Senior Life, August 2023

Hospital volunteer strums her way into visitors’ hearts

BY RANDALL P. LIEBERMAN

When Robin Rokobauer of Cocoa Beach retired as a library assistant from Cocoa Beach High School in 2012, she still wanted to help others.

Though she wanted to volunteer for a school, schools weren’t open during the pandemic.

So, Rokobauer, 68, followed a friend who was volunteering at Health First’s Cape Canaveral Hospital. While volunteers do an assortment of jobs at the hospital — including some on patient floors — Rokobauer was assigned to drive a golf cart and transport patients or visitors from the parking lot to the building entrances.

While not driving, Rokobauer greets hospital guests by playing a pink ukulele.

“People are usually coming to the hospital for some pretty serious things,” Rokobauer said, “so I like putting them in a lighter spirit and mindframe before they go inside.”

Her ukulele playing has been well received.

Driftwood art changes man

BY JEFF NAVIN

Thomas Gross wasn’t happy. In fact, he was miserable. Commercial painting and wallpapering left him unfulfilled. “I was depressed — I was

never around people,’’ said Gross, who owns Second Chance Creations Driftwood Art. “I might go a year working on milliondollar homes where I would never see anybody. I was absolutely miserable with life. I had been

house painting with my dad since I was 10. I was good at what I did, but I was trapped.’’ Three years ago, everything changed.

WOOD continued on page 13

“Our cart drivers like Robin are the first connection to Health First visitors will see,” said Joelle Boccabella, the manager of volunteer services for the three Health First Community Hospitals in Cape Canaveral, Palm Bay and Viera. “It is important that our visitors have a positive impression of Health First right from their arrival.”

While Boccabella pointed out that volunteer staffing at her three hospitals is at adequate levels, she did say the number of volunteers are down slightly since the start of the pandemic. Any new, interested volunteers would be very welcome.

UKULELE continued on page 4

It’s hard to believe that just days after you receive this edition of Senior Life, school will be back in session and we will need to be extra cautious when driving.

But, it also means that while August is one of the hottest months of the year, it also means that the relentless heat will begin subsiding. It will still be hot; this is Florida, after all. So, an important thing is to stay hydrated. Even when it’s not too hot, I try to remind myself to drink water even before heading outdoors and maintaining a periodic intake of liquids. We tell you in a story in this edition about how to keep from getting dehydrated when working or playing outdoors.

Outdoorsmen like Doug Miller, 87, of Indian Harbour Beach, would probably tell you about staying as cool as possible and hydrated. He spends most of his days fishing. He has landed some record-size fish from the beaches on the Space Coast. He has the photos and taxidermy to show for it.

We are about to conclude our series Games People Play, with the game of rugby, which is not widely played in Brevard County, at least not by many boomers and seniors. It is a rough game, but there are opportunities to get involved on the Space Coast, even for seniors.

For our indoor game, we have a story on rummikub, another unusual game, at least at local senior centers. But it might be something some might want to try.

I have been fascinated by battery-powered tools since they first started becoming commonplace. Now, battery-powered lawn mowers are becoming more common, at least in the home-improvement stores. Just plug in your battery to charge it up and you’re ready to mow without the need for gasoline or pulling an electric cord behind you.

There is so much more in this edition of Senior Life. We have many other stories, we hope will inform, entertain and inspire you. SL

R. Norman Moody

Bowling lanes to ocean waves — 87 year old mastering art of fishing

BY SUSAN HOUTS

On most days, spry, friendly and active 87-year-old J. Douglas “Doug” Miller can be found along a Space Coast beach pursuing his passion for fishing.

Known around his apartment complex for his unwavering love for reeling in big catches, the Indian Harbor Beach resident has also been well-recognized as a champion bowler in his home state of Ohio.

Throughout his lifelong fishing career, Miller has reeled in a number of fishing records. He has even become a bit of a local celebrity in his own right, with many of his fishing pictures hanging on the wall of Man Overboard Bait and Tackle, his favorite beachside bait shop.

A Mansfield, Ohio native, Miller moved to the beach with his son and family in 2016 after 15 years in the Atlanta area; his wife Karen passed away in 2015 after 50 years of marriage. Miller said he spent much of their time in Georgia fishing on Lake Allatoona, just north of Atlanta, and it was there where he caught a lake-record longnose gar, measuring 54 inches and 25 pounds, a record reportedly just broken in June of this year with a 27-pound fish.

Another record is possibly held by Miller, not for the size of the catch, but for the age of the fisherman: a 5½ foot, 70-pound bull shark caught from the beach on a 20-pound line, using an 8-foot surf rod after a half-hour fight by an 85 year old. According to Miller, this is just one of the 47 total sharks he has been able to land here in five years.

Miller said the key to success is

knowing that “good fishing is fishing the right way in the right place,” and that takes “knowledge, experience and always luck.”

One of his most powerful memories on or off the water had to do less with fishing and more with lucky timing, paired with a life-saving decision he made on a sunny day in his boat.

“One summer afternoon in 2007 on Lake Allatoona in North Georgia, I was just heading out to Red Top Mountain St. Park Marina going

FISHERMAN

Continued on page 26

ESTATE PLANNING BOOKLET

By Attorney TRUMAN SCARBOROUGH

SENIOR LIFE Susan Houts Doug Miller holds several records for the size of fish he has caught, but he is most proud of rescuing two swimmers.

PEOPLE PLAY Games

Rugby player has more of a family experience with sport

BY RANDALL P. LIEBERMAN

Rugby football is named after the Rugby School in England, where in 1823 a young student named William Webb Ellis picked up the ball during a football (soccer) match and started running with it before he was thrown to the ground violently as might be expected.

Soon, a new full-contact sport was developed known as rugby — short for football as played at the Rugby School — which is a sport extremely popular in Europe and elsewhere. It is one of the least popular and well-known sports in the United States — though it is the most popular club sport on U.S. college campuses.

Virgil Russell, 52, of Indialantic, began playing rugby as a teenager in England and joined the local Brevard Old Red Eye Rugby Club when he moved to the area in 1989. As a young man, Russell was a highly competitive rugby player, serving as both captain and player-coach of the local Brevard club for many years and leading it to success.

For individual honors, Russell was a good enough rugby player to be selected to both the Florida Rugby Union and Eastern Rugby Union South all-star teams.

But, as Russell got older and started raising a family — and as he had less time to train competitively to participate

Virgil Russell, 52, of Indialantic, tries to fend off an attempted tackler. He joined the local Brevard Old Red Eye Rugby Club in 1989 and still loves to meet the physical demands of the game. He continues to turn out for home matches when he knows the club will need extra fill-in players.

in the sport — Russell began seeing rugby less as a path to competitive glory and more as an outlet to have fun. Furthermore, playing rugby allowed Russell to have common interests with teammates when living in different places around the world — and gave him opportunities to travel to exotic destinations around the world to make rugby vacations part of his family’s travel and vacation plans. Every time Russell plays rugby now, for example, it is not a solo adventure and he usually is accompanied by his wife Rachel and/

or daughters, Alex, 29, and Daphne, 11, and/or his son, Finley, 8. Having his family so involved in the sport is not sometimes without its challenges, however.

“I played in a match a few years ago where this young enthusiastic player in his 20s was giving the pregame speech,” Russell said. “Needless to say, his talk was rather salty. My young daughter, Daphne, who was about 8 at the time, was listening to this guy’s every word and later she said his talk was the coolest thing she had ever

UKULELE

continued from page 1

“We treat our volunteers as if they were paid associates,” Boccabella said. “They are a major part of our family. It’s a wonderful feeling people can get when they give back to something larger than themselves.”

Boccabella said there are about 130 volunteers at Cape Canaveral Hospital, 110 at Palm Bay Hospital and 185 at Viera Hospital. (Additionally, there are more than 150 volunteers at Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne).

While there are more teenagers volunteering at Viera Hospital, Boccabella said a large majority of volunteers at Cape Canaveral Hospital (about 90

heard. That was not quite my finest moment as a dad.”

Russell still occasionally turns out for home matches for the Brevard Old Red Eye Rugby Club — the team for which he has played for the past 34 years except for a six-year stint where he lived and played rugby overseas — when he knows a few extra fill-in players will be needed. The majority of his rugby activities these days are in Masters Rugby — which is generally a little more social and less competitive than the game played by younger players.

Very often at Masters Rugby Tournaments, sides are split into categories of 35-and-older teams, 50-and-older teams and 60-and-older teams (usually this oldest division is no longer a full-contact activity and almost totally a social event). One such Masters Rugby Tournament that Russell is looking forward to is the World Masters Rugby Classic scheduled to take place Oct. 20 to 26 in Orlando. Eighty masters rugby teams from all over the world will be invading Orlando that week and Russell expects that he will be an integral part of organizing masters rugby players from the two local rugby teams (Brevard Old Red Eye and the now-defunct Space Coast Rugby Club) to form a side to play in this event.

“This is a major event that is coming right into our backyard next year and we have many former players excited to participate,” said Corkey Newman, president of the Brevard Old Red Eye Rugby Club.

For more information about the Old Brevard Red Eye Rugby Club, visit brevardrugby.com. For more information about the World Masters Rugby Classic, visit worldmastersrugby. com. SL

percent) and Palm Bay Hospital (about 80 percent) are retired seniors. Boccabella highlighted that Health First volunteers are entitled to great benefits, such as an application fee waiver at Health First’s Pro-Health & Fitness in Viera; free drinks from the cafeteria during their shift; and 25 percent off cafeteria and gift shop purchases.

