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Falardeau
It’s not just about buying a jet— it’s about buying it right.
Wyatt Goes to Washington
BY WYATT FALARDEAU
Editor’s Note:
Wyatt Falardeau, 22, the subject of a cover story in the December 2021 issue of Vero’s Voice, is truly an overcomer. Diagnosed with autism as a child, he defied the odds to rack up a series of academic honors beginning in middle school. At Vero Beach High School, where he graduated in 2022, he ranked in the top ten percent of his class all four years and was a member of the National Honor Society. He’s now a senior at Albion College, a highly respected liberal arts college in Michigan, where he is a member of the Prentiss M. Brown Honors Program. Here is the latest chapter in Wyatt’s remarkable story.
An internship last summer in Congress transformed me from a naive college student into a man on a mission to change national educational policy.
In some ways, I may have seemed an unlikely Congressional intern. Diagnosed with autism at age four and unable to speak until I was seven, I nevertheless persevered to achieve a longstanding dream of going to college. I have no doubt that God gave me strength and confidence to rise above my autism and realize such dreams.
That confidence is also why I didn’t shy away from the challenge of applying for a Congressional internship in Washington, D.C. last summer. As a history major and member of Albion’s Gerald R. Ford Institute for Public Policy and Service, I wanted to test drive what it is like to work on Capitol Hill.
But as I soon discovered, landing an internship wasn’t easy: I first had to go through a rigorous approval process by Albion College and by The Washington Center, a national clearinghouse for college interns. After I was approved, it was up to me to find an internship. I sent out applications, cover letters and resumes to 30 congressional offices – and received 30 rejections.
Undeterred, I kept putting out feelers. It wasn’t until I was approached by Alex Vargo, a man I’ve known since I was a kid at St. Paul’s Church in Vero Beach, that I had a ray of hope. Alex, who is Chief of Staff for Congressman Addison McDowell (R-NC), explained that the congressman had an opening for an intern and encouraged me to apply. He further explained that Congressman McDowell, who is 31, was a first-term congressman and one of the three youngest in the House of Representatives.
I prayed on my knees to God and asked him if this internship opportunity was a calling for me. The Lord answered, “Yes,” and I started the application process. Within a week, I was selected for an interview by Zoom with a staffer from Congressman McDowell’s office.
ABOVE: Congressman Addison McDowell (R-NC) and Wyatt on Capitol Hill.
RIGHT: Alex and Amanda Vargo with Wyatt. Alex is Chief of Staff for Congressman McDowell and a key player in Wyatt’s story.
“Why do you want to work with the Congressman?” the woman asked.
“I want to help the Congressman carry out his agenda to enable America to become 100% pro-life and to secure the border.”
Apparently, my responses hit a responsive chord, because a few days later, my interviewer called and invited me to spend nine weeks as an intern with Congressman McDowell.
“Serving on the Hill not only changed my life but also changed my calling.” – Wyatt
LIFE ON THE HILL
Arriving in Washington, I felt a bit nervous and also proud, as I reminded myself how lucky I was to start this new journey at the center of political power. I told myself that I am in Washington for a reason: to represent Vero Beach and Albion College. My mom helped me move into my apartment at The Washington Center, and I met my roommates.
On June 2, 2025, I walked to the Longworth House Office Building to start my internship. As I stepped into Room #1032, Alex Vargo introduced me, and the congressman’s staff greeted me with open arms. A few minutes later, Congressman McDowell came out of his office. Extending his hand, he gave me a strong handshake and said, “My name is Addison McDowell, and I am proud to represent the State of North Carolina. We’re happy to have you with us.”
His warm welcome set the tone for my experience. As a congressional intern, I was responsible for writing research memos on the Big Beautiful Bill, taking phone calls from constituents who expressed their concerns regarding the Trump administration, and giving Capitol tours. I also researched and delivered a final presentation to the staff proposing a bill that would provide more financial aid to students with autism to enable them to attend
college. Behind the scenes, I was fully immersed in life on the Hill, from riding the Capitol Subway for meetings with lawmakers to feasting on the salad bar in the 167-year-old House Restaurant.
MEETING MIKE JOHNSON
Perhaps the highlight of my summer was meeting House Speaker Mike Johnson (RLA), a moment that is seared in my memory. On June 11, 2025, I was working on a research memo relating to the Big Beautiful Bill when Alex Vargo told me that we were going with Congressman McDowell on a special errand at the Speaker’s office.
“What are we doing here?” I asked, when we got to the office.
“You are going to meet the Speaker of The House, Mike Johnson!” replied Congressman McDowell.
I could barely contain my excitement. After initial introductions in the Speaker’s office, Speaker Johnson shook my hand and ushered me out to his balcony, where he peppered me with questions.
