Vero's Voice Magazine Issue 155 December 2024

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December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / Vero’s Voice

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inside:

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From Saint to Santa Claus Voices of Vero: Tell us about your favorite purchase.

16 Voices of Vero:What achievement stands out for you for 2023?

18 Movie Review: A Christmas Blessing 20 On the Menu: Christmas Cookies 24 TC Stylist: Hostess Gifts for Holiday Gatherings

On the Cover: See what your friends and neighbors are saying!

Don't miss our Voices of Vero feature starting on page 12.

26 Mind Games 27 Dessert Wines 28 Encouraging Words

A copywriter named Robert May created Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for a Montgomery Ward Christmas coloring book based on his daughter’s love of deer.

English Puritans banned Christmas in 1647 because they viewed it as a pagan celebration. In Massachusetts, the U.S. Puritans followed suit. From 1659 to 1681, anyone caught celebrating the holiday was fined.

The most popular types of Christmas trees are Fraser fir, followed by noble fir, Douglas fir, balsam fir and Scotch pine.

The best-selling Christmas single of all time is still “White Christmas” sung

by Bing Crosby. It has sold over 100 million records worldwide.

During the Christmas season, nearly 28 sets of LEGO are sold every second.

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December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / Vero’s Voice

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sandy Carlile sandy@verosvoice.com

ISSUE

155 DEC. 2023

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Dan Cox 978-807-4145 dan@verosvoice.com

ADVERTISING SALES Brad Scott 772-643-4522

Did you know?

Santa’s reindeer are likely female. Male reindeer lose their antlers in November, while female reindeer keep their antlers through the winter.

MAGAZINE

95 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach, Fl 32960

Many of the most popular Christmas songs, such as “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” were written or co-written by Jews.

Alabama was the first state to officially recognize Christmas in 1836 and Oklahoma was the last in 1907.

The first person to decorate a Christmas tree was reportedly the Protestant reformer Martin Luther. According to legend, he was so moved by the beauty of the stars shining between the branches of a fir tree, he brought home an evergreen tree and decorated it with candles to share the image with his children.

The first printed reference to a Christmas tree was in 1531 in Germany.

In 1962, the first Christmas postage stamp was issued in the United States.

Sources: factretriever.com, almanac.com

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

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.

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December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / VerosVoice.com

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THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING FEEL-GREAT MUSICAL! Who knew four guys from New Jersey would turn the world upside down? With a unique sound that nobody had heard, but the radio couldn’t get enough of, Jersey Boys is the Tony® Award-winning true-life musical of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. While their harmonies were perfect on stage, their offstage relationships were a different story.

PROFESSIONAL CAST +LIVE MUSIC

DECEMBER 1, 2, 9, 15 & 16

TICKETS STARTING AT

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PRESENTING SPONSORS: Eva & Bill Gurley and Ron Hunt and Lisa Amorosa

Located in Riverside Park • Vero Beach

Box Office 772-231-6990 • RiversideTheatre.com

4 RECYCLE RIGHT this holiday season:

Wrapping Paper

Packing Peanuts

Packaging Materials

Recycle in your blue cart.

Return to any Pak Mail or UPS Store.

Styrofoam, bubble wrap, air pillows and wraps may be recycled at any of the 5 Convenience Centers or Main Landfill.

Old Electronics

Recycle at any of the Trees (free of decorations) 5 Convenience Centers will be picked up curbside with or the Main Landfill. regular paid yard services or can be taken to any of the 5 Convenience (Residents Only) Centers or the Main Landfill.

All locations will be closed on Christmas Day & New Year’s Day

Confusion at your cart?

Download the CARTer’s Corner app to see what goes where, visit indianriver.gov or call 226-3212.

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December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / Vero’s Voice

Christmas Trees

LANDFILL & CONVENIENCE CENTER LOCATIONS: Indian River County Landfill 1325 74th Ave SW, Vero Beach Open 7 days a week Roseland 7860 130th Street Closed Tues. & Wed. Fellsmere 12510 CR 512 Closed Wed.& Thurs.

Winter Beach 3955 65th Street Closed Tues. & Wed. Oslo 950 1st Place Closed Wed. & Thurs.

Gifford 4901 41st Street Closed Tues. & Wed.

From Saint to

Rhett’s Interview with Santa Claus

e’re here in this wintery snowy land, somewhere near the North Pole, talking to St. Nicholas of Myra, known now as Santa. Where are you from originally, Santa?

I come from the village of Patara, a region near Greece. It was part of the Roman Empire when I was younger, and it’s now part of modern Turkey. This goes back many many years.

Rhett Palmer

Tell me about your parents.

My parents were devout Christians and were considered wealthy in their day. They taught me to serve God. But they were victims of a terrible epidemic and died when I was young.

You say they taught you to serve God? Yes, to give to the needy and the poor. So I used my inheritance to help those less fortunate, especially the children.

I was in my early teens when someone I cared about was having some difficulties.

I saw the beauty in life: the flowers, the trees, the birds that sing. I knew someone somewhere had to have created this complicated wonderful world. So I went to the privacy of my room and I fell to my knees and started to pray for my troubled friend.

