Senior Life, December 2023

Holiday HAppenings, December 2023

Volume 26 Issue 7

CLOSED

page 3

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Santa’s rested and ready Popular launch area closes, page 19

War changes travel plans, page 23 Mrs. Claus and Santa are enjoying time at the beach before their busy Christmas season.

SENIOR LIFE photo

Laying wreaths honors veterans

BY R. NORMAN MOODY National Wreaths Across America is a day to remember and honor the nation’s fallen veterans.

More than two million volunteers will gather to remember and honor those fallen heroes at more than 4,000 locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.

Volunteers in Brevard County will gather at 10 a.m. Dec. 16 at the

318-acre Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at 5525 U.S. 1 in Mims to lay the wreaths of remembrance on the graves of the veterans and read their names aloud.

Volunteers of Brevard County Honors Veterans coordinated by Dorothy Walsh Pearsall and Don Pearsall will lay wreaths at more than 30 cemeteries and memorial gardens in the county.

Wreath laying ceremonies will be

held for Medal of Honor recipient Emory Bennett at 3 p.m. at Pinecrest Cemetery in Cocoa and at the grave of George Taylor Sr., the founder of National Veterans Homeless Support at 1 p.m. at Brevard Memorial Park.

National Wreath Across America Day is held in December to ensure that fallen veterans and their resting places are not forgotten.

Wreaths will be placed at some smaller cemeteries on Dec. 17. SL

Weaver inducted into Hall, page 11

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Volume 26 Issue 6

Office Manager Sylvia Montes Copy Editor Jeff Navin Art Department Jorjann Blake Feature Writers Ed Baranowski Mike Gaffey Nanette Hebdige Randal C. Hill Linda Jump Barbara Jean Mead Flora Reigada Lindsay Sanderfur Maria Sonnenberg

BY JEFF NAVIN

R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com

Terrie Kroger is pleased that the Platinum Show Chorus will perform at the Boomer Bash Senior Expo on Friday, Nov. 10 at the Space Coast Health Foundation Center for Collaboration at 1100 Rockledge

The Key Change quartet of Stephanie Bruns, Michele Garneau, Debra Barnard and Linda Mathis will perform hit songs from yesteryear. Key Change is a quartet NOV. 10 EXPO Continued to page 3

SENIOR LIFE photo

Key Change Quartet will perform at the Expo.

TAKE A HOLIDAY HOME STROLL

The Moore Cultural Center, Mims

Rossetter House, Eau Gallie

H.S. Williams/Lawndale, Rockledge SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody

BY FLORA REIGADA Step back in time to an old-fashioned Christmas while learning about area history during the Museums of Brevard’s fourth annual Holiday Tour of Historic Homes.

Eight homes will showcase the architectural styles of the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. Each will display Christmas decorations reflecting those periods.

Participating museums include:

The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Go to MOBlighthousetours@gmail.com to make reservations at least one week before a visit.

Call 321-351-5052 (questions only).

Climb the lighthouse to the fifth floor, tour the museum and Hangar C, where refurbished rockets are on display.

Sam’s House, Merritt Island For tour reservations, call 321-449-4720.

Experience a pioneer-themed Christmas at Brevard County’s oldest standing house, with decorations and goodies from natural sources.

Field Manor, Merritt Island For tour reservations, call 321-848-0365.

Rustic decorations created from nature, such as dehydrated oranges and magnolia leaves, will reflect Field Manor’s history.

H.S. Williams/Lawndale, Rockledge For tour reservations, call 321-537-6607.

Step back to an 1895 Victorian Christmas with decorations in each room and a display in the parlor.

Rossetter House, Eau Gallie For tour reservations, call 321-254-9855.

Surrounded by holiday cheer, guests will learn about old Eau Gallie and Carrie Rossetter, the first woman to receive an oil distributorship.

Green Gables, Melbourne For tour reservations, call 321-306-8635.

Experience an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas while learning about the Wells family and what they contributed to Melbourne.

“Each home has its unique history and holiday warmth,” said Sue Fallon, a Green Gables board of directors member.

Roz Foster, the president of the North Brevard Heritage Foundation, agreed.

“We hope guests will enjoy the displays of Christmases past,” she said.

The tour will take place the first three weekends of December. Most of the homes require reservations.

Tickets, which cost $70, may be purchased at Eventbrite: mob4thannualholidaytour.eventbrite.com/.

SL

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The Moore Cultural Center, Mims For tour reservations, call 321-264-6595.

Guests will walk in the footsteps of murdered civil rights pioneers Harry T. and Harriette Moore and learn why their Christmas tree is always on display.

The Pritchard House, Titusville For tour reservations, call 321-607-0203.

Learn how the family celebrated Christmas with the tree set up in the same place and stockings hung from original hooks.

Contact Senior Life by the 10th of the month regarding upcoming (321) communitySuntree Internal Medicine 259-9500 oriented events by email and mail.

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CELEBRATING 17 YEARS

RESOURCE MAGAZINE

2023 EDITION • NO. 17

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December 2023

Holiday HAppenings DEC. 1

Holiday Tree Lighting 6 p.m.

Santa, live music and tree lighting.

Eau Gallie Square, 1453 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-608-7400 West Melbourne Tree Lighting Ceremony 6 p.m.

Enjoy performances by school bands and the lighting of the Christmas tree.

West Melbourne Recreation Center 3000 Minton Road W. Melbourne, 321-837-7779 City of Palm Bay Tree Lighting Ceremony and Movie 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy performances by the Palm Bay Elementary School Chorus and the Heritage High School Ambassador Show Choir. Refreshments will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting United Way of Brevard. After tree lighting, watch “The Santa Clause” on the giant outdoor movie screen.

Palm Bay City Hall 20 Malabar Road Palm Bay, 321-952-3400 Carols at The Avenue 6 p.m. – Quest Elementary 7 p.m. – Anderson Elementary Enjoy Carols at The Avenue performed by local schools, choirs and groups.

The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390 41st annual Holiday Craft Show Ends December 31 One-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts and ornaments.

Fifth Avenue Art Gallery 1470 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-259-8261

DEC. 2

Cocoa Village Art & Craft Holiday Bazaar 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dec. 2 & 3 More than 200 artists and crafters, food trucks and live music.

Historic Cocoa Village 34 Delannoy Ave. Cocoa, 321-631-9075

WinterFest Downtown Cocoa Beach 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Surfing Santa will be there from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for pictures. Enjoy a foam party, food trucks, craft vendors and live music

by Chief Cherry.

Cocoa Beach Main Street Minutemen Causeway Cocoa Beach 321-693-3159 Holiday Car Show 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Awards, prizes, disc jockey, food trucks and prizes for most festively dressed.

America’s Antique Mall 1291 Sarno Road, Melbourne 321-948-7553

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! New medical research studies are enrolling in Viera including:

• Alzheimer’s Disease • Asthma • Liver Disease

Merritt Island Holiday Parade Gnome for the Holidays 10 a.m.

The parade will begin at Merritt Island High School and end at Edgewood Junior/Senior High School.

100 Mustang Way Merritt Island, 321-633-1874 Mims Christmas Parade 10:30 a.m.

Barbecue lunch to follow immediately at Station 222.

Mims Volunteer Fire Department 2476 Taylor Street, Mims 321-267-9652

(407) 680-0534

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The Bible on Parade — A Christmas Storybook Parade 2 p.m.

The parade starts and ends at the Melbourne Auditorium. Every child receives a free gift at the end.

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Melbourne, 321-773-1489

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS continued on page 15

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Senior Life of Florida is published on the first of each month. The entire contents of this newspaper are copyrighted by Senior Life of Florida with all rights reserved. Senior Life of Florida is not liable for errors or omissions in editorial, advertorial or advertising materials. Distribution of this newspaper does not constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.

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You’re retired. You can work on your hobby a couple of days a week or you can play golf once a week, unless you can afford more than one round.

So, how else are you going to socialize or keep moving, both of which you need for mental health and physical fitness.

If you are the type of person who wants to help others but have not come up with a concrete or specific way to do so, think about volunteering with a nonprofit organization.

You have talent; use it for good.

I volunteer with several local nonprofit organizations, and I highly recommend it. I volunteer where I have some skills to offer, doing something I like to do. You can do the same.

There is so much out there to do that can benefit others and make a better community.

In this edition of Senior Life, we bring you a story that will tell you some of the volunteer opportunities out there and about some of the organizations that can match you up with nonprofit groups in need of help.

In volunteering, you can give as many or as few hours of your time as you like. Just a few hours a week — one or two half days a week can make a big difference for those in need.

I am not going to list any volunteer positions here because they are so varied.

Besides, our story will tell you some of what is out there and who to contact.

Our Boomer Guide also gives you a great list in Volunteer Today of organizations that need help.

Volunteering will bring you great satisfaction knowing you are helping others. Don’t just sit on the front porch and wave at passers-by, get involved. You have plenty to offer.

You have the talent, the leadership skills and compassion to help others.

I sometimes mention, keep moving. By that, I mean you should stay active, both physically and mentally. You can do some of that as a volunteer.

We often bring you stories about activities and exercise that might appeal to you. In this and coming editions, we are telling you about exercises through our Keep Moving series of stories. Before that, we covered different sports that you might have wanted to try.

But whatever you do, even if you work full-time, there are opportunities to volunteer to make a difference in your community. If you are retired, you can find the time to volunteer.

Check out our ongoing features and all we have to offer you this month in Senior Life. SL “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

—Pablo Picasso

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Boulevard (U.S.1) in Rockledge.

“We’re always excited about the opportunity to perform,’’ said Kroger, who joined the group in 2012 and is the performance manager. “This is a great venue and we’re pleased to be involved with the (Boomer Bash) Senior Expo.’’

Dragon Boat Racing

Senior Life

Volunteer opportunities abound — benefits community, helpers

Chorus breaks out the hits at Expo

Brevard County boasts distinct architecture from its early days, which will be highlighted during the fourth annual Holiday Tour of Historic Homes.

Editor R. Norman Moody

E ditor

All of us at Ron Norris want to invite you to be part of the Ron Norris family.

