More than 50% of students in Seminole County – over 33,000 – participate in the free and reduced meals program. Of this number, more than 1,700 are identified as homeless. Families are struggling to provide the basics (food, clothing, shelter), so many times their household budgets don’t cover backpacks and school supplies.

Dedicated teachers try to help by spending on average $500 – $1,000 of their own money on supplies for their students and classrooms. Tools 4 Seminole Schools provides free school and classroom supplies to every Seminole County public school through the Free Store for teachers.The store collects, stores and distributes school supplies and classroom materials to help alleviate this burden from teachers and low-income parents. The store has everything from pencils, crayons, notebooks and even underwear. The goal is to ensure all students have the supplies needed to be in school ready to learn.

The store is funded through The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools and primarily supported by grants, corporate giving, individual donors and an annual supply drive every summer. Local businesses, community organizations and individuals collect thousands of schools supplies to keep the shelves stocked all year long.

One Senior Place will be hosting a SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE to help stock the Tools 4 Seminole Schools store now through July 31. Please drop off donations to One Senior Place, 715 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs anytime Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5pm.

Any school supplies are accepted, but here’s what’s needed most:

Top 10 list of needed supplies:
1. 12 pack – #2 pencils
2. 12 pack – color pencils
3. 24 pack – crayons
4. Student scissors
5. Pink erasers
6. Glue sticks
7. 8/10 pack – color markers
8. Pocket folders
9. Wide ruled notebook paper
10. Wide ruled spiral notebook

Branch Manager with Raymond James Financial Services awarded AIF^®

(MELBOURNE, FL)  February 18, 2019 –  Ken Whittaker, of Whittaker Cooper Financial Group, has been awarded the Accredited Investment Ficuciary^® (AIF^®) designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies^® , the standards-setting body for Fi360. The AIF designation signifies specialized knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and the ability to implement policies and procedures that meet a defined standard of care. The designation is the culmination of a rigorous training program, which includes a comprehensive, closed-book final examination under the supervision of a proctor, and agreement to abide by the Center’s Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards. On an ongoing basis, completion of continuing education and adherence to the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards are required to maintain the AIF designation. Whittaker, a resident of Melbourne, Florida is the president of Whittaker Cooper Financial Group, a professional practice, where advisors provide financial planning services for clients in Brevard County and Central Florida.  They are located at 1692 West Hibiscus Boulevard in Melbourne, 32901. For more information, call 321-723-3352 or visit the website at http://raymondjames.com/whittakercooper/.

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PHOTO  – Ken Whittaker, of Whittaker Cooper Financial Group, has earned the AIF^® designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies (photo courtesy of whittaker cooper financial group)

ABOUT WHITTAKER COOPER FINANCIAL GROUP –

The Whittaker Cooper Financial Group Inc. is a professional practice, where advisors provide financial planning services for clients in Brevard County and Central Florida.  Begun in 1985, Whittaker Cooper Financial Group is headquartered at 1692 West Hibiscus Boulevard in Melbourne, 32901. Financial Advisors include Kenneth Whittaker, CPA/PFS, CFP^®, CLU, ChFC and I. Wayne Cooper, CPA.  Whittaker Cooper Financial Group maintains a satellite  office inside of One Senior Place in Viera, located at 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, 32940. For more information on Whittaker Cooper Financial Group, call 321-723-3352 or visit the website at http://raymondjames.com/whittakercooper/.

Whittaker Cooper Financial Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.  Raymond James is not affiliated with One Senior Place, the Center for Fiduciary Studies or Fi360.

ABOUT Fi360–

Fi360, a fiduciary education, training and technology company, helps financial intermediaries use prudent fiduciary practices to profitably gather, grow and protect investors’ assets. Since 1990, the firm has provided financial professionals with the tools necessary to act as a fiduciary in their work with investors.  Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Fi360 is the home of the Accredited Investment Fiduciary^® (AIF^®) designation, the Fiduciary Focus Toolkit™ and the Fi360 Fiduciary Score^® . Fi360 is also the parent company of CEFEX. Learn more at www.Fi360.com, via Twitter or on LinkedIn.

