BY JEFF NAVIN
The
Volume 27, Issue 9
Senior Life of Florida
7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102
Viera, FL 32940
321-242-1235
myseniorlife.com
jill@myseniorlife.com
Publisher
Jill Blue
Editor
R. Norman Moody
Office Manager
Sylvia Montes
Copy Editor
Jeff Navin
Art Department
Jorjann Blake
Feature Writers
Ed Baranowski
Chris Bonanno
Ernie Dorling
Randal C. Hill
Susan M. Houts
Betty Porter
Flora Reigada
Maria Sonnenberg
Emily Warner
There are virtually no statistics on marriages of more than 70 years because it is rare. First, you must live long enough to get there and then there are simply the challenges of married life.
On Valentine’s Day, we celebrate dozens of long-term marriages, including at least one of more than 70 years. In this edition of Senior Life, we tell you about at least two of those long-term love affairs.
The celebration and vow renewals will be at the Senior Expo & Valentine’s Party at the Nyami Nyami Lodge at the Brevard Zoo. There is more information about the expo in a story and advertisement in this edition of Senior Life
When we started our series on Hobbies and Passions, we thought of some of the more mainstream or common hobbies, and we had some of those. But we have also had some unusual ones — this time it’s a collection of rare bourbons. Read about how this collector started and now has a collection of more than 300 bottles.
In this edition, we tell you about some upcoming events this month that you might want to attend — Indiafest and the Florida State Gourd Art Festival. If you feel more adventurous and are looking for a day trip or an overnight trip, we share with you a story about the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. It is about a three-hour drive from Melbourne.
We also have stories and listings of some other events taking place around Brevard County that you might want to attend.
We are always looking forward to sharing stories about health and wellness topics that we think would be of interest to you. Do you know the benefits of a nap? We are learning more about the importance of getting a good nap. We share our findings with you.
Sometimes, there is so much that we want to share with you that we do all we can to find the room on our pages to bring you the best of the stories that inform, entertain and benefit you in all aspects of your life.
We love getting your feedback. Contact us any time. SL
“I’ll have Dean Martin’s ‘Volare,’ Dusty Springfield’s ‘Son of a Preacher Man,’ ‘Easy’ by the Commodores and ‘Fever’ by Peggy Lee. I’ll have a lot of upbeat, happy love songs. And, we can’t forget ‘Oh What A Night’ (‘December, 1963’) by The Four Seasons and ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours’ by Stevie Wonder.’’ Roses and carnations, sponsored by CarePlus, will be given to all the women in attendance. The Expo will feature wedding vow renewals for 24 couples in a beautiful venue and group setting. The vow, champagne toast and wedding cake will be sponsored by The Brennity. United HealthCare will sponsor the music. Rhodes Law will sponsor wedding portraits given to all the vow renewal couples.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s Beatles’ hit “All You Need Is Love” is the theme song for the Expo. Everyone is encouraged to wear red.
“It’s such a beautiful setting with
giraffes making a guest appearance,’’ Donley said. “That was so funny. And, we can’t forget the meerkats. It’s so much fun.’’
Donley was delighted to be asked to work the second annual event once again.
“I just want to make people smile and feel welcome,’’ Donley said. “It’s such a fun, lovey-dovey event. I love telling people there, ‘Don’t you just look fabulous.’ ’’
Informative exhibits will include elder law, volunteering, health and wellness, travel, retirement options, caregiver resources, insurance, 55-and-older living assistance, veterans resources, real estate, home health, transportation and medical research.
One of the exhibitors will be awarded a trophy for the best decorated booth.
“We had so much fun last year,’’ said Jill Blue, the publisher of Senior Life. “We wanted to book the zoo venue right away since we liked it so much. It’s the sweetest event that pulls at your heart strings. People can bring their families. The vow renewal is like a cherry on top of everything Valentine. It’s fun to spend the day with all of our new friends.’’
Edward and Suzanne McCarthy, who have lived in Indian River Colony Club for the past 30 months, will renew their vows at the Expo. They will celebrate 58 years of marriage on Nov. 23.
“We’ve never renewed our vows before,’’ said Suzanne McCarthy, who lived on Long Island before moving to Florida. “It’s about time. We’re excited about meeting other couples who have been married for 50-plus
years.’’
Edward McCarthy, a corporal in the Marine Corps, was wounded during the Vietnam War.
“The key to a good marriage is giving 110 percent,’’ Suzanne McCarthy said. “It’s not a 50-50 deal.’’
Interviewer: We’re excited to hear about the new Suntree Weight Loss Center at Suntree Internal Medicine! Could you tell us more about the center and its grand opening?
Dr. Scott Hardoon: Absolutely! We’re thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Suntree Weight Loss Center on January 13th, 2025. It’s an exciting time for us, and we’re proud to offer amazing, low prices for GLP-1 agonist drugs like Semaglutide and Terzepatide. These medications have shown incredible promise in helping people lose weight and improve their overall health.
Interviewer: That sounds fantastic! What makes these medications so special, and why should people consider them?
Dr. Scott Hardoon: These medications, Semaglutide and Terzepatide, are incredibly effective at supporting weight loss. They work by helping to regulate appetite, making it easier to make healthier choices and lose weight. There are also significant health benefits that come with losing weight, such as reducing your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. It’s not just about looking good — it’s about feeling better and improving your overall well-being.
Interviewer: And I understand the pricing is very competitive? Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Scott Hardoon: Yes, we are offering incredible introductory rates starting at just $75 as part of our grand opening promotion. We want to make weight loss more affordable and accessible to everyone who could benefit from these treatments. It’s an opportunity for people to start their journey without breaking the bank.
Interviewer: That’s an amazing offer! I’ve heard concerns about medications purchased online. How does the Suntree Weight Loss Center address these concerns?
Dr. Scott Hardoon: That’s a great point. One of the major advantages of coming to the Suntree Weight Loss Center is the safety and reliability we offer. Our medications are manufactured right here in the United States, and they’re administered by our trained staff under the guidance of licensed medical physicians. This is much safer than purchasing unregulated products from online marketplaces, where the quality and authenticity of the medication can be questionable. Our goal is to provide a safe, supervised, and affordable weight loss journey for our patients.
Interviewer: It’s clear that patient safety is a priority for you. What would you say to someone who’s considering starting their weight loss journey with you?
Dr. Scott Hardoon: We would say, come see us! Let’s start your weight loss journey together in a safe, supportive, and affordable environment. Our team at the Suntree Weight Loss Center is here to guide you every step of the way, and we’re excited to help you achieve your health goals. Whether it’s losing weight or improving your overall health, we’re here to make sure you succeed.
Interviewer: Thank you so much for sharing all this valuable information with us today. We look forward to hearing more as the grand opening gets closer!
Dr. Scott Hardoon: Thank you! We can’t wait to welcome everyone on January 13th and help them begin their
BY ERNIE DORLING
Have you ever walked into someone’s home and found yourself in the middle of a shrine to all things bourbon? I’m guessing not.
That’s what Viera resident Kevin Francis created for himself. Francis, who moved to Viera with his family from outside of Atlanta in 2023 to escape the cold weather and the big city traffic, has become a sort of “bourbon whisperer” since first tasting bourbon in 2019.
“I was participating in an Iron Man competition in Louisville, Kentucky,” he said. “The race is very demanding, beginning with a 2.4-mile swim, then a 112-mile bike ride and ending with a 26.2-mile run. There was some downtime a couple of days prior to the race, and a friend suggested we go to a whiskey distillery. We went to the Peerless Distillery, where we tasted a variety of bourbons. I was immediately hooked. I had never really tasted bourbon before. What I did drink before that was Tequila.”
While Francis has developed a taste for all things bourbon, he enjoys sharing his collection with friends.
