Vero's Voice Magazine Issue 149 June 2023

Vero Voices of

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INSIDE:

6 Rhett’s interview with Riverside Theatre’s Director/ Choreographer DJ Salisbury

12 Voices of Vero: How did you meet your spouse?

14 Voices of Vero: If you could go back in time, what age would you be?

16 TC Stylist: Father’s Day Gifts for Every Guy on your List

18 Movie Review: On a Wing and a Prayer

20 World Famous Indian River … Pineapples?

22 Recipes: Everyone Loves Pineapples!

24 Traveling Mamãe: Exploring Pedra da Boca

26

Encouraging Words

ON THE COVER:

See what your friends and neighbors are saying! Don't miss our Voices of Vero feature starting on page 12.

JUNE 14 IS FLAG DAY

The current flag of the United States is the 27th version of the national flag. When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments fought under their own flags.

In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army with the hopes of a more organized battle against Britain. This led to the creation of what was the first “American” flag, the Continental Colors.

This new flag was comprised of 13 red and white stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, very similar to the British flag.

Realizing that flying a flag that even remotely resembled the British flag was not a great confidence-builder for the colonists, they turned their efforts to creating a new symbol of freedom.

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the flag resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation,” the symbol of America, the “Stars and Stripes.”

It is widely believed that Betsy Ross made the first American flag but there is no historical evidence that she contributed to its creation. It wasn’t even until her grandson held a press conference almost 100 years later that the American public learned of her possible role.

Francis Hopkinson was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence from the state of New Jersey and claims he designed the flag. The only evidence of this is a bill that was submitted to congress by Hopkinson that said for designing the flag, you owe me two casks of ale. There is no sketch of that flag or written description of the flag. So, the mystery remains. Regardless of these facts, the Betsy Ross legend lives on and the first flag of the Revolutionary period is referred to as “The Betsy Ross” flag.

The pattern of stars on the blue field is known by three names: the Betsy Ross Pattern, the Philadelphia Pattern, or the Single Wreath Pattern. The blue field on the flag also goes by three names: the field, the union, or the canton.

Because congress did not set the specifics of where the field would be or how the star pattern should look, or how many points the star would have, during this period and up until 1912 the stars could be arranged in any manner that a flag maker chose.

It wasn’t until 1916 that President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of the Second Continental Congress resolution by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Sandy Carlile sandy@verosvoice.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Brad Scott 772-643-4522

VOICES OF VERO

Steve Glaser 954-261-0544

MAGAZINE DELIVERY George Pevarnik

PRODUCTION ENGINEER

Noah Woodrow noah@verosvoice.com

PUBLISHER

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

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

Number of copies printed varies with time of year.

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.

Q&A

RIVERSIDE THEATRE Director

and Choreographer DJ Salisbury

Rhett Palmer:

By popular demand, Honky

Tonk Angels is coming back to Vero Beach. It only took them 21 years to bring the show back and the director back; he is DJ Salisbury. Good morning, sir. How are you?

DJ Salisbury: Good morning, Rhett. I’m really good. Where are you from originally? I grew up in Eastern Kentucky.

You don’t seem to have a Southern accent. Well, I was also an actor in my youth. So it behooves one as an actor to weed out any way for anybody to say you’re from here or you’re from there. Well, this show should certainly fit in with you being raised in Kentucky.

HonkyTonkAngelswas, of course, the story that you did 21 years ago here at Riverside.

Yes. I’m lucky to have the same music director again. Really? And the same costume designer again. You’ve got to be kidding! I don’t think they saved the costumes from the

Honky Tonk Angels Director/ Choreographer DJ Salisbury

Photo by Rhett Palmer

last time, did they? There actually are a few pieces that they saved from 21 years ago, but a lot of them are being rebuilt because we have three new actors.

Wow. So the marketing director here, Oscar Sales, told me that you also directed Man of La Mancha. I did, yes, yes.

Oh, my word! It’s like Peter with Jesus: “I’m not worthy to shine your shoes,” but on a much much smaller smaller scale. But that was phenomenal! Thank you, Rhett. I love that show so much. I feel like it has the message that really speaks to what we do as theater people. We tell stories to lift people up, and that’s exactly what happens in that play. I love that play.

It’s amazing what you did with that, I was just blown away; it seems so complicated! And then that set design, wasn’t it gorgeous? Yes, Michael Schweikardt’s beautiful set design. Really, you felt like you were in that dungeon, didn’t you? It was really beautiful.

Wow, yes! Tell us about these three women who decide to leave their hubbies and their jobs and go to Nashville. Yes, that’s exactly it. You meet three women from various parts of the country, but all have a love of country music and all have the dream of singing and becoming country singers.

So they leave their various locations and happen to meet as they’re traveling to Nashville on a bus, and on that bus they sing a little something together and determine that they should become a girl group. So that’s Act 1. And then in Act 2 you see them as the girl group at the Honky Tonk.

