Senior Life, April 2021 by Viera Voice • Senior Life • Boomer Guide

VOLUME 23

ISSUE 12

April 2021

Launching

into a new age

OF FLORIDA

page 14

myseniorlife.com

Tie dye and peace create groovy vibe at drive-thru Story, page 18

The 20 21

Boome Guide r is here

SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo

Senior Life’s Boomer Guide Drive-Thru Senior Expo attracted hundreds of visitors to the back lot of The Avenue Viera.

Nature inspires, page 3

Tradition lives on, page 7

SENIOR LIFE 7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102, Viera, FL 32940

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Blue Origin is adding to the excitement of launches from the Space Coast. At Exploration Park, just down the road from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex, Blue Origin is building the New Glenn, a reusable heavy-lift rocket. The huge new facility is one example of the growing aerospace industry in our own area. We will give you some of the details in this edition of Senior Life because we find it to be an exciting development for the Space Coast. The company has already built the New Shepard and expects to launch the larger New Glenn, named after astronaut John Glenn, next year. If you are accustomed to going out to see the frequent launches of SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets, the New Glenn should add to the thrill of seeing the rockets lift off from the Cape. When out-of-state friends come to visit, they will have a good chance of seeing a rocket launch even if they are here for only a couple of weeks. We are always looking for stories to bring you the best information, including ideas that are helpful to you. If you don’t drive or at times need to go to a doctor’s office but do not want to drive, there are alternatives. We tell you in this edition about local transportation for seniors that is inexpensive or free. Space Coast Area Transit and nonprofit organizations provide transportation. Another helpful story you will find in this edition is one about stress. In this time of coronavirus pandemic isolation, stress can be a troublesome issue. This story will show you a few steps to take that just might help reduce stress. One thing that helps is getting a good night’s sleep. And getting a good night’s sleep also helps maintain better health. So, we also give you some tips on the subject. We bring you some entertaining and fun stories, in addition to our section on military veterans. There, we tell you about new affordable homes that Habitat for Humanity is building for female veterans in need. We look forward with excitement each month to come up with the best stories for you and always welcome your suggestions. SL R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com

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SENIOR LIFE Jim Angy

Jim Angy is an award-winning photographer who took up the medium while growing up in Satellite Beach.

Photographer’s love of nature wins wide acclaim BY MARIA SONNENBERG For years, wildlife photographer Jim Angy would beat the sun’s arrival to head to the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands in Viera to meet friend and fellow photographer, the late Charlie Corbeil, a longtime volunteer at the site, columnist for Viera Voice and author of the “Viera Wetlands Birding Guide.” The two would spend the sweet spot of the morning, with light at its most glorious, recording wild denizens of the area as they went about their daily routine. By 10 a.m., Angy was off to put in a day’s work as a respiratory therapist. “I used to go there every time I had a chance,” Angy said. Now retired, he continues in search of the perfect image. The Viera Wetlands appear often in his photographs, but the days when he and Corbeil would roam the area without seeing a human are long gone. The Wetlands have been discovered. “There were no roped-off areas, no traffic pattern, no people, and it was wonderful,” Angy said. The self-taught photographer took up the medium growing up in Satellite Beach during the 1960s, when his home was the only one on the street. The then-sparsely

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populated area afforded plenty of room to roam. “I always had a fascination with nature and would go into the woods and find all these wonderful things, but my buddies wouldn’t believe me,” he said. Photos provided proof. For years, long after his photographer friends had transitioned to digital, Angy persisted with film. “I thought you could never capture with digital the colors you could with film,” he said. Eventually, he acquiesced and now depends on a professional-grade Canon digital camera outfitted with a massive 600mm lens to capture his elusive subjects. His photos have been featured in Popular Photography, People and Reader’s Digest, among other publications, and have illustrated books and been made into postcards and calendars. In 2004, three of Jim’s images from Pelican Island were part of the “America’s Wild Places” exhibition at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. An image of his daughter watching a giant land crab eating an M&M earned him $25,000 from the candy company and exposure in publications around the world. He has photographed wild

SENIOR LIFE Jim Angy

Wildlife photographer Jim Angy often spends time capturing images of fauna at The Viera Wetlands. creatures from Alaska to Israel and from the Bahamas to the Grand Tetons. Angy looks forward to the time the cruise ships return to Port Canaveral so he can return to his second career, leading nature tours for Island Boat Lines. In the meantime, there is plenty of wildlife to capture at Viera Wetlands or out at Kenansville, where Angy has free rein at several major pieces of land, including the former Forever Florida. “It’s really enjoyable to be out in nature,” he said. SL

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Table of contents Volume 23, Issue 12 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 Art Director Adam Palumbo Copy Editor Jeff Navin

Feature Writers Ernest Arico Ed Baranowski Marcia Booth Brenda Eggert Brader Sammy Haddad Linda Jump Jennifer H. Monaghan Flora Reigada Katie Sivco Maria Sonnenberg John Trieste

OF FLORIDA

ISSUE 11

Tin Can travel

myseniorlife.com

March 2021

page 3

High-speed bumper car aims to break record Story, page 6

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Walt Kostrzewa

Walt “Koz” Kostrzewa is aiming to run his souped-up bumper car to well over 100 mph in an effort to break the Guinness World Record.

Drive-Thru Senior Expo promises a groovy time BY MIKE GAFFEY Break out your headbands, tie dye shirts and fringe jackets and hop in your VW bus if you have one. The 1960s and 1970s are back during Senior Life’s fifth Drive-Thru Senior Expo from 8 to 11 a.m. Friday, March 19 at The Avenue Viera. Brevard County’s original seniorfocused drive-thru expo will feature live music from the era of peace and love, as well as giveaways from exhibitors and snacks for visitors who will remain in their vehicles during the event in Viera at 2241 Town Center Ave. Because of the COVID-19

myseniorlife.com SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo

EXPO

Continued on page 16

We encourage organizations to contact Senior Life by the 15th of each month prior with information and dates regarding upcoming community-oriented events by email and mail. SENIOR LIFE

7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102, Viera, FL 32940

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID

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PERMIT NO.785

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Meghan Galili, MD Ana Rebecca Shannon Spreitzer Nikka Cohan Board Certified Klenz, MD APRN, DNP APRN Internal Medicine Board Certified Internal Medicine

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Managers, Designers, Reporters, Editors, Photographers and Drivers are locals, too!

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APRIL 2021

7 NEIGHBORS 8 TECH KNOW TIDBITS 10 12-13 19-21 22 24-25 26 31

SENIOR LIVING STRIPES VETERANS COLUMNISTS HISTORY THEN AND NOW HEALTH & WELLNESS NORTH BREVARD NEWS BOOMER SENIOR SENTIMENTS

COUPONS & DISCOUNTS Boomer Guide —the best resource guide in Brevard!

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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SENIOR LIFE David Reigada

The late Rev. Peter Lord, left, enjoyed relaxing over meals at local restaurants with small groups that met in his home. He is pictured here with group member David Rogers.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of WPIO-FM 89.3

The late Peter Lord, founding pastor of Park Avenue Baptist Church, ministered to crowds and individuals alike. Here, he shares his message from WPIO-FM 89.3 in Titusville.

Rev. Lord of Titusville leaves decades-long legacy BY FLORA REIGADA

A Brevard County giant of the faith stepped from this world into the next at age 91 on March 4. He was the Rev. Peter Lord, founding pastor of Park Avenue Baptist Church in Titusville. For 30 years, his booming voice echoed from the pulpit, a position Pastor Steve Yuke fills today. After retirement in 1996, Lord traveled the world preaching. His message resonated in hearts, said those who knew him. It impacted Darlene Enz, a church member since 1984.

“Pastor Peter was an amazing person. His heart was for people to have a deeper relationship with the Lord,” she said. That emphasis was carried via television, recordings, retreats, missions and books. His “2959 Regular Prayer Plan” sold more than a half-million copies, and “Hearing God” was a bestseller. These and Lord’s other books are available at the Park Avenue Baptist Church bookstore and on Amazon. In addition to being a pastor, orator and author, Lord was a family man. He and his late wife, Johnnie, are survived by children Richard

Lord, Susan Lord, Ruth Ingram, John Lord and Jim Dellas. There are nine grandchildren and 17 greatgrandchildren. During his later years, Lord led small groups at his home and took time for individuals. Among them is longtime church member Josie Campbell, who has since moved to San Antonio, Texas to found Trailblazer Ministries. “Pastor Peter was a shepherd who herded me back into the fold,” she said. “He faithfully cared for me and my family and mentored my son, Austin.” This continued after the family moved and during the pandemic. Lord

and the young man would call back and forth. “Austin looked forward to those talks and enjoyed them,” Campbell said. She and Lord closed their last conversation by praying for each other. “He was faithful until the end. We will miss him,” she said. Peter Lord will be remembered at Park Avenue Baptist Church during Sunday services at 8, 9:15 and 11 a.m. April 11 and 18. The Titusville church is at 2600 Park Ave. Call 321-269-6702 or visit parkavenue.org. SL

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Neighbors Historic Grant writes new chapters allied with Valkaria BY MARIA SONNENBERG Lucy and Ronald McAloney have a commodity that is increasingly harder to find in Brevard County: land. The 45 acres in Grant where the couple raised their family, plus a few cows and horses, may seem huge to folks used to postage-stamp lots. But, Ronald McAloney grew up roaming hundreds of acres in Grant. His family once operated a dairy farm on property that became the Cypress Creek subdivision. Like many of the area residents, the McAloneys have a strong sense of community. For 52 years, until Lucy’s knees made it too onerous to continue, the couple volunteered for the Grant Seafood Festival, the February weekend event that swells the little town’s population by about 50,000 seafood fans. The two-day festival, 100 percent run by volunteers, funds the municipality’s many charitable projects, including a scholarship, community center and quirky library. Like the McAloneys, many volunteers include their children in the effort. It is not unusual to see several generations of local families volunteering together at the festival. The pioneers who tamed the land were a small group, tough enough to tackle formidable scrub and mosquitoes. A census of the area around the late 1800s would have been finished very quickly, since only four families had settled there. A “population boom” occurred in late 1892, when three families alighted from a steamboat to make a new life in Grant, doubling the population with 16 new souls. Most of the new residents were of Nordic descent. Their legacy remains in family names such as Jorgensen, Christenson and Bensen, still common among GrantValkaria residents. By 1912, Grant as well as Valkaria had enough residents to merit listing as stops along the East Coast Railway. Of the few vestiges remaining from the turn of the century is the 1893 Jorgensen’s General Store, now the home of Rib City. Part of the National Register of Historic Places, the blocky building squarely facing the Indian River has survived many a hurricane and served as a trading post, telegraph office, post office and antique store before transforming into a restaurant. To exercise control over the destiny of their towns and ensure the preservation of the rural character, residents of then unincorporated Grant and Valkaria joined forces to become Brevard’s newest town in 2004. Carole Kruszeski and her family left

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SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg

Jorgensen’s General Store opened in 1893 and now is the home of Rib City.

