SEPTEMBER 2022 Volume 25 Issue 4 myseniorlife.comShutterstock SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump Tom Winkelspecht of Melbourne, left, takes a shuffleboard shot at the Wickham Park Senior Center. Story, page 6. Come(321) 259-9500 WEEKDAYS 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. 6619 North Wickham Rd. MELBOURNE Come see us at Brevard Medical City State-of-the-art Medical Facility • Everything under one roof conveniently located on Wickham Road in Suntree Shannon Spreitzer APRN, DNP AlHareerSalihi, M.D. Board Certified Internal Medicine Abe Hardoon, M.D. Board Certified Internal Medicine Scott Hardoon, M.D. Board Certified Internal Medicine Edwin Chan, M.D. Board Certified Family Medicine Gary J. Hardoon, M.D. Board Certified Internal Medicine Ami A. Bhatt, M.D. Board Certified Family Medicine Thaver,ChristopherM.D. Board Certified Family Medicine Ana Klenz,RebeccaMD Board Certified Internal Medicine Meghan Galili, MD Board Certified Internal Medicine Angela Armellini APRN Free Antibiotics No need for a second trip to the pharmacy Save gas, time and money Will fill one prescription per patient per visit, if antibiotics are needed. Nikka Cohan APRN Jasmine Montañez APRN Brandi Gallego APRN Book your appointment online suntreeinternalmedicine.com MedicareWelcomePatients We Accept Most Insurance Evening & Weekend Office AdultSpecializingHoursinMedicine Computer classes, Ring lights, page 10 Who bought a zoo?, page 25Silva honors the greats, page 8Bingo, baubles and friends, page 6 Games people play
SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress Lawanna Bishop, left, a widow and disabled veteran, is raising her grandchilren Uriah, Le’lariya, Morgan and Lailani. 3 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach 321-783-3128
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What games do you play?
The first Sunday after Labor Day is designated as Grandparents Day. We celebrate you, grandparents of Brevard County. We also tell you in a story about some grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.
SL R.
SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 myseniorlife.com2 E ditor FROM THE
One of life’s pleasures for most seniors is interacting with grandchildren and maybe even doing some occasional babysitting. But there are some who take it even further and should be celebrated on this Grandparents Day, September 11. They are grandparents who are raising theirTwenty-eightgrandchildren.years ago, Mary Ann Sterling, was living in Melbourne Beach with her husband and working at the Harris Corporation when her daughter suddenly died in an accident, leaving behind a 6-yearold son. Unlike many grandparents, Sterling was able to get custody of her grandson. She started meeting other Grandparents Raising Grandchildren fills necessary void in Brevard County
GRANDPARENTS continued to page
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• surfsideplayers.com
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The first Sunday after Labor Day this year is September 11. It is Patriot Day. Some will pause to remember those killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. There are several events on the Space Coast commemorating that tragic event that so many pledged to never forget. There is a new wildlife preserve on the Space Coast — Romelia Farms Wildlife Preserve & Petting Zoo. The farm on Merritt Island recently celebrated its first year of operation and is now open to the public. Check out our story in this edition of Senior Life. Another nonprofit organization that recently opened to the public is the Vietnam War Exhibit and Education Center in Melbourne. We tell you about it and how you, too, can visit. It could change your perception about the war. It has an extensive collection of artifacts, war memorabilia and information about the war, the troops who fought there and the effect it still has. You have come to expect some of our regular features on health and wellness. In this edition, read about atrial fibrillation and how a local woman copes with it. We also look at ideas to avoid loneliness when there are few or no family members around. There are lots of activities, events and volunteer opportunities in Brevard County that can help you avoid loneliness. We tell you about places to go, things to do, what other seniors are doing, and yes, about games and activities around the Space Coast. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com
BY WENDY SCHEURING
In each of the next several editions of Senior Life, we plan to tell you about two games people play here in Brevard County. One will be a sport or outdoor game and one game that is generally played indoors. We start with shuffleboard and bingo. In another edition, we might look at tennis and maybe bunko. Our stories will tell you about these games and how and where you can participate. That is just two stories in an edition packed with information you are going to be interested in and maybe excited to read.
“We also offer legal assistance because some grandparents don’t have a way to get the children into school or medical treatment,” she added. One in 45 children enrolled in Brevard Public Schools is being raised by a grandparent, according to Sterling. “We have solicited help from Superintendent (Mark) Mullins when the parents won’t give us permission to get the kids in school. Also (Brevard County) Sheriff (Wayne) Ivey is very instrumental in helping us.”
“These small people can really eat,” said Bishop, a widow and disabled U.S. Army veteran. “My biggest bill is groceries. We do not have food stamps. It’s also hard to find housing right now.”
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Lisa Wood is caring for Dakota, left, Shyann and Gage.
nothing. I struggle as a grandparent,” she said. “I haven’t taken care of myself for the past four years and have a plethora of health issues while trying to work. The struggles are real.” Wood said she only receives $303 per month via Florida Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, as well as food stamps and Medicaid.
Lisa Wood, 58, of Merritt Island, is a single grandparent who has been raising her grandchildren, ages 14, 12 and 7, for the past four years.Wood said that funding for grandparents is lacking.“Those of us who took our grandchildren out of a situation without going through the state get
SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress
“We help grandparents get counseling for their grandchildren who don’t know who their fathers are or feel responsible for their parents not wanting them,” Sterling said.
grandparents who were also raising their grandchildren, recognized the need for resources and decided to start an organization.
“I have had many sleepless nights on how I’m going to raise these kids, but it’s the best alternative they have at this point,” said Wood, who hopes that her story can raise“Maybeawareness.something can get onto the governor’s desk,” she said. For more information on GRG, call 321-631-7776 or go to grandparentsraisinggrandchildren.org. SL
321-242-1235 SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 3
“I started with six members and financing it on my own nickel,” Sterling said. “Then I wrote a grant (application) to United Way and I got it.”
Lawanna Bishop, 60, of Merritt Island lost her daughter in March. Her grandchildren, ages 11, 7 and 3, now live with her. She has another granddaughter, 10, who lives with her as well as her brother, whom she said is autistic.
GRANDPARENTS continued from page 2
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) of Brevard County was established in 1994. It now has 1,600 members. Located in the former Rockledge Police station at 123 Barton Blvd., GRG has a toy room, offers parenting classes and support groups, as well as information and assistance.
SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 myseniorlife.com4 ©2022 Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. All rights reserved myseniorlife.com We encourage organizations to contact Senior Life by the 15th of each month prior with information and dates regarding upcoming community-oriented events by email and mail. myseniorlife.com Come see us at Brevard Medical City(321) 259-9500 WEEKDAYS a.m. 7 p.m. SATURDAYS SUNDAYS a.m. 2 p.m. MELBOURNE Come see us at Brevard Medical City Free Antibiotics the pharmacy Save gas, time and money Mae West’s 1931 Auburn still sparkles, page 27 OUR VETERANS STORIES IN Space Center celebrates 60, Finding ‘furever’ homes, ride to remember, Space Coast waters beckon STRIPES Volume 25, Issue 3 Senior Life of Florida 7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940 321-242-1235 jill@myseniorlife.commyseniorlife.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 Ernest Arico Ed BrendaBaranowskiEggert Brader Mike MariaFloraBettyLindaGaffeyJumpPorterReigadaSonnenberg 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. Senior Life COUPONS & DISCOUNTS INSIDE THIS ISSUE Suntree Internal pg. 1 Truman Scarborough pg. 3 Palm Shores Bistro pg. 9 Cedar Creek Assisted pg. 13 Johnson Aluminum pg. 15 Hansen’s Handyman pg. 20 Courtenay Springs pg. 22 William A. Johnson pg. 25 Air Gagers pg. 26 Viola Antiques pg. 26 Personal Hearing pg. 27 SKG Insurance pg. 27 September 2022 4 SENIOR LIVING MAP 7 10 TECHNEIGHBORSKNOW 27 24 22-23 HEALTH20 BCOA18,12-14 STRIPES/VETERANSTIDBITS20 COLUMNISTS&WELLNESSNORTHBREVARDCLASSICRIDES A N NI V E R YRAS HISTORIC TITUSVILLE MAIN STREET CENTERSPACEKENNEDYMELBOURNEAIRPORT PATRICK AIR FORCE PATRICKBASEAIR CENTERSPACEKENNEDY AIRCAPEAIRCANAVERALCAPESTATIONSTATION Buena Vida Estates 2129 W. New Haven Ave., W. Melbourne 32904 321-724-0060 BuenaVidaEstates.org Courtenay Springs Village 1200 S Courtenay Pkwy., Merritt Island 32952 321-452-1233 CourtenaySpringsVillage.org Cedar Creek Assisted Living 4279 Judith Ave., Merritt Island 32953 321-454-7768 CedarCreekAssistLiving.net BA Chateau Madeleine 205 Hardoon Lane, Suntree 32940 321-701-8000 SuntreeSeniorLiving.com Showcase Showcase Living Living Alura Senior Living 777 Roy Wall Blvd., Rockledge 32955 321-549-3980 AluraSeniorLiving.com Sonata East at Viera 4206 Breslay Dr., Viera 32940 321-326-9995 SonataVieraEast.com The Blake at Viera 5700 Lake Andrew Dr.,Viera 32940 321-343-7200 BlakeAtViera.com Shell Harbor 2855 Murrell Rd, Rockledge 32955 321-265-6858 ShellHarborRetirement.com H G E F Brevard’s Premier Senior Retirement & Assisted Living Communities GCABDEFH Opening October 2022 DC PalmShores
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“It’s a good game to keep the mind going, you meet a lot of people, enjoy it and it gets you out of the house,” Bergman said of playing bingo. The friends sit each time at the same table near the bingo box. The bingo box is packed with air-driven bounding and bouncing lightweight numbered balls, which are easily ejected from the bin when a hole is opened. The bingo caller shouts that number and letter and players try to match it on the cards they have purchased. Many variations of bingo games are created and played. Volunteers walk the concourse to assist players, especially those shouting bingo. “I have played bingo for 40 years,” Roberts said. “Once you start, it is hard to quit. If you win, it’s a plus. If you don’t, it doesn’t matter.”
