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VOICES OF VERO
6 What is your favorite summer memory or tradition? by Doolin Dalton 10 If you could go back in time, what year or time would you go back to and why? by Steve Glaser 14 What makes you truly happy? by Steve Glaser
18 Heads of State by Del Bates
It’s not just about buying a jet— it’s about buying it right.
What is your
favorite summer
m e m yro or tradition?
I will always remember the summer days when my mother would take my sister and me raspberry picking at a farm in Connecticut. She showed us how to hold the container and one by one you picked the fresh berries. What fun it was to taste the fruit! They were so delicious you wanted more; however, the whole idea was to fill your container to the top! I learned very quickly how to be a fast picker!
Jen Robbins HOME HEALTH PROVIDER
My favorite summertime memory is fishing for bass all by myself at a beautiful pond near my parents’ house. I was age 10-12 years—old enough to be independent but no real responsibilities. A glimpse of heaven!
Pastor Jon Robbins
ST. PAUL’S CHURCH
My favorite memory was two years ago when we went on vacation with my mother, sister and nephew. We went to Washington, DC by train. We got to do everything we wanted to do and more. My daughter got to see pandas for the first time.
Christine Deshler RETIRED
We took plenty of summer vacations to Disney and the Caribbean, and I loved every minute of it. But my favorite memories are the simple evenings spent playing with neighborhood friends after dinner. Unlike during the school year, summer meant we didn’t have to rush home or worry about homework. Every night felt like a never-ending weekend. We’d talk about the adventures we’d have tomorrow, and the day after that. Summer was for dreaming, and I miss that.
Greg McIver, KITCHEN MANAGER AT COSTA D’ESTE BEACH RESORT
Every summer I spend time with my family; am grateful for God; and take life one day at a time.
Lakeriya Allen SERVER
All year long I’d watch my parents work extra hard so they could take us on vacation. We had some amazing times at Busch Gardens and Disney, all because of the sacrifices I saw them make for us.
Paul Foxx
DRIVER AT FLORIDA PAINT
We would always go to a lake house in North Carolina when I was growing up. The last year we went, my brother was in charge of tying the canoe, but the water rose unexpectedly and when we went back the canoe was gone.
Derek Hiegel
MANAGER
CATELLI’S CIGAR BAR
My favorite summer memory was going to Georgia with my grandmother. We went tubing on the Nantahala River and swimming in the creek.
Elizabeth STUDENT
My favorite summer tradition is a cast net and two fishing poles at the Sebastian Inlet.
Deion Jones
BARTENDER WALKING TREE BREWERY
The summer tradition that I miss the most is going to Dodgertown to see the Dodgers play.
Sean Link PILOT
The best memory I can recall was going to the old community pool in Indiana where I grew up where our families used to go.
Sydnie McKay INVESTIGATIVE SUPPORT TECHNICIAN IRC SHERRIFF’S OFFICE
My summer tradition is wishing that the winter would come sooner.
Shane Lim PILOT
What Are the Financial Benefits of Changing Residency to Florida from NY, CT, or NJ?
by Danny Howes, EA, RFC
If you’re nearing retirement and living in high-tax states like New York, Connecticut, California or New Jersey, you may be wondering if changing your residency to Florida could be a smart financial move. For many retirees and pre-retirees, the answer is yes—but it’s essential to understand both the advantages and the requirements involved.
Florida Has No State Income Tax
The most immediate and impactful benefit of establishing Florida residency is the elimination of state income tax. New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey all impose state income taxes that can significantly reduce your retirement income. Florida does not tax:
• Wages
• Pensions
• IRAs
• 401(k) distributions
• Social Security benefits
This can potentially preserve more of your retirement income and allow your investment withdrawals to stretch further.
Social Security and Retirement Income Go Further
In addition to no state tax on Social Security and retirement accounts, Florida retirees also benefit from zero tax burden on investment income. This can create a more tax-efficient withdrawal strategy during retirement, especially if you work with a qualified financial or tax advisor to structure it.
Source Income Rules
Even if you’re a Florida resident, some states still tax income sourced to their state. For example:
• Remote workers who still work for NY- or CA-based employers may be taxed on wages under the “convenience of the employer” rule (particularly in New York). Retirement income, even if earned in one of these states, is NOT taxed. (1)
• Rental income, business income, or capital gains from property located in a high-tax state remains taxable by that state. (2)
This underscores the importance of restructuring income streams and reviewing your business and employment ties prior to or after relocating. Many large corporations have offices in Florida and may be willing to move your employment domicile to Florida.