“I love introducing bourbons to friends and tasting new bourbons that they might bring over,” he said. “But my favorite bourbon is King of Kentucky, which isn’t cheap. You can only buy it in Kentucky.”
Francis spends two to three hours a day researching bourbons online and seeks out deals on unique brands that might be available. He now has 300 bottles of bourbon in his collection.
“I look at the secondary market to see what’s available. It’s a bit like being
— Kevin Francis
a stockbroker; you really need to learn the economics of bourbon trading,” he said.
The bourbon market took off in 2019, in part due to people wanting to stock up on discontinued brands and the scarcity of other brands. Many people find the unique taste of bourbon alluring.
“I drink my bourbon neat. I don’t add ice,” Francis said.
Bourbon is currently a $9 billion industry, and that’s just in Kentucky. While the taste draws many to its ranks, collectors fall in love with the bottles they come in, while others enjoy the prestige of owning a rare or limitededition bottle.
“If you’re interested in collecting bourbons, do some research,” Francis said. “Join a Facebook group associated with bourbons and watch prices. Very often, local stores will overcharge you for collectible bottles.”
Francis is happy to talk to anyone interested in learning more about bourbon and collecting bourbon. He can be reached at kevfran99@yahoo. com SL
Are you tired of living with back pain that won’t let you do the things you once enjoyed?
Have you tried everything and found no relief?
It is time to consider an alternative that has worked for thousands of other Brevard county residents. Dr. Andrea Izquierdo, AP, of Bodhi TCM Acupuncture, offers an innovative approach to healing.
Imagine waking up free from pain. You are able to enjoy your life, have more energy, sleep better, and do the things you love. These are the types of results and success stories patients at Bodhi TCM experience each week.
Success stories like Sher K. from Melbourne:
"After three days of severe back pain, I was ready to go to the ER. I couldn't sit, stand, or lie down without pain. Luckily, I got a last-minute appointment with Dr. Andrea. With her course of treatment, I felt significant relief. My back is stronger than ever, and even my shoulder pain and foot tingling have improved. I highly recommend anyone in pain to see her."
Their treatments are effective for many c hronic pain conditions such as: neck, shoulder, knee pain, foot pain, failed surgeries and more, as seen by their many 5 start reviews and testimonials
Billy F. of Satellite beach shares:
These amazing results are due to their personalized treatment protocols, which address the root cause of chronic pain by blending Traditional Chinese Medicine with their own Cellular BioModulation Therapy.
“Everyone is different, even if two patients have the same chronic pain diagnosis, the approach needs to be unique to truly address the root cause.”Dr. Andrea explains
“Thats why all of our protocols are personalized. During our comprehensive consultation we go over medical history, lifestyle and health goals. If I can help, I will tell the patient exactly what it takes to help them achieve their health goals.”
Dr. Andrea continues:
“Once we get started, the best part is that our treatments are very relaxing. Most patients fall asleep and do not want to leave the office.”
Continuing to struggle with chronic pain does not have to be part of your life. Even after years of finding no hope, going through surgeries, steroid shots, prescriptions and even procedures like kyphoplasty, patients are still able to obtain great results. Like Rachael G. of Viera who shares:
"She has given me results after just a few sessions, whereas other doctors have literally just shrugged at me and said they didn't know what else they could do for me beyond a prescription. She is thorough and truly listens.”
“As a veteran I have had many issues, knees replaced, neck surgery, back pain, you name it. Since starting treatment, this is the first time I have been able to walk without pain. They want to do a fourth knee replacement, but I will be avoiding that now thanks to my treatments here.”
Another one of their happy patients, Christophe of West Melbourne shares:
“I had been suffering from shoulder pain and received cortisone injections, but the relief was short-lived. Then I found Andrea and her team who specialize in acupuncture. The results were remarkable. Within a month, my pain and inflammation had vanished. It didn't just alleviate the pain; it seemed to heal me. I wonder why I hadn't tried it sooner.”
It is proven that chronic pain becomes worse over time, making it harder to treat.Delaying treatment means extending suffering unnecessarily.
Don’t waste another day of your life in pain. Take the first step and call today to setup a consultation and find out how you can too be pain free!
Started Bodhi TCM Acupuncture in 2017 with the purpose of bringing a different type of
healing to the Space Coast. She completed her Premedicine studies at the University of Florida, and her Acupuncture Physician degree at FCIM in Orlando. She is nationally Board Certified and has studied overseas at the 301 hospital in Beijing China as well as Tibet.
Having performed over 15,000 treatments at her practice, she has helped thousands of Brevard County residents with seemingly hopeless Chronic and complex conditions.
Blending Ancient Chinese Medicine with Modern Science, Dr. Andrea and her team develop personalized treatment protocols to address the root cause of pain even when everything else has failed.
By Randal C. Hill
When you’re a celebrated recording star whose career suddenly goes south, there’s little chance that you’ll ever regain your place of prominence on the hit charts. But sometimes the good winds of fate blow your way and, unexpectedly, you find a whole new — and adoring — audience.
Neil Sedaka, born in Brooklyn in 1939, was a piano prodigy who played the classics but who was also drawn to the rock ‘n’ roll that blasted from his bedroom radio. When Sedaka was 13, an apartment neighbor introduced him to 16-yearold Howie Greenfield, an aspiring poet/lyric writer from the same building. They hit it off immediately, and with Greenfield providing the words, Sedaka sold 25 million teenoriented singles before the Beatles swept him from radio playlists in 1964.
Six years later, Sedaka kept his properties here but moved his family to England, where he recorded three hit albums. In 1972, he met longtime fan Elton John, who invited Sedaka
to join John’s newly created Rocket Records label.
Sedaka and Greenfield had ended their partnership; Sedaka thus hooked up with another New York lyricist, Phil Cody.
Later, Cody recalled helping with the former hitmaker’s mid-1970s comeback: “Neil had a house in the Catskills. We got together one morning, and he played the melody to ‘Laughter in the Rain.’ I just sat there with a blank stare on my face. I had nothing. I had totally nothing.
“I excused myself and went out. We were up in the country, so I just took a walk and sat down in a field, smoked a joint, and nodded off under a tree. I got myself up a couple of hours later and walked back. Neil was still there. I sat down, picked up a yellow pad of paper, and in five minutes I had most of the song done.”
Cody’s lyrics recalled moments of an earlier, more innocent time, when the thrill of new love defined a wondrous and meaningful relationship:
Strolling along country roads with my baby
It starts to rain, it begins to pour Without an umbrella we’re soaked to the skin I feel a shiver run up my spine
I feel the warmth of her hand in mine
And then came that oft-repeated chorus:
Ooh, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love
Ooh, how I love the rainy days
And the happy way I feel inside
There’s a good chance that Sedaka’s tune conjured up memories from a decade earlier, when the Ronettes described a similar moment:
Walking in the rain
And wishing on the stars up above
And being so in love
Sedaka recorded “Laughter in the Rain” in Los Angeles in 1974. It quickly became a UK hit that same year. In 1975, he joyfully rode his new Rocket Records single to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart here in the States.
Ironically, while four Liverpool lads had trashed Sedaka’s early career, it was a Brit who resurrected it a decade later. SL
BY EMILY WARNER
Hardly anything is more convenient than when technology does the heavy lifting for you, genuinely making your life easier. The Google Lens application is a prime example.
Though Lens has been around for nearly a decade, it remains surprising how few people take advantage of it, let alone the staggering amount that aren’t even aware that it exists.
Although at times it feels as though there’s an overabundance of new tech products and programs flooding the market, it isn’t always easy distinguishing which ones are worth your while. Google Lens most certainly is.
Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), Lens was created to help make peoples’ lives easier, in a wide range of scenarios, allowing the world to become more accessible just in the palm of one’s hand. Whether you
need help translating text, identifying a plant, searching where to buy a piece of clothing or quickly price comparing items, Lens can assist with all of it, along with so much more.
