Senior Life, May 2022

VOLUME 24

OF FLORIDA

ISSUE 12

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MAY 2022

Skydiving seniors, page 8

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of John Hilliard

The Convair SM-65A Atlas, or Atlas A, was the first full-scale prototype of the Atlas missile, which first flew on June 11, 1957. The Atlas A had a range of 600 miles and was 75 feet, 10 inches long and 10 feet in diameter. Stories, pages 3 and 4.

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When the government decided to move missile testing to Florida, it already had a large property near the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse. This was an ideal place in an area that would become known as the Space Coast.

The government acquired 144,000 acres as a buffer for rocket launches. Part of it is Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Most of it is Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Cape Canaveral National Seashore. It stretches from Brevard County into Volusia County.

This is where it all started.

We will tell you in a story in Senior Life a little about how it all started here at the Cape. We also have a sidebar story about the first secretary who worked at the site of those very first missile launches from what would later become Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

It is a privilege to live on the Space Coast where you can, in most cases, just walk outside to see a rocket launch. And it never gets old.

Are you on Facebook? Has your account ever been hacked? In a howto story, we tell you what you can do to avoid the hassle or how to correct it if it does happen. It can be annoying to deal with it. So, it is best to avoid it with a few simple steps.

On the eighth of this month, we have a designated special time to honor mothers. This Mother’s Day, we tell you about mothers who have extra special bonds with their children. Most mother and child relationships are special, but these came to our attention. I think you might see them as extraordinary.

Later in the month, we will commemorate Memorial Day. It’s a time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in the defense of the nation’s values. We will tell you about events already planned, but there are others. Find one that may be near you or one which you might attend to pay tribute to those who served.

Have you had your blood pressure checked lately? Did you know that high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues? High blood pressure often presents no symptoms and the only way to know in such cases, is to have it checked. Read more about it in the Health and Wellness section of Senior Life.

This edition of Senior Life is packed with information on not only health and wellness, but much more. There are stories about veterans, seniors skydiving and about offerings at the public libraries, other than books, which you might not know about. SL R. Norman Moody norm@myseniorlife.com

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Missile launches from Cape birthed space exploration

BY LINDA JUMP In 1950, when the military’s Joint Chiefs of Staff moved its missile testing range from White Sands, New Mexico to Cape Canaveral, the path to the title of Space Coast began.

Historians say the 15,000-acre Cape was chosen because it was sparsely populated, had open ocean with clear flight and shipping lanes and favorable weather.

“It was on the ocean with a wildlife refuge as a buffer and an infrastructure open as a blank canvas. It was closer to the equator than other sites to take advantage of the earth’s rotation.” said Mark Marquette, a community liaison at the Air Force Space and Missile Museum at Cape Canaveral. “And probably politics was also involved.

“When missile testing started, it was managed by the military, all about protecting America from nuclear attack by the USSR,” Marquette said.

Within a decade, the focus was on space exploration with President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 pledge to send an American to the moon.

The Joint Long Range Proving Ground changed names numerous times. Launch Complex 3 with Pads 1 to 4, each a concrete slab of 100 feet, and its support facilities weren’t complete.

The first missile launch attempt was July 19, 1950, and Bumper 7 fizzled at countdown. Five days later, Bumper 8 reached an altitude of 10 miles and 200 miles downrange.

The two-stage ballistic missiles were captured by Allied troops from

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of John Hilliard

It took a lot of attempts before launches from the Space Coast became successful.

Germany after World War II. to the rope and the Matador was At least half the missiles launched sitting on the runway a half mile away. that decade flopped.

The booster fell and it flew out over “It was such a learning curve, but the ocean straight east and disappeared they tackled the unknown. They had over the horizon,” he said. a lot of failures, but they learned from Hilliard is a missile historian them,” Marquette said. whose goal is to document with The Air Force decided to photos in 76 huge ring binders every contract out the missile flight data U.S. missile launch, including the processing, tracking and downrange 8,000 so far from the Cape. SL communication links, first to Pan American with RCA as a subcontractor.

“They experimented with fins and wings like an airplane,” Marquette said.

Early missiles launched were the Matador, Bomarc, Redstone, Snark, Thor, Polaris and then, in 1957, the first Atlas. The first satellite Explorer launched in January 1958, followed by

By Attorney the Titan and Delta in succeeding years.

TRUMAN SCARBOROUGH As a high school 239 Harrison Street, Titusville, FL student in 1956, John R. Hilliard rode For A Complimentary Copy his bicycle to watch Phone 321 267 — 4770 the launch of the first Matador.

“I got right next

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3

First secretary at Cape Canaveral recalled earliest missile launches

BY LINDA JUMP

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of John Hilliard

Bumper-8 was launched July 24, 1950.

Volume 24, Issue 12 Senior Life of Florida 7350 Shoppes Drive, Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940 321-242-1235

Barbara W. “Bobbie” Grine of West Melbourne was the first secretary at the newly designated Joint Long Range Proving Ground at Cape Canaveral. She died in 2019 at age 97. These are memories told to this reporter.

“It took me two weeks to be accredited to work on the Cape in 1953. I had to learn missile language and designated shorthand symbols.

“I worked six and a half days a week for $45 in a quonset hut about a mile from the (Cape Canaveral) Lighthouse with 20 crazy guys from San Diego. The first day, the guys picked me up in Cocoa Beach in a huge station wagon. We rode together because it was so far.

“We drove to A1A to the South Gate entrance. Then we drove miles and miles to a small gate with an Air Force airman guard. The tires squealed and the car fishtailed the whole way. No streets were marked, no names on any of the buildings and no maps of the base. We finally came to two quonset huts. One guy unlocked the door to one hut and we piled in. There were six file cabinets with several desks.

I typed on an ancient portable typewriter. In the second hut, there were four to six enlisted

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Feature Writers Ed Baranowski Brenda Eggert Brader Sue DeWerff Mike Gaffey Nanette Hebdige Linda Jump Betty Porter Flora Reigada Wendy Scheuring Maria Sonnenberg John Trieste George White

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Barbara W. “Bobbie” Grine was the first secretary of the Joint Long Range Proving Ground at Cape Canaveral.

everywhere.

“One Polaris Navy missile went out of control and landed in the Banana River just behind a trailer park. It didn’t hurt anything, but it could have.

“On Sept. 30, 1953, my birthday, a roaring jet soared overhead and everyone yelled ‘Matador!’ and within seconds we saw the missile with its chase plane. We were like missile cheerleaders out in the boonies.

“I’m proud to be a part of those first days. It was exciting and the best job I could have.”

SL

Table of contents May 2022

6 NEIGHBORS 10 TECH KNOW TIDBITS 12, 13 STRIPES VETERANS 8, 18, 27, 30 COLUMNISTS 20 HISTORY THEN AND NOW 22 HEALTH & WELLNESS 23 SENIOR LIVING TOUR 25 NORTH BREVARD NEWS

COUPONS & DISCOUNTS Boomer Guide —the best resource guide in Brevard!

Senior Life Senior Life of Florida is published on the first of each month. The entire contents of this newspaper are copyrighted by Senior Life of Florida with all rights reserved. Senior Life of Florida is not liable for errors or omissions in editorial, advertorial or advertising materials. Distribution of this newspaper does not constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.

4

men who tracked the missiles after they were launched.

“There were rattlesnakes, bears, bobcats and panthers, lots of panther tracks. The mosquitos were so bad, you could hardly get to the car.

“I couldn’t even tell my mother what we were doing.

The stuff we did was so secret that the postmistress took our mail home every night and put it under her bed.

“There was a large concrete heliport next to us. I rode with them up the beach once and they asked if I wanted to see the nude beach, so we flew over it.

“We had no notice before a missile launch. They were secret.

But if the phone rang once only, we knew there would be a launch in five minutes. When the first Atlas went up on June 11, 1952 on Pad 14, it arced but then free fell and then there was a big explosion. We all cried. It went into the Atlantic Ocean. I got to see what was left of the Atlas and cut off a small piece of coupling. I put it on a charm bracelet.

“The Azusa Tracking Station was ready and I was on the optical tracker outside. There was a Redstone launch at 4 p.m.

It went 100 feet into the air and exploded. There was shrapnel

SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

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Neighbors Heroes Grill displays pay tribute to those who serve

BY FLORA REIGADA The old adage, “if walls could talk” can be applied to the walls at Heroes Grill restaurant in Titusville and its collection of military and firstresponder tributes.

A new addition, the Harvest Market grocery store and deli also honors our nation’s heroes.

The restaurant display includes numerous patches, football jerseys and plaques commemorating each branch of the military and first responders.

SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada

Heroes Grill owner and proud father Reuben Wooten is proud of his family’s military service.

The business owners are Reuben and LaShawn Wooten, whose military ties run deep. Sweethearts at Astronaut High School, they enlisted in the Navy together and served eight years.

They passed this patriotism to their sons, both of whom enlisted in the military.

Their achievements are on display.

The proud father pointed them out.

“That U.S. Naval Academy football jersey belonged to our son Navy Lt. j.g.

Tyris Wooten. He graduated in 2018, a football star in the top 10% of his class,” Reuben Wooten said.

He also pointed out a framed Army jacket with rows of ribbons, belonging to the couple’s son, Sgt. 1st Class DeAndre Wooten.

Nearby, Logan Brooks, a regular customer, was enjoying a hamburger while studying the patches on the wall.

“They are all very unique,” she said, referring to a patch from Georgia and another from police in Iowa. A patch from a U.S. Air Force base in Spain caught her eye.

SENIOR LIFE Dan Reigada

These football jerseys and service patches help make up the patriotic array at the “It’s a perfect example of people coming here from everywhere,” she said. Wooten spoke of patches from the Vietnam era, the USS West Virginia and agencies such as SpaceX and TSA. He continued to the adjoining Harvest Market, where the Buffalo Soldiers are honored.

“They were African-American soldiers hired to protect Western

territories after the Civil War,” he said.

In the restaurant, a plaque honors our nation’s fallen. It reads, “The nation that forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.”

Titusville’s Heroes Grill and Harvest Market is doing its part to ensure all our heroes are remembered and honored.

For information, go to The Heroes Grill at 1300 South St. in Titusville or check out theheroesgrill.net/. SL

Local artist’s display at library to highlight endangered species

BY BETTY PORTER Rockledge artist Rose Marie Capasso will present her series of paintings of the most endangered species of animals and mammals from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, May 20 at the Cocoa Public Library at 308 Forrest Ave. The showing is in advance of National Endangered Species Awareness Day, which is May 28.

The animals and mammals that Capasso paints are listed as endangered by the World Wildlife Foundation. There are 17 critically

Sudoku

endangered animals on the list.

