Senior Life, February 2023

Colorful kite flying a treat for all

BY JILL BLUE

Spectators on the beach were drawn in by impressive kite flying, some of it choreographed to music, Jan. 21 and 22 at the Cocoa Beach Kite and Beach Fest.

Fliers came from across the United States and Canada to showcase their kite-flying skills that made the kites dance to the music.

“We had a lot of very professional kite fliers,” said Lisa Willoughby, who organizes and participates in kite flying festivals across the country and abroad. “They are very talented.”

Some travel long distances to participate in the kite-flying festivals.

Al Lynch lives in a motorhome in Florida and travels to festivals where he flies some of the kites he makes. He worked in a kite store and even operated his own mobile store.

“I like making them,” he said.

Some of the spectators on the beach returned for the second day of the festival after being impressed by the colorful kites and the skillful flying.

There were kites that looked like inflated astronaut suits, birds, a snorkeler and sea creatures. They were portrayed in every color imaginable.

Multi-color flags also dotted the beach and were available for purchase. SL

Lee Sedgewick of Erie, Pennsylvania enjoyed flying his kites choreographed to music at the Cocoa Beach Kite and Beach Fest.

Valentine’s Day stands out during busy month of February

February brings us several notable holidays, commemorations and celebrations — including National Freedom Day, Black History Month, Groundhog Day, Super Bowl Sunday and Presidents’ Day — but one celebration that has stood longer than the others is Valentine’s Day.

The celebration of love and romance — Valentine’s Day, though less important than some of the commemorations, is perhaps the more visible and celebrated day in February. That’s because before we got to the first day of February we were already hearing or seeing advertisements about Valentine’s Day — cards, flowers and chocolate and many other symbols of love.

While it has largely been commercialized, we thought Valentine’s Day would be a good time to look at some enduring love stories. We will tell you in several short articles about those love stories. Check them out in this issue of Senior Life.

What is Valentine’s Day and why is it so popular?

Who it is attributed to is a mystery because three different Saint Valentines are mentioned as the namesakes of the celebration. In any case, the true legend behind Valentine’s Day is murky at best. However, it is no doubt the day when love and romance is celebrated in much of the world.

If you go out for a Valentine’s Day dinner or at any other time for that matter, you might be offered to look at the restaurant menu on QR code on your phone instead of a printed list. If the QR code to see the menu is on the table, you are probably better off using it than the paper menu. That’s because a lot of people handled the printed menu, which is rarely cleaned in some restaurants. What is a QR code, you say? We explain it all in a story in this edition of Senior Life.

In this edition, you can also read about a local dog trainer who is nationally certified. She shares her experience in training companion dogs.

Did you know there is a veterans court in Brevard County. The court is offered to military veterans who might get in trouble because of post-traumatic stress disorder or other reasons, but are not habitual offenders. The court offers counseling, mentorship and, in some cases, alternatives to incarceration. A great majority of those veterans who go through the system graduate to a better life and go on to success.

I mentioned that there are a lot of activities, celebrations and commemorations in February. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the other happenings not mentioned in our stories. We like hearing from readers, so stay in touch. SL

R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com

Symphony brings good music, laughter with free concerts

BY FLORA REIGADA

Who does not enjoy good music, a good laugh and something free?

The Brevard Symphony Orchestra is offering those things during February at the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts.

From 2 to 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, a pop concert, Comedy Tonight, will feature selections from concert halls, movies and television shows. These include “The Pink Panther,” “The Office,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Monty Python’s Flying Circus.”

“This fun-filled concert promises to have audience members smiling and laughing,” said Christopher

Confessore, the musical director. Normally composers look to nature, love, sorrow, religion and literature as sources of inspiration. But this concert also explores comedy satire and wit.”

No tickets are required for the Free Family Concert, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 19. Just sit back and enjoy music from “Jurassic Park,” “Super Mario Brothers,” “The Nutcracker” and more.

The family-friendly music is suitable for all ages. Seating is first come, first served.

“Early concerts like this are great for families with younger children, older audience members who wish to avoid driving at night and those who

enjoy a matinee kind of afternoon,” said Virginia Anzengruber, the Symphony’s communications director.

The Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts is at 3865 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne. For concert and ticket information, visit brevardsymphony.com or call 321-242-2219. SL

“Best decision I’ve ever made! My friends here are so much fun, and the staff is amazing. Love how I can enjoy all the activities, especially Wii bowling, and be able to have some quiet time when I want it. This is such a beautiful location where I can walk around Lake Madeleine and hang out at the dock. It’s very peaceful here.” — Don, resident

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Roxanne Scianna Photography Christopher Confessore said Comedy Tonight will be pleasing for all.

TECH KNOW TIDBITS

Embrace it or loathe it, QR codes may be here to stay

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

Chances are you’ve probably encountered a QR code menu when you’ve eaten out.

The concept for the QR (quick response) codes was born postpandemic as restaurants were forced to forgo physical menus when reopening after government-mandated lockdowns.

They work by opening the camera app on your phone and scanning the

code. The camera recognizes the scan with a notification prompt and the menu comes up on your screen.

When it became apparent that COVID-19 was unlikely to be transmitted via surfaces, people started voicing their dislike for the QR code concept.

Many felt the old-fashioned way of ordering off the printed format was best as the system took away from the whole restaurant experience.

“Our coasters at the restaurant

still offer our customers the ability to order food from the QR system, but we mostly use regular menus which are soaked and sanitized daily,” said Nikki Medearis, the restaurant manager at 28 North Gastropub. “Additionally, our check presenters have QR codes for our customers to scan and leave a review directly to Google, Facebook or Yelp.”

There’s no doubt using a QR menu system makes ordering more sanitary rather than holding the handheld version used by countless people. Yet, the QR system has evolved to more than just being a contact-free menu.

At 7Brew, the new drive-through coffee place on the corner of Murrell Road and Viera Boulevard, QR codes are used in marketing.

“By scanning the code, it creates a unique identifier linked to Facebook that provides customers with any

promos we’re running,” said Luke Hastings, the communications director at 7Brew. “We can engage with our followers to create awareness for upcoming promotional events plus they cut advertising costs.”

Additionally, QR codes can quickly adjust menu pricing due to rising food costs and new items can be added in real time. It also eliminates printing expenses and environmental waste and it manages staff shortages in a tight labor market, as patrons can place their orders online.

They’re used to make online reservations and can accept payments without patrons having to wait for the tab.

The QR system is what the future holds, as evolving technology will make it a valuable tool for restaurants and businesses to navigate an everchanging environment. SL

In 1939, the Florida Highway Patrol is new and untrained, but Sally, with her love for speed, is hard not to notice. In awe of her honesty, Office Billings merely gives her a warning, but their encounter sparks an enduring friendship that seers the social upper crust of Avondale. Forced into the maledominated workforce, Sally sells automobiles, unheard-of at the time for a woman. Although happily married, she remains entangled with Gary, her arrogant ex-fiancé.

AMAZON Search Books for: ASIN: 1078337772

SENIOR LIFE Nanette Hebdige 28 North Gastropub is one of many restaurants in Brevard County that utilizes a QR code.