Using Lens is incredibly simple as it was purposely made to be user friendly. Open the Google app on your phone, select the camera icon on the right side of the search bar, and snap a photo — that’s it. Whether your picture is of clothing, food, a car, or an animal, Google instantaneously generates the buying options, prices and search results.
Gone are the days when you would find yourself continuously searching stores and websites for that one item in particular, frustratingly only finding things that were similar but not the same.
For people who by the time something needs to be replaced, completely forget where it was purchased, this technology is perfect. Google has managed to take what
used to be an hours-long process and has streamlined it to mere seconds. This real-time convenience is also incredibly helpful with the translation feature. For reading labels, signs and any other text that’s printed in a foreign language, Google Lens provides accessibility in a whole new light, most especially for those who
enjoy traveling internationally. With Google Lens, the possibilities feel endless. Try it out for yourself and see firsthand how it could help make your life that much easier. SL
BY CHRIS BONANNO
It may be at a new location, but the Brevard Renaissance Fair is still entertaining throngs of patrons as it celebrates its 10th anniversary on weekends through February.
“I never in my imagination would have thought about spending this much
Take a walk with friends, and have your top medical questions answered by a healthcare professional.
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To learn more scan the QR code or visit aarp.org/WWADFL
money to build a Renaissance Fair, but we did and wanted it to be grandiose,” said Peter Moolhuizen, the president of the Fair. “We want people to go in and go ‘wow.’”
The Fair is being held at 3190 New York Ave. after it had been held for the previous nine years at Wickham Park in Melbourne. In August, the Brevard County Commission approved a lease of the land for this year’s event. Moolhuizen is hopeful a long-term agreement will be reached for the site to host both the Fair and other events.
“We have over 13 acres of just the event site which is way more than we had at Wickham Park,” Moolhuizen said. “At Wickham Park, we had 13 acres but there were trees and bushes. Here, we’ve got a plain, empty clean canvas to work off of and so our creativity is now going to show up a little bit.”
Among the creativity on display is a new 169-foot long castle along with a new joust arena that has almost 200 feet of stables, said Moolhuizen, who noted that the number of entertainers and staff that come together to make the event possible is “into the hundreds.”
“I suspect we’re going to see a huge influx of entertainment over the next several years,” Moolhuizen said.
The Fair began on Jan. 18. It will continue for four more weekends on Feb. 1 and 2; Feb. 8 and 9; Feb. 15 and 16 and Feb. 22 and 23 with hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the exception of an education day on Feb. 3 where the Fair runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to brevardrenaissancefair. com
“We bring in different entertainment too,” Moolhuizen said.
“With the six weeks now, we have that flexibility to bring entertainment in, have another group come in another week. You can see something different every weekend, almost. That makes it, I think, more appealing to the people.”
A one-day pass will cost $29 for adults, $23 for college students,
Pirate Weekend
Feb. 1 and 2
Celtic Weekend
Feb. 8 and 9
Beerfest Weekend
Feb. 15 and 16
Carnivale Weekend
Feb. 22 and 23
seniors age 65 and older and active military or veterans, while admission for children ages 5 to 11 costs $17. Children under 5 years of age are given free admission. Parking will also cost $5.
Tickets can also be purchased through the website. Two-day “Royal Family,” season and pet passes are also available. SL
During my many years of writing about or simply attending military and veterans’ events, I see some of the same people involved — those who always seem to be helping or who are engaged in some way.
One of those people is Kimberly Benton. Sometimes you’ll see her in blue pants with red stripes down the side and a white shirt, part of her uniform of the Marine Corps League.
It might be at a presentation of Colors at an Avet Project event such as its celebration of women veterans of the United States Armed Forces. At times, it might be a send-off of veterans on an Honor Flight from
Melbourne to visit the monuments in their honor in Washington, D.C. She has also been a part of standing guard at the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall during the annual Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion at Wickham Park in Melbourne.
Benton served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including time in
Okinawa, Japan and at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, beginning in 1996. Now on VA disability for an injury sustained in the military, Benton said she is willing to help fellow veterans whenever possible.
After attending an Avet Project’s Symposium for PTSD, she was recruited in 2012 to help and was eventually named vice president of the organization.
“I help with fundraising, and I am at the events,” she said. “I also help people independently.”
She is grateful for the help she received from the Avet Project and others along the way since her
military service. This makes her want to help other veterans in need.
“I know there were times when I needed people by me and they weren’t there and there were times when there was the miracle of them being there,” Benton said. “I want to pay it forward. That’s what we’re here to do. I want to be there for others. I believe in taking care of the community.”
Benton is one of those who help without seeking recognition for what they do for others. There are many of those veterans’ advocates in Brevard County who should be recognized for what they do for others. SL
BY ERNIE DORLING
In 1977, the Steve Miller Band released its hit single “Fly Like an Eagle.” That same year, Bridgewater resident Charles Betz (Chuck to his friends) joined the Marine Corps under the Marine’s delayed enlistment program.
“I was 17 and between my junior and senior year in high school,” Betz said. “I knew from when I was 5 years old that I would join the military. As I grew older, I became more interested in the Marine Corps. They had a reputation for being the best and I wanted that challenge.”
Betz grew up on a small farm in Alliance, Ohio. After completing boot camp, Betz was assigned as a combat correspondent.
“My most challenging and rewarding assignment in the Marine Corps was from 1987 to 1989 when I was a drill instructor at Parris Island, South Carolina,” he said. “It was during that assignment when I was able to help mold young men into being Marines.”
Betz left active duty in 1991, returned to Ohio and became a police officer, rising to the rank of detective. He also joined the Marine Corps Reserve, serving with an infantry and weapons unit. He eventually retired as a
Gunnery Sergeant in 2003.
Betz met his wife while both were police officers in Ohio and eventually decided they wanted to move south to a warmer climate. After a short stop in South Carolina, they decided they wanted even warmer weather, eventually settling in Viera.
“My wife had landed a job as a deputy sheriff in South Carolina,” he said. “She was shot in the line of duty and medically retired. That’s when we decided it was time to really retire.”
Since moving to Viera, Betz has become the Senior Vice Commandant of the Brevard Marine Corps League.
“The Marine Corps League engages in activities that aid the community, such as the Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive,” Betz said. “This year, we raised over 500 toys for needy families. Our Military Order of the Devil Dogs Pound 273 raises money for Children’s Hospitals and provides supplies and food to the Brevard County Animal Shelter. I am also the Color Guard/ Honor Guard Commander for the League. We provide services throughout Brevard County and at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.”
Betz is also a member of the Brevard Police and Fire Pipes and Drums, where he plays the bass drum.
“We were invited to play at the
inauguration of President Trump,” Betz said. “It was an honor for us to be a part of this.”
In the song “Fly Like an Eagle,” a verse goes, “Feed the babies who don’t have enough to eat; shoe the children with no shoes on their feet; house to people livin’ in the street; Oh, there’s a solution.” Charles Betz has made sure he’s part of the
solution.
BY BETTY PORTER
Every Day is Veterans Day is a reminder that one day is not enough to express gratitude to the men and women who have served in the military.
The public is invited to the eighth annual patriotic gathering called Every Day is Veterans Day, a special event recognizing veterans for their service.
Veterans and their families will be honored. The event includes refreshments, door prizes, music and information from veteran and military organizations and sponsors. The event is free of charge and will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at the Center for Collaboration at Space Coast Health Foundation at 1100 Rockledge Blvd. (U.S. 1) in Rockledge.
The event is sponsored by One Senior Place in Viera. Co-sponsors of the event include VITAS Healthcare and Rhodes Law P.A.
While Every Day is Veterans Day is usually held in October, it had to be postponed to February because of Hurricane Milton.