Joan Wivchar lined up a perfect St. Pete’s first match shot and pushed her yellow disc with a cue down the narrow shuffleboard recently at the Wickham Park Senior Center. “I like getting out in the fresh air. It helps keep you moving, and if you sit in your house, you’ll end up in a wheelchair,” the spry 91-year-old Indian Harbour Beach resident said. She’s been playing shuffleboard for about four years. Fellow shuffleboard player Bob Brinckerhoff, a newcomer to the league, quipped, “Shuffleboard is one sport where you can be the youngest guy out there and be beaten by someone who’s 30 years older than you are.”
Seniors remain active, social playing shuffleboard regularly
BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER “Bingo!” screams Barbara Bergman as she hoists her bright, whirling, lighted lantern in the air, making sure all know that it’s her number reflected on the wall monitor. Bergman of Palm Bay and Betty Roberts of Sebastian play bingo at the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center every Wednesday and Friday, year around. They have been playing side by side for at least 10 years.
The Free Boomer Guide features shuffleboard locations and listings of other sports and games.
Greg Jones, the club president at the center, said the game is popular with seniors and the league competes at local, regional and state tournaments. Most are played between October and April, so matches now are for practice. Sandy Jerome of Melbourne has played the sport for at least 20 years. “It’s a game of skill, strategy and luck — and great socialization.” Tom Winkelspecht of Melbourne has played for about a decade. “My goal is to be in the State Hall of Fame within two years. I need 41 more points to get there.” He said an average game takes 45 minutes to an hour and tournaments can take up to four hours over two days. The first step to learn the game, he said, is how to hold the cue and to step before gliding the hockey-puck sized disc, also called a biscuit or puck. Individuals or teams of two use discs of two colors, usually yellow and black. They each shoot four discs from opposite ends of the board. Each shot can either score a point, propel a prior disc to a better position or push out an opponent’s point-gaining disc.
BY LINDA JUMP
Bingo brings friends together for fun and maybe a big win
SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump Sandy Jerome stretches to take a shot on a shuffleboard court at the Wickham Park Senior Center.
“When people win a lot, you do wonder how they do it all the time,” Bergman said. “But guess they are just lucky. Last Friday, I won $155. It varies to win two or three times a month, sometimes will go for months and nothing. It goes in streaks and then you win every week, and everybody says, ‘There she goes again,’” Bergman said laughing.Bergman and Roberts have good luck charms they bring with them every time. “I have cats and so I have all these china cats as my good luck,” said Bergman carefully displaying several of her goodluck charms.
Games are played from 11:30 a.m. to about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday and 6 to 10 or 10:30 p.m. Friday. Cards for games on Wednesdays sell for $8 per pack and Fridays sell for $14 per pack. “It’s mandatory to buy a pack to participate,” Goodwin-Hazel said. “Bingo is open to the public and you don’t have to be a member to play.” SL
SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 myseniorlife.com6
Barbara Godwin-Hazel supervises all bingo at the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center. “I got into it 14 ½ years ago and it kind of stuck,” she said. “I work it all. I do the ordering of supplies, make sure everything is running smoothly and do the updating when games are changed around.”
PEOPLE PLAYGames
The game has been around since the 1400s in Britain, when a large coin was slid down a table to earn points. The game has been popular on cruise ships and senior facilities and reached its peak in the 1950s. Now, more than a million shuffleboards are in use in the U.S. The U.S. National Shuffleboard Association was established in 1931 and the International Shuffleboard Association in 1979 in St. Petersburg. Wivchar touched her cue stick with her partner’s when they won. “After this, I’m going to play bridge,” she said. SL
SENIOR LIFE Brenda Eggert Brader Bingo is a popular pastime activity for people of all ages. It is played at the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center on Wednesday during the day and on Friday nights.
Sandy-Lynn Eldridge relies on Izzy to help her get around.
BY MARIA SONNENBERG
SENIOR LIFE
Courtesy of Michael Eldridge
Sandy-Lynn Eldridge’s hero has four legs, a wet nose and wagging tail. Izzy, a former shelter dog who has become Lynn’s mobility, stability and sight helper, enables the Titusville resident to surmount the many disabilities that beset her. “Since Izzy has come into my life, he has become my legs and my eyes,” said Unfortunately,Eldridge.Eldridge may have to part with Izzy because she can’t afford to keep him. For years, Elridge volunteered at Harmony Farms, which helps individuals with disabilities.
321-242-1235 SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 7
Farm’s former volunteer needs help to keep her ailing guide dog
NEIGHBORS Inside the Boomer Guide
Because of long waiting lists, Eldridge could not get a service dog through normal channels, but Laura Soto of Pawsitive Training Academy in Cocoa found six-yearold Izzy — on the kill list at a West Coast shelter — and trained him to help Eldridge. “Izzy has been a godsend to Sandy-Lynn,” Rogan said. The bad news is that Izzy suffers from allergies and persistent ear problems that require medication and prescription dog food for the rest of his life at a cost of more than $400 per “Sandy-Lynnmonth.andher husband are on a low fixed income and the cost of the fromfoodandmedication,continuedvetvisits,prescriptiondogmaypreventherbeingabletokeep Izzy as her service dog,” RoganEldridgesaid. is seriously struggling to keep Izzy, yet without him, she would be lost. “He has become my legs and my eyes,” Eldridge said. With Izzy, Eldridge can lean on, a buddy that guides her every hour of the day. “Izzy is my hero,” Eldridge said. Izzy now needs some heroes, too.Rogan hopes Brevard’s kindhearted community will step up to help keep Eldridge and Izzy together. Donations can be made in person or by mail to a special Izzy Fund created at Launch Credit Union, 90 S. Singleton Ave. in Titusville 32796. For more information, call the credit union at 321-455-9400. SL
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“Due to finances, she and her husband gave up their car, so the trips to Harmony Farms stopped,” Harmony Farms executive director Pam Rogan said. Eldridge still wanted to make a difference, so in the golf cart that was now their only transportation, the couple would go to Swan Lake Stables to care for the goats there, despite Eldridge’s declining health.
“Sandy-Lynn’s eyesight is getting worse and she is having a harder time getting around due to her polio and muscle degeneration, and her husband is not well, either,”
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SENIOR LIFE Courtesty of Alfie Silva Alfie Silva recreates the sounds of Dean Martin, Tom Jones, Elvis Presley and others on stage.
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Like Gans, Silva has an uncanny ability to get under the skin — and inside the vocal chords — of some of the world’s greatest vocalists, from Sinatra to Willie Nelson. Like Gans, Silva also had a very different career path before heading into show business (Gans was drafted by the Chicago White Sox, and Silva worked as a hair stylist and barber). Both took the stage as if they had been born for just that reason. Silva, who has performed around the country, and, yes, in Vegas, has also been featured on Disney+ and Amazon Prime. Locally, he has long been a regular at venues such as the Melbourne Civic Theatre, where his holiday show channeling singers the likes of Dean Martin was typically a sellout for all performances. He has a loyal fan base for his “Impressions Unplugged” show, where he vocally recreates the nuanced sounds of Dean Martin, Tom Jones, Elvis Presley and manyWithmore.three decades in the industry, Silva decided to set up permanent performance roots this past February, opening The Tangiers, a Vegas-style performing arts theater in Palm Bay. Here, Silva and his wife, Kim Cole, can let their considerable talents loose. National award-winning choreographer Cole operated Kim Cole Dance Studio before joining the NBA’s Orlando Magic Dancers. Why did the couple choose Vegas in Palm Bay? “I have performed in Las Vegas before and that was always so exciting,” he said. Silva has big plans for The Tangiers, including an annual Palm Opry that replicates the vibes of the original Grand Ole Opry as he and fellow vocalists pay homage to country greats such as Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline. “I love Johnny Cash so much, I named my son Cash,” he said. Tickets for Silva’s “Christmas with Alfie and Friends” are already selling briskly, thanks to audience members such as Karen Lewis, who has closely followed the singer’s career through the years. “He has such a superior voice and every singer he portrays sounds authentic,” said the Indian Harbour Beach resident.
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SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 myseniorlife.com8 BY MARIA SONNENBERG
The Tangiers is at 4500 Dixie Hwy., Unit 1A, Palm Bay. For more information, call 321-327-8759 or visit thetangiersflorida.com SL
“I love Johnny Cash so much, I named my son Cash.” —Alfie Silva
For 15 years, the Las Vegas act of vocal impressionist Danny Gans was a must-see for countless visitors to The Strip at venues such as Stratosphere, Wynn Las Vegas and The Mirage, which even built a special theater for the entertainer. Gans passed away in 2009, but Alfie Silva, the artist who has been called the next Danny Gans, is alive and well and playing in Brevard County, among other places.
Impressionist Silva continues to draw fans
With only eight teeth left and 15 years under his pudgy belt, Cody caught the eye and heart of Marguerite Garner, who saw his photo at St. Francis Reflections’
Cody owner could
BY MARIA SONNENBERG Cody the Chihuahua and his human mom had happily grown old together, until Cody’s human entered the final chapter of her life and didn’t have anyone who would care for the little dog after she passed away. She couldn’t bear to think what would happen to her old pet if he ended up in a shelter, where senior animals are typically passed over for younger ones.
found a new home with Marguerite Garner after his hospice patient
“It was meant to be I was there when Cody was the featured pet,” Garner said. It was also meant to be that the Pet Pledge Program was there to connect Cody and Garner. For more on the Pet Pledge Program, visit reflectionslsc.org SL
“What if this person has no interest or is unable to take on the pet?” Larson asked. Dottie the cat enjoyed the spoiled life with her elderly mom, but her out-ofstate daughter would not have been able to care for the feline after the hospice patient passed. Mother and daughter were reassured that Dottie would find a good home, and she did, with one of the hospice’s nurses. “Dottie stayed with her mother until the very end, providing her that comfort and sense of calm that comes from the deep bond they shared,” Larson said.