I knew that God answers prayer. I said, “I don’t know you but I’ve been told you exist. I don’t know how to help my friend except to pray to you, so here I am on my knees praying. I would like to surrender my life to your guidance so I can help others like my friend.”

Suddenly I knew something inside me had changed. It was as if my entire being woke up to a new day. I studied the scriptures and was taught by my elders about Jesus and His love for people everywhere.

And because of your generosity to help those suffering, and the needy and poor, you were made bishop?

Pack" and a link back to http://www.ve Yes, that’s true.

Under this condition: provide a mentio Continued on page 8

remix, distribute or transmit it. and Free for both personal and comm This Pack is published under a Creat

mons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Li Vectorian Free Vector Pack by Weba

CREATIVE COMMONS ATT 7

December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / VerosVoice.com

Continued from page 6

There have been many stories told about you through the generations. The tradition of hanging stockings on the fireplace, how did that get started? Well, it probably started when I helped three young women. Their father lost his fortune and was unable to pay their dowry. You see, the giving of a dowry was the custom many years ago – and still is in some places today.

What’s a dowry? It’s money paid by a bride’s parents to the bridegroom. These young women couldn’t get married until a dowry for each was first paid. And if they didn’t marry, they’d be sold into slavery, and I didn’t want that to happen to them. So I threw three bags of gold through their window which landed in their shoes and in stockings that they had hung by the fire to dry.

And this led to children hanging stockings on the fireplace awaiting gifts from you? I believe so, yes; or in Europe leaving their shoes by the window or fireplace.

Is it true you went to jail for a while because of your faith in Jesus? Well, what happened is that I didn’t use good judgment and I offended another bishop. Slapped him, actually. You see, we were at the Council of Nicaea, about 300 of us, and we were debating the fundamentals of the Christian faith, and the Holy Trinity was a very hot topic within the church back then. Bishop Arius from Egypt kept adamantly saying that Jesus the Son was not equal to God the Father. The more I listened, the more upset I became that my beliefs were being attacked until finally I hit him.

Wow! So they sent you to jail? Everyone was horrified that I would lose control like that. They even took me before Emperor Constantine and he determined that the bishops should decide my fate. The bishops stripped me of my position, took

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December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / Vero’s Voice

my garments, my robe, and put chains on me and threw me in jail until the Council meeting was over and they could decide what to do with me.

Did you know how long that would take? No. I still believed in my heart I was right, though. But I was ashamed that I became so angry that I hit another man and I prayed and prayed for forgiveness. That night Jesus and the Mother Mary came to me and I told them what happened.

Jesus gave me a Book of the Gospels and Mary gave me a liturgical vestment to wear. I was finally at peace then and I studied the Scriptures that night.

Then what happened? So when the jailer came the next morning, he saw the chains loose on the floor and that I was wearing a new robe and I was holding a Book of the Gospels. I guess they didn’t know what to make of these unexplainable supernatural things. Word got back to the emperor and I was released and reinstated as bishop.

In the end they did agree with your beliefs, right? Yes, the Council did eventually agree with me.

I was returned to the Council and I put forth my belief and helped put into words what we know as Orthodox Christianity today.

I heard that you once made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Yes, I wanted to more deeply experience the life of Jesus.

And you had a bad experience on your return home, there was a terrible storm at sea? Yes, we were terrified and we thought we were going to drown. I prayed and prayed during this raging storm and the seas and winds were suddenly calmed, and we safely returned home.

What a story! So that’s why you’re the Patron Saint of Sailors! Yes, I suppose it is.

You have been credited for secretly doing many kind and generous deeds, expecting nothing in return. Mm-hmm.

How did you end up here, living at the North Pole? I heard there was a land in the north where hundreds of elves were looking for jobs. I was led here by a Star in the night sky and, as you know, one thing leads to another. And the elves were willing to go to work right away.

I started celebrating the birth of the world’s loving and giving savior Jesus by giving gifts to others, and the elves helped make this possible by making toys in the workshop.

Rudolph came along with his nose so bright he lit up the night, and so his nose has become a beacon of hope every Christmas all over the world. Children everywhere learn how nice it feels to receive, so it inspires them to want to give gifts to others.

What would you like to end our interview by saying? What would you like to communicate to my listeners or readers?

Gifts can be things like toys and clothing, but gifts can also be food or being kind or helping those with less than you have. Conversation with someone who is lonely can be a great gift! Taking in the orphan and sharing love.

Choosing a career that helps others. There are many gifts even better than toys!

I apologize, but I need to end this interview now. That’s Mrs. Claus calling me to dinner. And we do have much work to do to prepare our deliveries for Christmas.

God Bless you and all your listeners. Tell them we live to give! It’s the best fun in all the world to make someone a little happier.

Thank you for letting me visit you.

You are welcome, Rhett.

Statue of Saint Nicholas of Bari in the church of San Francisco in the historic town Betanzos, Galicia, Spain. Saint Nicholas is holding three balls of gold, that represent the legend of the dowry he gave to three unmarried girls.

here really was a Saint Nicholas of Myra. He died December 6, AD 343.

