Senior Life, February 2022

Love stories shared page 28

VOLUME 24

OF FLORIDA

ISSUE 10

myseniorlife.com

February 2022

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Little known about the founders of Crane Creek, which became Melbourne Story, page 3

SENIOR LIFE photo

Quilters showcase their best

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

Quilters

Continued on page 30

Liberty rings, page 14

Senior Life Courtesy of The Concerned Citizens of South Brevard

Quilters in Paradise Quilt Show — an event quilt lovers have been awaiting — will be held Feb. 18 and 19 at the Melbourne Auditorium.

Piecework quilts have strongly been embedded in history dating back to the pre-civil war days.

Everyone’s journey for quilting is different and the global passion for patchwork has evolved since the days of piecing bits of old fabrics together.

Organized by Seaside Piecemakers, these quilting shows are held every two years.

The quilter community eagerly anticipates these events.

“There are over 300 fellow quilter-members — women and men — and we are all very involved in the community, hospice and charitable organizations,” said Ann James, a Seaside

Balaam Allen

Peter Wright

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Navigating traffic, page 20

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Ahh, Valentine’s Day. We could not have all the interesting stories in this February issue of Senior Life without including Valentine’s Day. This year, we asked readers to share their love stories. We received quite a few — some lengthy, some short, as we asked. So, we took a few of the submissions and shared the essence of the love stories. We think you will enjoy hearing from fellow readers and even see similarities with your Valentine love story.

Valentine’s Day comes each year on Feb. 14 in the United States and in many other nations around the world.

After more than two years of restriction and isolation for some, outdoor activities and events might be what you need. We will tell you in this edition of a couple of outdoor events that might be of interest. The Barefoot Bay Music Fest by the Lake could be a good option for those who live in South Brevard County or those who do not mind venturing a longer distance. Then, there are several events wrapped into one on Feb. 6 at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center. We will give you the details on both events in two separate stories.

We always try to give you the best information on health and wellness issues. In this edition of Senior Life, we look at fall prevention because it is a common cause of injuries among seniors. There are things you can do to help prevent falls.

While talk of vaccines these days centers on COVID, we tell you about a shingles shot vaccine, that though it is expensive for those without insurance, can save people from a lot of pain.

If you know someone who has a smart thermostat in their home, they can tell you all about it. If not, you will be interested in our story on the subject.

You also should take the time to read about the people we write about: an Air Force veteran who grew up with music and is still playing it for audiences in the area.

Others are writing books and living adventures in their senior years.

Maybe you will be inspired by these stories.

There is so much more in this edition of Senior Life. We always keep you in mind as we begin to plan these stories. We have listened to your ideas for stories you want to read about and continue to welcome them.

We like hearing from our readers. SL R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of The Concerned Citizens of South Brevard

The Concerned Citizens of South Brevard are seeking City of Melbourne support to establish a monument honoring the three African-American founders of Crane Creek, which later became known as Melbourne.

Group moves to honor the founders of Melbourne

BY LINDA JUMP

The Concerned Citizens of South Brevard are seeking City of Melbourne support to establish a $400,000 monument in Riverside Park to commemorate the three freed slaves who first settled there.

Teri Jones, the chairman of the Founders’ Monument Committee, said that support will help with fundraising and moving forward to place statues of Peter Wright, (William) Wright Brothers and Balaam Allen.

“Little is known about the founders of Crane Creek, that later became Melbourne.”

During the past year, the group has raised $12,000 but needs council approval to place the monument in the park. Last month, Jones and Joseph McNeil, the president of the CCSB, presented their plan for a semi-circular half wall 4-feet tall and a podium holding three life-sized statues with a 14½-foot-tall archway reading “Crane Creek Founders.” Pavers and planters would complete the monument.

Jones didn’t ask for money, but for site permission and city staff guidance in grant generation, ongoing security and endorsement to help them as they seek two grants from the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs. CCSB would do the fundraising and maintenance, she said.

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

Teri Jones addresses the Melbourne City Council.

Jones said the monument would educate people about Melbourne’s little-recognized founders and increase tourism and economic development.

Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey and Councilwoman Yvonne Minus, whose District 3 includes the park, said they “fully support” the plan. But the project’s approval requires a full council vote, planned for a future meeting.

The Rev. Lorenzo Laws, senior pastor of the Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church, the first house of worship in Melbourne built by the founders, said, “The monument will provide cultural awareness and significance... for future generations.”

Beverly Wiggin, a former business grow citrus, and later had a grocery owner, told council members the three store. Balaam Allen and his wife Salina founders “are the best-kept secret in came a few years later to establish Melbourne” and asked city officials to another citrus farm. SL support the project.

The CCSB’s web site foundersmonument.org reports that the three founders came to Crane Creek beginning in 1867, a year after Congress passed the Homestead Act that gave inexpensive land to freed slaves. Capt.

Peter Wright sailed from Georgia with his former owner to establish 160 acres in the marshy, mosquito-infested swamp to grow citrus.

He carried mail with his brother Richard

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Table of contents Volume 24, Issue 10 Senior Life of Florida 7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940 321-242-1235

©2022 Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. All rights reserved

6 NEIGHBORS 7 SENIOR LIVING

myseniorlife.com jill@myseniorlife.com Publisher Jill Blue

Editor R. Norman Moody

myseniorlife.com

Office Manager Sylvia Montes

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.

Art Director Adam Palumbo Copy Editor Jeff Navin

Feature Writers Ernest Arico Ed Baranowski Marcia Booth Brenda Eggert Brader Mike Gaffey Nanette Hebdige Linda Jump Betty Porter Flora Reigada Wendy Scheuring Maria Sonnenberg John Trieste George White

Boomer Guide —the best resource guide in Brevard!

r u O rs

• • • • •

10 12-14 16-19 20 22 25 30

TECH KNOW TIDBITS STRIPES VETERANS COLUMNISTS HISTORY THEN AND NOW HEALTH & WELLNESS NORTH BREVARD NEWS CLASSIC RIDES

COUPONS & DISCOUNTS

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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Nonprofit moving to old Cocoa Fire Station

BY MIKE GAFFEY Family Promise of Brevard, Inc. is aiming for a late-summer opening date for its new, larger location, a former fire station in Cocoa.

The nonprofit organization that aims to keep struggling families in their homes will more than double its space when it relocates from a Grace Life Church-owned building on Murrell Road in Rockledge to the former Cocoa Fire Station No. 1.

The 7,000-square-foot station at Dixon Boulevard and Clearlake Road has been empty since 2017.

“It’s just a great opportunity to rehab this building and breathe new life into it for a new kind of crisis,” said Tara Pagliarini, the executive director of Family Promise. “Firehouses are for emergencies and we’re in the middle of a housing crisis.”

their services, Pagliarini said.

Family Promise is launching a capital campaign to raise the remaining amount, she said.

The nonprofit hopes to finish renovations by August and move in by Sept. 1, she said.

“We’re hopeful, we’ve been very forward-thinking in pushing things as much as we can to be done,” Pagliarini said. “But, we’ve had really great partners who want to see this happen.”

To learn more, visit familypromiseofbrevard.org.

SL

SENIOR LIFE Steve Hollinger

Family Promise of Brevard is excited about moving from Rockledge to a bigger location in Cocoa.

Su

mm Open er ing 20 22 !

“It’s just a great opportunity to rehab this building and breathe new life into it for a new kind of crisis.”

– Tara Pagliarini

In August 2021, the city of Cocoa approved a 20-year lease at $1 a year to provide a new headquarters for Family Promise, which became operational in Brevard in 2013 and has managed to keep 8,000 families in their homes.

But when the nonprofit saw referrals for services skyrocket by more than 450 percent in 2021 due to the COVID pandemic, its leaders decided to relocate to zip code area 32922 in Cocoa.

It’s an area of great need, where nearly 75 percent of families are a paycheck away from potentially losing housing, according to Pagliarini.

The new location will be closer to those who need assistance and is on a major bus route for easier access.

Other agencies that offer health, income and education services also operate at the facility, and its larger size could provide room for a community classroom for educational and industrial certification that could lead to higher-paying jobs.

“It will be a true hub of services,” Pagliarini said.

About 80 percent of renovation costs already are covered through federal grants, private donations and builders offering to donate

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Neighbors Art, music, food highlight Barefoot Bay Festival

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER It’s time for the annual Barefoot Bay Festival by the Lake, highlighting the arts, crafts, food – and new this year, a cigar lounge and free music.

The festival is Feb. 11 and 12.

“The festival offers something new with the cigar lounge and bourbon bar,” said Kathy Mendez, the Barefoot Bay food and beverage manager. “Art, music, food and beverage tents are all open to the public during festival hours 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. What is also new this year, the music is free.”

And it is a variety of music. Music on the big stage features Panama Band of Rockledge on Friday; Kore of the Melbourne area, which will play rock and pop from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday; Gilly & The Girl, of Orlando, which will play easy rock from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday; Rocket City of Melbourne, which will play from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday; and closing from 2 to 5 p.m.

Saturday will be a dance band — TC & Sass of Central Florida.

More than 40 artisans and food vendors will participate.

“Artists include ceramic, pottery, watercolor, oils, birdhouses, jewelry and this year, caricatures,” Mendez said. “A kid zone, Saturday only

from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will feature two bounce houses, a balloon maker, face painter and fairy hair glitter decorations.”

Food vendors include a lobster food truck, barbecue, the Barefoot Bay Recreation District grilling hamburgers and hotdogs, Holy Cannoli Bakery, a beverage tent and lounge offering full liquor and beer.

The event couldn’t run without its volunteers taking care of the approximately 2,000 people attending each year.

“We have 50 to 100 volunteers depending on how active different things get going,” said Elaine VanBerschot, the president of the Barefoot Bay Civic Volunteer Organization. “We have shifts of volunteers. It is fun to be a part of the festival, so we never lack in volunteers to work the event and that part is amazing. People say, ‘Just let me do something,’ whether doing raffles, parking or setting up vendors.

It is all strictly volunteers.”

No tents or coolers are permitted.