Pets in the Park event at Cocoa’s Riverfront Park. Garner works for event sponsor Pet Pros. Although she shares her home with several dogs, Garner knew there was always room for one more. Away went Cody with the new mom and a basket of goodies from St. Francis Reflections. Garner reports that he loves his new pack and shredded chicken and even tolerates the cat.
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Pet Pledge, free to hospice patients, is made possible through the St. Francis Reflections Foundation and the Pet Pledge Advisory Committee, which accesses free veterinary care, provides temporary shelter and assists with placement.
LIFE Courtesy
SENIOR of St. Francis Reflections Lifestage
no longer care for him.
321-242-1235 SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 9 The Murtha Law Group, PA Kevin M. Murtha Attorney and Counselor at Law Serving Brevard County · Estate Planning · Wills · Trusts · Probate · Family Law 7351 Office Park Place Melbourne 32940 KMurtha@MurthaLaw.us 321.600.4989 Trusted Legal Advice
Program finds homes for pets of hospice patients
“There is a deep sense of grief and worry for patients who are facing end of life and are thinking about not only saying goodbye to their pet, but what their future holds for them,” said Mary Larson, the director of community engagement for St. Francis Reflections LifestageFortunately,Care. St. Francis Reflections, which provided hospice services for Cody’s mom, was about to write a happy new chapter in Cody’s life, thanks to the organization’s Pet Pledge Program. “We honor that pets are part of the family and our care for the patient and family extends to pets if needed,” Larson added.Under the program, when routine pet care becomes a burden for a terminally ill patient, volunteers will help with chores such as taking the pet to the veterinarian. When the individual passes, St. Francis Reflections staff will find a good home for the animal. In Florida, animals are considered property and assigned to whomever inherits the estate.
25 MIN. SOUTH All of us at Ron Norris want to in SALES HOURS: Monday - Thursday 9 a m - 7 p m Friday 9 a m - 6 p m Saturday 9 a m - 4 p m Sunday Closed SERVICE HOURS — CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT ALL WARRANTY WORK WELCOME www.RonNorrisBuickGMC.com 321-267-9200 1350 S Washington Ave., Titusville , FL 32870 B s Serving Brevard County sin ce 196 6 321-267-9200 1350 S Washington Ave., Titusville , FL 32870 SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock Ring lights give your photos better illumination. The Free Boomer Guide features resources such as computer classes and heritage clubs. TECH KNOW TIDBITS
SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada Beth Doud, a reference librarian, offers computer instruction at the Mims/ Scottsmoor Public Library.
The North Brevard Senior Center is at 909 Lane Ave. in Titusville. Call 321-268-2333 or visit nbsc.website.
“Topics are based on the student’s interest and an entire class can be devoted to learning to use the mouse. Other classes may focus on learning to use the keyboard, how to copy and paste, Microsoft Word, email and the internet, needs vary,” Doud said. She recalled a man whose company became more computer oriented and he came to keep up with technology. “Everything worked out well,” Doud said.
A local widow’s grief was complicated by not knowing how to pay bills online as her husband always had. The woman’s children tried to help her, but that didn’t work out. Ultimately, she heard about Reference Librarian Beth Doud at the Mims/ Scottsmoor Public Library, who offers individualized instruction in computer basics. Doud provided the needed help. There is no cost for the hour-long sessions; however interested persons must call to register.
The author mentioned Doud in the book’sInstructionacknowledgements.isalsoavailable at the Titusville Public Library. Free sessions are held monthly in the computer lab. Seating is limited to the first 16 arrivals. Those without computer or internet access can find it at both locations. Two hours of computer time is free for library card holders. Visitors without cards may purchase a one-time guest pass for $1. Computer classes at the North Brevard Senior Center are on hold because the instructor moved to another state. “People keep calling, asking for laptop and cell phone instruction,” said Operations Manager Dan Williams. “We need someone with technical skills to provide this.”
BY R. NORMAN MOODY Light is a key to good photography. The LED or fluorescent ring lights are great for portrait photographs, selfies and videoconferencing.Aringlightisreally a multi-purpose tool that comes in many assorted sizes — from about 4 inches up to 22 inches. The small ones can be clipped onto a cellphone for doing selfies or portraits.Others will offer users much better lighting than a regular lightbulb for video conferences or familyMostmembers.ofthelights can be used on a tripod to position it to give special lighting effects. Some can be attached to a tripod with the camera or cell phone mounted in the center of the ring. A ring light may have several settings that give off different light temperatures — that can be switched between full light, white light and warm light. Some models come with diffusers in two or three colors — red, green and blue. The circular light is usually fluorescent interconnected LED lights.Either one creates great lighting for photo shoots and helps to minimize unwanted shadows. It usually gives off a soft illumination for portraits and for closeup shots. The ring light can be used indoors or outdoors. Smaller ring lights are charged with a USB connection. Others are plugged into a wall outlet and have dials to increase and decrease the intensity. The small ones are quite simple to operate. There are professional grade ring lights that provide more features and options than the smaller, less expensive ones.Asmall ring light can be purchased for about $10, while a 10-inch light might cost about $25 or less. Larger ones can cost up to $100 or more. So, if you are looking for an inexpensive light to add effects to your photography or just wanting to make your video conferences a little more interesting, try a small ring light with your cellOncephone.you have tried it out, you might want to go to a larger more versatile one. DRIVE ONLY
The Titusville Public Library is at 2121 S. Hopkins Ave. Call 321-2645026 or visit brevardfl.goTitusville.
SL
SL JUST A SHORT
Libraries offer basic computer instruction
FOR BIG SAVINGS! Serving Brevard County sin ce 196 6 SUNTREE/VIERA
BY FLORA REIGADA
Another woman wanted to selfpublish her memoir and needed instruction in using Microsoft Word and formatting a book. Today, that finished product, “Falling in Love in the Land of Aphrodite: Memoir of a Defiant Daughter,” by Behjat Henderson is available at the library and on Amazon.
SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 myseniorlife.com10 Ring lights add effect, good lighting to photos inexpensively
The Mims/Scottsmoor Library is at 3615 Lionel Road in Mims. Call 321-264-5080 or visit brevardfl. gov/PublicLibraries
321-242-1235 SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 11
Paul Julian SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Joe Davie Joe Davie began his military career at Lackland Air Force Base.
What a lesson in service for a group of young people already committed and used to serving others — helping to maintain a cemetery where veterans are buried. The JROTC cadets from Viera High School spent a recent Saturday morning cleaning, cutting bushes and making sure the cemetery was in good order. The cadets, along with others — the American Legion Post 191, Leonard Ross and other community leaders and groups — joined in the work at the J. N. Tucker Memorial Shady Oaks Cemetery. There are about 35 veterans buried in the cemetery that was established in the early 1900s. I know there might be many other who participated in this most recent cleanup and maintenance of the cemetery and some before, but I wanted to tell you specifically about these Junior Reserve Officer Training cadets from Viera High School. They deserve your recognition because not many would want to give up a day off from school to work in a cemetery. They could be out doing something else with their Saturday.
SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 myseniorlife.com12 STRIPES STRI PES NewsVeteransBrevard
Joe Davie is that perfect combination of technological savvy and a caring heart — an amalgam that endears him to his fellow volunteers at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center.
“They love doing it,” said retired Army Lt. Col. Tim Thomas, the senior JROTC instructor. “They are making these cemeteries aesthetically better to honor the veterans buried there.” Thomas said it is the type of work that builds intangible values that we look for in leaders — empathy and compassion. If you travel on U.S. 1 south of Post Road, you have passed the cemetery that once was in bad shape with overgrown weeds and growing neglect. After the condition of the cemetery was brought to the attention of former San Diego Chargers fullback, Bruce Rothschild, the sprucing up began. Rothschild established Veteran Cemetery Restoration to take care of Shady Oaks and J. S. Stone Memorial Cemetery in Melbourne, both over 100 years old. He said that through the years he has learned a lot about the history of some of the people buried there. About 85 people, including the cadets, showed up to the workday at Shady Oaks Cemetery. “We had some wonderful volunteers,” Rothschild said. “We really like to engage the younger crowd. I like to tell them the history.” Shady Oaks was established by African American settlers in the early 1900s. Stone also was established by African American pioneers in the early 1900s.Veterans Cemetery Restorations, a nonprofit organization created to maintain the two cemeteries, conducts periodic cleanups and maintenance of the gravesites.
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JROTC cadets give a day to maintain historic cemetery
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SL SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Joe Davie Joe Davie keeps tabs on more than 4,500 volumes of U.S. military history and oversees a dozen volunteers.
Caring, tech savvy volunteer provides valuable help at veterans center BY MARIA SONNENBERG
The histories Davie and Julian record through interviews with veterans are posted on YouTube and submitted to the Library of Congress. Each of the 50 plus veterans the two have interviewed also received a DVD of the interview to share with family. For family members, these DVDs often serve as a revelation of the sacrifices their loved ones made. In addition to being caring and empathetic, Davie has an impressive background in technology, making him a most important volunteer at the VMC. “He is the only person in our VMC team having the technical expertise to produce the final media which meets the Library of Congress’ guidelines,” Julian added. Davie joined the VMC volunteer corps five years ago. In addition to his work with the History Project, he is the organization’s librarian, tasked with keeping tabs on more than 4,500 volumes on U.S. military history and overseeing a dozenDavie’svolunteers.ownstory begins in Virginia, but quickly shifts to Florida after his family moved to Miami when he was two years old. “I consider myself a Floridian,” he said.High school in Jupiter was followed by enlistment in the Air Force in 1965. Davie was fortunate that although he enlisted during the buildup of the Vietnam War, his deployments were to Japan and Korea. His interest in electronics landed him duties with missile guidance. By 1968, he was out of the service, but despite the short length of military career, he feels a particular kinship with veterans.“Ifeel I have a lot in common with them,” said the Rockledge resident. Davie enrolled at the University of Vermont to earn his bachelor’s degree, thanks to the G.I. Bill. Working parttime in electronics helped to pay for his apartment in Burlington. Living next door was Beth, who was to become his wife and mother of his two children.Throughout a varied career that included everything from managing an auto parts store to being the go-to techie for Brevard Community College’s Palm Bay and Cocoa campuses, Davie kept sight of the perfect job.
