Senior Life, October 2022

Vinnie Germann,

Have you ever thought what it would be like if you had kept that car or truck that you drove 40 or 50 years ago?

I know that sometimes when I see a car like the one that I had, I wish I still had kept mine.

We bring you a classic vehicle in our Classic Rides feature. Take a look at this edition’s red 1950 Ford pickup that has been in the same family for 72 years.

After the stories are assigned and the reporters and photographers are out gathering the information and images, I like to take a second look at what we will offer you in the next edition.

I am pleased to tell you that as you go through this paper, you will find it packed with information, entertainment and news you can use. Every time we go out to report a story, we are learning something new. I hope you feel the same when you open your copy of Senior Life or read it online.

In this edition of Senior Life, we also tell you about a boating couple that served in the Navy and continue their sailing. This is our Stripes veteran profile of the month.

When our reporter came back with the birthday story of centenarian Clarence Bauer, I thought, what resilience of a 102-year-old when he said he recently renewed his drivers license. He said he does not drive much, but does motor to the grocery store to do his shopping. My thought is that I hope more of us could do that if we live to that age. Check out his story.

Maybe I had not been paying attention, but I did not know that we have a vibrant film festival in Melbourne. It is coming up in mid-October.

In the September edition, I told you about our series of several stories called Games People Play. This month, we look at the sport of pickleball and the game of bunko.

In this edition, we also tell you about Viva Brevard and the celebration of Hispanic Heritage with two events that celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity. One is a gala in West Melbourne and the other is a free festival in Palm Bay.

We want you to anticipate and be excited when you go to pick up your copy of Senior Life SL

R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com

Community Woman’s Club celebrates 100 years

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER

Amid a fluctuating 1920s-era Brevard County population, a group of prominent women formed the Community Woman’s Club in 1922 in Cocoa.

That organization, a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, continues to be dedicated to promoting charitable and educational interests as members celebrate the local club’s 100 years.

“‘Living the Volunteer Spirit,’ is our motto,” said Suzanne Bennitt, the president of the organization that began on June 7, 1922. “During the ensuing years, they served the area in many beneficial ways. Early records indicate fundraising for a hospital in Rockledge, aiding the garden club in highway beautification, making and giving clothes to the needy and sponsoring the Girl Scouts.

“The World War II years found the CWC busy as the building was open every Friday for war work,” Bennitt said. “Members worked for the Red Cross and turned out 1,415 garments. Teas were given in homes with the proceeds going for blood plasma and other patriotic needs. The club helped distribute new ration cards, lectures were given at the clubhouse on remodeling clothes and more than 700 books were collected for the servicemen at the Banana River Naval Air Station.”

Currently, members award a $1,000 scholarship annually to a female high school graduate, support the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science, community theater, the Eastern Florida State College Planetarium & Observatory, Catherine Schweinsberg Rood Central Library in Cocoa, Hacienda Girls Ranch, The Salvation Army domestic violence program, Central Brevard Art Association, Space Coast Pops, Central Brevard Sharing Center and much more.

The club created a home at 5 Rosa Jones Drive in Cocoa Village through the 1963 presentation of the late Gertrude Alford estate (a

former member), making it possible to purchase and remodel the former church building.

“I am a recent new member,” said Gloria Riter, “and would do anything that I can for the club.”

Another member found great friendship.

“I have been a member for two years,” said Gayle Cicerrella, a club parliamentarian. “After the death of my husband, I have found a place I feel is welcoming and heartfelt.”

“Membership is not what it used to be,” Bennitt said. “At 15 members, we’re small but mighty and living the volunteer spirit.”

In observance of the Woman’s Club’s 100-year anniversary, members plan a free community celebration at the clubhouse from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 15. It will include the Cocoa mayor and several other dignitaries speaking, with entertainment by the Encore Dancers of Merritt Island, the Sweet Adelines, demonstrations by the Central Brevard Art Association and the Florida Historical Society, and members of the Cocoa Village Playhouse mingling dressed in 1920s fashions. There will be displays of antique cars and an antique fire truck.

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

The Community Woman’s Club has helped numerous charities since its inception in 1922.

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

The Community Woman’s Club is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Active 93-year-old Melbourne resident adds skydiving to resume

BY SUE DeWERFF

When it comes to adventure, New York transplant Vinnie Germann sets no boundaries.

At 93, his recent jump from 8,000 feet skydiving was definitely one of his most memorable.

During a recent trip to visit his children on Long Island and New Jersey to celebrate his birthday, Germann had the opportunity to join his 22-yearold grandson Bailey and experience the skydiving adventure that took place above Long Island Sound.

“I began free falling after 20 seconds, and the glide was something that brought back memories of when I was a soldier in the Army when I did this in training while stationed at Fort Bragg,” Germann said.

“It was very cold, and the wind was blowing in my face, but when the parachute opened it was a wonderful experience, one that I intend to do again,” he said.

Germann, who lives not far from the Wickham Park Senior Center in Melbourne, is known to many who attend events and participate in activities there as “the guy who is very young at heart.”

“Our very own Vinnie is bold and adventurous for sure, but little did we know he was such a daredevil,” said Maureen Reeder, a volunteer at the center. “He always dresses to the nines, smiling and ready to help and make all of us laugh. He’s full of energy.”

He is known as a fun-loving person.

“He is extremely active and loves to dance and can be the life of the party, encouraging others to have fun,” his best friend, companion and Friday night dance partner, 83-year-old Shelby Kruse said.

Kruse, whose husband passed away nine years ago, met Germann at the center and considers their meeting a blessing.

“I thought he was much younger, around my age, and he is very nice looking,” she said.

“I really enjoy his enthusiasm when it comes to adventure.”

They have since participated together in yoga classes, poker and bunko, and often enjoy swinging at the playground like two children at Wickham Park.

“We even dress up for Halloween, and, yes we tend to act a little bit crazy for our age,” she said.

A native of Queens, Germann grew up in Brooklyn and moved to Melbourne in 1999. A widower, he began volunteering at the senior center 10 years ago. He has been awarded volunteer of the year for the past several years.

“I even have my own parking place,” he said.

Germann, who is one of three males who participate in the yoga classes, said he finds the classes very fulfilling.

“It has helped me stay fit and agile,” he said“I love staying active and healthy, and plan to keep it that way.”

As for skydiving, he is determined to jump again, next year, this time with Bailey’s twin, Colby. SL

By

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Long Island Skydiving Center Vinnie Germann has lived in Melbourne since 1999.

Volume 25, Issue

Senior Life of Florida 7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940 321-242-1235 myseniorlife.com jill@myseniorlife.com

Publisher Jill Blue

Editor

R. Norman Moody

Office Manager

Sylvia Montes

Copy Editor

Jeff Navin

Art Department Maureen Reeder

Videographer

Klinton Landress

Feature Writers

Ed Baranowski

Kimberly Blaker Sue DeWerff

Brenda Eggert Brader Nanette Hebdige

Linda Jump

Betty Porter

Flora Reigada Lindsay Sanderfur Maria Sonnenberg

Senior

Bluewater Creative

Games people play

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.

PEOPLE PLAYGames

Seniors, others flocking to fast-growing sport of pickleball

BY LINDA JUMP

Dan Sladek of Indialantic had both hips replaced and, two years ago, was seriously injured in a head-on crash that fractured his foot, caused blood clots and tore his rotator cuff. Next month, he’ll have his left knee replaced. But he hasn’t stopped playing pickleball — yet.

“I’ll be out for a couple months after that surgery, but then I’ll be the bionic man back on the court,” he said.

Last month, he and a dozen other players gathered inside during a summer storm to play at the Wickham Park Community Center.

“It’s 100 degrees out there, but nice inside,” said Bob Cook of Indialantic.

Pickleball is a sport played indoors or outside on a badminton-size court with two or four players. Players serve from below the waist and once the perforated plastic ball bounces on both sides of the net, play begins with a graphite or wooden paddle twice as large as a ping-pong paddle. Play can go for 11, 15 or 21 points, with winning by two points. Rules are a

combination of several net sports, including tennis, racquetball and table tennis.

An estimated 4.8 million Americans play, with about one in three of the more active players over age 65, according to the 2022 Sports and Fitness Industry Association. Play increased 50 percent in the past five years. Sixty percent are men. The sport is popular in senior facilities, with more than 800 new playing sites opened in the past year, making 38,000 courts nationally. Often, tennis courts are taped to the smaller size needed for pickleball.

The game started in 1965 by three Washington fathers for their children to play in the backyard. One explanation of its name is that one of the men’s dog’s Pickles often stole the wiffle ball and ran off. The U.S. Pickleball Association maintains rules and sanctions tournaments.

Laura McCarthy of Palm Bay played in the 1970s in Washington on courts at the Weyerhauser Plant where her mother worked. In 2015, after treatments for ovarian cancer, she again took up the game.

“I had no strength, but I rediscovered pickleball,” she said. “Now I pack my paddle when I travel and find a pickleball court.”