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Celebrate with us our Deficiency Free biannual survey

THE FOURTH FEATURE IN A SERIES ON EXERCISE

Tai Chi focuses on balance, motor, cognitive function

BY BARBARA JEAN MEAD

777 Roy Wall Blvd. Rockledge, FL 32955

SENIOR LIFE Barbara Jean Mead

Laura Zoellner, Judy Berman and Choo Niles practice Tai Chi at Cocoa Village Riverfront Park. said.

Benefits from this low impact, slow motion exercise include an increase in body awareness. This helps to focus on balance, motor function and cognitive function. Posture and sleep are improved by regular practitioners. Stress, anxiety and depression can be alleviated through

learning to relax by breathing and slow movements.

Tai Chi is a safe and gentle form of exercise that is adaptable to all ages and fitness levels, including those with physical limitations and health conditions.

During a class, students chatted during short breaks about their lives.

Friendships are formed and a real desire to learn and follow through shows during the classes.

Classes are conducted outdoors in Cocoa Village’s Riverfront Park with small groups of friendly, focused students. An additional 8 a.m. Qigong class is offered before the 9 a.m. Tai Chi group that many students find useful.

Classes are $10 each and last the full

hour. The Qigong class of mostly seated, guided meditation is a complementary prelude to the Tai Chi group.

Groups consist of students at various levels of knowledge. Many have studied with Haqq for years along with new students. For more details, contact Muhammad Haqq at 321-634-4555.

Tai Chi is offered at recreation centers and at many senior centers in Brevard County. SL E

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Walking toward health is what Tai Chi instructor Muhammad Haqq helps his students to do in his Saturday morning classes at Cocoa Village’s Riverfront Park.

Haqq has been practicing his art for 47 years and taught in Cocoa for 20 of them.

“Tai Chi Quan is the full name of Tai Chi. Quan means boxing,” he said.

“A lot of people don’t know the selfdefense aspect of it. They think it looks nice and all, but there is a martial arts aspect to it.”

He started his training in Boston under the tutelage of Grandmaster T. T. Liang, more than 45 years ago. In 1997, Haqq was one of three people in Central Florida to be nationally certified as a sports massage therapist from the Massage Therapy Association.

An important part of each class is the meditative walk made popular in the 1970s by a woman named Guo Lin. “She had uterine cancer and a full hysterectomy. Later on, she had part of her kidney and bladder removed as the cancer was spreading. Her doctor said she was going to die. She did this anti-cancer walk, became very popular, became healthy and everybody in southeast Asia started doing it. And people that were terminally ill were living past their termination date,” Haqq

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There are many reasons why our residents chose Alura as their new home • All-day dining • On-site Spa, Salon, & Massage • Walking Path around the community • Courtyard with fountain and pond • Concierge services • Housekeeping once a week • Personalized laundry services • Utilities including TV and Internet

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The Free Boomer Guide features Tai Chi and listings of other excerise groups, games and sports.

See why our residents are having their best life at Alura Senior Living.

Enjoy life to its fullest and take advantage of our daily activities.

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SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

At 98, Alice Benjamin keeps up with everyone in her exercise class.

Exercise partners celebrate friend’s 98th birthday with added zest

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE Friends surprised Alice Benjamin with a birthday celebration to remember as she turned 98.

Jeanette White and her We Stick Together exercise team put together the birthday celebration for Benjamin during their Friday exercise class. Others in the Stick Together class were happy to enjoy the special day with her.

Benjamin was delighted that the Martin Andersen Senior Center in

4

Rockledge made her day special.

“I don’t know what keeps me young,” Benjamin said. “I walk every day, love to cook, get on my computer and read murder mysteries.

This was such a wonderful surprise.”

Benjamin, who has lived in the area for 35 years, has always been active.

“My mom loves to feed us and she’s very active,” Joe Benjamin said. “She still drives and loves coming to these exercise classes, as everyone loves her here.” SL

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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

5

Behind the

By Randal C. Hill

One night, Ingrid Croce sat her husband down at the kitchen table on their Pennsylvania farm. For five years, the two had tried in vain to have a child.

That night, though, Ingrid had good news: They were about to become parents. Jim Croce was so overcome with emotion that he composed “Time in a Bottle” on the table that night, telling how he wished that fleeting moment of euphoria could last forever: If I could save time in a bottle The first thing that I’d like to do Is to save every day till eternity passes away Just to spend them with you Of course, as we all know, life doesn’t work that way and that we are given only a certain number of days together: But there never seems to be enough time To do the things you want

Beat

‘Time in a Bottle’ — Jim Croce

to do once you find them I’ve looked around enough to know That you’re the one I want to go through time with

Their blessed event was a boy. The happy couple named him Adrian.

Jim Croce was a struggling singer/songwriter who first performed with his wife.

In 1966, the two recorded an album —“Facets”—and released it on their own Croce Records label. The disc went nowhere. Three years later, they signed with Capitol Records, but their “Jim and Ingrid Croce” LP met the same fate, and Capitol dropped them.

Croce decided to try his luck as a solo artist, in the meantime driving trucks, working construction and teaching middle school to make ends meet while waiting to make music his full-time occupation.

“Time in a Bottle” ended up on Croce’s first successful

album, “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim.” The title track on ABC Records had been a rollicking Top 10 novelty hit, but “Time in a Bottle” ended up being buried on the second side of the LP. Nobody at ABC Records ever thought of it becoming a 45 someday.

Fast forward a couple of years, and Jim Croce had become a musical superstar.

In September 1973, he and his small backup band were headlining shows at various college campuses in the South. All were scheduled to fly from a venue in Louisiana to another in Texas, but their small chartered plane struck a tree on takeoff from a regional airport, and everyone on board perished.

Adrian Croce had turned two years old just eight days earlier. Coincidentally, one week before the crash, ABC-TV had aired a nowforgotten Movie of the Week.

It was called “She Lives!” and starred Desi Arnaz Jr. in

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SENIOR LIFE Creative Commons

Jim Croce wrote “Time in a Bottle” at his kitchen table after learning that he and his wife were having a child. a story about a young woman stricken with cancer.

The film’s producers had come across “Time in a Bottle” from Croce’s first hit album and had secured permission to add it to the movie’s soundtrack. The following day, radio stations

were bombarded with callers asking to hear the heartbreaking tune again.

ABC Records quickly issued “Time in a Bottle,” which raced to the peak of the Billboard chart and became Croce’s signature single. SL

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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

7

Smart Wi-Fi plugs allow voice control of Christmas lights

BY LINDA JUMP It’s easy to control indoor and outdoor Christmas displays by voice and smartphone or through a voicecontrolled household assistance device such as Alexa or Google Home, even if the family is far away at grandmother’s house for the holiday.

The blow-up Santa can be deflated, but window lights remain on with a command.

Smart Wi-Fi plugs go into wall or outdoor electrical outlets and are synched through an app on a smartphone through the home Wi-Fi network. Users can then control not only when each plug-in comes on and goes off, but also colors, designs and many other options either through the phone or home assistant.

“It’s inexpensive, easy to set up with an app provided and very convenient,” said Scott Tilley, who has more than 60 devices in his home connected through smart plugs. An emeritus professor at the Florida Institute of Technology, he is president and founder of the Center for Technology and Society. “They’re better than a clapper,” he quipped.

Tilley acknowledged that he hasn’t yet connected his outdoor

“It’s inexpensive, easy to set up with an app provided and very convenient.”

OneSeniorPlace.com

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Visit OneSeniorPlace.com for a complete listing of events at One Senior Place!

May your days be

—Scott Tilley, Center for Technology and Society

Smart Wi-Fi plugs make it easy to control outdoor lights. lights through Wi-Fi, “But my plugs are ready for the tree and inside,” he said. He also can control his mother’s devices in Canada from his phone.

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

The plugs are less than $10 each, with double or four-outlet models and outdoor stakes up to $35. They’re available at home improvement stores,

Enhanced benefits to help keep you healthy!

Walmart, Best Buy and other vendors, as well as through Amazon, which sells its own brand.

When choosing a smart plug, the National Safety Council recommends a UL listed and grounded weatherresistant plug with at least the number of amps of the outlet used, usually 15 amps. Some require separate purchase of a Wi-Fi hub, and some work only with a smartphone, while others work with varied types of home assistants.

I-phone, I-pad and Mac users need to check options.

Outside, one claimed to control devices up to 200 feet from a home in open space.

Arthur Waters of Palm Bay, an electrical associate with Lowe’s Home Improvement, said that last year this time, “lots of people wanted them.” He said they’re starting to sell again this year as people decorate. SL

The Experts in Aging

Merry & Bright

this holiday season.

Join One Senior Place in giving back.

HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE Now Through Dec. 5

BREVARD COUNTY TRIAD SANTA TREE Now Through Dec. 4

Did you know that over 755 students in Brevard County Schools are homeless? You can helpmake sure they get a visit from Santa by bringing an unwrapped toy or gift card to OneSenior Place.

Help us help seniors in nursing homes with little to no family support by donating toiletries, blankets socks, sweatshirts,music, books and more.

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Brevard and Indian River counties. CarePlus is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in CarePlus depends on contract renewal. The Part B Giveback Benefit pays part or all of your Part B premium and the amount may change based on the amount you pay for Part B. Important: At CarePlus, it is important you are treated fairly. CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, religion, or language in their programs and activities, including in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, their programs and activities. The following department has been designated to handle inquiries regarding CarePlus’ non-discrimination policies: Member Services, PO Box 277810, Miramar, FL 33027, 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). Auxiliary aids and services, free of charge, are available to you. 1-800-7945907 (TTY: 711) CarePlus provides free auxiliary aids and services, such as qualified sign language interpreters, video remote interpretation, and written information in other formats to people with disabilities when such auxiliary aids and services are necessary to ensure an equal opportunity to participate. This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our Member Services number at 1-800-794-5907. Hours of operation: October 1 - March 31, 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

April 1 - September 30, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may 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.

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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

9

STRIP STRI PES

Veterans’ advocate Weaver inducted into Hall of Fame

Brevard Veterans News

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

Bluewater Creative Group salutes, advocates for veterans

Bluewater Creative Group, the publisher of Senior Life and Viera Voice, is a strong advocate for veterans.

Through the years, I have written about countless advocates for our military and veterans, but have neglected to tell you about how this organization does its part to honor those who serve.

Bluewater Creative Group held its Senior Life Boomer Bash Senior Expo at the Space Coast Health Foundation’s Center for Collaboration in Rockledge.

