EXPO TIME
Wayne and Lonie Moraitis will sing a
Boomer Bash Senior Fest brings back Seniors Got Talent
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
Singers, dancers, comedians, musicians, magicians — there is so much talent out there among seniors that should be showcased.
That’s what Seniors Got Talent is all about, a showcase of talent — another fun part of Boomer Bash Senior Fest to be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Space Coast Convention Center.
Decked in their 1970s outfit impersonating Sonny and Cher — Wayne and Lonie Moraitis are among the expected performers.
“I enjoy singing but I don’t have to perform. This one here is a ham.”
Wayne Moraitis said, referring to his wife.
The Moraitis, who met while serving in the Army during the
Boomer Bash SENIOR FEST
Vietnam War, have been married 53 years. He started singing karaoke while she sat for a long time on the sidelines.
“I would go watch him sing,” she said.
Once the shyness left, she said, they began singing together occasionally. Now, they sing on karaoke nights about once a month at Heritage Isles, their Viera community. They are also part of the Heritage Isle Theater Guild.
“I love to dress up,” said Lonie
Moraitis, who dresses as Cher. This Seniors Got Talent show comes back by popular demand after two other fun and successful talent showcases Senior Life sponsored in recent years.
“The other two were wonderful,” said Jill Blue, the CEO and founder of Bluewater Creative Group, the parent company to Senior Life, Viera Voice and the Boomer Guide publications.
SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress
Sonny and Cher hit. Details, page 14-15.
Volume 27, Issue 6
Senior Life of Florida
7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102
Viera, FL 32940
321-242-1235
myseniorlife.com
jill@myseniorlife.com
Publisher Jill Blue
Editor
R. Norman Moody
Office Manager
Sylvia Montes
Copy Editor
Jeff Navin
Art Department
Jorjann Blake
Feature Writers
Ed Baranowski
Chris Bonanno
Ernie Dorling
Randal C. Hill
Susan M. Houts
Linda Jump
Betty Porter
Flora Reigada
Maria Sonnenberg
Nichole Yuan
We’re listening to your suggestions — keep the feedback coming
There is something about an outdoor market that adds so much to a community, even when it’s a pop-up that operates only on a limited schedule.
While there are various farmers’ markets on the Space Coast, including in North Brevard, the Miracle City Market — which is expected to be set up on two days at two locations this month in Titusville — adds to the mix.
Read our story about the market then maybe check around to see if your community has a pop-up or outdoor market. They are always worth at least a leisurely browsing stroll.
I have always admired stained glass. My church for the past 28 years, First Christian Church of Cocoa Beach, has 17 beautiful stained-glass windows. So, when the opportunity arose to tell you about this intricate craft, I quickly assigned a writer to tell you, our readers, about a hobbyist with a passion for creating stained glass.
Whenever we can, we’ll tell you about volunteer opportunities and about the work volunteers are doing in Brevard County to help their community.
We are fortunate to live on the Space Coast where volunteers bring such good feelings of a caring community.
Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine is a group of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who give their time and talent to help people in need in Brevard County. It is a free medical and dental clinic serving the uninsured on the Space Coast.
The Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine has handled more than 35,000 patient visits since 2011 and has donated more than 154,000 hours of volunteer work. Read their story in this edition of Senior Life
In addition to the stories mentioned above, in this edition we have those other features you have come to expect from Senior Life — about our military veterans, military and veterans’ issues, and articles on health and wellness that we believe will provide you with truly useful information.
In the past few months, we have received a lot of feedback from readers with suggestions for stories. We love hearing from you. It means you are reading and are engaged. Besides, we want to give you the kind of stories you want and expect from Senior Life. Keep your feedback coming. SL
R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com
Celebration showcases Chateau Madeleine’s anniversary, expansion
BY SUSAN M. HOUTS
Chateau Madeleine Senior Living in Suntree is preparing for a grand celebration as it marks its fifth anniversary with a fun and exciting event for residents and family — and big news for the community.
The celebration, set to take place Nov. 15, will feature a highly anticipated 1920s themed Murder Mystery Dinner, where guests will test their detective skills while enjoying an evening of interactive entertainment and fine dining.
As part of the festivities, Eric Hardoon, the administrator of the family-owned and operated Chateau Madeleine, will make an announcement about the community’s future, introducing the new Atlantis Senior Tower expansion.
This new development on the current campus will add 96,044 square feet of living space and 81 one-bedroom apartments, offering a luxury, hotel-like environment for residents seeking an active lifestyle.
One of the key features of the Atlantis Senior Tower is the planned heated pool, which is designed to offer a year-round aquatic experience for residents, whether they are swimming for exercise or leisure.
However, perhaps the most exciting addition is the rooftop Launch Bar and Bistro, a unique attraction that could become a highlight of the Space Coast’s senior living experience. The lounge was designed to give residents and their guests a front-row seat to the frequent
Eric Hardoon, the administrator of Chateau Madeleine Senior
shares a rendering of the
rocket launches that light up the Florida sky.
The Atlantis Senior Tower is part of Chateau Madeleine’s ongoing commitment to offering its residents a dynamic and engaging lifestyle.
“We’ve always strived to create an environment that feels both like home and an exciting community that encourages family visits to our residents,” Hardoon said. “This philosophy of engagement along with our excellent care from our staff members allows our residents to bloom here.”
The anniversary celebration is expected to draw a large crowd of residents and their families, eager to partake in the festivities and hear about the exciting developments.
The Murder Mystery Dinner, a
“I love everything here. The staff is great, everyone gets along. We all become like family.”
— Maureen
Hutchinson
nod to the creativity and liveliness of Chateau Madeleine’s social calendar, is sure to be an engaging way to commemorate the milestone.
And according to resident Maureen Hutchinson, who moved into Chateau Madeleine with her husband Saunder just over a year and a half ago, the activities are just part of what makes
CELEBRATION
Continued on page 6
SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress
Living in Suntree,
Atlantis Senior Tower, the facility’s planned expansion.
HOBBIES & PASSIONS
THE THIRD FEATURE IN A SERIES ON HOBBIES & PASSIONS
Stained glass creations a true passion for Suntree resident
BY ERNIE DORLING
Some people are interested in stained glass because of its beauty, while others are attracted to it because of the skills required to create and produce it.
It’s an art that requires a degree of artistic ability, some basic engineering concepts, and an abundance of patience. There is also an aura of mystery when creating stained glass, a technique that has changed little since it began centuries ago.
Valerie Esposito, a native of Brooklyn, New York, and now a resident of Suntree, was introduced to stained glass in her 20s. It stayed with her and would become a cherished hobby in her retirement.
“I was working at a hospital in New York City when one of our patients brought in a stained glass for my boss,” Esposito said. “I always loved anything stained glass, but this piece
was exquisite. The woman who made this stained-glass piece also gave classes, so I took a few.”
As Esposito’s career took off, she became an executive assistant for a cancer center in New York City and later a unit coordinator for an oncology practice on Long Island.
“I didn’t have the time to devote to developing my skills in stained glass until I retired and moved to Florida with my husband. I was busy working and raising a family,” she said. “But when I retired, I got back into it.”
In previous years, depending on the project she was working on, Esposito might work on a piece of stained glass daily for a week or two.
“I can create a custom stainedglass piece for almost any window. The costs will vary based on size and what the customer wants,” she said. “However, I don’t want to focus on huge pieces anymore. Costs for materials, after Covid, have
skyrocketed to the point that I have to charge too much for a finished product.”
Esposito is now focusing on making stained glass Christmas ornaments and jewelry.
“Making smaller items keeps the costs down and doesn’t require me to get up on ladders to measure and install large pieces of glass,” she said smiling. “Also, I love making this stuff. It’s a hobby. I don’t want it to turn into a job.”
Esposito suggests that anyone
BY JEFF NAVIN
Too often, some charities get overlooked. Denise Argue and Lisa Stanton are doing their best through the annual Brevard County Festival of Wreaths.
interested in stained glass as a hobby take several classes to develop some of the basic skills associated with it.
“You’ll pick up many tips from the instructor, who has undoubtedly worked with stained glass for several years.”
Esposito also said that start-up costs associated with this hobby can run between $300 and $400.
If you want to learn more about stained glass or have Esposito create one, email her at Vespo32@aol.com SL
programs, which serve homeless students.
“We really want to give back to the community and help charities that are struggling with revenue,’’ said Argue, who has been a co-chair of the event with Stanton since its inception more than 10 years ago. “We try to pick a different charity each year.’’