Additionally, after 90 days, insured volunteers who become inpatient admittances at any Health First hospital or facility will have 50% of their out-ofpocket expenses picked up by the health system.

For more information or to apply to volunteer at a Health First hospital, visit hf.org/ volunteer SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Virgil Russell

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

Robin Rokobauer, a volunteer courtesy cart driver, and Rocky Veltri, the courtesy cart volunteer coordinator for Cape Canaveral Hospital, plan their work day.

Rummikub quickly became a hit at Wickham Park Senior Center

BY BARBARA JEAN MEAD

Rosalie Novak got hooked on rummikub and shares her passion for the game from 1 to 4 p.m. every Wednesday at the Wickham Park Senior Center at 2785 Leisure Way in Melbourne.

“I live in a 55-and-older community and every Sunday we got together and played (the card game) Hand and Foot,” Novak said. “One day, somebody said, ‘Did you ever play rummikub?’ I said I never even heard of it. She said, ‘Oh it’s a great game. I have one. I’m going to show you.’ Well, the minute we played, I loved it. It’s a quick game everybody can play.”

Rummikub is pronounced rummy cube and is played like a combination of rummy and mahjong. It is a tilebased game best played with two to four players.

The object of the game is to be the first player to eliminate all the tiles from your rack by forming one or more sets.

To start, each player picks a tile from the 106 tiles (two sets numbered 1 through 13 in four colors; black, red, blue and orange and two joker tiles). Each player picks the tile from the tiles face down on the table and the player with the highest number goes first, with play proceeding clockwise around the table.

Players put the tiles back on the table facedown and each player draws 14 tiles and places them on their rack and the opening set starts.

In each player’s first turn, they try to make a set from their tiles of one or more groups or runs that add up to 30 points. If they can’t play, they draw a tile and their turn ends.

Once each player has made their first turn, they can add more tiles to groups and runs that are already on the table.

Novak approached the president of

the Senior Center and volunteered to establish the game in an unoccupied room at the center. She started out with two tables and advertised in the February 2022 flier. The first two weeks she had so many people there, she had to get two more tables and bought four games and donated them to the center.

Membership to Wickham Park Senior Center is $20 a year. It costs $1 to play for Senior Center members; $3 for non-members. SL

SENIOR LIFE Barbara Jean Mead Rosalie Novak, second from left, shows Iva Hays, left, Lynne Thomas and her husband Steve Thomas the opening moves of rummikub.

“... the minute we played, I loved it. It’s a quick game everybody can play. ”

— Rosalie Novak

Identity theft is the fastest growing form of fraud today

BY ERNIE DORLING

Identity theft is one of the most insidious forms of white-collar crime.

Prospective victims are contacted directly by criminals who use lies and deception to persuade victims to part with their money. Sadly, credulous senior citizens who lack technological sophistication are the primary targets of identity theft.

“You think of your bank as being a place where your money is not only safe, but a place that will take strides to protect you,” Gail Sherry said.

Gail and John Sherry of Suntree were both victims of an elaborate fraud scheme that resulted in them losing $73,900.

The Sherrys said their bank did virtually nothing to help recover any of their money. “In the end, we were responsible for the entire amount of the fraud,” John Sherry said

The painful lesson the Sherrys learned was that victims of such criminal acts are often alone to fend for themselves. However, banks such as Wells Fargo, JP Morgan Chase, and Bank of America are committed to combating fraud, spending millions of dollars each year on technology and client education in order to prevent scammers from tricking customers. Still, some certified fraud examiners believe banks bear some responsibility for failing to implement stronger security measures like the lack of measures that failed the Sherrys.

“I don’t feel like the bank did much to prevent this,” Gail Sherry said. “They should have realized what I was doing, (wiring money to Hong Kong

from my home-equity line of credit), was out of the ordinary.”

Threats are changing daily as scams become more sophisticated. Banks, however, will never ask you to send money to reverse fraud on your account or resolve an issue; something that the Sherrys were asked to do. It’s always important to know where you’re sending your money. If it’s to a scammer, the chances of you getting your money back are almost impossible.

So, who is behind this? Well, more often than not, it is now organized

crime groups, terrorist groups and foreign criminal enterprises. They seek to drain your savings accounts, open new credit cards in your name, and open new bank accounts.

The number of types of schemes that scammers are using today are only restricted by one’s imagination. Don’t be fooled.

Imposters are looking for ways to appear legitimate as they seek to obtain your personal information. For instance, you might get a voicemail or text message telling you your bank account has been compromised,

or, will be closed unless you go to a website where you’ll be asked to provide personal information. This is called phishing. Think of throwing a line in the water hoping to catch a fish. In this case, they’re phishing for personal information, and you’re the fish. They might say your account has been hacked, then ask you for personal information. They might ask you to confirm, verify or update your account information. Banks don’t do this.

Be skeptical. Think before you open an email and/or text message. Never open an email with an attachment on it from people or businesses that you don’t know. Scammers are also turning to Zelle as a means to steal your money. In this case, the scammer will email, text or call pretending to work for the bank’s fraud department. They’ll claim someone is trying to steal your money and will solicit your help in fixing the issue.

Another new scheme involves QR codes, like we see in restaurants where the menu is online, or which allows us to make a payment.

Scammers are placing their QR codes in inconspicuous spots. When you scan the code, you’re prompted to make a small purchase or enter your credentials or password on a similar website.

Learn how not to engage. Learn how to say no when a caller you don’t know gets through to you. SL

Note: In the next edition, we’ll tell you about what you can do to prevent yourself from being a victim of fraud. And, what critical steps you must take if you are.

Captioned phones available free for hard

hearing

BY RANDALL P. LIEBERMAN

Who says you can’t get something for nothing? In the state of Florida, if you suffer from hearing loss, you can get at absolutely no cost, a CapTel Captioned Telephone, which displays captions on a phone display screen to allow people with hearing loss to see word-for-word captions during a phone conversation.

“We support the hard of hearing by providing greater access to effective communication tools and information,” said Michael Atteo, the CapTel Outreach, Education and Installations Division (OEI) area outreach educator for Central Florida.

In order to receive a CapTel phone, applicants must submit a form signed by a professional qualified to evaluate hearing loss (such as a physician or audiologist) — or by an authorized representative from a government program. Once approved, a CapTel area outreach educator such as Atteo will install the phone and provide individualized instruction. And if users ever have technical problems, there is a 24-7 tech support number available for troubleshooting.

These life-changing communication tools became available for free by Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulations in 2003 and again in 2006. This program is funded by

CAPTIONED PHONES

Continued on page 13

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

Scams are becoming more sophisticated as devious criminals try to steal your identity.

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TECH KNOW TIDBITS

Cut the cord, make lawn mowing easier during hot summer

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER

Battery-powered lawn mowers offer great advantages for smallersize lawns, are quiet running and pleasantly lightweight while kind to the environment.

“The best mowers come with plenty of features to make your lawn-cutting experience as enjoyable as possible,” according to BuyersGuide.org

“You want to be able to adjust the blade height to tailor your mower to your preferences. A walkbehind mower offers more ease if automatically powered, some offer mulchers and grass-catcher bags, all attached to the mower. But the batterypowered motors do also come in riding varieties.

Since batteries offer a limited run time, these types of mowers are best suited for small- to medium-sized yards. Most run for 45 to 50 minutes at a time. Since they provide less torque than gas-powered mowers, they may

not meet the challenge of tall or thick grass.

“However, they are an ecological choice since they have zero carbon emissions. Like corded electric

mowers, they’re lightweight, quietrunning and cost-saving. They also offer the ultimate maneuverability since you are not connected to a cord,” according to Buyers’ Guide.org

“I liked the mower for its convenience of no gasoline,” said Denny Brader of West Melbourne.

“I liked the charged battery, the fact it was quiet, and it did a good job cutting the lawn. Storage was a breeze as it collapsed and stood up taking less room. But it didn’t last. After two years it started to fail, not only its electrical parts but it became undependable, quitting when mowing even though the battery was fully charged.”

The battery-powered mowers may be ideal for those with limited strength or mobility since it doesn’t require as much muscle use as other push mowers, according to Consumer Reports

Mowers range in price from a couple hundred dollars and up for an automatic driven push mower to several thousand dollars for a large riding battery-operated mower that runs on many batteries at once. The mowers are readily available in area stores or online. SL

Exhibitors show off products, services at Brevard Home and Garden Expo

BY RANDALL P. LIEBERMAN

The 10th annual Brevard Home and Garden Expo saw 65 exhibitors bring their products and services to the Melbourne Auditorium on July 15 and 16.

“Our expo is the largest of its kind in Central Florida,” said Jenna Smith, the co-producer of the event along with her husband, Frederick. “Our goal is to put the area’s

leading contractors and suppliers in a position to assist consumers thinking about replacing, repairing or remodeling their homes, gardens or patios.”

Some of the new exhibitors, including All Aluminum and Screening, Greener Shingles East Coast FL Inc. and Stack — Moving Box Rentals. All Aluminum and Screening specializes in custom pool cages, lanais and insulated covered patios. Founded in 2022 by Mike Jaffe and Ty

Keenan, two well-known contractors in Brevard County for 20 years, All Aluminum and Screening installs all of its custom designs to its customers’ needs. The company specializes in panoramic openings and unique shapes which add value to client’s properties.

“Mike and Ty were very honest and professional and were able to install our screens way sooner than expected,” said Alexa Young, a satisfied client.