Alura Senior Living

Aquatic Health and Rehab

Autumn House

Bethesda on Turkey Creek

Brennity of Melbourne

Buena Vida Estates, CCRC

Chateau Madeleine Senior Living

ClinCloud Research

Counseling Resource Services

Courtenay Springs Village

Discovery Village at Melbourne

Estate Planning & Elder Law Center of Brevard

Dr. Edgardo A. Hernandez Pons, MD

Florida Health Care Plans

The Fountains of Melbourne

Inspiritas of West Melbourne

Market Street at Viera

Melbourne Terrace Rehabilitation Center

Merritt Island Medical Research

National Cremation Society

Oceans Realty Florida

Oceans Lending

Palm Cottages Assisted Living & Memory Care

Personal Hearing Solutions

Raymond James Financial Services, Inc, Rhodes Law, PA - Ruth C. Rhodes, Esq.

Rockledge Health and Rehabilitation Center

Senior Living Guide

Senior Partner Care Services, In-Home

Senior Care and Care Management

Senior Scene Magazine

Serenades Memory Care

Shell Harbor Retirement Community

Sonata Viera

Sonata East

Szuba Guardian Care Solutions

TaxMasters of Brevard

Vascular & Interventional Physicians

Victoria Landing Assisted Living & Memory Care

Viera Health and Rehabilitation Center

Viera Insurance Professionals

VITAS Healthcare

William A. Johnson, P.A.

PEOPLE PLAY Games

Softball combines camaraderie, competition

BY MARK MIJUSKOVIC

Blades of grass protrude from deep crevices along the concrete walkway leading to the softball fields at Liberty Park.

The yellowed outfield is reeling from a recent cold snap, begging for water and awaiting the warmth of the floodlights. The afternoon grounds crew has dragged life back into the dirt infields, the surfaces now a pristine burnt red and awaiting the arrival of players from the Brevard Senior Softball league, grown men who play in the dirt. It is impossible to separate the venue from the metaphor.

Eddie Hicks is 63 with a firm handshake and determined face. He is the pitcher for Tropical Siding. He participates in two leagues, including a travel league half-century division.

“There’s a lot of guys in this league who are on these tournament

teams,” he said. “It’s a very competitive league, but it’s friendly. There’s a lot of us that go all the way back to little league.”

His eyes catch the floodlights as he talks of having a postgame adult

beverage and reliving the glory days.

Hicks is pitching this mid-January night against CTS. He politely excuses himself, straightens out his ball cap and heads toward the field. The league features two divisions,

45-plus that plays Thursdays and 55plus that plays Mondays.

Former Melbourne High School Athletic Director Fred Keeney is 64 years old and began playing in the senior league when he was 50. His physique and rugged look belie his age and, in his retirement, he has turned his energy to serving as league chairman, handling player and team registrations and maintaining the website.

With bases only 60-feet apart, he sees softball’s greater speed of the game being its distinguishing factor from baseball. With the pitcher 45 feet away and lofting the ball at anywhere from a 6- to 10-foot arc, putting the ball in play is a given during any at-bat.

The league employs a five-run maximum rule for every inning except for the culminating seventh. If a team falls 15 or more runs behind by the end of the fifth inning, the game ends.

Keeney, who has played and traveled the country since he was 17, talks of a recent slow pitch resurgence.

“What I’m hearing is that with the younger kids, the 20 and 30 year olds down on Florida Avenue, it has really picked up. We’ve seen a good influx of young talent these past couple years. The great thing is we just want exposure.”

For more information on the Brevard Senior Softball League, go to SuperSeniorSoftball.com SL

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress Eddie Hicks, 63, keeps busy by playing in two softball leagues.

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

The Brevard Senior Softball League features two divisions.

“It’s a very competitive league, but it’s friendly. There’s a lot of us that go all the way back to little league.”

—Eddie Hicks

The Free Boomer Guide features locations and listings of sports and games, including softball.

Even beginners can learn their way around pinochle hand

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER

Oftentimes, no one wants a beginner joining their card-playing group, but acceptance is more often found with the pinochle players at the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center.

“I have never played pinochle before, but I was hunting for something that I didn’t have to have a partner like in bridge where someone knows your moves and how you play,” Janet Forney said.

Pinochle has some enthusiastic players at the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center.

“This pinochle group plays a regular deck,” said Elaine Collison, the player in charge of the group. “There are other games that feature two decks that

make it more of a challenge.”

Pinochle is a trick-taking and melding (a set of matching cards) game derived from a variation of Bezaique and was brought to the states by German immigrants. There are multiple variations of the game, each with differing rules and traditions. Regular play is with four players and a deck of 48 cards.

The decks have two copies of each card rank as suit of ace (high), 10, king, queen, jack and nines (low).

“Cards used are the ace, 10, queen, king and jack,” Mike Suchar said of the game he has played since he was in the U.S. Army. “I found I liked it and have just continued playing it.”

In pinochle, the 10s are a high card that outranks face cards. The six phases of the game include dealing, bidding, exchanging, melding, trick taking and scoring.

“I got into it just for the social aspect, but have played for 60 years,” Collison said. “Now, it is a form of continuing socialization and activity.”

Martin Fisch has played for 70 years and compares the game to bridge, finding it challenging.

“A lot of people find it difficult, what with all the terms to learn,” Suchar said.

Players are always willing to share their knowledge of the game.

“This is such a patient group, though,” Forney said. “They will tell me what is in my hand (without seeing it). That is how much they know the game. But I can ask questions. I was very fortunate to find this group to play with, because they don’t mind teaching and showing you what to do.”

What has been difficult is finding players. The group used to number 33, but after COVID fewer players returned.

Pinochle is played from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Thursday at the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center, with players coming and going as desired. Anyone can play, but players must be a member of the senior center. SL

SENIOR LIFE Brenda Eggert Brader

Elaine Collison, left, plays pinochle with Martin Fisch, Janet Fornay and Mike Suchar. Collison is the leader of the pinochle group at the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center.

The Free Boomer Guide features locations and listings of sports and games, including pinochle.

time machine in February...

Feb. 6, 1952

With the death of her father King George VI of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Princess Elizabeth, the oldest of two daughters, becomes queen. Queen Elizabeth II, born on April 21, 1926 with her family calling her Lilibet, is crowned at age 27 on June 2, 1953.

Feb. 2, 1887

The first Groundhog Day is celebrated at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania that officially debuts a rodent meteorologist predicting the weather. Beginning a state tradition, if the groundhog comes out of its burrow and sees its shadow, it gets scared and runs back in to hide. This predicts six more weeks of winter. If it does not see its shadow, an early spring is predicted.

Feb. 8, 1910

Feb. 7, 1964

Beatlemania arrives in the United States as a Pan Am flight lands at New York’s Kennedy Airport carrying the British rock-and-roll quartet, the Beatles. Six days prior, their hit song “I Want to Hold Your Hand” scores its first No. 1 U.S. hit. The Fab Four, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison, are wearing mod suits and bowl haircuts, and are greeted by 3,000 screaming fans.

Feb. 15, 1903

The first two teddy bears are put up for sale in a toy store window by owner and inventor Morris Michtom. Prior to the display, President Theodore Roosevelt gives permission to use his nickname, Teddy, in naming the bears.

The Boy Scouts of America is established and incorporated in Washington D.C. by William Boyce and grows into the world’s largest youth organization. It is modeled after the British Boy Scouts that is founded in 1908 by a cavalry officer, Lieutenant General Robert S.S. Baden-Powell.

Feb. 16, 1968

The first 911 call is officially placed. First responders recommend a simple number to be used in the event of an emergency. Though adopted by Congress, AT&T, the corporation that controls

most of the U.S. phone lines, recommends the number 911 since it is easy to remember and not utilized by an area code.