She will have at least 13 of them on canvas at the event.

Capasso has painted the Red Panda and it will be on display.

Native to the Eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, the Red Panda (sometimes referred to as the lesser Panda due to its size) is slightly larger than a house cat but with a big, bushy tail which is about 18 inches long. It uses its ringed tails as wraparound blankets to keep warm in the chilly mountains. It is classified by the WWF as endangered.

Also featured will be the Viquita

Solution on page 24

SENIOR LIFE Betty Porter

Rose Marie Capasso paints endangered species including the Red Panda.

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SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

Dolphin, which is a shy member of the porpoise family and the most endangered of the world’s marine mammals. They are found in the waters between California and Mexico. Less than 20 remain in the wild. Entanglement in illegal gill nets is driving the species toward extinction.

She has also painted endangered animals such as the manatee and bottlenose dolphin, which are found in Brevard County waters. The Hawksbill Turtle can be found in the tropical waters of the southeastern United States. It primarily eats jellyfish and has been known to confuse plastic in the water for food, which is one of the reasons its numbers are on the decline to

the point of making it critically endangered.

Capasso paints with acrylics as her painting medium and some mixed media. She captures on canvas not only the animal or mammal, but also often includes a depiction of the reason for its endangered status.

Capasso has taken some art classes, but is mainly self-taught.

“I started seriously painting in 2019 and am now obsessed,” she said.

“I paint nearly everyday. During the COVID restrictions, I found it was a great outlet and stress reducer.

“Since I love painting and I love

ARTIST

Continued to page 21

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Hats remain stylish despite the test of time

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE Did you ever sneak into your mom’s closet as a little girl to do some rummaging? You might have emerged wearing high heels, smeared red slipstick and the biggest hat she owned, making you feel like a queen.

Hats have been in vogue for decades and are making a serious revival.

During the Middle Ages, women wore headgear since it was considered to be a sign of royalty. In Europe, ladies started to don hats in the 1600s and, in the 18th century, every woman painted by Thomas Gainsborough modeled an enormous hat.

By the 19th century, milliners were bombarded by bonnet orders, using more yards of ribbon than in corsets. Hats adorned with taffeta, velvet and felt were embellished with theatrical ensembles of feathers, flowers and even fruits to make them as dramatic and eye catching as possible.

In the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, hats, gloves and girdles were de rigueur in taking Hollywood by storm. Hats were proclaimed to be a high-fashion, high-dollar item.

No lady would consider an outing without her hat and gloves.

Indeed, outlandish hats have been a longtime tradition at the Kentucky Derby and the races at Ascot — the more outlandish, the better.

For decades, sophisticated hats were the piece de resistance. Just like today’s fashions, each outfit had to

SENIOR LIFE/Shutterstock

Stylish and outlandish hats are in vogue and making a revival. be styled alongside every hat. Even fedoras became popular during the women’s activist movements.

The Queen of England has worn them since she was a young girl; Jacqui O made a simple pillbox look good and Greta Garbo’s headgear accentuated the symmetrical, haunting beauty of her face.

Beanies and knit caps aren’t just designed to keep your ears warm

and fuzzy. A cap could hide a bad hair day, but today’s celebrities and supermodels like to flaunt floppy and casual woven creations that enhance the most casual outfits.

Now, women are prancing around sporting the edgiest and swankiest hats. And you better believe that they also illustrate a mood — sexy, prim or proper.

Popular belief has the hat fitting

women of a certain age, and that’s not true. You either enjoy wearing them or not. Hats are ageless and a class act. It doesn’t matter what time of year or what the weather holds to show one off.

Gloves can be somewhat picayune in fashion nowadays, but hats have made a steadfast revival and are here to stay. SL

Friends enjoy the thrill of their first skydive

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER As a young child, Lynn Anderson would watch the planes take off from Putnam County Airport in Greencastle, Indiana. Occasionally, they would have groups of people skydiving.

“I would sit for hours watching, always wanting to do it,” she said. ”At age 70, I finally got to skydive. It was such a rush and yes, I will do it again.”

There were no apprehensions, no fear of heights, no trust issues when Lynn Anderson and Marsha Smith recently went skydiving. The close friends, both residing in Melbourne, discovered the force with which a jump from an airplane could have on their minds and bodies.

Their skydiving begins with signing paperwork for the trip, each woman getting her outfit of straps and goggles, then meeting the skydivers to whom they will be strapped for the ride.

The event was from 13,000 feet up or 2.46 miles in the air, Smith said.

“You are going 120 miles an hour until your parachute comes open on the way down,” Anderson said. “He (the skydiver) opens the parachute and you jerk up really fast. If you want to stay up or go fast depends on how you face the wind. With the wind behind you, that is when you drop. Marsha and I were the first out of the plane and she and I were still up there with the two guys looking around. We were

8

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Lynn Anderson

Lynn Anderson enjoys her skydiving view over Sebastian, which took place13,000 feet up in the air. the last two to land.

“I didn’t feel afraid,” Smith said.

“You have this guy on your back and he knows what he is doing, and you could just put your faith in him. It becomes really, really quiet when the parachute comes out and I could hear his heartbeat. It was really awesome.”

It was a thrill floating and being able to see far below.

“To me, it was such a rush to

SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Marsha Smith

Marsha Smith looks up underneath the airplane from which she jumped during a skydiving adventure.

actually be up that high,” Anderson said. “Being up that high, it made me wish I could see my mom and dad.”

“Our faces looked like you really needed to have a face lift,” Smith laughed, discussing the fall through the wind, “or what you would look like if you had a skinny face.”

And what did they see?

“We saw the ocean, the (Indian)

river and lots of boats, a subdivision and a car backing out of the garage,” Anderson said.

“We saw people in swimming pools and people on a golf course waving at us,” Smith added.

What is the next bucket list adventure? A ride in a hot-air balloon.

SL

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Tech Know Tidbits Stand for your health with evolving electric desks

BY GEORGE WHITE Sitting at a desk all day may be in your job description, but working doesn’t have to take its toll on your health so it may be time to take a stand. Enter the electric standing desk, an easy and productive way to transition from sitting to standing.

Even if you’re using one of the best office chairs, it’s not great to remain sitting in the same position for extended periods of time which can cause back and neck-related pain and can weaken your leg muscles.

People who sit a lot every day have been linked to weight gain and obesity, increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and early death. Early research shows that using a standing desk can have impressive benefits for health and also could increase productivity.

Research from the Take-a-Stand Project shows that using a standing desk also improves the user’s mood, while other research concludes energy levels are increased, too. This gives employees a more positive outlook during their day-to-day work life.

By increasing your movement when standing, you encourage your energy levels, which in turn improves your mood.

A standing desk, also called a stand-up desk, is basically a desk that allows you to stand up comfortably while working. Many modern versions, or sit-stand desks, are adjustable, so that you can change the height of the desk and alternate between sitting and standing.

With an electric version, switching from sitting to standing while working at your desk is an easy change to make. And, in the manual vs. electric standing desk debate, in most circumstances, the electric version is considered to be superior.

Most standing desks are customizable so you can choose the finish as well as any storage options.

Some come with advanced features as well, such as reminding you when it’s time to stand, or letting you save preset heights.

The top electric standing desks include the dual motor Vari Electric Standing Desk ($695), the Fully Jarvis Standing Desk Bamboo Top ($784)

SENIOR LIFE R. Norman Moody

Some standing electric desks have features such as cell phone charging ports and pads. and less expensive models such as the

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SL

Electric Height Adjustable Standing

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STRIP STRI PES

Brevard Veterans News

There are many ways to honor local veterans

I have mentioned this many times.

Brevard County honors its veterans.

I have been writing about Brevard residents and organizations helping or otherwise advocating for veterans for many years. And, I have always found a lot to tell you about what they do to advocate for those who selflessly served.

There are plenty of opportunities to honor, help and advocate for those who served or are serving in the military.

Want to honor a veteran with a permanent marker? It is a way that will ensure that veterans will be remembered for a long time.

At the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center and Plaza, you will find many

ways of honoring a veteran. The center offers to pay tribute to someone with an engraved brick displayed in the memorial plaza.

Individual bricks in two sizes are available — 4 by 8 inches or 8 by 9 inches — to honor and remember someone who served in the military by placing their names among those of

other American heroes. A brick with three engraved lines of up to 12 letters per line is $125, while the larger brick is a $200 donation.

Not only is the donor honoring someone with the brick, but also helping other veterans when the proceeds from the bricks goes to the upkeep of the veterans’ plaza.

So, by honoring someone with a Memorial Plaza brick, a donor is also supporting veteran causes in Brevard County. The Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, on Merritt Island, is the meeting place for many veterans’ organizations on the Space Coast. It is also home to the Brevard Veterans Council, a coalition of area veterans’ organizations.

For those who want to go further, benches at $1,200 and marble markers at $1,000 are available for engraving.

Tree planting in honor or memory of someone also can be done.

The veterans’ plaza is designed with sections representing the different wars and conflicts in which America has been a part — from World War I to Vietnam and Afghanistan.

Those who are honoring someone with a brick can ask for its placement in a specific section of the plaza.

For those who are interested in the Memorial Plaza brick, bench or tree planting project, contact a manager on duty at the center at 321-453-1776.

SL

Modest Taylor is just third Veterans’ Hall of Fame inductee from Brevard

BY MARIA SONNENBERG Lt. Col. Harry “Skip” Taylor doesn’t understand why he was unanimously singled out by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet to be part of the 2022 class of the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame.

“I don’t know why they thought I was such an impressive guy,” Taylor joked.

The Indian River Colony Club resident is indeed being too modest.

The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame honors veterans who continue walking the walk of community service long after leaving the military. Not a traditional military hall of fame, Florida’s focuses on post-military contributions to the welfare of the people of the state of Florida.

“You had a great career, but what are you doing for the community?” was Taylor’s Cliffs Notes explanation of the award.

James Hartsell, the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs executive director, tells it differently, noting that the award honors “the best of the best.”

The recognition honors veterans who through their lives during or after military service have made a significant contribution to civic, business or public service.

In Taylor’s case, the community benefits immensely from his efforts. He began volunteering at the age of 5 as an altar boy in Nebraska. At 81, he is still doing altar duty.

His 31-year Army career commenced in 1962, when Uncle Sam drafted him. He rose from the bottom to close to the top, working at the Pentagon, NATO, the DIA and the State Department.

His Vietnam tour of duty began auspiciously when the platoon he commanded captured five Vietcong soldiers and discovered 90 souls the enemy had captured.

