Senior Life, June 2024

The Space Coast prepares as hurricane season approaches

Mounted patrol on call

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse Patrol recently brought its Safety Awareness Walk & Talk program to residents at Indian River Colony Club, making stops throughout the neighborhood.

BY CAMERON COUNTRYMAN

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse Patrol, a group of volunteers who are ready to assist with certain tasks, participated in a Safety Awareness Neighborhood

Walk and Talk at Indian River Colony Club.

Organized in 2016, the Mounted Posse Patrol is composed of volunteers who are experienced with horses and eager to help in the community.

The group works with the Sheriff’s Office

Mounted Patrol Unit on community-related events such as parades and also helps with searches such as for missing persons.

To qualify for the Mounted Posse, those interested must be at least 18 years old, own a horse, complete an application

Suntree Internal Medicine

and an interview and pass a background check. Applicants who make it through this process will attend a rigorous basic training to learn search techniques, team formations and how to make it past obstacles.

BY JEFF NAVIN

Years ago, Jill Blue wondered how seniors in Brevard County were being informed about so many things that affect their daily lives.

She discovered there was not a single source that kept seniors and boomers abreast of resources, health and wellness information, veterans’ issues and other topics of interest to that age group.

That led to the birth 27 years ago this month of Senior Life, a publication that 27 YEARS continued on page 13

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Charles MacMahon

MOTOR COACH TOURS

• Stone Mountain Fireworks & Train, July 1 - 3

• South Florida Casino Getaway & Jungle Cruise, Aug. 3 & 4

• Las Vegas Escorted Air Shows & Tours, Sept. 2 - 6

• Key West Opal Resort Sept. 15 - 18

• Ark Encounter & Gatlinburg Nov. 9 - 16

DAY TRIPS

• Elvis & Kenny Rogers — Orange Blossom Opry

• Caladium Festival

• Gypsy Gold Horse Farm

• Florida Aquarium

• St. Augustine Night of Lights

• Tiger Sanctuary

• Asian Lantern Festival

• Ice Gaylord Palms

Senior

7350

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

Interns

Cameron Countryman, Hayley Power

Feature Writers

Ed Baranowski

Carson Blue

Brenda Eggert Brader

Ernie Dorling

Mike Gaffey

Randal C. Hill

Susan Houts

Linda Jump

Betty Porter

Flora Reigada

Have you ever had to stand at a bus stop without knowing exactly when the bus would arrive?

Maybe you have never even considered riding the bus because of the time it would take to get to where you would want to go. But some innovation in use elsewhere and now coming here will change the urban bus ride in Brevard County. Space Coast Area Transit is making it easier to know exactly where your bus is as you wait or ride. Regular riders will be able to buy their tickets with an app and tap in on the bus with a smart phone.

It might be time to consider taking the bus and leaving the car behind, even if it is only on occasion. More people using the bus system might lead to more frequent buses. Read more about the SCAT technological innovations in this edition of Senior Life

Hurricane season is here. Residents on the mainland, as well as beachside, tell us what they do as the season approaches. We remind you where you can obtain additional information about hurricane preparedness. We share information about what the power company is doing to strengthen the electrical grid and minimize the impact of a storm on the system.

You’ve probably heard of U-pick farms where you can pick fruits or vegetables. There is one in Palm Bay where you pick flowers. I like finding these interesting stories, especially those that might prompt you to go out and try something new.

Then there are upcoming events that might interest you. First, there is the Summit of Seven, an event June 7 through 9 to mentor and inspire boys and young men in the community.

Female veterans will be honored June 12 at AVET Project’s Military Women Celebration at Nyami Nyami Lodge at the Brevard Zoo.

In the latest edition, we told you the love story of a couple married for 55 years. In this edition of Senior Life, we tell you the story of a couple who married 72 years ago.

These are just highlights of what you will find in this edition, in addition to a few regular features such as Keep Moving, Tech Know Tidbits and Health & Wellness. SL

R. Norman Moody

Family’s U-pick flowers farm expands line

BY LINDA JUMP

Anna Harris, 12, changed the trajectory of her family six years ago, when she chose farming over sports or music.

“We put three cards in front of her — one with a person playing soccer, another with a girl with a goat and a third with a piano and she picked the card with the goat,” her father Greg Harris said.

The ordained pastor and “light” land developer said, “Life was just too hectic. I wanted to make time for my family, and I wanted to give my daughter a choice.”

Greg and his wife Becca bought 20 acres on the west end of Emerson Drive in Palm Bay to create Harris Establishment Farms.

“I didn’t know how to grow stuff,

“The flowers are so beautiful. It makes your heart smile just looking at them.”

—Mary Wyatt

but I learned,” Harris said. They opened as a U-pick farm for a variety of flowers, including sunflowers, a few days a week. Check their website harrisestablishmentfarms.com for hours or to sign up as a project volunteer.

This spring, the farm added a store with fresh-ground peanut butter, duck and chicken eggs, raw honey and honey products, freeze-dried foods, homemade candies/snacks and vegetables, all but the peanuts from their farm.

The farm is not designated as an organic farm. Their collection of animals to view has expanded to include donkeys, a horse, dwarf goats, chickens, pigs, ducks and cows.

Ashley Gallardo of Melbourne, the farm manager, grew up in Malabar with horses.

“I’ve come every year since they opened. It’s a great family adventure, and I love being part of it,” she said.

She said future expansion will include U-pick vegetables, with from the vine or from bins still to be determined, beginning next season.

“We’re going year round and want to add a Christmas festival, plus the resumption of field trips and more special events, such as national egg or cow days,” Gallardo said.

Harris said the fall season is the most popular, with 14,000 visitors last year.

Cindy Vanderpool of Titusville, a

first-time visitor, came with her son and family to pick bouquets.

“There’s a variety of things to do, with the animals and playground.”

Her granddaughter Kinslee Vanderpool, 4, said her favorite was the cow, but she didn’t like the bees.

Mary Wyatt of Titusville stood in awe at the massive field of towering sunflowers and other crops, taking in the expansive view.

“The flowers are so beautiful. It makes your heart smile just looking at them.” SL

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With Just One Click, View Your Favorite Bus Stops and See How Soon Your Bus is Arriving

Use the Trip Planner for easy step-by-step directions

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

Greg Harris, the owner of the Harris Establishment Farm, a U-pick flower farm in Palm Bay, admires the flowers.

SENIOR LIFE Linda Jump

Goats are an always a humorous part of the Harris Establishment Farm.

KEEP MOVING

THE 10TH FEATURE IN A SERIES ON EXERCISE

Bicycling can bring great physical, mental health benefits

BY FLORA REIGADA

When 85-year-old Jim Ball of Titusville rides his bike, it helps to ease his back and knee pain.

“Starting in Titusville, my riding companion Linda Reckline and I ride 30 miles round trip on the East Central Regional Rail Trail,” he said. “We enjoy the beauty of the surrounding woods.”

Ball tries to ride at least twice a week. He said that the more he rides, the better he feels.

Bicycling is a low-impact exercise and can help burn calories, provide a good cardiovascular workout while strengthening the lower body and improving stamina. Getting out on the trail in the cool of the day can also be good for mental health.

Ball and Reckline enjoy the outing, the scenery and the pain-soothing exercise.

They have spotted wildlife, such as bears, wild pigs, turkeys, deer, bobcats and a friendly rooster that comes running to be fed.

A long-time bicyclist, Ball rode in the street before the Rail Trail came along. He appreciates the safer trail, free of motor vehicles.

Spanning more than 50 miles, the trail stretches between Titusville and Volusia County. It is part of the Florida Coast to Coast trail that goes from Titusville to St. Petersburg. There are small gaps in the trail yet to be completed.

For those who cannot get on the

road or the trails, there is the option of stationary bikes in the cool of an air conditioned building such as the YMCA in Titusville.

Others like to ride in Suntree and Viera neighborhoods. Chris Laird often

rides his beach cruiser through his neighborhood.

Dara Sunseri, the director of operations and an exercise physiologist at the Titusville YMCA, said biking can improve quality of life.