Fort Lauderdale for Grant nine years after searching for the perfect town throughout the state. They remembered the area from a long-ago camping trip that stuck in their memories with fondness. “Grant-Valkaria is the friendliest town in Florida,” said Kruszeski, who heads the local Welcome Wagon. SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Brevard Historical Commission

The Grant Seafood Festival is a long-running, all-volunteer community event that finances the municipality’s charitable projects.

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Tech Know Tidbits Automatic home generator offers powerful ‘peace of mind’ BY ERNEST ARICO In the aftermath of a hurricane or event that knocks out power, people will be scrambling to get their lights on and their appliances working again. But for some, a computer built into their whole-house generator will automatically switch the electricity back on almost seamlessly. A Briggs and Stratton Standby Generator is one such generator that would do the job of keeping the lights on while others struggle with the outages that often come with major storms. Indian River Colony Club residents Chuck and Suzanne Cox wanted that seamless switch to a standby generator, so they had one installed for their home in August 2020. “It was really important for us to find a system that worked for us,” said Chuck Cox, a retired U.S. Army officer. “But more importantly, I wanted my wife taken care of. It’s given us peace of mind.” They got their generator through BSA Enterprises Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, a family-owned and operated company since 1992. The family dealt with Brian Ashworth, the president of BSA Enterprise in Suntree.

“We checked out some of the other vendors, but none of them had the right answers like Brian did,” Cox said. “Most of the other vendors would only give a seven-year warranty. Brian’s company gave us a 10-year warranty for all parts and labor.” Ashworth said the 200-kilowatt Briggs & Stratton Automatic Standby Generator with an underground 500-gallon propane tank is a perfect fit for any medium to large home. “More and more people are working at home because of COVID-19,” Ashworth said. “Our standby generator powers all of a home’s electrical needs easily and automatically. It keeps your family safe, comfortable and free from the stress that comes from power outages.” Ashworth explained a special feature of the rust-free aluminum standby generator is that its computer turns on the generator when the power goes off and manages the distribution of power to your selected appliances automatically. He said the system can run at least 10 days (the equivalent of 500 gallons of propane or 400 gallons of fuel). Since installing the system, Cox said he has lost power three times. “The system kicked on automatically,” he said. “We

SENIOR LIFE Ernest Arico

Brian Ashworth, president of BSA Enterprises, right, shows Indian River Colony Club resident Chuck Cox some of the inner workings of his Briggs & Stratton Automatic Standby Generator. never were without power.” The generator costs about $5,600. The cost to install the generator and 500-gallon propane tank is roughly about twice the price of the generator. Ashworth said he has installed seven generators at IRCC. “It takes about 24 weeks to order

a generator, so if you’re interested, now is the time. Do not wait.” he said. “We offer free estimates for anyone interested.” For more information about BSA Enterprises visit bsapowersolutions. com. SL

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While working in the hospital system, I saw a number of senior patients that needed additional

Melissa Alonso

Director MelissaSales Alonso

While working in the hospital system, I saw a number of senior patients that needed additional services at home, but didn't know what to do or where to turn in order to get the help they needed. services at home, but didn't know what to do or where to turn in order to get the help they needed. Seeing this, I wanted to help make a difference and decided to enter the world of senior living. Seeing this, Iiswanted to help makegrandpa, a difference toloved enterone theand world of senior living. Everyone someone's grandma, mom,and dad,decided someone's should be treated as Everyone is someone's grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, someone's loved one and should be treated as such. I have always loved helping others and what better of a population to focus those efforts on such. I have alwaysthose lovedthat helping others and whatget better a are population than our seniors; helped my generation whereofwe today. to focus those efforts on than our seniors; those that helped my generation get where we are today.

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SeniorLife

STRIP STRI PES

Brevard Veterans News

UCF Restores treats trauma via virtual reality, therapy

Imagine military veterans suffering with PTSD reliving recreated scenarios through virtual reality technology to help them process that memory and regain control of their lives. One of the core approaches to treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder at UCF Restores is exposure therapy with fully immersive virtual reality. Patients are guided through specifics of their traumatic experience, including sights, sounds and smells. Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, a Virtual Technology treatment method will expand within weeks at UCF Restores. UCF Restores is a nonprofit clinical research center and treatment clinic at the University of Central Florida. It was established to change the way post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related disorders are understood,

diagnosed and treated. I was surprised to find that the UCF Restores has been operating for 10 years. In addition, it is a training facility for psychologists. “I think it has been well received by veterans,” said Dr. Deborah Beidel, executive director of UCF Restores and a professor of psychology and medical education. “We also are a training facility.” It began as a government-funded

research initiative in 2011 and has grown to serve as an invaluable resource to the Orlando community, Florida and beyond. It trains mental health professionals who are practicing at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. The clinic’s unique approach to treatment — including the first-of-itskind, three-week intensive outpatient program — combines exposure therapy, emerging technology, and one-on-one and group therapy sessions. UCF Restores serves not only veterans and active-duty military, but also first responders, frontline medical personnel, survivors of sexual assault, survivors of mass violence and natural disasters, and others affected by trauma. The treatment program includes transportation. For instance, if someone is accepted for treatment, the program

pays for transportation and lodging for the patient. The program started out treating young veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. It since has treated Vietnam War veterans and even a veteran of the Korean War. It is probably never too late to seek help for PTSD. Some time after treatment, 66 percent of veterans and 76 percent of first responders were back to some normalcy. “They got their lives back,” Beidel said. “One vet said to me, ‘You gave me my life back.’ ” She said the patients received a follow-up six months after treatment because it is important to know they are still well. SL

Vietnam Wall replica travels to reunion site April 11 BY MARIA SONNENBERG Trust us and try to avoid U.S. 1 between 10 and 11 a.m. Sunday, April 11 when the Vietnam Traveling

Memorial Wall winds its way from Eastern Florida State College’s Cocoa campus to Wickham Park. The arrival of the wall at the Melbourne park presages the start of

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the Florida Vietnam and All Veterans Annual Reunion, which runs April 15 to 18. To escort the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, about 1,200 motorcyclists, a majority of them organizations such as the American Legion, the ’Nam Knights and others, convene at EFSC before the 38-foot trailer carrying the 288-foot aluminum wall takes off at 10 a.m. sharp. Also accompanying are firetrucks, military trucks and cars. “Every once in a while we get a helicopter overhead, too,” said Richard “Doc” Russo, who manages the Wall’s appearances across the country. The Wall’s journey to Wickham Park takes it across Michigan Avenue in Cocoa to U.S. 1, where it will travel to Parkway Drive and then on to Wickham Road to enter Wickham Park by Leisure Way. Police will set up rolling roadblocks along U.S. 1 to

minimize impact to traffic, but should you happen to be in the area around that time, be prepared to exercise patience. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, unveiled in 2006, replicates the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C., in three-fifths scale. All 58,311 men and women who lost their lives during the conflict are listed. The Wall is one of four large-scale replicas of the Vietnam Wall in the United States. Before noon April 11, the Traveling Wall will have arrived at Wickham Park, where volunteers are always welcome for the setup, which is usually by 3 p.m. the same day. Every year, the Vietnam Traveling Wall is viewed by thousands across the United States. The reunion at Wickham Park draws more than 80,000 veterans. For more information visit travelingwall.us or call 321-652-4185. SL

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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Midday Photography

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will arrive at Wickham Park on April 11.

STRIPES

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Vietnam Army vet follows namesake into ministry BY MARIA SONNENBERG The Rev. Bill Otis has a knack for celebrating his birthday at some of the world’s most dangerous locales. In 1969, Otis reached age 21 while serving in the Army in Vietnam. Fastforward to 2009, when the reverend turned 61, this time in the middle of Afghanistan. Otis, who was born and raised on a dairy farm in New York, joined the Army at 19. “I knew I was going to get drafted, so I enlisted,” the Indian River Colony Club resident said. He wanted to train as a mechanical engineer. The Army had other plans, however, and asked him if he could type. He could, so Otis became the company clerk, a position that provided a little extra protection from becoming a war casualty. It would be nice to add that during those years, Otis felt a strong calling to the church. That was not the case. “I had no intention of becoming a minister,” he said. The call did come, loud and clear, a few years later, when Otis was working

in human resources management for a Canadian firm just across the border in New York while also in the Reserves. By that time, he was preaching as a certified lay minister and considering the seminary part-time. When the company let him loose, Otis considered it “God-incidental” that he had time to attend divinity school full-time and promptly enrolled at Queen’s Theological College in Kingston, Ontario. He later earned his master’s of divinity degree from Duke University. While he initially did not consider the religious life, in retrospect, Otis believes his path was written even before he was born. “I was named for my Uncle Bill, who went into the ministry in his midlife,” he explained. Otis served as Methodist pastor to congregations in New York, North Carolina and Florida before rejoining the military in 2008 after he discovered the Army had an opening for a mentor for the Afghan National Army. On the third day of his assignment, Otis was enjoying breakfast with a fellow soldier, not knowing that soldier was

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Bill Otis

Bill Otis of New York turned 21 in Vietnam.

the commanding general. The general took a liking to Otis over breakfast and recommended that he work closely with the chaplains as an ordained pastor. In 2012, Otis visited Brevard, staying at the campground at Patrick Space Force Base. He discovered Indian River Colony Club during the stay, headed straight there and purchased a home the same day. He is now a part-time chaplain at the “Place Patriots Call Home.” Otis is one of those fortunate people who has no regrets. “I’m very pleased with how it all worked out,” he said. SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Bill Otis

The Rev. Bill Otis and his wife Cindy are Indian River Colony Club residents.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Brevard

Navy veteran Lisa Stinson beams the day she received the keys to her house at Habitat for Humanity’s Female Veterans’ Village in Cocoa.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Brevard

Habitat volunteers and staff gather to celebrate the completion of a home at Female Veterans’ Village in Cocoa.

