Vero's Voice Magazine Issue 145 February 2023

145

WCNO 89.9FM, STREAMING & MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2023

If You Were Visiting Vero Beach for a Weekend, What Would You Love To Do?

What Are Your Goals for 2023?

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February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / Vero’s Voice

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Planesdentalarts.com February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / Vero’s Voice

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INSIDE:

MAGAZINE

6 Interview of Attorneys Steven & Jordan Lulich ON THE COVER: 10 Voices of Vero: If you were visiting Vero Beach for See what a weekend, what would you love to do? your 14 Voices of Vero: What are your goals for 2023? friends and 16 Celebrating Love: Valentine’s Day Around the World neighbors 18 TC Stylist: Spring is Just Around the Corner! are saying!

20 Travels by Steven: Venice: The City of Love Don't miss our 22 Movie Review: Elvis Voices of Vero feature 24 Recipes: Valentine Cookies starting on page 10.

ELVIS

Priscilla was just 14 and Elvis was 24 when they met. They married when she was 21.

TRIVIA

Elvis’s debut was also the first million-selling record in the genre, spending ten weeks at Number 1 in 1956.

When Elvis was in high school, he was on the boxing Elvis thought The Beatles represented “antiteam. His favorite class was woodshop.

Americanism” because of their open drug use.

He shared these thoughts with President Nixon Elvis’s first guitar cost $7.75 (plus 2% sales tax) in 1970. from his home town’s Tupelo Hardware Company.

His mother helped him buy it for his 11th birthday. Two of Elvis’s favorite books were The Impersonal Life

by Joseph Benner and The Bible.

Elvis won three Grammys, and received the Grammy Graceland is the second most-visited house in Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36. He’s been America. The first is the White House. inducted into multiple music halls of fame.

After seeing Elvis in concert, Liberace suggested Elvis’s favorite aftershave was Brut. he wear flashy costumes. Elvis took the advice and Elvis is responsible for the best-selling single of both the1950s and 1960s with “Hound Dog/Don’t Be Cruel” began sporting gold lame jackets and jewelled white jumpsuits.

(1956) and “It’s Now Or Never” (1960).

Elvis collected statues of Venus de Milo and During his two years in the US Army, Elvis donated Joan of Arc. all his pay to charity.

Elvis’s favorite impersonator of himself was Andy Elvis also supplied the base with numerous television Kaufman. sets and brought an extra set of clothes for each of his Elvis Presley starred in over 30 films. fellow privates. (Supplies were scarce.)

Elvis was a Black Belt in Karate. He was introduced He was considered a germaphobe. to martial arts while in the Army.

Elvis never performed outside America and Canada.

Unfortunately, he was also introduced to Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, pushed for the amphetamines. marriage to Priscilla. This decision made Elvis even Elvis is a direct descendant of Abraham Lincoln’s more popular. great-great grandfather, Isaiah Harrison.

There’s an Elvis Sandwich, consisting of two Elvis recorded more than 600 songs without writing a slices of bread, sliced bananas, bacon, and single one. peanut butter.

From the time they met right up until his death, Elvis practiced the art of Chito-Ryu during his time Elvis always sent a roomful of flowers to Annin the military. He trained for two years before he left Margret whenever she opened a show in Las Vegas. the military.

Elvis purchased over 100 Cadillacs in his lifetime, many After returning on tour, Elvis would use these bought as gifts for friends and family. The very first new moves on stage during his performances.

Cadillac he ever bought was pink, and was purchased As Elvis grew older, he began to be more concerned as a gift for his mother. about his appearance and looked for ways to remain The self-titled debut LP Elvis Presley was the first youthful. Because he was allergic to hair dye, he used rock ‘n’ roll album to make it to the top of the shoe polish to maintain his black hair.

Billboard charts in the US.

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February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / Vero’s Voice

95 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach, Fl 32960 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Barbara Freund 772-538-2718 barb@verosvoice.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ISSUE

145 FEB. 2023

Sandy Carlile sandy@verosvoice.com

ADVERTISING SALES Brad Scott 772-643-4522

EDITOR AT LARGE

Glenn Swift glenn@owwmedia.com

MAGAZINE DELIVERY George Pevarnik

PRODUCTION ENGINEER Noah Woodrow noah@verosvoice.com

PRODUCTION ENGINEER Ryan Blade ryan@verosvoice.com

PUBLISHER

Rhett Palmer 772-473-7777 rhett@verosvoice.com

The friendly publication where friendly people advertise!

To Advertise Please call Rhett Palmer at

772.473.7777 or email us at advertising@verosvoice. com. Space deadline is the 1st of each month.

Camera Ready deadline is the 10th.

Number of copies printed varies with time of year.

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/VerosVoiceMag Vero’s Voice Magazine is published monthly. Copyright © Vero’s Voice Magazine 2010 - 2023, all rights reserved.

Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by express written permission of the publisher. All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Vero’s Voice Magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Vero’s Voice Magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publisher from all liability.

February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / VerosVoice.com

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Q&A

Meet Steven & Jordan Lulich

Photos Courtesy Lulich & Attorneys

LOCAL FATHER & SON ATTORNEYS AT LAW

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February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / Vero’s Voice

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HETT PALMER: The last time I saw you, Jordan Lulich, gosh, you were the teenage leader, President of the Teens for the Republican Party!

JORDAN LULICH: That’s right, Teenage Republicans. That must have been 15 years ago, 20 years ago.

No, don’t tell me that. Is that how long it’s been since I’ve seen you?

JORDAN: Something like that.

STEVEN: Everyone has value and you can’t forget that.