Bill “Tweener” Cruse of Merritt Island is a coach who earned his second bronze medal in two years in April at the eight-day U.S. Open pickleball championship in Naples.

Four years ago, when he worked for Brevard County Parks and

PICKLEBALL

Once a gambling game, bunco attracts players for socializing

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER

Bunco, also known as bonco or bonko, offers an interacting, social time with a chance to meet new people while having the fun of rolling the dice.

“Every bunco group has different rules,” said player Lynda VeArd. “There are no hard-set rules. I just came back from Texas, where I played two games, each with different rules.”

Bunco is a hugely popular dice game played mostly by women. Twelve or more players are divided into groups of four at each table — keeping individual scores, trying to score points while taking turns rolling three dice in a series of six rounds.

Each round ends when a player has scored 23 points which makes rolling a bunco an instant win.

The game ends when all six rounds of play are complete. The player with the most rounds won is the overall game winner, with ties typically broken by comparing total points scored. What remains of the rest of play depends on how each bunco group wants to set its rules.

“The game of bunco is controlled by the first table,” said Anne Bennett, a West Melbourne resident who heads a local clubhouse game and has played for years. “The

first table plays until it gets a 23 score. The other tables must keep going until the first table gets its 23 and rings a bell signifying that round is over. One whole game is one through six and we play five games. Each table has its own scorekeeper.”

The more people that play, the higher the pot with each participant tossing in $6 to play at the

beginning of the evening.

“I’ve played for 17 years, and it is a nice way to get together with friends and it’s not hard to learn,” said Rositma Spampinato of West Melbourne.

Popularized as a gambling game in the 1920s, bunco was often associated with speakeasies with law-enforcement groups raiding parlors and becoming known as

bunco squads, according to the World Bunco Association. It became a popular parlor game in the 1980s and had a resurgence in 2006 with women playing it regularly, hosting and providing snacks and refreshments. The association claims more than 59 million women have played bunco in the U.S. and more than 27 million play regularly. SL

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump Dan Sladek, right, of Indialantic returns a shot during a pickleball match as Bob Cook looks on at the Wickham Park Community Center.

The Free Boomer Guide features pickleball locations and listings of other sports and games.

SENIOR LIFE Brenda Eggert Brader

Terry Buckley, left, Chris Gearhart, Becky Flanigan and Kris Dudley begin a bunco round.

Continued on page 8

BY BETTY PORTER

Located in the heart of the community, the newly opened modern Community Center at Canaveral City Park is designed for people of all ages to take part in heart-healthy activities.

The grand opening ceremony for the two-story, 24,330-square-foot venue was Sept. 10 and included a presentation of the colors by Sea Cadets. The Cocoa Beach High School marching band played the national anthem. The mayor, city manager and council members spoke prior to the unveiling of the official plaque and the cutting of the ribbon.

“This is the biggest project the city has ever engaged in,” Mayor Wes Morrison said. “Cape Canaveral became a city in 1963, so next year will mark its 60th year. This new Community Center behind me is a testament to how the city has continued to meet the needs of its citizens. Not only will it offer health and fitness, but an array of life-enriching wellness opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”

Located at 7920 N. Orange Ave., the facility is next to the baseball fields and approximately three blocks north and three blocks east of the original Nancy Hanson Recreation Center on A1A which is still open and operating.

The new Community Center features multipurpose spaces for organized youth and adult activities, as well as flexible space to accommodate meetings and private rentals. It contains a high school-sized basketball court, lined for various recreational activities including volleyball and pickleball. The room has the ability to be transformed into a large space for events. Additional amenities include a rockclimbing wall, functional fitness equipment, an indoor walking track and a well-equipped weight room with cardio and toning equipment. There is also a game room with board games, pool table and ping-pong.

The ground floor has rooms to be utilized for education classes and exercises such as Zumba as well as for summer camps. There is a kitchen with meeting space available to rent for an array of celebrations by residents. The facility is available for private events, leagues and sport tournaments.

Outdoors there is a Splash pad. Cape View Elementary School students are credited with its colorful and fun design. There is an outdoor playground and small pavilion.

On the rooftop of the new community center are 72 solar panels which offset a significant portion of the facility’s energy consumption. The 48-kilowatt array is estimated to save the city more than $242,500 in energy costs during its 25-year lifespan. The grounds are also illuminated by solar-powered street lights and bollards that can operate independent of the electrical grid.

“Our city is expanding so much now and will be into the future that there had been a need for quite some time to open a much larger energy efficient facility

designed to enhance the quality of life for our residents through a mix of organized, accessible recreational and social programs,” said Amy Moody, the community engagement manager for the City of Cape Canaveral.

“Since our soft opening in May we have had such a positive response to the new community center. The residents are thrilled to have it here” Moody said. “Cape Canaveral residents have been able to use the new facilities free of charge since the soft opening on May 28.”

Membership and day passes are now available. Residents, seniors and first responders are offered discounted rates. The facility is “Silver Sneakers eligible,” which means that seniors age 65 and over can utilize the facility free of charge if included in their Medicare Advantage Plan.

Barbara Blocker, who has been a resident of Cape Canaveral since 2011, attended the opening ceremony.

“I came over and joined two days ago and I am really excited to see this come about,” she said. “I am looking forward to working with a personal trainer.”

Grand opening attendee Cathy Davis, a retired school teacher from Indiana, has called Cape

Canaveral her home for the past three years.

“Two years ago, I started for the very first time playing pickleball and that was my first time playing any type of racket sport,” Davis said. “I love it and have met so many nice people who play it. We look forward to playing together on the indoor courts here at this new facility.”

Leagues include racquetball and tennis on Wednesday evenings. Pickleball leagues with a pickleball ladder will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, with ladies pickleball singles at 6 p.m. and ladies pickleball doubles at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. There is pickleball open play at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday.

“I’ve got to learn to play pickleball. It seems to be a buzz word around here today,” said Kim Davis, Cape Canaveral’s newest City Council member.

Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m Saturday. It is closed Sundays and holidays. The phone number for the new community center is 321-783-6197.

Registration is open for membership. Visit capecanaveral.recdesk.com to create an account and sign up. SL

SENIOR LIFE Betty Porter

The new Community Center at Canaveral City Park is large at 24,330 square feet.

Celebrate Latino heritage, diversity with Viva Brevard

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

There is no better time to embrace your inner Latino than October, National Hispanic Heritage Month, and there is no better place to do so locally than at the two very different but equally fun events of Viva Brevard.

Get out the black tie and cocktail dress for the Viva Brevard Gala, slated for Saturday, Oct. 8 at Red Ginger Restaurant at 700 New Haven Ave. at Melbourne Square Mall.

“There is nothing like this around here to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Cinthia Kettering, a board member and volunteer with the Brevard Hispanic Center, which benefits from the event.

Hosting the event at the upscale Asia restaurant adds an extra layer of cultural diversity to the gala.

“Red Ginger is planning a fantastic menu that includes both Latin and Asian dishes,” said Javier Molinares, the president and founder of the Brevard Hispanic Center.

One hundred percent of proceeds from the gala will be directed to the nonprofit Brevard Hispanic Center, which provides free housing, employment, health, immigration, financial empowerment and educational services for low-income people of all nationalities.

In addition to a gourmet dinner, the Oct. 8 gala features cocktails, folkloric dance groups, DJ Rafi and a silent auction.

“Everyone who wants to enjoy good food and good music should come,” Molinares said.

Tickets for the event are $80 per guest or $150 per couple. Sponsorships are also available.

The party doesn’t stop when the gala ends. The following Saturday, Oct. 15, is the day for the Viva Brevard Festival, held from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Fred Poppe Regional Park at 1951 Malabar Road in Palm Bay.

“We usually get 3,000 people at the festival,” Kettering said.

The free event promises fun for all ages, with live music, a business expo, ethnic and comfort food, a kids’ zone, raffles and more.

Brevard’s seemingly endless summer heat should not be a problem, since air conditioning is plentiful in the park’s main building. When legs get tired, there will be plenty of seats, too.

“We’ll have tents for sitting down, so people can be comfortable while enjoying the show,” Molinares said.

For more information on the Viva Brevard Gala and Festival, and to purchase tickets for the Gala, visit vivabrevard.com SL

Friends, family celebrate centenarian’s birthday

BY FLORA REIGADA

Those who know Clarence Bauer of Titusville would agree. He has lived an interesting life that began Aug. 27, 1920 in Buffalo, New York.

And at 102, Bauer might still be seen driving his car around town.

PICKLEBALL continued from page 6

Recreation, he started a pickleball program and still coordinates games and tournaments.

“It’s the fastest-growing sport. There are more than 1,000 players in Brevard County, 50 of them advanced. There are age and skill brackets for all ages.”

Cruse called pickleball “the easiest sport to learn and the hardest to master.” He said no one is cut from a team. Satellite Beach High School has a competitive team.

Cook and 30 others living at Oceanside Villages have been playing pickleball for about 18 months.