Greener Shingles East Coast FL Inc. supplies a product new to the Brevard County area that allows for the rejuvenation instead of replacement of asphalt roof shingles at a much cheaper cost to homeowners, according to Mark Watson, the company vice president.

“Most asphalt roof shingles can last 20 to 40 years, yet typical roof warranties span approximately 15 to 25 years,” Watson said. “This means total roof replacements happen more frequently than the shingles’ estimated lifespan. If treated early, though, you can extend the lifespan of your roof shingles much longer than originally estimated.”

Greener Shingles’ solution is soybeanoil based and is a reformulation of the asphalt rejuvenator used to preserve the oil in roads, driveways and parking lots.

Stack — Moving Box

Rentals is another product new to the Brevard County area. The idea is for people moving to rent and return plastic bins and dollies the bins stack on, rather than buying, assembling then discarding cardboard boxes.

“Over 900 million cardboard boxes are wasted each year on moving,” said Frederick Smith, the local representative for the company. “If you use our product, you will eliminate waste while making your move more efficient.”

For more information, visit allaluminumscreening.com, greenershinglesofflorida. com and stackmoves.com SL

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock

Battery-powered lawn movers can run about 45 to 50 minutes on a single charge.

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

Ty Keenan and Mike Jaffe have been well-known contractors in Brevard County for 20 years.

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

Moving can be more efficient by utilizing reusable plastic bins.

YEARS. ONE MISSION.

CONGRATULATIONS,

Sonata Senior Living

Since opening its first community in 2008, Sonata has been committed to raising the bar in senior living. As it celebrates 15 years of service excellence, it continues its endless pursuit to offer more to seniors and their families.

• More meaningful connections to improve lives

• More passionate and caring staff

• More personal freedom

• More safety and security features

• More wellbeing and socializing

Sonata’s innovative services and award-winning amenities and programming are here for you and those you love!

Expect more joy at Sonata East at Viera!

Veteran specials available. Call today to schedule a personalized tour and learn more about Sonata Senior Living.

STRI PES

Veteran-owned businesses, others work to help each other succeed

It is refreshing to see how veteranowned businesses network and help each other succeed while also benefiting indirectly from organizations such as the Space Coast Economic Development Commission.

I was privileged to recently witness some of the interactions between the business owners, Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses CEO Stu Smith, and the EDC President and CEO Lynda Weatherman.

Weatherman said the EDC looks at the military installations on the Space Coast as economic engines, and as such, the organization fought to keep them all during the 2006 Base Realignment and Closure. At the time, the EDC along with other organizations and businesses fought to keep Patrick

Air Force Base, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the Naval Ordnance Test Unit. It continues to work for strong ties with the military.

“To reverse a BRAC is one of the proudest moments of my career,” Weatherman said at recent meeting of the FAVOB.

Some of the businesses have government contracts because of the

military presence on the Space Coast. Others do business with government contractors. Thousands of jobs are tied to these contracts, so the economic impact reaches other businesses, including those owned by veterans.

And these businesses look to hire veterans first. It is veterans looking out for other veterans, whether it is by how they do business with or by the people they hire.

Weatherman said there is a need to educate locals on the value of a veteran work force. The Department of Defense Skill Bridge program is available to those companies, and it is vital to keep it alive. It is a training and development program whereby an active-duty military member nearing separation from the military can easily

transition to a civilian job. Military members come with discipline, training and good work ethics.

Weatherman said there is a need to educate companies on the value of the veteran workforce.

“Veterans tend to stay longer with a veteran-owned business or one with a distinct veteran culture,” Smith said.

To hear these veterans speak of their experiences, it is clear to me that a veteran would be a good addition to any company, veteran-owned or otherwise.

During the meeting, I witnessed businesspeople talk about how they can collaborate or work with each other. They exchanged contact information.

Long-serving veteran considers dental missions his greatest accomplishment

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

One night 20-odd years ago, while Burl “B.C.” Shubert slept peacefully during Reserve duty in Germany, the phone rang. It was a U.S. Army representative, calling to inform him he had surpassed a record by serving 42 years in the military.

It was a wake-up call in more ways than one and got Shubert thinking it perhaps was time for retirement. Although Shubert’s service record has been exceeded by officers such as the late Gen. John W. Vessey Jr., with a 46-year service career, it still remains impressive, considering he spent a significant amount of time taking care of soldiers’ dental needs.

Shubert’s story begins in a tiny hamlet in Northern Indiana, where as a good son and only child, he listened to what his father said.

“He told me he thought I’d do really well in the National Guard,” said Shubert, who agreed and joined at age 17 in 1957.

Why the Guard?

“If you lived in an itty-bitty town in Indiana back then, that’s the only branch of the military you knew,” he said.

“My father wanted me to go into the medical field and I liked my dentist,” he said.

The affable Shubert also joined the Army Reserves, where he remained for 34 years. He attended Emory University School of Medicine, where he studied general dentistry, and New York University for orthodontics.

perfect demographics and this was the place,” he said.

Shubert eventually added satellite offices as far south as Vero Beach, so you could say that many smiles along the Space and Treasure Coasts owe their radiance to the boy from Indiana.

Rica, Panama and Hawaii during 30day compassionate medical missions sponsored by the Pentagon.

“We were doctors, but we were ambassadors as well,” he said.

Shubert served in the National Guard for eight years, with duties that ranged from KP (mess duty) to medic, before heading to the field of dentistry.

Why dentistry?

While practicing in Miami, he began searching for a new location that would afford him a pleasant lifestyle and plenty of patients. He found it in Indialantic.

“I took a census of Florida and looked at the entire state to find the

As he was nearing retirement, he was deployed in Desert Storm, but, fortunately, remained in the states, helping soldiers with their teeth. Duty was like pulling teeth, literally, for 12 hours a stretch.

Shubert considers his greatest contribution the time he spent ministering to the poor in Ghana, Costa

Another major accomplishment for him was establishing the local chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. The project necessitated raising $200,000 and a board of directors, both of which he orchestrated.

Shubert is the kind of guy anyone would like as a friend.

“He’s kind, generous, thoughtful, loving and very, very bright,” his partner Claudia O’Brien said.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Klinton Landress

Burl Shubert served 42 years in the military as a dentist on the advice of his late father

“He’s kind, generous, thoughtful, loving and very, very bright.”

—Claudia O’Brien

Lucky in love and war, veteran pilot recounts stories of World War II

BY SUSAN HOUTS

During his 100 years of life, World War II pilot Richard “Dick” Walter has had quite the journey, finding love on the links and adventure in the skies.

The walls of this Army Air Force veteran’s cozy apartment at Chateau Madeline in Melbourne are covered with pictures and memorabilia of his exciting history.

Well known around the senior living facility for his interesting stories, Walter is quick to share details about his time in the military, especially his time flying “The Hump,” a military route over the eastern end of the Himalayan Mountains used to resupply Allied Troops in China.

Flying seems to have always been in his blood. As a young boy, Walter would build model airplanes out of balsa wood and paper. But before finding his own wings in war, Walter had actually enrolled in Cornell to be a veterinarian.

“But I soon discovered that the sight of blood did not enthuse me,” he said.

Before he could make too many more career steps, the war came “and that changed everything:”

“I remember I was in the fraternity house at Cornell when the news came through that Pearl Harbor (attack) happened,”

Walter said. “I turned to one of my classmates and said ‘boy, our life is changing right here and now.’ And that was certainly true.”

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor drew the United States into World War II.

After basic training in Miami Beach, Walter was shipped to India by way of Melbourne, Australia.

“I had never been more than 100 miles away from home,” he said. “This was quite an adventure.”

After spending three years in the China/Burma/India Theater, he was released on Christmas Day 1945. He didn’t give up his wings, however, and kept flying in the Reserves until 1968.

“I saw more places and did more things than I did during the war,” he said.

After his military service, Walter settled into his hobby of playing golf, which is where, in a chance meeting at a golf tournament, he

met and fell in love with Joan, his wife of 35 years.

When asked the inevitable question to the secret of his long life, Walter shrugged, smiled and said, “I don’t know; it just kind of happened.” SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Richard Walter Richard Walter served as a pilot during World War II.

SENIOR LIFE Susan Houts

Richard Walter, 100, easily recalls detailed stories of his service during World War II as a pilot flying missions across the Himalayan Mountains.

Astronauts, visitors celebrate Atlantis exhibit’s 10th anniversary

BY MIKE GAFFEY

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction turned 10 years old June 29 and some high-flying guests stopped by to celebrate.

Veteran shuttle astronauts Richard “Mike” Mullane, Anna Fisher, William “Bill” Shepard, Guy Gardner, Mike Baker and Chris Ferguson visited the retired orbiter in its 65,000-square-foot indoor facility for two live-in-person panels with space center guests.

Astronauts also answered questions submitted online by the public during the event, hosted by former CNN space reporter John Zarrella.

“This was the first orbiter on display that really had a display that justified it,” Ferguson, a U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member who commanded Atlantis’ final flight in 2011, said of the exhibit. “It’s beautiful and you really get a chance to appreciate it from every single angle.”

Atlantis went on public display at KSC on June 29, 2013, after having flown 33 missions in space and having carried 156 crew members into orbit.

The 122-foot-long, 151,000-pound space plane first launched on Oct. 3, 1985. Atlantis lifted off July 8, 2011 and landed at KSC on July 21, 2011 for the shuttle fleet’s last mission.

During its time in service, Atlantis orbited the Earth 4,848 times and traveled nearly 126 million miles.