“Joe always is cordial, compassionate and patient when interacting with our local heroes,” said Paul Julian, who serves on the VMC board of directors and works with Davie in the Veterans’ History Project, a compilation of the life stories of local veterans.
“My dream was to go work for NASA,” he said. The dream came true when he was hired to provide IT services for one of the subcontractors at the Kennedy Space Center. After 11 years in that position, he retired, but rapidly connected with the Veterans Memorial Center. He spends two full days per week at the VMC library, recently joined the Center’s board of directors and is part of the Brevard Veterans Council, which supports the welfare of local veterans and their families. At the VMC, he has forged a reputation for caring. “I have not met a more professional, hard-working and dedicated person than Joe,” Julian said.
“I have not met a more professional, hardworking and dedicated person than Joe.”
SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey Engraved bricks, with each honoree’s name, were on display and will be placed around a Purple Heart monument at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island.
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Crosby’s return to American soil also inspired family and friends to start the Crosby Army ROTC Scholarship at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.
“Herby would have been in awe of everything that has happened,” said Wade, who still receives calls from people who have a POW/MIA bracelet with Crosby’s name on it and want to send it to the family. “He has brought family, friends, comrades and strangers together in ways so touching and lifechanging even after 37 years of being declared missing in action in Vietnam.”
“The military explained that the reason was because the helicopter crashed while returning from combat, not while it was in combat, yet finding no evidence of the helicopter or crew to verify anything,” Wade said of the reason for the decades-long delay.
Ceremony honors 10 Purple Heart recipients
321-242-1235 SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 13STRIPES BY MIKE GAFFEY
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SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey
Created in 1782 by then-Gen. George Washington and originally called the Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart has been awarded to more than two million service members — 400,000 of them posthumously — since the decoration was revived in 1932. National Purple Heart Day is observed on August 7.
U.S. Rep. Bill Posey attends a ceremony honoring 10 local Purple Heart recipients.
SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey Veteran Paul Abel is wrapped in a Quilt of Valor during a ceremony at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center.
On National Purple Heart Day, Brevard County Chapter 435 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart continued its five-year-old tradition of honoring local U.S. veterans who have received the medal, sharing the stories of 10 heroes killed or wounded in combat.“Without veterans, there is no America,” Donn Weaver, the president of the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, said to applause from about 150 people at the center at 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway on Merritt Island.
This year’s honorees were Army Capt. Herbert “Herby” C. Crosby, former Army Staff Sgt. Paul Abel, former Marine Cpl. Ben Bydalek, former U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Richard Ferry, Howard Gentry, Robert Grant, Thomas Ray Gruno, Lance Johnson, Robert Blanchard and former Army Spc. Keith Van Buren. A Chapter 435 member introduced each honoree and some family members added personal memories. Engraved brick pavers with each honoree’s name were on display and will be placed around a Purple Heart monument at the veterans center. Crosby’s sister Marylou Wade told the crowd that her family waited 43 years to receive a Purple Heart for her brother after his helicopter gunship crashed in January 1970 during a combat mission near Tien Phouc, Vietnam. The crew was reported missing in action and later declared dead. Remains identified as Crosby’s were recovered years after the crash and interred during a well-attended service at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. in 2007.
“This quilt is an expression of gratitude meant to thank and comfort you,” Sowers said. “We consider it a privilege to honor you.”
Some 21 veterans also received handmade Quilts of Valor during the ceremony. More than 300,000 of the quilts have been distributed to military personnel nationwide, said Karmel Sowers, the group leader of the local Quilts of Valor chapter.
SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey Marylou Wade, the sister of Army Capt. Herbert “Herby” C. Crosby, talks about her late brother while Donn Weaver, president of the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, holds a photo of Crosby during an August 7 ceremony.
private tour. You
A visit to a Vietnam War exhibit in Melbourne and a talk with Ben Bydalek is likely to give visitors a clear perception of the war that was a sad period of American history. Divisions in the nation at the time created by protesters and politicians, obscured the contributions and sacrifices of the Vietnam veterans.
“You see it there, you read about it here and you see it being used incountry,” Bydalek said as he pointed out some of the exhibit, a collection he started 40 years ago. He said he had not originally set out to amass such a collection of artifacts. The center is supported entirely by donations. It also welcomes volunteers and donations of memorabilia.Theexhibit even includes information about post-traumatic stress disorder and Agent Orange. Bydalek said that 17 veterans with whom he met periodically for breakfast through the years, have died from illnesses caused by Agent Orange.“This is the wall I wish that I can impart more about, Agent Orange,” Bydalek said as his emotions caused him to pause momentarily as he thought of friends lost to the effects of the defoliant chemical. Many Vietnam veterans are still becoming ill and dying from the effects of Agent Orange, an herbicide and defoliant used extensively during the war. U.S. troops fighting in Vietnam served about 240 days in combat, far more than during World War II or other wars. A typical tour of duty was 12 Beverlymonths. Sangeleer enthusiastically points out exhibits to which she is very familiar. She served in the Navy Nurses Corps and treated many of the wounded stabilized by Corpsmen and brought from Vietnam to Philadelphia Naval“TheyHospital.patched them up and sent them to us for long-term care,” said Sangeleer, who turned 21 during her two years treating the Vietnam wounded. “That’s all I dealt with.” More than 150,000 troops were wounded in the war and 58,000 died. One of those killed on May 3, 1967 was James D. Borowski. A mortar attack that killed Borowski also wounded Bydalek. Years later, Bydalek would contact the family of Borowski, whose photo and story are part of the exhibit. The Vietnam War Exhibit and Education Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For special visits at other times or other information, call 321212-9726 or visit vietnamwarexhibit. com/.
SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress
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To see the Military Patriots’ Vietnam War Exhibit and Education Center in Melbourne and hear an explanation about the war and the artifacts is to gain new perception and a better understanding of the war.
while line and square dancing to live
September
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
Exhibit aims to educate, clarify misperception of Vietnam War
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321-252-4882Friday,September9at10:30a.m.Lunch&LearnBe our guest for a delicious chef-prepared lunch during a brief presentation about how life at Shell Harbor simplifies your retirement and helps you Celebrate Life every day! RSVP
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The Vietnam War Exhibit and Education Center is currently housed in three rooms of a building in an industrial area at 2475 Jen Drive, Suite 5 in Melbourne.
Hoedown Dance Party Pull up a chair to enjoy a western-themed dinner,
“My vision is to relocate to a much larger facility, one with more traffic,” said Bydalek, a U.S. Marine who served for 13 months in combat in Vietnam, from October 1966 to November 1967. Even some who served in Vietnam might not have ever seen some of the items exhibited at the center. It is an emotional visit for some who were there.“Most people are overwhelmed,” said Bydalek, who served with the 105th Artillery, 5th Marine. The exhibit of hundreds of items includes weapons, flares, radios, uniforms, helmets, flak jackets, canteens, posters, magazines, photos and tools.
SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 myseniorlife.com14 STRIPES
Ben Bydalek began collecting Vietnam War military artifacts and memorabilia 40 years ago. The Vietnam War Exhibit and Education Center is housed at 2475 Jen Drive, Suite 5 in Melbourne. 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge, FL 32955 ShellHarborRetirement.com
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SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 myseniorlife.com16 In the Heart of Suntree area. Locally Owned and Operated Call to schedule a tour 321-701-8000 www.suntreeseniorliving.com sales@suntreeseniorliving.com 205 Hardoon Lane • Melbourne, FL 32940Assisted Living License #AL13351 NEXTOPENINGYEAR SENIORATLANTISTOWERANewSevenStorySeniorLivingCommunity connected to Chateau Madeleine ALL-INCLUSIVE: • MEALS & SNACKS • HOUSEKEEPING • TRANSPORTATION • LAUNDRYPERSONALIZEDSERVICES • ALL UTILITIES • SOCIAL ACTIVITIES & OUTINGS • MANAGEMENTMEDICATION • ALERT PENDANT Assisted Living & Memory Care Resort-Style Community Watch Live videos and calendar ChateauMadeleine.liveat
Scottish Country Dancing 6:30Mondays-9:30 p.m. All ages are welcome, no partner necessary. The Springs of Suntree Clubhouse 8300 Holiday Springs Road Suntree, 321-427-3587
Veterans Benefit Seminar 10 - 11 Seminara.m.presented by elder law attorney William A. Johnson. RSVP One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Diabetes - Living Healthy with diabetes workshop 1:30 - 4 p.m. Living healthy workshops. Registration required. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 407-514-1806 Space Coast Poets 5:15 Poetsp.m.and enthusiasts of all levels are Suntree,902Suntree/Vierawelcome.LibraryJordanBlassDrive321-255-4404
Adult Tap Dance 4:45 – 5:45 p.m. Wickham Park Community 2815CenterLeisure Way Melbourne, 321-608-7490 28 Night 5 - 8:30 p.m. Local vendors, monthly local charity. Wear your steampunk attire. 28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159
Martini’s Mix & Mingle 6 - 9 p.m. Hors d'oeuvres, Martini Bar, dessert bar, carving station. Space Coast Symphony Orchestra. Hilton Cocoa Beach 1550 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Bch., 321-720-5473
National Felt Hat Day National Pecan Cookie DayDaughtersNationalDayAirForceBirthday Welcome September National Acorn Squash DayWildlifeNationalDay National Read a Book NationalDayBald is Beautiful Day Natl RecognitionPOW/MIADay National DumplingAppleDay NationalColorsCollegeDay AppreciationElephantDay National NeighborGoodDay National Coffee Day Scarecrow Stroll Oct. 1-13 Details in the October paper
Grandparents GrandchildrenRaising 10 a.m.777SunflowernoonHouseE.MerrittIsland Cswy., Merritt#201 321-452-4341Island
Parrish Healthcare “Life Moves” Presentation 5:30 - 7:15 p.m. Indian River Golf Club 3950 Walkabout Way Mims, 321-268-6111
Lift Up Young Lives Golf Tournament 7 Thea.m.Habitat Golf Course 3591 Fairgreen St. Grant, 321-204-4577
Wickham Park First Friday Event 5 - 9 p.m. Food trucks and live music. Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-633-2046 Friday Night Dancing at the VMC 7 - 10 p.m. First and third Friday. Tickets Veterans$7.50.Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek MerrittParkwayIs., 321-453-1776