“At first, we put tape over tennis courts to play, but now we have two dedicated pickleball courts. People started talking to each other, some neighbors who didn’t know that person lived next door. Pickleball has been a friendship starter.”

Dawn Heffelfinger of Oceanside Villages said players don’t need athleticism.

“Any shape, size, ability or disability can play. There’s a 92-yearold who can make you run all over the court. And it’s inexpensive. All you need is a paddle and a wiffle ball.”

Three play pickleball—Pickleball can be played outside or inside on a badminton-size court. SL

“I just had my driver’s license renewed,” he said, “but these days I only drive to the grocery store to do my shopping.”

Bauer’s 102nd birthday was recently celebrated at two parties.

“I had two terrific parties,” he said.

One was held by his daughter Mary Jo Bauer-Caiseda at her home. The other was held at the Titusville Elks Lodge 2113.

For 47 years, Bauer has called Titusville home. This suits him fine, since he is no fan of cold weather.

Bauer graduated from high school in 1938.

“By 1939, I was a full-fledged electrician,” he said.

His next career move was to CurtissWright Aircraft, where he worked on the P-40 fighter aircraft and C-46 cargo planes.

“During World War II, I was asked to join the FBI and I worked undercover in South America,” he said.

Bauer’s fluency in the Spanish language took him to Puerto Rico, where he met his wife Maria.

The couple were married 60 years, living in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands — moving with Bauer’s career. On St. Croix in the Virgin Islands, he managed two airports.

While in the Caribbean, he enjoyed scuba diving, especially with his late son Clarence Jr. “Tito.”

After retirement, he and his wife traveled to Europe and also toured the United States in a Volkswagen camper.

Bauer-Caiseda attributes her father’s longevity to taking care of himself by staying busy and maintaining good eating habits.

“Every morning, he has cereal with

fresh fruit for breakfast,” she said.

He enjoys a good book and still maintains his Ham Radio license and interest.

Walter Kiely knows Bauer from the Titusville Elks Lodge.

“He is sharp as a tack,” Kiely said. “You couldn’t meet a nicer person.”

Bauer’s daughter said, “Papa’s motto is work hard and play hard.” SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Javier Molinares Embrace your inner Latino during the Viva Brevard Gala and Festival, two events that feature plenty of Latin food and music.

Titusville Elks Lodge 2113 provided a birthday cake to celebrate Clarence Bauer’s 102nd birthday.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Linda Nowicki Trawle Clarence Bauer enjoyed his 102nd birthday at a party hosted by fellow Elks at the Titusville Elks Lodge 2113.

“He is sharp as a tack. You couldn’t meet a nicer person.” Walter Kiely

It’s Time to Make Life Grand!

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October Events

Downsizing Seminar

Wednesday, October 5 at 2:00 p.m.

Join local experts and discover useful tips for organizing and moving through the downsizing process while you prepare your house for sale. RSVP today!

Oktoberfest Celebration

Friday, October 14 at 3:30 p.m.

Celebrate Oktoberfest! Join us for a happy hour featuring music, traditional German pretzels, a refreshing mug of your favorite brew, and good times with great friends! RSVP by October 7

time machine

In October...

Oct. 1, 1908

Henry Ford’s Model T, (aka Tin Lizzie), a car designed for the masses, is on sale for the first time. It is a self-starting vehicle with a fourcylinder engine and a left-sided steering wheel. The Model T price is $850.

Oct. 4, 1957

The Space Age begins as the Russians launch the first satellite, Sputnik I, into orbit. Weighing just 184 pounds, Sputnik I transmits a beeping radio signal for 21 days. This accomplishment by Russia pushes forward U.S. efforts to be the first on the moon.

Oct. 21, 1915

The first transatlantic radio voice message, the word “Hello” is spoken into a receiver in Arlington, Virginia and heard in Paris, France. Two American engineers with the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) send the message that will change the world.

Oct. 28, 1886

Shell Harbor

Oct. 26, 1881

The shoot-out at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona occurs between the feuding Clanton and Earp families. Wyatt Earp, two of his brothers and “Doc” Holliday gunned down two Clantons and two others.

The Statue of Liberty is dedicated on Bedloe’s Island in New York Harbor, a gift from France commemorating the French-American alliance during the American Revolutionary War. The entire structure stands 300 feet tall. The inscription on the pedestal says: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Oct. 30, 1938

The War of the Worlds radio broadcast by Actor Orson Welles and the Mercury Players panics millions of Americans. They dramatize the story by H.G. Wells depicting a Martian invasion of New Jersey. Their script utilizes simulated radio news bulletins, which many listeners think are real.

Social media, other basics make it easy to stay connected

By KIMBERLY BLAKER

Now, more than ever, it’s possible to feel like part of your family and friends’ lives, even when apart.

Social media and other platforms and apps make it easy to stay connected right from your personal computer, laptop, phone and other handheld devices.

Yet, because there are so many social platforms and apps, it might feel confusing to keep track of what you can do with each and how they work. The following basics should help you get started.

Apps

Apps is short for applications, programs that you can download to your devices instead of using an internet browser. They’re found in an application store on your device (App Store on iOS/Apple devices, Google Play Store on Android and Google devices, or Windows Store on Windows devices). Just click on the app store for your device to download free or paid apps or to see what you’ve already installed.

Apps are available for almost anything you can think of: games (e.g., New York Times Crossword,

WordsWith Friends), social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok), reading (e.g., Kindle, Libby), video streaming (e.g., Netflix, Hulu), shopping (e.g., Amazon, Target), and more. Apps are organized in app stores by category. You can also search by most popular or by name or type of apps.

TikTok

TikTok is a short video-based social media app and website. You can create 15-second to one-minute videos and share them to your account for others to see. You can also edit videos by putting together short clips, using filters to alter the video’s appearance, and adding audio from other users or songs.

Videos can be seen by your followers, found by others searching by hashtags (searchable phrases preceded by a # sign), or on the for you page that all users can see.

When viewing others’ videos, you can tap a heart on the right to indicate

you like a video. You can tap a speech bubble to read or leave a comment. You can also tap the user’s handle (@ followed by a unique name) to see more videos they’ve created. People use TikTok in various creative ways, and you can even participate in challenges, dances or trends.

Instagram

Instagram is a social media app and site based on posting pictures and videos. Users can create a post that displays on their account page and the homepage timeline of their followers. You can also comment on posts, like them by tapping the heart underneath, or share them with friends or to your story.

Instagram stories are temporary posts members can share for up to 24 hours. These are found in the small circle profile pictures at the top of the homescreen or user pages. Besides individuals, many companies and organizations use Instagram to reach users, sell products or share information.

Twitter Twitter is another social media app and website. Users can post tweets, which are short messages up to 280 characters. Tweets may include a link, video, picture or retweet (sharing a tweet from another user).

You can follow people you know, strangers, celebrities, companies and organizations to see their posts on your homepage on Twitter. You can also see timelines of other users or post to your own timeline for your followers to see.

Users often add specific hashtags (see above). With the explore feature, you can look up hashtags or particular words and what’s trending (top

hashtags or popular phrases at the time).

Blogs

Blogs are basically web pages run by one or more individuals working to share information, usually in a specific niche, in an often informal way. Anyone can visit a blog. Blogs may be found in a web search or by recommendation.

Typically, blogs have a reverse timeline on their main page. The most recent post is usually first, with the rest shown in reverse chronological order. They typically include writing about the topic and may include pictures, videos, recipes or links to other pages or products. Menu tabs or blocks are usually near the top of the page to click so you can explore the blog or an about section to learn more about the author/s and the blog. Authors often encourage visitors to leave comments at the bottom of their posts, follow the blog site for updates, or sign up for email lists.

Posting photos

On social media platforms, users can post photos or videos to share with friends or followers. The exact method varies depending on the platform. But many have either a plus sign or a button to click that says post. If you’re using an app to post photos, you may need to give permission for it to access your saved images.

You can also usually take a picture or video while in the app. You should see a screen notification that your photographs or videos have been posted. But to check, you can look at your own profile or ask someone you know to look at your page from their account. SL

STRI PES

AVET

Brevard Veterans News

Project revived to continue helping veterans

For years, every time the military men and women came back from serving overseas, AVET Project was there to welcome them home and offer them help.

During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the American Veterans Empowerment Team (AVET) offered support to departing, deployed and returning troops.

I often encountered AVET whenever I went out to cover stories about the military men and women who either lived in Brevard County or were stationed with a military unit here.

While there were many volunteers helping, Garren and Kim Cone were the face of AVET. Their mission was to bring awareness to the needs of service men and women and to bring services of assistance, entertainment and counseling. They sometimes went

beyond helping just service members.

The Cone’s busiest time was between 2008 and 2016, when most troops were back from war, and it was time to slow down and sort of hang up the AVET hat.

“All of us were just exhausted,” said Garren Cone, who also had a radio program called American Warrior Radio. “It wasn’t fun anymore.”

