Senior Life, March 2021

VOLUME 23

ISSUE 11

March 2021

OF FLORIDA

Tin Can travel

myseniorlife.com

page 3

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

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Walt Kostrzewa

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

Drive-Thru Senior Expo promises a groovy time

BY MIKE GAFFEY Break out your headbands, tie dye shirts and fringe jackets and hop in your VW bus if you have one. The 1960s and 1970s are back during Senior Life’s fifth Drive-Thru Senior Expo from 8 to 11 a.m. Friday, March 19 at The Avenue Viera.

Brevard County’s original seniorfocused drive-thru expo will feature live music from the era of peace and love, as well as giveaways from exhibitors and snacks for visitors who will remain in their vehicles during the event in Viera at 2241 Town Center Ave. Because of the COVID-19 SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo

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EXPO

Continued on page 16

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As more people get vaccinated against COVID-19, more venues will again open or expand the number of people allowed at indoor events.

During the past few months, we told you about some of the outdoors activities — hiking, biking and fishing — available in our area in which you could easily social distance.

And as the pandemic restrictions ease, we will tell you about some of the places that are opening back up for those who are ready to venture indoors.

Some activities at senior and community centers are slowly returning after having been shut down by the pandemic. The Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex recently opened Play Planet, which appears to be getting good reviews from children, parents and grandparents. We tell you about it.

Restaurants and other establishments are easing restrictions and allowing more people inside.

There are so many diets for people trying to lose weight. But in this edition, we look at simple healthy nutrition most of us should follow.

We also tell you about a well-established business in Cocoa that restores vintage automobile memorabilia, including some neat-looking antique gas pumps and vending machines.

Do you still pay for cable TV? More people are going to antennas as costs for cable, internet and dish services seem to continually climb.

Check out our story about antennas.

There is a lot more in this edition of Senior Life. Did you know that the last naval battle of the American Revolution was fought off the coast of Cape Canaveral?

If you have not heard about Tin Can Tourists, people who made it affordable to bring their families to vacation in Florida, we will tell you about it. One of the campsites where they parked their vintage and homemade trailers and pitched their tents was in what is now the middle of downtown Melbourne.

We always like to tell you about people or groups helping our communities by assisting others in need. Who knows? You might find something that interests you in doing what you can for your community.

Let us hope the end of the pandemic is near and we can return to some activities many have been forced to set aside. SL R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com

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Tin Can Tourists blazed a trail for recreation vehicle travel

BY GEORGE WHITE There are places in Melbourne that still echo back to 1919 to 1929 and the camaraderie of throngs of Tin Can Tourists gathering in camps as they sought adventure in small trailers pulled by early automobiles.

A historical marker in downtown Melbourne is an official recognition of the camps as a key aspect to tourism in Florida prior to the Great Depression of 1929, said Nick Wynne, the retired executive director of the Florida Historical Society, who has written a book on the subject.

Tin Can Tourists came to be at the end of World War 1 when relatively inexpensive cars and paved roads such as Dixie Highway made travel cheap. They came here in tents, homemade trailers and wooden shelters. Outhouses and hand pumps provided sanitary facilities and water while cats, dogs and chickens roamed the campground. Gospel Cars often came to the campground, bringing with them “hell-fire and collection plates.”

“Some say the Tin Can name came about because most of the campers’ relied on canned food. Others say it derived from the most common automobile used — Ford’s Model T known as the Tin Lizzie. They really were a very social lot,’’ Charlene Crandall, an Eau Gallie historian, said.

Tin Can Tourists started traveling in style right after World War I. Tin Can Tourist camps cropped up in many Florida cities, as did the push to provide accommodations and amusements to these seasonal travelers. Camps in Melbourne included the site of the marker at 712 E. New Haven Ave., where almost the entire block was a campground from 1919 to 1923, according to local historian Ann Flotte.

Other Tin Can Tourist camps in the Melbourne area included the

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of flhistoriccapitol.gov

Midway Colony along the river just south of U.S. 192 and Crane Creek and Rocky Water Park located north of Eau Gallie along the river, she said.

The camps were meeting places for local chapters of the Tin Can Tourists, a formal organization with headquarters in Tampa. Later, the camps went to small cabins and eventually became the original motels. Some often became state-

themed “Tourist Houses.” The group held two meetings annually until disbanding in 1977, but there is a new group tincantourists.com.

Wynne believes that the initial Tin Can spirit evolved into the modern day RVers with one major difference.

“Many people live in neighborhoods with all-wheel drive SUVs, but never get it off a paved street. The Tin Can Tourists did just that,’’ he said. SL

Plants thirst for perfect water, light and placement what’s blooming best now, Scalera said, the plant should go, Scalera said. “You look for camellias and azaleas. don’t want roots too near your house, a While water control is vital to proper tall shrub or tree that might cover up a gardening, so is light. Some plants want window, or branches in power lines.” full sun, described by Scalera as an area Gardening questions? Brevard that receives at least six hours daily of County has more than 150 University full sun. Other plants want partial sun, of Florida-trained master gardeners which is two or more hours a day, and who have completed a 50-hour class. some require full shade.

They volunteer to help homeowners “For example, a hibiscus blooms with questions about gardening and best in full sun. They’ll get leggy in the pest control. For information about shade,” she said. becoming a master gardener or to ask a Andrews said most of the plants they question, email sasc@ufl.edu. SL sell are designed for the Zone 9B/10A that includes Brevard County.

The Maine transplant said: “Here, unlike colder places, we have 12 months of planting, and a lot of stuff grows well here.

Most plants start going crazy now and continue blooming through late fall.”

He recommends hibiscus as an allaround flowering shrub that does well in Brevard.

Pay attention to the tags attached to

By Attorney purchased plants, he said, because they TRUMAN SCARBOROUGH generally include 239 Harrison Street, Titusville, FL how much sun and For A Complimentary Copy water that species requires, but also how Phone 321 267 — 4770 tall it will get and its spread or girth.

That’s important in determining where

ESTATE PLANNING BOOKLET

Norman Andrews moves plants at Rockledge Gardens.

BY LINDA JUMP Gardening, experts say, takes the discernment of Goldilocks — water, light and placement each have to be “just right.”

Too much or too little water can nourish or strangle a seedling or plant.

“A common problem is not watering thoroughly, especially in a dry spell like we’ve had. Sometimes, the irrigation is not set long enough to water thoroughly,” warned Sally Scalera, an urban horticulture agent with the Brevard County Extension of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

and Agricultural Sciences. Leaves often turn yellow when under-watered, she said.

On the other hand, said Norman Andrews, a four-year employee at Rockledge Gardens, some gardeners over-water, especially when late spring and summer bring daily drenches, “The tips of the leaves start to turn brown or break off,” Andrews said.

The Farmers’ Almanac states that March is the perfect month to plant or transplant seedlings into the ground in Brevard County. Now’s the time to plant starter trays of vegetables or flowers from a nursery outdoors. As far as

SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2021

3

Table of contents Volume 23, Issue 11 Senior Life of Florida 7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940 321-242-1235

©2021 Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. All rights reserved VOLUME 23

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

Fun calendar supports museum, page 12

After a frustrating year, vaccines become the first answer to conquering COVID-19

Editor R. Norman Moody

Copy Editor Jeff Navin

Articles, page 14, 15

Season of hope

Publisher Jill Blue

Art Director Adam Palumbo

myseniorlife.com

February 2021

myseniorlife.com jill@myseniorlife.com

Office Manager Sylvia Montes

OF FLORIDA

ISSUE 10

Uplifting music fills the air, page 7

page 6

myseniorlife.com Busy business in space, page 16

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue, Caleb Nyberg

Vaccines have become more available with new locations to receive shots throughout Brevard County.

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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Come see us at Brevard Medical City

State-of-the-art Medical Facility • Everything under one roof conveniently located on Wickham Road in Suntree

Free Antibiotics

No need for a second trip to the pharmacy

Save gas, time and money

Will fill one prescription per patient per visit, if antibiotics are needed. $25 gift certificate if not seen in 30 minutes of appointment time

Abe Hardoon, M.D. Scott Hardoon, M.D. Edwin Chan, M.D. Gary J. Hardoon, M.D. Ami A. Bhatt, M.D. Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Internal Medicine Internal Medicine Family Medicine Internal Medicine Family Medicine

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

Senior Life — keeping our community informed

Locally Owned • Locally Operated • Woman Owned

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

Edition 2020 No. 14

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Medicare Patients Welcome We Accept Most Insurance Evening & Weekend Office Hours Specializing in Adult Medicine

Call our office to learn about our

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FREE SENIOR RESOURCE MAGAZINE

7 8 10 12-13 18-21 22 24-26 28 31

MARCH 2021

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

COUPONS & DISCOUNTS ART

Celebrating 23 Years

GALLERY OF VIERA

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.

Suntree Internal pg. 1 Chateau Madeleine pg. 5 Cedar Creek Assisted Living pg. 7 Comforts of Home Care pg. 8 Johnson Aluminum pg. 9 Pizza Gallery pg. 11 Courtenay Springs pg. 19 Dogtopia pg. 19

One Senior Place Hansen’s Handyman Walgreens Personal Hearing Solutions Same Day Grab Bars Air Gagers A/C & Heating Sharing Center Boutique

pg. 23 pg. 28 pg. 30 pg. 30 pg. 30 pg. 30 pg. 30

JOIN THE AWESOME GROUP OF

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The program offers transportation to locations such as medical facilities, pharmacies and grocery stores. Thousands of individuals who would otherwise be unable to live at home independently.