Rousing marches and American songs at popular annual event 

(SUNTREE, FL)  –  One Senior Place, the Viera marketplace for senior resources, presents the sixth annual Every Day is Veterans Day, a patriotic concert at the Scott Center for the Performing Arts at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in Suntree on Saturday, March 2.  The public is invited to the free musical salute to veterans at 5625 Holy Trinity Drive in north Melbourne, 32940.  Co-sponsored by VITAS Healthcare, Every Day is Veterans Day will feature a 3:00 PM pre-concert reception for the public, with refreshments and information from numerous veteran and military organizations.  At 4:00 PM, “Reveille” will open a patriotic concert by the Space Coast Symphony Winds and Indialantic Chamber Singers, starting with a Posting of the Colors by the Patrick Air Force Base Honor Guard and the Florida Institute of Technology ROTC Color Guard. The Space Coast Highlanders bagpipe and drum band will proceed through the 800+ seat auditorium for the event that includes a special pinning ceremony for U.S. military veterans who served during the time of the Vietnam conflict; from 1955-1975.  The pins are presented in Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.* The multi-year commemoration period began on Memorial Day, 2012 and will continue through Veterans Day, 2025. Rousing marches by John Philip Sousa as well as songs of America will be performed by the Space Coast Symphony Winds and Indialantic Chamber Singers, considered Central Florida’s premier choral ensemble.  Attendees are invited to wear red, white and blue in patriotic solidarity. While there is no charge for the reception or the concert, free tickets must be reserved through the symphony website at www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org or by calling toll-free to (855) 252-7276.

One Senior Place Founder and CEO, Don Kramer, is delighted to present the special musical salute to veterans for the sixth annual Every Day is Veterans Day event by the Experts in Aging.

“We are beyond excited to be hosting this very special reception and concert honoring veterans and their families,” said Kramer.  “Each year, Every Day is Veterans Day has grown larger.  We are pleased to return again to the comfortable Scott Center in Suntree for a patriotic musical salute to the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform.  We hope many people will also attend the pre-concert reception for some delicious refreshments and a visit with the military organizations and event sponsors.”

Every Day is Veterans Day is just one of the dozens of events presented annually by One Senior Place in Viera.  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 or call 321-751-6771.

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Photo –Space Coast Symphony Orchestra wind band players will perform patriotic favorites during Every Day is Veterans Day, a One Senior Place special free event in the Scott Center for the Performing Arts at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in Melbourne on Saturday, March 2.  To reserve a free ticket, call toll-free (855) 252-7276. photo courtesy Space Coast symphony Orchestra

Photo  — Veterans and the general public are invited to Every Day is Veterans Day, sponsored by One Senior Place and VITAS Health Care.  The special free patriotic concert will be held at the Scott Center for the Performing Arts at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in Melbourne on Saturday, March 2.  To reserve a free ticket, call toll-free (855) 252-7276. photo by judith vaughn photography

One Senior Place 60-second video — https://vimeo.com/314999417/d42e38e160  

*The Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War began on Memorial Day, 2012 and will continue through Veterans Day, 2025. During the commemoration period, Americans are called upon to offer Vietnam veterans and their families a thank you on behalf of the Nation, both privately and during public ceremonies and programs across our country. In Accordance With Public Law 110-181 SEC.598; the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. To that end, the Commemoration is providing Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins for dignified public presentations to living U.S. military veterans who served during the Vietnam War period as a lasting memento of the nation’s thanks. Living United States veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, are eligible to receive one lapel pin.

About One Senior Place– Now in its 13th year, 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 Orlando, opened in Altamonte Springs in December of 2011.  More information about One Senior Place and One Senior Place Orlando can be found on the company website at www.OneSeniorPlace.com or by calling 321-751-6771.

ABOUT THE SPACE COAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA— The SCSO is a lively and passionate Central Florida orchestra comprised of professional musicians, music educators and mentored amateurs of exceptional ability.  The Orchestra was formed by Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins with a two-fold mission: to provide mentoring and performance opportunities for Florida’s finest young musicians as well as to provide professional concerts at genuinely affordable prices.  The ultimate goal of the organization is to help ensure the symphonic tradition for the enjoyment of future generations. 35-year old Aaron T. Collins is garnering recognition for his achievements.  LEAD Brevard named the ambitious Collins one of their “4 under 40″ Young Professionals, the youngest-ever recipient of the honor.  Space Coast Business magazine listed him as one of Brevard’s “100 Most Admired Businesspeople.” Collins is a past recipient of the Richard A. Stark Award for cultural leadership from the Cultural Council of Indian River County.  Through his personal involvement with more than a dozen performing arts groups, pioneering reciprocal ad program and social media cross promotions, Collins has gained a reputation for generosity; championing other arts organizations throughout Central Florida for the cultural enrichment of the community.