Female veterans earn Habitat for Humanity homes BY MARIA SONNENBERG After serving their country in the military, fate dealt Karla Griggs and Lisa Stinson bad hands. Griggs, a Titusville native, enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17 but later struggled to find decent housing for her family. Stinson joined the Navy during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, sustaining traumatic injuries and PTSD that led to addiction. The two women were homeless for years, living in cars, friends’ couches or in transitional housing until last year, when Habitat for Humanity of Brevard stepped in with keys to safe, decent and affordable new houses with zero-interest mortgages in a special

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military retiree community. The two women are the first residents of Habitat’s Female Veterans’ Village, an enclave of six houses built on the site of a former trailer park at the southern end of Cocoa. Griggs moved into her new home in June 2020, with Stinson following into her own residence in August. The Female Veterans’ Village is a unique community where women with a common background can support each other as neighbors. “To our knowledge, this is the first of its kind in the nation,” said Habitat executive director Anna Terry. The Village has garnered national interest and was featured in a webinar made by parent organization Habitat International.

“There are other people now modeling what we have,” added Terry. All Habitat projects require prospective homeowners to agree to 300 hours of sweat equity and a steady, albeit modest, income that is between 30 percent to 80 percent of the average gross median income in the county, based on household size. They must not have owned a house within the past three years and must currently be living in substandard housing or be homeless. According to the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Florida, with more than 144,000 female veterans, boasts the third largest concentration of women veterans, just behind Texas and California.

STRIPES

“Brevard has one of the highest concentrations of veterans, and 9 percent of them are female,” said Terry. The National Housing Conference notes that many of these veterans have returned to civilian life during a time of rising housing costs and a difficult job market. If Terry has her wish, Griggs and Stinson soon will have four new neighbors. The major hurdle has been raising awareness among veterans about the opportunity. Stinson, for example, did not know for years that she could apply for a Habitat home. For more information, visit brevardhabitat.com or call 321-7284009. SL

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Blue Origin

Blue Origin’s New Shepard Rocket was named after Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Blue Origin

The New Glenn Heavy Lift Rocket will launch from Launch Complex 36.

Blue Origin advances with $2.5 billion rocket facilities BY LINDA JUMP Blue Origin’s construction of a $2.5 billion facility at Exploration Park, near the main entrance to Kennedy Space Center, is well under way with plans for the maiden launch of its orbital reusable rocket late next year. “There’s no other facility where you can build a rocket, you fly it, you bring it back, and you fly it again,” said Caitlin Dietrich, the director of communications. The aerospace company was founded in 2000 to offer more affordable space access with reusable launch vehicles. Its New Shepard suborbital rocket made a dozen missions with firststage booster propulsion landings on a moving ship. Its larger New

Glenn boasts twice the cargo space of comparable orbital rockets and can be used up to 25 times in nearly any weather. Blue Origin announced its New Glenn’s first flight was postponed until next year in part because of Space Force’s recent decision not to select the company for the second phase of the National Security Space Launch. Instead, officials say they’ll concentrate on meeting commercial customer contracts, but hope to launch NSSL payloads in the future. New Glenn, named after famed astronaut John Glenn, will be nearly the length of a football field and 23 feet in diameter. It will be used to carry passengers and cargo such as satellites into orbit. “This is going to be a massive rocket. We’re doing things on a scale

that has not been done before,” said Scott Henderson, the vice president of operations and test flight. To build and launch its heavylift rockets, Blue Origin is nearing renovation of Launch Complex 36 and construction of a 650,000-square-foot complex to manufacture and process rockets about nine miles from the launch site. Included is an assembly facility large enough to house three rockets, a tall tank cleaning and processing facility to crane-lift a rocket vertically for testing, vehicle access and lightning protection towers, storage areas for liquid oxygen and natural gas, and a 750,000-gallon water tank to provide the 200,000 gallons of water needed at liftoff. “There are hundreds of construction workers out here every single day from small and medium

The Blue Origin facility at Exploration Park is a 650,000-square-foot complex to manufacture and process rockets.

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

businesses,” said Jerry Greckel, the launch site director. Louis Marchica, 77, of Merritt Island worked for United Space Alliance from 1968’s Atlas program through the completion of the shuttle program in 2011. He praises privatization of the space program. “Then, NASA oversaw every detail possible. With commercialization, NASA still has a finger on what’s going on, but private companies are more efficient and less expensive by far, with reusable boosters and significantly fewer people,” he said. Marchica said firms like Blue Origin and SpaceX “are picking up the momentum, so by 2024, we hope to land on the moon again — and, eventually, Mars.” SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Blue Origin

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Volunteers In Motion fills gap in transportation needs SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE Imagine the ideal volunteer experience. Dream of one that is so personally rewarding you’ll be inspired to sign up today. Volunteers In Motion provides transportation for individuals who are unable to use other Space Coast Area Transit services. The program offers transportation to locations such as medical facilities, pharmacies and grocery stores. Since its inception, Volunteers In Motion has assisted thousands of individuals who otherwise would be unable to live at home independently. Program volunteers are provided training classes, state-of-the-art vehicles, gas and insurance, uniform shirts and cellphones during volunteer hours. There are no out-of-pocket expenses for program volunteers. According to volunteer Jim Shanteau: “My wife, Cinda, and I evaluated multiple volunteer opportunities so that we could invest our time in something that provided the maximum value. We saw just how much this program was needed, and the fact that the county provided the vehicles and covered the liability aspect helped seal the deal. But the bottom line is: We really enjoy helping people. And that’s what it’s all about. People helping people.” This innovative program is supported by an amazing group of volunteers who serve because they care. Unfortunately, the demand for services is higher than the current program can support.

that is helping somebody less fortunate than you, is time very well spent. Serving others has helped make me a well-rounded person.” Driving a new van, you’ll pick up and drop off those with limited mobility, assist them with shopping, or possibly go with them to a medical appointment. For many, it’s their only form of transportation. Volunteer positions include vehicle operators who transport clients throughout Brevard County; drop off and pick up clients at medical facilities; transport wheelchairs and walkers; help clients with shopping and grocery bags; and drop off and pick up prescriptions. With little time and effort, you are their ticket to independence. Office support staff are needed to answer phones, file paperwork and perform data entry. “We volunteer once a week and have a wonderful time. The clients are all so appreciative. They just love us. When we come home, we feel so good. It’s like the best day of our life. It’s nothing monetary. It’s just a heartfelt thing,” said volunteer Katie Smeltzer. “Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Volunteers In Motion need someone, and they’ll be there Volunteers have assisted thousands with transportation to medical facilities and for us.” grocery stores. Volunteers are needed. Will you step up and be their hero? All support is welcome and A few hours mission of your supportat once you. The PalmforPoint Behavioral Health is to provide appreciated. or twice a week or more can make an “I decided to volunteer for the Byolder joining Volunteers quality to program children, teens, adults and adultsIn Motion, incredible difference.treatment The program for my own therapy,” Roger you’ll receive instant gratification when operates Monday through Friday. If health Widmann “I found doingdependency good for you see the expression of joy on the whose behavioral orsaid. chemical symptoms you enjoy working with people of all other people helped me stop thinking face of every single person you help. ages and making a difference with in their their about my ownlives. problems.We Volunteering are interfering daily offer both inpatient To find out more, calland 321-635-7999 lives, this is a great volunteer position time and efforts toward an organization or email info@321Transit.com. SL

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The mission at Palm Point Behavioral Health is to provide quality treatment to children, teens, adults and older adults whose behavioral health symptoms are interfering with their daily lives. We offer both inpatient and outpatient services tailored to individual needs.

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

ADA-compliant Greater Palm Bay Senior Center re-opens BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER The Greater Palm Bay Senior Center will be reopening soon. Although it will include limited activities, bingo and movies will be part of the returning package. “Seniors want to do something,” said Sylvia Fels, second vice president on the board. “They are tired of being home alone, and they gravitate and help each other at the center. The synergy is absolutely phenomenal here.” Based on completion of the new construction and the hope that members will be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, the soft reopening will be May 17, said David Trippany, the president of the Senior Center board. “Please understand that regardless of whether or not you have received the vaccine, masks and social distancing will still be required until the possibility of contracting the virus has passed,” Trippany said. A members-only meeting will begin at 10 a.m. April 27 to learn how the reopening will be handled, which activities will be included in the soft opening and to have a tour of the changes in the senior center. From April 19 to 23 and April 26, doors will be open for new and renewal memberships. On May 22, the grand reopening will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting. Activities planned for the soft opening include art class, Golden Tones singers, billiards, golf, bingo, Pretenders, blood pressure readings, shuffleboard, bocce, woodshop, darts, chair yoga and Fitness Fun, a

SENIOR LIFE Brenda Eggert Brader

Greater Palm Bay Senior Center members Cindy Trippany, assistant treasurer; Mary Conserva; David Trippany, board president; Barbara Godwin-Hazel, treasurer; and Sylvia Fels, second vice president, prepare for the re-opening. new exercise class geared to seniors’ physical abilities. “The building has been re-sided and painted a golden color with new landscaping planned for needed curb appeal,” Trippany said. “A new bridge has been built, and the new sidewalks on the northside will include handrails

to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The new front entrance doors and all windows are now hurricane resistant. “Inside, we’ll soon have new flooring in the lobby/reception area, new receptionist desk and nurse station, and front hall bathrooms

completely remodeled,” Trippany said. “All areas will meet ADA requirements. Construction should be completed during the first week of April.” For more information, call 321724-1338 or visit the center at 1275 Culver Drive NE in Palm Bay. SL

Brevard offers coronavirus burial cost assistance said Ian Golden, director of Brevard County Housing and Human Services. To be eligible for burial assistance, the cause of death must be directly or indirectly related to COVID-19. For example, a death caused by a heart attack exacerbated by coronavirus is eligible, as long the individual was a Brevard resident and the household income does not exceed

BY MARIA SONNENBERG The Brevard County Board of Commissioners this year approved the Coronavirus Burial Program to assist families who have loved a lost one due to the virus. “We have a limited amount of funds to assist families who have lost a loved one due to coronavirus,”

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150 percent of the current federal poverty guidelines prescribed for the family’s household size by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For a family of four, that number would be $39,300. Backup documentation is required, including proof of all household members’ income for three months prior to the date of application. The county will not directly reimburse the legally authorized person for the costs of the funeral, but will instead reimburse the funeral home for costs up to $5,500 for transport and preparation of the decedent, casket, plot and internment. If the individual was a veteran, verified by the Brevard County