Estate and Inheritance Tax Relief
Florida does not have a state estate or inheritance tax, unlike states like New York and Connecticut which levy estate taxes on estates above certain thresholds. For individuals concerned about legacy planning or minimizing estate tax exposure, Florida can offer a more favorable environment.
2010 … I was graduating college and would have probably done things differently that would have positively altered my career path.
ROB MULLINS
OWNER
GROOVY HUES PAINTING OF PALM CITY
2022 … It was a very special and memorable time for me as we were honored to present our first service dog to a decorated Marine that was injured in Abbey Gate.
DEB DOHERTY
FOUNDER & CEO
NATIONAL VETERANS ALLIANCE AND DDS4VETS
2001 … I was graduating high school and I should have furthered my education and career path.
BRENDA GAMEZ
CUSTOMER SERVICE
BONEFISH MAC’S SPORTS GRILL
Many years ago when I was in ninth grade, I should have continued my football career.
GREG HARVEY
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
ASPEN WEALTH MANAGEMENT
I would prefer not to go back in time! I am so blessed living in the present with my wonderful family and thriving business.
DOMINICK LAUDISIO
NADDA
I wish I could go back to when I was twenty-one and employed by the sheriff’s office. I would have never left!
RICHARD STEIN
OWNER, ALL FLORIDA SECURITY SERVICES
I would love to go back to when I was graduating high school. I had great energy and drive!
CORY O’CARROLL
4KIDS OF THE TREASURE COAST
Last year before I lost my mom. I would have loved to spend more time with her.
MIKEY SCHMITZ
OWNER, SACRED ALKALINE WATER
I would love to go back to the nineties! Great music! Life was so much simpler when I had less responsibilities.
CRYSTAL AGUILA
RILEY BLACK STUDIOS
2018 … It was my first year in sales. I should have learned that it is always best to stick with one thing and follow your passion.
GIOVANNI KING
LIFE INSURANCE BROKER
The nineties for sure! I loved the iconic clothes!
HANNAH TIPPINS
HOT MAMA SOCIAL & SUPPORT GROUP
2000 … Before the popularity of iPhones and social media. I think the world was a much happier place.
HANNAH WINTERMYER
HOT MAMA SOCIAL & SUPPORT GROUP
When I was a student at Sebastian River High School. I was just starting to learn about video and media. I wish I could have learned more at a young age.
JOSHUA BRADLEY
MEDIA & VIDEO PRODUCTION JJ FILMZS MEDIA
2012 …. When my dad was still alive. He was struggling with diabetes. With what I know now, I may have been able to help him live a longer and healthier life.
STACY COOPER PLEXUS HEALTH & WELLNESS
HANNAH W.
GIOVANNI
MIKEY
HANNAH T.
CRYSTAL
Happiness can be defined as a sense of well-being joy or contentment.
WHAT MAKES YOU Truly Happy?
Spending time with my grandkids and designing beautiful floral arrangements for weddings.
Shelly Brackett
When I am eating sweet and sour or orange chicken!
Marc Meixner
When I am volunteering, helping others less fortunate than myself.
Roberta Robinson
FLORAL DESIGNER BLOOM LAB
Playing golf with my buddies or driving my 1970 Chevelle SS to car shows.
Paul Gray
THE GRAY AGENCY LLC
When my customers say “WOW” for a job well done!
Jean Daniel Louis
PHOTOGRAPHER
JEAN DANIEL PHOTOGRAPHY
I am happiest when taking a road trip. We just pack our bags and go with no special destination in mind.
Christina Correia
FLORAL DESIGNER
BLOOM LAB
I am at my happiest when I am spending time with my four grandchildren.
Mark Kovalsky
GRILLMASTER
BBQ ISLAND STYLE
Anything outdoors amongst nature. Also, spending quality time with my family and friends.
Angela Ruiz REALTOR
I am always happy when a customer is satisfied with the solution I give them and they want to refer me to their friends and family.
Sammy Brinkley
SOURCE ONE SOLUTIONS
I am at my happiest when I am surrounded by a supportive community and lifting each other up.
Joann Maturo
Gallagher
INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED
OPTAVIA COACH
So many things come to mind! Traveling or doing some type of adventure. I love spending time in my garden connecting with nature. It’s a blessing to spend time with people that I love. I am always happy with anything involving cute animals.
Allie Darling
CUSTOMER SERVICE
VINCENT’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Heads of State
Buckle your seatbelts and get ready for a silly but fun ride with this American actioncomedy film. Heads of State will have you laughing one second, then wondering what’s up the next.