Irish Dance 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. New beginners 3:45 - 4:30 p.m. Current beginners 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Advanced Melbourne,2815CenterMelbournebeginnersCommunityLeisureWay321-608-7490
Melbourne DepartmentFire9/11 5K 7 Proceedsa.m. to benefit The Melbourne Professional Firefighters Benevolent and The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-345-3320
Duran Golf’s Labor Day Scramble Golf Tournament 8 Four-persona.m. scramble. Duran Golf Club 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-504-7776
Unveiling and Dedication of America’s Monument to Fallen Allies 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island, 321-453-1776
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Tinnitus and Hearing Loss - Lunch & Learn 11 a.m.Presentationnoonconducted by Personal Hearing Solutions and Clinical Education Specialist Dr. Susan de Bondt. RSVP One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Dexter Wilborn Quartet 2 - 4 Veteransp.m.Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt 321-453-1776Island
Creative Christian Crafters 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Suntree 7400MethodistUnitedChurchN.Wickham Road Suntree, 321-242-2585
Shuffleboard 1 – 3 p.m. Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Drive NE Palm Bay, 321-724-1338
ANA Coin Talk with Bob 6 - 7:45 Suntree/Vierap.m. Public Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Health and Senior Lifestyle Expo 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Drive NE Palm Bay, 321-724-1338
Healthy Snacking Seminar 2 Learnp.m.how healthy snacking can boost your metabolism and manage hunger. Speaker Jayne Garcia. SolarisRSVP Senior Living 535 Crocket Blvd. Merritt Is., 321-454-2363
TGIF Seaside Piecemakers 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Quilting Suntree,902Suntree/Vieragroup.LibraryJordanBlassDrive321-255-4404
First and third Sundays 10 - 11 a.m. Total tour distance is 1 to 1.5 1518Turkeymiles.CreekPortMalabar Blvd. NE Palm Bay, 321-676-6690
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321-242-1235 SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 17 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3
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Fall Into Music Concert 7:30 Presentedp.m. by the Melbourne Community Orchestra Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-285-6721
Sock Hop Dance 7 - 9:30 p.m. Dance to the 50s and 60s with the Melbourne Municipal Melbourne,625MelbourneBandAuditoriumE.HibiscusBlvd.321-724-0555
The Water is Wide Concert 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Sep. 21 and 22 Melbourne Municipal Band Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-724-0555
SHINE CounselingMedicare 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-631-7549 Bingocize! 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Combines playing bingo with 777Sunflowerexercising.HouseMerrittIsland Cswy. Merritt#201 Is., 321-452-4341
Embroidery Event 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sep. 23 and Sep. 24 Make Halloween projects. Quilts and Lace 7720 N. Wickham Road, #111, Suntree, 321-622-8602
Brevard Family Partnership Golf Tournament 1 Benefitp.m. for the Brevard Family Suntree,300SuntreeFoundation.PartnershipCountryClubCountryClubDrive321-752-4650 30 Ride In and Chill With HPP 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Space 1440HarleyCoastDavidsonSportsman Lane NE Palm Bay, 321-259-1311 Indoor/Outdoor Vendor and Craft Fair Noon - 4 p.m. Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Drive NE Palm Bay, 321-724-1338
NationalSchnitzelWienerDay
Lunch & Learn 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a delicious chefprepared lunch during a brief presentation. Shell Rockledge,2855RetirementHarborCommunityMurrellRoad321-252-4882 Remembering 9-11 Space Coast Symphony Orchestra 7 Tributep.m. to the victims and survivors, their families and emergency responders who were impacted by 9/11. Scott Center at Holy Trinity 5625 Holy Trinity Drive Suntree, 855-252-7276 Viera East Farmers Market 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 1705 Crane Creek Blvd. Woodland Park, Viera East 11 12 14 15 16 17
Bingo 10 Northa.m.Brevard Senior 909CenterLane Ave. Titusville, 321-268-2333
Fall Into Music Concert 7:30 Presentedp.m. by the Melbourne Community MelbourneOrchestra Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-285-6721
Turkey Ranger-ledCreekTour
Special Olympics Fundraiser Poker Tournament PresentedNoon by the American Legion S.A.L. Squadron 200. American Legion Post 200 105 Ocean Ave. Satellite Bch., 321-773-5151 Men on Fire 6 - 10 Benefitp.m.for the SPCA of Brevard. Silent auction, food and drink. Holiday Inn Viera 8298 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-567-3615 9 10
Reliving Memories Car Show 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Open to all years, makes and models of cars and Grandtrucks. Villa of Melbourne 964 S. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne, 321-948-7553
SHINE Medicare Counseling 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Martin Andersen Senior 1025CenterS. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-631-7549
The 21st annual SCLRA Golf Tournament 8 Four-mana.m. scramble. Duran Golf Club 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-693-3611
“A Heart for Ukraine” 3 Featuringp.m. Ukrainian clarinetist and piano. Eastminster Presbyterian 106ChurchN. Riverside Drive Indialantic, 855-252-7276
Books are Always Better Book Club 6:30 Bookp.m.versus the movie discussion Suntree,902Suntree/Vieragroup.LibraryJordanBlassDrive321-255-4404
Medicaid Planning 10 - 11 Presenteda.m.by William A. OneJohnsonSenior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Hoedown Dance Party 5 Western-themedp.m. dinner, dancing to live countrywestern music. Shell Harbor 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge, 321-252-4882
Boomer Trivia 4 - 6 FreeTuesdaysp.m.toplay, teams or solo. Pizza Gallery 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-633-0397
Golden Hearts Senior Fitness 11 a.m. - noon North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-268-2333 Square Dance 6:45 - 8:45 p.m. Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-608-7400
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Just when you think there are no fears in your neighborhood, you learn of shark attacks on surfers and swimmers at the beach. A friend’s grandson reaches into a bush to retrieve a ball and is bitten by a rattlesnake. Young children drown in a family swimming pool. You ask: “Is anyone safe?” Seniors, retirees and other family members are fearful of balancing their budgets. Rental rates have increased due to the added costs of property insurance, real estate taxes and maintenance expenses. Hourly wages, salaries, retirement plans, social security payments and other sources of income fail to meet our demands. Fear sets in and grabs control. What to do? Cast off the fears with a backup plan. Focus on prevention, precautions, protection and safety. There are always challenges and always solutions. Review the alternatives, simplify your life, take charge and act wisely while you cast off your fears.
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It was more — much more — than just another rock ‘n’ roll hit. While “Black and White” became the third single by Three Dog Night to reach the top of the Billboard charts, the tune itself had been created in 1955 as a way to honor the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision to end segregation in America’s public schools.“Our idea was to celebrate the event,” said Earl Robinson, the cowriter of the classic along with David Arkin, the father of actor Alan Arkin. “We had no idea that it would reach out as it did “Blackeventually.”andWhite” had been recorded by Pete Seeger in 1956 and Sammy Davis Jr., a year later. But the song languished in the public consciousness until a Jamaican quintet called Greyhound cut a reggae version (a hit only in the United Kingdom) in 1971. During a European concert tour, members of America’s Three Dog Night heard the Greyhound offering on a Dutch radio station. Immediately, they declared that this could be their next hit 45 on Dunhill Records. Most pop-music fans were probably unaware that “Black and White” had been created originally from a different point of view. Both the Three Dog Night and Greyhound versions opened with the lines The ink is black, the page is white Together we learn to read and write The tune was centered on racial equality, yes, but not as much as the original, which featured a different set of lyrics early in the song: Their robes were black, their heads wereThewhiteschoolhouse doors were closed so tightNine judges all set down their names To end the years and years of shame Was Robinson discouraged about TDN’s leaving out key lyric elements of his work? Not really. “They condensed the most communicable parts into a single song number,” he answered. “You might call it a more unified whole.” During their hitmaking years, Three Dog Night placed 21 Top 40 singles on the charts, with “Black and White” being the band’s third No. 1 disc, after “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)” in 1970 and “Joy to the World” during the following year. Three Dog Night had taken their name from an Australian expression for the coldest possible night for sheep herders who snuggled with their dogs to keep warm in the chilly nighttimes. The California-based aggregation featured a trio of lead singers — Danny Hutton (who sang lead on “Black and White”), Chuck Negron and Cory Wells. The group gave exposure to such on-the-rise songwriters as Randy Newman, Laura Nyro, Nilsson and Hoyt Axton. TDN’s “Black and White” arrived near the end of America’s Civil Rights era, and while some of the all-important original lyrics had been excised, the overall message of the later recording remained strong and clear: The world is black, the world is whiteItturns by day and then by night A child is black, a child is white, The whole world looks upon the sightA beautiful sight Yes. A beautiful sight indeed! SL
In these times of uncertainty, cast off fear with a backup plan toofChallengesLivingAge100
Ed Baranowski
SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 myseniorlife.com18 Behind the Beat By Randal C. Hill
Save the Date
Ed Baranowski is an award-winning writer, artist, speaker and seminar leader. He lives in Melbourne and can be contacted at fast75sr@gmail.com.
SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock “Black and White” was a No. 1 hit for Three Dog Night. Every time you turn on the television news, read a magazine or newspaper, the hairs on the back of your neck rise with fear. I saw a ‘Paradise Paw Prints’ poster with a donkey illustration and the message: “Life is short, so Live it. Love is Rare, so Grab it. Fear Controls You, so Face it. Memories are Precious, so Cherish it. We only get One Life, so Live it.” Today, we are being bombarded by news that makes us more fearful. In recent months, shootings at random victims, at schools, at July 4th parades, in road rage incidents and as solutions for family disputes capture our attention. Looking back in our history, there were homestead attacks on settlers on the prairie, holdups by armed outlaws and explorer casualties on ships. Armed conflicts among world powers pre-date history. When you have a 24-hour news cycle with multiple television channels, the producers must fill the time slots. Dramatic video and still photographs challenge excited copy writers. When I was a boy, newspaper vendors stood on street corners hollering the headlines “Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” Today, we fear the loss of newspapers. More people get e-editions than paper copies. We are challenged to watch, read or ignore. War stories, climate change impact, weather disasters, travel stoppages, food price increases, and supply chain concerns make us reflect fearfully and ask: “what can I do?”
