VOLUME 24
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SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo
Frank Rosado, an aspiring saxophone player, is the cover model for the 2022 Boomer Guide. Story page 2.
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Boomer Guide model challenges himself
FROM THE
E ditor
BY MIKE GAFFEY Frank Rosado of Viera has always challenged himself. The Puerto Rican native and Air Force veteran and former calibration engineer at Kennedy Space Center works out regularly, bicycles up to 40 miles a week, plays tennis and in-line skates. The Viera resident is the 2022 Boomer Guide cover model. Rosado’s latest goal is to learn how to play tenor saxophone well enough to perform in front of an audience. A longtime fan of the smooth and sultry sound of a sax, Rosado, 67, purchased a tenor sax online from a Las Vegas manufacturer several years ago while caring for his mother in Puerto Rico. “When I picked it up for the first time I said to myself, ‘In a year from now I want to be good enough to stand in front of somebody in an audience — even if it’s downtown old San Juan with a hat on the corner — and play,’ ” Rosado said. Rosado hired a teacher to come once a week to the apartment he shared with his mother and spent the next year learning to read sheet music and practicing, using YouTube and music instruction apps. But Rosado’s mother wanted to return to Brevard County, where Rosado’s family first moved in 1968. He put his saxophone aside shortly before their move to Brevard. Then Rosado’s mother had a change of heart and wanted to return to Puerto Rico. So Rosado moved her back to her homeland, where she now lives in a senior home.
Why retire if you love, enjoy what you do?
SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo Frank Rosado is the 2022 Boomer Guide cover model
Back in Viera, Rosado’s passion to learn the sax was rekindled during a recent photo shoot of him and his sax at the office of Viera Voice newspaper. “It was like, OK, I’m doing this again,” he decided after the shoot. Currently, Rosado practices about five hours a week in his apartment, usually when his neighbors are away at work. He plans to double his practice time in the near future. His influences include famed sax players Hank Mobley, Stan Getz, Don Byas and Houston Person, By December, Rosado aims to be ready to play the sax in public, starting at an open mic night at a local nightclub. “If you don’t challenge yourself like that you just won’t get things done,” he said. SL
After nearly three decades working as a journalist on the Space Coast, I sometimes encounter old acquaintances who say: “I thought you were retiring.” I have often thought, with what would I compare retirement? A lot of things come to mind. When I hear that question, it’s as if I’m being asked when I will stop eating or breathing. My answer: “I love what I do and do not plan to stop anytime soon.” I really enjoy assigning, editing and writing stories. So why would I stop? Why would I retire? Here at Bluewater Creative Group, the company that owns Viera Voice and Senior Life, we have learned to work together as a team in a cordial environment. Everyone pitches in to make sure we bring our readers the best stories and articles with information they will not find anywhere else. We put serious thought even into humorous stories. We choose our stories well, talk about the ideas and get working on them. At times, it is an idea from a reader or advertiser. I think that one way of being as stress-free as possible is doing and enjoying what you do. However, in our story in this edition we let an expert tell you about dealing with stress. For some, purposeful walking relieves stress. We explore another story about the benefits of brisk walking to share with you. Are you tired of those robocalls? We explore what to do about them. Does the no-call list really work? Check out the story in Senior Life. Spring is here and it might be a suitable time to create that butterfly garden you have thought about. Check out our how-to story on creating one. It is a simple, joyful, stress-free kind of project. There are plenty of other stories in this edition of Senior Life that will inform, entertain and benefit you. I will continue doing what I do — assigning, editing and writing. At some point I may reduce the time I spend working as a journalist, but complete retirement is not for me, at least not for now or anytime soon. I might take an extended vacation here and there to pursue another passion — travel. But, I will be back to take your calls and to help get you the kind of stories you have come to love and expect from Senior Life. SL
R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com
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Community center offers fun for all ages, open space fitness similar to Crossfit equipment. Upstairs will be a full-functioning weight room, sitting room and banquet room. There is expanded parking, open grass where the softball field used to be, walking pathways and a splash pad. The $6.1 million project will include the contemporary architectural-styled community center and all the civil site work. The groundbreaking ceremony took place Dec. 22, 2020. Construction began in December 2021 and the completion is expected this month. SL
Construction at Canaveral City Park is expected to be completed this month. BY GEORGE WHITE The under-utilized Canaveral City Park is about to offer a myriad of recreation opportunities at the twostory Cape Canaveral Community Center, featuring an indoor track looking down on a court lined for basketball, volleyball and pickleball. Canaveral City Park had been around for 50 years with only a softball field, Little League field and an old trailer used as a youth center remaining. Tennis and recreation classes were offered in limited space at the Nancy Hanson Recreational Facility. Cape Canaveral has 10,000 residents in its 1.9 square miles, Leisure Services Director Gustavo Vergara said. “They always wanted a place but never could actually find a location for it,’’ he said. That all changed with the establishment of a Community Redevelopment Agency in 2012. “That opened the opportunity of redevelopment in areas that were considered blighted. It also created a great opportunity to leverage the borrowing to make this project come to fruition,” he said. “We said,
SENIOR LIFE photo
instead of just building a community center, let’s master plan the whole park to try to make it as allencompassing as possible. At its core, it’s a family park.” Related public workshops and surveys showed the need for open space along with a community center serving a big gap in generations and different recreational activities. “There were a few iterations of what it could be. We hired a design firm and they took on the task of designing a facility with all the input they received and it wasn’t easy,” Vergara said. Looking forward to indoor activities during heat and rainy weather is Joel Fair, a father of five, who serves as chairman of the Cultural and Leisure Services Advisory Board. “It allows us to be active all year,’’ he said. He also believes the facility will attract all socioeconomic groups, including affluent and modestincome residents “to bring all people together.” The community center features a game room, a group fitness room, a gym and an area for functional
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Disney Wish won’t sail from Port Canaveral until July 14 BY MIKE GAFFEY Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, won’t make its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral until July. The fifth cruise ship in Disney’s fleet, the Disney Wish originally was set to sail from the Port for the first time on June 9. But coronavirusinduced construction delays at Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany where the ship was built forced Disney to postpone the inaugural voyage for six weeks. Disney consequently canceled 12 Bahamas cruises scheduled from June 9 to July 18 due to the delay. The first sailing is now scheduled for July 14. “We know how much our guests are looking forward to sailing on the Disney Wish, and we understand the disappointment and inconvenience this will cause,” Disney Cruise Line President Thomas Mazloum said in a statement. “We treasure the relationship we have with those who sail and make memories with us, and we will work closely with those affected to welcome them aboard in the future. Despite this unavoidable adjustment to our plans, our team at Disney Cruise Line has never been more optimistic about the future and cannot wait to welcome families
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line’s newest cruise ship, the Disney Wish, is scheduled to make its inaugural cruise July 14 from Port Canaveral. aboard the magnificent Disney Wish.” Disney is contacting affected guests, offering sailing options that include a 50 percent discount on a future cruise that departs by Dec. 31, 2023. The Disney Wish is the first of three Disney ships to be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard through 2025. The Triton-class ships will be the first in the Disney fleet to run on cleanburning liquefied natural gas, or LNG. Currently, Carnival Cruise Line’s Port-based Mardi Gras is the only LNG-powered cruise ship operating in
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North America. The 144,000-gross-ton cruise ship floated out of its shipyard hangar for the first time in February. After completing sea trials, the vessel will head to Port Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal 8, which was built exclusively for Disney Cruise Line in 1998 and recently has undergone $37 million in upgrades in preparation for the three new ships. Disney also plans to base one of its two as-yet-unbuilt ships at the Port. With 1,250 guest staterooms, a maximum passenger capacity of 3,500
and 1,458 crew members, the Disney Wish will be slightly larger than the Port-based Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Disney recently relaxed its onboard mask mandate for sailings departing from U.S. ports as of March 11, stating that face coverings will be optional in most indoor locations throughout its ships. However, all guests ages 2 and up must wear masks in the Walt Disney Theater, the large, main lounge where full-cast live productions are presented. SL
Doctor Reino is a board certified orthopedic surgeon. He graduated from Westminster College in Wilmington, PA and received his doctoral degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2007. Dr. Reino completed his orthopedic surgery residency at South Pointe Hospital and was Chief Resident at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital in 2012. From 2012-2016, Dr. Reino was in the US Navy as an orthopedic surgeon. He worked at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, treating service members returning from Afghanistan with complex war injuries. Providing care for returning war heroes was very rewarding personally and professionally. While stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, for two years, he focused on hand surgery and complex arthroscopy. His final tour of duty at the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, FL, focused on hand surgery, arthroscopy, and total joint replacement. Dr. Reino rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and was awarded two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and one Joint Service Commendation medal. He practices advanced techniques in joint replacement – direct anterior total hips, computer aided total shoulders, and robotic assisted knee and partial knee replacements. He has an added focus on outpatient total joints, minimally invasive approaches, and fast recovery therapy. Dr. Reino also specializes in hand surgery, including endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery and arthroscopy of shoulders and knees.