“I had quite a spectacular first day,”

12

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Skip Taylor

Harry “Skip” Taylor served 31 years in the U.S. Army.

Taylor said.

During his two years in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division, Taylor was awarded a Silver Star and three

“I don’t know why they thought I was such an impressive guy.”

– Harry “Skip” Taylor

Bronze Stars for valor, plus two Purple Hearts.

After retirement, Taylor and his wife, Mary Beth, lived in Belize, where he served as operations officer for the Belize Youth Conservation Corps. He then ended up in Miami, where he volunteered as a master naturalist in the Everglades, taught at Florida Atlantic University and Nova Southeastern and served as the Rotary Club’s assistant

SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Skip Taylor

Retired Army Lt. Col. Harry “Skip” Taylor is a part of the 2022 Class of the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. district governor for Florida.

A board member and survivor assistance officer with the Cape Canaveral Chapter of MOAA, Taylor helps veterans with VA issues as a DAV Chapter 123 certified service officer. At Indian River Colony Club, he chairs the community’s foundation, which funds college scholarships for local students.

He has mentored approximately 100 veterans through Veterans Treatment Court. These troubled individuals have substance abuse issues; some are homeless. Taylor earns their trust and tries to help them get back on their feet.

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He also often visits the county jail to help incarcerated veterans with issues regarding their health, disabilities and court proceedings.

“It’s all positive; we want to help them get well,” he said.

During days in court, Taylor arrives at 7:30 a.m. and leaves 12 hours later.

“We’re dead tired,” he said.

Taylor joins Sgt. First Class Juan Santiago and the late Maj. Gen. John Cleland as the only three Hall of Fame inductees from Brevard County.

“My motto is never stop serving,” he said. SL

myseniorlife.com

Volunteer director proves to be natural at running veterans store

BY MARIA SONNENBERG Every penny counts for a nonprofit such as the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, which offers its museum, library, plaza and park free to the public. Private events add income, of course, but so do sales from the museum store.

That’s where David Boyd comes into the picture.

As the store’s volunteer director for the past three years, Boyd has achieved significant improvements to the store, which sells Veterans Memorial Center logo apparel as well as hats, mugs and the like with military insignias both in-store and online.

“I retired and it was great for a couple of months and then I had to go do something.”

– David Boyd

“His heart is in the mission and the store has improved dramatically under his leadership,” said Donn Weaver, the chairman of the Brevard Veterans’ Council and vice president of the Veterans Memorial Center.

Every sale helps the center.

“Proceeds from sales after wholesale costs of products are donated to help run the Veterans Memorial Center,” Weaver added.

Boyd, a Merritt Island resident, did not foresee spending 20-plus hours a week as a volunteer, but life had other plans for him.

“I retired and it was great for a couple of months and then I had to go do something,” he said.

Boyd was in the service for only three years, but it was enough for him to develop a deep appreciation for those who devote all or part of their lives to serving their country.

Volunteering at the Veterans Memorial Center was a no-brainer.

A native of Chicago, Boyd grew up in Indiana, where he enlisted in the Army in 1972 during the Vietnam War. Fortunately for him, he was assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The battalion supported the Pershing Missile outfit.

Travel consisted of deployment for several months to White Sands, New Mexico and Green River, Utah, whenever the short range nuclear missiles were tested.

After completing his military obligations in 1975, Boyd moved to Florida to work as a cost estimator at the construction company his ex-father-in-law opened in Brevard County.

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Donn Weaver

Army veteran David Boyd has proven to be a natural at managing the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center store.

When not at the store, Boyd can be found tinkering with a long-term passion, the renovation of a 1966 Mustang.

Running a retail store was new to Boyd, but he has proven to be a

natural at scheduling, purchasing, paying bills and supervising the eight volunteers needed to run the shop. It is open every day.

“I’m making this up as a go along,” he joked.

He may operate on the fly, but at the Veterans Memorial Center, Boyd is much appreciated.

“Dave is among our best volunteers and board members,” Weaver said.

SL

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Memorial Day — Brevard honors those who made ultimate sacrifice

SENIOR LIFE photo

The Brevard Veterans Memorial Center will hold a Memorial Day ceremony.

Every year, Brevard County honors the bravest of the brave with events that range from somber occasions to patriotic concerts.

While the day for many denotes the beginning of summer, Memorial Day was created as a time of reflection and remembrance. As Franklin D. Roosevelt long ago noted, “those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.”

The keystone of local Memorial Day events happens, appropriately, at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center and Museum at 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway on Merritt Island. The annual Memorial Day ceremony takes place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The event typically includes speakers, displays, refreshments and special recognition of local heroes.

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims is also slated to hold a Memorial Day

ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Memorial Day, May 30.

Note that the event could be restricted due to federal policies in place. Anyone interested in attending should contact the cemetery after May 15 to confirm.

The City of Cocoa commemorates with a parade and ceremony at Riverfront Park from 4 to 6 p.m. Memorial Day. The free event features speakers and live music.

The Melbourne Municipal Band will join Liberty Bell Memorial Museum at 1601 Oak St. in Melbourne to honor Memorial Day. “We will provide patriotic music during the activities,” said Dave Hutson, the president of the band’s board of trustees.

Patriotic concerts continue on the heels of Memorial Day with Melbourne Community Orchestra’s “Yankee Doodle” concerts at 6:30 p.m. June 1 and 2 at Melbourne Auditorium at 625 E. Hibiscus Boulevard.

“It’s a picnic concert where folks can bring their own coolers,” spokesperson Joyce Wilden said.

Long tables will be set up for picnics as the music plays.

Several other Memorial Day observances are currently in the planning stages.

Participating in Memorial Day observances dates back to 1866, when in Waterloo, New York, the community gathered on May 5 to honor the dead of the Civil War. The date was chosen because spring flowers were in bloom.

After World War I, the holiday expanded to honor all those who had died in all American wars. It was not until 1971 that the day was declared a national holiday.

For more details on the event at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, check out veteransmemorialcenter.org or call 321-453-1776. SL

Workers clear land for planned American Legion post in Suntree

BY MIKE GAFFEY Work on a new American Legion post for the Suntree-Viera area passed a major hurdle recently as workers finished clearing a 2.46-acre parcel north of Viera Boulevard.

Michael M. Gardino Sr. American Legion Post 410 at 275 Paint St. would be Brevard County’s 14th post, according to an American Legion post directory for District 12, which includes Brevard County.

The proposed 6,500-square-foot facility would provide local veterans, their families and guests with a new operations center from which to offer support and community services, said Edward Butcherine Sr., a Rockledge resident who has spearheaded the project since he became an American Legion commander. He bought the land in 2016.

“It’s going to be a family-friendly post, an upscale post that will be a nice place to visit, so that will work out for the local area,” said Butcherine, a 33-year Air Force veteran. Some 30 veterans have expressed interest in becoming members, he said.

Butcherine envisions a concrete block building with a brick or stone exterior, a kitchen and large dining/ reception room, and an outdoor gazebo and fountains. The windowless building could double as a storm shelter, he said.

Plans also call for an outdoor gun range on the property, said Butcherine, who added that he is an NRA-certified range safety officer. “We can do smallarms classes if they want,” he said. “We probably could be able to do concealed weapons classes.”

The facility would be available for the public to rent for special occasions such as a graduation party or a wedding reception, Butcherine said. “We’ll work with everybody,” he said.

The post would carry the name of the late Michael M. Gardino, a veteran and former member of American Legion Post 22 in Cocoa. Gardino’s daughters were pleased to have the post named after their father.

Post 410’s number also has a special meaning for a veterans’ facility with a planned outdoor gun range, as it stands for a .410-bore shotgun, Butcherine said.

“Our newspaper’s going to be called The Shotgun,” he said. “We’re going to

be known as The Shotgun Club.”

Butcherine still faces a big obstacle of raising the estimated $1.6 million he’ll need to complete the facility.

Currently, Butcherine hopes that an architect will provide him with blueprints of the post that he can present to county officials and potential donors.

“If contractors, companies or organizations want to help, we’ll gladly accept any donations they want to give,” he said.

For information, call Butcherine at 321-480-0026 or check out helpamericanlegion.com/. SL

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the Antonucci family

Tricia Carrick Antonucci of West Viera has two sets of identical twins. The odds of that happening were 1 in 70,000, according to verywellfamily.com.

Three families celebrate Mother’s Day in unique fashion

BY LINDA JUMP AND SUE DeWERFF Mothers have been honored and first celebrated on Mother’s Day beginning in 1908 in the United States.

That first celebration came when Anna Jarvis decided to honor the humanistic contributions made by her mother, Ann Mary Jarvis. Her mother was an American nurse during the time of the American Civil War. Mother’s Day was given federal recognition in 1914.

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Jennifer Reneau, a long-time surfer and nature lover, shares her love of SUP (Stand-Up-Paddle Boarding) with her daughters, Cassidy and Riley.

Riley, 16, who was born with Down syndrome, got involved in the sport as an 8 year old. Now a member of Brevard’s first Special Olympics SUP team, one that connects local youth and adults with physical and mental challenges to participate in the sport.

She and her mom have bonded as paddlers always on an adventure.

“Spending time on the river paddling has become Riley’s way of overcoming many of her adversities, and SUP paddling is definitely her outlet for exercise, expression, relaxation and her outlet for connecting with all nature,” Jennifer Reneau said. “We share all that, and are supportive as a family, it’s been our mom-daughter way of bonding.”

MOTHER’S DAY

Continued to page 17

Doctor Reino is a board certified orthopedic surgeon. He graduated from Westminster College in Wilmington, PA and received his doctoral degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2007. Dr. Reino completed his orthopedic surgery residency at South Pointe Hospital and was Chief Resident at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital in 2012.

From 2012-2016, Dr. Reino was in the US Navy as an orthopedic surgeon. He worked at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, treating service members returning from Afghanistan with complex war injuries. Providing care for returning war heroes was very rewarding personally and professionally. While stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, for two years, he focused on hand surgery and complex arthroscopy. His final tour of duty at the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, FL, focused on hand surgery, arthroscopy, and total joint replacement. Dr. Reino rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and was awarded two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and one Joint Service Commendation medal.

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SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

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SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the Reneau family

The Reneau family shares their love of Stand-Up-Paddle Boarding.

MOTHER’S DAY

Continued from page 18 “I love to SUP, it is fun and relaxing, though not so much when my coach, Fleda Caroll, is crabbing at me,” Riley said.

Her father, Jon Reneau, younger sister Cassidy, (who volunteers to help with the Special Olympics team) and mom, Jennifer Reneau, are now SUP coaches for the team and often can be found padding together with the dolphins and manatees near Kiwanis Island Park.

