Senior Life, January 2021

LAUNCH TRACKING VOLUME 23

ISSUE 9

January 2021

page 3

OF FLORIDA

myseniorlife.com

It’s never too late Weightlifting renews vim and vigor for life page 17

Learn a new language today, page 8

Celebrating Beethoven, page 11

SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo

Healing benefits of Tai Chi, page 26

Dan Adovasio started lifting weights two years ago and he already has won several medals in the Florida Senior Games.

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A year ago, as we were heading into 2020, I asked, “How do you expect your life to change this year?”

Little did we know what it would bring.

As we look ahead, we should be optimistic of what this new year holds and embrace the changes ahead.

Here at Senior Life, we look forward with confidence.

We will do everything we can to make sure the stories we bring you in Senior Life will inform, entertain and best serve you.

Already, we are looking at some types of stories we want to bring you. Of course, we keep improving on the types of stories and columns you already have come to like and expect from us at Senior Life.

In this edition, we tell you about how the coronavirus pandemic led businesses and families to use video conferencing to meet and find new ways to stay in touch.

Some in our community have used their extra time at home to learn a new language or to make greeting cards to uplift others.

Maybe their stories will prompt you to do something that you have been thinking about for others.

In our January issue, you also can read about small communities along north U.S. 1 in Brevard County that had grand plans but turned out to be mostly wishful thinking after most of their dreams never materialized. There are still roadside signs for Bellwood, Williams Point and Delespine.

A lot of questions exist about the COVID-19 vaccines: Who will get the vaccine next, how, where and when. We take a look at that story and also write about how ophthalmologists say there are advances in the treatment of glaucoma.

We encourage you to look ahead with optimism to a much better 2021 and plan to do some of the things you put off that you could not do because of the pandemic.

Happy New Year. SL R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com

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Eastern Range’s 10,000 miles must be cleared for safe space launches

BY LINDA JUMP Launches from Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station require safe land, ocean and air space, and that means the 45th Space Wing at Patrick Space Force Base goes to work.

The Eastern Range includes 10,000 miles that need protection from spacecraft or their debris, spreading from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center across the Atlantic past the tip of Africa and the Indian Ocean.

“Air surveillance to make sure commercial aircraft are clear of restricted areas during launch countdowns, as well as weather forecasts, is coordinated by the Air Force’s 45th Space Wing. Waters within the launch safety zone are patrolled jointly by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Air Force,” Anita Barrett wrote in an online 2009 description of the Eastern Range on Kennedy Space Center’s website.

The companion Western Range begins at the Vandenberg Air Force Base near Lompoc, California and passes south along the western U.S. coast west through the Pacific into the Indian Ocean where it meets the Eastern Range. The Air Force’s 30th Space Wing there manages safety for launches going west. Both ranges share safety policies and processes.

The Eastern Range includes seven downrange owned or leased facilities used to track both rockets and weather. Range users can include the U.S. Department of Defense, non-defense U.S. agencies, licensed civilian commercial companies such as SpaceX, and some approved foreign governments.

“Safety is extremely important throughout the 45th Space Wing,” said Jay Porter, Chief of 45th Space Wing Public Affairs. “One of the most vital aspects of our wing’s mission of assured access to space is the assurance that when a rocket leaves from the Eastern Range, range personnel and Space Coast residents are as safe as possible.”

The national range system was

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of NASA.org

The Eastern Range stretches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for about 10,000 miles across the Atlantic past the tip of Africa and the Indian Ocean. set up during the 1940s to provide a site for long-range missile tests over relatively uninhabited land areas and free of global shipping lanes. Its purpose, according to the 1999 written “Eastern and Western Range Safety Policies and Processes” is to “ensure that the general public, launch area personnel, foreign land masses, and launch area resources are provided an acceptable level of safety and that all aspects of pre launch and launch operations adhere to public laws and national needs.”

In the 1990s, the Eastern Range’s Antigua and Ascension auxiliary air bases were modernized with fiberoptic communications, radar and telemetry equipment to create a new control center.

Acting Patrick Air Force Base Commander Col. Brande H. Walton

has final authority over the Eastern Range. A Space Wing chief of safety enforces life, health and property public safety requirements.

In a recent 45th Space Wing video, Tech. Sgt. Scott Hewlett, said, “Our role in spacecraft flight is to provide 100 percent surveillance and security on national space launch missions….

No mistakes can be afforded…. We’re the insurance.” SL

BAHS hands out generous awards More winners

BY R. NORMAN MOODY Four organizations and five individuals were the honored recipients of monetary awards from the Brevard Association of Human Services.

The awards of $1,000 were presented during the annual BAHS Christmas party Dec. 16 to Family Promise of Brevard, Aging Matters, Helping Seniors of Brevard and Housing for Homeless.

“It’s wonderful,” said Kara Anderson, the past president of BAHS. “They are always so thankful. The members feel good about doing this.”

BAHS raises funds all year to present to the nonprofits that are selected each year by its members.

Anderson said this year was a challenge, but members used creative ways to raise money for the awards.

BAHS seeks to improve the quality of healthcare and human services provided in Brevard

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Warm Wishes for the New Year SENIOR LIFE Rachel McLain

BAHS gave Terry Jones a $100 cash award for Be A Hero In Service.

County. It provides an opportunity for organizations and individuals to network, share information and educate members about services available in the county. SL

Welcome to the first Pathfinders Travel Club meeting of 2021. See what exciting trips we’ve planned for you!

Tuesday, January 19 – Front Street Civic Center – 10 AM

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Table of contents Volume 23, Issue 9 Senior Life of Florida 7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940 321-242-1235

©2021 Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. All rights reserved Liftoff to a new era

page 3

VOLUME 23

OF FLORIDA

ISSUE 8

myseniorlife.com

December 2020

Santa’s on his way, stops to play

myseniorlife.com jill@myseniorlife.com

Light Fest page 20

Holiday Events

page 22

Christmas Parades

Publisher Jill Blue

page 28

Editor R. Norman Moody Office Manager Sylvia Montes Art Director Adam Palumbo Copy Editor Jeff Navin

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

SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo

Santa and Mrs. Claus stop for a round of golf at Duran Golf Club in Viera before getting on their way.

myseniorlife.com Bells ringing, page 11

High-altitude veteran, page 13

Senior Buddy helpers, page 15

Dog diagnosis, page 26

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

SENIOR LIFE

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

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7 NEIGHBORS 8 TECH KNOW TIDBITS 10-11 12-14 19-21 23 24-26 28-29 31

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

COUPONS & DISCOUNTS ART

GALLERY OF VIERA

Celebrating 23 Years

Boomer Guide —the best resource guide in Brevard!

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

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Neighbors Lawndale welcomes visitors after 20-year restoration

BY MARIA SONNENBERG She has witnessed the ups and downs of life in Brevard County for more than a century, just as she has gazed at the ebb and flow of the Indian River from her graceful perch amidst ancient oaks.

Lawndale, the home that citrus farmer, carriage builder and author Hiram Smith Williams started in 1874 and completed in 1890, is now ready to meet her public.

The historic house overlooking the Indian River Lagoon in Rockledge is welcoming visitors after a 20-year painstaking renovation that transformed its once faded glory to a glorious recreation of the home of a well-to-do family of the late 1800s.

History lesson aside, Lawndale is worth a visit just for its architectural significance.

“Lawndale is one of the last remaining examples of Queen Annestyle architecture in the area and has survived in remarkable condition with most of the architectural features intact,” said Carole Pope, president of the Preservation Education Trust, which maintains the property the county purchased more than two decades ago from Williams’ heirs.

The house was part of the Museums

SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg

Carole Pope, president of the Preservation Education Trust, joins costumed docents Mary Repass, left, and Linda Beck to welcome visitors to Lawndale, the historic Rockledge home.

of Brevard’s Christmas Tour of Homes last year. Preservation Education Trust hopes to host regularly scheduled tours during the weekends, beginning in January.

The four-bedroom, 3,500-square-foot Lawndale is spacious and airy, with big windows to take in great views and a wrap-around porch perfect for whiling away the evening with a mint julep or two. Williams’ talent as a carriage maker is apparent in the meticulousness of the elaborate mantles he created for his dream home by the river.

Lawndale’s original groves encompassed acreage from U.S. 1 to

SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg

Lawndale, the historic 1890 residence on the riverside of Rockledge, will open for tours on weekends beginning this month.

Rockledge Drive. Williams’ daughter, Myra, later donated some of the land to the former Wuesthoff Hospital.

Other parcels were sold for housing subdivisions. Only two acres remain, encircling Lawndale as a green necklace of mature trees and magnolias.

Although a self-made man with no formal “book learning,” Williams was a strong proponent of education and built one of the area’s first schools — above his kitchen, no less —for his two children and other youngsters nearby. The schoolroom, like the rest of

the house, has been furnished as if the residents of long ago had just stepped out for a moment.

The entrepreneurial Williams served as county treasurer, Rockledge’s first postmaster and the first state senator from the area.

“He was a one-man chamber of commerce for Brevard,” Pope said.

Lawndale is at 1219 Rockledge Drive in Rockledge. For information on tours and volunteer opportunities, call 321-632-5650. SL

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Tech Know Tidbits Video conferencing likely to remain a business staple

BY GEORGE WHITE Business travel to conventions and face-to-face meetings were standard operating procedure until the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the savings and popularity of Zoom and other emerging video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business, the business world may be changed forever.

With Zoom, face-to-face doesn’t have to mean in person. And while the pandemic revealed there no longer was a need for some business travel, the trend is not all bad for Keith Gee, who utilizes Zoom as president of the Suntree Rotary Club and as president and CEO of Bridges BTC, which helps disabled adults.

Gee said the Rotary Club had to go virtual when virus concerns were highest, later returning to a hybrid Friday morning meeting, which will continue. One advantage of Zoom is being able to have the club’s speaker

SENIOR LIFE Alan Zoellner

Laura Zoellner’s interest in learning Japanese came after a family trip to Japan in 2018. She hopes to make a return visit.

With Zoom, face-to-face doesn’t have to mean in person. program broadcast via Zoom to a new audience living outside the area, he said.

Reaching out more effectively is also the Zoom way for the Bridges board of directors, which is expected to stay with a hybrid format because it makes for better inclusion, Gee said.