However, the calls for help only slowed, they never really stopped.

“The demand for service is always

there,” he said. “We always had a heart to serve.”

For a few years, I did not hear about AVET. I contacted Garren Cone, an Air Force veteran, when I again heard the organization mentioned several times.

Indeed, AVET Project has been revived on a limited basis. It is offering AVET Project Veterans Educational Cruise on Nov 11.

The veterans will go on a threeday Royal Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas, during which time they will attend educational workshops on board the ship. The workshops will focus on veterans’ benefits, mental health, counseling for those suffering from PTSD, resources on jobs, Medicare, wills and Social Security.

The cruise is also open to nonveterans who support the cause.

AVET is relying on sponsors and

donations to pay for some veteran families to go on the cruise.

Among the major sponsors are Brandon Lape of Exp Realty and KelTec weapons.

AVET Project is a nonprofit organization. Garren Cone is a VA accredited claims agent, who also operates AVET Appeals for veterans’ benefits on a fee basis.

For information, contact info@avetproject.org or visit www.avet-project.org

Cruise boarding starts at 10:30 a.m. and departs at 4 p.m. Nov. 11 — Veterans Day — from Port Canaveral and returns about 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 14.

To book the cruise, call 800-4653595, option #4; Group 7946642.

Reservations can also be made online at https://tinyurl.com/59h5paa3, then email reservation number of info@avetproject.org SL

Veterans of the Navy and the sea continue a life of sailing

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

Talk about sea legs.

The ocean has always played a part in Andy and Laura Petruska’s life. In fact, they met because of a boat.

Navy/U.S. Merchant Marine career man Andy Petruska served aboard nine warships, commanding three, and also commanded five Navy oceanographic ships.

After raising two children as a single mom, Laura learned to sail, and eventually become a captain by crewing on boat delivery assignments across the Gulf of Mexico and in offshore races to Mexico.

Mutual friends thought the two should meet. Andy Petruska sent her a photo of his boat and his Navy bio. Laura responded with an image of her boat.

“Within a year, we were married on a boat,” Andy Petruska said.

When he returned to sea for a living, this time as master of Navy-

owned, civilian-crewed oceanographic ships, he noticed the vessels were short of radio officers and told Laura, who in turn retired from a 20-year teaching career to go back to school to — you guessed it — to train as a radio officer.

The couple became ships passing in the night, literally, as their assignments took them in different directions, but the issue was resolved when they were

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Judith Vaughn Photography Andy and Laura Petruska continue to pursue their passion to sail.

“In the course of eight years at sea, there were pirates, Iranian gunboats and sandstorms at sea when you could not see the bow of the ship.”

Andy Petruska

both assigned to the USNS Henson in the Persian Gulf.

“It was a heady experience, being on the front lines, so to speak,” Andy Petruska said.

By that time, Laura Petruska had added secure Naval communications, small arms, grenade launchers, chemical warfare defense, hand-tohand combat and nuclear weapons defense to her arsenal of training. All that would come in handy.

“In the course of eight years at sea, there were pirates, Iranian gunboats and sandstorms at sea when you could not see the bow of the ship,” Andy Petruska said.

Such challenges were nothing new to Andy Petruska, who during a 30-year Navy and 11-year Merchant Marine career had served in four combat zones, conducted four rescues at sea, survived several pirate/terrorist encounters, hurricanes and typhoons and rescued more than 1,600 civilians during the war in Liberia.

You would think that for vacation, the couple would opt for a stint on terra firma, but you would be wrong. Instead, they chose to sail the Caribbean aboard their 50-foot sloop, Windswept.

Neither regret a life at sea, but Laura Petruska does have a couple of places she wishes she had ticked off from her bucket list.

“I never got to Brazil or Australia,” she said.

The experiences, from watching porpoises shimmering with

bioluminescence to entering the Gulf of Aqaba, and the ports, from Dubai to Monaco, are hard to forget, as is the adrenaline rush every day brought.

“I miss the adventure, it was never just routine,” she said.

In truth, the adventures do continue, as the Petruskas sail aboard “Déjà Vu,” their 35-foot sloop, but the journeys are closer to home in Melbourne these days.

“We no longer cross oceans, except in cruise ships,” Laura Petruska said.

It will be a cruise ship that takes the Petruskas on their next big escapade: a 33-day passage to Antarctica. SL

Oct. 8 • 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Join us for some serious cuddle action with one of our CH rescues.

For a monetary donation, you’ll get 15 minutes of quality one-onone, face-to-face, hands-on cat or dog time with one of our rescues.

Fred Poppe Regional Park

1951 Malabar Road

Viera,

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Judith Vaughn Photography Andy Petruska served 30 years in the U.S. Navy and 11 in the Merchant Marines.

Scottish Country Dancing graceful, historical

BY JORJANN BLAKE

Did you know? There's a little Scottish festivity alive in Viera. It's not the Highlands, but from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday night at the Springs of Suntree clubhouse at 8300 Holiday Springs Road feet are skip ping to the beat of lively Scottish tunes.

Scottish country dance is a social dance that is distinctively Scottish in form, with two or more groups of couples tracing through a pattern of dance steps.

With a first visit to the Scottish Country Dancing gathering, a friend ly, welcoming group of people invite you in to join the love of Scottish dance. Some have Scottish descent,

some just love to dance. Perfection is not required.

After leading the dancers through gentle muscle-stretching exercises, James Kutzner teaches each dance, walking through every step before putting it to the music. Learning the names of the different steps is a learning process, but everyone smiles as they gently encourage the

proper moves and direction up or down the dance floor

So get up off the couch on Monday evenings and try something new. Bring a bottle of water and come have fun learning some new dances. All ages are welcome and no partner is needed.

For more information, call 321427-3587. SL

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

Scottish Country Dancing is offered from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. each Monday night at the Springs of Suntree clubhouse.

Wakulla Springs — pristine, inviting and worthy of a song

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

Wakulla Springs State Park ranger/ naturalist Colin Johnson commences his boat tours with a song about “springs so pretty, they make you sing.”

Pristine Wakulla Springs is indeed worthy of a song, for its nature and its history cast a spell.

One who fell hard for its charms was industrialist Ed Ball, who once managed the vast wealth of the Alfred I. Dupont estate and headed St. Joe Company.

In the 1920s, Ball was searching for acreage to buy and happened upon the pristine springs, the largest and deepest in the world, less than half an hour south of Tallahassee. The well-traveled Ball couldn’t let go of a place he considered the most serene he had seen.

“I knew the area had to be preserved, but I didn’t know exactly how,” he once said.

He soon figured it out, purchasing the site and in 1937 building a lodge as a tourist magnet. He spared no expense,

wrought iron railings leading to upstairs guest rooms feature limpkins and herons accurate in both outline and size.

Hollywood soon caught sight of the picture-perfect location, transforming the land into the African jungle for a 1941 Tarzan film and the springs into the Amazon River for “The Creature from the Black Lagoon.” In 1977, a large part of a jet was submerged for underwater scenes of Airport 77.

In the 1960s, Ball sold the land and Lodge to the State of Florida for the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

lavishly using Tennessee marble on floors, baseboard, stairwells, tabletops and a 70-foot-long bar with marble so meticulously fitted that nary a grout line can be seen.

In the great lobby, Ball was generous with the use of huge hand-hewn heart cypress beams with decorative murals that blend European folk art with intricate Arabic scrollwork and Native American influences. The hand-forged

The Lodge and the Springs have not changed much, and today’s visitors can still stay at Ball’s elegant hotel, outfitted as it was during its heyday, and swim where water temperatures never rise above 70 degrees and where the landscape has not changed since early humans speared mastodons, whose bones can still be found at the bottom of the 120-foot-deep springs. The lumbering walnut-lined elevator, an art deco masterpiece, retains all of its original features, including face-matched grain and marquetry panels.

Guided boat tours throughout the days take guests wildlife spotting for alligators, manatees, birds and cypress trees older than six centuries.

“At any time of year, the park has something new to see or enjoy,” said

park manager Amy Conyers.

The park opens from 8 a.m. until sundown all year. The 27-room Lodge is open 24 hours a day year-round. Day visitors can enjoy a soda at the aforementioned marble bar, now home to the soda fountain, or dine in style at the Edward Ball Dining Room. Overnight accommodations feature marble bathrooms, walk-in closets and period furniture.

Admission to the Springs is $6 per vehicle. An annual pass, which includes admission to all state parks, is $60, with a 25 percent discount for veterans.

Exploring Wakulla Springs and its Lodge is time travel sans time machine, a look into a world both gracious and wild. “It’s a slice of old Florida,” Johnson said.

For more information, visit floridastateparks.org/WakullaSprings or call 850-561-7276. SL

SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg In the Great Lobby at the Lodge at Wakulla Springs, craftsmen created heart cypress ceilings decorated with murals that blend European folk art with intricate Arabic scrollwork and Native American influences.

SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg

Wakulla Springs retains the wild, elegant grace of the Florida of long ago.

SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg Park ranger/naturalist Colin Johnson sings the Springs’ praises during boat tours.

Alura Senior Living celebrates its first anniversary

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

Happy First Anniversary, Alura!

First anniversary gifts traditionally include paper, because the threads within paper symbolize both the strength and connectivity of a new relationship and also — as a blank slate to reference the beginning of a new chapter in life.

Visitors to the luxury independent living, assisted living and memory care community are greeted by a stunning koi pond surrounded by tropical gardens and a grand lobby that sets the tone for the thoughtfully designed interiors that include a range of living options, from large studio apartments to two-bedroom residences.

In the elegant dining room, as well as the casual bistro and lounge, residents and guests enjoy chefcurated menus. A full-time activity director schedules activities to spark lifelong learning and enhance physical and mental abilities. A resort-style wellness center, salon, massage and spa, theater room, bocce court, library and concierge, plus inviting outdoor spaces make Alura alluring indeed.

Claire Burgess gives the facility top grades for enhancing the lives of her parents.

Alura has made my parents’ lives safer, better and easier,” said Burgess, who adds that she can relax knowing that her parents enjoy excellent care and that she is kept up to date on any health issues that arise.

roof. Experienced, compassionate caregivers are always there with a helping hand and activities to keep minds and spirits strong.

Both connectivity and new beginnings apply to Alura Senior Living, which is celebrating its first anniversary. The Rockledge senior community at 777 Roy Wall Blvd. offers its residents the opportunity to enjoy life free of worries in a resort.

Alura’s All-Day Dining Plan means residents can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner whenever they wish. Professional chefs and nutritionists work together on menus that are healthy, tasty and make residents feel at home. Dietary restrictions such as low salt and gluten-free diets are easily accommodated.

As their needs evolve, residents can transition from independent to assisted living or memory care all under one

Brevard’s Premier Senior Retirement & Assisted Living Communities

A B C

Cedar Creek Assisted Living

4279 Judith Ave., Merritt Island 32953 321-454-7768 CedarCreekAssistLiving.net

Courtenay Springs Village

1200 S Courtenay Pkwy., Merritt Island 32952 321-452-1233 CourtenaySpringsVillage.org

Shell Harbor

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

Alura Senior Living

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

The Blake at Viera

Opening October 2022

5700 Lake Andrew Dr.,Viera 32940 321-343-7200 BlakeAtViera.com

Sonata East at Viera

4206 Breslay Dr., Viera 32940 321-326-9995 SonataVieraEast.com

Chateau Madeleine

205 Hardoon Lane, Suntree 32940 321-701-8000 SuntreeSeniorLiving.com

Buena Vida Estates

2129 W. New Haven Ave., W. Melbourne 32904 321-724-0060 BuenaVidaEstates.org

Nurse Kelly Orlowski, who helps seniors explore living options, toured Alura and was impressed.

“I am blown away,” she said.

Amber Silverthorn, a healthcare consultant in senior living and care, was equally excited by the opportunities Alura provides seniors.

“I am thrilled to see a community that centers itself around the residents and their individual needs,” she said.

For Claire Burgess, her parents’ move to Alura has made a huge and positive difference in their lives.

“Best decision ever,” Burgess said.

For more information, call 321-549-3980 or go to

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

The Alura Senior Living team is delighted to celebrate its first anniversary.

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

Kelly Shovlin, Alura’s executive director, chats with Barbara McMinney, the first resident at Alura.

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue Valerie Clark, left, loves to visit her mother Kathleen Hamann at Alura.

2

Hello October

SUNDAY MONDAY

National Custodial Workers Recogniton Day

Fall Festival

Noon - 4 p.m.

Candy and car show, games, petting zoo and prizes.

Beacon Baptist Church 3185 Aurora Road Melbourne, 954-681-7739

Ever After Farms

Harvest Festival 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Oct. 1 and 2 Navigate a two-acre farm crop maze. Tractor pulled hayrides, pumpkin patch, activities and games.

Ever After Farms 4400 Bouganvilla Drive Mims, 321-269-9502

1National Pumpkin Spice Day

Scarecrow Stroll

Oct. 1 through 13 Visit handcrafted scarecrows on display in Viera, Suntree and Rockledge. 321-242-1235

2022 ACCW Fashion Show 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Fashion Show and luncheon benefiting the Ascension food pantry. Hilton Rialto Place 200 Rialto Place Melbourne, 321-254-1595

Buckaroo Ball 6 - 10 p.m. Fundraiser for Harmony Farms. Space Coast Convention Center 301 Tucker Lane Cocoa, 321-704-3853

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

National Golf Lovers Day

National Do Something Nice Day

Scottish Country Dancing

6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

All ages welcome, no partner necessary.

The Springs of Suntree Clubhouse 8300 Holiday Springs Road Suntree, 321-427-3587

Spanish Class 1 - 2 p.m. Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge 321-453-5098

Clergy Appreciation Day

Azan Shriners 2022 Directors Golf Tournament

7:30 a.m.

Cocoa Beach Country Club 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. Cocoa Beach 321-259-5302

Central Florida Winds Concert 3 p.m. Contemporary Classics Suntree United Methodist Church 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-405-2359

3 4 5 6 7 8

Shrimply the Best Seafood Fest 5:30 p.m. Shrimp and lobster tail dinner and live music.

Benefit for Saint Stephen's Way Front Street Civic Center 2205 Front Street Melbourne, 321-537-2329

Diabetes - Living Healthy with diabetes workshop

1:30 - 4 p.m. Registration required.

One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 407-514-1806

BAC’s ninth annual Performing Arts Showcase 10:30 a.m. - Noon

King Center for Performing Arts Ticket Office 3865 N Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-632-8610

Tae Kwon Do 6 p.m.

Viera Regional Community Center Viera, 321-474-8205

Downsizing Seminar 2 p.m. RSVP Shell Harbor 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge, 321-252-4882

Sip & Smoke 6:30 p.m.

First Thursday of the month. Locally handrolled cigars provided for purchase by Chaffiot Cigars. 28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159

Senior Fitness Class 1 - 2 p.m. Sunflower House 777 E. Merritt Island Cswy., #201 Merritt Is., 321-452-4341

National Inner Beauty Day

Casino Night 6 - 8:30 p.m. Casino games, prizes, drinks, light appetizers and a show.

The Brennity at Melbourne 2904 Lyrical Lane Viera, 321-253-7440

Food Truck Rally 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. Mitchell Ellington Park 575 W. Hall Road Merritt Island 321-633-2046

National Chess Day

Hot Dogs, Cool Cats & Wild Ridge Car Show 10 a.m. Benefit for the SPCA of Brevard. Bring a bag of cat litter and receive a free raffle ticket.

Fox Lake Park 4400 Fox Lake Road Titusville, 321-362-0590

Central Florida Winds Concert 3 p.m.

Contemporary classics. Park Avenue Baptist Church 2600 South Park Ave. Titusville, 321-405-2359

National Angel Food Cake Day

Creative Christian Crafters

9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Suntree United Methodist Church 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree 321-242-2585

Cornhole 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Drive NE Palm Bay 321-724-1338

SHINE Medicare Counseling 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Martin Andersen Sr. Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-631-7549

Eastern Florida State College Hispanic Heritage Festival 1 - 4 p.m. Learn about cultures of different Hispanic countries. Eastern Florida State College - Melbourne 3865 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-433-7758

National Farmers Day

Gallimaufry Gig A Pleasing Potpourri of Big Band Best Sellers

7 p.m. Oct. 12 and 13 Hit parade classics. New Concert Cafe series. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hisbiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-724-0555

National Train Your Brain Day

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Italian American Club Weekly Lunch

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Three course lunch and entertainment. 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne, 321-890-7754

Free Fitness with Polly 1 - 2 p.m. Thursdays Limited seating reserve your spot.

Sunflower House 777 East Merritt Island Causeway, #Suite 201 Merritt Island

Irish Dance 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. New Beginners 3:45 - 4:30 p.m.

Current Beginners Melbourne Comm. Center 2815 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-608-7490

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Oct. 14, 11:30 p.m. Oct. 15, 7:30, 11:30 p.m. Surfside Playhouse 301 Ramp Road Cocoa Beach, 321-783-3127

National Cheese Curd Day

See page 28.

13th annual Landscaping with Florida Natives Tour 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Florida Natives Tour — explore native plants at six homes, one commercial space, one EEL land site. Florida native plants. 321-258-4642

Black Poetry Day

Shuffleboard

Indialantic Chamber

Singers "I LOVE NY"

7 p.m.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 106 N Riverside Dr Indialantic, 321-426-0360

Mims Fall/Harvest Festival 1 - 5 p.m.

Horse rides on our Gypsy Vanner horses, animal meet and greets, vendors and food trucks.

Tranquility Country 5440 Dixie Way Mims

1 - 3 p.m.