The best gift ever

West Viera mom Tricia Carrick Antonucci said her dual set of identical twins is in her words — pure luck.

After her first son, Tedy, now 16, she had her first set of identical twin boys, Brady and Boston, (now 13) and never expected the miracle would happen again.

In 2019, Ayden and Ashton, now 3, were born as a second set of identical boys.

Having two sets of twins is rare.

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having a second set are 1 in 70,000.

“What I enjoy the most about my boys is that my 13-year-old boys always want to help their younger siblings, and continue to be role models for their younger brothers.”

“Being a mom of five boys makes Mother’s Day the best gift ever.”

She’s always there

Wherever Ashley McGrath is, her mother Tracy is never far behind.

Tracy, 64, of Palm Bay ensures that Ashley, 36, reaches her full potential, despite campomelic dysplasia, a skeletal disorder that physicians expected to kill her as an infant.

“When she was born, I quit my job to take care of her so she can live the life she wants. That’s what a mother does,” Tracy McGrath said.

Ashley has never walked or driven, requires regimented daily care that her mother provides, and had 11 surgeries in several states.

But Ashley earned her master’s degree, works as a quality analyst, published her memoir about living with disabilities and actively volunteers within the community.

“It’s been a pleasure to take care of her. She’s a gift,” Tracy McGrath said.

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SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

17

Behind the

Beat

By Randal Hill

‘Rockin’ Robin’ — Michael Jackson Harris recorded a Top 10 cover version.

Day’s next release in early 1958 would sell a million copies and become his signature song — and his only real success.

Leon Rene had approached the musician with the idea of Day recording the tune for the teenage market. The genesis of “Rockin’ Robin” was a rock ‘n’ roll story of legend. Leon Rene wrote the song after his wife complained about a bird keeping her awake at night.

BY RANDAL C. HILL By the early 1970s, Motown’s teenage brother group The Jackson 5 was regularly burning up the Billboard singles and album charts. Lead singer Michael Jackson later recalled, “It was (Motown founder) Berry Gordy’s idea that I should do a solo recording, and so I became one of the first people in a Motown group to really step out.”

And did he ever step out! “Got to Be There” established Jackson’s ground- breaking solo path. But his next offering of a kid-oriented oldie brought grumbles from those in the industry who felt the bouncy ditty too lightweight for any Motown artist, even a 13-year-old Jackson. Young Jackson’s fans heartily embraced the single release, though, and bought enough copies to rocket it to No. 2 on the charts.

When Jackson’s “Rockin’ Robin” was hot, The Jackson 5 issued another blast-from-the-past winner called “Little Bitty Pretty One.” As it turns out, both “Rockin’ Robin” and “Little Bitty Pretty One” had first been done in the late 1950s by the same littleremembered artist, Bobby Day.

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Shutterstock

The younger crowd liked Michael Jackson’s “Rockin’ Robin.”

Day was a fixture on the Los Angeles R&B scene for years, having first achieved success as the leader of the Hollywood Flames (“BuzzBuzz-Buzz”). Day recorded for Class Records, a small-time label owned by brothers Leon and Otis Rene. Near the end of 1957, Day cut a minor hit called “Little Bitty Pretty One.” Fellow Los Angeles singer Thurston

“I thought so little of the song that I decided not to put my name on it.”

—Leon Rene “She asked me to chase him away so that she could get some sleep,” Rene said. “I told her I couldn’t unless I threw a rock at him. But the next night the bird flew into a tree outside my window and woke me up … and about 2 a.m. every morning thereafter.”

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The culprit was actually a mockingbird, by the way, and not a robin.

Rene was a university-educated, middle-aged musician whose song writing credits included the classic “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano.”

When he decided to turn his nocturnal annoyance into a pop novelty, he started with the term mockingbird, which morphed into rockin’ mockin’ bird and, finally, rockin’ robin.

The song proved to be a godsend for the career of Bobby Day, whose real last name was — coincidentally — Byrd.

Rene, though, would later admit, “I thought so little of the song that I decided not to put my name on it.

Instead, I gave it to my wife, Irma, and she put my mother-in-law’s name down as the writer — Jimmie Thomas.”

Rene never renewed the copyright and no doubt lost a fortune in royalties when Michael Jackson sold a million copies of “Rockin’ Robin” in 1972.

SL

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BCOA NEWS

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.

BREVARD COMMISSION ON AGING

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

The Brevard County Commission singled out three local seniors to recognize for their volunteering efforts and work in the community.

County Commission commends three in Older Americans Month

BY JILL BLUE AND R. NORMAN MOODY The Brevard County Commission recognized three seniors for their volunteer work and their contributions to the community.

The commendation came in a resolution that also recognized May 2022 as Older Americans Month.

Mary Helen Hyde, Marty Hindsley and Sandy Michelson were presented with framed copies of the resolution that was approved April 19.

The resolution reads in part: “… we recognize Mary Helen Hyde, Sandy Michelson and Marty Hindsley for their dedication and active participation in their respective volunteer roles throughout the county, from serving on different boards and senior committees to service projects as well as still working as a dedicated employee.”

Hyde was cited for her work in the community. She has been a nurse since 1967, starting in St. Louis, Missouri before moving in 1974 to the Melbourne Palm Bay area, where she continues her work.

“I’ve been a nurse going on 55 years,” said Hyde, who at 76 still works full time as a registered nurse at West Melbourne Health and Rehabilitation. “This is my life and to have this recognized is beyond belief.”

Hyde has dedicated her life to nursing, to educating her patients and teaching classes in nursing. She said it is a calling.

“It’s joy,” she said. “This is pure joy.”

Hindsley, of Satellite Beach, is retired but is still an active volunteer with organizations such as the Kiwanis Club, the Aging Matters Retired Senior Volunteer Program and is the founder and president of

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

Mary Helen Hyde was recognized for her work in the community as a nurse for 55 years.

Marty Hindsley was recognized for his work with the Kiwanis Club and Aging Matters.

the 55+ Club. He has served as a board member and volunteer for other organizations and continues to serve.

“We need to support seniors,” he said after the commission recognition.

“I plan to do that the rest of my life.”

Michelson has been focused on advancing the status of women globally, nationally and locally through the Zonta Club of Melbourne, where she is an ambassador and past president.

“I must admit, it took me by surprise, but I’m very honored and I guess to be setting an example of what the older population can contribute to our community,” Michelson said.

She also has served with the Greater Palm Bay Chamber, Melbourne Regional Chamber, West Melbourne Business Association, City of West Melbourne, Brevard Cultural Alliance, weVENTURE League of Extraordinary Investors, Junior Achievement and Green Gables.

Michelson was very appreciative of the recognition.

“Thank you very much to

the County Commission and the Commission on Aging,” she said.

Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans

SENIOR LIFE Jill Blue

Sandy Michelson was recognized for her work on advancing the status of women globally, nationally and locally through the Zonta Club.

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UCF students dig being part of Cape Canaveral Archaeological

BY BETTY PORTER Finding and documenting the history of an expanse of 16,000 acres at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station involves a lot of digging. Literally.

Fortunately, students studying archaeology in the University of Central Florida’s Anthropology program are up to the task.

UCF and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station have teamed up on an Archaeological Mitigation Project, which includes a series of historic and prehistoric archaeological excavations to capture and preserve the history of the land from Stone Age to Space Age. Tom Penders, the director of the Archaeological Mitigation Project, is the Cultural Resource Manager for the Space Launch Delta 45 Civil Engineer Squadron. In 2016, he founded the internship program through which undergraduate and graduate students would have the opportunity to learn Phase I survey methods and Phase II testing methods.

This provides an essential service to the protection of cultural resources at the Cape. The students earn course credit toward their degrees through the project.

Penders meets the group of students and supervising faculty members from UCF Orlando who come over to Cape Canaveral two days a week to work at a half-dozen designated historic excavation sites.

The Archaeological Mitigation Project takes place during the approximately 14 weeks of the spring semester each year. Since 2017, UCF anthropology students and the U.S. Air Force Space Launch Delta 45 have collaborated on archaeological research at restricted-access areas at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

“It is important to do this comprehensive research now because rising sea levels and coastal erosion may actually destroy some of the archaeological sites at Cape Canaveral

SENIOR LIFE Betty Porter

Marilyn Hilton, left, Emily Tyler and Bethany Boylan are participants in the UCF and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Archaeological Mitigation Project.

Space Force Station within the next 25 years,” Penders said. “It is crucial to obtain and document as much information as possible from past inhabitation sites at the Cape.”

Since the program began, the students have documented thousands of artifacts. Recently, the UCF students unearthed prehistoric stone spear points estimated to have been used 2,000 to 6,000 years ago from an Ais Native American gathering place the students discovered near the Banana River.

Allyson Shenkman, a sophomore at UCF who lives on campus, said she has been interested in archaeology since she was a child. “I loved going to museums and seeing the artifacts. Getting to hold things that are thousands of years old is thrilling,” she said.

Most of the artifacts unearthed by UCF students date to about 900 A.D.,

including pottery and both shell and bone tools. “Finding pottery helps put more pieces to the puzzle together, and that’s why archaeology is so interesting to me,” senior Chaded Rosado said.

“This is an excellent opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Stacy Barber, an associate professor of Anthropology and an advisor to graduate students taking part in the Mitigation Project.

Barber attended a special presentation, which took place at the Sands Space History Center on April 9.

Students were there to display posters depicting in detail the work they have been involved in on the project and to talk to the public about their findings.

Emily Tyler and Marilyn Hilton, both first-year master’s degree students, were among the students participating in the event. They showcased a poster of their findings on work which they

History — Then and Now

and Bethany Boylan, an undergraduate student, had done at the Burns Excavation Site. The trio took the Judges Choice Award at the Student Scholars Symposium held just two weeks prior, for which they received recognition and a monetary prize.

The Sands Space History Center, formerly known as The Air Force Space and Missile History Center, an extension of the museum, is located just outside the south gate of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 100 SpacePort Way. It is open to the public six days a week free of charge. It is closed on Monday.

The history center was renamed after Maj. Gen. Harry J. “Bud” Sands Jr., who originally proposed the creation of a museum at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station dedicated to its space history.

More information is available at afspacemuseum.org. 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 - 1920s

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of the Brevard Historical Commission

Valencia Historic District is in Rockledge. The subdivision was named for the oranges that once grew there and for a region in Spain.

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SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

Now - 2022

SENIOR LIFE Elaine Moody

Valencia Historic District’s entrance is off Rockledge Drive at Valencia Road.

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Vision Declining?

Cataracts may be the cause

SENIOR LIFE Betty Porter

Rose Marie Capasso enjoys painting endangered species including the Sea Turtle.