The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra performs in several very comfortable venues in Brevard and Indian River counties, with advance general admission tickets priced at just $25.  School-aged children 18 years and under are admitted free of charge, as are college students with a valid ID.  In keeping with their mission, the symphony provides a unique Symphony for Everyone ticketing program, a “pay-what-you-can” option designed to provide substantially discounted admission to any Space Coast Symphony concert.  Relying on a non-traditional orchestra model and a slim budget, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only 19 U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. In addition to maintaining the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra and Space Coast Symphony Wind Orchestra, the non-profit organization also has a youth orchestra and provides numerous separate and free ensemble performances. More information about the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concerts, ticket sales, venues, directions and sponsorship opportunities is available at www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org by calling toll free (855) 252-7276.

Focus on Mental/Sexual/Financial Health at One Senior Place February 22 in Viera 

(VIERA, FL)  – Women of a certain age have something to celebrate: themselves! Senior vitality for women takes center stage at One Senior Place on Friday, February 22 at 2:00 PM when the topic turns to mental, sexual and financial health.  Sponsored by Whittaker-Cooper Financial Group, Rediscovering Your Best Self After Age 50 will feature advice by women for women on charting a course for overall well-being in retirement. Attendees to the Viera marketplace for boomer and senior resources at 8085 Spyglass Hill Road can browse vendor tables before hearing from Dr. Victoria Follett, Professor at the School of Psychology at the Florida Institute of Technology, along with osteopathic physician, Jamie Burrows from Partners in Women’s Health by Steward Healthcare. Doctors of osteopathic medicine regard the body as an integrated whole, rather than treating for specific symptoms only. Also speaking to attendees will be Laural Brown, Operations Manager for Raymond James Financial Services. Refreshments and door prizes will be provided by Whittaker-Cooper Financial Group, which maintains a satellite office at One Senior Place in Viera. Attendees to Rediscovering Your Best Self After Age 50 are encouraged to call (321) 751-6771 and RSVP to reserve seating for the free seminar and resource materials. For more information about One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging, visit their website at www.OneSeniorPlace.com or call (321) 751-6771.

Barbara Fradkin, Social Worker at One Senior Place, thinks women are overdue for the lessons in Rediscovering Your Best Self After Age 50.

“Women sometimes seem to forget themselves as they grow older, because their whole life has been spent caring for others,” said Ms. Fradkin. “This free seminar is a reminder that every day is a new day on your journey to be enjoyed. Life just doesn’t happen to you; you happen to life!”

Rediscovering Your Best Self After Age 50 is just one of the dozens of events presented annually by One Senior Place in Viera.  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 or call 321-751-6771.

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PHOTO – Women’s mental, sexual and financial health are the subject of discussion during Rediscovering Your Best Self After Age 50 at One Senior Place in Viera on Friday, February 22.  To RSVP, call 321-751-6771. photo courtesy of buzz biz public relations

About One Senior Place– Now in its 13th year, 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 Orlando, opened in Altamonte Springs in December of 2011.  More information about One Senior Place and One Senior Place Orlando can be found on the company website at www.OneSeniorPlace.com or by calling 321-751-6771.

ABOUT WHITTAKER COOPER FINANCIAL GROUP –

The Whittaker Cooper Financial Group Inc. is a professional practice, where advisors provide financial planning services for clients in Brevard County and Central Florida.  Begun in 1985, Whittaker Cooper Financial Group is headquartered at 1692 West Hibiscus Boulevard in Melbourne, 32901. Financial Advisors include Kenneth Whittaker, CPA/PFS, CFP^®, CLU, ChFC and I. Wayne Cooper, CPA.  Whittaker Cooper Financial Group maintains a satellite office inside of One Senior Place in Viera, located at 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, 32940. For more information on Whittaker Cooper Financial Group, call 321-723-3352 or visit the website at http://raymondjames.com/whittakercooper/.

Whittaker Cooper Financial Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.  Raymond James is not affiliated with One Senior Place, the School of Psychology at Florida Institute of Technology or Partners in Women’s Health by Steward Healthcare.

ORLANDO, Fla. (January 29, 2019) Since its launch in Fall 2017,  Arts in Action classes have been providing performing arts experiences throughout Winter Park and Maitland specifically designed for adults 60 and over. Starting in spring 2019, these programs are expanding to the Dr. Phillips neighborhood, with plans to expand into the City of Orlando. This program is presented by CFCArts and is sponsored in part by the Winter Park Health Foundation, Dr. Phillips Charities, the City of Orlando, West Orange Healthcare District, and AARP. These affordable ten-week courses foster creativity, artistry, and community and are open to participants of all experience levels.