Feb. 20, 1962

Astronaut John Herschel Glenn Jr. becomes the first American to orbit the Earth, after launching from Cape Canaveral aboard the Friendship 7 spacecraft. The historic flight is in response to President John F. Kennedy’s desire to put an American on the moon. Glenn is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps and a decorated pilot with nearly 150 combat missions.

Feb. 25, 1964

Cassius Clay, 22, becomes the new world heavweight boxing champ after he knocks out Sonny Liston in the seventh round. He would become known as Muhammed Ali, whose mantra is “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

Photos courtesy of Creative Commons and Shutterstock

STRI PES

Council aims to boost morale, let service members feel at home

Members of the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce join the Military Affair Council because of varied reasons, but all with the same aim: to assist area service members.

Chamber members are eligible to join MAC, which maintains a relationship with all the U.S. military branches represented on the Space Coast — Air Force, Space Force, Navy, Army, Coast Guard and Marines.

A variety of business officials from defense contractors to hoteliers and other business owners are part of MAC.

Alec Hall’s membership evolved from his time in the military at Patrick Air Force Base. Today, he is the chairman of the Military Affairs Council.

“It was my wanting to meet people in my community,” Hall said of his

seeking out the organization.

Today, “it’s an ability to give back to the military.”

The Military Affairs Council was formed in 1991. It provides support for military members and their families. The MAC is an all-volunteer group of Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber partners, both civilian and military, who work to enhance the quality of life for the enlisted members of the military services assigned to the Space Coast.

Brevard County has representation

of military personnel from all branches. The Army National Guard has two armories here. The Navy has a port here for nuclear submarines and the Coast Guard maintains safety on the Space Coast’s waterways. The Air Force and the Space Force both have a strong presence on the Space Coast. The Marine Corps has a presence with its recruiting offices here.

In addition, Brevard County is home to about 68,000 veterans.

The council holds four primary events each year in support of the military, including a golf tournament and a banquet fundraiser.

It gives back to the military through support for junior enlisted members. It assists with a yearly junior enlisted appreciation picnic, attended by more than 600 active duty and reserve guard personnel. The picnic includes

raffles and giveaways ranging from certificates for dry cleaning to hotel stays and other items donated by MAC/ Chamber partners. The council also recognizes outstanding community service by military personnel.

The idea is to boost morale for the enlisted military members.

The Council meets once a month — one month at Chamber member businesses and the next at a military installation. They receive updates from the local military and plan events to raise money to assist the military members.

Hall said some of those same military members might one day retire and move to the Space Coast. He said MAC wants those serving here to feel welcomed in the community.

“I want to make Brevard home for our military,” he said. SL

Golf proves to be helpful in long-term healing of a wounded warrior

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

Golf can be vexing and exhilarating. For wounded warrior Ken Gestring, it is also healing.

The camaraderie and challenges of the game have helped the retired Air Force master sergeant heal from the serious physical and psychological injuries he endured while deployed to Afghanistan.

Given a family with a father, four uncles and two brothers in the Air Force or Navy, Gestring knew he would join the military. He signed up in 1986, just before turning 21 in the idyllic-sounding town of Niceville in northwest Florida.

“It was indeed a very nice place to grow up in,” Gestring said.

The stories his middle brother related about his work as a medic at Eglin Air Force sealed the deal.

“I decided it sounded like a cool job,” he said.

His military career included coordinating medical evacuations in the Pacific and, in 2009, deployment to Afghanistan, where he served as senior team medic to provincial reconstruction teams tasked with checking on road and building projects funded by the U.S. government.

“I had been 23 years in the service when I got deployed,” Gestring said.

His luck had held for almost a quarter of a century, but the streak would soon end in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

While walking on a mission to locate a project, as a small group of Afghani onlookers watched, Gestring’s team was ambushed by an anti-Afghan forces sub-munitions attack.

“Shrapnel went everywhere,” Gestring said.

He knew he had been hit, but his

duty trumped the pain and Gestring went to work.

“He provided care under fire without regard to his own personnel safety and injuries he sustained from the blast,” noted Brig. Gen. Dr. Kory Cornum, the 81st Medical Group commander, during a 2010 ceremony honoring Gestring at Keesler Air Force Base.

Gestring treated nine injured coalition forces and three Afghan National Police.

“His immediate response and swift tactical treatment during this mass casualty event saved their lives by preventing their injuries from becoming life-threatening,” Cornum added.

Unfortunately, there were some he could not save. Four Afghan children, part of the group of onlookers, perished.

“The kids were very hard for me to cope with, particularly since they were about the same age as my own children,” Gestring said.

It was only after the team arrived at a medical facility that Gestring discovered the extent of his own injuries. Shrapnel damaged three vertebrae, his rotator cuff, wrist, lower back and leg. He also suffered a traumatic brain injury and

PTSD. Gestring removed some of the shrapnel himself and returned to work immediately. He retired in 2011.

He calls his wife, Corina, his “caregiver and his calendar,” since the brain injury makes him forgetful. The couple moved to the Indian River Colony Club last year in part because of the golf.

“Golf has been a huge therapy,” he said.

Not only does it keep his body moving, but the game has connected him with other heroes through competition in the Wounded Warriors Games.

“We communicate a lot through golfing events,” he said.

A sponsor of a special tournament hosted by former President George W. Bush has provided Gestring with a lifetime membership to golf courses across the nation. When he plays, Gestring usually brings along his service Labradoodle, Meli, now a celebrity featured on the Golf Channel. He knows his injuries will never fully heal, but with the help of the friends he has made through golf and the physical challenges the game provides him, Gestring is ready for the future.

“Recovery is lifelong,” he said.

To watch the George W. Bush Institute interview of Ken Gestring, visit youtu.be/8xnB9QC0tW8 SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Ken Gestring

Ken Gestring enjoys golfing with his service dog, Meli.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Ken Gestring Ken Gestring treats a fellow service member.

“Golf has been a huge therapy. Recovery is lifelong.”

—Ken Gestring

‘Military Makeover with Montel’ to showcase veteran’s renovated home in Suntree

BY R. NORMAN MOODY

Volunteers and well-wishers joined “Military Makeover with Montel” to transform the interior and exterior of the Suntree home of a veteran and his family.

Between Dec. 1 and 10, the home of Air Force Staff Sgt. Brent Maney was renovated by the “Military Makeover with Montel” television show.

“We got to do a military makeover for a veteran who had been injured, still active,” said Jennifer Bertrand, the designer for the project. “This is all about making their house feel like a hug to the soul.”

Brent Maney served 12 years in the Air Force with many deployments, including to Saudi Arabia, Africa and South Korea. He also played a role in supporting NASA launches from Transatlantic Abort Landing sites in Morocco and Gambia as well as teaching Special Operations Forces in combat casualty care.

Maney and his wife of 15 years have two boys. Trudie Maney was diagnosed with an advanced young onset of Parkinson’s disease in 2007. Her health has been a big challenge for the family. In 2020, she was diagnosed with early onset of dementia, which required her husband to be her caregiver.

The makeover included wide doorways, handrails for Trudie Maney, and the bright coastal colors they like.

“It’s all about giving them new beginnings,” Bertrand said.

The show enlists designers, builders, contractors, among them plumbers, electricians, painters, landscapers and drywall hangers to get the makeover done. They also rely on volunteers.

Sunshine State Construction led the renovation of the home.

John Drake and a crew of Drakes All in One Painting & Refurb Services painted the interior and exterior of the house.

“It’s great to give back to the community, especially the military who put their lives on the line for us,” Drake said. “It’s the least we could do.”