A bugler will play Reveille to open the patriotic event, which will officially start with the posting of the Colors, Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem by retired Army Lt. Col. Cynthia Watkins-Pishdad. The Space Coast Highlanders Bagpipe & Drum band will make their way through the assembled crowd and play several
The eighth annual Every Day is Veterans Day is set for Feb. 28 at the Space Coast Health Foundation.
numbers.
The keynote address titled, “Salute to Veterans,” will be made by retired U.S. Army Col. Steve Bond, the president of the Florida Council of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).
“My topic will be why every day should be Veterans Day and what we can all do to make that happen,” Bond said.
The Florida Council has 37 Chapters and 38,000 MOAA members in Florida. The largest Chapter in MOAA is in Brevard County — the Cape Canaveral Chapter, with 1,000 members.
A 29-year veteran of the U.S. Army, Bond participated in combat operations in Panama (1989-90) and Saudi Arabia/Kuwait (1990-91), as well as humanitarian/peacekeeping operations in St. Croix (1989) and
The Space Coast Highlanders Bagpipe & Drum band will be back again this year to perform during Every Day is Veterans Day.
Haiti (1994). After retiring from the Army, he worked for one of the largest Defense-Aerospace companies in the U.S. as a director of business development based out of Melbourne.
A highlight of Every Day is Veterans Day is a special pinning ceremony for U.S. military veterans of all eras. The solemn ceremony is intended as a meaningful moment of recognition that also fosters a sense of camaraderie and pride among those who served in the armed forces.
Gold Star families (those who lost a family member in the line of duty) will also be pinned and thanked for their sacrifice to the nation. Music during the pinning ceremony and break will be provided by the Space
Coast Symphony Saxophone Quartet, under the direction of Andrew Cleaver.
“We are honored to once again present this very special day of recognition for veterans and their families,” said Don Kramer, the founder and CEO of One Senior Place. “We call it Every Day is Veterans Day because one day of the year is not enough to express how grateful we are to the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform.”
Attendees to the event are invited to wear red, white and blue in a show of patriotic solidarity. Space is limited. RSVP to One Senior Place at 321-751-6771 or go to OneSeniorPlace.com/events SL
BY SUSAN M. HOUTS
Vietnam veteran Thomas Hawk’s remarkable life is a testament to bravery, resilience and commitment to helping others.
Hawk, a resident of Viera Del Mar, was born in Sandusky, Ohio, where he grew up in a close-knit military family.
In 1966, Hawk enlisted in the Air Force, intending to study medicine. His journey into military service was uniquely influenced by his father, who contacted a family friend, Royal H. Brown, the commander of the Jolly Green Giant Squadron (air rescue group). Hawk had grown up with Brown’s son, “Buster” Brown, when their families lived in Germany. The older Brown welcomed Hawk to the squadron.
Hawk’s first night in Vietnam was a harsh introduction to war. A rocket attack claimed the life of his bunkmate due to shrapnel. Hawk’s medical team worked tirelessly for the three following days to repair wounded soldiers.
“I was indoctrinated real quick,”
Hawk said. Hawk later transitioned to the helicopter squad, assisting in lifesaving rescues. One mission proved especially harrowing — while rapelling from a helicopter, the aircraft was shot down, leaving Hawk stranded in the jungle. He survived by covering himself with leaves and breathing through an S tube while Viet Cong forces searched for him through the night.
Thomas Hawk, who served in the Air Force, said his proudest moment was helping to rescue orphans in Operation Babylift.
Using a radio, Hawk contacted his team the next morning, but due to enemy impersonation incidents, they required him to verify his identity.
Commander Brown’s question, “What nickname did you call my son?” and Hawk’s answer, “Buster Brown,” led to his rescue.
Back at camp, Hawk was stationed at the Army morgue, where he watched over the bodies of fallen soldiers. One night, he discovered a soldier still alive among the dead and helped save his life.
Hawk’s proudest accomplishment was working to rescue orphans from Vietnam. Coined “Operation Babylift,” the effort helped rehome orphans as the U.S. troops withdrew from Vietnam. Many orphans were adopted in America; many others in France and other parts of the world.
Hawk’s heroics continued when he dragged several people from a fiery C121 aircraft crash in Da Nang before it exploded. These efforts earned him the Air Force Commendation Medal for “outstanding achievement as a firefighter at Da Nang Air Base,
Republic of Vietnam, on March 16, 1970.” The citation noted his “complete disregard for his own safety” as he unhesitatingly entered the area to locate and remove crash victims, persevering in his humanitarian efforts.
Reflecting on his survival, Hawk remarked, “I should have died many times,” including surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident years later.
After the war, Hawk earned degrees from Eastern Florida State College and the University of Central Florida. He founded Central Data Computer Centers in Titusville and helped establish computer systems at the Florida Institute of Technology.
Growing up with six siblings, Hawk’s life has been marked by service, resilience and an unwavering dedication to others. His legacy inspires those around him to live with courage and compassion. SL
Several local philanthropists will be honored when the Liberty Bell Museum conducts its Patriot Awards Dinner at 6 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Grand Manor on 1450 Sarno Road in Melbourne.
John Casey, Brian Jensen, Mark Pieloch, Dean Schaaf
and Rose Yeary will receive Patriot Awards for their service to the community.
Joel Freeland and Alex Gregoire will be honored as Young Patriot Award winners. Tickets are available by email at honoramericafl@ gmail.com or by calling 321373-2311.
The Liberty Bell Museum is located at 1601 Oak Street in Melbourne. SL
BY ERNIE DORLING
In 1951, the United Nations opened its offices in New York City. That same year, the St. Louis Browns signed a new pitcher named Satchel Page while President Harry Truman relieved Gen. Douglas McArthur of his command in Korea.
Frank and Maxine Jennings married in Cincinnati, Ohio that same year.
“I was 19 years old and had just gotten drafted,” Frank said. “We married on Thanksgiving Day in 1951 and went to San Antonio, Texas for two days for our honeymoon. I still have the receipt for the two nights at the hotel. The room cost $7.50 a night. Less than a week later, I was in basic training at Fort Ord, California.”
Maxine Jennings had just finished high school.
“I was living in Crittendon, Kentucky while in high school,” she said. “I went to Cincinnati during the summer between my junior and senior year in high school and worked in a bakery my aunt had set up. After graduation, I went back to Cincinnati to work. That’s when I met Frank, who was working at the bakery. I knew right away that he was the one.”
Frank Jennings deployed to Korea immediately after basic training, where
SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the Jennings Frank and Maxine Jennings (in forefront) were married on Thanksgiving Day in 1951.
he was assigned to a rifle company.
“I was in combat for almost 10 months,” he said. Once his commitment to the Army was over, Jennings went home and returned to the bakery business. During the next 16 years, he worked in every aspect of the company, rising to operations manager.
“I was later recruited by a company in Buffalo, New York, which was a nationwide bakery business. I retired in 1996,” Jennings said.
Maxine Jennings stayed home and raised their two sons, James and Gary.
“But once the kids went off to
college, I went to work for a company that published trade magazines,” she said. “I worked there for 20 years.”
The Jennings moved to Melbourne in 1997.
“We had enough of the cold weather,” Maxine Jennings said. “We love it here.”
After moving to Melbourne, Frank and Maxine engaged in various volunteer programs.
“The most rewarding and satisfying program Max and I have been involved in is the Space Coast Honor Flight,” Frank Jennings said. “Working with veterans, coordinating the monthly luncheons and helping them with their Honor Flights to Washington is most satisfying.”
Frank and Maxine Jennings, both 92, are celebrating 73 years of marriage. This year, on Valentine’s Day, the Jennings will renew their vows, along with more than two dozen other couples, at the Senior Expo & Valentine’s Party at the Nyami Nyami River Lodge at the Brevard Zoo.
“We made it this far because we listen to each other,” Frank Jennings said.