ARTIST continued from page 6 animals, I thought people would enjoy seeing these beautiful animals, life size,” she said.

Capasso wants to help educate others about conserving the world’s natural resources.

“My goal is to create awareness of how we can all help in little ways everyday, with recycling, conserving resources and contacting our government officials asking them to support measures which help our environment,” she said. “Help save the world, help save the animals.”

Aside from her paintings of wildlife and nature, she also paints pet portraits, religious art and mandala art, which is a geometric design or pattern encompassing fine perfectionism.

She said the mandalas she creates are a meditative art form. She can be contacted at rosie.capasso@ earthlink.net. SL

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21

Health & Wellness Seniors advised to get physical, keep moving

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Moving is medicine — the ability to balance, build muscle mass and see what is going on in our brain are extremely important to remain functional.

“You should ask, ‘Can I get up and down from the table, can I lift my groceries?’ ’’ said Cristina Vigne, the co-owner of CrossFit in Cocoa Beach.” The body screams out to keep moving.”

Seniors should get physical and keep moving.

“People don’t challenge themselves enough and get too complacent as we all do from time to time,” said Lisa Gladu-Molina, a certified personal trainer for Aquatic Health and Rehabilitation of Melbourne. “At least three days a week, you should

“The flip side to not moving is losing balance, coordination and muscle mass.”

—Cristina Vigne do exercise. The more exercises, the stronger and faster are the results. Do 10 counts and increase by two counts each time you do an exercise.

Everyone should get into an exercise routine.

“Exercising is just like committing

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Aquatic Health and Rehabilitation of Melbourne

Try strengthening your body with wall pushups.

to brushing your teeth,” Gladu-Molina said. “Sometimes the hardest thing is getting started.”

She suggests simple exercises done at home, such as bridging — laying on your back and strengthening your hips and bottom by pushing up and holding while coming down slowly 10 times; squats to a chair strengthens legs, wall pushups; bird dog on all fours on a bed and stretching out the opposite leg and arm in the air for core strengthening and balance; standing in a doorway to do stretches, and standing at a counter for balance while holding one foot up for a count before switching feet.

“These are simple things they can do without equipment and in the security of their own home.” GladuMolina said. “If they have access to a

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Aquatic Health and Rehabilitation of Melbourne

The bird dog exercise is done on all fours while stretching out the opposite leg and arm for core strengthening and balance. swimming pool, just do walking in the pool.”

Vigne thinks more seniors should exercise now since they have more time time to do so.

“The flip side to not moving is losing balance, coordination and muscle mass,” Vigne said. “If seniors don’t exercise, the going gets harder, intimidating. I see people ages 71 and 65 in the gym moving weights.

They are so receptive it feels good and

empowers them.”

People need to be social, so many find the gym setting more comfortable. A small class size or an instructor and group that teaches the way to do exercises is good, Vigne suggests. Find someone to do exercises with you.

“Sometimes, the hardest thing is getting started and sticking with it.

Once you see the results, you say, ‘ah,’” Gladu-Molina said. SL

Silent killer high blood pressure leaves victims mystified

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls, referring to the pressure in the large arteries. Most pressure results from the heart pumping blood through the circulatory system expressed in terms of systolic pressure over diastolic pressure.

Average blood pressure readings can vary depending on age.

“It is known as the silent killer because it usually has no symptoms.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming any specific symptoms will let you know there’s a problem,” according to the American Heart Association.

Among the reasons to get it checked could be a feeling of being lightheaded as in getting out of bed in the morning or if standing from a seated position.

“As cardiologists, we consider having high blood pressure when it is over 129 (systolic) and over 79 or higher (diastolic),” said Dr. Kevin Campbell, a board-certified cardiologist with Health First Medical Group. “We used to have higher

22

statistics, but have lowered the blood pressure as agreed through the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. As cardiologists, we believe higher blood pressure is the cause of coronary heart disease and contributes to heart attacks and strokes.”

Lowering blood pressure is a steady task.

“I don’t make any decision based on just one blood pressure,” Campbell said. “I need at least three separate blood pressures on three occasions.

Then, we will talk about diet and exercise, lowering intake of salts and eating less salty foods.

“From the standpoint of 150 minutes a week, a person should have some part of cardio exercise to lower body weight and lower blood pressure. Some people have genetic reasons that they can’t lower blood pressure, but always have high blood pressure. They are treated with medicines.”

“A lot of cases result in taking medicines and sometimes more than one medicine,” Campbell said. “It is a lifelong therapy and difficult to

SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

SENIOR LIFE Brenda Eggert Brader

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Health First Medical Group

Checking blood pressure at home is a recommended medical task.

Several home devices are available, including this wrist unit shown here.

Dr. Kevin Campbell is a boardcertified cardiologist with Health First Medical Group.

manage hypertension. A few people have blockage and various other potentially dangerous cases.”

Tips offered by the doctor include eating right, exercising and having a family doctor and being screened for hypertension.

“High blood pressure does not

kill people immediately, but can cause sickness, blockages, damaged blood vessels to the heart, brain and kidneys,” Campbell said. “Some have strokes and there are ways to prevent things. It is an important risk factor, and you need to change behavior and lifestyle in controlling blood pressure.” SL

myseniorlife.com

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Fertile soil 5 Who, in Lille 8 Playful bark 11 Actor Alan ______ 12 Footed vase 13 Cashbox 15 Door feature 17 Yucatan native 18 Fragrant necklace 19 Enumerated 21 Clock watcher 24 Always, to Whitman 25 ____- you kidding?

26 Ewe’s plaint 27 Roomier 30 Types 32 Extinct bird 33 Moby Dick’s foe 37 Strive for 38 Fasten temporarily 39 Monument Valley sight 40 Fermenting agents 43 Bird beak 44 Bout ender 47 Actress ____ Delaney 48 Evaluate 50 Seafood tidbit 52 Bikini top 53 Unhinged 54 Regard as perfect 59 French state 60 No, to a laird 61 Waiter’s burden 62 Baja loot

63 Economic ind.

64 Wise one DOWN 1 Splash against 2 Bravo, in Spain 3 Sugary drink 4 Vermont tree 5 Je ne sais ____ 6 Website 7 Lacking refinement 8 $$ dispensers 9 Ranch rope 10 Radio ___- (toy company) 14 Stow cargo 16 Spaghetti seasoner 20 Umbrage 21 Heron kin 22 Broad valley 23 Fish habitat 24 “I” trouble?

28 Causing to become worse 29 Crash into 31 Firmament 34 Egg-layers 35 On the briny 36 Newborn 41 Just scrape by 42 First name in cheesecake 44 Decorated tinware 45 Temple city of Japan 46 Wilde or de la Renta 49 De-ices the roads 51 Oz canine 52 Go off, as an alarm 55 Aykroyd or Marino 56 A Gershwin 57 Zig’s opposite

Crossword solution, page 24

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Fruit and vegetable smoothie gets thumbs up

BY BETTY PORTER A fun and tasty way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into senior diets was demonstrated during Senior Health Friday, a monthly program on varying health and wellness topics for seniors offered the second Friday of each month at One Senior Place in Melbourne.

Amanda LaPage, the owner of the newly opened Health Bar at 1854 U.S. 1 (in the Rockledge Square shopping plaza), and Jessica Radian, a yoga instructor and certified holistic nutrition counselor, were the guest speakers at the April 8 program. They not only talked about the benefits of adding fruits and vegetables to the, but whipped up in a commercial blender a smoothie called the Green Dream, the ingredients of which were 100% pineapple juice, banana, chopped spinach and kale and ice.

After handing out small sample cups of the smoothie for everyone to try, it was obvious the Green Dream was a thumbs-up success.

“Surprisingly delicious,” said Irene Fowler of Melbourne, while admitting she had always been a milkshake

SENIOR LIFE Betty Porter

Jessica Radican, left, and Amanda LaPage were presenters at the Senior Health Friday session at One Senior Place. drinker who had actually avoided health smoothies thinking they were not going to taste good considering the greens that go into them.

“I’ll look at smoothies differently

after today,” she said, adding that the taste test of the Green Dream had convinced her to switch from milkshakes to healthy smoothies.

“With this Green Dream smoothie

you get two servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables and you can add protein supplements for even more well-balanced nutrition,” LaPage said.

LaPage and her husband, Fen, opened The Health Bar in January, where they serve all kinds of fruit/ veggie and plant or whey protein smoothies, acai/superfood bowls, healthy bites, supplements and most recently salads. “We feel that we are serving the community by offering healthy and nourishing food and beverages,” she said.

Radican, ironically, was a pastry chef for years before turning vegan.

“It’s not as hard as we think to start to eat and think healthy,” she said.

Radican touted the benefits of chia seeds added to the diet which she said fill you up, boost your metabolism and hold moisture which helps with hydration.

The topic of the Senior Health Friday session for May will be mental health and seniors. It will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, May 13 at One Senior Place at 885 Spyglass Hill Road in Viera. To RSVP (required), call 321-751-6771. SL

The numbers tell the true story of Indian River Lagoon pollution Get ready for some numbers.

That’s what it takes to get a perspective on pollution in the Indian River Lagoon.

First, the IRL’s problems — dying manatees and fish, and the loss of seagrass and brown water, are largely the result of pollution; too much Total Nitrogen (TN) and total Phosphorous (TP) in the water.

This pollution fertilizes the algae and the other problems cascade from there.

So, how much TN is going into the IRL? How much has there been historically? How much are we cleaning up? Where do we go from here?

From the 2022 Save Our Indian River Lagoon Plan (SOIRL), we learn the baseline amount of TN entering the IRL is 2.8 million pounds per year. The 371 projects scheduled in the plan will ultimately cut that by a million pounds per year or 36%. So far, 57 projects have been completed leading to 100,000 pounds per

Sudoku Solution

Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition year reductions.

Notably, point sources (sewage plants) today contribute only 1% to the overall TN. This was not always the case. Before implementation of the 1990 Indian River Lagoon Act, sewage plants dumped an estimated 30 million gallons a day (MGD) of their effluent right into the IRL, accounting for about 800,000 pounds per year of TN. Thank goodness that ended in 1995.

There have been some sewage spills since the December 2019 Titusville incident. That was the worst. It resulted in 7.2 million gallons of sewage flowing into a pond with some leaking into the IRL.

Puzzle page 6

Crossword Solution Crossword on page 23

SENIOR LIFE photo

Too much Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorous (TP) are part of the problem of the health of the Indian River Lagoon.

Data from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) suggests that this could be 2,000 pounds as a one-time release.

