14 minute read
December calendar
SUNDAY SUNDAY MONDAY MONDAY TUESDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY
Holiday Events Additional events, pgs. 22-23
1 2 National Day of Community Service National Build Joy Day 3
Back to Work 50+ Job Fair
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Space Coast Health Foundation 1100 Rockledge Blvd. Rockledge 321-504-7600
Dueling Pianos by The Copper Piano
6 - 9 p.m. Murdock's Bistro & Char Bar and The Copper Piano 600 Brevard Ave., Cocoa 321-806-3352
Moonlight and Music on the Promenade
6 - 9 p.m. Cocoa Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd. Cocoa, 321-631-9075
Casino Happy Hour
3:30 - 5 p.m. Sip your favorite drink, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and casino games. Shell Harbor Retirement Community 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge, 321-265-6875
Holiday Car and Craft Show
10 a.m. Food Trucks and a live D.J. playing 1950s music. South Beach Community Center 500 Old Florida Trail Melbourne Bch. 321-952-3210
Festival of Wreaths Auction
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fundraiser for the Brevard County Students-InTransition program. Riverview Senior Resort 3490 Gran Ave. NE Palm Bay, 321-312-4555 4 Holiday Celebration Concert 5 National Blue Jeans Day 6 Election Day 7 National Letter Writing Day 8 Marine Corps Birthday 9 10 3 - 5 p.m. Free Community Band of Brevard concert. Merritt Island High School 100 Mustang Way 321-338-6210
Guided Barrier Island Sanctuary Hike
9:30 - 11 a.m. Free Enjoy a 1.0 mile stroll from dune-to-lagoon.RSVP: BIChike4Dec22.eventbrite. com Max capacity 15 people.
A Ceremony of Carols
7:30 p.m. Eastern Florida State College 1519 Clearlake Road Cocoa, 321-501-0833
Repeal Day Roaring Twenties Party
5 - 9 p.m. A custom engraved bottle of bourbon, three course meal, 20s costumes and dancing. 28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera 321-241-1159
Ask the Doctor Lunch & Learn
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Presented by Pasquale F. Reino, DO, Orthopedic Surgeon with Hughston Clinic. RSVP Required. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera 321-751-6771
Herald the Holidays Celebrating the Season
7 p.m. December 7 and 8 Holiday free concert by the Melbourne Municipal Band. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-724-0555
Kindergarten Information Orientation
Pinecrest Space Coast 7550 Stadium Pkwy, Viera pinecrest spacecoast.com.
Motown Magic Moments 7 - 9 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of "Magic Moments" with Voices of Classic Soul. Concert benefits the Evans Center. Gleason Center Florida Tech 150 W. University Blvd. Melbourne, 321-674-8006
Middle School Orientation
Pinecrest Space Coast 7550 Stadium Pkwy, Viera 321-307-7230 pinecrest spacecoast.com.
Our Lady of Lourdes Live Nativity
6 p.m. Live nativity sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 1626 Oak St. Melbourne, 321-723-3636
Come Dance With Us!
7 p.m. Holiday songs with the Swingtime Jazz Orchestra. 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-724-0555
National Cookie Day
Celtic Christmas
7 p.m. Enjoy live traditional Celtic instruments and choir. St. Andrew UMC 3380 Dairy Road Titusville, 321-2639-7631
Christmas Memories
2 p.m. A Christmas concert by the Harbor City Harmonizers. Holy Trinity Episcopal School 5625 Holy Trinity Drive Suntree, 321-345-7292
National Brownie Day
National Spicy Guacamole
National Ice Cream Day Mikcey Mouse's Birthday11 12 13 14 15 16 17 National Ugly Sweater Day
Old-Fashioned Christmas
3:30 p.m. A free concert featuring traditional Christmas songs and carols. Riverside Presbyterian Church 3400 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Bch., 321-426-0360
Third annual Florida Snow Day
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Eau Gallie Square 1453 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-430-4403
Court Kingz VS BCSO Enforcers
7 p.m. Presented by the Brevard Prevention Coalition. Viera High School 6103 Stadium Parkway Viera 321-987-1496
Space Coast Light Festival
Nov. 23 to Jan. 1 Fred Poppe Park 1951 Malabar Road Palm Bay 321-458-3515
Open Studio
North Brevard Art League 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesdays 1421 Draa Road Titusville
Passport Wednesday
5 - 6:15 p.m. Event hosted by the Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Melbourne Courthouse 51 South Nieman Ave. By appointment only, go to brevardclerk.us/passports
Medium John Rogers
6 p.m. Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. 321-868-1104
Meet The Grinch
4 -7 p.m. Free raffle, treats and crafts. All ages welcome. Sponsored by the Melbourne Police Foundation 1700 W. New Haven Ave.