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Neighbors Ukulele enthusiast shares love of music BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Eau Gallie native Linda Paul, a ukulele enthusiast, singer, songwriter and teacher, invites seniors to learn to play the ukulele. It’s a good way to take advantage of local group jams to have fun and make new friends while bringing music into the heart. Paul and her sister were given ukuleles by their dad when they were young girls and they have been playing ever since. Although there were timeouts for jobs, marriages and children, Paul had an interesting career as a computer analyst working for the Army, the Coast Guard, Secretary of Defense and other government agencies. Upon her retirement, Paul moved back to Eau Gallie and picked up the ukulele again. She immersed herself in music, singing and playing with her sister, which she describes as one of her great joys. Paul is grateful for the many people she has met who inspired her to improve. Despite her high-skilled level, she said, “Every New Year, I resolve to become a better musician.” Paul is the founder and leader of the Eau Gallie Ukulele Society and an active participant in the Beachside Strummers (Satellite Beach) and the Pareidolia Ukulele Choir (Sebastian). All three groups welcome newcomers and members are always willing to help beginners. See their Facebook pages for more information. Paul teaches two ukulele classes at The Shepherd Center. New classes begin April 7. More information is available on the website myshepherdcenter.org. The Shepherd Center Adventures in Learning Programs help shape a new image of aging for older adults and encourage members to be creative and productive in their later years. The cost is only $20 for as many classes as you like. Paul’s classes at The Shepherd
Ukulele enthusiast Linda Paul enjoys jamming with local groups. Center are at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. each Thursday. Paul also is participating in an online challenge — the 100 Days of Ukulele 2022. Ukulele players from all over the globe motivate, inspire and encourage one another as they post their daily progress on Facebook. The leader of the group, Cynthia Lin, often says, which she credits to an African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The Eau Gallie Ukulele Society meets at the Eau Gallie Library. Beachside Strummers meet at the Satellite Beach Library. Pareidolia Ukulele Choir meets at Pareidolia Brewery in Sebastian. SL
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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of 55+ Club in Satellite Beach
The 55+ Club of Satellite Beach has more than 500 member.
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W e’re excited to announce a new way to live the GoodLife™ at Buena Vida, with 24 new Cottages. The philosophy behind the new Cottages at Buena Vida is simple: create a new living opportunity for our 65+ residents while providing the same incredible lifestyle we’ve always been proud of. With more space, a chance for greater privacy and flexibility, and an incredible way to live in a place like Buena Vida, our Cottages can only elevate the lifestyle of our residents! The Cottages come with a variety of features to provide our residents with an active and fun quality of life! Each residence will feature a screened porch, 2 bedrooms 2 baths, a study, included maintenance and utilities, and complete privacy in a gated community with all the standard features of the Buena Vida lifestyle. The Cottages at Buena Vida have their own clubhouse, pool, fitness room, pickleball and bocce ball courts. These residents will have the same quality of life that our main campus residents have enjoyed for 40 years! On top of all the standard living features, these new Cottages are already prepared for hurricane season, with metal roofing, backup generators, and hurricane-proof windows already installed! Most importantly of all, we see the Cottages as an extension of our belief in the GoodLife™. Created for our most independent residents, these beautiful homes provide even more of a resort retirement lifestyle feel with the same vibrant and fun atmosphere that Buena Vida is known for. The units are located across from the Buena Vida community, allowing cottage residents to experience the same benefits of living at Buena Vida as those living in our apartments. This includes access to fitness classes, our chef prepared meals, weekly housekeeping, as well as exciting events that happen on site every week. Along with that, the same great proximity to off-site activities also applies, being near the Melbourne Square Mall, Premiere Oaks 10 Theatre, many restaurants to choose from and a number of other great attractions in the Melbourne Area! We hope you will experience the Cottages at Buena Vida! Be sure to contact us for more information about availability, as there are only 24 and we are closing out soon! Act now before our increased prices take effect!!
Satellite Beach Club back in action BY MARIA SONNENBERG After almost two long, boring years, the members of the 55+ Club of Satellite Beach cast off the pandemic blues and got back to the robust slate of activities that are the beachside club’s hallmark. “Before COVID, everything was packed and, with COVID, everything stopped,” said club spokesman Kerry Stoms, a former recreation director for the city. At a recent new members’ wine and cheese event, organizers expected attendance to be around 30. “We got 60,” Stoms said. With more than 500 individuals on the members’ list, the club draws not just from Satellite Beach, but from anywhere members wish to reside. The modest $10 annual membership fee applies to everybody, whether they hail from Satellite Beach or Viera.
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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of 55+ Club in Satellite Beach
There’s no shortage of activities for 55+ Club members.
“There is no difference in cost,” Stoms said. It is not surprising that Satellite Beach, known for a robust calendar of activities, should host such a vigorous club for seniors. Activities range from bingo, the club’s most popular event, to day trips to locations such as Lakeridge Winery, casino ships and Cocoa Village Playhouses. The Lunch Bunch socializes while checking out area restaurants. Socials are scheduled throughout the year. Educational programs include a light lunch or refreshments. “The club is dedicated to SEE, social education and entertainment,” said Louise Stevenson, the current president. To celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, the club is hosting a dinner dance April 2 at the recently renovated Satellite Beach Civic Center. A full house is expected. Tickets to the party, like the club dues, will be very reasonable. The 55+ Club is not Satellite Beach’s first senior club. As early as the 1970s, the city hosted a similar club. “The club was viable for many years until it was slowly reduced to a few members and was forced to dissolve in the late 1990s,” Stevenson said. The city didn’t go long without a club. By 2001, residents had expressed interest in the resurrection of the group and a blueprint for its rebirth was created. At the kickoff in 2002, more than 140 prospective members showed up. The senior club was back in action. As years passed, the club has evolved with the community. “We are finding that people who have become members are what we call younger seniors between the ages of 55 to 65,” said Stevenson, who noted that activities have increased to include the younger crowd. Older seniors remain, too, and the club has celebrated many 100th birthday parties for members. For more information, call 321-7736458. SL
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Central Florida Boy Scouts will celebrate 100th birthday BY WENDY SCHEURING The Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910, chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1916 and, in 1922, the Central Florida Council was chartered and incorporated, according to the Central Florida Council web archive. That means that the Central Florida Council, now headquartered in Apopka, has reached its 100th birthday. It is still growing strong with 20,000 members and 6,000 adult volunteers, according to cflscouting.org. The Central Florida Council is comprised of seven counties: Brevard, Volusia, Osceola, Orange, Lake, Seminole and Flagler. To celebrate the centennial, three fun events will be held in April, May and June. On April 12, the annual Golden Eagle fundraising dinner will take place at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral. The weekday event will begin with a social at 6 p.m. followed by hors d’oeuvres and a program on community support. Parrish Medical Center and long-time volunteers Tom and Susie Wasdin will be honored. There is no cost to attend. “It’s the best networking event in the country,” said Floyd White, who has been involved with the council for 63 years and is a member of the president’s cabinet, a council-wide body, which sets the decisions of the executive board into motion. “We are one of the most successful councils in the nation,” he added. “It’s unusual that one council could be
SENIOR LIFE photo
Matthew Wolf, front row left, Isaac Farmer, Audri Ogden, Kinsey Andrews, Jaedon Bassett, back row left, Lai Lani Goldcamp, Brandon Croft and Nathaniel Badal of Pack and Troop 497. The eight will attend the Central Florida Council Centennial Camporee May 13 to 15 at Camp La-No-Che in Paisley. together for 100 years within the same geographical boundaries.” During the weekend of May 13 to 15, a camporee at Camp La-No-Che in Paisley will provide lasting memories. More than 10,000 attendees are anticipated, including scouts, families, leaders and council alumni. Activities will include canoeing, archery, tower climbing, zip lining, black powder musket loading, shooting, ATVing and, of course, camping. “It’s going to be so big and so spectacular,” White said. “We used to have campfires for an activity at night and skits and stories in the old days, and movies. Nowadays, it’s loud music and fireworks displays.” “There’s going to be a lot of activities
that don’t happen at camp,” said Shane Martin, the Scoutmaster for Troop 738 that meets at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Viera. “There will be a pioneer village and a Native American village,” Martin said. “The council has strong ties with local Native Americans. They will be showing Seminole dwellings and Plains teepees. They will be there to talk about dance, culture, cooking, fire making and field crafts.” Martin remarked that the Scouts will also be attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest charcuterie board, all 153 feet filled with various meats, cheeses, olives and pickles. On June 3, the council will recognize more than 300HISTORIC young TITUSVILLE men and women MAIN STREET
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at the Golden Eagle Scout dinner at the Rosen Center in Orlando, as well as adult leaders for their service and accomplishments. “In 2021, we had 16 young ladies from all seven counties who earned an Eagle Scout out of 314 Eagle Scouts,” White said. Since 1968, girls have been participating in Boy Scouts. White explained that the Explorer program for children ages 14 to 21 has been coed since 1968. “Now, we are totally coed throughout all of our programs,” he said. “The Boy Scouts program has always been a family program.”SL
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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2022
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Tech Know Tidbits Smart bulbs don’t require additional wiring, save money BY GEORGE WHITE Smart bulbs which do not require additional wiring are now the answer to several different home lighting and security needs. A smart light bulb fits in any standard wall fixture or lamp, is easy to set up and simple to control through an app or via voice-enabled smart home devices. A bit pricier than standard incandescent light bulbs, LED smart bulbs last much longer — most smart bulbs last for 15 to
25 years — and are 90 percent more energy efficient. Using smart light bulbs with dimming capabilities also can cut down on energy usage and reduce electricity bills. The Good Housekeeping Institute smart bulb tests for 2021 considered factors such as performance, ease of installation and use, compatibility with other smart devices, light output and functionality of features such as timers, colors and dimming. The results: Best Overall Smart Light
Volunteers bring
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Barry Paterson.
