Boats ring in the season
VOLUME 24
OF FLORIDA
ISSUE 8
December 2021
page 25
myseniorlife.com
His Corvette Christmas sleigh
SENIOR LIFE Adam Paumbo
Santa and Mrs. Claus have made their rounds in Brevard County in airboats, golf carts, motorcycles and now we’ve caught them in a 1961 Corvette, just like the one driven by astronaut Alan Shepard in 1961. Story, page 3.
A second chance, page 10
Veteran still serving, page 14
A town worth the travel, page 17
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Christmas. It will be here before you know it. Christmas and other year-end holiday events already are underway. Holiday decorations are up at stores and some already have the Christmas jingles piped in over their sound systems, trying to get shoppers into the holiday spending mode. We have listed in Senior Life the street parades, boat parades and other events taking place in Brevard County that should get you in the holiday spirit. And there are plenty. In addition to the list of parades, also check our calendar of events. Many events that were cancelled or restricted last year because of the pandemic are back to normal. Some organizers still urge the public to take precaution by keeping your distance. But things likely will be livelier than last year. If you experience sticker shock when you check out the prices of real or live Christmas trees, you might want to read our story in the Tech Know section about artificial or smart trees. Your initial cost might be more, but you will be able to use them year after year. There is expected to be a shortage of Christmas trees because of the general supply line interruption. As you get into the spirit of the season, our story about Gifts from the Heart might inspire you to share with others or see what others are doing to make the community better. In the past several editions of Senior Life, we have told you about different animal rescue groups. Did you know that there are thoroughbred racehorses that have been retired that are available for adoption right here in Brevard County? Volunteers care for, work to condition and get the horses ready for adoption. Learning is a lifelong experience that enriches our lives, and seniors on the Space Coast embrace that notion. Many are ready to sign up for Senior Adventures in Learning classes offered by Shepherd’s CenterBeachside. Courses include languages, history, science, gardening and basic finance. Check out the story to learn more about other classes and how to sign up. It sounds like an interesting offering for seniors. We here at Senior Life and Viera Voice wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and our best wishes for whatever traditions you celebrate. SL R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com
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Giving from the heart provides presents for children only help to set up and run the shop, but 18 years old, with almost half of the gift needs in the 12 to 18 group. Parents can they also offer gift wrapping. purchase up to three toys per child in the “We always need people who have a family. All gifts are deeply discounted heart for the people we serve,” Willardand nothing, including even new bikes, Williford said. costs parents more than $18. Each gift is in reality two gifts in one. “It’s affordable even to people with The first is the physical present the child no means,” said program co-chair, the receives, the second is the gift of joy the Rev. Joy Willard-Williford, noting that parent enjoys in being able to purchase unemployed parents can volunteer in gifts for their loved ones. SL one of the various organizations involved in order to earn shopping credit. All shoppers are parents involved with one or more of participating nonprofits that serve families living on the economic margin of the community. The program launched six years ago with Neighbor Up Brevard, Club Esteem and Love INC, but has since grown to include Family Promise of Brevard, By Attorney Community of Hope, Eckerd Connects, TRUMAN SCARBOROUGH New Life Mission, 239 Harrison Street, Titusville, FL Habitat for Humanity of Brevard, Boys & For A Complimentary Copy Girls Club of Central Phone 321 267 — 4770 Florida-Cocoa Branch and the Women’s Center of Brevard. Volunteers not
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Volunteers help at the Gifts from the Heart Christmas shop, where low-income parents can purchase gifts for their children at a deep discount. BY MARIA SONNENBERG With five children and a limited income, Christmas was a difficult time for Ashely Horskin until she discovered Gifts from the Heart. Each year the popup program provides toys and gifts for children and teens. “Before Gifts from the Heart, it was a struggle,” said Horskin, who has depended on the program for the past four Christmases. The program is not a handout, but rather a way for hard-working parents like Horskin to purchase new presents
for their children at a deep discount. Gifts from the Heart adheres to a philosophy that parents, even ones with very limited means, prefer to provide for their families. Individuals, groups and businesses help to stock up this bright Christmas Shopping Village with toys listed in gift registries for Amazon, Target and Walmart. Donors might want to give other toys as well. Donors can access these registries at giftsfromtheheartshop. org. The gifts target children from 2 to
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SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo
Santa and Mrs. Claus enjoy cruising in Joe and Ingrid Medzius’ 1961 Corvette.
Santa sheds sleigh for astronauts’ ride BY MIKE GAFFEY
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the launch of America’s first man in space, Santa and Mrs. Claus have ditched the jolly, old traditional sleigh and eight reindeer for a sportier ride to the Space Coast. The Clauses are set to deliver gifts in a white 1961 Chevrolet Corvette hardtop convertible, the same model driven by Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard, who took off on a 15-minute suborbital flight inside his Freedom 7 capsule on May 5, 1961. Corvettes were the vehicle of choice for America’s early astronauts when they weren’t roaring into orbit or flying jets. Chevrolet gave Shepard a white 1962 Corvette as a gift upon his return from the historic flight. Then Jim Rathmann, who won the 1960 Indianapolis 500 and owned a Chevrolet dealership in Melbourne, offered the now-famous astronauts nearly free leases to drive the latest Corvette models.
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Soon, six of the Original Seven Mercury astronauts were driving around Brevard County in shiny new Corvettes, according to General Motors, maker of the famed muscle car. Shepard and Grissom reportedly dueled in their muscle cars, racing along Brevard County’s hard-sandy beaches. Only John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, said no to a Corvette, opting instead for a station wagon for his family. In 1969, Apollo 12 astronauts and Corvette fans Charles Conrad, Alan Bean and Richard Gordon ordered matching custom Corvette Stingray coupes in a gold-on-black color scheme designed by Bean. Glenn did ride in a Corvette during a Cocoa Beach parade after he returned to space aboard the shuttle Discovery in 1998. And in 2011, about 30 astronauts rode in Corvettes during another Cocoa Beach parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of Shepard’s famous flight. SL
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Table of contents ©2021 Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. All rights reserved
Volume 24, Issue 8 Senior Life of Florida 7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940 321-242-1235 myseniorlife.com jill@myseniorlife.com Publisher Jill Blue
myseniorlife.com
Editor R. Norman Moody
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.
Office Manager Sylvia Montes Art Director Adam Palumbo Copy Editor Jeff Navin
Feature Writers Ernest Arico Ed Baranowski Brenda Eggert Brader Mike Gaffey Sammy Haddad Jennifer H. Monaghan Flora Reigada Wendy Scheuring Maria Sonnenberg John Trieste
6 7 8 12-14 15-17 19 19 25 26
DECEMBER 2021
NEIGHBORS SENIOR LIVING TECH KNOW TIDBITS STRIPES VETERANS COLUMNISTS HEALTH & WELLNESS HISTORY THEN AND NOW NORTH BREVARD NEWS VINTAGE RIDES
COUPONS & DISCOUNTS Boomer Guide —the best resource guide in Brevard!
Senior Life of Florida is published on the first of each month. The entire contents of this newspaper are copyrighted by Senior Life of Florida with all rights reserved. Senior Life of Florida is not liable for errors or omissions in editorial, advertorial or advertising materials. Distribution of this newspaper does not constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.
Suntree Internal Same Day Grab bars Hansen’s Handyman Solaris Senior Living Cedar Creek Assisted Living Viera Heart Johnson Aluminum
pg. 1 pg. 2 pg. 6 pg. 9 pg. 12 pg. 15 pg. 23
Air Gagers Viola Antiques Personal Hearing Solutions 2 Angry Wives Hippo Roofing ASAP Rubbish Removal Dream Farms Hemp
pg. 26 pg. 26 pg. 27 pg. 27 pg. 27 pg. 27 pg. 27
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is a sacred asset that we should learn from, honor, and support. AOur aging community We’re still here, serving seniors since 1965
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Matters IN BREVARD
Please call today for further information (321) 639-8770
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. .@. WEARE 0 .<Q& Senior TranServe Meals On Wheels Retireu VeTs Driving Vets S en10r CD missro'n driven So no seviior- rrs h.u�. Volunteer Program Please call today for further information transportation for non·driving seniors
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(321) 639-8770
Sunflower House
community caregiver center
An inffiative of the Corporation for National t, Community Service
group dining at neighborhood sites
Home & Community ,\ Based Services
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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s r r o T F h u e e o H T m o l e i t d o a a y v i s r P H 321-701-8000
In the Heart of Suntree area. Locally Owned and Operated Here are some of the activities that Chateau Madeleine residents will be enjoying during this holiday season: • Holiday Cookies Decorating
• Snow at the Courtyard
• Christmas Ceramic Painting
• Holiday Village Craft Class
• Bailey’s Irish Cream Tasting
• Photos with Santa
• Special Holiday Dinner
• Holiday Live Entertainment
• Holiday Shopping at The Avenue Viera
• Holiday Ornament Craft • Holiday Jewelry Making
For a complete list of activities go to our calendar section in our website
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Neighbors Adventures in learning offers fulfilling courses for seniors BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER There is something afoot that not only can pique your interest, but might make you stronger, more knowledgeable or more creative. Senior Adventures in Learning (SAIL) of Melbourne is an interfaith, notfor-profit organization serving senior adults (50 and older) throughout Brevard County. In its 17th year, Shepherd’s CenterBeachside begins another term of its adventures-in-learning Jan. 6, 2022 through Feb. 25, according to Tony Armes, the director of Senior Adventures in Learning. “The program offers educational and recreational opportunities for older beachside and neighboring area adults and residents, offering about 40-plus classes over two days (Thursdays and Fridays) during the eight-week term,” he said. Instructors are seniors themselves, using the valuable skills that they have cultivated throughout their lifetime. The 50-minute classes include current events, history, Spanish, exercise, line dancing, science, gardening, basic finance, government and games. The cost is $20 for as many classes as the senior wants
SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo
SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo
SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo
Tony Armes is the director of Senior Adventures in Learning for older adults.