‘Black and White’ —Three Dog Night
For 30 years, the site has offered independent, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care. Recent improvements include replacement of the 1982 pool with a lap/aerobics pool area with new baths, outdoor cabana with outdoor kitchen, putting green, shuffleboard courts and a fireJasminepit.
SL
Sept. 1, 1954
Hurricane Carol strikes Long Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Damage from Hurricane Carol is approximately $642 million, damages more than 10,000 homes and wrecks another 3,000 boats and 3,500 automobiles.
John F. Dreier, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecom mons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0> Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump
Independent seniors quickly fill Buena Vida cottages
Sept. 11, 2001
Each has two bedrooms, two baths, a den, full laundry, and a two-car garage.“Allcottages are hurricane-ready with metal roof, hurricane windows and generators,” Brant said. Included are utilities, maintenance, housekeeping, some meals, scheduled transportation and activities on both campuses.“Welike to give that information when we are talking with them.” She said the cottages are designed “as a lifestyle choice for our most independent residents 65 plus.”
Sept. 3, 1833
The New York Sun appears, the beginning of the penny press, inexpensive newspapers being sold on sidewalks by newspaper boys. The paper focuses on human interest stories and sensationalism and by 1836 it’s the largest seller in America with a circulation of 30,000.
321-242-1235 SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 19
BY LINDA JUMP Leonard A. Zeiler, 90, decided to downsize from living alone in a fourbedroom, four-bath house, and Buena Vida’s cottages were his perfect option.
In September...
House’s 16 apartments for memory care are being redesigned. The Sullivan Assisted Living unit will have new kitchens, décor and flooring.“Living alone (in my old fourbedroom house), I could fall over dead and no one would know,” Zeiler said. “I feel safe here.”
Sept. 13, 1959 The Soviet Union’s Luna 2 reaches the Moon, the first human-made object to make contact with another celestial body. Luna 2 intentionally crashes into the Moon on Sept. 14, 1959, becoming the first man-made spacecraft to reach the Moon. It is the Soviet Union’s second attempt to reach the Moon.
Sept. 4, 1972 U.S. swimmer Mark Spitz wins his seventh gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Munich. Remarkably, Spitz also establishes world records in the six other events in which he wins the gold.
Brant said Buena Vida is the only nonprofit continuing care retirement community in Brevard County, one of 77 in Florida. “These communities give their residents assurance that they will never be asked to leave, regardless of financial or medical changes.”
Teri Brant, the director of marketing, said 24 cottages, each 1,650 square feet under air conditioning, are nestled in a gated community across U.S. 192 from the main campus. All have sold in a matter of months.
The entrance to The Cottages At Buena Vida is on U.S. 192.
“These communities give their residents assurance that they will never be asked to leave, regardless of financial or medical changes.”
time machine
SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump Residents at Buena Vida don’t have to worry about maintenance.
Sept. 30, 1981 Sandra Day O’Connor is the first woman on the Supreme Court. President Ronald Reagan nominates her to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Justice Potter Stewart. Reagan describes O’Connor as a “person for all seasons.”
Members of terrorist group al-Qaeda hijack four airliners as part of a series of coordinated attacks against targets in the United States. More than 3,000 people lose their lives during the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil to date.
“We moved the first residents into their homes in May and the last two cottages will be occupied by October.”
— Teri Brant
“It was just too large. After my wife died, I looked around and decided that apartment living wasn’t for me. This was the perfect size with no maintenance, all new and the people are all my age.”
SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 myseniorlife.com20 September is Fall Prevention Awareness Month — take steps to prevent falls BCOA NEWS Brevard Commission on Aging BCOA meetings are open to the public and are held the second Thursday of each month at the government center in Viera. For information, contact Cindy Short at 321-6332076, FAX 321-633-2170, cindy.short@brevardfl.gov, brevardf l.gov/HumanServices/CommissionOnAging or at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, B-106, Viera, FL 32940.
4. Get moving Exercising improves your strength and balance, reducing your risk of falls. Find a balance class, Tai Chi class or other fitness programs near you. They may offer free courses if you live in an independent or assisted living facility.
SL Lagoon Straight Talk From BrevardtheIndian River Lagoon Coalition We all need to speak out for the Indian River Lagoon
The Indian River Lagoon doesn’t have a voice, but if we all speak for it, we can restore our piece of paradise. For more information, visit HelpTheLagoon.org, facebook. com/BIRLC/ and twitter.com/ HelpTheLagoon. SL
FALL MYTHS VS. FACTS Myth: Other people fall; that won’t happen to me. Fact: Every second, an older adult falls. More than one in four older adults will fall once this year. Myth: One fall isn’t a big deal. Fact: If you fall, your risk of falling again doubles. Myth: Falling is a normal part of aging. Fact: Although many older adults fall, you can reduce your risk. Taking steps to prevent falls can keep you safe and independent.
We all love the Indian River Lagoon. Some of us because we kayak and fish on it; some for boating and jet skiing; others for the beautiful vistas, manatee and bird sightings; and still others for how it adds to our property value.Most of us know the Indian River Lagoon is struggling, and that we are making progress due largely to our 2016 vote for the half-cent sales tax and Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) Plan. Still, there is a lot more to do. For example, we don’t require septic system inspections or repairs, we don’t verify if agricultural runoff meets requirements, and our state restoration plans fail to take account of growth. Also, we will need to extend our SOIRL plan in How2024.dowe ensure this will happen? help them help the lagoon. You’ll combine your voice with hundreds of other Lagoon Voices to create an advocacy message that cannot be ignored by our politicians. When you visit (helpthelagoon. org/Voices), you will see short videos explaining the nature of the problem and explaining how to send effective messages and how to advocate. Going forward, we will email you information about candidates that support the lagoon and will notify you when and how to message state and local leaders about pending bills and regulations they should support or oppose.
FIVE WAYS TO REDUCE FALLS
1. Talk to your doctor Your healthcare provider can tell you about fall precautions you can take to stay safe at home. Your doctor or pharmacist can also look at your medication list. See your eye doctor for an annual exam to update your glasses because poor vision can increase your risk of falling.
the following: • Lower body
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footwear • Environmental
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• Vitamin D deficiency • Difficulties
3. Make your home safer Fall prevention products can keep you safe at home. These products can increase your safety in the bathroom, from raised toilet seats to shower chairs. Install grab bars throughout your home and use a grabber for any objects you can’t reach to reduce your chance of falls.
2. Be careful on the stairs Stairs are a potential fall hazard. While living in a one-level home is best, that isn’t always possible. Make sure your stairs are well-lit and have handrails on both sides. Add non-slip treads to reduce your chances of a slipand-fall.
or antidepressants • Vision problems • Foot
Preventing falls is a crucial part of keeping yourself safe and independent. Most falls occur at home and most broken bones result from falls at home. Falls can cause serious injury to people of all ages, but for older adults, falls can lead to a tragic loss of independence and mobility. Falls are responsible for 95% of all hip fractures and are the top cause of injury death in older adults. Simple changes to the inside of your house — such as in furniture arrangement or lighting — can cut your risk of falling in half. Other conditions contribute to falls, including weakness with walking as tranquilizers, sedatives, antihypertensives pain or poor hazards, such as throw rugs or clutter that can cause tripping A combination of risk factors causes most falls. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling. Many risk factors can be changed or modified to help prevent falls.Questions to ask yourself to determine risk for falls are as follows: Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking? Do you have worries about falling? Have you fallen in the past year? If yes, how many times? Were you injured? If you answered yes, speak to your physician about your condition or fall.
and balance • Medications such
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5. Be prepared for falls Even with precautions, falls happen. Keep a phone on each level that you can reach from the floor in case you fall and can’t get up. A Guardian Alert 911 or a similar medical alert necklace makes it easier to call 911 for help if you need it. For further assistance with anything in this article, please call 211 to get information from the correct organization that can help you.
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321-242-1235 SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 21 (321) 723 3288 EST. 1924 A history deeply rooted in the values of respect, community, value and dignity. Compassionate Senior Care Chapel with Full Services Computer Access in Library Trips and Outings Around Town On site Beauty Salon Full Calendar of Social and Recreational Programs 2800 Fordham rd. Palm Bay 32905
BY BRENDABRADEREGGERT
“We all have times we feel loneliness and want to be careful not to be lonely too long and let it go to depression,” King said. “If all you do is sleep, no energy, not taking care of yourself, crying spells, not taking showers, then it is time to see your doctor.” Boomer Guide resource magazine is loaded with listings of activities and recreation ideas. It offers contact information for a host of activities, hobbies and social groups on the Space Coast. “Never be afraid of being rejected or afraid of what language you speak. It doesn’t matter,” Reyes said.
Solution on page 24 CourtenaySpringsVillage.org SNF Lic. #11070961 To schedule your tour today, call 321-452-1233 Courtenay Springs Village offers retirement living with life-enhancing amenities, restaurant-style dining, spacious units with spectacular views, and competitive rates without the buy-in fees and commitment of a life plan community. For a limited time, you can get one month free!* *Terms and conditions apply. Please call for details. Please pardon our dust as we work on exciting renovations and additions. TDD 800-545-1833 x359 Language Asst. Svcs. 562-257-5255 We’re here to help you live Life Simplified 1200 South Courtenay Pkwy Merritt Island, FL 32952 Leave loneliness behind — stay active and involved HEALTH & WELLNESS “I
I like.
SL UPDATE
“Introduce yourself to your neighbors by doing something with them like gardening, walking, coming for a cup of coffee. It might mean you get involved in a church or temple to meet like-minded people. They will have a list of activities to get involved in, like bingo or Bible study. Exercise is good for us, so go ride a bike, walk or go to the gym.”
Gloria Rivera King, a licensed mental health counselor in Melbourne, suggests getting involved and staying active in the community. “I think all of us want connection in our lives and with people in our life, family, friends, neighbors, pets. Life doesn’t feel the same if you don’t have those connections,” King said.
