Senior Scene Magazine

10/10/2025

Enchantment Awaits During 'Fantastical Voyages'
Melbourne Community Orchestra concert Oct. 15 & 16

As Halloween draws near, the Melbourne Community Orchestra will don their costumes and continue their 2025-26 season of musical travel with Fantastical Voyages, a pair of magical concerts on Wednesday and Thursday, October 15 & 16. The 7:00 PM concerts at the Melbourne Auditorium, located at 625 Hibiscus Boulevard in Melbourne, promise a world where fairy tales spring to life, and wizards, witches, and spirits roam free. The fantasy-inspired evenings will feature pieces that spark the imagination, including music from Rimsky-Korsakov’s Snow Maiden and Prokofiev’s Cinderella Suite. The audience will hear “The Noon Witch” by Dvorak, Neilsen’s Aladdin Suite and much more during the two evenings of enchantment. Dancer Lexie Fieberg, a Satellite High School junior, will take to the stage during Manuel de Falla's "Ritual Fire Dance from The Bewitched Love. Ahead of the show, a musical ensemble will entertain the gathering crowd, beginning at 6:15 PM. Admission to Fantastical Voyages and all Melbourne Community Orchestra concerts is free. The 68-member group conducted by Mark Nelson is the Orchestra in Residence for the City of Melbourne. Call 321-285-6724 or visit MCOrchestra.org for more information or to sign up for concert alerts.

Fantastical Voyages is the second concert of the orchestra’s Come Fly Away season, under the direction of Maestro Mark Nelson.
“This concert will whisk the audience away to places beyond their imagining," said Dr. Nelson. "Spooky, magical, mysterious – we’ve got musical selections perfect for a spellbinding October evening."

The non-profit Melbourne Community Orchestra is an all-volunteer orchestra, performing seven sets of free concerts each Season. Call 321-285-6724 or visit MCOrchestra.org for more information or to sign up for concert alerts.

10/09/2025

10/09/2025

Senior Job & Volunteer Fair in Viera Oct 13
One Senior Place hosts event connecting seniors to area employers and nonprofits

Today, more than ever, older Americans are looking for opportunities to stay active, give back to the community and supplement their retirement income. And from the standpoint of employers and nonprofit organizations, seniors have an enviable work ethic that can't be "taught." On Monday, 13 October from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM, Viera-based One Senior Place, the Experts in Aging, will bring all parties together for the Senior Job & Volunteer Fair. Private employers and nonprofit organizations will be represented during the event at the Viera marketplace for senior resources at 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, including Brevard Alzheimer’s Association, Brevard County Public Works, Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, Health First Viera Hospital, Companion Animal Care of Brevard County, Launch Credit Union, Brevard Public Libraries, Senior Partner Care Services and more. Attendees can browse tables and displays, ask questions of representatives and complete job applications. For more information, call (321) 751-6771 or visit the website of One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging, at www.OneSeniorPlace.com.

CEO and founder of One Senior Place, Don Kramer explains why it is that seniors make excellent employees and volunteers.

"Seniors are an incredible untapped resource in this or any other economy," said Kramer. "Apart from a lifetime of experience, retirees have excellent leadership and problem-solving skills, with a diverse network of contacts they can bring to bear. They've been around the block and are loyal to their core. And they aren't concerned about moving up the corporate ladder or making a quick impression on the boss, or searching for greener pastures in a few months. Seniors know what they want and can be counted on to strengthen the backbone of any organization."

Andrew Cleaver, Executive Director for the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, is looking for volunteers. One big benefit? Concert volunteers can see all shows for free.

“Volunteering with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is a great way to stay active, socialize and surround yourself with beautiful music,” said Cleaver. “We’re looking for volunteers to become part of the SCSO’s story. If our musicians are the heartbeat, our great volunteers have been the backbone of the organization for 17 seasons!”

For information on 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 visit www.OneSeniorPlace.com.

ABOUT ONE SENIOR PLACE-- Begun in 2006 by Don and Beth Kramer, One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging, is a marketplace of resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their family caregivers in Central and East Central Florida. Completely unique, One Senior Place at 8085 Spyglass Hill Road in Viera is a one-stop information hub and mini-mall “revolutionizing the way America shops for elder care and services.” One Senior Place is home to a wide variety of senior-focused businesses, a resource library and is the site of educational seminars and presentations for seniors. In 2008, One Senior Place was named Florida’s Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. In Brevard, they were honored as Business of the Year by the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce. A second location, One Senior Place Greater Orlando, opened in Altamonte Springs in December of 2011. More information about One Senior Place and One Senior Place Greater Orlando can be found on the company website at OneSeniorPlace.com or by calling 321-751-6771.