Robin Cramp teaches What in the World?
Evelyn Zahradnik takes SAIL classes in Brevard County.
to take. Robin Cramp, a world traveler, teaches What in the World?, concerning current events. Extremely popular, it fills fast. “Class members first see Around the World in 60 Minutes,” Cramp said. “Then they see different places for the next seven weeks to designate Europe, Asia, China, Canada and South America. Week eight is U.S. relationships with the rest of the world. “I am intellectually curious and retired and it is a career change,” said
Cramp as the reason he has taught the class for 14 years. “I’ve worked and traveled in over 40 countries and worked for international organizations. Now, it is really rewarding just to help people see purely the point of view.” With the Shepherd Center for 10 years, Leslie Johansen teaches Mindfulness Meditation and literature. “I saw it advertised at my church that first year, took a couple courses and liked it,” said Johansen, a high school English teacher for more than 35 years who decided to teach two courses — literature and meditation. Johansen taught fairy tales for the literature course during the last session and lecture and mediation for a second class. Both are popular. “The Shepherd’s Center is the best thing that they have ever done,” Johansen said. She said it gives her a chance to be back in the classroom after years of teaching. It also gives people an opportunity to visit a topic they like. “It is social as well as educational,” she said. “I probably saw a flier or something,” said Eleanor Groton about signing up for courses she has
been taking for seven years. “I am taking What in the World? It is an excellent course by an Englishman who has been all over the world and it is just fascinating current events. He gives the lecture in the point of view of economics rather than politics. He gets a lot of information and by Jove it is great!” “I take gentle yoga and have adapted to what exercises I can do,” Groton said. “It helps my breathing, yes indeed. The courses are well run by all volunteers, and it is so wonderful to see civic-minded people.” Cooking and chair yoga are Evelyn Zahradnik’s interests. “I am going to be 78 next month and let me tell you girlfriend, I am not going to get up from the floor if I get down there,” said Zahradnik of her yoga class. “I enjoy cooking. She is a German woman (instructor) and I have learned to do different German dishes. I have taken other courses over the years, but these are my favorites.” Online registration begins Dec. 26 at myshepherdcenter.org with classes beginning Jan. 6. SL
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Tech Know
Nine years without a cold?
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cientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast. Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria. Colds start when cold viruses get in your nose. Copper can stop germs before they spread. Viruses multiply fast. If you don’t one for Christmas and called it “one of the best presents ever. stop them early, they spread and This little jewel really works.” cause misery. Frequent flier Karen Gauci In hundreds of studies, EPA used to suffer after crowded and university researchers have flights. Though skeptical, she confirmed that viruses and bacteria die almost instantly when tried copper on travel days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights and not a touched by copper. That’s why ancient Greeks and sniffle!” she exclaimed. Businesswoman Rosaleen says Egyptians used copper to purify when people around her show water and heal wounds. They signs of unwanted germs, she uses didn’t know about microbes, but copper morning and night. “It now we do. saved me last holidays,” she said. The National Institutes of “The kids had crud going round Health says, “The antimicrobial and round, but not me.” activity of copper is now well Attorney Donna Blight tried established.” copper for her sinus. “I am Scientists say the high shocked!” she said. “My head conductance of copper disrupts the electrical balance in a microbe cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” cell by touch and destroys it in A man with trouble breathing seconds. Some hospitals tried copper for through his nose at night tried copper just before bed. “Best touch surfaces like faucets and sleep I’ve had in years!” he said. doorknobs. This cut the spread In a lab test, technicians placed of MRSA, and other illnesses, by 25 million live flu viruses on over half and saved lives. The strong scientific evidence a CopperZap. No viruses were found alive soon after. gave inventor Doug Cornell an Some people press copper idea. He made a smooth copper on a lip right away if a warning probe with a tip to fit in the bottom of his nose. The next time he felt a tickle in his nose that felt like a cold about to start, he rubbed the copper gently in his nose for 60 seconds. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold never got going. That Dr. Bill Keevil: Copper was September 2012. I use copper quickly kills viruses. in the nose every time and I have not had a single cold since then.” tingle suggests unwanted germs “We don’t make product health gathering there. The handle is curved and claims,” he said, “so I can’t say textured to increase contact. cause and effect. But we know Copper can kill germs picked up copper is antimicrobial.” He asked relatives and friends on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have to try it. They reported the same thing, so he patented CopperZap® touched. The EPA says copper still and put it on the market. works even when tarnished. Soon hundreds of people had Made in America of pure tried it. The feedback was 99% copper. 90-day full money back positive if they used the copper within 3 hours after the first sign guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code of unwanted germs, like a tickle FLSL11. in the nose or a scratchy throat. See www.CopperZap.com or Early user Mary Pickrell said, call toll-free 1-888-411-6114. “I can’t believe how good my Buy once, use forever. nose feels.” Statements are not intended as “What a wonderful thing!” product health claims and have exclaimed Physician’s Assistant Julie. Another customer asked, “Is not been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, it supposed to work that fast?” cure, or prevent any disease. Pat McAllister, 70, received (paid advertisement)
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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2021
Tidbits
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Home Decorators Collection
Home Decorators Collection
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Fraser Hill Farm
Fraser Hill Farm Mountain Pine
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Mr. Christmas
Mr. Christmas Alexa Compatible
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Evergreen Classics
Evergreen Classics Washington Spruce
High-tech Christmas trees are a smart choice for 2021 BY GEORGE WHITE With the average cost of a real Christmas tree expected to be about $80 this year, and considering advances in Smart Tree technology, it might be time to start thinking about high-tech trees. Higher gas prices and current supply chain delays mean Florida sellers need to pay more to get trees from the northern states. Still, people in the U.S. are expected to buy between 25 million and 35 million real trees this year. Enter the reusable Smart Tree revolution, each costing generally between $300 and $500. This saves time to set up and is considered more resilient around pets and children. And today’s LED light options allow for smarter operation through mobile apps and other tools. Some popular models: • Home Decorators Collection 7.5-foot Twinkly Rainbow Black Spruce, which features 600 RGB LED lights with more
than 3,400 evergreen tips. • Fraser Hill Farm 6.5-foot Mountain Pine that has the snowy look of frosted Christmas trees. It has eight different light modes and a sound-activated feature that can make the lights change in response to music. • Mr. Christmas 7-foot Vermont Spruce is compatible with the Alexa voice assistant with more than 2,400 flame-retardant tips and can shift between colors and various lighting functions. • Evergreen Classics 7.5-foot Washington Spruce that has a separate remote control with 400 LED lights that come with 10 different motion effects. Whether real or artificial smart trees, it’s best to act quickly to avoid current shortages and the expected higher prices, said Jami Warner of the American Christmas Tree Association. “If I can give one piece of advice to consumers right now, it is to find and buy your Christmas tree early.” SL
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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2021
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Senior Life Grand Slam Boomer Bash Nov. 18 at the USSSA Space Coast Complex in Viera PHOTOS BY BY ADAM PALUMBO
Grand-prize winner Bernice Griffith
HART volunteers have soft spot for thoroughbreds BY MARIA SONNENBERG Racehorses enjoy a pampered life during their careers, but not after their racing days are done. Many are shipped to slaughter overseas. The lucky ones find their way to sanctuaries such as Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds, or HART. “Most thoroughbreds are done racing by 3 or 4, but can live up to 30 years,” HART board member Donna Manfredi said. When she retired to Brevard County, Manfredi, who owned a boarding farm in Wisconsin, was soon drawn to HART and its seven acres in Port St. John. A stable of volunteers such as Manfredi give their hearts, time and treasure to the racehorses rescued from tracks around Florida. Renee Sawyer, who has two horses of her own at her place in Cocoa, volunteers six hours twice a week to muck stalls and exercise and groom the HART horses. “I grew up with horses and wanted
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to give back to the horse community,” she said. Some of the rescued thoroughbreds raced up to the day before arriving at Hart. Others, like Tech Princess, aka Rosie, had a life beyond the racetrack, but things didn’t work out. The 25-year-old Rosie ran her last race in 1999, but recently came to HART to find a forever home that will treasure a golden girl with a sweet temperament. Turning racehorses into companion animals requires patience but is necessary to increase their chances for adoption, the ultimate goal at HART. The kings of the racetrack share stable space with more modest equines that include three mini horses, permanent residents that serve as pintsized ambassadors for the nonprofit. HART stables also harbor five horses used in the riding program, which supplements donations that keeps hay in the stable. Young riders as well as seniors in their 70s are welcome to learn horsemanship.
SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2021
SENIOR LIFE photo
HART volunteer Renee Sawyer gives a treat to rescued racehorse Captivant, currently recuperating from racing injuries before she can be adopted.