I live.” —Midna Reyes
Senior
“I started to say hello to everyone I saw and sometimes they would say hello, but not always,” she said. “I went to the swimming pool. Then later asked someone I met, ‘how about a cup of tea’ and suddenly you have a pool family, starting with one. Now I have a partner for almost every activity I do — dinner during the week, someone at the pool every day, in addition to the aerobics class I lead and movies I go to, I have someone to go with. Reyes said it is not uncommon for her to get a text while sitting at home, inviting her for an activity. “I try to never say no and participate in what I like,” she said. “This is how I live.” Other suggestions to beat loneliness may mean getting active.
She spent five years of her life kicked back sitting in her living room recliner. That time consisted of overseeing care for three nursing home-bound relatives. Her only normal conversation was with the occasional neighbor.
King recommends volunteering time at an animal shelter, a school or office. Look forward to something you enjoy like cooking, a hobby or sewing, or consider adopting a pet. If homebound, she advises modern technology like Facetime to stay in touch with others.
SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 myseniorlife.com22
“I drew myself away from that,” Midna Reyes of West Melbourne said of the loneliness she felt. “I prayed very much and prayed hard, and I was able to break free,” She was determined not to let loneliness take hold and get her down. Her life is now very active.
and participate in
SENIOR LIFE Brenda Eggert Brader Midna Reyes, a water aerobics instructor at Lakes of Melbourne, offers early arrivals warm-up moves. From left are Midna Reyes, Cheryl Sylvester and Jeannine Paquin. Life SUDOKU try to never say no what This is how
One in nine Florida residents is over 65, and about a quarter don’t drive. Some can’t afford Ubers or taxicabs, and administrators of organizations that provide free or inexpensive rides are swamped. Some volunteer-sponsored ride-givers stopped services following the pandemic. Others were left desperate for “Itdrivers.wasa painful decision to put (them) on a waiting list in April, but we were overwhelmed. We quickly had 100 people, and I just called the first 10 today to finally make an appointment after three months. We wish we could provide rides for everybody who needs one, but we can’t,” said Ken Kerstetter, the program and services manager for the Resources Center. Jennifer Keyser, a program coordinator for Aging Matter’s Transerve, said last month there were 361 people who can’t drive on their waiting list for their rides for voluntary donations. “We rely totally on our 30 volunteers who drive their own cars. Last year, we provided 1,771 rides, up 31 percent. Much south of Viera, we just don’t have volunteers.”
Offers non-emergency door-todoor medical transport for the handicapped, elderly and stretcher patients, including dialysis patients, for fee. Long distance trips must be a minimum of 150 miles in Florida. Florida Find-a-Ride Service findarideflorida.org Florida Department of Transportation and the University of Florida to help homebound elders find rides for services. Medicaid 866-867-0729transportationnon-emergencyservices
The Free Boomer Guide features a variety resources,of transportationincluding
Titusville Location 1832 Garden St. Titusville,
Free life-sustaining transportation for those age 60 plus. 14 vans, nine with wheelchair lifts, run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. 72-hour notice. No dialysis or surgeries. Go Go Grandparent gogograndparent.com 855-464-6872
BY LINDA JUMP Rosalie Graziano of Merritt Island, one of thousands Brevard County seniors without a car or license, relies on the Resource Center for Disability Solutions’ Need-a-Ride program to get to medical appointments.
Resources can’t keep up with senior transportation demand
“Sometimes a neighbor helps, but they’re often not accessible. The van is reliable and drivers are friendly. I use a walker and couldn’t possibly get to a bus stop,” she said. Space Coast Area Transit offers 245 bus/trolley routes with 1,040 waiting stops and paratransit door to door rides at $1.50 each way for qualified riders who can’t use fixed routes. Only a few routes travel on Sunday. Give yourself plenty of time to travel. From the intersection of Malabar Road and Babcock Street in Palm Bay to the county offices in Viera will take two hours or more.
SPACE TRANSPORTATIONCOASTLISTINGS
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To use SCAT’s door to door service, a senior must go online to apply and submit the documents required. Twenty new people sign up weekly. A week’s notice is needed for appointments.
“Our services are reliable and safe,” said Carmen Baez, the mobility manager. “The paratransit rides are 90 percent seniors, and (seniors are) about 45 percent of fixed routes.”
For a fee of $9.99 a month, it coordinates rides to use Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart and others. Stellar Transportation of Melbourne stellartrasnport.com 321-265-3354
Senior TranServe for ambulatory riders, by donation or sliding scale door to door rides. Seven-day notice. Must be at least 55. Also, Vets Driving Vets for non-driving ambulatory veterans of all ages to the VA Viera Outpatient Clinic or other VA medical appointments. Sliding scale or donation. Sevenday notice. Resource Center for Disability Solutions rcdsfl.com 321-633-6011
Tim Timmerman, the executive director of the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation, which offers free public transportation, said his 14 vans, nine with wheelchair lifts, are active from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. “I would love to have the funds to do more life-sustaining trips, but we can’t,” he said. “ If I could do even 5% of the need, I’d be happy. We do up to 20 trips a day, and it’s not even the tip of the iceberg.” Some organizations offer ride service for their senior clients. These include Seniors Helping Seniors, LifeCycle Support, Home Instead and Senior Partner Care Services. Clients can visit friends, shop or go to medical appointments.“We’rehaving a caregiver shortage now, and we get calls all day for onetime trips that we can’t provide. We refer people elsewhere,” said Katie Reilly, director of Seniors Helping Seniors. Most services operate only weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. SL FL door to door service for $1.50 for those with mobility challenges. Seven-day notice needed. Aging Matters agingmattersbrevard.com 321-806-3729
32796 Viera Professional Center 2328 Medico Lane Viera, FL 32940StaciWaltersO.D.,F.A.A.O. Certified Optometric Physician Available in Viera and Titusville Bernadette Woods O.D. Board OptometricCertifiedPhysician Available in Titusville SpaceCoastOphthalmology.comMost Major Medical Insurances Accepted Accepting New Patients 321-267-0008NicholasA.Pefkaros,M.D. Board OphthalmologistCertified Available in Viera and Titusville Fresh New Look ~ Same Quality Eyecare • Eyelid Lift Surgery • Cataract Surgery • LASIK/PRK Surgery • Optical Services BEFORE After • Dry Eye Specialist • Ocular Nutrition • Wellness Exams- for glasses and contact lenses • Diabetic Eye Disease • Glaucoma • Macular Degeneration SameDayGrabBars.com800-215-7560 PROFESSIONAL GRAB BAR INSTALLATION Safe. Fast. Affordable. One Call Stops the Fall® Space Coast Area Transit 321Transit.com 321-633-1878 Fixed route buses and trolleys, all with wheelchair lifts. Seniors over 60 ride half price. Volunteers in Motion offer TD and ADA paratransit
Need-a-Ride free door to door medical transportation to those with significant disabilities. Threeweek notice. Register free online. Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation brevardalz.org 321-253-4430
For the mom of an eightmonth-old daughter, finding a little girl’s pink shoe was especially poignant. She later sobbed in her driveway. McLaughlin learned that the shoe belonged to a three-yearold traveling with her parents.
A piece of The Pentagon helps complete the display at the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum. Patriot Day Ceremonies in Brevard County
Brevard’s
B A N C R E W D A T A O L E H I G H I D O L R O W E D G E R O M P N E S T S N A G P A T E N S E A R S F L A B D I S K B O A L A P M E N U S R A G A T E A N T E B A R E P E R I L H Y P O S T E E E X I S T K I T E A D D S V I E G R A M R I O T E L M B E D S L E G S S O P Solution, Puzzle page 22Solution, Puzzle page 26
SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada
At the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum in Titusville, Jayme DiGennaro, the director of museum education, discusses the museum’s memorial paying homage to those lost in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 myseniorlife.com24 BY FLORA REIGADA
In the museum’s Memorial Rotunda, the 9/11 police heroes’ names are engraved on marble walls among more than 9,000 officers killed in the line of duty. “Names of officers who survived the attack or were involved in the cleanup keep being added after they succumb from exposure to toxins,” DiGennaro said.
Museum exhibit honors victims, heroes of 9/11
Seventy-two police officers and 343 firefighters were among the 2,977 lost on what has been designated Patriot Day.
SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada
Nature’s
“The permanent exhibit includes twisted steel and debris from the World Trade Center and a piece of wall from The Pentagon,” said Jayme DiGennaro, the director of museum education. They recall unthinkable images of commercial airliners being purposely flown into the World Trade Center towers, The Pentagon and another that crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.Weremember terrified crowds fleeing the World Trade Center. We also remember first responders rushing into the danger to save as many lives as they could.Many paid the ultimate price.
SL News for Titusville, Mims
Saturday, Sept. 10 • 10 a.m. City of Rockledge 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony The event will feature guest speakers, music and more. Rockledge Civic Hub 530 Barton Blvd. For information, call the City of Rockledge, 321-221-7540. Sunday, Sept. 11 Guests are invited to The Avenue Viera’s World Trade Center Memorial site to pay respects to those lost on Sept. 11, 2001. The site has World Trade Center remnants and is across from the AMC Theaters. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave., Viera 321-634-5390 Sunday, Sept. 11 • 5 to 7 p.m. An outdoor memorial ceremony will honor the fallen of Sept. 11, 2001, those who later died as a result of the attacks and those who served in the military in response to the attacks. Brevard Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy. Merritt Island 321-453-1776 321-383-1616 Market Health Foods Health Food Store 701 S. Apollo Blvd.
Throughout September at the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum in Titusville, educational displays honor the first responders of 9/11 and those who perished in the terrorist attacks. Artifacts from the sites are on display to honor them year-round.
Lourdes McLaughlin, who retired from the FBI, now a docent in-training at the museum, was among first responders at The Pentagon. Part of the FBI response team, she was on the scene for almost two“Itmonths.wasincredibly emotional and impactful,” she said. “The first thing we saw was a huge, gaping hole with smoke billowing out. We rescued all the survivors we could find.”