According to Wikipedia, Saint Nicholas, also called Nikolaos of Myra, was an historic Christian saint and Greek Bishop of Myra, in Asia Minor. Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nikolaos the Wonderworker. He was buried in his cathedral church where a unique “relic” called “manna” formed in his grave. This liquid substance is said to have healing powers.

After Myra fell under the control of a non-Christian Turkish dynasty, there was the fear that pilgrimage could become dangerous or the

shrine might be desecrated. In 1087 his bones were stolen from Turkey

by Italian merchant sailors. They are now kept in the church named after him, Basilica di San Nicola, in Bari, Italy. On the anniversary of his death, December 6, sailors of Bari still carry his statue from the cathedral out to sea so that he can bless the waters and give them safe voyages throughout the year.

So how did this saint become Santa Claus? After the Reformation in the 16th century, the stories and traditions about St. Nicholas became unpopular. But someone still had to deliver presents to children at Christmas, and in the UK he became Father Christmas.

In the early US his name was Kris Kringle. Dutch settlers to the US took the old stories of St. Nicholas with them, and Kris Kringle and St. Nicholas became “Sinterklaas”, or Santa Claus.

Sources: Stnicholascenter.org, www.pravmir.com, www.whychristmas.com, www.catholiccompany.com, Wikipedia

December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / VerosVoice.com

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Pick up, Fill and Mail a Holiday Box ick up a Holidays for Heroes “mailing kit” at one of the locations at right. Each kit contains a list of recommended items to send to the troops, a flat-rate USPS box, a sample customs form, and an instruction sheet. The cost at the Post Office for mailing to an APO or FPO address is around $21.00. All venues are in Vero Beach unless otherwise indicated.

18th Annual

Now through December 15 American Icon Brewery, 1133 19th Place Barefoot Café, 2036 14th Ave. Barker Air Conditioning & Heating, 1936 Commerce Avenue BigShots Golf, 3456 U.S. 1 Busy Bee Lawn & Garden Center, 7445 U.S. 1, Winter Beach Calvetti & Company, 10 Royal Palm Pointe Charlotte Terry Real Estate Group, 2911 Ocean Drive Christ Church Vero Beach, 667 20th Street (corner Sixth Avenue) Cravings, 3149 Ocean Drive CW Willis Family Farms, 3700 9th Street, SW Elle 7 twenty salon + spa, 2083 Indian River Blvd (behind Panera) Eye Clinic of Vero and Optical Boutique, 634 21st Street (Miracle Mile) Jimmy John’s, 5445 20th Street Nail Art, 1355 U.S. 1 (Near Five Guys) Pack Mart, 13537 U.S. 1, Sebastian Pak Mail, 505 Beachland Boulevard Pareidolia Brewing Co., 712 Cleveland St., Sebastian Postal Connections, 1275 U.S. 1, 12th Street Plaza (behind Carrabba’s) Sailfish Brewing Company, 130 N. 2nd St., Ft. Pierce Sailfish Brewing Company, 2855 Ocean Drive Sebastian Municipal Golf Course, 100 Brush Foot Drive, Sebastian St. Lucie Battery & Tire, 10435 U.S. 1, Sebastian Studio 14/Zumba Works, 1962 14th Avenue Sturgis Lumber, 4645 U.S. 1, Gifford Surfaces Design Studio, 3960 U.S. 1 Vero Fitness, 1060 Sixth Avenue

Call 772-473-0288 www.militarymomsprayergroup.com

Vero Strength & Conditioning, 760 8th Court, Ste. #4 Victory Center, Military Store, Indian River Mall (near JC Penney) Vittorio’s Pizza, 2980 Oslo Road Vittorio’s Pizza, U.S. 1, Sebastian

10 December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / Vero’s Voice

December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / VerosVoice.com

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VOICES OF VERO

by Steve Glaser

Please tell us about your

favorite purchase.

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December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / Vero’s Voice

I purchased sunflower seeds and they turned into a field that inspired me to write inspirational poetry.

I had the most amazing eightcourse dinner in Quebec City.

That was twenty years ago and still a great memory!

Dr. Julianne Freiwald-Gaule

Walter E. Ledwith, WRITER

When I moved to Vero, I purchased a skim board.

Art is always my favorite purchase!

ARBORIST LEAF LOGIC

In 1993, I purchased a Ford Mustang and still own it. I love driving this car.

Felix Guitterez TOTAL MORTGAGE

Steve Gold,

SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT WHITE GLOVE MOVING & STORAGE

SPEECH PATHOLOGIST AND WRITER

Jay Gorman,

My favorite purchase was my Bose earbuds. I love music. I no longer have to hear anyone ask me to lower the volume.

Liz Mayo

ARTFULLY MANAGED

I searched and found an old family heirloom. It was a pocket watch owned by my dad with his initials. I was so happy to purchase it and return it to him before he passed away.

Nancy Dondero,

My dog Vinnie. He is a sevenyear-old Havanese and one of my all-time favorite purchases.

Linda Bentlin,

OPERATIONS MANAGER ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER

VOLUNTEER ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER

My most memorable purchase was buying the engagement ring for my wife.

My laptop! I have used it to write six published books and I am now working on my seventh.