The Festival of Wreaths will be held from noon to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Azan Shriners Center at 1591 West Eau Gallie Boulevard in Melbourne. The admission fee is $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and younger.
Proceeds will benefit Shriners Children’s Hospital and their Space Coast patients and Brevard County Schools Students In Transition
“This is the third year that we’re helping the schools,’’ Argue said. “It’s their biggest fundraiser. There are close to 2,000 homeless students. The schools take care of educational supplies. We’re trying to help with clothes. So many of them can’t afford housing or even mattresses. We like to give them gift cards. Many of them are victims of domestic violence and living out of cars. It’s so sad.’’
There are an estimated 40 children from Brevard County who are living at or being treated at the Shriners Hospital in Tampa. Shriners does not have a hospital in Brevard County.
“I’m happy to know that those funds are staying local,’’ Argue said. “Those funds can be used for traveling expenses to Tampa.’’
WREATHS
Continued on page 20
SENIOR LIFE Ernie Dorling Stained glass art, including jewelry, is a cherished hobby for Valerie Esposito.
A r e y o u t i r e d o f l i v i n g w i t h b a c k p a i n
t h a t w o n ’ t l e t y o u d o t h e t h i n g s y o u
o n c e e n j o y e d ?
H a v e y o u t r i e d e v e r y t h i n g a n d f o u n d
n o r e l i e f ?
I t i s t i m e t o c o n s i d e r a n a l t e r n a t i v e t h a t
h a s w o r k e d f o r t h o u s a n d s o f o t h e r
B r e v a r d c o u n t y r e s i d e n t s D r A n d r e a
I z q u i e r d o , A P , o f B o d h i T C M
A c u p u n c t u r e , o f f e r s a n i n n o v a t i v e
a p p r o a c h t o h e a l i n g .
I m a g i n e w a k i n g u p f r e e f r o m p a i n . Y o u
a r e a b l e t o e n j o y y o u r l i f e , h a v e m o r e
e n e r g y , s l e e p b e t t e r , a n d d o t h e t h i n g s
y o u l o v e T h e s e a r e t h e t y p e s o f r e s u l t s
a n d s u c c e s s s t o r i e s p a t i e n t s a t B o d h i
T C M e x p e r i e n c e e a c h w e e k .
S u c c e s s s t o r i e s l i k e S h e r K f r o m
M e l b o u r n e :
" A f t e r t h r e e d a y s o f s e v e r e b a c k p a i n ,
I w a s r e a d y t o g o t o t h e E R . I c o u l d n ' t
s i t , s t a n d , o r l i e d o w n w i t h o u t p a i n .
L u c k i l y , I g o t a l a s t - m i n u t e
a p p o i n t m e n t w i t h D r A n dr e a W i t h h e r
c o u r s e o f t r e a t m e n t , I f e l t s i g n i f i c a n t
r e l i e f . M y b a c k i s s t r o n g e r t h a n e v e r ,
a n d e v e n m y s h o u l d e r p a i n a n d f o o t
t i n g l i n g h a v e i m p r o v e d . I h i g h l y
r e c o m m e n d a n y o n e i n p a i n t o s e e h e r "
T h e s e a m a z i n g r e s u l t s a r e d u e t o t h e i r
p e r s o n a l i z e d t r e a t m e n t p r o t o c o l s , w h i c h
a d d r e s s t h e r o o t c a u s e o f c h r o n i c p a i n
b y b l e n d i n g T r a d i t i o n a l C h i n e s e
M e d i c i n e w i t h t h e i r o w n C e l l u l a r
B i o M o d u l a t i o n T h e r a p y
“ E v e r y o n e i s d i f f e r e n t , e v e n i f t w o
p a t i e n t s h a v e t h e s a m e c h r o n i c p a i n
d i a g n o s i s , t h e a p p r o a c h n e e d s t o b e
u n i q u e t o t r u l y a d d r e s s t h e r o o t c a u s e ” -
D r A n d r e a e x p l a i n s
“ T h a t s w h y a l l o f o u r p r o t o c o l s a r e
p e r s o n a l i z e d . D u r i n g o u r c o m p r e h e n s i v e
c o n s u l t a t i o n w e g o o v e r m e d i c a l h i s t o r y ,
l i f e s t y l e a n d h e a l t h g o a l s I f I c a n h e l p , I w i l l t e l l t h e p a t i e n t e x a c t l y w h a t i t t a k e s
t o h e l p t h e m a c h i e v e t h e i r he a l t h g o a l s ”
D r . A n d r e a c o n t i n u e s :
“ O n c e w e g e t s t a r t e d , t h e b e s t p a r t i s
t h a t o u r t r e a t m e n t s a r e v e r y r e l a x i n g
M o s t p a t i e n t s f a l l a s l e e p a n d d o n o t w a n t t o l e a v e t h e o f f i c e ”
C o n t i n u i n g t o s t r u g g l e w i t h c h r o n i c p a i n d o e s n o t h a v e t o b e p a r t o f y o u r
l i f e E v e n a f t e r y e a r s o f f i n d i n g n o h o p e , g o i n g t h r o u g h s u r g e r i e s , s t e r o i d s h o t s , p r e s c r i p t i o n s a n d e v e n p r o c e d u r e s l i k e
k y p h o p l a s t y , p a t i e n t s a r e s t i l l a b l e t o
o b t a i n g r e a t r e s u l t s . L i k e R a c h a e l G . o f
V i e r a w h o s h a r e s :
" S h e h a s g i v e n m e r e s u l t s a f t e r j u s t a f e w
s e s s i o n s , w h e r e a s o t h e r d o c t o r s h a v e
l i t e r a l l y j u s t s h r u g g e d a t m e a n d s a i d t h e y
d i d n ' t k n o w w h a t e l s e t h e y c o u l d d o f o r
m e b e y o n d a p r e s c r i p t i o n S h e i s t h o r o u g h a n d t r u l y l i s t e n s ”
T h e i r t r e a t m e n t s a r e e f f e c t i v e f o r m a n y c h r o n i c p a i n c o n d i t i o n s s u c h a s : n e c k , s h o u l d e r , k n e e p a i n , f o o t p a i n , f a i l e d s u r g e r i e s a n d m o r e , a s s e e n b y
t h e i r m a n y 5 s t a r t r e v i e w s a n d t e s t i m o n i a l s
B i l l y F o f S a t e l l i t e b e a c h s h a r e s :
“ A s a v e t e r a n I h a v e h a d m a n y i s s u e s , k n e e s r e p l a c e d , n e c k s u r g e r y , b a c k
p a i n , y o u n a m e i t . S i n c e s t a r t i n g
t r e a t m e n t , t h i s i s t h e f i r s t t i m e I h a v e
b e e n a b l e t o w a l k w i t h o u t p a i n T h e y
w a n t t o d o a f o u r t h k n e e r e p l a c e m e n t ,
b u t I w i l l b e a v o i d i n g t h a t n o w t h a n k s t o m y t r e a t m e n t s h e r e . ”
A n o t h e r o n e o f t h e i r h a p p y p a t i e n t s ,
C h r i s t o p h e o f W e s t M e l b o u r n e s h a r e s :
“ I h a d b e e n s u f f e r i n g f r o m s h o u l d e r
M e e t t h e P r a c t i t i o n e r
p a i n a n d r e c e i v e d c o r t i s o n e i n j e c t i o n s ,
b u t t h e r e l i e f w a s s h o r t - l i v e d . T h e n I
f o u n d A n d r e a a n d h e r t e a m w h o
s p e c i a l i z e i n a c u p u n c t ur e T h e r e s u l t s w e r e r e m a r k a b l e W i t h i n a m o n t h , m y
p a i n a n d i n f l a m m a t i o n h a d v a n i s h e d . I t
d i d n ' t j u s t a l l e v i a t e t h e p a i n ; i t s e e m e d
t o h e a l m e . I w o n d e r w h y I h a d n ' t t r i e d i t s o o n e r . ”
I t i s p r o v e n t h a t c h r o n i c p a i n b e c o m e s w o r s e o v e r t i m e , m a k i n g i t h a r d e r t o
t r e a t D e l a y i n g t r e a t m e n t m e a n s
e x t e n d i n g s u f f e r i n g u n n e c e s s a r i l y
D o n ’ t w a s t e a n o t h e r d a y o f y o u r l i f e i n
p a i n T a k e t h e f i r s t s t e p a n d c a l l t o d a y
to s e t u p a c o n s u l t a t i o n a n d f i n d o u t
h o w y o u c a n t o o b e p a i n f r e e !