During a 10-day span, volunteers and professional trades people worked

long hours to complete the project.

Garren and Kim Cone, who operate AVET Project, a nonprofit organization that helps and advocates for veterans, spent more than seven hours helping on the project.

“It’s always a blessing to see those who come out to help,” Garren Cone said.

Four volunteers helping with the renovation were from AVET Project.

“It’s always a pleasure just to give back,” Kim Cove said. “It brings us joy knowing we’re helping.”

The host of the show, Montel Williams, was present for the presentation once the project was completed. The episode of “Military

Redefining senior living

Makeover with Montel’’ featuring the Maney family is expected to air on Lifetime this month. SL

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

The Maney family takes its first steps into their newly renovated home as friends and family cheer them on.

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue Montel Williams and his crew film an episode of “Military Makeover with Montel” at Brent Maney’s family home in Suntree.

ART & CULTURE

Gourd Society Festival brings its artful craft to Melbourne

BY BETTY PORTER

Want to see how gourds are crafted into artful pieces? You can by attending the 24th annual Florida Gourd Society Festival to be held Feb. 24 to 26.

This year’s festival will be at the Azan Shriners Center at 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. in Melbourne. Admission is free. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m on Sunday.

“You’ll be amazed at the many varieties of gourds and the items created,” said Therese Ferguson, one of the founding members and a past president of the Florida Gourd Society. “Gourd crafting has grown over the years to become an art form. You will see gourds crafted into musical instruments, jewelry, statues, lamps, masks and more. Artists today use wood burning, chip and power carving, weaving, painting and inks and dyes to create their one-of-a-kind pieces of art, some decorative and some functional.”

Gourd growers from farms across the southern states will provide a huge selection of gourds for sale. There will be vendors with craft supplies

and tools, gourd crafting demos, a competition area with more than 60 categories, 20 classes, food all weekend as well as silent auctions, basket raffles and a white elephant

table. The event is for all ages with a Kids Corner make-and-take area included, which allows children and adult to decorate a small gourd item.

“A variety of classes will be taught by top instructors who come in from around the country,” Ferguson said. Classes are individually priced and fees vary. To see the class selections, supplies needed and to register, go to Flgourdsoc.org

The Florida Gourd Society was started by a group of Floridians interested in growing and crafting gourds. The first show was in Belleview at the Markets of Marion. It moved to the fairgrounds in Palatka and since 2011 has been

held in Melbourne. The Florida Gourd Society is one of 23 such state chapters across the United Stated having the common goal of educating and promoting gourding as a hobby and an art form.

There are currently six gourd patch groups in Florida, including the Brevard Gourd Society which meets once a month at the Eau Gallie Public Library the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Therese Ferguson Gourds crafted into musical instruments, jewelry, statues, lamps and other pieces of art will be on display at the Florida Gourd Society Festival.

SENIOR

Courtesy of Therese Ferguson Growers from across the southern

will

of gourds for

“A variety of (gourd crafting) classes will be taught by top instructors who come in from around the country.” — Therese Ferguson

NASA’s rugged lunar rover could

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

A very special vehicle that can climb rocks, spin on a dime and go sideways might make an appearance on the Space Coast in the not too distant future.

Don’t get too excited, however, because this wonder machine won’t be available at a car dealership. We’re talking about the pressurized lunar rover destined to help astronauts maneuver the bumpy lunar surface when Artemis launches — hopefully — in 2025. The nimble rover is currently near Flagstaff, Arizona for tests around SP Crater, considered the earth terrain most similar to the Moon’s.

“This is the best simulation they can achieve without the lunar dust issues, 1/6 gravity and vacuum conditions,” said John Tribe, the chief engineer of launch support services during the Space Shuttle program.

Tribe still remembers driving home from work in the 1960s and seeing astronauts bouncing over rocks aboard a rover trying to negotiate the “lunar landscape” behind Kennedy Space Center’s Flight Crew Training Building.

“The Arizona testing seems more thorough than those early days,” he said.

According to NASA, the rover is being tested for “design, cabin configuration, driving modes, timeline constraints and mission operations to support potential design concepts for future pressurized rovers.”

The rover is part of D-RATS, or Desert Research and Technology Studies, which have been ongoing for a decade and included three special missions in October of last year when teams of two astronauts trained aboard. In this exhaustive simulation, the astronauts operated the vehicle, lived in it for two days and conducted simulated moonwalks over Black Point Lava Flow near SP Crater while in conversation with Mission Control in Houston, just as they would have done had they been on the Moon.

This lunar RV will permit astronauts to comfortably live and work inside it for weeks at a time. The vehicle boasts all the air, water, food and tools the astronauts need, while also allowing them easy exit for sample collection or for performing experiments.

Mark Marquette, the community liaison for the American Space Museum and Space Walk of Fame, is a fan of all things space. While he applauds the development of the new, improved rover, he warns the astronauts to watch for a little bit of a traffic jam up on the Moon.

“The Chinese, who have a very ambitious space program, already have rovers on the Moon, so when we get ours up there, we won’t be the only ones,” he said. SL

could launch from the Space Coast

One concept that is in NASA’s current plans is a Lunar Electric Rover. This small pressurized rover is about the size of a pickup truck (with 12 wheels) and can house two astronauts for up to 14 days with sleeping and sanitary facilities. It is designed to require little or no maintenance, be able to travel thousands of miles climbing over rocks and up 40 degree slopes during its 10year life exploring the harsh surface of the moon. The rover frame was developed in conjunction with an off-road race truck team and was field tested in the desert Southwest by driving on rough lava.

Courtesy of NASA/Regan Geeseman

Gluten-free diets — beneficial but not right for everyone HEALTH & WELLNESS

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER

Gluten-free diets may be popular in theory, but may not be for everyone, cautions CJ Gerndt, a local food and nutrition strategist.

“Foods that contain gluten are highly processed,” Gerndt said. “When you stop eating something that is bad for you, you feel better. You logically control eating by not calling it a diet, but by doing your research and reading your labels.

Learn what foods to avoid.

If you cut out your regular diet for two weeks, going to a gluten-free diet, and you feel better and your skin looks better, stick with it.

“Everyone is different, with a lot of people eating ultra-processed foods,” Gerndt said. “Lunch meat is salted and cured and is not a good food at all. If you want lunch meat, cut up cooked chicken. Deep-fried foods are processed with ultra-white flour, the protein found in wheat. Rice crackers and cakes, plain corn chips are good alternative selections. A good go-to is a Mediterranean diet, basically fish, oils, olives, chicken, fresh untreated meat and vegetable broth.”

Leave out the gluten.

“A gluten-free diet excludes any foods that contain gluten which is a protein found in wheat and several other grains. It means eating only

History

whole foods that don’t contain gluten, such as fruits, vegetables, meats and eggs, as well as processed gluten-free foods like gluten-free bread or pasta, according to Selvi Rajagopal, M.D., a specialist in internal medicine and obesity with Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

“Gluten is a protein naturally

occurring in certain foods, but it can also be added to foods during processing for texture,” Rajagopal explains. “Gluten can be used as a binding agent and flavoring, so you can sometimes find it in foods you wouldn’t expect. In addition to foods like pizza, cereal and baked goods, gluten can be in everything from

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 - 1970s

soy sauce and ice cream to certain medications, beauty products and dietary supplements.

“Some think going gluten-free means not eating any carbohydrates, but this isn’t the case. Foods with carbohydrates like rice, potatoes and beans don’t contain gluten,” Rajagopal said.

