Hitchcock thriller back in theaters
Jimmy Stewart played L. B. Jefferies in the “Rear Window.” Jefferies was a professional photographer, who was limited to a wheelchair as he recovered from a broken leg. He couldn’t resist spying on his New York City neighbors.
BY MIKE GAFFEY
Some might consider L.B. Jefferies, the Jimmy Stewart character in the movie “Rear Window,” to be too nosy for spying on his neighbors.
But the classic Alfred Hitchcock thriller is built around the character who is obsessed with looking out the window at his neighbors.
The classic, which easily draws in viewers into the story, returns to theaters this month to celebrate its 70th anniversary.
Polished appearance
Joe Abel stands still as a silvery figure as spectators get close. It often startles onlookers, who will laugh when he moves.
Stand Still Entertainment was founded by Abel after he dressed up as a statue for Halloween and made $100 in tips. Abel has since become a full-time performance artist/human statue. He attends comic cons, baseball games and other events. In July, Abel attended the Space Coast Card Show in Viera and plans to return.
“There’s no better joy than making someone’s day,” Abel said. SL
“Rear Window” stars Stewart as a photographer in a wheelchair because of a broken leg, who watches his neighbors from his New York City apartment window, suspects one of them has committed murder and enlists his fashionmodel girlfriend Grace Kelly to help investigate.
The 1954 film, which cost $1 million (the equivalent of nearly $12 million today) to make, was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Writing-Screenplay, Best Cinematography-Color, and Best Sound-Recording.
Film critic Jane Corby of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle called the film “full-bodied, adult
Grace Kelly played Lisa Fremont, a fashion-model, in the “Rear Window.” Others who starred on the movie were Raymond Burr, Thelma Ritter and Wendell Corey.
entertainment,” adding “the suspense accumulates until it reaches a point when the whole picture seems electrically charged.”
“Rear Window” returns to theaters nationwide on Aug. 25 and Aug. 28. AMC Avenue 16, 2241 Town Centre Ave. in Viera; CW Theaters West Melbourne 16, 4345 W. New Haven Ave.; and Epic Theatres at Titusville, 2505 S. Hopkins Ave., are scheduled to show the PG-rated suspense thriller.
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Volume 27, Issue 3
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Publisher Jill Blue
Editor R. Norman Moody
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Art Department
Jorjann Blake Interns
Cameron Countryman
Ella Dorfman
Hayley Power
Feature Writers
Ed Baranowski
Brenda Eggert Brader
Ernie Dorling
Mike Gaffey
Randal C. Hill
Betty Porter
Flora Reigada
It’s hot out there.
Spend just a few minutes outside this summer and you will realize how hot it has been. Inside, the air conditioner is working but it often does not seem to cool down as fast, even at a lower temperature setting.
A fan can help to supplement the air conditioner’s job of keeping your home cool. But if you are looking for something that is being advertised as a good way to get a room cool in minutes, a portable air conditioner might be the answer. We will tell you about some of the small portable air conditioners in a story in this edition of Senior Life. We’ve experienced bigger portables that must be vented to the outside. The smaller ones are relatively new on the market.
Recently, a neighbor found a small dog roaming alone, so he put a leash on it to take it for a walk to see if someone would claim it. I was about to suggest checking with the local fire station to see if they could use their newly acquired microchip scanners to try to find the owner. However, the owner spotted her dog and the dog saw its owner shortly after the neighbor set out to walk the dog. We will tell you about how fire departments in Brevard County now have scanners to check the microchips that are often implanted under the skin of pets to help identify them and get them back to their owners.
A year ago, we started a series called Keep Moving. That series will end with a story on karate and how seniors can practice it to stay in shape. However, you should keep moving.
We will now start a new series about hobbies. Drop me an email and tell us about your hobby and why you think others would want to know about it. My email is norm@myseniorlife.com.
In our Stripes section, you can read about an individual military member still on active duty, as well as about a veteran who continues serving other veterans.
In addition to these stories, check out our other features such as Behind the Beat, Health and Wellness, Time to Travel and Classic Rides. SL
R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com
Fire stations’ microchip scanners help reunite lost pets with owners
BY CAMERON COUNTRYMAN
Finding a lost pet just got easier after microchip scanners were placed at fire stations in Titusville, Cocoa and elsewhere in Brevard County.
In the past, lost pets found after offices of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Brevard (SPCA), Brevard County Animal Services or veterinarians’ offices had closed, had to wait until the next day to be scanned for a microchip.
Now people can take lost pets to the fire stations at any time and follow a step-by-step handbook provided to scan the pet and return it to its family.
Robyn Copeland, the foster program manager with SPCA of Brevard, said hand-held scanners can detect microchips implanted under the skin and between the pet’s shoulder blades.
“Because they’re under the skin, they can migrate to other places,” Copeland said of the implants during a scanner demonstration at Brevard County Fire Rescue Station 48 in Viera on July 2. “I’ve found them in all kinds of strange places.”
Brevard County Fire Rescue District Chief Tom Neidert said the scanners are a welcome addition to the stations. He said pets are often separated from their owners during holidays in which there are fireworks displays, such as the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve.
“Having one in every fire station is pretty awesome,” Neidert said. “This gets these pets to their owners quicker.”
The scan is quick and easy.
A 15-digit number will appear on the scanner after it has found the microchip,
Copeland said. The handbook identifies which microchip company carries the implant in its database and provides a 1-800 number for the pet finder to call.
The company can then provide the pet finder with the pet owner’s contact information or the company can notify the owner.
The handbook also has instructions for returning pets that don’t have microchips, so the program is beneficial for all lost pets, microchipped or not.
If a pet without a microchip is found, the pet’s finder should check the neighborhood closest to where the pet was found and post on lost-and-found websites. If the pet is still unclaimed, the finder should take it to an animal
Resort-Style Independent Living, Assisted
and Memory Care
shelter. Once the pet is at the animal shelter, its owners have five days to reclaim it before it becomes the shelter’s property and can be adopted.
Initially, the program was tested at Titusville fire stations and police departments. It was a success and the program expanded into Cocoa.
Copeland was inspired to create the program by busy lost-and-found pets pages on Facebook. She worked with SPCA of Brevard Executive Director Susan Naylor and Shelby Montgomery, a spokeswoman for SPCA Brevard, to start this program.
“It was a big team effort,” Naylor said.
SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue
Lost pets will be united with owners sooner thanks to microchip scanners.
KEEP MOVING
THE 12TH FEATURE IN A SERIES ON EXERCISE
Seniors are among those practicing karate, staying fit
BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER
Described as dance like, karate has become a desired exercise alternative for many senior citizens.
Found to welcome and encourage longevity, long-time instructor Robert Scaglione, the CEO of Ueshiro ShorinRyu dojos, is the Sensei (teacher) at the Viera Karate Dojo in the Viera Regional Park community center.
“Karate is dance-like movements which challenge your balance, focus and you must give it thought to remember the techniques,” Scaglione said. “You are fighting imaginary opponents and can do it in the backyard, in the home or anywhere. You can practice day or night.
Scaglione said that in karate you are using your body to do the movements and different postures put together in a dance-like form.
“What you are doing is kicking and blocking a fake opponent,” he said. “Do this without a partner, by yourself and you don’t need a prop. In karate, all you need is the karate knowledge to do the techniques and do it without any special venue or equipment like a swimming pool or a partner. Then the most important thing to do is the discipline to get off the couch and do it.”
This martial-arts discipline uses kicking, striking and defensive blocking with arms and legs. It was developed over centuries in East Asia, spread to Japan in the 1920s and later to the rest of the world.
Karate stresses mental attitude, courtesy and is ranked by belt color. There are 10 levels of black belt.
“In 1972, I made black belt,” Scaglione said. “There are different levels, and you must have a third-degree
SENIOR LIFE
Courtesy of Laurie Werner Scaglione
Robert Scaglione, a 10th-degree black belt who holds the title of Hanshi in Ueshino Shorin-Ryu Karate USA, teaches weekly classes at the Viera Regional Park Community Center.
black belt or higher to teach and to be a school director.”
Scaglione suggests doing karate with a group because participants pick up the energy of the other people. The
SENIOR LIFE Brenda Eggert Brader Karate participants bow during a workout at the Viera Regional Park Community Center.
Sensei said that studies show that as long as you keep moving and exercise, it helps with longevity.
The Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu USA Karate in Florida continues to grow with five area sites from Cape Canaveral Karate Dojo in 2002 to the Viera site in 2007. All are open for classes and can be found listed with phone numbers on the internet.
“I never quit,” said Scaglione, who travels the world and makes sure he is near a dojo (a hall or school) to keep up his love of the martial art. “You never quit until you stop trying.” SL
By Randal C. Hill
Behind the Beat
From 1974 to 1982, Sweden’s ABBA quartet sold a reported 400 million discs while leaving behind a legacy of now-classic creations. And, along the way, ABBA heard no complaints from the owner of a Swedish fish-canning factory. (More about that later.)