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

Spanish Class 1 - 2 p.m. Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge 321-453-5098

National Chocolate Cupcake Day

Estate Planning Seminar 10 - 11 a.m.

Presented by William A. Johnson, Board Certified Elder Law Attorney.

Registration required.

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

Painting with Pearl 10 a.m. All skills welcome.

Catherine Schweinsberg Rood Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-633-1792

Wednesday Morning Competitive Bocee 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Italian American Club 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne, 321-890-7754

Sit-n-Stitch 1 p.m.

First and third Wednesday Group meets to share crochet, knitting and other projects.

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

National Chicken and Waffles Day

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

"Senior Job & Volunteer Fair." Seniors meet area employers and nonprofits 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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

Thirsty 3rd Thursday 5 - 8 p.m.

Relax with The Avenue in Central Park. Live music complimentary snacks and free drinks. The Avenue Viera Central Park, Viera, 321-634-5390

Does Hearing Loss = Brain Stress?

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Lunch and Learn presented by Personal Hearing Solutions. RSVP.

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

Friday Night Dancing 7 - 10 p.m.

First and third Friday Tickets $7.50.

Veterans Memorial Center Merritt Is., 321-453-1776

National Make A Difference Day

Fall into Fashion, fashion show, sale and luncheon 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

GFWC presents a fashion show, sale and luncheon.

The Brennity at Melbourne Viera, 414-840-3547

Thousand Grands Walk 9 a.m. - noon

Presented by Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Brevard. Food trucks, music, and a walk around the track.

Viera High School Track 6103 Stadium Parkway Viera

Indoor/Outdoor Vendor and Craft Fair

Noon - 4 p.m.

Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Dr. NE

Palm Bay

Big Chill Car, Truck and Bike Show

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Spectator judged in eight categories.

American Legion Post 163 1795 N. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne, 321-259-7239

National Candy Corn Day

"Rising Star Concert: James Kealy"

3 p.m. Classical works for organ.

Advent Lutheran Church 7550 North Wickham Rd. Suntree 321-259-8515

National Jamaican Jerk

Women’s Pickleball

10 a.m.

$2 per person

Viera Regional Community Center 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-433-4891

SHINE Medicare Counseling

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-631-7549

31

HALLOWEEN

Fourth annual Harvest Yam Festival 3 - 6 p.m. Event will feature unique vendors, bounce houses, games, huge raffles, and amazing performances.

Lipscomb Park 2932 Lipscomb St. Melbourne, 321-330-7916

Bingo for Cash

1 - 3 p.m.

Italian American Club 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne, 321-890-7754

Boomer Trivia 4 - 6 p.m. Tuesdays

Free to play, teams or solo.

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

National Pumpkin Day

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Suites & Treats presented by the MCO

7 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27

Melbourne Community Orchestra presents a night of spooky orchestral suites.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-285-6724

Brevard Sheriff's Office Shred Event 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Isand 321-264-7755

Rex and Friends 7 p.m.

Space Coast Symphony presents Rex and Friends. Satellite Beach High School 300 Scorpion Court Satellite Beach 855-252-7276

National Chocolate Day National Cat Day

Bourbon & Pearls 6 - 10 p.m. Benefit for Aging Matters in Brevard.

Sterling Stables 6450 Highway 520 Cocoa 321-639-8770

The seventh annual Oyster & Fish Fry 3 - 7 p.m.

Field Manor 750 Field Manor Drive Merritt Island 321-848-0365

The Havenly Affair 6 - 9 p.m.

The Haven for Children Guild's annual fall fundraiser, Flames of Hope. Ember & Oak 712 E. New Haven Ave. Melbourne, 321-676-6888

Viera Voice Scarecrow Stroll and Viera Harvest Festival Scarecrows on display 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Viera Regional Park 321-242-1235

Behind the Beat

I went to a garden party

By Randal C. Hill

‘Garden Party’ — Rick Nelson

To reminisce with my old friends

A chance to share old memories

And play my songs again

That’s what Rick Nelson expected when he signed on as a specialadded attraction at a New York oldies concert at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 15, 1971. But a tactical error by Nelson led to his storming offstage, his set cut short by several tunes. A year later, via “Garden Party,” his 19th — and final —Top 10 hit, he told the world his story behind that long-ago Friday night.

Chuck Berry was the show’s headliner, with supporting acts that included Bobby Rydell, Bo Diddley, the Shirelles, the Coasters and Gary U. S. Bonds. Each of the performers — Nelson included — had been hitless since 1964, the year that a Liverpool, England quartet swept Americans off the charts overnight.

When I got to the garden party

They all knew my name

No one recognized me

I didn’t look the same

That evening, Nelson strolled onstage with ultra-long hair, bellbottom jeans, a velvet shirt and cowboy boots. His long-time fans were aghast. Nelson would later recount to Rolling Stone, “They kept looking at me and my long hair as if they couldn’t believe I was the same person. But I couldn’t have done it any differently, except by getting my hair cut and putting braces on my teeth.”

He opened with “Be-Bop Baby,” one of his early hits, and for a while Nelson’s classics brought screams of recognition and appreciation. But, later in his set, he offered a cover version of Bob Dylan’s “She Belongs to Me,” and the mood of the audience instantly dampened. To make matters worse, Nelson set down his guitar, seated himself at an onstage piano and launched into the Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women.” What followed was a tsunami of boos.

the Date

later explained, “The people that were in Madison Square Garden were not there to hear contemporary music; they were there to escape it.”

When I sang a song about a honky tonk

It was time to leave

Nelson played one more number before exiting the stage to seek refuge in a dressing room that night.

He soon renewed performing as he had since his return to the concert stage in 1969, mixing his oldies with some newer material. Outside of the New York debacle, he never encountered any problems; on a 1972 UK tour, for example, Nelson played London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall. His song set was essentially the same as the one at the Garden, only with more newer offerings. The exuberant crowd that night demanded four encores.

Nelson would eventually create his story song about that disastrous 1971 night. In doing so, Nelson’s “Garden Party” served notice to the world that

he would never again be part of any strictly oldies gig.

If you gotta play at garden parties I wish you a lotta luck

But if memories were all I sang I’d rather drive a truck. SL

Take control with confidence to tackle life’s challenges

How well have you dealt with changes, misfortune, shock and disaster? Reading this Senior Life newspaper indicates you are on the road to age 100. Each of us has a measure of resilience based on our family genetics, background and Character development. Those who live a long life have mastered the Competence to keep moving on.

As a young boy during World War II, I noticed family struggles. My paternal grandparents owned and operated a farm. Workers were hard to find. Women helped with all the farm chores along with older men. Food was rationed, but we thought a fried baloney supper was a feast. Oxtail soup and duck blood soup mixed with vegetables and fruit from our Victory garden sustained our energy. This stick-to-itness is now identified as resilience.

When I started teaching at a Northern Wisconsin high school in 1959, I had neighbors on either side of my rental apartment who were veterans. They never shared their experiences, but returned home to get a job, raise a family and be good Contributors in their community. Many years later while visiting Silverius at age 92, he showed me his medals. As a Marine, he survived Iwo Jima in the Pacific. Harold, who was quiet and reserved, survived the Bataan Death March in the Philippines. They Coped, they fought, they were resilient.

In a recent Dear Abby column, a distraught daughter wrote about her struggling mother who cannot adjust to

Challenges of Living to Age 100

senior living. After her spouse died, her lifestyle changed with less income and fewer contacts. Abby wrote “Change at any age can be difficult, but as people age, they can become less resilient, which is more of a challenge.” Stay Connected

Each of us as seniors are able to bounce back. George Everly Jr., a professor of psychology at Johns Hopkins University, states: “A resilient attitude is optimistic; it’s the belief in a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

Resilience starts as a child. My mother painted me with Mercurochrome when I was cut and bleeding and sent me back outdoors to play. Kenneth Ginsberg, a professor of adolescent medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, provides 7 c’s of Resilience (mentioned in this column with a capital “C”). Coping is the strongest which includes “the knowhow to reduce stress and prepare us to tackle life’s challenges.” Take Control with Confidence SL

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

Concert promoter Richard Nader

SENIOR LIFE Creative Commons Rick Nelson recorded 19 Top 10 hits.

Ed Baranowski

Preserving Environmentally Endangered Lands by ballot

We are fortunate to live in this special place — in fact, many people call Brevard County their own piece of paradise. Our natural lands are unique and irreplaceable. They contribute to the health of our environment, our economy, our families and the aesthetic values of our county.

If you’ve visited Cruickshank Sanctuary in Rockledge to see a scrub jay, kayaked the Thousand Islands in Cocoa Beach or visited the Sea Turtle/Barrier Island Sanctuary, you’ve experienced one of Brevard’s Environmentally Endangered Lands.

These areas are pristine and natural today because the people of Brevard County decided to conserve and nurture these lands for families and future generations.

In 1990, residents voted to create and fund a program to acquire, improve and maintain wildlife habitat, wetlands, woodlands and lands that protect the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Johns River.