“We benefit from any kind of bike riding, whether outdoors among nature or indoors with music,” she said. “Biking is a low-impact exercise, with slower, gentler movements that cause less joint pressure. It helps increase cardiovascular fitness by strengthening the heart. Bones and muscles are also strengthened.”

“It is good for the mind through the release of serotonin, which lends a feeling of accomplishment and focus, as well as allowing the body to relax,” Sunseri said.

Despite (COPD) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 85-year-old Vanda Knowles of Titusville rides a stationary bike at the YMCA five days a week.

“I ride eight miles and, if I am feeling ambitious, I will work out on the machines,” she said.

Mims United Methodist Church, near the East Central Regional Rail trail at 3302 Green St., encourages and helps bicyclists riding in their area.

From 7 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m. each Saturday, church volunteers serve complimentary coffee and breakfast sandwiches. Aspects of the outreach, such as outside water, an outdoor repair station with an air pump, accessible tools and a covered rest area with a table, always remain open. Restroom facilities are also available.

For trail information, visit traillink. com.

For information on the Titusville YMCA, go to ymcacf.org SL

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

Chris and Allison Laird take a leisurely ride. Area residents often cycle for exercise in Suntree and Viera neighborhoods.

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B o d h i T C M . c o m

By Randal C. Hill

Behind the Beat

‘Band on the Run’ — Paul McCartney and Wings

Did Paul McCartney ever consider “Band on the Run” to be jinxed? If he did, there had been a couple of good reasons to think so.

He and his Wings group were scheduled to fly to Nigeria to record “Band on the Run.” But some of the musicians never showed, so only Paul and Linda McCartney and Wings guitarist Denny Laine made the journey.

In the studio, McCartney sang lead and filled in on guitar, electric piano, bass and drums. (“I played a lot of stuff myself. It was almost a solo album. Almost.”) Not quite. Wife and partner Linda McCartney added synthesizers and electric piano to the tracks, and Denny Laine offered lead guitar. And both sang backup vocals.

“Band on the Run” became a fiveminute-plus work that played out like a three-act mini-drama. There was the slow, meandering opening. A hardrocking section kicked in next. Finally, a dynamic Eagles-like harmony drove the work to a powerful finale.

But as the trio was walking back to

their hotel that night, they were robbed at knifepoint, with thieves snatching their tapes and vanishing into the darkness. Paul, Linda and Denny thus had to create a new recording from memory.

Flashback. At one time, the Beatles were a struggling band covering Top 40 hits in German bars. They eventually broke big in the United Kingdom in 1962, became teen idols throughout Europe the following year, and conquered America in 1964. But when the Fab Four began their own music label — Apple Records — in 1968, they officially entered the world of big business. Consequently, the Beatles often had to endure boring meetings in stuffy boardrooms.

At one such gathering, George Harrison unknowingly handed McCartney a part of “Band on the Run.” McCartney remembered, “It started off with, ‘If I ever get out of here.’ That came from a remark Harrison made at one of the Apple meetings. He was saying that we’re all prisoners in some way.”

Lyrically, “Band on the Run”

opened with the narrator already being incarcerated: Stuck inside these four walls,

Sent inside forever

When the song shifted to the next tier, we heard a prisoner’s lament: If I ever get out of here

In the final section, we learned of a “jailer man” and how a county judge held a grudge because he’ll have to “search forevermore” but will never capture the elusive “band on the run.”

McCartney later explained that his lyrics involved police hassles and drug problems: “We were being outlawed for pot.” (He preferred marijuana over booze.) “Our argument on ‘Band on the Run’ was that we’re not criminals. … So I just made up a song about people breaking out of prison.”

McCartney later said of his musical creation, “It’s a million things, all put together … a band on the run — escaping, freedom, criminals. You name it, it’s there.”

To McCartney’s delight, his fans embraced the Apple single, which topped Billboard’s chart. Even expartner John Lennon, often one of McCartney’s harshest critics, enthusiastically pronounced it “a great song.” SL

SENIOR LIFE Shutterstock/Bukley Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Band on the Run” became a five-minute-plus work.

Hundreds of projects mean progress in healing the IRL

So how is the Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) plan really doing?

We’re seeing more posts and articles about oysters and clams, septic systems being removed and stormwater improvement, but what’s the overall picture?

The overall picture is lots of projects being completed and signs of progress.

The quick bottom line: SOIRL has completed or is completing 185 projects which will eliminate more than 1 million pounds of pollution from the IRL each year. This is made possible by $370 million collected so far in co-funding from the half-cent sales tax.

It’s worth taking a deeper dive to understand just how impressive this really is.

So many projects are being completed that it’s hard to show them all, so let’s look at the summary picture showing the 14 categories of projects that make up the plan.

Take “Waste Water Treatment Facilities Upgrades,” the second one in the top row. It shows that the plan includes seven projects, of which three have been completed (Cocoa, Palm Bay and Titusville) and one under construction in Rockledge.

These projects are reducing nitrogen pollution by 74,139 pounds per year and the SOIRL contribution to these projects is $27.5 million, with another $25.5 million coming from other sources.

Another example is “Septic to Sewer,” sixth on the top row. The plan calls for 4,822 septic tanks to

be connected to sewer, 657 have been completed and another 657 are in process. Collectively, connecting septic tanks to sewer will eliminate 114,440 pounds of nitrogen pollution annually, with the half-cent sales tax contributing $135 million to the effort.

The county maintains a website with details on the progress and maps showing all of the projects in the plan. Go to brevardfl.gov/SaveOurLagoon/Maps

It’s important to mention again that we’re seeing signs of progress in indicators such as water clarity and the return of wildlife and seagrass.

Healing the IRL takes each of us. It takes all of us. It takes you and me!

For more information, visit helpthelagoon.org/ and facebook.com/BIRLC/. SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the BIRLC

TECH KNOW TIDBITS

SCAT tech upgrades mean more convenience for riders

SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE

Gone are the days of waiting at a Brevard County bus stop wondering when the bus would arrive.

Technology now in use by Space Coast Area Transit will forever change the way passengers wait for the bus, buy passes and ride.

“With our state-of-theart website, 321Transit. com, and the 321Transit bus tracking app, riders can view a bus or trolley on its route in real time and get a text notification 5, 10 or 15 minutes prior to its arrival,” said Terry Jordan, the SCAT director. “It’s easy to locate a route by name, address, area, location or landmark and to personalize your ride by using the trip planner to navigate multiple stops and routes.”

Contactless mobile ticketing — powered by Token Transit — makes it convenient to purchase a bus or trolley pass on a smartphone. When boarding with an electronic pass, no cash or contact is required.

“You can even purchase and send a bus pass to a friend, family member or coworker,” Jordan said.

Once onboard, riders have free WiFi. With 23 routes and more than 1,100 bus stops, there are many opportunities to get where you need to go. In addition, all buses have bike racks and are wheelchair accessible.

In addition to regular, fixed-bus routes, SCAT has a lot more to offer.

Beach trolleys help reduce traffic on often busy A1A and are a good option for tourists and residents.

Paratransit Service assists those with transportation needs who are unable to use fixed routes.

Volunteers in Motion, a volunteer-based program, provides transportation for individuals unable to use other Space Coast Area Transit services.

Space Coast Area Transit’s

vanpool provider, Commute With Enterprise, helps drive large-scale sustainability goals. Working closely with employers to recruit and retain top talent, Commute With Enterprise rents vans to groups of four to 15 passengers.

Space Coast Area Transit secures outside funding sources to help pay for some of the technology upgrades.

According to Finance Officer Karen Petters, $2.1 million dollars in general funds leverage more than $40 million dollars in state and

History — Then and Now

federal grants during a typical fiscal year.

New technology also helps Space Coast Area Transit perform one of their most important functions — overseeing transportation for Brevard County Emergency Management.

When an emergency situation is declared, an automated system contacts pre-registered individuals with special needs, providing them with information on how to prepare. Space Coast Area Transit then follows up with more than 10,000

phone calls, confirming medical requirements, shelter assignments and transportation details. Transit stakeholders can connect with Space Coast Area Transit through interactive multimedia at 321Transit on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Google Business. Search 321Transit to download the bus tracker app at the Apple App store or on Google Play. View maps and schedules at 321Transit.com or call the RideLine at 321-633-1878. SL

History – Then and Now features Space Coast historic landmarks or sites in pictures and what those same areas look like today in photographs.