The Philips Hue Smart ligh bulbs and hub bridge are popular items.
love and light.
Bulb: Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 Starter Kit; Best Value Smart Light Bulb: Ikea Tradfri; Best White Light Smart Bulb: Wyze Bulb. Best Outdoor Smart Light Bulb: Ring Smart Lighting System. Smart bulbs work through an app on your smartphone or tablet so that you can control your lighting remotely. In many cases, you also can use voice control if your bulbs are integrated with smart home platforms such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit. With advanced smart lighting automation features, it’s a simple task to set a schedule or timer for your lights so they turn on or off at specific times. A web-based service on certain smart bulbs allows you to trigger lights to go on when certain events happen, like sunset or when your morning alarm goes off. You can even create instant ambiance and create the perfect setting for any room. Certain apps have existing settings for movie night, date night, reading and more. Or, you can pick your colors based on your preferred activities in each room. On average, smart lights cost around $42 each. But within that average is a huge range, from just $2.24 for the Cree 60W Bulb up to $90.35 for the highly sought-after Philips Hue Decorative Candle. SL
Viera Nature Festival St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care is Brevard County’s only independent nonprofit hospice provider. Consider volunteering with us to help serve our community. From shopping help or card writing to simply taking time to sit and talk, volunteers provide the love and light our neighbors need.
Saturday, April 9 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Viera East
Clubhouse Park, 1600 Clubhouse Drive Rockledge
Visit reflectionslsc.org/volunteering or call 321-269-4240 today.
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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2022
myseniorlife.com
Groundbreaking signals start of Atlantis BY MIKE GAFFEY Officials broke ground March 23 on Atlantis Senior Tower, a seven-story assisted living facility that will connect to the existing Chateau Madeleine Senior Living & Memory Care in Suntree. Atlantis Senior Tower will add 90,000 square feet and 80 residential units to Chateau Madeleine’s existing 69,000 square feet and 84 units at 205 Hardoon Lane in Suntree. “As we got bigger and bigger we needed to do something different,” Eric Hardoon, the administrator and executive director of Chateau Madeleine, said while describing the tower during a groundbreaking after-party. Scheduled for a grand opening in 2023, the tower will offer residents bigger apartments with large storage areas throughout the building, Hardoon said. Some of the tower’s 5-star resort amenities include a high-ceiling lobby, a heated swimming pool with railings and tropical landscaping on the water, a 260-seat, glass-enclosed
dining room on the water, a full liquor underground bar with water views, outdoor seating with a waterside fire pit and a built-in barbecue, guest suites for out-of town family members, a stage and entertainment area, a private chapel area, a large sundry store, and a
“All the drinks and food will be named after space themes.”
VIERA VOICE Susie Parente
Everyone was smiling as Chateau Madeleine in Suntree broke ground on its Atlantis Senior Tower.
—Eric Hardoon
3,000-square-foot banquet hall available for residents and their family members. At the top of the tower, residents can view all rocket launches from the Rocket Launch Bar & Bistro, with a full restaurant, a full liquor bar and an observation deck. “All the drinks and food will be named after space themes,” he said. Chateau Madeleine had a pre-groundbreaking ceremony for the new tower March 22, and the facility’s first 12 residents dug shovels into dirt to mark
the occasion. “That’s why we're building a tower, because you guys said how great this place is,” Hardoon told the “founder” residents. Located off Wickham Road in Brevard Medical City, Chateau Madeleine is a senior living and memory care assistance facility. The three-story building, which welcomed its first residents in October 2019, has 62 apartments dedicated to independent and assisted living along with 22 memory care studios. The complex is named after Hardoon’s grandmother, Madeleine. For more information, visit suntreeseniorliving.com
VIERA VOICE Susie Parente
A delicious cake was eventually consumed at Chateau Madeleine.
Celebrate Your Best Life. Our all-inclusive resort lifestyle is packed with amenities and services you’ll want to celebrate. Our Residents applaud the Freedom Dining program, weekly housekeeping, robust social calendar, health and wellness programs, and more!
April Events Downsizing Seminar Thursday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m. Looking for downsizing pointers? Join local experts for advice and pointers for preparing, organizing, and moving through the downsizing process. RSVP by April 5.
Bunny Hop Wednesday, April 13 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. What else could we call an Eastertime sock hop but a Bunny Hop? Join us for your favorite rock n’ roll tunes, fun with friends, and 50s diner-inspired eats. RSVP by April 7.
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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2022
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Brevard Veterans News
Cape Canaveral Ladies stand with families at veterans’ funerals
The Cape Canaveral Ladies make sure they are standing as a “Final Witness” for our nation’s veterans. It means that no veteran’s family of any branch of the military will stand alone at a funeral at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. Even when there is no family present when a veteran is laid to rest, a volunteer from the group will be there. The organization’s founder Cosette Merritt was touched by the kindness of an Arlington lady who approached her after the funeral of her husband at Arlington National Cemetery. She never forgot the gesture of kindness that day at the graveside and had been so moved that on Jan. 28, 2016, she started the Cape Canaveral Ladies.
I can only imagine how comforting it is to families to have one of the Cape Canaveral Ladies there when loved ones and friends cannot be there. Cape Canaveral Ladies are there comforting and helping the veterans’ families. They are dedicated to honoring and supporting veterans and
their families. The volunteers come from many different backgrounds and ages. They have been there through rain, cold and heat for more than 7,000 ceremonies in support of the veterans and their families. “Some have been with me since when we started early six years ago,” Merritt said. “These are wonderful women. We go to every funeral.” Sometimes the Cape Canaveral Ladies have more than a dozen funerals in one day, which made me wonder how they could handle that emotionally. Merritt said that for that reason, each lady is asked to serve only one day each month and that has worked well.
During restrictions because of the pandemic, some volunteers moved on to other things. That left fewer than the number of volunteers Merritt likes to have participate. The Cape Canaveral Ladies now have about 30 women who are active in the organization and are recruiting to get back to its pre-pandemic level of about 50 volunteers. Even the current chair, Larue Fleming and vice chair Helen Hanesworth, are relatively new to the organization. They are doing a great job of keeping it running smoothly, Merritt said. Those who want to learn more about volunteering should check out CapeCanaveralLadies.org. SL
President of National Veterans Homeless Support speaks at MOAACC SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE George Taylor Jr., the president and board chairman of National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS), was the guest speaker at the MOAACC March
luncheon. He discussed the issues facing at-risk and homeless veterans and how NVHS addresses these issues. The National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS) is a 501(c) 3
SENIOR LIFE Courtesty of MOAACC
Lt. Col. Brian Whalen, MOAACC’s 1st vice president, center, presents a MOAACC Appreciation Plaque to Jennifer Taylor, left, as chief operating officer of NVHS George Taylor Jr. observes.