Volunteers, the lifeblood of HART, also come in all ages. HART’s flexible volunteer requirements attract multi-generational families, couples
and individuals. “We have grandparents and parents coming in with the kids, and we also have plenty of seniors coming alone or as a couple,” Manfredi said. Susie Jones, who spends winters in Florida, volunteers at HART. “Cleaning stalls, feeding, watering, grooming and moving the horses out or in from pastures is good for my soul,” the Titusville resident said. Volunteers can help with the horses, or with administrative duties, grounds maintenance and special events. Seasoned volunteers will tell you that volunteering at HART is a two-way street. “Volunteers tell us they came to help the horses, but find that the horses are helping them,” Manfredi said. Volunteers and tax-deductible donations are always welcome at HART. Donors can choose to adopt a horse for themselves or as a gift for as little as $25. For more information, visit hartforhorses.org. SL
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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2021
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STRIP STRI PES
Brevard Veterans News
Significant needs of veterans met by the Marine Corps League
The crisp white shirts and blue pants with the red stripe and red covers or caps were unmistakable in identifying the Marine Corps League members of the color guard unit at a Veterans Day ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island, which also serves as the home base for the League’s Brevard County Detachment #513. Immediately after the ceremony, the members of the league were on their way to another presentation assignment. Many might know the Marine Corps League — especially at this time of the year — as supporting the Toys for Tots program that distributes toys to children of needy families. But
Members of the Marine Corps League always are a fixture at Veterans Day events. there is a lot more to the Marine Corps League Brevard County Detachment. These are veterans who continue to
serve fellow Marines, other veterans and in their communities. In addition to supporting the U.S.
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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2021
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SENIOR LIFE Rafael Sanchez
Marine Corps and fellow Marines, sharing in camaraderie, the local detachment participates in Wreaths Across America, the Missing in America Project, serve as honor guards at funerals and help fellow veterans wherever possible. “If there is a need, you have to do something,” said Vinnie Howard, the commandant of the Brevard County Detachment. “This is what we do, find a need, meet that need.” The need might seem simple, but significant. Sprucing up a roadside memorial to a fellow marine or other fallen troops could be one of those small but important projects. One member, Tom Fitzgerald, uses his caisson to honor fallen veterans at funerals at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. Other units might be involved in other projects. There is another detachment in Brevard County, the Barefoot Bay Detachment 918. Units or detachments are involved with Scouting and the Eagle Scout program, the Volunteer Assistance Veterans Service, POW/MIA Remembrance and as veterans service officers, helping fellow veterans access benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and scholarship programs. “We do fundraising events that help other veterans,” Howard said. “If there is a need somewhere, we respond to it.” Howard served in the Marine Corps from 1982 to 1986 when he left as a corporal. He said he enjoys the camaraderie with fellow Marines and the opportunity to help others. The Marine Corps League comprises 10 divisions, 48 departments and more than 1,140 detachments nationwide. SL
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Heritage Isle parade, ceremony honors veterans BY ERNEST ARICO Colorful golf carts decorated with flags, banners and signs highlighted the Veterans Day event at the Heritage Isle Clubhouse in East Viera on Thursday, Nov. 11. About 10 golf carts paraded around the clubhouse prior to the start of the ceremony honoring U.S. veterans from all military branches. Lynn and Paul Greenis, who moved to Heritage Isle a year ago, had one of the parade’s most colorful golf carts — one that looked like a 1958 red Chevy Impala.
SENIOR LIFE Ernest Arico
Lynn and Paul Greenis take their dog Ginger for a ride at the Heritage Isle Clubhouse Veterans Day parade.
“So many people made sacrifices,” said Lynn Greenis, who met her husband at a dance at Patrick Air Force base 55 years ago. “It’s important to honor these veterans and make sure we give them the respect they deserve.” Sally Gorham, who organized the golf cart parade, said her husband Alden served in the U.S. Navy for 40 years, her two sons are in the Navy, and her father also served in the Navy. “God bless America,” she said while waiting for the parade to start. “It’s great to have the freedoms we have and we owe a lot of our freedoms to our veterans.” Cris Lusher said she loves to decorate her golf cart for many occasions, especially on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. “It’s important to remember all who served for this country and died for us,” she said. One of the ceremony’s attendees was Chief Master Sgt. Chris McBride, superintendent of recruiting services at
Patrick Space Force Base. “I’m completely honored to be here today,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see people that have the same goals and dedication to our veterans. There is a long history of people who love our country. People really care.” Gerry McAnulty, a Heritage Isle resident who served as master of ceremonies, told the crowd: “We are here today to honor our heroes and to thank them for their sacrifices.” Heritage Isle residents Charlotte Seltzer gave the invocation and Anita Rigsbee sang the National Anthem. SL
SENIOR LIFE Ernest Arico
Colorful golf carts parade around the Heritage Isle Clubhouse during the Veterans Day event.
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Committed to a lifetime of service, veteran continues helping others BY MARIA SONNENBERG After a long career in the military and another lengthy one in corporate America, Bill Benagh continues to serve, these days helping veterans and their loved ones. The Michigan native, a 1959 graduate of West Point, had tried ROTC at Michigan Tech, but wanted an even further edge. “Ever since I was in high school, I had decided I wanted to go into the military, and I felt that if you are going into the military, graduating from one of the service academies puts you a step ahead,” Benagh said. By 1960, the newly minted second lieutenant was to become a field artillery officer with the Army 101st. Airborne, then off to Germany, where he was stationed with a missile unit. Benagh was back on U.S. soil by 1965 for additional artillery training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he stayed as a tactics instructor before being posted to Vietnam. Even in a job that is nomadic by nature, Benagh’s expanse of assignments was vast. “We moved 23 times,” he said. After serving with the 4th Infantry Division along the mountainous area of Vietnam near the Cambodian border, Benagh was ordered home to work for three years at Army Materiel Command Headquarters near
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Rodger Pickett
At 85, Bill Benagh remains busy with causes for veterans. Washington, D.C., before yet another tour of Vietnam, this time by the South China Sea. His career also included a year at Fort Bragg with the 82nd Airborne and several years at Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, where he began as a
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student and stayed to teach. His last duty before retiring as a lieutenant colonel entailed six years in charge of ROTC at the University of Dayton. The next chapter of Benagh’s life took him to the world of business development in the field of IT. Although he worked for six different companies
in the subsequent 18 years, he did not spend much time at the office. “I did a lot of travel, but I worked from home, because I told my employers I did not want to sit in an office,” he said. The arrangement even allowed him to schedule an annual month-long visit to Hawaii, where he could work under the palm trees instead of at his home in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. “I finally retired, retired in 2000,” Benagh said. Impressed by friends’ Florida lifestyle, Benagh moved to Indian River Colony Club in 2005. By 2006, he was deeply involved with Chapter 123 of the Disabled American Veterans, a chapter that had experienced growing pains before Benagh took over as commander in 2011. “He took our chapter and made it one of the best,” fellow DAV member Chip Hanson said. The busy chapter assists approximately 4,500 vets and their dependents to access benefits. “It can be very frustrating for the vets navigating the benefits,” Benagh said. Although Benagh stepped down as commander earlier this year, he still volunteers twice a week. “I’m not old enough to play golf,” the 85-year-old Benagh said jokingly. SL
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Dental visit full of wincing, whining and perfect smiles Visiting the dentist is nothing to smile about. Oh, the doc and the staff are very nice. And if it was just a visit, I would enjoy it so much more. When you walk in the office you are greeted by a lovely young receptionist with a perfect smile, of course, and immediately you are put at ease. You check in and have a seat, but you notice that everyone else in the waiting room looks like they just received an audit notice from the IRS. Nobody is smiling. Then you hear the high pitched whine of a small drill in the other room. Now you look like the IRS is after you, too. Even if you’ve never sat in a
dentist chair your natural reaction to the sound of that drill is “Oh, this can’t be good.” You’ll find out in a few minutes that’s so true. But first you must be pleasantly greeted by the hygienist, also with a perfect smile. Don’t get too comfortable. She might like you, but this is not a date. Unlike that former plus one that used to torture you during your time together, this one will do it with weapons. You can’t help but notice the little metal tray with all kinds of pointy razor sharp tools. Uh oh. For the next 30 minutes you try not to wince, whine or sweat, but you’re only so strong. That lovely young woman now feels like a middle
Funny thing is... Sammy Haddad
linebacker busting you in the mouth. Ouch. You’re so relieved when you hear the words “all done,” but the fun has just begun. The next room has a tray with even more weapons, including more than one of those drills you heard before. Now you have two
or three people attacking, one of them being the doc, who also has a perfect smile. I’m not falling for that anymore. I know this is gonna hurt. You think that drill sounded bad? When they press it to your teeth, your whole head vibrates. I guess that’s to loosen the rest of your teeth so you’ll come back to visit again. Then you hear the words again, “all done.” Whew thank God. But as if you haven’t suffered enough there’s just one more thing. On the way out you’re given a bill that could have covered your next car payment. Man, I can’t wait to be invited back for my next visit. SL
Christmas brings out special memories for people