Then 2000s

Now 2024

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Brevard County Historical Society/Leonard J. DeFrancisci Built in the 1940s at what was the Banana River Naval Air Station (now Patrick Space Force Base), the structure, which later became the Melbourne Village Community Center, was moved in May 1948 to its present location in Melbourne Village.

SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody

The Melbourne Village Community Center building serves residents for a host of social activities.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of SCAT

Technology now in use by Space Coast Area Transit allows riders to buy their tickets online, know when their bus will arrive and receive text notifications.

8085 Spyglass Hill Road

Viera, Florida 32940

Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm

STRI PES Brevard Veterans News

NVHS volunteers pour passion into helping veterans in need

As men and women in need of a meal amble into the parking lot of Daily Brevard long before lunch is ready, volunteers are there keeping a lookout for the veterans among them.

Every Friday for more than a decade, David and Lorrie Fox, representing the National Veterans Homeless Support, are there to assist those veterans.

Elsewhere in Brevard County, Bill Breyer is on a search-and-rescue mission as he has for about 15 years, looking for veterans that need a helping hand wherever he can find them.

They are among the volunteers that are helping NVHS on its mission to end homelessness among veterans in Brevard and elsewhere in Central Florida.

“Our family is all military. I

couldn’t serve so this is my way of paying back,” said Lorrie Fox, whose husband, David, served four years in the Army, including tours during the Vietnam War.

Alongside Fox are others like Barbara Simons, who spends her spare time helping veterans and others in the community.

Robert Knowles spent 20 years in the Air Force and found some

difficulties transitioning to civilian life. He volunteers to help those who have had similar experiences.

“I can only imagine how difficult it is,” he said.

Breyer has walked the lines at feeding centers or other places where homeless veterans might gather, seeking out those who might need help.

After serving in the Army and retiring from his civil service job, he wanted to do something worthwhile.

Since then, he has directed many to transitional housing with NVHS or led others to claim their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits.

“It’s a deep passion,” he said.

“There is something about a veteran in need. It’s my passion.”

A case that still stands out is one of an Afghanistan war veteran with severe

post-traumatic stress disorder who had been sleeping in a hammock on the beach.

Breyer said that when he encountered the veteran, the PTSD had taken its toll and the young man was suicidal. Breyer soon helped to turn things around for the veteran and got him into transitional housing. He later found that the veteran was thriving and progressing in his transition to civilian life.

Breyer, David and Lorrie Fox and the others I mentioned are only a few of the volunteers who are part of the NVHS team that has been instrumental in drastically reducing homelessness among veterans in Brevard County. The organization also works to assist others on the verge of homelessness from losing their homes SL

Retired Navy captain seeks challenging adventures in retirement

BY ERNIE DORLING

Retired Navy Capt. Melanie Winters is always looking for her next venture somewhere around the globe. And that adventure is usually an incredibly challenging one.

During the past 18 months, Winters has biked and hiked around New Zealand, and hiked Mount Kilimanjaro.

“I love to travel, and I’m very active,” Winters said. “When I do travel, I make sure that the trip involves some physically challenging component to it; that turns the journey into an adventure.”

Winters grew up in a military family.

“My father spent his career in the Air Force,” she said. “We moved

every two to three years. I spent 11 of my first 18 years living overseas in Pakistan, Germany and Iran.”

In 1980, after graduating from the University of Central Florida, Winters went to work for Disney World as a tour guide. “The economy was in a huge slump when I graduated. Jobs were scarce so I thought I’d join the Navy, travel a bit, and take some time to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I was commissioned in February 1981. The next thing I knew, those three years that I had planned to stay in the Navy turned into 25 years.”

During her 25-year career, Winters worked as a cryptologist. “During my time in the Navy, I had many opportunities to work for and with many outstanding people,” she said. “But my tour as the Officer in Charge of the Special Intelligence Communications Center supporting the

U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii was the most rewarding. I had 55 sailors reporting to me during this posting. Looking back, watching these young sailors grow, excel and promote was incredibly gratifying. I hope I played a small role in their accomplishment.”

Winters retired from the Navy in June 2006. Since then, she has worked for the Department of Defense as a civilian contractor in Hawaii, Virginia and California. In 2018, she returned to Florida.

“It was a chance to move back home and be near the beach,” Winters said.

In her 40s and 50s, Winters ran half marathons. Now in her mid 60s, she is focused on hiking, cycling, and golfing. This past year, she and a friend

SENIOR LIFE

Courtesy of Melanie Winters

In February 1981, Ensign Melanie Winters, left, begins her military career in Hawaii. Winters, who lives in Brevard County, loves adventure, including hiking, cycling and golfing.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Melanie Winters Melanie Winters found a spiritual moment after reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at sunrise.

Navy veteran’s book tells compelling stories from experience

BY ERNIE DORLING

Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jerry Pait’s latest book, “Submarine-er: 30 Years of Hijinks & Keeping the Fleet Afloat” is both informative and entertaining.

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, Pait’s book is a semiautobiographical collection of stories recounting his 30 years in and around the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet.

“The stories range from the lighthearted to the wrenching,” Pait said. “All of the stories are poignant and take the reader inside naval operations that are rarely seen by outsiders.”

Pait grew up in Hamlet, North Carolina. His father worked for the railroad.

“When I graduated in May 1964, most kids back then, men that is, had four choices, go to college, go to work, wait to be drafted or join the military. So, I joined the Navy,” Pait said.

After boot camp in San Diego, Pait was sent to submarine school in New London, Connecticut.

“You learn every system aboard the boat,” he said, “including electrical, hydraulics, water, sanitary and ventilation. Qualification is the most critical job in our life because everyone on board depends on everyone else for survival.”

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Jerry Pait

Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jerry Pait, who spent most of his career serving on submarines, has written a book about some of his experiences in the military.

After completing his qualification training, Pait went to sea on the USS Entemedor, a World War II dieselpowered sub that had been overhauled and given upgraded equipment. While serving on the Entemedor, Pait graduated from the Navy diver’s school.

“Each boat was required to carry two qualified divers,” he said. Over the next 16 years, Pait mastered almost every aspect of the subs to which he was assigned, including how to operate and troubleshoot problems with the boats’ sonar, eventually rising in rank to the prestigious position of chief of the boat. Sixteen years later, Pait was commissioned as an ensign.

“I went from being an enlisted man to an officer,” Pait said. “The transition was easy in the sense that the enlisted people seemed to relate to me more easily since they knew that I, too, had once been one of them.”

While many of Pait’s stories are indeed humorous, he takes the reader back to 1986 when the space shuttle Challenger exploded after take-off.

“I was assigned to the Naval Ordnance Test Unit (NOTU) at Cape Canaveral back then,” he said. “That morning, we were all gathered around

the TV watching the launch when the Challenger disintegrated into a ball of flames. Everything went completely quiet. No one said a thing.”

During the next six weeks, Pait was in charge of the Challenger’s pier-side recovery operations.

“There is much information that wasn’t released to the public over the years,” he said. “I have tried to share a great deal of information in the book as to what took place behind the scenes of the Challenger’s recovery operation.”

Pait takes the reader on a journey of Navy life as can be told only by someone who had a long and varied career during his 30 years in the U.S. Navy.

“I wrote the book, in large part, to share with my extended family exactly what I did during my time in the military service,” he said. “My family, who fought in WWII, never spoke about what they did. I wanted my

family to know what I did.”

Pait makes it clear that, while serving on a submarine, you can’t be thin-skinned, as you’re cramped in a floating tube with 80-plus other sailors. Practical jokes and sarcasm are the norm.

Pait brings these stories, funny, sad and heartwarming, to life as only a veteran with his experience can. SL

AVET Project celebrates military women’s 76 years of service

BY BETTY PORTER

A luncheon to honor America’s past and present military women will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 12 at the Nyami Nyami River Lodge at the Brevard Zoo.

The event is being hosted by AVET (American Veteran Empowerment Team) Project, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization.

Each year, AVET celebrates the June 12 anniversary of the signing of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act.

Then-President Harry S. Truman signed the act allowing women the right to permanently serve in the regular Armed Forces.