The pandemic has perhaps been the biggest challenge for the tourism and convention industry, making

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

convention companies have to get creative to have “value added” offerings. For example, organizers might have a breakout session or exclusive presentation with in-person attendees who can have dinners and other events, said Michelle Holm, lecturer and coordinator of event and entertainment management programs for the Department of Tourism, Events and Attractions, University of Central

SENIOR LIFE Judy Berman

Reference librarian Kari Scheirer shows Christopher Adams some of the foreign language materials available at Suntree/Viera Public Library.

Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

“Now, with hybrid meetings and conventions, they want to manage both sides of the spectrum, on Zoom and in person,’’ she said.

Where Zoom falls short is trying to recreate the experience of large trade shows where people can see and touch the new items, said Jeannie Hahm, an assistant professor at UCF who, like Holm, has a doctorate in the field.

“That energy that transpires in people cannot be replicated by Zoom.

It’s human nature to want to get together,”she said.

Looking to the future, both professors are cautiously confident that the situation will return to near normal in late 2022. Industry officials already report an increase in advanced bookings. And both believe Zoom, in some form, will likely become an accepted best practice.

“We all have hope, but we have to be pragmatic,’’ Holm said. SL

SENIOR LIFE Judy Berman

Erika Morris, an adult education teacher at Palm Bay High School, checks out a book in Spanish at Books-a-Million in The Avenue Viera.

Cultural immersion can develop foreign language skills

BY JUDY BERMAN

Traveling to a foreign country could be enhanced if you can speak the language.

Laura Zoellner recalls an unforgettable two-week vacation she took to Japan with her family in 2018.

“The first time we went, we didn’t know any Japanese, but a Google app saved us,” said Zoellner, an artist who lives on Merritt Island.

The Google app translates what is said or pictured in English into another language.

Since then, Zoellner tapped into a variety of sources to learn Japanese — Duolingo’s free online language program, workbooks, books, Rosetta Stone (Brevard County Public Library

8

locations allow members free access to 30 languages), plus movies and TV series in Japanese with English subtitles.

“We would love to return to Japan.

The trip to Japan was the most amazing I ever had. The people were so friendly, kind, polite and respectful. The country was clean and safe,” Zoellner said.

To improve your language skills, watch TV, try to do simple activities like talk to those where you bank or shop, advises Erika Morris, who teaches adult education at Palm Bay High School.

In the 14 years Morris has been teaching in Brevard County, her students’ motivation for learning English ranges from a desire to get a job, improve communication with their

SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021

spouses and others, or further their education.

“To merge in the culture is the pathway to learning the language better,” said Morris, a Viera resident.

“When they understand the culture, it’s easier to embrace the language and the customs.”

K-Pop, popular music originating in South Korea, first caught on with Celia Lewis’ daughter, Cimone Toppin. Then, it captivated Lewis, an engineering technician at L3Harris, who began studying Korean during the COVID-19 shutdown.

“My daughter would like to go to South Korea to teach English there.

One day, I would like to go there and to, perhaps, become proficient enough to eliminate the subtitles while looking

at Korean dramas,” said Lewis, a resident of Palm Bay. Music is a powerful language learning tool. Retired Brevard County teacher Christopher Adams used it in his English classes. His students learned pronunciation, how a song was built, the meaning of the lyrics and cliches in a song.

The advice Adams gave his students can be applied to anyone learning a second language: Practice.

“I’d tell them the more effort you make to speak some English, the more people will accept them. They’ll know you’re trying to fit in,” Adams said.

SL

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Brevard Symphony Orchestra opens new season

BY JENNIFER H. MONAGHAN The Brevard Symphony Orchestra is back performing live concerts at the King Center for the Performing Arts.

In October, out of caution relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, BSO postponed the opening of its 2020-21 season.

The season has been rescheduled for January to April 2021. Opening night is 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23.

The opening night program, titled “Beethoven Celebration,” is in honor of Beethoven’s 250th birthday with his Symphony No. 7, deemed one of his most excellent works, according to notes purportedly written by Beethoven.

“We’re thankful to still be here after what has been a very difficult period, not just for us, but for everyone. We thank everyone for the generosity and support they’ve shown us during that time,” said Christopher Confessore, music director and principal conductor of BSO. Confessore, who was born in Homestead, has been the conductor since 1995. He reflected on his years of service.

“It’s been great. The organization has come a long way,” he said.

“We’ve obviously been faced with a big challenge this last year.”

During the hiatus, BSO musicians recorded performances in their homes and shared videos online. Confessore said he has had great success keeping

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of BSO

The Brevard Symphony Orchestra will celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday with a concert on Jan. 23. in contact with subscribers and was proud of the strong support.

“We’re looking forward to being back in the concert hall,” he said, “and we’re excited about the prospect of a year to share our experience of live music.”

This 67th season is BSO’s flagship Signature Six Series, presented by the symphony family, as Confessore described the talented musicians, executive director and staff. The concerts are full orchestra programs performed by the BSO musicians featuring a variety of major classical works alongside world premieres, lighter selections and world-class guest artists.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of BSO

Christopher Confessore is the conductor for the Brevard Symphony Orchestra.

BSO offers educational programs and outreach opportunities to the

community as well as concerts.

All concerts take place at the King Center. Capacity is limited at each event, and guests are seated with social distancing between parties. Masks are mandatory for the entirety of your visit. Guests are also encouraged to review the King Center’s Health and Safety Guidelines prior to purchasing tickets.

The King Center is at 3865 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne.

Additional information and tickets may be obtained from the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and the King Center websites at brevardsymphony. com and kingcenter.com, or call the BSO Office at 321-345-5052. SL

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SeniorLife

STRIP STRI PES

Brevard Veterans News

MOAACC members never stopped serving and giving back

Members of the Military Officers Association of America Cape Canaveral Chapter “never stop serving” as they give back not only to those serving, but also to those who will be.

In addition to assisting those serving, it is also helping a future generation of young people who will be serving the nation in the military.

This organization, composed of active-duty service members, retired and former military officers do their philanthropy through MOAACC’s Good Deeds Foundation.

These men and women already served, many of them more than 20 years. Some could say they did their duty, but they continue to serve because they support a strong national defense. They also want to ensure that the nation keeps its commitments to those serving, retired

and former members of the Armed services and their families.

They are committed to service.

The Good Deeds Foundation of the Military Officers Association of America Cape Canaveral Chapter is a nonprofit organization that provides monetary support to youth, activeduty military and veterans programs in Brevard County.

‘We’re locally focused,” said Scott Hartley, the president of the Good Deeds Foundation.

The foundation supports JROTC

programs in Brevard County high schools, with grants this year of $900 each to 15 Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs.

That is just a part of what these men and women do to support organizations in the community. It gives between $47,000 and $50,000 a year to the JROTC programs, Sea Cadets and Civil Air Patrol chapters, and the ROTC program at Florida Institute of Technology, active-duty junior enlisted personnel at Patrick Air Force Base, Port Canaveral Coast Guard Station, the Naval Ordnance Test Unit and the local National Guard and Reserve units. It also supports Honor Flight, Veterans Treatment Court, Wreaths Across America at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery and the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center.

The Good Deeds Foundation was

formed to continue the work started

by MOAACC members helping junior enlisted officers.

“That was sort of the impetus, to help take that over from the chapter,” said Hartley, who retired from the U.S. Coast Guard after 27 years of service.

MOAACC also has a scholarship program. Between 1984 and 2020 the program for descendants and wards of active duty and retired members of the U.S. military awarded $750,000 to 273 students attending 76 different colleges throughout the United States.

The organization fundraising includes a yearly golf tournament, which it did not hold in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. So, members would like to attract corporate sponsors to help it with its programs for 2021. SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Wreaths Across America

Volunteers place wreaths on graves of veterans in Brevard County cemeteries.

Wreath-laying ceremonies subdued during pandemic

BY MARIA SONNENBERG In December, a small group of volunteers spent three days stopping at 2,700 of the 9,000-plus graves at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery

in Scottsmoor to place wreaths of remembrance to the fallen heroes.

The picture was very different pre-pandemic last year, when 1,200 volunteers placed wreaths at the 6,200 graves then at the cemetery.

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SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021

HHA 29993664

This year has been a rough one for the all-volunteer Wreaths Across America, which coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at 2,100 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad. In addition to the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery team, three others held wreath-laying ceremonies at local resting grounds.

All were subdued.

“With infection rates on the rise in Central Florida, and with very limited fundraising opportunities this year in addition to the many months needed to plan, we had to adjust our plans for the program this year,” said Donn Weaver, the deputy location coordinator for Cape Canaveral.

The groups hope 2021 will afford them the community support they will need to place the wreaths at what is expected to be 10,000 graves by the end of next year, plus at gravesites of veterans buried at other local cemeteries.

“Each year, the cemetery adds about 1,300 new veterans’ and spouses’ final resting places,” Weaver said.

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The local Wreaths Across America teams will begin fundraising in January to meet their goal. Each wreath, fashioned in Maine from Christmas trees, costs $15.

The roots of the program were nurtured by Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Maine. As a child, a visit to Arlington National Cemetery left an indelible reminder about the sacrifices made by veterans. In 1992, Worcester arranged for some of his wreaths to be placed in one of Arlington’s older sections, one that received few visitors. The annual tribute continued quietly until 2005, when an image of the graves, adorned with the wreaths in a snowy landscape, went viral, inspiring national interest and leading to the creation of the nonprofit Wreaths Across America.

Donations for the purchase of wreaths for next year’s ceremonies can be made at wreathsacrossamerica. org, where donors can select the location where their gifts should be directed. SL

myseniorlife.com

IRCC resident took scuba to next level as SEAL

BY MARIA SONNENBERG Busted ribs, several knee replacements, 13 fused vertebrae, practically drowning, paralysis from the neck down for several days — these “mishaps” were part of the job for Navy SEAL Lt. Cmdr. Amir “Butch” Pishdad Jr. He does not regret them one bit.