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nonprofit located in Cocoa. Its mission is to eliminate homelessness among veterans in Central Florida. In this role, Taylor is responsible for ensuring that the organization achieves its mission by getting homeless veterans off the streets, and preventing at-risk veteran families from losing their homes. Since he first joined the organization as their CFO in 2008, NVHS has been instrumental in a 90% reduction in the homeless veteran population of Brevard County. Additionally, he also currently serves in the US. Air Force as the Helicopter Maintenance Unit Superintendent in a Combat Rescue squadron located at Patrick Space Force Base. He holds the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. During his 20 years in the Air Force, he has deployed several times in support of the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Enduring
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Freedom. Taylor holds an MBA from Florida International University and a bachelor’s degree in Operations Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. MOAACC partners with NVHS to ensure that MOAA Grant funds go to deserving local veterans and their families. Their Good Deeds Foundation (GDF) also supports NVHS. The relationship with NVHS began in 2021 when growing numbers of Brevard veterans struggled to keep up with bills and avoid homelessness. Between a MOAA grant of $3,500 and the GDF’s $1,600 in assistance, nine veteran families with more than 12 children were assisted through NVHS. It will likely be an important connection for MOAACC and GDF in the years to come as they try to assist more veterans and their families in distress. SL
myseniorlife.com
Viera’s dancing colonel keeps dance floor hopping BY MARIA SONNENBERG When career military people retire and embark on the second chapter of their working lives, they often choose jobs that connect somewhat with previous assignments. The case was different for retired Col. Lee Wyatt III, who opted for the world of a disc jockey. The Indian River Colony Club resident is in high demand for the musical acumen he imparts through Lee’s Riots Dancin’ Machine, the DJ business he and wife Patricia operate. Oh, Colonel DJ is also a whiz at line dancing, which he teaches at IRCC as well as at Faith Viera Lutheran Church. So how does an Army colonel with a Ph.D. in history become a DJ/dance master? It’s a long story. A native of Mississippi, Wyatt entered the military through ROTC at Mississippi State. His father was in the Army Air Force during World War II and his maternal uncle served under Gen. George S. Patton, so the family
Retired Col. Lee Wyatt III teaches line dancing at Indian River Colony Club. “She said I would never regret it,” said Wyatt, who at first grumbled about the lessons, but later realized how being a good dancer provided serious bonus points with the ladies. During his years at West Point, Wyatt had made friends with a fellow who ran a DJ party business as a sideline and he often pitched in if the man wanted to do a bit of dancing himself. When the friend left the business, everyone, except maybe
Wyatt, knew who should replace him. “The officers said to me, “Sir, you’ve got to do it,” he recounted. In his heyday, Wyatt would DJ as many as two to three events a weekend, Patricia by his side. “Pat would run the equipment and I would emcee,” said Wyatt, who added that the gigs helped to pay for the house he bought at IRCC in 1998. Being a DJ was just one of Wyatt’s endeavors. After retiring from the
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of IRCC
military, he taught history at Eastern Florida State College before finally retiring for good in 2021. Wait, he’s still not retired yet, for he and Pat continue to relish the fun of their DJ gigs, although they do keep the number of clients to a more reasonable number these days. The dance classes are an add-on lark. “They’re exercise and they expand friendships,” he said. Keep on dancing, Colonel. SL
Caring, Passion & Respect in Assisted Living Assisted & Independent Living SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Patricia Wyatt
Col. Lee Wyatt III taught history at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. had an affinity for service. He was fortunate enough that the Vietnam War was winding down just as his military career was gearing up, and Wyatt was granted a deferment to earn a doctorate in history. His assignments took him to Europe and the Pentagon, and eventually to West Point, where he became a permanent professor in the Department of History. “I retired as deputy head of the history department,” he said. The multi-talented Wyatt also was an author, penning a history of the Industrial Revolution for Greenwood Press’ series on major issues in western civilization. So, where does all that dancing and music come in? His wise mother, who would go dancing with Wyatt’s dad every weekend, enrolled him in dancing classes at age 12.
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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2022
myseniorlife.com
Distinguished American women celebrated on quarters
Wong (first Chinese American film star in Hollywood). When you go shopping, look carefully The program celebrates the at the coins in your change. You could accomplishments and contributions made be fortunate to have received quarters by women to the development and history featuring distinguished American women. of the country. The obverse of each The U.S. Mint announced in January coin will maintain a likeness of George that beginning this year and continuing Washington, facing right. through 2025, per The American Women Barbara Billington, a Micco retiree Quarters Program, they will issue who leads a memoir Writers Group commemorative quarters celebrating at Brevard County’s South Mainland distinguished American women. Library, was pleased to hear about the Presented on the 2022 quarters are: commemorative quarters. Maya Angelou (writer), Dr. Sally Ride Billington has experience as a 32-year (first American woman in space), Wilma educator at the university level as well as Mankiller (first female principal chief at private and public schools in Florida. of the Cherokee Nation), Nina Otero“I am in favor of any program or Warren (first female superintendent of initiative that promotes awareness and Santa Fe public schools) and Anna May acknowledgement of women as a vital BY JENNIFER H. MONAGHAN
part of our humanity,” Billington said. “Therefore, I support the American Women Quarters program. I see a variety of ways the coins can be used in the educational arena to promote awareness of the value and contributions of women to society. “The affirmation and merits of women as role models is important and vital to young girls as they grow in the knowledge that they are as intelligent and able to participate in physical, mental and creative activities just the same as their male counterparts.” The program’s website states that The American Women Quarters could feature contributions from a variety of fields, including but not limited to suffrage, civil rights, science and the arts, among
others. The women honored will be from ethnically, racially and geographically diverse backgrounds. The Secretary of the Treasury selects the honorees following consultation with the Smithsonian Institution’s American Women’s History Initiative, the National Women’s History Museum, and the Congressional Bipartisan Women’s Caucus. In 2021, the public was invited to submit recommendations for potential honorees through a web portal established by the National Women’s History Museum. Look for these quarters in your change or shop online. A limited quantity will be produced. For more information, go to usmint.gov. VV
Ditch the derogatory ageist term senior citizen for perennial we’re in our professional prime and aren’t remotely interested in retiring. We I was at a local big chain looking for feel vibrant, we’re mentally agile and some home renovation items and one productive with vastly more experience of the sales associates called someone than any millennial out there. Coupled over and said, “The older lady over there with the fact that we can deliver a needs help.” BY NANETTE HEBDIGE
Double take for a minute; I’m a customer and not the older lady over there! Then, I was under a barrage of ma’ams, which was repeated more times than I care to remember. I’ve proudly marched past 55, so I am no spring chicken. However, I look younger than my years. So, why am I being labeled a senior citizen prematurely? Call me headstrong, but I certainly don’t want to be addressed as older or golden anytime soon. Many of us that are 50-plus (Gen Xers and Boomers) are becoming vocal about our revolt against ageist terms. Senior Citizen is one of those ageist faux pas terms since it has a subliminal, patronizing tone. Not to mention, we’ve just been compartmentalized into the ancient bracket, with our relatives corroborating that we need to be managed. Public perception insinuates that aging is associated solely with decline and deterioration. Even those who are 70-plus don’t want to be labeled geriatric. That’s as deprecating as calling someone younger kiddo or young’un rather than asking for their name. The fact is that most 50 and 60 somethings don’t want to be branded elderly, senior or codger and put out to pasture. Isn’t senior how you’re addressed when you graduate from high school or college? Now, senior citizen goes hand in hand with dentures, walkers, wheelchairs and nursing homes. Who came up with the pervasive term senior citizen? It’s pedantic, has belittling connotations and it’s detrimental. Not to mention, it’s quintessentially lackluster. We should start labeling ourselves perennials, since many are coined as millennials. We are still enjoying our careers,
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sentence without using like, umm and for sure. We have manners and know how to address people when we are spoken to. Considering it’s legally discriminatory to use sexist nuances and
unfavorable racial references, ageist slurs are no different. So, it’s time to freshen up the vernacular and kick senior citizen to the curb. It’s unpalatable and no one wants to be identified as archaic ahead of their time. We are perennials. VV
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Behind the
Beat
By Randal Hill
‘A Horse With No Name’ — America
BY RANDAL C. HILL
We’ve all been through this before. You hear a new tune on the radio, and it grabs you by the collar, demanding your attention. Soon, it’s burrowing deeply inside your brain to reside there forever. It’s a song you will never forget. But sometimes, when you get to thinking later about its rather puzzling lyrics, you end up scratching your head and asking, “What is this really all about?” We’re talking here about “A Horse With No Name” by United Kingdombased America, a trio of U.S.-born folk singers — Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley and Dan Peek — who each had fathers who frequently relocated to military bases around the world. “The song was born out of pure boredom,” admits Bunnell, a Neil Young soundalike who was just 19 when he created the million seller. “I had just graduated high school in London, and my family moved up to Yorkshire. … I wanted to stay in London, so I moved into the home of a friend and his family. … I wrote the song alone in this guy’s bedroom that I share. … I wanted to capture the imagery of the desert,
SENIOR LIFE/Shutterstock
“A Horse With No Name” is based on Dewey Bunnell’s childhood at an U.S. Air Force base on the damp central California coast. because I was sitting in this room in England, and it was rainy. I wanted to capture the heat and the dryness.” First called “Desert Song,” Bunnell built his odd tale on a foundation of three guitar chords. In 1971, the trio released their self-titled debut album in the United Kingdom but, since no issued single had caught record buyers’ attention yet, sales proved lackluster. However, when “Horse” became a successful British 45 that November, the America LP was
reissued to great success, thanks to the Bunnell-composed hit track. When Bunnell’s creation was released in the States, it too became an overnight winner. The Warner Records 45 reached No. 1 in the U.S. for three weeks, and the America album dominated the LP charts for more than a month. The song’s imagery had emerged from Bunnell’s childhood at an U.S. Air Force base on the damp central California coast. He recalls, “We’d drive
through Arizona and New Mexico. I loved the cactus and the heat. (In the song), I was trying to capture the sights and sounds of the desert.” His free-flowing lyrics were painted with a broad brush and ranged from the elementary-school simplicity of There were plants and birds and rocks and things and The heat was hot and the ground was dry to the Dylaneque denseness of The ocean is a desert with its life underground And a perfect disguise above Dewey saw the desert as an existential epiphany but later admitted, “The song was a travelog with an environmental message in there about saving the planet.” As to the enigmatic image of the horse? “I see now that this anonymous horse was a vehicle to get me away from all the confusion and chaos of life to a peaceful, quiet place.” Come to think of it, though, after all that time spent in peaceful desert solitude, wouldn’t the narrator have eventually come up with a name for his steed? Just wondering. SL
Compromise becomes important as decisions mount for seniors Track events are not the only place we face hurdles. Seniors face them almost every day. Tough decisions often are met with the hurdles of family member input, financial advisers, clergy and scam artists. We are influenced, challenged, baited and directed. Often, we use our good judgment and compromise. In the process, we focus on settling differences by making mutual concessions. We agree to adjust, modify and give in to opposing claims or proposals. We most often give up something to create peace. We accept a win-win solution, but we end up losing something. Senior decisions are related to: When to retire? Where to retire? Should I move back home? Should I downsize and sell my big house? Should I move
Challenges of Living to Age 100 Ed Baranowski in with my daughter or son? In each case, you make a compromise. There are unintended consequences and often regrets. Ask — What’s in it for me? Seniors who plan to get married later in life must decide — her house his house or our house? Then, there are the pets. He’s a dog man; she’s a cat woman. Maybe, you decide to keep two houses. Maybe you live together
as roommates or separately in the same house. Each compromise has consequences. Consider estate plans, wills, trusts, property ownership, and who takes care of what when you are dearly departed. Visit with a lawyer or two before making compromising decisions. One lawyer could take a positive legacy approach, or another a prenuptial agreement. Others could focus on a trust or the negative when you get a divorce. Be sure to mention (name them) and include all children in bequests, however large or small. Check the wording of documents. Ask questions of your attorney and financial advisors. What is your intent? If you have a family trust, be sure to identify who is part of the family and who will benefit.