“Frank is right,” Maxine Jennings added. “We talk things out. We solve issues without fighting. There is no such thing as luck in a marriage. We overlook each other’s faults and forgive each other’s mistakes. We spent years sharing our dreams. I would tell any young couple marrying today to adopt the same philosophy.” SL
BY ERNIE DORLING
Initially worlds apart, overcoming the hardships of World War II they met each other. Now, this Viera couple is marking 65 years of marriage.
Rita Singler was just 8 when WWII came to Hinterweidenthal, her German village near Strasbourg, France.
“I lived in a cave that had housed beer from WWI, along with most of the 1,600 villagers, along with about 400 German soldiers, for about a year,” Rita Singler said. “Everyone was trying to avoid the bombing by the Americans and the British. We were under constant assault by the French, German and U.S. forces. Many nights, I was left alone while my parents snuck out to our small farm and did what they could to collect milk from our two cows and whatever food they could find. We all dealt with trauma, hunger and clothing shortages.”
John Singler grew up during the war in Yugoslavia, now known as Serbia and Montenegro. Singler and his brother, along with his parents, were all placed in a prison camp at the end of the war by Josip Tito, the president of Yugoslavia.
“After the war, Tito rounded up everyone that spoke German,” Singler said. “The camps were nothing but death camps. Tito was trying to starve everyone to death.”
“It took us years to recover from the war,” Rita Singler said. “Supplies and food were scarce for years.”
While Rita’s family was foraging for food after the war, John’s had
a family connection in the United States, who moved to Yugoslavia and occupied their home during Tito’s reign.
“One night, my parents told my brother and me to be ready to move quickly, that we were escaping.”
John Singler said. “Our family member from the U.S. had bribed a couple of guards. The next thing I knew, we were all making our way to Hungary,”
John and his family walked through the woods into Austria. They would spend the next three years in a camp, awaiting an opportunity to immigrate to the U.S. It came in 1950 when the family moved to New York City to live with an uncle. A year later, the family moved to Leeds, Massachusetts.
At 18, Singler joined the U.S. Army, eventually becoming an electrician after attending the Nuclear Weapons School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was then sent on a tour of duty to Germany, where he met Rita.
“We met at a dance,” Rita Singler said. “The villagers all frowned upon anyone dating an American at that time.”
It became challenging to see Rita after a few incidents in the village,”
John Singler said. “At one point, we were restricted to the base. But I found a way to see her.”
In 1959, John’s duty in the Army ended, and he returned to the U.S. while Rita remained in Germany.
“This was long before cell phones, the internet and email,” John Singler said. “But we kept in close contact through the mail.”
That same year, 1959, Rita arrived in the U.S. and lived with a family member in Buffalo, New York for a
year. John and Rita reconnected, and in May 1960 they got married.
“I had never seen so much of everything, including food, when I arrived in New York,” Rita Singler said. “I was 24 years old and I had never had an aspirin.”
John spent his career as an electrician in the plastics industry, while Rita worked in the theater department at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts for 25 years. After retiring more than 15 years ago, the Singlers settled in Viera East. The years have taken their toll on both of them. John no longer plays golf because of health issues. Making clothes had been a passion for Rita, but she can no longer sew. Still, they go on walks, read and enjoy dinners out.
“There is no secret to a long marriage,” John Singler said. “It’s all about give and take. But we both had the same goal — take care of our family.”
“We started with absolutely nothing,” Rita Singler said. “It wasn’t always easy, but our faith kept us going. And we still love each other.”
The Singlers have two daughters and a son, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Both John and Rita Singler will soon be 90 years old. The couple will celebrate 65 years of marriage this year.
On Valentine’s Day, they will renew their vows, along with 24 other couples, at Senior Life’s Senior Expo & Valentine’s Party at the Nyami Nyami River Lodge near the entrance to the Brevard Zoo. SL
BY FLORA REIGADA
Taking naps about four times a week refreshes Ron Boyd of Titusville. He is better able to face his day with greater focus.
Eating makes him drowsy, so after lunch, he will grab a book and retreat to his recliner. Before long, he is asleep.
“I set my timer for 30 minutes because my doctor cautioned me against sleeping longer, since it would interfere with my nighttime sleep,” he said.
Instead of nodding off in front of the television in the evening, a nap helps him to remain awake and alert while watching an interesting program or reading a book.
Anita J. James, the president of the North Brevard Senior Center, takes power naps after a busy day working at the center.
“Their length depends on how much I do. They help me recuperate,” she said.
Eduardo Hernandez, the Sleep Center manager at Parrish Medical Center, also
— Ron Boyd
advised against long naps.
“Throughout the day, sleep pressure builds and short naps can be beneficial and restorative, improving our mood, reaction time and memory, but long naps can push back on our bedtime, causing a poor night’s sleep. They may be a sign of underlying health issues such as short-term memory retention and cognitive decline,” he said.
Other than when she feels sick, Yvette Kling of Titusville does not nap.
However, she admits to taking “unwilling cat naps” after the line dance class she teaches at the North Brevard Senior Center.
Hernandez recommended keeping sleep time consolidated, whatever time of day or night, a person
takes their extended sleep. He referred to those with shift work and different schedules.
“Consolidating sleep is healthier than breaking it up,” he said.
Hernandez also spoke of “sleep hygiene.”
“The best conditions are a cool, dark and quiet room in a comfortable sleeping position. It’s best that those with sleep apnea avoid sleeping on their back, because that may close the airway. If joints cooperate, sleeping on one’s side is better.”
For those who have trouble falling asleep, overthe-counter medications include melatonin.
“For some, it works wonders, but it is not FDA regulated and the capsules’ strength can vary,” Hernandez said. “I set my timer for 30 minutes because my doctor cautioned me against sleeping longer, since it would interfere with my nighttime sleep.”
Discover the difference of resort-style retirement living.
Our all-inclusive services and amenities empower you to live independently while curating moments that encourage connection and growth. Enjoy engaging events, freshly prepared meals, beautiful accommodations, and so much more! Embrace worry-free days as your story continues to evolve at Shell Harbor.
Wednesday, February 5 at 4:00 p.m.
There’s more to life when there’s less to worry about! Join local experts and discover useful tips for organizing and moving through the downsizing process with ease. RSVP by February 2
Wednesday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m.
Be our guest for an educational seminar by Practitioners in Motion, First Light, and Legacy Healthcare! Learn expert advice and practical information about aging in place. RSVP by February 14
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 or cindy.short@brevardfl.gov.
BCOA is located at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, B-106, Viera, FL 32940.
Most resolutions focus on improving our health, quality of life and becoming more active. The resolution most of us leave out may well be one of the most valuable approaches to maintaining our health — early detection health screening.
Many diseases that cause us the most pain, disability and even death can be prevented or reduced in severity through early health screening. Screening tests, vaccinations, and regular visits with a healthcare provider can help people live longer and healthier lives.
The American Heart and American Stroke Associations recommend checking your blood pressure regularly to alert you to unhealthy blood pressure swings. Knowing your numbers and working with your doctor to keep your blood pressure normal is an effective way you can avoid or lessen heart disease
and stroke. Blood pressure monitors are easier to use and more accurate than in the past.
Approximately 38 million Americans have diabetes and 90 to 95% of them have type 2 diabetes. These figures included 28 million seniors aged 65 and older. You can ask your physician for an A1C blood test that will give your blood sugar average over the past 3 months. This is a simple and effective test to determine if you have diabetes or prediabetes.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America recommends memory screenings as a significant first step toward finding out if a person may have a memory problem and providing baseline information for your provider.
A memory screening is a simple and safe evaluation tool that checks memory and other thinking skills. It
can indicate whether an additional checkup by a qualified healthcare professional is needed. It takes about 30 minutes and is confidential.
Early recognition of mild cognitive impairment and memory loss provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals to treat this condition, and possibly slow down the changes in memory and other thinking skills.