In 2004, voters approved renewal of the program. This November, renewal of the county program will be on the ballot. If renewed by voters, this ongoing conservation effort will continue a property tax, costing the average Brevard County homeowner only $3.60 a month.

Since 1991, the program has preserved 28,000 acres of land —

Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

2% of the total acreage of Brevard County. The program additionally protected 35 miles of Indian River Lagoon shorelines, established three nature and educational centers and created 75 miles of public use trails for hiking, bicycling, fishing, paddling and more for residents and visitors.

Why is this important? Land conservation protects natural spaces for wildlife, fish, woodlands and birds. Economic benefits include sound property values, tourism and attracting companies and employees who wish to live in our naturally thriving community. Recreational and nature educational sites and opportunities are available from Titusville to Grant, enhancing our quality of life. Our treasured Indian River Lagoon also benefits from the reduction in pollution and shoreline preservation.

We are fortunate to live in this special place — a paradise worthy of preservation. For more information, visit EELBrevard.com SL

Solution on page 26

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition The boardwalk at the Pine Island Conservation Area is a beautiful place to hike.

Independent filmmakers ready to showcase talents in Melbourne

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

The Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival (MIFF), will host its 24th annual film festival Oct. 13 to 15 at the Premiere Theaters/Oaks 10 in Melbourne.

Many may not be aware that the MIFF is a true indie film event focusing on short films here in Brevard County. It all started with the founders, 3 Boys Productions, in 1998 with their short film “Under the Bridge.”

Since then, MIFF has embraced diversity, supporting local talent with a program called Florida Made Films, but submissions come from all over the world, in many languages, all with subtitles.

This year, the guest celebrity speaker is actor Patrick Gallo, who first attended in 2003 when he appeared in

a MIFF favorite: “Checkmate.” Gallo recently appeared alongside Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci in Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman” among many other roles.

MIFF program chairman Dr. Terrence Cronin, Jr. believes the festival’s success is based upon the goodwill shared with the film community.

“We get fantastic movies submitted to us, and the support of celebrities and filmmakers, because they know their works will be enjoyed by our enthusiastic audience,” Cronin said. “And it’s all for a great cause.”

All proceeds from tickets sales, T-shirt sales, and sponsorships go to No Limits Academy, a nonprofit private school dedicated to educating, rehabilitating, and connecting children with complex disabilities into the

MIFF Festival schedule

Thursday, Oct. 13

East Coast premiere

“Hollywood Laundromat”

Friday afternoon International selections

Friday night

Comedy selections featuring introductions and segues by comedian Dara Weinstein

Friday late Horror selections

Saturday morning

Florida Filmmakers Matinee

Saturday afternoon

S

S

P O

P O S I U M

J o n u s f o r a F R E E e d u c a t i o n a e v e n t f o r P a r k n s o n s D s e a s e P a t i e n t s a n d C a r e g v e r s f e a t u r n g a p a n e l o f e x p e r t s t o a n s w e r y o u r q u e s t i o n s a b o u t e x e r c i s e n u t r t o n m e n t a h e a l t h v e t e r a n s b e n e f i t s c a r e g v e r r e s o u r c e s a n d m o r e ! L u n c h w l b e p r o v i d e d f o r r e g s t e r e d a t t e n d e e s

Lunch

education process.

Laura Joslin, the co-founder of No Limits Academy, said the organization began with eight children in wheelchairs in 2008 and now has 45.

“MIFF has been a huge part of the transformations of these children’s lives. I am extremely grateful that they believe in what we are doing so much that they choose to support us every year!”

MIFF’s leading the way to presenting all filmmaker’s work in the best possible light.

“Theaters/Oaks 10 began hosting the MIFF in 2004,” said Bill Williams, MIFF’s technical director.” Soon after, we began using digital cinema projection and all presentations use the same Hollywood system, showing each film on the big screen in the best quality possible.”

Films submitted encompass a large spectrum of genres, from

Meet the filmmakers

Special guest Patrick Gallo Special Youth Program

Saturday night

Red Carpet interviews VIP screenings (open to all)

drama, comedy, suspense, horror, documentaries, animation and anything shot on mobile.

One of Brevard filmmakers, Sue Dontell, has submitted a documentary, “Spiritual Enlightenment” which highlights Bill Guggenheim, the co-author of a bestselling book titled “Hello from Heaven.”

For more information about MIFF, go to MelbourneFilmFest.com. Tickets will soon be available at Oaks10.com SL

Saturday, Oct. 8

Park Avenue Baptist Church 2600 South Park Ave, Titusville

SENIOR LIFE • OCTOBER 2022 myseniorlife.com22 SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Sue Dontell Sue Dontell has been an independent filmmaker for more than 20 years.

Proclaim Services Matt McQueen Brownings

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Nicole Fisher Daughter and Caregiver

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Melbourne woman encourages others as she copes with Afib HEALTH & WELLNESS

BY LINDSAY SANDERFUR

Melbourne resident Teresa Christopher has struggled with heart troubles for many years. From heart surgery as a teenager to atrial fibrillation in recent years.

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is the most common type of heart arrhythmia. It causes accelerated, sluggish or irregular heartbeat. When the heartbeat in the upper two chambers (atria) is irregular, blood flow to the lower two ventricles is disrupted, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Even as she suffers with her heart condition, which has led to many procedures and hospitalizations, Christopher still has encouraging words for fellow Afib sufferers.

Chronic tonsillitis at age 14 prompted Teresa’s parents to see a specialist. During the pre op exam, her heart was tested.

“Did you know you have a heart murmur?” the doctor asked.

Christopher’s father owned a garage business in Melbourne for years and one of his customers, a local cardiologist, was shocked at her diagnosis, she said.

“Now we’re talking about 1979,” she said. “You couldn’t even have heart surgery in Brevard County. You had to go to Gainesville or Miami.”

The cardiologist arranged for testing at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne.

“Every day, I would have a heart test done,” she said. A pediatric cardiologist from Orlando looked over the results. “They said based on what

we’ve seen, you have a hole in your heart (atrial septal defect) and you have mitral valve prolapse.”

Duke University Medical Center did further tests.

At age 15, after recovering from tonsil and adenoid surgery, she underwent open heart surgery to correct the hole between the two upper chambers of her heart.

Christopher believes surgical scar tissue could have led to Afib in 2018, when her heart started racing out of control.

“I’d be sitting here just watching television and it would go up to 150 beats a minute,” she said. “It scares you because you think you’re having a heart attack.”

The CDC cites symptoms of Afib as irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations (rapid, fluttering or pounding), lightheadedness, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain.

Risk factors vary but include age, high blood pressure, obesity, heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, smoking, moderate to heavy alcohol use and enlargement of the left chambers of the heart.

Diagnosis was not easy. Electrocardiograms (EKGs) do not always catch it happening.

Christopher said your body is often back to normal when you go for tests. It’s like your car running fine when you take it to the mechanic.

She discovered she had Afib by getting checked on an EKG machine at a fire station.

Prior to her racing heart episodes, Christopher had no indicators that

something was wrong except frequent fatigue. She said that for some, caffeine or stress can trigger the racing heart episodes.

“Mine has no rhyme or reason,” she said. “I do have sleep apnea. It can make it worse or contribute to the arrhythmia.” Sleep clinics offer treatments.

Athletes today are getting EKGs to test for underlying heart problems.

Christopher has learned to manage her heart condition.

“Blood thinner is the most important medication that I take every day,” she said.

Afib is the cause of about one in seven strokes, when blood flow to the brain is blocked, usually by a blood clot, according to the CDC.

BCOA NEWS

Brevard Commission on Aging

Christopher received a cardiac pacemaker after her heart rate monitor detected and digitally recorded her heart stopping for four seconds.

An implanted pacemaker sends electrical pulses to help the heart beat at a normal rate and rhythm.

Christopher offers encouragement to other Afib sufferers: Be patient with yourself and find what works.

“It is not a death sentence,” she said. “My father lived to be 85 and he was on his third pacemaker.”

And please be kind. “All handicaps are not visible,” she added. “Heart problems are not visible.”

More information on atrial fibrillation can be found at cdc.gov/ heartdisease/atrial_fibrillation.htm SL

BCOA meetings are open to the public and are held the second Thursday of each month at the government center in Viera. For information, contact Cindy Short at 321-6332076, FAX 321-633-2170, cindy.short@brevardfl.gov, brevardf l.gov/HumanServices/CommissionOnAging or at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, B-106, Viera, FL 32940.

Ten early signs of Alzheimer’s to watch

Commonly, older adults worry about their memory and other thinking abilities. They might be concerned about taking longer than before to learn new things, or they may sometimes forget to pay a bill. Or how did my car keys end up in the freezer?

Changes are usually signs of mild forgetfulness — often a normal part of aging — not serious memory problems.

Some change in memory is expected, but the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are more than simple lapses in memory or senior moments.