My puppy, Malibu! She is a threeyear-old Lhasa Apso that has added so much joy to our family.

Taylor Dingle,

Robert Fisher,

Camy DeMario

COUNCILMAN VERO BEACH CITY COUNCIL

WRITER

ARTIST

Back in 1975, while living in Detroit, I purchased a Buick Regal.

Michael Cairns

INTEGRITY EMPLOYEE LEASING

December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / VerosVoice.com 13

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December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / Vero’s Voice

Breakfast & Lunch

A FEW SHORT HOURS. A LIFE CHANGED. A FEW SHORT HOURS. A LIFE CHANGED. DONATE OR VOLUNTEER TODAY. DONATE OR VOLUNTEER TODAY.

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amazon • vero beach book center barnes & noble • books-a-million Contact james gilbert @ 772-696-6150 December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / VerosVoice.com 15

VOICES OF VERO

by Steve Glaser

What achievement

stands out for you for 2023?

Expanding my business to a great new location on Royal Point.

Michael Lafferty

LAFFERTY GROUP REAL ESTATE & CONSULTING

Putting together an affordable student housing project in Fort Pierce. This facility will comfortably house 240 students in 60 units.

Relocated to Vero Beach and started a new business. So happy not to have to worry about snow.

Jake McCrae CARDINAL FINANCIAL

Joseph & Lori Staley NV HOME SERVICES

Buying my own home and taking a giant leap leaving my secure job to become and independent Transaction Coordinator.

Daytona Henry DAYTONA THE TC

16 December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / Vero’s Voice

Making new friends and developing rewarding relationships with the business community at our weekly We Are Vero networking luncheons.

Ezekiel Beale,

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE SMART CHOICE PARTNERS

This year I had a few family tragedies that have fueled my passion to be able to help others navigate through similar situations. I continue to help others in their time of need and have learned to live every day in the present.

Launching of my Port Saint Lucie Business Club. In just four months ….

1400 strong!

Veronica Licona

Nicholas Scalice

BBS INSURANCE AGENCY

MARKETING/PODCASTING

I was able to further grow my business by adding new equipment and better transportation.

Renee Fiore

TROPICAL RESTORATION

Our biggest accomplishment as a small family-owned business is that we were able to expand our business territory from West Palm Beach to Melbourne. Also, this year we had the pleasure of participating and sponsoring many networking groups that has proven very successful for our business.

Jose and Brenda Rubio T.C. BRIGHT COLORS PAINTING

My greatest accomplishment of 2023 was mastering the art of oneself. I faced many trials this year that many are unable to overcome. Through faith, perseverance, and self discipline, I overcame my greatest challenges. During this time, I purchased a new home that I renovated with my own two hands. I am most proud that I have learned to master my own emotions and impulses.

Brandon Rivera DJ BODEGA

This year I re-opened my Cut Art Design T-Shirt Creations that I originally started while living in NY. I loving everything about what I do and I am thankful it is doing well.

Opal Nelson

FASHION DESIGNER/EVENT PLANNER It’s been a great year! I moved into my new home while expanding my business.

Jurgen Schwanitz ACT COMPUTERS

December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / VerosVoice.com

17

REVIEWS A Christmas Blessing RATED PG

by Del Bates

W

hen I was little, I loved the quote by St. Francis of Assisi, “For it is in giving we receive.” A Christmas Blessing is the epitome of that quote.

Mandy Gilmore (Lori Loughlin) is a famous TV chef whose life is about to change forever. She decides to end her career of twelve years as a television host to travel the world, visit exotic restaurants, and then write a book about her experiences.

But, before her first trip to Paris, she has one quick stop to make: she must sign off on a building left to her by her Aunt Susie who recently passed away. Little does she know what she will encounter when she makes that one quick stop.

When Mandy makes the stop in Milwaukee, she meets Adam Carraway (James Tupper), who recently bought Mandy’s aunt’s property. He needs her to sign off to enlarge his building which is adjacent to hers. With pen in hand, Mandy discovers the address is wrong on the lease as Otto Nessen (Jesse Hutch) wanders in. Otto is a well-dressed gentleman who claims he used to volunteer for Mandy’s aunt.

As Mandy hesitates to sign the document, Otto explains this wasn’t just any building: her Aunt Susie used this pantry to feed and give to people experiencing homelessness. She was known for her kindness and was respected by many.

Mandy finds a single box left behind that belonged to her aunt.

Inside she discovers treasures that tug on her heart. The first is a handwritten note from a little girl thanking her Aunt Susie for making their Christmas the best Christmas ever. Tears flow as she reads letter after letter.

Del Bates

18 December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / Vero’s Voice

Mandy asks Adam if she could have one last Christmas dinner as a tribute to her aunt, and she promised she’d sign the papers the day after Christmas. The deal is made, but time is of the essence. Christmas is only a few days away, and there is nothing to provide for this holiday feast.

Mandy asks for help from donors who helped her aunt in the past. Miracles continue to unfold, and food pours in … and sparks fly between Mandy and Adam. What started as a quick signand-go develops into a warm romantic relationship. reat American Family Network has created another Christmas jewel of a movie. Grab a cup of tea, cuddle in a warm blanket, and enjoy. As the Christmas season is upon us, there are many great family-oriented movies released for you to enjoy this year, and this is one of them.