Bring chairs. Masks are optional.

Escort drivers will chauffeur people to festival grounds from parking areas.

SL

SENIOR LIFE photo

Friends like to gather for the Barefoot Bay Festival by the Lake.

SENIOR LIFE photo

Bands will highlight the Barefoot Bay Festival by the Lake on Feb. 11 and 12.

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More winter or early spring? We’ll find out on Groundhog Day

BY MIKE GAFFEY On Feb. 2, the western Pennsylvania town of Punxsutawney and a plump rodent with a knack for meteorology will once again capture America’s attention.

A popular tradition observed in North America, Groundhog Day celebrates the abilities of a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. Each year, thousands gather for a lighthearted ceremony at Gobbler’s Knob just outside Punxsutawney, where officials awaken a hibernating Phil from his burrow to learn whether the groundhog has seen his shadow.

According to Pennsylvania Dutch legend, if a groundhog emerging

from its burrow sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will return to its den and winter will linger for another six weeks. If the groundhog sees no shadow, spring will arrive early.

The tradition derives from the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas, when clergy would bless and distribute candles representing how long and cold the winter would be. Germans modified the tradition by selecting an animal as a weather forecaster, first using hedgehogs. German settlers in Pennsylvania continued the custom but switched to groundhogs, also known as woodchucks. Plentiful in Pennsylvania, the furry, burrowing

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City leaders in Pennsylvania dress in style for Groundhog Day. rodents weigh from 12 to 18 pounds, hibernate in late fall and wake up in March.

The first official observance of Groundhog Day occurred on Feb. 2, 1887, when a newspaper editor belonging to a group of groundhog hunters from Punxsutawney — called the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club — declared that Phil, the Punxsutawney groundhog, was America’s only true weather-forecasting groundhog. A group then met at Gobbler’s Knob to learn the groundhog’s forecast.

Similar observances take place in towns throughout the Northeast, Midwest and Canada.

The tradition grew in popularity following the success of the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day.” Starring

Bill Murray, the film is about a TV weatherman who gets stuck in a time loop while covering Groundhog Day festivities and is forced to relive the day over and over.

Phil reportedly saw his shadow in 2021, during a ceremony conducted behind closed doors due to the pandemic. This month, organizers hope to welcome back visitors for the event’s 136th year and again plan to livestream the festivities to reach a wider audience.

Although beloved for his prognostications, Phil apparently is not infallible. According to studies by meteorologists, almanacs, colleges and weather organizations, Phil’s accuracy rate ranges anywhere from 29 percent to 50 percent. SL

Enjoy your journey as a traveler, not as the typical tourist

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SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2022

Americans are slowly returning to international travel after a drastic drop from 2019 when close to 100 million traveled abroad.

An enjoyable part of international travel is taking time to get away from the beaten path and not standing out as a tourist.

In fact, in some areas, it might not be wise to advertise that you are an American, or even that you are a tourist.

“Don’t wear the big fancy hat,” said Jean Paugh, an experienced traveler and owner of All About You Travel Unlimited. “Don’t pull out the big map.

Do it privately.”

A good idea is to set a direction and move as if you know exactly where you are going.

“You have to take time to look confident in yourself,” Paugh said. “Be aware of your surroundings.”

There are many places, including countries in Europe, where scammers will target the unsuspecting tourist.

Though there still are restrictions because of the pandemic, there seem to be more Americans traveling abroad now than only a few months ago.

More than 70% of U.S. adults have traveled internationally at some point in their lives, according to a Pew Research Center survey.

Here are a few recommendations from experienced travelers: • It is always a good idea to learn even a few words of the language of the country where you plan to travel. If you stop to ask someone for directions

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Don’t carry items that make you look like a tourist while traveling outside of the country.

or any other question, you likely are to get a good reception if you make an effort to learn a little of the native language. Even if you just learn to say “hello, thank you, where is the bathroom and do you speak English” that will go a long way.

• Learn how the people dress in the country you are visiting. Leave your printed T-shirt at home that tells what college you attended or what team you support. It will only tell scammers that you are a visitor. Dress to fit in. Locals often can spot a tourist by the way they dress.

• Learn about the culture, history and customs of the country you are visiting. It will show respect for your host country and help you to blend in with locals.

• If you must take your big camera, carry it inconspicuously when away from tourist attractions. Most smartphones have good cameras. SL

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Tech Know Tidbits Set home heat or air from anywhere with smart thermostats

BY MIKE GAFFEY Have you ever gone on vacation and forgot to turn off or set your home’s thermostat?

With today’s modern technology, you can now easily control your home’s heating and air conditioning system on your smartphone from anywhere in the world.

So-called smart thermostats are becoming an essential part of new homes, but they also can be installed in older houses, according to Glen Perry, the general manager of Colman Heating & Air Inc. in Titusville.

“The smart thermostat is just a 24-volt-driven thermostat, so as long as they’ve got a common wire, a red wire and then everything else, they’re fine,” Perry said. “If they need wire replacement, it’s going to be based on what’s already there. Basically whoever’s already got a digital thermostat can definitely put on a smart thermostat.”

Today’s high-tech thermostats can be controlled by voice command or from a smartphone app. For example, travelers heading home can turn up the heat so their residence is cozy when they arrive.

Perry uses an Ecobee 5 Wi-Fi thermostat with voice control

at his home.

“I’ve got an app on my phone and I can adjust the temperature from my shop,” he said. “When I’m at home, I can actually just say ‘Alexa, change the temperature’ and it does it automatically because the Ecobee is Alexa-enabled.”

Some thermostats can even learn homeowners’ habits when it comes to heating or cooling their residence and adjust the temperature automatically.

Sensors placed in each room also can control hot or cold spots.

Micah Gager, the owner of Air Gagers A/C & Heating in Rockledge, finds that most customers prefer a hightech thermostat. But, they are divided between Wi-Fi enabled and smart thermostat models.

“You kind of have a pretty even line of people who have the smart thermostat and they’re using it to its full capacity and then people who have the smartphone stat and they’re using the basic functions,” he said.

Ecobee and Nest, an electronic, programmable, and self-learning Wi-Fienabled thermostat, are the models that most of his customers prefer, he said.

The devices can save energy, but what’s more important is whether the home is built with energy-efficient features, Perry said.

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Smart thermostats can control the climate in your home by voice command or from a smartphone app.

Perry “highly recommends” that homeowners let the pros install smart thermostats in their homes.

“The coding on the baseplate of a thermostat says RGBO and people think that’s actually the color of their wiring when most of the time it is not,” he said. “What we see when Johnny Homeowner puts in their own thermostat is they’ll put the blue wire that’s technically for C for Common on the B terminal and they’ll fry their

transformer or pop a fuse, and they’re calling an AC company out anyway and then being charged to rewire that thermostat properly.”

Top smart thermostats usually range in price from $60 to $600. Some thermostats have a full touchscreen with a large display.

“The mobility of it is the biggest benefit of a smart Wi-Fi thermostat, especially when you’re on vacation or a snowbird,” Perry said. SL

Our aging community is a sacred asset that we should learn from, honor, and support.

We’re still here, serving seniors since 1965

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Call us to Volunteer: » Assist with Food Prep Seeking Volunteers to: at the Kitchen Assiston with Food Prep »• Meals Wheels Driver at the Kitchen » Provide a senior • transportation Meals on Wheels Delivery Driver » Provide a veteran • transportation Provide a senior transportation to » Provide information important to Caregivers at the appointments Sunflower House

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Brevard Veterans News

VFW Post, auxiliaries go all out for children in hospital, community

I had set out to tell readers about the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Patriot Pen and Voices of Democracy. But when I found that VFW Rocket Port in Rockledge approaches it with such enthusiasm, I decided to find out more.

Well, it appears that post members and auxiliary members approach other community projects in the same way. They seem to go all out.

During the past year-end holidays, they raised more than $20,000 and presented $50 in gift certificates to each of 82 families with children in a hospital in the Orlando area. In addition, they replaced toys in all the play areas

of an AdventHealth hospital. All this was to carry out the wishes of a 4-year-old child of a member who was in the hospital after losing a leg to cancer.

The child, whose parents are active in the post, wanted all the children in the hospital to get toys for Christmas. Post members found

out about the request, went to work and made it happen.

“We teamed up with the parents,” Rocket Post Commander Dennis Thompson said.

The post had a spaghetti dinner and sold 144 plates. In addition, members donated to the cause and were able to raise more than the set goal.

Thompson, who retired from the Air Force in 1995 and last June from his civilian job, said he now has more time to dedicate to such causes. He said members pitch in and do what they can for other members and families.

The Patriot Pen and Voices of Democracy scholarship program is

one way that members get involved.

In the program, students compete in writing patriotic themed essays.

In recent years, VFWs and similar veterans’ organizations have been doing all they can to attract young veterans, many of whom are interested in serving the community.

“A lot of the younger veterans don’t know that we are much more than a bar or canteen,” Thompson said.

Members said that they do much to support the military, their families and the community.

VFW Rocket Post 4534 is at 3250 U.S. 1 in Rockledge. See vfw4534. org SL

Center to host Wreaths Across America at event Honoring Veterans

BY GEORGE WHITE The first ever visit by the national Wreaths Across America (WAA) mobile education exhibit Feb. 6 is the highlight of now several events integrated into one “Honoring Veterans Throughout History” at Brevard Veterans Memorial Center.

For years, the center has used the date to honor “The Four Immortal Chaplains” of World War II. This year, partly due to the need for outdoor activities, the event has been expanded.

Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath­-laying ceremonies at more than 2,500 locations across the United States, including the graves at the 318-acre Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims.

At the invitation of location coordinator Betty Jo Green, the WAA, based in Maine, is sending its mobile team from noon to 4 p.m. The 48-foot exhibit features a 24-person screening room.

“It’s exciting because this is the only time it’s ever been to the area,’’ Green said.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Spc. James McCann

Wreaths Across America will have a mobile exhibit at the Honoring Veterans Throughout History event at the Brevard Veterans Museum on Merritt Island.