Senior Fitness Class
1 - 2 p.m. RSVP required. Sunflower House 777 Merritt Island Cswy. #201, Merritt Island 321-452-4341
Sing We Now Of Christmas 7 p.m.
Free concert by the Indialantic Chamber Singers. Our Lady of Grace Church 300 Malabar Road SW Palm Bay, 321-725-3066
Gingerbread Decorating Day
Pancakes with Santa
9 - 11 a.m. Pancakes, hot Cocoa, pictures with Santa. Palm Shores Bistro 5060 U. S. Highway 1 Palm Shores, 321-752-5222
Wreaths Across America
11:45 a.m. Wreath-laying ceremony Cape Canaveral National Cemetery 5525 U.S. 1 Mims, 321-383-2638
National Underdog Day
Love Your Freckles Day
18 19 20 21 Blue Christmas 22 23 24 Good Grief Christmas Around the Day
World and Back
3 p.m. A concert by the Space Coast Flute Orchestra. First Baptist Church 4300 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-385-7236
Food Pantry Day
1 - 3 p.m. Open to all. First United Methodist Church Cocoa Beach 3300 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-783-8991
AARP Smart Driver Course
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Open to drivers of all ages. Cost: $20 for AARP members and $25 for nonmembers. One Senior Place Viera, 719-648-1052
Medicaid Planning Seminar
10 a.m. Presented by Elder Law Attorney William A. Johnson, PA One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Snow in Love
7 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22 “A love letter to music in the holiday season” Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-285-6724
Christmas Party and Car Show
4 p.m. The Burger Inn 1819 N. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne 321-254-2211
Caroling at the Avenue
6 - 8 p.m. Bands, orchestras, musical groups and more are invited to perform in Central Park this Holiday season. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-63.4-5390
National Twin Day
Run Run Santa 1 Mile
7:30 a.m. Perfect for kids & family members of all ages. Run or walk 1 Mile in a Santa suit. Calvary Chapel Viera 2852 Fellowship Place Viera, 321-412-1830
Christmas Live Nativity
5:30 - 7 p.m. Club Zion 830 S. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach 321-799-4340
National Cookie Exchange Day
National Christmas Movie Marathon Day Christmas Eve
25 Turtle Adoption Day 26 27 Basic Computing/Ask a Tech 28 National Mousse Day 29 30 31 1 - 3 p.m. Sunflower House Merritt Square Mall 321-452-4341
Children's Vest Sewing Class
Machines provided. Quilts and Lace 7720 N. Wickham Road, #111, Viera, 321-622-8602
Children's Vest Sewing Class
Machines provided. Quilts and Lace 7720 N. Wickham Road, #111 Viera, 321-622-8602
Florida Concealed Carry Course – Women Only
5:30 p.m. $55 Courtyard by Marriott 3435 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach Focused Fire Training 866-382-9111
Friday Afternoon at the Movies
1 - 3 p.m. “Top Gun” Maverick Sunflower House 777 Merritt Island Cswy., #201 Merritt Island 321-452-4341
Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day
New Year's Eve Gala Dinner & Dance
7 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Live music with the 12-piece Rock & Roll Revue. Featuring vocalists Len Fallen and the Swingtimers Trio. Ring in the New Year with the best music from the Golden Age of Rock & Roll - 50s & 60s. Hilton Rialto Melbourne Melbourne, 321-724-0555
National Bacon Day New Year's Eve Happy Kwanzaa
SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE PHOTOS JILL BLUE ROBERT PARENTE
Hailey Goetz with K-9 Ewart recorded the fastest time on the Law Enforcement/Military Obstacle Course on Nov. 19 during the annual Space Coast K-9 Competition at the USSSA Space Coast Complex.