KSC now displays Atlantis with payload doors opened and mounted at a 43.21-degree angle to give the appearance of being in orbit. A multistory digital projection of Earth rotates behind the orbiter. The facility also features more than 60 interactive exhibits chronicling the shuttle’s missions.

Atlantis was chosen to reside at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in April 2011, and groundbreaking for its new home began in 2012. Three remaining orbiters are on display across the United States. Shuttle Discovery is at the Steven F. Udar-Hazy Center, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s annex at Washington Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C.

Endeavour is at the California Science Center in Los Angeles and Enterprise, which never flew in space, is on display at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. Astronauts shared their memories of life in zero gravity high above Earth

with hundreds of KSC visitors gathered beneath Atlantis.

“I loved the whole experience of being in space, being with crew members that I really, truly admired and are still good friends with, and doing a very complex mission, and also getting to be weightless is a lot of fun,” said Fisher, a mission specialist aboard shuttle Discovery’s second flight in November 1984.

“It was just everything I ever dreamed about. I remember when I came back the first thing I said to my husband was, ‘It’s all worth it. It’s worth every little bit of the hard work and sacrifice, because it’s just an amazing experience.’ ”

Kissimmee found the astronaut-studded event “fantastic.”

“Hearing the conversations about things we don’t read about, we don’t know about, their personal experiences, was just out of this world, so to speak,” said Larcher, whose family has annual KSC passes and drove to Titusville for the event.

Larcher noted that her grandson, Justin, 15, was inspired enough by a previous space center visit to want to pursue a career in engineering in hopes of building spacecraft.

“That was a life-changing event for him,” she said.

For more information about the Atlantis display, visit kennedyspacecenter.com. SL

“I loved the whole experience of being in space, being with crew members that I really, truly admired and are still good friends with, and doing a very complex mission, and also getting to be weightless is a lot of fun.”

— Anna Fisher, Space Shuttle astronaut

KSC visitor Andrea Larcher of

SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey

A crowd gathered for the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Atlantis’ exhibit at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey

Veteran astronauts speak during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. From left are Chris Ferguson, Mike Baker, Guy Gardner, William “Bill” Shepard, Anna Fisher and Richard “Mike” Mullane.

“I was out in the front yard talking to a neighbor when I kicked a palm frond,’’ the 54-year-old Gross said. “It kind of looked like a turtle. I grabbed a knife and cut some pieces off to make legs and then I made a head. All of a sudden, I had a sea turtle.’’

The quick work made an impression on the neighbor.

“She asked, ‘Can I buy it?’ I said, ‘How much will you give me? She said, ‘Fifty bucks.’ I handed it over. She ordered three more. It kept happening. My wife (Nicole) thought it was incredible. I’ve made more in the last couple of weeks than I would make at my old job in a whole month.’’

Gross collects driftwood to carve fish. There’s no short supply as he roams along the shore line of the Indian River Lagoon from the Pineda Causeway to the Melbourne Causeway.

“I’m always disgusted by what I see in the river with the trash,’’ said Gross, a 1988 graduate of Jupiter High School. “I always bring back a bag to send to the landfill. Sometimes, it’s overwhelming. It can stink so bad, but I can see that the bottom is getting clearer.’’

Some of the fish he carves are marlin, sailfish, snapper, kingfish, tarpon and shark.

“I’ll see a pile of driftwood and I’ll see a fish,’’ said Gross, who attended Culinary School at the now-defunct Lincoln College in South Florida.

“I see things in the wood and

CAPTIONED PHONES

Continued from page 6

a small fee on all telephone bills. The genesis of CapTel goes back to the 1970’s when Rob Engelke, an engineering student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, invented a teletypewriter (TTY) such that the deaf could communicate by text. In 1977, Engelke founded Ultratec and built a miniature, microprocessorbased teletypewriter that plugged into a regular phone line to make the cost of these devices much cheaper. In 1998, Engelke then founded CapTel as a way for the hard of hearing to better communicate and feel more comfortable during phone calls.

In the 2000’s, CapTel introduced an IP-based version to allow users to receive captions through high-speed Internet.

In 2012, CapTel released its 840i model, which had a built-in answering machine, could work with WiFi, and is ideal for users more comfortable with a traditional-style telephone. Then, in 2013, CapTel released its 880i model which has an extra-large display screen ideal for users with low vision. Cap Tel’s latest model, the 2400i, has a touch-screen, the largest screen of any model, an easy to follow menu system, and advanced sound quality features. CapTel 2400i also provides Bluetooth wireless technology, enabling users to connect wirelessly to Bluetooth headsets, assistive devices, hearing aids and cell phones.

For more information on how to get a captioned telephone, visit CapTel. com, or call 561-373-7543. SL

in the clouds. I don’t go to church, but I’m a Christian. I talk to God everyday and ask him to protect my family. I’ll see people’s faces in animals and I just love fish. I love

being around water and it’s my sacred place.’’ Gross couldn’t have made the career change without the help of his wife.

“My wife inherited some money after her father passed away, ” he said. “She was so generous in allowing me to focus on my art. I would have been too afraid to do it otherwise.”

Gross plans to have a booth at the Space Coast Arts Festival scheduled for Oct. 14 in Viera. He also can be contacted via his Facebook page Second Chance Creations. SL

“I’ll see a pile of driftwood and I’ll see a fish. I see things in the wood and in the clouds.”

— Thomas Gross

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

Thomas Gross creates fascinating art by using driftwood from the Indian River Lagoon.

Compass Landing by Margaritaville delayed until summer 2025

BY MIKE GAFFEY

A targeted opening date for Melbourne’s Compass Landing by Margaritaville, a resort inspired by tropical troubadour Jimmy Buffett, has been pushed back from fall 2024 to late 2025.

Construction at the 4.6-acre riverfront site along U.S. 1 has been temporarily slowed, said a representative for the project’s developer, Mirpuri Real Estate Holdings LLC.

“There is a pause in the project,” said Rhonda Butler, an office coordinator in Mirpuri’s Indialantic office.

Site work originally began in October 2022 on the estimated $65 million complex at 705 S. Harbor City Blvd.

Plans call for a seven-story, 146room hotel overlooking the Indian River Lagoon, a two-story, 400-seat restaurant, a 221-slip, recreationaluse marina for 30- to 50-foot boats, a 14,000-square-foot event lawn area with an entertainment stage, a fourlevel parking garage and a public boardwalk promenade.

Cheryl Marr, Melbourne’s public information officer, said boardwalk work is still proceeding at the site, “but that’s the only activity the city’s been made aware of.”

Located just north of NASA Boulevard and south of Cherry Street, the long-vacant property adjacent to the Marina Towers office building has been occupied by several restaurants since the 1980s: Shooters, Skipper’s,

Dixie Crossroads and Coral Bay. In 2004, back-to-back hurricanes Frances and Jeanne badly damaged Coral Bay, and the restaurant was torn down in 2011.

The new marina is scheduled to be built on three submerged acres at the site of the old Intracoastal Marina, which also closed after the 2004 hurricanes.

A dry-storage boat building on the

property was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and later demolished.

Other Compass hotels are in Bradenton, Florida, and Medford, Oregon, and new locations are opening soon in Naples, Florida, Beaufort, North Carolina., and North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Debuting in 2020, Compass by Margaritaville celebrates the laidback, island lifestyle chronicled by

time machine in August...

Aug. 27,1902

Henry Leland creates the Cadillac Automobile Company from the remnants of the Henry Ford Company, naming it after Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, founder of the city of Detroit.

Aug. 30, 1983

Aboard the Challenger, Guion S. Bluford Jr. is the first black astronaut in America to travel in space.

Aug. 6,1928

Clarence Birdseye invents the quick freezing method for packaging frozen food.

singer-songwiter-author Buffett, 76, in such hits as “Come Monday,” “Volcano,” and his signature song “Margaritaville,” which inspired the Mississippi native and Palm Beach resident to launch a booming lodging, alcohol, licensing and media empire.

Buffett still performs for loyal fans known as Parrotheads, but a recent health scare forced him to cancel several shows. SL

Aug. 16, 1977

Known as the King of Rock with 18 No. 1 songs, Elvis Presley dies at 42 of a heart attack in Memphis, Tennessee at his Graceland home.

Aug. 15-18, 1969 Woodstock, a music and art fair, attracts more than

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Melbourne City Hall Compass Landing by Margaritaville, planned at 705 S. Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, is slated to feature a seven-story, 146room hotel overlooking the Indian River Lagoon, a two-story, 400-seat restaurant, a 221-slip marina, a 14,000-square-foot event lawn with an entertainment stage, a four-level parking garage and a public boardwalk promenade.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Staying hydrated daily can help to ensure better health

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER

Drinking enough water every day is important to regulate temperature and help ensure the body functions normally.

“Water is water, the best for you. It helps flush toxins, keeps joints lubricated and organs functioning as they should,” said Lisa GladuMolina, a certified personal trainer at Aquatic Health and Rehabilitation of Melbourne at One Senior Place.

“Hydration also helps improve quality of sleep as well.”

Gladu-Molina said that years ago, the general rule was to drink eight ounces of water a day. It should be more than that.

brain cognition due to not getting enough water.

“Actually, a lot of seniors are constipated due to not drinking enough water,” Gladu-Molina added. “I have 17-ounce bottles of water and make sure to drink four of them a day or about 68 ounces a day.

Kathy Gannon of West Melbourne makes sure she stays hydrated.

“I have ice water next to me wherever I am all day long,” said Gannon, who also drinks water when exercising and swimming.