The 2 p.m. ceremony honoring chaplains will be held at a VMC monument commemorating the

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SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2022

SUPERB MUSICIANS

story of the SS Dorchester, which was struck by torpedoes from a German U Boat in early February 1943 on the way to reinforce forces in Europe and North Africa. Of the 902 men aboard, 672 died including four U.S. Army Chaplains — a Methodist, a Roman Catholic, a Dutch Reformed Church pastor and a Jewish rabbi—who offered their own coats, gloves and life jackets to those they could help. The VMC monument was recognized as a national monument in 2018.

Other aspects of the event include: • At 2 p.m., DAV national commander Andy Marshall will reflect on the chaplains and all veterans, especially those served

by Disabled American Veterans.

The VMC hosts DAV Chapter 123, one of the biggest in Florida.

• From noon to 1 p.m., women Vietnam veterans will receive

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recognition at the museum for their service and heroism.

• Quilts of Valor is a grassroots organization founded in 2003

by Catherine Roberts after she dreamed of a wounded warrior healed when he was wrapped with a quilt. The organization has now awarded more than 250,000 quilts to veterans and active military. The local QOV group has honored more than 228 veterans in Brevard County since 2017.

• From 1 to 2 p.m., the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will present pins and certificates to all Vietnam era veterans and surviving spouses.

Brevard Veterans Memorial Center is located at 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway. on Merritt Island.

For more information, call 321-4531776. SL

myseniorlife.com

Music is all in the family for Kesslers

BY MARIA SONNENBERG To say Judy Kessler springs from a musical family is an understatement.

Her father was a band commander in the National Guard, and her mom a band director in high school. Her sister is a band director. Husband Rob directs the Community Band of Brevard. Son Derek plays the clarinet and daughter Erin the French horn for the Ohio National Guard Band.

Her parents operated a chain of eight music stores in Ohio.

“Judy just wants everybody to be happy, and she feels that is her job.”

– Kathleen Manship

“It’s a little disturbing,” the Merritt Island resident joked.

Judy Kessler picked up her mom’s favorite musical instrument at the relatively “late” age of fourth grade.

At 18, she knew exactly what her next move would be. Just like her dad, the Mount Vernon, Ohio native joined the Ohio National Guard Band.

The military helped her connect with Ohio State University, where she earned a degree in — surprise, surprise — music. It also sent romance her way in the form of Rob Kessler, then commander of the 122nd Army Band Company for the Ohio Army National Guard, where Judy played clarinet.

“That’s what is called fraternization,” Judy Kessler said.

The couple have been married for 37 years.

“And they said it wouldn’t last,” she added.

Obviously, the couple that stays together, plays music together, since Rob Kessler last year was named to lead the Community Band of Brevard.

Judy is part of the band, too.

“We are very happy to have a musician as talented as Judy with the Band,” said Mike Freeman, a member of the band board of directors.

She also plays clarinet for the Melbourne Municipal Band and the Central Florida Winds, where she additionally serves on the board of directors.

The recent transplants to the area discovered the Space Coast as cruising fans who favored Port Canaveral for sailings. While the COVID-19 pandemic kept them from the high seas for a while, they are back on board whenever they can.

Their idea of playing beautiful music together goes beyond the bands and the cruises they favor. The two are happy addicts of Disney pixie dust and can often be found at one of the theme parks.

Any additional free time is devoted to repurposing and refinishing vintage and castoffs.

“I have worked on everything from a file cabinet to a chair,” she said.

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Judy Kessler

From an early age, Judy Kessler knew that her lifetime career would be in music.

Despite the deep musical roots, or perhaps because of it, Judy Kessler strives for perfection in her music. It doesn’t matter that the clarinet has been an integral part of her life for decades. Practicing never ends.

“Judy just wants everybody to be happy, and she feels that is her job,” said bass clarinetist and fellow band musician Kathleen Manship. SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Judy Kessler

Judy Kessler plays the clarinet with the Community Band of Brevard which her husband, Rob, leads.

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Fundraisers key to new future for Melbourne Liberty Bell Museum

BY GEORGE WHITE Rejuvenated after closures beginning in 2017, Melbourne Liberty Bell Museum is now looking to increase appreciation and use of its military, patriotic and pop culture collections.

The museum’s original building is a former city water tank at 1601 Oak St., which expanded and is now filled to the rim with memorabilia. It is operated by the nonprofit Honor America, which leases the building from the city for $1 per year. It also runs the adjacent Melbourne Military Memorial Park and hosts patriotic events.

The museum had been shut down for a year and half ending in 2019 due to a state investigation of alleged corruption by the City of Melbourne related to roof repairs, said Rabbi Sanford Olshansky, the vice president of Honor America.

What is needed now is money to hire staffing and for maintenance and repairs to an aging air conditioning system, Olshansky said. He noted a new enthusiasm from the leadership of President Dr. Stephany Eley and exhibited among the new members of the 15-member Honor America board of directors.

The free museum currently is open only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and by appointment.

“What we need is additional funding to hire some part-time help to be open more hours, including on weekends,’’ he said.

Added volunteer Sandy Nicotra:

SENIOR LIFE George White

Rabbi Sanford Olshansky wants to hire part-time help to expand the hours of the Liberty Bell Museum.

SENIOR LIFE George White

The full-size replica of the Liberty Bell is the centerpiece of the struggling Liberty Bell Museum in Melbourne.

“We want to move forward in a positive light and that’s the best way for us to continue to grow.’’

The highlight of the museum is the full-size replica of the one-ton Liberty Bell acquired during the 1976 Bicentennial through students and community donations. It was cast

by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London, England, where the original bell was created in 1751.

With the bell as centerpiece in the circular rotunda created by the tank, self-guided tours walk along the curved walls.

“As you go around, you see the

evolution of the items we use in our everyday lives from a manual coffee grinder to typewriters to slide rules to early computers to many generations of early cameras,” he said.

The next fundraiser benefiting the museum is the Honor America Patriot Awards dinner at 6 p.m. Feb. 17 at The Grand Manor at 1450 Sarno Road in Melbourne. The cost is $50 per person. This year’s honorees include Tina Descovich, Matt Susin, Pam Bress and Michael Cadore.

The Melbourne Liberty Bell Museum is at 1601 Oak St. For more information, call 321-373-2311. SL

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Love songs continue to resonate throughout life “Alexa, play our favorite song again” are the words used as a senior couple dances very slowly to “I Only Have Eyes for You” by the Flamingos (1959).

In this current television commercial for the Alexa service, the caption at the bottom of the screen reads “True Love is Forever.” The contrast of then and now triggers memories of love songs through the decades.

Mothers sing lullabies — songs of love to their babies. The words, the melody, and soft voice convey love.

Young children repeated the songs heard on the radio and later from black-andwhite television. As teenagers, we had records — 78, 33, and 45 rpm — for our players. Our jukebox and soda shop dates gave us chances to slow dance

Challenges of Living to Age 100 Ed Baranowski or jive. School dances were another opportunity to enjoy the song and the togetherness. Now, teens can stream any love song on an iPhone anywhere.

We graduated from grade school puppy love to high school young love as described in popular recordings loaded with loving words and ideas. Time away

from that special someone while at college or in the military was bridged by crooners creating a spell with love songs.

Fraternity and sorority dances, military balls, USO dances, and other events were loaded with love songs.

Brides select love songs for the wedding processional, ceremony, recessional, and the first dance at the reception. We were challenged to identify our song. Who would have thought it would be easy to repeat those moments with little or no challenge?

If you live near a marina, boat names often capture the love of the owners and companions. Remember Johnny Mathis and “Chances Are … ” and “Gina!”

I’ve seen them both on the transoms.

Such songs could bring back courting memories with a 69-cent bottle of Mogan David wine and 7-UP mixer to match the romantic mood.

Spring is around the corner. As we sit in our rocker on the porch, we recall memories of times gone by and of love songs played. We wonder what more can be said or sung. Then the flash of the song “Memories” sung by Barbara Streisand jumps into our minds from the movie “The Way We Were.” Love songs have an impact on our lives. Accept the challenge — slow dance to your love song. SL Ed Baranowski can be contacted at fast75sr@gmail.com

Orlando Wetlands Park offers great recreational opportunities Orlando Wetlands Park, located in nearby Christmas, is a must visit for the entire family and friends. This new wetlands park represents the first large-scale man-made wetlands designed to treat reclaimed water and provide wildlife habitat.

Did you know that the average home produces about 400 gallons of wastewater daily? Wastewater is first pumped into this regional water reclamation facility. Then, the highly treated reclaimed water is sent to the 1,200-acre man-made Orlando Wetlands Park, where aquatic plants further remove nutrients. It takes about 40 days for the reclaimed water to filter through man-made

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marshes before reaching the St. Johns River. A 75-acre lake was created for further purification.

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SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

A Roseate spoonbill takes flight above Orlando Wetlands Park.

otters, foxes, deer, turtles, snakes and alligators.

There is a new Education and Visitor Center with permanent and seasonal exhibits that include live animals and multimedia displays.

You can pick up a map of the park and many informative brochures. It is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday. From January through March, the Education Center is also open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Your family also can enjoy Free Educational Tram Tours of the Wetlands Park. Advance reservations are needed. For reservations, call 407-568-1706.

Orlando Wetlands Park is a source for nature study and educational enhancement. The many recreational activities include walking, jogging, bird watching, wildlife appreciation, photography, bicycling, and horseback riding.

Orlando Wetlands Park is at 25155 Wheeler Road in Christmas.

Christmas is on State Road 50, about 20 miles west of Titusville.

Orlando Wetlands Park is east of County Road 420 on Wheeler Road.

Combine a visit to the Orlando Wetlands Park with a stop at Fort Christmas located on Fort Christmas Road. Both visits would make for a great, free, one-day outdoor combined educational adventure and experience for your family and friends.

Fort Christmas Historical Park is at 1300 Fort Christmas Road, (County Road 420) For more information on Fort Christmas Historical Park, call 407568-4149 for tours, dates and event times.