Jordan was talking about values. What are our values? We got together and talked about what we’re going to develop for the future, because Jordan is an attorney now five-plus years. So we made a plan out and we said, Interview by “Okay, what do we want to promote?”

Rhett Palmer Well, what are our values? And that’s where it starts.

So we value our community, we value our staff, we value our clients and our family, and that’s what’s important.

It absolutely is. Now, tell us about your practice. You do real estate law …

STEVEN: And estate planning and personal injury. Sometimes people come in with specialized problems and they don’t know where to go or who to call.

I remember one time I was backing out, probably 20 years ago, and a guy comes around the corner in a sports car and whacks me in the Okay. We’re talking to attorneys Steven and Jordan Lulich. And I’ve back of my Lincoln Town Car. So this guy’s lawyer says, “You’re going to known Steve for what, 30 years or have to pay us $15,000, and if you don’t pay they’re going to take your something. He’s been a successful license away.”

I realized this is a scare tactic. Well, then it kept going up and kept attorney for years and years. I going up and they say I owe him $64,000. remember back when I first came So we’re in mediation, and I said, “Well, you know, you might want to to town, I’d see your ad with your check the phone records because when he hopped out of his sports car, head on top of the taxis in town. he was still on his phone.” [laughter] They went into another room and come back, “Would you give us STEVEN LULICH: That’s right. $5,000?” And my attorney says, “We’ll give you $3000 right now and you go away forever.” So it went from $64,000 down to three grand.

You know, I don’t see Jordan for all these years, and now all of a STEVEN: Scare tactics are used across the board, especially here in Florida with the sudden I see your ads popping senior citizens. There are a lot of shams out there where they’re scaring people. We have a up all the time on YouTube. I love lot of people that come to us with all sorts of crazy real estate deals, online stuff, and a lot those ads. of it is very hokey.

STEVEN: A little bit of humor. I think JORDAN: I’ve had specific examples, and I can’t go into the details to protect our clients, the important thing is we try to make them but I’ve had specific examples of investors who are contacting elderly people who own a authentic. We don’t want to make believe. If home. So what do they do? They’re able to put their home under contract for a much lower you’re going to make believe, then it’s a joke. value than what the property is actually worth. By the time closing comes around, the property owner finds out that there’s $100,000, $200,000, $300,000 of equity that they They’re great ads. Who came up lost out on and then the deal falls apart. with that concept?

So, what these investors are doing, they’re recording a document in the public records JORDAN: Both of us did. It’s really just and they say it’s a notice of interest in real property. There’s no legal basis for doing this, an extension of the personality of us, our but they record it, so when the person goes to sell their property in the future, what’s firm, it’s our values. We’ve tried to take that going to stop them? This recorded instrument that’s in the public records. personality, we’ve tried to take those values, And so what we’re seeing right now, specifically with real estate, we’re seeing a lot of and put it into our marketing message people who are elderly who are getting preyed on by these investors. The investors are because what we do, what we believe, what preventing them from selling the property to anybody else. we think, and what our team believes is all in Now, there’s a way to get it removed and there’s a process and we’ve helped a lot of the message. people get out of this situation. But without our help, without our assistance, they’ve got this roadblock because they’ve had this person who was putting a lot of pressure on them, I think your dad’s always been the “everyman.” You know, not haughty “sign this contract, sign this contract, sign this contract.” And it’s really sad. It’s a really sad situation. or arrogant or cocky.

Continued next page

February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / VerosVoice.com

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Continued from previous page

S

o what do you want the listeners and readers to know about Jordan Lulich and your dad, Steven Lulich, attorneys at law up in Sebastian? And by the way, everybody that answers the phone up there has a very nice attitude, from the receptionist to your assistant.

STEVEN: They might be answering from Vero, too, because we have an office right across from the courthouse in Vero.

JORDAN: I think the biggest thing that we want clients to know is to come and see us before you have to, right? A lot of people are in this crisis mode, they’ve got these problems because they don’t talk to an attorney and they don’t preplan. There’s a huge distinction between pre-planning and crisis planning.

STEVEN: And if you don’t have a plan, we’ll help you design one. And that’s what we do, by questioning you and making you think, then you and your family are prepared for whatever eventualities.

Also, if you don’t, it can cause break ups in families. I know a family where the grandmother at the last minute wants to leave her car to her grandson who’s in college. The other granddaughter is married with her own car and kids and yet she’s jealous about that. And the family breaks up and hasn’t spoken since.

JORDAN: You need to have a plan in place. Have your instructions. Have your rules. Put it down in a document so then you can avoid this kind of destruction of families. It’s so sad.

Jordan Lulich

So you guys are into estate planning. What else do you do?

STEVEN: Personal injury, auto accidents, medical malpractice, slip and fall. I’ve handled airplane accidents, train accidents, bus accidents.

A lot of people don’t know if they have a case or not.

So, for instance, I had somebody that got side-swiped by a vehicle and ended up trashing their car as a result of this crash, and the person took off. Well, I was able to get money for that person even though there was a phantom vehicle.

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February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / Vero’s Voice

There are a lot of things that people don’t realize. If you’re ever injured, you need to contact an attorney just to find out if there’s some compensation for you.

The largest bill that everyone pays is to an insurance company. Health insurance, homeowners insurance, auto insurance. And so, if something happens, you’ve been paying in a lot of money for a lot of years...

And they don’t want to pay out. You need an advocate; you’re the advocate.

STEVEN: Right. They have two philosophies. The first philosophy is pay nothing, and the second philosophy, if you have to pay, pay as low as you can.

And you guys also do real estate closings, right?

Steven Lulich

JORDAN; Yes, we work with a lot of real estate agents.