ABBA consisted of two married couples from Stockholm: Bjorn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Faltskog, and Benny Anderson and AnniFrid Lyngstad. Ulvaeus and Anderson had worked together for years in various groups. In 1971, they released a Top 5 Swedish single — “Hello, Old Man” — which, for the first time, featured their wives accompanying them on the recording. Later Ulvaeus and Anderson 45s didn’t do as well, though, and for the next three years the musicians struggled to keep their names alive on the music scene.
Enter Stig Anderson. An ex-teacher who had written hundreds of songs during the
‘Waterloo’ — ABBA
1960s, he had started Polar Records in the early 1970s. Now he needed to find the right artists to send him on a rocket ride to success and, hopefully, wealth. Anderson met his goal with Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson and their fetching wives. He named the quartet ABBA, using the first initial of each of their names.
Now he needed to get them noticed in a big way.
The Eurovision Song Contest had been held annually since 1956 and was often a highlight of the European TV year. Up to 600 million viewers watched each event, with hopeful participants representing their home countries, performing original three-minute songs. The prize handed to the winner seemed absurd: a 1950s-style glass radio
in 1974 with the Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersoncreated “Waterloo,” which lyrically compared a young woman’s surrender to her suitor’s advances to Napoleon being vanquished at the Battle
More Time to Play!
Celebrate the best days of your life, every day, in a community that seamlessly blends comfort, elegance, and vibrant social living. For one monthly price, our professional team takes care of everything—from chef-inspired cuisine to weekly housekeeping—giving you the time and freedom to live life on your terms.
August Events
Downsizing Luncheon
Wednesday, August 14 at 11:00 a.m.
There’s more to life when there’s less to worry about! Enjoy a delicious chef-prepared lunch and discover useful tips on how to navigate the downsizing process with Carolyn Neale. RSVP by August 9
Bingo Social
(History buffs will delight in pointing out that, while Napoleon was beaten at that battle, he didn’t actually surrender until six weeks later.)
That Eurovision night,
spotlight mainly fell on their gorgeous wives, resplendent in flashy outfits and frolicking in well-choreographed steps. The ladies blew more than a few million minds that night, as ABBA swept away the evening’s competition.
Starting with the international smash hit of “Waterloo,” ABBA eventually released hit after hit worldwide. In America, 14 of their Atlantic Records reached Billboard’s Top 40 singles charts, with one — “Dancing Queen” — streaking to No. 1 in 1977. In 2010, the group was voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Anderson had to obtain permission to use the name ABBA since the Swedish fishcanning company named Abba Seafood had been around since 1838.
Agnetha Faltskog later
Wednesday, August 28 at 1:00 p.m.
Do you have the winning card? Let’s find out! Join Zach and Shar, our on-site managers, in our lounge for a bingo bonanza with the chance to win. RSVP by August 23
SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock
Swedish musical group ABBA had 14 records in the United States reach Billboard’s Top 40 singles charts.
TIRED OF PAIN? DISCOVER A PROVEN PATH TO WELLNESS
A r e y o u t i r e d o f l i v i n g w i t h c h r o n i c
p a i n a n d c o m p l e x c o n d i t i o n s t h a t
s e e m t o h a v e n o s o l u t i o n ?
I f y o u ' v e t r i e d e v e r y t h i n g a n d a r e s t i l l s u f f e r i n g , i t m i g h t b e t i m e t o c o n s i d e r
a n a l t e r n a t i v e t h a t h a s w o r k e d f o r
m a n y o t h e r S p a c e C o a s t r e s i d e n t s D r
A n d r e a I z q u i e r d o , L A c , o f B o d h i
T r a d i t i o n a l C h i n e s e M e d i c i n e
A c u p u n c t u r e , o f f e r s a c o m p a s s i o n a t e
a n d e f f e c t i v e a p p r o a c h t o h e a l i n g
I m a g i n e w a k i n g u p e v e r y m o rn i n g
w i t h o u t t h e n a g g i n g p a i n t h a t h a s
b e e n a c o n s t a n t p a r t o f y o u r l i f e
P i c t u r e y o u r s e l f e n g a g i n g i n a c t i v i t i e s ,
f r e e f r o m t h e c o n s t r a i n t s o f c h r o n i c
d i s c o m f o r t H a v i n g m o r e e n e r g y ,
s l e e p i n g b e t t e r , a n d b e i n g a b l e t o
e n j o y y o u r d a y - t o - d a y l i f e I n s t e a d o f
l i v i n g w i t h t h e t h o u g h t t h a t “ p a i n i s
p a r t o f g e t t i n g o l d e r ” a n d “ y o u j u s t
h a v e t o d e a l w i t h i t ” T h i s i s w h a t D r
A n d r e a ’ s t r e a t m e n t s c a n h e l p y o u
a c h i e ve , a s m a n y o f h e r p a t i e n t s c a n
a t t e s t . K a t h y K o f M e l b o u r n e s h a r e s :
“ M y l e f t k n e e w a s i n s u c h b a d s h a p e
t h a t I c o u l d h a r d l y w a l k u p t h e s t e p s t o
D r . A n d r e a ' s o f f i c e . I n e e d e d a n
e l e v a t o r . N o w I f e e l g r e a t , I a m w a l k i n g !
T h e w a y s h e m i x e s h e r d i f f e r e n t
t h e r a p i e s h a s b e e n o u t s t a n d i n g t o m e ”
D r A n d r e a ' s j o u r n e y i n t o h e a l t h w a s
d e e p l y p e r s o n a l S h e s u f f e r e d f r o m
G a s t r o E s o p h a g e a l R e f l u x D i s e a s e
( G E R D ) f o r m a n y y e a r s , f r o m h i g h
s c h o o l t o h e r p r e - m e d y e a r s i n
c o l l e g e , e x p e r i e n c i n g s e v e r e a c i d
r e f l u x s e v e r a l d a y s a w e e k T h e
i n t e n s e d i s c o m f o r t o f t e n p r e v e n t e d
h e r f r o m a t t e n d i n g c l a s s e s T r a d i t i o n a l
t r e a t m e n t s f a i l e d t o p r o v i d e t h e r e l i e f
s h e d e s p e r a t e l y n e e d e d I t w a s n ' t
u n t i l s h e d i s c o v e r e d a c u p u n c t u r e t h a t
s h e f o u n d l a s t i n g r e l i e f , l e a d i n g h e r t o
p i v o t f r o m h e r W e s t e r n m e d i c i n e
e d u c a t i o n t o a c a r e e r i n t r a d i t i o n a l
Ch i n e s e m e d i c i n e
" I u n d e r s t a n d m y p a t i e n t s ' p a i n a n d
f r u s t r a t i o n b e c a u s e I ' v e e x p e r i e n c e d i t
m y s e l f T h i s j o u r n e y d r i v e s m y m i s s i o n
t o d e v e l o p e f f e c t i v e p r o t o c o l s f o r
s e e m i n g l y h o p e l e s s c o n d i t i o n s
N o t h i n g b r i n g s m e m o r e j o y t h a n
s e e i n g m y p a t i e n t s t r a n s f o r m a n d
r e t u r n t o d o i n g w h a t t h e y l o v e . "
T h e m a j o r i t y o f p e o p l e w h o c o m e t o
B o d h i T C M h a v e a l r e a d y t r i e d
c o u n t l e s s d o c t o r s a n d s p e c i a l i s t s , h a v e h a d s u r g e r i es , a n d y e t h a v e
f o u n d n o l a s t i n g r e l i e f . S u c h w a s t h e
c a s e f o r l o c a l M e l b o u r n e r e s i d e n t
I l e n e G , w h o s u f f e r e d f r o m
u n e x p l a i n e d f o o t s w e l l i n g . A s a
p r e v i o u s a t h l e t e , s h e w a s d e s p e r a t e t o
f i n d r e l i e f a n d w a s t i r e d o f f i n d i n g n o
s o l u t i o n s
I h a d s e e n m a n y d o c t o r s a b o u t m y f o o t
f o r f o u r y e a r s , i n c l u d i n g v a s c u l a r
s u r g e o n s , o r t h o p e d i c s u r g e o n s , a n d f o o t
s p e c i a l i s t s N o o n e c o u l d f i x i t B u t a f t e r
r e a d i n g a n a r t i c l e a b o u t D r . A n d r e a , I
d e c i d e d t o s e e h e r I f o l l o w e d h e r
r e c o m m e n d a t i o n f o r t r e a t m e n t a n d n o w , I
c a n w a l k w i t h o u t s w e l l i n g o r t e n s i o n i n
m y l i g a m e n t s . S h e i s t h e o n l y o n e w h o
c o u l d h e l p m e I h a v e a l r e a d y s u n g h e r p r a i s e s t o m a n y p e o p le . ”
W h a t i f y o u c o n t i n u e d o w n t h e s a m e
p a t h , h o p i n g f o r a d i f f e r e n t r e s u l t b u t
f i n d i n g o n l y m o r e p a i n a n d f r u s t r a t i o n ?