Do they make it? Well, I shouldn’t tell you the story, Rhett.

No, don’t tell me! I have a list of some of the songs we’ll hear: “Stand by Your Man…” Yes, that’s in there, but it’s actually done with a different comic take. So there’s some surprises, that the songs will be very familiar, but somehow, in some instances, how the context has changed what the song means. Like, “Stand by Your Man,” it’s very funny.

Then we have the “These Boots are Made for Walking” which was a tremendous hit back in the ‘60s for Nancy Sinatra. Yes, it’s a great number. There’s a lot of comedy in the show. It’s not just the great songs, but also a lot of comedy.

“Delta Dawn;” Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5;” and then “Amazing Grace,” obligatory if you’re in Nashville; “Harper Valley PTA.” This is going to be great. And you’re the choreographer as well? Yes, I am. It doesn’t have a lot of dance. I mean, it’s three women. There’s some clogging because there’s country music, so it can have a little clog, but it’s just mostly movements. These three women did do a dance combination at the audition, and they’re all very capable, very skilled people.

People might not remember, but DJ Salisbury did also Poodleful, which was written by a local lady.

Yes, Cynthia Bardes wrote the book on which the children’s musical was based. And Ken Clifton and I worked together to craft Poodleful the Musical based upon Pansy at the Palace, which was the name of the book.

You did a great job with that, too. I was in the audience for that. Thank you.

Continued next page

The Honky Tonk Angels: Angela on the washboard, played by Natalie Charle Ellis; Sue Ellen on the tamborine, played by Bailey Purvis; and Darlene on guitar, played by Kylan Ritchie Photo by Angel Udelhoven

Continued from page 7

So you’ve got a fan here. I want to know more about DJ Salisbury, though. You’re a young boy from Kentucky. How did you get bitten by showbiz? Oh, my goodness. Well, I was always interested. I had puppets as a child, and puppets were my actors. So I was staging shows for my puppet actors while as a child, because I was a shy child, an introvert. And then I went to school in St. Louis to study a pre-med program, Washington University in St. Louis, because I had determined I was going to be an animal doctor, a veterinarian, since young childhood. That’s what I thought I would be.

And by the way, he has this puppy dog in his hands right now. Dewey is a great dog. He’s a Brussels Griffon. He’s the fourth dog of that breed that I’ve had and just love the breed, they’re just wonderful dogs.

He’s a cutie. So at Washington University, I was in my pre-med program, and the dance teacher and the acting teacher – those were my electives – they said, “You might consider shifting your major.” And I thought, well, I could always go back to school to become a veterinarian, but why not see what’s available to me in the entertainment industry, and I haven’t looked back.

So you are happy that it went this way? I’m so happy that it went this way. Why? Well, Rhett, I really feel – and this may sound like an arrogant or a braggadocios kind of statement – but I feel like I’m on the earth to do what I’m doing. I feel like this is what I’m here to do. So it’s a bit of a spiritual thought, actually, that this is why I’m here, is to tell stories on stage.

Who is your favorite playwright? I don’t want to necessarily nail you down, but if you were to pick one, two, or three … The first one I would pick is Terrence McNally, primarily because I feel like he was one of the few who was equally skilled at writing plays and musicals.

What did he write that we would know of? The Full Monty is a musical that he wrote. He wrote Ragtime. And writing for musicals, it’s a difficult genre because you have to be very economical with your words, because songs, the music takes up so much of the space in a musical. So the person writing the book – which is what they call the play of a musical – has to be very economical to get a lot of information in few words, but make it not feel like they’re getting a lot of information in. And he was masterful.

Who would be numbers two or three? Oh, my goodness. Well, of course, I love Oscar Wilde for his wit and wisdom.

What a genius! Exactly. And then I could go down the list, but there’s just so many. I feel like I love theater so much that I’m influenced by so many, it’s hard to pick out a few. Terrence McNally is one I immediately point to because of his ability in both straight plays and musicals. I revere that, I think that’s a very specialized thing. But there are so many that I just adore and have always looked forward to revisiting plays that I already know, because they become friends.

You’ve done many plays: The Full Monty; Ragtime; of course the Will Rogers Follies, I saw that; West Side Story, great show; The Mystery of Edwin Drood I did not see; Ain’t Misbehavin’; and I saw La Cage Aux Folles. You’ve really done the gamut here.

Do

you live in New York City now?

I don’t. I moved to Orlando in 2018.

Really? I was a little weary of winter, like so many people become, [laughter] and I had started working regionally, doing shows all over the country, and thought, well, I don’t have to stay in New York. So I chose Orlando because my family moved there while I was still going to college. So it was sort of my second hometown, I knew it, I like the overall feel of Central Florida. I didn’t really want to be on a coast because I have a fear of hurricanes, [laughter] so that’s what I chose to do. And that was in 2018 and I don’t regret it one bit. I love being down here.