While everyone opposes spills, this represents a tiny addition to TN (0.1% of the annual total).

The point is that the SOIRL half-cent trust fund is paying for major reductions in the pollution

Wear purple to show your support!

entering the IRL. It is helping to repair the damage done by decades of weak regulations and poor controls. As we go forward, we need to manage our development and insist on better controls or we will lose all the progress now being made.

For more information, check out HelpTheLagoon.org. SL FREE TO THE PUBLIC

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2022 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Wickham Park Senior Center, Melbourne, FL WorldElderAbuseAwareness.com

COMMUNITY INFO EXPO

Stop by vendor tables for resources showcasing senior community services.

Refreshments provided.

Fill out the event card to be entered in a door prize drawing.

24

SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE

Take a stroll to view scenes from the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Win a 65' TV in our "Memory" challenge.

Dr. Visa (9:30am) will present on the benefits of early detection and Detective Hamilton (11:00am) on elder abuse scams.

For more information, please contact

myseniorlife.com

Brevard Alzheimer's Foundation at 321-253-4430 or visit worldelderabuseawareness.com

Senior Life

News for Titusville, Mims & Port St. John

North Brevard North Brevard libraries offer much more than just books

BY FLORA REIGADA Did you know that in addition to being a source of literature, North Brevard’s Public Libraries support the community’s varied interests and needs?

As part of her groups at the Mims/ Scottsmoor Public Library, Karin Mansfield discusses the books she reads, samples tasty recipes, knits and crochets.

“It is exciting to read a book a month with my Book Club, taste different foods at our Cook the Book Club and do needlework at our Hooks and Needles meetings,” she said.

A similar group, A Call to Yarns, meets at the Titusville Public Library.

Those without computer or internet access can find it at both locations.

“Two hours of computer time is free for those with library cards.

Visitors without cards may purchase a one-time guest pass for $1,” said Scott Chase, the Titusville Reference Librarian.

If anyone needs a quiet place to study for that big test or job interview, study rooms are available at both locations. However, arrangements must be made in advance. The same

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Beth Doud

At the Mims/Scottsmoor Public Library, Pat Urbano teaches a painting class which focuses on acrylics and oils. applies to meeting rooms.

If learning to use a computer is the issue, basic computer classes take place at the Mims/Scottsmoor Library from 10 and 11 a.m. each Tuesday.

“It is a one-on-one class tailored to the person’s need,” said instructor Beth Doud, the reference librarian.

“Topics include introduction to Microsoft Word, email and using the internet.”

Upcycle Crafts, at the Titusville Library, repurposes objects such as plastic bags that would otherwise add

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Beth Doud

At the Hooks and Needles Club, Karin Mansfield, Jill Craig and Debbie Marrs meet to knit, crochet and share ideas.

to mounting trash in landfills.

An adult coloring club at the Mims location combines relaxing coloring with soothing music. Materials are provided at no charge.

For those exploring their roots, a genealogy room at the Titusville Library, offers access to ancestry.com and other resources.

Both libraries provide youth programs for children, as well as adult fitness classes.

These are just a few of the services

offered by North Brevard Libraries.

Contact the library for dates, times and fees.

The Titusville Public Library is at 2121 S. Hopkins Ave. For more information, call 321-264-5026 or go to brevardfl.gov/PublicLibraries/ Branches/Titusville.

The Mims/Scottsmoor Public Library is at 3615 Lionel Roa in Mims. For more information, call 321-264-5080 or go to brevardfl. gov/PublicLibraries/Branches/ MimsScottsmoor. SL

Couple’s love endures after the trauma of brain cancer

BY FLORA REIGADA

It takes the love and devotion of a husband to care for a once vibrant young woman, known for her sense of humor and beautiful singing voice.

As a 27-year-old newlywed in 2000, Amy Boatright was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive brain cancer.

With surgery, radiation treatments and lots of prayer, she beat the cancer and went on to have two children. But the effects of those treatments have caught up with her.

“She recovered from the craniotomy and, after a few months, had no real restrictions on activities,” her husband Les Boatright said. “But the aggressiveness of this type of cancer colored the way we lived our lives. I wasn’t sure how much time we’d have together.”

About five years post surgery, the couple began to feel confident the ordeal was behind them and they could get on with buying a home and starting a family.

“She was a walking-talking answer to the prayers of many,” Boatright said.

A daughter arrived in 2009 and another in 2010 but, soon after, signs began to appear that Amy was not herself.

“I attributed that to fatigue from caring for two small children or depression because her mother had

321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of JoAnn Johns

Les Boatright has always been there for Amy Boatright during her 22-year ordeal with brain cancer.

deteriorated or withered away. She has severe cognitive impairment.”

In addition to being a full-time SENIOR LIFE Courtesy of Ron Boyd Photography

Les and Amy Boatright got married on May 20, 2000. died,” Boatright said. “Specialists and remedies did not help. The symptoms of depression, or what we thought was depression only became worse. Amy just came home and went to bed.”

With his wife’s neurological health deteriorating, he began to wonder about long-term effects of the radiation. In 2020, the Mayo Clinic did an evaluation.

“The areas of Amy’s brain exposed to radiation are where most loss of brain matter has occurred,” he said. “Her frontal lobes have greatly

parent, at-home worker, housekeeper, bill payer, chief cook and bottle washer, Boatright is his wife’s primary caregiver.

However, the help of St. Francis Reflections Hospice Care in Titusville has proven invaluable.

“They come three times weekly for hygiene visits and once a week or as needed to check vital signs, medications and eating trends,” he said. “They have been patient, understanding and compassionate. I don’t know where I’d be without their experience and support.”

St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care is at 1250-B Grumman Place in Titusville. SL

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SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

25

Welcome

May

For more events around Brevard — see page 27

1

SUNDAY National Mother Goose Day

Third annual First Responders Appreciation BBQ

2

MONDAY

Spanish Class

1 - 2 p.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Center 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Center 1025 Florida Ave. 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Rockledge 321-453-5098 Merritt Island 321-960-2033 Music Bingo 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Art a La Carte Barefoot Bay 2 p.m.

Recreation District, Abstract Dandelion Art. Building A Franklin T. Degroodt 625 Barefoot Blvd.

Library Barefoot Bay 6475 Minton Road SE 772-664-3141 Palm Bay, 321-952-6317

8

Mother's Day

Brunch for Mom

11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Treat your mother to a scratch-made brunch.

28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159

9

Bingo

9:30 a.m.

DRS Community Center 1089 S. Patrick Drive Satellite Beach 321-961-5771

3

TUESDAY

SHINE Counselor

9:45 - 11:45 a.m.

Tuesday and Thursday Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-307-1721

Bingocize!

Ron Teixeira in Concert

2 p.m.

Space Coast Jazz Society presents Ron Teixeira in concert. Bring your food and drink – no food or beverages are available for purchase.

Veterans Memorial Center Gray Hall 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island 321-452-1776

22

Greater Palm Bay Senior Center Indoor/Outdoor Vendor, Craft Fair

Cornhole Toss

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

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

Senior Fitness Class

Estate Planning Seminar

10 - 11 a.m.

William A. Johnson, Board Certified Elder Law. RSVP. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

1 p.m.

Mon., Wed. and Fri. $5 per class.

Cocoa Beach Public Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. CB 321-868-1104

Indoor Power Stepping

23

24

World Turtle Day

Busy Finger Crafts

9 - 11 a.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-639-8256

10:45 - 11:15 a.m.

Full body workout Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.

Cocoa Beach 321-783-9505

Crafty Ladies

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Bring your latest project or craft. Paint, knit, etc.

Noon - 4 p.m.

Enjoy coffee and tea.

GPBSC Freedom 7 Senior Center 1275 Culver Drive NE Tom Warriner Blvd.

Palm Bay, 321-724-1338 AARP Smart Driver Course 5000 CB, 321-783-9505 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Swan Lake A driver refresher course.

Muscle Memory, 2 - 5 p.m. $20 for members Strength, Balance Brevard Ballet $25 non-members.

10 - 11 a.m.

Youth Company One Senior Place North Brevard Eau Gallie Performing 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Senior Center Arts Center Viera, 719-648-1052 909 Lane Ave. 1400 Commodore Blvd Titusville, 321-609-0999 Melbourne, 321-242-6400

29

30

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Last Sunday of the month.

Free coffee and donuts.

Miracle City Harley-Davidson 2405 S. Hopkins Ave. Titusville, 321-269-5226

1 - 5 p.m.

Nothing but a good time.

American Legion Post 359 7260 S. Highway 1 Titusville 321-268-1632

Bikes, Cars, & Coffee

Central Florida Winds Concert

3 p.m. FREE Favorite movie music.

Suntree United Methodist Church Suntree, 321-405-2359

Memorial Day

Live Music — Radar Red

2 - 3:30 p.m.

Make personal collages.

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

11

City of Cocoa Build Your Hurricane Kit Preparedness Expo

17

16

Honoring Our Mothers

10

National Clean Your Room Day

15

National Pizza Party Day

Star Wars Day

Classic Pop Concert

10:30 a.m.

Second Monday Stock market investors 3:30 p.m.

Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior discussion group.

Suntree/Viera Library High School 902 Jordan Blass Drive 1500 Minutemen Cswy.

Suntree, 321-255-4404 Cocoa Beach 888-252-8290

Investors Business Group

4

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Improve Balance and Reduce Risk of Falls Sunflower House 777 Merritt Island Causeway, Suite 201 Merritt Island 321-452-4341

4 - 6 p.m.

Learn how to be more prepared as we approach hurricane season. Make sure you are ready when disaster strikes.

Kits available for the first 200 attendees Cocoa City Hall 65 Stone Street Cocoa 321-433-8800

Space Coast Symphony Youth Orchestra

WEDNESDAY

31

National Smile Day

Cooking in an Instant & Air Frying 1 - 3 p.m. or 6 - 8 p.m.

This cooking class is a fun hands-on experience, and you will get to eat what you made in class. You will learn four new recipes, two for your pressure cooker and two for your air fryer.

UF/IFAS Extension — Brevard County 3695 Lake Drive Cocoa, 321-633-1702

7 p.m.

James Boyles and the Brevard Chorale.

The Great Outdoors RVNature & Golf Resort 144 Plantation Drive Titusville, 321-501-0833

THURSDAY

5

Cinco de Mayo

Shoot with the Sheriff

5:30 p.m.

Come join us for a night of shooting with Sheriff Wayne Ivey and enjoy a Cinco De Mayo dinner.

Benefit for the Navy Seal Foundation and the Brevard County Sheriff's Charity.

FrogBones Family Shooting Center 404 S. Harbor City Blvd.