NORTH BREVARD
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“Knowing she was with them gave me a sense of closure, but I thought about that family for a long time,” she said. The American Police Hall of Fame and Museum is at 6350 Horizon Drive in Titusville. For information about displays, hours and admission, call 321264-0911 or visit aphf.org. & Port St. John
The Graves often compare their life-changing purchase to the plot of the 2011 movie “We Bought a Zoo,” starring Matt Damon. Yet despite the many challenges that come with running a wildlife preserve, the couple have no regrets, Lina Graves said.
ESTATE PLANNING • PROBATE • TRUSTS & WILLS GUARDIANSHIPS • MEDICAID PLANNING • LONG TERM CARE ADVANCE DIRECTIVES • NURSING HOME PLANNING TheFlorida &LongTermCareNursingHome AnswerBook™2022BrevardCountyEdition FloridaElderLaw.net 140 Interlachen Rd. Ste. B, Melbourne Quality legal services with a Compassionate Touch for you and your family LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES. Are you prepared? Have you finalized your estate planning documents, power of attorney, and health care advance directives? Do you have a loved one in need of Medicaid, Long Term Care planning? We are here to help! 321-253-1667 Brevard County’s only Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law Attorney
SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey Piper Garcia, 6, of Rockledge pets Pumpkin, a 33-year-old Shetland pony, at Romelia Farms. Stop in for a FREE COPY our Long Term Care & Nursing Home booklet.
The property, north of State Road 528, dates back to the 1890s. A former navel orange grove, the property later became one of Florida’s first alligator ranches.Today, visitors can enjoy a hayride to view and interact with more than 175 animals, take a guided horseback ride on the farm’s private trail or fish in more than six acres of stocked ponds. The Watermill, a 3,000-squarefoot barn, is available to rent for weddings, showers, corporate parties or other special events. The preserve recently wrapped up a summer camp that attracted hundreds of kids and was so popular that some youngsters who had attended the camp and started a new camp elsewhere returned to spend more time with the animals, Lina Graves said. A nonprofit that depends on community support, the organization is having its second annual All-In for the Animals Gala at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Radisson Resort at the Port at 8701 Astronaut Blvd. in Cape Canaveral. Last year’s gala raised more than $70,000 and Romelia Farms hopes to raise $300,000 this year, said Janna Perez, the farm’s marketing and community development coordinator.
They bought a zoo— Couple marks Romelia Farms’ first year
Jeremy and Lina Graves of Viera were looking to lease a wedding venue when they first inquired about a suitable barn on a 26-acre property on north Merritt Island in 2020. But when Jeremy Graves, a partner and chief operating officer at Integra Vascular, and CEO at Compass Home Dialysis, and Lina Graves, a human resources leader for nearly 20 years, learned that the owner wanted to sell the land and auction off the 150 farm and exotic animals that lived there, the Graves knew they had to act. “They were in disarray and they were in need of somebody to step in and do something to change their lives,” Jeremy Graves said of the animals, which included two dromedary camels, a kangaroo, an anteater and a sloth. “And we couldn’t turn away from it.”
SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey Viera residents Lina and Jeremy Graves talk to visitors touring Romelia Farms Wildlife Preserve & Petting Zoo during the Merritt Island attraction’s first anniversary celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“I can proudly say that I am a very different person today than I was a year ago when I came into this place,” she said. “When I say we’re here to rescue these animals, I will also say with 100% certainty that they rescued us.”
The wildlife preserve aims to become a haven for needy farm and exotic animals that animal services can’t help, Perez said. “What we’re trying to do is set up a network so that any animal — farm, exotic, anything — with something wrong with it or if it needs a new home, you call us and if we can’t take it we will find someone who can,” she said.
Romelia Farms is open from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Petting zoo admission is $19 for visitors ages 13 and up, $14 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for kids 2 and under. Horseback trail riding starts at $49 for riders ages 10 and up. For information, call 321-848-2486 or visit romeliafarms.org For gala tickets and sponsorship information, contact Perez at 321-759-4839 or janna@romeliafarms.org. SL
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321-242-1235 SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 25 BY MIKE GAFFEY
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“Our monthly costs are $40,000 a month to maintain the property and care for the animals,” Lina Graves said.
SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey Pet goats greet visitors at Romelia Farms Wildlife Preserve & Petting Zoo.
SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey A pet sloth thrives at Romelia Farms Wildlife Preserve & Petting Zoo.
So the couple, with no experience in farming or running a petting zoo, bought the property at 165 Gator Drive in July 2021 and set to work improving living conditions for the animals, including rebuilding and expanding enclosures, restoring pasture land, adjusting the animals’ diets and providing overdue medical treatment.Ayear later, Romelia Farms Wildlife Preserve & Petting Zoo celebrated its first anniversary July 30 with a ribbon-cutting presented by the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce.“Itwasan thatinsurmountableabsolutelyproject,somethingwedidn’tthinkwe’dgetthrough from Day One,” Jeremy Graves told about 100 people who attended the celebration and toured the farm. “But through determination, belief in God and all of the people who have come along to help and the team of really special people who surrounded us, we’ve been able to do right by these animals and give them a forever home.”
SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey Eric Wilkinson of Oviedo and his 1½-year-old daughter Evelyn visit dromedary camels Chocolate Chip and Snickerdoodle at Romelia Farms.
SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 myseniorlife.com26 CROSSWORD Crossword solution page 22 CROSS 1.5.HatchedRuckus 9. Cold War grp. 12. Therapeutic plant 13. Missing a deadline 14. Bad thing to invoke 15. Daily buy for many 17. Slightest bit 18. Bar obligation 19. Agenda listings 21. Where the heart is 24. Maldives capital 26. Purge 27. Genesis garden 29. Banjoist Scruggs 33. Dinosaur’s origin 34. Last inning, typically 36. Casino roller 37. A question of timing 39. Chop ________ 40. Marmaduke, for one 41. Grills 43. Baneful bunch 45. Sad piece 48. Emulate Rocky 49. Bother 50. Grinders 56. Alley serenader 57. Surf’s sound 58. Missile housing 59. Eiger or Eisenhut 60. Dressing flavor 61. Work here and there DOWN 1. Proscribe 2. Grand ___ Opry 3. Cannery or Catfish 4. They’re often out on a limb 5. Love handles, essentially 6. Once around the track 7. Broke a fast 8. Thin ice, e.g. 9. Hawk of a sort 10. Apothecary’s measure 11. Dorm sights 16. Ceremonial Mass plate 20. Ball-bearing device? 21. Hands 22. Mighty companion 23. Advantage 24. Diner stack 25. Cards pitch-in 28. Spinal feature 30. Continues, conversationally 31. Often read act? 32. Flight segments 35. Syringes, for short 38. Chronic critic 42. _______ Tower 44. Draw breath 45. Chart fillers 46. Celebrity, perhaps 47. Breezy film 48. Like a fairy tale cupboard 51. Cabaret wear 52. Cleaning aid 53. Get in the game 54. Slippery ___ 55. Bribe 1234 5678 91011 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 A/C & Heating Experts!A/C & Heating Experts! WWW .AIRGAGERS. COM | 321.775.3522 FREE Estimates & FREE Service call with any repair $200$200offoff 10% OFF10% OFF New Systems & (withRepairsthisad) Handling ALL of Florida with o ces in Satellite Beach and Tampa. JESSICA LYNN LAW PROBATE WILLS TRUSTS | ESTATE PLANNING 321 474 203 4 jessica@jessicalynnlaw.com www.JessicaLynnLaw.com Air Conditioning Attorney Market Square Market Square Market Square Health Insurance ANTIQUESWANTEDTOBUY High prices paid! Over 25 Years’ Experience in Antiques FREE AT HOME VALUATIONS 321-634-2647 Buying costume jewelry, flatware sets, coins, old military items, pottery, toys, trains, old paintings, figurines & much more Antiques FoodsFoods 2261 Town Center Ave., #117 ~ Viera OctoberOpening7th at The Avenue Viera! OctoberOpening7th at The Avenue Viera!
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SENIOR LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2022 myseniorlife.com28 Enjoy the benefits of a Medicare plan PLUS access to out-of-network hospitals and specialists in Brevard and Indian River counties! FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES SEE HOW CAREPLUS COMPARES: Medicare2022 Star Rating Out-of-PocketMaximum Costs Specialist Copay Hospital Stay Copay (Per Day) DrugPrescriptionCopay (30-Day Supply) Transportation to Approved Locations 50 one-way trips 20 one-way trips $150 days 1-7 (in-network) $170 days 1-7 (out-of-network) Preferred Cost-Sharing Retail Pharmacy (in-network) Preferred Retail Network Pharmacy (in-network) $180 days 1-7 (in-network) 20% per stay (out-of-network) $20 (in-network) $25 (out-of-network) $30 (in-network) 20% per visit (out-of-network) $3,750 (combined in-net work and out-of-network) $3,750 (in-network) $10,000 (out-of-network) Monthly Plan Premium $0 $97 2022 BENEFITS CarePlus Health Plans CareOne PLATINUM (HMO-POS) (H1019-110) Health First Classic Plan (HMO-POS) (H1099-001) 5 out of 5 4 out of 5 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 $$$01030 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 $40$10$0 Call a licensed CarePlus sales agent: 321-751-7645(TTY:711) For a full list of available plans in your area, visit www.medicare.gov. For a full list of benefits available from these plans, refer to each plan’s Summary of Benefits: CarePlus Health Plans: https://www.careplushealthplans.com/medicare-plans/2022 Health First: https://hf.org/health_plans/medicare/our_plans/mapd_2022/forms/2022_HFHP_CVR_Summary_of_Benefits.pdf Space Coast. CarePlus is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in CarePlus depends on contract renewal. Referrals may be required for certain specialists. This plan covers certain services received from out-of-network providers in Brevard and Indian River counties in Florida. Except in emergency or urgent situations, non-contracted providers may deny care. You will pay a higher copay for services received by non-contracted providers. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star 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. H1019_MKBNDMFNPRsccompare2022_M CarePlusHealthPlans.comCarePlusHealthPlans