Veterans Office, the family will be entitled to $8,250 toward burial, including at a National Cemetery, minus any available military benefits. The legally authorized person to receive burial assistance can be a surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents or other relatives in the next line of kinship. A guardian or representative for the deceased individual is also eligible. Applications are available at brevardfl.gov/HumanServices or in person at the Community Action Agency inside the Dr. Joe Lee Smith Community Center at 415 Stone St. in Cocoa. The burial cost program went into effect Feb. 1. SL Comprehensive Range of Treatments

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Seniors retain quality of life with low-cost transportation options BY JENNIFER H. MONAGHAN On a recent Saturday morning, a frail elderly man was seen outside a grocery store in the Interchange Square Shopping Center in Palm Bay asking other shoppers for a ride to the closest bus stop. He was too frail to independently walk to the bus stop across the busy street. It’s often challenging for transportation-disadvantaged seniors to make private arrangements or it might be cost prohibitive, even for short distances. There are other options for low-cost transportation in Brevard County, although service on weekends is limited. The “Need A Ride” Transportation Program is run by Resource Center for Disability Solutions (RCDS) providing free door-todoor transportation for people with significant disabilities. Many seniors qualify for this service. “It’s a very popular program,” said Ken Stetter, a coordinator. Transportation to medical appointments is prioritized. However, if there’s availability, RCDS attempts to accommodate shopping and other personal errands. Transportation is available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 321-633-6011 for information and to make appointments three weeks in advance. Aging Matters in Brevard is the lead agency for senior services in Brevard County. It offers two volunteer-run transportation services to established clients. Senior Tran Serve for elderly residents for medical appointments, grocery shopping or personal visits, and Vets

Driving Vets provides transportation primarily to the VA Clinic in Viera or other medical appointments. Both programs are donation based. Appointments for door-todoor service are scheduled one week in advance and confirmed 24 hours ahead of the scheduled time depending on the availability of drivers. To become an established client and to schedule a pickup, call 321-806-3787. Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT) has been providing public transportation in Brevard County since 1974. In addition to fixedroutes and contracted services with nonprofit agencies, SCAT offers specialized transportation services — TD Paratransit and ADA Paratransit — to individuals who are unable to access the fixed-route service. Both TD Paratransit (for seniors) and ADA (Americans with Disability Act) Paratransit are generally a curbto-curb service accessed through a Please join Orthopedic Surgeon, Kenneth Sands, MD trip-by-trip reservation. The fare is Please join Orthopedic Surgeon, Kenneth Sands, MD foraavirtual virtualseminar seminar on on the the different different approaches $1.50 each way. For information and for approachesto to to schedule appointments on all three relieving joint pain. programs, call 321-633-1878. relieving joint pain. Please join Orthopedic Orthopedic Surgeon, SCAT also oversees the Please join Surgeon, Kenneth Kenneth Volunteers in Motion Program Join, from the comfort of your own home, the interactive Sands, MD for for aof a virtual virtual seminar the MD comfort your own home,on thethe interactive Sands, seminar on the which relies on volunteers to provide Join, from live discussion on non-surgical treatment options to door-to-door transportation services live discussion differenton approaches totreatment relieving joint pain. non-surgicalto options tothe the different approaches relieving joint pain. to qualified elderly citizens. They latest techniques in joint replacement surgery. operate Monday through Friday. For latest techniques in joint replacement surgery. information, call 321-633-1878. Join, from the comfort of your own home, the Join, fromORTHOPEDIC the comfortSEMINAR of your own home, the Ivy Lawrence, a Palm Bay FREE interactive VIRTUAL WITH live discussion on non-surgical resident, is vision and mobility FREE interactive VIRTUAL ORTHOPEDIC SEMINAR WITH live discussion non-surgical ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON KENNETHonSANDS, MD impaired. She relies on family treatment options to the latest techniques ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON KENNETH SANDS, MD in and friends to take her to medical treatment options to the latest techniques in appointments and grocery shopping. joint replacement surgery. Thursday, April 15 She, however, looks forward to joint replacement surgery. Thursday, April 15 using one of the other transportation 6:00 -ORTHOPEDIC 7:00 p.m. SEMINAR services sometimes because she FREE VIRTUAL 6:00 7:00 p.m. “enjoys the outing; just to get out and WITH ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON get some sunshine.” SL To register, please visit

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Seniors recall the 1960s, 1970s during another successful expo BY KATIE SIVCO Senior Life’s Boomer Guide DriveThru Senior Expo drew hundreds of cars to its 1960s and 1970s themed event on March 19 at The Avenue Viera. The 2021 issue of the award-winning Boomer Guide magazine, the premier senior guide to the Space Coast, was released at the expo. The first copies of the magazine became available to all attendees. The theme for this year’s Boomer Guide was Peace, Love and Listings. For 15 years, the Boomer Guide has been a popular resource guide. Well before the expo’s 8 a.m. start time, vehicles were wrapped around the bend behind AMC Avenue 16. Vendors were lined up to greet, share information, hand out resource material and offer giveaways. Some seniors said the expo offered them a couple of hours out of their homes for the wealth of information that they could collect in one place in a short time. Participants wore masks and practiced social distancing, making the expo a safe option for seniors. One attendee, 83-year-old Janice Cahill of Melbourne, was thrilled at the opportunity. “You don’t even have to get out of your car,” Cahill said. “I enjoy doing this.” The expo offered booths with

information on travel, retirement options, insurance, health and wellness, and transportation. The final stop at the expo was Shred America, which took in attendees’ documents to be securely shredded. Derek Bernard, frontman of the band Derek & The Slammers, provided live music at the expo. “We make the themes of our expos entertaining and informative,” said Jill Blue, the CEO of Bluewater Creative Group, the parent company of Senior Life, which hosted the expo. “It’s nostalgic. It was fun.” Among the sponsors of the event were CarePlus Health Plans, Courtenay Springs Village, St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care, Volunteers in Motion and Health First Health Plans. “So happy to interact with the community today,” said Vicki Moore of CarePlus Health Plans. “Great weather, great music, overall great day.” Senior Life’s next Boomer Guide Drive-Thru Senior Expo will be held 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. April 30 at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Park on Merritt Island. In May, another expo will be held in the Melbourne/Palm Bay area. Exhibitors interested in participating in the next expo should call 321-242-1235 or email media@ bluewatercreativegroup.com. SL

SENIOR LIFE R. Norman Moody

Barbara Coulter of Viera holds up peace signs as she pulls up to the welcome booth.

SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo

R. Norman Moody, the editor of Senior Life, showed up in style.

SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo

Jill Blue, left, publisher of Senior Life and the Boomer Guide, strikes a pose with Drive-Thru attendee Tory Fargnoli.

SUDOKU

SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo

Jennifer Pendergast, middle, presents Solaris Senior Living with a gift certificate from Pizza Gallery & Grill for winning best booth design.

SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo

Sudoku solution on page 31

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

Kathleen Turnquest, right, won best dressed at the Drive-thru and received a Pizza Gallery & Grill gift certificate from Jennifer Pendergast.

myseniorlife.com

Remembering to forget comes with advanced age

I’ve started having to deal with shortterm memory loss, but it’s not as hard as dealing with short-term memory loss. Huh? Memory loss is a common occurrence as you get older. Ever gone somewhere and forgotten why? Then you turn around and retrace your steps, hoping you’ll remember, get lost on the way back and have to call the spouse to find out what you’re doing? That’s short-term memory loss. How about when you’re in a restaurant and they hand you a menu you can only see with your glasses you forgot in the car? Oh, man. What about when you go to a party with the gang from the office and you get a mental

block on someone’s name and have to introduce them to your spouse? Yeah, forgetting names is just like nighttime bathroom visits. The older you get the more it happens. Comedian George Burns identified the stages of memory loss. “First you

In a Ziggy cartoon, he laments: “I wonder if the reason the news is on in every airport … is so when you’re ready to board, you’re afraid of everything but flying!” Life is full of anguish, danger, pain, threats and unpleasantness. Some people are “fearful,” while others appear to be “fearless.” Scientists label fears with an endless list of phobias. People who live long lives deal with the emotions of unpleasant situations by coping in a positive manner. They take charge with trust in God, prayer, alternative solutions and the wise use of resources. In the current environment, seniors have listed their fears in categories, including government programs and finances. Among those are coronavirus

vaccine distribution, national debt, value of insured savings and bonds, Social Security, health programs, safety of investments, market fluctuations, real estate values and concern about their money running out before they do. Next on the list of fears are spiritual matters, medical issues, safety, and constant changes with innovations, technology, institutions and the environment. Musings on an afterlife mingle with fears of cancer, heart problems, dementia, wellness and insurance. Seniors often are targets of crime, frauds, scams, break-ins and identity theft. A few seniors are fearful of global warming, climate change and natural conditions beyond their control. Family relationships bring fears of not wanting to burden adult children to those children continuing to be a burden

Funny thing is... Sammy Haddad

forget names. Then you forget faces. Then you forget to put your zipper up. Then you forget to put your zipper down.” How many times have you forgotten where you put your cell phone and had to have someone else call it? Ever had it ring in your pocket when they did? What about when you put something in a specific place so you won’t lose it, then forget where that place was? Or telling your friends this great story, your phone goes off, you hit reject, then say, “What was I talking about.” Depending on the age of your audience, they’ll probably say “dunno.” So how come I can remember the lyrics to songs I used to sing as a teen 50

years ago but can’t remember why I’m telling you this. There is one good thing about memory loss. I just don’t remember what it is. Actually, there are good things about memory loss. The worse your memory loss is, the more you enjoy reruns. I’m really not suffering from memory loss, I’m enjoying it. Yeah, like when I tell stories of my escapades as a young man. The older I get, the better I was. I can tell you for a fact that I never was the man I once was. Now, what was I talking about? SL

Press pause when fears arise; use life lessons to simplify Challenges of Living to Age 100 Ed Baranowski with lost jobs, marital problems and the constant need for financial support. Housing is a concern as seniors cope with rising rental rates. Others attempt to leave the large family home for a smaller one. Challenges in downsizing, concerns about property taxes and increasing insurance premiums add to their fears. Unfulfilled dreams — travel to exotic places, cruises and time to enjoy

the twilight years — are among the fears that create tension and anguish. “Why didn’t we do this years ago?” Go forward! Give thanks! Seniors have had a life of experiences. Many know what works, why things went wrong, and where to find assistance. They have a wider view and perspective. They deal with their fears in a personal way or seek help from family, church, community and government sources. For a life with less fear, stop to think. Pause. Use decision-making tools. Review alternative solutions. Know the unintended consequences. Simplify and act wisely for a long life. 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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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

