Senior Scene Magazine

01/25/2026

Brunch & Learn Subject: Aging in Place
Panelists explain three crucial components for independent aging

Every year, the vast majority of seniors surveyed by AARP express a desire to age independently in their own homes. Yet few know what it will take to make that a reality. On Wednesday, January 28 at 10 AM, a panel of three experts at One Senior Place in Viera will discuss the crucial components for “aging in place.” In concise and easy to understand language, the panelists for the Brunch & Learn at 8085 Spyglass Hill Road will lay out the importance of memory and brain health, support for daily living and legal/financial preparation. The panelists include Deidra Shubert of Flourish Research, Nurse Lisa Peake of Senior Partner Care Services and Anna Howard, Attorney with The Estate Planning & Elder Law Center of Brevard. The Brunch & Learn presenters will each take 20 minutes to discuss their area of expertise, and will also take questions from the audience. The Brunch & Learn is one of series of special 20th anniversary educational events by One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging. For food planning purposes, attendees are asked to RSVP to the Brunch & Learn by calling 321-751-6771 or visiting the event page at OneSeniorPlace.com.

Panelist and Registered Nurse, Lisa Peake is a Certified Care Manager and Certified Dementia Practitioner as well as the Vice President of Care Services for the One Senior Place affiliate, Senior Partner Care Services. She counsels seniors regularly on how to best prepare for aging in place.

"Nearly everyone wants to stay at home for as long as they possibly can," said Nurse Lisa. "Yet most people don’t take the necessary steps to help ensure their independence. During this Brunch & Learn, we want to empower seniors by giving them the information they need for a healthier, more prepared future."

For more information about the network of businesses or the dozens of events presented annually by One Senior Place, call 321-751-6771. One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. To learn more about One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging, or to access the online business directory, visit OneSeniorPlace.com.

01/24/2026

01/23/2026

Green Gables Historic Home Open House
Saturdays in January - 10 AM to 2 PM
Last tour begins at 1:30 PM
January 24th
January 31st
Address:
1501 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901
$10 donation for a tour; children 12 & under are free.
Visit Green Gables at Historic Riverview Village, Inc. and explore one of only three remaining Queen Anne-style homes in the Melbourne area. This nonprofit organization has acquired the property, but currently we are working to raise the necessary funds to restore and preserve this historic treasure to its original condition and charm. Learn how the early Wells Family left a legacy with their support in developing Melbourne.
Take a leisurely tour of Green Gables, step back in time within the home, and unwind on the beautiful grounds overlooking the Indian River Lagoon. You'll quickly understand why we're committed to restoring Green Gables and discover how you can contribute to this important cause.

CAR SHOW
Saturday, January 31st 10 AM to 3 PM
(more info to follow soon)

01/22/2026

Brevard Symphony Orchestra Welcomes Revered Soloist, Violinist Siwoo Kim, in Mozart Meets Rossini
In the third concert of their Signature Series, the Brevard Symphony Orchestra (BSO) dives into classics from Mozart, Bruch, and Rossini with the help of violinist Siwoo Kim. The showcase of Mozart Meets Rossini will be held at the King Center for the Performing Arts on January 24th, 2026, at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
The Brevard Symphony Orchestra is sharing the stage with Siwoo Kim, an “incisive” and “compelling” violinist as described by The New York Times. Kim earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from The Juilliard School and proceeded to become a successful face in the classical scene. Today, he is a soloist and chamber musician as well as a founding co-artistic director of VIVO Music Festival held in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio. He will be performing Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor.
In this show, the BSO is featuring Mozart’s Symphony No.40 for a very special reason. The BSO received a heartfelt letter from a third grader named Elijah shortly after the symphony’s 2024 Fourth of July concert. Elijah expressed his enjoyment of the show and shared how he liked listening to classical and baroque music. In this letter, he requested the BSO play his favorite classical piece, Mozart’s Symphony No.40. He then asked the BSO to let him know if the piece is ever added to the program, so that he may attend.
In early 2025, the BSO invited Elijah and his family to Mozart and Mother Goose, where Mozart was featured, but not his favorite piece. After Elijah was informed of the BSO’s repertoire for the upcoming performance of Mozart Meets Rossini, where Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 will be played, the BSO received a follow-up letter where Elijah expressed his excitement. Elijah has since picked up a cello and has begun to learn! He stated, “My family and I were very blessed by your kindness and generosity. It was an experience that we will never forget.”
Maestro Christopher Confessore reflected on Elijah’s story, saying, “We are excited to welcome Elijah and his family to our upcoming Mozart Meets Rossini concert. Bringing inspiring performances of great music to audience members of all ages is at the heart of the BSO's mission - and sharing music with young audiences is the most rewarding part of what we do.” Sparking curiosity and inspiration in young minds is helping to shape the creativity and education of Brevard County’s youth. The BSO plans to continue prioritizing education and outreach in our community to continue making an impact.
The Brevard Symphony Orchestra is the only fully professional orchestra in Brevard County and is home to many of Central Florida’s finest classical musicians. For more information about Brevard Symphony Orchestra’s programs, season tickets, or ways to support the BSO, please visit brevardsymphony.com or call the BSO office at (321) 345-5052.