The highlight of the event was the Veterans Salute. The Harbor City Harmonizers earned rousing applause with their medley of tunes that included the songs of each of the military branches.

I spoke to the audience about ways they can honor and support veterans.

If you have the time, volunteer with an organization that serves veterans.

If you have the money, donate to an organization that helps veterans. If you are an employer, hire a veteran.

If you appreciate the service of our veterans, let them know; thank them.

Dean Schaaf, the president of the

Brevard Veterans Memorial Center and Park, told the audience about the resources available to them at the center.

The center, which is always represented at the expos, shared information about the museum, the park and all it has to offer.

Garren Cone, of AVET Project, reminded the audience of how veterans afforded them the freedoms they enjoy.

With a veteran population of about 68,000 in Brevard County, virtually everyone here knows or is acquainted with a veteran or someone currently serving in the military. This leads to audiences on the Space Coast being engaged with events honoring veterans.

The Expo presented informative

exhibits, including health and medical screenings, volunteering opportunities, elder law, finance, travel, insurance and 55-plus living communities and entertainment.

There were also veterans’ resources and information. Veterans are always included in Senior Life’s expos.

Organizations that serve veterans can share information and resources with those in attendance.

This time, Friday, Nov. 10, was no different. It did, however, take on new meaning by being held on the day set aside to observe Veterans Day and honor those who served.

However, don’t wait for Veterans Day. Anytime is a good time to say to a veteran: “Thank you for your service.” SL

Love of flying highlights centenarian’s military career

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

The quilt retired Col. John LeGrand Lee Jr. recently received from St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care is very special, but so is its 101-year-old recipient.

“It was our honor to present Mr. Lee a quilt named “When Eagles Fly,” noted the nonprofit’s newsletter.

Lee has indeed flown high throughout his life and continues to do so into his second century. Born in Baltimore, Lee joined the U. S. Army Air Force at 19 in 1941.

“He wanted to be a pilot,” his wife, Betty Lee said.

Piloting aircraft was ultimately not in the cards, however, so Lee opted for another equally dangerous choice.

“He volunteered to be a gunner,” Betty Lee added.

As part of a rather fortunate B-24 crew stationed in England, Lee flew 19 successful bombing missions over Germany, although one of the trips turned dicey at the end.

“The plane lost a front wheel and had to land without it, which was not an easy thing for such a big plane,” Betty said.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of John LeGrand Lee

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of John LeGrand Lee

Col. John LeGrand Lee Jr. flew 19 successful bombing missions over Germany.

He served as a gunner on a B-24 aircraft.

10 SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

“Brevard must be among the best counties in America for veterans and for veteran volunteers to have impact and support.”

—Donn Weaver

School.

He founded Brevard Veterans Back to Class, which encourages veterans to share their wealth of knowledge and experience by teaching in area classrooms.

He is also founder of Brevard No One Veteran Left Behind, which honors deceased veterans whose remains have been unclaimed by family or friends with a solemn service at their final resting place at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

Working with his wife of 53 years, Jeanne, Weaver spends considerable time honoring Gold Star families through special events that raise

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Chandler Langevin

Donn Weaver, center, who has held many leadership roles that support and advocate for veterans, was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. State Chief Financial officer Jimmy Patronis, left, and Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs James (Hammer) Hartsell took part in the induction ceremony. awareness of the sacrifices these individuals have made for their country.

Nineteen other veterans from throughout the state joined Weaver as inductees to the 2023 HOF class. Two Brevard Hall of Famers, Lt. Col. Skip Taylor and Sergeant 1st. Class Juan Santiago, as well as Florida Senator Debbie Mayfield were among Space Coast attendees

Sudoku Shapeshifter SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of John LeGrand Lee

John LeGrand Lee Jr. celebrated his 101st birthday at Shell Harbor Retirement Community where he lives. the University of Baltimore.

The military requested his services again in 1968, recalling him to active duty at the Pentagon, where he supported Air Force missions around the world until 1982, the year he and Betty moved to Suntree. It was here the couple met another Betty and her husband, also retired military.

“We lived in the same neighborhood and they would come to our house and we would go to their house,” Betty Lee said.

After Lee’s wife and Betty II’s husband passed away, the pair fell in love and married in 2003. When the St. Francis staff presented Lee with the quilt, they also brought a handcrafted anniversary card and cake to celebrate the couple’s 20th anniversary in August.

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For years, they remained in Suntree, a perfect place for John to practice the skills he learned after successfully completing a master’s gardener course from the University of Florida Extension Service.

At his 100th birthday bash, Lee celebrated at the Brevard Zoo with more than 70 members of his extended family. Shell Harbor Resort Lifestyle Community, which the couple now call home, also celebrated the birthday of its first centenarian.

Although frail, Lee remains flying high in spirit. At the recent Veterans’ Day celebration at Shell Harbor, he led the pledge of allegiance, standing tall and proud.

“He’s a great person,” Betty Lee said proudly. SL

at the induction ceremony, which included Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez as one of the speakers.

The modest Weaver emphasized Brevard’s role in the award.

“Without the support of the many veteranrelated platforms I work from, this would not have happened to me,” he said. SL

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Col. John LeGrand Lee Jr. first joined the U.S. Army Air Force in 1941.

Like so many of his fellow soldiers, Lee returned home and picked up on life, raising a family of four with his first wife, Elizabeth, nicknamed Betty.

The couple were married for 54 years before Elizabeth passed away. Back in Baltimore, he worked for the Glenn L. Martin Company, precursor to Martin Marietta, remained in the Air Force Reserves and earned a law degree from

Indefatigable veterans’ advocate and former U.S. Army Capt. Donn Weaver on Nov. 14 became only the fifth Brevard resident to be inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.

Weaver considers the honor to reflect on the caliber of Brevard County’s commitment to veterans.

“Brevard must be among the best counties in America for veterans and for veteran volunteers to have impact and support,” he said. “This award is for Brevard County.”

Launched in 2013, the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame celebrates the contributions of military members who not only served their country with honor, but also returned home to continue to inspire others with exemplary deeds.

Weaver certainly fits the profile, although his background is atypical.

Most of the 151 members of the Hall of Fame retired from a career in the military.

Weaver served four years, from 1968 to 1972, before joining the U.S. Foreign Service. He is also an honorary member of the Brevard Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and a Gold Star parent who lost his youngest son, Army 1st.

Lt. Todd Weaver, in combat in Afghanistan in 2010.

When he retired to Cocoa Beach in 2013, Weaver gave free rein to his robust volunteer spirit and continues to spend most of his free time in service to veterans. He is the immediate past chairman of the Brevard Veterans Council and is a board member of the Veterans Memorial Center and Museum on Merritt Island. Through his grant writing efforts, the Veterans Center was awarded a $2 million renovation grant that

added a new wing and museum.

Through the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency, Weaver is working to further enhance the facility with an amphitheater and other improvements.

Past president of the Cape Canaveral Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, the largest chapter in the country, Weaver is current president of its Good Deeds Foundation, which grants financial support to area military, veterans and families, as well as organizations such as ROTC and JROTC. He is also a member of VFW Post 10131 of Cape Canaveral and vice commander of the Space and Treasure Coast Chapter of the Army Officers Candidate

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11

Volunteers needed to honor veterans with final salute

BY BARBARA JEAN MEAD Forever a Hero teams — usually consisting of a chaplain, a social worker and a few volunteers, oftentime veterans — will honor a veteran who is in hospice care in their final days.

About a dozen of these honor ceremonies are held each month.

Hospice of Health First recently held an informational meeting for those interested in helping to honor those veterans.

The Forever a Hero ceremony consists of gathering those volunteers at the side of the honoree in their home or hospital to celebrate their service. The veteran is

presented with a card with a pin, a folded flag, a certificate with their branch of service and a handmade red, white and blue themed afghan or quilted lap blanket. The blankets are made by the Our Love Stitches group at Our Saviour Catholic Church in Cocoa Beach.

“When we bring a veteran in, it is like their whole demeanor kind of changes.” said Susan Miller, the volunteer coordinator at Hospice of Health First and an Air Force veteran. “They have somebody there that they can relate to and share stories with.

It’s really nice. Even if you’re not a veteran, they might want you to sit there and tell you their story. It’s just nice to have other people that can come. So we want to still make

it seem like a ceremony if they want that and get a good group of people together.”

Volunteer opportunities include attending the ceremonies usually in the geographical location close to where the (those who have passed a background check) volunteers live. As an alternative, a volunteer can sign a confidentiality agreement that ensures the information on the patient such as their address and their diagnosis remain private.

“You could become a full volunteer if you want. We also have special projects that we do. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a ceremony. If you do want to become a hospice volunteer, we have online training to do at your own pace

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if you are interested in that.”

Miller said.

Because they can’t plan the events far in advance with the sudden health changes

often involved, Forever a Hero would like to have a roster of people they can call or email.

For more information, visit HF.org/foreverahero. SL

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

Dr. David Jones served 10 years with Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine.

money out of his own pocket to those that needed a meal.

He’s truly the kindest and most compassionate man.”

Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine, a free primary and gynecology healthcare clinic located inside of the Florida Department of Health in Viera, was created in 2011. It helps individuals who do not have

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health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.

“We have about 64 volunteers who provide their time and services without wages, which is wonderful for the clinic and for our patients because without them we wouldn’t be able to treat our patients,” Stoeckert said.

After a 20-year career in family and emergency medicine, Jones traveled and worked in the southwestern states. He served as a family physician on several Indian reservations. His wife, Kathy Jones, worked with him doing medical records.

He delivered more than 1,000 babies during the early part of his medical career.

“After retiring, I needed to do something with my time and I joined Space Coast Volunteers and was there 10 years,” said Jones, 89. “I’ve always loved helping people even when I was in Vietnam at the pediatric clinic, and I’ve always felt if I’m not doing something for somebody else I’m not doing anything at all.” SL

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Laurie Stoeckert

Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine.

“The brightest stars are those who shine for the benefit of others and Dr. David Jones was truly one of the brightest stars in Brevard County,” said Laurie Stoeckert, the executive director at SCVIM. “He would go to the ends of the earth for his patients, even giving

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Volunteer coordinator Susan Miller stands next to the display of gifts for the honoree at a Final Salute Ceremony.

Doctor gave legendary support to Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine Dr. David Lane Jones has put away his stethoscope after helping Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine for the past 10 years when most physicians already would have long retired.