A Christmas Blessing is set in the beautiful time of the year when hearts are open to giving, and you will surely capture the spirit of giving after enjoying A Christmas Blessing.

Great American Family programs can be found on streaming services like Frndly TV, Hulu, Fubo TV, Sling TV, Philo, and on Pure Flix.

G

A few other great 2023 holiday movies to put you in the spirit: Twas the Text Before Christmas The Art of Christmas, premiers December 10th Journey to Christmas Crown Prince of Christmas 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. You can find more at delbates. com. She co-hosts the podcast, “Seeds of Hope,” with Penny Cooke, Wednesdays at noon on Vero’s Voice.

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VeroBigShots.com December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / VerosVoice.com 19

ON THE

MENU

by Barbara Freund

Christmas

Cookies

& Festive Desserts

20 December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / Vero’s Voice

From Beth Walsh Stewart

COCONUT or TOFFEE SHORTBREAD COOKIES

This is a basic buttery crumbly shortbread cookie recipe that you can switch up the flavor by adding different add-ins.

INGREDIENTS 1 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (or 1/2 cup Heath Toffee bits)

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Slowly add flour in increments, beating into mixture. Stir in coconut (or toffee bits).

2. Using a sheet of wax paper, shape dough into a 12x3x1-inch rectangle. Wrap in waxed paper.

Refrigerate overnight.

3. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Unwrap and cut dough into 1/4 inch slices. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Bake 18-20 minutes until edges are light golden.

Cool on pans five minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

LORD BYRON’S HOLIDAY MAGIC BARS INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/2 cup butter, melted 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1 cup white chocolate chips 1 cup shredded coconut 1 cup salted peanuts 1 cup M&Ms non-stick cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line a 9x9 baking pan with 2 pieces of parchment paper, snugly fitting bottom of pan and allowing overlap for easy removal of completed bars. Coat lightly with nonstick spray.

3. In mixing bowl, blend graham cracker crumbs and melted butter with fork. Once combined, press into the bottom of prepared pan.

4. Pour sweetened condensed milk over graham crumb base in even layer.

5. Sprinkle evenly, in order: white chocolate chips, coconut, peanuts, and M&Ms. Press down even with your flat hand and parchment paper to better fuse ingredients together.

6. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until sides are golden.

7. Allow to fully cool before cutting, at least two hours.

From Penny Cooke

EASY 3-INGREDIENT GLUTENFREE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

From Moselle Bagby at Rio Coco Café

CHAI COOKIES

No one will ever know they don’t have flour in them!

Soft cookies that taste like fall!

Makes 12-18 cookies, depending on size

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 cup avocado or coconut oil 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 large egg, room temperature 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1 tablespoon black tea powder (optional) 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt

INGREDIENTS 1 cup natural peanut butter 1 cup sugar 1 egg Chocolate Kisses or holiday sprinkles (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Beat together all ingredients until well combined. Roll dough into 1 1/2” balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet 2” apart. Using the back of a fork, press down to gently flatten the cookie slightly.

3. Bake 8-10 minutes.

4. While still hot, top with a candy kiss or holiday sprinkles.

5. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack.

EASY NO BAKE CREAM CHEESE CHERRY PIE

INGREDIENTS For the cookie

For the rolling 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the icing

Cookies are not a holiday staple in my house, but this pie is.

1 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a little combo of the spices above) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2-3 tablespoons milk or eggnog!

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

8-ounce block full-fat cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup lemon juice 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 9” homemade or ready-made graham cracker crust Large can cherry pie filling

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Beat together cream cheese and lemon juice until well blended, smooth and creamy.

2. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla and blend on low speed until fully incorporated.

3. Pour the filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, top with the canned cherry pie filling, and chill at least four hours, preferably overnight (or it will be runny, but it will still taste amazing!).

1. In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), beat butter and oil until smooth.

2. Add sugar, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla and beat again until smooth.

3. Add flour, all spices, baking soda, and salt to the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix until no dry spots remain, no more than 1 minute.

4. Mix together your sugar and cinnamon for the rolling process and set aside.

5. Using a 1-ounce scoop (2 tablespoons), scoop all cookies onto a parchment lined baking sheet (it’s okay if they’re not evenly spaced just yet, we are merely chilling them) and roll each dough ball into the cinnamon sugar.

6. Pop the prepared cookie dough balls into the freezer to firm up for about 20 minutes.

7. Preheat oven to 350° and prepare another cookie sheet with a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

8. Once your 20 minutes is up, space cookies out evenly among the prepared sheets and bake on the upper and lower thirds of the oven (one rack above the center spot and one just below) for 7-10 minutes, remembering to rotate halfway through.

9. While they bake, mix your icing ingredients together and set aside.

10. Once cooled, drizzle your icing over the cookies and enjoy!

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / VerosVoice.com

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ON THE MENU CONTINUED

Christmas Cookies From Pastor Kathie Ienuso

APPLE CRISP I make this every year during the holidays.

It’s quicker and easier than a pie!