Admission is free. It is closed Monday. Group and school tours also are available.

Please call before you go. There might be changes. SL

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Behind the

Beat

By Randal Hill

‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’ — Robert John The first time the world heard of Brooklyn-born Robert John was in 1958, when he was 12 years old. Back then, the singing youngster was going by his real name: Bobby Pedrick Jr. An appearance on TV’s American Bandstand — occasionally the ticket to stardom for a struggling unknown — showcased his “White Bucks and Saddle Shoes,” a catchy but forgettable Big Top Records ditty. It struggled nationally to a lowly 79 slot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Similar teen-oriented follow-ups — “Pajama Party,” “Summer Nights” — sank without a trace.

Five years later, as the lead singer of doo-wopping Bobby and the Consoles, Pedrick recorded another adolescentoriented 45, a silly piece of fluff called “My Jelly Bean” on the Diamond label.

With surf and hot-rod records roaring up the 1963 singles charts, doo-wop was in its death throes. “My Jelly Bean” earned some East Coast airplay, but not enough to make it a national hit. Pedrick and his pals never earned a second invitation into Diamond’s recording studio.

But Pedrick proved tenacious and felt in his heart that his distinctive and powerful voice would prove to be his ticket to the top of the Billboard charts

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Atlantic Records

“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” has been a popular song since 1971.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Discogs.com

Robert John recorded a few Billboard hits during his career.

someday. Maybe he would even reach Number One? During the 1960s, he drifted from label to label, leaving behind a few failed singles at each stop. Later in the decade, he changed his stage name to Robert John (John being his middle

name). He then turned to songwriting for such established artists as Bobby Vinton and Lou Rawls.

John signed with Atlantic Records in 1971 and drew closer to making his lifelong dream a reality when he recorded “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” which rose to No. 3 on the Hot 100.

The song is one of those tunes that seems to have been around forever, with various renditions being released as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and by its earlier title “Wimoweh.” The tune has actually been a worldwide standard

since 1939, when it had been created and first recorded as “Mbube” (Zulu for “lion”).

The song had been written in South Africa by a 30-year-old factory worker named Solomon Linda, who packed 78rpm discs and swept the floors for the Gallo Record Company. On weekends, he performed with his vocal group The Evening Birds. One particular crowd favorite was his “Mbube,” which incorporated a call-and-response pattern, well known to the Zulus and common in Black churches everywhere.

Solomon Linda utilized an underlying chant and a meshing of male voices, with countertenor leader Linda yodeling and howling throughout.

Gallo had The Evening Birds record the tune. During the third taping, Linda improvised the melody that would become familiar to audiences internationally.

“Mbube” sold 100,000 copies and made Linda a star, although he would die in poverty later, with $22 to his name. His contribution to music has lived on, though, through such groups as Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

As for Robert John? In 1979, he released his final hit, “Sad Eyes,” which rocketed all the way to No. 1. SL

I am woman — hear me roar!

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE Many women are at their peak after their 50s, even though they’re battling wrinkles and not getting out of bed in a single leap.

They’re saying 60 is the new 30.

Wait. What? At 30, we partied till the wee hours. At 60, we luxuriate in our quiet moments, vigorously refusing to participate in boisterous events. Yet, being labeled a senior is kind of insulting. Especially for a woman who doesn’t look her age.

We live in a society where appearances must be kept and women in the older bracket category are staying fitter and nimbler through exercise, tai-chi, yoga, hiking, kayaking, not to mention that today they can avail themselves of many anti-aging methods. Older women are now healthy, hale and sporting a heavenly glow.

And even if retired, gals are enjoying the fruits of their labor with their disposable income. They don’t really know what to do with all the time that’s been added to their days.

Some ladies are braving dating sites, learning to swipe right (Bumble) or joining SilverSingles looking for a partner in crime.

Having cool and jammin’ girlfriends is fulfilling, but sometimes a woman seeks male companionship, even if it’s just a new guy friend. Who says you can’t

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2022

flirt coyly with a stranger at Costco, playing pickleball, at the DMV or with the gentleman sitting next to you on the plane? Don’t shy away from flirting. It’s reinvigorating!

Seriously, it’s no coincidence men love mature women in their 50s and 60s — they seek self-assurance, as they’ve encountered adversity and they certainly don’t need to apologize about the challenges they’ve faced or who they are today.

Not to mention they’ve embraced the art of engaging in a conversation, sprinkled witty repartee that showcases their brilliant wordplay.

For real. Older women are ninjas; real female Indiana Jones’ who have endured, so it’s no wonder even younger men find them exciting and alluring. They carry that gleam and aura of carefree sophistication. They are sexy and sensual without even trying. It’s hard to explain but men adore and find older gals irresistible.

And mature ladies are trying to embrace 60-something bravely.

Many have lost a spouse, are divorced, or have become empty nesters and have decided to brave the daunting and complex world of online dating. It should be exciting and enjoyable and not feel like they are running the gauntlet in “The Hunger Games.”

Obscure social dictates have robbed women of embracing the joys of growing older. Yet, even faced with all that, most women in

that age group know what they want, can change everything (or nothing) if they want to and are beyond savvy, braving every situation like true Amazons.

Don’t be afraid to embrace change — do something spectacularly out of the box in 2022.

There’s something so refreshing about getting a new makeover, sporting a sharp haircut, and discarding that old look for a whole new and fresh wardrobe. A new you? Yes! Enjoy “you” once and for all. This is finally your time.

Ditch all the dictates that surround older women and embrace change — you’ll realize that it’s not that daunting to get out of your comfort box.

So go on a solo road trip, visit that charming Airbnb you’ve read about in Sedona. Even if your kids or younger sister oppose your plans — do as you wish. Pick something from that bucket list that seems appealing and if you’ve had a dream tucked away — make it happen. It might pleasantly surprise you and give you the added oomph to get that travelblog started to post those spectacular and inspiring photos taken along the way. Don’t ignore those itchy feet. You might find the journey surprisingly reinvigorating, not to mention the colorful and fascinating people you’ll encounter along the way and the new friendships that will blossom. SL

myseniorlife.com

It takes a community of volunteers to Recycle Brevard “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress: Working hard for something we love is called passion.” – Simon Sinek Since the beginning, Recycle Brevard has been a work of passion — passion for the environment and for our community.

Recycle Brevard was started out of a need identified in our community.

There were a lot of questions about what to do with unwanted items, and confusion about what could go in the recycle bin at home. We wanted to help answer those questions and also find ways that less would be sent to the landfill. That is why Recycle Brevard was created.

I had many friends lend a hand getting it to where it is. Some of the most special friends joined in one capacity or another.

Christine Kane was one of the first to take on the job and help with whatever was needed. As an avid

BEYOND the CURB Marcia Booth

President & Founder, Recycle Brevard

environmentalist, she got to volunteer for one of our community events and never left. She contributed above and beyond. From great articles for our website to coordinating discussion courses and challenges, and everything in between, we could count on her for it all. She believed in our mission; she donated toward projects and tirelessly promoted our work. She did research like no other and her witty sense of humor was a delight. Through Recycle Brevard we

became the best of friends and I am forever grateful for her and all that she has done.

Lucia Watson donated the first puzzles and games we put in our facility. She was always cleaning out some more and made sure I would look through everything to take to our Reuse Room whatever was fitting. We used to meet in her condo for a chat and a slice of her delicious banana bread. Last time we met, she sent me home with a whole loaf! Always kind and oh so very helpful, volunteering brought us together and a friendship flourished.

I had the privilege to have known and worked with them. They are part of Recycle Brevard’s story and my story, too.

Since 2011, many of us have committed considerable time and resources to start and grow Recycle Brevard for our community. Recycle Brevard became a local gem missed

BCOA NEWS BREVARD COMMISSION ON AGING

by many when we are not open.

Thanks to Sue and Jack, who, since September 2021, have been opening the facility to serve our community in my absence.

As an organization 100 percent funded through donations and 100 percent run by volunteers, the various events of the past two years have hit us hard and now we will need to review our plan.

As I found out through the years, it does take a village to build the community we want to live in.

We are lucky to have had so many wonderful friends help along the way, but having a facility has its costs. With our lease up for renewal again, we will need to find a way to balance service and financial commitment.

I can tell that 2022 will be a year of change. SL Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@ RecycleBrevard.org

BCOA meetings are open to the public and are held the second Thursday of each month at the government center in Viera. For information, contact Cindy Short at 321-6332076, FAX 321-633-2170, cindy.short@brevardfl.gov, brevardf l.gov/HumanServices/CommissionOnAging or at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, B-106, Viera, FL 32940.

Get out and do something — don’t let pandemic lead to loneliness In this unprecedented time of pandemic social distancing and masking, isolation has created feelings of loneliness across our community, especially for those in our senior population.

It makes perfect sense that loneliness impacts mental and physical health.

While loneliness is not a medical or psychological diagnosis, it is strongly associated with behavioral health and physical maladies.

Newly released data from a recent federal telephone survey of 11,000 Medicare enrollees shows that 40 percent reported feeling less socially connected to family and friends than last November, 28 percent more stressed or anxious, and 22 percent more lonely or sad.

“Loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly four times increased risk of

death, 68 percent increased risk of hospitalization, and 57 percent increased risk of emergency department visits,” according to the Centers for Disease Control.

At the same time, about one in four Americans over the age of 65 are socially isolated, a condition that significantly raises a person’s risk of premature death, rivaling smoking, obesity and physical inactivity, according to Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults, a 2020 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

According to a new study, lonely older adults are nearly twice as likely as seniors not experiencing loneliness to use painkillers and sedatives, which frequently leads to substance use problems, accidents, medical complications, falls or death.

Get out and do something.

Brevard County has a treasure trove of pandemic safe activities to combat loneliness and isolation. Do something – anything!

Here are some suggestions: Take a ride: Brevard County has many river and oceanside roads with incredible scenery. Take a ride to Sebastian Inlet, cruise Tropical Trail on Merritt Island. Have you ever enjoyed the view of Rockledge Drive in Rockledge and Cocoa?