T h e c o n s e q u e n c e s o f n o t s e e k i n g a n
e f f e c t i v e s o l u t i o n c a n b e d i r e . C h r o n i c
p a i n c a n w o r s e n o v e r t i m e , l e a d i n g t o
i n c r e a s e d d i s c o m f o r t a n d r e d u c e d
m o b i l i t y V a l e r i e M o f M e l b o u r n e s h a r e s :
" I h a d s e v e r e s h o u l d e r a n d n e c k p a i n
f o r a l o n g t i m e I t r i e d p h y s i c a l t h e r a p y ,
s h o t s , a n d s t e r o i d s , b u t n o t h i n g
w o r k e d A f t e r o n e s e s s i o n w i t h D r
A n d r e a , I f e l t s o m u c h r e l i e f t h a t I f e l l
a s l e e p I c o n t i n u e d w i t h t r e a t m e n t a n d
n o w , m y s h o u l d e r , a r m s , a n d k n e e s
f e e l s o m u c h b e t t e r I a m g r a t e f u l I
f o u n d h e r . "
E v e r y d a y y o u d e l a y s e e k i n g
t r e a t m e n t i s a n o t h e r d a y s p e n t i n
u n n e c e s s a r y p a i n . T h e l o n g e r y o u
w a i t , t h e m o r e e n t r e n c h e d y o u r
c o n d i t i o n c a n b e c o m e , m a k i n g i t
h a r d e r t o t r e a t F o r c h r o n i c c o n d i t i o n s ,
t i m e i s o f t h e e s s e n c e . W h y w a i t y e a r s
f o r a p o t e n t i a l s o l u t i o n w h e n y o u c a n
s t a r t f e e l i n g b e t t e r i n a m a t t e r o f
w e e k s ? S h e r K o f M e l b o u r n e s h a r e s :
" A f t e r t h r e e d a y s o f s e v e r e b a c k p a i n , I
w a s r e a d y t o g o t o t h e E R I c o u l d n ' t
s i t , s t a n d , o r l i e d o w n w i t h o u t p a i n .
L u c k i l y , I g o t a l a s t - m i n u t e
a p p o i n t m e n t w i t h D r . A n d r e a . W i t h h e r c o u r s e o f t r e a t m e n t , I f e l t s i g n i f i c a n t r e l i e f . M y b a c k i s s t r o n g e r
t h a n e v e r , a n d e v e n m y s h o u l d e r p a i n
a n d f o o t t i n g l i n g h a v e i m p r o v e d . I
h i g h l y r e c o m m e n d a n y o n e i n p a i n t o s e e h e r . "
C o n t i n u i n g t o l i v e i n p a i n i s n o t o n l y
f r u s t r a t i n g b u t a l s o c o s t l y T h e t i m e a n d
t h e e m o t i o n a l t o l l o f o n g o i n g p a i n a d d s
u p D r A n d r e a ' s c o m p r e h e n s i v e
t r e a t m e n t p r o t o c o l s a r e t a i l o r e d f o r
e a c h p a t i e n t s ’ c o n d i t i o n a n d h e a l t h
g o a l s , b l e n d i n g a n c i e n t k n o w l e d g e w i t h m o d e r n b i o e l e c t r i c t h e r a p i e s t o
p r o v i d e a n o n - i n v a s i v e , e a s i e r , e f f e c t i v e
p a t h t o r e l i e f
J o i n t h e m a n y p a t i e n t s w h o h a v e
f o u n d r e a l r e l i e f a n d a b e t t e r q u a l i t y
o f l i f e . S c a n t h e Q R c o d e b e l o w t o s e e
v i d e o s o f s u c c e s s s t o r i e s f r o m o t h e r
S p a c e C o a s t r e s i d e n t s .
w w w b o d h i t c m c o m
I t ' s t i m e t o t a k e c o n t r o l o f y o u r h e a l t h
a n d w e l l - b e i n g . S c h e d u l e a
c o n s u l t a t i o n t o d a y a n d d i s c o v e r h o w
w e c a n h e l p y o u o v e r c o m e p a i n , h e l p
y o u f e e l b e t t e r a n d r e s t o r e y o u r
h e a l t h !
TECH KNOW TIDBITS
Select the right portable or mini air conditioner for a cool summer
BY ELLA DORFMAN
Moving to Florida for the beaches and the warm climate can be idyllic for many — until the air conditioner stops working.
What do you do when fans aren’t enough? Portable air conditioners, even mini portables, also called air coolers, might be the answer.
Viera resident Tara Owens has turned to portable AC units to keep cool in the midst of the summer heat.
According to the Florida Climate Center, the temperature ranges from 73 to 95 degrees during July and August.
“Believe it or not, we currently have four portable AC units in our home,” Owens said. “One (is in) our garage, and (the other) three are in bedrooms. They are very effective.”
A portable air conditioner, or what’s called a mini portable air conditioner or cooler, is much smaller and more affordable than a window unit.
The U.S. Energy Administration reports that 96 percent of Florida homes used air conditioning equipment in 2020.
This Old House Ventures, LLC, a company that provides customers with home improvement advice, said portable AC units can be effective for “single rooms or small apartments.”
While there are portables on wheels that require a hose or another vent to the outside, there are smaller, more lightweight mini air conditioners that have been advertised this summer.
Some minis are smaller than the smallest microwave oven. But do not
expect the minis to give a cooling power that you would get with a larger vented portable.
Some of the mini portable air conditioners sell for less than $100. The minis use water to cool and humidify. They have a reservoir that must be filled
periodically. Their effectiveness can only be determined by how well it cools your specific space.
A larger vented portable can cost $400 to $800 or more. The minis will not cool a large room. They could cool a small room, but you will likely need to keep it close to you to feel the cool air. They are, however, better at cooling than a fan.
To measure the effectiveness of an air conditioner, including window units and large vented portables, consumers can look at the British thermal unit rating, which shows the quantity of energy to cool down an area. It is ideal to have a high BTU number. Home improvement stores usually have guides for determining the BTU amount needed for a space, depending on the square footage of the room.
An undersized unit won’t cool adequately, while one that’s too large won’t remove enough humidity and will leave the air feeling damp.
It takes a little research to find the right portable or mini portable air conditioner. SL
LOST PETS
continued from page 3
The SPCA is responsible for the program. Donations from Tails at the Barkery pet store in Cocoa Village and other sponsors made it possible. Brevard Kennel Club sponsored 22 of the 32 scanners for Brevard fire stations, Naylor said.
The SPCA’s goal of this program is to equip all fire stations in Brevard County with scanners and significantly reduce the number of pets in animal shelters.
“The whole goal behind this is so that you all can be a location for animals to be brought to just for checking for the scanner and for the chip, and so that people in the public have the power to reunite pets on their own without ever bringing them to a shelter,” Naylor told firefighters.
Naylor said she hopes to sponsor more chips for pets later this year so pet owners can receive the chips at no charge.
In the coming months, Cocoa fire stations will also offer free “microchip scanning days” to check that pets’ microchips are still active.
The SPCA works in connection with Brevard County Animal Services. According to Copeland, the shelters are overwhelmed. The SPCA’s goal for this program is to significantly reduce the number of pets in animal shelters.
“If we could keep them from entering the shelter at all, that could help ease (the shelter’s) burden,” Copeland said.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey appreciated the high-tech efforts to reunite lost pets with their grateful owners.
“We get them brought in all the time,” said Ivey, who brought Brevard Sheriff’s dog Junny along for the scanning demonstration. “Being able to chip them and get them back to their rightful owner is perfect.”
SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue
Mini portable air conditioners can help to cool small spaces.
Not your career politician
Erika Orriss has a 25+ year background in financial software development and management. She started her career on Wall Street, fresh out of college and not familiar with the big city, but found her footing. Her family eventually settled in Florida as it was a better environment for her children. She has lived here for 24 years.
Erika is married with 2 grown successful children and a brandnew grandson. Her children attended Florida schools and colleges. Erika was actively involved in the school system as a volunteer assisting children with special needs.
Not a lifelong politician, Erika is compassionate and holds strong conservative values.
Erika hears your concerns and struggles, the unaffordable and often unattainable homeowners insurance as well as auto insurance. Illegal immigrants using our resources and smuggling in drugs and worse, leaving little for the citizens of Florida let alone those on a fixed income.
Erika always had the desire to help others and went to graduate school to become a licensed mental health counselor. After years of volunteer work for the Republican party she felt called to run for office and help others on a larger scale.
Championed by lifelong Community Leaders like Helen Voltz, and Father Frank Pavone, she is a fighter and will represent Brevard well. Erika has a soft spot in her heart for seniors. She was her mother’s advocate for years before her mother’s passing.