Give a gift on Earth Day to our special planet April is a special month for the environment: it is when we celebrate Earth Day. For us at Recycle Brevard, March is also a special month and was a bit extra special this year for it marked Recycle Brevard’s 10th anniversary. With a name that originated from a call to action, Recycle, Brevard!, nothing is more fitting than celebrating the organization’s anniversary by inviting the community to take action and help remove more items from the waste stream, diverting more from our landfills as a gift to the Earth. We are calling it the Ten for Ten Challenge. The goal is to have each participating household divert at least 10 pounds of waste by Earth Day, which is April 22. Items accepted in this

challenge that will count toward the 10 pounds are: 1. Electronics (no printers, monitors or TVs) 2. Metal (other than food/drink cans) 3. Plastic toothbrushes and empty toothpaste tubes 4. Empty dental floss containers

The Indian River Lagoon’s manatees are dying — lots of them! Why? What can be done? Manatees are a signature animal for our area, loved by all. That’s why it’s so sad when we hear that more than 300 died in the first two months of 2021, almost triple the number of deaths for the same period last year. What’s worse, we are hearing that many of these poor, docile creatures are starving to death. Manatees’ main food is seagrass, the leafy green plants that used to cover much of the lagoon’s sandy bottom. And they eat a lot: 32 to 108

pounds of vegetation daily. Tragically, however, our seagrass fields are disappearing. Studies show coverage decreased from 79,000 acres in 2009 to 33,000 in 2019. Why? Because the nutrients we keep dumping into the lagoon are driving algae growth and killing the seagrass. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus causes massive algae blooms, making the water cloudy and preventing sunlight from reaching the seagrass. Likewise, the muck that has built over decades chokes it. As its roots die, the bottom sediment is stirred up by turbulence, further

BEYOND the CURB Marcia Booth

President & Founder, Recycle Brevard

5. Disposable razors and their packaging 6. Vitamin and supplement bottles as well as blister packs 7. Dead markers, mechanical pencils and pens 8. Empty glue sticks 9. Brita filters, pitchers and bottles as well as their plastic packaging 10. Old plastic food storage containers (Tupperware-like) Besides the items listed above, we will need large cardboard boxes and packing tape. Also, if you are interested in helping this effort, please email us at volunteer@RecycleBrevard.org — we will need helping hands to sort, weigh, pack, transport and drop off boxes for shipment.

The main drop-off day will be on Saturday, April 24th at Recycle Brevard’s facility in Rockledge. More details are posted on our website, RecycleBrevard.org, on the Ten For Ten page. If your organization or neighborhood would like to become a drop-off site, you can register online to be added to our list and help engage your local community members in this effort. We want this challenge to bring the community together, energize households and reward our planet. This is what we do through Recycle Brevard. Join us in celebrating the Earth, our community, and positive action! SL Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@ RecycleBrevard.org

Manatee lives depend on lagoon health Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition increasing cloudiness. Scientists say that the whole ecology of the lagoon has changed from one dominated by seagrass fields filled with sea creatures to an algae-dominated ecosystem with

cyclic blooms that die, decay, deplete the oxygen in the water, kill fish and deposit more muck on the bottom. So, saving the manatees really depends on us saving the lagoon itself. And we are back to our familiar discussion. Reduce nutrients in stormwater runoff. Don’t fertilize. Convert septic systems to sewer treatment. Dredge the built-up muck out of the lagoon and stop leakage from wastewater lines. SL Learn more at HelpTheLagoon.org. Check out our recent Lagoon Straight Talk while you’re there.

Tallahassee continues to delight Brevard visitors

Readers, if you haven’t, I would strongly suggest that you plan at least an overnight or longer visit to Florida’s State Capitol Tallahassee. Before you begin your visit, contact the Tallahassee Visitors Bureau at 800-628-2866 or email terri.messler@ visittallahassee.com and request their latest “Visit Tallahassee Booklet.” The timely information in this booklet will help you plan for a successful experience in Tallahassee proper and the surrounding lovely countryside. If you are limited in time, here are some suggestions. Your first visit in Tallahassee is a visit to the Historic State Capitol of Florida. The Capitol building on Monroe Street has been restored to its 1902 appearance. A self-guided tour of the building, which contains two floors of rooms, provides a wealth of

Touring the Town

John Trieste

Florida history. Tour the Senate and the House Chambers, Governor’s Suite, Supreme Court, Rotunda and all the Halls. Right behind the Historic State Capitol is the new 22-story Capitol Building that contains the House and Senate Chambers on either side. Don’t miss the public viewing galleries in both chambers. There also is a great observation deck on the top floor with

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SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Susanne Pommer

At night, the historic Old Capitol in Tallahassee is beautiful. spectacular views of surrounding Tallahassee. Our Florida legislature is in session from March through April. Your second stop in Tallahassee is the outstanding restored Mission San Luis de Apalachee. This mission was a Spanish Franciscan mission built in 1633 in the Florida Panhandle. The mission on Tennessee Street is only 2 miles west of the present-day Florida Capitol Building. Today, the mission is reconstructed on its original site and brings the past to life with guides in period dress introducing you to colonial buildings, exhibits and archaeology. The buildings that have since been reconstructed include the Church, the Convento, the Council House, the Chief’s House, the Fort and Blockhouse, and a typical Spanish house as well as many interesting features around the site. The brand-new Visitors Center has a beautiful lobby and a 125-seat theater where you’ll view an informative introductory film on the mission. The site is located on 63 beautiful acres. Your visit to the mission will transport you back in time to a 17th

Century living community where Apalachee Indians and Spaniards are drawn together by religion as well as military and economic issues. This outstanding mission is Florida’s Apalachee Spanish Living History Museum. Here is a most rewarding and educational site for the entire family to enjoy. Mission San Luis is located at 2100 West Tennessee Street in Tallahassee. For information, call 850-245-6406 or go to missionsanluis.org. There are many excellent overnight accommodations in Tallahassee and along Route 10. Tallahassee should be at least a twoor three-night visit. There is a lot to see and do. Traveling to Tallahassee by auto is very easy from Brevard County. Take Route 528 west to exit 4. This is the Florida Turnpike entrance. Then, take the Turnpike north to Interstate-75. Continue north on I-75 to Interstate-10, west to Tallahassee. With stops along the way, it’s about a seven- or eight-hour pleasant drive. SL

myseniorlife.com

Behind the

Beat

By Randal Hill

‘I Am … I Said’ — Neil Diamond Humor writer Dave Barry once invited the readers of his weekly syndicated newspaper column to vote for the worst pop song of all time. When more than 10,000 letters piled up on his Miami office desk, he assembled them into “Dave Barry’s Book of Bad Songs.” “MacArthur Park” took the highest “honor,” but fun-loving Barry offered jabs at several other tunes as well. One was Neil Diamond’s “I Am…I Said,” with Barry citing one particular set of odd lyrics: I am… I said/To no one there/And no one heard at all/Not even the chair. Barry’s gleeful response: “What kind of line is that? Is Neil telling us he’s surprised that the chair didn’t hear him? Maybe he expected the chair to say, ‘Woah, I heard THAT!’ ” OK. Funny enough. But a closer look at the song reveals some serious surprises. Diamond, who was born Noah Kaminsky in New York in 1941, took a screen test in 1970 in hopes of playing comedian Lenny Bruce in a forthcoming film. (Dustin Hoffman eventually won the role.) In an interview years later, Diamond described how he had returned to his Los Angeles Holiday Inn room in a funk because he felt (correctly) that he had failed the audition. Sitting alone at a small table with two chairs, he gazed out the window at the world of golden sunshine and palm trees. He was homesick for

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Neil Diamond performs at the San Diego Sports Arena in the mid-1970s. his native Brooklyn and feared that perhaps he had made a mistake in his recent move to California. (In an earlier minor hit, “Brooklyn Roads,” Diamond waxed nostalgic about

gazing out the window of his thirdfloor childhood apartment.) Diamond picked up his guitar and within one hour wrote “I Am … I Said,” which would eventually

become his sixth Top 10 single since 1966. He would spend the next four months honing the tune to his satisfaction. Diamond’s label, Uni Records, questioned his line about the chair, but Diamond insisted that it stay. To him, it represented where a hotel-room companion would have sat if there had been one that day. Others have pointed out that Diamond, who is Jewish, may have subconsciously gleaned the chair image from the Passover, which includes Jewish people keeping an empty chair for Elijah, who will eventually announce the coming of the Savior. Diamond has since admitted that much of the bulk of his song came from time spent in therapy in Los Angeles: “It was consciously an attempt on my part to express what my dreams were about, what my aspirations were about and what I was about. And without any question, it came from my sessions with the analyst.” He has since proclaimed: “ (“I Am … I Said”) was by far the most difficult song I have ever written — and probably the best song I have ever written.” By the way, Barry was so overwhelmed by the tsunami of hate mail that flooded in from Neil’s fans that Barry soon wailed in print: “Please stop writing! You have convinced me! Neil Diamond is a music god!” SL

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Overactor 4 Not hesitate 7 Mr. Lugosi 11 I, to Nero 12 Line on a map 14 Like -- -- of bricks 15 Sorority letter 16 As a result 17 Provide capital 18 Skirtlike garment 20 Teahouse hostess 22 Spring month in Paris 23 Capt.’s heading 24 Military caps 27 German ruler 30 Campus group 31 Code for O’Hare 32 Natural resin 34 Tabby 35 Where seals are fed 37 Magnitude 38 Excite 40 Thin icing 41 -- take forever 42 Yeasty brew 43 Rutabaga 46 Gemini’s locale 50 Obstacle 51 Betrayers 53 Up for payment 54 Coniferous tree 55 Cheers for toreros 56 Come to a conclusion 57 Mix it up 58 Steely, as nerves 59 Did lunch

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DOWN 1 That girl’s 2 -- Khan 3 Peaty tract 4 Ice hockey locales 5 Welsh dog 6 Give a ticket to 7 Kits and cubs 8 Depot info 9 Highland lake 10 Composer Paul - 13 Turn down a page (hyph.) 19 Leave out 21 Sooner city 24 Fast food acronym 25 Latin 101 word 26 Storm track 27 -- -Aid 28 Charles Lamb’s pen name 29 Heckle 33 Third letter 35 Type of pasta 36 Grizzled veteran (2 wds.) 37 Vehicle on runners 39 Look-alike 40 Like patent leather 42 Ancient Mexican 43 Cookbook amts. 44 College credit 45 Indian noblewoman 47 Plan of action 48 Mom’s sis 49 Yield 52 “The Greatest”

Crossword solution, page 31

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

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

Then - 1950s

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the City of Cocoa Beach

State Road A1A and State Road 520 was a busy intersection even in the 1950s. Before there was a traffic light at the intersection, a police officer would often direct traffic.