Now - 2023

Gerndt said that the onset of dietary issues can occur in any stage of life, but peak between the fourth and sixth decades of life (ages 40s to 60s).

“The most common medical disorder associated with gluten is known as Celiac Disease, an immune reaction to eating gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley and rye,” he said.

If you don’t have Celiac Disease, Rajagopal recommends removing highly processed foods from your diet before removing gluten. SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Town of Indialantic The Indialantic Town Hall was a single-story bulding in the 1970s.

SENIOR LIFE Klinton Landress

The present-day Indialantic Town Hall building is an impressive structure.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Johns Hopkins University Adhering to a gluten-free diet can be complicated.

“Gluten is a protein naturally occurring in certain foods, but it can also be added to foods during processing for texture.”

—Selvi Rajagopal M.D.

Assisted Living License AL#13616

Breaking the age code

Researchers continue to seek answers on how to extend our lives. What are the factors that contribute to people living to age 100 or longer?

Recently, Becca Levy, who holds a Ph.D., recently released “Breaking the Age Code.” From her studies, she shares how our beliefs about aging determine how long and well we live.

A code refers to a set of standards or rules established for safety and protection. Levy focuses on a revolutionary paradigm shift about how we think about aging. The research results show how our mindset and beliefs shape our behaviors. If you think and operate like you are old, you become what you think about each day. The challenge to you and me is to “fight the scourge of ageism.”

JoAnn Jenkins, the CEO of AARP, published “Disrupt Aging” in 2016, which showed a bold new path to living your best life at every age. Comments about disrupting aging stated, “the author doesn’t just challenge the stereotypes of aging, but she provides productive, meaningful and purposeful ideas on how to do it.”

There is emphasis in the book on living a life of engagement, connection and possibility. At the end of the book, there is an Action Plan.

My library is full of books on How to Live to Age 100. Each author has taken a different approach. Charles Inlander and Marie Hodge produced “100 Ways to Live to 100” (1972); George Burns wrote “How to Live to Be 100 or More” (1983); Rick Warren

Challenges of Living to Age 100

Ed Baranowski

shared “The Purpose Driven Life” (2002); and Joan Chittister compiled “The Gift of Years” (2008).

Check out the January 2023 National Geographic magazine. Dan Buettner, famous for his “Blue Zones” studies, offers “100 Recipes to Live to 100.” It’s what you eat! Further in that issue, the feature article “Living Longer and Better” by Fran Smith (pages 34 to 69) covers how scientists are helping us live a longer life.

The emphasis in the studies is on a balanced life — with ideas to cover the physical, mental and spiritual areas. The mixture of research results, practical experiences, life lessons, life lived, and anecdotes makes each reading an opportunity to grow. Some of our basic assumptions about aging are tossed aside and new revelations shared on how we can lead longer, healthier and happier lives. Accept the challenge! SL

Ed Baranowski is an awardwinning writer, artist, speaker and seminar leader. He lives in Melbourne and can be contacted at fast75sr@ gmail.com.

Courtenay Springs Village

1200 S Courtenay Pkwy., Merritt Island 32952 321-452-1233 CourtenaySpringsVillage.org

Shell Harbor

Brevard’s Premier Senior Retirement & Assisted Living Communities A B

2855 Murrell Rd, Rockledge 32955

321-265-6858 ShellHarborRetirement.com

Alura Senior Living

777 Roy Wall Blvd., Rockledge 32955 321-549-3980 AluraSeniorLiving.com

The Blake at Viera

5700 Lake Andrew Dr.,Viera 32940 321-343-7200 BlakeAtViera.com

Sonata East at Viera

4206 Breslay Dr., Viera 32940

321-326-9995 SonataVieraEast.com

The Brennity at Melbourne

7300 Watersong Lane, Viera 32940 321-253-7440 BrennityMelbourne.com

Chateau Madeleine

205 Hardoon Lane, Suntree 32940

321-701-8000 SuntreeSeniorLiving.com

Buena Vida Estates

2129 W. New Haven Ave., W. Melbourne 32904 321-724-0060 BuenaVidaEstates.org

HISTORIC TITUSVILLE MAIN STREET

Palm Shores

Palm Shores

Two Tervurens keep their dog trainer, owner on her toes

BY JEFF NAVIN

Reagyn, an elegant 13-year-old Tervuren who will turn 14 in May, doesn’t know what to think about Stetson, her nine-week-old little brother.

Stetson, who weighed 14.7 pounds upon joining the household, likes to bark and follow his older 62-pound sister around the property. He even jumped into the backyard pond for a swim just one day into becoming a member of the family.

The two dogs belong to Valerie Harville, a professional dog obedience instructor who lives in West Melbourne. Harville has had Tervurens since 1960 when she was a child growing up in Michigan.

“My mother was a dog show judge and professional handler,’’ said Harville, who was born in Mississippi but moved to Michigan when she was just a few months old. “She took every breed you could think of to shows all over the midwest. It was always a family business from grooming to training to showing the different breeds. A collie even saved my life when I was 3 by pushing me out of the way of a semi-truck.’’

Her mother then took a Tervuren to a dog show and that breed quickly became the family’s signature dog.

“They’re (Tervurens) smart, quick, agile and easy to take care of,’’ Harville said. “Everyone looks at their fur coat and thinks that they’re a big problem to take care of. They’re really not.’’

The long-haired Tervuren is one of four types of sheep dogs that originated in Belgium. They are mahogany with a black overlay.

The others, also named for cities in Belgium, are the long-haired and solid black Groenendael; the shorthaired Malinois, which is fawn with a black mask and black overlay; and the rough-haired Laekenois, which is fawn with traces of a black overlay in its coat and mask.

All four are considered to be separate breeds by the American Kennel Club.

“Their (Tervurens) only limitation is me,’’ Harville said. “I can’t run anymore. They like to be busy. They’re not a lay-down-by-thefire type of dog that just hangs out. They’re a let’s-do-stuff dog. They want you to challenge them. They’re always ready to go and they’ll always jump up for the next challenge.’’

Harville’s household was in disarray when she adopted Reagyn as a puppy. Her husband Troy suffered from various maladies that led from utilizing a wheelchair to being bedridden before he died 10 years ago.

Reagyn literally was there when Harville needed someone to lean on.

“I fell in the backyard the other day,’’ said Harville, who was a school teacher for 42 years. “I called her over to get an arm around her to help me get up. That’s not the first time she has helped me. She has helped me in so many different ways to make it through the day. I’m here by myself, and I can’t imagine I’d do as well without her.’’

Reagyn also is trained to help the hearing impaired.

Stetson will have a lot of work to do to reach that level.

“I hope that this little guy will do what Reagyn does,’’ Harville said.

“He likes to check things out. There’s a parallel to teaching children. It’s all a mystery. It’s important to know as much as possible about a dog’s lineage to see what their personality will be like. It will take two years for him to be a service dog. Each disability is unique, whether it’s teaching a dog to guide the blind, the hearing impaired or a person with

seizures. Dogs pick up on that.’’

Harville likes to train puppies from eight weeks to 4½ months old. Hormones set in at that point to make teaching a little more difficult. That’s why a good foundation at a young age is helpful.

Nutrition also is important for dogs of all ages.

“You want to look at the first five

ingredients,’’ Harville said. “If you see stuff you can’t pronounce, you probably shouldn’t be feeding them that. You also don’t want to see corn as one of the top ingredients. You can look at how it comes out. I feed Reagyn dehydrated turkey, pork and beef.’’