In 1972, the Richmond, Virginia native planned to become a Green Beret. Among the elite corps’ talents was their proficiency with scuba diving, a sport Pishdad loved to practice in the murky waters of local quarries and in the not-much-cleaner Chesapeake Bay. An uncle suggested he become a frogman. With visions of the TV series “Sea Hunt” in his head, he became a SEAL, a member of the elite Sea, Air and Land team who are the Navy’s most trusted weapons during special operations.

Wanting to be a SEAL is one thing.

Becoming a SEAL is another, since about 80 percent of candidates do not graduate from the rigorous training.

With the Underwater Demolition Team, Pishdad qualified as a thirdclass petty officer electrician’s mate and Navy parachutist. He also served in SEAL Team Two during his first tenure in the Navy from 1973 to 1977.

“It was an honor to be part of a brotherhood so few get to join,”

Pishdad said.

During a 2½-year hiatus from the service, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration before being recruited back into the Navy for another 16 years as a UDT, or Underwater Demolition Team, SEAL officer.

“It was an honor to be part of a brotherhood so few get to join.”

—Amir “Butch” Pishdad Jr.

Promotions followed, as did deployments around the world. Injured on duty, he medically retired in 1996 from his position as a lieutenant commander, a job that included assignments as a Naval Special Warfare staff assistant operations officer and as a fleet commander SEAL advisory officer.

“One of my most rewarding assignments, for a kid who wanted to take scuba to the next level, was when I became the Diving Officer for Underwater Demolition Team 11 in Coronado, California,” he said.

After retirement, Pishdad operated a diving company in San Diego before

SENIOR LIFE photo

Retired Navy SEAL Lt. Cmdr. Amir Pishdad Jr. resides at Indian River Colony Club. moving to Florida in 2013 to help his ailing parents. He currently resides at Indian River Colony Club with his father, a retired Army warrants officer.

“Failure is not an option,” “never

quit” and “it’s only as hard as you make it” are mantras that have served Pishdad well during all the broken bones and pain that is part of SEAL life. SL

New officers commissioned at Florida Tech SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE Florida Institute of Technology ROTC Panther Battalion held its Winter Commissioning Ceremony Dec. 11 for five new Army second lieutenants.

Due to the pandemic the ceremony was conducted with most participants attending remotely.

The new officers were sworn in and their rank insignia pinned on as participants watched the live-streamed ceremony.

Lt. Col. Jimmy Crook, Florida Tech professor of military science, acknowledged the uniqueness of this ceremony.

The new lieutenants heard messages from Army leaders while the president of Florida Tech, Dr. T. Dwayne McCay, and the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, Maj. Gen. Christopher Donahue, were the guest speakers.

Normally, representatives from the Cape Canaveral Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAACC) attend the commissioning and present the new officers with their first Gold Bars, the rank insignia. They also welcome the new officers into MOAA. Due to the pandemic, they attended remotely, and Crook presented the commissioning sets on behalf of the chapter.

“We welcome these new officers into our ranks and congratulate them for their achievements,” said retired Army Col. Steve Bond, the vice president of MOAACC. SL

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SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021

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FPL uplifts wounded soldier’s spirits with fly fishing gifts

BY GEORGE WHITE Wounded war hero Army Staff Sgt. Russ Marek’s hobby of fly fishing and fly tying got a boost Dec. 9 when he was presented with several gifts from Florida Power & Light, including a new Orvis fly rod and $1,000 in gift cards to Bass Pro Shops.

Marek was critically injured in a roadside bombing in September 2005 while serving in Iraq with the Army’s 4th Battalion, 65th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. Injuries included the loss of his right arm and leg, a brain injury and burns over 20 percent of his body.

Russ Marek and his dad, Paul Marek, took up fly fishing in 2014 through Project Healing Waters, an organization that works through fly fishing to help in the physical and psychological rehabilitation of military veterans with wartime disabilities. Participants work oneon-one with expert fly fishers to learn how to tie flies and the subtleties of the sport, eventually experiencing it in person.

The senior Marek, who gave gift hints to FPL, helped Russ get started with unwrapping each package, encouraging him every step. “Fly fishing stuff,” Russ said when asked

SENIOR LIFE George White

Russ Marek and his father, Paul Marek, open presents provided by FPL to a veteran in each county. With the Mareks is Donn Weaver, chairman of the Brevard Veterans Council. He recommended Marek and helped with the Dec. 9 gift presentation at their Viera home. what the gift cards would be going toward.

Russ and Paul Marek live together in Viera, where Donn Weaver, chairman of the Brevard Veterans Council, and his wife, Jeanne Weaver, played Santa for FPL, which also had contracted to have a large holiday greeting sign in the front yard.

“FPL called me several months ago to recommend some veterans who would really be boosted up with spirit for Christmas. They sent all the presents to our house, and we wrapped them all up,’’ Weaver said.

Every year for the past 12, FPL has done a special event around the holidays for local veterans across the

state, one per county, working with the veteran’s family to surprise them by turning the front of their home into an energy-efficient winter wonderland, said program spokeswoman Rachel Gerardi.

“Working with veterans is a big part of FPL’s commitment to the community,’’ she said. SL

VFW program fosters patriotism through students’ essay contest SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE Veterans of Foreign Wars Rocket Post 4534 announced the winners in the Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest, which is for elementary school students, and Voices of Democracy, which is for high school students.

The winners in the Patriot’s Pen essay contest were: First place — Megan I. Deadwyler from Roosevelt Elementary School in Cocoa Beach. She was awarded $300.

Second place — John Jacob

Bercaw from Apollo Elementary School in Titusville. He was awarded $250 Third place — Ali Anliker from Apollo Elementary School in Titusville. He was awarded $175.

Patriot’s Pen is a VFW program that fosters patriotism by encouraging youth to examine the nation’s history and their own experiences in modern American society through its essaywriting contest.

Each year more than 165,400 students in grades 6 to 8 enter the

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SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of VFW Rocket Post

Senior Vice Commander John Collier, back left, Lavonda Thompson, front left, Savannah Rae Bailey, Ali Anliker, Lucky Esposito, Chloe Davis, Nicholas Shipp, John Jacob Bercaw, Megan Deadwyler amd Diane Collier, the auxiliary president, were pleased with the Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest.

VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards for a chance to win money for college, as well as an allexpense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the national first place winner.

Students draft a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic annual theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief.

The state winners will receive at least $500. The first place national award is currently $5,000.

Among the other participants in the contest were: Chloe A. Davis; Amaya R. Cox, Lucky A. Esposito and Nicholas Shippy, all from Apollo Elementary School in Titusville, and Savanah Rae Bailey, from Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School.

Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the VFW premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 57,000 high school students compete for more than $2

STRIPES

million in scholarships and incentives.

Students complete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is: “Is this the Country the founders envisioned”?

This year’s winner of the Voices of Democracy was John P. Deluca, a student at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy. He was awarded $500.

The VFW Rocket Post 4534 also selected the 2020-2021 Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award winner. Amy Farner of South Lake Elementary School was awarded $500.

The VFW selects teachers who best instill a sense of national pride in their students and who teach citizenship education topics regularly and promote America’s history and traditions effectively.

Program coordinator LaVonda Thompson said the program is held each year. Students can go to vfwfl. org SL

myseniorlife.com

Camaraderie highlights greeting-card craft session are going to embellish it with. It may be puffed stickers, glitter and glam, ribbons and cutouts and ornaments galore — supplies that are all piled on the table for decorative selection. We have so much fun and laugh. It is the camaraderie of just being together.”

Crafters have vivid imaginations and talent selecting a square-foot paper design, cutting it to the size desired and then deciding how to decorate. Card sizes vary from a miniature plain card with glitter and bright ribbon to wintery trees on plaid cardstock.

“I do this because I enjoy it, the company, and it tickles the mind,” said Marlene Benoit, an oil painter and jewelry-maker who has created more than 20 cards. “It gets you away from the everyday and the humdrum.”

“I do it just for the fun of it,” said Lil LaForest. “And I enjoy the company and the camaraderie.” SL

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Making notecards is all the rage as the first project of the Lakes of Melbourne Craft Group.

Creativity may have begun from so much time sequestered for COVID-19, but whatever the reason, all types of crafting are making a popular comeback.

Greeting cards are being made on this particular day, easily documented by the piles of sparkling glitters, long colorful ribbons of various sizes and widths, puffed stickers of Santa, elves and snowflakes heaped in the center of the large table in the clubhouse craft room.

“We started out by making a card in the sewing class, and it came out so nice, and I loved it and wanted to make more cards,” said Ann Bennett, a craft leader. “We are having a wonderful

SENIOR LIFE Brenda Eggert Brader

Lil LaForest creates holiday cards for the Lakes of Melbourne Craft Group. time. We are so creative and do it through imagination.”

It’s all creative card-making. No patterns or commercial kits are used.

“We’ve gone to stores and bought books of card-making stock,” said Bennett, who has created 30 cards.

“You look at a page and see what you

Nonagenarian reflects on 20 years as memoir writers’ group leader

BY JENNIFER H. MONAGHAN The founder and leader for almost 20 years of a memoir writers’ group at the South Mainland/Micco Public Library celebrated her 90th birthday in November.

“The memoir writers’ group, which I started in 2001, has given me much joy, as have the people I’ve met who willingly shared their life stories with me. It has been such a privilege,” Patti Rinabarger said.

When asked how it felt to be 90 years old, she said, “At times, it feels very scary! I am becoming so forgetful. The funny thing is, I may forget many things, but I never forget to take my medicine. Self-preservation pops into my brain, I suppose. I spend a lot of time searching for my glasses.

A few years ago, I could read without them. Now, they are an essential part of my everyday life.”

Rinabarger added: “I would like to think that I have gotten better with age, at least in something, but cannot for the life of me think of anything.

A quick vacuum, a flick of a duster sums up my housekeeping these days.

If I lived alone, I might just resort to a bowl of soup or sandwich, but Bill, my husband, loves his food, and I can still do that for him.”

Despite reluctantly relinquishing some of her cherished hobbies, such as tennis and gardening, Rinabarger’s days are quite active.

“Sometimes, I feel quite proud of myself as I toddle off around the lake in Barefoot Bay,” she said. “I don’t always feel like going for a walk, but I’m not about to throw in the towel and say enough is enough, although some days it’s difficult to put one foot in front of the other.”

Her friends assert that Rinabarger is an inspiration.