S c a n t h i s c o d e t o s e e t h e i r p a t i e n t s u c c e s s s t o r i e s
o r v i s i t :
w w w b o d h i t c m c o m
D r . A n d r e a I z q u i e r d o , A P .
S t a r t e d B o d h i T C M
A c u p u n c t u r e i n
2 0 1 7 w i t h t h e p u r p o s e o f
b r i n g i n g a d i f f e r e n t t y p e o f
h e a l i n g t o t h e S p a c e C o a s t S h e
c o m p l e t e d h e r P r e m e d i c i n e s t u d i e s
a t t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f F l o r i d a , a n d h e r
A c u p u n c t u r e P h y s i c i a n d e g r e e a t
F C I M i n O r l a n d o S h e i s n a t i o n a l l y
B o a r d C e r t i f i e d a n d h a s s t u d i e d
o v e r s e a s a t t h e 3 0 1 h o s p i t a l i n
B e i j i n g C h i n a a s w e l l a s T i b e t
H a v i n g p e r f o r m e d o v e r 1 5 , 0 0 0
t r e a t m e n t s a t h e r p r a c t i c e , s h e h a s
h e l p e d t h o u s a n d s o f B r e v a r d C o u n t y
r e s i d e n t s w i t h s e e m i n g l y h o p e l e s s
C h r o n i c a n d c o m p l e x c o n d i t i o n s
B l e n d i n g A n c i e n t C h i n e s e
M e d i c i n e w i t h M o d e r n S c i e n c e , D r .
A n d r e a a n d h e r t e a m d e v e l o p
p e r s o n a l i z e d t r e a t m e n t p r o t o c o l s
t o a d d r e s s t h e r o o t c a u s e o f p a i n
e v e n w h e n e v e r y t h i n g e l s e h a s f a i l e d .
By Randal C. Hill
Behind the Beat
‘I Can Help’ — Billy Swan
Billy Swan always maintained that his best songs have come easily and fast. Case in point: In 1962, at age 20, Swan struck recording gold when a poem he wrote in a high school English class years before, morphed into the lyrics of a hastily composed ditty he called “Lover Please.”
It became the last Top 10 hit for rhythm-and-blues legend Clyde McPhatter.
One dozen years later, Swan entered Tennessee record producer Chip Young’s Young’un Sound Studio and, in two takes, recorded a chart-topping tune that had taken him 20 minutes to write. Music critics pronounced “I Can Help” a neo-rockabilly shuffle, fueled by an irresistible electric organ line; Swan, though, saw it as an up-tempo blues song. Either way, it became a smash on both sides of the Atlantic.
Born in Missouri, Swan grew up influenced by country artists and such rock ‘n’ roll pioneers as Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. By age 14, Swan was drumming in local beer joints, while also teaching himself
to play rhythm guitar and keyboards.
He eventually moved to Memphis, where he wrote several songs for established country artists and, in time, cut his record-production teeth on Tony Joe White’s classic ditty “Polk Salad Annie.”
Swan signed to record for Nashville’s Monument Records. He composed “I Can Help” in the music room that his wife, Marlu, had converted from a closet inside the small duplex they shared. Those cramped quarters held an electric organ, an amplifier and a Rhythm Master drum machine.
“That Rhythm Master had something like 10 preset sounds,” Swan recalled. “It had mambo, cha-cha, bossa nova, Rock 1 and Rock 2. I used one of those rock settings when I wrote ‘I Can Help.’”
Young’un Sound was actually a two-room log house in Murfreesboro,
Tennessee, about 35 miles southeast of Nashville. To record his millionseller, Swan borrowed a portable organ from a session musician in the studio that day.
Swan explained: “Chip set up a vocal mic. I stood in front of the organ, and what you hear was
captured on the second take. While I was playing the organ and singing, I was also shaking my leg all through that take; Chip’s little puppy named Bowser was tugging on my pants leg all through what you hear on the record.”
Let’s examine “I Can Help.”
On the surface, a kind-hearted man is offering his services to a lady who may appreciate his assistance: I got two strong arms, I can help
Apparently, nothing is too big a task for him:
If your child needs a daddy, I can help
But the song’s refrain shows a change in focus, and Mister Nice Guy is obviously also interested in establishing a romantic relationship: When I go to sleep at night
You’re always a part of my dream
Holding me tight and telling me everything I want to hear
Yes, he’s willing to help, but he yearns for more.
You’ve explained yourself, Swan. Now all you can do is await her decision. SL
blueprint of what will become 81 one-bedroom apartments.
CELEBRATION
Continued from page 3 this community the perfect place for her.
“I love everything here,” Hutchinson said. “The staff is great, everyone gets along. We all become like family.”
Hutchinson is also a resident ambassador, welcoming new residents to the community and inviting them to activities to get them acclimated to the senior living lifestyle.
“I think it is exciting,” she said about the new development. “There will be many new people to meet!”
Chateau Madeleine officials said it set itself apart as a premier senior living facility, where residents can enjoy top-notch amenities and a vibrant community.
The groundbreaking for Atlantis Senior Tower is scheduled for January 2025. SL
SENIOR LIFE photo
Billy Swan’s “I Can Help” became a top hit in the United States and across the Atlantic.
SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress Eric Hardoon reviews the Chateau Madeleine
TECH KNOW TIDBITS
Motion sensor lighting provides efficient, energy-saving solution
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
You walk up to your front door and the light is off, so you fumble with your keys trying to open the door in the dark.
Someone walks up to your gate at the front of your home during the night and it’s too dark to see who it is through the window.
If any of these scenarios apply to you, you might want to install a motion sensor light.
Up until recent years, to have a motion activated light, you had to have a fixture installed. Now, there are motion sensor bulbs.
In many applications, there is no need to change or install a new fixture. A bulb will do.
Motion detector bulbs have small electronic eyes that detect infrared waves, which are heat waved that radiate from a person or other moving object.
These motion detection LED light
bulbs come on once it detects movement within a few feet. It turns off in 30 to 60 seconds after it no longer detects motion.
Once your bulb is screwed into your existing fixture, it is generally activated by flipping your light switch on, off and on again in a quick succession. The bulb will turn on, then go off in about 30 seconds. The light will remain off during the day and night even though the switch is on. The light will come on during the night if the sensor detects motion near it.
These bulbs are not only good outside but work well inside for someone who often forgets to turn off the lights.
The bulbs are suitable for your covered porch, garages or front door and many other locations. Motion sensor flood light bulbs are also available.
The bulbs can be bought usually in packs of two or more. Prices are about $15 for a pack of two outdoor motion sensor bulbs, depending on the wattage. The floodlights cost about $27 for two. They are available at local home improvement stores and on Amazon. SL
SENIOR LIFE R. Norman Moody
A motion detector bulb might be an easy nighttime security solution.
STRI PES
Veterans, friends remember a true veterans’ advocate
Through the years, I attended many of the send-offs and reunions of veterans of the Space Coast Honor Flights and know what it means to so many veterans.
Perhaps no one knew that better than Tim Olson.
I saw him at every one of the gatherings I attended. Serving the veterans that went on the Honor Flight or in any other way was his passion. He was a true advocate for veterans.
Olson passed away in August. It was only fitting that the Space Coast Honor Flight held a reunion in remembrance of Olson that brought together family, friends and veterans who went on one of the many Honor
Flights that he led.
“If you asked Tim Olson to do something for a vet, he’d be there,” said Bill Welser, a retired Air Force lieutenant general who is the president emeritus of the Space Coast Honor Flight.
Honor Flight takes veterans at no cost to Washington, D.C. on one-day trips to visit the memorial monuments
in their honor.
Olson, who served in the U.S. Navy, was known as a man of few words who was the best advocate a veteran could have. Though there were not a lot of words exchanged, Olson always greeted me with a firm handshake, a kind word and a smile.
I will always remember the last time I saw him, not long before his passing. He saw me from afar in Viera and walked over to say hello. Every other time I saw him, he was always in a blue Honor Flight shirt. He was the face of Space Coast Honor Flight to so many who knew him.
Olson was a founding member and operations director of the Space Coast Honor Flight and led more than 1,600
veterans to visit the memorials in Washington.
“He was so passionate about Honor Flight,” his wife Suzanne said during the remembrance reunion held Oct. 20 at Wickham Park Senior Center.
In addition to his volunteer work with Space Coast Honor Flight, Olson served as the Florida Joint Council leader, which brought together 10 hubs. He was a supporter of the four monthly luncheons that gave veterans who went on Honor Flights and their families an opportunity to share camaraderie. He also helped to get other Honor Flight units in Florida to get started. SL
Marine sets stage for helping others into federal law enforcement
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
Ernie Dorling, like many young people graduating high school, did not know where he would land.