CFCArts’ mission is to create opportunities for artists of every age to connect, serve, and perform. Tuition for each 10-week program is $35, with scholarship options available. Spring 2019 courses start February 25 and include Acting & Storytelling, Singing, Dance, Movement & Stretching, and Instrumental classes in ukulele and keyboard (instruments provided to participants). At the conclusion of each program, participants are given the opportunity to perform in a showcase for their peers, friends and families.  To register and learn more, visit CFCArts.com/ArtsinAction or call (407) 937-1800 ext 703.

“We are so excited to expand Arts in Action, and to be able to reach more seniors through the arts through this wonderful program” says Leah Porrata, CFCArts director of education & outreach. “We have been so encouraged by the experiences of our seniors in the Winter Park and Maitland area! Arts in Action has given them a place to connect with others and continue – or in some cases, begin – their performing arts journeys. ”

Classes this spring take place at venues throughout the Winter Park, Maitland, and Dr. Phillips neighborhoods in partnership with the Winter Park Public Library, Maitland Senior Center, Maitland Public Library, Orlando Ballet, Harbor Chase of Dr. Phillips, Calvary Orlando, Rosen JCC, Brookdale Senior Living and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

One Senior Place Collects Toys, Serves up Good Time

(VIERA, FL)  November 26, 2018 –  Not every Brevard child will wake up Christmas morning to a pile of gifts under the tree. For the thousands of Brevard parents who struggle to cover the essentials, Christmas presents for their kids are simply out of reach.  One Senior Place in Viera will be helping needy families cope, when they host a Holiday Toy Gala to benefit one of Brevard’s biggest toy drives on Friday, December 7 at 6:00 PM at 8085 Spyglass Hill Road.  Admission to the smart casual event is free, with a new, unwrapped toy or gift for children or teens. Walmart gift cards are particularly welcome. The large toy drive by His Place Ministries is now in its 16th year and will provide toys and gifts for more than 3000 Brevard children, many of them considered homeless.  Collected toys are staged in a room where parents can “shop” on December 20 for free gifts according to the gender and age of their children.  Approximately 800 families benefited from the toy drive last year, for children aged from toddlers through 17.  Gifts for teen girls are often underrepresented and therefore especially needed. The Holiday Toy Gala and “fun-raiser” is sponsored by A Mother’s Touch Movers and will serve up heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts, wine and beer at the Viera marketplace for senior resources, with smooth jazz provided by saxophonist, Fred Cavese.  Attendees can purchase raffle tickets for various prizes and make additional donations for gift cards if desired.  To RSVP for the Holiday Toy Gala, call (321) 751-6771.  For more information about One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging, visit www.OneSeniorPlace.com.

CEO and founder of One Senior Place, Don Kramer explains why the Holiday Toy Gala is an important event.

“Every parent wants to be able to give their kids a happy Christmas, but many just cannot,” said Kramer. “In addition to the struggles caused by the economy, many families are also dealing with financial burdens caused by the death of a wage earner or because of medical expenses due to illness.  That’s where the toy drive and donations come in. It’s all about helping kids experience the joy of Christmas, regardless of their family’s income.”

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.

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Photo  –  Now in its 16th year, the toy drive by His Place Ministries of Melbourne will collect toys for approximately 3,000 Brevard children. On December 20, parents in need can “shop” the free assortment of gifts for their families. One Senior Place will host a Holiday Toy Gala on December 7 to collect toys and raise funds for gift card purchases.  Admission to the free event is one unwrapped toy. RSVP to 321-751-6771. photo courtesy john bertran

Event Poster

About One Senior Place– Now in its 13th year, 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 Orlando, opened in Altamonte Springs in December of 2011.  More information about One Senior Place and One Senior Place Orlando can be found on the company website at www.OneSeniorPlace.com or by calling 321-751-6771.

The Seniors Intervention Group is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to sustaining and improving the quality of life for Seminole County seniors. While non-perishable food pantries are filling up over the holiday season, many seniors also struggle to feed their beloved pets. Please help us feed these pets by donating wet or dry cat and dog food this holiday season. Donations will be collected at One Senior Place Greater Orlando located at 715 Douglas Avenue in Altamonte Springs, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Seniors Intervention Group is also collecting non-perishable food items such as cereal, canned soup, canned vegetables, boxed meals (mac and cheese/noodles), instant mashed potatoes, rice, canned tuna/chicken, spaghetti, fruit cups, peanut butter, jelly, microwave popcorn, and Ensure/Boost. Personal hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, combs/brushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, Depends, Q-tips, denture cleaner, as well as cleaning products like  laundry detergent and dish detergent are also appreciated.

For more information about accepted items, please contact Seniors Intervention Group directly at 407-790-1948.