The University of Michigan Medical School graduate donated more than 20,000 hours of patient care and numerous hours off the clock from home during his final stint.

“In medicine, you’re not just treating the patient in front of you,’’ Jones said. “Often, you are treating the entire family.

That is the true definition of family medicine.’’

Retirement isn’t for everyone, but it does allow you a little more flexibility.

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BY JILL BLUE PHOTOS BY JILL BLUE AND KLINTON LANDRESS The line was long Nov. 10 to enter the Space Coast Health Foundation Center for Collaboration in Rockledge, but it was worth the wait as musical groups entertained on this special day to honor veterans.

The Key Change Quartet, part of the Platinum Show Chorus, entertained the crowd for the Boomer Bash Senior Expo in the morning. Not to be outdone, the Harbor City Harmonizers sang an emotional veterans medley after a Veterans Salute.

R. Norman Moody, the editor of Senior Life, introduced speakers Dean Schaaf of the Veterans Memorial Center and Garren Cone, the president of The AVET Project.

Jeanette White, an exercise guru, wowed the crowd with a Sticks demonstration. White mesmerized the audience with the fluidity of striking sticks together at many different heights to the beat of dance music.

Senior Life’s annual Boomer Bash Senior Expo was sponsored

by Health First, and Rhodes Law, PA and CarePlus.

The winner of the Grand Prize tickets to Gulf World Marine Park and the Dolphin Encounter in Panama City was Brian Brady.

The Urban Prime gift basket went to Mary Zizzo. The Brevard Symphony tickets went to Julia Harden and Sandi Scott. SL

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS The Avenue, 2261 Town Center Ave.

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EXPOS early 2024

You’ll LOVE our Valentine’s Day Expo Feb. 14

A crowd lines up well before the opening, receiving red bags to fill with a wealth of information from a variety of vendors.

The Key Change Quartet passionately performed wellknown songs, engaging expo attendees and vendors.

The Harbor City Harmonizers sang an emotional medley of the official songs of each military branch.

Jeanette White performed an exhilerating exercise tapping sticks to the beat of the music.

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14 SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

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For information, call Senior Life 321-242-1235 321-242-1235

Viera, 321-634-5390

Light Up Rockledge & Festival of Trees 4 - 7:30 p.m.

Christmas Tree Stroll, food trucks/ vendors, gift vendors. Christmas tree silent auction to benefit The Arc of Space Coast. Enjoy live holiday music courtesy of Rockledge High School and the St. Mary Children’s Choir.

Reading of The Night Before Christmas. Bring a canned food item.

Rockledge Civic Hub 530 Barton Blvd.

Rockledge, 321-221-7540

Gingerbread Holiday Party 6 p.m.

Gingerbread-themed holiday party.

Kids eat free.

Pizza Gallery 2250 Town Center Ave., Suite 113 Viera, 321-633-0397

Light Up Viera Holiday Parade 2023 6 p.m.

Fireworks at 6 p.m. parade immediately following the fireworks. Parade starts and ends at Viera High School 6103 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-255-4500

DEC. 6

Jingle Bells Forever Concert 7 p.m. — Dec. 6 and 7 Holiday favorites performed by the Melbourne Municipal Band.

Melbourne Aud., 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-724-0555

DEC. 7

Christmas Car Show 5 p.m.

Trophies for best decorated cars.

Burger Inn, 1819 N. Harbor City Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-254-2211

Wesley’s annual Lighted Christmas Hayrides and Santa Visit 6 - 9 p.m.

Dec. 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 and 22 Greet Santa, enjoy magical hayrides along with hot chocolate and cookies.

Wesley UMC, 075 Meadowlane Ave. West. Melbourne, 321-727-7585

Gift of Light 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Tree lighting, fireworks, musical entertainment and dance performances.

Face painting and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Parrish Medical Center 951 N. Washington Ave. Titusville, 321-269-4066

“A Change of Seasons” Concert 7:30 p.m.

Carols and winter-themed songs presented by the Brevard Chorale.

Simpkin Auditorium EFSC 1519 Clearlake Road Cocoa, 321-632-2114

Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade 6 p.m.

Proceeds benefit the Sharing Center of Central Brevard.

Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd.

Cocoa, 321-631-9075

DEC. 3

Santa Paws for the Cause 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Bring your pet and children, too. Join Rescue Rebels by Cash 4 Canines, Inc., an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization for photos with Santa.

Cocoa Village — Myrt Tharpe Square 434 Delannoy Ave. Cocoa, 321-305-4584 Blizzard at the Barn 1 to 4 p.m.

Pony rides, kids games, face painting and unique gifts. There will be horse feeding, food, a petting zoo and the Sheriff’s Posse and K-9 also.

Harmony Farms 2205 Pluckebaum Road, Cocoa 321-631-9433

Coming in March 2024

continued from page 3

A CBOB Holiday Concert 3 p.m.

Music of the holiday season presented by the Community Band of Brevard.

Merritt Island High School Auditorium 100 Mustang Way, Merritt Island 321-258-5580 An Old-Fashioned Christmas Concert 3:30 p.m.

Dr. Vernon Boushell Concert Series presented by the Indialantic Chamber Singers & Brevard Youth Chorus.

Riverside Presbyterian Church 3400 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-222-7875

DEC. 5

2023 Winter Bands Concert 7 p.m.

Presented by the Satellite High School Band Department 300 Scorpion Court, Satellite Beach 321-779-2000 Carols at The Avenue 6 p.m. – Viera Charter School 7 p.m. — Trinity Lutheran Handbells

DEC. 8

Community Christmas Festival 6 p.m.

Crafts, games, carolers and family fun.

Faith Baptist Church of Palm Bay 341 Emerson Dr. NW Palm Bay, 321-727-3593 Winter Wonderland Waltz, Holiday Dance 7 p.m.

Presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band’s Swingtime ensemble.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-724-0555 Christmas on the Parkway 6 - 9 p.m.

Bounce houses, snow slides and snow.

East Coast Christian Center 680 N. Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island, 321-452-1060

DEC. 9

10th annual Edgewood Holiday Craft Fair & Food Truck Event 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Enjoy holiday shopping from unique crafters, artists, and vendors. This event is a fundraiser for Edgewood Project Graduation Class of 2024.

Edgewood Junior/Senior High School 180 E. Merritt Island Causeway.

Merritt Island, 321-454-1030 Cocoa/Rockledge Holiday Parade 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Parade will begin at Rockledge High School and end at Lee Wenner Park.

Rockledge High School 220 Rockledge Drive Rockledge, 321-633-1874 Brevard County Festival of Wreaths and Silent Auction 1 - 4 p.m.

All proceeds will benefit Brevard Public

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS continued to page 24

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

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Check with your doctor before starting an exercise regimen

BY LINDSAY SANDERFUR

Any exercise regimen begins with health considerations.

This is the case for everyone, but it is especially important for baby boomers and seniors — those in their late 50s and up.

As the new year and its resolutions approach, now is a good time to check in with a doctor or specialist before starting an exercise program.

“The gold standard for health and longevity is diet and exercise,” said Andrew DeCaro, the medical science liaison for Cardiac Insight. “As we age, it is vital for us to invest in our health and well-being to combat the aging process.” Physical activity and a healthy eating regimen are crucial, he said.

A health assessment is the first step in determining a person’s readiness for exercise. It is recommended for everyone, but consider age and cardiometabolic risk factors: elevated blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, low HDL or good cholesterol, and prediabetes, according to the CDC. These are affected by overweight and obesity, but also with age.

“Cardiometabolic disease and obesity continue to be the leading cause of death,” DeCaro said.

So weight is only one factor.

Exercise specialist Cody Bennett said,

“Signs of being overweight can be a quick signal, but normally exercise should be recommended for any patient, regardless.” Bennett, who works at Coastline Family Chiropractic in Rockledge, has five years’ experience in collegiate strength and conditioning coaching for athletic sports teams.

“There are specific metabolic pathways that are only utilized from exercise, and this greatly promotes overall health, other than just losing weight,” he said.

According to DeCaro, start by asking questions such as: What is the health condition of the patient?

Level of mobility? Current diet?

And set realistic or achievable goals.

Once the assessment and goals are set, seniors should follow doctor’s recommendations.

Exercise routine should be tailored to the person’s needs and abilities.

“There are no specific cookiecutter guidelines. Every patient will be different,” Bennett said. “Patients should find an activity they enjoy doing, and can do safely and properly, that allows them to gradually increase the intensity.”

For intensity, DeCaro recommends following CDC guidelines for adults 65 and older: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking, each week (30 minutes a day, five days a week), or 75 minutes a week

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The Brennity at Melbourne

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History – Then and Now features Space Coast historic landmarks or sites in pictures and what those same areas look like today in photographs.

Then - 1910s

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of vigorous activity like hiking, jogging or running.

“Intensity is based on the patient’s baseline fitness level,” Bennett said. “The intensity should not be too extreme for a beginner. Just light/ moderate activity will provide stressors to the body to adapt, and intensity will HISTORIC TITUSVILLE MAIN STREET

need to be increased gradually as the patient adapts.”

Have fun knowing that any improvements are to be applauded.

“There is no end goal to fitness,” Bennett said. “You are either working toward better health, or away from it.”

SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Brevard County Historical Commission

The Trafford and Field building on Brevard Avenue in Cocoa was a popular spot in 1917.

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

Ossorio Bakery & Cafe on Brevard Avenue in Cocoa Village occupies what was the Trafford and Field building.

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National Christmas Lights Day

Brevard Antique and Collectables Club 10 a.m. - noon December topic is Holiday.

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

Have a Happy

The Platinum Show Chorus Live Concert 3 - 4 p.m.

Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. 321-868-1104

December

SUNDAY SUNDAY

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National National Make a Gift Day Cookie Day Intermediate/Advanced Free Liver Scans Line Dancing 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

ClinCloud is offering 2 - 4 p.m. free fibroscans.

North Brevard One Senior Place Senior Center 8085 Spyglass Hill Road 909 Lane Ave. Viera, 321-751-6771 Titusville 321-268-2333 Seaside Quilt Show Group 1 - 5 p.m.

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

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Maddy Winer featuring Larry Brown Trio 2 - 4 p.m.

Presented by the Space Coast Jazz Society.

Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island 321-453-1776

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Holiday Food Drive for Needy Animals

TUESDAY TUESDAY

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National Blue Jeans Day Card Making with Kym 10 a.m. - noon Merritt Island Library 1195 N. Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island 321-455-1369 Ask the Doctor Lunch & Learn 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Presented by Emanuela Biban, MD. Lunch provided by ClinCloud.

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

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Gingerbread Decorationg Day

Purely Girls 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Knitting Club Great Palm Bay 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Senior Center Trade patterns 1275 Culver Drive NE and ideas.

Palm Bay, 321-724-1338 Cape Canaveral Library 201 Polk Ave. Golden Hearts Cape Canaveral Senior Fitness 321-868-1101 1 - 2 p.m.

North Brevard Tai Chi Senior Center 1 - 2:30 p.m.

909 Lane Ave. North Brevard Titusville, 321-514-5945 Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-268-2333 Cornhole

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National Maple Syrup Day Turkey Creek Sanctuary Scottish Country Estate Planning Seminar Dancing 10 a.m.

Ranger-led Tour Elder law attorney 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

10 - 11 a.m.

William A. Johnson.

Springs of Suntree First and third Sunday One Senior Place Each tour will be led by Clubhouse Spyglass Hill Road the park ranger and will 8300 Holiday Springs Road 8085 Viera, 321-751-6771 focus on common plants Suntree, 321-427-3587 and animals found in Exercising to Improve Belly Dance the sanctuary.

Balance 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Turkey Creek Park 1 - 2 p.m.

1518 Port Malabar Blvd. NE Martin Andersen Sunflower House Palm Bay, 321-676-6690 Senior Center 3125 Fell Road 1025 S. Florida Ave. West Melbourne Rockledge, 321-241-4271 321-452-4341

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National Egg Nog Day

Carols at The Avenue 6 p.m. - TBA 7 p.m. - TBA The Avenue Viera Central Park 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390

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New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve Gala and Dance 7:30 p.m.

Melbourne Municipal Band's 12-piece Rock & Roll Revue.

Hilton Rialto Place 200 Rialto Place Melbourne 321-724-0555

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Merry Christmas

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Kwanzaa

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group 10:30 a.m.

Rockledge Presbyterian Church 921 Rockledge Drive Rockledge 321-636-0811

January 1

18 SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY FRIDAY

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National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance Sip & Smoke 6:30 p.m.

Locally hand-rolled cigars provided by Chaffiot Cigars 28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159

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Suntree/Viera Library Book Club 10 - 11:30 a.m.

The book being discussed is "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho.

Suntree Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404 Billiards Noon - 4 p.m.

Sit-n-Stitch Greater Palm Bay 1 - 3 p.m.

Senior Center Suntree/Viera Library 1275 Culver Drive NE 902 Jordan Blass Drive Palm Bay, 321-724-1338 Suntree, 321-255-4044 U.S. National Guard Birthday Medium John Rogers Chair Yoga 6 - 8 p.m.

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Professional Medium Greater Palm Bay John Rogers will Senior Center share his 30 years 1275 Culver Drive NE of experience Palm Bay, 321-724-1338 communicating with Sunset Yoga spirit guides on the 6 - 7 p.m. other side.

Ryckman Park Cocoa Beach Library 509 Ocean Ave. 550 N. Brevard Ave. Melbourne Beach Cocoa Beach 321-724-5860 321-868-1104

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Table Tennis 8 - 10 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Center, 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island 321-453-1776 Sit and Get Fit 1 - 2 p.m.

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

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Intro to Computer Basics 9:30 a.m.

CareerSource 3880 N. Washington Ave. Titusville 321-504-7600

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National Day of National Commuy BrownieService Day Holiday Cookie Decorating Contest 10 - 11 a.m.

Guest judge is Chef Arthur Cox from Sonata East at Viera. Supplies are included.

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

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World Pollution Prevention Day

Beginners Photography Class 9 a.m. - noon Learn the basics from a professional photographer. Bring a fully charged battery and lots of space on your memory card.

Eau Gallie Library 1521 Pineapple Ave. Melbourne Palmbayphotography group.com

SATURDAY SATURDAY

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Soles4Souls Shoe Collection 9 a.m. - noon Shoe collection, all types, all sizes of new or gently worn.

Suntree Rotary Park U.S. 1 and Suntree Blvd.

Suntree suntreerotary.org

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National Wreaths Across America Day Hearing Loss, Lunch Tai Chi Class 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. and Learn Seminar Suntree/Viera Library 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Presented by Personal 902 Jordan Blass Drive Hearing Solutions. Lunch Suntree, 321-255-4404 provided. Must RSVP. Venomous Snakes One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Awareness Class 9 - 10 a.m.

Viera, 321-751-6771 Learn how to identify why they are an important part of our ecosystem.

Turkey Creek Sanctuary 1518 Port Malabar Blvd. NE Palm Bay, 321-676-6690

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Ugly Sweater Day

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National National Winter Solstice Christmas Movie Cookie Exchange Marathon Day Day Bob Ross Style Book Club Saturday Bird Walks Beginners Oil Painting 10:45 - 11:45 a.m.

9 - 10 a.m.

5 p.m.

December’s book is From beginner to Learn to paint with “Comfort and Joy” by expert, all levels of Hobo Bob. Kristin Hannah. birders are welcome.

Wickham Park Cape Canaveral Sams House Senior Center Public Library 6195 N. Tropical Trail 2785 Leisure Way 201 Polk Ave. Merritt Island Melbourne Cape Canaveral 321-449-4720 321-425-5533 321-868-1101

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National Bacon Day

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Clinic opens new location in Rockledge

The Pain Management Institute Medical Marijuana Care

Merritt Island CIRCL Mobility Farmers Market 11 a.m.

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

North Brevard Crisafulli Groves Senior Center 5515 N. Courtenay Parkway 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-268-2333 Merritt Island 321-373-4023 Tai Chi Fridays 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Basic, beginner class.

Ryckman Park 509 Ocean Ave. Melbourne Beach 321-724-5860

3260 Murrell Road, Suite 101, Rockledge, FL 32955

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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

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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.

Don’t let holiday depression set in, stay socially connected Holidays can be the backbone of our relationships — highlights in the histories of our lives. They are traditions that serve as the foundations for many families. But because of these ties, mental health professionals note an increase in depression for seniors during the holidays.

Nearly 32.3% of seniors (age 65 or older) suffer from depression, as reflected in data gathered this year.

In 2023, one in three adults ages 50 to 80 (34%) reported feeling isolated from others (29% some of the time, 5% often) in the past year. Also, nearly one-third of all non-institutionalized older Americans live alone, or close to 14 million.

Common signs of senior depression include: • Lack of appetite • Extreme fatigue — excessive sleeping. The body shuts down to escape from the outside world • Problems concentrating • Anti-social — may stop doing everyday things such as going to church • Older adults may not express sadness (unlike kids with depression) • Abuse of drugs or alcohol • Being angry, sarcastic and criticizes others’ joy for the season Tips to beat depression include: Encourage seniors to exercise — various studies reveal that staying physically active makes people feel good and has the same effect on mood and brain chemistry as antidepressants.

Keep alcohol use to a minimum — alcohol is a known depressant.

Caregivers can create festive drinks such as eggnog or flavored hot

Share of Adults Reporting Symptoms of Anxiety and/or Depressive Disorder, February 2023

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believe you or a loved one suffers from depression, you should consult a mental health care provider, or consider going with them and speaking to their primary care physician about these concerns.

Some of the common symptoms of depression in older individuals include persistent sadness, withdrawal from social activities, slowed thinking, lack of energy, lack of interest in things that were once pleasurable, excessive worry, frequent tearfulness, feelings of worthlessness or helplessness, weight changes, changes in sleep patterns and concentration problems.

You can make a difference just by reaching out to your neighbor or friend and including them in your holiday dinner plans. There are a lot of ideas on ways to connect with people who may be depressed, but just reaching out and letting that person know you care is the most important part. SL

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conversation, caregivers can help seniors live in the present (instead of dwelling on “the good old days”) and keep their holiday expectations realistic.

Encourage them to talk with their healthcare provider: The holidays can cause people to feel anxious and depressed. But for some, holiday tensions can lead to fullblown clinical depression. Often, older adults don’t realize they are depressed.

If you suspect depression in someone you know, you may need to bring it up more than once. Let the person know that depression is a treatable medical illness and not something to be ashamed of.

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes to understand how they feel: Depression is a medical condition.

Depression prevents older adults from enjoying life as it could be and takes a heavy toll on their health. If you

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chocolate to help seniors cheerfully toast to the season.

Don’t feel obligated to buy lots of gifts — giving can make you feel good but in times of financial despair, giving gifts can create a lot of stress. Instead, caregivers can help seniors write and send personalized cards to family and friends.

Stay connected socially — volunteer at a soup kitchen (or other organization) with a caregiver — giving back improves people’s moods and increases their sense of self-worth. Caregivers can also teach seniors how to use computers or cell phones to connect socially with family and friends. They can take seniors to a local coffee shop or look at Christmas lights for holiday cheer outside the home.

Be a good listener — sometimes, all it takes to help a senior with the holiday blues is simply listening. Through

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ACROSS 1. Black caller 4. Cause of trembling 8. Groundless 12. Ram’s ma’am 13. Tie up 14. Junk in the box?

15. Provided 17. Color for the tickled 18. Kind of ad 19. Isn’t serious

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42. Loser to Lewis 45. Domestic 47. Foreign dignitary 48. Medal contender 52. Adolescent development 53. Cartoonist’s supplies 54. Pro 55. ______ to riches 56. Function 57. Hardly extroverted DOWN 1. Pricing word 2. What borrowers do 3. Gymnastics ideal 4. Hopper 5. Takes in 6. Sour 7. Danger signal 8. Drive forward 9. Keynoter’s spot 10. It’s picked from pockets 11. Lodge fellows 16. Live in the past?