01/18/2026

Parrish Emergency Medicine Experts Urge Flu Season Precautions to Avoid Trip to Hospital Emergency Department
With flu in 2026 causing more than 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths across the country1, Parrish Medical Center’s Emergency Department Medical Director, Christopher Rajan, DO, is urging people to take symptoms seriously and use precautions to help prevent flu’s spread.
“This year’s flu strain is particularly hard on the elderly with preexisting conditions such as heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and on the very young,” says Dr. Christopher Rajan. “Since October, we’ve seen more than 200 flu cases in our emergency department. There was a significant spike in flu cases in December and January is currently on track to surpass our December flu case numbers.”
By scheduling a same-day or next-day appointment with a primary care provider or visiting a local urgent care center, individuals can receive care quickly while helping preserve emergency services for those whose flu cases are putting them in danger.
“Seeking care early before symptoms become serious will save you from a trip to the Emergency Department,” he said.
The figures of 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths are preliminary data from the U.S. Center for Disease Control, which estimates more than 15 million people have been sickened by flu this season.
Dr. Rajan notes that flu symptoms such as fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, fatigue and others can often be managed with rest, hydration and antiviral medications, when appropriate, as well as care through an individual’s primary care provider.
He said emergency care should be sought when flu-like symptoms signal a potentially serious complication. For children, some of the warning signs to seek emergency help include trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, chest pain or a fever above 104 degrees not controlled by fever-reducing medication. For adults, emergency warning signs may include persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, seizures or worsening of pre-existing chronic medical conditions.
Parrish Medical Group and Space Coast Health Centers provide same-day or next-day medical appointments. Urgent care centers are also good alternatives for needs occurring after-hours or on weekends, Dr. Rajan said.
To schedule a same-day or next-day primary care appointment with Parrish Medical Group, please call 321-268-6868. Or contact Space Coast Health Centers, located on Parrish Medical Center’s first floor, by calling 321-268-6836.

01/16/2026

Green Gables Historic Home Open House
Saturdays in January - 10 AM to 2 PM
Last tour begins at 1:30 PM
January 17th
January 24th
January 31st
Address:
1501 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901
$10 donation for a tour; children 12 & under are free.
Visit Green Gables at Historic Riverview Village, Inc. and explore one of only three remaining Queen Anne-style homes in the Melbourne area. This nonprofit organization has acquired the property, but currently we are working to raise the necessary funds to restore and preserve this historic treasure to its original condition and charm. Learn how the early Wells Family left a legacy with their support in developing Melbourne.
Take a leisurely tour of Green Gables, step back in time within the home, and unwind on the beautiful grounds overlooking the Indian River Lagoon. You'll quickly understand why we're committed to restoring Green Gables and discover how you can contribute to this important cause.

Window Workshop
Austin Historical will present a classroom workshop on how to repair and preserve historical old wood frame windows. Join us
at Green Gables, 1501 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901, on Saturday, January 10th from 2 PM to 4 PM. Cost is $10
Register at: https://www.greengables.org or phone John at 321-693-2006

RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP
Saturday, January 17th 11 AM to 12 PM Cost $50
Limited quantity of Barrels available. Register to receive your Rain Barrel. The cost of a Rain Barrel is normally $65. When you register you will receive an automatic discount of $15. Additionally, if you are a resident of Melbourne you may participate in the City of Melbourne's Rain Barrel Rebate Program and receive a $25 rebate. Your Rain Barrel will end up costing you only $25. If you live outside Melbourne city limits, check with your municipality to see if they offer a rain barrel rebate.