Compromise often seems to be a good solution, but what if you did nothing? Absence of a decision is a decision. You have decided to do nothing. The Rotary four-way test is a great tool. 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? and 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? The test is no compromise. May your challenges be small. Ed Baranowski is an award-winning writer, artist, speaker, and seminar leader. He lives in Melbourne and can be contacted at fast75sr@gmail.com. SL Ed Baranowski is an award-winning writer, artist, speaker, and seminar leader. He lives in Melbourne and can be contacted at fast75sr@gmail.com.
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BCOA NEWS BREVARD COMMISSION ON AGING
BCOA meetings are open to the public and are held the second Thursday of each month at the government center in Viera. For information, contact Cindy Short at 321-6332076, FAX 321-633-2170, cindy.short@brevardfl.gov, brevardf l.gov/HumanServices/CommissionOnAging or at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, B-106, Viera, FL 32940.
Identifying financial exploitation isn’t always out in the open SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE Signs of elder abuse are generally evident but not always as obvious as black and blue marks, loud screaming and crying confrontations. A victim’s unexplained physical injuries or sudden financial problems are signs of abuse, neglect and exploitation. Perhaps most alarming is that roughly two-thirds of the abusers are family members, often the victim’s spouse, adult children or grandchildren. Research also shows that abusers could be dependent on the victim’s resources, live in the victim’s home and may have additional personal problems, such as substance abuse. Financial exploitation, also known as financial abuse, is when someone improperly uses your money or belongings for themselves. This can be someone you know or a complete stranger. Elderly financial abuse includes a broad range of schemes from identity theft to abuse of power of attorney
and guardianship, instances where the funds of the older adult, property or assets are illegally or improperly used for another person’s profit or gain. The abuser often preys on the generosity, sympathy, emotions or naiveté of an elderly person. However, there are things you can do to help protect yourself. Recognize common warning signs! Signs that could indicate you are being exploited include: • Have you noticed withdrawals or credit card charges on your bills that you did not make? • Did you find out someone made changes to a will, trust, mortgage or deed without you knowing? • Has someone threatened to place you in a nursing home if you do not give them control of your finances? • Do these examples sound familiar to you? • If so, be cautious! Dishonest people target seniors and will abuse or take advantage of them. • To avoid potential abuse, consider
Lagoon Voices hope to rally support for Indian River Lagoon Try typing HelpTheLagoon.org into the browser of your computer. You’ll find a full menu of What You Can Do suggestions: from At Home and In Your Neighborhood to Volunteer Opportunities. Taking these individual steps are helpful and personally satisfying. There is also a new way as well: Speak for the Lagoon as a Lagoon Voice (HelpTheLagoon.org/Voices). For years, the Indian River Lagoon has shown the damage that pollution is doing. It has shown this through repeated algae blooms, fish kills and now manatee deaths. While we all know its desperate message, the Indian River Lagoon can’t tell political and community leaders exactly what they must do or hold them accountable for their promises. The Indian River Lagoon does not have that precise a voice. So, we, the community, must speak for our lagoon. We must advocate for the elimination of pollution into our waters, for effective restoration projects and against lax enforcement and sweetheart deals by special interests. Hundreds (no, thousands) of us must come together to Speak for The Lagoon. And, now the Lagoon Voices (HelpTheLagoon.org/Voices) has been formed by the Brevard Indian River
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Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition
Lagoon Coalition to do just that. Yes, the Lagoon Voices advocacy group is open to all who value the Indian River Lagoon. Members will learn about current bills and regulations that will help or hurt the IRL. Members will be given specific messages they can use to promote the good and discourage the bad. We will identify who to contact, when and how. So, you can combine your voice with many others to hold our leaders accountable for the Indian River Lagoon. The Lagoon Voices is working with other organizations here in Brevard County and beyond to leverage our insights and our effectiveness in advocacy. We will hold special legislative briefings and monitor the votes of officials. You will know if they are delivering on their promises. What can you do to help the Indian River Lagoon? Learn to reduce your pollution footprint, help others by volunteering, and join the Lagoon Voices (HelpTheLagoon.org/Voices) today. VV
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doing the following: Do not provide personal information (e.g., Social Security number, credit card) over the phone unless you placed the call and know with whom you are speaking. If you are offered a “prize,” “loan” or “investment” that sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. Take your time. Consult with someone you trust before making a large purchase or investment. Don’t sign any documents you don’t completely understand without first consulting an attorney or family member you trust. Tear up and shred credit receipts, bank statements and financial records before disposing of them. If you hire someone for personal assistance services, complete a background check first. Get on the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce telemarketing calls. Call 888-382-1222
Remember, law enforcement and social service agencies cannot be everywhere. It takes all of us to help make sure that those who need protection are safe. If you see abuse or suspect abuse, report it. All abuse can be reported in confidence and all of the complaints are investigated. Intervention often can save the assets, health, dignity or even the life of an older adult. Report fraud or financial exploitation at 1-800-222-4444. *AARP Fraud Tips https://www. aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/ income/info-2015/fraud-prevention. html#:~:text=Report%20fraud%20 or%20financial%20exploitation,%2D 800%2D222%2D4444 **Source: Florida Department of Elder Affairs, 2022. SL Source: Mayo Clinic mayoclinic. org/healthy-lifestyle/stressmanagement/in-depth/caregiverstress/art-20044784
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Do Not Call list won’t eliminate robocalls, but might help BY LINDA JUMP Everybody hates them, but anyone with a private phone has to deal with attempted scams on average once a day. The Federal Trade Commission says to hang up and ignore instructions to push any buttons. Then make sure your phones are among the 244 million registered on its free Do Not Call (DNC) database. “The FTC has stopped billions of these calls in the past few years. Most people get obnoxious robocalls because technological changes have made them so cheap for fraudsters to blast out. … We’re continuing our aggressive enforcement,” said Kati Daffan, an attorney with the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. Bridget Small, an FTC consumer education specialist, said last year, 5.7 million Americans filed claims of losing more than $5.8 billion from fraud. Although many think the oldest phone owners are targeted, Small said those age 20 to 29 were fraud victims more often than those older than 80. The DNC list, accessed by 12,000 real companies, can’t stop political, charitable and debt collection callers.
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Survey takers and callers providing information also are allowed. Go to donotcall.gov to register up to three telephone numbers and to file a complaint if money wasn’t lost. If money was lost, file a claim with reportfraud.ftc.gov. Pre-recorded robocalls were prohibited in 2009 unless the company has written permission for contact, or they face fines. So far, the FTC has collected $290 million in judgments. There are companies, apps and phone settings, some free, to block solicitous callers. However, experts say those protections don’t necessarily prevent scammers, who can appear to be calling from the 321 area while actually halfway around the world. Alan Mamedi, the founder of Truecaller, a call-blocking app, said in a December news release that “the reason that spam and scam businesses still exist is because it is highly profitable for very little effort and consequence.” That firm’s 2021 U.S. Spam and Scan Report/Harris Poll reported that $29.8 billion was lost in phone scams by 59.5 (million? – MG) Americans, 60% from robocalls. The report found that each American receives 31 spam calls
Solution on page 24
Giving senior dogs a new leash on life
To adopt one of these wonderful dogs from Riley’s Rescue, send an email to RileysRescueofBrevard@gmail.com or call 321-291-4030.