Kim Cone, vice president of AVET Project, said the organization is pleased to be able to honor the women who served.

“On this special day designated to honor America’s military women, past and present, we hope the community will come celebrate with us and show support.”

— Kim Cone, vice president of AVET Project

“Currently, Women Veterans Recognition Day is a state-recognized commemoration. Thankfully, Florida is

On June 12, AVET Project will once again celebrate and honor women who served

one of those states,” she said.

Cone said that this year is particularly significant as it is the 76th anniversary of that groundbreaking legislation for America’s military women, granting women a permanent place and an opportunity for a career in the nation’s military.

“On this special day designated to honor America’s military women, past and present, we hope the community will come celebrate with us and show support,” she said.

Cone’s husband, Garren Cone, an Air Force veteran, is the founder of AVET Project.

Embark on a New Adventure

ticket to resort-style retirement living!

said everyone is welcome to attend the luncheon. Military women attend free of charge. The cost of a ticket for a non-veteran is

Start your summer with a new lifestyle that empowers you to connect, grow, and celebrate meaningful moments! For one monthly price, our professional team handles everything, from freshly prepared meals to weekly housekeeping, allowing you to enjoy five-star living with peace of mind. Start your adventure with us and get more from your retirement!

June Events

Car Show

Saturday, June 8 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Cruise on over to Shell Harbor for a classic car show! Check out sweet rides while meeting fellow gearheads and collectors. RSVP Today

Open House

Wednesday, June 12 from 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Revamp your idea of how amazing senior living can be: incredible apartments, sensational amenities, and retirement done right! Come see life at Shell Harbor for yourself. RSVP Today

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of AVET

in the Armed Forces.

Cone

of Kegman, Inc., a woman-owned small business and a service disabled veteranowned small business. Glasgow said the company is made

Beachside boom: Cocoa Beach City Hall, Cape hotels under construction

BY MIKE GAFFEY

There’s a flurry of construction on the beachside as Cocoa Beach is getting a new City Hall and Cape Canaveral is welcoming a new hotel.

In Cocoa Beach, the new City Hall is rising at the site of the city’s old one, which was built in 1962. Demolition of the aging, undersized facility at 2 S. Orlando Ave. started in January 2023 and the city broke ground on the new two-story building in December 2023.

According to the project’s Rockledge-based general contractor W+J Construction, the 29,900-squarefoot City Hall’s first floor will have a community room with a kitchen as well as storage space, restrooms and groundlevel parking.

The second floor will house the Cocoa Beach City Commission chamber and secure office spaces for city officials and personnel.

“The project features a beautiful green space with a performance stage and green room for future community events,” W+J stated on its website.

Jacobs Engineering Group of Orlando had proposed designs for a one-story building and a two-story facility.

The city eventually decided on the two-story option, preferring to make the first floor a “wash through” and place key offices on the second floor to protect them from flooding from hurricanes.

“It’s designed to allow the water to wash through the first floor so the second floor isn’t impacted,” former Cocoa Beach Mayor Ben Malik said.

Plans for a new City Hall had been in the works since 2003, but were put on hold while the city added the $4.1 million, 24,400-square-foot Fire Station 51 in 2015, a three-story, $5.2 million, 241-space public parking garage in 2019 and a three-story, $9 million police station in 2021.

“The old building was a monstrosity,” Malik said. “It leaked like

a sieve every time it rained. There was mold. There were rats.”

The new City Hall is scheduled to be completed in February 2025. Staff have been relocated temporarily to the city’s Public Works facility at 1600 Minutemen Causeway during construction.

In Cape Canaveral, a seven-story Hyatt Place Hotel is being built in front of the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson at 9009 Astronaut Blvd.

The 92,000-square-foot hotel just south of Port Canaveral will have 150 rooms, according to Certified General Contractors of Melbourne, the project’s contractor. Hyatt Place also will feature a rooftop viewing platform for watching rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

In early 2025, the 156-room Hilton Garden Inn will also open in Cape Canaveral. SL

27 YEARS

continued from page 1

would champion the causes and concerns of the senior community.

“I wanted to do stories on all the interesting people in the area,” said Jill Blue, the founder and publisher of Senior Life. “There were a lot of topics of concern to seniors that needed to be covered.”

Senior Life published its first issue in June 1997, and it has been covering

the day-to-day activities of Brevard County’s seniors and boomers since then.

“Since that first issue, Senior Life has grown to cover the entire Space Coast,” Blue said. “Our readers have become our friends. Since we have Expos, we have the opportunity to see our readers in person.”

Senior Life editor R. Norman Moody said the paper is constantly developing stories that serve boomers and seniors.

“We aim to do stories that inform, entertain and benefit our readers in some way,” Moody said. “In fact, our stories on health and wellness, exercise, travel, technology and other features are a good source for readers of all ages.”

Some of those stories cover support groups for those caring for spouses battling illnesses. Other stories include grandparents caring for grandchildren, veterans’ issues and volunteering in the community. SL

SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey

Construction continues on Cocoa Beach’s two-story City Hall building at 2 S. Orlando Ave.

SENIOR LIFE Mike Gaffey

A seven-story Hyatt Place Hotel is under construction on Astronaut Boulevard, just south of Port Canaveral.

Longtime residents have own ways to prepare for hurricanes

BY BETTY PORTER

All Florida residents have June 1 marked on their calendars as the start of hurricane season.

But not all locals prepare for it the same way.

Michele Willman of Satellite Beach has lived in her home on Greenway Avenue, between DeSoto Parkway and Cassia Boulevard, since 1990.

“This house was built in 1963 and has been through and survived so many hurricanes since it was built that I don’t even board up,” Willman said. “I usually pile bags of mulch along the back of the house to keep water from blowing in. But now that I have gutters on the back, I may not even have to do that, we’ll see. If the gutters keep the water drained the way they should, then I probably should have thought of getting them

25 years ago.”

Willman had always been aware that the nearby Satellite Beach Library is a location where in the days before a storm is predicted to be a threat, sand is made available for residents to come and fill sandbags, but she’s never done it.

She said she always has bags of mulch on hand that she said work well for keeping water from blowing in under doors.

“I have seen the long line of cars waiting to fill sandbags and I just haven’t gone there to shovel the sand.”

Willman said she keeps her car filled with gas during hurricane season and has canned goods, as well as lots of bottled water stocked. She also keeps jugs of ice in the freezer.

If the order is given to evacuate the beachside, Willman does, too. “Usually I

leave about four hours before the evacuation deadline and head to my daughter’s house in Suntree, near the Suntree Country Club. The house used to belong to Willman’s parents who lived in it from 1997 to 2006 and then her daughter has owned the house since 2008. The house has roll-down shutters and a generator.

“I bring with me my air mattress, canned goods, water and other supplies to help out,” she said. “It has been our safe haven. There’s been only one time I remember us going inland to Kissimmee when a Category 4 or 5 was predicted to come ashore here.”

Suntree resident Kay Maxey is a native of Melbourne. She also said she doesn’t do much to prepare other than to have bread, peanut butter and lots of water on hand.

“I grew up here and have

never been hurt by a hurricane and so never developed a fear of them,” she said. “We have shutter panels for our house but we don’t even put them up.”

Growing up, Maxey remembers her brothers who were nine and 10 years older than her, having friends over during a hurricane for a party and how they would have always stocked up on extra beer. “People don’t do that now, have hurricane parties,” Moxey said.

“Although I’ve never feared hurricanes, I always remember standing and looking in awe of their power. I still do,” she said. SL

The official hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 Hurricane preparedness guidelines, supply kit lists, evacuation information, shelters, pet information, after-the-storm fact sheets and other important lifesaving information is available by going to the Brevard County Emergency Management website: brevardfl.gov/ EmergencyManagement Select: BE PREPARED

To receive cell phone text message updates, text BrevardEOC to 888777.

Follow @Brevard EOC on Twitter; Brevard EOC on Facebook and Boomer Guide at Myboomerguide.com

FPL strengthens, upgrades energy grid for hurricane season

BY BETTY PORTER

Hurricane season is upon us and Florida Power & Light Company is taking steps to reduce power outages and to get the power back on quickly where outages occur.