“You are a very bright individual,” the Speaker said, as we walked back into his office.
I learned a lot about Mike Johnson’s character that day. He seemed to care deeply about people – even an intern like me – and I realized that he exemplifies the kind of leader that I want to become.
Serving on the Hill not only changed my life but also changed my calling: Rather than teach history in secondary school, I now want to pursue a master’s degree in education policy. As a prospective master’s student, I would like to explore such topics as abolishing standardized testing and strengthening reading and writing curricula nationwide.
My summer internship in Washington convinced me that I could become a leader in the field of education. Whether my future leads me to a job in Congress or at a think tank, I’m confident that I have what it takes to play a significant role in shaping the future of millions of American students.
Wyatt
Wyatt's
PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM:
During his nine-week internship in Washington, D.C., Wyatt lived with college students from throughout the country at The Washington Center, a nonprofit hub for internship programs.
chatting with Florida Senator Rick Scott.
first foray into politics..
Wyatt with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson from the Speaker's balcony.
BY
SAVANNAH TWICE OVER: A Love Letter to the Jewel of the South
“From the moment you arrive, Savannah feels like a living storybook.”
There are some places you visit once, check the box, and move on. And then there are places like Savannah, Georgia. It’s a city so full of charm, character, and history that a single trip only scratches the surface. Charise and I have been fortunate enough to experience Savannah together twice now, first in 2023 and again this past summer, and if anything, those visits only deepened our desire to return for a third.
From the moment you arrive, Savannah feels like a living storybook. Spanish moss drapes over centuries-old oaks, cobblestone streets wind through twenty-two picturesque squares, and every corner holds a mix of Southern hospitality and spectral whispers from the past. It’s one of the most walkable cities I’ve ever explored, and that’s part of its magic. In Savannah, you discover all the hidden gems at a human pace. Moving through the wonder and history on foot, letting its layers of history and culture unfold around you.
On our first trip, we checked into the Kehoe House, a gorgeous 1892 mansion turned bed-and-breakfast that carries with it more than a few ghost stories. Rumored to be haunted, the Kehoe’s creaking staircases and elegant rooms gave our stay just the right touch of mystery. From there, we dove headfirst into Savannah’s past, beginning with the Prohibition Museum, where the country’s “dry” years came alive through immersive exhibits and even a recreated speakeasy.
Kehoe House
Doolin and Charise
Forsyth Park
No trip to Savannah is complete without exploring its more haunted corners, and the Sorrel-Weed House quickly became one of the most unforgettable stops on our itinerary. With its tragic history and shadowy reputation, it was the kind of place where every flicker of light and unexplained draft made you wonder if someone … or something, was sharing the tour with you.
We also ventured to Bonaventure Cemetery, made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. But Hollywood aside, the cemetery is breathtaking in its own right, with sweeping oak-lined pathways and monuments that tell the stories of Savannah’s past. There’s a quiet beauty in wandering among the graves, a reminder that this city’s history is as much about its people as its architecture.
For another leg of our trip, we opted for a different side of Savannah, staying at The Inn on Forsyth. From our window, Forsyth Park stretched out before us, a lush green expanse anchored by the famous fountain that seems to belong in a fairy tale. One of our most cherished moments was a picnic there, just the two of us on a blanket, soaking in the rhythm of the city as locals and visitors alike passed by.
One of our adventures had a lighter, more playful edge. We laughed ourselves silly on the “Savannah for Morons” bus tour, led by hosts who delivered a mix of history and comedy so sharp we were in stitches the entire ride. We balanced the laughs with chills by taking both a ghost tour, where Savannah’s haunted past came alive in lantern light. On another dark evening, we went true crime pub-crawl tour that dug into the darker side of the city’s history (while also stopping at a few pubs along the way to try a few signature cocktails).
Savannah isn’t just about walking tours, though. We treated ourselves to a dinner cruise on the riverboat, watching the skyline glow as the sun dipped behind the water. And when the night stretched on, we found ourselves singing our hearts out at the lively Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar, where familiar tunes turned strangers across the table into friends.
Each visit to Savannah has shown us something new: the haunted, the historic, the hilarious, the heartfelt. It’s a city that manages to be elegant and eerie, sophisticated and silly, but timeless and always surprising. Two trips in, Charise and I still feel like we’ve only just begun to uncover its secrets.
Despite two great visits, Savannah remains on our travel list. Not as a place we’ve done, but as one we’ll joyfully return to again and again. Because in a city like this, every visit feels like the first, and every goodbye feels more like a promise: We’ll be back.
“Each visit to Savannah has shown us something new: the haunted, the historic, the hilarious, the heartfelt.”
Bonaventure Cemetery
Riverboat Dinner Cruise
Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar
Savannah for Morons Bus Tour
Prohibition Museum
What is one of HALLOWEEN
Living back in Maryland in 1992, I spent $600 on Halloween decorations for our family party. My son still has some of those decorations.