For information on classes, contact Harville at harville@digital.net

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue and Jeff Navin

Valerie Harville has owned Reagyn, 13, since she was a puppy. Reagyn is a Tervuren, one of four types of sheep dogs that originated in Belgium. Stetson, right, is a promising puppy with a zest for life.

Presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band.

Lisa Conway, RN, will discuss ways to prevent and treat skin cancer. The Brennity at Melbourne 7300 Watersong Way Viera, 321-635-0130

411 About Strokes

-

p.m.

House 777 Merritt Island Causeway Merritt Island, 321-452-4341

Presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E.

will focus on homeless and at-risk veterans and their families, while also matching the veterans with job options on the

5 6 7 8 9

11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Free event. More than 28 local food trucks, 200-car car show and local bands on stage.

Space Coast Stadium

5800 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-242-1235

Belly Dancing

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Fee is $2 for members and $3 for non-members.

Martin Andersen

Senior Center

1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-631-7549

Basic Computing/ Ask a Tech

1 - 3 p.m.

Sunflower House 777 Merritt Island Causeway, Suite 201 Merritt Island, 321-452-4341

Veterans Benefits Seminar

Bingo

11:30 a.m. Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Drive NE Palm Bay, 321-724-1338

Wednesday Yoga in Central Park 8 - 9 a.m.

Central Brevard Art Association Annual Spring Art Show and Sale Feb. 9 - 11 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cape Canaveral Library 201 Polk Ave. 321-806-8065

Senior Living Options Day & Chef Competition

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Compare Brevard's best senior living communities all in one place while enjoying food samples from the Chef Competition.

Central Florida Winds Music for Winds and Strings

3 p.m. Featuring Brahms’ Serenade No. 1. Park Avenue Baptist Church 2600 South Park Ave. Titusville, 321-405-2359

Seaside Quilt Show Group

Ditchfield Family Singers: Valentine's Concert

3:30 and 7 p.m.

A concert of love songs.

Riverside Presbyterian Church, 3400 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Bch., 386-320-6112

Central Florida Winds Music for Winds and Strings

3 p.m.

1 - 5 p.m.

Quilting group

Suntree/Viera Library

902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

10 - 11 a.m. Seminar presented by Elder Law attorney William A. Johnson. RSVP required.

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

Free classes designed for all levels. The Avenue Viera Central Park 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390

Downsizing Seminar

2 p.m. Shell Harbor Retirement Community 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge, 321-265-6858

Center for Collaboration

1100 Rockledge Blvd. Rockledge, 321-751-6771

Second annual Craft Fair 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Blessed Sacrament Church 5135 N. Cocoa Blvd. Cocoa, 321-632-6333 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Featuring Brahms’ Serenade No. 1. Suntree United Methodist Church 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-405-2359

Brevard Investment Education Group 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Stock market investment group. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Ask the Doctor - Lunch and Learn Presentation

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Identifying the risks for Alzheimers. Presented by Clincloud Research. RSVP required.

Parkinson's Support Group

10 a.m. Third Wednesday of each month.

Space Coast Jeep Club Meet and Greet

Fourth annual Space Coast Paddle Battle

8 a.m.

2023 SPLASH! of Watercolor Art Show

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Feb.18 and 19

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

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

6 - 10 p.m. Hammock Landings Shopping Center 205 Palm Bay Road West Melbourne, facebook.com/ spacecoastjeepclubofficial

Feb. 7 and 18 Pickleball tournament.

Nancy Hanson Recreation Complex 7300 N. Atlantic Ave. Cape Canaveral 321-868-1226

Sit-n-stich Group 1 - 3 p.m. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Original watercolor art on display and for sale, themed gift basket raffles, silent auction, 50/50 raffles, and informative demonstrations. Azan Shrine Temple 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. Melbourne, 321-501-6438 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Free Family Concert: Brevard Symphony

2 p.m.

Featuring music from Jurassic Park, Super Mario Bros., The Nutcracker and more. King Center for the Performing Arts

3865 N. Wickham Road

Melbourne, 321-345-5052

Music Monday: Ed Mercier

6 - 7 p.m.

Favorite local musician, songwriter, vocalist and acoustic guitarist Ed Mercier will perform a variety of folk and popular music spanning from the 1950s to the 1970s. Cape Canaveral Library 201 Polk Ave. 321-868-1101

Space Coast Poets

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Suntree/Viera Library

902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Funny Fat Tuesday 6:30 p.m.

Funniest comics from all over Florida to entertain you for Mardi Gras

Lizette’s Cajun Bistro

2447 N. Wickham Road

Melbourne, 321-622-8230

Melbourne Municipal Band Concert: Inspired by Books 7 - 9 p.m. Free concert Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-724-0555

Brevard Democrats Monthly Meeting 7 - 9 p.m.

2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-600-4855

Estate Planning Seminar

10 - 11 a.m. Seminar presented by William A. Johnson, board certified Elder Law Attorney. RSVP required. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Rockin' The SunsetElton John Tribute Band

7 p.m. Enjoy Elton

Sharing friendship and information

CROSSWORD

DOWN

1. Ambulance-chaser’s advice

2. Saturn’s wife

3. “M*A*S*H” prop

4. Bowie, for one

5. Driver’s woe

6. Cause of malodors

7. “Able was I ___ ...”

8. “The Gondoliers” girl

9. Open wide

10. First family’s home?

11. Emulate a stevedore

16. Palindromic address

20. Ask too much?

21. Clinton’s birthplace

22. Spar

23. Steer steerer

24. Venture

25. Baker’s dozen

28. Black tie affair

30. Flight paths

31. Small bay

32. Super’s collection

35. Aromatic oil, often

38. Beast of the East

42. Like Catherine Zeta-Jones

44. Lay up

45. Kept tabs on

46. Zig or zag

47. Type of child

48. Automatic door opener?

51. Brief promise?

52. It’s good in Paris

53. It’s taken to calm down

Crossword solution page 27

54. Rhea’s kin

55. Barb

Additional Products

Storm Panels

Screen Rooms

Accordians

Roll-Ups

Bahamas

Hurricanerated Roll-Up Screens

Acrylic Sliders

Carports

Easy Open/Close

Accordion Shutters

Couples share long-lasting love

Valentine’s Day — Feb. 14 — is a day when love is expressed with celebrations, gifts and greetings. It’s a day when love and romance is celebrated around the world.

And while the true legend of Valentine’s Day is obscure, one thing is quite clear — the couples here have lived the long-lasting test of their love for each other for decades.

There are exemplary couples, whose love for each other is so long-lasting that they should be celebrated.

They have endured because they have love and respect for each other, they communicate well, they don’t have to be right all the time and they work at getting along. We celebrate them this Valentine’s Day.

BY FLORA REIGADA

At age 15, Nancy Abner of Titusville cried when her mother insisted she go to Vacation Bible School in Jessup, Georgia. The teen’s family had just moved there, and she didn’t know anyone. But she came home smiling, because that day, she met the love of her life, Charles Abner.

The couple have been married 55 years. They have three children and nine grandchildren. Visiting them is the Abners’ favorite pastime.

“The secret to our long marriage is persistence and staying with it,” she said. “I would encourage young marrieds to appreciate each other’s differences and to love unconditionally.” Faith, commitment and love have bonded Charles and Nancy Abner together for 55 years.

BY WENDY SCHEURING

Dick Baumbach was stationed at a secret Army missile base when he met Diane, a nursing student. They hit it off right away. Three weeks later, they said “I love you.”