Max
e Pit Bull and This 7-year-old mal is housebroken. Black Labrador mix en and children. He likes men, wom small dogs He doesn’t like cats, Max is up to and other animals. ions, and he date on his vaccinat The affectionate has some allergies. quiet, is a little couch potato, who is be by his to nervous and he likes rides in the es lik e owner’s side. H car.
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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2022
SENIOR LIFE/TRUECALLER
Scam victims by Gender and Age bracket in 12 months monthly on average, up from 28 in 2020. H. Skip Smith of Melbourne gets seven or eight nuisance calls weekly, and hangs up. If a person is on the line and gives their name, “then I say Fred, you have a great day before I hang up. I don’t give them a chance.” She’s not on the do not call list. Other red flags to a scam:
If you have to pay a fee to earn a prize. If the caller claims to be from law enforcement or a federal agency and threatens you, or wants private information. If you must make an immediate decision. If the caller wants cash or a gift card. SL
St. Augustine Wild Reserve offers unique look at wild animals The St. Augustine Wild Reserve will provide you and your family with the rare opportunity to see wild animals up close. This is an outstanding, one-day educational experience that I highly recommend. This facility houses more than 50 large mammals ranging from tigers, lions and leopards to bears, hyenas, ligers and wolves. There also are more than 30 smaller mammal species, including coatimundis, white-tailed deer and various barnyard animals such as geese, turkeys, hens and chickens. The St. Augustine Wild Reserve is a nonprofit created as a rescue center for unwanted exotic animals. Many folks obtain an exotic pet, only to realize that the animal’s wild nature does not fit into their life or their household, as they expected. This is where the reserve comes in. The reserve takes in unwanted exotic animals as an alternative to euthanasia. Some of the reserve’s animals came from abusive homes. Two wolves were rescued when their owner was involved in a fatal auto accident. You will be given a guided tour of the seven-acre compound by an experienced wildlife professional. An introduction to each species, basic biology and how the animal arrived at the sanctuary will be discussed. You will be allowed to get within 3 to 10 feet of the exotic animals, which are housed in secure habitats. The reserve does not allow public contact with the animals. On the tour, you will meet amazing white tigers, orange tigers, a very rare golden tabby tiger, and even a rare Ti-liger, lions, liger, servals, lynxes, a bear, leopards, jaguars, hyenas and a host of wolves ranging in color from black to white This tour of the St. Augustine Wild Reserve is truly an experience of a lifetime.
Touring the Town
John Trieste
Individuals of all ages are welcome to take this wildlife tour, but keep in mind that it is close to two hours long. Small children might not be able to last the whole trip on foot. You are welcome to leave the tour a little early if you must. Tours of the reserve are by appointment only. Your guests have the following choices of tours. At 2 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, a special VIP tour from noon to 1:30 p.m. each Friday for a special price and two tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each Saturday. Reservations are required. Participants for all tours must be booked and paid for in advance. The reserve is not open to the public on a walk-in basis. The reserve is completely outdoors and spacious enough to allow you to spread out and keep a safe distance from other guests during this time of the pandemic. To reserve and pay for your tour go to bookeo.com/tiger/tours. The reserve’s address is St. Augustine Wild Reserve, 5190 Farm Creek Road, St. Augustine, Florida 32920. For information, call 904-9400664. To get there, drive I-95 North to Exit 318. Take Route 16 West to Pacetti Road. A Publix will be on the left. Turn left onto Pacetti Road and go to Silo Road on the right side. Take Silo Road to the St. Augustine Wild Reserve. It is about a two-hour drive. SL
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21
Health & Wellness
Don’t be at mercy to stress, take deep breaths, begin again BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Stress is your body’s response to uncomfortable or awkward situations. Dr. Michelle Yates of Steward Internal Medicine in Port St. John said that in the extremes with life in danger it is probably the most stressful. The heart rate goes up, breathing increases and sometimes we get sweaty. Stress can be either chronic or occasional where it is empathetic — you are doing fine and suddenly get stressed like from a death or planning a big event. “Allow the mind to take control of the situation, slow breathing down as a physical response, develop a plan to address the situation and, if necessary, see a primary care provider to help you medically,” Yates said. “As necessary, avoid situations that cause you additional stress or limit the time spent in this situation.” Yates suggests having a plan. If it is family causing the stress. Limit the time with them. You need to be aware of the stressful situation and aware of
your body’s response so you can then decide or choose to change the body’s response. Slow your breathing and continuously take control of the situation so it’s not controlling you. It could be financial stress for retirees not taking control of the situation and a need to have contingencies like a safety fund for the unexpected. “One of my answers is counseling,” said Mariam Vermiller, a psychologist and mental health counselor in Rockledge. “When stress builds up, I have somebody I can talk to in the process,” she said. “Talking to someone helps to alleviate stress. If you are talking to family, it can get emotional. But, it is safer to talk to a counselor because they don’t get caught up in the information. “Taking care of yourself or selfcaring is important. Selfishness is when you put self ahead all the time. But being self-caring is ‘I am going to take care of myself, so I have the equipment to take care of others.’
There are many ways that exercise can relieve stress. Self-caring is lunch with a friend, getting a pedicure or a haircut. Don’t get over-extended and it is OK to tell
SENIOR LIFE/Shutterstock
people no, you can’t do something. One of the first things is to take care of yourself.”SL
Walking offers cardio exercise, benefits brain, body, muscles BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Brisk walks on a regular basis offer great health benefits for cardiovascular fitness and for strengthening bones and muscles. “I wouldn’t know how far, but how long walking,” said Dr. Michael Dougherty of Steward Family Medicine on Merritt Island. “I recommend 100 to 300 total minutes for the week (about an hour and 40 minutes), or you can break it down, or 150 minutes in three days. “You should be able to have a conversation of four or five words (at a time) with someone before stopping for a breath. If someone can continue to talk, then that person is not walking fast enough to get a true cardiovascular health workout. Walking on an incline can increase cardiovascular effort without having to impact the joints.” But how do you get started? “I suggest doing it with a friend, partner or significant other, coworker, someone to be held accountable to each other, more of a social thing to do,” Dougherty said. “It is easier to push yourself when the other person is counting on you to do so.” The doctor reminds walkers that you cannot go into it at the start with unrealistic expectations. If you were not walking on a regular basis before, it could be more difficult than you expect. He suggests minimal impact to begin so as not to get discouraged. “Part of walking is having a
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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of CrossFit of Cocoa Beach
Walking with a partner keeps exercise social and challenging since each person depends on the other to get the exercise done. tight core and standing up straight,” said Cristina Vigne, the co-owner of CrossFit Cocoa Beach. “I have a mother who is 72 and I would make sure she walks four or five times a week and then change up 30 minutes or walk for two miles.” She said that at other times, you should focus on distance. Walk easily and be able to talk with friends. Then go fast to moderate or slow. If you do it the same every day, your body gets used to it. As you age, part of the exercise you want is primarily focusing on walking and changing
SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2022
distance, time and speed. “Exercise has always been a part of my life,” said Mary Monroe of Melbourne. “I can walk any time of day and it is flexible. I like to do 10,000 steps a day, and there are weeks I adjust and do 7,500 on other days and 10,000 three days a week. I have pound weights that I do every day with my arms and do leg lifts every day to round it out. I recommend you do anything, just do something for exercise.” Dougherty said the key is to get your target heart rate up for your age
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of CrossFit of Cocoa Beach
Heavy weights help add resistance to walking. Kettle weights, held above, are like a farmer carrying water jugs and help with walking exercise.
group for 150 to 300 minutes of that target for the week. “If you start out early, you stop dementia and arthritis,” he said. “It is never too late to start doing something for your health.” SL
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Butterfly gardens add zest to local gardens BY ERNEST ARICO Now that spring is officially here, many gardeners and plant lovers will be hitting nurseries and other stores to spruce up their yards and gardens. Others could be thinking about starting a butterfly garden to attract adult butterflies to the garden to feed. According to the website nababutterfly.com/start-butterflygarden, if you want to create a butterfly garden that will act as a sanctuary, attracting a wide variety of butterflies while also providing a place where butterflies can grow and multiply, you will first need some simple planning. By considering which plants to grow and evaluating your garden site, you can plant a butterfly garden that will help with the creation of more butterflies. Lindsey Hoffman, an ordering and merchandising sales representative for Rockledge Gardens, said there are many flowering plants that will attract butterflies to your location. Not all flowers are created equally in the compound eyes of a butterfly. “Butterflies like bright colors,” Hoffman said. “Flowers that are pink, purple, orange and red are the best.” Selecting flowers that will feed
SENIOR LIFE Ernest Arico
Lindsey Hoffman, an ordering and merchandising sales representative for Rockledge Gardens, holds a Blue My Mind plant that is popularly used in a butterfly garden.