INGREDIENTS 5 cups peeled and sliced tart apples (I use McIntosh) 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup flour 1 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

From Del Bates

SPRITZ CHRISTMAS COOKIES This is my family’s traditional favorite. After we bake them, then it is time to decorate!

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and butter a 9x13” baking dish.

2. Combine the apples and sugar and place in dish.

3. Using a fork, mix the remaining ingredients until crumbly, the size of peas, and spread evenly over the apples.

4. Bake 30–40 minutes, until the top is brown and the apples are bubbly. Best served warm with ice cream!

From Veronica Kolibab

KETO CHEESECAKE FAT BOMBS These are free from gluten, dairy, sugar and grains, but are creamy and full of flavor!

Perfect for when you’re craving something sweet.

INGREDIENTS 8-ounce container non-dairy cream cheese (preferably VioLife), softened 1/2 cup vegan butter (or butter of your choosing), softened 1/2 cup powdered erythritol (not granular) or monk fruit sweetener 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Whip cream cheese and butter with hand mixer on medium/medium high speed until well blended, about 2-4 minutes.

2. Add sweetener and vanilla and mix until completely combined.

3. Divide mixture into balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, or you can use a cupcake paper lined mini muffin pan. (A cookie scooper is helpful!)

4. Freeze for a minimum of 30 minutes.

5. Store in the refrigerator or freezer in freezer safe baggies.

Veronica is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and is host of a cooking show called Eating With V. Watch her make this recipe and others and learn more about her at www.EatingWithV.com.

22 December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / Vero’s Voice

Makes 6 dozen

INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups butter 1 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 4 cups sifted AP flour 1 teaspoon baking powder

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Thoroughly cream butter and sugar. Add egg and the extracts and beat well.

3. Sift together the flour and baking powder. Add gradually to the creamed mixture, and mix to a smooth dough. Do not chill.

4. Force the dough through a cookie press onto ungreased cookie sheets.

5. Bake in hot oven for 8 minutes.

Everybody Wants One! Ocean Grill Gift Certificates Available in Any Denomination!

1050 Sexton Plaza Vero Beach (772) 231-5409 www.ocean-grill.com Reservations for parties of five people or more.

Smaller groups can come right in!

December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / VerosVoice.com 23

TREASURE COAST

STYLIST

by Marianne Howell

Hostess Gifts 2 FOR HOLIDAY GATHERINGS Winter Holiday Tea Towel $18 | BY CEYDA ALASAR GEOMETRY.HOUSE

Monogrammed Serving Board Width: 12.25" x Depth: 6.75" $49.95 | CRATE AND BARREL CRATEANDBARREL.COM

Half Baked Harvest Cookbook: Recipes from My Barn in the Mountains by Tieghan Gerard $29.99 | BARNESANDNOBLE.COM Gift Box Petites Gabriel And Gloria $145 | TRUDON TRUDON.COM

Starry Night Dessert Plates, Mixed Set of 4 $80 | CATHERINE MARTIN ANTHROPOLOGIE.COM

Marianne Howell is a 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

24 December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / Vero’s Voice

2 Champagne Coupes $139 | MAISON BALZAC MAISONBALZAC.COM

Planes Dental Arts Presents

Rhett Palmer

Join the Movement

for Child Advocacy and Empowerment!

AbleChild

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The right to refuse mental & behavioral psychiatric drugs.

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NEED HELP with a Federal Government Agency?

Congressman Bill Posey and His Staff are Here to Serve You! If you have a problem with a federal government agency or department, such as the Department of Veteran Affairs, Social Security, Medicare, IRS, or the Passport Agency, etc., please feel free to contact my office.

Vero Beach Satellite Office

Limited Hours of Operation Indian River Administration Complex 1801 27th Street, Building A Vero Beach, Fl 32960 Phone: 772-226-1701

Mirrors that of the Gifted, Talented & Creative Able Child

AbleChild is a strong advocate for the MEDWATCH program,

the consumers right to report adverse drug events directly to the FDA, this action holds the FDA accountable to regulate the pharmaceuticals companies.

Please visit ablechild.org for more information and to donate to protect children and their right to grow up label and drug free.

For more information please contact Jennifer Broadbin: (203) 556-9030

he Patriot Church’s goal is to educate you about the truth of our country’s founding and empower you to engage in the Battle for the Heart and Soul of America. Join the Sacred Cause to Save our Republic!

Tune in Wednesdays, 11:00am-12:00noon

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To contact Rep. Posey by email, please visit: posey.house.gov Paid for by official funds authorized by the House of Representatives.

For booking/training information contact Rev. Dr. John A. Vacchiano 772.532.6400 | PatriotChurch@gmail.com December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / VerosVoice.com 25

M I N D

GAMES

DECEMBER HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce Mon., Dec. 4, 3 - 6 p.m.