Talk a walk: The weather is lovely for a pleasant stroll on the Space Coast. Wickham Park in Melbourne now has a concrete path around the entire park. Check out Turkey Creek in Palm Bay, Erna Nixon Park in West Melbourne and Manatee Hammock up in Titusville.

All offer benches for frequent stops.

Browse and shop: The Avenue Viera offers pandemic-friendly outside browsing and shopping.

Daytona Beach, Vero Beach and Orlando also offer wonderful outdoor shopping outlets just a few miles away.

The Brevard Zoo: When was the last time you went to the zoo? It’s a beautiful and one-of-a-kind resource that offers seniors special rates.

Grab a bite — al fresco: So many restaurants have outdoor seating with great views of the river and ocean. Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach feature restaurants that allow you to watch the cruise ships come and go.

Volunteer: Give back to the community and help local nonprofits.

Cleaning the beaches and delivering food are just two examples of how you can connect with others and alleviate loneliness.

Go ahead. Please do it. Get outside. Enjoy! SL

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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.

Now - 2022

Then - 1900s

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Brevard County Historical Commission

Constructed in 1902, the building served as St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Fort Pierce. The building was moved July 14, 1959 on a barge along the Indian River to Satellite Beach.

SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody

Holy Apostles Episcopal Church is at 505 Grant Ave. in Satellite Beach. It was moved there in 1959.

Florida’s 511 system allows for easy trip planning, navigation

BY ERNEST ARICO Have you ever been stuck in slowmoving or stalled traffic on Interstate 95 or State Road 528 and wanted to know why? How long will it take before traffic starts to move again?

Well there’s a way you can find out while sitting in your vehicle.

Thanks to the Florida Department of Transportation, a website has been created that will allow drivers to monitor traffic alerts in the state.

The website — fl511.com — provides directions to a destination with travel times and alternate routes on all interstates and most U.S. and state routes in Florida. Users also can get information on crashes, congestion, construction, closures and detour routes on Florida’s interstates, toll roads and other major roadways. The system includes a website, mobile app, text alerts, social media pages and more.

All you have to do is dial 511 on your cell phone and download the 511 app.

To navigate the Florida 511 mobile app do the following: • Open the app.

• Click “Destinations” (bottom left of screen) to open Drive and Map Mode.

• Click “Talk” to receive traffic information on any state road or specific area of interest.

• Click “Incidents” to receive the list of traffic activity, ranging from construction to congestion and more in the designated areas.

The app allows you to get up-to-theminute, real-time traffic conditions and

20

The Florida 511 app is a useful tool to avoid traffic jams on major roads in Florida. incident information for the entire state.

It also enables you to check local traffic conditions.

FL511 is the abbreviated name for the Florida 511 (FL511) Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS), which is the state’s official source for real-time traffic and travel information.

It is a service of the Florida Department of Transportation.

FL511 also has Drive Mode, a feature that allows the user to type in a destination, get up to three routes and drive times, and choose which route to take. Once selected, the user can see

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2022

turn-by-turn directions.

“I use it all the time when I’m driving to Orlando,” said Sam Damon of East Viera, a Disney employee who works in Lake Buena Vista. “It’s great because I can monitor the traffic on State Road 528, Interstate 4, the 408 and 417. There’s always an accident or some sort of delay on one of these roads every day.”

Lt. Kim Montes, the public affairs officer for the Florida Highway Patrol at Troop D in Orlando, said 511 is a great benefit for law enforcement agencies and the public

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

“It’s the quickest and most accurate system out there,” said Montes, whose Troop D is responsible for covering six counties in Central Florida, including Brevard. “The live cameras enable drivers to get instant information.”

Law enforcement officials strongly recommend not to use the 511 app while driving.

“We recommend drivers use the system as a pre-planning device for trips around the state,” Montes said.

For more information about 511, visit fl511.com. SL

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21

Health & Wellness

Falls must be prevented — it is not a standard part of aging

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Steward Medical Group

Physical therapy offers help with balance for a patient under the guidance of Dominick Paluso, left.

Preventative tips for falls at home:

Raised toilet seats

More than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States, and 20 to 30 percent of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries, according to the Center for Disease Control.

“The older you get, the higher the risk of experiencing a fall,” said Dominick Paluso, the regional director of physical therapy for Steward Medical Group. “Diabetes, impaired vision, and myopathy are problems. Strength in muscles, inner ear balance, vision and perception all affect balance and moving,” Falls are not a standard part of aging and can be prevented with a bit of exercise therapy and strengthening muscles.

“The consequences of falls are fractured bones, especially fractured hips that lead to disability and sometimes death because of complications,” said Adam Rhoads,

a physical therapist at Aquatic Health and Rehab on Merritt Island.

“Obviously, physical therapy can help after falls but can help before falls. If a person notices difficulty with balance and walking, they should ask the doctor for physical therapy. But balance exercises as simple as standing on one foot at a time in a safe environment can help.

“Water therapy is great and a challenge for a patient. The viscosity of the water provides resistance to help strengthen muscles and water aerobics is a safe environment. If you fall, all you do is get wet,” Rhoads said.

For the recipient, tailor each exercise and workout to their needs.

“One of the largest places for falls is in the bathroom and getting up during the night tends to be a problem,” Rhoads said. “You need proper lighting at night so turn on lights when you enter a room to see the path, wear proper footwear so

you are not slipping on floors, and be careful of area throw rugs. Only use area rugs in front of sinks or areas where water collection is a greater hazard.”

“Just overall fear of falling is a problem. If a senior has fallen one time, they may try to overcompensate and fall again,” said Barbara Fradkin, the director of One Senior Place. “Make sure scatter rugs adhere to the floor and remove tripping hazards from normal walkways.”

Large and small pets can be a tripping hazard, and stairways should have railings on both sides. Find safety in handrails in bathrooms beside the commode and inside the shower and bathtub areas.

“I encourage people to question balance, ability to walk, shoulder, neck or back pain and check with their doctor for therapy. The best advocate for safety is the patient themselves,” Paluso said. SL

Remove throw rugs

Add no-slip bath mats

Utilize assistive devices

Grab bars in the bathroom

Enough room for negotiating home

Limit pets

Appropriate lighting

Remove clutter, obstacles, electrical cords.

Shingles vaccine is important, but can be costly for some

BY FLORA REIGADA While there is much emphasis on the COVID vaccines of late, other vaccines are best not forgotten.

Among these is Shingrix, which protects against getting shingles and complications from it, such as postherpetic neuralgia, intense pain resulting from nerve damage.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends that healthy adults 50 and older get two Shingrix doses, two to six months apart.

These are given at a pharmacy or doctor’s office. Generally, Medicare prescription drug plans, Part D, cover commercially available vaccines, such as the shingles shot. However, it is always best to check with one’s plan.

Shingles and chickenpox are caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which can remain dormant for many years, only to re-emerge with a painful, blistering rash when the immune system is weakened.

Wanda Rogers, a registered nurse in Titusville, has cared for shingles patients.

22

“Some had blisters on their face,” she said.

Rogers suffered her own bout.

“Stress can bring it on and I believe the stress of a trip was a factor in my case,” she said. “I experienced terrible nausea and could not keep food down.”

Due to her impaired immune system, Rogers follows the guidance of her doctor when it comes to vaccines, and proceeds with caution.

Aly Elmasian, the program director of Home and Community Based Services for Aging Matters in Brevard, sees benefits to seniors.

“The Shingrix vaccine helps them stay healthy and able to remain in their own homes,” she said.

Because the vaccine’s cost of up to $250 for the two doses can be prohibitive for some without insurance coverage, Elmasian recommended GoodRx, a free price comparison resource that helps save prescription money through discount coupons on medications, such as Shingrix.

Coupons are found on the website and can be printed, emailed or texted to the user. A free mobile app also can be

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2022

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Shingles vaccines are recommended for people 50 and older. downloaded and taken to a pharmacist or doctor.

Participating organizations include Costco, Kroger, Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, Target and Walgreens.

For additional information about GoodRX, call 1-855-268-2822.

Go to goodrx.com Although Aging Matters in Brevard does not provide vaccinations, it provides a variety of senior services.

For information, call 321-639-8770.

Visit agingmattersbrevard.org SL

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Passion for stained glass continues after four decades

BY MARIA SONNENBERG Never underestimate the power of a hobby. For John Emery and Jerry Preston, a bottle cutter bought at a local drug store turned into a career that continues glowing after 40-plus years.

In 1976, the pair bought a bottle cutter to make gifts for friends. Two years later, they had gone pro in the stained-glass business. Since then, Melbourne-based Preston Studios has received commissions for elaborate stained glass windows, doors and lamps around the world.

At 71 and 87 respectively, John and Jerry have no plans to retire.

“It’s not something you retire

from,” Emery said.

The two recently returned from the Virgin Islands, which they visited to oversee the installation of two stained glass doors and a window for a long-time patron. They just finished 13 windows and four doors for the Lansing Island residence of Florida Tech’s president emeritus Dr. Anthony Catanese. The installations will be showcased during a major fundraiser for Brevard Symphony Orchestra this month.

Up next is an elaborate custom Tiffany-style lamp for a client in Cocoa.

“We’re not as fast as we used to be, but we’re as good,” John Emery said.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Preston Studios

SUDOKU

Stained glass is not an easy — or forgiving — medium. It is laborintensive, demands extreme attention to detail and can result in some nasty cuts for the inexperienced. However, for Emery and Preston, it is perfect.

The COVID-19 pandemic only increased interest in their art.

“With so much remodeling going on during the pandemic we stayed busy throughout, nonstop,” Emery said.

The Catanese residence is not the only Lansing Island home to sport Preston Studios windows and doors. Several others do, and even the clubhouse there boasts a Preston Studios window.

Their works grace palaces in Denmark and Scotland and homes in Canada. Corporate moguls have them included in their mansions. A Preston Studios lamp was featured at a special event in the iconic Hearst Castle in California. Nine Preston windows grace the chapel of Orlando

Sudoku solution on page 30

February

Thursday, Feb. 3

Wine & Whiskers 6 - 9 p.m.