Melbourne 321-505-8752

12

National Limerick Day

Writing Workshop

Mat Yoga

Chair Yoga

Movie Night

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-636-3493 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.

Breathe, relax, meditate and repeat.

Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.

Cocoa Beach 321-783-9505

18

10:45 - 11:15 a.m.

Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.

Cocoa Beach 321-783-9505 6:30 p.m.

Snacks and beverages available for purchase.

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

19

National No Dirty Dishes Day Grandparents Raising Strength and Balance Grandchildren 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

6

FRIDAY

Brevard Antiques and Collectibles

9:30 a.m..

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Friday Afternoon Movies 1 - 3 p.m.

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

13

National Apple Pie Day

Space Coast River Jam

6 - 9 p.m.

Recognizing the 2021 Rolling Readers "WRITES" winners. Music, dancing.

Cocoa Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd.

Cocoa, 321-254-9976

Melbourne Municipal Band presents May Flowers Sock Hop

7 - 10 p.m.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-724-0555

20

National Rescue Dog Day

Jazzercise Lo

10 a.m. - noon Third Wednesday Sunflower House 777 E. Merritt Island Causeway, Suite 201 MI, 321-452-4241

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Improve balance/flexibility Low impact dance moves. and build muscle.

Wickham Park Freedom 7 Senior Center Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.

2785 Leisure Way Cocoa Beach Melbourne, 321-543-6358 321-783-9505

Bingo

SHINE Counselor

11:30 a.m.

Packages begin at $8.

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

25

Book Club

Noon DRS Community Center 1089 S. Patrick Drive Satellite Beach 321-961-6408

Value-Store It Grand Opening

4 - 7 p.m.

Open to the public, raffles, little bites and drinks.

Value Store It 4855 N. Wickham Road Suntree 321-655-5566

9:45 - 11:45 a.m.

Tuesday and Thursday Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-307-1721

26

National Paper Airplane Day

Medicaid Planning Seminar

10 - 11 a.m.

William A. Johnson, Board Certified Elder Law. RSVP at One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Dream Board

1 - 2:30 p.m.

Materials provided.

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

7

SATURDAY

Melbourne’s Mega Rummage Sale

8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-608-7420

Melbourne Antique Mall Car Show

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Open to all years, makes and models of cars and trucks. Judged event.

Melbourne Antique Mall 850 N. Apollo Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-948-7553

14

Christian Fun Day

4 - 8 p.m.

Meet local pastors, representatives from nonprofit organizations and charities. Networking and fellowship. Sing off contest for Brevard's Best of the Best Showcase of Christian artists. Vendors and concession stand.

USSSA Space Coast Sports Complex 5800 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-361-9989

21

Armed Forces Day

Fan Favorites, The Great Ballets

7 p.m.

The Space Coast Symphony presents a program featuring a whirlwind tour of some of history’s greatest ballets by great composers Friday Night Dances such as Tchaikovsky, 6:30 p.m.

Khachaturian, Stravinsky, Tickets $7.50, BYOB. Veterans Memorial Center Copland and more.

400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Scott Center at Holy Trinity 5625 Holy Trinity Drive Merritt Island Suntree, 855-252-7276 321-453-1776

27

Book Club

10:45 - 1:45 a.m.

Cape Canaveral Book Club.

May’s selection is “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford.

Cape Canaveral Public Library 201 Polk Ave. Cape Canaveral 321-868-1101

28

Laughs on the Go — A Live Stand Up Comedy Event 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Tickets $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Club 52 1100 North Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-259-9800

Central Florida Winds Concert

3 p.m. FREE Favorite movie music.

Park Avenue Baptist Church 2600 South Park Ave. Titusville, 321-405-2359

Senior Life is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in June!

The first Senior Life was distributed in Brevard on June 1, 1997.

Celebrate with us in June.

National Brisket Day

Get off the couch, move How many steps do you take each day? Are you moving? How’s your mind? What’s your connection with God? Vitality is defined as the exuberant physical strength or mental vigor, the capacity for survival or for the continuation of a meaningful or purposeful existence; the power to live or grow.

When I recited the Boy Scouts Oath for the first time more than 70 years ago, I remember the last lines: “to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.”

Little did I realize, this was a great plan for full vitality in life.

On ABC’s Good Morning America TV program, Dr. Jennifer Ashton recently urged viewers to “move more!” If we take 8,000 steps a day as seniors, it helps us thrive. I know it’s 30 steps from my TV to the refrigerator. The challenge is to get off the couch and move. Who needs a “FitBit” device?

I saw the death certificate of a dear friend who died at age 95. It listed: Cause of death — hypoxia, pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure and adult failure to thrive. What are they going to write about you?

One reader wrote, “When I get old, I don’t want people thinking ‘What a sweet old lady.’ I want ’em to say, “Oh crap! What’s she up to now?” She is thriving and full of vitality. She has the power to live each day and grow.

Betty White died just before her

Challenges of Living to Age 100 Ed Baranowski 100th birthday. She was a great example of being forever funny and full of vitality. Ziggy cartoons often have vitality thoughts. “Why is it … the only thing that doesn’t seem to slow down as you get older … is the aging process?”

Another cartoon featured an old man sitting on a bench next to Ziggy. He said, “At my age, my mind wanders … but my body is too tired to go along with it!”

I found an interesting commentary about a man. “He was a cautious man.

He never romped or even played; he never smoked. He never drank, or even kissed a maid. And when he up and passed away, insurance was denied. For since he hadn’t ever lived, they claimed he never died.”

What’s your vitality quotient?

You are still in the race. It’s not a rat race. You are not finished yet! Your challenge is to grow, flourish and prosper. SL Ed Baranowski is an awardwinning writer, artist, speaker, and seminar leader. He lives in Melbourne and can be contacted at fast75sr@ gmail.com.

More events around Brevard Thursday, May 5

Sunday, May 15

Saturday, May 14

Saturday and Sunday, May 20 - 21

Stepping Dance Class 6 - 7 p.m.

First, second and third Thursdays Space Coast Steppers Isaac Campbell Sr. Park 702 South Street Titusville, 321-312-0512 Brevard Law Ride 2022 8:45 a.m.

Event kicking off the 2022 Police Week 20th anniversary. Fully escorted ride including KSC. Helmets required at the Space Center.

American Police Hall of Fame 6350 Horizon Drive Titusville, 321-264-0911 Space Coast Food Festival and 36th annual Chowder Cook-off 5 - 9 p.m.

Top area chefs and restaurants competing to determine who has the best chowder, the best twist (non-seafood) and the best dessert. Each ticket allows unlimited samplings.

Brevard Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island 321-784-6444

Interfaith Community Picnic 2 - 5 p.m.

Sharing food, fun and culture from more than 20 fair organizations.

Wickham Park Regional Pavilion 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne interfaithunited.com

Space Coast Air Show 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Space Coast Int’l Air Show soars into Space Coast Regional Airport just outside the gate of Kennedy Space Center. The air show returns to the Space Coast for it second destination on its 2022 tour.

Space Coast Regional Airport 6600 Tico Road Titusville, 321-395-3110

Friday, May 27

Cars under the stars featuring Venom: Let There Be Carnage 5 - 9 p.m.

Please distance yourself from neighboring vehicles. Audio will be available through car stereo and external speakers.

Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-633-2046

Enjoy A New Season of Life.

Peace of mind starts with all-inclusive independent retirement living with resort-style amenities like Freedom Dining, weekly housekeeping, a robust social calendar, health and wellness programs, and more!

May Events Cinco de Mayo Celebration Thursday, May 5 at 5:00 p.m.

Invite your best amigo and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with us!

Enjoy a delicious Mexican-themed dinner and enjoy the fiesta over a refreshing margarita! RSVP today!

Meet the Managers Open House Saturday, May 7 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

There’s no better way to experience our resort lifestyle than meeting our managers! Join us for refreshments, a tour of our beautiful community, and to learn more about our all-inclusive amenities. RSVP by May 4

Call today to schedule a private tour.

You deserve it!

321-252-4882

321-242-1235

Shell Harbor 2855 Murrell Road  Rockledge, FL 32955 ShellHarborRetirement.com

SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

27

Boomer Guide Expo Boomer models were in attendance

Additional photos can be seen at myseniorlife.com

April

8

2022 Club 52

The wait was worth it!

Inserted in Senior Life this month!

You can find extra copies at the locations listed on the right as well as libraries, chambers and senior centers.

Find everything you need to live your best life on the Space Coast, from clubs to activities, to health care and recreation, the best places to live and everything in between.

A few of our pick-up locations TITUSVILLE

• Titusville Chamber of Commerce, 2000 S. Washington, Titusville • Titusville Adult Social Center, 909 Lake Ave., Titusville

MERRITT ISLAND/COCOA BEACH

• Freedom 7 Senior Center, 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd., Cocoa Beach • Sunflower House, inside Merritt Square Mall, Merritt Island

ROCKLEDGE

• Martin Andersen Senior Center, 1025 Florida Ave., Rockledge

VIERA/SUNTREE

• Senior Life, 7350 Shoppes Drive, #102, Viera • One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera • William A. Johnson PA, 140 Interlachen Road, Suntree • Viera Discovery Center, The Avenue Viera, Unit 105, Viera

MELBOURNE/PALM BAY

• Wickham Park Senior Center, 2785 Leisure Way, Melbourne • Greater Palm Bay Senior Center, 1275 Culver Drive NE, Palm Bay

For a pick-up location near you, or bulk delivery of 30 or more guides, call 321-242-1235.

28

SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

BEACHSIDE

• 55+ Club, DRS Center, 1089 S. Patrick Dr., Satellite Beach

myseniorlife.com

­

BuenaVidaEstates.org

2129 West New Haven Avenue West Melbourne, FL 32904

(321) 616-8790 • Toll-free (800) 742-0060

— Entrance on Doherty Drive —

A 501(c)(3) Not For Profit Organization

Our aging community is a sacred asset that we should learn from, honor, and support.

We’re still here, serving seniors since 1965

\I A ing

Call us to Volunteer: » Assist with Food Prep Seeking Volunteers to: at the Kitchen Assiston with Food Prep »• Meals Wheels Driver at the Kitchen » Provide a senior • transportation Meals on Wheels Delivery Driver » Provide a veteran • transportation Provide a senior transportation to » Provide information important to Caregivers at the appointments Sunflower House

g

Matters IN BREVARD

Please call today for further information (321) 639-8770

Call us if you need: » Caregiver Respite Caregiver Training Call us» if you need: and Support • Caregiver Respite, Training » Case Management and »Support Catering • Catering » Handyman Services • Home Safety Modifications » Information and Referral • Light» Light Housekeeping Housekeeping • Meals on Wheels » Meals on Wheels » Personal • Personal CareCare » Seniors at Lunch • Transportation Fellowship Dining » Transportation » Volunteer Opportunities

Our aging community is a sacred� asset that we should learn from, honor and support. .@.