I was just in New York this week, so I fly up anytime I want to. I happened to go to the New York Pops Gala that was honoring Barry Manilow. And I was telling Alan, our Artistic Director, that I saw Melissa Manchester, Dionne Warwick, and Barry Manilow sing at Carnegie Hall.

Oh, my! I mean, that’s astounding. They’re legends. Continued, page 10

Photo by Barbara Freund

DJ Salisbury on the set of Honky Tonk Angels with Dewey, his Brussels Griffon

By Ted Swindley

MAY 30 – JUNE 18

A SURE-FIRE COUNTRY-HIT CROWD PLEASER!

Three women leading dull and thankless lives decide to cut loose from hubby, boss and daddy, and board a bus headed for Nashville to pursue their dream of becoming country singers. Romance, independence, and lots of twang and sass result in a feel-good mix of laughter, a few tears, and country pop favorites. “These Boots are Made for Walking,” “Stand by Your Man,” “Delta Dawn,” “9 to 5,” “Amazing Grace,” and “Harper Valley PTA” are just a taste of the heart-thumpin’, foot-stompin’, country classics you’ll experience on the wings of the Honky Tonk Angels.

A TALENTED & PROFESSIONAL CAST + LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC BAND

Continued from page 10

So if you were to say, DJ Salisbury, Director and Choreographer of this new show coming to Vero Beach which you directed and choreographed 21 years ago, Honky Tonk Angels, to some young person that might be reading this, what are the qualities, what are the giftings that are necessary that you spotted in yourself or someone saw in you early on? For me, specifically?

Yes. Well, back to the story of my teachers in college, I think they just saw that I was enthusiastic about the work. It’s hard to say. For example, I would say, when you see somebody with talent, it’s ineffable. Like where does it come from? Who knows?

For example, the woman playing Darlene in Honky Tonk Angels sent a video for production of Next to Normal that I directed last January. She sent a video from rural Tennessee, and I saw this video and I thought, she’s perfect for this show that I was doing. And she was playing a character who was 16-years-old, and she was 16 at the time.

Wow. And then in the fall, I was doing a production of Gypsy. She sent another video and said, “I’d like to be considered for Gypsy.” I cast her as Dainty June in Gypsy. And so now this is the third show we’ll be doing in the space of a year, because she’s just so talented. And I see her and I go like, “Yes, I want you on stage, I want to see you on stage.” It’s that ineffable, that unnamable thing that’s just called talent.

Now, Clive Davis, the Golden Ears in the record industry, now in his 90’s, who discovered Barry Manilow, Melissa Manchester, and Whitney Houston, he said, “Talent is rare, but more rare is talent that recognizes talent.” Do you agree?

I would agree, yes. As you say, he was a star maker. So it takes a special something to say that’s the person that will actually go forward and have a career – not just star, but have a career. Because there’s a distinction. Somebody can be a star for a minute and then you forget about them. But to have a career, that kind of talent takes a special someone to recognize.

I just read that Mel Gibson was hitchhiking one day in California. This guy picks him up and the guy’s going to an audition for a movie. And the lady there says, “You ought to come back next week, we’re looking for

extras.” So he goes back a week later and they give him one of the leading roles. Yeah, that is amazing. But that’s sometimes how it happens. Betty Buckley, the famous Betty Buckley musical theater actor, she got off the bus from Texas back in the ‘70s. Her friend said, “Oh, they’re seeing people for this new show on Broadway, and this is the last day.” It was a Friday. She went over, she was the last person to be seen. She literally got off the bus from Texas, the last person to be seen, and was cast in a Broadway show as one of the only two women in the show. She was in 1776. And I mean, these are the things that happened.

God’s hand. God’s hand and God’s talent. The talent that she had was unmistakable. She’s had a career for 40-plus years.

So live theater is like living for the moment. It’s very sacred between the audience and the performer. It’s like painting a Picasso each night, then clearing the canvas – the stage – for a new creation, the next show. Yes, it is. And I like the thought that as a director/ choreographer and writer, what we do is more permanent; it’s like you’re sculpting something that is a thing that exists. Whereas performance is ephemeral. It only happens in the moment and

is gone forever, which makes it beautiful because it is only there at that moment, for that time, and then it’s gone forever.

As the director, you have to have your creative glasses on at all times, for every character, for every scene. That’s absolutely true. But it’s not so daunting as you might think. Once you get to that point where you see the tables in the theater and we’re doing technical rehearsals, because the team has been together for some time, either by meetings or actually in the process, you get everybody on the same page. That’s the big job of the director: get everybody on the same page about the vision for the show, and then you trust them to fulfill that vision. So it’s not so stressful for me in the technical process of getting the show up days before the audiences come in, because I trust my team.

DJ

Salisbury, Director

and Choreographer of Honky Tonk Angels, is there one last thing you’d say to the audience of why they should see this show? Great music and great characters that you’re going to fall in love with.