“I am enjoying my life and am proud of the caring, thoughtful people my daughters and grandchildren have become,” she said. “Although far away, I have only to pick up the telephone for a chat. It’s one of the things I enjoy most — a cup of tea and a natter with family or friends. The days grow short. I must savor each and every day.” SL

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SENIOR LIFE Jennifer H. Monaghan

The South Mainland/Micco Public Library displays the work of memoir writers.

Join The

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Patti Rinabarger

Patti Rinabarger recently turned 90.

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Florida

Senior Games Athletes gather to compete in Brevard County The Florida Senior Games, which usually are held in a major metropolitan area, were held in six different counties, including Brevard, in 2020.

The Games, which drew athletes from 228 Florida cities, 35 states and Canada, were held Dec. 5 to 13.

Since 1992, a total of 54,760 athletes registered to compete

Power Walking

SENIOR LIFE George White

in this Olympic-style competition for athletes 50 and older.

The Games are a program of the Florida Sports Foundation, the state’s lead organization in promoting Florida’s sports industry and tourism opportunities. The Florida Senior Games serve as a qualifier for the National Senior Games. SL

Golf

Swimming

SENIOR LIFE Katie Sivco

SENIOR LIFE George White

BY GEORGE WHITE

BY KATIE SIVCO

BY KATIE SIVCO

It’s the Florida Senior Games’ comeback for the ages.

Essie Faria, 85, of Melbourne, the 2011 Athlete of the Year, returned from injury to win the 5K power walk with a time of 46 minutes, 54 seconds at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy on Dec. 11.

Faria, an accomplished multi-sport athlete since starting competitions at age 72, had not competed since 2016, when she was injured in a car crash on her way from the Games to her home in North Miami.

“I thought a bomb had gone off. I thought I was dead. It took me a year to get back on my feet. I would walk and lose my balance and fall. Two years ago, I started coming back. This is my first race. I have had to overcome a lot’’ to be back competing, she said.

Her goal for the 5K was modest. The plan was “just to go out and see if I can finish, and we’ll see where we go from here. I’m just going to do what I can.” Yet, she earned her first place.

In past Florida Senior Games, Faria also participated in 10K road races, multiple track and field events, pickleball and table tennis. In the 2020 games in Brevard County, Faria also competed in the 1,500-meter power walk, the 50-meter dash and shot put.

Overall, Brevard County had 93 of the 1,700 athletes age 50 and older who competed in the 29th annual Florida Senior Games this year, including 21 sports in six counties. SL

The 2020 Florida Senior Games brought the golf tournament to Duran Golf Club in Viera. As the first five days of the games wrapped up, the Senior Games golf was held Dec. 8 and 9.

Golf was one of several sports in the Florida Senior Games held in Brevard County. The Games are held each year, usually in a major metropolitan area. This year’s Games were spread out in six counties.

Matt Morrison, the head golf pro at Duran, said the golf club was fortunate to be chosen as the competition site this year.

“We’ve got the course in great shape. It’s going to be a challenge for them,” Morrison said.

The players were pleased with the course at Duran.

Melanie Clegg of Merritt Island earned the lowest women’s scores of both days of the 36hole event, an 84 and 82, to win the 50 to 54 age group gold medal with the overall lowest two-day total of 166. Her score was also the overall lowest women’s total since the 36-hole competition began in 2015 and established a new age group record.

Brian Belyea of Callahan wanted to play in the 36-hole event in the 55 to 59 age group after he won first place last year.

“The Games are usually very competitive.

Last year was wet also, like it was this year. They definitely test the skills by lengthening the course out for us,” Belyea said. SL

The 2020 Florida Senior Games, or at least a portion, came to Brevard County Dec. 5 and 6 with swimming events at the Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center.

Overall, more than 1,700 athletes age 50 and older — and a total of 93 from Brevard County — competed in the 29th annual event this year including 21 sports in six Florida counties.

The Space Coast participation in the Games concluded Dec. 13 with a track and field competition at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy.

Serving as Florida Senior Games swim meet director was 1988 Olympic bronze medalist Mitzi Kremer Tighe, who earned a bronze medal as a member of the third-place U.S. team in the women’s 400-meter freestyle relay. She now serves as head coach of the Rocoa Rockets and the Cocoa High School swim team.

The Senior Games meet came about in October when local swim leaders were contacted, many of whom had been involved in an AAU meet last summer at the same venue, she said.

“We will have a total of 170 adults ages 50 to 90. It’s an amazing venue and we have a group of amazing volunteers. Everything has gone really well,’’ she said.

Winning her heat in the 50 butterfly was realtor Julie Cloney of Cape Canaveral, who had last competed two years ago. Once she heard about the Games coming to town, she trained quickly to compete since it was local this year.

“I actually did better than I did two years ago,’’ she said. SL

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SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021

myseniorlife.com

Weightlifting restores wellness for 72-year-old Viera man

BY LINDA JUMP Four years ago, Dan Adovasio, now 72, couldn’t squeeze his 400-pound girth into most chairs and struggled even to stand. Three weeks before he was to remarry, his kidneys failed.

“I decided I had to do something to change my life. I didn’t want to be in a wheelchair. If I live to 90, I want to be able to carry my groceries into the house,” he said.

The Viera State Farm Insurance agent joined Healthy Evolution Fitness and befriended trainer Derek Harshman, 33. “When Dan started, he didn’t do much with his arms.

We started with movement and basic health. And soon he could at least get up and down.”

Now, he’s Harshman’s example of success in becoming healthy after 65.

“He almost never misses a workout; he’s persistent and he only eats healthy.”

Adovasio went on a “clean” Keto diet and lost 120 pounds in a year.

“I’m motivated by being competitive, so I asked Derek about powerlifting, strong-man stuff. I started lifting in January 2019 and got really excited,” he said.

He works out three days a week for an hour to 90 minutes each. “My first competition was last year at the Senior Games, and lo and behold, I won in

my group. I got three gold medals.”

Last month, Adovasio competed in the 29th annual Florida Senior Games Powerlifting Competition in Orlando.

The competition was tough. He earned bronze medals, but increased the weight he lifted to 133 pounds in the bench press and 336 pounds in the deadlift.

Just before the pandemic shutdowns, Adovasio set a new state record at the U.S. Powerlifting Association’s Battle of the Bay in deadlift weight with 352 pounds.

His next goal is to beat the national deadlift weight of 402.3 pounds and to begin squat lifting. “My shoulders aren’t quite there yet,” he admitted.

His wife, Kathy, supports his pastime 100 percent. “There’s no age that can keep you from what you want to do. He’s a living example.”

Robert Keller, chairman of the championship USA Powerlifting Florida, said powerlifting is an aerobic exercise “scientifically proven to help with osteoporosis, bone density and muscle loss.” He said powerlifting is a “clean sport for all — and it’s never too late to start. We have ladies who start in their 90s.”

Robert Czech of Port St. Lucie, 85, set two American Master’s records at the recent Senior Games. “It’s my fountain of youth,” he said. SL

Dan Adovasio excels in the weight lifting competition.

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

Florida Senior Games bring out unheralded standouts

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

SENIOR LIFE George White

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SENIOR LIFE Caleb Nyberg

SENIOR LIFE George White

SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021

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Seniors strike big at Senior Games bowling in Titusville

BY KATIE SIVCO The River Lanes Family Entertainment Center hosted two days of bowling in Titusville Dec. 5 and 6.

The alley’s 32 lanes are equipped with flat screen displays, automatic scoring and high-definition large screen televisions.

Charlene Harmon, the general manager of River Lanes, said she was excited to see how the seniors would perform.

“We’re thrilled we were chosen to host the Senior Games this year.

We hold tournaments all the time, but this one’s really unique. We have the players well spaced-out today,” Harmon said.

Jack Appel of Boca Raton and Stan Corwin of Boynton Beach became the first Florida Senior Games bowlers to compete in the 95 to 99 age group at River Lanes in Titusville. With their combined three-game score of 833, they set records in three different age groups. Appel and Corwin set the 85

SENIOR LIFE Katie Sivco

Michael Brunier, left, basks in victory with his teammates Christine Srock, Lisa Polonczyk and Chuck Thivierge. The Senior Games bowling events in Titusville were fierce and some of the oldest competitors in the Senior Games participated. to 89 age group record in 2011, the 90 to 94 record in 2016 and the 95 to 99 record this year.

Michael Brunier of Lakeland earned a gold medal in the mixed team event. Brunier was excited to qualify

for nationals because next year the national Senior Games will hold its first mixed team event in bowling.

“It’s good practice for us to represent our state in the national games,” Brunier said.. SL

SENIOR LIFE Florida Senior Games

Stan Corwin is one of the first two bowlers to compete in the 95 to 99 age group in the Senior Games.

Hey, Blue initiative fosters trust between police and children right to local schools. Now, their events are hosted online and with overwhelming participation.

“It’s more than just storytime though. It’s a movement. It’s about focusing on positive interactions with police,” Verdi said.

On Hey, Blue’s advisory board is a student activist from Viera High School, Kairi Thomas-Brooks.

Thomas-Brooks hosts a Facebook live show with Hey, Blue called “21 Questions” where she has meaningful conversations with police officers.

“I’ve talked to police officers from all over the country. I ask them the tough questions, and we get to learn from each other,” Thomas-Brooks said. “This is needed now more than ever.”

One major collaborator and frequent guest star on Hey, Blue’s

BY KATIE SIVCO A lot changed for John Verdi’s life on Sept. 11, 2001.

Verdi is a retired New York Police Department officer who lives in Melbourne. He responded to the horrific terror attacks that day.

A child gave Verdi a special card that made it clear to Verdi that connections are the key to building trust between children and police officers.

Fast forward 15 years, Verdi started an initiative called Hey, Blue that partners with the Melbourne Police Department to read books to children, have bubble parties and sing songs as a way for kids to see the police in a more positive light.

Before COVID-19, Verdi and a police officer would bring the fun

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Hey, Blue

Melbourne Police Department Commander Marc Claycomb, center, gets bubbly with kids during a visit last year. videos is MPD Commander Marc Claycomb. Other members on the initiative’s advisory board include attorneys, bankers, a chef and members of the Black Student Union at Florida Institute of Technology.