WEARE 0 .<Q& Senior TranServe Meals On Wheels Retireu VeTs Driving Vets S en10r CD missro'n driven So no seviior- rrs h.u�.

Volunteer Program Please call today for further information transportation for non·driving seniors

.--WIThe �Kitchen

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(321) 639-8770

Sunflower House

community caregiver center

An inffiative of the Corporation for National t, Community Service

Seniors At Lunch

group dining at neighborhood sites

Home & Community ,\ Based Services

Aging Matters in Brevard is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit orginization recognized by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Agingbyasthethe Lead Agencyoffor senior in Agency Brevard County.

Aging Matters in Brevard is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofu organimtion recognized Florida Department Elder Affairsservices and the Area on Aging as the LRad Agency for senior servues in Brevard County.

www.AgingMattersBrevard.org Serving the Matters of Aging Since 1965 • www.agingmattersbrevard.org Visit us on Facebook & Instagram 321-242-1235

SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

29

Check out Gainesville for a top Florida sightseeing destination One of my favorite sightseeing destinations in Central Florida is the cosmopolitan city of nearby Gainesville. If you only have one day to devote to visiting Gainesville, let me introduce you to my favorite sightseeing attractions of interest for the entire family.

Note that Gainesville is the home of one of the finest universities in the country, the University of Florida, and also the outstanding UF Health Shands Hospital.

To give you an insight into why Gainesville is called the center of education, medicine, culture and athletics, drive through the historical University of Florida campus. The University of Florida has many buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the University Auditorium. Above the auditorium you will find Century Tower, a 49-bell carillon that rings on the quarter hour. UF maps are available at the gated entrances.

Your second stop should be the Florida Museum of Natural History located on Hull Road, on the UF campus. This 55,000-square-foot museum, in my opinion, could be one of the finest in Florida. The permanent exhibits include the Hall of Fossils, South Florida People, Northwest Florida Waterways and Wildlife, and Fossil Plant Garden.

The museum also has many temporary exhibits throughout the year.

The Florida Wildflower & Butterfly Rainforest Garden will be the highlight of your visit. You can stroll through this 6,400-square-foot

Touring the Town

John Trieste

screened, outdoor enclosure with subtropical and tropical plants and hundreds of live butterflies. View thousands of Lepidoptera species on the Wall of Wings and be introduced to butterfly and moth biology.

There is a hall of windowed rooms where you can see scientists working in the Butterfly Lab and the research labs. Entrance to the museum is free. There is a fee to see the Butterfly exhibit.

Your third stop, which is next door to the Natural History Museum, is the renowned Samuel Harn Museum of Art. It has more than 7,000 works focusing on African and Asian art. This delightful museum is, in my estimation, one of the finest in the country. An original work by Claude Monet is one of more than 6,000 original pieces on display.

Your next stop is the Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park.

This 120-foot-deep, 500-foot-wide sinkhole got its name from its similar appearance to the hopper of a mill.

There is a nature trail that goes halfway down the sinkhole. The views are outstanding as you walk down the stairs of streams, and there

SENIOR LIFE Nagel Photography/Shutterstock

This is a panoramic photo of the entrance to the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art on the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville. are all types of vegetation. The Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday through Sunday.

With these stops and a break for lunch, you have been introduced to the highlights of Gainesville in one day.

This visit to Gainesville more than meets my requirement that your trip is an educational,

inexpensive and memorable experience for the entire family.

There are a host of interesting destinations in and around Gainesville, including outdoor adventures, museums and galleries, theater, recreation and sports.

Contact the Visitors Center at 1-866-778-5260 or go to info@ visitgainesville.com for a guide to attractions in Alachua County. SL

1932 Ford

This 1932 Ford BB 1.5-ton truck has a four-speed manual transmission and a four-cylinder flat-head engine that can reach a top speed of 24 mph. The Tumminias are the second owners of this truck, which they bought in 2017. It had been parked behind the previous owner’s shop for 65 years.

Owners: Vinnie and Elizabeth Tumminia

30

SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

myseniorlife.com

Market Square Antiques

ANTIQUES WANTED TO BUY High prices paid!

Health Insurance

Health Insurance 2021

Proud To Be A Local Medicare Professsional

Buying costume jewelry, flatware sets, coins, old military items, pottery, toys, trains, old paintings, figurines & much more

Sheri Gaul

Call/Text me anytime:

321-749-8445 FREE AT HOME VALUATIONS Over 25 Years’ Experience in Antiques

Independent Agent serving Brevard since 2002

321-634-2647

Hearing

You Deserve Better Hearing

CALL TODAY! FREE Hearing Test including FREE In Office Demo of Latest Technology!

Restaurant

Hair Salon

2850 South Hopkins Ave. Sunday – Thursday: 9am-9pm Friday & Saturday: 9am-10pm

321-383-1616

*Offer valid for new customers only

Please mention this ad when making an appointment.

321-253-6310

8085 Spyglass Hill Rd., Viera (inside One Senior Place)

Highly Skilled

Experienced Stylist

Walk-ins Welcome!

SERVING ALL OF BREVARD Financing available, Insurance accepted

SANDRA WAGNER BC-HIS

PersonalHearingSolutions@outlook.com PersonalHearing.org

Air Conditioning A/C A/C

& &

Hea Heating ting Experts!

Experts!

FREE Estimates & FREE Service call with any repair

$200f f o

Call 612-231-0601 Juliettehuber.com

2137 N. Courtenay Pkwy. • Merritt Island

Rubbish Removal

Nature’s Market Health Foods Brevard’s Health Food Store

701 S. Apollo Blvd. Melbourne

321-724-6923

NaturesMarketMelbourne.com

Senior Care

Enhancing the lives of aging adults and their families.

Specialist in Real Estate Clean Outs

New Systems &

10% OFF Repairs

(with this ad)

WWW.AIRGAGERS.COM | 321.775.3522

Activities & Classes

Sanitizing • Fogging • Cleaning Mold Damage • Fire Damage Post Construction Clean Up CERTIFIED IN WATER DAMAGE

Wellness

DENISE BILDER, SENIOR CONSULTANT INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE • LONG TERM CARE • RESPITE CARE Direct: 321-403-2366 • Office: 321-209-8686 denise@allyslc.com • www.allyslc.com 142 N. Orlando Avenue, Ste. 100, Cocoa beach

Wellness May Special

BUY ONE GET ONE

Special Guests,

uilting Machine Giveaways ime Q G T t e e from Brother, Free Sw NIN D OPE th Gifts, Make and Takes!

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Free Immunization Assessment by our Pharmacy Team

7720 N. Wickham Rd., Suite 111

Melbourne, FL 32940 321-622-8602 M, W, Th, F: 10am - 5pm, Tues: 10am - 7pm Sat: 10am - 2 pm, Sun: CLOSED

321-242-1235

www.quiltsandlace.com beth@quiltsandlace.com

All products Must present this ad.

Exp. 5/31/22

Skincare • Edibles Hair Care • Vape • Topicals

772-388-1700

Kimberbell Red, White & BBQ Event Saturday, May 28 • 10 am - 2 pm

FREE

Make your immunization make a world of difference.

Shingles, pneumonia, and more available now!

Infused Bakery opening soon!!!!

EDUCATED STAFF • CLEAN KITCHEN

Seniors Day is the first Tuesday of each month.

DreamFarmsHemp.com

*20% off Regular Price Merchandise with bonus points 55+ with Balance Reward Card

674 Wickham Rd, Melbourne

*Some restrictions apply

321-421-7280

Wickham Green Center

SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

31

FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES

Enjoy the benefits of a Medicare plan PLUS access to out-of-network hospitals and specialists in Brevard and Indian River counties!

SEE HOW CAREPLUS COMPARES: 2022 BENEFITS

CarePlus Health Plans CareOne PLATINUM (HMO-POS)

Health First Classic Plan (HMO-POS)

5 out of 5

4 out of 5

$0

$97

$3,750 (combined in-network and out-of-network)

$3,750 (in-network) $10,000 (out-of-network)

$20 (in-network) $25 (out-of-network)

$30 (in-network) 20% per visit (out-of-network)

$150 days 1-7 (in-network) $170 days 1-7 (out-of-network)

$180 days 1-7 (in-network) 20% per stay (out-of-network)

Preferred Cost-Sharing Retail Pharmacy (in-network)

Preferred Retail Network Pharmacy (in-network)

Tier 1 - $0 Tier 2 - $10 Tier 3 - $30

Tier 1 - $0 Tier 2 - $10 Tier 3 - $40

50 one-way trips

20 one-way trips

(H1019-110)

2022 Medicare Star Rating Monthly Plan Premium Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs Specialist Copay Hospital Stay Copay (Per Day) Prescription Drug Copay (30-Day Supply) Transportation to Approved Locations

(H1099-001)

Call a licensed CarePlus sales agent:

321-351-7645 (TTY: 711) CarePlusHealthPlans

CarePlusHealthPlans.com

For a full list of available plans in your area, visit www.medicare.gov. For a full list of benefits available from these plans, refer to each plan’s Summary of Benefits: CarePlus Health Plans: https://www.careplushealthplans.com/medicare-plans/2022 Health First: https://hf.org/health_plans/medicare/our_plans/mapd_2022/forms/2022_HFHP_CVR_Summary_of_Benefits.pdf Space Coast. CarePlus is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in CarePlus depends on contract renewal. Referrals may be required for certain specialists. This plan covers certain services received from out-of-network providers in Brevard and Indian River counties in Florida. Except in emergency or urgent situations, non-contracted providers may deny care. You will pay a higher copay for services received by non-contracted providers. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. complies with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status, or religion in their programs and activities, including in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, their programs and activities. Any inquiries regarding CarePlus’ non-discrimination policies and/or to file a complaint, also known as a grievance, please contact Member Services at 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). From October 1 - March 31, we are open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. From April 1 - September 30, we are open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may always leave a voicemail after hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and we will return your call within one business day. Español (Spanish): Esta información está disponible de forma gratuita en otros idiomas. Favor de llamar a Servicios para Afiliados al número que aparece anteriormente. Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Creole): Enfòmasyon sa a disponib gratis nan lòt lang. Tanpri rele nimewo Sèvis pou Manm nou yo ki nan lis anwo an.

H1019_MKBNDMFNPRsccompare2022_M

32

SENIOR LIFE • MAY 2022

myseniorlife.com