“To get ahead of an unpredictable hurricane season, we are working to strengthen and upgrade the energy grid to make it smarter and more storm resilient,” said Eric Ago, the local area manager for FPL. “We are pleased to be able to offer system upgrades to our customers in Melbourne using the very latest grid technology, including installing automated switches on main and neighborhood power lines which will help us get the lights back on faster after storms.”

He said ongoing storm resiliency efforts include maintaining trees and vegetation — a common cause of power outages — by trimming vegetation and tree branches from the 307 miles of power lines in the Melbourne area and inspection of the 2,995 poles.

“We inspect the power poles and either strengthen or replace those that no longer meet FPL’s industry-leading standards. The stormhardened power poles are built to withstand extreme wind loads and designed to help us restore power faster following severe weather.”

“FPL continuously leverages new and innovative technologies to improve reliability for its customers and is this year piloting the installation of automated underground switches which will help detect and isolate outages, further enhancing reliability of underground lines,” Ago said. The use of smart trimming technology helps FPL to identify trees and other vegetation touching power lines.

“Smart trimming helps us identify areas of concern and assigns the work electronically, saving inspection time,” Ago said.

“These upgrades, including the very latest grid technology, will help get the lights back

on faster after storms.”

To help prepare for hurricane season, a storm drill took place at the FPL command center in Palm Beach County in May. More than 3,000 FPL employees took part in a simulated situation mimicking a Category 4 strength hurricane.

“We continually train which enables us to test our response procedures and strengthen them,” Jack Eble, a senior communications strategist with FPL, said. “It’s not a matter of if, but when we will have the next hurricane.”

Eble stresses that now is the time for all Floridians to solidify emergency plans for their families and businesses. One of the suggestions he

East Central Florida neighborhood.

has is to become familiar with any generator to be used during a power outage. “Now is when folks need to get the manufacturers guide and usage information out and read it. Getting comfortable

with the equipment you have now is much better than waiting until a storm is coming,” Eble said. Visit FPL.com/storm for helpful tips for residents and business owners. SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of FPL

Florida Power & Light Company teams meet in the command center in Palm Beach County in preparation for the hurricane season.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of FPL FPL installs a storm-hardened power pole in an

The pole is built to withstand extreme wind loads and reduce outage times following severe weather.

+ The Free Boomer Guide features Hurricane safety, shelter and assistance information.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Vitamin supplements work well if combined with proper diet

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER

Adults with healthy eating patterns live longer and are at lower risk for serious and costly diseases, including heart, Type 2 diabetes and obesity. But what part do supplements play in this preparation?

“A well-balanced diet is the ideal source of the vitamins and minerals we need,” said Dr. JoAnn Manson of Harvard University, a nutrition guru citing multiple clinical trials studying nutritional supplements’ efforts. “Our

bodies prefer naturally occurring sources of vitamins and minerals. We absorb these better. Because commercially available vitamins, minerals and herbs are lumped together as supplements, the FDA doesn’t regulate them.”

According to WebMD, it is even more important for seniors to make sure they’re getting the right balance of vitamins and minerals. “Senior vitamins are designed to fill gaps in diet by supplementing vitamins and minerals your body needs.”

check with their doctor before adding vitamin supplements to their diet to be sure their prescription drugs don’t create a problem when

together.

•

•

Vitamins and minerals seniors need daily include Vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, fortified grains, cereals, nuts and seeds. Calcium is another as men 51 to 70 years old need 1,000 milligrams per day of calcium. Men older than 70 should strive to have 1,200 milligrams per day by eating eggs, dairy products and leafy greens. Vitamin D supplies adults 51 to 70 with 15 micrograms a day, and adults 70 and older need

20 micrograms per day to absorb calcium for bone health. Magnesium and potassium are two more essentials found in grains, beans, nuts and leafy vegetables for magnesium, and potassium found in bananas, fish, meat, poultry, spinach tomatoes and broccoli. Some supplements can cause problems when taken with prescription medications, according to Harvard Medical School. It suggests that the wise patient should check with his or her doctor before beginning a regimen.

Mason suggests choosing vitamins tested by independent labs such as the U.S. Pharmacies, Consumer Lab and NSF International that are certified to have correct dosage labeled on correct ingredients. Many supplements in the U.S. will bear a label from one of these establishments.

Gummy vitamins are often not certified and can often cause cavities since they are basically candy and not recommended, Manson said. SL

NAVY CAPTAIN

Continued from page 10 thought they needed to challenge themselves as they were getting older and decided to hike Mount Kilimanjaro.

“I have wanted to hike Kilimanjaro since I was a teenager and saw the movie, ‘Out of Africa,’ ” Winters said. “Summiting at sunrise was a spiritual moment, watching the sun’s rays sneak above the cloud layer and begin to brighten the dark horizon with rays of pink and gold. Awesome doesn’t begin to describe the feeling.”

When she isn’t climbing mountains or biking around New Zealand, Winters is playing golf every chance she gets, having found a passion for the game.

“I started playing in 2017 as a way to connect with my father after he became ill,” Winters said. “I feel my dad with me on the course every time I go out. He played to a 13 handicap when he passed away. My goal is to match that handicap someday. I know he’s looking down, finding a way to help me achieve that goal.”

SENIOR LIFE Brenda Eggert Brader Seniors should

taken

Hello June

National Day of Commuy Service

1

SATURDAY

British Harmonies Concert

3 p.m. Presented by the Community Band of Brevard.

Merritt Island High School Auditorium

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Take charge of your liver health with a free fibroscan.

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

100 Mustang Way Merritt Island, 321-3386210 Free Liver Scans sponsored by ClinCloud

CareerSource Brevard's 13th annual Job Fair

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-5047600

Card Making with Kym

10 a.m. - noon

Merritt Island Library 1195 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Merritt Island, 321-4551369

Mancini & Friends

June 5 and 6, 6:30 p.m.

Presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band.

Melbourne Auditorium

625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-7240555

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

10 a.m. - noon Sunflower House 3600 W. King St. Cocoa, 321-806-3752

28 North Sip & Smoke 5:30 p.m.

Spirits by St. Augustine Distillery and cigars from Executive Cigar. 28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159

Wickham Park First Friday Event 5 - 9 p.m.

Food trucks and live music by Rocket City Trio.

Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-6332046

Viera East Farmers Market

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Brevard County Emergency Operations Center Open House June 1 and June 2

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 1751 Huntington Lane Rockledge, 321-637-6670

Woodside Park 1705 Crane Creek Blvd. Viera, vieraeastmarket@ gmail.com

Space Coast Contra Dance

Melbourne Train Show

7:30 - 10:30 p.m.

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. AZAN Shriners Center 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. Melbourne, 321-805-1963

Beginner lesson at 7 p.m.

Walter Butler Center 4201 US 1 South, Cocoa spacecoastcontra.org

2 3

British Harmonies Concert

Space Coast Jeep Club

Meetup

1 - 3 p.m.

Monthly meet-up.

3 p.m. Presented by the Community Band of Brevard.

Merritt Island High School Auditorium

BeachFly Brewing 513 Barton Blvd. Rockledge, 321-3056865

100 Mustang Way Merritt Island, 321-3386210

Free Liver Scans sponsored by ClinCloud

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Take charge of your liver health with a free fibroscan.

Brevard EOC Presentation 10 - 11 a.m. Information on hurricane preparedness. Merritt Island Library 1195 N. Courtenay Pkwy. 321-455-1369

Blood Pressure Clinic

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

11 a.m. - noon

Sunflower House 3125 Fell Road W. Melbourne, 321-4524341

4 5 6 7

Weed Your Garden Day

8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

CareerSource Brevard's 13th annual Job Fair

Mancini & Friends

Sit and Get Fit 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Melbourne Auditorium

625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-5047600

Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-6317549

Bingo

Celebration Luncheon for our Military Women 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

June 5 and 6, 6:30 p.m. Presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band.

28 North Sip & Smoke 5:30 p.m.

The Grace for The Family Experience with Tim Tebow 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Potluck Picnic Meet and Greet

Wickham Park First Friday Event

In recognition of the anniversary of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act signing.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-7240555

Spirits by St. Augustine Distillery and cigars from Executive Cigar. 28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159

1:30 - 3 p.m. Sunflower House 3125 Fell Road Melbourne, 321-2943211

BSO Summer Evenings

7 p.m.