During the workshop you will learn the benefits of using a Rain Barrel. Learn how to Install, Use and Maintain a Rain Barrel. Your Rain Barrel will go home with you after the workshop.

The workshop size is limited, and advanced registration is required. The workshop will be outdoors at Green Gables, located at 1501 S Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. If you have questions or need more information, call 321-306-8635. Register at: GreenGables.org

CAR SHOW
Saturday, January 31st 10 AM to 3 PM
(more info to follow soon)

GREEN GABLES 3RD ANNUAL GALA "EVENING IN PARIS"
Excitement is in the air! Get ready to be part of something extraordinary as Green Gables at Historic Riverview Village, Inc. presents its Evening In Paris Annual Fundraising Gala. Don your favorite Parisian evening wear and join us for an enchanting evening. Dancing to Phoenix Band. Live and silent auctions. It's an event like no other, and we want you to be there! 🎉

Every registration to this event will bring us closer to achieving our mission to restore Green Gables and preserve a part of Melbourne and South Brevard's history. Help us to make Green Gables truly Melbourne's Bridge to the Past.

Thank you for supporting our mission, your participation is invaluable.

Date: Friday, February 27th, 2026
6 PM to 11 PM
Place:
The Grand Manor, 1450 Sarno Road, Melbourne, FL 32935
Tickets: $85/person
Bring the gang! Tables of 8 discounted.
Join us for Hors D'Oeuvres and dinner with dessert.
Attire: Semi-formal or Formal
"A benefit to support the restoration of historic Green Gables"

Visit Green Gables historic site on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm, or schedule a private event on our scenic riverfront grounds located at 1501 S Harbor City Blvd.

01/15/2026

Hello to all our loyal readers. We just want to remind everyone that you can read the entire current issue of Senior Scene Magazine at our website www.seniorscenemag.com. We also offer a bonus article, unique to the on-line issue. Enjoy.

01/14/2026

‘Heartland Hits’ is Sound of America
Rock with music of Seger, Mellencamp, Petty in Jan 17 Merritt Island Tribute Show

“Born in the USA.” The words to Springsteen’s immortal song are an apt description for the “heartland rock” genre. The straightforward, working-class rock songs from the late '70s and ‘80s focused on blue-collar life and American dreams and struggles, blending rock with folk, country, and R&B. It was exemplified by artists like Bob Seger, John Mellencamp, Tom Petty and Credence Clearwater Revival, known for hard-driving guitar anthems and relatable, story-telling lyrics. Rock in the New Year when Allengang Entertainment presents Heartland Hits on Saturday, January 17 at the Merritt Island Moose Lodge, 3150 N. Courtenay Parkway in Merritt Island, 32953. The 7:00 PM Heartland Hits is the ultimate tribute to the rock legends of the American heartland, featuring a six-piece band headed by Brazilian-born Zee-R. Tickets for Heartland Hits are $35 and $45, available through www.ShowTickets.live. Seating for the performance is at round tables of eight persons. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase at the full liquor bar. Doors open at 6:00 PM. For more information about the show, call 407-252-3536.

Show promoter Stan Allen is the CEO of Allengang Entertainment. He recognizes talent when he sees it –and knows that Zee-R’s Heartland Hits will be another fantastic tribute show for Brevard.

"Zee-R has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years with an impressive number of recordings and concerts worldwide,” said Allen. “With a live band of top-notch musicians, he channels the legends of heartland rock.”

The 2026 Allengang Entertainment shows at the Merritt Island Moose Lodge includes tributes to such names as Journey, Styx, ABBA, Eagles, the Blues Brothers, Toby Keith, Neil Diamond and more. The Moose Lodge venue boasts a 7,200 s.f. ballroom with new stage lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system. For a complete list of 2026 tribute show dates, visit MImoose2073.com or call 407-252-3536.