“I am thirsty, so I make sure I even have ice water in the car with me,” she said.

Gladu-Molina said that caffeine and alcohol dehydrate you.

“There are a lot of power drinks that contain sugars and proteins, but you don’t need those,” she said.

“Water flushes all the toxins out. Drink enough water where you urinate clear at the end of the day. Cloudy or yellow urine indicates everything you have had during the day. When you are done with enough water, you will urinate the water straight out and it will no longer be yellow,” Gladu-Molina said.

“You should drink probably two liters for a woman and three liters for a man,” she said. “You have fewer falls if you are hydrated, and without enough water you can find yourself dizzy and lose concentration as in

Exercising outside in July or August in Florida can be a challenge when it is usually the hottest time of the year, according to the Florida Department of Health. When exercising outdoors, you risk elevating your core body temperature and putting additional stress on your body, which can lead to heat exhaustion or a heat stroke. Drinking water is essential. SL

Call Sylvia 321-242-1235, email media@bluewatercreativegroup.com or send a postcard to Senior Life, 7350 Shoppes Drive, 102, Viera FL 32940

Joe’s Club adult daycare assures care when

needed

BY FLORA REIGADA

Laurie Sandberg will never forget the day she learned her mother, Joan Highsmith, was accepted into Joe’s Club Adult Day Care for those with cognitive disorders, or requiring help with daily living.

The staff consists of registered nurses, social workers, activity directors and certified nursing assistants.

Three Joe’s Club branches in Melbourne, Micco and Titusville are under the umbrella of the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation.

“My mother had been on the waiting list for financial assistance and I was getting desperate,” Sandberg said. “I was in the grocery store when the call came and I bawled like a baby. Knowing my mother would be with people who care for her continues to give me peace of mind.”

The 82 year old, who is non-verbal and in the latter stages of Alzheimer’s, has now attended the Melbourne Joe’s Club adult day care for five years.

THE ORIGINAL — THERE’S NO OTHER!

“Members come to a safe environment that is fun and socially engaging. Complete with nutritious food and supervised activities, it is like a cruise without the travel,” said

gardening.

Highsmith enjoys children’s groups that come to sing and put on plays. She also enjoys the visiting service dogs. But her favorite activity is Bingo, although she now needs help playing.

“Mom loves Joe’s Club and she

JOE’S CLUB

Continued on page 17

SENIOR LIFE Brenda Eggert Brader

Kathy Gannon of West Melbourne drinks water during and after exercising in the swimming pool.

“You have fewer falls if you are hydrated, and without enough water you can find yourself dizzy and lose concentration as in brain cognition due to not getting enough water ”

—Lisa Gladu-Molina

Tim Timmermann, the executive director of the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation Members of the Titusville Joe’s Club enjoy a day of

Sunflower House offers seniors lunch, conversation, exercise

BY LINDA JUMP

The Sunflower House Caregivers’ Resource Center in West Melbourne gives Linda Workman — who recently moved in with her daughter in Palm Bay — a nutritious lunch, personalized exercise and a way to meet people her age.

It also gives her daughter peace of mind.

“My mother isn’t able to make herself a nutritious meal and I’m not always home to fix her something,” Sonya Romero said.

“There was good food and activities and Miss Lulu is wonderful.”

Lulu Howard is a dining room site manager.

“Seniors come to socialize, meet people, have lunch and play games,” Howard said.

Hot or cold meals are available for those older than age 60, regardless of income. Donations are accepted but not required. Caregivers under age 60 can eat for $3.50. To make an appointment, call 24 hours ahead at 321-417-4078.

Sunflower House opened in June at 312 Fell Road. The opening in West Melbourne follows the closure in February of the original location on Merritt Island.

The center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Meals on Wheels lunches prepared at the Brevard Community Kitchen served about 11:30 a.m. It becomes the 13th Seniors at Lunch site in the county, said Beth Schibley, the program director.

“We are the only site like this. Senior caregivers sometimes need to step out of the blender to refill their well and then go back to the person they care for refreshed,” she said.

The center loans out medical equipment such as wheelchairs or shower

seats. Medical equipment also is available in Cocoa and Merritt Island.

The center offers referrals for senior issues and services, support groups, puzzles, bingo-style games, Friday afternoon movies and presentations.

“We are thrilled to reach more people in Brevard,” said Vimarie Monopoli, the director of development with Aging Matters.

Nancy Klein moved recently from Fort Lauderdale to Melbourne, and misses her friends.

“I came here for the company, the food and to get out,” she said.

Her neighbor Maureen Brown brought her. Both said they’ll return. “Everything was great,” Brown said.

For information, go to AgingMattersBrevard.org SL

JOE’S CLUB

Continued from page 16

always smiles when I mention she is going to spend the day there,” Sandberg said.

Social interaction is a major benefit of adult daycare, but Joe’s Club also focuses on medical care and Alzheimer’s care.

At home caregivers benefit, too.

“They can do outside work, attend school, go to a doctor appointment or get necessary rest. They can choose to take the day off to enjoy their own activities,” Timmermann said.

Nursing services include: administering medication and oversight, weight and vital signs monitored and recorded, and diabetic care, feeding tube care and dressing changes.

For more information, call 321253-4430 or visit myjoesclub.org SL

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

Beth Schibley, a program director of the Sunflower House, is proud to offer services for seniors and their caregivers.

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

Seniors and caregivers come together for lunch recently at the newly-opened Sunflower House operated through Aging Matters in Brevard.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation Social interaction is a great benefit to members of Joe’s Club.

1 2 3 4 5

The Writing Workshop 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Learn about creative writing with syndicated author April Cobb. Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach 321-868-1104

Crafternoon for Adults

2 p.m.

This month's craft is a pressed flower laminated book mark.

Mims/Scottsmoor Library 3615 Lionel Road Mims, 321-264-5080

Friday Night Dancing at the VMC

6:30 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island 321-453-1776

The Wild West Concert 3 p.m. The Space Coast Symphony salutes the Wild Wild West. AMC Avenue Theater 2241 Town Center Ave. Viera, 855-252-7276

SHINE 9 a.m. - noon Call for appointment. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne 407-514-1800

Sip & Smoke 6:30 p.m. Locally hand-rolled cigars provided for purchase by Chaffiot Cigars and a spotlight spirit selected by the mixologists. 28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159

BCSO Charity Classic Car Show

4 p.m.

Proceeds from the car show will benefit the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office charities.

Pint & Pistol

2911 Oxbow Circle Cocoa, 321-305-6448

Scottish Country Dancing

6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Springs of Suntree Clubhouse 8300 Holiday Springs Road

Suntree, 321-427-3587

Spanish Class

1 - 2 p.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge 321-453-5098

Movie Matinee 12:30 p.m.

The movie will be "Woodstock" (1970)

rated R Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach 321-868-1104

Bingo

2 - 3:30 p.m.

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

New Horizons Band

Jam Session

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge 321-631-7549

Let’s Take a Ride Concert

August 9 and 10 6:30 p.m. A concert presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-724-0555

Tango for Tails

6 - 9 p.m.

Dinner and an Argentine Tango show benefiting Cash 4 Canines. Milpa Tacos y Tortillas 207 Brevard Ave. Cocoa, 321-305-4584

Car and Truck Show

5 - 8 p.m. Friendly’s 1011 E. Eau Gallie Blvd. Indian Harbor Beach, 321-725-3648

Seniors Hula Class

3 - 4:30 p.m. Fun and easy to follow hula class. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne 321-255-4494

Tropical Caribbean Night 6 - 10 p.m. Caribbean style hors d’oeuvres and live music. Duran Golf Club 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-504-7776 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Woodstock Tribute Concert

3 - 4 P.M.

The Sand Blasters will perform a Woodstock tribute concert celebrating the hits of the 1960s. Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach 321-868-1104

Summer Evenings Concert Series

7 p.m.

Presented by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. Suntree United Methodist Church 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-345-5052

Space Coast Cars and Coffee

5 - 8 p.m.

Thrifty Parking Lot 910 Barton Blvd. Rockledge, 201-658-2004 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Jazz Guitarist Walk

Stacey in Concert

2 - 4 p.m.

Presented by the Space Coast Jazz Society. Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island

Brevard Investment Education Group

11 a.m.

Suntree/Viera Library

902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4044

Cornhole

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Estate Planning Seminar 10 - 11 a.m.

Presented by William A. Johnson, board certified elder law attorney. RSVP required. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Parkinson’s Support Group 10 - 11 a.m.

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

Rummikub

Cook the Book 6 p.m. This month's book is "Mad Hungry Cravings" by Lucinda Quinn. Mims Scottsmoor Library 3615 Lionel Road Mims, 321-264-5080

Tinnitus [and Hearing

Loss] Do You Suffer

From Ringing of The Ears?

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

A Personal Hearing Solutions lunch and learn presentation.

RSVP

Bonsai Weekend 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

See more than 40 incredible miniature trees, attend a care demonstration and meet vendors. The event is included with Zoo admission.

321-453-1776

Great Palm Bay Senior Center

1275 Culver Drive, NE Palm Bay, 321-724-1338

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

Chess 1 - 3 p.m. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne 321-255-4494

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

Brevard Zoo 8225 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-254-9453 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Turkey Creek Sanctuary

Ranger-led Tour

10 - 11 a.m.

First and third Sunday

Each tour will be led by the park ranger and will focus on common plants and animals found in the sanctuary.