What are you thinking about right now? Stores are decorated for the holidays, television commercials are focusing on Christmas gift purchases, family gatherings are being organized and special events are planned. There are triggers — songs, photographs, displays and pageants — that help us remember. We might have saved Christmas cards from previous years and read them again along with the newsletters before we send out our new greeting cards. When my children were in their late teens and would bring their dates to the house at Christmas time, I would have assembled the colored slides covering the nearlytwo decades of their lives during the holidays. The “Oh, Dad, why are you doing this?’ changed to smiles, laughter and joy. It was “Thanks for the memories.” As a small boy during World War II, I knew the toys from Santa would include Army trucks, tanks and small soldiers. A radio station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin broadcast “Billie the Brownie,” who connected us with Santa at the North Pole every afternoon at 5 p.m. My brother and I paged through the Sears catalog, made our lists and mailed our letters to Santa. Family would recall “A Charlie Brown Christmas” in 1968 when I stopped after work to buy a frozen tree at a bargain price off a lot in a snowstorm. After the tree thawed
Challenges of Living to Age 100 Ed Baranowski out in the tree stand in the living room, my wife and children cried. We used our artistic skills, loaded up the branches with hand-made decorations and sang songs. We were challenged and still remember. Through the years, Reminisce magazine showcased the best of Christmas and holiday memories in the December edition. I still page through old copies of the Ideals Christmas publications that featured religious and secular stories, artwork and memories from times remembered. So many years ago, I remember Ben Stein on his CBS Sunday
morning TV show commenting: “I the “reason for the season.” SL am a Jew, it doesn’t bother me a bit Ed Baranowski can be contacted when people say, Merry Christmas at fast75sr@gmail.com to me. “I kind of like it. It shows that we SUDOKU are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of the year.” After various groups protested, Nativity scenes in city squares switched to “Happy Holidays” greetings and added various secular festivals. Then others campaigned to “Put Christ Back into Christmas.” We remember in our own way Sudoku solution on page 26
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Behind the
Beat
By Randal Hill
‘Brand New Key’ — Melanie
At a London party in 1760, a Belgian violinist made a surprise entrance on a new invention called roller skates as he played his music. In doing so, he smashed into a mirror worth $1,000 and damaged it beyond repair. Through the years, roller skates evolved into metal contraptions that included a simple tool — a key to fasten them to a skater’s shoes. In her chart-topping novelty song “Brand New Key,” Melanie (born Melanie Anne Safka in 1947) tells of an enamored girl who skates to a boy’s house. He never seems to be home, though, and when the lad’s mother opens the door and explains that her son is inside but isn’t alone, the young lady understands why the guy has been avoiding her: he is seeing another girl he likes better. There’s a little-known back story to Melanie’s million-seller. In a
search for enlightenment, she once went on a 27-day distilled-water fast. A vegetarian, she broke her fast by munching on carrots, but became overwhelmed by the seductive smells from a nearby McDonald’s, where she succumbed to a burger, fries and soda meal. She claimed that the alluring aroma somehow conjured childhood memories of riding a bicycle and roller skating, and rationalized her visit to the fastfood chain by assuming that some kind of spirit voice was guiding her. At home, Melanie dashed off “Brand New Key” in 15 minutes, giving the melody a bouncy 1930s-style lilt. She never considered the ditty as a potential single release, planning to use it only during concerts to drop in as a surprise between her serious works about the trials of mankind. But her record-producer husband, Comprehensive Range of Treatments
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Peter Schekeryk, who had just started the couple’s own label — Neighborhood Records — sensed a hit 45 here. For a while, Melanie, who had skyrocketed to fame a year earlier with her rousing Woodstock anthem “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” railed against the idea of “Brand New Key” becoming Neighborhood’s debut disc, fearful that if it hit big she would no longer be taken seriously as a folk artist. (“I was sure I was doomed to be cute for the rest of my life.”) Numerous listeners often snapped to attention when they first heard the lyrics of “Brand New Key.” As a holdover from the 1960s, the drug scene remained prevalent into the next decade. This led some people to
think that Melanie’s tune was really about acquiring a key (a kilogram, or 2.2 pounds) of marijuana. Others dismissed her work as thinly veiled eroticism. Freudianesque symbols aside, Melanie maintains that exploiting matters of the flesh were never her intention. “People read things into it,” she grumbled later. “They made up incredible stories as to what the lyrics said and what the song meant. In some places, it was even banned on the radio.” Well, I got a brand new pair of roller skates You got a brand new key I think that we should get together And try them out to see. SL
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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Pat Swayne
Melanie Safka performs in Charlotte, North Carolina in February 2005.
Happy holidays from the BCOA The comfort and friendliness of Thanksgiving has passed and now we are approaching the warmth of Christmas. Many religions hold this season with a higher meaning, and the Brevard Commission on Aging joins in wishing everyone the happiness to make this a memorable holiday season. One of the important needs of every person is to know that they are remembered and feel the coziness of the holiday. Seniors who have no family nearby, or have none remaining, have spent the last two years in more isolation due to COVID-19. They now need your sharing and concern more than ever. We all have senior neighbors who will be alone for this holiday and they need to know that they are part of your neighborhood and municipality. Please take time to reach out and share some of
the warmth of this holiday. It can be simple such as knocking on the door and talking, have your children write them a Christmas card, invite them to dinner at your celebration or bring them a gift. You can consider giving groceries or a gift card, find a $10 to $20 gift such as a scarf, socks or a small appliance. If they are arthritic, find a can opener or jar opener that will help them. If they have trouble walking or balance, get them a new cane. For those who will spend the day alone, providing them with a holiday memory will make them feel they are a part of our great nation. Recognizing a senior will add more feelings of warmth no matter your religion. The Brevard Commission on Aging wishes everyone a happy holiday season. SL
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Highland County offers interesting, educational activities Less than a two-hour ride from Brevard County is a gem of a sightseeing tour or vacation destination — Highland County. The communities of Avon Park, Sebring, Lake Placid and surrounding areas offer a host of interesting and educational activities for the entire family. Avon Park is called the City of Charm and is located on U.S. 27 at the north end of Highland County. You can start by visiting the Avon Park Depot Museum, an old railroad station featuring the history of Avon Park. Here you can tour the original 1948 California Zephyr dining car. The museum is located at 3 N. Museum Ave. For more information, call 863453-3525. After the museum, check out the Jacaranda Hotel, built in 1926. It is located a few blocks east of the Depot Museum. This hotel is an example of living history and is one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in the county. Lunch and dinner are served at the hotel. The Avon Park Chamber of Commerce is a good source for information about the city. It is located at 28 East Main St. For information, call 863-453-3350. As you travel south on U.S. 27, your next stop is Sebring. Here you have an opportunity
Touring the Town
John Trieste
to visit the world famous Sebring International Raceway. Don’t miss the Children’s Museum of the Highlands. This is one of Florida’s finest museums dedicated to children. It is at 219 North Ridgewood Drive. For more information, call 863385-5437. Just four miles west of U.S. 27 on County Road 634 is the 9,000-acre Highlands Hammock State Park. The Florida State Civilian Conservation Corps Museum features displays about the park’s history. Guided tours by the park rangers are available. For information, call 863-386-6094. Stop by the Sebring Chamber of Commerce and pick up the latest Sebring Activity Guide. It is located at 227 U.S. 27 North. For information, call 863-385-8448. As you continue south on U.S. 27, your next stop is Lake Placid, the Caladium Capital of the World, and
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Picturesque Lake Placid is the Caladium Capital of the World. the Town of Murals. The caladium is best known for its colorful tropical foliage and is in full leaf from July through October. The Caladium Festival is usually held on the third weekend in July. Your first stop in Lake Placid should be the Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce/Mural Society at 18 North Oak Ave. Call 863-531-0211 for more information. At the chamber, you can see the original mural artwork and view a 19-minute video. There are more
than 45 murals painted on the town’s building. You can obtain a self-guided tour book of the murals and a host of other information on the area. Getting to Highland from Brevard County is easy. Take State Road 528 east to Interstate 4, then west to exit 55, which is U.S. 27 and head south. Continue south for 46 miles to Avon Park. Phone ahead if you are planning this trip because there might have been changes due to the coronavirus pandemic. SL
Cocktailing all the way around the holiday season BY NANETTE HEBDIGE
’Tis the season and that gives us a reason to be thirsty. And since we are all adults, we don’t have to be on the
nice or naughty list to enjoy a drink. Contrary to popular belief, creating an epic cocktail is not only about
knowing your alcohol. Besides, you don’t have to be a rock star mixologist to create impressive concoctions for your family and guests either. Holiday merriment is always merrier with a cocktail in hand. If they pack a huge wow factor with yumminess and if they are looking dashing, well then, you’re a winner. So, whether you’re preparing a drink for your significant other or for the celebratory crowd, these bold and brazenly inventive cocktails will leave everyone speechless, without having to hire your own bartender. Please don’t forget to make them
pretty. It’s all about the garnishes to take cocktails from ordinary libations to swoon-worthy creations! After a year packed with stress, here the stand-alone cocktails that will even dissipate any family-induced anxiety. These cocktails will make you feel holly and jolly with the jingle juice you’ve added. Even if you have shopped till you dropped or were done early with your online shopping, these celebratory holiday cocktails will bring much cheer to all the festivities. Happy holidays everyone and be safe! SL
MAPLE MANHATTAN
CDM IRISH COFFEE
Whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters are the typical contenders that constitute one of the OG (original gangsters) of cocktails — the Manhattan. It’s usually stirred, not shaken, and strained into a rock bottom or a chilled, martini glass. Omit the maple syrup, which is what makes it festive here, if you want to enjoy it year-round.
