, want to see happen. This year, for example, despite 64 local governments having passed resolutions opposing fracking and the opposition expressed by various environmental groups, the House passed a fracking bill (HB 191) that would regulate the practice in Florida and leave local governments with no say about it. Fracking, the process in which an acid fluid is blasted into rock to free
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up oil and gas well below the ground, “is a messy undertaking that could be particularly damaging in Florida, with its porous limestone below the surface and underground aquifers that supply most of the state’s drinking water,” The Tampa Tribune wrote in an editorial, “A devious fracking bill.” A similar bill, SB 318, stalled in the state Senate waiting for a presentation from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on the science behind fracking and its impact. Suncoast News reports that “the proposal would provide statewide regulation for the drilling method [… and] would toss out bans passed by 64 counties and cities.” This is called preemption when the state legislature enacts a law to prevent local governments from regulating issues locally, and it is getting more and more common here in Florida. It is quite disconcerting to see where legislators are going with this “preemptive legislation trend.” It unfortunately shows a tendency to protect the interest of powerful industries above all others. “Since the 1980s, Florida’s legislators have protected Big Tobacco by passing bills pre-empting counties from regulating smoking in public places; in 2008, it pre-empted counties from making laws taxing or prohibiting plastic bags until the state could implement a ‘study’ on the subject; in 2013 the Legislature protected Big Business when it passed a pre-emption bill that restricted counties from passing laws that would require employers to offer sick time to employees; this year, the Legislature is protecting Big Oil in a huge way by attempting to pre-empt counties from banning fracking in their communities (that bill has passed in the House and is currently moving through committees in the Senate), and now they want to pre-empt bans on polystyrene, too,” writes Erin Sullivan from Orlando Weekly. Yes, the state is looking into
regulating polystyrene, more commonly known as Styrofoam, in a way that “cities and counties would be prohibited from banning foam plates [food and beverage containers] and other products.” Under HB 7007, that just passed the House, “this preemption does not apply to local ordinances or provisions thereof enacted before January 1, 2016, and does not limit the authority of a local government to restrict the use of polystyrene by individuals on public property, temporary vendors on public property, or entities engaged in a contractual relationship with the local government for the provision of goods or services, unless such use is otherwise preempted by law.” A similar bill, SB 1010, is in the Senate. If we don’t pay attention, all these kinds of bills will pass and leave us with no control over what is done right in our backyard. Sadly, way too often,
our leaders make decisions based on annual budgets and immediate gains instead of considering some long-term ill (and many times irreversible) effects certain policies may inflict on the people. In place of a fracking bill, why not introduce a bill that fuels investments in clean energy? It is important for us to be aware of what happens in our government. A good way of doing that is by joining organizations like The League of Women Voters of the Space Coast — lwv-spacecoast.org — to keep abreast of the issues that affect us and to have a voice when something becomes a threat to our interests and well-being. The legislative session is scheduled to end around March 11. And this is how fortunate we are that March is here. SL Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@3RsAndBeyond.org.
Crossword Solution Crossword on page 32
Solution on page 31
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myseniorlife.com
travel An unlikely place for miracles STORY BY ANDREA GROSS; PHOTOS BY IRV GREEN
Alabama is not a place where I normally expect to find miracles. Bushes may burn, but angels don’t appear from the flames. Flowers are abundant, but they don’t rain from the sky. And, although the Tennessee River has less water some years than others, it has never parted to make way for an exodus of five million people.
Yet here I was, in northwest Alabama, witnessing the recreation of a miracle that happened more than 125 years ago, and in the next few days, I would witness miracles that have happened here more recently. While these may not have been messages from a deity, they were at least miracles in an earthly sense.