On April Fools’ Day, they got engaged. Before they could get married, Dick was reassigned to Korea. The commanding general was able to get Dick leave so he could get married. Diane returned with him, working as a civilian nurse in an Army hospital. That was 56 years ago.

To keep their marriage strong, they attended a weekend encounter. Ever since, they have dedicated themselves to the marriage ministry.

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

The magic number for Ken and Rosemarie Cocker has been 51 years of marriage.

“We met at our church in Willoughby Hills, Ohio 55 years ago. My father was a pastor and Ken was the choir director,” Rosemarie Cocker said.

The Cockers have lived in Florida for 47 years, have two children and five grandchildren. They sing together in the choir and play cards every morning.

“Our Christian faith has kept us together, as we promised when we got married, we’d stay together no matter what,” Rosemarie Cocker said.

Ken has retired from his pastoral duties but still does marital counseling.

“Best advice for younger couples is to always communicate,” he said.

BY BETTY PORTER

Mike and Becky Crews have ceremoniously professed their love for each other twice in the 53 years they have been married. They did so on their wedding day and again three years ago on their 50th anniversary. when they renewed their wedding vows at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Melbourne.

They met for the first time in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in their freshman year in college. The couple, who own and run Four C’s Nursery in Palm Bay, moved here from Plano, Texas in 1994. They have two sons and six grandchildren. For the past 13 years, the couple have worked for the Avenue Viera during Christmas as Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The secret of their long-lasting marriage: they both agree it is a give-and-take and each makes it a point to share their love for each other each and every day.

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

Dutch and Donna Harold have been married 53 years, have three daughters, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

When she met Dutch 54 years ago, Donna was working at a disco in Tampa and gave him her number. She asked him to call her on Sunday if he was serious. They were married a year later at the University of South Florida’s chapel.

“Marriage takes compromise,” Donna Harold said. “I tell my kids to remember why they fell in love and try not to change that person.”

Dutch Harold’s advice to his children about relationships has always been simple. “You don’t have to be right all the time; you can be right or you can be happy.”

Ken and Rosemarie Cocker

Charles and Nancy Abner

Dutch and Donna Harold

Dick and Diane Baumbach

Mike and Becky Crews

Chefs put on a show at Senior Living Options Day

SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE

One Senior Place will present Senior Living Options Day: A Taste of Senior Living from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 in the Center for Collaboration at Space Coast Health Foundation. It is located at 1100 Rockledge Blvd. (U.S. 1) in Rockledge.

During the free event, representatives from more than a dozen different senior communities will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the various properties.

One Senior Place will provide copies of the Senior Living Options Resource Guide to help attendees consider and assess the many types of housing scenarios available to seniors.

The annual special event is a favorite with local seniors who can sample a broad selection of appetizers and desserts, collect numerous giveaways and win door prizes.

After tasting the entries provided by the chefs from the participating senior communities, attendees can vote to determine the winner of the 2023 Best Chef in Senior Living competition.

The 2023 Senior Living Options Day is presented by One Senior Place and Palm Cottages Assisted Living & Memory Care. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and the doors will open at 11 a.m. RSVP at OneSeniorPlace.com or call One Senior Place at 321-751-6771.

“Everyone likes the idea of living at home the rest of their lives,” said Eden Cook, the director of One Senior Place. “But our changing health and care needs means that may not always be possible. Luckily, retirement communities today are increasingly like resorts.

At Senior Living Options Day, seniors and their families can compare all the options Brevard has to offer — and sample delicious food prepared by professional chefs.’’

Behind the Beat

By Randal C. Hill

‘Dueling Banjos’ — Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell

In the early months of 1973, Top 10 recording artists included such hipsters as Carly Simon, Elton John, War, Steely Dan and Roberta Flack. In their midst, though, appeared the unlikely duo of Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell, a powerhouse instrumental duo behind the millionseller “Dueling Banjos,” which for four straight weeks locked in the No. 2 position on the Billboard singles chart.

Weissberg and Mandell supported themselves as session musicians, working with such leading lights as Bob Dylan, Judy Collins and John Denver — until a request arrived one day for the pair to record a track for the upcoming Burt Reynolds movie “Deliverance,” a horrific tale of four Atlanta businessmen who canoe down an isolated Georgia river (that’s about to become dammed and made into a lake), with dangerous, churning rapids and mayhem and murder awaiting downstream.

Five minutes into the film, at a dilapidated backwoods gas station, we experience a spontaneous jam session between city slicker Drew (former stage actor Ronny Cox) and a provincial lad — apparently mute — named Lonnie (local high-schooler Billy Redden).

“Dueling Banjos” unfolds between the pair as a musical conversation. Lonnie, initially reticent, slowly picks

up the tune, tosses in a bit of “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” then, much to Drew’s delight, shifts into high gear. The musical pace builds to a high-octane finish as a grinning local man dances an ad-libbed jig.

Cox was a good guitarist but Redden couldn’t play a note. During the filming, Redden had to wear a customized shirt that allowed a local musician named Mike Addis to play the banjo while hiding his own arms in Redden’s sleeves.

Weissberg and Mandell didn’t write “Dueling Banjos.” That honor went to ace instrumentalist Arthur Smith in 1954 when he composed “Feudin’ Banjos,” which he recorded later with fellow banjoist Don Reno. Smith’s original work — a forerunner of the rapid-fire rock ‘n’ roll instrumental — was appropriately named because the track seemed to be just that: an argument of sorts between two banjos. (The 1973 hit single, though, featured not two banjos but a banjo and a guitar.)

“Dueling Banjos” on Warner Records rose next to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 5 on the country charts. Its placement in the latter might have been the impetus that helped Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell garner a Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance the following year.

But not everybody appreciated the success of “Dueling Banjos.” Arthur Smith had not given permission for the usage of his creation nor the credit for writing the hit. (Eric Weissberg was listed as the sole creator.) Smith filed a lawsuit, which was settled two years later in his favor when he received the abundant royalties that were due him. (Just how abundant? The first thing Smith purchased was a 42-foot yacht.)

Smith’s creation was parodied when comedian Martin Mull released his own instrumental argument called “Dueling Tubas.” The silly single sold enough copies to send it soaring to No. 92 on the Hot 100 chart. SL

Space program, IRL Coalition work to keep Lagoon pristine

To the Moon WITH the Lagoon. What does that mean?

Yes, I get that we are fortunate here in Brevard at the center of America’s amazing effort to return to the Moon and even Mars. It’s also wonderful that we have booming commercial space development.

So “To the Moon from the Lagoon” makes sense, but “WITH”?

Yes! The two biggest things Brevard is known for are space and the Indian River Lagoon. The concerning thing is that if we’re not careful, the one (space) may cause further damage or even kill the other (Lagoon).

That’s right. We all know the Lagoon is struggling. One reason for this is the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) construction done back in the 1960s during the Apollo, and Shuttle programs. The waters of the Banana River were cut off from the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) by the Crawlerway, and mosquito control impoundments disrupted the saltmarshes. Also, acres and acres of land were paved, dumping millions of gallons of fresh water into

Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

the estuary.

Unfortunately, some of the same inadequate planning is taking place today with Space Florida, SpaceX, Blue Origin and other commercial groups rapidly developing plots for their rockets and a failure by the responsible organization to monitor and control the cumulative impacts of this development.

So, “To the Moon WITH the Lagoon,” is the call by IRL Roundtable (irlroundtable.com/), a group of longterm environment citizens who are working to ensure we build a balance between our two blessings.