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Walt Kostrzewa

Past Gas in Cocoa is owned by memorabilia expert Walt Kostrzewa.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Walt Kostrzewa

Walt Kostrzewa souped-up this immaculately restored vintage Dodgem bumper car.

Auto memorabilia, restoration biz fuels adventures

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

Later this year, Walt “Koz” Kostrzewa hopes to break a Guinness land speed record … in a bumper car.

Koz has a good chance of achieving this goal with his soupedup, immaculately restored vintage Dodgem bumper car. He expects the stack of batteries he has installed in the former amusement park attraction will propel his car well over 100.4 mph, the current record.

“Theoretically, mine can do 145 mph,” he said.

Koz’s passion for racing bumper cars is a natural progression from a long-lasting affinity for vehicle-related memorabilia.

The owner of Past Gas in Cocoa, Koz has spent decades breathing new life into relics from the world of automobiles, from gas pumps to bumper cars. He also branched out to other antiques including gumball dispensers, ice cream parlor seating, penny scales and even condom machines.

“If it’s old, we’ll restore it,” he said.

His gorgeously rebuilt gas pumps grace many a man cave around the world, and even a few bedrooms. The American Muscle Car Museum is a good customer and the home of several gas pumps and a Checker Taxicabemblazoned bumper car.

Back in the day, Koz would haunt garages, barns and wherever else that

held treasures awaiting restoration, but now the majority of his business comes from customers who’ve heard of him, primarily through word of mouth, and want to revive items of historical or personal value. Koz is all too glad to help.

A former mechanical engineer, Koz found better pay and higher job satisfaction converting vans in the 1970s before segueing into restoration projects.

As time takes its toll in numbers, items such as gas pumps can fetch serious money. The beautiful art deco models with the lighted glass globes can fetch close to $10,000. Younger but rarer pumps from the 1940s can set you back $17,000.

As for bumper cars, the going rate for restored models is in the thousands.

Customers appear from around the globe. A couple visiting Disney made a pit stop at Past Gas to load up on a couple thousand dollars’ worth of stuff. Visitors from Italy bought two gas pumps and are orchestrating their shipment overseas.

If you are Walt Koz, life brings something old to be made new, and maybe even a world record.

“Every day is an adventure, because you never know what is going to come in,’ he said.

Past Gas is at 308 Willard St. in Cocoa. For more information, call 321636-0449 or go to pastgas.com. SL

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

We’re still here, serving seniors since 1965

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

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Matters IN BREVARD

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Call us if you need: » Caregiver Respite Caregiver Training Call us» if you need: and Support • Caregiver Respite, Training » Case Management and »Support Catering • Catering » Handyman Services • Home Safety Modifications » Information and Referral • Light» Light Housekeeping Housekeeping • Meals on Wheels » Meals on Wheels » Personal • Personal CareCare » Seniors at Lunch • Transportation Fellowship Dining » Transportation » Volunteer Opportunities

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

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Aging Matters in Brevard is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit orginization recognized by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Agingbyasthethe Lead Agencyoffor senior in Agency Brevard County.

Aging Matters in Brevard is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofu organimtion recognized Florida Department Elder Affairsservices and the Area on Aging as the LRad Agency for senior servues in Brevard County.

www.AgingMattersBrevard.org Serving the Matters of Aging Since 1965 • www.agingmattersbrevard.org Visit us on Facebook & Instagram

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2021

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Neighbors Upside Gallery opens ‘Inner Strength’ art exhibit March 6 SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE Upside Gallery will present “Inner Strength,” the solo art exhibit of acclaimed artist Phyllis Shipley, which will premiere from 5 to 8 p.m. March 6.

Shipley, who is originally from Johnson City, Tennessee and now resides in Rockledge, applies her “inner vision” to create loose and flowing colors with a musical fluidity of expression.

She defines her work as figurative abstractions.

“Color can express emotions, and my goal is to express a sense of joy and excitement for being alive through my paintings,”she said.

For Shipley, finding joy has been a journey requiring great strength. For more than two years, she has been battling pancreatic cancer. She has endured chemotherapy and was more recently diagnosed with COVID-19, from which she has now fully recovered.

Despite her ailments, Shipley never complains and transforms her challenges into powerful art with the pure passion and spirit of a true artist.

Shipley’s journey as an artist is a testament to the ability of art to act as

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Phyllis Shipley

Phyllis Shipley defines her work as figurative abstractions.

a transcendental force in the human experience. Her great faith and trust have helped her develop strength, resilience, and physical and mental endurance. Shipley and her art are an inspiration.

After the March 6 exhibit opening, Shipley’s art will be on display at Upside Gallery at 802 E. New Haven Ave. in downtown Melbourne through April 19.

For more details, call 321-414-5100.

SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Upside Gallery

Phyllis Shipley’s exhibit “Inner Strength” will be on display at Upside Gallery from March 6 to April 19.

Caring, Passion & Respect in Assisted Living Assisted & Independent Living Family Atmosphere 24-hour Medical Care SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Mari Dietz

3 Spacious Floorplans

Cocoa Village Playhouse hosts Golden Steppers

Restaurant Style Meals

The Golden Steppers will perform April 3.

SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE The Golden Steppers senior tap dance group will present its 32nd annual dance and variety show at 2 p.m.

April 3 at The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse.

The playhouse is located at 300 Brevard Ave. Several of the talented singers and dancers from Cocoa Village Playhouse will join this year’s show.

Tickets are $15, plus a handling fee, and can be purchased at the box office by calling 321-636-5050 or online at CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com.

The theater’s guidelines for COVID-19 precautions can be found on the website. SL

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Tech Know Tidbits TV antenna resurges as frugal viewing alternative

BY JENNIFER H. MONAGHAN Television remains a popular form of home entertainment, but increasing costs for cable service have led consumers to evaluate their viewing habits and explore alternatives for receiving live broadcasts.

TV antennas, as in the early days of television, have resurged as an option.

Since the 1920s, technology has evolved markedly, and digital cable became the traditional method of transmitting data. Today, there are many service providers offering numerous TV channels and programs billed at varied monthly installments.

A cost-cutting range of indoor and outdoor TV antennas are available at online stores and local retailers.

Prices range from $20 to $100 plus.

Professional installation costs are extra. Price is not a predictor for quality reception.

According to Consumer Reports, based on the homes they tested, most were able to receive dozens of free over-the-air channels. Outdoor antennas tended to perform better than indoor, but the report acknowledged they were not practical for everyone.

As an electrician noted, the effectiveness of the antenna with respect to picture quality is reliant on factors such as television model, location of home, the surrounding environment and how the antenna is installed. The key aspect is the distance from the free-to-air tower to the home and whether there are obstructions between the antenna and tower.

Cindy Emanuel in Barefoot Bay has had an antenna for a year and a half.

“I have problems here and there.

No major problems,” she said. “I also have Netflix and internet. I’m happy.”

With the advent of internet connections and an abundance of media streaming services, such as Netflix, the debate is not exclusively antenna vs. cable.

Television today can be accessed via cable, antenna, satellite dish, live TV streaming and video streaming via the internet.

There is a charge for the streaming services, as well as internet, which is required for streaming.

Combining services such as video streaming with an antenna gives the

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

TV antennas, as in the early days of television, have resurged as an option. consumer more viewing options.

“I have had an antenna for four years,” said Helen Kennedy of Barefoot Bay. “It was installed by a local electrician. I just pay for internet and Netflix and Fire (TV) Stick. Saved a ton of money.”

Moreover, you might choose to forgo television, as Leslie Bertrand of Barefoot Bay did.

“No cable for four years and no antenna either,” she said. “Best decision ever.” SL

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Brevard’s Premier Senior Retirement & Assisted Living Communities

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*Plus Indpendent Apartments, Condos & Homes

BOOMER

See the full SENIOR LIVING SHOWCASE/ SENIOR LIVING IN BREVARD listings online at MyBoomerGuide.com or in the new 2021 Boomer Guide, that will be available on March 19 at the Drive-thru Senior Expo. See page 29 for details.

WHO WILL BE OUR 2021 COVER MODEL?

See the full SENIOR LIVING SHOWCASE listings in the 2021 Boomer Guide.

A B C D E F G H

Cedar Creek Assisted Living

4279 Judith Ave., Merritt Island, 32953 321-454-7768 CedarCreekAssistLiving.net

Courtenay Springs Village

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Sonata Viera East

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For more information on living communities in Brevard, call 321-242-1235

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SeniorLife

STRIP STRI PES

Brevard Veterans News

Group always ready to honor veterans at the end

There is always someone in Brevard County ready and willing to assist or honor veterans, including at the end of life.

The North Brevard Honor Guard members dedicate their time to rendering military funeral honors whenever they are called. And they are called often.

The 28 men and women of the group have served at more than 35 funerals in the first two months of this year in Brevard County, many of them at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Scottsmoor.

The North Brevard Honor Guard members are from American Legion Post 1 and Veterans of Foreign Wars

in Titusville. They all volunteer to share in the duties that include gun volley and taps.

Not all members are veterans but are closely related to veterans.

Some, like Rob Lessard, whose father served in World War II, are members of the Sons of American Legion or

American Legion Auxiliary.

They all participate because they want to make sure all veterans are given the tribute they deserve.

“It’s an honor to do,” Lessard said.