Thank you very much. I’m honored that you spent this time with me, DJ. I’ve really enjoyed it, Rhett. Thank you.

Honky Tonk Angels, on the Stark Main Stage May 30–June 18. Tickets available online at https://my.riversidetheatre.com, or call the Box Office at 772.231.6990.

The Honky Tonk Angels Photo by Angel Udelhoven

by Steve Glaser

How Did You Meet Your Spouse?

We were both working in Home Depot. A few years later, I proposed to her in a castle on the Isle of Man in Ireland. It remains very special to both of us as my parents were married in the same castle.

I met Larry in Ocala in a Winn-Dixie parking lot. We are now married 30 years and have four wonderful sons.

We met at the Jungle Club, which is now Vero Fitness. She was working there as a fitness instructor.

We were both living locally and met on MySpace 13 years ago. Caitlin

My husband and I both grew up in the Point Pleasant, New Jersey area and a close friend got us together 35 years ago. Nancy

My good friend introduced me to her best friend and we met at his high school graduation and have been together ever since.

Laura Stein EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES

Both us were working at Burger Chef, a fast food restaurant. This month is our 44th wedding anniversary!

My wife was my high school sweetheart. I met her right here in Vero Beach.

While I was working for a software company, management brought in a lady working with at-risk youth to teach them about business and technology. That special lady became my wife. Steve Hardy

We were Facebook friends and I had a break from the Police Academy. We decided to meet and celebrate Passover together. Here it is six years later, married, and we have built a great family and successful business.

James Wilson

YOUR LOCAL PEST DETECTIVE, INC

by Steve Glaser

If you could go back in time, what age would you like to be?

Twenty-five was a great age! I got to see the world.

Surely my thirties! I enjoyed traveling and met so many awesome people. Also, I loved my career in radio!

Vontrell Lee-Kin

SALES MANAGER, BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING

My forties. I enjoyed traveling in those years. Also, I transitioned from New York to Chicago and made my career change. I left the consumer retail world and started my career in senior health care.

Phyllis Kramer

SENIOR LIVING ADVISOR, SENIOR LIVING EXPERTS

Thirty-nine. I was feeling young and powerful! I still remember my two children making me a very special birthday cake to celebrate my birthday.

Julie Lilliquist

BOSS LADY, EVERGREEN MEDIA

Thirty-five! I looked good, felt good, and was on top of my game.

Cathy Davis

CARE PLUS HEALTH PLANS

I have no desire to be anyone from the past. The past made me who I am today.

Bryce Morrison

PUBLISHER, REAL PRODUCERS/ TREASURE COAST

I would have to say now! I feel I am the best version of myself that I have ever been.

Veronica Kolibab

EATING WITH V, CERTIFIED INTEGRATED NUTRITION HEALTH COACH

Thirty-four. I would not have married my second husband!

Jennifer Marsh

SENIOR LIVING COORDINATOR, DISCOVERY VILLAGE

My forties. I got around much more easily and I always enjoyed my full-time job.

Loretta Kaul

BOARD MEMBER, LITTLE BIRTHDAY ANGELS

Nineteen. I would never have gotten married!

Julie McCarthy

OWNER & CHEF, THAI ESAN ZABB SUSHI

Early 30’s. Just recently married. I was very happy! All my family was doing well and I was building a successful business.

Steve Glaser  DIRECTOR, WE ARE VERO

Now is the best time in my life!

Heather Hawk

HOME HEALTH LIAISON, NIGHTINGALE PRIVATE CARE

Robert Luperi MEDICARE SPECIALIST

by Marianne Howell

Father’s Day Gifts for every guy on your list!

TOP ZIP TOILETRY BAG LEATHEROLOGY | $110 WWW.LEATHEROLOGY.COM

SCOUBIDOU T-LOGO WOVEN LEATHER WRAP BRACELET TOM FORD | $470 WWW.NEIMANMARCUS.COM

MEN'S MG4+ GOLF SHOE GFORE | $225 | WWW.GFORE.COM

MARIN INSTRUMENTS POLAR SKIN-DIVER MARIN INSTRUMENTS | $1,150.00 WWW.MARININSTRUMENTS.COM

PRX CHRONOGRAPH BRACELET WATCH, 42MM TISSOT | $1,825.00 WWW.NORDSTROM.COM

DOWNING SUNGLASSES WARBY PARKER | $95 WWW.WARBYPARKER.COM

Marianne Howell is a design consultant & personal stylist based on the Treasure Coast. She is drawn to simplicity and believes that less is more. Find her online: www. treasurecoaststylist.com; instagram, facebook, pinterest @treasurecoaststylist.

WAXED BRAIDED BELT PETER MILLAR | $125 WWW.PETERMILLAR.COM

On a Wing and a Prayer

RATED: PG

STREAMING ON AMAZON PRIME

by Penny Cooke

On a Wing and a Prayer is based on a suspenseful true story that made national headlines in 2009.