It turned out that his decision to join the military was the beginning of a storied career that took him from federal law enforcement to college professor and author.
Dorling joined the U.S. Marine Corps in the spring of 1969 as the storm of the Vietnam war raged.
“After high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do, so I joined the Marine Corps with two other friends who had also been transplanted from the North,” said Dorling, whose family had moved from Michigan to South Florida. “In 1969, joining the Marines wasn’t fashionable, with the anti-war demonstrations dividing the country. Ten days after graduating high school, I was standing on the yellow footprints at Parris Island.”
Born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, he grew up outside of Detroit, Michigan before the family’s move during his junior year of high school.
Six years in the Marine Corps included a stint as a recruiter in Birmingham, Alabama.
SENIOR LIFE
Courtesy of Ernie Dorling
Ernie Dorling joined the U.S. Marine Corps right out of high school and served six years.
“I was a platoon sergeant with the 2nd Marine Division based at Camp LeJeune during my last 20 months in the Corps,” Dorling said. “I was in the military police and ran a tactical police unit.”
By then, Dorling knew he wanted a career in law enforcement, so he left the Marines and returned to South Florida.
“The Hollywood (Florida) Police Department hired me,” Ernie said. “I
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Ernie Dorling
Ernie Dorling served in federal law enforcement before becoming a college professor.
walked in wearing my uniform and they hired me on the spot. Looking back, it was one of the best jobs I ever had. The camaraderie associated with that profession is on par with being
in the military. You learn to trust the people you work with because your life depends on it.”
During his three years with the Hollywood Police Department, Dorling completed his degree in Criminal Justice and was later hired as a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).
“This was a great opportunity,” he said. “I was now working on more complicated investigations involving arsonists, gun runners and groups involved in all types of federal criminal conspiracies. Back then, ATF was part of the Treasury Department. In every election, agents were temporarily assigned to the Secret Service to supplement the presidents and presidential candidates’ protection details. I was detailed to the protection teams of Ronald Reagan, John Glenn, Jesse Jackson and Gary Hart.”
In 1986, Dorling transferred to the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).
“The Department of Defense was building an agency of criminal
DORLING
Continued on page 21
Celebration marks 100 years for feisty WWII veteran
BY SUSAN M. HOUTS
On a sunny afternoon in October, the atmosphere at Volante Senior Living was filled with the energy of celebration as George A. Frank marked his 100th birthday, surrounded by family, friends, staff members and fellow residents.
The event, featuring live entertainment and cupcakes, was a joyous occasion that honored a man whose life has been defined by service, family and a zest for living.
Born on Oct. 12, 1924, in Baltimore, Maryland, Frank came into the world as a healthy 15-pound baby boy. Raised during the Great Depression by his parents, Mike and Francis — secondgeneration immigrants from Bohemia, Czechoslovakia and Poland — Frank learned the value of hard work early on. He worked in a bakery and as a plumber’s assistant during the 1930s, famously installing the first indoor bathroom of a house on his street.
At 19, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He served aboard the USS Brooklyn, a light cruiser, during two tours of Italy, recounting stories of shoveling ash from the Mount Vesuvius eruption and standing guard for General
George Patton.
He was honorably discharged in 1945 as a corporal, proud of his service to his country.
In 1946, Frank married the love of his life, Margaret Hedderman.
“I married the best wife in the world,” Frank said. Together, they raised three children, and Frank’s commitment to family remained steadfast. “We never went anywhere, except together.”
In 1950, he joined the Baltimore County Police Department, where he served for 25 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant. Despite his demanding job, Frank earned a teaching degree after eight years of night classes, graduating from Towson State College in 1971.
Frank and his wife moved to the Villages, Florida in
2004, and Margaret died four years later in 2008. Frank continued to live independently until moving to Volante Senior Living in late 2023.
When asked to describe him, Frank’s family and friends gave a list that included, “a talker, feisty, patriot, lifetime protector, honest to a fault and irreplaceable.”
As for the secret to his longevity? His family agrees it’s a combination of his positive attitude — and his ritual of enjoying two beers nearly every day.
Frank’s determination, love for family and patriotic spirit continue to inspire his three children, 11 grandchildren, and 13 greatgrandchildren. SL
SENIOR LIFE Susan M. Houts
George Frank enjoyed a great celebration of his 100th birthday with friends and staff at Volante Senior Living in Melbourne.
SENIOR LIFE
Courtesy of George Frank George Frank enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 19 during World War II.
SENIOR LIFE Susan M. Houts Employees and residents at Volante Senior Living celebrated with George Frank.
Retired USAF colonel’s political thriller keeps readers engaged
BY ERNIE DORLING
Retired Air Force Col. Tom Belisle of Viera draws on his military experience for his novels. Belisle has just published his third novel,
“Secret of the Crimson Sun,” which involves Air Force fighter pilot Matt “Ace” Black.
“The character is someone I can relate to,” Belisle said. “I spent much of my career inside and out of the Air Force working alongside
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fighter pilots, supporting them with flyable aircraft, and socializing with them. Fighter pilots are alpha characters in that they are decisive, impulsive, committed and determined.”
Belisle and his wife, Cathy, moved to Viera in April 2008.
“I retired from the Air Force in 1998,” Belisle said.
Viera — Ormond — Jacksonville
“After I retired, I worked as a logistics director at Lockheed Martin Aerospace on the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter program for 10 years.”
Belisle always enjoyed writing. He was the editor of his high school newspaper in Virginia. He continued to build on his writing skills in the military and the aircraft industry.
“The writing process is multifaceted,” Belisle said. “I start with a basic premise of the story, then begin pulling together all the main and supporting scenes. I then begin digging into the THRILLER
Continued on page 27
SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress
has
niche
Matt “Ace”
Take
SCHEDULE
9 a.m. Doors open Tote bags to the first 200 Coffee Bar, all day Snacks all day Music/DJ on stage
11:30 a.m. Seniors Got Talent Performances
12:10 p.m. Intermission
12:55 p.m. Show ends
Grand Prize Winner and other winners announced Need not be present to win the grand prize
INFORMATIVE EXHIBITORS
Health, Volunteering, Elder Law, Finance, Wellness, Travel, Retirement options, Caregiver news, Insurance, Veterans resources, Real Estate, Home health, Entertainment
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Volunteers in Medicine make a difference for the uninsured
BY CHRIS BONANNO
More than 35,000 times since 2011, volunteers have given of their time and talent to care for people in Brevard County without medical insurance.
A group of volunteers based at the Brevard County Health Department building at 2555 Judge Fran Jamieson Way in Viera have been providing free health care to Brevard residents who are both uninsured and qualify for help for more than a decade.
Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine (SCVIM) is “an allvolunteer team of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, pharmacists, nurses and support staff who give their time to provide care for the community.”
According to SCVIM, the organization is a non-emergency clinic that focuses on diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, weight control, nutrition and gynecology. Additionally, SCVIM, while limited, still accepts those seeking treatment for arthritis, skin disorders, asthma, lung, stomach and thyroid problems.
To qualify for services, prospective patients must be at least 18 years old, not have health insurance, not receive Medicare, Medicaid or VA benefits and have an annual household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.
“One of the things when I talk about
SENIOR LIFE Chris Bonanno
Space Coast Volunteers In Medicine patient coordinator
Fred Catalano, left, director of qualifying Maria Huertas, information technology director Lee Stoeckert, executive director Laurie Stoeckert and deputy director Dr. Alesia Carrizales are ready to help people in need of medical care.
our clinic that surprises people, when you think about a volunteer clinic, you might think everybody is indigents, homeless or whatever,” said Dr. Alesia Carrizales, the deputy director. “I kind of remind people, no, the majority of our patients work. They work a job.”
According to SCVIM, there have been more than 35,000 patient visits since 2011 with more than $21,640,000 in free medical and dental services supplied through the organization. Additionally, more than 154,300 hours have been donated.
It is “very, very rewarding to be able to help someone in need,” said Fred Catalano, the patient coordinator.
This year, executive director Laurie Stoeckert indicated that there have been 980 medical visits and 452 pharmacy visits through Oct. 14. SCVIM operates from 8:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday.
“We have a group of patients that we see regularly throughout the year, and so it really is family practice and that’s really amazing,” Carrizales said. “… you see the progress. You see the impact over time and that’s super, super helpful.”