AMAZING GRACE IN TUSCUMBIA
RENEWAL IN FLORENCE
The small, black pump stands in front of a modest clapboard house. A 7-year-old girl reaches out and feels the cool water as it flows into her hands. The audience is absolutely silent. We’ve all seen “The Miracle Worker,” the play and movie that tell the story of Helen Keller. We know what’s going to happen, but we want to see it portrayed here, on the grounds of Ivy Green, the home where she grew up. The house in the background is the one in which she and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, struggled; the gardens are the ones through which they walked, and the pump is the very same pump that spilled out the water that awakened Helen’s brain. With a frenzied cry, the young actress begins to finger-tap into the hand of the woman standing next to her. W…A…T…E…R. Helen Keller has learned to communicate. A miracle has occurred. For those in the audience, many who are deaf or blind, the moment is electric. After the play, several of them walk over to a life-size statue of Keller and the pump. A woman looks with her eyes, but asks questions with her hands. Her companion finger-taps the answers. A
A man who is blind discusses the statue of Helen Keller with a woman who is deaf. man who sees with his hands runs his fingers over the statue. “I wish I could have met her,” he said. Helen Keller still serves as an inspiration to everyone, but especially to those who need her most. Chalk it up to another miracle. For more information, go to helenkellerbirthplace.org.
RESURRECTION IN MUSCLE SHOALS The word “resurrection” is always tinged with the miraculous, whether it’s used in the biblical sense or simply as a synonym for “restoration,” as when I speak of resurrecting my vintage bathtub from the garbage bin. But here in Muscle Shoals, it’s an entire tradition that is being resurrected. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, Muscle Shoals was a musical mecca, luring the country’s greatest artists to its small production studios. The Allman Brothers, Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding were among the many who made pilgrimages to Alabama to record songs that personified America. But by the 1990s, technological advances had nearly destroyed the recording business. Music was no longer produced, distributed or listened to in the same way, and Muscle Shoals was in danger of losing its identity, as well as its industry. Then, in 2013, a documentary celebrating the town’s musical legacy was released to critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival, and folks began clamoring to see the old sound studio at 3614 Jackson Highway. The Muscle Shoals Music Foundation has restored it to look like it did during its glory days, and, as of spring 2016, it will serve as a museum as well as a studio and gathering place for musicians. The rebirth of the Muscle Shoals sound, as well as the Muscle Shoals town, has begun. Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and Paul For more information, go to Simon were associated with the studio at 3614 msmusicfoundation.org. Jackson Highway.
Go to myseniorlife.com to see the full collection of Travel articles featured in Senior Life newspaper.
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Tom Hendrix had heard stories about his great-great-grandmother all his life. He knew how she, along with others from the Southeast, had been relocated to Oklahoma in the 1830s, how she was determined to find her way back to nunnushae, the “singing river” that flowed near her Alabama home, and how she walked more than 700 miles to do so, guided only by her dreams. When he told this story to a tribal elder, her answer changed his life. “You too will follow your path and A circle of stones provides a serene sing your song,” she said. place for those who want to reflect and Hendrix set forth on his path more than 30 years ago, and it has resulted in dream. the longest unmortared wall in America, one that winds 1.5 miles through the north Alabama countryside. It contains 8.5 million pounds of stone — all put into place by Hendrix, without help, without heavy machinery and without complaint. “We shall all pass through this earth. Only the stones remain,” he said. “We honor our ancestors with stone.” Part of the wall is straight, as was his great-great-grandmother’s mandatory march along the Trail of Tears. Another part, which represents her return, is full of twists and turns. In between are stone prayer circles, where visitors can sit, reflect and dream. Hendrix found his miracle in stones, and through his wall, he has helped countless others find their miracles as well. For more information, go to visitflorenceal.com. SL For more on these and other Alabama attractions, go to our companion website, traveltizers.com
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GOT CANCER? Alternative solutions. Call the Cancer Killer, Holistic Dr. Kevin Kilday, PhD, education, research, supplements, tests. Appointments in Palm Bay, Melbourne, Satellite Beach, Viera. 321-549-0711 or www.holistichealthcenter.us for information.
APARTMENT FOR RENT Apartment for Rent Low-income housing for seniors 62+. Ascension Manor, 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartments, rental assistance. Accepting applications for waiting list. Non-denominational. Equal Housing Opportunity 321-757-9828. TTY 800-955-8771
SENIOR HOME CARE Care is available for senior or retired person in lovely Palm Bay. Call 407-545-0495.
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Health First Health Plans is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Health First Health Plans depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Part B premium. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call toll-free 1.877.904.4908 or TDD/TTY relay 1.800.955.8771. The provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. Only one gift card to Medicare eligibles who RSVP and attend a seminar with no obligation to enroll in the plan. Y0089_EL4985 Accepted 12112015