Now - 2021

SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody

The intersection of State Road A1A and State Road 520 has been changed more than once through the years and remains one of the busiest traffic areas in Cocoa Beach.

Scammers often use Social Security ploys to defraud seniors SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE The Social Security Administration and the Office of the Inspector General have once again joined forces to raise public awareness about Social Security imposter scams. Social Security scams — in which fraudsters mislead victims into making cash or gift card payments to fix purported Social Security number problems or to avoid arrest — are the No. 1 type of imposter fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission and Social Security. “I am deeply troubled that crooks

are deceiving Americans and using fear tactics to trick people into providing personal information or money,” Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul said. “I urge everyone to remain vigilant, hang up on these fraudsters, and go to oig.ssa.gov to report any attempted scam.” Criminals are sophisticated, and there are many variations of this fraud scheme. For example, scammers might call or email saying they are from Social Security and that the person’s Social Security number is suspended or was used in a crime. The caller identification might be spoofed to appear as a

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

legitimate government number. They might text or email fake documents in attempts to coerce people to comply with their demands. In recent twists, thieves even use real Social Security and OIG official’s names and send pictures of fabricated government ID badges. Social Security will never tell you that your Social Security number is suspended, contact you to demand an immediate payment, threaten you with arrest, ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone, ask for gift cards or cash, or promise a benefit approval or increase in exchange for information or money.

Social Security employees occasionally contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, someone who is already receiving payments and requires an update to their record, or a person who has requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter. For more information, visit socialsecurity.gov/antifraudfacts. SL

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Senior Life

Health & Wellness

Pandemic stressors test mental health mastery BY JENNIFER H. MONAGHAN Stress is part of everyday life. It is how the body and brain respond to a challenge. Managing stressors gets harder as one ages, which ultimately affects wellness, such as mental health, cardiovascular and other atrisk issues. The COVID-19 pandemic presented added stressors for the community, including social isolation, loneliness, loss of family members and loss of financial resources. In many cases, it had a psychological impact on older adults. Dr. Ethel Sultana Andrews, a psychiatrist with Atlantic Psychiatric Center in Palm Bay, observed some positive responses in the community. “It has been very rewarding to see so many local people, churches, agencies help with food and transportation needs of our local seniors,” she said. She is hopeful this reaction continues and that “people will reach out, allow themselves to be taken out, and to get the emotional help they need to deal with these losses and other stressors.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are five things to know about stress: • Stress affects everyone. • Not all stress is bad. • Long-term stress can harm your health. • There are many ways to manage stress. • If you are overwhelmed by stress, ask for help from a health professional. Individuals react differently to adversities, ranging from minor irritation to mental health and physical health issues. A stressor for one person might not be the same for another. For example, personal relationships, workplace conflicts and health issues produce stress for some individuals, but not others. Getting older in itself can be stressful, given a natural decline in functional abilities and cognition. How one copes with stressors will, however, impact the quality of life. The Mayo Clinic suggests that individuals master the following four strategies for coping with stressful situations. • Avoid when possible.

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Getting older in itself can be stressful, given a natural decline in functional abilities and cognition. • Alter if there is no way to avoid the situation. • Accept it. • Adapt. Changing your own standards or expectations might ultimately be most helpful in dealing with stress.

Balancing stress becomes a practice in daily life. Public health practitioners strongly recommend that individuals seek professional help if managing stress becomes problematic. SL

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Healthy sleep routine grants good night’s renewal BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Create a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as listening to music, reading or taking a hot bath.

A lot of common sense is involved in getting that right amount of good night’s sleep. “As one ages, a normal part of aging is your sleep is not as good,” said Dr. Kelly Dunn, a geriatric psychiatrist in Melbourne who works with sleep patients. “As you age, normally your sleep becomes more broken. People at that age tend to have more pain that wakes them up at night or urinating at night. Restless leg or sleep apnea are things that occur more frequently as you age and interrupt your sleep. “The real importance of getting a good night’s sleep is not the number of hours or that you are up at night, but we know how it affects the rest of your

body. Not sleeping well affects your blood pressure and (contributes to) heart disease and autoimmune diseases like lupus. It causes a lack of balance of body hormones that contribute to obesity and diabetes.” “Sleep boosts the immune system, and without sleep the body is weaker and susceptible to disease,” said Melissa Auricchio, the manager at Health First Sleep Centers. “A senior citizen needs to get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Establish consistent sleep and wake schedules, even on weekends. Create a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as listening to music, reading or taking a hot bath. “A lot of people fall into the practice when they retire of developing a freefloating bed routine — late in night to

bed and late morning rise,” Dunn said. “Seniors need consistent bedtime and awakening time. Limit computers, cell phones, iPads, because the blue light interrupts sleep. Avoid alcohol. No caffeine after 12 noon.” Getting regular exercise helps with sleep. “It is good to be involved in some kind of exercise,” Auricchio said. “But doing exercises close to bed can cause seniors to not be able to go to sleep.” “It is a lot of common sense. Unfortunately, in this society we have grown to look for a quick and easy answer: Is there a pill I can take to fix this problem,” Dunn said. “Unfortunately, it takes consistent work to either achieve or maintain good sleep.” SL

Experts suggest bringing someone with you to medical visits BY LINDA JUMP Dr. Angela Spencer of Merritt Island wants everyone to take a friend or relative with them to medical appointments to ensure they hear and understand all instructions. “Often, patients are in a stressful situation, especially if there is a negative diagnosis. The patient goes, ‘oh, my God, I have cancer,’ and then they don’t hear another word,” she said.

“If the patient is scared, tired or not feeling well, their ability to retain what was said drops dramatically.” – Cindy Brach

On a good day, patients retain about half what is said in a practitioner’s office, said Cindy Brach, a senior healthcare researcher at the federal government’s Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. “If the patient is scared, tired or not feeling well, their ability to retain what was said drops dramatically,” she said. “We all are at risk of misunderstanding.” Brach said a trusted medical advocate provides someone to remind you of your questions, helps process information and reminds you of followup, such as medications. “Having another person in the room will help you digest what’s said.” Brach suggests taking notes or using a smartphone to record the conversation. She also recommends that patients use the “teach-back method” of repeating what they heard to make sure it is correct. Visit ahrq.gov for more information. Spencer, 77, a Transylvania, Romania, native who grew up in Hungary, came to America when she was 22. It was after her younger son graduated that she realized her dream of attending medical school. “I was the oldest in my class, the dinosaur,” she said. A decade later, she became a board-certified psychiatrist and neurologist with a specialty in strokes. From her own practice and after the misdiagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer, she published a novel “Community Hospital As Seen by a Woman Doctor.” She came to Weston for her

321-242-1235

medical training rotations following an internship in New Jersey. Spencer has worked periodically off and on at Palm Bay Hospital, beginning in 2006. She was a stroke specialist and has managed an Alzheimer’s clinic in Tallahassee. In 2014, at age 72, Spencer opened her own practice in Brevard County. When the viral pandemic restricted her, she retired and wrote her fourth book. Spencer had a chronic cough for years and saw “umpteen pulmonologists” who prescribed an inhaler and cough medicine. Neither helped. Repeated X-rays and tests revealed nothing. Acting as her own

health advocate, she finally requested a PET scan, and in 2015, a physician biopsied a 11/2-inch lesion in her right lobe and diagnosed lung cancer, although she was a non-smoker. Her immediate surgery appears to be successful. Spencer’s fictionalized book describes arrogant physicians, hospital administrators who demand increased productivity, insurance officials who developed policies based on profit, and nurse-secretaries who decided whether her patient would be admitted. “Every story is true, unfortunately,” Spencer said. SL

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

Dr. Spencer lives on Merritt Island.

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Senior Life

News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John

North Brevard

Street Pawty fulfills animal adoption center wishes BY FLORA REIGADA A Street Pawty with the band Hot Pink will benefit the SPCA of Brevard Adoption Center. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, April 2 at The Village Idiot Pub at 4 Harrison St., Suite 103, in Cocoa. “The SPCA is a great organization that needs our support. Especially after last year, we can appreciate the impact pets have on our lives,” said pub owner Rebecca Estes. The outdoors party will make it easier to social distance. “Admission is free, but we are asking attendees to bring an item from our wishlist,” said Susan Naylor, the public relations director for the SPCA of Brevard. “We are approaching kitten season, so our requests are geared toward helping the nearly 1,000-plus kittens expected at our shelter over the next six months.” Needed items include KMR kitten milk replacer, Miracle nipples and

Purina cat, dog, kitten and puppy Chow. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $100 each. They offer special access, two free beers, a meal from a participating food truck and the donor’s name on the event banner. The SPCA’s need for donations doesn’t end with kitten season. A year-round wishlist can be found on the SPCA website. In addition to cat and dog food, it includes blankets, dog beds, 4-inch heavy ceramic food bowls, cat carriers, dog crates, scoopable or clay cat litter, cat and puppy toys, as well as brushes and shampoo. Donations such as these help pets prepare for their forever homes. A litter of kittens recently found as strays and in need of care, is typical of many that benefit from donations. Elyse, a 5-year-old mixed-breed dog, was brought to the shelter with puppies and severe mastitis. “Donations helped her heal and provided nutrition for the puppies,”

SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada

SPCA of Brevard Volunteer Coordinator Michelle Romero plays with Elyse, a mixedbreed dog, who receives tender loving care at the SPCA after being found sick and scared with her puppies. Naylor said. Two Brevard County thrift stores help support the SPCA. One is in Titusville at 4220 S. Washington Ave. The other is in Melbourne at 790 S.