Ethan Marquis and K-9 Turbo placed second. Lauren Donaldson and K-9 Zepplin won the Law Enforcement Hardest Dog competition for the most prolific bite. Avery Morehead and K-9 Gator placed second.
On the Civilian Obstacle Course, Stan Smith and K-9 Annie Oakley finished first. Brooke Kershner and K-9 Kye placed second.
Bruce Theiss and K-9 Rosco won the Civilian Hardest Dog competition. Naomi Moon and K-9 Eros finished second.
In the Law Enforcement Fastest Dog competition, Marquis and K-9 Turbo prevailed.
The free-to-the public event was sponsored by the Cocoa Police Department and the Brevard Kennel Club. It was a fundraiser for the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation Inc. The nonprofit is dedicated to supporting police K-9 programs and police officers across the Space Coast. VV
To watch a video of the event, go to vieravoice.com.
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
The annual Space Coast K-9 Competition boasted dogs and handlers from all over the country, as well as Brevard County.
SENIOR News
Cruise guides veterans to the help they need
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
Army Staff. Sgt. Raul Pacheco wants to know everything he can about his veteran’s benefits and services that will be available to him well before he retires from the military.
Pacheco and his wife Marisol, were among the more than 100 active-duty military members, veterans and their families who were part of AVET Project’s Celebrate Veterans Cruise to the Bahamas during Veterans Day weekend.
“I am approaching retirement,” he said. “When retirement comes, I don’t want to be rushing.”
Pacheco, who has served 18 years, said his main purpose for going on the cruise was to learn about his veteran’s benefits because many veterans don’t know what’s available to them.
Other veterans suffering from injuries or mental health issues listened through two informal educational sessions and were able to get questions answered during the cruise.
“Remember, there is always a higher purpose in whatever you are going through,” said John Lopez, as he encouraged his fellow veterans. “It’s OK to recognize that you are not OK. Recognize that you need help.”
Lopez of E&O Tactical, was one of the sponsors of the Celebrate Veterans Cruise.
Others spoke about suicide prevention.
Dr. Joseph Walden and Dr. Lindsay Eatman were among the presenters who were there to help those with questions about mental health issues.
Charisse Laverdiere, who lives in Menifee, California, wanted to learn more about mental health.
Laverdiere said that while on active duty between 1984 and 2003, her pelvis was shattered while serving in South Korea. She is getting help from the Department of Veterans Affairs for the physical injuries but not for the mental stress it causes.
“I haven’t gotten any help as far as mental health,” she said.
She was encouraged by some of the information she was able to gather during the cruise aboard Royal Caribbean Independence.
Leah Bucholz, whose company, Prestige Veterans Medical Consulting, helps those filing VA claims when medical evidence is needed.
“It’s very important that if someone helps you with a claim that they are legally accredited,” she said.
Others like Carmella George, answered questions about VA claims and attorney Jessica Lynn Silva shared information about wills and trusts with participants.
The three-night cruise was supposed to start Nov. 11 following a Veterans Day ceremony at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island. Because of Hurricane Nicole, the ship arrived at Port Canaveral a day late and the veterans’ cruise was cut short by one day.
The educational session
VIERA VOICE Elaine Moody
Raul and Marisol Pacheco want to be prepared for retirement from the Army.
VIERA VOICE Elaine Moody
Brandon Lape, left, of eXp Realty and Adrian Kellgren of Kel-Tec speak to veterans during the AVET Project’s Celebrate Veterans Cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean Independence.
CRUISE
continued to page 37
Crossword Puzzle
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Solution, page 37
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ACROSS
1. Cockpit reading (abbr.) 4. “Take it or leave it” 8. Loot 12. Bird word 13. Coal unit 14. Drop off 15. Same old, same old 16. Powerlessness 18. Swelling 20. Place for a pin 21. Ancient Egyptian emblems 24. Pike 28. Got off topic 32. Honshu drink 33. Member of the flock 34. ___ boom 36. Family girl 37. Svelte 39. Deed 41. Church assembly 43. Alter 44. Chest protector? 46. Scores in a rink 50. Zeppelin or Hindenburg 55. Golfer’s concern 56. Cameo shape, often 57. Elbow grease 58. Bucolic expanse 59. Data measure 60. Doesn’t flow 61. “Dee-lish!”