Once a month we put on events. You should come out to one of our events sometime, it’s great.

I

’d love to.

JORDAN: We’ve been doing it three years this month, actually. We partner with a listing agent. So, this real estate agent has a property for sale and we do a networking event. Each month it’s different, every single month, and it’s at a home for sale.

STEVEN: Quarterly we do it at night and have a band.

JORDAN: It’s networking. The idea is to bring the industry together and provide education. We’ve had Mayor Robbie Brackett, Erin Grall. We’ve had all these great speakers who come specifically to educate about topics that are relevant to the real estate area. So, it’s great. It’s a way for us to give back, which goes back to one of our core values, to community.

I really appreciate you guys coming in. Great to see you.

STEVEN: Thanks for having us.

JORDAN: We appreciate it.

And it’s Lulich & Attorneys, Steven and Jordan Lulich. Steven’s been in business as an attorney now for how many years?

STEVEN: Thirty-seven.

Call Lulich & Attorneys, (772) 589-5500.

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VOICES OF VERO

by Steve Glaser

If you were

Visiting Vero Beach

for a weekend, what would you love to do?

Two of my favorite things: playing a round of golf and fishing.

I would be sure to enjoy the many wonderful shops and restaurants on Ocean Drive.

GOOSEHEAD INSURANCE

REALTOR, RENNICK REAL ESTATE

Richard Sindone,

Alisha Recco,

Staying at the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa is always a great experience. I would be sure to visit American Icon Brewery.

Always great food and awesome entertainment!

Adam Hernandez,

GENERAL MANAGER, AMERICAN ICON BREWERY

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/ Vero’s Voice

I would be sure to visit our wonderful Sebastian Inlet State Park and enjoy the tidal pool and check out the manatees. In the evening I would take a ride to the Tiki Bar – always great entertainment!

Amy Speak,

V.P., SOUTH STATE BANK

I love the outdoor concerts at Riverside Park. I would be sure to have breakfast at Lemon Tree before shopping along Ocean Drive. Then off to my favorite Happy Hour at Cobalt.

I would walk on the beach from Turtle Trail heading one mile north looking for sea glass and shells. I would also be sure to enjoy a wonderful lunch at Citron Bistro.

REALTOR, KELLER WILLIAMS OF VERO BEACH

BUSINESS OWNER

Peter Marini,

I would take advantage of the beautiful beaches and the wildlife by the river. I would be sure to also visit our Museum of Art.

Nicki Maslin,

V.P., MARINE BANK

Beth Sembler,

Ocean Grill for a great dinner would be on top of my list before dancing the night away at Grind+Grape.

Bob Burbic,

Cindy Roberts,

REALTOR, REMAX ASSOCIATED REALTY

REALTOR, DALE SORENSON REAL ESTATE

I would visit the many fine art galleries in Vero Beach. Also, there are so many great finds in Vero’s thrift stores.

I would enjoy the pristine beaches and love to go fishing. Also, I would be sure to visit the Museum of Art.

TREASURE COAST COLLECTIBLES

PUBLIC DEFENDER OF THE 19TH JUDICIAL COURT

Ralph Oko,

Diamond Litty,

I would stay on the Island and visit the Museum of Art before enjoying the ambiance of Ocean Drive. Always lots of fun and great entertainment at the Driftwood.

South Beach is my favorite place for a beach day! For lunch I would grab a few tacos at El Sid…take a walk through Riverside Park, and be sure to enjoy a delicious dinner at Ocean Grill.

Steve Rennick,

RENNICK REAL ESTATE

February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / VerosVoice.com

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lulich.com • 772-589-5500

REAL

E S TAT E ESTATE

PLANNING PERSONAL

INJURY SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION TODAY! 12 February 2023 / ISSUE 145

/ Vero’s Voice

AT RIVERSIDE PARK IN VERO BEACH FULL OF LAUGHTER & SILLINESS IN 1930s PARIS Written by one of America’s most prolific playwrights, A Comedy of Tenors is an uproarious tale of romantic indiscretions and madcap situations.

On the eve of the concert of the century, 1930’s Paris is all abuzz as four renown tenors are set to take the stage in a stadium filled with screaming fans. What could possibly go wrong? Apparently a lot, when you have one hotel suite, four tenors, two wives, and three girlfriends. Can producer Henry Saunders keep Italian superstar Tito Merelli and his hot-blooded wife from causing operatic chaos?

A ROMANTIC MADCAP TALE! ON THE STARK MAIN STAGE

FEB 21 – MAR 12

View Cast, Photos & Videos online: RiversideTheatre.com/Comedy-Of-Tenors

COME AND MEET THOSE DANCING FEET One of Broadway’s longest-running musicals, 42nd Street tells the story of a humble, naïve young actress named Peggy Sawyer, who comes to the big city to audition for a new Broadway musical. Unfortunately, she arrives too late. Luckily, she catches the eye of the famous director, Julian Marsh, and he casts Peggy as a chorus girl. When the star of the show breaks her ankle on opening night, Peggy is unexpectedly pushed center stage and not only saves the show, but becomes a big star. Filled with spectacular dance routines, lavish costumes, and wonderful songs, this Tony Award-winning musical will lift your spirits and have you dancing all the way home.

ON THE STARK MAIN STAGE

APRIL 11 – 30

Music by Harry Warren Lyrics by Al Dubin Book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble

Tickets & Show Info: 772-231- 6990 • RiversideTheatre.com February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / VerosVoice.com 13

VOICES OF VERO

by Steve Glaser

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR 2023?

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/ Vero’s Voice

I am hoping to reach my company’s target goals for 2023. I am also looking forward to purchasing a condo. Both my children live out-of-state and I am looking forward to spending time with them when they visit.