Apollo Blvd. The SPCA of Brevard is at 6035 Sisson Road in Titusville. Call 321567-3615 or visit spcabrevard.com. SL

Longtime cook loved serving up hot meals to the needy BY FLORA REIGADA

For Alberta Denson, a long-time cook at Titusville’s Salvation Army soup kitchen, it was all about loving and helping people. For nearly 35 years, from July 1986, to December 2020 when the kitchen closed, Denson showed that love by cooking hot meals for whoever needed one. Steve Vick a divisional director for service extension at the North Central Brevard Salvation Army, cited financial issues for the kitchen’s closing. “We needed to make difficult decisions, because we couldn’t continue to do everything,” he said. As long as the doors were open, Denson served nutritious meals for 60 to 80 people, five and sometimes six days a week. Before there was an actual kitchen, she cooked in an old trailer. In those early days, she also operated the homeless shelter. “People get down on their luck and go through hard times, but they still need to eat. My heart goes out to them,” she said.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Tammy Tucker

Alberta Denson cooked meals for the needy for nearly 34 years. If someone showed up late after the kitchen closed, Denson could not turn anyone away hungry. “I would give them a plate to go,” she said. Pam Gheen was one of the

volunteers who assisted Denson. “Alberta was dedicated to her job. She loves people and worked hard to make sure they had a good dining experience and that everything was kept clean,” Gheen said. “She ran

the kitchen efficiently and planned everything in advance.” Gheen has had the pleasure of sampling Denson’s tasty wares, such as beef and macaroni, chicken and rice, spaghetti with meat sauce, as well as Thanksgiving dinners. “If we couldn’t think of a name for something she put together, we would call it Pasta Alberta,” Gheen said. Tammy Tucker, who collected food for the effort, recalled Denson’s culinary creativity. “She could make delicious meals from almost anything,” Tucker said. Denson occasionally runs into volunteers such as Gheen. “They tell me the soup kitchen couldn’t have run without me,” Denson said. “I say I couldn’t have done it without them.” These days, Denson prepares her delights mainly for herself and her son. She looks forward to cooking again for her large family when the pandemic is over. She fondly remembers her years at the Salvation Army. “I enjoyed the job, the people and helping them,” she said. SL

Medically underserved get care in Cocoa, Titusville

SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE

Space Coast Health Centers is accepting patients for its behavioral health, OB/GYN and primary care services to medically underserved patients in north Brevard County and surrounding communities. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

in Titusville and Cocoa. “We are proud to begin providing unconditional, high-quality services to patients regardless of their ability to pay,” SCHC CEO Arvin Lewis said. “Seventy-four percent of north Brevard County patients that can access a healthcare center, don’t receive all the services they need. Our principles of CARE (compassion,

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

accountability, responsiveness and effectiveness) keep us focused as we deliver services to the medically underserved.” To fill the gap needed for broader healthcare services, SCHC collaborates with area hospitals and healthcare systems, state and local agencies, foundations and other local healthcare providers. This healthcare

model allows for proactive patientfocused preventative care. SCHC will offer telemedicine for those who prefer or need care from the comfort of their home. For more information about SCHC and services provided, visit spacecoasthealthcenters.org or call 321-268-6836. SL

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Brevard’s original Senior focused Drive-thru expo provider

R O F S U N H I T O 6 J UR O

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 8:30 - 10:30 AM Brevard Veterans Memorial Park

400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island • Music from the 60s & 70s • Exhibitor Giveaways • Free Snacks • Dress in your 60s & 70s attire

Pick up your

NEW 2021

BOOMER GUIDE

ENTER

Look for our next Drive-Thru Expo

EXIT

Early May in the Melbourne/Palm Bay area

For info, call 321-242-1235 • boomerseniorexpo.com • media@bluewatercreativegroup.com 321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

Johnson Aluminum Products LLC Hurricane Shutters Screen Patios • Rescreens ACCORDION HURRICANE SHUTTERS Why lift heavy panels?

Easy Open/Close Accordion Shutters

Why take 8 hours to do a 30 minute job?

Buy directly from the manufacturer. Please visit our factory.

Free Estimates! Avoid the rush, order early.

SCREENED PATIOS

RESCREENING

321-956-3102 www.JohnsonAluminumProducts.com

365 Stan Dr. #102, W. Melbourne, FL

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

LIC. & INS. 18-AL-CT-00011

myseniorlife.com

Feb. 6,

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Monday • April Fool’s Day Shuffleboard

Tuesday

League Play 1 p.m. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-255-4494

Chair Yoga

11 a.m. - Noon Breathe, stretch, repeat. $2 Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. Cocoa Beach 321-783-9505

4 Easter

5 •Gold Star Spouses Day 6 • Library Workers Day

10 - 11:30 a.m. Join us for Easter 2021 at the USSSA Space Coast Complex — outdoor, spaced seating, but still together as a church.

10 a.m., RSVP. Motor and non-motor symptoms. Virtual only. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Easter 2021 at Church at Viera

Sandwich Day

2021 Cocoa Beach Air Show

Jazzercise Lo

Bread Day

View additonal area events online at myseniorlife.com

Thursday

1 - 4 p.m. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-255-4494

Friday

Saturday

Just to be safe— 1 Please call each event location to confirm date and time.

Friday

American Sign Language Donate Blood 6-week sessions, beginner 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 5 - 7 p.m. $43 includes all 6 classes. Weekly through May 13. Palm Bay High School 101 Pirate Lane Melbourne, 321-633-3662

Donors receive a $10 eGift Card. Melbourne Police Department 650 Apollo Blvd. Melbourne 888-936-6283

8 a.m., April 4, 4 p.m. Lori Wilson Park 1500 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-613-2158

second Tuesdays Free blood pressure checks by VNA. Wickham Park Senior Center, 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-255-4494

1 - 4 p.m. No experience necessary, training included. American Police Hall of Fame, 6350 Horizon Drive Titusville, 321-264-0911 ext 120

1 - 2 p.m. Read thought-provoking literature and participate in lively discussions. Please RSVP. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

13 • Peach Cobbler Day

16 • National Orchid Day 17

Orthopedic Seminar Relieving Joint Pain

Hearing Loss = Brain Stress, Lunch and Learn Seminar

Beginners: 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Intermediate 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-255-4494

Long Term Care is Not A Place – Seminar

4 p.m. In-person or virtual. Limited seating and must RSVP for Zoom. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, RSVP 321-751-6771

Muscle Memory, Strength, Balance

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-609-0999

• National Dolphin Day

Drive-thru Spring Fling

2 - 3 p.m. Live music, raffle prizes. No charge to the public. Solaris Senior Living 535 Crockett Blvd. Merritt Island, RSVP 321-454-2363

Yoga in the Park

6 - 7 p.m. Free virtual seminar with Kenneth Sands, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon. Call 321-255-8040 or go to melbourneregional.org

Saturday • National Love Our Children Day

Easter Surf Contest Featuring East Coast Dog Surfing

8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Wickham Park Senior Center The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-255-4494 April 17 & 18 Cocoabeachairshow.com

25 • National Zucchini

Mexican Train Dominos

Thursday

Wednesday

Line Dancing

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Open to all cars and trucks, every year, make and model. Music, 50/50 drawing, National Grilled Cheese awards, raffles, vendors

Wednesday

7 •National Walking Day 8 Docent Training Book Club

Parkinson’s Support Group Blood Pressure Check 10:30 a.m. of Viera

Breast Cancer Awareness Car Show

Calendar

Pinochle

12:30 - 4 p.m. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-255-4494

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. In person and virtual. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, RSVP 321-341-9000

Spring Garden Party

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Stroll through our beautiful garden and learn about Florida natives plants. Cocoa Rockledge Garden Club 1493 Fiske Blvd. Rockledge, 321-863-0277

Veterans Memorial Concert 35th annual Veterans Memorial Concert with Doc Holiday 7 p.m. Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-690-0805

22 • National Earth Day 23 24 Social Media Past Your 50s Melbourne Art Festival VA Aid & Attendance 10 - 11 a.m. April 24 -25 Seminar 10 a.m. Presented by William A. Johnson. RSVP. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Learn the latest on the benefits and hazards of social media in people over 50. One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera, RSVP 321-751-6771

30 EXPO DAY

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free admission, parking, children’s art projects and live entertainment Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive

Medicaid Planning Seminar Boomer Guide Drive-Thru 10 a.m. Senior Expo #6

9 - 10 a.m. Guests must bring all of In-person or virtual. their own mats and blocks. Presented by Elder Law The Avenue Attorney William A. Central Park, Viera Johnson P.A. 321-634-5390 321-751-6771

8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Get your new 2021 Boomer Guide. Dress in your 1960s 1970s outfit and join the fun. Music, snacks, water at this Peace, Love & Listings event. This will be a fun one. boomerseniorexpo.com, or call 321-242-1235.

THE SPACE COAST’S BEST BOOMER/SENIOR RESOURCE DIRECTORY

The Boomer Guide is back &

• Board Certified: American Board of Internal Medicine

It’s Outta Sight! Available at the following locations:

NORTH BREVARD Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. Cocoa Beach

• Internal Medicine Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation 5600 Porada Dr. STE 104B, Viera, FL

321-338-2400 IMCChealth.com

Call to Schedule Your Appointment Today

Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce 2000 S. Washington Ave.

• Medical School: UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine

Central Brevard Public Library 308 Forrest Ave., Cocoa

• Undergraduate: NC State University

Senior Life Office — Viera 7350 Shoppes Drive, #102

• 25+ Years Experience as a Primary Care Physician

Accepting NEW PATIENTS Medicare Patients Welcome Most Major Insurances Accepted

321-242-1235

Titusville Public Library 2121 S. Hopkins Ave.

CENTRAL BREVARD

One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera

SOUTH BREVARD

The celebration continues! Boomer Guide Drive-Thru Senior Expo #6 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 30 Brevard Veterans Memorial Park

Melbourne Public Library 540 E. Fee Ave. Palm Bay Library 1520 Port Malabar Blvd. NE Satellite Beach Public Library 751 Jamaica Blvd. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way, Melbourne

BLUEWATER CREATIVE GROUP

MyBoomerGuide.com

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

Market Square Antiques

Health

Health Insurance

ANTIQUES WANTED TO BUY

LOCAL MEDICARE PROFESSIONAL

High prices paid!

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

Sheri Gaul

Free Immunization Assessment by our Pharmacy Team

Call/Text me anytime:

321-749-8445

Make your immunization make a world of difference.

Shingles, pneumonia, and more available now!

Seniors Day is the first Tuesday of each month. Over 25 Years’ Experience in Antiques

321-634-2647

Health Insurance

*20% off Regular Price Merchandise with bonus points 55+ with Balance Reward Card *Some restrictions apply

Hearing

Home Repair

You Deserve Better Hearing

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

PROFESSIONAL GRAB BAR INSTALLATION

One call stops the fall! Safe. Fast. Affordable.