“The veterans deserve it.”

There are military honor guard in the different branches of the military that send members to funerals.

Honor guard detail for burial of eligible veterans consists of at least two members of the military.

One must be from the veteran’s service branch. The team performs a ceremony that includes the playing of taps and folding and presenting the American flag to the next of kin.

In the past year, because of the

coronavirus pandemic, some of the military honor guards sent to the area have been the two-member teams.

Members of the North Brevard Honor Guard and other volunteer veterans’ groups have filled in, which has greatly increased their participation in recent months.

Lessard usually gets the calls from funeral homes or from family members of deceased veterans. He sends out an email call for volunteers.

Sometimes, they have a few days to plan. Other times, it is just a day’s notice to serve at a funeral at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery or other cemeteries in Brevard County. SL

Nation’s largest veterans reunion ready to reconvene

BY MARIA SONNENBERG If you were asked to name the site for the largest veterans’ reunion in the country, you might understandably guess Boston, Philadelphia or another large metropolitan area.

You would be wrong.

The largest meeting of veterans in the United States happens annually in Melbourne, at Wickham Park, to be precise, with the Florida Vietnam and All Veterans Annual Reunion.

Although the pandemic has added uncertainty to the massive event, organizers are optimistic that the

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added Russo.

One of the “babies”’ in the corps of organizers, Russo served in Panama and Grenada. From April to November, the Melbourne resident is usually on the road with the Traveling Wall as it visits towns around the country. The rest of the year, the Wall rests inside a trailer in Brevard.

In addition to the Wall, the event will feature helicopter fly-ins, vendors, food and plenty of music. Admission is free.

Life is fluid these days because of the threat of COVID-19, but Russo believes the reunion is a done deal.

“I think we’re good,” he said.

The Florida Vietnam and All Veterans Annual Reunion begins with an escort of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall on April 11 and continues April 15 to 18 at Wickham Park. For more details, go to floridaveteransreunion.com. SL

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reunion will go as planned April 11, thanks to the success of the Brevard Renaissance Fair, another major event that recently took place at the same venue.

It will be the 33rd year for a reunion that launched with less than 100 attendees and has mushroomed to more than 80,000 participants in its four-day duration.

“A lot of military groups have their reunion at the reunion,” said Doc Russo, one of the reunion organizers and manager for the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, one of the reunion’s highlights.

Attendees from as far as Australia and England visit the reunion.

Wickham Park Campground is booked a year in advance by those who prefer to rough it rather than stay in a hotel. Even the park’s rustic tent facilities are in high demand during the reunion.

“For many vets, it’s their vacation,”

SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2021

SENIOR LIFE Doc Russo

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. It is almost 300 feet long.

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myseniorlife.com

Veteran shares passions via bookstore

BY MARIA SONNENBERG If you had told Nathaniel Davis 30 years ago that he would own a bookstore, he probably would have laughed. But life did indeed connect the retired Air Force master sergeant with his own emporium of literature.

Not only does Davis operate a bookstore, but his Essence of Knowledge is Brevard’s only urban bookstore, a gem of a place that stocks more than 2,000 volumes in myriad subjects in addition to art, jewelry and décor, all with an African-American theme.

Born within sight of New York City in Newark, New Jersey, Davis was the first in his family to go the military route.

“I wanted to see the world, and the military was a good way to do it,” he said.

See the world he did during enviable assignments in Germany, Spain and Hawaii, among other locations. Patrick Air Force Base proved to be his last duty station, and here he stayed, moving to Cocoa while working as a civilian facility manager at the base.

“I consider myself pretty lucky,” he said.

The bookstore emerged from a family tragedy — the death of his youngest son, who passed away from a heart attack at age 23 while on civilian

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Michelle Davis

Nathaniel Davis is a retired Air Force master sergeant.

assignment in Pakistan. Nate and his wife, Michelle, searched for a project to help them cope with the grief.

“The bookstore was a dream of Michelle’s,” he said.

Essence of Knowledge opened in 2011 and has gained such a word-ofmouth following nationwide that it has been able to withstand the challenges of the pandemic.

“Even though last year was rough, we still had a busy year,” Davis said.

The bright yellow building on King Street in Cocoa has become a community hub frequented by locals and tourists alike. The couple go out of their way to promote the works of

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Michelle Davis

Nathaniel Davis operates Brevard’s only urban bookstore. local artists and writers. You will find James Baldwin and Toni Morrison wellrepresented, but you also will discover the works of writers such as Stephon Williams of Melbourne and Zanetta Collins of Cocoa.

“There are a lot of good writers around, and we want to give them a voice,” he said.

Before the pandemic, scholars and

other experts often were invited to speak at the store. Nate and Michelle hope to resume those talks as soon as safely possible.

“We’re not going to get rich selling books, but we love it,” said Nate.

Essence of Knowledge is at 1229 W. King St. in Cocoa. For more information, call 321-806-4766 or go to its Facebook page. SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Brian Jensen

The Brevard County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will commemorate the last naval battle of the American Revolution on March 13.

Final Revolutionary naval battle won off Cape Canaveral

BY MARIA SONNENBERG March 10, 1783, Cape Canaveral, Florida Were that an answer to appear in “Jeopardy,” the correct question would be: “When was the last naval battle of the American Revolution?”

For North Carolina foot soldier James Alexander, the battle probably was not even on his radar, but for his eight-times great grandson, Carroll Lord, the event deserves commemoration. The Viera resident will join his fellows of the Brevard County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution to celebrate the battle during a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial

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Center on Merritt Island. A cannon and small monument honor the memory of heroes long ago.

“The battle cost England some gold,” Lord said.

It also helped cement the outcome of the war.

The conflict began when Captains John Barry and John Green, commander of the 36-gun Continental frigate Alliance and the USS Duc De Lauzun, took off from Cuba with $72,000 Spanish silver dollars bound to help the Continental Congress. British warships Alarm, Sybil and Tobago discovered the Americans and gave pursuit. Off the coast of Cape Canaveral, the Alliance was hit, but Capt. Barry nevertheless

ordered his men to go straight for the Sybil with all the cannon power available. After a 40-minute battle, the Sybil slank off with 37 dead, 40 wounded and significant damage to its hull and mast.

The American ships, after chasing off the British, headed up the coast. The specie currency they delivered went a long way in funding the fledgling American military.

The Sons of the American Revolution is just one of several organizations that each year put on the pomp and circumstance — plus some period-appropriated uniforms — to celebrate the last naval conflict.

“It’s a big deal for us,” said Lord,

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who, in addition to foot soldier Alexander, can count half a dozen other ancestors in the war, including Col. Andrew Balfour from the North Carolina Militia, a hero murdered on his front porch by marauding Tories.

The commemoration of the last naval battle will take place outdoors at 10 a.m. March 13 at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center’s Plaza at 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway on Merritt Island.

The free event includes a parade, a guest speaker who will detail the history of the battle and, weather permitting, the firing of a cannon. Seating will be spaced for social distancing.

For more information, call 321-4531776. SL

SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2021

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Rod Neiswanger

Rod Neiswanger, right, took a Melbourne resident field hunting for mallards in North Dakota. Neiswanger conducts waterfowl and upland bird guided hunts.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Rod Neiswanger

A photo taken by Rod Neiswanger during one of his hunts at Devils Lake in North Dakota shows snow geese as they take flight.

Hunting is more about nature than the hunt itself

BY R. NORMAN MOODY Imagine as a hunter the sun rising in a serene field and then seeing a huge flock of mallards landing nearby.

At that point, most hunters will

tell you, it is not so much about how many birds they can shoot, but about enjoying nature.

“Whether it is taking photos with a camera or shooting something with a shotgun, it’s about seeing

and reliving that in your head,” said Rod Neiswanger, a longtime avid waterfowl hunter, photographer and firearms dealer from Viera. “It’s about being out there enjoying what we have.”

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Neiswanger, who began hunting at an early age with his father while growing up in Minnesota and North Dakota, travels every year to North Dakota for waterfowl hunts. He conducts waterfowl and upland bird guided tours with Brevard County residents in North Dakota.

He also enjoys hunts here in the Brevard County area, though it is nothing like North Dakota. Here there are fewer birds, and he has seen a decline in recent years.

“We’ve lost a lot of birds due to the health of the Indian River,” he said.

“We are losing a lot of habitat. It’s something we have to address.”

And even though there are fewer waterfowl, there are more people wanting to enjoy the outdoors, whether to shoot them with a camera or a shotgun.

Neiswenger said that since the start of the pandemic he has seen about a 50% jump in the number of people in the fields.

“People are fed up,” he said. “They want to get out. There’s a lot more guys out there hunting.”

Neiswanger said that while hunters could take a six-bird limit per day, most never reach that limit because they are out there to enjoy the hunt more than how much they can hunt.

“If you’re in to shoot your hunt limit every time, you’re in it for the wrong reason, and that’s the bottom line,” he said.

It is about seeing and being out in nature for many hunters he knows.

“They are about seeing nature, being out there, enjoying it.”

Neiswanger said. “Seeing the sun rise, seeing the birds. It’s unbelievable when you get a good day.”

For more information about Neiswanger’s exclusive waterfowl and upland bird guided tours in North Dakota, go to dakotawaterfowlcompany.com. SL Adam Palumbo contributed to this report.

myseniorlife.com

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex

Planet Play, which opened this year, is a three-story indoor play area for children ages 2 to 12 that was carved from one of the center’s two IMAX theaters.