Chad Miller,

2023 is going to be a great year!

I plan on increasing my business, and planning a trip to Barcelona.

Also, I want to exercise more, mainly through Pilates and stretching.

Elizabeth Caragol Bowler, ITEX CORPORATION

YELLOWSTONE LANDSCAPE

I would like to get involved in a charity that can make use of my medical license. I am also looking forward to traveling to Italy this fall.

Dr. Richard Raborn, MD

I need to stay healthy, especially so I can take care of my mom. Another goal for me is to stay employed during these hard economic times.

Preston Evans,

My two main goals that come to mind are to oversee the renovation of our City Council chambers and to travel to Italy this May.

Tammy Bursick,

ACT COMPUTERS

CITY CLERK OF VERO BEACH

I plan on get more involved in the community and making more time for my family. It’s time to achieve better balance between my work and home life.

To get my insurance license so we can expand our business.

Also, I plan on mastering the art of making homemade bread. I have already started to lead a healthier lifestyle while always putting God first.

Nicole Greer, MR. APPLIANCE

Catalina Gray, THE GRAY AGENCY

Create an alignment between the city initiative, civic organizations, and the people of Vero Beach. I am excited about my new role and look forward to it enriching my life.

Matt Haynes,

I plan on growing our business and giving back to our wonderful community. Also, a major goal is to keep up with my wife!

Benas Veikalas,

THE SLAM DUNK MORTGAGE TEAM

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MAIN STREET

My goals are related to our community. We need to move along on the 3 Corners Project; we need to move the waste management plant off the lagoon and relocate it at the airport; we need to resolve the marina expansion issue. Also, working on plans to revitalize Downtown.

Abundance! Also, to make people happy, healthy and beautiful while giving back to the community.

Cheryl Zuppa, AGLOW SKINCARE

John Cotugno,

MAYOR OF VERO BEACH

February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / VerosVoice.com 15

Celebrating Love …

T

hroughout the world, lovers have found their own unique ways of celebrating the day devoted to love.

D A Y

A R O U N D

romance. There are beautiful gardens, trees, and homes decorated with cards of love and roses. It’s one of the most beautiful Valentine’s Day destinations in the world. There are weddings and marriage proposals in the Lover’s Garden. There’s even a Cupid’s Mailbox where you can mail your Here in the United States, cynics refer to love letter.

Valentine’s Day as a “Hallmark Holiday” because Going back in time … it is it has become so commercialized. According to believed that the first-ever Forbes, American consumers spent a whopValentine’s Day card dates back ping $24 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2022! to 1415 in France when Charles, We think of Valentine cards, hearts, Cupid, the Duke of Orleans, age 21, red roses, chocolates (of course!), and romantic sent love letters to his wife candlelit dinners. while he was held captive in the Perhaps the most romantic gesture of all ever Tower of London. to take place in the US can be found in Miami, Speaking of Valentine’s Day Florida. Between 1923 and 1951, a Latvian immicards, in England and Scotland grant named Ed Leedskalnin singlehandedly built it is customary to send anonymous Valentine a huge monument to his lost love – his 16-year-old cards. This practice dates back to Victorian times fiancée who jilted him the day before their wedding when it was deemed bad luck to sign your Valwas to take place in Latvia. entine’s card. Victorian Valentine’s Day cards are Shortly after his arrival in the US, Ed began beautiful elaborate works of art; ornate and constructing a huge structure out of oolite trimmed with lace, they would often hide little limestone, sculpted into intricate shapes, carved treasures. from 1,100 tons of stone – all miraculously fitted In western England, a mysterious “Jack Valtogether without mortar. It’s a big mystery how entine” knocks on people’s doors and disappears, Ed was able to do it singlehandedly. He never let leaving candy for children. (This is also, by the anyone watch him work, so no one knows how way, similar to how we celebrated Valentine’s Day such a small man only five feet tall could have growing up in New Jersey. We’d run around the accomplished such a monumental feat. neighborhood putting Valentine’s cards in our Today the Coral Castle is a well-known tourist friends’ mailboxes located by the front door, ring attraction and worth a visit the doorbell and run away if you’re in the area. as fast as we could!)

That’s a touch act of love Strange little custom to top! from the past … English Here are some interestwomen used to place ing little tidbits, traditions, five bay leaves on their and lesser grand gestures pillows. This was done celebrating this day of with the hopes to bring romance by some of our dreams of their future neighbors around the world. husbands.

France is often thought In another part of the of as the world’s most United Kingdom, Wales, romantic country so it’s not the day of love is on surprising that Saint-ValJanuary 25th and is called entin, the only village in France that bears the St. Dwynwen’s Day in honor of this 5th century name of the patron saint of love, declared itself the Welsh patron saint of love. The Welsh equiva“Village of Love” in the late 1900’s. lent to Valentine’s Day, St. Dwynwen’s Day is all During a three-day festival in February, the about spreading heartfelt gestures and lovers’ “Village of Love” turns into the epicenter of well-wishes. This holiday shows us how we can

WALES

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T H E

W O R L D

turn a bad situation into a legacy of love.

Dating back to the 16th century … Wooden “love spoons” are a time-honored tradition in Wales. Welsh men present women with handmade carved spoons.

This is an age-old tradition where Welsh sailors carve beautiful intricate designs into wooden spoons for their wives and girlfriends while at sea to pass the time. The carved symbols tell her how he feels and even how many children he wants.

In Northern Europe … Sweden calls February 14 “Alla Hjärtans Dag,” or All Hearts Day. On this day, it’s customary to eat Kärleksmums. The closest English translation is “love treats” — little chocolate brownies cut into heart shapes.