321-253-6310

321-392-3000

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

SameDayGrabBars.com

SANDRA WAGNER BC-HIS

PersonalHearingSolutions@outlook.com PersonalHearing.org

Thinking of selling? Call Sara

Air Gagers A/C & Heating Inc. Locally owned & Operated

Proudly serving all of Brevard County

SOLD $269,900

321-775-3522

2850 South Hopkins Ave.

Ap r i l S p e c i a l

ing nitiz l ducthits adsa robceia p. 4/30/2021 ti-mmoic Ex . on nti Freitheanay n$150 Me or re servi ) (w

Restaurant

Realty

Home Repair

Sunday – Thursday: 9am-9pm Friday & Saturday: 9am-10pm

321-383-1616

MERRITT TOWERS, UNIT B-809 SOLD $249,000

Nature’s Market Health Foods

ASURE EXTENDED WARRANTY PROVIDER

A/C & HEATING

“Advanced Technology, Old-Fashioned Service” Military, seniors & first responders 10% discount

Residential & Commercial

Roofing

Brevard’s Health Food Store

701 S. Apollo Blvd. Melbourne

HERITAGE ISLE, 3591 FUNSTON CIR.

321-724-6923

Sara Forst Griffin

321-794-9001 SaraForstGriffin@Remax.net

NaturesMarketMelbourne.com

AEROSPACE REALTY

Sewing Check out the Q&L website for class schedule and events.  We are an authorized, full line retailer for Baby Lock®,

Brother®, Koala ®, Floriani ,® & Anita Goodesign®  Full-time, on-site, factory certified service engineer

April is Serger Month! 7720 N. Wickham Rd.

We try our best to ‘under-promise and over deliver’

April 1: 4th Anniversary

Suites 111 & 112 & 113 Melbourne, FL 32940

Celebration and Sale M,W,Th,F: 10am - 5pm, Tue: 12N - 7pm,

April 10, 10 am:

Sat: 10am - 2pm, Sun: CLOSED

Stay connected with us! Go to Facebook/SeniorLife

Phone: (321) 622-8602, Fax: (321) 622-8574 www.quiltsandlace.com beth@quiltsandlace.com

Make a Difference Check out the Q&L website for class schedule and events. Serger Tote for  We are an authorized, full line retailer for Baby Lock®, foster children Brother®, Koala ®, Floriani ,® & Anita Goodesign® and on-site, Service available on site Full-time, factory certified service engineer  Repair 7720 Rd. Suite 111 We N. try Wickham our best to ‘under-promise and over deliver’ Melbourne, FL 32940 321-622-8602 quiltsandlace.com • beth@quiltsandlace.com

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

7720 N. Wickham Rd. Suites 111 & 112 & 113 Melbourne, FL 32940

M,W,Th,F: 10am - 5pm, Tue: 12N - 7pm, Sat: 10am - 2pm, Sun: CLOSED

Phone: (321) 622-8602, Fax: (321) 622-8574 www.quiltsandlace.com beth@quiltsandlace.com

myseniorlife.com

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 321-633-2076, FAX 321633-2170, cindy.short@brevardfl.gov, brevardf l.gov/ HumanServices/CommissionOnAging or at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, B-106, Viera, FL 32940.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day still remains important to this day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an annual international observance day held on June 15 each year. The WEAAD came about as the result of the United Nations’ 66/127 2011 resolution, regarding a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA). United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon asked in his statement to the General Assembly to “call upon Governments and all concerned actors to design and carry out more effective prevention strategies and stronger laws and policies to address all aspects of elder abuse. Let us work together to optimize living conditions for older persons and enable them to make the greatest possible contribution to our world.” On June 11, the Adult Protective Services Division of Florida DCF, in coordination with the Brevard Commission on Aging, Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation, Inc., Brevard County TRIAD and Senior Life, will hold the 12th annual Brevard County World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Senior Expo (WEAAD 2021) at the Melbourne Auditorium. Besides government agencies and

local law enforcement departments, many community providers will participate and allow seniors and their families to meet community providers and learn about all the services available in the community. The services are focused on helping citizens age in place, remain in their community, highlighting services that assist with personal care, medical case management, housekeeping, companion and transportation services, and senior living options if needed. The abuse hotline is 1-80096-ABUSE or 1-800-962-2873. Elder abuse occurs globally, with no boundaries of race, religion or economic status. It occurs in both developed and developing countries. As our longevity increases, we have a growing global population of elderly people. From both a health and social perspective, unless primary health care providers and social service providers identify and deal with the problem, elder abuse will continue to be overlooked and under reported. Elder abuse is defined as both a single, or repeated act; or a lack of appropriate action occurring within any relationship where there is an

expectation of trust. This act or lack of action causes harm or distress to the older person. This serious social problem is often hidden from public view and seen as a private matter. Many seniors fail to report their abuse due to the embarrassment that this could have happened to them, or that a trusted friend or family member is the abuser. The Florida Department of Children and Families, Adult Protective Services Division investigates allegations of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation. So, what can you do? Educate yourself on the red flags of Elder Abuse. Physical indicators include unexplained fractures, burns, lacerations on the victim; lack of appropriate clothing for the weather; wearing the same clothes for multiple days; unkempt or dirty in appearance; fleas, lice; body odor; senior wanders or appears to be lost and needs assistance finding their way home. Environmental indicators include garbage is thrown about the inside and outside of the home; hazardous living conditions due to lack of needed repairs to the home; fire hazards;

BoomerSenior

Sentiments

inadequate or little food in the home; utilities are not working; new people have moved into the home, making conditions crowded. Financial indicators can be the senior complains they no longer have enough money to pay their bills or purchase food; senior appears unable to understand their finances; a new friend is now handling their finances and banking. Behavioral indicators can be new destructive or aggressive behavior by the senior; afraid of being alone; sudden change in behavior or attitude, suspicious of others; lack of eye contact; withdrawals from friends; frightened of caregiver; overly quiet, passive and denies any problems. Family or caregiver is striking or pushing senior; name calling; shows little concern for the senior; and unrealistic expectations of the senior. If you need to go to a rehabilitation facility, which one in your community would you feel most comfortable at? Like any other phase of our lives, it takes planning to make our senior years as successful as possible. SL

Crossword Solution Crossword on page 21

What is the ultimate adventure you hope to accomplish in your life? Photos by Ernest Arico

Ken Carver

“My trip to China in 1983 was my ultimate adventure. I was one of the first Americans to travel freely through China. I spent three weeks in China traveling by train and steamboat.”

Mike Ferger

“I hope to return to Cuba when it is a free country. I have been there 12 times, most recently 14 months ago, and the conditions under which the people must live are so difficult. I want to go back when Cuba is in better condition.”

321-242-1235

Venus Brown

“I would like to visit northern and central Europe, especially Italy, Germany and Spain.”

Sudoku Solution Puzzle on page 18

Loretta Raymor

“I want to go back to Hong Kong. I was coming down with an illness the last time I was there, and I wasn’t very nice. I want to do a do-over.”

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

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Now available available inNow Space Coast! Now available inNow Space Coast! available Space Coast! You in may be able to enroll Space Coast! You in may beaffordable able to enroll in this You in may beaffordable able to enroll this CarePlus plan to today. You may beaffordable able enroll in this CarePlus plan today. in this affordable CarePlus plan today. CarePlus plan today.

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CarePlusHealthPlans.com @CarePlusHealthPlans CarePlusHealthPlans.com *Per hospital day **From@CarePlusHealthPlans a preferred cost-sharing retail pharmacy. Space Coast area. CarePlus is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in CarePlus depends on CarePlusHealthPlans.com contract renewal. Referrals and/or authorization may be required for certain specialists. This plan covers certain from out-of-network providers in Brevard and *Per day **From a preferred retail Space Coast area. CarePlus is an may HMO planservices withYou a received Medicare Enrollment in CarePlus depends on @CarePlusHealthPlans CarePlusHealthPlans.com Indianhospital River counties in Florida. Exceptcost-sharing in emergency or pharmacy. urgent situations, non-contracted providers deny care. will pay contract. a higher copay for services received by non-

contract renewal. authorization mayretail be required forSpace certainCoast specialists. This plan certain from out-of-network providers inour Brevard and contracted providers. Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation toproviders treatiscovers CarePlus members, except inpayemergency situations. Please call Member *Per hospital day Referrals **From aand/or preferred cost-sharing pharmacy. area. CarePlus an may HMO planservices withYou a received Medicare contract. Enrollment in CarePlus depends on Indian River counties in Florida. Except in emergency or urgent situations, non-contracted deny care. will a higher copay for services received by nonServices number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the costsharing that applies to out-of-network services. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans contract renewal. Referrals and/or authorization may be required for certain specialists. This plan covers certain services received from out-of-network providers in Brevard and *Per hospital day **From a preferred cost-sharing retail pharmacy. Space Coast area. CarePlus isCarePlus an HMO plan with except a Medicare contract. Enrollment in CarePlus depends on contracted providers. Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are underapplicable no obligation toproviders treatRights members, inpayemergency situations. Please call our Member @CarePlusHealthPlans CarePlusHealthPlans.com based on a 5-star rating system. CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. complies with Federal Civil laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, Indian River counties in Florida. Except in emergency or urgent situations, non-contracted may deny care. You will a higher copay for services received by noncontract renewal. Referrals and/or authorization may be required for certain specialists. 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Español (Spanish): age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status, or religion in their programs and activities, including in admission or access to, or treatment @CarePlusHealthPlans CarePlusHealthPlans.com on a 5-star rating system. CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. complies with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, Member Servicesin,está attheir 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: gratuita 711). From October 1 - March 31,dewe are open 7 dayspara apolicies week, 8and/or a.m.altotonúmero 8filep.m. From Aprilalso 1 -anteriormente. September we areAyisyen open Monday Esta información disponible de forma en otrosafter idiomas. Favor llamar Servicios Afiliados queincluding aparece Kreyòl (French or employment programs and activities. 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H1019_MKDMFNPR3891102021_M Esta información forma otrosafter idiomas. de pou llamar a Servicios Afiliados número que call aparece Kreyòl Ayisyen(Spanish): (French - Friday, 8 a.m. to está 8 p.m. You may de always leave a voicemail hours,Favor Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and we will return your withinanteriormente. one business day. Español Creole): Enfòmasyon sa a disponib gratis nan lòt lang. Tanpri rele nimewo Sèvis pou Manm nou yo ki nan lis anwo an. H1019_MKDMFNPR3891102021_M Esta información está disponible de forma gratuita en otros idiomas. Favor de llamar a Servicios para Afiliados al número que aparece anteriormente. Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Creole): Enfòmasyon sa a disponib gratis nan lòt lang. Tanpri rele nimewo Sèvis pou Manm nou yo ki nan lis anwo an. H1019_MKDMFNPR3891102021_M

SENIOR LIFE • APRIL 2021

myseniorlife.com