Those who are interested in more information or becoming a patient should call 321-639-5813 or send an e-mail to qualifying@scvim.org
“We’ve tried really hard to reach out in the community, to the employers in the community that can’t offer health insurance to their employees that fit those guidelines,” Stoeckert said. “… The problem is we are the best kept secret … we don’t want to be.”
Additionally, those who are interested in volunteering should send an e-mail to executive.director@ scvim.org. For information, go to scvim.org.
Donations can also be made via Zelle at donations@scvim.org and through Venmo @SCVIMDonations SL
Home caregivers require support to face challenges with patience
BY BETTY PORTER
Patience, endurance and support are a key for home caregivers — and Joyce Wilmot certainly knows what it takes.
Joyce Wilmot, 84, has been taking care of her 90-year-old husband Roy Wilmot, since he went blind six years ago. He had glaucoma and his blindness
came about over a period of time. Being completely blind now is challenging for the couple who have been married 60 years. Roy and Joyce Wilmot have been residents of Palm Bay since 1999.
Two years ago, the couple’s daughter, who has since moved to Palm Bay, came from Maryland to look into getting assistance for her father in order to give her mother some reprieve from
the constant care she had been giving.
“Our daughter was so good in going through the process, getting all of the applications and arrangements made so that I would have help several hours a day,”
Gisela Silvestre is the program director of home and community based services for Aging
Joyce Wilmot said. “It has been exactly one year ago this November that our home health aid, Caroline (Hamilton), has been coming to our home. We love her.”
This month also marks Hamilton’s one year as an employee with Aging Matters in Brevard. She has been in the health field for more than 20 years.
“I look forward to visiting with Roy every weekday,” Hamilton said. “Every morning, I take him for a walk which he enjoys very much. I am there for him for any needs he may have, and on the days when my shift includes the lunch hour, I give him his lunch.”
Hamilton said it has always been her goal to make a difference for her clients every day that she spends with them.
“Apparently it is true with Roy, as his wife tells me that every weekend he always asks for me,” she said.
The three hours that she spends at the Wilmot’s home gives Joyce Wilmot some time for herself. She gets muchneeded stress relief during that time each weekday with her gardening.
“Gardening has always been my hobby,” she said. “I used to grow vegetables, but now that I am older I just have flowers. It gives me pleasure taking care of them.”
The Wilmots have three children with families of their own, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Their two daughters live in Palm Bay and their son lives in Viera.
Joyce Wilmot acknowledged that it’s not always easy.
“I bathe him at night and during the day I try to be very patient with him, giving him whatever he wants so as to make him happy,” she said. “Patience is the key to caring for a loved one who needs you 24 hours a day.”
Gisela Silvestre, who is the program director of home and community based services for Aging Matters, said there are currently 25 home-health aids with Aging Matters throughout Brevard County.
“It is very important to raise awareness in this area and to continue building support networks for caregivers and seniors.” Silvestre said.
Aging Matters is a nonprofit organization with a mission to serve the aging citizens of Brevard County, supporting independence, health, safety and quality of life.
For more information about Aging Matters in Brevard, call 321-639-8770 or visit agingmattersbrevard.org
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Gisela Silvestre
Matters.
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of SCVIM Space Coast Volunteers In Medicine personnel have given more than 154,300 hours of their time since 2011
Protecting the past by inspiring the future
BY MARIA SONNENBERG
We are all curious about the folks who helped shape us, one way or another. For Yolanda Lifter, that curiosity became a passion after visiting her father’s grave in Ohio in 1995.
“My sister suggested finding out more about our family,” Lifter said.
Delving into the past revealed her family’s rich history, with a family tree that took root in America in the 1600s. Now the president of the Genealogical Society of South Brevard, Lifter and the approximately 90 other members of the group are exploring the organization’s first half century.
The Society, which meets monthly at the Melbourne Public Library, hosts speakers on a variety of subjects, from family DNA to Ellis Island. The group encourages the study, discovery and documentation of family history, lineage and ancestry through an extensive genealogy research library, workshops, seminars, research classes and access to several subscription research websites in the Family History Room at the library.
The Genealogical Society also includes special interest groups that encompass the Mayflower descendants, British Isles, French and Canadian and DNA Genetic Genealogy research. These groups also meet monthly.
The Society observes its 50th anniversary with a special event from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov.
30 at the Melbourne Library at 540 E. Fee Ave.
The free event includes refreshments, special presentations, tours of the Family History Room and drawings for door prizes and free Society memberships, which cost $25 annually.
There is plenty to celebrate, for exploring the past has been made much easier with technology, although research still involves plenty of work.
“Back then, you wrote a lot of letters and went on a lot of research trips, but (now) you still have to write letters and travel for research,” Lifter said.
Now a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Malabar resident travels on research for clients who would prefer Lifter do
GENEALOGY
Continued on page 19
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November Events
Aging in Place
Tuesday, November 5 at 8:30 a.m.
Enjoy a chef-prepared breakfast while learning about a unique and modern approach to aging in place. Learn about how our partners can help your lifestyle in many ways! RSVP by November 1
Nothing to “Wine” About
Thursday, November 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Join wine Connoisseur, Jenny Brown, for a fun, guided wine tasting experience featuring unique wines from the award-winning wineries of The Boisset Collection. RSVP by November 11
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Yolanda Lifter Yolanda Lifter is the president of the Genealogical Society of South Brevard.
November Hello
Each year, the Boomer Guide selects models to grace its annual resource guide on all things boomer. The time to choose local models has begun. Come to the Boomer Bash Senior Fest on Nov. 15. For details, go to page 14.
Fay Lake FestiFall
1 p.m. Food trucks, vendors, hayride and chili cook-off.
Fay Wilderness Park 7264 Achilles Road Cocoa, 321-631-4367
Fashion Show and Luncheon 11 a.m.
Fashion show, threecourse lunch, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle.
Italian American Club 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne 321-242-8044
Aging in Place 8:30 a.m. Enjoy a chef-prepared breakfast while learning about the modern approach to aging in place.
Shell Harbor 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge 321-252-1221
Sit-n-Stitch Group 1 - 3 p.m.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Viera, 321-255-4404
Morning Bocce
9 a.m.
Italian American Club 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne 321-242-8044
How Not to go Broke Paying for a Nursing Home
1 p.m.
Presented by Rhodes Law, P.A. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Band-A-Rama 7 p.m. Melbourne Auditorium 625 Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-724-0555
1 2
National Day of Commuy Service
The Hindman Wall Golf Scramble Nov. 1 and 2
7 a.m.
Two-day golf tournament with a helicopter ball drop. Indian River Colony Club 1936 Freedom Drive Viera, 321-209-3391
Satellite Beach Founders Day
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
200 craft vendors and parade. Parade starts at 11 a.m. from DeLaura Middle School. DRS Center 1089 S. Patrick Drive Satellite Beach 321-773-6458
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Space Coast Police K9
Competition
6 - 9:30 p.m.
See the fastest and furriest police, military and professional protections dogs compete for Top Dog.
USSSA Sports Complex
5800 Stadium Parkway Viera 51st annual Parade of Gems Nov. 9 and 10 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hosted by the Canaveral Mineral and Gem Society. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-960-4134
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Home Stretch 5K
8 a.m. Benefit for the National Veterans Homeless Support.
Eau Gallie Square 1453 Highland Ave. Melbourne runsignup.com
Veterans Classic Car Show
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Live music, car show, hamburgers and hot dogs.
The Brennity at Melbourne 7300 Watersong Lane Viera, 321-450-8572
Travel Show
1 - 4 p.m.
Meet cruise lines and travel suppliers from around the world.
Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-631-7549
Tribute to Veterans 7 - 9 p.m. Unity Church 210 N. Tropical Trail Merritt Isl., 321-453-4253
Wildlife in your Backyard
1 p.m.
Learn about Florida wildlife and how you can protect them, yourself and coexist when you encounter them.
One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Movie Matinee 2 p.m. Featuring “Planes, Trains & Automobiles.”
Presented by Rhodes Law, P.A. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Senior Life's Boomer Bash Senior Fest 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Festival of all things
Senior. Seniors Got Talent Show at 11:30 a.m. Space Coast Convention Center 301 Tucker Lane Cocoa, 321-242-1235
BSO performs Epic Tchaikovsky
7:30 p.m.
Featuring Grieg’s Symphonic Dances No. 1 with the Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestra. King Center 3865 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-345-5052
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Bowling for Heroes
Charity
2 - 4 p.m.
Shore Lanes
600 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Merritt Island, hu2h.org
Tesla Truck &
EV Prime Day
3 - 7 p.m.