KSC’s new Planet Play entertains youngest visitors

BY LINDA JUMP

Mehul Mehta viewed the first manned moon landing from Kenya in 1969. Last month, the Michigan resident brought his grandchildren to the new Planet Play at Kennedy Space Center, hoping they’ll become the third generation of space lovers.

Granddaughters Daisy Brown, 2, and Evie Brown, 18 months, learned about the surface of the sun and moon without knowing it as they crawled, slid and climbed.

“I came here with my kids, who both went to Space Camp, and now I’ve got my grandkids, for their first time,” Mehta said. “It’s exciting and educational. They love it.”

Planet Play, which opened this year, is a three-story indoor play area for children ages 2 to 12 that was carved from one of the center’s two IMAX theaters.

“We are over the moon … to interest a younger generation in space exploration and interplanetary travel,” said Therrin Protze, the chief operating officer for the Visitor Center.

Visitors can play on replicas of the planets, slide through an asteroid field and wormhole, climb on a tube with ultraviolet-treated fabric to demonstrate a black hole’s helix effect, race peers with a NASA Rover on Mars while collecting samples and avoiding obstacles, map a constellation with their body on the floor, and experience a Neptune storm and celestial Nebula.

Gravity Sink includes climbing on a rope-netting course. The second floor includes a toddler play area separate from older children’s play areas and a lounge where adults can enjoy coffee, beer or wine.

“This area will educate kids about technologies used in space exploration and the planets in a fun, playful environment,” Protze said.

Kara Brust said her Belton, Texas family was vacationing in Orlando, but she and her husband needed a break “from the hustle and bustle” of large theme parks.

“My husband’s into space,” she said.

“We’ve tried to impress on our kids how difficult it was to be the firsts — the first man in space, in a cramped capsule; the first man on the moon. This (KSC) has been a pleasant surprise and a lot of fun.”

Her daughter, Elsa, 9, went on the slide “at least five times” and “loved the ropes because I like climbing.” Son Charlie, 11, “just loved it all.”

Kelly and Mike Morris of South Dakota also supplemented Orlando attractions with a trip to the Space Center. Their three children raced to the slides for a seventh run.

“This lets them see history, and they’re learning,” Mike Morris said.

Kelly Morris had concerns about 5-year-old son Connor’s special needs.

“But he’s been fine in this play area.

There’s not too much over-stimulation, and he’s loving it.” SL

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SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

Daisy Brown, 2, of Lansing, Michigan plays on the surface of the sun in the new Planet Play area of Kennedy Space Center.

Trusted Legal Advice SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2021

15

EXPO

Continued from page 1

pandemic, exhibitors will wear masks and practice CDC-recommended social distancing guidelines. Vendors will place giveaways, information brochures and flyers in the trunks or back seats of attendees’ vehicles as they drive by.

Drivers should enter the drive-thru at The Avenue near Kohl’s at 6729 Colonnade Ave. “I am looking forward to a really cool event,” said CEO Jill Blue of Bluewater Creative Group, which publishes Viera Voice and Senior Life. “Our Senior Life team has been looking forward to hosting this particular drive-thru event which will be filled with peace and love. It will be fun to come together and enjoy the atmosphere. You’re gonna dig it.”

Attendees also can pick up the first copies of Bluewater’s 2021 edition of the award-winning Boomer Guide, the Space’s Coast’s premier senior resource guide. This year’s free guide has a 1960s and 1970s theme and is loaded with listings about Brevard County businesses, activities and groups, meetings, senior living advice, health and wellness tips, support groups and veterans’ resources. Readers also will

SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo

Attendees can pick up a free copy of the 2021 Boomer Guide at the Drive-Thru Senior Expo on March 19 at The Avenue Viera. find features about Brevard County residents, including a Barefoot Bay man who attended the legendary Woodstock festival in 1969.

“Everyone who has been waiting

for the new Boomer Guide will be happy it has arrived,” Blue said.

Exhibitors will be dressed in their best 1960s and 1970s attire, and attendees are welcome to do the

same.

To learn more about the Drive-Thru Senior Expo, go to boomerseniorexpo.com or call 321242-1235. SL

New Boomer Guide has groovy 1960s, 1970s theme

BY MIKE GAFFEY It was a time of peace, love, music, and Hippie beads. It also was a time of conflict and social upheaval.

The 1960s and 1970s are the focus of this year’s edition of Bluewater Creative Group’s award-winning Boomer Guide magazine. The first copies of the Space’s Coast’s premier senior resource guide will be available at Senior Life’s fifth Drive-Thru Senior Expo from 8 to 11 a.m. Friday, March 19 at The Avenue Viera at 2241 Town Center Ave. “Peace, Love & Listings” is the 2021 edition’s theme, an homage to the mammoth three-day Woodstock Rock Festival, which drew up to 500,000 music lovers to upstate New York in 1969.

The free guide is packed with listings about Brevard County businesses, activities and groups, meetings, senior living advice, health and wellness tips, support groups and veterans’ resources.

There’s also a COVID-19 section with information and resources.

Readers also will find features on

SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo

Donnie Neely is one of the Boomer Guide’s featured models. a Barefoot Bay resident who attended the Woodstock festival, a Melbourne guitarist who teaches music from that era, and a Satellite Beach man who

owns a rare, 13-window 1967 VW microbus, an iconic counterculture vehicle.

“The theme of this year’s Boomer

Guide is the style and culture of the ’60s and ’70s,” said Adam Palumbo, the art director for Bluewater Creative Group. “I think our title ‘Peace, Love & Listings’ says it all. The models were very excited to flashback to the era of bell bottoms, bright colors and flowers.

Designing this year’s magazine included psychedelic patterns, peace signs and a deep dive into the historic archives of Woodstock.”

In addition to getting their copies of the guide, Senior Expo visitors, who will remain in their vehicles during the event due to COVID-19 precautions, can receive giveaways from exhibitors and enjoy live music and snacks.

Motorists will enter the Drive-Thru near Kohl’s at 6729 Colonnade Ave. Expo attendees are encouraged to wear their best 1960s attire.

After the expo, the guide will be available at various locations in Brevard County.

For more information about the Boomer Guide or the Drive-Thru Senior Expo, go to boomerseniorexpo.com or call 321-242-1235. SL

Company will shred personal documents during Senior Expo

BY MIKE GAFFEY Motorists who attend the Senior Life Drive-Thru Senior Expo can get rid of old paper products and documents while they gather giveaways from exhibitors.

A crew and truck from Shred America will be at the expo on Friday, March 19 at The Avenue Viera to shred paper items free of charge, starting around 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Based in Jupiter, the veteran-owned and operated document destruction company accepts just about any paper product, said Billy Delapp the regional sales manager for Shred America. Items containing staples or paper clips are OK,

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but the company prefers that binders not be included, he said.

“People can bring four or five boxes or trash bags of paper and we’ll shred them,” Delapp said. Senior Expo visitors who bring more than that in their vehicles can get their extra paper shredded for a donation of money or canned goods, he added.

A camera mounted on the papershredding truck will enable attendees to watch their items being chewed, Delapp said.

“It’s pretty cool to see,” he said.

For more information about Shred America, go to shredamerica.com or call 866-747-3387. SL

SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2021

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Shred America will be at the Drive-Thru Senior Expo on Friday, March 19 in Viera.

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SENIOR LIFE

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SENIOR LIFE

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Touring the fascinating town of Mount Dora

Mount Dora is located northwest of greater Orlando in Central Florida.

This 100-year plus historic city is on the shores of beautiful Lake Dora, which is part of the Harris Chain of (seven) Lakes.

I have been to Mount Dora many times and every time I return I discover additional gems.

If you haven’t been to Mount Dora before, start with a leisurely walking tour of the historic downtown Mount Dora District. Park your vehicle in the public lot in Donnelly Park at Sixth and Donnelly streets. The Historic Donnelly home is on the corner. This Queen Anne-style structure was built in 1893 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

You can stroll north on Donnelly Street for three most interesting blocks toward Lake Dora. On Donnelly and adjacent streets you’ll discover a

Touring the Town

John Trieste

treasure of inviting shops of every kind.

You might want to visit the Mount Dora History Museum on Royellou Lane, just north of Donnelly Park. The Museum is housed in the first fire station and city jail that opened in 1923. Here, the exhibits highlight activities in the city from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries.

As you walk across the railroad tracks you’ll come to beautiful Lake Dora. On your left and facing directly

SUDOKU

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Mount Dora boasts an impressive lighthouse.

on Lake Dora, I recommend that you visit the historic Lakeside Inn. Built in 1883, the Lakeside Inn is the oldest continuously operating Grand Victorian hotel in Florida. Have a meal in either their casual Tremain’s Tavern or the elegant Beauclaire Dining Room. Then enjoy their traditional white rocking chairs lined on the hotel’s 200-foot verandah facing Lake Dora. This most delightful experience at this hotel is like turning the clock back in time.

Right across the street from the Lakeside Inn is the Mount Dora train station. Here you can take a train ride

on restored vintage coaches pulled by either a 1907 wood-fired steam or their 1941 GE center cab locomotive train’s roundtrip to the neighboring town of Tavares.

The accommodating Mount Dora Visitors Center is adjacent to the train station.

As you walk the paths by the lake, you’ll find other sightseeing operators that offer a host of diversified tours.