STAN SYNKOSKI
OWNER, 500 ORANGE EVENT CENTER
While I was working for a software company, I wore a t-shirt for Halloween that read, “Error 440 Custom. com.”
SILVANA CUADRADO
FINANCIAL ADVISOR, PRIMERICA
When I was ten years old, someone hung a sheet and as you were trick or treating you had to walk under it in fear, not knowing what was on the other side.
KRISTA HALL
CAPTAIN & OWNER, FLORIDA AIRBOAT EXCURSIONS
Through the years, I enjoyed taking my three children to the Vero Beach Halloween Parade and seeing all the children on little red wagons having such a great time!
BILL PENNEY
FOUNDER & CEO, MARINE BANK
I remember one Halloween when I was a judge for Best Costume. I wore a long shirt with a black top and an orange hat with a beautiful mermaid necklace.
OPAL NELSON
EVENT PLANNER & FASHION DESIGNER
your favorite MEMORIES?
A few years ago I dressed my son up as a homemade vacuum cleaner.
MICHELLE SCALICE
CO-FOUNDER, ST. LUCIE BUSINESS CLUB AND EARNWORTHY
This Halloween is going to be memorable as I’ll share it trick-ortreating in our neighborhood with my three sons.
When I was eight and wore a cowboy costume I won a prize in the local Halloween Parade.
BILL WESTON LAND DEVELOPMENT
Two things come to my mind … wearing my favorite Halloween shirt celebrating with my friends and the birthday of my great nephew on this special day.
HELANE AKI DARAZI REALTOR, ATLANTIC SHORES REALTY
PAUL KLAY TRASH BIN REVIVAL, LLC
When I was nine my mom dressed me up as GI Joe. Today, years later, I am a US Navy Veteran.
MARSHALL MILLER US NAVY, RETIRED
Should You Still Invest in the Stock Market After You Retire?
by Danny Howes, EA, RFC
Many retirees wonder if it's still smart or safe to keep their money invested in the stock market after retiring. After all, they’ve worked hard to grow their nest egg, and the thought of losing it in a market drop can be scary. Still, totally withdrawing from the market might not be the best move either. Let’s break it down simply.
Why Some Stock Exposure Still Matters
Even during retirement, your money needs to grow. Most retirees are living longer than ever, and your retirement could last 20 to 30 years, or even longer. That’s a long time for your money to keep up with inflation, healthcare costs, and daily expenses. Although the stock market can be unpredictable in the short term, it has historically offered higher returns over the long term compared to investments like CDs or bonds. This growth can help your savings last longer.
The Key: Balance and Strategy
You don’t have to be “all in” or “all out.” Instead, many retirees benefit from a balanced approach, keeping part of their portfolio invested in the market while also maintaining safe and stable income sources, such as cash reserves, annuities, or bonds. The idea is to:
• Use conservative investments to cover shortterm needs (like the next 5–10 years).
• Keep some money invested for longer-term growth (10+ years from now). This strategy allows you to grow without risking your entire retirement on the market’s ups and downs.
Consider Your Risk Tolerance
Not all retirees are the same. Some are comfortable with market fluctuations, while others prefer stability. What matters most is your financial plan:
• Aligns with your retirement income goals,
• Matches your comfort level with risk, and
• Supports the lifestyle you want in retirement.
What to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes:
• Panicking during market drops and withdrawing your money at a loss.
• Chasing hot stocks or trends that don’t align with your plan.
• Ignoring inflation, which silently erodes your purchasing power over time.
A Good Rule of Thumb
A practical guideline is the “bucket strategy.” Think of your retirement savings as three separate buckets:
1. Short-term bucket (0–2 years): Cash, savings, or short-term bonds.
2. Mid-term bucket (3–10 years): Conservative investments like CDs, annuities, or bond funds.
3. Long-term bucket (10+ years): Stocks or stock funds that have time to recover from any dips.
This way, you don’t need to sell investments during a downturn; you already have money set aside for near-term needs.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can and often should still invest in the stock market during retirement, but the amount you invest depends on your goals, timeline, and personal comfort level. A wellthought-out strategy can help you enjoy the retirement you’ve worked so hard for without worrying about running out of money.
FAQs
Q: Isn’t the stock market too risky for retirees?
A: It can be if you're too heavily invested. However, a well-diversified portfolio with the right balance of growth and safety can help mitigate that risk.
Q: What if I need all my money in the next 5 years?
A: Then the money you need soon should be in more conservative investments, not stocks.
Q: Should I change my investments after I retire?
A: Yes, retirement often calls for shifting your strategy. You’re no longer growing your savings; you’re using them, so your investments should reflect that.