Fundraiser for the SPCA. $20 and a bottle of wine gets you in the door. Delicious food, raffle items, live music and adoptable dogs.

SPCA Thrift Store 790 S. Apollo Blvd.

Melbourne 321-327-8305

Friday, Feb. 4

Dancing at the VMC 7 - 10 p.m.

Tickets are $7.50 per person.

BYOB. Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island 321-453-1776 Wickham Park First Friday 5 - 9 p.m.

Food trucks and live music.

Wickham Park Pavilion 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne 321-633-2046

24

John Emery and Jerry Preston of Preston Studios recently visited the Virgin Islands to check on the installation of stained glass at a home there.

Saturday, Feb. 5

13th annual Higher Power Car Show 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Trinity Wellspring Church 638 S. Patrick Drive Satellite Beach, 321-777-2047 25th annual Wild Game Night 5 p.m.

Delicious wild game dinner, beer, soft drinks and wine.

Music, door prizes and dancing.

Wickham Park Pavilion 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne Eventbrite: 25thannualwildgamenight Belly Dance Shows 8 p.m.

From the Cedars of Lebanon to the Pyramids of Egypt, Belly Dance is a celebration. Come see an amazing theatrical show while enjoying dinner.

Seating is limited, please RSVP. Flames Mediterranean Grille

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2022

Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. Peek at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and at the Henegar Center in Melbourne and you will encounter Emery and Prestons’s stunning windows and doors. Ditto for Aquarina in Melbourne Beach.

In 2008 and again in 2011, Preston Studios was invited by the International Builders’ Show to create stained glass installations for the New American Remodel and the New American Home, residences that serve to showcase the best in the building industry.

“If they can’t create your vision, no one can,” said designer Kate Clarke, the designer of the 2011 New American Home for the International Builders’ Show.

Indeed, a little bottle cutter went a long way for John Emery and Jerry Preston.

“This is not a job, it’s a labor of love,” Emery said. SL

Saturday, Feb. 12 More events around Brevard

1270 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-777-6677 Third annual Mighty MOPAR Show 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Music, food, awards and music.

Boniface Hiers Chrysler Dodge Jeep 2555 W. King Street Cocoa, 321-948-7553 Hook Kids on Fishing 9 - 11 a.m.

For kids 5 to 15 accompanied by an adult. Free t-shirt, rod, reel and tackle box.

Grills Riverside 6075 N. U.S. 1, Suntree anglersforconservation.org

Thursday, Feb. 10

Central Brevard Art Association Spring Art Show Feb. 10 to 12, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Artists will display and sell original fine art.

Cape Canaveral Public Library 201 Polk Ave., Cape Canaveral 321-632-2922

REJ Memorial Scholarship Foundation's Taste of Brevard 6 - 9 p.m.

Food sampling from local restaurants and chefs.

Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-727-3913 Bungle in the Jungle 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Re-enactment of the battle between the Vikings and the Picts in the year 839 A.D. Wickham Park, Pavilion 4 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-507-2315

Friday, Feb. 18

Black History Pioneer Workshop 6 - 9 p.m.

Guest speakers, fun stations, games and refreshments.

Lipscomb Community Center 3316 S. Monroe St. Melbourne, 321-608-7450

Saturday, Feb. 19

Ocean Treasures Festival 10 a.m.

Listen to ocean experts, music, enjoy food and local art.

Barrier Island Sanctuary

8385 S. Highway A1A Melbourne Beach 321-723-3556 Pirate Costume Bash & Festival 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Contests, rum samplings.

Squid Lips Melbourne 1477 Pineapple Ave. Melbourne 321-259-3101 Bark Brew Fest 5 - 7 p.m.

Bring your canine, enjoy drinks and food from Burger Rob's Food Truck.

Proceeds benefit Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida.

Dirty Beer Company 329 King Street Cocoa Village 407-332-2840 Trivia Night Benefiting Harmony Farms 8 - 11 p.m.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams.

Pre-registration is $45; $50 at the door. (teams of 4 people) World Of Beer 2290 Town Center Ave. Viera jhall@my.fit.edu

myseniorlife.com

Senior Life

News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John

North Brevard Sheriff’s program helps curb feral cat population growth

BY FLORA REIGADA Any Brevard County area or community is likely to have its share of stray or feral cats.

As defined by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, a stray cat is a lost or abandoned pet, used to having contact with people and is tame enough to be adopted. A feral cat is the offspring of stray or feral cats, not used to human contact and too fearful to be handled or adopted.

“We typically take in about a thousand kittens a year. Many are the offspring of feral cats,” said Susan Naylor, the associate director of the SPCA of Brevard.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is addressing the situation in a humane manner, with its trap, neuter and return program, “Cats are brought to the shelter where they are evaluated, given vaccinations, neutered or spayed and returned to their original area,” Animal Control Officer Theresa Bobzien said.

Those concerned about or bothered by the cats can purchase a humane trap and set it up, usually at night. In North Brevard, cats may

be taken to the SPCA of Brevard, at 6035 Sisson Road in Titusville. In South Brevard, cats can be taken to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services, at 5100 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. in Melbourne.

The neutering is performed in Melbourne and an animal control officer will transport cats from Titusville.

Once the trap, neuter and return process is complete, it’s best if a dedicated care-giver provides a cat or feral colony with food, water, shelter and oversight.

These efforts save taxpayers money by decreasing costs associated with impounding and euthanizing feral cats, as well as decreasing the number of unwanted kittens born annually.

Naylor related the success story of one feral kitten.

“I fostered a kitten abandoned by its mother in the wall of a trailer.

She was pretty hissy at first, but with lots of handling and socialization, she became a great kitten and went to a good home with dogs and kids,” Naylor said.

“It’s a win-win for the cats and

SENIOR LIFE David Reigada

This stray cat wears a dusting of leaves from the patch of Brevard County woods it frequents. citizens,” according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

For information, call 321-633-

2024. Visit brevardsheriff.com/ home/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/ Trap-Neuter-Return.pdf SL

Fostering or adopting, plenty of bunnies in Brevard need homes

BY MARIA SONNENBERG On New Year’s Day, when a lot of the world was nursing hangovers or binging on the Rose Parade and football, Ashley Berke was saving a bunny.

The hapless hopper had been dumped at Turkey Creek nature preserve in Palm Bay and had somehow made his way to the neighboring Glenbrooke senior community. It was here that Good Samaritan Gail Skeldon spotted him … right under the car.

“There is a huge rabbitdumping problem in Brevard.”

Space Coast Bunnies has plenty of rabbits for adoption, fostering.

“He was so tame, I knew this was someone’s pet that had been dumped,” said Skeldon, who was visiting a relative at the facility.

Skeldon called Animal Control, which directed her to Ashley Berke of Space Coast Bunnies. She kept tabs on the starving rabbit with the aid of a carrot until Berke showed up and took him under her wing. Now named Fig, the 3-month old baby bunny has been treated for an ear infection and given plenty of bunny chow at Berke’s Melbourne home, where he temporarily resides with six other rabbits awaiting permanent digs.

The all-volunteer Space Coast Bunnies depends on a dozen volunteers to foster dumped or unwanted rabbits.

More volunteers, as well as permanent

bunny parents, are sorely needed.

“There is a huge rabbit-dumping problem in Brevard,” Berke said.

Berke, who launched the nonprofit organization in 2019, never thought she would be in the bunny adoption business. She was visiting a friend who ran a small animal sanctuary in Melbourne when a call came through for help with an overabundance of bunnies. The Rockledge resident had purchased a pair of rabbits for his daughter. Unfortunately, the duo turned into a mated pair and in no time the family had more than 50 rabbits loose in the neighborhood.

“They were everywhere,” said Berke, who went into high gear to get the animals fixed and into new homes.

Rabbits, adds Berke, are misunderstood critters. Considered “starter pets,” bunnies are often touted

– Ashley Berke

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE photo

as great for children.

“They’re not really a good pet for little kids, because these animals get startled easily,” Berke said.

They might not be ideal for small children, but bunnies make perfect companions for seniors, since they don’t need to be walked, they don’t bark and they learn to use a litter box quickly.

“They’re great for retired and older folks,” Berke said.

Plenty of rabbits can be adopted from Space Coast Bunnies. The $100 adoption fee covers the cost of spaying/ neutering and having the animal in top shape.

“It costs us more to care for the bunnies than what we charge,” Berke said.

If adoption is too big a commitment,

fostering can be a huge help.

“We have a waiting list of bunnies that need to be fostered or they might end up as snake food on Craigslist or dumped,” Berke said.

Donations to cover the cost of hay, rabbit chow and care are extremely appreciated, for the group operates on a shoestring. Yet while money might be short, the group’s love for this gentle constituent of the animal kingdom is abundant.

“They’re angels for bunnies,” Skeldon said.

To help by adopting, fostering or donating, call 321-626-2728 or email spacecoastbunnies@gmail.com. More information is available at Facebook/ Space Coast Bunnies. All gifts are taxdeductible. SL Comprehensive Range of Treatments

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SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2022

25

Hello

February SUNDAY

MONDAY

Moonlight Stroll Feb. 12 • 6 - 10 p.m.

Gaze at the celestial bodies in the night sky with the Brevard Astronomical Society.

National Boy Food trucks and vendors be on site.

Scoutswill Day

Erna Nixon Park 1200 Evans Road West Melbourne 321-633-2046 The entry fee is $4.

Register at Brevardfl.gov/ParksandRecreation

6

National Chopsticks Day Brevard County Firefighters Chili Cook Off 1 - 5 p.m.

Taste great chili and meet your Brevard County Firefighters. $10 for chili bracelets and $15 for beer bracelets Cocoa Village Park 401 Riveredge Blvd.

Cocoa, 321-863-1690

Space Coast Cars & Coffee Car Show

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

USSSA Space Coast Complex 5800 Stadium Parkway Viera, 800-741-3014

13

Galentine's Day

Love Rocks Rockledge Outdoor Pop-Up Event

7

Ballroom Dancing & Swing Lessons Mondays 6:30 p.m. – Advanced 7:30 p.m. – Beginners $8 per class for members, $10 for non-members.

Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-258-5916

14

Valentine's Day

20

Eighth annual Cycle 4 ALZ Cycle Event

1

28 North Speakeasy

8

National Boy Scouts Day

Free Golf Tip Tuesday 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Free golf tips included with a paid bucket of balls.

Duran Golf Club Driving Range, 321-504-7776 6 - 8 p.m.

Learn to make a Valentine’s charcuterie board. $40 per person $55 for couples.

UF/IFAS Extension Office 3695 Lake Drive, Cocoa 321-633-3170

15

SHINE Counseling

Health Insurance help 9 a.m. - Noon Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-255-4494

Presidents Day

Mah Jongg, American

7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation 4676 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-253-4430

Noon - 3:30 p.m.

Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne 321-255-4494

27

28

2

Groundhog Day

22

Social Scrabble

9:30 a.m. - Noon Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-255-4494

Solo Organ Recital – Michael T.C. Hey

Ballroom Dancing & Swing Lessons 3 - 5 p.m.

Mondays Advent Lutheran Church 6:30 p.m. – Advanced 7550 N. Wickham Road 7:30 p.m. – Beginners Suntree, 321-259-8515 $8 per class for members, $10 for non-members.

Mardi Gras: Wickham Park Senior Paws in the Park Center 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Pet parade, music, vendors, 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-258-5916 pet adoptions and more.

Fundraiser for the Brevard Humane Society. Cocoa Village, 401 Riveredge Blvd.

Cocoa, 321-636-3343

March 1 Free Tip Tuesdays 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Free golf tips included with a paid bucket of balls.

Duran Golf Club Driving Range, 321-504-7776

3

Navigating Senior Living

9

Noon Senior living options discussion. Denise Bilder, a social worker from Ally Senior Living Consultants.

Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.

Cocoa Beach 321-783-9505

National Pizza Day

10

Central Brevard Art Association Art Show

Feb. 10 to 12 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cape Canaveral Public Library, 201 Polk Ave.

Chili Cook-off

16

Line Dancing with Larry

10 - 11:30 a.m.

Wednesdays Learn line dancing steps.

Viera Regional Community Center, 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera 321-323-4928

11:30 a.m.

Taste and compare a variety of delicious homemade chili contest entries.

Shell Harbor Retirement Community 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge, 321-265-6875

17

Karaoke

National Random Acts of Kindness Day

12:30 - 3 p.m.

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

Bingo

9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Only $9 to play 16 regular 4 p.m. games.

We all have questions North Brevard about the law, bring yours. Senior Center Join Ruth C. Rhodes, Esq. Titusville, 321-231-1135 Light refreshments served.

8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Ask the Attorney

23

FRIDAY

4

6 - 9 p.m. $20 and a bottle of wine.

SPCA Thrift Store 790 S. Apollo Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-327-8305

24

Beginner Belly Dance Lessons

National Chili Day Special Needs Trust Seminar

2

3

6 - 7 p.m. Wednesdays West Melbourne Veterans Memorial Complex 2285 Minton Road W. Melbourne Seniors in Motion Central Florida Winds Questions About Your 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tuesdays 321-837-7779 Free Concert Coffee and snacks will be Hearing?

Bingo 3 p.m. provided.

9:30 a.m.

3 p.m.

Mondays 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Central Florida Chamber Sandra Wagner will answer Walter Butler Only $9 to play 16 regular Winds and Central Florida Community Center your questions about games.

Chamber Brass concert.

4201 N. U.S. Highway hearing loss.

North Brevard Suntree United Methodist Sharpes, 321-433-4448 One Senior Place Senior Center Church, 7400 N. Wickham Titusville, 321-231-1135 Road, Suntree, 321-405-2359 8085 Spyglass Hill Road

National Kaluah Day

THURSDAY

Wine & Whiskers

Valentine’s Day theme Charcuterie Board Class

Tuesdays, 4 - 6 p.m.

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

21

WEDNESDAY

6 - 9 p.m.

Special event—Roaring 20s themed night of swing dancing, food and fun.

Four-course, scratch-made dinner inspired by a menu for Calvin Coolidge at the Waldorf Astoria.

28 North Gastropub Viera, 321-241-1159

Trivia Night

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Multi-vendor event featuring crystals, jewelry, smudging items, shamanic clearings, readings, handmade apothecary items, plants, artists, food, music and more.

Rockledge Civic Hub 530 Barton Blvd.

Rockledge, 321-305-4667

National Muffin Day

TUESDAY

10 a.m.

Elder Law Attorney William A. Johnson, P.A. will present. Limited seating must RSVP. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

National Thank a Mail Carrier Day

Rockin’ the Sunset – Concert for a Cause

7 p.m.

Beatles Tribute Band, Liverpool Live.

Benefiting St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care.

USSSA Space Coast Complex 5800 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-360-3456

First Friday Art Walk

5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Eau Gallie Arts District 1429 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-259-8261

11

National Peppermint Patty Day Senior Health 10 - 11 a.m.

Top 10 tips for optimum senior health.

RSVP required.

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

Barefoot Bay Music, Art and Food Festival Feb. 11 & 12 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Live music festival.

625 Barefoot Bay Micco, 772-664-3175

18

National Caregiver Day

5

SATURDAY

AKtive Legacy 5K

7:30 a.m.

Viera Regional Park – Rotary Pavilion, 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-917-7368

Viera Wetlands Walk

8 - 10 a.m.

Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands Walk. Get ready to walk trails. Bring your cameras, wildlife is plentiful.

Meet in the parking area at 8 a.m. 10001 Wickham Road Viera, 321-635-8885

12

Taste of Brevard

6 - 9 p.m.

Enjoy the best food samples from Brevard County restaurants and local chefs.

Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-727-3913

Red Ride Valentine Bicycle Bar Tour

11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 in advance, or $35 day of event.

Fishlips Waterfront 610 Glen Cheek Drive Port Canaveral, 321-543-1346

19

Happy Hour & Trivia Night Central Florida Winds 5 p.m. Doors open Concert 7 p.m. Trivia starts Drink and food specials.

Tradewinds at Duran 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-504-7776

Seaside Piecemakers Quilters in Paradise Quilt Show

Feb. 18 to 19 Melbourne Auditorium 625 Hibiscus Ave. Melbourne, 321-501-7900 See page 1 for details.

25

Emerald City 5K

6 p.m.

Family Promise of Brevard event.

Church At Viera 9005 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-209-3391

3 p.m.

Central Florida Chamber Winds and Central Florida Chamber Brass free concert.

Park Avenue Baptist Church 2600 S. Park Ave. Titusville, 321-405-2359

Melbourne Strawberry Fest

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Plant City strawberries.

Wickham Park 2500 Leisure Way, Melbourne melbournefest.com

26

An Evening of Elegance: Symphony and Sinatra

6 p.m.

Holy Trinity's Kelly Stadium will transform into an outdoor amphitheater when big band crooner Michael Andrew is joined by the Gastropalooza II Brevard Symphony 5 - 11 p.m.

Brevard's premier culinary Orchestra. Andrew will pay tribute to American legend cuisine battle returns.

More details coming soon! Frank Sinatra's greatest hits.

Kelly Stadium at Holy Trinity 28 North Gastropub 5625 Holy Trinity Drive 2250 Town Center Ave. Suntree, 321-723-8323 Viera, 321-241-1159.

4

National Employee Appreciation Day

5

Simpkins Speaker Series: Winston E. Scott

Tuesday, March 1 9:30 a.m.

Eastern Florida State College 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne U.S. Navy Captain, aviator and astronaut Winston E. Scott will share his story of success at this in-person and live-streamed event presented by the EFSC Foundation's Simpkins Speaker Series.

This free event is open to students, faculty, staff and the general public. No registration is needed.

Streamed live https://youtu.be/FLUmDTm6KXA. For more information, call 321-433-7055.

Boomer Guide

PAGE 66

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Senior Expo Get your copy of the brand new 2022 Boomer Guide

• • • • • • •

Free Admission Free Parking Food & Drinks Fun Activities Music Exhibitors Giveaways Meet the 2022 Boomer Models

Comingin inMarch April 2022 Coming 2022 Date and location to be announced soon. issue.

Date and location to be announced in the February

For event updates, visit

boomerseniorexpo.com boomerseniorexpo.com or orcall call321-242-1235 321-242-1235

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2022

27

In honor of Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14, we asked our readers to share a photo of their Valentine and tell us why their loved one is so special.

Here are their responses:

I met my husband, Mario Gallego, when I was 14 in 1998.

At 15, on June 11, 1999, I asked him to be my boyfriend and that’s how it started. We tied the knot on June 11, 2005. Through becoming grownups, long distances, deployment, careers and kids, he still makes me laugh, makes me feel safe, and makes me happy. I am proud of the man he has become, and I love him more than when it all started. He’s my forever Valentine! — Brandi Gallego

My name is Dottie Larkin. Cliff and I were married on July 12, 1952 and looking forward to our 65th anniversary in 2017. Cliff’s specialty was thoughtfulness and patience. Cliff always was so full of surprises for me. If the opportunity arose, I would spend every single day over with him of the 67 years we had together.

— Dottie Larkin, Barefoot Bay

Nicole and I have been together for 12 years. We moved here in 2016 to have a better life for ourselves and our daughter.

We actually met on the dating site Match.com. It was the best seven-day free preview ever. She is the best thing to happen to me! — Robb Heisey

I love him more today than 40 years ago when we met in high school. He’s been a great husband, friend and family man.

— Penny and Daryl Paclik, Indian Harbour Beach

Local author’s books focus on encouraging, strengthening families

BY WENDY SCHEURING Karen Whiting has written 36 books — all with a distinct style and theme.

“Everything I write about is to strengthen the family,” author Karen Whiting said.

Whiting grew up in dairy farm country in North Branford, Connecticut, where her grandparents owned the only restaurant in town. She describes herself as an 18th generation Connecticuter.