Turkey Creek Park

1518 Port Malabar Blvd. NE Palm Bay, 321-676-6690

Potluck dinner and Bocce lessons

5:30 p.m. Learn the fundamentals and fun of playing bocce. The Italian American Club of South Brevard 1472 Cypress Ave. Melbourne 321-242-8044

Space Coast Strikes Back

3 - 5:30 p.m.

Eighth annual bowling tournament to support hospitality education.

Shore Lanes Bowling Center 600 N. Courtenay Parkway

Merritt Island

727-642-3404

Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia

1 -2 p.m. Learn the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia stages, current research and treatments available.

Sunflower House 3125 Fell Road West Melbourne 321-452-4341

Medicaid Planning Seminar 10 - 11 a.m.

Presented by William A. Johnson, board certified elder law attorney. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Karaoke 6 p.m. Hook & Eagle Tavern 2500 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-639-3487

Bingo 6 p.m.

Packages begin at $8, with a minimum payout of $1,635.

Greater Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Drive, NE Palm Bay 321-724-1338

Fashion Palooza the Fall Edition Noon - 3:30 p.m.

Fashion show and Cajun lunch benefiting Success Indeed. St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community 5655 Stadium Parkway Viera,

27 28 29 30 31 1 2

Gospel Harmony Boys Free Concert 11 a.m. - noon

One of America's finest Southern Gospel Quartets live.

First Baptist Church of Rockledge

1810 Cedar Street Rockledge 321-636-1493

Bone Builders 9 - 10 a.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-631-2749

Mah Jongg Noon - 3 p.m.

Aging Matters 3600 W. King St. Cocoa, 321-452-4341

Boomer Trivia 4 - 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Free to play, teams or solo.

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

Ride the Central FL Sunrail

8:30 a.m.

Big Kid Adventures for adults. Travel to a different location each month, having fun and making new friends.

Kiwanis Island Park 951 Kiwanis

Brevard Commission on Aging

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

Raising awareness to falls helps promote safety, well-being

The well-being of older adults is a priority, given the increasing number of seniors in Brevard County.Among the various health concerns this demographic faces, falls significantly threaten their safety and independence. It is crucial to address the issue of senior fall prevention to ensure a higher quality of life for older individuals.

Falls among older adults are alarmingly prevalent, with statistics from the CDC indicating that one in four seniors experiences a fall each year. These incidents can have severe consequences, such as fractures, head injuries and even death.

Beyond the physical impact, falls can also lead to psychological distress, loss of confidence and reduced independence. Moreover, falls impose a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems and families, highlighting the urgency to implement preventive measures.

To effectively address senior fall prevention, it is crucial to identify the risk factors associated with falls. Age-related balance, muscle strength and coordination changes contribute to increased fall susceptibility among older adults.

Chronic health conditions, including arthritis, osteoporosis, and vision impairment, further amplify the risk. Environmental hazards in homes and public spaces, such as slippery

Sources: National Vital Statistics System, National Electronic Injury Surveillance System — All Injury Program, and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

surfaces, inadequate lighting and clutter, also play a significant role in fall incidents.

Creating a safe living environment is crucial to minimize fall risks for seniors. Identifying potential hazards in homes, such as loose rugs or cords, and addressing them promptly is essential. Installing grab bars, handrails and non-slip flooring in bathrooms and stairways can provide additional support. Adequate lighting and decluttering the living space are also vital to improving safety and reducing the risk of falls.

Engaging in regular physical activity and exercise is beneficial for seniors in multiple ways, including fall prevention. Strength and balance training exercises can help improve muscle tone, coordination and

stability, reducing the risk of falls. Encouraging seniors to participate in walking, yoga or tai chi activities can promote overall well-being while strengthening their physical abilities. Certain medications can increase fall risk due to side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness. Raising awareness among seniors about the potential dangers of their medicines is crucial. Encouraging them to review their medication regimen with healthcare professionals regularly can help identify and address any fallrelated side effects. Proper storage and organization of medications can also prevent confusion and potential medication errors.

Regular eye and hearing examinations are essential for identifying and addressing

impairments contributing to falls. Vision and hearing difficulties can affect spatial awareness and balance, increasing the risk of falls. Encouraging seniors to seek appropriate corrective measures, such as glasses or hearing aids, can significantly improve their safety and reduce fall incidents.

When necessary, recommending assistive devices such as canes or walkers can provide older adults with additional support and stability. These devices help maintain balance and reduce the risk of falls. Additionally, installing fall alarms or emergency response systems can provide immediate assistance in case of a fall, enhancing seniors’ safety and peace of mind.

Senior fall prevention is critical to promoting safety, well-being, and independence among older adults. The risk of falls can be significantly reduced by raising awareness, educating seniors and their caregivers, and implementing preventive strategies.

Healthcare professionals, caregivers, families and the community must collaborate and support older adults in maintaining a safe and secure environment. By empowering seniors to take proactive measures, we can ensure they enjoy a fulfilling life while minimizing the potential dangers of falls. SL

Proposed high-rise building along Indian River Lagoon draws concerns

We are blessed with large portions of the Indian River Lagoon waterfront along U.S. 1 being accessible. There are long stretches where we can see the IRL as we drive. This is part of what makes Brevard County a desirable place to live.

A sad development took place recently, however, that could signal that this will change; that we will see highrise buildings along the water, making U.S. 1 look more like Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.

Castaway Point Park is a 1.5-acre retreat on the northern tip of Palm Bay. After declaring the surrounding area blighted, the City of Palm Bay created the Bayfront Community Redevelopment Agency, which adopted the Bayfront Community Redevelopment District 2024 Plan in 2010.

It called for developing “pedestrianfriendly, mixed use community with a Main Street Village character capitalizing on its waterfront location that boasts improved narrow streets, pedestrian pathways and U.S. 1 crosswalks leading to public spaces including waterfront parks, attractive views and a waterfront theme.”

In 2014, developers bought adjacent parcels, together just over four acres, immediately adjacent to the Park fronting on the IRL.

While zoning on the parcels and most of the other private land in the vicinity called for a maximum height of 35 feet and no more than

Lagoon Straight Talk

From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

10 dwellings per acre on the site, the owner recently requested the city to amend zoning to triple both the density and height allowed.

They requested the city to allow the construction of an 11-story, 110foot building that would be the tallest building in all of Palm Bay, but offered no building purpose, concept or design.

The local community and environmental groups opposed this in a petition with more than 300 signatures, sent letters and testified at the City Council meeting on June 6, pointing out the inconsistency of the request with the Bayfront Community Plan and the totally disruptive nature such an enormous building would have. Additionally, they raised concerns that if the Council was allowed the change, proponents of other high rises would soon follow suit.

You guessed the ending: The City Council approved the request with a 4-0 vote.

High rises on U.S. 1? Very likely unless the community organizes to preserve our paradise.

Visit helpthelagoon.org/ and facebook.com/BIRLC to stay informed.

Difficulty: Easy

7 9 3 9 5 3 2

1

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of BIRLC

The Palm Bay City Council approved an 11-story building along the banks of the Indian River Lagoon, drawing concerns from environmental and community groups.

Bluewater Creative Group - Issue 10

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

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 - 2023

Moon Hut, a favorite eatery for astronauts, reopens in Cape Canaveral

BY MIKE GAFFEY

The Moon Hut, a once popular dining destination for NASA astronauts and celebrities for decades, has reopened in Cape Canaveral.

After a two-year renovation, the landmark restaurant welcomed back customers June 12 at its original location at 7802 N. Atlantic Ave., owner Vincent Keenan said.

“It feels great. It really does,” Keenan, 64, said of reviving the space memorabilia-packed restaurant, which first opened in 1958.

“The community loves it and it just fixes up that area of town.”

Visitors will find an updated menu and big-screen televisions airing NASA TV and space program-related videos. But the 148-seat restaurant’s signature Moon Burger is still on the menu. And the Moon Room, a banquet area where space explorers often enjoyed breakfast surrounded by autographed astronaut photos and mission patch stickers, is open again and already has been booked by aerospace agencies for special meetings, he said.

A New Jersey native, Cocoa Beach resident and realtor, Keenan bought the Moon Hut from original owners Nick and Poppy Holiasmenou in the early 1990s. Keenan then leased the restaurant to Nestor Martinez, who renamed the restaurant La Fiesta, switched to Mexican fare and eventually bought the property.

When COVID forced La Fiesta to close, Keenan repurchased the vacant restaurant in May 2021 and

spent $440,000 to renovate the aging, 3,500-square-foot eatery.

“Everything is new in there,” he said. “I gutted it. I put a whole new kitchen in. All the equipment is new. All the hoods are new. The air conditioning is new. The roof’s new. The booths are redone. I kept the old booths, but very little else.”

An evolving menu inspired by young space industry workers’ healthier eating choices reflects the Moon Hut’s new slogan: “FRESH Outta This World.”

“Instead of home fries and grits you get a spring salad with fresh

tomatoes and arugula and fruit cups,” Keenan said. “It was like a Greek diner, but now it has a European flair to it. Everything is made from scratch. I have chefs in there. We grind our own burgers, grind our own sauces. We make our own biscuits from scratch. We make our own pork loin, Canadian bacon and ham. We have juice extractors and a full barista. We also have ice cream shakes, sundaes, smoothies with fresh fruit, frappes and desserts.”

The restaurant is filled with framed items from Keenan’s extensive space-themed collection,

and dozens more historic letters and photos are being framed for display, he said. The dining area also features a statue of a bug-eyed alien, and Keenan plans to install a second figure of a cross-legged extraterrestrial on the Moon Hut’s roof.