Here are some of the many choices: helicopter, boat, bus, Segway, walking.

I always suggest that you contact the local Chamber of Commerce before you travel to any Florida destination. They have all the information you need to make your visit outstanding.

The Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce’s address is 34 Alexander Street, Mount Dora, FL 32757.

The lovely and inviting city of Mount Dora is less than a two-hour drive from Brevard.

From Brevard County, take State Road 528 West to Exit 4. Then the Turnpike North to Route 429 north.

Take Route 429 north to Route 441 northwest to Mount Dora.

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Idioms, slang could confound even extraterrestrials

What do you think of when you hear the word “idiom”?

Most people give you that look a puppy has the first time you say “sit.”

They cock their heads and give you a bewildered look, like “huh?”

An idiom sounds dumb but is actually very smart. Idioms are ways of saying something without saying it.

For example, if I say I’m pulling your leg, it means I’m joking.

Really? How does pulling someone’s leg mean it’s a joke?

What’s the answer? Come on. Spill the beans. Spill the beans?

We use these idioms every day without a second thought. The English language is a very funny thing with all our slang and idioms.

Funny thing is...

Sammy Haddad It’s like you don’t have to speak the language, but yet everyone knows what you’re saying. Look at this from an alien’s perspective. From their world, they study our language to learn what we’re all about. Then, they listen to a conversation on the street, and here’s what they hear:

Are you gonna audition for the part?

I’m still on the fence.

Well, if you do, break a leg.

If I do, I may go down in flames.

Then again, I might make it by the skin of my teeth.

Don’t beat around the bush.

Decide.

I might just bite the bullet, but it won’t be a piece of cake. They say we’re a dime a dozen, and I might be beating a dead horse by trying again, but if I don’t, I may miss the boat.

OK, so what did that poor alien understand from this conversation?

For some reason the one guy is gonna sit on a fence and the other guy hopes he breaks his leg up there. But if he

falls he might burst into flames or skin his teeth. Huh? Once he gets down, he’s going to spank a shrub and bite a bullet while eating a piece of cake? Then he’s going to get 12 dimes, find a horse that just died and beat him with them, but it might cause him to miss his cruise departure.

And you wonder why the aliens haven’t landed yet. Why conquer a race that’s already lost its mind? And yet we all know exactly what they’re talking about. Is that scary or what?

My head is spinning just wrapping my arms around it, so if you’re ever in my neck of the woods, let’s chew the fat about it, but for now I think I’ll hit the sack. SL

You can’t always get what you want, but you can get what you need

What are your needs today? Have you ever thought about current needs and wants?

When I was a college student in 1955, I was introduced to Abraham Maslow in my psychology class. The professor put things in perspective: “If you are starving and a beautiful woman comes to you carrying a big hamburger, do you need the hamburger or do you want her?”

Needs or wants?

We studied Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs” presented in a pyramid diagram.

At the bottom were the physiological needs — air, water, food, shelter, clothing and reproduction. We moved up the next level to safety and security needs. Next, psychological needs — belonging and love. At level four was

self-esteem.

At the top of the pyramid was selfactualization. (We become the most that one can be.) Have you made it to the top?

A regular reader of this column, Sharon from Georgia, turned my attention to a new book, “Let This Be the Time” by Janet Schaeffler. It covers the many challenges and opportunities that seniors experience in the second half of life.

The author focuses on the 12 needs of the elderly in 12 meaningful chapters with points to ponder, wonder and converse. It is a “spiritual essentials for life’s second act.”

The book begins with “the need to live a life of meaning and purpose” followed by “the need for love and

Challenges of Living to Age 100 Ed Baranowski relationships.” Moving on, there is “the need to ask and explore questions.” As we age, we think we have the answers, but nobody is asking us any questions.

“The need to continue to learn and grow” is followed by “the need to navigate change and transition.”

(How are you doing trying to get an appointment for the COVID-19

vaccine?)

At the halfway point, there is “the need to cope with losses.” As we reflect on our life’s journey, there is “the need to be grateful” and “the need to forgive.”

Along with these needs is “the need to give.”

As the book ends, there is “the need for spiritual integration.” It covers time for openness and prayer. The discovery in this section is powerful.

Finally, “the need to let go: to simplify.” The hardest challenge is “the need to prepare for dying and death.”

How can you reflect and act on your current life needs and wants? SL Ed Baranowski is an award-winning writer, artist, speaker and seminar leader. He lives in Melbourne and can be contacted at fast75sr@gmail.com

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19

Ten for Ten celebrates decade devoted to waste reduction As the saying goes, time flies when you are having fun. I can attest that the same principle applies when doing something we are passionate about and truly believe in.

It feels like it all started just yesterday, but Recycle Brevard will celebrate its 10th anniversary in March.

The name was a call to action: Recycle, Brevard! The idea was to share information about the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) to help others understand the importance of their action — the impact of their inaction and to inspire them to correct course. What started as an initiative to disseminate information became a way to facilitate that coursecorrection toward genuine practice of the 3Rs. Recycle Brevard was incorporated in

2013, two years after the idea was born.

A blog and Facebook page were created.

Four years later, the current facility in Rockledge opened, welcoming volunteers of all walks of life who want to support what we do for the community.

Recycle Brevard is an independent nonprofit, 100% run by volunteers and

Every year, thousands of people relocate to Brevard County, attracted by our natural environment, job opportunities and relaxed lifestyle.

The Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition recently launched Love It Like A Local — Be Lagoon-Friendly, a program that reaches out to new homeowners through their realtors and employers.

The goal of the project is to engage the public in ways that lead to lagoon-friendly practices and hands-on volunteer, educational and social opportunities to help citizens and communities become informal

ambassadors for a healthy lagoon.

Newcomers might not be aware of how their daily activities impact the lagoon and our waterways.

Love It Like A Local — Be LagoonFriendly initially targets newcomers moving to single-family homes. These new residents have the greatest impact due to behaviors related to fertilizer, grass clippings, pesticides, septic maintenance and shoreline hardening.

Even simple things like disposing of cooking grease and dog waste can have a negative impact if not done properly.

“Our community treasures this unique natural resource, and we want

BEYOND the CURB Marcia Booth

President & Founder, Recycle Brevard

100% funded by donations. Through these years, we have crossed paths with many great individuals who assisted building what we have now. We are extremely grateful for our volunteers, supporters and partners. Thank you!

From expanding what can be recycled to extending the life of reusable materials destined for the landfill, Recycle Brevard is here to serve, offering simple alternatives and convenient options to eliminate waste from households. Last year alone, we helped divert more than 7,000 pounds of waste, despite being closed for four months due to the pandemic. We are on track to beat that number this year.

To help surpass that number and commemorate this 10-year milestone, join us in the collection challenge we

will be launching: Ten for Ten. For the 10th anniversary, collect at least 10 pounds of specific waste to recycle with us. Check our social media channels for information on how to participate.

To learn more about the organization and its programs, go to RecycleBrevard. org. If you like what you learn and would like to help us carry on with this work, consider becoming a Community Partner by committing to making an annual, tax-deductible contribution.

Email info@RecycleBrevard.org for more information.

Ten years went by way too quickly.

It has not been breezy, but we look forward to the journey that lies ahead.

SL Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@ RecycleBrevard.org

Love It Like A Local encourages health of Indian River Lagoon Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition our new residents to love it like a local and feel like insiders from Day One,” said Vince Lamb, the BIRLC chairman.

Working with the Space Coast Association of Realtors and BIRLC partners, the program is engaging

newcomers via social media as well as digital and print media from their personal realtor.

Beginning in 2019, the BIRLC hosted Lagoon & Lager social events and Lagoon Straight Talk educational presentations. These events will resume, online at first, and in person as COVID-19 concerns lessen.

Newcomers and longtime residents will be invited.

Learn more at HelpTheLagoon.org.

Love It Like a Local is funded by the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program small grants program. SL

Quality legal services with a Compassionate Touch for you and your family LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES. Are you prepared?

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2021

myseniorlife.com

Behind the

Beat

By Randal Hill

‘Me and Bobby McGee’ — Janis Joplin

Kris Kristofferson has earned a place in history as one of the great American songwriters. That honor, though, came at a high personal price.

In Nashville, the college-educated Texan once swept the floors of Music City’s Columbia Recording Studio.

In his off hours, Kristofferson created tune after tune in his quest to become a respected songwriter. It took a while, but he eventually gained acclaim by creating such now-revered classics as “For the Good Times” and “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”

Kristofferson eventually became a singer and songwriter with Monument Records, which was helmed by Fred Foster, a businessman smitten with Nashville secretary Barbara “Bobbi” McKee, who worked in a nearby music office. One night, Foster phoned Kristofferson and asked him to write a song about her (but spelling her first name differently to make it gender neutral). In their discussion, Kristofferson thought Foster had said “McGee” instead of “McKee.” The result was the story of a pair of drifters: the narrator and Bobby McGee. They hitched a ride from a truck driver and sang “every song that driver knew” as they made their

SENIOR LIFE Wikipedia

Janis Joplin performs at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island in July 1968. way throughout the South. Later, they went their separate ways, much to the profound sadness of the narrator.

Several country artists recorded the song when it became available, but it took a fellow Texan and soon-tobe-doomed ex-lover of Kristofferson to make “Me and Bobby McGee” a million-selling iconic work.