10 a.m.

Card Making with Kym

10 a.m. - noon

Merritt Island Library 1195 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Merritt Island, 321-4551369

Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-2554494

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Brevard Zoo - Nyami Nyami RIver Lodge 8225 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-373-7046

10 a.m. - noon Sunflower House 3600 W. King St. Cocoa, 321-806-3752

An evening of worship, inspiration and revelation as we celebrate Father's Day and the American Family. The King Center 3865 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 407-9139920

Welcome Summer Dance

6 - 9 p.m. N. Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-268-2333

5 - 9 p.m. Food trucks and live music by Rocket City Trio. Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-6332046 Viera East Farmers Market

Suntree United Church 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-345-5052

Space Coast Contra Dance

Space Coast Cars and Coffee

7:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Author Event – Donna G. Ivery, MD

Space Coast Jeep Club Meetup

2 - 4 p.m.

1 - 3 p.m.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Woodside Park 1705 Crane Creek Blvd. Viera, vieraeastmarket@ gmail.com

Sunshine Time: "To Infinity and Beyond."

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Estate Planning Seminar

Sit and Get Fit

Monthly meet-up. BeachFly Brewing 513 Barton Blvd. Rockledge, 321-3056865

Presentation and book signing. “Not Your Granny’s Menopause.” Titusville Library 2121 S. Hopkins Ave. Titusville, 321-264-5026

Brevard EOC Presentation 10 - 11 a.m. Information on hurricane preparedness.

Bones & Balance 10 - 11 a.m. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-2554494

Merritt Island Library 1195 N. Courtenay Pkwy. 321-455-1369

Blood Pressure Clinic

11 a.m. - noon Sunflower House 3125 Fell Road W. Melbourne, 321-4524341

10 a.m.

Senior Art Therapy Class

Presented by Elder Law

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Attorney William A. Johnson, PA, RSVP One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-6317549

Bingo 10 a.m. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-2554494

Celebration Luncheon for our Military Women 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. In recognition of the anniversary of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act signing.

1 - 2 p.m. All inclusive and no prior art experience needed. Eau Gallie Library 1521 Pineapple Ave. Melbourne, 321-2854304

Brevard Zoo - Nyami Nyami RIver Lodge 8225 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-373-7046

Spirits of Giving A Bourbon Pull Supporting Shop with a Cop 6 p.m. A night of fun, fellowship and fundraising. Charlie & Jake's Barbecue 490 E. Eau Gallie Blvd. Indian Harbour Beach, 321-213-7196

The Grace for The Family Experience with Tim Tebow 7 - 9:30 p.m. An evening of worship, inspiration and revelation as we celebrate Father's Day and the American Family. The King Center 3865 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 407-9139920

Welcome Summer Sock

Hop 7 p.m.

Potluck Picnic Meet and Greet

1:30 - 3 p.m.

Sunflower House 3125 Fell Road Melbourne, 321-2943211

Welcome Summer Dance

6 - 9 p.m. N. Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-268-2333

3 - 6 p.m. Thrifty Parking Lot 910 Barton Blvd. Rockledge, 201-658-2004

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Beginner lesson at 7 p.m. Walter Butler Center 4201 US 1 South, Cocoa spacecoastcontra.org

BSO Summer Evenings 7 p.m.

Presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band. Free dance lesson starting at 6 p.m. Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-7240555 Mango Harvest Festival 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Recipe demonstrations, tastings. Live music by Steel Drum Man Franke Lutz. Sam's House 5555 N. Tropical Trail Merritt Island, 321-4494720

Sunshine Time: "To Infinity and Beyond."

Suntree United Church 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-345-5052

Space Coast Cars and Coffee

3 - 6 p.m.

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Chess Club

Thrifty Parking Lot 910 Barton Blvd. Rockledge, 201-658-2004

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Author Event – Donna G. Ivery, MD

1 - 4 p.m. Chess lessons and competition. Cocoa Public Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-633-1792

2 - 4 p.m. Presentation and book signing. “Not Your Granny’s Menopause.”

Titusville Library 2121 S. Hopkins Ave. Titusville, 321-264-5026

Ukulele Meet-up 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Bring your ukulele and jam with other beginners. Titusville Library 2121 S. Hopkins Ave. Titusville, 321-264-5026

Bones & Balance 10 - 11 a.m. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-2554494

Pickleball

Estate Planning Seminar

10 a.m.

Presented by Elder Law

1 - 3:30 p.m. Greater Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Drive NE Palm Bay, 321-724-1338

Attorney William A. Johnson, PA, RSVP One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY

Memory Health Screening

Senior Art Therapy Class

12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Sponsored by Flourish Research. RSVP Sunflower House 3125 Fell Road W. Melbourne, 321452-4341

1 - 2 p.m. All inclusive and no prior art experience needed. Eau Gallie Library 1521 Pineapple Ave. Melbourne, 321-2854304

Medicaid Planning 10 a.m. Presented by elder law attorney William A. Johnson, PA, RSVP One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Spirits of Giving A Bourbon Pull Supporting Shop with a Cop 6 p.m. A night of fun, fellowship and fundraising. Charlie & Jake's Barbecue 490 E. Eau Gallie Blvd. Indian Harbour Beach, 321-213-7196

Garden Bingo Night 5:30 - 8 p.m. Proceeds to benefit the Arc of Space Coast gardening project. Arc of Space Coast 1694 Cedar St. Rockledge, 321-6903464

Welcome Summer Sock Hop 7 p.m. Presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band. Free dance lesson starting at 6 p.m. Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-7240555

- 12:30 p.m. A

Mango Harvest Festival 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Muscle Memory, Strength, Balance 10 - 11 a.m. North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-609-0999

Chess Club

1 - 4 p.m.

Chess lessons and competition.

Cocoa Public Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-633-1792

class where you will learn how to get out of auto mode and take your photographs to the next level. Hello Again Books 411 Brevard Ave. Cocoa, 321-877-0351 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Recipe demonstrations, tastings. Live music by Steel Drum Man Franke Lutz. Sam's House 5555 N. Tropical Trail Merritt Island, 321-4494720

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Scottish Country Dancing

Ukulele Meet-up 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Bring your ukulele and jam with other beginners. Titusville Library 2121 S. Hopkins Ave. Titusville, 321-264-5026

6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Springs of Suntree Clubhouse 8300 Holiday Springs Road Suntree, 321-427-3587 SHINE

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Medicare counseling. Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. 321-868-1104

Pickleball 1 - 3:30 p.m.

Thunder Over

Memory Health Screening

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

Happy Feet 10:40 a.m. In-place full body walking workout. Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. Cocoa Beach 321-783-9505

Wednesday Evening Pickleball 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. McLarty Park 790 Barton Blvd. Rockledge 321-633-1870

English Country Dancing Tuesdays - 6 - 9 p.m. Lifepoint Church 1420 Sportsman Lane NE Palm Bay, 321-427-3587

Muscle Memory, Strength, Balance 10 - 11 a.m. North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 321-609-0999

12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Sponsored by Flourish Research. RSVP Sunflower House 3125 Fell Road W. Melbourne, 321452-4341

Beginning Ballet/Lyrical 11:30 a.m. North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville, 540-220-4831

MelBOOM 4th of July Fireworks 9 p.m. Fireworks display. Front Street Civic Center Melbourne 321-417-1342 The Great American Celebration Fireworks 9 p.m. Just east of the USSSA Stadium 6091 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-255-4500

Medicaid Planning 10 a.m. Presented by elder law attorney William A. Johnson, PA, RSVP One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Garden Bingo

5:30 - 8 p.m. Proceeds to benefit the Arc of Space Coast gardening project. Arc of Space Coast 1694 Cedar St. Rockledge, 321-6903464

Palm Bay Independence Day Celebration 5 - 9 p.m. Food trucks, vendors, live music, inflatables and fireworks. EFSC 250 Community College Parkway SE Palm Bay 321-952-3400

Brevard Commission on Aging

Brevard commits to helping protect seniors against scams BCOA NEWS

Everyone has a right to safety and justice. It is estimated that millions of older adults, from all walks of life, encounter harmful scams every year.