Doug White (Dennis Quaid) and his family flew to Marco Island to attend the funeral of his brother, Jeff (Brett Rice), who died suddenly from a heart attack. Doug

Cabuk (Wilbur Fitzgerald), succumbs to a heart attack and dies instantly. Doug is sitting in the co-pilot’s seat because his wife had convinced Joe to let him sit with him to encourage him. But he has no idea how to fly the twin engine King Air 200. His only flying experience was a not-so-successful flying lesson on a single engine plane which ended with a rough landing and his brother being sick in the back seat.

After the movie’s somewhat slow start, the suspense climbs with the plane, which was still ascending to its cruising altitude of 10,000 feet when the pilot collapsed. Doug, who had never flown higher than 7,000 feet, scrambles to get the plane off autopilot as air traffic control scrambles to find a pilot who has experience with this kind of plane. By the time Doug was able to disengage autopilot, the plane reached nearly 18,000 feet.

Meanwhile, Doug’s wife, Terri (Heather Graham), struggles to get Joe out of the pilot’s seat so he won’t fall forward onto the controls and complicate things further. She then joins Doug in the cockpit to support his efforts to land the plane.

A pilot is finally found in Connecticut (Kari, played by Jesse Metcalfe), but it’s questionable whether he’ll be any help since he’s dealing with his own plane crash anxiety.

“I can’t control this thing,” Doug complains to Kari.

“Yes, you can. Sometimes you gotta trust in things you can’t see.” Interesting line for a man who’s having trust issues with God, from a man who’s having trust issues with planes.

A few interesting facts:

• Doug told air traffic control, “You find me the longest, widest runway you can.” The actual runway used was Runway 6 at Ft. Meyers International Airport, which is 12,000 feet long and was used as a backup in case the space shuttle couldn’t land at Cape Canaveral.

• Air traffic controllers gave only a ten percent chance of a successful landing and survival.

• Doug and Terri owned the King Air 200 plane, which they leased as a business venture.

• White said he turned down earlier movie offers because they wanted to take the faith element out of it.

You can listen to the actual “David White Audio with Air Traffic Control” on YouTube. But don’t ruin it for yourself. Watch the movie first.

ON A WING AND A PRAYER

goes through a time of doubting his faith as he had lost his father, then his uncle, and now his beloved brother. He’s questioning as we all do sometimes: Why, God?

The story revs up upon their flight back home to Louisiana when Doug’s faith is tested further. Ten minutes into the flight, the pilot of the small private plane, Joe

The suspense intensifies as wind and storm impede the mission. And to add to the tension, a situation arises with their teen daughters, while the pilot’s dead body lay between the two sisters in the back seat.

This film kept me on the edge of my seat!

Penny Cooke cohosts Seeds of Hope with Del Bates, Wednesdays at 12:12PM, Live on Facebook.

Penny Cooke

Searching through our archives, I came across this article written by Bob Valentino back in 2011.

World Famous Pineapple? Indian

River …

by R.J. Valentino

Long before it became known for world-famous citrus, the Indian River region was known for producing pineapples. At the turn of the 20th century, thousands of acres along the sandy ridge of the Indian River from Vero Beach to Sewall’s Point were covered with pineapples. The Treasure Coast became known as the Pineapple Capital of the World!

There were pineapple plants, pineapple packinghouses, and pineapple canning factories, pineapple elixirs, and, of course, postcards of pineapples celebrating the region’s cultivation of the succulent fruit. The first evidence of a pineapple farm on the Treasure Coast dates back to 1845 by a settler named Caleb Drayton. According to researchers, Drayton grew the crops south of the site of the original Fort Pierce.

The Hallstrom family emigrated from Sweden and settled in what is now called Indian River County to grow pineapples near Oslo Road. Axel Hallstrom, a horticulturist, and Nels Hallstrom started the Hallstrom Farmstead along Old Dixie Highway. After receiving glowing reports from fellow Scandinavians living in the “Oslo and Viking settlements” now known as Indrio, he moved to the Vero Beach area and purchased land for $35 an acre near the settlement of “Viking,” close to where the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens is located today. This became the site where Hallstrom began his pineapple plantation.

The railroad ran right along Old Dixie Highway where the plantation was located. Plantation owners would stack crates full of pineapples along the railroad tracks and hang out a yellow flag. This signal meant that the train should stop, load the crates onto the rail cars, and deliver pineapples to northern markets in Philadelphia, Boston, and New York.

However, by the 1930s, pineapple production in Florida began to fall off, largely due to changes in climate. (And I thought our generation thought up this whole Global Weather thing.) This time it was a series of hard freezes that damaged or killed the crops. I guess they called it “Global Cooling.”

Other factors in the demise of the pineapple industry in Florida were nematodes (roundworms), and finally competition from Hawaii where Jim Dole founded the Hawaiian Pineapple Company in 1901 and challenged Florida’s supremacy in pineapple production thanks to their brilliant marketing campaign.