As a teenager, Janis Joplin had been a bright but rebellious misfit who cast herself as a beatnik. She

later dropped out of the University of Texas in Austin and hitchhiked to San Francisco, where she became the lead singer of the hard-rocking Big Brother and the Holding Company. Joplin, a heavy drinker and drug abuser, offered a throat-shredding performance at 1967’s Monterey Pop Festival before headlining as a soloist at Woodstock two years later.

She recorded Kristofferson’s song for inclusion on what would

become her fourth and final album, “Pearl.” (Pearl had been her longtime nickname.) Kristofferson, who had once sung the tune to Joplin, was unaware she had recorded it until the day after she died of a heroin overdose. He later admitted: “I couldn’t listen to the song without really breaking up.”

“Me and Bobby McGee” was issued four months after Joplin’s death and became her only No. 1 single on the Billboard chart. It has been recorded by artists ranging from Dolly Parton to the Grateful Dead.

That high personal price for Kristofferson? He had grown up in a military family that constantly pushed him toward a military career.

A gifted academic, he aimed to please his parents by becoming a U.S. Army captain after graduation.

In 1965, though, Kristofferson rejected a chance to teach literature at West Point. After years of sparetime songwriting, he had decided to become a tunesmith in Nashville. His parents disowned him, claiming that decision was a rejection of everything they stood for.

Apparently, they never reconciled.

SL

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21

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 - 1960s

Now - 2021

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the city of Cocoa

The 156-foot, 1.5-million gallon Cocoa water tower was built in 1957, near the busy intersection of State Road 520 and U.S.1.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the city of Cocoa

The American flags were originally painted on the landmark tank in 1976 by a Greek immigrant to celebrate the nation’s Bicentennial.

BCOA NEWS BREVARD COMMISSION ON AGING

BCOA meetings are open to the public and are held the second Thursday of each month at the government center in Viera.

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

Agencies help schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments Having difficulty scheduling an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine? You are not alone.

Since 26% of Brevard County’s population is older than 60, many peers are searching for a way to get on the list to receive their vaccine, too. If you don’t have a computer or aren’t tech-savvy, the situation can seem hopeless.

The Brevard County Commission on Aging team would like to share some information that might help.

Florida is currently in Phase 1 of vaccine distribution. That means that the COVID-19 is currently available to: • Health care personnel with direct patient contact • Longer-term care facility residents and staff • Persons 65 and older • Persons hospital providers deem extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 While these groups are prioritized, the number of vaccine doses is limited, which has increased wait times. As more doses become available, the state will open up eligibility to include more people.

The Division of Emergency Management’s website

22

(floridahealthcovid19.gov/covid19-vaccines-in-flroida) provides information and a link to register for the vaccine. If you do not qualify in one of the current groups, the site allows you to receive email updates to learn when you will become eligible to receive the vaccine.

The site provides a phone number to get on the list for appointments: Brevard County scheduling, 866-2015420; TTY, 833-476-1525; Helpline, 833-540-2041.

The website also provides information regarding Publix Pharmacy and Sam’s Club locations where they will be scheduling appointments. The site states that you cannot get an appointment by calling the stores directly.

Senior Partner Care Services is offering free assistance with the online registration process for a COVID-19 vaccine to seniors who do not have computer access. You can call 321253-6336 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday. One of their employees will assist you with getting the online forms completed. The office is at One Senior Place at 8085 Spyglass Hill Road in Melbourne.

Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation

SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2021

Inc.’s caregiver help line is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for any COVID-19 questions. Call 321-253-4430.

Joe’s Club Transportation has received community grants from Palm Bay and Brevard County for non-emergency medical transportation. The local nonprofit is offering rides to COVID-19 vaccine appointments for any eligible seniors.

Call 321-253-4430.

Brevard County Health Department COVID-19 vaccinations are available on an appointment-only, drive-through basis for those 65 and older and for healthcare workers who provide direct patient care. Those obtaining a first dose appointment for the Moderna vaccine will automatically be scheduled for the second dose 28 days from the initial vaccination date when the first dose is administered.

Individuals can register for vaccine appointments and be notified when appointments are available by going to myvaccine.fl.gov or by calling 866201-5420 or TTY 833-476-1525. The vaccine location site is 2555 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera.

Review the COVID Vaccine Fact Sheet and screening questions on the COVID-19 Vaccine Screening

and Consent Form prior to your appointment. Print and complete the COVID-19 Vaccine Screening and Consent Form to bring to the appointment for more efficient service.

Insurance information is not required.

A Florida Facebook group has joined together to assist others in getting through the online process.

They call themselves the “Vaccine Angels.”

Even after you receive the vaccine, you need to continue to wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart from others, avoid crowds, avoid poorly ventilated spaces and wash your hands often.

The vaccine is not a cure, but like our annual flu shots, can help us from getting a more severe case if infected.

SL Contributors to this article: Theresa Cubillas Russell, DCF/ APS Tim Timmerman, executive director of Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation Inc. Patricia Seibert, BSN, RN, Executive Community Health Nursing Director FDOH in Brevard County

myseniorlife.com

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2021

23

Senior Life

Health & Wellness

MS patients find hope in disease-modifying therapies

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER It’s no longer a death sentence.

There’s therapies that can help.

“We think MS is an autoimmune condition. When immune cells attack the nervous system, spinal cord and the nerve to the back of the eye, that gives you the symptoms of muscular sclerosis,” said Dr. Kalina Sanders, a neurologist at Baptist Health in Jacksonville serving on the clinical advisory committees for the National MS Society.

“With MS, the individual develops numbness or loss of sensation, but more common symptoms are acute vision loss that can come often with pain. The other is double vision. It takes the neurologist, the physician, patient history combined with the physical exam, and that gives us the biggest clue or not if it is MS.” Sanders likens the disease to a puzzle, for it also takes an MRI, spinal tap or both to diagnose. All pieces of the puzzle combine to come up with a diagnosis.

“The average age for diagnosis is 30 and affects females more than males,” Sanders said. “No cure for MS because

Opening Fall 2018

SENIOR LIFE photo

Dr. Kalina Sanders is a neurologist.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of National MS Society in Houston

An MS patient and his physician discuss therapies during a consultation.

MRI, and for hope to slow down the tunnel with having effective treatment. (we) have not identified a specific gene progression of the disease.”

The 20 disease-modifying therapies are that causes it.”

MS can be relapsing-remitting and now the way to treat MS. There is good news, however. There progressive.

Progressive patients (about just as important are is hope and success in treatment.

The mission at Palm Point Behavioral Health “Other is tothings provide 10 percent of those with MS) get worse eating an anti-inflammatory, plant“Several medications that impart over time.teens, Primary progressive basedolder diet, avoiding processed foods quality treatment to slowly children, adults and adults them are called disease-modifying patients are on one drug therapy. and salt intake. Increase exercise to therapies,” Sanders said. “Therapies whose behavioral or chemical symptoms “Twenty-five years ago, itdependency was a keep active.

The prognosis outlook and are targeted to relapsing forms of MS health death sentence, but now with therapies, future are much different than before to prevent relapses, to decrease the are interfering daily We and not so much,”lives.

Dr. Sanders said.offer “Now both we hadinpatient disease-modifying therapies.” likelihood of new (ones) basedwith on an their you can have light at the end of the SL

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 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

Preventive steps reduce seniors’ risks of falls, injuries

BY FLORA REIGADA Fall-proofing a home and yard are important steps to take for a senior’s safety.

Maritza Martinez, a therapist with Parrish Home Health, recently offered several pointers.

“In the kitchen, items such as pots, pans and appliances need to be within reach. This will avoid falls from a step stool,” she said.

In the shower, grab bars provide added safety.

“Aging Matters in Brevard will install them for free or a donation, provided the recipient owns the house,” Martinez said. “Non-skid mats also help with shower safety, as do shower chairs and shower heads with a hose, which can be used while sitting.”

If a toilet is too low, a 3-in-1 commode can be used as a bedside commode, an elevated toilet seat and a toilet safety frame.

In the bedroom, bed skirts are tripping hazards. They can be removed or cut shorter.

In the living room, some sofas are low and difficult to rise from.

Standing aids and other safety assists are available online or in home medical equipment stores.

Recliners can present standing challenges and can be raised by boost platforms.

Martinez urges seniors to avoid chairs with wheels or that swivel

Special Events

MARCH 4-6

Melbourne Meltdown Indoor Pickleball Championship March 4 - 6 - Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne - 321-608-7420

MARCH 6

2021 Brianna Marie Foundation 5K 8 a.m. - Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 407-342-8979

MARCH 7

“Out of this World” Golf Tournament 8 a.m., shotgun start Benefit for the Child First Program of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Brevard.

Turtle Creek Golf Club 1278 Admiralty Blvd.

Rockledge, 321-631-7776

MARCH 9

VNA Blood Pressure Check 10:30 a.m., second Tuesday Free blood pressure checks Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-255-4494

because they present tripping hazards.

Throw rugs are best removed because they bunch up and are easy to trip on.

It’s best to avoid flip-flops. Flimsy design increases the chance of falling.

“For those who don’t wear shoes at home, non-skid socks can be worn,” Martinez said.

Especially at night, keep hallways well-lighted and place bright stickers on stairs. Hand railings on both sides of stairs add safety.

Yards present their own challenges, such as uneven ground and cracks in pavement. The ground can be smoothed, but some expense is involved.

Wet leaves can be slippery.

While bones become more fragile as we grow older and might lead to osteoporosis, seniors can practice exercises to lessen the severity of an injury in the event of a fall.