STRI PES
Veterans share history, civics, experience with students
Since 2015, veteran volunteers have assured that students in Brevard County are educated on the history of the military, the creation of the nation, the constitution and world wars.
The Veterans Back to Class program volunteers also share their personal stories of military service with students. They tell how their military experience shaped their lives.
As the school year begins, volunteers are again ready to share their knowledge and experiences with students from elementary through high school.
It is commendable that these veterans take their time to share some history and civic lessons with students. They have served the nation in the Armed Forces and now serve students
by sharing their experiences and values as patriots.
“We have 14 volunteers,” said Donn Weaver, who coordinates the program. “Giving back to our youth is an important part of our mission.”
Volunteers have changed through the years as some serve for a certain time and move on, but there are always veterans available and willing to
participate in the lectures to students.
The program was developed in a partnership with the Military Officers Association of America Cape Canaveral Chapter and the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center.
Last year, the Veterans Back to Class volunteers spoke with 4,250 students at 12 different schools in Brevard County. The veterans take trunks with military artifacts from their own combat era to show the students.
During the Covid pandemic when there were some restrictions of inperson presentations, the veterans created 18 films covering different topics they normally present to the students.
Those films are still available online for teachers to use in their classrooms.
That is in addition to the live inclassroom presentations.
The program is available not only for Brevard Public Schools, but also for private schools and home-school groups. And, it is available for every level from elementary through high school.
Teachers can ask for certain historical presentations from the Veterans Back to Class veterans volunteers.
The program is available throughout the school year. Teachers can request it through the Brevard County schools or they can email Donn Weaver at donnweaver2020@gmail.com or call 757-871-6576. SL
Retired Air Force colonel continues to serve in the community
BY ERNIE DORLING
Retired Air Force Col. Richard (Rick) Kniseley knew he always wanted to serve his country.
Born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the home of Arnold Palmer and Rolling Rock beer, Kniseley was attending college at UCLA where he joined the Air Force ROTC program.
“I not only wanted to serve my country, but I wanted to be an officer,” Kniseley said.
In 1975, the year Harry Chapin released his classic hit, “Cat’s in the Cradle,” Kniseley graduated with a degree in history and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. His first assignment was as a missile launch officer at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.
“I was an ICBM launch control officer,” Kniseley said. “Four years later, I became a Space Operations Officer in Cheyenne Mountain in
“In 2023, MOAACC provided scholarships amounting to about $60,000. Last year, the MOAACC Good Deeds Foundation provided over $110,000 in grants.”
— Retired Air Force Col. Richard Kniseley
Colorado Springs. I was responsible for monitoring Soviet Union launches as well as monitoring over 2,300 space objects, including satellites circling the Earth.”
Kniseley had various assignments during his 27 years in the Air Force, including command stints in Maui, Hawaii as a squadron commander at Eglin Air Force Base and as a group commander/space vehicle director at
SENIOR LIFE R. Norman Moody Retired Air Force Col. Richard Kniseley is the president of MOAACC.
Phillips Research Site at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. His most memorable assignment
was in Maui.
“We were responsible for tracking and studying Space Shuttle launches, including the unfortunate Challenger disaster,” Kniseley said.
Like so many veterans profiled in Senior Life, Kniseley, after retiring as a Colonel in 2002, began helping others when he became a senior instructor for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp. at Space Coast Junior/Senior High School in Port St. John.
“After retiring, my wife Cheryl, after having moved 14 times with me, said, ‘Wherever we go, I don’t want any snow.’ We always liked Florida and we both think it’s a beautiful place to live. And the job as an ROTC instructor allowed me to help develop future leaders for the Air Force,” Kniseley said.
Kniseley is the president of the
Cocoa native builds career in the U.S. Navy’s submarine force
BY CAMERON COUNTRYMAN
Dennis Leach Jr. grew up in Cocoa cutting grass and working as a cashier.
Through these jobs, he learned the importance of hard work and realized he wanted a career. So, after graduating from Space Coast Junior/ Senior High School in 2008, Leach enlisted in the U.S. Navy. In doing so, he continued the legacy of his father, a Navy chief, and his sister, a hospital corpsman.
Leach decided to be a nuclear engineer.
“The nuclear program has been quite a challenge,” he said. “It really has taught me that if I have a goal in mind, I have to buckle down and work toward it. I knew I didn’t want to cut grass or be a cashier for the rest of my life, and I figured nuclear engineering
AIR FORCE COLONEL
Continued from page 10
Military Officers Association of America, Cape Canaveral Chapter, (MOAACC). The Cape Canaveral chapter has 1,000 members, the largest chapter in the national MOAA, which has 360,000 active members.
“We are a powerful legislative voice advocating for the interests of both active and retired military members,” Kniseley said. “In 2023, MOAACC provided scholarships amounting to about $60,000. Last
would be my best shot.”
The Navy has assigned Leach to the Submarine Readiness Squadron 31 at Naval Base Kitsap, Kitsap Peninsula, Washington. He is now a chief petty officer, an enlisted leadership rank in the Navy.
Leach has played a variety of roles during his 16 years of service. He is an electrician’s mate (nuclear), as well as a master training specialist. Leach used to be an instructor at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command and said his proudest accomplishment is “being able to see a lot of (his) sailors out there following in the footsteps of the sailors who came before them… seeing them succeed and grow throughout the years is something to be proud of.”
The Pacific Submarine Force is an integral part of the nation’s defense
year, the MOAACC Good Deeds Foundation provided over $110,000 in grants,” Kniseley added. “These grants are designed to help active, retired and former military who may need everything from financial assistance to needing a place to sleep.”
When he isn’t working with other members of MOAACC and helping veterans, Kniseley is active at St. David’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church and can be found on various days of the week serving communion to the church members who are home bound. SL
system, and Leach gets to be a part of it.
“The men and women of the Pacific Submarine Force are among our best and brightest Americans,” said Rear Adm. Richard Seif, Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Serving in the Navy is a tradition for Leach’s family.
“Serving in the Navy makes me proud to be part of this heritage and to carry on my family’s tradition of being in the Navy,” Leach said. “It’s something that’s been around my entire life, and it’s something I really enjoy.” SL
Ashley Craig of the U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach contributed to this story.
SENIOR LIFE
Courtesy of Ashley Craig, U.S. Navy
Chief Petty Officer Dennis Leach Jr. carries on a family tradition of serving in the Navy.
DONALD J. TRUMP
ENDORSES DEBBIE MAYFIELD
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
Debbie Mayfield is a Conservative Warrior for Florida House, District 32! She is fighting hard to secure our Border, grow the Economy, support our Military/Vets, protect Parental Rights, and defend our always under siege Second Amendment. Debbie never wavers in her commitment to keep Floridians free, and Make America Great Again. Debbie has my Complete and Total Endorsement!
Volunteers answer the call to assist disabled veteran
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
Saint, an 80-pound long-haired German Shepherd with a loud bark but a gentle demeanor as a service dog, was at risk of getting into a scuffle with a neighbor’s dog.
That possibility came because of gaps in Donna Michaels’ backyard fence that the disabled veteran tried to no avail to get properly repaired.
After seeking help and a having a few patchworks to the fence, Michaels, who was born and raised in Rockledge where she still lives, mentioned her plight to a state legislator during a meeting. He turned to the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. Officials there contacted an editor at Viera Voice/ Senior Life.
“I think they are incredible. They are angels. It’s people like these who make the world a better place.”
— Donna Michaels
Word quickly reached veterans and others at First Christian Church of Cocoa Beach. Within a few days, the crew from the church planned and replaced sections of the fence.
Michaels, 54, who served four years in the U.S. Navy and 21 years as a deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office before being medically retired, was delighted with the help she received from the church members.
“I think they are incredible. They are angels,” she said. “It’s people like these who make the world a better place.”
Michaels, who in addition to
suffering from chronic pain from injuries she sustained in an accident that ended her law enforcement career, also has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. She could not repair her fence and had no one to do it properly. She also recently had surgery on her injured right ankle.
Troy Stanley, the pastor of First Christian Church, did not hesitate for a moment to gather a crew of members to do the work.
“One of the ways we talk about faith at First Christian Church Cocoa Beach is to say, ‘we love God, we love others and we are going to make a difference,’” Stanley said. “Caring for the needs of someone is how we make a difference, and sometimes that involves repairing a fence.”
The church bought the materials to replace sections of the wooden fence about three days after learning about the need and a day later the work was done in less than three hours. The crew also took care of other chores in and around the house.
Michaels said she was relieved to not have to worry about Saint, her seven-year-old dog, encountering another large neighborhood dog and getting injured. SL
SENIOR LIFE R. Norman Moody
A volunteer crew from First Christian Church of Cocoa Beach takes a break from working on replacing sections of wood fence for a disabled veteran.
