Vero's Voice Magazine Issue 158 March 2024

UPCOMING EVENTS AT RIVERSIDE PARK IN VERO BEACH

PROFESSIONAL CAST + L I VE MUSIC

When Charlie Price inherits his father’s shoe factory, he’s faced with a dilemma – file for bankruptcy or find a way to save the family business. Charlie finds inspiration in Lola, a fabulous female impersonator, who is in need of some sturdy boots. As Charlie and Lola work to save the business, they find they are not so different after all. With dedication and fortitude, Lola conquers Milan with their new line of boots. And with success assured, Charlie finally realizes his love for Lauren, the factory’s forewoman.

Music & Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, Book by Harvey Fierstein, Based on the 2005 British film written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth

PRESENTING SPONSORS:

Bobbie Olsen and The O’Haire Group - Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

6

Gaining a Voice – One Letter at a Time

14 Voices of Vero: If you could have a positive impact on young people, what would you want to teach them?

18 Voices of Vero: Growing up, who was your favorite band and why?

20 Movie Review: Book Club: The Next Chapter

22 Recipes: Holiday Delights

24 TC Stylist: Trinkets & Objects that add character to your home

26 Mind Games

28 Encouraging Words

See what your friends and neighbors are saying!

Don't miss our Voices of Vero feature starting on page 14

WEIRD STUFF

Roller coasters were invented in the 1880’s to distract Americans from sin. A hosiery businessman hated that Americans were tempted by places like saloons and brothels so he built America’s first roller coaster in Coney Island to give New Yorkers some good clean fun.

It’s impossible to hum while holding your nose.

The Empire State Building has its own ZIP code –10118.

Lobsters taste with their feet.There are tiny bristles inside lobster’s pincers that function as taste buds. Their teeth are in one of their three stomachs.

In the Philippines McDonald’s serves spaghetti. PEZ candy was invented to help smokers quit.

Bleach expires.

Froot Loops are all the same flavor. A flock of ravens is called an “unkindness.” They’re also called a“conspiracy or“treachery’,” also creepy.

Dunce caps used to be signs of intelligence. In the 13th century it was believed that a pointed cap would spread knowledge from its tip to the brain.

Scotland has more than 400 words for snow.

“Albert Einstein” is an anagram for “ten elite brains.” Who figured that out?

3 Musketeers bars got their name because they used to come with three flavors.The original 3 Musketeers bars in the 1930s came in threepacks with a different nougat flavor in each - vanilla, chocolate, strawberry. Because of rationing in World War II, they cut back to one.

Working on the Sistine Chapel was so unpleasant that Michelangelo, also a gifted poet, wrote to a friend about his misery. A few lines …

I’ve already grown a goiter from this torture hunched up here like a cat in Lombardy (or anywhere else where the stagnant water’s poison)

My stomach’s squashed under my chin, my beard’s pointing at heaven, my brain’s crushed in a casket, my breast twists like a harpy’s. My brush, above me all the time, dribbles paint so my face makes a fine floor for droppings!

Sources: history.com, rd.com

Gaining a Voice –

One Letter at a Time

by Caterina Schwinn

What do we have to lose? It’s what I’d told myself countless times as my daughter and I prepared for our trek across the state to begin our spelling-tocommunicate training in Tampa. We live in Melbourne Beach, so the three-hour drive was the trivial part of this potentially life-altering journey.

My daughter Olivia is 17 and has autism. She also has limited verbal skills and no real way to express her thoughts, feelings, and deepest desires. Yes, we’ve tried many things: Applied Behavioral Analysis, occupational and physical therapy, years of speech therapy, Picture Exchange System, and an AAC device (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), which she still uses for basic communication. It’s mostly to express the “I wants” but she often gets stuck replaying the lists of friends’ names and her favorite places.

Spellers Center in Tampa. The motto here is “presume competence.” The greater harm comes when we don’t. It makes complete sense to me although, to be honest, I am still not fully convinced Olivia will succeed at this given her enormous sensory challenges.

I also have no real grasp of her intelligence. Every test or developmental measurement she’s had in life required her to speak or point to an object or circle reliably. They all went poorly. Practitioners of the Spellers Method believe that is due to an apraxia disorder in the brain - the inability to speak or do something on demand accurately.

“When she asks Olivia to spell ‘American revolution’, a smile comes across my daughter’s face and she spells it correctly.”

Perseveration: It’s one of the frustrations of Autism. I want more for her. She wants more. A mother’s instinct knows it, especially as I’ve witnessed her desperately trying to join in conversation with peers, only able to utter a misplaced word or two. So when I heard about a method called Spelling to Communicate, or S2C, from an Autism community in Jacksonville, I immediately sought out every bit of information I could find.

I watched the recently-released movie called Spellers . It’s a documentary that highlights the Spellers Centers in Tampa and San Diego and profiles several teenagers and young adults with autism who have learned to communicate and release their profound intelligent voices through spelling on an alphabet board. Some of them, eventually, are able to type independently on a keyboard. I signed up for an eightweek virtual course to understand this method and how a letter stencil board could change so much.