In nearby Finland and Estonia, the streets are decorated in love-themed items in the weeks leading up to February 14. But it’s not just about romantic love; it’s celebrated as Friends’ Day, a celebration of platonic love as well. Families, friends, and couples get together to share meals and outdoor activities.

Romance is not excluded from the holiday, however. Couples still exchange gifts and get married on February 14. In high schools in Finland, students in a relationship wear red, and green if they’re single. In Estonia, single people can catch a ride on “love buses” designed for single people looking to meet their special someone.

Like other countries, Bulgaria celebrates Valentine’s Day in its own style. On February 14, “San Trifon Zartan” is celebrated, which means “day of winemakers.” Young and old couples celebrate their love with a glass of the local wine.

In the Czech Republic, Valentine’s Day has become very popular among young people. The festival is celebrated on May 1st when young couples go on a pilgrimage to Prague’s Petrín Hill Park to the statue of the romantic poet Karol Hynek Mácha, lay flowers, and kiss under the cherry trees for good luck.

In Slovenia, St. Valentine is one of the patron saints of spring. It is believed that on February 14

SWEDEN

V A L E N T I N E ’ S

plants start to regenerate, as this day marks the first day of working in the fields for the new year. There’s a popular belief that birds “propose” to each other on this day. In order to witness this occasion, one must walk barefoot through fields that are often still frozen.

Across the globe to Asia ... In southwest China, the “Sisters’ Meal” festival is celebrated on March 15. Women wear beautiful dresses with silver accessories – probably the most gorgeous Valentine’s Day custom around the world. They cook various dishes with colored rice offered on silk fabric to the young men passing by. Their destiny of love lies inside the object found in the chosen rice. Two chopsticks mean love, and a clove of garlic means the love is over before it has even begun.

In Japan, women make the first move on Valentine’s Day and give men “honmei-choco” — true feeling chocolate.

The tradition is a result of an inaccurate translation in an advertising campaign. In the 1950s, chocolatiers were promoting the western custom of giving chocolate to loved ones on Valentine’s Day. In the west it’s the man who gives the woman chocolate; the error suggested it was the other way around. Ever since, Japanese women have given chocolates to the men in their life on Valentine’s Day. And not just their partners, but also their male friends, colleagues, and even acquaintances they hardly know.

There are different levels of gifted chocolate, with “giri-choco” and “cho-giri-choco” meaning “obligation chocolate” and “ultra-obligatory

JAPAN

chocolate” respectively. These sweets are typically given to a male family member, boss, or someone unpopular.

The chocolates that women give their true love are far more luscious.

Men can’t give the women any gifts until White Day, on March 14, one month after Valentine’s Day. Men who received chocolates on Valentine’s Day return the favor to the woman. On White Day, the most common sweets are candies, marshmallows, and chocolates.

Valentine’s Day is one of 12 “love days” celebrated on the 14th of every month in South Korea. There’s “the day of love,” “the day of roses,” “the day of kisses,” “the day of hugs,” to name a few.

A strange one is “Black Day,” celebrated by single people on April 14. Single friends gather at restaurants to eat Jajangmyeon – noodles in black sauce – and mourn their relationship status.

In India Hindus celebrate love by honoring Kamadeva, the god of human love and desire, during the spring festival of “Holi.” People wear plant-based paint on their faces, throw paint at unsuspecting passers-by, sing, dance, and give friends special candies. This is also a time for forgiveness and harmony, as well as love and friendship.

It’s fun to look at the customs of other cultures and learn about their historical origins.

Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day, however you chose to celebrate.

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February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / VerosVoice.com

17

TREASURE COAST

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…and these 5 pieces will have you ready for Spring Break in the sun!

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Her goal is to help clients love their wardrobes and achieve an effortlessly stylish look that suits them best. You can see more of her current fashion finds at treasurecoaststylist.com. Find her online: www.treasurecoaststylist.com; instagram, facebook, pinterest @treasurecoaststylist

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TRAVELS

BY S T E V E N

The City of Love

by Steven Eidelberg

T

his month I am inspired by love. I’ve never been a sucker for Valentine’s Day, but it made me think of some of the most romantic cities in the world, and one of the first to come to mind is Venice, Italy.

Now, many have said that Venice is a tourist trap, but I’ve found a few ways to truly enjoy and explore this city and its surroundings without a constant stream of tourists.

The first way is to stay away from the city in July and August if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists. The off-season can be fantastic! Plan your visit during early Spring or late Fall for cool but still mild temperatures, great hotel rates, and space to roam. Or the second way, which is my favorite, is to plan your visit during Carnival or Christmas – which can be a bit crowded, but with Italians, not tourists.

While a stay at the Gritti Palace, Danieli or Cipriani are worthy of their price tags, being magnificent former palaces, you may want to stay at the off-the-track Hotel Papadopoli near the garden of the same name for a reasonable rate and lovely accommodations.

Speaking of Cipriani, no visit to Venice would be complete without a meal, or at minimum, a cocktail at Cipriani’s Harry’s Bar. Not only will you share in its history of patrons including Ernest Hemmingway, Truman Capote, Winston Churchill … the list goes on … but also enjoy a delicious Bellini, where the drink was concocted in the 1930’s.

While we typically think of New Orleans or Rio de Janeiro for Carnival, often overlooked by Americans is the magnificent Carnival in Venice with 20 February 2023 / ISSUE 145

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masquerade balls throughout the city, gorgeous masked costumes by all with entertainment and parades in St. Mark’s Square. But don’t worry, since the crowds are primarily Italian, you’ll still be able to take one of the famous gondola rides with a warm blanket and hot toddy, perfect for a couple in love, visit fantastic museums, and dine in world-class restaurants without much fuss.