Indeed, the Roundtable attended the Brevard County Legislative Delegation Meeting on Jan. 11 and presented a suggestion about how we might be able

to jump start this cooperation.

They pointed out that while KSC has released its IRL Health Initiative Plan, the remediation projects it proposes are unfunded. So, they suggested that the Brevard Delegation work to direct some of the massive federal funds in the recent American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act to finance

some of these projects.

Yes, if we work together, we can go “To the Moon WITH the Lagoon.” SL

For more about Our Piece of Paradise — the Lagoon, visit HelpTheLagoon.org, facebook. com/BIRLC/ and twitter.com/ HelpTheLagoon.

SENIOR LIFE Creative Commons Billy Redden, left, and Ronny Cox performed an iconic song in the movie “Deliverance.”

BCOA NEWS

Brevard Commission on Aging

BCOA meetings are open to the public and are held the second Thursday of each month at the government center in Viera. For information, contact Cindy Short at 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.

Romance scams – true love or something else

Love is in the air, but is this true love or a scam?

Romance scammers want potential victims to believe they are in love and feel good about themselves. These scammers create potentially romantic relationships by tugging at heartstrings and building false trust. Then use this trust to con them out of hundreds or thousands of dollars.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, losses related to romance scams hit a record high of $547 million in 2021. The median loss per victim was $2,400. Adults 70 and older were more likely to be cheated out of more money, with the average loss in this age group exceeding $9,000.

Reports of these scams have steadily risen during the past several years and likely will continue. Older adults are twice as likely as younger adults to lose money to sweetheart scams, so it’s essential to warn aging parents and neighbors about the signs of these scams. There’s no guarantee you can prevent seniors from becoming victims, but helping them recognize the red flags can reduce the risk that this con will sweep them up.

State Attorney Phil Archer notes in his monthly newsletter, The Brief, that loneliness and lockdowns have created the perfect scenario for scammers hoping to take advantage of singles looking for love. According to the Better Business Bureau and a recent survey conducted by Wells Fargo, scams are up more than 20% from the previous year.

In the most common form, the scammer posts super attractive photos and profile details stolen from real Facebook or other accounts. They then reach out to the victim via social media or a dating app. Often they’ll claim to be out of the country or in the military stationed overseas, essentially catfish scams designed to gain the victim’s trust. They claim to fall in love quickly, make plans for the future, and then ask for the money

needed for medical, travel or other expenses.

In some cases, the scammers ask for revealing photos (extortion), ask for personal information (identity theft), or send attachments that infect computers with malware.

How to avoid romance scams:

1) Avoid too-hot-to-be-true profiles;

2) Don’t give out personal information;

3) Don’t share financial information or send money to anyone you haven’t met in person;

4) Conduct a reverse image search to see where else the person’s image appears;

5) Use burner phones and email only for dating/social media;

6) Be suspicious of anyone who won’t video chat (no Wi-Fi, smartphone or camera);

7) Search chat messages/emails to see if they use a prepared script;

8) Do a Background Search.

Protect yourself and others from romance scams

Romance scams are not limited to Valentine’s Day, so be smart about who you connect with, and save yourself the worry about Cupid’s arrow striking your wallet instead of your heart!

Here are some ways you can protect yourself and your friends and family from romance scams:

Don’t give a new friend access to your money — including ATM cards, bank accounts, credit cards or investment accounts.

Place an order of our romance scam prevention and awareness placemats on the Consumer Finance website, and share with people in

your community. The placemats can be used year-round to help educate older adults and others about romance scams.

Report any crimes to your law enforcement’s non-emergency number. If you suspect that someone is a victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation, report it to Adult Protective Services (APS). Find your local APS at eldercare.gov. If you think the person’s safety may be at risk, call 911.

For more information on Romance Scams, visit the AARP, Consumer Protection Finance Bureau, U.S. Army, and Social Catfish websites. Report suspected online romance scams to the FBI’s Crime Complaint Center and the Federal Trade Commission.

Sources include: consumerfinance. gov/about-us/blog/guard-your-walletwell-your-heart-romance-scams/, AARP, BBB, FTC, and ABCNews7, and TheBrief Vol9issue2. SL

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these scams.

Mount Dora beckons with small-town charm, natural beauty TRAVEL

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

As a commercial airline pilot, Brian Stilke could literally live anywhere he wanted in the United States. Six years ago, he chose Mount Dora, 30 geographic miles from Orlando, but a million miles distinct in ambiance.

“I can be traveling for days and it always feels like vacation coming home,” said Stilke, who also owns the Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company and its fleet of horseless carriages.

It is easy to see why Stilke fell in love with Mount Dora, a town blessed with both the small-town charm of a well-heeled Mayberry as well as with an abundance of natural beauty.

“Not only am I drawn to the gorgeous Lake Dora sunsets, one of the most beautiful inland sunsets you will ever see, but I’m also drawn to the unique character of the town with its diversity of restaurants and shops because of the creative small business owners, residents and public servants that make it all possible,” Stilke added.

The city of 16,000 packs a lot of entertainment punch, with wallto-wall festivals throughout the year, an affable downtown perfect for meandering through boutiques, antique shops and restaurants and a calendar of outdoor pursuits that include the Dora Canal, one of the

prettiest stretches of water in the world.

Why the name Mount Dora?

Locals are proud that their city sits on a plateau 184 feet above sea level, a considerable mountain for Florida. Pioneer homesteader Dora Ann Drawdy’s hospitality is credited for the second part of the moniker.

A popular winter retreat since the 1920s, the lakefront town cherishes its historic architecture and its grand old oaks. Beyond a slate of art shows and

Puzzle on page 25

music events, the city hosts out-ofthe-ordinary fetes such as the annual Jane Austen Fest.

Storyteller Louise O’Leary helps orchestrate the Florida Storytelling Festival, held in Mount Dora at the end of January.

“It was my dream to live here and, 24 years after our first visit to Mount Dora, my dream came true,” said O’Leary, whose lively recorded narration of the town’s history is part of the tour on Stilke’s horseless carriages.

Come the Christmas holidays, Mount Dora’s massive display of lights attracts visitors from around the state and beyond. From City Hall to the marina, the town revels in Christmas cheer with a two-millionlight show that takes months of preparations.

The Dora Canal, which links Lake Dora with Lake Eustis, is only a mile long, but it is an unforgettable mile. Climb aboard a vessel from companies such as Premier Boat Tours, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, pilot your own lowriding, zippy cat boat from CatBoat Adventure Tours. Take your time and enjoy the incredible scenery that includes birds and wildlife galore, as well as majestic cypress trees already growing when Christ was an infant.

Whether your passion is antiquing, partying, dining, kayaking, fishing, sightseeing, biking or just sitting back and enjoying the view, Mount Dora is ready to oblige.

“Mount Dora has everything,” O’Leary said.

For more on Mount Dora, go to VisitLakeFl.com SL

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Visit Lake County

The uniqueness and small-town charm is a big draw for visitors to Mount Dora.

SENIOR LIFE Maria Sonnenberg Visitors can enjoy a ride on a zippy cat boat on Lake Dora.

COME HOME TO

You know the feeling. It hits you the moment you walk through the door. A feeling of belonging, safety, and community. A place where the comforts of home come together with the best of friends, services, and amenities. We know home is so much more than an address. It’s a place where you feel accepted and appreciated just for being you. Come home to Sonata and discover a place that builds bonds and friendships that feel just like home. Maybe even better.

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

Sonata East at Viera Assisted Living Lic #13655 | Sonata Viera Assisted Living Lic #12361