“My favorite thing to see in a storytime is when I’m with a

community member and a police officer and at the end the police officers are walking out crying because they’re getting that moment of appreciation,” Verdi said.

For more information about the Hey, Blue initiative, go to verdiecoschool.org/heyblue. SL

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Bye-bye 2020: We’ve had enough of you

It’s that time again to do the “Year in Review.” Well, what can you say about the first year of our new decade?

I have two words for 2020, BYE-BYE! One BYE for each 20.

I’ve heard of the new rave of Escape Rooms, but an Escape Year? Yep. Get me outta here. What can possibly be funny about a year of locusts, killer hornets, stock market crashes and every bar in the U.S. closing?

For starters, we threw a Valentine’s Party. That was before all the lockdown orders. Everybody was coming to the party until I made the mistake of telling them I had two cases of Corona. Uh, oh. Nobody came just because I was serving my favorite beer?

In this most bizarre year, my new

best friends became Jack Daniel, Sam Adams and Jim Beam. The only cruise I took was with Captain Morgan, and believe it or not my hands consumed more alcohol than my mouth. I spent most of this year trying to find someone named “moderation” because everyone was telling me to drink with him.

How do we start a new year? Party hats and noisemakers are stored. The great room and kitchen are cleaned.

Now it’s time to think, ponder, meditate and reflect. Some people make resolutions; others draft new goals; and a few stop to consider various aspects or impressions of their life and events.

After nearly a year dealing with a pandemic, many seniors are reflecting with thanks. Our life experiences have been different. We stayed safe at home; we wore masks; we distanced from others; we stored rolls of toilet paper and canned food to protect against the “next wave.” We are in awe of the health-care providers, scientists and vaccine developers. We are jolted by the endless cases and deaths reported.

Holidays have been different.

Virtual, creative or novel celebrations gave us a time to connect. Access online to Zoom and Skype resources added some closeness. Hallmark holiday movies gave us joyous moments to jolt our memories as we placed ourselves in the scenes.

Whatever situations or conditions develop, people of faith know that God is good! He never gives us more than we can handle. He helps us recover and helps others help themselves. As you reflect, pause and give thanks for your blessings.

Rock music legend Bruce Springsteen reflects in the AARP Magazine (November 2020) about 50 years of work as “the Boss.” In his

Funny thing is...

Sammy Haddad

Usually people stand in line for hours to get tickets for concerts, the Super Bowl and World Series. In 2020, we stood in line for toilet paper? Huh? Normally, we do our best to avoid negative people. In 2020, we did our best to avoid positive people.

And remember all the name change stuff. Here’s my contribution. Starting with baseball, my Cleveland Indians are considering changing their name.

I suggest they call themselves the “Michael Jacksons” because both wear gloves for no apparent reason.

Since bowling sounds too violent, let’s call it pinball. Why don’t we call bedrooms, restrooms instead?

Also, why do we say damaged goods? What’s good about them?

I think we should call astronauts, skyentists, and jet skis should be boatercycles, And why do animal physicians call themselves veterinarians? They treat mostly canines, so why not call them dogtors?

You see what hanging out with Jack Daniel does to your mind?

I guess we can say whether it’s wipes, hand sanitizers or adult libations, 2020 is the year alcohol became the most important societal icon in the world.

So raise your glass and let’s toast the coming New Year. For the first time, these words are literally true: “It can’t get any worse.”

I’ll drink to that. SL

Be thankful for what should be a promising 2021 Challenges of Living to Age 100 Ed Baranowski creative return, he “grapples with aging and loss and revels in the richness of a long life.” Springsteen comments about “the ride through his many and varied lives.” He finds inspiration in a world of causes and conflicts, wars and relief efforts.

As we reflect, we look at the “should-a, could-a, and would-a”

opportunities in life that passed us by.

Maybe it is time in this new year to try some new adventure, learn something new, create art, and maybe jump out of an airplane with a trained tandem jumper. Life goes on. Jump in! Jump out! As seniors, we may ask: “What is the purpose? What is my legacy? How will I be remembered?”

As you reflect, ask: “Where do I go from here?” No fancy action plan is needed. Give thanks, show appreciation, protect, preserve, share, reinvent yourself, deflect negative thoughts, explore new areas of interest, and be alive! SL Ed Baranowski is an award-winning writer, artist, speaker and seminar leader. He lives in Melbourne and can be contacted at fastssr75@gmail.com.

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Residential Living | Skilled Nursing Care | Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Services SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021

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Take a sweet stroll through Dunlawton Sugar Mill Ruins Let me introduce you to an outstanding nearby one-day experience that meets all my requirements that it be inexpensive, educational and family-friendly.

You will be visiting the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Ruins and Gardens in Port Orange. These pristine gardens and the sugar mill ruins are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

A self-guided stroll will take you to all these lovely sections of the park that are maintained by volunteers.

As you enter the gardens, pick up the free tour guide of this outstanding botanical gardens of Volusia County.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and a large hat for sun protection.

The grounds are sectioned. There are bromeliads, cactus and succulents, cycads, ivy, native plants of Florida, Lily Garden, Bulb and Rose Gardens, Asian and Butterfly Gardens, and fern grotto with a wooden bridge.

Structures include attractive outdoor chapels for weddings, a beautiful large gazebo and a police memorial.

The Sugar Mill Gardens are also home to many native animals, insects, birds and fish of Central Florida.

The original Sugar Mill Ruins are of an English sugar mill built in 1830.

Touring the Town

John Trieste

During the Seminole War of 1836, Native Americans overran the sugar plantation and destroyed the mill. After this raid, the sugar industry in this area never recovered.

Volusia County has built a modern covered structure protecting the entire Sugar Mill Ruins with walkways. You can view the remains of the engine room, which enclosed large steam boilers, a steam engine and a cane crusher with engine-powered rollers and a pan for catching the sugary juice.

In another section, view the boiling room for processing the sugar cane juice.

The tour of the Dunlawton Sugar Mill is an educational experience for the entire family.

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SENIOR LIFE Wikipedia

Dunlawton Sugar Mill Ruins and Gardens is located in Port Orange.

Dunlawton Plantation as a tourist attraction in the 1950s. The park at that time was called Bongoland and displayed prehistoric monsters. They had a number of replicas of dinosaurs and other animals molded in concrete on wire frames.

The name Bongoland honored a large baboon housed on the grounds.

An Indian village was reproduced, and a small train carried visitors around the park.

The theme park heyday of the early 1950s had not yet come, and Bongoland closed for lack of public interest.

Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens is

at 950 Old Sugar Mill Road in Port Orange. For more information and to check for any changes in operating hours, call 386-767-1735 or go to dunlawtonsugarmillgardens.org. It is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Christmas and Jan. 1. Parking is free. Donations are accepted for admission.

Port Orange is a short drive from Brevard County. Take Interstate 95 north. Take Exit 256 and go east for two miles to Nova Road. Turn left toward Herbert Street, then turn right on Herbert to the Historic Dunlawton Sugar Mill Ruins and Gardens. SL

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Behind the

Beat

By Randal Hill

‘I Hear You Knocking’ – Dave Edmunds In early 1971, United Kingdom musician Dave Edmunds’s highdecibel guitar licks, nasal lead vocals and floor-stomping beat made his version of “I Hear You Knocking” a prime example of “pub rock.” Pub (short for “public house” or bar in England) rock was a musical genre popular in the UK during the early to mid-1970s.

Loud and raw, its primitive approach to the music flew in the face of the more refined “glam” style.

(Think Queen and David Bowie.) Pub rock laid the foundation for punk rock that came later in the decade.

Born in Cardiff, Wales in 1944, Edmunds had drifted through several bands since age 10, when he and older brother Geoff formed a rockin’ piano team called the Edmund Brothers Duo. Edmunds later played in a series of minor-league bar bands. His first taste of success came as the lead guitarist in the Welsh rock trio Love Sculpture, which scored a British Top Five single with the rapid-fire instrumental “Saber Dance.”

When the group disbanded, Edmunds turned to record production and worked with English rockabilly artist Shakin’ Stevens, whose material was often culled from classic 1950s American recordings. This is when Edmunds became aware of “I Hear You Knocking.”

So had Edmunds perhaps heard the earlier hit version by an American woman? Gale Storm (born Josephine Cottle) was the pert, pretty and

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Jeremy Gilbert

Dave Edmunds performed with the band Rockpile at Danforth Music Hall in Toronto. squeaky-clean star of the 1950s TV Storm’s biggest career hit was show “My Little Margie.” In 1955, a blanched offering of an obscure she scored a No. 2 Billboard winner rhythm-and-blues tune from earlier with “I Hear You Knocking.” that year. Storm’s cover 45 was typical

of many such releases at the time.

Major record labels frequently brought in white artists to copy R&B bestsellers (which usually were released on small independent labels) in order to target record-buying teenagers with allowances to spend.

While Edmunds may or may not have heard the Storm disc, he was probably more taken with the gritty original, a little-known recording

by Smiley Lewis. Louisiana native Lewis (born Overton Lemons) was once labeled by a music journalist “the unluckiest man in New Orleans.”

It’s not hard to see why. Often when Lewis performed in Big Easy bars, he was handed only money from the tip jar. He usually rode to gigs on city buses after toiling all day at manual labor. Smiley’s nickname came from his having no front teeth.

During his recording tenure, Lewis cut a few R&B winners, but three of his most popular became pop bestsellers for others. Besides Storm’s smash, Smiley’s “Blue Monday” from 1954 became a Top 10 single by Fats Domino two years later. And Lewis’ “One Night (of Sin)” was cleaned up in 1958 to provide Elvis Presley his 27th Top 40 success.

Edmunds could never repeat the triumph of his one infectious hit.

“I Hear You Knocking” became his signature song, though, and earned him a gold-disc award for international sales of 3 million 45s.

SL

SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021

21

THE SEVENTH IN A SERIES ON EXTINCT COMMUNITIES OF BREVARD

SENIOR LIFE PHOTO

This historic photo shows Indian River City businesses around Coquina and Hopkins Avenues.

SENIOR LIFE Katie Sivco

Bellewood never recovered from the land boom bust in 1926.