“I encourage simple daily, weightbearing exercises that put stress on bones, strengthening them,” Martinez said.

“Balance, coordination, muscle strength, flow of walking and confidence are also factors,” said Haley Colpitts, a marketing liaison for Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center in Melbourne Beach.

“So is a nutritious diet rich in calcium and magnesium, which also aid in brain health. Staying hydrated is important. It keeps us alert,” she said.

SL

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South Melbourne Beach Arts and Crafts Show 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Art, music and food trucks.

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321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center

Balance exercises at Fysical Therapy and Balance Center in Melbourne Beach help seniors maintain mobility in their homes and lives.

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Healthy diet choices follow rainbow of colors, variety • Shellfish like crab, oysters and scallops contain vitamin B12, iron, magnesium and potassium, all beneficial for brain function.

• Apples are wonderful fruits for those who are struggling to maintain their blood sugar levels or who have high cholesterol. The soluble fiber they contain can help lower cholesterol and slow the uptake of glucose. Apples also provide potassium, antioxidants and vitamin C.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of BSN Solutions

A senior couple begins a meal with the nutrition boost of soup or salad.

Conversation makes the meal more enjoyable.

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER When following an overall healthy diet, one diet does not fit all, said Andrea LaChiusa, a regional dietitian for BSN Solutions.

“The USDA came out with their guidelines and found out older adults tend to eat better than younger ones,” LaChiusa said. “All of us need more fruits, vegetables, dairy products and whole grains.”

Getting two fruit servings or a half cup minimum is the key to eating fruits and vegetables while following the colors of the rainbow — reds, greens and oranges, LaChiusa said.

“Fiber helps with digestion, as well as it is important to have 20 to 25 grams a day, but most seniors only get 10 to 12 grams. Good sources are legumes and beans.

“Focus on hydration,” she said.

“Not drinking enough will have troubles. Again, it is no one size fits all body type, but the average is six to eight cups a day. In summer, drink more.

“Some fruits like fruit juice and reduced sugar or 100 percent juice or vegetable juice cover the fruit and vegetable serving. Also, drink milk or fruit alternatives to get calcium or a

vitamin D. If milk is not fortified, you are not getting the nutrients you need,” LaChiusa adds.

“What is happening with COVID is being isolated,” said Pat DeAngelis, a registered nurse and nutritionist for the Brevard County Center for Family Caregivers, part of Aging Services, Health First. “Couples are used to eating out in restaurants, and do that three to four times a week, getting a balanced diet. They are not doing that now because of COVID. They do better when not being alone at home.

As you get elderly, the appetite wanes because activity goes down.”

Coffee, tea, juices or sodas should be balanced with eating instead of filling up on sweet drinks and not eating because they don’t feel hungry, DeAngelis said. Eat fiber, fruits and grains.

Hate to cook? Make protein drinks or anything with eggs. Make hardboiled eggs once a week. It’s easy to have an egg when it is on hand.

LaChiusa suggests whole grain pasta and brown rice as fiber sources and to be sure to eat some protein.

DeAngelis suggests making oatmeal with milk instead of water for more nutrition. SL

• Leafy greens such as spinach, kale and turnip greens, as well as broccoli, have been linked to lower levels of cognitive decline as people age, according to a study published in the Annals of Neurology.

• Cold-water fish such as salmon, halibut, tuna, mackerel and sardines have high omega-3 fatty acid levels, making them good for the heart and brain.

• Beans, nuts, flaxseeds and healthy oils can be good substitutes if you don’t like fish.

• Eggs are easy to incorporate into a meal and are full of protein. They also contain choline, which is a B vitamin that benefits memory and encourages stress management.

All the following information is courtesy of the Nutrition Solutions 2020 edition provided by BSN Solutions.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Came down with 4 Snare, e.g.

8 Resistance unit 11 School grad 13 Gambling town 14 Yes, in Kyoto 15 Zhivago’s love 16 Writes more 17 Gross!

18 Uphold 20 Heard the alarm 22 Mauna - 23 Cato’s 1,002 24 Installed electricity 27 Frantic 30 Watch -- step!

31 Fashion accessories 32 RN’s specialty 34 Old-time Giants hero 35 Fast food drink 36 Main role 37 Reaction to pollen 39 Hobbles 40 -- Wiedersehen 41 Sailor’s assent 42 Dull 45 Steeple 49 Not ‘neath 50 Cognomen 53 Sandwich cookie 54 Path to satori 55 Check manuscripts 56 Lacking in force 57 Approves 58 Affirmative votes 59 Previous

26

DOWN 1 Festival 2 Lemony Snicket count 3 Domain 4 Pulitzer category 5 Rainbow band 6 Bonn connector 7 Tile murals 8 John Glenn’s state 9 Cab driver 10 Comedian Myers 12 Padded envelope 19 Mr. Serling 21 Ingenuity 23 Part of MHz 24 Grand Teton st.

25 Kappa preceder 26 Actress -- Gordon 27 City near Kilauea 28 Bit of news 29 Show approval 31 Polite bark 33 Bank offerings 35 Indian relish 36 Stay hidden (2 wds.)

38 Soup container 39 Caustic substance 41 Helps a crook 42 Famed TV clown 43 Scallion kin 44 Samovars 46 At no cost 47 Bring up 48 Link 51 Citrus drink 52 Actress Farrow

Crossword solution, page 31

SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2021

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While working in the hospital system, I saw a number of senior patients that needed additional services at home, but didn't know what to do or where to turn in order to get the help they needed. services at home, but didn't know what to do or where to turn in order to get the help they needed.

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2021

27

Senior Life

News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John

North Brevard

Senior Center hosts monthly dinner and movie

BY FLORA REIGADA

The evening might have been chilly outside, but the North Brevard Senior Center’s monthly dinner and movie provided a warm reception.

At 5 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month, the community is invited.

The cost currently is $5 a person, but that might vary. Reservations should be made in advance.

“Chef Kelly Vasquez volunteered her time and talent to prepare the meal,” operations manager Debra Easterling said.

A main course choice of clam or corn chowder with cornbread was on the menu. Dessert choices were Key lime pie or chocolate mousse.

Following dinner, the movie “Groundhog Day” was shown.

John and Nancy Graham are relatively new to Titusville and the North Brevard Senior Center.

“We moved here from South Carolina a year and a half ago and recently joined the Senior Center,” he

SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada

Relative newcomers to Titusville, John and Nancy Graham are enjoying their first dinner and movie at the North Brevard Senior Center. said, enjoying clam chowder. “This is our first dinner and movie here.”

A regular at the dinner and movie night, Janina Shoemaker considers the

gatherings healthy.

“Especially during the pandemic, it’s nice to get out and be with other people. It’s much better than being

home alone,” she said.

Shoemaker teaches drama at the center from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. each Friday. The class costs $4 for Senior Center members and $5 for nonmembers.

“We have lots of fun,” Shoemaker said.

Having finished his main course, Ralph Johnston was ready for chocolate mousse.

“I’m eating it with gusto,” he said, lifting a forkful.

Whether it’s games, dancing, exercise or learning another language, the center offers numerous activities for seniors.

It also serves as a rental facility for social activities. One large room accommodates up to 250 people, and a second room can be utilized for another 125 people.

The North Brevard Senior Center is at 909 Lane Ave. in Titusville.

Call 321-268-2333 or go to nbsc. website/index. SL

Food ministry resumes broad outreach through pandemic “He spoke of every member being in ministry and that he wanted the congregation involved in a practical way,” Tucker said. “I wondered what I could do as a busy mom. After I passed by small baskets for food collection in the church foyer, an impression came to me. Although the baskets were there, they were empty.”

Tucker’s vision involved placing large containers at the rear of the sanctuary, connecting with local food pantries and letting their needs be known to the congregation. Each week, a designated, non-perishable food item

BY FLORA REIGADA Three, two, one … we have liftoff!

The One Can Make a Difference food ministry has re-launched after being on pause since March 2020, due to the pandemic.

Based at Park Avenue Baptist Church, the effort organized by Tammy Tucker began in 2007. She continues to coordinate the ministry, which supports local food pantries and front-line outreaches.

It was inspired by a sermon by thenpastor Richard Lord.

HANSEN’S HANDYMAN SERVICES

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SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2021

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Tammy Tucker

As part of the One Can Make a Difference food ministry, Park Avenue Christian Academy students sort food items for donation to needy families through Project Eat. would be collected in the containers, then distributed to a pantry. These items include peanut butter, soups with meat, canned vegetables, boxed cereal, bottled water and more.

Among the partnering churches and organizations are First United Methodist Church, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, St. Teresa Catholic Church, Trinity Community Church and The Women’s Center.

During holidays, One Can Make a Difference donates cake mixes and frosting to the Cor Jesu Food Pantry, an outreach of St. Teresa Catholic Church.

Cor Jesu bakes cakes to include with their food bags for those in need.

“Life can be tough. It’s not easy

to go to a food pantry and ask for help,” said Adriana Lloyd, a volunteer.

“A little treat is always important, especially for children. Their faces light up.”

One Can Make a Difference has a three-fold emphasis: One person can make a difference. One can of food can make a difference, and by working with churches of different denominations, their unity can make a difference.

Park Avenue Baptist Church is at 2600 Park Ave. in Titusville. For information about One Can Make a Difference, call 321-269-6702, ext.