You’ll want to have a fabulous mask which you can buy there, but if you really want to impress your friends, order one online at one of the famous shops in the city and pick it up upon arrival. I suggest, of course, speaking with a knowledgeable travel agent to secure your tickets to the balls, parades and entertainment, but if you want to do it on your own, visit https://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en. ext is to visit during Christmastime. As many of you know, the only way to get around Venice is by boat and just taking a regular ride from your hotel to a restaurant or walking the canals is a great free tour with so many of the homes and businesses lit up with festive Christmas lights. You can shop for unique gifts (and great food) in the Christmas Markets, the most famous being the Mercanti di Natale in Campo San Paolo, but there are many smaller and more romantic markets in Campo San Luca or Campo Manin.

Of course you’ll want to visit St. Mark’s Basilica and Bell Tower, but nothing is lovelier than to enjoy magical concerts in some of the many small churches which you will find from local notices or from your hotel concierge.

N

Harry's Bar

Christmas in San Marco Square

Murano Glass Hotel Gritti Palace Suite

F

inally, don’t miss a short ferry ride to the island of Murano, where the beautiful glass is made.

If you to go to Venice in the Summer, my best recommendation is to stay at La Gare Hotel Murano in an old glass factory with a free boat shuttle to Venice so you can escape the crowds in the evening and enjoy the lovely small island.

If I haven’t convinced you yet to plan a trip to Venice to celebrate (or give a gift) for Valentine’s Day, don’t’ worry … love and romance happen in Venice all year long, so be sure to plan a visit even if you go with a friend and the final goal is to meet the love of your life while there. You won’t want to travel the world and miss this City of Love!

Church of Santa Maria della Salute

Steve Eidelberg is the owner of Cousu Main Travel, an affiliate of Cruise Brothers Travel, 401-369-8477, seidelberg@cruisebrothers.com, cousumaintravel@gmail.com

Steven Eidelberg

February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / VerosVoice.com

21

REVIEWS Elvis Rated PG – Amazon Prime, Apple TV, HBO Max

by Penny Cooke

“Swivel hips.”

M

any used these words to describe this controversial entertainer in the Sixties. After watching the movie Elvis, I understand why.

The film is a biography of the famous Elvis Presley (Austin Butler who won a Golden Globe Award for his performance) as told through the eyes of his manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), a former carnival worker. He takes you back from his hospital room to the birth of the Rock and Roll legend.

The film portrays Elvis’ life, from a poor boy born in Tupelo, Mississippi, to the most celebrated star in the world. The movie continually revisits Beale Street in Memphis and clubs in Mississippi where Elvis develops his love for music through African American artists, including BB King.

Colonel Parker runs from the carnival believing if he could find an act that would leave a smile on the face of all watching, he would be able to create “The Greatest Show on Earth.” When he hears a recording of this new voice out of the south and discovers he is “white,” his wheels begin to turn.

Parker meets Elvis that evening at the Louisiana Hayride Concert. Sly as a fox, he believes Elvis is his ticket to fame. However, he also realizes he needs exclusive rights to obtain this fame.

He persuades Elvis and his parents he is the one to bring Elvis to stardom and release the family from poverty. Although Elvis’ mother had an unction this was not the right thing to do, they signed the contract.

As Elvis performs in concert, he is charged by the police with “seductive dance moves” and faces legal trouble. However, Parker manipulates the government

to draft Presley into the U.S. Army instead of doing jail time.

During his service in West Germany, Elvis receives the devastating news of his mother’s passing due to her abuse of alcohol. He finds peace while grieving when he meets Priscilla Beaulieu, the teenage daughter of a United States Air Force pilot. After his discharge, he resumes his career and they later marry. Nine months to the day of their wedding, Pricilla gives birth to their only child, Lisa Marie.

The Beatles and other new groups appeared on the scene. Colonel Parker does his finagling to get Elvis back in the limelight by scheduling six weeks at the brand new International Hotel in Vegas which will also help cover Parker’s gambling debts. Unfortunately, Elvis becomes Parker’s slave to pay for his habit and becomes dependent on drugs, leading Priscilla to leave him on his birthday, taking four-year-old Lisa Marie with her.

After his commitment in Vegas, Elvis is off to fulfill his desire to travel and perform on an international tour.

He finally realizes he has been manipulated, and he fires Parker. Unfortunately, it backfires, and Elvis must return to Vegas. This time Colonel Parker works Elvis even harder, and Elvis succumbs to various drugs to keep up with his rigorous schedule.

On August 16, 1977, the world was overcome with grief and sadness as the announcement was made: “Elvis Presley has died.” After his death, Colonel Parker was exposed in numerous lawsuits for fraudulent findings regarding Elvis.

Del Bates

22 February 2023 / ISSUE 145

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Elvis remains the best-selling solo recording artist of all time.

I grew up in the Sixties and the movie reveals many things I didn’t know about Elvis. Since I am limited to words, I invite you to watch the movie today.

ELVIS: Tidbits of Trivia • Actor Austin Butler says because he and Elvis both lost their mothers at 23, he felt he shared Elvis’ pain and used his grief in his performance.

• When production moved to Australia, Tom Hanks sent Austin Butler a chrome typewriter with a note he had written as “Colonel” Tom Parker. Butler used the typewriter to respond to Hanks with a note as Elvis Presley. They continued sending letters back and forth; Butler said it was a fantastic way to rehearse.

• Because Elvis wore eyeliner in real life to achieve the look, Austin Butler wore two sets of lashes and waterproof, long-lasting eyeliner.