These scams can come in various forms, such as fraudulent phone calls, emails, or even in-person interactions. It is essential for older adults to be vigilant and informed about common scam tactics to protect themselves.

The Brevard Commission on Aging and several local community organizations will host a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) event to raise awareness about protecting and preparing ourselves and our loved ones from senior scams.

Join us from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 14 at Zon Beachside at 1894 South Patrick Drive in Indian Harbor Beach for a free lunch and learn event.

Special guest speakers include: Chief Greg Vesta of the West Melbourne Police Department; Dana Blickley, Brevard County’s Property Appraiser; and attorney Ruth Rhodes of Rhodes Law P.A. will provide information on protecting yourself and your loved ones from financial exploitation. Presenters will focus

on internet/telephone scams, legal documents that protect us from being scammed and benefits for those older than 65 years old.

Entrance and parking are complimentary. Zon Beachside will cater lunch. Reservations are essential as space is limited. RSVP by calling or texting 321-209-5474.

WEAAD acts as a call to action for our communities to promote awareness regarding the mistreatment, neglect and exploitation of seniors, as well as to reaffirm our nation’s dedication to justice for everyone. Elder abuse is a prevalent issue, with approximately one in 10 older Americans falling victim to abuse, neglect or exploitation each year. It is believed that elder abuse is vastly underreported, with research indicating that only about one in 14 cases are brought to the authorities’ attention.

When united, we have the power to stop elder mistreatment. By establishing support services and channeling community resources to tackle elder abuse, we can both prevent and address this problem. Enhancing our social support system through policies, services and programs

Alura Senior Living

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

Sonata East at Viera 4206 Breslay Drive, 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

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.

can help us stay connected within our communities as we grow older. Remember, everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their daily lives.

Go to eldermistreatment.usc.edu/ weaad-home for information

To report abuse by phone — call Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873).

Press 2 to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. This toll free number is available 24/7. TTY (Telephone Device for the Deaf) is available at 1-800-955-8771. To report via fax, please print and complete the DCF fax reporting form with details and fax to 1-800-914-0004. SL

Murtha Law Group, PA

HISTORIC TITUSVILLE MAIN STREET KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

TIME TO TRAVEL

St. Petersburg

Chihuly Collection draws visitors to a dazzling display of glass art

BY CAMERON COUNTRYMAN and CARSON BLUE

The Chihuly Collection, a mesmerizing world of color and light, is a can’t-missroad-trip destination located in downtown St. Petersburg, about a three-hour drive from Brevard County.

Dale Chihuly’s magnificent glass sculptures are spotlighted in the midst of a dimly lit interior, creating an otherworldly ambience.

Abstract sculptures stand on the floor, unique art hangs on the walls and intricate chandeliers hang from the ceiling. Many are inspired by marine life. Light, a technique used by Chihuly to enhance the immersive experience for viewers, reflects off of the sculptures from all angles.

Visitors marvel at Chihuly’s majestic works of art with wide eyes and walk in circles around the exhibits to take in all of the details.

Though dimly lit, the museum is not lacking in color.

Dale Chihuly once proclaimed, “I never met a color I didn’t like.” Sculptures feature eyecatching contrasting colors, such as orange and blue or pink and yellow. Other sculptures feature soft pastel colors.

Chihuly uses colors to remind museum visitors of memories, feelings or even certain environments such as a cool breeze on the beach.

The Persian Ceiling is a popular exhibit and one of Chihuly’s works of large-scale installation art. Museum visitors can look up at a colorful ceiling made of gorgeous glass and filled with hidden sculptures, as well as at the plain white walls and wood floor made breathtaking by the dazzling reflections of the ceiling. Other well-known Chihuly works at the Chihuly Collection are Macchia, Ikebana, Niijima Floats and Tumbleweeds.

Visitors have the opportunity to learn about

Chihuly through a short documentary film shown in the museum’s theater before visitors walk through the exhibits. The film provides valuable information and insight into Chihuly’s creative process that elevates the experience by giving the art more depth.

While this experience is worthwhile, it does not last long. Walking through the 10,000-square-foot museum and viewing the 18 art installations takes about one to two hours.

Visitors may also decide to watch a glass-blowing demonstration at the Morean Arts Center across the street, which is included in the Chihuly Collection ticket

and

price. The Chihuly Collection is located at 720 Central Avenue, the main road of St. Petersburg’s Central Arts District. Central Avenue is also home to a diverse collection of highly rated restaurants and dessert spots just down the street from the Chihuly Collection. SL

Imagine Museum stands apart with its inspiring fine glass art exhibit

BY R. NORMAN MOODY

Just about every turn in the Imagine Museum takes visitors on an engaging visual and reflective stroll of glass art exhibits.

Imagine Museum in downtown St. Petersburg is a must see for visitors to the city, which could be done as a day trip or overnight trip from Brevard County.

The museum, with more than 1,600 pieces by artists from 20 countries, has one of the largest collections of contemporary glass art in North America. More than 450 pieces are on display.

The exhibit is on two floors of the 34,000-square-foot building. There is glass art everywhere, from the moment you walk into the lobby and museum shop through the second floor. The galleries exhibit art using techniques ranging from glass blowing, casting, slumping, fusing, laminating and torch work.

Francesca Brown, the museum’s marketing and communications manager, said Imagine stands apart because of the nature of its art.

“Glass is so new in contemporary art,” she said. “There is just something

magical about light being captured by glass.”

Glass has been around a very long time and its use in everyday life is essential but is relatively new and so different in art form.

“Glass art is different from other fine art by the way people interact with it,” Brown said.

It takes about an hour and a half to view the exhibits at Imagine Museum, though some visitors might take longer. It is a collection of colors, form and light that captures the imagination.

“Visitors will get a sense of community and inspiration,” she said.

While the Imagine Museum is a must see for visitors to St. Petersburg, there is a lot more to the city.

The bustling waterfront with its pier and restaurants with outdoor seating, in addition, has a lively nightlife downtown. There are many other museums and galleries in the city, some within the route of the downtown public transportation system.

Getting to St. Petersburg from Central Brevard should take about three hours in normal traffic. However, if you must be there at a certain time, plan ahead. Traffic on some parts of Interstate 4 is often slow moving.

Imagine Museum is at 1901 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. For more information, visit imaginemuseum.com SL

SENIOR LIFE R. Norman Moody

Imagine Museum offers art in a collection of colors, form and light that captures the imagination.

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

An admission ticket to the Chihuly Collection allows visitors to watch a glass blowing demonstration at the Morean Glass Studio.

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

The Persian Ceiling is a popular exhibit

one of Chihuly’s works of large-scale installation art.

NORTH BREVARD

New pier offers ideal spot for fishing, fun, family outings

BY FLORA REIGADA

Titusville’s new Space View Park Pedestrian Pier offers locals and tourists the opportunity to watch space launches unobstructed, spectacular sunrises or dolphins frolicking in the Indian River Lagoon.

People can walk the pier’s length or relax on its benches. Lighting provides nighttime security.

The 200-foot pier connects Space View Gemini and Mercury Parks across a lagoon inlet.

Construction that began in January was completed in April. It is part of the Titusville Community Redevelopment Agency’s goal to offer residents and visitors viewing access to North Brevard’s natural resources and space program. Rush Marine was the contractor. The cost of the project was a little less than $1 million.

Even 90-plus degree temperatures could not keep Marco Torres from going to the pier and casting his net.

“I fish for mullet every other day,” he said.

His 83-year-old father had joined him to try his luck. He inspected several locations before finding the right one and dropped his net into the

water.

Robbie Rivera was there with his fishing pole — his attention laserfocused on his line and the water, waiting for that bite.

Sierra Howard, the director of

communications for the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce, visited the pier with her fiancée and 7 year-old son.

“We walked the loop between the two parks, and my son loved running around on it,” she said. “We saw fish and a dolphin. I think the pier is a great addition to the city. It provides easier access between the two parks and more people can visit them.”

For Anita Truex, the office coordinator at Titusville’s American Space Museum and Space Walk of Fame, that connection provides a path to knowledge.