10/08/2025

County Transit Director Jordan To Lead State-Wide Transit Association

Terry A. Jordan, Director of Space Coast Area Transit, was recently elected Chairman of the Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA) during their 2025 Annual Conference. FPTA stands as one of the nation’s most active transit associations, with members including major public transit agencies, businesses, and citizens from across Florida. The association represents 40 urban and rural transit systems, including commuter railroads, a heavy-rail commuter system, and people mover systems. Collectively, these systems carry 132 million passengers annually, with a fixed-route operating budget of $1.44 billion. Many members also provide paratransit services to meet ADA and state requirements.

“We are excited to welcome Terry Jordan as the new Chairman of the Florida Public
Transportation Association,” said Lisa Bacot, Executive Director of FPTA. “His stellar reputation among his peers, combined with his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing public transit in Florida, makes him the perfect fit to lead us forward. I have full confidence in his ability to lead with integrity, creativity, and collaboration, driving our mission to strengthen communities and enhance mobility.”

In his new role, Jordan expressed his vision for the future of public transportation in Florida. “It’s an honor to lead FPTA as we advocate for innovative and sustainable public transit solutions,” said Jordan. “Together, we will create stronger connections between communities, boost economic growth, and ensure every Floridian has access to the opportunities they deserve.”

Jordan has been with Space Coast Area Transit since 2017 and was appointed Transit Director by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners in 2021. In his role as Director, he leads a team of over 100 employees and manages an annual budget surpassing $45 million, which includes local, state, and federal funds as well as grants subject to rigorous compliance regulations. Jordan is also instrumental in shaping policy, driving strategic planning, and expanding services to better serve the evolving needs of the community.

10/05/2025

Barrier Island Center October 2025 Events
8385 Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway - Melbourne Beach - 32951 (321) 723-3556
All Events are Free Unless Noted “*”
Touch Tank-Drop in and interact with our interesting sea creatures. Horseshoe crabs, sea cucumbers, sea stars & more!
• Sundays in October, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays in October 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.


*Glass Turtle Workshop-Sunday, October 5 @ 11 a.m.-Join Melbourne Beach glass artist, Delynn Ellis, for a Make-Your-Own-Turtle class. Students pick their own colors and design a fused glass turtle. No experience is necessary. Materials fee $25. Space limited, please enroll.

Creatures Fest-Saturday, October 11, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.-Join us for a free, fun, family event to celebrate animal diversity, ecology and conservation with a Halloween theme. Enjoy critteriffic games, owl pellet dissections, touch tank, live animal encounters including alligators and owls, conservation booths, scavenger hunt, eco-art crafts, black light not-so-scary experience, food truck & more! Costumes encouraged and appreciated.

Dune-to-Lagoon Guided Hike-Sunday, October 12 @ 9:30 a.m.-Explore the entire island, starting at the Barrier Island Center and working your way across the Doc Ehrhart Sanctuary to the Indian River Lagoon and back again with Master Naturalist Instructor Mark Prynoski. Please prepare for the elements and enroll.

Sea Turtle 101 & Beach Cleanup, Saturday, October 18 @ 10:00 a.m.-Come learn about our local sea turtles and how you can help, then take action by cleaning the nesting beach. Participation prizes for kids while they last. Please enroll.

*Sea Glass Wire Wrap Earrings with Sea Turtle Charm-Sunday, October 19 @ 11 a.m.-Learn about our local sea turtles, beachcombing, wire wrapping and jewelry tool use with local artist and avid beachcomber Diana Watkins (Beach Beads). Make ’n take a beautiful sea glass necklace that is an environmentally friendly alternative to gemstones! All supplies provided/materials fee $20. Space limited, please enroll.

Dune-to-Lagoon Guided Hike-Sunday, October 26 @ 9:30 a.m.-Explore the entire island, starting at the Barrier Island Center and working your way across the Doc Ehrhart Sanctuary to the Indian River Lagoon and back again with Master Naturalist and native plant enthusiast, Cynthia Maguire. Please prepare for the elements and enroll.

*Glass Turtle Workshop-Sunday, October 26 @ 11 a.m.-Join Melbourne Beach glass artist, Delynn Ellis, for a Make-Your-Own-Turtle class. Students pick their own colors and design a fused glass turtle. No experience is necessary. Materials fee $25. Space limited, please enroll.

Hands-on Introduction to Inshore Sustainable Fishing-Friday, October 31, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m-Join Rider Ridgeway, EEL Education Center Coordinator, for an introductory class for anyone who wants to learn how to start fishing the Indian River Lagoon. Topics covered will include: Rules and regulations, fish identification, how to cast, knot tying, types of bait to use, and how to be a conservation focused angler. Be sure to get your free FWC shoreline-saltwater license first, as applicable. You will be able to practice your skills in the water, so please dress appropriately to get wet. Please enroll.