SENIOR LIFE Ernest Arico
Butterflies are drawn to bright-colored flowers. butterflies while also encouraging them to stick around for a while, laying eggs and creating a new
generation of butterflies, may be
your goal. To do this, you will need to choose plants that fall into two groups: nectar plants that will provide adult butterflies with energy and larval plants that will feed caterpillars. With careful selection from these two groups, your garden will provide for the entire life cycle of butterflies. Some of the more common nectar plants available at Rockledge Gardens include: Pentas (especially red), Porterweed, Firecracker, Petunia, Buddleia, Zinnia, Lobelia, Salvia, Lantana, Firebush (native), Yarrow, Daisies, Coreopsis (native), Verbana,
Dianthus, Plumbago and Marigold. Hoffman said there are some important tips you need to know before starting a butterfly garden: Location, location, location: The ideal spot is a quiet, undisturbed garden that is exposed to the sun and protected from wind. Watch the chemicals: You cannot use pesticides when gardening for butterflies, so place your butterfly garden away from plants that need spraying. The presentation: Nectar plants should be exhibited in front for best looks of flowers and hovering butterflies. Don’t forget the water: You must provide water for the butterflies, but not very much. Construct at least one puddle area for them because butterflies cannot drink from open water. Nectar, dew and tree sap provide butterflies with moisture, but puddles and moist dirt or sand are popular water sources. Puddling stations can be as simple as a damp area of ground covered with sand. Use the proper soil: Because Florida soil is very sandy and acidic, it is recommended you purchase some soil amendments (fresh compost and fresh organic matter) to add to the soil in your butterfly garden. Many butterflies in Florida are found nowhere else in North America. There are more than 160 butterfly species bred in Florida and about 200 species migrate through the state. Hoffman said most flowers sold for a butterfly garden at the U.S. 1 facility in Rockledge cost about $7.99 each. “You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have your own butterfly garden,” she said. SL
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News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John
North Brevard Community builds relationships at The Longest Table BY FLORA REIGADA Wind and rain could not dampen the spirits of those who braved the elements to attend a community meal at The Longest Table. It was presented by the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Catering With a Conscience from Aging Matters in Brevard. Weather conditions moved the event from the parking lot of the Titusville Welcome Center to inside the building. It took place March 10. “The dinner’s purpose is to bring the community together for a meal at the same table, to encourage communication, build relationships and break down economic, racial, religious and ethnic barriers,” said Marcia Gaedcke, the president of Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, tickets were free. This allowed for a diversity of community representation. Previous dinners have drawn more than 200 guests and generated excellent reviews. “Questions were asked to encourage people to engage in dialogue about their local experiences. Their comments were forwarded to the Titusville City Council and other agencies,” Gaedcke said. In addition to introducing and installing the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, the dinner introduced the chamber’s Prosperity Initiative. Its focus is generational poverty in the community and addressing its root causes to help vulnerable citizens such as children break the cycle. “Our heart is to solve poverty and have a conversation about what that looks like,” said Edna Wilson, the chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors. Titusville City Council member Joe Robinson sees the gathering as a way for people to find their place in the city’s health. “It will take a team to make things better for the future and those who will be a part of it,” he said.
SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada
Rebecca Chapman, left, Bryan Boorujy and Dan Woerheide share conversation and a meal at The Longest Table community dinner, which took place at the Titusville Welcome Center.
SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada
Edna Wilson, the chairman of the board for the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce, with her husband Jeff, gets ready to meet with the community at The Longest Table dinner, which took place at the Titusville Welcome Center. The menu featured charcuterie boxes. “These are essentially appetizer trays, with an assortment of food such as deli meats, cheeses, fruits, olives and sweets,” said John Pollei, the chef at Brevard Community Kitchen for Catering with a Conscience. The organization delivers 1,500 to 1,700 meals a day to seniors and children in need. “The dinner continued to move our community in the right direction,”
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Gaedcke said. This was demonstrated when a hundred meals were donated to feed the homeless. Watch for The Longest Table to be rescheduled. Interested persons
SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada
Titusville City Council member Joe Robinson prepares to enjoy a meal with the community at The Longest Table dinner.
are invited to support it through meal sponsorships. For information, call Gaedcke at 321-267-3036, email gaedcke@ titusville.org or go to Titusville.org. SL
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Additional calendar items page 29
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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2022
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Our aging community is a sacred asset that we should learn from, honor, and support.
We’re still here, serving seniors since 1965
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Call us to Volunteer: » Assist with Food Prep Seeking Volunteers to: at the Kitchen Assiston with Food Prep »• Meals Wheels Driver at the Kitchen » Provide a senior • transportation Meals on Wheels Delivery Driver » Provide a veteran • transportation Provide a senior transportation to » Provide information important to Caregivers at the appointments Sunflower House
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Matters IN BREVARD
Please call today for further information (321) 639-8770
Call us if you need: » Caregiver Respite Caregiver Training Call us» if you need: and Support • Caregiver Respite, Training » Case Management and »Support Catering • Catering » Handyman Services • Home Safety Modifications » Information and Referral • Light» Light Housekeeping Housekeeping • Meals on Wheels » Meals on Wheels » Personal • Personal CareCare » Seniors at Lunch • Transportation Fellowship Dining » Transportation » Volunteer Opportunities
Our aging community is a sacred� asset that we should learn from, honor and support. .@. WEARE 0 .<Q& Senior TranServe Meals On Wheels Retireu S en10r VeTs Driving Vets CD missro'n driven So no seviior- rrs h.u�. Volunteer Program Please call today for further information transportation for non·driving seniors
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Sunflower House
community caregiver center
An inffiative of the Corporation for National t, Community Service
Seniors At Lunch
group dining at neighborhood sites
Home & Community ,\ Based Services
Aging Matters in Brevard is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit orginization recognized by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Agingbyasthethe Lead Agencyoffor senior in Agency Brevard County. Aging Matters in Brevard is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofu organimtion recognized Florida Department Elder Affairsservices and the Area on Aging as the LRad Agency for senior servues in Brevard County.
www.AgingMattersBrevard.org Serving the Matters of Aging Since 1965 • www.agingmattersbrevard.org Visit us on Facebook & Instagram
CROSSWORD Crossword solution, page 30 ACROSS
1 6 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 23 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 35 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 48 51 55 56 57 58
Small metal nails Leader of the Huns Harley competitor Stowed Disconnect Natural Atmosphere Contractor’s fig. Thurs. follower Drei less zwei Scott Joplin piece Street in Paris Pallet German pistol Itch Kind of poem Fridge maker Some aria singers Put 2 and 2 together Peak Must-haves Unisex wear Sombrero Shriveled up Pisces mo. Sci-fi computer ______ ’wester Bother Central Park sight Reddish-brown Piece of cake Kitchen whistler Approved Eric Clapton classic
28
DOWN 1 Provo inst. 2 Rushed off 3 Sound booster 4 The One-L Lama 5 Feng _____ 6 UFO passenger 7 Coal units 8 Childish outburst 9 Muckraker -- Tarbell 10 Net-nicking serve 11 Juice-based drink 13 Went along with 19 Energized 20 Tenant 22 Form a thought 24 Christie of whodunits 25 Friendly 26 Clancy hero Jack___ 27 Decision-maker 28 Fill the hull 29 Absorbed 34 Adventuresome journey 36 Leave a ship 42 Sulked angrily 43 Shade-loving plant 45 Percolate slowly 47 Face-off 48 Cable network 49 Noah’s vessel 50 Teachers’ org. 52 Pigs’ hangout 53 Bracket type 54 Drink with scones
SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2022
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April Tuesday, April 5
Recycling in Brevard 1:30 - 2:20 p.m. Have questions about what should or should not be placed in your recycling can each week? Cape Canaveral Public Library 201 Polk Ave. Cape Canaveral 321-868-1101
Thursday, April 7
Introduction to Stamping and Card Making 1 - 2 p.m. Introduction class with Donna Herring. Cost is $1 and includes supplies. Cape Canaveral Public Library 201 Polk Ave. Cape Canaveral, 321-868-1101
Friday, April 8
Quit Your Way 2 - 3:30 p.m. Free tools to quit program. Free nicotine replacement patches, gum or lozenges. Free participant workbook and materials. Seminar by Tobacco Free Florida. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 877-252-6094
More events around Brevard
26th annual Golf Tournament 11 a.m. Rockledge Country Club 1591 S. Fiske Blvd. Rockledge,321-459-2200
on various topics for homeowners. Tony Rosa Community Center 1502 Port Malabar Blvd. NE Palm Bay, 321-951-9998
Seventh Annual CCA Space Coast BBQ 6 - 9:30 p.m. Wickham Park Regional Pavilion 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne 407-854-7002 ext. 111
Saturday, April 16
Saturday, April 9
Poochella 10 a.m. Hosted and benefiting Touch of Grey Rescue. Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-255-4307
Viera East Farmers Market 10 a.m. Second Saturday Local produce, products. Food trucks Woodside Park 1705 Crane Creek Blvd. Viera 2022 Home Show and Expo 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Greater Palm Bay Chamber will feature local realtors, builders, contractors, landscapers, home stores, lenders, insurance, pest control, inspection services, fencing, plumbing, heating & air conditioning, movers and training and presentations
GPBS Bingo Fundraiser 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Bingo packages start at $8. Greater Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Dr. NE Palm Bay, 321-724-1338
Club 52 Food Truck Festival 4 - 8 p.m. Food trucks, car show. Music by DJ X Seven. Club 52 1100 S. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-923-6511
Friday, April 22
Lunch and Learn with Personal Hearing Solutions 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Learn about hearing loss and
what can be done. RSVP. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771 Cars Under the Stars featuring "Raya and the Last Dragon" 5 - 9 p.m. Audio available through car stereo and external speakers. Wickham Park Pavilion 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-633-2046
Saturday, April 23
BTFC annual Tree Sale 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Brevard Tropical Fruit Club annual tree sale. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-608-7420 Shred Away 2021 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Free shredding, food and many activities. Check the donation list to support The Haven for Children and The Genesis House. RSVP to Keller Williams 6905 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-259-1170 American Cancer Society Relay for Life 2 - 10 p.m. American Cancer Society's annual Relay
for Life relay walk to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. Cocoa Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd. Cocoa, 386-267-8909 Coast to Coast with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra 7 p.m. Eau Gallie High School 1400 Commodore Blvd. Melbourne, 855-252-7273
Wednesday, April 27 Cooking in an Instant and Air Frying 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn fun recipes. Fun, hands-on experience. UF/IFAS Extension 3695 Lake Drive Cocoa, 321-633-1702
Friday, April 30
Laughs on the Go at Club 52 VIP Room 7:30 p.m. Evening of stand-up comedy featuring U.S. comedians. $15 in advance. $20 at the door. Catch Casino style poker before and after the show. Club 52 1100 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-259-9800
1955 Chevy Belair
This two-door, rose wine red and white gem has a 283 engine and a two-speed, power-glide transmission. Vinny and Elizabeth Tumminia bought it 28 years ago. They did a six-year-long full frameoff restoration on Long Island, New York before moving to Melbourne 10 years ago. The car had been sitting in a barn in White Plains, New York for 28 years before they bought it.