Alf B. Michael established Orchid Island Growers in Wabasso around the time pineapple growers were looking for a new product. The citrus industry began to grow by leaps and bounds. Indian River Citrus quickly developed a reputation as the best citrus on the market and was in demand around the country.

Other industries were also being established in the area. In 1916, Jacksonville banking barons organized the Sebastian Ranch Company. They planted large fields of an assortment of vegetables and introduced dairy and beef cattle to the Treasure Coast.

Another enterprise, the Sebastian Land Company, initiated timber and naval stores operations near Sebastian in 1919. The extraction of turpentine from pine forests near Wabasso and Sebastian contributed to Florida’s naval stores industry.

With the economies of Fellsmere, Sebastian and Wabasso growing steadily, Vero Beach looked for a source of income, so the founding fathers invented something called SNOWBIRDS. The population of Vero Beach began to grow and the town was laid out in 1914 … but that is another story.

See page 22 for pineapple recipes!

by Barbara Freund

Cube it, slice it, dice it, juice it, grill it.

Everyone loves

Pineapples!

hile looking for recipes, I kept coming across “whipped topping.” I stopped buying whipped topping when I started reading ingredient labels. The only downside to real whipped cream (aside from the high fat content and calories!) is that it doesn’t hold up well in the refrigerator. These recipes call for whipped topping, but I use the real stuff and stabilize it with sour cream or Greek yogurt – 1/4 cup to 1 cup heavy cream which makes 2 cups. I will say, however, whipped topping is the easier choice…up to you!

PINEAPPLE FLUFF SALAD

Nostalgia. Marshmallow salads bring back memories. As a summertime side dish, my mother would make a green fluff called Watergate Salad using pistachio pudding. It goes back to the Nixon era and was supposedly created by a chef from the Watergate Hotel.

INGREDIENTS

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 20-ounce cans pineapple tidbits, drained, OR use

1 can tidbits

and 1 can crushed pineapple, well-drained

1-1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

1 8-ounce carton frozen whipped topping, thawed

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1/3 cup maraschino cherries, halved

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, milk and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in pineapple and marshmallows, then fold in the whipped topping. Top with nuts and cherries. Refrigerate.

PINEAPPLE CREAM CHEESE PIE

This no-bake pie is another delicious summer treat that’s quick and easy to whip up. Make sure you allow enough time to set completely.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled*

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature

1/4 cup sugar

1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple, drained thoroughly*

1 9-inch graham cracker pie shell (homemade or store bought)

DIRECTIONS

1. Start by chilling your mixing bowl and whisk attachment. Whip the chilled heavy cream on medium to medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.

2. In a separate large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until light and fluffy.

3. Carefully fold in the whipped cream and then the pineapple.

4. Spoon the filling mixture into the pie shell.

5. Chill thoroughly until filling is set, about 2 to 3 hours.

*You can use 2 cups of whipped topping, thawed

*To avoid a soggy pie, remove as much moisture as possible by squeezing or pressing the pineapple

PINEAPPLE SALSA

I LOVE tropical salsas. I could just eat it with a spoon and skip the chips. It’s delicious on fish or grilled chicken, too. If you want to wow your guests with a beautiful presentation, serve your salsa in a hollowed out pineapple. It’s not that difficult - there are a lot of tutorials online.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups pineapple, diced

1 cup red and/or green bell pepper, finely chopped

1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1/4 cup jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped

2 limes, zested and juiced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno peppers, lime zest and juice, olive oil, ground coriander, cumin, and salt.

“Be like a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.”

– Katherine Gaskin

by Adaline Carlile

Explore Pedra da Boca (…and bring a sandwich!)

Olá! Tudo bom, gente?

Traveling Mamãe aqui!

This past month, I was able to embark on an adventurous journey to the beautiful rocky region of Araruna, Brazil. Lush rolling green hills give way to jutting rocks and skinny palm trees to create a captivating landscape. The star of the show is a cluster of these beautiful and large rocks located in a state park, the largest called Pedra da Boca, or “Mouth Rock.” It’s named for the large opening in the side of the mountain that is reminiscent of a mouth. It attracts tourists, hikers and campers from all around the country! From scaling the rocky side, to swinging from the cliffside, to exploring the surrounding forest and caves, this was an excursion that satisfied my craving for nature and adventure. I went into this experience knowing nothing, just eager to go along for the ride and explore a new place with my sister who was in town. About ten minutes into the hike, I knew I was in for a rougher ride than I had anticipated. You see, I’m very clumsy and so mistrustful of my feet that when descending stairs, I must use the rail and plant both feet on one step before moving onto the next. Coupled with my two left feet and a serious postpartum lack of fitness, I was already huffing my way up steep rocky paths, using my hands to keep my balance!