Paid by Debbie Mayfield, Republican, for State House, District 32.
SENIOR LIFE R. Norman Moody Navy veteran Donna Michaels was medically retired after 21 years in law enforcement.
Resident Businesses
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Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm
HEALTHY, WEALTHY & WISE!
FEATURED EVENTS
Thursday, August 22, 10am: Enhancing Safety & Independence
Thursday, August 29, 1pm: Ask The Hearing Specialist
Friday, September 13, 10am: Senior Health Friday With Nurse Lisa: Women’s Health: Strategies For Healthy Living
MORE EVENTS!
Friday, August 23, 1:30pm: Pain Management Series: Neuropathy
Tuesday, August 27, 2pm: Living Well After Loss Series: Caring For Yourself
Monday, September 9, 1pm: Dietician Series: Meal Planning
Wednesday, September 25, 4pm: Eight-week Elder Law Series, Week 1: How Estate Plans Protect You & Prevent Exploitation
Friday, September 27, 10am: Dementia Live Experience
Eagle Scout Project honors true heroes of the United States
BY CAMERON COUNTRYMAN
With pride and well-deserved aplomb, 14-year-old Hayden Parkhurst of Boy Scouts Troop 224 pulled the sheet off of his Eagle Scout Project at Pavilion 4 at Wickham Park on July 1.
What was hidden under the sheet was Parkhurst’s Hero’s Monument, a structure built to honor first responders, law enforcement, firefighters and all military branches.
“I wanted to honor our present, future and past heroes that served our country and served our daily community,” Parkhurst said.
Parkhurst also wanted his project to tie into the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, which is displayed once a year at Wickham Park.
The Hero’s Monument is painted light blue and has three walls made of concrete blocks. A large plaque with a message about the people the monument is honoring is on the center wall. The walls display emblems and insignias for first responders, law enforcement, firefighters and each branch of the military. On the back of the monument is a beautiful mural by Tori Ramirez of soldiers saluting the U.S. flag.
The monument took about six weeks and $5,000 to build. Parkhurst
SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue
Hayden Parkhurst, 14, spent about six weeks building a monument to honor military branches, first responders and all law enforcement for his Eagle Scout Project. Police and fire fighters were present for the unveiling of the monument at Wickham Park.
received donations from the community for this project, as well as help from many local companies.
“The degree of organization and coordination that (Parkhurst) put into (the project) is outstanding,” Troop 224 Scoutmaster Terrence O’Neal said. “I’m very proud of him, and I think he’s going to go on to do great things.”
The dedication of the Hero’s Monument began with a flag ceremony by the Civil Air Patrol. Then, Troop
224 Assistant Scoutmaster Paul Pizzutillo read a poem about heroes. Parkhurst said a few words about his inspiration for the project, then, the monument was revealed.
Representatives from Melbourne’s fire station and police department
were in attendance, including Police Commander Mark Renkens. Renkens said, “We live in a great country because of people like Hayden, who has done a phenomenal job with his presentation and the memorial that he built.” SL
Melbourne Beach author shares love of writing historical fiction
BY MIKE GAFFEY
When Rick Maule was 9, he started writing a Civil War novel.
“It wasn’t that good,” he admitted.
But Maule never lost his love of American history and a desire to write historical fiction about famous events that occurred in the United States.
The Melbourne Beach resident’s passion for his craft resulted in three novels after his 2016 retirement, including his latest effort, “A Ghost in Paradise.”
“My first two books are fiction, they’re novels, but the stories are actually real,” Maule told an audience of about two dozen during a June 27 appearance at Suntree/ Viera Public Library.”
Maule’s first book, “Moonlight Helmsman: Robert Smalls’ Amazing Escape,” was published in 2017 and tells a partly fictionalized account of Robert Smalls, a Civil War-era slave who stole the Confederate flagship CSS Planter in Charleston Harbor in 1862 and sailed with his enslaved family and friends past rebel forts to Union territory and freedom. Smalls went on to a career in politics in South Carolina, serving
as a Republican in the state legislature and in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The book won five national awards for Historical Fiction, African-American Literature,
and Best First Novel.
“I told a friend that whatever I made the first year, I’m going to write a check to your charity, and it made $28,000 the first year,”
said Maule, who eventually donated $250,000 in book sales earnings to charities.
Kirkus Reviews said of the 367-page book, “Maule skillfully renders Smalls’ life through fictional embellishment, powerfully portraying his indomitable longing for liberty … a riveting story, and a sadly neglected sliver of American history … a seamless weave of historical investigation and fictional drama starring an African-American hero.”
Maule’s second historical fiction novel, “The Witch’s Advocate,” was published in 2019. The 378-page book stars one of Maule’s direct ancestors: Thomas Maule, a Quaker who defended residents of Salem, Massachusetts who were charged with witchcraft in the late 1600s.
The book won four national awards for historical fiction. New London Press called the novel “a spellbinding tale of danger and suspense ... drawing the reader towards one of the best courtroom climaxes ever.”
In “A Ghost in Paradise,” Maule writes about a fictional murder in Melbourne Beach in 1908, filling the book with real people who lived in the sparsely populated beach town. The novel should be
published soon, said Maule, who moved with his wife, Mary Nell, from Connecticut to Melbourne Beach three years ago.
“What I’m trying to do when I write historical fiction is to take people in 2024 back in time to feel what it must have felt like to be back in that era,” Maule said.
Viera resident and amateur author Michael Mauro said he was fascinated by Maule’s presentation.
“I only write short stories, so to write a book this long is incredible,” Mauro said.
Maule said he enjoys meeting people interested in his works. “People who read history or like historical fiction tend to be educated,” he said. “They’re fun. They’re interesting. They have ideas. They give me feedback about other books I should read that are also good.”
The author has received emails from fans from countries and has hosted Zoom chats with people as far away as Liechtenstein.
“They’re fans but we’re friends now,” Maule said. “We talk. We go over there. We stay with them. You meet people. You meet other authors. It’s stimulating.”
Maule’s novels are available at Amazon.com SL
SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey
Popular author and Melbourne Beach resident Rick Maule talks about his three historical fiction novels at the Suntree/Viera Public Library.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Prediabetes should not mean progression to Type 2 diabetes
BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER
If your doctor tells you that your blood sugar is at prediabetes stage, that means it is at a higher than normal level. That does not mean it is high enough to be considered Type 2 diabetes, but that you are at a high risk of contracting diabetes.
“If you have prediabetes, the longterm damage of diabetes — especially to your heart, blood vessels and kidneys — may already be starting,” said Dr. Michael Dougherty of Steward Family Medicine. “There’s good news, however. Progression from prediabetes to Type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable,”
Eating healthy foods, making physical activity part of your daily routine and staying at a healthy weight can help bring your blood sugar level back to normal.
“The same lifestyle changes that can help prevent Type 2 diabetes in adults might also help bring children’s blood sugar levels back to normal.”
“It is the pasta (and the rice) that gets them,” Dougherty said. “It is not sweets and candy that is the cause. Usually just talking and figuring with patients what part of their diet they are lacking in or have an abundance in will get to better levels.”
A diabetic lives with expectations of heart disease and blindness.
“I would say it is a major thing
that I treat in the office,” Dougherty said. “Uncontrolled diabetes is a bad health lifestyle. It burdens them and it very much will kill you if you let it go uncontrolled. It must redirect itself, it is not the end of the world.”
Some people are insulin resistant, and their body can’t manage sugar very well. The American diet and lifestyle are not the best they could be. Too much sugar is consumed.
“In general, prediabetics need fresh vegetables and fruits. Lean, whole meat, primarily poultry, white meats and seafoods are the best options,” said Zach Johnson, a nutritionist at Melbourne Regional Medical Center.
“Prediabetics should exercise with 30-minute walks three times a week
or any sort of activity whatever you enjoy,” Johnson said. “Weight training, swimming, pickleball or tennis … when out there working that helps the body absorb the sugar in your body that would otherwise have trouble absorbing.”
If planning a diet, manage three meals a day with carbohydrates, protein and meats at every meal. Two snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner and no sugary snacks before bed.
“Avoid concentrated sweets,”
Johnson said. “Avoid anything with simple sugars (a lot of white sugar), candy, syrups, cakes, white pasta and white breads are harder on the blood sugar. On the other hand, whole grains and brown rice, whole wheat pastas and brown breads are good.
“Avoid sugars in fruit cups by rinsing the syrup and eating just the fruit. Another great swap is opting for lower sugar alternatives. One best switch is to opt out of the regular soda and drink the zero option.” SL
Caution as school starts, buses on road
BY MIKE GAFFEY
School starts Aug. 12 in Brevard County, and motorists will be sharing the road again with school buses loaded with children.
It’s also a good time for drivers to remember the rules when they encounter a bus.