“I wanted to share how you can have a good family with strong bonds,” said Whiting, a mother of five and a grandmother who lives in Rockledge.

Whiting’s most recent book, released on December 4, 2021, is entitled “The Super-sized Book of Bible Craft Gifts.”

It also is the second book she has co-written with her oldest daughter, Rebecca White, an elementary teacher, mother, and wife of a minister. The first book the mother-daughter team wrote together was “Nature Girl: A Guide to Caring About God’s Creation.”

Since her daughter Rebecca was a little girl, Whiting said they always did a lot of crafts together.

28

SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo

Karen Whiting likes to write books with strong family themes.

“With so much anxiety and anger in the world, we wanted to do something on kindness,” said Whiting of their most recent book.

Their Bible craft book consists of 101 paper crafts for children ages 5 to 10.

“We wanted the crafts to be inexpensive to make,” Whiting added.

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2022

Most of the crafts only require basic supplies found in the home, such as computer paper, card stock, tissue paper, string, yarn and adhesives. In addition to the crafts, there are 20-plus lesson extensions that coordinate with the theme of the crafts.

One of the crafts, a star constellation mobile, teaches that the stars reflect the majesty of God. “We want to remind the children to shine like the stars and to remind them to bring light to other people,” Whiting said.

On the five-point star glider craft, for example, the children write encouraging phrases such as, “You are a good friend,” “I like you,” “Pray for peace” or “Be a peacemaker.”

“When you twirl the glider and it spins around, it reminds you to be kind or to encourage others,” Whiting said.

Whiting started writing 26 years ago, but she had never planned on being a writer. She was a trained mathematician and had been working as a computer systems analyst.

Karen Whiting’s late husband, Jim Whiting, was a member of the Coast

Guard for 22 years and a naval architect.

Wherever they happened to live, Karen Whiting taught in women’s groups and at vacation Bible schools. She also hosted a show called “Puppets on Parade” when they lived in Miami.

She has traveled the world to faraway places such as Russia, China and Malaysia to help children tap into their creativity.

Last month, she gave a hands-on workshop at the Children’s Pastors Conference in Orlando on how to engage children in prayer. At the event, Tyndale Publishing gave more than 1,000 attendees copies of “Devos for Brave Boys,” which she co-wrote with Jesse Florea.

In addition to writing books, speaking and teaching, Whiting has also penned more than 1,000 articles for various publications, many of them on the topic of family.

Whiting’s new book sells for $15 on christianbook.com.

For more information on Whiting and her books, go to karenwhiting.com.

SL

myseniorlife.com

We’re here to help you live A friendship born from the ashes of grief, two octogenarians ventured into marriage to experience the ultimate love during the golden years of their lives. — Diane Sparks and Dave Mochel, Palm Bay

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Please pardon our dust as we work on exciting renovations and additions.

To schedule your tour today, call My husband, Tom Deutsch, and I love our five grandchildren. We have been married 40 years and have raised three daughters. That is my greatest accomplishment. We met in person, dated for one year and got married. He is my best friend. We have the luxury to be able to spend three months in Florida each winter. We leave cold Iowa behind.

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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Curve 4 Get the drift 7 Barely makes ends meet 11 Afternoon social 12 Cathedral part 13 Toolbox item 14 -- out (relax) 15 Harness gear 16 Matted wool 17 Bills 19 Symbol of peace 20 Prepare to fire 21 Debussy subject 22 Lawful 25 Stout 28 Jackie’s second 29 Frizzy coif 31 Monsieur’s affirmative 33 Large 34 Mounted 36 Sandy’s reply 37 Secreted 40 Jacket features 42 Same old grind 43 Japanese delicacy 44 Society 46 Deduce 49 Herr’s abode 50 Ordered 52 Narrow opening 54 Alice’s chronicler 55 Drew on 56 Stone or Ice 57 Envelope sealer 58 EMT technique 59 It glistens

DOWN 1 Dune buggy kin 2 Plant in a swamp 3 Hamster’s digs 4 Muscular tic 5 PC bailout key 6 Mouse alert 7 Attempt 8 Chicken style 9 Fashion magazine 10 Solidified 12 Hun leader 18 Meadow murmur 19 Bonn article 21 Dairy sounds 22 Chem room 23 Mr. Clapton 24 Billion (pref.)

25 Jab at 26 Mortgage 27 Round dwelling 30 Worry too much 32 Conditions 35 Made level 38 Friday’s companion 39 Wheel part 41 Folkloric being 43 Quilt filler 44 Actor -- Reiner 45 Humdinger 47 Old-time oath 48 Fly off the handle 49 Harpy 50 Tampa Bay NFLer 51 Serpent 53 Seat for a sermon

Crossword solution, page 30

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2022

29

1934 Chevrolet pickup

Owner: Louis VanDorin

Louis VanDorin of Indialantic bought the 1934 Chevy pickup in 1998 and took four years to complete its restoration.

The pickup has all original steel — cab, fenders, running boards, hood, grille shell and bed sides. Structural wood in the cab and floor was duplicated in steel.

The pickup has a ‘02 GMPP 350 deluxe crate engine. It has ECI 11 power disc brakes and a turbo 400 transmission.

CLASSIFIEDS

Market Square

Crossword Solution Crossword on page 29

Activities & Classes PRESERVE YOUR MEMORIES! LET US CONVERT YOUR VHS, SLIDES, FILM, PHOTOS, AND ALL FORMS OF AUDIO OVER TO DISC, MEMORY CHIPS OR FLASH DRIVES. REASONABLE, CALL KEN (321) 750-1414 - MERRITT ISLAND

RUN YOUR CLASSIFIED AD! FOR SALE, FOR RENT, SENIOR SERVICES, REAL ESTATE, RENTALS, $35 FOR 35 WORDS

Quilters

Continued from page 1 Peacemakers member who is passionate about the organization. “There’s incredible talent at Seaside and the quilts at this event are definitely works of art, showstoppers and jaw droppers.

They’re not the kind you would just throw on a picnic table. We have folks that visit not only from all over Florida, but nationwide.”

James added, “‘Tropical Storm,’ the quilt donated to be raffled for Second Food Bank, is so gorgeous it will definitely knock your socks off.”

Every year, a different charity is selected.

Second Harvest Food Bank is one of Seaside Peacemakers’ favorite charities. Second Harvest exists to feed the hungry and help those in need in the community.

The Quilters in Paradise Quilt Show will feature more than 200 handmade quilts to be judged.

30

FRI, FEB 25, 12 - 1:30 PM

DIME “Everyday Lace” Webinar

FRI & SAT, FEB 18 & 19

Check outSeaside the Q&L website Timeless for class schedule and events.

Join us for the Piecemakers Treasures Quiltare Show the Melbournefull Auditorium.  We anatauthorized, line retailer for Baby Lock®,

Koala , Floriani ,® & Anita Goodesign® Please checkBrother® our website for, more details • ® Follow us on Repair and Service available on site service engineer  Full-time, on-site, factory certified We N. try Wickham our best to ‘under-promise and over deliver’ 7720 Rd. Suite 111 Melbourne, FL 32940 321-622-8602

7720 N. Wickham Rd. Suites 111 & 112 & 113 www.quiltsandlace.com beth@quiltsandlace.com Melbourne, FL 32940

Now Open-2nd location in Sebastian!

M, W, Th, F: 10a,- 5pm. Tues: 10am - 7pm, Sat: 10am - 2 pm. Sun: CLOSED

Sudoku Solution Puzzle on page 24

Phone: (321) 622-8602, Fax: (321) 622-8574 M,W,Th,F: 10am - 5pm, Tue: 12N - 7pm, www.quiltsandlace.com Marianne Fons’ specially-created quilt, Sat: 10am - 2pm, Sun: CLOSED beth@quiltsandlace.com which was donated to Quilts of Valor, will be on

display.

Lectures and quilting demonstrations, silent auctions, a small quilt raffle, vendors and even an appraiser will be on hand.

Passionate quilters will not want to miss this show. Quilters likely will see old friends, meet new quilters and learn the latest in quilting trends.

Quilters in Paradise will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 18 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Feb. 19 at the Melbourne Auditorium at 625 Hibiscus Ave. Tickets are $12 at the door and $10 at the door for groups of 10 or more. It is $10 for advance ticket purchase.

Parking is free and City Bistro will provide a lunch to purchase.

For information, visit seasidepiecemakers.com SL

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2022

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31

FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES

Enjoy the benefits of a Medicare plan PLUS access to out-of-network hospitals and specialists in Brevard and Indian River counties!

SEE HOW CAREPLUS COMPARES: 2022 BENEFITS

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For a full list of available plans in your area, visit www.medicare.gov. For a full list of benefits available from these plans, refer to each plan’s Summary of Benefits: CarePlus Health Plans: https://www.careplushealthplans.com/medicare-plans/2022 Health First: https://hf.org/health_plans/medicare/our_plans/mapd_2022/forms/2022_HFHP_CVR_Summary_of_Benefits.pdf Space Coast. CarePlus is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in CarePlus depends on contract renewal. Referrals may be required for certain specialists. This plan covers certain services received from out-of-network providers in Brevard and Indian River counties in Florida. Except in emergency or urgent situations, non-contracted providers may deny care. You will pay a higher copay for services received by non-contracted providers. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. complies with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status, or religion in their programs and activities, including in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, their programs and activities. Any inquiries regarding CarePlus’ non-discrimination policies and/or to file a complaint, also known as a grievance, please contact Member Services at 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). From October 1 - March 31, we are open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. From April 1 - September 30, we are open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may always leave a voicemail after hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and we will return your call within one business day. Español (Spanish): Esta información está disponible de forma gratuita en otros idiomas. Favor de llamar a Servicios para Afiliados al número que aparece anteriormente. Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Creole): Enfòmasyon sa a disponib gratis nan lòt lang. Tanpri rele nimewo Sèvis pou Manm nou yo ki nan lis anwo an.

H1019_MKBNDMFNPRsccompare2022_M

32

SENIOR LIFE • FEBRUARY 2022

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