Will Derringer (John Cena), a former Hollywood actor turned politician, has just won the Presidency of the United States with 83 million votes. Then there’s Sam Clarke (Idris Elba), a veteran of the British Army who is serving in his sixth year as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
The two of them are not what you’d call the best of friends. Only on the big screen can two people who cannot see eye to eye emerge victorious when they are forced to work together to thwart the diabolical efforts of the bad guys.
As newly-elected President Derringer visits England for a press conference, we see his jovial spirit, and we see the standoffish attitude of the grouchy Prime Minister Sam Clarke. Their chemistry is hilarious. The comedy begins after the fiery press conference broadcast live to the entire world.
To fan the flames, the Prime Minister’s aide Quincy, and the President’s aide Bradshaw come up with an idea. The plan is for the Prime Minister to join the President on Air Force One to attend the upcoming NATO conference to be held in Trieste, Italy. Reluctantly, they both agree.
But the fire wasn’t just happening at the press conference. When their plane is overtaken by mercenaries working for the notorious Russian arms dealer Victor Gradov (Paddy Constantine), Air Force One goes down in flames over enemy territory. While the world presumes they are both dead, they luckily parachuted out of the blazing plane.
The mystery is: who wants them dead? Who is the adversary behind this with a target on both of their lives?
The director of this film keeps us on edge with his fast-paced narrative as the two men
put their differences aside and work together to save the world from a well-coordinated terrorist attack. With their sharp humor and clever puns, they travel through ridiculous fun-filled action scenes to reach the NATO conference.
Honestly, I didn’t think I’d enjoy this movie from the get-go. It opened with a scene at La Tomatina, the food fight festival in Spain, where a joint team of MI6 agents and CIA officers are ambushed with bodies flying everywhere, so I knew this wasn’t my kind of film. But I must say that I’m glad I decided to hold on for a few more scenes and enjoy the comedy that was about to unfold, ultimately leading to the unexpected ending.
It remains undisclosed till the very end who betrayed the President. You’ll have to head over to Amazon Prime where it is streaming for free and find out for yourself. I know you’ll be surprised as I was. Enjoy!
HEADS OF STATE
and
Del Bates is an award-winning author
speaker. Her latest book, Walking in a Minefield -- A Sojourner’s Guide to Overcoming Life’s Obstacles, is available on Amazon. You can find more at delbates. com. She co-hosts the podcast, “Seeds of Hope,” with Penny Cooke, Wednesdays at 12:12pm on Vero’s Voice.
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hether you are in search of a new family dentist or need a complete smile makeover, our practice is prepared to serve you with the utmost care and attention.
Every day, we help turn dream smiles into a reality. As one of the most sought-after Vero Beach cosmetic dentists, Dr. Planes and the team here at Planes Dental Arts have transformed the teeth of countless patients. From fillings and cleanings to implants and straightening, we offer preventive, restorative, and cosmetic solutions to fit the needs of the whole family.
Our team is highly trained and experienced in a wide range of dental services. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out how dental care at Planes Dental Arts can meet and exceed your expectations.
DESSERTS S ummer Fruit
This recipe was inspired by Jennifer Robbins who brought over a delicious peach and strawberry pie.
SUMMER PEACH PIE
I confess I use store-bought crusts or I’d probably never make a pie - but this delicious filling makes up for any crust shortcomings. Peaches are plentiful now, and what better way to enjoy them than in a beautiful lattice crust pie! The lattice is not as difficult as you think and it gives the pie a definite wow factor. Watch a video to learn the technique. One of my favorite help sources is sallysbakingaddiction.com. Weave and enjoy!
Ingredients
• 2 refrigerated pie crusts
For the filling:
• 6 cups fresh peach slices (about 10 peeled and pitted peaches, cut in 1/2” slices)
• 3/4 cups sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• For the topping:
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons coarse sparkling sugar
Directions
1. Line a pie pan with one of the refrigerated pie crusts, leaving the excess crust for crimping. Place in refrigerator.
2. On a tray lined with parchment paper, cut the other crust into 10 1.25inch strips with a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
3. Preheat oven to 425°.
4. Whisk together the sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl.
5. Place the peach slices in a large bowl. Add the sugar/cornstarch mixture, vanilla, almond, salt and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly.
6. Remove the pie dish and lattice strips from the refrigerator. Spoon the filling into the dish. Carefully thread the strips over and under one another, pulling back strips as necessary to weave. Brush crust with the milk and sprinkle with sugar.
7. Place the pie on a parchment-lined baking sheet to catch spills and put in the oven on a lower rack. Bake for 20 minutes. Place a pie shield on the edges to prevent over-browning. Reduce the oven heat to 350° and bake for an additional 45-60 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.