• Excerpt from Elvis’ acceptance speech at the ceremony for the U.S. Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Men for 1970:

“I learned very early in life that: ‘Without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man ain’t got a friend; without a song, the road would never bend; without a song.’ So I keep singing a song.”

— Elvis Presley

Del Bates is an award-winning author and speaker. Her latest book “Walking in a Minefield -- A Sojourner’s Guide to Overcoming Life’s Obstacles” is available on Amazon. Del co-hosts the podcast Seeds of Hope with Penny Cooke Thursdays at 11:00 AM on Vero’s Voice. You can find more at Delbates.com.

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ON THE

MENU BE , E N I M

by Barbara Freund

Valentine Wrap these cookies in a pretty box with a bow … delicious little treats to share with your Valentine!

CHOCOLATE CHERRY BLOSSOM COOKIES WITH DRIZZLED CHOCOLATE

Buttery cherry almond shortbread cookies topped with a Hershey’s Kiss, and an extra drizzle of semi-sweet chocolate. It doesn’t get much better than this. Be sure to chill the dough completely before baking.

INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 2/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice 2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon and leveled) 16 maraschino cherries (drained and chopped) 24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate INSTRUCTIONS 1. Before you start, make sure you have enough room in the freezer/ refrigerator because you’ll need to quickly chill the baked cookies with the Hershey’s Kiss on top in Step 8.

2. Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed about 1 minute, until creamy. Turn the mixer down to medium speed and add the sugar, vanilla and almond extracts. Scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl as needed.

3. With the mixer on high, slowly drizzle in 1 Tablespoon cherry juice.

Beat for 1 minute on high.

4. Turn the mixer off and pour the flour into the wet ingredients. Turn the mixer on low and slowly beat until a very soft dough forms, then, with the mixer still running on low, add the chopped cherries. Beat just until the cherries are disbursed through the dough.

5. Press the dough down to compact it and tightly cover with plastic wrap to chill until firm, at least 4 hours (and up to 3 days). If the cookie dough is not sufficiently chilled, your cookies will spread all over the cookie sheet!

6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats (silicone mats preferred to reduce spreading). Shape the cookie dough into 1 tablespoon balls. Make sure they’re nice and smooth. If you find that the balls 24 February 2023 / ISSUE 145

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S.W .A.K . of dough are sticky and/or have gotten a little soft after rolling, place the balls of dough back into the refrigerator to firm up. You absolutely DO NOT want soft dough.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until very lightly browned on the edges.

The cookies will puff up and spread slightly. Do not overbake. Check at 10 minutes.

8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into each cookie and quickly stick the baking sheet in the freezer or fridge so the warm cookie does not completely melt the chocolate. Let the Hershey’s Kiss set on the cookies in the freezer/ refrigerator for about 15 minutes.

9. Remove from the freezer/refrigerator and drizzle with chocolate: Melt the chocolate in the microwave, in 20 second increments, stirring after each increment until melted. Use a plastic condiment bottle to drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies. (A fork or spoon will work, too.)

10. Store cookies covered at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for 6 days. Shortbread cookie dough may be frozen up to 2 months; baked cookies may be frozen up to 2-3 months.

Makes 24 cookies

STRAWBERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Mixed with a little oil, chocolate chips, eggs, baking powder and vanilla, strawberry cake mix is the base of what may be the prettiest and softest cookies you’ll ever bake. And they’re pink for Valentine’s Day!

YOU’RE MY JAM

INGREDIENTS 1 box strawberry cake mix, like Duncan Hines 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 large eggs 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 and 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix and baking powder. Set aside.

3. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, and vanilla by hand.

Add the egg mixture to the cake mixture and stir to form a dough.

Stir vigorously until all of the pockets of dry cake mix are gone.

Gently mix in the chocolate chips.

4. Drop rounded balls of dough, about 2 Tablespoons each, onto prepared baking sheet. Stick a few more chocolate chips on top of the cookie dough balls if desired. Make sure the balls of dough are taller than they are wide. See here for more details.

5. Bake for 10 minutes. DO NOT let the cookies get brown.

6. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 3 minutes. They will be very soft at first. As they cool, the tops may settle down; press them down gently with your fingers if they are not sinking much. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Makes 24 cookies

RASPBERRY JAM THUMBPRINT COOKIES

These raspberry thumbprint cookies are super easy to make and a wonderful cookie to share on Valentine’s Day. Perfectly soft cookies are filled with a sweet jam… yum!

INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick), room temperature 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 egg yolk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans 1/2 cup raspberry jam INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

3. Using a hand mixer, cream the butter, brown sugar, and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.

4. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and pecans until just combined. Don’t overmix.

5. Roll the dough into balls and press a wooden spoon handle or teaspoon measurer into the center of the dough to make an indentation.

6. Fill the indents with jam and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until just set.

7. Let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. They will still feel soft, but they will continue to harden as they finish cooling.

Makes 24 cookies

February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / VerosVoice.com 25

ENCOURAGING

Wedding Bell

Blues “According to the Pew Research Center, love is cited more than any other factor in the decision to wed.”

WORDS

by Beth Walsh Stewart

Are you wearing a wedding ring? Is it on the fourth finger of your left hand? There’s a reason for this. An early Roman named Macrobius (395 AD) believed that humans had a vein running from the fourth finger on the left hand directly to the heart. He dubbed this the ‘vena amoris’, or vein of love.

Strangely enough, early Egyptians and Greeks had the same conviction, even though the circulatory system wasn’t discovered until 1628. What’s more, they designed a wedding ring to place on this vital finger to symbolize the eternal nature of marriage.