The Health First Memory Disorder Clinic provides memory screens free to anyone in the community 18 years of age and older. If you would like to schedule a free memory screening, please call 321434-7614 for more information.
Another important screening for Floridians is skin cancer detection.
According to Tampa General Cancer Institute Oncologist Dr. Sujal Shah, “Florida is a unique outlier compared to most of the country. We see a
much higher caseload of skin cancer, specifically melanoma,” Shah said.
In fact, the American Cancer Society said Florida has the secondhighest rate of new melanoma cases, and about 630 people die in the state each year from it.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Solution? Get screened annually.
There are many other early detection health screenings like these that will help you understand your risk of health issues.
Ask your doctor what tests are recommended for someone your age and gender.
Take charge of your health now since we all know that if you don’t love yourself, how can you take care of others or yourself. SL
BY BETTY PORTER
Gourd artists, gardeners and gourd growers from across the country will converge on Melbourne to share their artistic creations in gourds.
The 28th annual Florida State Gourd Arts Festival, which has been held in Melbourne for the past 12 years, will take place Feb. 21 to 23 at the Azan Shriners Center at 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. in Melbourne.
The Festival is free and open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday Feb. 21 and 22 and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday Feb. 23.
For the three-day festival, gourd growers bring with them large trailers full of gourds that the artists will transform into unique and creative works of art. The theme of the 2025 festival is Growing Gourds.
auditorium is turned into one large gourd patch,” said Therese Ferguson, a local artist and gourd society member/coordinator.
“Inside the auditorium, there is a competition area, crafted gourds, gourd tools and crafting supplies and a kid’s corner with lots of fun things to do.”
Classes are scheduled throughout the three days. To sign up for the classes, visit flgourdsoc.org
Crafting demonstrations will take place throughout the festival. There will be silent auctions, food, gourd-making supplies and finished gourd art available for purchase.
“Local visitors come in and are so surprised at what they see,” Ferguson said. “Most people have no idea what can be done with a gourd, let alone what a gourd is. It’s fun and educational.”
one of five such Florida Gourd Society groups (referred to as patches) within Florida.
The Brevard group meets at 9 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at Eau Gallie Public Library. For more information about becoming a member, contact Ferguson at Thereseart@ aol.com SL
Indiafest Color Run 3K
8 a.m. The Color Run is designed to promote health and fitness in the community while showcasing the colorful Holi festival of India. Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy 5625 Holy Trinity Drive Suntree indiafestbrevard.org
After the Dream: Community Leaders Consortium 10 a.m. Join us along with local leaders, wealth builders, entrepreneurs and professionals from across the state.
Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne 321-294-3225
Indoor Walking 8 - 9 a.m. Walk in the gym. 55+ Club of Satellite Beach DRS Center 1089 S. Patrick Drive Satellite Beach 321-773-6458
Gentle Yoga 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Titusville Public Library 2121 S. Hopkins Ave. Titusville, 321-264-5026
How to Right-Size 4 p.m. Join local experts and discover tips for organizing and downsizing. Shell Harbor 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge 321-252-1221
Helpful Pharmacy Tips for Seniors
1 - 2 p.m.
An insightful workshop with pharmacist Jason Zealy. RSVP. The Brennity 7300 Watersong Lane Viera, 321-253-7440
9 10 111213
Sybil Gage in Concert
2 - 4 p.m.
Presented by the Space Coast Jazz Society. Veterans Memorial Center 400 Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island 321-453-1776
16
Nearly Diamond: Neil Diamond Tribute Show
3:30 - 5 p.m.
A free ticket is required. Riverside Presbyterian Church 3400 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach 321-783-6085
Discover Brevard: Space History with Randy Coppola
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
A multimedia presentation on Cape Canaveral's early rocket and missile history. Cape Canaveral Library 201 Polk Ave. Cape Canaveral 321-868-1101
Bingo
1 - 3 p.m.
Italian American Club of South Brevard 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne 321-242-8044
Early Bird Trivia
4 - 6 p.m. Free to play.
Pizza Gallery 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-633-0397
AARP Free Tax Prep
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
All counselors are IRS certified. All returns are verified for accuracy by a second certified counselor. RSVP required. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Sweethearts Valentine Dance 7 p.m.
A concert presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band. Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne 321-339-7705
Brevard’s Children and Families in Need
Designer Purse Bingo 5:30 p.m.
Play bingo with a twist for a chance to win a designer purse.
Space Coast Association of Realtors 2950 Pineda Plaza Way Palm Shores 321-242-2211
Buckaroo Ball
6 p.m.
Annual fundraiser for Harmony Farms. Cash bar, buffet, live and silent auction and dancing. Wild West Race with race announcer Sheriff Wayne Ivey. Space Coast Convention Center 301 Tucker Lane Cocoa, 321-631-9433
14 15
Senior Life's Senior Expo & Valentine's Party
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Exhibitors, music, vow renewals and flowers for the ladies. Nyami Nyami River Lodge 8225 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-242-1235
Splash 2025 Feb 15 and Feb. 16
Brevard’s largest display and sale of original watercolor paintings. AZAN Shriners Center 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. Melbourne 321-259-5302
171819202122
The Legacy of the Moores 6 - 7 p.m. Learn how the local civil rights activists pioneered the movement and paved the way for future leaders. Titusville Library 2121 S.
Estate Planning Seminar
- 11 a.m. Presented by William A. Johnson, board certified elder law attorney. RSVP required. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-571-6771 Our Diamond Anniversary Concert Feb. 19 and Feb. 20 7 p.m. Melbourne Municipal Band is celebrating 60 years of music. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-724-0555
Third Thursdays 5 - 8 p.m. Live music, complimentary snacks in Central Park. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390 Gastropalooza V 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Food, music and a chef showdown. 28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159
23 2425262728
Pollinator Fair
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Presented by the Garden Club by the Sea. Experience the world of pollinators and interact with birds, beads, bats, butterflies and plants that support the local ecosystem. Nance Park 201 N. Miramar Ave. Indialantic, sbgca.org Bone
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
Indiafest once again will celebrate the culture, music and traditional cuisine of India. The 28th annual Indiafest brings the colorful Indian heritage, customs and traditions to Wickham Park in Melbourne.
The festival, on March 8 and 9, usually draws about 8,000 to 10,000 people during the two-day event.
“I never dreamt it would grow this big,” said Nina Gadodia, the festival’s founder and chair. “Our community has been good. They have received us with open arms.”
The theme this year is Festivals of India, a celebration of several festivals held each year in different regions of India.
Gadodia said Indiafest will highlight five or six — Festival of Lights, Holi, which is the Festival of Colors, and Durga Puga festival, among others.
A different theme each year makes it fresh for repeat festival participants. Visitors to the festival are encouraged to go to the discovery booth to learn about the different festivals and about India.
Gadodia said there is so much to see, experience and enjoy at the festival each year.
Indiafest was started 30 years ago, but was not held during two years—once because of hurricanes and another because of the Covid pandemic.
The festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 8 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 9.
Admission is $8 for adults; $4 for
The Indiafest organizers offer a different theme each year to educate people about the
children younger than 12. Children who are five years old or younger are admitted free of charge. Proceeds from the festival are donated to various charities.
Indiafest has donated more than $1.4 million to charities and to assist with disaster relief efforts.
Indiafest will bring cultural shows, traditional Indian cuisine, a fashion show, music, Henna, arts and crafts, yoga demonstrations and a raffle.
The festival celebrates India and is for the entire community of Brevard County to enjoy.
“It’s a community affair,” Gadodia said. “It is wonderful. Everybody loves the celebration.” SL
BY BETTY PORTER
Brevard Watercolor Society’s annual “Splash of Watercolor” Art Show will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 15 and 16 at the Azan Shriners Center at 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd.
The theme of this year’s Splash Watercolor art show is “Heart of Watercolor” and will feature what might be the largest exhibit and sale of watercolor paintings in Brevard County.