Wishful thinking characterized some U.S. 1 communities

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

In Brevard County, for every Melbourne, Cocoa or Titusville, there are places such as Delespine, Bellewood and Williams Point.

Many lost towns are scattered along the U.S. 1 corridor between Cocoa and Titusville. Some tried valiantly to thrive, only to be absorbed by bigger, more established municipalities. Others were never more than a gleam in a developer’s eyes.

“They were never really towns,” said Michael Boonstra, a genealogy librarian and archivist for the Brevard Historical Commission.

Take Bellewood. Originally

“Not much seems to have happened after the land boom went bust.”

— Michael Boonstra

named Burns Hammock, the land was purchased by developer George Jones in 1921 and renamed Bellewood.

It could not have been in a better location, given that Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center are within sight of the shoreline that runs the length of the would-be village.

Jones launched Bellewood Estates, which was to have a state-of-the-art hotel, golf course, clubhouse, hunting preserve, airplane landing strip and

docks for yachts. What Jones hoped would happen and reality differed significantly.

“This was wishful thinking,” Boonstra said.

Bellewood certainly owned the “location, location, location” mantra.

Cocoa was expanding to the north, while Titusville was heading south, and Bellewood was “right in the center,” or so claimed the ads for the Atlantic Realty Company, which handled the sale of 8,000 acres in the area in 1923.

The two- to 10-acre tracts “sold before dinner” at $20 an acre for citrus land and a whopping $115 for an acre of waterfront property.

Alas, poor Bellewood, part of Florida’s Land Boom of the 1920s, was doomed by the same marketing forces that created it.

“Not much seems to have happened after the land boom went bust (in 1926),” Boonstra said.

A few places, such as Frontenac, did manage to stay afloat in one way or another. The town’s claim to fame is now primarily the Space Coast Flea Market, the site of bargains once known as the Frontenac Flea Market.

Another of these lost towns is Delespine, named for the family that acquired the 1817 Spanish Land Grant of 43,000 acres in the area. Joseph Delespine’s daughter, Frances, wed Christian Boye. One of the couple’s children, Mary, married into the Pritchard family, well-known pioneers of the Titusville area. For decades, she lived at the Pritchard residence in

SENIOR LIFE Katie Sivco

Frontenac is known for having the Space Coast Flea Market. downtown Titusville. The Queen Annestyle Pritchard House is one of the county’s architectural gems.

On Indian River City on the Delespine Grant, Mary Pritchard’s brother, Frank Boye built his own dream home.

“My grandfather helped build the house and said the walls, which were about 10-to-12 inches thick, were made of a mixture of lime and crushed rock, the same type of material that was used for the Castillo de San Marco in St. Augustine,” said Mary’s daughter, Polly Schuster.

Unfortunately, the inevitable

widening of U.S.1 sealed the house’s fate, and the only house left from the original settlement fell to the wrecker’s ball.

In its heyday, Indian River City was a thriving little community with motels, churches, homes and even a drive-in prone to showing X-rated films. A few places, such as Indian River City United Methodist Church, keep the name alive. What happened to the rest of the town?

“It was absorbed by Titusville and another lost town,” Schuster said. 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.

Then - 1920s

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Brevard County Historical Commission

This building is at Harrison Street and Delannoy Avenue. Heading east on Harrison Street led to the bridge toward Merritt Island and Cocoa Beach. Part of a later bridge, which previously was used as a fishing pier, stands on the south side of the Hubert Humphrey Bridge.

Now - 2020

The building on the left, at 100 Harrison St. at the intersection with Delannoy Avenue in Cocoa Villege, houses Thai Thai Village Sushi.

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SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody

SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021

23

Senior Life

Health & Wellness

COVID-19 vaccine distribution under way in Brevard

BY ERNEST ARICO Brevard County residents got a welcome Christmas present when the first doses of Covid-19 vaccines arrived at local hospitals and health-care facilities, according to officials from the Florida Department of Health.

On Dec. 14, Florida received 179,400 doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Frontline health care workers who deal with COVID-19 patients and nursing home residents were the first to get vaccinated. The next group of people to receive the vaccine include first responders, law enforcement officers and essential employees, such as teachers and staffers with Brevard Public Schools.

The initial distribution breakdown was: • 97,500 doses went to the five hospitals chosen in advance because they have subfreezing cold storage containers to store the vaccine at 80 degrees below centigrade. Those hospitals are in Jacksonville, Miami, Hollywood, Tampa and Orlando.

• 60,450 doses went to CVS and Walgreens for use in long-term care facilities.

• 21,450 doses went directly to the

Florida Department of Health, which deployed strike teams with the Florida National Guard and Emergency Management to deliver to long-term care facilities in Broward and Pinellas counties.

On Dec. 17, the state announced it was receiving 367,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. Unlike the Pfizer vaccine that arrived in mid-December, the Moderna vaccine does not require super-cold storage, making it accessible to more health-care facilities.

The state distributed the Moderna vaccine to 173 hospitals that did not receive doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The county hospitals receiving the vaccine include: • Holmes Regional Medical Center • Cape Canaveral Hospital • Kindred Hospital Melbourne • Melbourne Regional Medical Center • Palm Bay Hospital • Parrish Medical Center • Rockledge Regional Medical Center • Viera Hospital The Moderna vaccine is administered in two separate doses 28 days apart, while the Pfizer vaccine requires two injections given 21 days apart.

Anita Stremmel, assistant director of the Brevard County Health Department, said Walgreens and CVS pharmacies have been contracted by the federal government to distribute the vaccines to long-term care facilities and the more than 21,000 strike team members that assist in those health-care facilities under a different program that began Dec. 21.

Health First, the county’s largest health system, has two freezers capable of storing the Pfizer vaccine. Two more freezers are expected to be delivered this month, allowing Health First to administer the Pfizer vaccine at all four of its hospitals: Holmes Regional Medical Center, Cape Canaveral, Palm Bay and Viera.

OMNI Healthcare received between 2,000 and 3,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine Dec. 23, said OMNI Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Craig Deligdish. Those eligible to receive the vaccine include those older than 65 and people over 50 with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or cancer.

In April 2020, OMNI Healthcare created a drive-through testing site with more than 2,000 people each day getting tested.

With 40,000 people tested in the county, Deligdish said they will use the same format for administering the shots.

“We are prepared to do it again by vaccinating as many as 2,000 people per day at several sites throughout Brevard County,” he said. “We also have the ability to store the vaccine at -81 and -20. I think we should have sufficient vaccines within two to four weeks.”

To sign up and be placed on a list to receive notifications regarding the vaccine, call OMNI’s COVID-19 Center at 321-802-5515.

The federal government is covering the cost of the vaccines. Health insurance pays for the administration of the vaccine, and the government will cover the administrative costs for those without insurance.

Common side effects of the vaccines include pain and swelling at the injection site. Other side effects include fever, chills, tiredness and headaches. Such side effects are indications that the vaccine is working and generally pass within a few days, health officials report. SL

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NEW TREATMENTS

Glaucoma treatments battle ‘silent disease’

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER New glaucoma treatments have entered the medical field, allowing patients to see a remarkable difference in their treatments.

“There are new glaucoma treatments that are in the medical space,” said Dr. Regine Pappas, an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon at Pinnacle Eye Center. “Two new categories are offered and can get the pressures down lower than we used to. Then we have an implant that puts the medicine in the eye without having to do drop therapy. It can last for more than a year in a chamber, so those patients don’t have to use any drops at all. Some of them are getting pressures lower than we had anticipated and don’t have to go to surgeries. Regularly, drops can be taken 10 to 12 drops a day and that can get to be a little labor intensive.

“(We) use lasers to treat closure glaucoma by opening the angle and lowering the eye pressure.”

—Dr. Frederick Ho

“Great advancements in diagnostic testing, medicines and glaucoma surgery over the last several years give many people hope of saving the vision they have and a chance to keep from going blind,” Pappas said. “Other

modalities for treatment include surgery and lasers, but most common treatment is medication.”

In general, glaucoma is a silent disease, said Dr. Frederick Ho of Atlantic Eye MD. “Recommended are regular eye examinations starting at age 45 since the incidence of glaucoma increases as we get older. If not addressed, it can cause loss of vision that is so gradual so as not to notice in regular vision.

Open angle, or chronic, is the most common type. One is open angle, and the other is angle closure, not so common.”

“One reason we have glaucoma month is to get people tested.”

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Pinnacle Eye Center

Dr. Regine Pappas is an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon at Pinnacle Eye Center.

—Dr. Regine Pappas

We “use lasers to treat closure glaucoma by opening the angle and lowering the eye pressure,” Ho said.

“Usually cure it with that treatment and in one setting.”

This disease affects 76 million people, Pappas said.

“One reason we have glaucoma month (each January) is to get people tested,” she said. “Glaucoma can be an inherited disease and run in families.”

Glaucoma need not be scary, according to Dr. Ho. “The doctor finds it and advises treatment.” SL

SENIOR LIFE Katie Sivco

Dr. Frederick Ho urges that people get tested for glaucoma at age 45.

Organizations find new ways to draw blood donors and universities, Michaels said. Supplies are much better now, he said.

“We found ourselves in dynamics that we had never fathomed we would

BY GEORGE WHITE January is designated National Blood Donor Month every year by the American Red Cross to remind holiday travelers to give blood. But, because of the 2020 Coronavirus epidemic, the 2021 January blood drive may be a bit different.

Ironically, travel restrictions and the economic downturn related to the virus may help January donations to OneBlood, which operates three centers and eight mobile Big Red Bus units in Brevard, said Pat Michaels, the OneBlood director of media and public relations.

“Normally our donations drop off during the holidays and the summer months because people are traveling,” he said. “This year, because of the decline in travel, ARC and OneBlood is trying to find new ways to draw attention to the fact that donations are needed on a regular basis. “We essentially have a captive audience.”

Also new this year for OneBlood: the collection of convalescent plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients and now a total of 14 COVID-19-related tests including

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Giving blood is important for local communities. a test for antibodies. The antibody test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, regardless of whether they ever showed symptoms. Donors will be able to see their results in approximately two to five days.

Donors who test positive for the antibody will be eligible to become COVID-19 convalescent plasma

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

donors, he said.

National Blood Donor Month has been observed since January 1970.