And last but not least, we wrap up with a flourish specially dedicated for those households, where everything outside is blanketed with pristine white snow. The most logical drink to sip sitting by a cozy fireplace while everyone tears into their gifts and “Jingle Bells” is playing in the background, is an Irish coffee. It’s exactly what Santa ordered to deal with CDM — Christmas Day Madness before breakfast, brunch, tea-time or after dinner, come to think of it! It’s fairly uncomplicated to make. A French press is best here, as you can regulate how strong you want your coffee. And of course, Jamison Irish Whiskey is one of the main protagonists being showcased here.
• ½ oz dry vermouth • 1 T Maple syrup • 2 oz rye (Knob Creek is a good choice or Bourbon can also be used) • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters • Orange zest • Ice cubes Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the rye, vermouth, maple syrup and bitters. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass, with a large whiskey ice cube. Twist the orange zest over the glass to release the oils of the peel and drop into the glass for garnish.
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Pour whiskey, coffee and sugar into a glass coffee mug. Stir well. Top with an even layer of heavy whipped cream, without stirring. For décor, you can top with a few coffee beans, a sprinkle of powdered cinnamon and a cinnamon stick.
SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2021
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HOLIDAY EVENTS HOLIDAY EVENTS HOLIDAY EVENTS Thursday, Dec. 2 Meet the Grinch with Melbourne PD 4 - 7 p.m. Come meet the Grinch, enjoy free raffles, crafts, selfie station, and don’t forget to wear your favorite Grinch outfit. Melbourne Square Mall near Macy’s 1700 W. New Haven Ave. Melbourne, 321-727-2000 Parrish Medical Center’s annual Gift of Light and Tree Lighting 5 - 7 p.m. The Gift of Light celebration is dedicated to those missing a loved one due to the pandemic and in honor of the community’s health care heroes for their extraordinary work. Photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Musical guests, the Titusville High School Orchestra, the Space Coast Sound Wave Choir, the Astronaut High School Jazz Band and other surprises. Parrish Medical Center 951 N. Washington Ave. Titusville, 321-269-4066
Saturday, Dec. 4 Junior League’s 37th annual Festival of Trees 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Annual community fundraiser that allows the Junior League of the Space Coast to continue improving Brevard County through financial and volunteer commitments. Foosaner Art Museum 1463 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-610-8950 Holiday Bazaar Dec. 4 and 5 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fabulous art and crafts, street food and live entertainment. Free admission. Pet friendly. Historic Cocoa Village Cocoa, 321-631-9075 Holiday Market Place 4 - 10 p.m. Bring your family to an evening of horse chariot rides, brick oven pizzas, drive-in movies and more. Donations and gratuity accepted. Oceanside Community Church 305 Cassia Blvd. Satellite Beach, 321-777-1658
vendors and food trucks. Extralarge vendor spaces allow social distancing between booths. Proceeds benefit FFC summer camp scholarships. Faith Fellowship Church 2820 Business Center Blvd. Suntree, 321-259-7200 Light Up Rockledge and Festival of Trees 6 p.m. Christmas tree stroll, Christmas tree silent auction to benefit 2-1-1 Brevard. Enjoy holiday music and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” Rockledge Civic Hub 530 Barton Blvd. Rockledge, 321-221-7540 Titusville Christmas Parade 6 p.m. Proceeds from the parade go to celebrate Recovery North Brevard, Kiwanis Meals on Wheels and the Titusville Civic Center Homeless Cold Night Shelter. Titusville High School 150 Terrier Trail, Titusville titusvillechristmasparade@ gmail.com Palm Bay Holiday Light Parade 6 - 9 p.m. The three-mile parade will leave the Eastern Florida State College campus and head north on San Filippo Drive, west on Malabar Road and end at Minton Road in front of City Hall. 250 Community College Pkwy. SE Palm Bay, 321-952-3443
Sunday, Dec. 5 Black Willow Christmas Festival 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Join us for some Christmas fun. $5 per person, under 2 free. Crafts, letters to Santa, hot chocolate, vendors, music and pancakes with Santa. The Vineyards at Black Willow 2350 Black Willow Trail Mims, 321-614-7375 Santa Paws for the Cause 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bring your pets and children for photos with Santa. Historic Cocoa Village Myrt Tharpe Square 12 Stone St. Cocoa, 954-270-2815
14th annual Messiah Sing-Along 3 - 5 p.m. The enduring Christmas oratorio by George Friedrich Handel. This ultimate Christmas concert is a free musical with hundreds of Central Florida singers. All area singers are invited to participate. The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra members will accompany featured soloists. Eastminster Presbyterian Church 106 N. Riverside Drive Indialantic, 855-252-7276
Inaugural CFEC Toy Drive Noon - 5 p.m. Live music, raffles, vendors, auctions and more. Club 52, 1100 N. Wickham Road Melbourne 321-259-1311
Holiday Marketplace 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Outside holiday shopping with over 40 artisans, crafters,
Community Band of Brevard Holiday Concert 3 p.m. A concert for the holidays.
Markstein Quartet Holiday Concert 3 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit with the Markstein Quartet. CSR Public Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-633-1792
Merritt Island High School Auditorium 100 Mustang Way Merritt Island, 321-338-6210 Sing We Now of Christmas 3:30 p.m. Christmas concert by the Indialantic Chamber Singers. Riverside Presbyterian Church 3400 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-426-0360
Wednesday, Dec. 8
A Classical Holiday Celebration 7:30 p.m. We missed observing Beethoven’s 250th birthday in December 2020, so we’ll celebrate the 251st anniversary instead. Of course, we’ll have all your holiday favorites too. Bring an item for the South Brevard Sharing Center. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-724-0555
Friday, Dec. 10 Make the Holidays Special Cooking and Crafting Demos 1 - 3 p.m. Add more fun to the holidays, cooking and crafting demo. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771 Caroling at The Avenue Viera 6 p.m. Brevard Music Teachers Association will sing. The Avenue Viera, Central Park 2261 Town Center Avenue Viera, 321-634-5390 Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade 6 - 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from the boat parade will benefit the Sharing Center. Cocoa Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd. Cocoa, 321-631-9075 Swingtime Holiday Dance 7 p.m. Dance to MMB’s Swingtime 21-piece big band playing the great songs from the Big Band Era and more. Vocals by Sally Hart and Len Fallen. BYOB and snacks. Also, snacks, soft drinks and ice are available for purchase. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-339-7705
Saturday, Dec. 11 Reindeer Run 2021 8 a.m. The proceeds from this race will benefit the Brevard County Police Athletic League. Cherie Down Park 8492 Ridgewood Ave. Cape Canaveral Merritt Island Airport 28th annual Breakfast for Toys for Tots 8:30 - 11 a.m. The pilots will serve breakfast with pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange juice to anyone who brings a new, unwrapped toy for
the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign. Merritt Island Airport 900 Airport Road Merritt Island, 321-266-7410 Eighth annual Edgewood Holiday Art and Craft Fair, Market 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Crafters, artists and vendors. Edgewood Junior/Senior High School 180 E. Merritt Ave., Merritt Island Holiday Food and Bake Sale 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tasty food from all over the world. Lots of goodies can be frozen, so get your holiday treats. St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Christian Church 4031 Aurora Road Melbourne, 321-960-9564
The Colors of Christmas 4 p.m. A variety dance show. Merritt Island High School Auditorium 100 Mustang Way Merritt Island, 321-452-2046
Wednesday, Dec. 15 Snowfall 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 to 16 Concert presented by the Melbourne Community Orchestra Melbourne Auditorium 625 Hibiscus Boulevard Melbourne, 321-285-6724
Friday, Dec. 17 Toys For Tots Holiday Celebration 5:30 p.m. Admission is to bring a new unwrapped toy that will go directly to Toys for Tots. Marta’s Legacy Dance Studio 262 E. Merritt Island Cswy., # 7 Merritt Island, 321-453-6277 3500 Sarno Road
Third annual A Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Fair 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Come out and meet some adoptable furry companions and enjoy local food trucks. Saturday, Dec. 18 Florida East Coast Real Estate 13th annual Family Christmas 423 W. Merritt Island Cswy. Extravaganza Merritt Island, 321-877-4800 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Join us for the biggest free, cityMelbourne Light Parade wide Christmas party. 6 p.m. Fred Poppe Regional Park A lighted night street parade. 1951 Malabar Road 1300 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Palm Bay, 321-952-5725 Blvd., Melbourne 321-544-1777 Wreaths Across America Kiwanis Drive-Thru Christmas Wreaths Across America will be Trail at Cape Canaveral National Cem6 - 9 p.m. etery to remember and honor A free drive-thru Christmas veterans through the laying of event. Remembrance Wreaths on the Space Coast Regional Airport graves of the country’s fallen 355 Golden Knights Blvd. heroes. Titusville — 9 a.m. 321-960-5971 J.N. Tucker Memorial Cemetery Shady Oaks 2665 N. Harbor City Blvd. Sunday, Dec. 12 Skydiving Santas of Cocoa Beach Melbourne, 321-514-9874 — 11:45 a.m. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cape Canaveral National Skilled and professional Cemetery skydivers from the country 5525 U.S. Highway 1 and around the world put on Mims, 321-383-2638 a show at Cocoa Beach for locals and visitors the Saturday before Christmas. The event is presented by the men and women of the Air Sports Parachute Team. Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier 401 Meade Ave. Cocoa Beach
Snow Day 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Come and enjoy our take on a Florida snow day to support Brevard students. We have sock skating, snowball fights, train rides, music and more. Eau Gallie Square Park 1453 Highland Ave. Melbourne 321-426-8757
Satellite Beach Christmas SUP/ Kayak Boat Parade 6 - 10 p.m. The Banana River Power Squadron will sponsor the 2021 Holiday Boat Parade. North end of Grand Canal, east side of the Pineda Causeway. Melbourne, 321-258-4492 Holiday Boat Parade 6 p.m. The Banana River Sail and Power Squadron will sponsor this annual parade. North end of the Satellite Beach Grand Canal and travel south beginning at 6 p.m. Satellite Beach, 321-773-6458