3

Refreshments Will Be Served

WINTER GREEN NIGHT LIGHTS

Dec. 7-9 & Dec 14-16 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Environmental Learning Center 255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach

SUNSET SATURDAY CONCERT Dec. 9 • 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Live Music, Beer, Wine, Food Vendors Ocean Drive - Humiston Park

HOLIDAY SHOPPING FAIR at Riverside Park Sat., Dec. 9, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sun., Dec.10, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR Sunday, December 10 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

CW Willis Family Farms 3700 9th St SW, Vero Beach

1957 14th Ave., Vero Beach www.verochamber.com 772-226-5459

Dec.12, 11:45 am - 1 pm TOPIC: New Tax Law PRESENTER: Chris Swan, CPA, MBA Waterfall Restaurant, 2227 14th Ave, Vero Beach

Indian River County CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE Saturday, December 16 Staging: 5:30 pm, Parade: 6 pm

6

5 2 3 8

Open To The Public Dec. 15-17, 19-22, 28-30 350 US Hwy 1, Vero Beach

GARDEN CLUB OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY 2023 Christmas Ornament 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Mon - Fri

Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce 1957 14th Avenue, Vero Beach $25.00 - Cash or Check Only

The aim with Sudoku is to place the numbers 1-9 exactly once in each region and in each row.

8

COLD

Change one letter of the top four-letter word to create a new word below.

Continue the process, ending with the word on the bottom rung.

Answers on page 30

T I L

26 December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / Vero’s Voice

1

4 2

SUDOKU

9 6 4 3 2

WORD LADDER

WEEKLY

Networking LUNCHEON

1 5 3

9

5 4

McKee Botanical Garden FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS MCKEE MEMBER ONLY NIGHTS December 13 & 14

1 6

8

WARM

C D

E A

WORD WHEEL

N

I

How many words of five or more letters can you find in the wheel?

Each word you find must use the central letter.

Can you find a word that uses all eight letters?

Nana’s Vintage

Rock Cookies

by Glenn Sudnick, SOMMELIER

his is the best time of year for COOKIES! Does anyone know of a classic table that doesn’t include cookies as a finish to a great holiday meal?

I know you have your favorite, but I wantGlenn Sudnick ed to share the cookies that my nana made for Christmas, and my mother continued the tradition. My father’s mother was a great cook and baker, and Dad always assured me that Nana was sure to make her Vintage Rock Cookies for Christmas. Nana would send us the delectable treats in the mail and I remember waiting patiently for them to arrive. The reason they call them Rocks is because they actually look like something you would kick down the street. From first bite, I would pray she made enough to satisfy my cravings!

So here’s Nana’s Vintage Rock Cookie recipe: ¼ tsp. cloves ½ tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. nutmeg 2 tbsp. bourbon 1 cup butter, softened 1 ½ cup brown sugar 3 eggs, well-beaten

3 cups flour 1 tablespoon baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 lb. chopped dates 1 lb. walnuts Maraschino cherries (optional)

• Combine cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg with the bourbon and set aside. Cream butter and sugar; gradually add eggs, then remaining dry ingredients, sifted.

Add in dates and walnuts, then the bourbon mixture. Blend well.

• The secret is to let stand overnight in refrigerator.

• Drop small rounds onto a greased cookie sheet. Top each with a maraschino cherry. Bake 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool and store in tin box. These cookies improve with age!

For a fun pairing, I recommend two dessert wines that will go well with your holiday cookies from the Quady Vineyard located in Madera, California: Essensia and Elysium.

Many years ago Andrew Quady discovered an Orange Muscat grape varietal in Reedly, California, known in Italy as the Moscato Fior d’Arancio, or Orange Blossom Muscat. These grapes became the first bottling of what is known today as their Essensia dessert wine. It is full-bodied, gold in color with spicy orange, apricot and pear flavors.

The other dessert wine is Elysium, made from the Black Muscat grape. It has aromas of fresh roses just picked from the garden, followed with balanced flavors of dark fruit, cherry, and strawberry. In 1983 Andrew Quady discovered some unwanted Black Muscat grapes that were to be used to make the sacramental wine at a church. The church stopped operating and the local grower was left with an enormous amount of ripe grapes. He contacted Mr. Quady to see if he would be interested in purchasing the grapes and, well, the rest is history. I know you’ll enjoy both of these wines at this year’s holiday dessert table.

I especially want to thank my father for introducing us to Nana’s Rocks, a tradition we will carry on for a very long time.

To everyone, have a happy and safe holiday season!

December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / VerosVoice.com 27

ENCOURAGING

WORDS

by Beth Walsh Stewart

T

The Season of

TRUST

rusting God is different than trusting men. Men are flawed. They need erasers on their pencils and rehab centers for when things get away from them. Men build cars and collision centers to fix them because they know there will be crashes. Most men know what a scab is, and they pick it even when told to leave it alone.

Men promise what they can’t deliver because sometimes they think too highly of themselves. Men see the world through 3D glasses that focus on self, so what seems perfectly clear to them is totally fuzzy to others. Men try to be excellent but have to settle for ordinary sometimes. Men can’t get other men onboard to make a solid team dedicated to global peace, environmental consideration, or moral treatment of one another. Men really try to listen to their consciences, but most slip backward when there’s emotional, reputational, or financial upset. Men are flawed.