19. Wears out 20. Yen 21. Miffed 22. Make-up artist?

24. Emulated Jack Horner 26. Evening hour 28. Angler’s attachment 29. Liberal pursuits 30. Top 32. “___ not!”

34. Romance, e.g.

37. Copper finish 39. Hearts 40. Military standings 42. Eye drop?

43. Pantomimed disco title 44. Do a number 46. Halloween purchase 48. In shape 49. Possibilities 50. Mi, fah, ___, lah 51. Really test © Lovatts Puzzles

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Brevard County TRIAD disbands after years of supporting seniors

BY MIKE GAFFEY Brevard County TRIAD Inc. has disbanded, a victim of COVID. Faced with a shrinking volunteer base and partners burdened by the pandemic, the board for the partnership of public and private organizations that addressed concerns of Space Coast senior citizens voted to dissolve the organization, effective Nov. 15. Its website and Facebook page also have shut down.

“After COVID, we could just never get everybody back together at the same time,” said Terry Stone, the director of the retired and senior volunteer program at Aging Matters in Brevard. “It’s just sad.”

Launched in 1998, Brevard County TRIAD, Inc. was a nonprofit partnership between the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, local law enforcement agencies and the State Attorney’s Office. At the community level, TRIAD was implemented by a S.A.L.T. Council (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together), which could include seniors, law enforcement, service organizations, civic clubs,

clergy, media, health care professionals, and business community members.

Nationally, TRIAD comprised the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the National Sheriff’s Association, and International Associations of Chiefs of Police.

TRIAD sponsored seminars and workshops on crime prevention, health care, and other key concerns for seniors, provided outreach for elderly homebound citizens and offered a forum to discuss seniors’ concerns, identify problems, and develop and implement community-wide solutions.

The group’s community projects included Project Lifesaver, which provides radio transmitter bracelets to help track and rescue persons with cognitive disorders, Senior Santa, which gives holiday gifts to seniors in nursing homes and hospice centers, and distribution of Valentine’s Day cards created by elementary school students.

Stone said the Sheriff’s Office will continue Project Lifesaver. Several Brevard locations will continue to display Senior Santa ornaments and collect donated gifts. For a list of

20 SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

THIS IS WHAT

JOY

AT BUENA VIDA LOOKS LIKE! SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Terry Stone

Bags of donated items were collected at the David R. Schechter Community Center in Satellite Beach for distribution to seniors. locations, check out myseniorlife.com.

Preferred presents include personal hygiene products and kits, fleece blanket throws, non-slip socks and puzzle books.

Cindy Short of the Brevard County Council on Aging said she was

shocked to learn that TRIAD was disbanding.

“Our volunteers have gone away since COVID,” Short said. “I don’t understand why. Maybe we’re not getting the message out that we need volunteers.” SL

myseniorlife.com

(321) 616-8790 • Toll-free (800) 742-0060 • BuenaVidaEstates.org • 2129 West New Haven Avenue, West Melbourne, FL 32904, Entrance on Doherty Drive A 501(c)(3) Not For Profit Organization

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

21

Holy Land trips derailed by Israel-Palestine war

BY LINDA JUMP Brian and Debra Blenis of Palm Bay waited for dinner on the cruise ship Celebrity Apex bound for Haifa, Israel Oct. 7, when they felt the ship turning around.

“This is odd,” Brian told his wife. Passengers were confused. An announcement minutes later told them merely that they wouldn’t continue to Israel, with no explanation.

What they learned the next morning was that war in the Gaza Strip began that morning, when Hamas militant Palestinian troops attacked southern Israel with a barrage of 5,000 rockets, killing 1,400 people. By the end of the month, more than 10,000 had died and thousands more wounded.

Their ship was diverted to Cyprus for two days for safety. Knowing their families fretted, Brian and Debra contacted them and posted on Facebook that they were safe. Tour company Educational Opportunities arranged for their tour to instead travel to Turkey and Greece to follow the evangelical travels of the Apostle Paul.

“I shed tears, but it was wonderful,” Debra Blenis said. “They turned what was devastating into an

McKee Botanical Garden offers visitors a tropical wonder

BY MARIA SONNENBERG On December weekends, intermittent snow flurries are forecast for McKee Botanical Garden.

One of Florida’s earliest and most popular tropical attractions, the Vero Beach garden this month becomes a festive wonderland that incorporates thousands of LED lights, festive decorations, large-scale model trains, organ music and outdoor musical entertainment. Guests will enjoy holiday treats and the aforementioned intermittent snow, plus more than 10,000 native and tropical plants to behold, including one of Florida’s largest collection of water lilies.

Because tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $10 for veterans and they include admission to the holiday show, a visit to this Florida horticultural landmark offers a very reasonable opportunity to enjoy ambling through beautiful scenery while also reveling in the cheer of the season.

Massachusetts resident Jean Lively calls the garden “a magical place,” a phrase that would have pleased its landscape architect, William Lyman Phillips.

Phillips, who designed the infrastructure of streams, ponds and trails, was associated with the prestigious firm of Frederick Law

McKee Botanical Garden is a popular tropical attraction in Vero Beach.

Olmsted, responsible for green jewels such as New York’s Central Park and the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.

It is a wonder the garden is here at all. In 1922, developers Arthur McKee and Waldo Sexton purchased the 80-

SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg

acre tropical hammock to grow citrus, but the land’s pristine beauty changed their plans and they employed Phillips to help them shape it into McKee Jungle Gardens. Tourists flocked to see the orchids and other exotic vegetation.

By the 1970s, however, unable to

Find out why our residents out why FindFind out why our residents are so happy! our residents

The history of McKee Botanical Garden started in 1922.

arehappy! so happy! are so

SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey

Brian and Debra Blenis pose in front of ruins in the Greek islands visited by the Apostle Paul. terrorism that began Oct. 7 and the aftermath of violence against innocent life. We hold in prayer each family who has experienced loss and harm. We do not hold our disappointment in any comparison to the deep grief over the pain caused for so many.” She urged prayers for peace in the Gaza Strip.

She said the travel company is trying to

Note: Many Brevard County residents, including this writer, planned to travel with Educational Opportunities to Israel Nov. 6 to “pray where Jesus prayed.” SL

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Expert, Reputable, and Trusted the is80such original acres, allable butwhere 18have —I can the Love how I can quiet enjoy time all the activities, Wii bowling, andlocation be to some when I want especially it. This a beautiful walk around quiet time when I want it.

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Assisted Living & Memory Resort-Style Community Attorneys and Academy of Florida Elder ALL-INCLUSIVE: Living & Memory Care Resort-Style Community Volunteers restored the siteAssisted to its • Catch & Release in Fully-Stocked Lake Law Attorneys. Two-time Member of the ALL-INCLUSIVE: • Gourmet MealsFishing and Snacks former glory, making possible the “I love to see everything! Put me ALL-INCLUSIVE: “It’s the perfect place for me!”

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— Bob, resident • Gourmet Meals and Snacks • Housekeeping in 2001.

— Ella, resident • Transportation • Full-Service Salon • Housekeeping Compact but mighty, McKee also • Transportation • AllPendant Utilities • Transportation plays host to exhibits such as the • Alert • All Utilities • Plethora of Social Activities and Outings Tropical Flock of Avian Avatars, on • All Utilities • Plethora of Social Activities Outings Stop in for a free • Personalized Laundry & Linenand Services display through the end of April 2024.

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•Laundry Medication Management Long Term CareJoin the wait list today! created specifically for McKee using • Medication Management • Hurricane Ready Through • Maintenance-Free Living bamboo and wood, plus a variety • Maintenance-Free LivingCategory 4 The Florida Long Term & Nursing Home • Maintenance-Free Living of recycled, repurposed and reused • Alert Pendant & Nursing HCare • Alert Pendant Answer Booome materials that evoke the feeling of Answer Book • Alert Pendant k Call to schedule a tourThe Only Community feathers. with a 24/7 Watch Live videos Watch Live videos Call to schedule a tour Watch Live videos With a mission “to nurture and and the calendar andVideo the calendar atat Live-Stream Public Channel and the calendar at ChateauMadeleine.Live enhance a historic garden Locally in a unique ChateauMadeleine.Live Activities. owned and operatedwith Real-Time owned and operated ChateauMadeleine.Live tropical setting forLocally the owned education, Locally and operated ChateauMadeleine.Live enjoyment and enrichment of all,” Assisted Living #AL13351 License #AL13351 205 Hardoon Lane Melbourne,FL FL Assisted Living License “It’s never work when laughing and engaging with the “We love the ambiance and lifestyle. As soon as we Hardoon Lane • •Melbourne, McKee delivers extraordinary beauty 205 205 Assisted Living License #AL13351 Hardoon Lane • Melbourne, FL residents!”

— Stella, Director of Activities walked through the front door we knew we were home!” www.suntreeseniorliving.com and unique special programs that sales@suntreeseniorliving.com — Maureen & Saunder, residents “I love my apartment and interacting with staff!” www.suntreeseniorliving.com sales@suntreeseniorliving.com appeal to the young and not so.

— Anna Maria, resident McKee Botanical Garden is at 350 U.S.1 in Vero Beach. The garden is Discover YOUR favorite things at Chateau Madeleine! Call 321-701-8000 For A Tour open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m.

Assisted Living License #AL13351 Locally owned 205 Hardoon Lane • Melbourne, FL 32940 Sunday. For more information, visit mckeegarden.org. SL and operated sales@suntreeseniorliving.com suntreeseniorliving.com

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schedule another tour. “As people of faith, we continue to place our hope and trust in God even when we mourn with each person.”

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popping up in Orlando andto have some Love how I can enjoy all the activities, venues especially Wii bowling, and be able South Florida, the attraction closed and quiet time when I want it. This such a beautiful location I can walk “Best decision I’ve is ever made!

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Lake Madeleine and hang out at the dock.

It’s very peaceful here.”

— Don, resident “Best decision Love I’ve ever My friends are so especially much fun,Wii andbowling, the staffand is amazing. howmade!

I can enjoy all thehere activities, beOf able to have some

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visit, including new ones.”

“It was disappointing not to do what we planned and paid so much for, but we were so much better off than others so we couldn’t feel sorry for ourselves,” Brian Blenis said.

The Rev. Dionne C. Hammond, the Atlantic Central District Superintendent of the United Methodist Church and organizer, said 35 people from the district had plans derailed.

“First and foremost, we mourn the horrific acts of

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May Peace, Joy, Hope and Happiness be yours compete with entertainment decision I’ve ever made! My friends here are so larger much fun, and the staff is amazing. during this Holiday Season and throughout the New“Best Year!