The Nutcracker Ballet 6 p.m. Rendition of the classic Christmas Concert “The Nutcracker Ballet.” 3 p.m. Eau Gallie Performing Arts Indialantic Chamber Singers. Eastminster Presbyterian Church Center, 1400 Commodore Blvd. Melbourne 106 Riverside Drive Indialantic, 321-426-0360 321-622-4713
Health & Wellness
Dr. K moves office to Viera, continues fight against pain BY JENNIFER H. MONAGHAN Dr. Vijay Katukuri has relocated his practice — Brevard Spine & Rehab Institute — to Office Park Place in Viera. Katukuri is a double-board certified physician who specializes in interventional pain management. Dr. K, as he is called by his sevenperson staff and patients, is assisted by Pushpa Daliya, a nurse practitioner who specializes in adult-gerontology primary care. Katukuri comes from a family of doctors; hence, he believes it was inevitable he would ultimately become a doctor himself. However, he began his adult career as a software programmer, but quickly realized that it was not his passion. “It just didn’t feel like it was my area,” he said. Medical school was his calling. “I like the hands-on approach with patients,” he said. “Pain medicine would be a better fit for me. Pain is one thing
SENIOR LIFE Adam Palumbo
Brevard Spine & Rehab Institute has a quality staff and is ready for new patients. that really affects someone every second of the day. My goal is to improve the patients’ quality of life, so they get their life back.” An interventional pain management fellowship brought Katukuri to Brevard County. The appeal of natural beauty and a small town with accessible
big-city amenities led him to establish residence and his practice in Melbourne. As a sole owner who manages most aspects of his business, Katukuri regularly works 16 to 18 hours a day. Therefore, living in a peaceful environment is important. “There is a lot of peace here that I
don’t find anywhere else,” Katukuri said. Daliya joined Katukuri’s office in August 2021. Prior to her role at Brevard Spine & Rehab Institute, she worked as a nurse practitioner specializing in physical medicine and rehab in Melbourne. Before that, she worked as a nurse practitioner in a hospital in Fort Myers. Daliya also believes that providing effective pain management can make a big difference in a patient’s life. “Mostly every day, we are able to help them; and listening to them is most important,” she said. “We are able to manage their pain and improve their quality of life and functionality. Daliya said she likes her workplace and the working atmosphere. “Everybody works as a team, they are supportive, and Dr. K is an awesome doctor and also a good human being.” Brevard Spine & Rehab Institute is located at 7332 Office Park Place, #103, Viera. Its website is brevardspineandrehab.com. SL
History1 — 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 - 1916
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Brevard County Historical Commission
Atley Bensen built this 1,200-square-foot house in 1916 on the banks of the Indian River Lagoon in Grant.
321-242-1235
Now - 2021
SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody
The Bensen House, which is now a museum, was moved in 1985 to its current location at Fisherman’s Landing Park in Grant Valkaria.
SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2021
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Ground breaks on 1,300-home, 55-plus community in Viera BY MIKE GAFFEY New communities keep coming to Brevard. Developers broke ground Nov. 11 on a 1,300-home gated community for residents 55 and older, planned on more than 500 acres west of the Pineda Interchange at Interstate 95. Del Webb at Viera will be national home builder PulteGroup’s first Space Coast community in more than 10 years and marks the company’s first entry into the region’s active adult market. Pre-selling should start in mid2022 at the development, which will offer single-family and villa homes with open floor plans and modern features. “It’s just a great opportunity for us to get back into the Space Coast and we’re happy to bring the Del Webb brand here. It’s the leading brand in the active adult market,” Clint Ball, the Central Florida division president of PulteGroup, said during the groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the southern end of Stadium Parkway. “We know there are a lot of buyers over here who are retiring and living the best part of their lives and we can’t wait to serve them with world-class product and innovation and lifestyle,” Ball said. “And we will have an amenity that’s something to see, and we can’t wait to get that built and show it off to everybody.” Del Webb at Viera will be built to appeal to the 40 percent of Brevard County residents 55 or older. With an emphasis on the area’s natural beauty and coastal and Caribbean influences, the development will feature water views throughout and tropical landscaping. Residents can enjoy a
20,000-square-foot waterfront clubhouse behind the community’s private gates, a 10-acre amenity site with a resort-style pool, cabana oasis, tennis and pickleball courts, a stateof-the-art fitness center, community garden, barefoot bar with food and beverage service, walking and biking trails, an event lawn and dog parks. Viers Company President Todd Pokrywa praised the “smooth relationship” between his team and the PulteGroup team that led to Thursday’s ceremony. “We’re very painstaking in our evaluation of what we do next in Viera, and we wanted to enhance the value of everything we’ve done and what’s coming in the future,” Pokrywa said. “So when we were evaluating how we fill the 55-plus, age-restricted, active adult market segment, it really wasn’t a question. This is the category leader. Del Webb at Viera elevates the offerings to our prospective residents in the master planned community of Viera. There couldn’t be a better partner to fill this market segment. It’s really taking us to the next level here in Viera.” Construction should begin soon on the southward extension of Stadium Parkway that will provide access to the development, Pokrywa noted. Ball said the Space Coast has changed drastically since PulteGroup last built homes in Brevard County. “I was joking earlier that I had to educate people in the company that they launch rockets and land them on barges now,” he said. “We’ve come a long way in terms of the technology and innovation and all of the job growth that creates a wonderful environment for people to live here.” Visit delwebb.com/Viera for more information. SL
SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue
Clint Ball of PulteGroup, left, cuts the ribbon with Todd Pokrywa of The Viera Company at the Del Webb groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremony.
Melbourne apartment complex for active adults marks groundbreaking BY MIKE GAFFEY Owners, partners and local officials broke ground Nov. 12 on Parasol, a Melbourne apartment complex designed for active adults 55 and older. The four-story luxury community at 4881 Dairy Road will offer 159 one- and two-bedroom units and a variety of amenities that will enable residents to maintain independent lifestyles. “We love the area, we’re excited,” said Jonathan Cohen Rabinovitz, the founder and co-chairman of ADËLON Capital, a Hollywood, Florida-based real estate investment, development and asset management firm. “We know that this is a one-of-a-kind product in Melbourne. We’re bringing a completely different style of life.” Parasol plans call for 85 onebedroom, one-bath apartments and 74 two-bedroom, two-bath units, ranging in size from 742 square feet to 1,067 square feet. Apartments will feature luxury finishes, fully applianced kitchens with granite countertops, nine-foot ceilings, central air conditioning, washers and dryers, screened-in lanais, covered parking, a 24-hour emergency call system and a la carte housekeeping services. Pets are welcome, too.
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SENIOR LIFE Jill Gaines
Community leaders and company officials lead a ground-breaking ceremony for Parasol, a Melbourne apartment complex. Community features will include a state-of-the-art wellness and fitness studio, a restaurant and bistro, Grand Club Room and bar, saltwater pool and hot tub, outdoor kitchen and barbecue, beauty salon, movie theater, library, massage studio, creative arts workshop, pond and walking trails, community garden, putting green, car wash and a dog park and dog-washing station. Residents can participate in numerous social activities such as arts and crafts workshops, cooking lessons, yoga, Pilates and dance
SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2021
classes, academic courses, gardening, happy hour and tasting events. Alongside ADËLON Capital and its principal co-investor, CIMBRA Partners, for the groundbreaking ceremony were representatives from New York-based United Group of Companies, whose property management arm, United Plus Property Management, will oversee daily operations at the new community, and Certified General Contractors, the project’s Melbournebased general contractor. Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey, City Councilman
Mark LaRusso and Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce President Nancy Peltonen also attended the event to offer their best wishes for Parasol’s success. Developers are hoping for a September 2022 opening, Rabinovitz said. “What we want is to create happiness,” ADËLON Capital Chairman and Founder Daniel Berman said. To learn more, visit ParasolMelbourne.com or call 321373-1249. SL
myseniorlife.com
Cosmetology trailblazer rejects retirement after decades BY MARIA SONNENBERG If you love a well-styled head of hair, chances are good your stylist was taught by Darlyne McGee, whose school and salons have honed the skills of countless stylists in Central Florida. “I don’t know anyone in Brevard who has done more for cosmetology,” said fellow stylist Karen Lewis, who has known McGee since the 1960s. At 82, McGee remains passionate about the cosmetology industry she joined almost five decades ago, not because she was in love with the field, but primarily because of a car. The Texas native, who moved here with her family at age 11, did not harbor lifelong dreams of becoming a stylist. She simply chanced upon the job after her husband purchased a new family automobile. “I just didn’t want to go into debt, so I got a job,” McGee said. The young mom took an evening
SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg
A pioneer in the cosmetology business in Brevard County for about five decades, Darlyne McGee has no plans of retiring. part time job as a receptionist/ shampoo girl at a hair salon. Soon, the stylists were asking for her help with coloring hair.