God is perfect, though being men we may not be able to truly define what that means. God creates from scratch and doesn’t make mistakes. God heals our wounds, even when we pick at them. God delivers what He promises. God sees our selfishness and blesses us anyway. God is excellent but allows us to call Him ordinary when we’re feeling pompous or angry. God plans to restore peace, the environment, and morals, (but His timetable is not like ours.)

God knows our hearts and forgives when we live outside of what our consciences suggest. God is crazy about us even though we are so flawed. God is perfect.

As we close another year with its tumult and trials, let us put our trust where it is secure. Looking to our Creator expectantly, let us know the peace of the season and the Truth that never changes.

This holiday, may you be blessed with a relationship with God that makes you feel trusting and secure, a relationship with family that makes you feel known and appreciated, and a relationship with yourself that makes you feel valuable to the whole. Merry Christmas from all of us at BethWe. 28 December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / Vero’s Voice

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:16-17

Beth Walsh Stewart

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.

Did you know: Not all snowflakes are different?

Unknown Scientific and other Biblical facts presented in a unique, interesting way

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On Vero’s Voice Magazine

Del Bates

delbates.com

Penny Cooke

pennycookeauthor.com

Encouragement for what you face today, tomorrow and always.

Laurie 5.0 out of 5 stars HHHHH God and Science go Hand in Hand Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2023

Larry has drawn together an amazing collection of things to ponder. There is not a divide between God and science. Science is the tool God uses to make this fabulous world work as it should.”

Available on Amazon CONTACT: Larry Hoffeditz larhoffe@yahoo.com | larryhoffeditz.com

Text or Call: (772) 696-3600 December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / VerosVoice.com 29

Mind Games Answers

Can’t Sleep?

Puzzles on page 26

2 4 5 6 1 7 8 3 9

3 7 8 4 2 9 6 1 5

6 9 1 5 3 8 2 7 4

4 1 6 2 7 5 9 8 3

8 2 7 3 9 4 5 6 1

9 5 3 1 8 6 4 2 7

1 8 4 9 6 3 7 5 2

5 6 2 7 4 1 3 9 8

7 3 9 8 5 2 1 4 6

Tune in to “New Day” @ 3 am Hosted by Rhett Palmer Daytime Broadcast 7 am & 3 pm 89.9 FM - WCNO

WORD LADDER:

COLD CORD WORD WORN WORM

Jesus, Set Me Free with

“The Prison Preachers”

WARM

WORD WHEEL:

Words that can be made from the wheel include: ace, acne, acted, aide, ailed, ale, alien, ate, cadet, candle, cane, caned, cent, citadel, cite, cited, clean, cleat, client, dace, dale, dance, date, deal, dealt, dean, decant, delta, den, denial, dent, dental, detail, detain, dialect, dice, die, diet, dilate, dine, eat, edict, edit, elan, elicit, enact, end, entail, eta, ice, iced, idea, ideal, identical, idle, incite, incited, indicate, inlet, lace, laced, laden, lance, lanced, lancet, lane, late, lea, lead, lean, leant, leat, led, lend, lent, let, lice, lie, lied, lien, line, lined, nailed, neat, net, nice, tailed, tale, tea, teal, ten, tend, tide, tie, tied, tilde, tile, tiled TARGET: 54 GOOD: 74 EXCELLENT: 88 30 December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / Vero’s Voice

Facebook Live Tuesdays 6PM Fridays Noon - 1PM

Pastor Warren Kelly

Brother Danny Lopez

He who the Son sets free

is free indeed.

– John 8: 36

ENCOURAGING WORDS CONTINUED

WHY

I

Do We Give Gifts on Christmas Day?

by Pastor Alex Pappas

t is that wonderful time of Christmas once again! A time of baking cookies, drinking hot chocolate, sharing a meal with family, and giving and receiving gifts.

Pastor Alex Pappas We know that the greatest gift we have been given is the Gift God gave all mankind, which is the Gift of His Son Jesus.

But why do we give gifts on Christmas Day? Interestingly, the first Christmas gifts given by man were the gifts that the wise men gave to Jesus.

Today we give gifts to our families as a sign of our love for one another and in remembrance of a very special birthday that will be celebrated throughout generations. The truth is that this tradition would not even be here if it were not for the wise men who gave gifts to baby Jesus.

It is because they wanted to show their gratitude and thankfulness for the new King.

This Christmas while you give gifts and receive gifts, remember that the reason we give gifts is because of the greatest gift given to mankind: Jesus Christ.

John 3:16, New King James Version 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

I pray that this year you and your family will be truly blessed this Christmas Season, and not forget that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas!

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

It’s Christmas Time!

It’s time again to celebrate the birth of our Savior and Messiah, Jesus.

St. Luke 1:31 states that the angel Gabriel tells Mary: “And, behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his name JESUS.” St. Matthew 1:20-21 states that the angel of the Lord told Joseph “…fear not to take unto you Mary your wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she will bring forth a son, and you will call his name Pastor Rich Ienuso JESUS, for he will save his people from their sins.”

J

oy to the world, the Lord has come, and his Name is Jesus. Celebrate His birth.

Trust in Him as your own personal Lord and Savior.

Merry CHRIST-mas!

Pastors Rich & Kathie Ienuso

December 2023 / ISSUE 155 / VerosVoice.com

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