211. SL

myseniorlife.com

Feb. 6,

Sunday

Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Monday

1 • National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day

2

Tuesday

Bingo

Tuesdays and Fridays 11:15 a.m. - 2 p.m.

1 - 3 p.m.

Games include early-bird, $2 members two 50/50 games and one $3 non-members winner-take-all-game.

North Brevard Senior Center Wickham Park Senior 909 Lane Ave. Center, 2785 Leisure Drive Titusville, 321-268-5923

u Mexican Train Dominoes

7 • National Flapjack Day Community Band of Brevard Concert 3 - 5 p.m.

Merritt Island High School Auditorium 100 Mustang Way Merritt Island Free, 321-338-6210

14

8

9

4 - 5:30 p.m.

Mondays and Thursdays $6 per class Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 469-662-4176

10:30 a.m. second Tuesdays Free blood pressure checks

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

Silver Sneakers

15

16

Open Pickleball

Medicaid Seminar

1 p.m.

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

21

The Music of John Williams

3 p.m.

Music from your favorite films. Award-winning composer John Williams Satellite High School PAC 855-252-7276

28

Blood Pressure Check

Strength & Flexibility

9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

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

30 30

See additional events on page

National Virtual Vacation Day

View additonal area events online at myseniorlife.com

2

4

Thursday

3

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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

Friday

5 • National Employee

Appreciation Day Food Truck Fundraisers

6

Saturday

Brevard Federated Republican Women Lunch, 11 a.m.

Sip & Smoke

Barbara Rumpel, board member of the National Rifleman’s Association.

Reservations required.

Cocoa, 321-727-1212

5:30 - 9 p.m.

Join us for Viera’s only cigar and spirit themed monthly event.

28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159

10

11

$3 members $4 non-members North Brevard Senior Center, 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-267-0195

2 - 3 p.m.

Presented by Fernando Montalvo, McKnight Doctoral Fellow, UCF. RSVP required, Viera, 321-751-6771

17

18

19

20

Jazz Brunch & Learn

Boomer Guide Drive-Thru Senior Expo 8-11 a.m. A free senior

The Music of John Williams

Line Dance Class

Social Cognition: How 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Beginners Does the Brain Understand 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Others?

9:30 - 11 a.m.

Learn about Sonata East at Viera, a new luxury resort-style independent living community for active seniors. One Senior Place Must RSVP, 321-341-9000

23 • National Tamale Day 24

6 - 9 p.m.

If a newbie comes to play, the table will play one entire round of the game.

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

29

Wednesday

3

10 a.m.

Presented by William A. Johnson. In person or virtual Zoom, must RSVP. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

22

Poker, Dealer’s Choice

Calendar Wednesday

1

Yoga in the Park

9 - 10 a.m.

Social distancing will be in effect. Guests must bring all of their own mats and blocks. Free.

The Avenue, Central Park Viera, 321-634-5390

25

Estate Planning Seminar

10 a.m.

Presented by William A. Johnson. In person or virtual Zoom, must RSVP. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

A portion of all sales will be donated to Aging Matters in Brevard.

The Fountains 4451 Stack Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-984-1494

12

Melbourne Botanical Fest

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Lavish landscape designs, garden sculptures, trees and shrubs, garden-themed art.

1900 Building, 1900 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne 321-724-1741

13

Brevard Symphony Orchestra: From the New World Concert

u

drive-thru event where you can get the new Boomer Guide. See page 17 for details. The Avenue Viera 321-242-1235

26

Big M.A.C.C. Festival

7:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

All proceeds go to Music Against Cancer Corp.

Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-271-0050

2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sirena Huang on violin.

King Center 3865 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-242-2219

7 p.m.

Music from your favorite films. Award-winning composer John Williams Satellite High School PAC 855-252-7276

27

Central Florida Winds March Concert

3:00 p.m. Program includes music by Mahler, Grainger, Malcom Arnold, Vaughan Williams & Straus.

2600 S. Park Avenue Titusville, 321-405-2359

Epic Tchaikovsky with Julian Rhee

31

7:30 p.m., March 27 Concert by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 2 “Little Russian” King Center, 3865 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-242-2219

Yoga in the Park

9 - 10 a.m.

Guests must bring all of their own mats and blocks.

The Avenue, Central Park Viera, 321-634-5390

THE SPACE COAST’S BEST BOOMER/SENIOR RESOURCE DIRECTORY

Boomer Guide arrives March 19

Pick up your copy at the Boomer Guide Drive-Thru Senior Expo on Friday, March 19

R E M BOO R E M O O B

BOOMER

E B L L I W O WH OUR 2021 ?

L E D O M R COVE

After the expo, copies will be available at our *Senior Life office and *Pizza Gallery & Grill in Viera.

On March 22, copies will be available at the following locations: NORTH BREVARD Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd., Cocoa Beach Titusville Public Library 2121 S. Hopkins Ave. Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce 2000 S Washington Ave.

CENTRAL BREVARD Central Brevard Public Library 308 Forrest Ave., Cocoa One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera

*Pizza Gallery & Grill 2250 Town Center Ave., Viera *Senior Life Office 7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102, Viera

SOUTH BREVARD Melbourne Public Library, 540 E. Fee Ave. Palm Bay Library, 1520 Port Malabar Blvd. NE Satellite Beach Public Library, 751 Jamaica Blvd.

Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way, Melbourne

On April 1, copies will be available at most Senior Life pick up locations.

You can also search the listings 24/7 at myboomerguide.com.

MyBoomerGuide.com 321-242-1235

Olea at Viera, 8920 Trafford Drive, Viera

15th annual magazine BLUEWATER CREATIVE GROUP

321-242-1235 SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 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

You Deserve Better Hearing

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

Home Repair PROFESSIONAL GRAB BAR INSTALLATION

Safe. Fast. Affordable.

321-253-6310

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

Free estimates — schedule today!

321-392-3000

SameDayGrabBars.com

SANDRA WAGNER BC-HIS

PersonalHearingSolutions@outlook.com PersonalHearing.org

Restaurant

Realty

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

Proudly serving all of Brevard County

AEROSPACE REALTY

321-775-3522

Call Sara Today! 321-794-9001 3230 Murrell Rd., Rockledge, FL 32955

l March Specia

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

321-383-1616

Nature’s Market Health Foods

g nitiz1/2in l donucthits adsa robceia -mic p. 3/3 021 Ex . nti Freitheanay n$1ti ) Me 50 or more servi (w

2850 South Hopkins Ave.

ASURE EXTENDED WARRANTY PROVIDER

Brevard’s Health Food Store

A/C & HEATING

701 S. Apollo Blvd. Melbourne

Sara Forst Griffin

“Advanced Technology, Old-Fashioned Service”

Your Seniors Real Estate Specialist SaraForstGriffin@Remax.net

Military, seniors & first responders 10% discount

Residential & Commercial

Sewing

321-724-6923

NaturesMarketMelbourne.com

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.

Closed Sunday

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

March 4, 2-4 pm Beginner Sewing Class 7720 N. Wickham Rd.

for Adults. All machine types welcomed.

Suites 111 & 112 & 113

Melbourne, FL 32940

M,W,Th,F: 10am - 5pm, Tue: 12N - 7pm, Vintage Flora Purse Machine Embroidery Sat: 10am - 2pm, Sun: CLOSED Class, in-store or virtually.

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

Interlachen Rd

March 19, 10 am-2 pm Kimberbell

Check out the website for4-6pm class schedule and events. N Wickham Rd March 20, 12-2 pmQ&L & March 23, 8-12 yrs. of age Kid’s Sewing Class, use of for Baby Lock®, Suntree  We are an authorized, full line retailer sewing machine included!

Brother®, Koala ®, Floriani ,® & Anita Goodesign®

and on-site, Service available on site Full-time, factory certified service engineer  Repair

Publix

Store next to Toyo

20% isOAffd

Stay connected with us!

Go to Facebook/SeniorLife

With th

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 • MARCH 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

BoomerSenior

Crossword Solution Crossword on page 26

Sentiments

What do you think about the COVID-19 vaccine?

Photos by Ernest Arico

Beverly Evans

Sudoku Solution Puzzle on page 18

Harold Harman

“In order for us to move forward, we all need to get the vaccine.”

“I’m supportive of them. I have no concerns or trepidation about them. My concern is that the system is broken in trying to get the vaccine out to people.”

Erich Reimann

Donna Larson

“I think everybody should get one, and they should distribute it better. If Amazon was in charge, everyone would get it.”

“I think the vaccine is risky. I think this one is risky because they developed it in such a short period of time.”

time machine In March...

March 4, 1933

Newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt takes office and delivers his inaugural address, trying to restore public confidence during the Great Depression. He said: “Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

March 10, 1862

The first issues of U.S. government paper money — $5, $10 and $20 bills — begin circulation.

321-242-1235

March 24, 1989

One of the largest oil spills in U.S. history occurs as the oil tanker Exxon Valdez runs aground in Prince Williams Sound, off Alaska, resulting in 11 million gallons of oil spilling into a 45-mile stretch of natural habitat.

March 23, 1775

Patrick Henry ignites the American Revolution with a speech before the Virginia convention in Richmond. He says, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.”

March 30, 1853

Vincent Van Gogh is born in Holland. During his short career, he produces more than 800 oil paintings and 700 drawings, but sells only one during his lifetime. In 1987, the sale of “Irises” brings $53.9 million — the highest price paid for a work of art at the time.

SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2021

31

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32

SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2021

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