The Barrier Island Center was created and is managed under Brevard County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands Program referendum. The referendum was established by voters in 1990 to protect and preserve the rich biological diversity of Brevard County for future generations. The Barrier Island Center is centrally located in heart of the Archie Carr Refuge in southern Melbourne Beach at 8385 South Highway A1A. The Barrier Island Center operates in collaboration with the Sea Turtle Conservancy to provide hands-on educational experiences for visitors to the Refuge through interactive exhibits, special programs and a 1-mile long “dune-to-lagoon” nature trail along the Doc Ehrhart Sanctuary. Admission is free to the education center which is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information please call, (321) 723-3556.

10/04/2025

Downtown Art Gallery Welcomes New Abstract Artist, Krissy Neely
The Downtown Art Gallery is pleased to present the bold, expressive abstract paintings of Krissy Neely, on view October 7–31 at 400 Orange Street in historic downtown Titusville. To celebrate the opening, the gallery will host a special welcoming reception on Friday, October 17, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Krissy and fellow gallery artists.
Neely's work radiates energy, color, and motion. She layers and reworks her canvases in an intuitive process that mirrors the textures of life—raw, cathartic, and deeply personal. Often breaking traditional boundaries, she paints without brushes, rips, sews, and even burns her canvases, incorporating found objects to create strikingly original works.
Gallery owner Heidi Thamert shares, “Krissy brings a powerful new perspective to our gallery. Her art is fearless, emotional, and inspiring.”
The public is invited to the special art opening, to meet gallery artists and sample autumn-inspired wine and charcuterie pairings.
View the exhibition during regular gallery hours: Monday–Friday, 11 AM–5 PM, and Saturdays, 11 AM–3 PM. For more information, call 321-268-0122.

10/03/2025

'Pops Spectacle' Benefits Children’s Hunger Project
Space Coast Symphony Performs music of stage and screen Oct. 5 in Cocoa Beach

Once again, Riverside Presbyterian Church is hosting an afternoon of entertaining music for a good cause! This time around, the Cocoa Beach church known for its musical outreach will be raising funds for the Children’s Hunger Project, “Brevard County’s Backpack Program” for schoolchildren. At 3:30 pm on Sunday, October 5th, the church at 3400 N. Atlantic Avenue (A1A) will present the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra for Pops Spectacle: Where the Stage Meets the Screen. The audience can expect to hear music from Broadway’s biggest shows and Hollywood’s blockbuster film scores, including The Sound of Music, West Side Story, South Pacific, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, Grease, Evita and more. The Children’s Hunger Project and its volunteers have been working for 15 years to ensure that underserved kids have food on weekends and during school breaks. Donations can provide a child with the nourishment they need to thrive, not just survive. The 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization now provides food for over 4,800 children at 60 Brevard schools. Tickets to Pops Spectacle are $15 and can be reserved online at www.RiversidePresbyterianChurch.org or by calling 321-783-6085. All funds after concert costs will be donated to the Children’s Hunger Project.

Anda Ray, Community Engagement Team Chair for Riverside Presbyterian Church, hopes the community will turn out for the Pops Spectacle concert to support the Children’s Hunger Project. Over 60% of Brevard’s school children are on the free or reduced cost lunch program – and all benefit from the weekend backpack food program.

“The work of the Children’s Hunger Project is critical to the wellbeing and development of Brevard’s children,” said Ray. “Kids are hungry on the weekends, too. And we all can help set them up for academic success.”

Ms. Ray also encourages attendees to Pops Spectacle on October 5th to bring food items that can be used for the Children’s Hunger Project backpack program. Chosen for their nutritional value, the specified food items include:

• Chef Boyardee Single Serve Variety (Pull top 7.25oz)
• Chocolate milk (Horizon 8 oz shelf stable)
• Goldfish crackers or whole grain pretzels (ie: Pepperidge Farm Goldfish 1.5 oz cheddar or .75 oz pretzel
• Breakfast Bars (ie: Belvita or Zee Zee’s)
• Graham crackers (ie: Teddy Grahams or Zee Zee’s Grahamz)
• Sunflower seeds (ie: Zee Zee’s nut free protein 1-1.2 oz package)
• Craisins (1oz box/1.16oz pouch)
• Applesauce (no sugar added 6 pk) in individual plastic containers
• Fruit cups in plastic individual containers – any variety
• 100% Apple or fruit/vegetable juice in individual boxes or pouches

To learn more about the annual charity fundraiser, visit RiversidePresbyterianChurch.org or call 321-783-6085.

Riverside Presbyterian Church is an unashamedly Christian community gathered and growing around the Word and Spirit. Worship unites us as one, welcoming all people, regardless of tribe. Join us at church every Sunday morning at 10:00am.