OneBlood is a not-for-profit blood center serving Florida, North Carolina and much of the southeastern United States including 250 hospitals.

It was a grim experience for OneBlood during the early stages of the pandemic when thousands of donations were lost because of the loss of regular blood drives, especially in high schools

“We found ourselves in dynamics that we had never fathomed we would have to deal with. In this business, you cannot find yourself without donors needed for blood transfusions and cancer and emergency treatments.”

—Pat Michaels

have to deal with. In this business, you cannot find yourself without donors needed for blood transfusions and cancer and emergency treatments,” he said.

For more information or to donate, call 1-888-936-6283 or go to Oneblood.org SL

SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021

25

Healthy-living guide uses Tai Chi, Qigong, massage

body needs,” Neargarder said.

“You have both the stress of cancer and COVID hitting at the same time. It was important to provide these classes that help,” Neargarder said.

Cancer survivor Jani Stone of Cocoa Beach said Haqq’s lessons taught her a new way to take care of her body and exercise.

She tired easily from chemotherapy.

But after her lessons, she’d wake refreshed the next day — full of energy and feeling better physically. Stone said Qigong Inner Smile meditation helped her gain a more positive outlook.

“With the Inner Smile, you focus on what’s going on inside you. The fact that you thank your body for doing a good

job was a change of view,” Stone said.

After wrestling with heavy boxes at her former job, Mary Jo Cassella of Merritt Island went to Haqq for massage therapy to relieve her back pain.

“I had to use a cane to walk, to get up and down, and get out of bed,” Cassella said.

Haqq taught her proper breathing techniques and how to bend to alleviate her pain. He’s also helped her husband, who has had lower-back issues.

About 12 years ago, Dara Yarosh contracted Lyme disease from a tick bite.

“Having an autoimmune disease, you deal with your body attacking itself. It’s exhausting,” said Yarosh of Titusville.

“When I became more committed to Tai Chi and walking, it was a life-saver,” said Yarosh, who takes lessons with Haqq.

“Muhammad’s very attuned to the workings of the body. He has been a positive influence in guiding my health to a better outcome to what I would have had without Tai Chi,” Yarosh said.

For more details, call Muhammad Haqq at 321-634-4555. Cocoa Village Massage is at 607 Florida Ave., Suite 1. Complementary Cancer Care can be contacted at 321-266-0564. Go to compcancercare.org SL

means prices for goods and services, on average, are a little more expensive, so the COLA helps to offset these costs.

January 2021 marks other changes that will happen based on the increase in the national average wage index.

For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll tax in 2021 will be higher. The retirement earnings test exempt amount will also change in 2021.

COLA notices will be mailed

throughout the month of December to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees. Want to know your new benefit amount sooner? You can securely view and save the Social Security COLA notice online via the Message Center inside my Social Security in early December without waiting for the mailed notice.

If you don’t have an account yet, you will have to create an account to

receive the COLA notice online this year. Choose text or email alerts when there is a notice in the Message Center by updating your Preferences at ssa. gov/myaccount/opt-out.html.

Sign up for or log in to your personal account today atssa.gov/ myaccount. Choose email or text under “Message Center Preferences” to receive courtesy notifications. You can find more information about the 2021 COLA at ssa.gov/cola. SL

BY JUDY BERMAN

Stress, work-related injuries and debilitating illnesses are why many seek help from Muhammad Haqq to live longer, healthier lives.

The Tai Chi instructor and statecertified massage therapist has done so through those practices and Qigong for 20 years in Cocoa.

Haqq holds classes — at $5 each — outdoors at Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village and Heritage Isle in Viera.

Through Complementary Care, he also offers free lessons via Zoom to cancer patients.

Haqq provides the healing benefits of massage in his new Cocoa Village Massage office at 607 Florida Ave., Suite 1. The massage room is protected with an air purifier and UVC light devices to fight germs and kill viruses.

“Like Tai Chi and Qigong, massage helps with the lymphatic system. It improves your immune system and your circulation,” Haqq said.

“I do this to help people live a better life,” he said.

Lorien Neargarder, a co-founder of Complementary Cancer Care, said cancer patients benefit from Haqq’s Tai Chi and Qigong lessons.

“They are getting mobility and growing more sensitive to what their

SENIOR LIFE Judy Berman

Dara Yarosh and Muhammad Haqq demonstrate Tai Chi Posture — Parting the Wild Horse’s Mane — at Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village. Masks are worn during class, but were removed for this photo.

Social Security beneficiaries will get 1.3 percent increase

BY JENNIFER H. MONAGHAN Nearly 70 million Americans will see a 1.3 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and SSI payments in 2021. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost-of-living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index.

The Consumer Price Index rises when inflation increases, leading to a higher cost-of-living. This change

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Tasty tuber 4 Male swan 7 Monsieur’s wine 10 Italian writer 11 Suit, for short 13 Overrule 14 Cpl. or Sgt. 15 Pickle choice 16 Like good cheddar 17 Foot pedal 19 Flimsy, as an excuse 20 X-ray kin 21 Awry 23 Admirer 26 Regions 28 Freddy’s street 29 Potpie veggie 30 Gets threadbare 34 Gully 36 Boob tubes 38 Neckline type 39 NW state 41 Weight 42 Like Thor 44 Tenet 46 Wine press residue 47 Pie chart pieces 51 Elliptical 52 Comic strip dog 53 Paneling wood 55 Not rosy 56 Square of glass 57 -- you kidding?

58 Golfer Ernie - 59 Boss, briefly 60 Old garment

26

DOWN 1 Craving 2 IRS employee 3 Secure a boat 4 Hot tub wood 5 Get rusty 6 Kind of pepper 7 Gambling mecca 8 Things 9 Knot 12 Sweep up 13 Traveling bag 18 Cassowary kin 22 Kitten’s cries 23 Pickup truck part 24 New Haven student 25 Qty. 27 Pledge 29 Univ. degrees 31 Blvd.

32 NBA official 33 Perm follow-up 35 Ring 37 Making known 40 Noted fabulist 41 Insurance grp.

42 Of the fleet 43 Grad school exams 45 Direct 46 Sulk 48 Holland export 49 Shuttle launch sound 50 Mystery writer -- Paretsky 54 Small cask

Crossword solution, page 31

SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021

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27

Senior Life

News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John

North Brevard Old hotel and grocery store once served rail passengers in prime location

BY FLORA REIGADA Turn back the hands of time to around 1912, when Kentucky native Fred Hill arrived in Titusville and rented a two-story stucco concrete building at 428 Julia St. “He established Hill’s Grocery and Lunch Store downstairs. He and his wife, Evelyn, occupied living quarters on the second floor,” said Roz Foster, president of the North Brevard Heritage Foundation.

Hill purchased the property in 1914.

He sold groceries, canned goods, fruit, candy, pickles, jams, jellies, flour, cold drinks and bakery goods from the New Smyrna Bakery, as well as magazines, tobacco and cigars.

“It was in a prime location for serving passengers from the nearby Florida East Coast Railway station during its heyday,” said Margaret Vessels, a docent and historian at the North Brevard Historical Museum.

In 1926, Hill built the Hill Hotel Apartments in Spanish architectural style. At 422 Julia Street, it contained nine apartments, six hotel rooms, a large open court on the second

his horse and buggy and transport them to accommodations such as the Hill Hotel.”

Sold in 1935, the hotel was renamed the Palm Hotel Rooms and Apartments.

In 1946, the Hills sold their grocery store to Marie Carter of Grassy Creek, Kentucky, a widow with two teenage daughters.

Cliff and Debbie Shuler purchased the properties in 1977.

She operates their business, Cliff Shuler Auctioneers and Liquidators, from an office in the renamed Palace Apartments.

A mural of a classic Lincoln Continental graces the building’s exterior eastern wall.

The former Hill Grocery now serves as the No One Hungry Food Pantry.

SENIOR LIFE David Reigada “The building has come full The one-time Hill Grocery and Lunch Store still puts food on local tables as the circle to again have food to feed the is to provide No One The Hungrymission Food Pantry. at Palm Point Behavioral Health community,” said Rev. John Clark, President of No One Hungry, Inc. quality treatment to utensils, children, teens, adults andInolder adults Murphy beds and other floor and a screened parlor on the 2017, the former Hill Grocery necessities. first floor.

All rooms and apartments health and Lunch Store and Hill Hotel whose behavioral or chemical dependency symptoms “My great-grandfather Henry featured private baths with hot and Apartments were each awarded a are interfering with their daily offer inpatient and plaque.

Titusville Historic Designation Holton was a lives. drayman,”We Vessels said. both cold water.

Apartments included SL “He would pick up passengers with stoves, chinaware, ice boxes, cooking

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28

SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021 For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website.

Physicians are on the medical staff of Palm Point Behavioral Health but, with limited exceptions, are

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

myseniorlife.com

Island Party, auction help keep senior center running

BY FLORA REIGADA Activities are the focus at Titusville’s North Brevard Senior Center, according to operations manager Debra Easterling.

“People come to enjoy games, dancing and crafts,” she said. “But we still need to pay for maintenance and utilities.”

Proceeds from an Island Party and silent auction will keep the lights on and the air-conditioner humming.

The party, auction and 50/50 drawing will take place 3 to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 23 at the Senior Center at 909 Lane Ave. Admission is $5 and all are invited.

“Everything from hand-painted gourds, breathing machines, cat

food, gun bags, watches, handmade quilts, purses and small rugs will be auctioned,” Easterling said.

Tim Reynolds will set a festive island mood on his steel drum.

Other exciting options are many games, including bingo, and dancing.

“Players have a lot of fun, joking and chatting. They love the chance to win,” Easterling said of the bingo sessions that start at 10 a.m. each Thursday.

A line dancing class is taught by Yvette Kling.

“It’s a great way to meet people and make friends in a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere,” she said. “Life can be difficult, but dancing can take us away from our worries as we focus on learning the steps and dancing.”

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of North Brevard Line Dance

It’s all about fun, fitness and friendship at a line-dancing class, one of the many activities offered at the North Brevard Senior Center.

Classes are $3 for members, $4 for guests.