Urban Prime 2435 Metfield Drive Viera, 321-499-1188
Job & Volunteer Fair
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Scottish Country Dancing
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Springs of Suntree 8300 Holiday Springs Road Suntree, 321-427-3587
Salsa Dance Night
6 - 7 p.m. - Beginner salsa lessons
7 - 9 p.m. - Open social dance Tuscany Grill 6630 Colonnade Ave. Viera, 305-970-9022
SHINE One-on-One
Counseling 9 a.m. - noon Monday, Wednesday and Thursday Franklin T. DeGroodt Library 6475 Minton Road SE Palm Bay, 321-345-1057
Pickleball for Life: Staying Active, Healthy and Social 10 a.m.
Learn how this lowimpact sport can help improve physical fitness, enhance balance and boost social life. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
City of Melbourne Holiday Market 3 - 8 p.m. Event will include shopping and food. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-608-7420
ArtWorks Eau Gallie
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Art show Eau Gallie Square 1463 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-427-1960
Festival of Trees
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wickham Park Community Center 2815 Leisure Way Melbourne spacecoast.jl.org
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Central Florida Winds Concert
3 p.m.
Suntree United 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-405-2359
Sunrise on the Savannah
8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Adults only zoo experience. Brevard Zoo 8225 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-254-9453 Identity Theft Prevention 6
Top dogs vie for prestigious K-9 Foundation honor in Viera
BY NICHOLE YUAN
Since 2018, the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation Inc. has enthralled Brevard County with its yearly competition featuring some of the most highly trained dogs in the nation.
Again this year on Nov. 8, the public has another opportunity to witness these energetic teams in action at USSSA Space Coast Stadium in Viera.
The event began as a way to educate citizens about the importance and skills of these canines while simultaneously fundraising to support and maintain K-9 programs. It remains a fun and exciting way to see exactly what these dogs are capable of doing.
Those attending the Space Coast Police K-9 Competition can expect to see about 30 teams consisting of law enforcement officers, military personnel and civilians. Spectators will see these teams compete through a series of challenges on the obstacle course, in addition to the hard dog-fast dog portion.
While viewing the exciting feats these dogs perform, the audience will also notice the incredible bond shared between the human and canine partners.
Yvonne Martinez, the vice president and secretary of the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation Inc., said that becoming a K-9 officer requires the most discipline and training compared to other officer positions. The
Coast Stadium in Viera promises exciting feats by police and military K-9 teams.
intensive training an officer and canine partner go through consists of “10-hour days for 12 weeks, four days a week,” she said. As can be expected, the dogs along with the training is costly and ranges from $10,000 up to about $30,000 for a fully trained canine and does not include equipment, resources nor maintenance.
The proceeds from the competition help to offset these expenses to make these invaluable furry companions more accessible.
After all, with their highly developed sense of smell and ability to sense danger, K-9 partners are a proven asset for any law enforcement agency.
The Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization
operated by volunteers benefiting Brevard County and every cent received is donated.
“We don’t get any money from this,” Martinez said.
With this family friendly event, attendees get to see the fruits of the foundation’s labors, watching how these teams navigate through various situations. This is the best way to see how the foundation’s continued financial support benefits not only the officers and dogs, but also how those teams have worked tirelessly to aid civilians when needed.
For more information, go to spacecoastpolicek9foundation.org/ competition. SL
GENEALOGY
Continued from page 17 the hard work. When not on the road, she also teaches an eight-week genealogy course October/November and February/March.
Recording secretary Marie Bowles joined the Society nine years ago. She had always been curious about her family’s history, but it wasn’t until retirement that she had the time to spend on research. Joining the Society was a wise move.
“The information shared by members and the monthly speakers is invaluable,” she said.
Bowles is part of a committee that compiled the history of the GSSB into a book that debuts at the anniversary celebration.
“Through this process, we became aware of the tremendous challenge undertaken by the eight founders,” she said.
For more information, go to gssb.net SL
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SENIOR LIFE Staff photo
The Space Coast Police K-9 Competition on Nov. 8 at the USSSA Space
CROSSWORD
WREATHS
Continued from page 4 SENIOR
Besides the silent auction for the traditional and themed wreaths, the Rudolph Raffle is a popular part of the festival.
“We’re doing well so far with the
33. “Phooey!”
34. Sushi selection
35. Susan of “The Partridge Family” 36. Viola flower
37. Test
39. Desertlike
40. Aardvark’s morsel
41. Turns back, perhaps 44. Bunk
47. Fishing gear
49. Green
50. Squad
51. Assist in crime
52. Org. concerned with PCB’s
53. Multitudes
54. Hospital flooring
55. Cotillion girl
preparation,’’ Argue said. “We’re getting some sponsors for the Rudolph Raffle and the wreaths are coming along quite well.
Vendors will sell gifts for holiday shopping in a Christmas market setting. Timmy Vee Productions will entertain the crowd with music. SL
7. Speaker part
8. California/Nevada lake
9. Pique
10. Pizzeria order
11. Dejected
19. Parachute part
21. Lee, e.g. (abbr.)
24. Wandered aimlessly
25. Drops the ball
26. Just say no
27. Outbuilding
28. Jury member
29. Stable diet
32. New York City park
33. Roasting platform
35. Horse color
36. Magician’s word
38. Some are inflated
39. Cosmetician Elizabeth
Christmas home tour holds surprises, holiday decor ideas
BY MARIA SONNENBERG
There are plenty of reasons to attend the Spade and Trowel Garden Club’s 2024 Christmas Home Tour, as club president Mary Marks will tell you.
“People like to get holiday decorating ideas and they like to see how other people live, and it’s a nice way to get in the holiday spirit,” she said.
Marks is spot on, for with a date of Wednesday, Nov. 20, the tour allows plenty of time ahead of the holidays. Marks also adds that all proceeds will benefit local charities. How can you lose?
The tour, which encompasses three homes, is a club standard.
“We’ve been holding the Christmas Home Tour as long as I’ve been a member, which dates back to 1979,” Mary Jane Raleigh said.
Fun fact: one tour included the stunning Hacienda del Sol, arguably Brevard’s best-known residential real estate.
This year’s tour focuses on three homes located in the Plantation subdivision off South Tropical Trail.
“We try to get the homes reasonably close together,” said Raleigh, a longtime club member, who added criteria is the availability of safe, easy access and convenient parking.
The three styles of décor will be vastly different and encompass collections, family history and a coastal theme. All relatively large residences, the homes reflect family love and energy.
Dovetailing the tour are the craft and
DORLING
Continued from page 10
investigators composed of all civilians. I had the opportunity to join the agency and transfer to Wiesbaden, Germany, where I worked on whitecollar fraud cases throughout Europe. It was also an opportunity to finish my graduate degree in government and political science in Germany.”
Dorling retired from federal law enforcement in 2001 and started a new career as a college professor at the University of New Haven in Connecticut.
“I was looking for a second career and wanted to do something to give back to all the people who had influenced my career,” he said. “In the Marine Corps, there were two captains and a sergeant major who took me under their wing and provided me with a graduate degree in leadership. I tried to use what I learned in the Marines and in my career in federal law enforcement to help as many young people as possible who aspired to a career in law enforcement to realize their dreams. It’s all about taking a leadership role and paying it forward.”
Dorling and his wife, Linda, moved to Suntree in 2009. During his 19 years as a college professor, he wrote four books, including a college textbook on criminal investigation. He has also twice appeared on Discovery ID to discuss his other books. His latest book, a political/ murder thriller, “The Truth is Always Negotiable,” is available on Amazon.
SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg
Vivian Shay, left, Hughanne McDowell and Mary Marks, president of the Spade and Trowel Garden Club, prepare decorations for the 2024 Christmas Home Tour.
bake sales. The bake sale is so popular that the club does not divulge the home where it will be held, since everyone then would flock to that house first, creating a sellout of baked goods early in the day.
“People look for certain foodie items such as our New Orleans style pralines and rum cakes, which they often freeze to serve for the holidays, “Raleigh said.
The one-day event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with tickets priced at $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the tour. Proceeds benefit Candlelighters of Brevard, a nonprofit that helps
families coping with childhood cancer; Walk on Water, a horse-based ministry for special needs children and Life Recaptured, a ministry that shelters victims of human trafficking Purchase tickets at Hailey Holland Hair Salon and West Cocoa Pharmacy in Cocoa; Candlelighters Thrift Shop in Indialantic; Crest Cleaners in Rockledge; Meehan’s and Crest Cleaners in Melbourne and Cabana Boutique; Suga’s Beauty Salon; Merle Norman Cosmetics; Sir Walter Uniforms; Life Recaptured Boutique; and Merritt Island Florist in Merritt Island.