Nearly 100 local artists, many who have state and nationally acclaimed works, will be participating. In addition, student artwork from local colleges and high schools will be presented.
The show is open to the public with free admission and free parking.
“The first show that we gave a name to — Splash of Watercolor, an ARTragious Event — was held at the Cocoa Civic Center in 2000,” longtime BWS member Therese Ferguson, said. She currently serves as Art and Education chair.
More information is available on the website brevardwatercolorsociety.
org For more information about “Splash of Watercolor” Art Show 2025, contact lbgriffi88@att.net SL
Read the full article at myseniorlife. com.
15. Lifted, as an anchor 16. Dash of panache
17. Athenian square
18. Old World wild goat
19. Bailiff’s request 20. Indignant displeasure
22. Apportion (out)
23. Dow Jones listings (abbr.)
24. Like some points
25. More of a busybody
29. Fever or cruiser preceder
32. Heroic narratives
33. Tears
37. Commend a G.I.
38. Cause of waste?
39. Backyard tree dangler
40. Memory stirrers
42. Comic-strip wife
43. Facilitates
44. Starter’s need
45. Ahead of the bell
48. Was out of sight?
49. Boot camp truant
50. Greens
57. Matter of interest?
58. Of higher rank than 59. Bolivian beast
60. Fox or turkey chaser?
61. Having no loose ends?
62. Urchin
63. His partner
64. Benevolent order
65. Hub for United
1. Award of merit
2. Do more than ask
3. Calls from the field
4. Unblemished
5. Golf coach’s concerns
6. Instincts sometimes indulged
7. Choir member’s outerwear
8. Without bumps
9. Cry to the queue
10. Sprouts
11. Xenophobe’s thorn
12. Cookbook instruction
13. Ugly expression
21. Geologic feature
24. Christmas staple
25. Head turner?
26. Early Ron Howard role
27. Developer’s concern
28. Bits of hail
29. Detective’s load
30. Circus lineup
31. Bonnet invader
33. Placid, for example
34. Commit a pinball foul
35. Deducer’s word
36. Playful pinniped
38. Isn’t out of
41. Verbalize
42. Spanish nobleman
44. Cherry center
45. Inheritance of the meek
46. Not in the dark?
47. Palindromic spinner
48. Chisholm Trail sights
50. November exhortation
51. Good competition
52. Computer whiz
53. Far from thrilling
54. “Lost Horizon” figure
55. Bahrain bigwig
56. Fit to be tried?
BY MARIA SONNENBERG
There is no better place to connect with Florida’s earliest residents than at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. But you better hurry, or you may have to wait for this fascinating — and free — museum at the University of Florida. It will temporarily close March 24 for several months as it undergoes a $30 million expansion project.
“What a great place to spend the afternoon! I could have spent my entire day there!”
Kat Sheppard, visitor
The project was slated to start in January but was postponed, giving visitors a few more weeks to catch up with a museum that is considered one of the nation’s top five natural history museums.
“A new interactive exhibit space will focus on the Thompson Earth Systems Institute and will help Floridians to become good stewards of the state’s natural heritage,” the communications manager Kaitlin Gardiner said.
Even without the refresh, there is plenty to see right now.
“Lifelong learners can enjoy hundreds of live butterflies in the award-winning Butterfly Rainforest
exhibit, witness a South Florida Calusa Indian welcoming ceremony, ride in a simulated glass-bottom-boat theater, experience a life-size limestone cave and enjoy fossil skeletons, including a mammoth and mastodon from the last Ice Age,” Gardiner added.
The charms of the place are many, starting in the lobby, where visitors can interact with a baby mastodon and his mom, as well as with a rather energetic sabertoothed cat. OK, these are virtual cavorts that unite humans with digitally created animals romping in the massive screen that greets visitors, but they are nevertheless a magnet for young and old.
Galleries explore the many facets of the state’s natural history, from fossils such as the 15,000-year-old mastodon found in the sediment of the Aucilla River to the people of South Florida and their relationship with the environment. Here, visitors walk along a boardwalk through a mangrove forest, travel underwater to view larger-than-life marine creatures, visit the house of a Calusa leader and more.
Additional exhibits focus on energy consumption and conservation, discuss current museum and UF research initiatives and showcase plants species and their fossil ancestors. In the Water Shapes Florida gallery, visitors “ride” on a glass-bottom boat and walk through a hammock forest, among other activities as they learn about the state’s most important natural resource.
The jewel in the museum’s crown is the screened outdoor Butterfly Rainforest, home to hundreds of
butterflies, finches and quail in a lush tropical garden punctuated by cascading waterfalls. Adjoining the Rainforest are thousands of Lepidoptera species on the Wall of Wings and scientists can be spotted busy at work in the Butterfly Rearing Lab.
“What a great place to spend the afternoon!” visitor Kat Sheppard said. “I could have spent my entire day there!”
The Florida Museum forms part of the University of Florida’s Cultural Plaza at 3215 Hull Road in Gainesville. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, although there is a charge for the Butterfly Rainforest.
For more information, visit floridamuseum.ufl.edu SL
BY SUSAN M. HOUTS
A volunteer recruitment event highlighted a diverse range of opportunities, catering to various interests and skills, drew community members eager to give back.
The inaugural Brevard County Volunteer Recruitment Event, hosted by Assisting Hands Home Care in collaboration with the City of West Melbourne Recreation Department, Vitas Healthcare, YourLife Memory Care and Atlantic Shores Nursing and Rehab, brought together 18 organizations seeking volunteers to enhance their operations, marketing and community programs.
The South Brevard Sharing Center was onsite recruiting volunteers for its thrift store, food pantry and mentoring programs. The Brevard Zoo’s Restore Our Shores initiative sought individuals to support critical environmental projects — from planting oyster mats to improve the Indian River Lagoon to collecting environmental data. Meanwhile, the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation highlighted its need for volunteers to assist with Joe’s Club Day programs and provide much-needed respite care for Alzheimer’s caregivers by offering companionship and supervision in homes.
Vitas Healthcare showcased its wide range of opportunities, including spending time with hospice patients, creating quilts and crafting Memory Bears. For those seeking more adventurous roles, the Florida Wildlife Hospital appealed to animal lovers
with opportunities, including cleaning habitats and walking tortoises.
Community member Barbara McLarnan attended the event to explore volunteer opportunities.
“I’ve been retired for two years and have finally finished all my house projects,” she said. “My husband is still working and I wanted to find a meaningful way to give back.”
Ivey Gonzalez, the special populations coordinator for the City of West Melbourne, emphasized the importance of volunteerism.
“We organized this event to connect the community with organizations that need support and to give those organizations a platform to recruit the volunteers they so desperately need,” she said.
recruiter Karla
Volunteering is not limited to retirees.
from the
“We have a volunteer whose workplace allows her four hours a month to volunteer on the clock,” said Karla Davis, a representative for the Brevard Association for the Advancement of the Blind. “Many organizations have flexible time commitments, so even if you only have a few hours a month, there’s a place for you to serve.”
For attendee Jill Higgins, volunteering is a family tradition.
“My parents and uncle instilled in me that as a Christian, serving others is what we do until we no longer can,” she said.
The event was such a success that participating organizations are already planning future recruitment events throughout Brevard County, aiming to inspire more individuals to lend a helping hand. SL
News for Titusville, Mims & Port
BY FLORA REIGADA
Coffee and Conversation offers questions and answers on city issues and a chat with a Titusville City Council member in a casual setting.
Of all the questions her constituents asked new Titusville City Council member Megan Moscoso, her favorites are about her family.
On her Facebook page, she refers to herself as Wife, Mom and Titusville City Council Member.
“I’m mom to two wonderful children, ages seven and 11 and wife to Cristian, a local pastor,” she said. A dog and a cat that don’t get along complete the family.