Current operating hours are 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily for breakfast and lunch, but Keenan plans to add a dinner menu and extend the restaurant’s hours to 9:30 p.m. Eventually, he hopes to provide 24-hour service to accommodate late-working employees at Kennedy Space Center and nearby Port Canaveral.

The extra hours should boost Keenan’s payroll to about 40 employees, he said.

Keenan also plans to add charging stations for Tesla drivers.

For Keenan, who has owned numerous restaurants during his 46-year career in real estate but now owns only the Moon Hut, the iconic restaurant that Keenan said is featured in a photo on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., holds a special place for him.

“I should be retiring but I have my passion at the Moon Hut so I’m going to keep going,” he said.

“This is more a feeling in my heart. I love Moon Hut and I’ve always loved the property and so I wanted to bring it back.”

For more information, go to moonhutrestaurant.com or call 321-613-3185. SL

SENIOR LIFE

Holy Trinity Episcopal Chapel, built in 1886, was moved to its present location in 1963.

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

Holy Trinity Episcopal Chapel, built in a historic carpenter gothic style, is located at 50 W. Strawbridge Ave. in Melbourne.

SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey

Longtime realtor Vincent Keenan has reopened the 65-year-old Moon Hut restaurant at 7802 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cape Canaveral.

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

Growing exotic plumerias was a hobby that became a growning business for Bill Jurgens, pictured, and Bryon Gardner of B & B Exotics Plumerias.

Exotic plumerias flowering passion for Indian Harbour Beach growers

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

In the 1990s, Northern transplants Bill Jurgens and Bryon Gardner first tried their hand at making plants grow under the vagaries of their new home in Brevard County.

The results were less than satisfactory.

“All the plants we liked up North did not do well here,” Jurgens said.

The avid gardeners did not despair, instead researching plant species until stumbling upon plumeria, aka frangipani, the brilliant shrubs and small trees that perfectly evoke the essence of the tropics.

It was an immediate love affair.

“We developed a deep passion very

quickly,” Jurgens added.

The passion quickly became a hobby that soon became a business. Now B & B Exotics Plumeria boasts a worldwide reputation as an independent registered Florida nursery with the Florida Department of Agriculture. Jurgens and Gardner are sought-after speakers at horticultural conventions and events around the world.

The 15 years that Jurgens and Gardner have spent hand pollinating their trees have resulted in more than 120 different varieties. They have amassed an impressive collection that ranges from the standards to limited

Continued on page 22

Solution page 26

Gilded Age opulence of Flagler Museum displays grandeur TIME TO TRAVEL

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

The Gilded Age is alive and well in Palm Beach, which Henry Morrison Flagler in 1902 selected as the appropriate backdrop for his mansion — Whitehall.

Flagler’s 75-plus room residence was a present for his wife, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler, but also served as a concrete reminder of Flagler’s prominence and power. He commissioned architects John Carrere and Thomas Hastings, the practitioners of Beaux-Arts style responsible for such landmarks as the New York Public Library and the U.S. House and Senate Office Buildings, to create an estate worthy of Flagler’s stature.

They must have succeeded, because the New York Herald lauded the result as “more wonderful than any palace in Europe, grander and more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world.”

The Beaux Arts-style estate, host to the rich and famous at the turn of the century, now welcomes visitors as the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. Exhibitions focus on America’s Gilded Age, the life of Henry Flagler and the magnate’s indelible imprint on Florida.

Poinciana, cemented tourism as a major industry in Florida and made Palm Beach the winter resort destination.

As the Flagler Museum, Whitehall is frozen in delightful Gilded Age splendor. Flagler’s Rail Car No. 91, part of the collection of treasures on display, reveals the pleasures of turn-of-the-century rail travel … if only you were lucky enough to amass a fortune during an era where income taxes did not exist.

The visitor experience includes docent-led tours at 11 a.m., 12:30 and 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and at 1 p.m. Sundays.

Audio tour wands in several languages are also available, as is a Flagler Museum app that can be downloaded to your personal device for a narrated tour in English, Spanish and French.

by the Café des Beaux-Arts, with outside seating under palm trees.

Henry Morrison Flagler was already extremely successful as a founding partner in Standard Oil when he turned his attention to the unexploited potential that was Florida. Flagler’s East Coast Railway, together with luxury hotels such as The Breakers and the Royal

Part of the museum’s charm is the Café des Beaux-Arts, where during winter season guests can enjoy the ambiance of a 19th century BeauxArts railway palace during high tea served on exquisite Whitehall Collection china. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide a spectacular view of Lake Worth.

The rest of the year, a la carte munchies are available at PICNIC

PLUMERIAS

Continued from page 21

edition varieties beloved by serious collectors.

They propagate from their own trees through either grafting or rooting. Twoyear-plus-old root stock grown from their own plumeria seeds receive the grafts. Most plants are sold in one-gallon containers, but B & B has been known to ship small trees around the world. The nursery also sells plumeria seeds so you, too, can grow your own.

“We have customers in Alaska and

In a 1920 story for “Everybody’s Magazine,” Flagler noted that “when I was young I was too poor to indulge in bad habits. By the time I was able to afford them, it had become a fixed habit to live simply.”

Given the grace and opulence found at Whitehall, the tycoon who built the State of Florida may have been understating his lifestyle.

The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum at 1 Whitehall Way in Palm

Northern Europe who use them as container plants,” Jurgens said.

Although internet sales comprise the bulk of business, B & B Exotics also sells in-person — but only by appointment — at their nursery in Indian Harbour Beach.

“We have a beautiful jungle here,” Jurgens said.

All sales include care and feeding instructions to ensure planting success.

Snowbirds who want a souvenir from their Space Coast winters can purchase plants to be delivered at their homes up north.

Beach is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from noon until 5 p.m. on Sundays.

On June 5 every year, the museum is free to the public to honor museum founder and Flagler granddaughter Jean Flagler Matthews. The rest of the year, admission is $26 for adults 13 and older and $13 for children six to 12. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, call 561655-2833 or visit flaglermuseum.us

While seeds for the Muang Bendjapan variety can be purchased for a mere $4.50, expect to pay $200 for a 15-inch specimen of the very limited Showme Sunshine.

When they fell under the spell of plumerias, Jurgens and Gardner were only following many before them. The gardening website Gardnerdy.com notes that the flowers represent beauty, charm, grace and a new beginning in many cultures. They are favorite subjects for artists and used in Hawaii in welcoming leis and jewelry. For information, visit bandbexoticsplumeria.com SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Flagler Museum

Flagler Museum’s Grand South Hall was designed in the delightful Gilded Age splendor and lauded as more wonderful than any palace in Europe.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Flagler Museum Henry Morrison Flagler’s 75-plus room residence in Palm Beach was a present to his wife, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Flagler Museum Henry Morrison Flagler grew up poor, which instilled the habit to live a simple life.

By Randal C. Hill

Behind the Beat

‘Monster Mash’ — Bobby “Boris” Pickett

In summer 1973, Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s original “Monster Mash” (released this time on Parrot Records) reached the Top 10 for a second time. Its first success had come about 11 years earlier, when Pickett’s platter shot all the way to No 1.

Pickett sang lead with a Hollywood band called the Cordials. One evening, while performing the old Diamonds’ hit “Little Darlin,’ Pickett delivered the song’s monologue in the lowpitched voice of horror movie icon Boris Karloff. The audience loved the spoof, and fellow Cordial Lenny Capizzi encouraged Pickett to keep up the fun. Eventually, the two musicians (both horror movie fans) decided that such goofiness could be developed into a Halloween novelty tune.

And were they ever right!

Their original title was “Monster Twist,” but at the time Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” was fading and being replaced by DeeDee Sharp’s dance disc “Mashed Potato Time.”

The duo altered the lyrics accordingly:

I was working in the lab late one night

When my eyes beheld an eerie sight

For my monster from his slab began to rise

And suddenly to my surprise

(He did the Mash)

He did the Monster Mash

(He did the Mash)

It was a graveyard smash

(He did the Mash)

It caught on in a flash

He did the Monster Mash

The lyrics are, of course, based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel “Frankenstein.”

In Pickett’s rendition, a benevolent monster throws a dance party that features other horror-based creatures of lore (Dracula, the Wolfman, etc.).

Bobby and Lenny’s taped demo came to the attention of Gary S. Paxton, a Los Angeles record producer whose initial success had been the 1960 million-selling “Alley-Oop” by the Hollywood Argyles. For the Pickett-Capizzi ditty in 1962 (which would also top the Billboard chart), Paxton created his own label, Garpax Records.

The background women’s voices heard came via the Darlene Love-led studio outfit the Blossoms. (When you hear the Crystals singing “He’s a Rebel,” you are hearing the same group.)

Leon Russell played piano on that eventful day.

Paxton devised the sound effects for the one-hour recording session. A coffin lid creaking open was

created by pulling a nail out of a 2 x 4. Bubbles from a cauldron came by blowing through a straw in a glass of water. Dropping chains onto the studio floor provided the clatter of clanking shackles.

A hastily assembled Garpax album — “The Original Monster Mash” — made the LP Top 20 and included such blessedly-now-forgotten tracks as “Blood Bank Blues,” “Graveyard Shift,” “Transylvania Twist,” and “Me and My Mummy.”