“They told me I had a natural talent,” McGee said. She eventually enrolled in beauty school and joined a local salon, but by 1973, she was ready to strike out on her own, opening Silhouette Hair Design in downtown Melbourne. From the start, McGee’s philosophy was to mentor young stylists. The Melbourne salon proved so successful that McGee expanded to a second in Indian Harbour and a third in Palm Bay. Her stable of salons eventually numbered seven. “Anybody who wanted hot-looking hairstyles went to Silhouette,” McGee said. Her staff encouraged her to open a beauty school, and McGee did in 1987 with the Darlyne McGee School of Cosmetology in Melbourne. Students flocked to learn styling from the best. “She had the best cosmetology school in the area and was always very approachable,” Lewis said. Always ready for the next
challenge, McGee also spent considerable time traveling the world to judge styling competitions. “I was also traveling every other weekend to teach,” she added. She credits her success on plain hard work. “It’s not “if you build it, they will come,” but rather “if you build it and work your butt off, they will come,” she said. Eternally expanding government regulations eventually led to the sale of the school in the 1990s and McGee has since pared down to one Silhouette salon in a picturesque historic building in the Eau Gallie Arts District. She still teaches advanced training in person at her salon and has embraced social media, hosting Facebook Live classes twice a week. Don’t even mention retirement. “When the Good Lord calls me, that’s when I’ll retire and not before that,” she said. SL
Renovations keep theatre moving on to the next act BY MARIA SONNENBERG For Peggy and Terry Girard, Melbourne Civic Theatre, or MCT, is a second home, with an association that spans decades. “I have been involved with MCT in one way or another for 45 years,” said Peggy Girard, who started volunteering there in high school when the organization was known as Indian River Players. She has done it all, from costumes to acting, to stage managing up to her current job as resident director. Terry Girard is the MCT newbie of the two, since his involvement began when he joined the cast of “The Shadow Box” in 1982, just shy of 40 years ago. To keep the show going on, he was in more than half of the productions during the pandemic. “I’ve been with the organization through many highs and lows, in its various locations,” he said. Despite those ups and downs, MCT has survived when many other similar groups have called it quits. Brevard’s longest running arts organization started life modestly in the municipal auditorium at Trailer Haven in 1952. After three seasons, the theatre moved to a former Navy mess hall at the World War II-era Naval Air Station located on the site of Melbourne Orlando International
SENIOR LIFE photo
Terry and Peggy Girard have both acted and written plays for the MCT. Airport. Partially burned down, the mess hall was renovated and served as the theatre’s home for almost a quarter of a century. Renovation has accompanied the theatre throughout its history. In 1988, the group joined the efforts to renovate the Henegar Center in downtown Melbourne, becoming the resident theatre group — with a name change from Indian River Players to Melbourne Civic Theatre — when the former school reopened as the
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Henegar Center for the Performing Arts in 1991. It was time for renovations, again, in 1999, when MCT turned the former Meadowlane Library in West
Melbourne into a theater. Renovations were finally over when MCT moved to its current home at La Galerie in downtown Melbourne. The 93-seat theater was once The Ensemble Theatre of Florida and later the Phoenix Theatre. Terry Girard, who has performed in all of the South Brevard theater venues, knows that each theater is singular in character. “Each has its own culture and core group of people,” he said. He enjoys MCT’s six-week runs, typically longer than most of the other community theaters. “After putting all the effort into learning a play, it’s nice to get to do it a while,” he said. Working together with Peggy Girard is another definite plus. “Doing a show together can have the minor stress of any couple’s project, but it’s time we spend together, and hanging out after a performance is our primary mode of socializing with friends,” he said. SL
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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2021
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December Just to be safe — please call each event location to confirm date and time.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
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Happy Hanukkah
Cooking in an Instant and Air Frying
6 - 8 p.m. This cooking class is a hands-on experience. YUF/IFAS Extension 3695 Lake Drive Cocoa, 321-633-1702
Free Ranger-Led Tour
10 - 11 a.m. First and third Sundays Tours will take place on the boardwalk and various trails throughout the sanctuary. Tours are led by a park ranger and will focus on common plants and animals found in the sanctuary. Turkey Creek Sanctuary 1518 Port Malabar Blvd. NE Palm Bay, 321-676-6690
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Caroling Downtown Melbourne
5 - 9 p.m. Indialantic Chamber Singers will move about the downtown Melbourne area performing Christmas carols. Downtown Melbourne 321-426-0360
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9 a.m. This is a fun and familyoriented 5K. Wickham Park 3865 N. Wickham Road Melbourne president@ spacecoastpride.org
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Wickham Senior Center 2785 Leisure Drive Melbourne, 321-255-4494
Gingerbread House Day Rainbow Run 5K
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National Hard Candy Day
Line Dance Class
2 - 4 p.m. $3 members $4 non-members North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-225-487
National Cocoa Day China Painting
Senior Fitness
10 - 11 a.m. $3 members, $4 non-members North Brevard Senior Center, 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-383-0735
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Zumba Gold
Christmas Nativity Drive-through
9:30 a.m. Fun class designed for the over-50 crowd with a licensed instructor. $5 members, $7 non-members. First class free. Freedom 7 Senior Community Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. Cocoa Beach, 321-783-9505
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5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Faith Viera Lutheran Church 5550 Faith Dive Viera, 321-636-5504
National Fruitcake Day
Mahjong
11 a.m. $2 per person Freedom 7 Senior Community Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. Cocoa Beach, 321-783-9505
Poker
6 - 9 p.m. $2 members, $3 nonmembers North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-544-1430
Gift of Light
5 - 7 p.m. Enjoy holiday magic as we light our tree and get a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Parrish Medical Center 951 N. Washington Ave. Titusville, 321-269-4066 6 - 8 p.m. Bring your ugly sweater and join the party. 50/50 raffle and raffle prizes. Hell 'n Blazes Brewing 1002 E. New Haven Ave. Melbourne, 321-821-4052
From the staff at Bluewater Creative Group
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Ugly Sweater Holiday Happy Hour
Happy Holidays! Last day of Hanukkah
THURSDAY
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Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Medicaid Seminar
10 a.m. Elder Law Attorney William A. Johnson. RSVP 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771 Ask-a-Tech 2 p.m. Mobile phone or tablet one-on-one 30-minute coaching session. CSR Public Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-633-1792
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Patrick Tech Expo
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The annual Patrick Tech Expo is back. Hosted by AFCEA, the expo is free and open to all military, government, contractor personnel and those interested in technology. The Tides Club 1001 N. Highway A1A S. Atlantic Ave. Patrick AFB, 660-624-0869
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Christmas Card Day
Light Has Come Sarah Kroger Concert
7 p.m. Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church 3050 N. Highway A1A Indialantic, 321-773-2783
Holiday Marketplace and Winter Festival
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Join us for a day of shopping and fun. Courtenay Springs Village 1200 S. Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island 321-452-1233
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FRIDAY
Viera Park Market
4 - 8 p.m. Local fresh foods, artisans, crafters and food trucks. Viera Regional Park 2400 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-759-3713
9:30 a.m. Fill a bag for only $5 or buy one, get one free. Friends of the Melbourne Library. Melbourne Public Library 540 E. Fee Ave. Melbourne, 321-952-4514
Food Truck Friday
Drive-thru Nativity Experience
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11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend as well as city employees. There will be shaded seating available to enjoy your lunch outside or take it to go. Palm Bay City Hall 120 Malabar Road Palm Bay, 321-952-3400
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10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bring your latest project, scrap booking, etc. Freedom 7 Senior Community Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. Cocoa Beach, 321-783-9505
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Join us for a personal tour of our community, visit our live-in managers, and learn how all-inclusive living makes it easy to celebrate life. RSVP. Shell Harbor Senior Living 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge, 321-252-4882
9:45 - 11:45 a.m. Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-345-6061
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Cocoa Village third annual Holiday Bicycle Parade. Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd. Cocoa, 321-631-9075
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5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Free golf tips included with a paid bucket of balls. Duran Golf Club 7032 Stadium Pkwy. Viera, 321-504-7776
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Winter Solstice
Tap and Jazz
10 - 11 a.m. $2 members, $3 nonmembers North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-264-2776
Billiards
Jazzercise Lo
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Drive Melbourne, 321-255-4494 Satellite Beach Golf Cart Club Golf Cart parade. Facebook/Satellite Beach Golf Cart Club or email SatellitebeachGCC@gmail. com
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Pinochle
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. $2 members $3 non-members North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-231-1135
Tik Tok Day
Friday Afternoon Movies
Saturday Night Dance
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Jingle Bell 2 Miler
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Jingle bells for everyone’s shoes, fun stocking awards. Riverfront Park Satellite Beach Library 751 Jamaica Blvd. Satellite Beach, 321-779-4004
Christmas Boat Parade
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Christmas Eve
Surfers dressed up as Santa. Watch them ride in on the waves at this free event. Coconuts on the Beach 2 Minutemen Causeway Cocoa Beach, 321-720-8033
Christmas Eve Live Nativity
5:30 - 7 p.m. Club Zion Community Church 830 S. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-799-434
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9 - 10:30 a.m. Stop by to safely shred your sensitive documents for free. There is a two-box limit of personal shredding only. Cape Canaveral Precinct 111 Polk Ave., Cape Canaveral, 321-264-7755
7:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. The Melbourne Municipal Band presents a Rock & Roll revue, three-hour open bar, elegantly served dinner, dancing and a champagne toast at midnight. Hilton Rialto 200 Rialto Place Melbourne 321-339-7705
BCSO Shred Event
5 - 8 p.m. Live action vignettes depicting Bethlehem and the first Christmas. Suntree United Methodist Church 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-242-2585
“Free Guy” RSVP Sunflower House 777 E. Merritt Island Cswy. Merritt Island 321-452-4341
Surfing Santas 2021 National Re-Gifting Day 8 a.m.