People with Alzheimer’s experience difficulties communicating, learning, thinking and reasoning — severe enough to impact family life. These symptoms come on gradually; many individuals are observed as having good days and bad days. Unfortunately, this tendency leads to denials in the family and the individual.

The following list has been adapted from the Center for Disease Control and Alzheimer’s Association:

have used for years.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work or leisure: having problems with cooking, driving places, using a cell phone or shopping.

4. Confusion with time or place: having trouble understanding an event happening later or losing track of dates.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations: having more difficulty with balance or judging distance, tripping over things at home, spilling or dropping things more often.

car keys in the washer or dryer or being unable to retrace steps to find something.

8. Decreased or poor judgment: being a victim of a scam, not managing money well, paying less attention to hygiene or having trouble taking care of a pet.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities: not wanting to go to church or other activities as you usually do, not being able to follow football games, or keeping up with what’s happening.

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life: forgetting events, repeating yourself, or relying on more aids to help you remember (like sticky notes or reminders).

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems: having trouble paying bills or cooking recipes you

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing: having trouble following or joining a conversation or struggling to find a comment you are looking for (saying “that thing on your wrist that tells time” instead of watch).

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps: placing

10. Changes in mood and personality: getting easily upset in everyday situations or being fearful or suspicious.

For more information and to receive a no-cost memory screening for early Alzheimer’s or dementia detection, contact Merritt Island Medical Research at 321-305-5015. SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Teresa Christopher Teresa Christopher has been living with atrial fibrillation since 2018.

SENIOR LIFE • OCTOBER 2022 myseniorlife.com24 Some change in memory is expected, but the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are more than simple lapses in the memory or senior moments.

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Colleagues, father, sons provide motorized wheelchair to ALS patient

SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE

Demetria Mills now has a way to get around because of the efforts of two teenagers and their father giving of their time and effort to help her.

Matt Barber, an affiliate of One Senior Place in Viera, learned through his coworker “Nurse Lisa” Conway about Mills’ need for a motorized wheelchair.

Mills, 52, of Titusville, is living with ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that limits her ability to move her muscles.

ALS is also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it. There is no cure.

Barber and his sons, Ethan, 18, and Luke, 16, followed the advice of Tim Timmerman, the executive director of the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation

inoperable motorized chair.

During the next three weeks, the father and sons spent their spare time in the family’s West Melbourne garage replacing parts, fixing loose connections and restoring the discarded chair.

of others.”

Mills had been hoping for a way to leave her bed, without burdening her caretaker father, a Vietnam veteran, but could not afford a motorized wheelchair (with an average price of $5,000). SL

New batteries for the chair,

to look behind Joe’s Club building in Melbourne. There, Barber found an

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Matthew Barber

The fully refurbished power chair was ready for delivery.

“This experience helped my boys learn a wonderful life lesson about building connections, generosity of spirit and making a difference in the lives of others.”

—Matt Barber

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Senior Partner Care Services

Jamie Cool, left, of the Titusville Joe’s Club, Luke Barber, Ethan Barber and Matt Barber gather around Demetria Mills, who is all smiles as she is presented with a refurbished motorized wheelchair.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Matthew Barber Melbourne High School junior Luke Barber installs new batteries on the motorized wheelchair refurbished for ALS patient, Demetria Mills.

Healing music for the heart and soul

BY FLORA REIGADA

Pianist Dwayne Crouse could not resist seeing a piano just sitting there and no one playing it.

So he has volunteered to play it, bringing back regular live piano concerts to Parrish Medical Center’s atrium, which had been stopped during the coronavirus pandemic.

The free concerts are 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesdays.

“One listener requested a love song, then she sat beside me and sang along.”

—Dwayne Crouse

Although he and current wife Lisa have residences in Titusville and North Carolina, Crouse considers Titusville home.

“It is where my late wife and I lived for 50 years and raised our children,” he said.

A lifelong pianist, Crouse had dropped by the hospital to visit a patient, when he spotted the piano.

“Since there is no room for a piano in our condo, I could not resist volunteering to play,” he said.

Uplifting music such as gospel, classical and love songs flow from his talented fingers.

The gospel music harkens back to his years as music pastor at Titusville’s New Covenant

Fellowship.

Selections he plays include, “It is Well With My Soul,” “We Gather Together to Ask the Lord’s Blessing,” “Old Folks at Home,” “When I Fall in Love” and “You Needed Me.”

To Natalie Sellers, the senior vice president of communications, community and corporate services, this is reflective of why Parrish Medical Center has received America’s No. 1 Healing Hospital Award by the Baptist Healing Trust for three consecutive years.

“Research has shown that music relaxes people,” Sellers said. “When patients are waiting for diagnostic tests such as CT scans, MRIs or mammograms, listening to the music lessens the stress or fear they may be experiencing.”

Crouse will even take requests.

“One listener requested a love song, then she sat beside me and sang along,” Crouse said. “Another woman asked me to play “God Will Take Care of You,” for her husband who was in the hospital with heart failure. She recorded it for him to hear. Others request old hymns because they miss them being sung in their churches.”

But there is time for fun. Playing in a bluegrass band with his grandsons, Crouse added the guitar and banjo to his musical resume.

Otherwise, he enjoys woodworking, architecture and restoring old homes. His wife shares that passion and in North Carolina, they restored a house in which they live. SL

SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada Parrish Medical Center has continued its free piano concerts, which were paused during the pandemic. Each Wednesday, pianist Dwayne Crouse plays hymns, classic selections and love songs to relax those waiting for diagnostic tests.

Oct. 1 - 13

MORE THAN 20 CROWS TO VOTE ON!

PICK UP YOUR BALLOT AT THE SENIOR LIFE 321-242-1235

TO

VISIT SCARECROWS

Scarecrow locations can be found on the ballot in the October Viera Voice newspaper. Write the "Crow Code" (on signs near scarecrow) in the appropriate box on your ballot.

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE & ENTER TO WIN

Visit all crows on the ballot to be entered for a chance to win the Grand Prize, or visit at least 18 crows to be eligible for the second- and third-place prizes. Drop off your ballot at one of the box locations listed on the ballot.

ATTEND THE VIERA HARVEST FESTIVAL AND SEE ALL THE SCARECROWS — OCT. 15

Join us at the Viera Regional Park and buy a crow at the Silent Auction — 100 percent of proceeds go to the Brevard County Firefighters Benevolent Assocociation.

For more information about participating in or exhibiting at the Viera Voice Scarecrow Stroll or Viera Harvest Festival, call 321-242-1235.

BCSO Silver Paws program helps seniors find loving pets

BY WENDY SCHEURING

Owning a loving pet can be good for your health. They offer companionship, can lower stress, blood pressure and also ease feelings of loneliness.

If you are 60 or older, reside in Brevard County and want a cute and furry addition to your household, try to take advantage of Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Silver Paws program. The benefits include the waiving of adoption fees on senior cats and dogs (age 6 and older). All of the cats and dogs are neutered or spayed, microchipped, vaccinated and will have up-to-date county tags.

Adopting a pet is akin to doing a good deed. Sometimes these animals have been abused, according to Tod Goodyear, the public information officer for the Brevard County

Sheriff’s Office. “We nurse them back to health so that they can become adoptable.”

The shelter also takes in stray animals, too.

If you’re unsure about adopting a pet, fostering could be an option. That’s what Christine Martin of Viera did. After her two older cats died, the family was ready to adopt

kittens but they wanted to make sure that they were friendly. The family fostered five 5-week-old kittens, all from the same mother, who temporarily stayed at the home until they were ready to be weaned.

“The kittens all developed their own personalities and we named them,” Martin said. “We became attached to them. We said we’d keep two, but how do you do that? So, we kept all five.”

The BCSO no-kill Animal Care Center is located at 5100 West Eau Gallie Boulevard in Melbourne. It is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday and from noon to 4 p.m. each Sunday.

For information, call 321-633-2024 or go to brevardsheriff.com SL

head V8 engine. It was used as a farm truck at Watson Farms in Auburn, Indiana. This pickup

Watson’s family for 72 years. His father Oscar Watson bought the vehicle in June 1950. Oscar Watson

his son in November 2007 and died in December of the same year. Duane Watson, an auto instructor for Bosch,

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Martin family

The Martin family has adopted Tigger, Pumpkin, Clementine, Honey and Shampoo.

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rating system. CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. complies with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status, or religion in their programs and activities, including in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, their programs and activities. Any inquiries regarding CarePlus’ non-discrimination policies and/or to file a complaint, also known as a grievance, please contact Member Services at 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). From October 1 - March 31, we are open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. From April 1 - September 30, we are open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may always leave a voicemail after hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and we will return your call within one business day. Español (Spanish): Esta información está disponible de forma gratuita en otros idiomas. Favor de llamar a Servicios para Afiliados al número que aparece anteriormente. Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Creole): Enfòmasyon sa a disponib gratis nan lòt lang. Tanpri rele nimewo Sèvis pou Manm nou yo ki nan lis anwo an.