Owners: Vinny and Elizabeth Tumminia 321-242-1235
SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2022
29
Pinning Ceremony for Veterans at Sonata Viera Friday, March 4
Solution, Puzzle page 20
Team up for Parkinson's 5K Run/1K Walk March 19
Solution, Puzzle page 28
Market Square Activities & Classes
Air Conditioning A/C A/C
Beyond Monograms April 27, 2022 Noon
Grand Opening in our NEW location
& &
Hea Heating ting Experts! Experts!
FREE Estimates & FREE Service call with any repair
Antiques
ANTIQUES WANTED TO BUY High prices paid!
Buying costume jewelry, flatware sets, coins, old military items, pottery, toys, trains, old paintings, figurines & much more
Check out the Q&L website for class schedule and events. May 6 & 7 • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. We are an authorized, line retailer for Baby Lock®, Sweet Time Quilting, 11638 US 1,full Sebastian
$200f f
Koala , Floriani ,® & Anita Goodesign® Please checkBrother® our website for, more details • ® Follow us on and on-site, Service available on site Full-time, factory certified service engineer Repair
7720 N. our Wickham Suite 111 We try best Rd. to ‘under-promise and over deliver’
Melbourne, FL 32940 321-622-8602
7720 N. Wickham Rd. www.quiltsandlace.com Suites 111 & 112 & 113 beth@quiltsandlace.com Melbourne, FL 32940
Now Open-2nd location in Sebastian!
M, W, Th, F: 10a,- 5pm. Tues: 10am - 7pm, Sat: 10am - 2 pm. Sun: CLOSED
30
o
New Systems &
10% OFF Repairs
(with this ad)
WWW.AIRGAGERS.COM | 321.775.3522
Phone: (321) 622-8602, Fax: (321) 622-8574 M,W,Th,F: 10am - 5pm,LIFE Tue: 12N -•7pm,APRIL 2022 SENIOR www.quiltsandlace.com Sat: 10am - 2pm, Sun: CLOSED beth@quiltsandlace.com
FREE AT HOME VALUATIONS Over 25 Years’ Experience in Antiques
321-634-2647
myseniorlife.com
Market Square Health Insurance
Health Insurance
Hearing
You Deserve Better Hearing
2021
Proud To Be A Local Medicare Professsional
Sheri Gaul
CALL TODAY! FREE Hearing Test including FREE In Office Demo of Latest Technology!
Call/Text me anytime:
321-749-8445
321-253-6310
8085 Spyglass Hill Rd., Viera (inside One Senior Place) SERVING ALL OF BREVARD Financing available, Insurance accepted
Independent Agent serving Brevard since 2002
SANDRA WAGNER BC-HIS
PersonalHearingSolutions@outlook.com PersonalHearing.org
Restaurant
Hair Salon
Roofing
2850 South Hopkins Ave. Sunday – Thursday: 9am-9pm Friday & Saturday: 9am-10pm
321-383-1616
*Offer valid for new customers only
Please mention this ad when making an appointment.
Highly Skilled
Experienced Stylist
Walk-ins Welcome!
Call 612-231-0601 Juliettehuber.com
2137 N. Courtenay Pkwy. • Merritt Island
Rubbish Removal
Specialist in Real Estate Clean Outs
Sanitizing • Fogging • Cleaning Mold Damage • Fire Damage Post Construction Clean Up CERTIFIED IN WATER DAMAGE
Nature’s Market Health Foods Brevard’s Health Food Store
701 S. Apollo Blvd. Melbourne
321-724-6923
NaturesMarketMelbourne.com
Senior Care
Safes
Florida Safes
Protect Your Valuables!
Sales & Service Delivery and Bolt Down
321-255-2130
Visit our Showroom 4301 N. Wickham Rd.-Melbourne, FL 32935
Home Improvement
Travel TREMENDOUS SAVINGS on Wonder of the Seas from Port Canaveral
s! Joi n uCoffee, Chat and Presentation
AllIslandCleaningInc.com Owner Operated in Brevard for 20 years.
with Joanne Cotterman,
Business Development Manager, Royal Caribbean
April 28, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. in our Suntree office
Limited Availability Reservations required
321-622-5955 Disclaimer: Ships registry The Bahamas
7777 N. Wickham Rd. Suntree Square gotravel.com
321-242-1235
Call for free estimates
321-433-0604
• Office Cleaning • Window Cleaning • Carpet & Upholstery • Tile & Grout • Floor Stripping, Buffing & Waxing • Water & Flood Removal
Enhancing the lives of aging adults and their families. DENISE BILDER, SENIOR CONSULTANT INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE • LONG TERM CARE • RESPITE CARE Direct: 321-403-2366 • Office: 321-209-8686 denise@allyslc.com • www.allyslc.com 142 N. Orlando Avenue, Ste. 100, Cocoa beach
Wellness April Special
BUY ONE GET ONE
FREE All products Must present this ad. Exp. 4/30/22
Skincare • Edibles Hair Care • Vape • Topicals
Infused Bakery opening soon!!!! EDUCATED STAFF • CLEAN KITCHEN
DreamFarmsHemp.com 321-421-7280
674 Wickham Rd, Melbourne Wickham Green Center
SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2022
31
FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES
Enjoy the benefits of a Medicare plan PLUS access to out-of-network hospitals and specialists in Brevard and Indian River counties! SEE HOW CAREPLUS COMPARES: 2022 BENEFITS
CarePlus Health Plans CareOne PLATINUM (HMO-POS)
Health First Classic Plan (HMO-POS)
5 out of 5
4 out of 5
$0
$97
$3,750 (combined in-network and out-of-network)
$3,750 (in-network) $10,000 (out-of-network)
$20 (in-network) $25 (out-of-network)
$30 (in-network) 20% per visit (out-of-network)
$150 days 1-7 (in-network) $170 days 1-7 (out-of-network)
$180 days 1-7 (in-network) 20% per stay (out-of-network)
Preferred Cost-Sharing Retail Pharmacy (in-network)
Preferred Retail Network Pharmacy (in-network)
Tier 1 - $0 Tier 2 - $10 Tier 3 - $30
Tier 1 - $0 Tier 2 - $10 Tier 3 - $40
50 one-way trips
20 one-way trips
(H1019-110)
2022 Medicare Star Rating Monthly Plan Premium Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs Specialist Copay Hospital Stay Copay (Per Day) Prescription Drug Copay (30-Day Supply) Transportation to Approved Locations
(H1099-001)
Call a licensed CarePlus sales agent:
321-351-7645 (TTY: 711) CarePlusHealthPlans
CarePlusHealthPlans.com
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
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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2022
myseniorlife.com