Holiday Golf Cart Parade
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wickham Senior Center 2785 Leisure Drive Melbourne, 321-255-4494
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7 - 10 p.m. Second and fourth Saturday Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-208-7148
Chocolate-covered National Wear Anything Day Your Pearls Day Bicycle Parade Crafty Ladies Drop in Social Shell Harbor Open House SHINE Counselor
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Pelican Beach Park 1525 N. Highway A1A Satellite Beach 321-345-8540
7:30 a.m. Golf tournament to benefit active military, veterans, ROTC and JROTC. Cocoa Beach Country Club 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. Cocoa Beach, 321-868-3351
A presentation by Dr. Summerpal Kahlon about the latest guidelines for COVID-19 vaccine. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
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Free Tip Tuesdays
National Cookie Day Veterans and Military Support Golf Tournament
COVID-19 Booster News, First Saturday Sidewalk Lunch and Learn Book Sale 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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Satellite Beach Farmers Market
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SATURDAY
New Year's Eve
2021 New Year’s Eve Gala
6 p.m. Join locals for the Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade. Sykes Creek Canal Merritt Island, 321-213-0478
Christmas
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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2021
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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Livy contemporary 5 Tobacco plugs 10 Low-budget film (hyph.) 12 Christie sleuth 13 Plan 14 Traffic circle 15 Men’s accessories 16 Italian writer 18 Sault -- Marie 19 Feminine principle 21 Nash of humorous poems 25 An antiseptic 29 San Antonio landmark 30 Honshu port 32 Longest bone 33 Ward off 34 Term papers 37 Lacks 38 Laments shrilly 40 Tai language 43 -- Paulo, Brazil 44 Brief letter 48 Reanimated corpse 50 Unearth (2 wds.) 52 Shuns 53 Chant 54 Lap dogs 55 Dingbat
Crossword solution, page 26
DOWN 1 Former Atlanta stadium 2 Show of hands 3 Folksinger Burl -4 Uproar 5 Cote murmur 6 Sellouts 7 Was, to Caesar 8 Became frayed 9 Pigpen 10 Harness part 11 Shangri-la 12 Ad 17 A fifth of DX 19 Parka 20 Makes pretty 21 Clumsy one 22 Merriment 23 Stops up 24 Rhea cousins 26 Aha! (2 wds.) 27 Back of the neck 28 Made do with 31 Hirt and Gore 35 Words of approval 36 Body of water 39 Rule of thumb 40 Feel great affection 41 In a frenzy 42 Stage award 44 Prohibition (hyph.) 45 Klemperer or Preminger 46 Istanbul resident 47 Pollution control org. 48 Ray gun blast 49 Freudian subjects 51 Acorn bearer
Shell Harbor
It’s A Wonderful Retirement Life. Discover the value of all-inclusive independent retirement living! We take care of everything with one monthly price and no buy-in fee, so you can enjoy the gifts in life.
Open House Wednesday, December 15 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Join us for a personal tour of our community, visit with our live-in managers, and learn how all-inclusive living makes it easy to Celebrate Life! RSVP by December 10.
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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2021
Unable to join us? Call today to schedule a private tour!
321-252-4882
2855 Murrell Road Rockledge, FL 32955 ShellHarborRetirement.com
myseniorlife.com
Senior Life
News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John
North Brevard Charities raise the spirit of giving by helping those in need BY FLORA REIGADA The sound of Salvation Army bells is a reminder that Christmas is near. Bell ringers invite the community to support the organization’s year-round services and programs, such as feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless and providing financial assistance to those in need. During the holiday season, the Salvation Army’s outreach extends to toy drives and Angel Trees, on which Christmas wish lists are shared with potential donors. Although this effort mainly benefits children, the needs of another group deeply moves Kathy Broome, the service center manager at the Salvation Army of North/Central Brevard. “It saddens me to see anyone doing
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Linda Trawle
Ron Russell, Bob Swink, Vee Campbell and Pauletta McGinnis stand with an angel tree.
without, but my heart goes out to seniors who have no family and receive no gifts,” Broome said.
Their wish lists are included on the Angel Trees, which are in stores, malls, corporation offices, churches and other organizations. For information, call 321-632-6060 or go to salvationarmyncbrevard.org North Brevard Charities in Titusville also reaches out to put food on tables and toys under Christmas trees during the holiday season. Families meeting certain income guidelines receive holiday meals with turkey or ham and the accompaniments, as well as toys for children under 12 years old. The community can help by contacting the organization for a child’s wish list, then bring unwrapped gifts to the office on a prearranged day. Individuals and organizations can conduct a toy drive, give online or mail a check.
North Brevard Charities is at 4475 S. Hopkins Ave. For more information, call 321-269-6555 or go to northbrevardcharities.org The local Benevolent Patriotic Order of Does #183, an Elks Lodge affiliate, fills stockings for residents of Liberty Lodge, a drug-addiction treatment center. “We include small toiletries, candy, jerky, white socks, stationary, stamps and envelopes,” Marilyn Gudgel said. A thank you note from a young recipient brought tears to her eyes and assured them they were on the right track. “He told us that was the first stocking he had ever received,” she said. “We want to let them know someone cares.” SL
Brevard County Christmas parades return with the season BY FLORA REIGADA
As COVID retreats, Christmas parades in Brevard County march forward. An overview follows. • The Light Up Viera Holiday Parade starts 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27 at Viera High School at 6103 Stadium Parkway. Fireworks begin at 6 p.m. and the parade follows. • The Mims Christmas Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 at Mims Elementary School at 2582 U.S. 1. • The Bible On Parade starts at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 at Melbourne Auditorium at 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Every child is to receive a gift at a celebration following the parade. • Light Up Rockledge and Festival of Trees starts 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Rockledge Civic Hub at 530 Barton Blvd. Free entry, just bring a canned food item. • The Cocoa Beach Christmas Street Parade takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 starting at the
• SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Sharilyn Marshall
One of the boats decked out for the holidays at the 2020 Satellite Beach Christmas Boat Parade was sponsored by The Banana River Sail and Power Squadron. Cocoa Beach Public Library at 550 N. Brevard Ave. • The Titusville Christmas Parade takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 starting at Titusville High School and proceeding north on Washington Avenue. • The Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10 starting at Cocoa Riverfront Park.
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• The Turkey Creek Christmas Boat Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 in front of the Palm Bay Marina. • The Cocoa Beach Boat Parade starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 at channel marker 101, near Centennial Park, across from Cape Canaveral Hospital on State Road 520. • The Melbourne Light Parade starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 at 1300
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and heads south to Hibiscus Boulevard, then west to Gateway Drive. The community can donate a nonperishable food, new toy or pet food. Volunteers will collect the donations for the Second Harvest Food Bank and Brevard County Pet Food Bank. The Kiwanis Drive Thru Christmas - Come Fly With Me, takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 at Space Coast Regional Airport. The Port St. John Christmas Parade starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18 on Fay Boulevard and Waterloo Avenue then proceeds west to Carole Avenue. The Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18 at Sykes Creek Parkway. The Satellite Beach Christmas Boat Parade starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18 at the north end of the Grand Canal, then follows it south, circling Lake Shepherd clockwise. The parade ends at the Banana River. SL
Be a part of the Space Coast’s award-winning Boomer Guide If you have changes or would like to place an advertisement, call 321-242-1235
NAME ________________________________________________________________________ PHONE _______________________________________________________________________ EMAIL _______________________________________________________________________ HOBBIES YOU ENJOY: ______________________________________________________ Complete and mail this form with two to three photographs of yourself. Applications without photos will not be considered. Mail to: Boomer Guide Model Search, 7350 Shoppes Drive #102, Viera, FL 32940. Applications can also be submitted via email (with photos attached) to media@bluewatercreativegroup.com.
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SENIOR LIFE • DECEMBER 2021
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Vintage Rides 1951 Chevy Pickup
The 1951 Chevy pickup was a totally new design for Chevy after World War II. It is a Model 3600 Advanced Design, long bed. It is restored and modified with a V8 engine and a three-speed automatic transmission. It has power steering, power brakes, air conditioning and cruise control, which did not exist when the truck was manufactured. Michael Hulko has owned the truck for about 3½ years. Before buying it, he would surf the internet looking at old trucks. His wife wanted to make sure he bought a truck he wanted before she died of cancer three years ago. The truck is sometimes exhibited at car and truck shows in Brevard County.
Owner: Michael Hulko
Crossword Solution Crossword on page 24
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