We were almost to the mouth of the rock when even more intimidating climbs were laid out before me. Only one person could go at a time, with the help of a rope to scale more rock walls. There were so many people waiting to come back down that I didn’t give it a second thought, praying my running sneakers would grip tight enough! The path tested my determination and physical endurance, but once we reached the summit, I was greeted by a panorama that left me breathless (which might also have been because I’m out of shape). The sweeping views and the jagged beauty of the Serra da Borborema Mountains rewarded my huffing efforts.

Our group waited in line for the main attraction: the giant swing that jutted from the top of the mouth that swung thrillseekers into the open air. My sister and I relaxed on a rock toward the side and bonded, watching passing rain clouds shower

This page, clockwise from lower right:

1. Adaline and her sister begin the ascent to "Mouth Rock" seen in the distance.

2 & 3. Adaline, her husband and sister scale the incline, using a rope the last leg. 4. Adaline swings upside down, high above the canopy.

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the distant rocks and hills and eating our granola bars. We both had thought that a sandwich sounded really nice as a reward for the hard work, but we hadn’t brought any, being told there would be restaurants for lunch. I can’t deny I was a little miffed by this, having burned so much energy climbing a mountain, but it inspired my new life motto: “It’s better to have a sandwich and NOT eat it than to NOT have a sandwich.”

After some more waiting, we finally had our chance at the swing. With my heart pounding, I embraced the exhilarating opportunity and flew high, head down and arms open like Spiderman. The wind caressed my face, and I felt an indescribable sense of freedom as I soared back and forth, praying the swing was stable and secure in the cliff’s wall! (That’s part of the adrenaline rush, isn’t it?) With each swing, I savored the stunning vistas beneath me, suspended between the sky and the earth, fully alive and present in the moment.

After my encounter on the swing, we had to descend the mountain using the same ropes. I have to tell you, this part was infinitely more terrifying for me than the swing, but I did it. Hands aching from gripping the rope so tightly, I slowly inched backward down the mountain until my feet met horizontal rock. Luckily, we finished the rest of the descent walking through the surrounding forest, no more ropes and rocks to slip on! The trees were so dense that even

the sun couldn’t fully penetrate the canopy above at times. We saw a few different critters, including giant ants the size of the tip of my thumb. I mean, really, they seemed fake because they were so comically large!

By the time we got back to the trailhead for lunch it was already past three o’clock, which was the time that lunch had ended. I did my best to get past this disappointment, my stomach growling, and just repeated to my sister, “It is better to have a sandwich and NOT eat it than to NOT have a sandwich.” Really, these words have become my mantra.

Our adventure continued as we ventured into the depths of a hidden cave. Another long hike through the woods brought us to its mouth, nearly having to crawl on all fours to get in. Bats flew around us as we tentatively explored, being careful where we stepped to avoid any hidden cracks in the rocks. We could hear the trickle of water from a little stream within. We were completely alone in the echoing dark cave, and it was quite eerie!

By the time we left the cave, the sky was growing dark. Having no desire to be in the wilderness at night, our group picked up the pace and headed back to the trailhead to finish our adventurous day. I was tired and desperate for a shower, but the day had been so unlike any other I’ve experienced in Brazil so far.

Pedra da Boca is more than a mere destination—it is a gateway to an extraordinary realm of adventure and exploration. From conquering the summit and witnessing breathtaking vistas to defying gravity on the cliffside swing and delving into hidden caves, each experience is an invitation to connect with the wonders of nature and embrace the thrill of the unknown.

Just remember to bring a sandwich!

Hikers await their turn for the swing.

Are you tired? Thankfully, summertime promises a respite with vacation plans to secure a breather. While this is good, perhaps this summer we could improve our outlooks by reviewing yearround plans to rest and rejuvenate.

When designing the cosmos, even the Creator took a day of rest to enjoy the wonder of His imaginings. We share His ability to create, and that capacity produces a full life and less stress.

What do you love to do? Do you love to cook, invent, work crossword puzzles, garden, enjoy music, or play sports? We all love to make time to experience creative outlets. Unfortunately, most of us see some of our favorite creative activities as unnecessary. Even the words we use to schedule them show our disregard. Descriptions like “down time” or “extra-curricular” suggest the activity is secondary to something more important. But is it?

It is natural to grow weary when we are driven by work or worry. Both activities expend energy. But what would happen if we regularly scheduled breaks to utilize a completely different part of our psyche when our workload (or thought load) gets heavy? Creativity expands energy. Those who have tried planning a creative outlet in the midst of stress report increased success and acuity. Life coaches and mental health counselors suggest creative breaks to fight anxiety and burn-out.

“A short mindfulness exercise can give you the ability to install attention and focus,” says Brittany Johnson, LMHC. “I also recommend jigsaw puzzles or other games that require solving problems to increase mental sharpness.”

Beth Walsh Stewart

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.

WORDS

by Beth Walsh Stewart

for the Weary

Still, some of us won’t allow ourselves quality rest. In our rush to “jump the next hurdle,” we push ourselves to exhaustion. Consenting to regular breaks from activity can enhance our lives in many ways.