Want an activity that’s artsy and creative? Connie’s Card Making meets from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. Cost

Calendar Wednesday

1

2

Wednesday

Thursday

Thursday

Beethoven Celebration

3

1

is $4 for members, $5 for guests.

For information about the Island Party, silent auction and other activities at the North Brevard Senior Center, call 321-268-2333 or go to nbsc.website SL Friday

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

Friday

4

5

Beginner’s class (7 weeks) 10 a.m. - Noon Learn the ultimate card game and discover a new passion in the comfort of your home. Begins Jan. 4.

Harold, 321-956-9208

Beginners 4:15 - 5:25 p.m.

Intermediate 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Drive Melbourne, 321-255-4494

Duplicate Bridge (Virtual)

Line Dancing

2

Saturday

Game On! Run for Responders 6 - 9 p.m.

Third annual City of Cocoa Game On Run for Responders 5K Run/Walk benefiting Survive First. Runsignup. com/Race/FL/Cocoa/

Brevard Symphony Opening Night See page 2, 11

3

Saturday

6

7

8

11 a.m.

Chaplain Patti Febro will be the speaker and conduct the installation.

Space Coast Convention Center, 321-757-1212

Award-winning author James R. Nelson will talk about his latest novel.

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

11:15 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Play games including early bird, 50/50, and one winner-take-all.

Packages start at $6.

Wickham Park Senior Center Melbourne, 321-255-4494

Brevard Federated Winter Island Republican Women’s Club 10 a.m. – Noon

Bingo

9

Cub Scout Pack 369 Car and Truck Show

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Music, 50/50 drawing, food, awards and vendors.

Indian River Mason Lodge 19 N. Washington Ave. Titusville, 321-948-7553

10

11

12

13

14

15

Compassion in the Park Car Show, Titusville

Open Pickleball

Seated Yoga

Zumba Gold

Fight Child Hunger 5K Run/Walk

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Brevard Renaissance Fair

17

18

1 p.m.

Join your friends to play 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. pickleball. $2 per person Raising funds for Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. Viera Regional Open to all cars and trucks. Community Center Registration $20. Sand Point 321-433-4891 Park, 101 N. Washington Ave.

19

Zumba Gold

9:30 a.m.

Social distancing will be designated on the dance floor for your safety.

Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.

Cocoa Beach, 321-783-9505

24

25

Get into Gear/Dunkin’ Donuts, Open Pickleball 1 p.m.

Car, Truck & Bike Show 8 a.m. - Noon Distinct group of vehicles.

Dunkin’ Donuts Beachside 1210 N. AIA, Indialantic 321725-3648

1,400

helpful listings 1st Place

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Strength & Flexibility

9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Drive Melbourne, 321-255-4494

26 Line Dancing – Beginners

Join your friends to play pickleball. $2 per person Viera Regional Community Center 321-433-4891

More than

11 a.m.

Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.

Cocoa Beach, 321-783-9505

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Face mask discretionary while dancing.

Wickham Park Senior Center 27858 Leisure Drive Melbourne, 321-255-4494

Marybet Lopez

Boomer Guide model

9:30 a.m.

Social distancing will be designated on the dance floor.

Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.

Cocoa Beach, 321-783-9505

20

Freedom 7 Book Club

2 p.m.

Read and discuss in person or by Zoom. “The World according to Fanny Davis”

by Bridgett Davis.

Freedom 7 Senior Center Cocoa Beach, 321-783-9505

27

8 a.m.

Join the Children’s Hunger Project and the Sharing Center of Central Brevard.

Viera High School Melbourne, 321-610-1900

21

Sonata East at Viera Brunch & Learn

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Learn the causes of tinnitus, ringing in your ears, and what can be done to improve it.

One Senior Place Viera, 321-751-6771

22

Jan. 16 and 17 Colorful characters fill the lands — music, and more.

With 100 stage shows daily.

Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-455-0452

23

Pinochle

Inaugural Poker Run

9:30 - 11 a.m.

The newest rental only community offering Independent, Assisted, and Memory Care. Must RSVP 321-341-900

12:30 - 4 p.m.

Temperature check and face mask required.

Wickham Park Senior Center 27858 Leisure Drive Melbourne, 321-255-4494

28

29

30

Frautschi, Nakanatsu Manasse in Concert

2020 Superhero Run and One Mile Fun Run

Car and Bike Show with Twist Drive-in Poker Run

7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Presented by Melbourne Chamber Music Society.

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 321-213-5100

5K – 8 a.m.

Friendly running and walking event to benefit neglected children. The Avenue Viera, 321-690-6823

See ad, page 2

Brevard Symphony Orchestra Opening Night Beethoven Celebration See article, 2, 11

10:30 a.m.

50/50. Honoring SN Brandon Thurber, supports Gold Star Mothers. American Legion Post 117, Palm Bay, 321-729-8089

Your FREE must-have senior resource magazine Senior Living Listings, Clubs, Meetings, Organizations, Sports, Support Groups, Veterans Resources, Business Listings, and Health & Wellness

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321-242-1235

16

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021

29

Market Square Antiques

Health

Health Insurance

ANTIQUES WANTED TO BUY

LOCAL MEDICARE PROFESSIONAL

High prices paid!

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

Free Immunization Assessment by our Pharmacy Team

Sheri Gaul

Call/Text me anytime:

Make your immunization make a world of difference.

321-749-8445

Shingles, pneumonia, and more available now!

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

Over 25 Years’ Experience in Antiques

321-634-2647

*Some restrictions apply

Health Insurance

Hearing

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Restaurant

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Residential & Commercial

Sewing

2850 South Hopkins Ave. Sunday – Thursday: 9am-9pm Friday & Saturday: 9am-10pm

321-383-1616

Nature’s Market Health Foods Brevard’s Health Food Store

701 S. Apollo Blvd. Melbourne

321-724-6923

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Thrift Store Come See Us at Our Sharing Center Boutique!

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

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

Monday - Saturdays:10 a.m. - 6 p.m. try our best to ‘under-promise and over deliver’ CATCH US ON FACEBOOKWeLIVE Closed Sunday 7720 N. Wickham Rd. Mon - Fri: 5:30 pm • Sat & Sun: 3 pm

Suites 111 & 112 & 113 Melbourne, FL 32940

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

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

Interlachen Rd

JANUARY 22 & 23

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

& ual e Virt tor s in

TWO-DAY MACHINE EMBROIDERY EVENT Brother® , Koala ®, Floriani ,®

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Publix

Store next to Toyo

20% isOAffd With th

Classified FOR SALE 2 Cemetery plots Florida Memorial Garden ROCKLEDGE $5,000 EACH, CALL 321-795-4741

7720 Rd. Suite 111 We N. try Wickham our best to ‘under-promise and over deliver’ Sharing Center of Central Brevard Melbourne, FL 32940 321-622-8602 7720 N. Wickham Rd., #103, Melbourne quiltsandlace.com • beth@quiltsandlace.com

30

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

SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021

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

Sharingcenter.org

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

321-425-3334

myseniorlife.com

BAHS award winners continued from page 3

SENIOR LIFE Rachel McLain

Helping Seniors of Brevard was awarded $1,000.

SENIOR LIFE Rachel McLain

Family Promise of Brevard earned a $1,000 award.

SENIOR LIFE Rachel McLain

Michael Bloom was awarded $100 for Be A Hero in Service.

SENIOR LIFE Rachel McLain

Jennifer Sanchez was awarded $100 for Be A Hero in Service.

SENIOR LIFE Rachel McLain

Aging Matters of Brevard was awarded $1,000.

SENIOR LIFE Rachel McLain

Kerry Fink accepted a $100 award for Joe Steckler.

BoomerSenior

Sentiments

SENIOR LIFE Rachel McLain

Housing for Homeless was awarded $100 for Be A Hero in Service.

SENIOR LIFE Rachel McLain

Peggy Ward was awarded $100 for Be A Hero in Service.

Crossword Solution Crossword on page 26

What was your first car?

Photos by Ernest Arico

Alicia Kelderhouse

Robert Farrell

“My first car was an orange and black 1974 AMC Gremlin. I was 16 years old. My father and I saw a “For Sale” sign on it when it was parked on the street. It costs $2,500, and it had a rockin’ cassette player inside.”

“My first car was a green and white 1973 Ford Pinto. I was 16 years old, and I used it to get me to the beach and back.”

Chris Wilson

Debbie Lubbers

“My first car was a 1962 Pontiac Tempest with a four-cylinder engine and a four-barrel carburetor. My parents bought it and then gave it to me when I turned 16. I grew up in it.”

321-242-1235

Sudoku Solution Puzzle on page 20

“My first car was a Ford Capri that badly needed a paint job. It had a stick shift with sparkling blue and white interior and leather seats. I was 18 years old, and I had to learn how to drive a stick shift with that car because I drove it to Towson State College in Maryland.”

SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021

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Favor de llamar a Servicios para Afiliados número aparece Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Enfòmasyon sa a to 8 p.m.

From April 1 September 30, we are open Monday Friday, 8 a.m. to p.m. leave a voicemail after hours, Saturdays, 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. disponib gratisholidays nan lòt lang.we Tanpri rele nimewo Sèvis pouone Manm nou yo ki Español nan lis anwo an. Esta información H1019_MKBNDMFNPR530432021_M Sundays, will return your within business (Spanish): disponible forma gratuita to 8 p.m.and From April 1 and - September 30, we arecall open Monday - Friday, day.

8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

You may always leave aestá voicemail afterde hours, Saturdays, en otros idiomas.

Favorand de llamar para al número aparece anteriormente.

Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Creole):de Enfòmasyon sa a Sundays, and holidays we willa Servicios return your callAfiliados within one businessque day.

Español (Spanish): Esta información está disponible forma gratuita disponib gratis nanFavor lòt lang.

Tanpria rele nimewo pou Manm nouque yo kiaparece nan lisanteriormente. anwo an. Kreyòl Ayisyen H1019_MKBNDMFNPR530432021_M en otros idiomas. de llamar Servicios paraSèvis Afiliados al número (French Creole): Enfòmasyon sa a disponib gratis nan lòt lang. Tanpri rele nimewo Sèvis pou Manm nou yo ki nan lis anwo an.

H1019_MKBNDMFNPR530432021_M

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SENIOR LIFE • JANUARY 2021

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