As a council member, her main focus is listening to residents.
Toward that goal, Moscoso recently hosted a Coffee and Conversation event at the Sunrise Bread Company in Downtown Titusville. While speaking with her constituents, she enjoyed a latte and half of a pumpkin muffin.
“It went well. About 12 people attended. They asked questions about things that affect our daily lives, such as trash being dumped on the side of the road,” she said. “They also raised concerns about clean water.”
Moscoso’s goals include working
New Titusville City Council member Megan Moscoso hosted a Coffee and Conversation
Company in Downtown Titusville to get acquainted with her constituents’
on restoring the Indian River Lagoon and updating infrastructure.
“But first, I want to make sure I’m hearing the concerns of our citizens,” she said.
According to Ziyandra Nwa of Titusville, that was accomplished.
“It was very informative to know how your neighbors view the city,” she said. “This inviting, warm and personal way to get information out
was much-needed.”
Moscoso said she encourages town halls and citizen participation, support for local businesses, sustainable development and building a future that balances growth with environmental responsibility.
“We need to ensure our streets and homes are safe for everyone,” she said. “Join me in making these goals a reality.”
History – Then and Now features Space Coast historic landmarks or sites in pictures and what those same areas look like today in photographs.
The Coffee and Conversation meetings are a part of that and others are in the works.
“They are a great opportunity to come together and have open, honest conversations about how we can improve our city collectively,” Moscoso said.
Watch for updates on her Facebook page, Megan Moscoso Titusville City Council Member. SL
BY SUSAN M. HOUTS
The Great Room of the Parasol 55plus community in Melbourne filled with laughter, love and admiration as resident Louise Kubel celebrated her 101st birthday.
Friends, neighbors and family, including five of Kubel’s seven children, eight of her 15 grandchildren, and three of her five greatgrandchildren from across the country gathered Saturday, Jan. 11 to honor the beloved centenarian.
Originally from New Bedford, Massachusetts, Kubel shared an extraordinary love story with her late husband, Stanley, spanning 80 years. She fondly recalled meeting him at a wedding in April 1941 when she was 17.
“My friend Elsie asked me to go with her, and I didn’t want to. But when she asked again, I grabbed my jacket, and we walked to the venue. There, I saw a young man doing pullups on a pipe. He smiled at me and later he found me on the dance floor and asked me to dance.”
Though Stanley wasn’t a strong dancer, Louise let him walk her home. From that night on, he visited her daily.
They began dating and after the
attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Stanley enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served in World War II, supplying fuel to the Flying Tigers in China.
Upon his return, the couple married and raised seven children in New Bedford and then Lakeville, Massachusetts.
“They were always together,” said grandson Derek Moore. “She made most of the decisions; Stanley trusted her completely.”
Kubel’s family remembers her as the calm, steady heart of their home.
“My favorite memories are of Christmas Eve,” daughter Janice Gallagher said. “She hosted a house full of family, kept everything spotless and then began to prepare another feast first thing Christmas morning. We never saw her stressed or ruffled.”
Granddaughter Alicia Porter called Louise and Stanley Kubel’s home the “center of our ecosystem,” adding, “Their house was my second home.”
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Four Republican candidates are among those vying for the District 32 state representative seat now held by Debbie Mayfield.
Brevard County School Board member Matt Susin is one of the four Republican candidates seeking the position — Terrence A. Cronin Jr., Brian Hodgers and Robert William White are the others. Susin must resign from the school board to run in the election, according to Chris Muro, an associate professor in political science at Eastern Florida State College.
Mayfield, who was still listed as the District 32 incumbent, has announced her intention to run for Florida Senate District 19, which is held by Randy Fine, who is resigning to run for Congress. A special election must be held for the seat Fine is vacating.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has set a special election to fill the District 19 seat, which Mayfield will seek. The special primary election for the State Senate District 19 and House seat District 32 is set for April 1, with the special election on June 10.
“Florida is one of only five states that has adopted a ‘resign-to-run’ law, requiring current officeholders to resign from their elected positions before they can qualify for another seat,” Muro said in an email to Viera Voice “Florida Statute 99.012 requires this for elected as well as appointed positions. Since only five states have adopted this provision, it is safe to say that the idea has not been seen as a necessary reform. There has been some recent attention given to the statute, due to Gov. DeSantis’ bid for the Republican nomination for president. The Florida Legislature passed a clarification in 2023 stating that the governor did not have to resign to seek the nomination.”
Muro said the process to fill a school
the guests celebrating Louise
101st birthday were eight of
15 grandchildren and three of her five great-grandchildren.
The couple moved to Florida in 2006 to be closer to eldest daughter Patricia Moore-Carroll, who lives in Brevard County.
Stanley Kubel died in 2021 at 99.
Kubel credits her long, fulfilling life and marriage to her faith and good nutrition, with her family recalling the organic garden Stanley Kubel tended long before it became popular.
Neighbors at Parasol admire Kubel’s resilience and kindness. A woman living life on her own terms, her motto, “Don’t give up — even when things are hard,” continues to inspire.
As Kubel embarks on her 102nd year, her legacy of love, faith and family shines brightly, touching all who know her. SL
board seat in the event a member resigns is left to the governor.
“There is no standard amount of time in which the seat must be filled. Florida law simply states that all school board vacancies shall be filled by the governor,” Muro said.
“Florida’s governor has broad powers of appointment and removal for numerous elected officials, except for members of the judicial branch.”
Fine, who was elected to be state senator in District 19 in November, is seeking a U.S. House of Representatives seat in a district that encompasses an area north and west of Brevard County. SL
More than 70 years ago, I had a little black book that had addresses and phone numbers with names of girls. Now, my iPhone list has most names that end with MD. When I was a child, Dr. Kaye took care of our medical needs, including house calls. Now you can use portals, Tel-A-Med or an online nurse.
When I moved to Melbourne 20 years ago, I had to find a primary care doctor and specialists for different body parts. For years, my primary care doctor removed wax accumulations from my ears. Now, I had to go to an ear, nose and throat specialist. When a senior told her dermatologist about a discoloration in the nail of a big toe, he said, “I don’t do feet.” A quick visit to a foot and ankle specialist revealed cancer under the nail. The toe was amputated.
Medical services and health care are currently in the news for many reasons. Many news sources have focused on “Why does health care cost more in America?” Blame goes beyond insurance companies. Hospitals, clinics and urgent care centers are for-profit businesses. Many health plans suggest using the mail order prescription system. What if you have a mailbox at the curb in a cluster at the condo where heat can impact the medications? Another challenge is “Did I remember to take my pills and shots?” Partners may remind each other, but living alone may create a different challenge. Develop your own system — different colored pill boxes for a.m. and p.m.
Ed Baranowski
doses. Then, there are the over-thecounter (OTC) meds. Be sure to tell your primary care doctor about what you use.
The cover story of the AARP bulletin (November 2024) dealt with “The Future of Aging.” It focuses on medical breakthroughs that will change the way time impacts our bodies, our minds and our lives. The challenges for seniors and providers: prevent, eliminate, regenerate and fix.
Innovations like the DaVinci surgery system, orthoscopic procedures, imaging and collaboration of engineers and medical professionals help prolong our good health and wellness. Toss the canes and walkers, get a new hip joint or new knee joint and be on the move in a few days. Scientists and doctors continue to be challenged to find remedies and healthy solutions to help seniors thrive well beyond age 100. SL
Ed Baranowski is an awardwinning writer, artist, speaker and seminar leader. He lives in Melbourne and can be contacted at fast75sr@ gmail.com
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These are the top senior living facilities on the Space Coast. All of these wonderful places offer amenites to live a comfortable life in retirement. Buena Vida Estates 2129 W. New Haven Ave., W. Melbourne 32904 321-724-0060 BuenaVidaEstates.org