Back then, rings were made mostly of hemp.

If a woman’s ring was made of silver or gold, it attested that her husband trusted her with his wealth. Specifically in Egypt, a golden ring that was adorned with a diamond was believed to have the power to ignite eternal love when placed on the finger housing the vein of love. Thus, we have the historic birth of the engagement ring designed to magically make a woman swoon.

In the United States, marriage rates hit their highest point in the mid-1940s, with most historians citing World War II as a catalyst. Folks were marrying before and after deployment in an effort to keep hope alive.

Twenty-five years later, in 1970, Freda Payne hit the charts with the song “Band of Gold” with lyrics whimpering that all she had left of her dreams was a wedding ring. Her hit song seemed to define the sentiments of the nation. Statistics showed divorce numbers skyrocketed between the mid 70’s until the year 2000. Then, with the new millennium, the number of American marriages fell to mimic the numbers during the Great Depression, even though the population had grown exponentially.

Clearly, marriage is becoming a less essential feature in the portrait of modern America. Still, according to the Pew Research Center, love is cited more than any other factor in the decision to wed.

Many Americans are marrying later in life, cohabitating with a partner without the commitment marriage provides, and choosing to have children while unmarried. The current culture shows many deciding not to legally marry though operating with the same roles and responsibilities as married couples. (An exception is for LGBTQ couples, who have responded to legislation of same-sex marriages in 2015 by marrying at higher rates.)

“There is no other place in the developed world where marriages and cohabitations are more likely to come to an end in a short period of time. In the United States, about 23 percent of marriages and 55 percent of cohabitations end in divorce or separation within five years. Additionally, children in the United States experience a higher rate of parental partnership transition and turnover. Eight percent of children living with their mothers encounter three or more maternal partnerships by the time the children are 15 years old.” - Population Reference Bureau, https://www.prb.org/resources/marriage-and-partnership-turnover-for-american-families/

As we celebrate the month of love, it’s important to note that the institution of marriage is under attack. Perhaps it is a consequence of the loss of unity in the nation as a whole. Division has become a way of life in America. The fight for personal rights which we all shared has morphed into individual entitlement philosophies, with no thought of the betterment of the whole. As values change in the country, commitment becomes a choice instead of an obligation.

The downturn in marriage illustrates this new dogma. Children are living into a new social norm, and their witness of this cultural shift is teaching stilted morality.

Without commitment in the family home, it might be lost as a national principle. It’s time to pray for marriage in America, and for each one to work together to keep the institution a viable choice for the coming generations.

Beth Walsh Stewart, MTh, is the visionary behind the WeCovering Project and 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.

26 February 2023 / ISSUE 145

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Beth Walsh Stewart

February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / VerosVoice.com 27

ENCOURAGING WORDS CONTINUED

Look Through

the Eyes of LOVE

by Pastor Alex Pappas

B

eing critical of someone or judging them is something that we as human beings seem to do so effortlessly. You can either be the person doing the judging, or you can be the one on the receiving end of being judged. Honestly, I have experienced both. I have felt the overwhelming hurt of being judged, and at the same time, sadly, I have been the one to judge someone else on certain occasions.

Jesus made an amazing statement:

Wow, that should be a wake-up call for all of us.

This means that if you do not judge others, you also will not be judged.

If you show kindness and understanding when

Pastor Alex Pappas

someone is going through a struggle in their life, then you will find that when you are in season of difficulty; that kindness, mercy and understanding without judgment might be shown to you as well.

In scripture we can see the pattern of sowing and reaping displayed over and over again.

Another thing that the above scripture teaches us is that before we try to take the speck out of our friend’s eye, we should first take the log out of our own.

In other words, before we judge someone, we need to realize that we also have flaws and faults. Sometimes our shortcomings are even greater than the person we are judging. ven though we sometimes succumb to our flesh, we should try our best to make it a priority to exercise grace and compassion instead of judging other too quickly. If we don’t, we can expect to be treated the same way by others.

Let’s be a people that show kindness, compassion, mercy, and most of all love.

“…before we judge someone, we need to realize that we also have flaws and faults.”

MATTHEW 7:1–5 (NLT) 1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.

2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?

4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?

5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

From the above passage we can see without a speck of doubt, that it is not acceptable for us to judge, because in the same way that we judge we will be judged.

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E

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.

REV’S VERSES

by Pastor Rich Ienuso

Let Us Love One Another 1 John 4:7-8 states: “…let us love one another, because love is of God…he that does not love, doesn’t know God, because God is love.”

T

rue love is from God. When we do not love each other, then we do not know God.

God is love. It isn’t easy to love the way God loves, but with His help, we have the ability to love, even our enemies.

Through the Holy Spirit, God’s love is poured out into our hearts (Romans 5: 5).

The Holy Spirit enables us to love each other. Rely on Him. Love ya Pastor Rich Ienuso John 3:16 Pastor Rich Ienuso

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VeroBigShots.com February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / VerosVoice.com 29

N I E TUN

“NEW DAY” Rhett Palmer’s

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February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / Vero’s Voice

G N I N MOR NE-UP: LI Rhett Palmer Talk Live

MON. & WED. 8 - 11 TUES. 8 - NOON THU. 8 - 11:30 FRI. 8 - 10:30

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V e r o sVo i c e .c o m & R he t tPa lm e r .c om

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with Rev. Dr. John Vacchiano WED. 11:00-NOON

with Del Bates & Penny Cooke THUR. 11 - NOON

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with Jurgen Schwanitz ACT Computers FRI. 11:30 - NOON

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to All T

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Over 40,000 Interviews in 28 years!

February 2023 / ISSUE 145 / VerosVoice.com 31

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