8. Remove the pie from the oven, and place it on a rack to cool thoroughly.
9. Scoop on vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and enjoy!
DESSERTS S ummer Fruit
CLASSIC PAVLOVA
A pavlova is a meringue disc, made of slow-baked whipped egg whites, slightly crisp on the outside and marshmallow-y delicious inside. It’s the basis for beautiful summertime desserts. Once your pavlova is baked and thoroughly cooled, how you top it is entirely up to you. I found it helpful to watch a few YouTube videos to learn the technique and how easy it is to make. And it’s gluten-free!
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
For the pavlova:
4 large egg whites*
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
*Be careful NO yolk gets into your whites so they whip up properly.
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Draw a 9-inch circle or six 5-inch circles on one side of a piece of parchment paper. (You can trace a cake pan for the large circle or an overturned bowl for the small one.)
2. Make sure your mixing bowl is clean so your whites whip up to their fullest volume. Add the whites to the bowl and whip on high for 2-3 minutes.
3. Gradually add in the sugar and vanilla. Beat until stiff peaks form and it’s glossy, about 10 minutes. (Avoid overwhipping.)
4. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and cream of tartar and fold in with a spatula.
5. Using a spoon, spread your whites onto the baking sheet within the circle(s)
you’ve drawn. Create a slight indentation in the center of the circle for your filling.
6. Place in the preheated oven; immediately turn the heat down to 200 degrees and bake for 90 minutes. Resist the urge to open the oven door. Turn the oven off and let cool completely in the oven to help prevent cracking, at least 2-3 hours, but overnight is best. Don’t worry if you do end up with some cracking – it’s perfectly normal.
Topping suggestions: We like it topped with lemon curd, a layer of whipped cream, and then an assortment of fresh berries –blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and cherries. A couple edible flowers are a beautiful touch. If I’m pressed for time, I use Stonewall Kitchen brand lemon curd. It has a smooth texture and good lemony taste. And I sometimes use ReddiWip on individual servings instead of homemade. Assemble shortly before serving.
The Ocean Grill serves a similar meringue dessert, their Schaum Torte, which is filled with scoops of ice cream and hot fudge and/or other sauces, whipped cream and a cherry.
New Day
89.9FM WCNO
7AM•3PM•3AM
Rhett Palmer
Dog Days of Summer the
There are many opinions of what would be considered the best summer white wine. One of the top-rated options is the classic Sauvignon Blanc with its crisp acidity, vibrant tropical fruit flavors and lighter body. You might enjoy a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with a delicate taste of grapefruit. Or you could choose a sparkling Vouvray from the Loire Valley of France, slightly sweet with the soft essence of honey on the nose and lips. This pairs well with seafood and a salad.
However, when the thermometer rises north of 80 degrees and the “Dog Days of Summer” roll around, I cannot wait to open my first bottle of Albariño from the Rías Baixas area of Spain. A great aromatic dry wine, straw-colored and packed with ripe peach, apricot, and lemon candy. I’ll never forget my initial experience
with this wine. After my first sip I was surprised with the long finish for such a delicate wine.
Each producer has their own interpretation of this wine which gives me another reason to enjoy the different nuances. It can range from a lighter structured wine to a Viognier-like wine, heavier in weight and texture with great aromatics of a white flower bouquet. And it’s reasonably priced.
I recently paired this wine with fresh Maine Atlantic sea scallops sautéed in olive oil and lemon zest.
On the side we had New Jersey beefsteak tomatoes with arugula and goat cheese, sprinkled with a little basil vinaigrette … umm-umm good!
I hope you are enjoying this hot summer!
Cheers! Glenn
What Do You Think?
BY BETH WALSH STEWART
There was a woman who gave me an interesting word picture to describe the thoughts that were running through her mind. She said, “You’ve heard people say that they have squirrels running around in their heads, but my squirrels are carrying helium balloons.” I laughed with understanding, a victim of thinking too much myself.
The word “ruminate” might best describe it. The word actually means to “chew the cud,” a description of an animal who chews its food and regurgitates it to chew it all over again.
Overthinking can develop when we entertain past mistakes and old memories. By replaying the events in our minds, we get caught in negative loops. Because we can’t change the past, reliving these historic missteps never produces improvement. Depression, PTSD, overeating, and addiction can be triggered by this kind of mental behavior. If we identify with this kind of mental strain, what actions can we take to correct it? Here are five activities that may bring us some improvement.
Identify and become accountable for our involvement in the memory or mistake. Look for where we were selfish, dishonest, self-seeking, or afraid. Journaling is a powerful tool for this work. Somehow what comes out of the pen onto the paper also relieves mental clutter. If we can’t write about it, enlist the ear of a faithful witness that may listen and offer insight into any flaws in our understanding of the situation.