Pickett’s novelty became a runaway hit. His follow-up of “Monster’s Holiday”— the creatures were now enjoying a Christmas party— hit the Top 30. For years after that, Pickett tried to wring one more success from his one-hit wonder. He released “Monster Swim,” “Monster Man Jam,” “Monster Concert” and, perhaps inevitably, “Monster Rap.” Each sank without a trace.

Pickett claimed that his “Monster Mash” sold 4 million copies. “I’ve been paid,” he once said, “so I’m gonna believe it.” SL

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Brevard’s Premier Senior Retirement & Assisted Living Communities A B C D E F G H

SENIOR LIFE CREATIVE COMMONS Bobby Pickett’s “Monster Mash” was a hit in 1973.

HISTORIC TITUSVILLE MAIN STREET

Palm Shores

Seniors maintain mobility, strength through fitness programs

BY FLORA REIGADA

Pumping iron, box jumping and exercising with weighted backpacks aren’t only for the young.

Ask Chuck Urrutia whose workouts at MOEfit Functional Fitness in Downtown Titusville include those things.

It offers group and personal fitness training, which could be a good fit for seniors who might feel lost in a group of 20 and 30 year olds.

“I have been exercising four to five times a week for quite a while,” Urrutia said.

“Primarily a runner, I did a couple of half and full marathons. I also did a lot of cycling and a few 100-mile rides.”

But at 80 years old, he’s starting to slow down a bit.

“I do shorter runs and enjoy spinning (indoor cycling) classes,” he said.

Urrutia’s daughter Natasha Gammon encouraged him to join MOEfit. He and his daughter work out together twice weekly, while she works out five days.

The business, owned by Marc and Joy Boucher, encourages functional fitness, which trains the body for activities performed in everyday life. This is especially poignant for seniors.

“We have about 12 clients 60 and older,” Marc Boucher said.

“Functional fitness involves things like developing strength to carry grandchildren, being able to escape a car accident or escape from danger.”

Boucher stressed the importance of mobility.

“We develop the mentality that once we retire, we’ll relax and sit around,” he said. “But a chair should

be a means to relax after we lift heavy things that develop strength.”

Urrutia is reaping the benefits.

“Exercises are always a challenge, but they are doable,” he said.

“The benefits include a gradual increase in core strength and increased cardio conditioning.”

A Navy veteran, Urrutia

appreciates MOEfit’s weekly observance honoring fallen veterans.

“Each Wednesday, a veteran’s name is announced and the story of how they were lost is told. The hard workout is dedicated to their memory. I think that is great.”

For more on MOEfit, visit moefit. com SL

Central Library, Brevard Authors’ Association highlight local writers

BY LINDA JUMP

Local authors will get a boost at the Catherine Schweinsberg Rood Central Library in Cocoa. Gene Luke Vlahovic, who founded the Brevard Authors’ Society a decade ago, is rekindling the group’s short story and poetry contests, writing seminars, and annual book fest through collaboration with the Central Library.

First up is a monthly event featuring a local author, with Dr. Arthur Doweyko as guest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 in the lobby. Doweyko’s credentials include award-winning novels. He uses computer-assisted drug design in the areas of cancer chemotherapy and

immunology and is the co-recipient of the 2008 Thomas Alva Edison Award for the discovery of Sprycel, a new anti-cancer drug.

He is also known for his graphic designs and artwork.

“We’re thrilled that the library was approached to give local authors a place to display and sell their books. We hope to host events for many years to come,” said Julie Ventura, the library director.

Vlahovic said he is trying to jumpstart the Brevard Authors’ Association as it is now called after a long hiatus during the pandemic.

“We disbanded and many activities were taken over by the Space Coast Writers’ Guild, but now we want to

facilitate events here. We’re the shadow of what we were before.”

Jamal Moss, a reference librarian and liason/facilitator for the author events, said all will be free.

“It’s a refreshing change. We’ve had authors here, but not ongoing.” He said despite movement toward digital media, “there are people who still want to read good local author’s books.”

Vlahovic, born in Serbia and raised in the former Yugoslavia, has published four books in Europe and four in the U.S., one a month ago titled “Innocent China” describing his experiences as one of the first businessmen allowed in China in 2001 when then-President George Bush opened trade there.

“They were so interested in our technology and years later copied it,” he said.

Vlahovic said the local author to be highlighted in October is James O. Born, who co-authored a number of novels with best-selling author James Patterson, including “Blindside,” “Obsessed,” and “The Russian” as well as his own prize-winning “Haunted,” “Ambush,” “Burn Zone” and others.

An annual book fair is planned before the end of the year at the library.

Vlahovic said periodic writing workshops are being coordinated to help writers find an agent and explore ways to publish and promote their works. SL

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump Julie Ventura, left, director of the Catherine Schweinsberg Rood Central Library, and Gene Luke Vlahovic, founder of the Brevard Authors’ Association, stand next to a library display highlighting books written by local authors.

SENIOR LIFE David Reigada

Rain can’t stop MOEfit Functional Fitness owner Marc Boucher from exercising outside his business by pulling a tire while wearing a weighted backpack.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Marc Boucher Chuck Urrutia and his daughter Natasha Gammon exercise with weighted backpacks outside of MOEfit Functional Fitness in Downtown Titusville.

• Housekeeping once a week

• Personalized laundry services

FISHERMAN

Continued from page 3

south to fish for longnose gar,” Miller said.

As he was passing an island, he noticed two young people swimming about halfway between the island and a 20-foot rock formation in the mountainside where young people hang out during the summer.

“There were a bunch of young people on the rock (that day), so it was clear the two of them had decided to swim to the island and back, about an eighth-mile apart,” he said. “There were no other boats around, and that was a long way to swim. So I turned my 21-foot pontoon boat around and cruised over to check them out. Sure enough, they were tired, and one was struggling to keep her head above water. No life jackets.

“They were very glad to see me pull up to them. I pulled them aboard and as I dropped them off; the tired one turned and gave me a big hug and some of the kids on the rock face gave me a thumbs up and a wave. I truly believed I saved her life that day,” Miller said. “Those were two very lucky girls.”

Along with boating and fishing from the Great Lakes to both coasts of Florida — he lived in Sarasota for 25 years before he moved to Atlanta — his unique and award-filled bowling career is one of which he is also proud.

He was a professional bowler when the Professional Bowling Association was just getting started and said he was generally regarded

among his peers as the most outstanding bowler in North Central Ohio history from 1957 to 1977.

Some of his accolades and achievements include winning 13 North Central Ohio singles championships, including the U.S. Open. Miller also led the area’s top classic league in average 18 times with a 20-year average over 200. He also won five Ohio state titles, 28 total tournament titles and cashed in two of two Professional Bowlers Association events in the early years and 14 of 22 Ohio Tournament Bowlers Association events.

He later bought the bowling center he had been representing and then became vice president of the NCOBowlers Proprietors Association.

Staying active is also a part of this exceptional senior’s routine. Besides fishing three to four times a week, he walks a mile every morning as he has for 39 years.

“Take care of yourself,” he said when asked about his long and active life. “Eat a good diet, be knowledgeable about food, and quit smoking.” When it comes to maintaining strong mental activity, he said “stay interested.”

And amid a life well lived with awards, successes and recognitions, the prize of which this award-winning bowler and fisherman is most proud is his family.

“I have the greatest kids — and grandkids — on the planet. We are all very close,” Miller said of his three children and six grandchildren in Viera, Atlanta and North Carolina.

“They are all great people and I’m very proud of them.” SL

Seniors need to learn about advances in artificial intelligence

Remember when you started grade school. They administered an IQ Test?

I never recall getting my intelligence quotient, but must have had the ability to learn and comprehend. I later heard about the Mensa category and concluded I was a Densa. Now 80 years later, the buzz is artificial intelligence (AI).

As seniors, we benefit from advances and are also challenged by the results of technology that produces reasoning, simulations, imitations and conspiratorial thinking. Almost every facet of our life is now controlled by some computer loaded with AI.

Our grandchildren have shown a drop in math and reading scores in the last year. Some blame the effects of the pandemic, the use of computers, smartphones and other devices. Why learn to spell words, make calculations, write a term paper, or do research? All they have to do is Google. Others are concerned about indoctrination, lack of face-to-face communication and Zoom.

The battle between humans and machines began with the impact of the Industrial Revolution. At night, workers broke into factories to destroy machines that would take away their jobs. Looking ahead, there will be fewer jobs as computers and artificial intelligence replace people.

We benefit from medical advances as seniors. Robotic surgery, diagnostic devices, patient portals, telehealth services, sensor watches and scales, and automated prescriptions are among the valued innovations. Surface Guided

Challenges of Living to Age 100

Ed Baranowski

Radiation Therapy (SGRT) is an example of life-saving remedies driven by artificial intelligence tools.

Scams of all kinds using AI impact seniors in a big way. Simulated voices of a grandchild asking for help, software problems, hacking and other deceptions yield billions for the criminal element.

Look back through the decades of your life. The first automobile manufactured by Henry Ford has changed to many computers on wheels.

I had to get a 9-year old to sit in the back seat of my 2022 automobile after delivery to help me with the operation. Driverless cars are being tested.

With all the benefits of AI, there are also concerns and risks. The Center for World Safety warns: We must install regulations. AI programmers are busy. They created simulations, then robots (who become autonomous agents) that can rule the world. There is the potential for this to be the end of humanity. Accept the challenge, reflect and prepare for a changing world. SL

Solution

Puzzle on page 21

Puzzle on page 19 Solution

Doug Milller was a standout bowler in Ohio from 1957 to 1977. He did well on the fledgling Professional Bowling Association Tour during its early years.