For more information on the tour and the club, call 321-704-0165 or 321-750-7509. SL
BCOA NEWS
Brevard Commission on Aging
BCOA meetings are open to the public and are held the second Thursday of each month at the government center in Viera. For information, contact Cindy Short at 321-6332076, FAX 321-633-2170, cindy.short@brevardfl.gov, brevardf l.gov/HumanServices/CommissionOnAging or at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, B-106, Viera, FL 32940.
Helping Seniors of Brevard saves Senior Santa
For more than 20 years, Brevard County TRIAD identified and adopted seniors in nursing facilities that did not have the means to purchase extra items.
The program provided much-needed cheer for these seniors, many requesting simple items like goodsmelling body wash, blankets or a new sweatshirt.
When Brevard County TRIAD disbanded after last year’s Senior Santa, it was
feared this long-running program might be forgotten.
Jennifer Barton, a former board member of TRIAD and a long-standing member of Helping Seniors of Brevard’s board of directors — she succeeds President/ Founder Joe Steckler, who as President Emeritus continued to advise as Helping Seniors — proposed continuing Senior Santa through Helping Seniors.
“I was involved with
Senior Santa over the last 10 years, and I just couldn’t bear to see it end,” Barton said. “With the blessing of the Brevard County Sheriff’s office, Helping Seniors will be working with area facilities to again identify needy seniors and make sure they receive at least one of their requested items.”
Since October, you are able to “adopt” a senior at several locations throughout Palm Bay, Melbourne and
Aging Solutions, Office of the Public Guardian seek help for seniors
The deadline for Elves for Elders Gift Collection and Donation is Dec. 4.
This is for individuals in the community who have suffered life-changing events, injury, illness, disability, are requiring care and will be spending the season in care facilities.
New items needed: clothing, hygiene/toiletry items, shoes, sensory and social stimulation items, books to read and activity books. Current individual wish lists are available online beginning Nov. 1 at aging-
solutions.org
Gift fund: for monetary donations to cover the cost of medications, transportation and other harder to find personal items or adaptive equipment may be sent to Aging Solutions, Inc., P.O. Box 410832, Melbourne, FL 32941 or made online at aging-solutions.org
We have teamed up with the Brevard County Clerk of Court, Brevard Commission on Aging, Brevard County Manager’s Office and District 5 Commissioner’s Office. (Please contact Danielle
Stern at Danielle.stern@ brevardfl.gov to be an elf for a senior this year.)
Gift/donation drop off locations:
• Aging Solutions, Inc. at 1299 Bedford Drive, Suite A in Melbourne.
• County Manager’s Office at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Building C, Suite #301 in Viera.
• Brevard County Government Complex North, Second Floor, 400 South Street in Titusville. Aging Solutions, Inc. is a nonprofit organization. SL
Viera. Why wait? You can celebrate now by donating new blankets, non-skid socks, puzzle books and body wash/lotion now. Donations are being accepted at Joe’s Senior Resource Center at 1344 S Apollo Blvd., Suite 2C in Melbourne. It is a daunting task as typically there are about 600 people spread over 12 facilities each year.
“We are up for the challenge as we have a
wonderful, caring board and staff at Helping Seniors, as well as an amazing group of businesses at Joe’s Senior Resource Center,” Barton said. “We will be working with other businesses in the senior industry and would love other businesses to get involved as well.”
If you would like to donate or want to get involved, call Helping Seniors at 321-473-7770. SL
Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
(Answer appears elsewhere in this issue)
Solution on page 26
Sharp 104 year old still recalls her early life, Polish background
BY NICHOLE YUAN
Irene Sierzant, a resident of Viera Health and Rehabilitation Center, spends her days shuffling and rolling around in her wheelchair.
Her cheerful attitude and positive demeanor make the environment feel welcoming and relaxed. In her room is a nice window with a lovely view of the courtyard with rays of light shining through as she reminisces about her life.
With her is Frances Edwards who has become close friends with Sierzant. Every Sunday, Edwards visits with Sierzant, having happy chats with each other and simply keeping each other company.
The two women met after Sierzant saw a piece that Edwards wrote in a newspaper. Edwards had mentioned the tenacity of Polish people that immigrated to America and it struck a chord with Sierzant whose family had, in fact, immigrated to the United States from Poland.
Although she was born in the United States, Sierzant’s
Polish roots remain a strong part of her identity.
“I am of Polish descent and proud,” Sierzant said. But there’s much more to her than her ancestry. Now 104 years old, she amazes people with her ability to remember much of her life, telling stories from her childhood and life experiences.
Reflecting on aspects of her parents’ lives, Sierzant recalls her mother working in a factory making thread and other textile products, and how her father co-owned a bakery and would deliver goods around town.
“He loved the kids (in town) and when (the kids) saw the truck they came from all over,” Sierzant said, remembering how her father would give out cookies to the children in town, even giving out a second cookie when kids ate the first one quickly.
“And you know, cookies in those days – everything was bigger. Even the newspaper was bigger. But the newspaper is shrinking. The books are shrinking… Everything is shrinking,” Sierzant said.
“Even you,” Edwards joked.
“You’re shrinking, too.”
“Well, I know that,” Sierzant responded, showing off a bit of her witty charm.
SUDOKU
Edited by Margie E. Burke
2024 by The Puzzle Syndicate Difficulty: Medium
Despite her age, Sierzant maintains an aura of youthfulness that complements her good humor. Never one to
hang onto negativity, she tells herself “that was yesterday, this is today.” And hopefully, many more tomorrows. SL
SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg
Irene Sierzant, right, a resident of Viera Health and Rehabilitation, enjoys the company of Frances Edwards, who visits her every Sunday.
NORTH BREVARD
News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John
Pop-up market draws community, supports small businesses
BY FLORA REIGADA
With the year-end holidays just around the corner, people might find themselves shopping for hand-crafted or home-baked gifts for that special someone.
Shoppers might just find that unique gift at the Miracle City Market, a local pop-up market that alternates setting up at the Titus Landing Shopping Center and the Titusville City Hall.
The idea of Miracle City Market began with three local entrepreneurs — now co-owners, Lily Galleo, Kelly Cesario-Flack and Allison McMahon, wanting to establish a regularly held Titusville market.
“Our goal is to establish a strong community by supporting local artists, farmers, small businesses and nonprofits,” Galleo said.
and more.
For aches and pains, there is a dollar-a-minute massage.
Do you need something pretty for the garden? A gardener is usually on hand. While all the same vendors may not be present on a given day, the market usually takes place twice monthly with quite a variety of products and services.
She relocated to Brevard County from North Carolina, while her associates are from Titusville.
“Florida’s year-round warmth is perfect for an outdoor market,” she said.
There is something for everyone at the Miracle City Market and plenty on
the menu, such as organic farm goods, hot sauce, home-grown mushrooms, hummus, beef jerky, local honey, jam and homemade bread to spread it on.
There are also a variety of food trucks. Crafts include custom embroidery, decorative cups, jewelry, woodworking
In November, markets will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at Titus Landing located at U.S. Hwy. 1 and Harrison St. and from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17 at Titusville City Hall at 555 S. Washington Ave.
For more information about the market or how to become a vendor, go to miraclecitymarket.com or visit them on Facebook. SL
Prison Book Project brings new hope to broken lives
BY FLORA REIGADA
The Prison Book Project in Titusville recently celebrated two important milestones — its 30th anniversary and the acquisition of its permanent new headquarters.
The late Ray Hall founded the nonprofit, donor-supported organization. His widow, Joyce Hall, is now its president.
The outreach has had many homes, but as rents kept rising, the organization longed for its own home base.
“Recognizing the need for our own place, we searched until we found this former newspaper building” she said.
Hall recalled her husband’s
compassion for the incarcerated. He could not visit them all, so he sent faith-building and other books and Bibles in his place.
She cited the Biblical mandate in Matthew 25 about visiting prisoners.
“Ray’s original goal was to place 1,000 books in Brevard County jail,” she said. “The word spread across Florida, into Georgia and other states. Today, the books have been sent to 3,024 jail and prison facilities in all 50 states and 38 countries.”
Adam Kohler, a volunteer at the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce, attended the new building’s ribbon cutting as did many others from the community.
“A few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Ray Hall. I was
impressed by his wife, Joyce Hall’s determination to continue his legacy,” Kohler said. “I was also moved by the talk given by the guest speaker and former inmate, Katie Scheller. She has written three books about the faith that changed her life.”
Books she donated to the Prison Book Project will be shipped worldwide to help change more lives.