“As summertime comes to a close, we have to start thinking about getting our kids to and from school safely,” Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said. “Regardless if your kid rides the bus, walks or bicycles, the most important thing for us is to make sure they arrive safely and return home safely.”
Motorists should never pass a bus stopped to pick up or drop off students. Drivers in Florida are required to stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and STOP arms extended. Motorists should leave a good stopping distance between their vehicle and the bus so the driver can safely slow down and park at a bus stop.
Penalties for passing a stopped school bus include a moving violation subject to citation; a requirement to complete a basic Driver Improvement Course upon conviction; and four
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Zach Johnson
Zach Johnson, left, a nutritionist at Melbourne Regional Medical Center, discusses prediabetic diets for patients with Luz Gonzalez, a coworker in the food and nutrition department.
Enjoy August
SATURDAY
THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 2 3
National Day of Commuy Service
Are you a Super Fan of Senior Life events and expos?
Are you a Super Fan of Senior Life events and expos?
Are you a Super Fan of Senior Life Events and Expos?
Get on the list — be the first to hear about our upcoming events.
Get on the list — be the first to hear about our upcoming events.
Call Sylvia 321-242-1235, email media@bluewatercreativegroup.com or send a postcard to Senior Life 7350 Shoppes Drive, 102, Viera FL 32940
Call Sylvia 321-242-1235, email media@bluewatercreativegroup.com or send a postcard to Senior Life, 7350 Shoppes Drive, 102, Viera FL 32940
Lunch and Entertainment Noon Enjoy a three-course lunch with live entertainment. Italian-American Club 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne 321-242-8044
Viera Park Market & Food Trucks
4 - 8 p.m.
Viera Regional Park 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera 321-759-3713
Spirit Fest 2024
Aug. 3 and 4
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Intuitive readers, healing practitioners, artists and speakers. Jewelry, clothing, spiritual supplies and healthy living products vendors.
Melbourne Auditorium
625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.
Melbourne Spiritfestusa.com
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Bingo Fundraiser
2 - 5 p.m. Benefit for Life Recaptured.
Hook & Eagle Tavern 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-639-3487
Turkey Creek Sanctuary
Free Ranger-Led Tour
First and third Sunday
10 - 11 a.m.
Total distance for tours is approximately 1 to 1.5 miles and should take about 1 hour to 1 1/4 hours to complete.
Turkey Creek 1518 Port Malabar Blvd. NE Palm Bay, 321-676-6690
Free Liver Scans
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Presented by ClinCloud, a fibroscan is a noninvasive ultrasound which measures fibrosis (scarring) and steatosis (fatty change) in a liver. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Introduction to Drones 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Learn how to fly a CoDrone in a one-onone session and earn a certificate upon completion of a drone obstacle course.
Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach 321-868-1104
Music for All Seasons Aug. 7 and 8 6:30 p.m.
A not-in-the-park picnic concert presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band.
Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-7240555
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SHINE Counseling
9 a.m. - noon
DeGroodt Library 6475 Minton Road SE Palm Bay, 321-345-1057
Senior Fitness Class 1 - 2 p.m. Increase stamina, strength and energy. Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach 321-868-1104
Bingo
2 - 3:30 p.m.
One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
English Country Dancing 7 - 9 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church 2185 Meadowlane Ave. West Melbourne 321-427-3587
Downsizing Luncheon
11 a.m.
A chef-prepared lunch and the downsizing process.
Shell Harbor 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge 321-252-1221
Movie Matinee 2 p.m. Sponsored by Rhodes Law, PA RSVP required. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
2024 Candidate Meet and Greet 5 - 8 p.m. Meet the candidates running for office in North Brevard. Titusville YMCA 2400 Harrison St. Titusville 321-267-3036
Grand Opening Celebration 2 - 6 p.m.
Grand opening of Grand Villa of Palm Bay; meet the team and enjoy complimentary appetizers, wine, champagne and live entertainment. Grand Villa of Palm Bay 3490 Gran Ave. NE Palm Bay, 321-312-4555
Qi Gong Breathing Exercise Class & Drum Circle 11 a.m. - noon Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach 321-868-1104
Neil Diamond Tribute 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy a fun evening with the Neil Diamond Tribute Band featuring David Jericho. Moose Lodge 3150 N. Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island 321-452-9061
Timeless Classics
7 p.m.
Featuring the Luminoso Quartet. Presented by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. Suntree United Methodist Church 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-242-2219
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Beatles Tribute Concert
2 - 4 p.m. Presented by the Space Coast Parrot Head Club and benefiting the Walk to End Alzheimer's.
Heritage Isle Clubhouse 6800 Legacy Blvd. Viera SpacecoastParrotHeads. com
Bone Builders
9:30 - 11 a.m. Gentle exercises using light hand weights. Central Brevard Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-806-3796
Overeaters Anonymous 11 a.m. - noon Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach 321-868-1104
Estate Planning Seminar
10 a.m. Presented by elder law
attorney William A. Johnson, PA Must RSVP One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
SHINE
9 a.m. - noon Medicare and health insurance assistance for seniors. Eau Gallie Library 1521 Pineapple Ave. Melbourne 800-963-5337
Sit and Get Fit
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Martin Andersen 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-631-7549
Pickleball Skills Instruction Class 9 - 11 a.m. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne 321-608-7400
Americo in Florida
7 p.m.
Exclusive launch of TRE4 Cigar. Fairway Cigar Lounge 6729 Colonnade Ave. Viera, 321-338-7270
Wine, Women and Shoes
2 p.m.
Wine tasting, fashion show, savory food bites, best in shoe contest and live auction. Benefit for weVENTURE. Radisson Resort at the Port 8701 Astronaut Blvd. Cape Canaveral 321-674-8000
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Space Coast Cars and Motorcycles
3 - 7 p.m.
Urban Prime Marketplace 2435 Metfield Drive Viera, 201-658-2004
Scottish Country Dancing
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Springs of Suntree 8300 Holiday Springs Road 321-427-3587
Bones & Balance 10 - 11 a.m. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne 321-543-6358
Salsa Dance Nights 4:30 - 9 p.m.
Happy hour, beginner salsa lesson followed by an open social Latin dance. Tuscany Grill 6630 Colonnade Ave. Viera, 305-970-9022
Ave.
Bark and Boogie 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. A Jazzercise class and a lot of giveaways. Proceeds benefit Riley's Rescue of Brevard. Tony Roma Community Center 1502 Port Malabar Blvd., Palm Bay 859-803-9163
Music Festival Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 4 - 8 p.m. Groove to the smooth sounds of Reggae, R&B, and Jazz. Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Drive NE Palm Bay, 321-724-1338
Mercado brings diverse food, entertainment plaza to Cocoa Beach
BY ELLA DORFMAN
Daniel Todd envisions a bustling Cocoa Beach Mercado — a food and entertainment plaza with 12 restaurants and a brewery coming to the city.
Todd, a lifelong Cocoa Beach resident and owner of 4th Street Fillin’ Station, wants his new business to reflect the tastes of people on the Space Coast.
By next year, Todd and business partner Mark Grainger hope to open the Cocoa Beach Mercado — a 27,000 square-foot development with restaurants, private event space, a craft brewery and a rooftop bar.
“We just decided to take a chance and dreamed up this big, crazy idea,” Todd said. “We visited a few food halls around the state through some travels. We loved the concept of being able to go to one place and choose from different food options while having a nice, casual environment to hang out with your friends and family.”
The three-level Mercado will be at 1325 North Atlantic Avenue. They have been working on the idea for two years since buying the land in 2022.
“Things are good and busy,” Todd said. “People love our concepts and they are unique to the area. We hired an architect out of Boca Raton to help with our plans and renderings. I worked with her on the design and we got our mechanical, electrical and plumbing plans done. We are going to submit all of our permits to the city in the next week or so and should hopefully be able to break ground.”
Todd and Grainger have been business partners for six years. Todd said
they do all of the designing and most of the project themselves.
“Some things we needed contractors to come in, but we managed,” Todd said. “A lot of the landscaping, the table building and bar pouring is done internally with our own team. You have to have a contractor for when you get permits, but a lot of the stuff we could do ourselves.”
The Mercado will be across from the Westin Cocoa Beach Resort and Spa being built. Todd said it will have something for everyone. They are currently accepting leasing applications for food sellers and breweries.
“It is going to really help boost the area,” Todd said. “We want the food options to be really diverse, such as
some foreign and vegan foods. We are considering Mediterranean, Greek, Italian, Spanish and Asian food.”
Mayor Keith Capizzi, a resident of Cocoa Beach his whole life, said he is happy to see a family-oriented project being built.
“We are bringing in some more options for businesses as far as high-end restaurants, especially being across from the resort,” Capizzi said. “The Mercado is not just a bar, we have enough bars and smoke shops in the city. When you have a big family, not everybody wants to eat the same thing. You can have a lot more options when you bring your family.”
The Mercado will provide job opportunities for residents.