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educational tour. At no time did we feel unsafe. We didn’t see or hear anything related to the war except in Ephesus, where we were asked not to sing in public.”

The group stayed together, held prayer services and didn’t encounter trouble.

Although the cruise didn’t include any of the promised ports she said, “the staff took really good care of us. If there was a food shortage, we didn’t know it. EO worked diligently behind the scenes, setting up transportation and sites to

Resort-Style Supported Independent, Assisted Living & Memory Care Community

SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg

William A. Johnson is a Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Lawyer for 19 years and has more than 32 years of experience serving Brevard County in the Suntree/Viera area.

SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey

Debra and Brian Blenis of Palm Bay expected to travel to Israel’s Holy Land, but their plans were thwarted by war. Their ship was diverted to Cyprus, Turkey and on to Greek islands.

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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

23

Safety concerns prompt closure of launch viewing area

BY MIKE GAFFEY

Citing public safety concerns, Space Launch Delta 45 has permanently closed a popular launchviewing area at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The South Gate launch viewing area on State Road 401 closed Nov. 1. Space Launch Delta 45, a unit of the United States Space Force, decided to shutter the site after several serious vehicle crashes in the vicinity and an increase in rocket launches, with more than 60 so far in 2023 as of Nov. 7.

Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, SLD 45 commander, said in an emailed press release that the decision to close the site was not taken lightly.

“The safety of the public is our utmost priority,” Panzenhagen said. “Recent incidents highlighted an unacceptable level of risk to bystanders at South Gate

viewing area and to the continuity of our mission.

While we understand the disappointment this closure may cause, we cannot compromise on safety.”

With the site now closed, Space Launch Delta 45, which is headquartered at Patrick Space Force Base, encouraged space enthusiasts to watch launches from other Brevard County locations.

Mark Marquette, a community liaison for the American Space Museum and Walk of Fame at 308 Pine St. in Titusville, suggested that launch watchers head to Space View Park at 10 Broad St. in Titusville, or the A. Max Brewer Bridge just east of U.S.1 along State Road 406.

“It’s hard to beat Titusville,” Marquette said.

“You’re just nine miles away from the launch pad. A lot of people park along the river and there are a lot of viewing spots along there.”

Other good viewing sites include State Road 528 west

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS continued from page 15

Schools’ Students-In-Transition program.

Parasol Melbourne, 4881 Dairy Road Melbourne, 833-904-4341 Christmas Time is Here Concert 2 p.m.

Presented by the Harbor City Harmonizers.

Satellite Beach High School 300 Scorpion Court Satellite Beach, 321-345-7292 Messiah Sing Along 3 p.m.

Presented by the Space Coast Symphony.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 106 N. Riverside Drive Indialantic, 855-252-7276 Merritt Island’s Holiday Illumination Celebration 4 - 7 p.m.

Tree-lighting ceremony, festive treats, kid-friendly activities and local vendors.

Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island, 321-453-1776 21st annual Turkey Creek Christmas Boat Parade 7:30 p.m.

Decorated boats will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Turkey Creek in front of Palm Bay Marina. Turn VHF to Channel 71.

Turkey Creek, 4220 Dixie Highway NE Palm Bay, 321-258-4492 31st annual Melbourne Light Parade — Lighting the Season with Compassion 6 - 8 p.m.

Parade starts at 1300 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and heads south.

1300 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Melbourne 321-544-1777 2023 Cocoa Beach Boat Parade 6 p.m.

Parade starts at Marker 101, which is near Centennial Park on State Road 520 across from Cape Canaveral Hospital.

CocoaBeachBoatParade.com

Downtown Art Gallery looks to the future in new home

BY FLORA REIGADA

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Space Launch Delta 45

Spectators at the South Gate launch viewing area near the entrance to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station watch a rocket lift off. The site was closed Nov. 1 due to safety concerns. of Port Canaveral, The Cove entertainment district at the Port, the beaches along Cape Canaveral and the north side of State Road 520, he said.

Still, Marquette lamented the loss of the South Gate viewing area. “That was a great spot outside the Space Force Station,” he said. “I’ve

Annual Holiday Food and Bake Sale 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Pies, baklava, perogies, breads and jams.

St. Anthony Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 4031 Aurora Road Melbourne, 305-812-4940

Selfies With Santa: The Brookshire 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Food trucks and photos with Santa.

The Brookshire, 85 Bulldog Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-984-7966

DEC. 10

DEC. 15

Fourth annual Florida Snow Day 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Live music, vendors, snowball fights, food truck and sock skating.

Eau Gallie Square Park 1452 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-430-4403 We Need a Little Christmas Concert 3 p.m.

Indialantic Chamber Singers.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 106 N. Riverside Drive Indialantic, 321-426-0360 Suntree Community Concert 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Suntree United Methodist Church 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-242-2585 Adagio Sax Quartet: The Beauty of Christmas Concert 3 - 5 p.m.

The Melbourne Municipal Band.

Harbor City Baptist Church 2711 N Harbor City Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-724-0555

DEC. 11

DEC. 14

Holiday Bike Parade 6 - 8 p.m.

Entry is free with the donation of a hygiene/cleaning product. Benefits the Sharing Center of Central Brevard.

Cocoa Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd.

Cocoa, 321-631-9075 Hope Has Come — Christmas Tour 6 - 8 p.m.

Celebrate Christmas with David Glenn.

Trinity Lutheran Church 3671 S. Hopkins Ave. Titusville, 321-267-6323 We Need a Little Christmas Concert 7 p.m.

Indialantic Chamber Singers.

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church 300 Malabar Road SE Palm Bay, 321-426-0360 Festival of Wreaths Silent Auction 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Glenbrooke at Palm Bay 815 Briar Creek Blvd. NE Palm Bay, 321-956-3330

DEC. 16

“A Christmas Carol” 6 p.m.

Broadway and film actor Duffy Hudson, without the aid of props or costumes while playing all 30 characters, brings this magical tale to life.

201 Polk Ave., Cape Canaveral, 321-868-101

The Skydiving Saint Nicks 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Watch Santa, Mrs. Claus and all their helpers Land in the Sand with the awesome Super Huey Bell 412 Chopper.

Crowne Plaza Hotel Oceanfront 2605 North A1A Indialantic, 321-977-5097

DEC. 13

Port St. John Christmas Parade 11 a.m.

The Wonderland Of Christmas Morning Fay Blvd., Port St. John, 321-633-7499

Living Nativity: Temple Baptist Church 6 - 9 p.m.

Dec. 13 and 17 Drive through, park and walk up.

Temple Baptist Church 1400 N. Washington Ave. Titusville, 321-268-1133

24 SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John

2023 Merritt Island Boat Parade 5:30 - 10 p.m.

The parade will go 14.5 miles on

seen some booster landings there. It’s sad.”

Go to patrick.spaceforce. mil/ for more information.

SL

residential canals.

Merritt Island, 321-877-2902 Celtic Christmas 6:30 p.m.

St. Andrew United Methodist Church 3380 Dairy Road, Titusville 321-269-7621

DEC. 17

Celtic Christmas 6:30 p.m.

First UMC, 206 S. Hopkins, Titusville 321-269-7621 Christmas Cantata: Cocoa Presbyterian Church 10:30 a.m.

Cocoa Presbyterian Church 1404 Dixon Blvd., Cocoa, 321-631-3956 A Christmas Banquet Concert 3 p.m.

Space Coast Flute Orchestra.

Suntree United Methodist Church 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-242-2585 Snow Days on the Space Coast 5 - 10 p.m.

Dec. 17 and Dec. 18 Real snow slides, snow ball arena, hayrides, kids craft, elf hunt, bumper balls, Santa Sumo and food trucks.

Sand Point Park, 101 N. Washington Ave. Titusville, 984-496-3186 MMB Holiday Concert at The Avenues 7 p.m.

Featuring Staci Rosbury, conductor, and the Melbourne Municipal Concert Band.

The Avenue Viera, Central Park 2261 Town Center Ave., Viera, 321-724-0555

DEC. 20 & 21

MCO’s Pajammin’ Holidays Concert Series 7 - 9 p.m.

Melbourne Municipal Band.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-285-6724

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS continued to page 25

myseniorlife.com

For 21 years, the Downtown Art Gallery on south Washington Ave. in Titusville has been a cornerstone in the local art scene, with its �ine art, custom framing and community events.

But now is the time for a move that its owners hope will better serve the gallery’s purposes and the community It remains in the downtown district at 400 Orange St., just a few blocks from its original location.

“We’ve always wanted a standalone building, and one we like became available nearby. It offers us a better chance to serve our customers,” said Heidi Thamert, who owns the Gallery with her husband, Jeff Thamert. “The property has better parking access and a backyard for entertaining.”

About 20 displaying artists will also be making the move.

Watercolor artist Diane DeShong Cannon is among them.

“Our gallery family has been together a long time. We love each other and appreciate one another’s work. We also enjoy meeting people who come to the gallery,” Cannon said.

The Thamerts anticipate being fully operational in the new building by late November.

Fond memories of the original

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS continued from page 24

DEC. 22

Holiday Golf Cart Parade 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Starts at DeSoto Park and ends at David R. Schechter Community Center.

Satellite Beach, 321-777-5207

SENIOR LIFE David Reigada

The new home of the Titusville Art Gallery is located at 400 Orange Avenue.

SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada

Heidi Thamert, co-owner of the Downtown Art Gallery, hangs new art.

location remain. Among these is the music of R.G. Evans, the late singer and songwriter who entertained there.

“We also appreciate our loyal customers, some who have been with us since the beginning,” Heidi Thamert said.

But the time has come to add new memories at the new location.

Upcoming events include the gallery’s Merry Mimosas Christmas shopping experience from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. The free event includes a variety of mimosas and food bites. Guests are invited to tour the new location.

The new Downtown Art Gallery is at 400 Orange Ave. in Titusville.

For more information, go to thedowntownartgallery.com. VV

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Feeling grinchy about your vision?

DEC. 23

Run Run Santa 1 Mile 7:30 a.m.

A festive all-Santa 1-mile course for everyone.

Calvary Chapel Viera 2852 Fellowship Place Viera, 321-412-1830



DEC. 24

Surfing Santas 2023 7:30 a.m.