“It is important, especially for youth to visit the parks,” she said. “Seeing the monuments and reading the names of astronauts, contractors and workers engraved on them will help people appreciate how many were involved and all they accomplished with the technology of the time.”

Space View Park and the Pier are at 10 Broad St. in Downtown Titusville. SL

Museum kitchen serves up recollections of the past, toil of cooking

BY FLORA REIGADA

When Christina Wilhoit of Titusville prepares pot roast for her family of nine, mouths water.

“I smother two chuck roasts in beef broth and place them on onions and carrots in a big pot, cooking them at 350℉,” she said.

A hundred-plus years ago, making the same recipe with tools like those displayed at the North Brevard Historical Museum, and Titusville’s Pritchard House, would have required more time and effort.

“Meals were cooked in a wood burning stove like my grandmother’s,” Wilhoit said. “I would need to chop wood, carry it inside and place it in the stove.”

At the Pritchard House, they used

one before graduating to an oil stove in the early 1900s.

If ground beef was on the menu, a roast would have been hand-cranked through an iron meat grinder, a common kitchen tool of that era.

At the North Brevard Historical Museum, docent Erich Konjevich pointed out several in the museum’s extensive kitchen tool collection.

He demonstrated the use of cast iron cooking skillets.

“Everybody ate corn bread or corn pone baked in the skillets,” he said. For rural people, bread and cakes were homemade.

A sifter was used to break up lumps in the flour. The batter was stirred

VINTAGE KITCHEN continued on page 25

SENIOR LIFE David Reigada

Titusville’s new Space View Park Pedestrian Pier connects Space View Gemini and Mercury Parks, providing locals and visitors with easier access between the two, as well as scenic views.

SENIOR LIFE David Reigada

Marco Torres finds the right place to cast his net while fishing for mullet from Titusville’s new Space View Park Pedestrian Pier.

SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada

North Brevard Historical Museum docent Erich Konjevich demonstrates bread baking in an early 1900s electric stove.

Summit of Seven empowers Brevard youth through mentorship

BY SUSAN HOUTS

Celebrating its 30th year, what started as a boys and men barbecue gathering at the Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church of Palm Bay has grown into a highly regarded conference for Brevard County youth.

Called the Summit of Seven, the volunteer-run, community-focused event will be held at Eastern Florida State College’s Melbourne campus from June 7 through June 9.

Organized and directed by founder Moses Harvin, the event is focused on the mentorship of young men in the community.

“We

want to challenge the youth to prepare for success in their career and job opportunities. We also want to enhance family values — moral, ethical, career and financial choices.”

—Moses Harvin

“The purpose (of the Summit) is to provide a series of life-changing, community education programs for our young adults,” Harvin said. “We want to challenge the youth to prepare for success in their career and job opportunities. We also want

VINTAGE KITCHEN

continued from page 24

with a whisk or hand-held mixer. These are among the many items on display, along with things like a big black kettle, potato masher and butter churn.

Making coffee was anything but instant. Beans would be ground, then placed in a bag to soak in boiled water.

Cooking would not be done in airconditioned comfort.

“Due to Florida’s heat, women cooked and baked in the early morning,” said Roz Foster, the president of the North Brevard Heritage Foundation, “otherwise they and the house would become unbearably hot.”

Foster noted that cooking would have been time-consuming because families were large.

Local meals would include shrimp

to enhance family values — moral, ethical, career and financial choices.”

The name of the conference reflects mentorship and community involvement. The goal is for each man to bring at least seven boys and men from age five to adults.

Some of the highlights include workshops, breakout sessions and community engagement trips. All sessions are designed according to age.

“For example, Community Credit Union, which has been a sponsor of the Summit from the beginning, presents financial literacy classes,” Harvin said. “We also provide resources for legal and technical

and crab, which were plentiful, as well as gopher turtle, alligator, chicken and hogs.

“They ate a lot of potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, string beans, and made jams and jellies from local fruit,”

Foster said.

“Everything was labor intensive. Oranges, grapefruit and lemons would be squeezed in a juicer.”

Despite Foster’s passion for history, she is happy to be living in today’s times.

“Human life expectancy is longer and for that we can all be grateful,” she said.

The North Brevard Historical Museum is at 301 S. Washington Ave. in Downtown Titusville. Visit Northbrevardhistoricalmuseum.org

For information about the North Brevard Heritage Foundation, Go to nbbd.com/npr/preservation/ organization.html SL

CLINCLOUD GOES PURPLE

questions. In all cases, we want these youth to see opportunities that they have never seen before.”

Some of the opportunities have led conference attendees to great heights. Previous attendees have joined the military and police force; one has since become a Delta Airlines pilot.

“One of the great successes of the program is when previous attendees

return to share their successes,” longtime volunteer and retired judge David Dugan said.

Event volunteer Ancel Robinson has also experienced the impact on the attendees firsthand.

“I like to see the way their processes changed from when I first saw them to the person they will become,” he said.

This year, the projected attendance is expected to be about 1,000 boys and men. The schedule includes a Friday Night Summit Festival, open to the community. It will include food, games and more. Saturday morning includes educational and motivational workshops followed by a community luncheon at 1 p.m. On Sunday, boys and men’s day programs will be sponsored by local organizations.

The future looks bright for The Summit of Seven. Harvin sees continued growth and community involvement, including opening the event to young women in the community as well. “We serve everyone,” Harvin said. “If you want to come and you want help, we will help you.”

Community lunch tickets are $45 for adults (youth aren’t charged). Registration information for the Summit is available at summitofseven. org. For more information, call 321223-3525. SL

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Summit of Seven

The Summit of Seven 2023 attendees learned about CPR and health at Eastern Florida State College’s public safety breakout session.

SENIOR LIFE

Courtesy of Summit of Seven

The Summit of Seven 2023 attendees meet Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martinez at The Orlando Magic Experience Summit of Seven day trip.

SENIOR LIFE David Reigada Many vintage kitchen items are on display at Titusville’s North Brevard Historical Museum.

Navigating widowhood might take careful planning

The death of a spouse creates a stage of widowhood for women and men often with many unpredictable challenges. Throughout history, women suffered most from the loss of a spouse. Throughout the world, there are pockets of civilization where women’s rights are limited, the transfer of property to male relatives occurs, and women are thrust into poverty.

At the AARP Florida Space Coast Chapter meeting on May 3 (also National Widows Day) participants in an open forum focused on issues and answers. They created an awareness of the struggles and hardships many widows experience after the death of a spouse.

Some widows are blessed with compassionate family and friends, while others suffer from the lack of kindness and care. Grief is often a taxing part of the new life that limits the capacity to take charge, to manage financial affairs and protect rights.

For some, buzzards seem to gather. Others experience a freedom that launches them into new lifestyle changes, adventures, travel and uncharacteristic behaviors that alarm family and friends.

Among the top widowhood concerns: financial, dependence, independence, legal problems, family interference, loneliness, inheritance, estate plan issues, mental health, spirituality, wellness, trust plans and vulnerability.

Some widows, wounded to the heart and sometimes to the soul, are challenged with thoughts: “my grief will never end.” Life events trigger memories and thoughts of moving on appear to have no time limit. When the widowed person decides to move on, family conflicts and other confrontations may be experienced.

Challenges of Living to Age 100

Understand family concerns, but remember, this is your life.

Reduce the challenges by maintaining a solid estate plan. Protect yourself in advance of the demise of a spouse. Aging is a family affair that should include transition to care facilities, funeral plans, transfer of wealth, bequests and legacy plans. You are in charge.

Many organizations provide grief counseling and resources. Churches, local senior centers, health insurance plans, One Senior Place, Helping Seniors of Brevard, travel clubs and AARP Chapters provide new connections, friendships and companionship. Many local groups help without a fee or consultation charges. Check in advance about arrangements.

Accept the challenge — plan ahead! Work on scenarios that you might experience with the loss of a spouse. When it happens, take your time. Avoid making big decisions too soon. Check your estate plans. Reflect! Move On!

Ed Baranowski is president of the AARP Florida Space Coast Chapter and can be contacted at fast75sr@gmail.com. He offers programs for retiree groups and communities.

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

Ed Baranowski