Make time to do the work. Our mental health must be a priority. Dealing with the past happens in the present.
“By replaying events in our minds, we get caught in negative loops.”
Recognize what triggers the start of the overthinking and head it off at the pass. Memories tend to wrap themselves around sensory events. Does a place, smell, song, or a specific emotion rekindle the thinking deluge? If we can pinpoint a trigger, we can head the stinking thinking off before it becomes full-blown.
Pray for help. We don’t have to go alone. Let us ask the Creator to help us recreate our thought process. We can go to God and let Him know we are ready for this to change. Meditation brings emotional balance. Spiritual renewal can change the way we think, and transformation will follow.
Practice. Changing the way we think is a skill. Like any skill, it will take practice. It may sound like a paradox, but paying attention to what is on our minds is the art of being mindful. Practice may never make perfect, but it will afford us some tranquility from time to time.
If we have too much on our minds, it may be time to address the repetitive issues that seem to come up. Like deleting old files on a computer that no longer serve, our minds must be maintained, and elimination of non-productive thinking will bring positive benefits. Let us replace mental chaos with serenity and know moments of real peace of mind.
Beth Walsh Stewart, MTh, is the Creator of BethWe, the nonprofit that was the impetus for this work. Dedicated to rescuing the stragglers lost in the shadows of the road of life, Beth is best-known for her Good Seed Podcasts, 12-Step seminars, weekly blogs, g.o.d. speaks books, and uplifting workshops. Beth lives by this motto: I have been called to help my brother find his authentic self and his God, and I best accomplish this end by sharing my pursuit of the same.
Rev’s Verses
BY PASTOR RICH IENUSO
The Word of God
The Book of Ages: Psalm 111:18; 119:89
Food for the Soul: Psalm 19:10; Matthew 4:4
Divinely Inspired: Acts 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:16
Mighty in Influence: Acts 19:20; Hebrews 4:12
Read your Bible and experience God’s love and instruction.
1 Peter 2:2; Revelation 14:13
Be blessed and receive God’s peace.
Pastor Rich Ienuso
God Hates Gossip
Ever Wonder Why Gossip Feels So Tempting?
BY PASTOR ALEX
Have you ever found yourself caught in a conversation that starts with, “I shouldn’t say this, but…”? It’s a scenario many of us recognize, and it often leads to gossip—a topic that might seem trivial but holds significant weight in our spiritual lives. In a recent sermon, we explored why God hates gossip and how it affects our relationships and spiritual growth.
The Destructive Nature of Gossip
Gossip is more than just idle chatter. According to the Oxford Dictionary, it’s “casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.”
The Bible addresses gossip in various forms, using terms like “talebearer,” “whisperer,” and “slanderer.” These words paint a picture of how gossip can reveal secrets, spread lies, and damage reputations.
Proverbs 11:13 warns us, “A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.” Gossip can separate the best of friends, destroy marriages, and even harm entire communities. It’s a tool the enemy uses to sow discord and strife, as seen in Proverbs 16:28: “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.”
Practical Steps to Guard Against Gossip
• Reflect Before You Speak: Before sharing information about someone else, ask yourself if it’s true, necessary, and kind. If it doesn’t meet these criteria, it’s best left unsaid.
• Encourage Direct Communication: If someone approaches you with gossip, gently encourage them to speak directly to the person involved. This fosters honesty and reconciliation.
• Seek Solitude for Spiritual Growth: Make time for quiet reflection and prayer. Use this time to ask God for guidance in your conversations and relationships.
• Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Birds of a feather flock together. Choose friends who uplift and encourage you to walk in righteousness.
A
Call to Action: Choose Words That Heal
As we navigate our daily interactions, let’s commit to using our words to build up rather than tear down. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” By choosing words that heal, we align ourselves with God’s heart and purpose.
Pastor Alex Pappas is Senior Pastor at Oceans Unite Christian Center located in the Indian River Mall. Live broadcasts and podcasts are available at oceansunite.com.
How I Lost Nearly 100 Pounds Naturally with Homeopathic Hormonal Drops
These natural drops helped me lose nearly 100 pounds—but the benefits didn’t stop there. They also helped relieve my hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings! I finally felt balanced, energized, and more like me again. Everythingchangedwhen Ifoundholistic,homeopathic hormonalbalancingdrops.
Why They Work
These drops support the body’s natural hormonal balance. They gently boost metabolism, help regulate hormones like estrogen and cortisol, and support better sleep, energy, and mood. Unlike quick fixes, they’re designed to create lasting change from the inside out.
I’m passionate about sharing this with others! Not only do these work for women, but also men! Sustainable weight loss is possible.
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