DOWN
1. A little of a lot? 2. Bright, as a color 3. Carry 4. Criminal-record listing 5. Bottom line 6. Angel’s antonym 7. Detect 8. Ratings period 9. Far from ruddy 10. South African org 11. “Wow!” 17. “___ the season ...” 19. March hare characteristic 22. Cow poke? 23. Madrid Mr. 25. Lighten 26. Like, with “to” 27. Others 28. Sprays 29. Not as planned 30. Teutonic turndown 31. Backgammon equipment 35. Blackjack’s cousins 38. Art installation 40. Farm call 42. Get to the bottom of things? 45. Angler’s hope 47. Adversary’s antithesis 48. Stead 49. Clothing closure 50. Driver’s lic. stat 51. It climbs the walls 52. Kind of race 53. Bounce like a buoy 54. Women’s ___
VIERA VOICE Shutterstock
A White Christmas Margarita should hit the spot during the holiday season.
White Christmas Margarita
2 oz silver tequila 1 oz Cointreau (Triple Sec or Grand Marnier) 2 oz of coconut cream 1 fresh lime (juiced) Ice Club soda (to top off drink)
Garnish
Cranberries — previously frozen Lime slices Rosemary Sprigs
Sugar lime glass rim
Pinch of kosher salt 2 TBSP white or Turbinado sugar Zest of a lime Cut slices out of the lime to wet the glass rims On a shallow plate add the lime zest, sugar, salt and mix. Prepare your glasses by rubbing the lime wedges along the rim and inverting them to coat with the sugar/ salt mixture. Add ice to each glass. In a cocktail shaker, add some ice and pour the tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and coconut cream. Shake vigorously and strain into the previously prepared glasses topping with a splash of club soda.
Garnish with frozen cranberries, lime slices and rosemary sprigs.
Please drink responsibly — Don’t drink and drive.
POPPED FRESH DAILY
••• GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE ••• 2 Medium
One Topping
$20
Pizza Exp. 12/31/2022
$6.00 Off
$40 purchase
Exp. 12/31/2022 $4.00 Off any 16, 18 or 24 Inch Pizza Exp. 12/31/2022
ALL COUPONS ARE TAKE OUT OR DELIVERY ONLY Limited time offer. Must mention when ordering & present coupon. Offer cannot be combined.
7155 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne 32940
30+ flavors to enjoy
BY NANETTE HEBDIGE
With all the frantic decorating, dreaded shopping and holiday baking you’ll gladly want to kick back to enjoy a sumptuous and welldeserved holiday cocktail. If you’re wondering what’s the popular drink lineup during the boozy holiday season, first place goes to the ubiquitous eggnog, followed closely by a buttered rum toddy and of course the swanky martini, which through the holidays achieves many transformations and flavors.
Not all drinks have to be warm and loaded with spices during the holidays! This White Christmas Margarita looks like winter wonderland, but it tastes like summer, making it ideal for the warmer temperatures here in Florida. VV NOW OPEN!
12/31/2022
• BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER • CATERING • PHARMA LUNCHES • DINNER PROGRAMS
JOIN US FOR Pancakes with Santa
DEC. 17 • 9 - 11 A.M. COME ENJOY OUR BEAUTIFUL OPEN-AIR DECK! Come check out our delicious daily chef specials!
CATERING - We can customize a menu or meal for any event from cocktail parties to business functions.
“To-Go” orders
Call 321-752-5222 Opt. 1
1/4 MILE SOUTH OF THE PINEDA CAUSEWAY
Follow
5060 U.S. HWY #1 PALM SHORES 321.752.5222
HOURS: SUNDAY - TUESDAY: 8 AM - 3 PM WEDNESDAY - SAT: 8 AM - 8 PM
Mt. Hangover BurgerViera’s Best Lunch Burger Special
1/4 lb. Angus Burger, LTOP Brioche bun, Fries & Beverage Mon. - Fri. 11am - 3pm Only $10
2348 Citadel Way #105, Viera (321) 305-5946 • Island-IX.com
ENJOY $5 OFF
$20 OR MORE
Restrictions may apply. Offers cannot be combined. Exp. 12/31/22, vv1222