“You are going to have entertainers, wait staff, cooks and brew masters,” Capizzi said. “There will probably be at least 100 employees there. I am coming in on the backside of it, but I am all for the Mercado. It is something that will benefit tourists and residents alike.”
Todd said he has learned to have patience during this project and is excited to start building.
“To build from the ground up takes a lot of work and planning,” he said. “We have had a pretty smooth process, it just takes time for a project this size to be brought to life. You have to get the right team, engineers, advisors and architects, and it really makes a difference that we have a killer team on this.” SL
Moving Brevard Into The
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Use the Trip Planner for easy step-by-step directions
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Daniel Todd
The Cocoa Beach Mercado will bring jobs and a vibrant atmosphere to the area.
Confess
Fleece
Coffee holder
Recent
Sailor’s hail 18. Curve upwards 20. Little toymaker
22. Taps
Rag
Form
Part of www
Go on
Staff
Zither’s cousin
PC key
Jailbird
Numbskulls
Stalls
SCHOOL BUS
Continued from page 16
points on a motorist’s driver’s license. The minimum fine is $265, but
39. Very
Blackguard
Magic word
Impel 47. Do some cutting, maybe 49. “I can’t believe it!”
50. Father 51. Govern 52. Hyperbola part 53. Predicament
54. Dumped
55. Maiden name preceder DOWN
1. Deadly biters 2. Ring 3. Italian appetizer 4. It gets cleansed 5. Tracks 6. Dry ___ 7. Chirped 8. Military call-up 9. “Sweet!”
10. Gloppy stuff
11. Sun spot?
19. Bewitched
21. Photo ___
24. Carpenter or plumber
25. International money
26. Gym set
27. Hunk
28. Ring
29. Came in first
32. Rolls
33. “Where the heart is”
35. Half a dance
36. Dashed
38. Pick up the tab
39. Overflow
42. Weight not charged for
43. First word in a fairy tale
44. Bull markets
45. 50 Cent piece
46. Mail place (abbr.)
48. Brace
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.
Hurricane season is here … are YOU prepared?
Brevard County Emergency Management offers complimentary evacuation support to eligible residents. The Special Needs Shelter and Transportation Services are provided free of charge, but residents need to register annually for each hurricane season.
There are three types of evacuation shelters that may be available to the public: Primary Evacuation Shelters, Special Needs Shelters and PetFriendly Shelters.
Shelter openings are incident specific
You should not go to a shelter unless local officials have announced that it is open. Shelter openings will be announced through local television, radio stations, social media and the Brevard County Emergency Management Website.
Shelters are designed to house residents of the barrier islands (including Merritt Island), those in low-lying or flood-prone areas, those in mobile/manufactured homes or those with no other sheltering options.
Emergency preparedness plans for individuals with special needs
The Brevard County Special Needs program is for residents with specific health and/or medical conditions needing assistance with sheltering in times of an emergency or disaster during an evacuation. Residents who meet the special needs criteria and have no other alternative for a safe shelter should register with Emergency Management.
You can register in the following ways:
• Calling 321-637-6670
• Using the Brevard County Everbridge Online Application
• Faxing (321-633-1738) or emailing (specialneeds@brevardfl.gov) using a paper copy of the Special Needs Application
• You can also talk to your home health care agency, hospice agency, medical supply company or other caregiver who can assist with completing an application.
Once registered, annual updates are required to keep information up to date.
Persons with disabilities, barriers or impairments
By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan, you can be better prepared for any situation. Remember, being ready is the key.
• Inventory what you need every day to live independently. Identify the essential items you will need for at least three days.
• Stock custom essentials in your kit such as: durable medical equipment and assistive technology.
• Have a method to communicate your impairments and needs.
Transportation assistance to a shelter
Transportation is free to all special needs and primary evacuation shelters and will be provided to residents who register a transportation request either as a part of a special needs application or if a resident has no means of transport to a shelter. Transportation will only be provided to and from a shelter. No other destinations will be provided.
Preparing to go to a shelter
A shelter can be noisy, crowded and have few personal comforts. Shelters should be your last resort if you have nowhere else to go. A shelter is a stressful environment for everyone; please treat your fellow evacuees with courtesy and kindness.
Residents going to a shelter need to take their own supplies, some of which may be found in your disaster supply kit:
• Bring your own pillows, sheets, blankets, portable cot or air mattress, chaise lounge, folding chairs or sleeping bags.
• Cots or beds are not provided
• If you are on a special diet, bring a supply of nonperishable food that will be sufficient for three days per person.
• All required medications and medical support equipment:
• Wheelchair/walker, oxygen, dressings, feeding and suction equipment and diapers.
• Any specific medications or care instructions (two-week supply)
• Personal hygiene items, like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant,
towels, brush/comb, dentures, glasses, eye drops and diapers.
• Entertainment items like games, cards, books and magazines.
Bring changes of clothing, and wear sturdy shoes.
• If you have dietary restrictions, bring food that you will be able to eat.
• Bring what you need to stay comfortable and entertained.
• Not all shelters will have electricity throughout the emergency.
Shelter rules — If staying in a shelter, be aware of the shelter rules:
• We are guests. Please treat the facility, equipment and staff respectfully.
• No disorderly or disruptive behavior will be allowed.
• No smoking, alcohol or drugs allowed.
• No guns or weapons of any kind permitted.
• You must sign in when you arrive and sign out when you leave Shelters are intended to keep you safe, not necessarily comfortable. Remember, a shelter is a lifeboat, not a cruise ship.
Planning for an evacuation Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Fires and floods
cause evacuations most frequently, and residents along the coast will need to evacuate when a hurricane approaches. Listen to local officials for evacuation orders and relevant information, and do as directed.
Evacuation routes
• Know your primary and alternate evacuation routes; choose several destinations in different directions so you have options in an emergency.
• Evacuate early
• Travel tens of miles, not hundreds of miles, and shelter locally.
• Choose a sturdy home or hotel outside of the evacuation zone, or a public shelter.
• Remember, shelter openings are incident specific — so tune into the local news, radio, social media, or contact the Community Information Hotline (2-1-1) for open shelter locations.
The amount of time you have will depend on the hazard. For a hurricane, you might have a day or two to get ready. However, many disasters allow no time for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning ahead is essential. SL — Brevard County Emergency Operations Center
TIME TO TRAVEL
New Smyrna
New Smyrna Beach — excellent for a day or overnight trip
BY BETTY PORTER
Just an hour north of Viera is the dog-friendly, laid-back beach town of New Smyrna Beach, which offers something for everyone — including four-legged, tail-wagging members of the family.
Two causeways, both with excellent views of the Intracoastal Waterway, connect the mainland to the barrier island. It is a favorite of surfers for having some of the best wave action on the East Coast and a 17-mile stretch of white sand beach with both driving and no-driving sections.
At the north end of the island is dog-friendly Smyrna Dunes Park with a planked walking trail and beach where dogs can frolic in the water.
Canal Street on the mainland is
a pedestrian and dog-friendly, treelined street in the historic arts district, offering parks, unique specialty shops, art galleries with exhibitions and workshops/art classes, craft breweries, fine dining and cultural attractions.
Flagler Avenue is on the beachside running from the Intracoastal Waterway to the beach and offers restaurants, breweries and island shops along with weekend-scheduled events that includes festivals, live music and arts and crafts.
Whether as a day trip or overnight stay, New Smyrna Beach is easily within reach from Brevard County.
Not to be missed is the Marine Discovery Center, where there are exhibits, aquariums and live specimens to enlighten people about Florida Coastal and Indian River Lagoon ecosystems. Daily pontoon boat
tours and kayaking are available at the MDC at 520 Barracuda Blvd. More information is available at marinediscoverycenter.org.
In New Smyrna Beach, there are three dog-friendly bed and breakfast spots and six condominiums/hotels/ motels where dogs are welcome, as well as three campgrounds and RV parks.
A complete listing is available from the New Smyrna Beach Visitors Bureau by email at info@visitnsbfl.com
Suntree residents Bob and Jane Lowitz and their 7-year-old Schnauzer mix named Finnegan make the trip to New Smyrna Beach at least once every three months.
Jane Lowitz is an artist who along with her husband enjoy outdoor activities, which they find to be plentiful in New Smyrna Beach.
History — Then and Now
History – Then and Now features Space Coast historic landmarks or sites in pictures and what those same areas look like today in photographs.
“We also love the many unique and fun restaurants there,” Jane Lowitz said. “The Yellow Dog Eats Kitchen & Bar and the Corkscrew Bar & Grill, both on Canal Street, and Café Verde on Flagler Avenue, which offers a variety of locally grown vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes.”
“Finnegan gets excited when he senses we are going up to spend time in New Smyrna Beach. He settles in quickly and feels very comfortable at the Black Dolphin,” Jane Lowits said. “New Smyrna Beach has everything we are looking for including art, outdoors, restaurants, unique food. And to think it is only an hour away.”