To rest is to let go. It’s not necessarily ceasing activity; sometimes it means changing the activity. By engaging our creative faculties, we can renew our strength just as if we had taken a break. If you can’t schedule a tennis match or an afternoon stroll through a museum, try other quick ways to find repose. Focus on where you feel taxed. Is it physical, mental/emotional, or spiritual?

direct that kind of unconscious rambling toward conscious, determined mind rest, you will be amazed.

Guided meditations are helpful to beginners in meditation. Listening to soothing music and dialogue that directs mind pictures will help those who struggle free up their thought life. Seek out a recorded meditation and allow your mind the break it needs. Just five to twenty minutes quieting the mind daily will pay off in serenity.

For recharging physically, there are simple strategies. When was the last time you stretched? Regular stretching is natural early in our lives. Just watch any newborn. We come into this world reaching for the stars but settle into our routines and lose the marvel of stretching. Are you feeling physically tired? Try a good stretch.

Mental rest is also necessary to fight anxiety, worry, and overload. Meditation relieves self-created stressors. Do you doubt your ability to meditate? Most don’t realize that worry is a form of meditation. Anxious expectations and worst-case-scenarios share their places in the world of creative meditation. Focused on a “whatif” scenario, your mind creates a fantasy that triggers mental pressure. Instead, if you learn to

Our spirits need rest as well. Spirit unrest often shows up as a lost sense of belonging and purpose. Conversation with God builds restful connection. Prayer brings personal release that promotes growth and vitality, while creating within us a desire to help our fellow man. Regular conversation with God as a daily ritual has other benefits, too. Intuition, discernment, and trust become the norm, generating personal repose and comfort. We move from a “glass-half-full” mentality to an understanding that help filling our glasses to overflow is available. Taking time for prayer can be momentary, but it can change the whole direction of our day.

Summer is upon us. We can make a one-time vacation plan or decide to incorporate rest throughout the entire calendar year, one day at a time. We can celebrate our creative gifts and talents and use them to bring us rest. We can enjoy our sports and hobbies, and maybe even learn something new. Our commitment to rest will improve our lives, whether we fly to Barbados for a ten-day junket or stand in the middle of a busy work day and stretch out the tension.

We were created with an intricate design plan that includes the need for respite. Plant the flowers or smell the flowers, whatever allows your spirit to soar. Rest must be a priority.

When designing the cosmos, even the Creator took a day of rest to enjoy the wonder of His imaginings.

Beth

REV’S VERSES

by Pastor Rich Ienuso

Our Father

Matthew 6:6-13 records “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Most people know this prayer by heart. It begins with the words “Our Father.” Jesus taught us to call God, Our Father.

This is a very personal relationship we can have with God. God does not have to be the “man upstairs.” Bring Him “downstairs” into your heart.

By receiving Jesus as your personal lord and savior (John 1:12), you can know God as your own personal Father.

Trust in the Lord today. You can call God your “Dad” (Romans 8:15)

“Abba” is an endearing word that means more than “Father.” It is “dad’ or “daddy.”

Get to know Him in that personal way through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

Happy Daddy’s Day, Pastor Rich

A Father’s Heart on Father’s Day

Iam very well aware that days like Father’s Day and Mother’s Day can sometimes be a sensitive topic, because not everyone has had a good experience when it comes to being raised by either one of their parents or in some cases both.

I can honestly say that in my years of ministry I have seen so many people who have struggled so much with these special days marked and celebrated on our calendars. I have also seen how important the role of parents, but especially the father is in a home.

Please note that you do not need a good “natural” father to become successful. However, I do believe that having a good father can be extremely beneficial in the lives of children.

I am very blessed as I have had two very good parents. I will say that the one thing that both really did do so well was showing me a lot of love, and that helped me tremendously throughout my life.

It is interesting that God has been revealed to us, by Jesus as a Father; in fact, Jesus teaches us that God is our Father. That is good news for anyone, no matter how good or bad your upbringing was. You must remember that when you give your life to Jesus you are “Born Again” which means you have been born into a new family. The bible says this:

Ephesians 1:5 (NKJV) 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

Romans 8:15 (NKJV) 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

Isn’t it amazing to think that God is a Father to us! That means you take His name as your own. You have the most loving and supportive Father that wants to see you succeed. You come from the best family line and your past and future are both so bright. You are royalty.

As a father myself, I realize the large responsibility that comes with it. I have a desire to be a blessing to my children, to encourage them, to protect them, and to affirm them, to name just a few things. I want you to know that if I feel that way about my children, how much more does our heavenly Father feel about us?

I want to encourage you this Father’s Day to be the best dad you can be to your children, but no matter what your circumstances are, never forget, we all have the best heavenly Father that loves each and every one of us so dearly that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

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.

by Pastor Alex Pappas

Pastor Rich Ienuso

Pastor Alex Pappas

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