3 Minutemen Causeway Cocoa Beach, surfingsantas.org Christmas Eve services 10 and 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Church at Viera 9005 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-259-3454

321-267-0008

Christmas Eve Services 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Faith Viera Lutheran Church 5550 Faith Drive Viera, 321-636-5504

DEC. 31

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Dance 7:30 p.m.

Melbourne Municipal Band’s 12-piece Rock & Roll Revue.

Hilton Rialto Place, 200 Rialto Place Melbourne, 321-724-0555

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

25

Volunteering helps community, assists those in need, benefits seniors, volunteers

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE Some nonprofit organizations would love to have volunteers like Audrey Difalco.

She is enthusiastic about her work and has been volunteering a long time with the same organizations.

“I’ve always loved to volunteer and being a part of the community as I also volunteer at The King Center, I’ve been there now for around 18 years,” Difalco said. “The King Center has volunteers to help out with all the events.”

Difalco has also been volunteering at One Senior Place for more than 10 years. She was at One Senior Place for its Senior Job and Volunteer Fair held recently at its offices at in Viera.

About two dozen organizations and businesses were on hand to offer jobs and volunteer opportunities to seniors in attendance.

“We had a great turnout this year with over 100 seniors that came to offer their services for volunteering and also to find work,” said Barbara Fradkin, the former director of One Senior Place. “Now that COVID is over, many seniors realize they need something meaningful to do and also want to give back to the community, because they want to be useful.”

Volunteerism in the senior community provides them with a sense of purpose and social interaction.

One of the key benefits of volunteering among many seniors is social support as they’re at risk of isolation and aging-related stresses.

1936 Dodge Sedan Delivery

transportation for individuals living at home independently who lack support to go to doctor appointments, grocery runs and appointments.

“We currently have about 15 active volunteers that drive our clients in our vans to their appointments and the county provides them with insurance and worker’s comp during their work,” said Lori Hamilton, the VIM program coordinator, who’s been there for 19 years. “Some of our volunteers have other volunteer jobs and programs they participate in and I do the schedule

What do you buy for a senior? of Living to Age 100 Ed Baranowski box and shipped it. All they did was open the box and plug it in. Mom sang “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!”

Gifts are always symbols of love, concern and wallet. What do you buy for a senior? My father always loved the rum-soaked fruit cake. The monks shipped it, and my father was most thankful. When he passed away, I found seven unopened canned fruit cakes in his cupboard.

Greeting cards convey our thoughts for the holidays. Some people send letters. Now seniors who are computeroriented send an e-card, an email letter or photographs on Facebook.

Accepting holiday party invitations is a challenge for seniors. Cocktail events after dark may be fun, but not for the driver impaired after dark. An afternoon tea or brunch may be a good solution.

Give thanks, think happy thoughts and share the joy. Accept the challenge: “Remember the reason for the season!”

SL Ed Baranowski is an awardwinning writer, artist, speaker and seminar leader. He can be contacted at fast75sr@gmail.com.

26 SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

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every week so everyone has flexibility.”

There are plenty of other organizations such as Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) that are continually seeking volunteers to help in the community. SL Volunteers in Motion 321-635-7999 321transit.com Retired Senior Volunteer Program 321-631-2749

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This 1936 Dodge Sedan Delivery street rod has a late model ZZ4 350 engine with a R700 four-speed automatic transmission. It has modern suspension disk brakes and a Ford rear end. John Knight was looking for a Dodge van, but the one he wanted was quickly sold to someone else. He then opted for the 1936 Dodge Sedan Delivery, which he described as being like a van on a sedan chassis. He has owned the vehicle for 34 years and drives it on long trips and vacations.

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SENIOR TECHNOLOGY HELP Experienced, patient teacher offering Brevard seniors technology help for $20 per hour.

Computers, Phones, Printers, Video Meetings, Avoiding Scams.

Call Randall Lieberman at 561-667-2263

Market Square

Market Square

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

2024 Medicare Advantage and

Medicare Supplement Plans

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ANTIQUES WANTED TO BUY High prices paid!

Buying costume jewelry, flatware sets, coins, old military items, pottery, toys, trains, old paintings, figurines & much more

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Call Nancy for your appointment today 321-541-5663

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FREE AT HOME VALUATIONS Over 25 Years’ Experience in Antiques

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You Deserve Better Hearing

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Confused as a senior? A few days after Halloween, costumes and candy were displayed in stores, Thanksgiving and Christmas items were out at discounted prices to beat Black Friday sales.

Do you feel like Scrooge? Are you challenged to get in the holiday spirit?

Everywhere we look, we see holiday symbols. Christmas tree lots spring up around town. City workers hang candy canes and bells with ribbons without words to symbolize the season. Knights of Columbus sell car magnets with the message “Put Christ back in Christmas!” Lawn displays appear in front yards with “Happy Holiday” messages. Creches (Nativity displays), inflated Santas along with menorahs and Hanukkah symbols reflect our diverse communities.

It’s holiday time with wreaths, angels, artificial snow scenes, sleds, churches, songs, garlands, candles, crazy shirts, mistletoe, holly, festivals and pageants. Symbols abound!

Kwanza decorations appear from our African-American neighbors.

Those who do not believe in Christmas created the Festivus Tree (made from beer cans attached to a pole). It can be found in some government buildings along with the other symbols of the holiday period.

Many years ago, when my parents were labeled seniors, my dear mother commented during a phone call from Iowa, “Your father will not put up a Christmas tree. He says it’s too much bother.”

I live over 1,300 miles away. Mom needs a tree. I went to an area store, purchased a 3-foot decorated tree in a

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Buzz Biz

Marcia Booth of Recycle Brevard shares information at the Job & Volunteer Fair.

Additionally many retirees find that it’s a meaningful way to use their skills by giving back to the community and to mentor others.

“I have many friends that enjoy volunteering and are volunteers themselves. It’s a great way to meet people, as it’s enjoyable and it gives you something to do,” Difalco said.

Another organization that needs senior volunteers is Volunteers in Motion. It’s a program founded in 1996 and offered through Space Coast Area Transit. It provides safe

Owner: John Knight

CALL TODAY! FREE Hearing Test including FREE In Office Demo of Latest Technology!

Free Immunization Assessment by our Pharmacy Team

321-253-6310

8085 Spyglass Hill Rd., Viera (inside One Senior Place) SERVING ALL OF BREVARD Financing available, Insurance accepted

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Shingles, pneumonia, and more available now!

Seniors Day is the first Tuesday of each month. *20% off Regular Price Merchandise with bonus points 55+ with Balance Reward Card *Some restrictions apply

SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

27

A DIFFERENT KIND OF DOCTOR

A local doctor provides truly compassionate care and proven solutions for chronic pain and complicated conditions.

Care Rooted in Empathy and Experience Do you ever wonder what it is that makes some doctors so incredibly compassionate while others have a bedside manner better suited for the DMV? In the case of Dr. Andrea Izquierdo, LAc of Bodhi Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is a case of true empathy.

“I suffered from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in my teens and 20s.”

In other words, GERD is chronic longterm acid reflux.

“I had severe acid reflux three to five days a week that were so intense I was often bedridden and would become physically sick.”

Being that GERD is one of those complicated conditions that is difficult to treat, Dr. Andrea’s options were prescription medications that often did not work and to make lifestyle changes to limit triggers that often cause acid reflux.

“It was no way to live,” she shares. “I was young and should’ve been living a bright, vibrant life. Instead I was monitoring my daily caffeine intake, sleeping with extra pillows under my head and doing my best to avoid foods that triggered the acid reflux. As you can imagine living with a burning roller coaster from the stomach to the throat was not easy. Managing meal times, triggers and food amounts was rough!”

It wasn’t until she tried acupuncture that she found real relief.

“This is why I often refer to my practice as ‘The Last Resort With The Best Results.’

You’ve been everywhere else and been given the same disheartening prognosis, prescribed the same medications and told 'this is just something you’re going to have to learn to live.” Soon after her incredible experience with the healing arts she made the life changing decision to abandon her Western Medicine studies and pursue her master's degree in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

“Acupuncture quite literally saved my life and I wanted to share that with the world.” she proclaims.

Your Golden Years Should Be Golden

her neuropathy treatments gave me my life back,” and “it’s a miracle she treated my fibromyalgia, I don't know how else to explain it.”

While in school she watched as her grandmother began to suffer from peripheral neuropathy.

Dr. Andrea Izquierdo has a long personal history in complicated, difficult-to-understand conditions and understands how tragic it can all be if left untreated.

“Your golden years should be golden, not plagued with insufferable pain while doctors and specialists tell you there is nothing they can do.”

Understanding that Eastern Medicine excels where Western Medicine fails, Dr. Izquierdo set forth to develop treatment protocols for all variations of Peripheral Neuropathy (including diabetic and chemotherapy induced) and now has a 90% success rate in treating the symptoms of this once difficult to manage condition.

“I was tired of seeing the older generation suffer unnecessarily,” shares Dr. Izquierdo. “Diagnosing them as just getting older and giving them a treatment plan of ‘you’re just going to have to get used to it’ has never sat well with me so I wanted to offer them a real option for treatment and care.”

The Magic of Compassionate Care And what do those in her care have to say?

“Dr. Andrea looked me in my eyes and wanted to know about me, not just my condition. I feel like a person, not just a patient,” Mary said. “In fact, I don’t think she ever used the word patient.”

Others proclaim, “She saved my life,

“I have sat where my patients sit. I’ve experienced their pain and suffering in a very real way. I know the frustration of feeling hopeless on an intimate level. It’s why I practice the brand of medicine I do and why I’ve made it my life’s mission to treat the ‘untreatable.’

It brings me such incredible joy when.

I get to say ‘I can help you!’”

Furthermore, Dr. Andrea isn’t opposed to more modern medical solutions.

“It’s in blending the time-tested science of acupuncture with recent innovations in medicine that get me the best results.”

One of those advancements is ATP Resonance BioTherapy™, originally developed by NASA it aids nerves in regeneration by providing them the nutrients they need to repair and renew, “very similar to what water does for a plant!”

Dr. Izquierdo and her staff specialize in treating chronic pain, complicated neurological conditions and autoimmune diseases that leave other professionals scratching their heads.

Ready to schedule?

Call (321) 312-0771 for a comprehensive consultation today.

For more information about Dr. Izquierdo and what she treats, visit BodhiTCM.com.

Call (321) 312-0771 to schedule a Complimentary Consultation

28 SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2023

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