Bob Lowitz said: “Being from New Jersey, we feel New Smyrna Beach is our Cape May of Florida where we can go to really relax.” SL
SENIOR LIFE Betty Porter
Dogs enjoy a doggone good time on a sandbar in New Smyrna Beach. The area welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes.
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Brevard County Historical Commission
The Wagner House, a Colonial Revival style, is one of the oldest buildings in Titusville. The main structure was built in 1877.
SENIOR LIFE Hayley Power
The Wagner House, now a private residence, was purchased in 1990 and a full restoration was completed in 1998.
NORTH BREVARD
Cape Canaveral National Cemetery continues expanding
BY FLORA REIGADA
Each morning at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, the Stars and Stripes is lowered to half staff to honor those interred that day. It is raised fully when all memorial services are completed for the day.
About 17,000-plus veterans and qualified family members have been laid to rest there since the first burial on Jan. 12, 2015 at the 318-acre cemetery.
The cemetery is now moving forward with an expansion, including columbarium space, that is expected to be completed in April or May 2025.
In addition to in-ground burial space for casketed remains, the cemetery has in-ground burial space and an above-ground columbaria for cremated remains.
“Its 30 acres will provide an additional 10 years of service from approximately 32,000 grave sites, both casket and cremation,” said Cindy Van
Bidder, an Army veteran who is the director of Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.
“Veterans’ family members qualifying for burial benefits are a spouse, widow, widower and minor children.
Van Bidder noted that unmarried adult children with disabilities may also be eligible for burial.
New burial sections will include new landscaping to
the already well-maintained cemetery with trees and plants.
Veteran Design & Construction, Inc. is doing the expansion work.
Notable burials at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery include Tuskegee Airman Edwin T. Cowan, Rear Adm. Alene B. Buerk, the first woman promoted to admiral in the Navy, and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Glen Morrell, the
Tell your good story, but beware of the storytelling scammers
How many stories do you tell? As we get older, we tend to talk about the “good olde days.” From the beginning of time, elders have shared stories with the younger generations. Oral histories have been captured in written form through the ages. What stories do you want to share?
Remember when your children looked forward to the ritual of bedtime stories? Now, when grandkids visit, do you begin “Once upon a time …” There were times when you made up the story and got the response “One More!”
We all have stories to tell. Sometimes we begin “I remember when …” We can talk about our own childhood, growing up, sharing lessons learned, and other forms of wisdom in story form. An internet message from Carolyn Shen captures the moment. “My kids wanted to know what it was like for me growing up. So I took their phones, shut off the internet, gave them a popsicle, and told them to go outside till the street lights came on.”
Reflect on the Bible and other religious books. Jesus used the story form of the parable. The Torah and Koran are loaded with stories. Pastors, preachers and teachers use stories to get their message told. Remember the recitation of nursery rhymes, campfire stories and partygame stories whispered along a line of players?
Expert storytellers in the form of scam artists fleece seniors every day. Billions of dollars slip through the fingers of seniors who fall for the tales, the “too good to be true” propositions and special deals made
Challenges of Living to Age 100
by trained super salesperson callers. Your challenge: Sift out the truth, avoid answering yes to questions, hang up, take time to consider and ask for a written contract without giving your credit card information. Sales puffery is storytelling. Want to share your stories? Consider writing your memories (memoirs) in handwritten form in a journal book or diary. Type in your computer specific memorable events that you want to share with family members.
As a seminar leader, I use stories to make key points and to enrich the presentations. After one seminar at the University of Wisconsin, the participants presented me with a coffee mug with the message: “If you can’t dazzle them with your brilliance, baffle them with your bulls--t.” Seniors may tend to embellish their stories. SL
Ed Baranowski is president of the AARP Florida Space Coast Chapter and can be contacted at fast75sr@ gmail.com. He offers programs for retiree groups and communities.
seventh sergeant major in the Army.
“The VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) and NCA (National Cemetery Administration) has a program to honor veterans who die with no next-of-kin or insufficient resources,” Van Bibber said. “It provides an allowance for a casket or an urn.”
The Canaveral Ladies, a
group of volunteers, make sure no veteran is buried with no one in attendance to pay respect. At least one of their members, usually more, stands as a silent witness to interments.
All eligible veterans are entitled to military funeral honors. The North Brevard Honor Guard from the American Legion Post 1 in Titusville and the VFW Post 4228, also in Titusville ensure this.
A ceremony includes the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag and the playing of Taps. A gun volley by a rifle squad is reserved for retired military veterans.
“Conducting the ceremony is our patriotic duty,” said Donna McDaniel, an Honor Guard member and Social Quarters manager at Post 1.
The Cape Canaveral National Cemetery is located at 5525 US 1 in Mims. For more information, go to cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ capecanaveral.asp SL
SENIOR LIFE Photo by Dan Reigada
The Cape Canaveral National Cemetery expansion includes a columbaria.
Ed Baranowski
A B C D E
Alura Senior Living
777 Roy Wall Blvd., Rockledge 32955 321-549-3980 AluraSeniorLiving.com
Shell Harbor
2855 Murrell Road, Rockledge 32955 321-252-1221 ShellHarborRetirement.com
Indian River Colony Club 1936 Freedom Drive, Viera 32940 321-255-6000 ColonyClub.com
The Brennity at Melbourne
7300 Watersong Lane, Viera 32940 321-253-7440 BrennityMelbourne.com
Chateau Madeleine 205 Hardoon Lane, Suntree 32940 321-701-8000 SuntreeSeniorLiving.com
Buena Vida Estates 2129 W. New Haven Ave., W. Melbourne 32904 321-724-0060 BuenaVidaEstates.org
Habitat Women Build home will bring the joy of hosting family
BY CAMERON COUNTRYMAN
With the help of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build, Florence LaJoie is going to be a homeowner.
LaJoie is “excited — really excited” for homeownership.
“I want a forever home,” LaJoie said.
LaJoie and her son moved to Florida in 1986 and lived with her older sister.
For years, LaJoie worked a minimum wage job as she focused on her son’s education. Her dedication to his education paid off, and her son now lives in Georgia with his wife and two children and buys and sells houses for a living.
LaJoie’s house will be built through Women Build, a program of Habitat for Humanity that is focused on empowering women.
Steve Bruch, Habitat for Humanity’s director of development, said Women Build is an “action statement.”
“It’s about women getting together,” Bruch said.
The groundbreaking ceremony for LaJoie’s home, which will be on Kentucky Avenue in Rockledge, was May 10, though the construction has not yet been in full swing.
LaJoie recently looked at
floorplans for her home.
In terms of a wishlist for her new home, LaJoie’s only wish is a washer and a dryer. She currently has a washing machine, but no dryer. LaJoie also wouldn’t mind a nice surprise.
“Anything they can surprise me with — that would be perfect,” she said.
LaJoie has been renting for 12 years and has been in the Habitat for Humanity program for five years.
She is more than ready to have “a place to call (her) own.”
“If I want to paint the wall pink or purple or polka dot, I
can do it,” LaJoie said. She will not actually be painting polka dots on the walls of her new home — but, if she wanted to, she could.
LaJoie has already started building her sweat equity by working on other Habitat for Humanity homes. She has helped nail boards to the framework of houses, worked
with itchy fiberglass and painted the outside of homes.
LaJoie is eager to shed some sweat while working on her own home. Her family would also like to “help nail up a board or two.” However, Women Build does not work on the weekend, which is the only time her family can make the trip.
LaJoie is looking forward to hosting her family and hopes to be moved into her new home by Christmas.
“You have worked so hard to be here,” Habitat Board Secretary Stacy-Anne Zeller said to LaJoie, “... and we want you to know that your community is so very proud of you.” SL
MONTHLY MEDIA
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Throwbacks:
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
Worst Case Scenario by T. J. Newman (coming soon 8/13/2024) 4. These Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak (coming soon 8/8/2024)
Interested in joining a book club? Visit page 49 of the 2024 Boomer Guide. Need information about the local libraries? Visit page 26 of the 2024 Boomer Guide.
1. Wouldn’t It Be Nice by The Beach Boys
2. My Girl by The Temptations
3. Bennie And The Jets by Elton John
4. Dancing Queen by ABBA
5. You Are My Sunshine by Johnny Cash New releases:
1. Better Days by Zach Bryan (feat. John Mayer)
2. Wondering Why by The Red Clay Strays
3. Wildflower and Barley by Hozier (feat. Allison Russell)
Would you like to treat yourself to a night of live music? Both Hook and Eagle Tavern and Pizza Gallery and Grill have live music most Fridays and Saturdays.
SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue
Florence LaJoie, right, is extremely happy to soon be moving into her own home.
SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue
Florence LaJoie, center, is surrounded by officials from Habitat for Humanity and the City of Rockledge as they break ground for the construction of her home.