A legacy tree inside the building honors donors who gave generously toward the building’s purchase. Their names are engraved on gold, silver and bronze leaves hung on the tree.
In the trunk’s center, Ray Hall’s name is contained within a heart.
A United States map on the wall is crammed with push pins, representing the institutions where books have been sent.
Since the outreach operates on donations and volunteers, interested persons are invited to participate.
The Prison Book Project is at 1100 S. Hopkins Ave. in Titusville. Call 321-269-4100 or visit prisonbookproject.org
Find out more about Katie Scheller’s books at amazon.com/ stores/author/B01EXOESBA SL
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Miracle City Market
The Miracle City Market is a local pop-up market that alternates locations at both the Titusville City Hall, left, and the Titus Landing Shopping Center.
SENIOR LIFE David Reigada
Joyce Hall thanks gold, silver and bronze donors by hanging leaves engraved with donor names on the legacy tree.
Space Coast agencies offer services to trafficking victims
BY LINDA JUMP
Space Coast agencies work behind the scenes to provide safe emergency housing, physical and emotional support, ongoing counseling and the expungement of trafficking criminal records to help area sex trafficking victims restore their lives.
And while some don’t provide direct services, they support and fund programs that do, while others focus on domestic violence.
“Each group has its own program and protocol and they are all sharing limited funding and support,” said Claire Ellis, the chairman of the training and education committee of the Zonta Club of Melbourne. Zonta offers education and support for safe homes.
“Even here in Brevard County, human trafficking is hidden in plain sight,” said Kym Kurey, the founder and president of ANEW Life International, Inc., anewinternational. org.
Trafficking in Brevard increased post-Covid, she said, because “there was less visibility and accountability.”
Nonprofits, religious organizations, churches, government agencies and
BOOMER BASH
Continued from page 1
publications. “We get to experience the talents of the seniors in our community. There is so much talent out there.”
Individuals and groups are signing up and sending in videos of their
former victims and their families try to help. Some serve women, teens or foster care clients only.
“It takes everyone to turn the wheel,” said Brandy Crisafulli, the founder of Life Recaptured of Merritt Island and Cocoa, liferecaptured.org
The organization has a safe house for six to seven adult female trafficking victims, a Saturday farmers’ market, resale boutique, café, beauty shop and dental station. Her sister was trafficked, Crisafulli said, “and didn’t make it.”
Agape Women’s Center of Merritt Island provides outreach for strip club workers, it has pregnancy and drop-in centers, and parenting/life skill classes agapewomenscenter.org
How can the public help? Officials say acknowledgment and education about trafficking, financial support and recognition of those who may be trafficked are vital.
“We need more trauma-based housing options. There are only four or five trauma-trained safe homes in Central Florida,” said Maegan Heller-Salickram, the victim services coordinator for FLITE Center of Fort Lauderdale flitecenter.org and co-chair of the Space Coast Human Trafficking
performance aspiring to be a part of the show.
“The audience gets to hear and see the acts that might encourage them to get into something like dancing or other activities at senior centers.”
Boomer Bash Senior Fest, which will be held at the Space Coast Convention Center at 301 Tucker
SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump
Brandy Crisafulli, the founder of Life Recaptured, a nonprofit to aid trafficking victims, hopes to create three more safe houses for adult female victims.
Task Force. She said non-specific victim safe houses like Genesis House, Inc. and New Life Mission offer available rooms when needed.
New legislation will soon establish guidelines for safe houses, she said.
Lane in Cocoa, offers free admission and free parking.
It includes exhibitors, demonstrations and activities of interest to boomers and seniors. The fest is sponsored by Senior Life and Boomer Guide.
The grand prize will be a Scenic Boat Tour of the pristine Winter
Heller-Salickram said jobs with viable wages and advancement possibilities for single or single-parent victims are desperately needed, and transportation to work and therapy. She said Uber gift cards and other gift card donations by businesses and individuals go a long way.
Other resources include Serene Harbor of Palm Bay, sereneharbor.org; Salvation Army of Melbourne’s Sue M. Pridmore Center for Women and Children, melbournesalvationarmy. org; the Women’s Center of Brevard, womenscenter.net; Devereux’s Delta House, devereuxFL.org; Called Out, Facebook.com/3calledout; Bikers Against Trafficking of Lake Mary Road Warrior Project, bikersagainsttrafficking.org; One More Child of Lakeland, onemorechild.org/our-care/ anti-trafficking/; Crosswinds Youth Services of Cocoa, crosswindsyouthservices.org; Ways for Life Inc. of Melbourne, waysforlife. org; Brevard Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit, brevardsheriff. com; I Am a Freedom Fighter of Cocoa Beach, iamafreedomfighter. org, and Zonta Club of Melbourne, zontaspacecoast.org SL
Park Chain of Lakes. The boat tour offers guided cruises through three of the seven lakes. Known as the Venice of America, the tour also will take travelers on two narrow and breathtaking man-made canals. For more information, call 321242-1235. S L
Wills, journals, genealogy can reveal interesting information
Have you been named in a will? Did you get a bequest (a gift of property by a will)? Have you received an inheritance (property passed on to an heir through a will)?
What is left in your estate and distributed to beneficiaries designated in the legal document (will) is only a small part.
Your hidden inheritance is a lot more interesting and challenging. What you get from family or friends beyond property and money includes ghosts of the past.
You can dig up a lot of interesting information by using Ancestry.com. One source said I was from a royal lineage. Try DNA Ancestry for other surprises.
Family secrets may reveal strange facts in your ancestry.
I found out at age 62 that I was not Polish. Grandparents may have had odd occupations, led double lives, had drinking or addiction challenges, or may not be who you thought they were.
Stories about your love life may include childhood romances, high school sweethearts, missed proms, fraternity and sorority connections, and even affairs may be revealed. They often add spice to the backgrounds of family members.
Memories chronicled in journals or diaries can give you a historical perspective about immigration, war experiences, military service, adventures, wealth accumulation or financial hardships. Tales about the Great Depression, labor strikes, loss of jobs and factory closings are a testament to character.
Faith connections from childhood to adulthood give insight about beliefs, practices, dropouts, cult connections,
Challenges of Living to Age 100
Ed Baranowski
mixed marriages, arranged marriages, and family acceptance and rejections.
Disappointments may include a child not following in a parent’s profession, marrying the wrong person or regrets.
Wealth may be buried, hidden or not fully discovered. Check the website missingmoney.com highlighted on the “Good Morning America” TV segment “Show Me the Money.”
You may be entitled to abandoned accounts, security deposits, trust accounts, contents of safe deposit boxes and other valuable assets.
Deathbed confessions may include revelations about engagements, marriages, divorces, unknown children, adoptions and relationships. Identities may include name changes, titles, degrees earned, professional certifications and fictitious persona.
Medical history discoveries of family members can shed light on your current health concerns. Screening tools including imaging, X-ray, MRI and ultrasound may show your hidden inheritance — good and bad. The challenge of using the results can extend your life even beyond age 100. SL
Ed Baranowski is an award-winning writer, artist, speaker and seminar leader. He lives in Melbourne and can be contacted at fast75sr@gmail.com
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on page 22
THRILLER
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requisite research and seeking out my network of experts in various skill sets. I want my research to help teach the reader about a part of the world they may not know much about.”
Belisle’s three books, “Raptor Bloom,” “Taking the Dream Spinner” and his latest, “Secret of the Crimson Sun,” while dealing with the character Matt “Ace” Black, are stand-alone novels.
“I
love writing, visiting book clubs and different organizations, talking about my books.”
— Tom Belisle
“Secret of the Crimson Sun” draws on the political and brutal repression of the citizens of North Korea. Belisle draws on extensive research involving the country’s political instability as his main character, Black, assigned to the U.S. Embassy in South Korea, accompanies the South Korean ambassador on a diplomatic mission to Pyongyang, North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un. Once inside North Korea, Black uncovers a conspiracy to draw the United States into a major international conflict.
Belisle teaches the reader about this part of the world, and the picture he paints isn’t good. His research informs the reader of several things that restrict the lives of the citizens of that country, like not having an Internet connection to the outside world or allowing their citizens to make international phone calls. In “Secret of the Crimson Sun,” these restrictions prove to be Black’s ultimate test for survival.
The Matt Black series is for people who enjoy political thrillers with suspense, mystery, tension and unexpected twists. Each book keeps readers turning the pages to see what happens next.
“I love writing, visiting book clubs and different organizations, talking about my books,” Belisle said.
For more information about Belisle, check out ThomasBelisleAuthor.com SL