Fast-forward a few months later and we’ve arrived at our first intensive training session at the

Our session begins with Dana Johnson, the occupational therapist with a Ph.D. who is one of the pioneers in the method. Olivia is completely dysregulated and yelling. Dana reads a history lesson on Benjamin Franklin in a voice so low it’s hard to hear anything she’s saying. She then has Olivia sit down and asks her to spell “scientist.” She struggles to get calm but eventually does. There are several pokes of the wrong letter, but Olivia spells most of the word accurately.

When she asks Olivia to spell “American revolution”, a smile comes across my daughter’s face and she spells it correctly. It helps that she is obsessed with the musical Hamilton .

Continued next page

ext comes the comprehension question: “When did Franklin fly a kite? During a ...” and Olivia correctly spells “thunderstorm.” Wow - she was listening throughout all of that dysregulation!

And she’s smart. The proof comes over the rest of our intensive threeday sessions.

Olivia answers comprehension questions I never would have thought she knew or figured out from the passage. All of the text is ageappropriate.

She also spells words easily with a few inaccurate pokes, some of which points to difficulty with her eyes focusing on a certain point. Apraxia makes precise eye control very difficult. Dana gives Olivia a few verbal prompts, such as “eyes on the board” and “get it, get it, get it” as she’s moving hesitantly to the next letter. She also uses her hand to help Olivia’s eyes focus on the board by holding her hand above or below it. For now, the prompting is essential to help Olivia stay focused on the alphabet board.

“Eventually… we hope for open communication.”

While in the waiting room at the Spellers Center, I noticed a boy with Down’s syndrome in a wheelchair. His mother tells me they drove all the way over from Houston to learn the method so their son could have a voice. Another parent, like myself, who knows there is more to a dysregulated body than meets the eye.

Eventually, when the prompting fades and Olivia is accurately pointing at the 26-letter board, we hope for open communication. That golden moment is when the speller is able to spell out their own thoughts and feelings. It may take a while to get there, but I now believe we will. I have seen too much proof of her intelligence to stop.

Hope springs eternal. There are detractors, mainly from speech and language pathologists and ABA practitioners who claim the method has been debunked and that the instructor is influencing the speller. I know what I witnessed. I saw my daughter make independent movements to the correct letters. It is just the beginning of a long journey ahead, but we will get there, one letter at a time.

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A First Class Experience

by Steve Glaser

If you could have a

positive impact

on a group of people, what would you want to teach them?

I would teach gardening for self sustainability

Milton Mayberry

MAYBERRY ENTERPRISES

FIRE EQUIPMENT & HOOD CLEANING

Respect! Nowadays the younger people act discourteous and show now no respect to others.

Dani Rivero

ATT CUSTOMER SERVICE

REPRESENTATIVE

I would love to to teach about kindness. We must all look out for each other. Too many people are selfish in their ways.

Mindy Takas

Healthy eating. Too many people overindulge in foods filled with sugar, salt and carbohydrates.

Zach Nasnas OWNER, FLAMES MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE

Pay attention to current events, pay attention to our country, pay attention to your neighbors, while always maintaining a positive attitude and a great sense of humor.

Kathy Gallagher

I would teach them how to properly use a condom.

Cindy Longfoot

How to manage money because they do not teach this to you in today’s schools.

TroyThompson Home Economics. Young people need to learn how to cook, sew and maintain their future homes.

Mary Thompson

I would love to teach love and kindness! Grab each day because you never know what each day may bring.

Vicki Mazurek

I would teach appreciation. We all need to be appreciative each and every day!

Kathy Murphy

I would love to teach true history.

Ralston McKenzie ATT CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

I would teach and stress the importance of a good education.

Bea Coyle

Don’t be so fast to go to war!

Leo Coyle

I would teach about happiness and the importance of loving yourself and doing what makes you happy without worrying about the opinions of others.

Colleen Jordan MUSICIAN

Alex Planes, DDS

by Danny Howes, EA, RFC

In the complex landscape of personal finance, navigating the waters of retirement planning can be a daunting task. Many individuals find themselves adrift in a sea of financial jargon and intricate investment options. However, the key to a secure financial future lies in establishing a powerful integrated team consisting of an accountant, an insurance agent, and an investment manager. In this article, we delve into each professional’s vital role in sculpting a robust retirement strategy tailored to your unique goals.

The Accountant: Your Financial Architect

A good accountant is adept at dissecting the complexities of tax regulations and can identify strategic ways to minimize liabilities while maximizing your financial gains. By collaborating with an accountant, you gain access to valuable insights into tax-efficient investment strategies and retirement savings options.  You should never make investment decisions without knowing the tax ramifications first.  This includes, not limited

to, when to buy or sell an investment, retirement account distributions, income planning, and estate planning.

Try to find an accountant that does more than just record the past and tell you your refund or balance due.  Good accountants on your team play a crucial role in ensuring your financial affairs are in order. Their expertise can provide insight into the right time to make financial moves while minimizing taxes.  They can forecast and estimate future taxes, thus helping to avoid the “April shock and awe.”.  Additionally, accountants offer valuable advice on budgeting, helping you allocate resources effectively and avoid common financial pitfalls.

The Insurance Agent: Safeguarding Your Financial Fortress

In the realm of retirement planning, unforeseen circumstances can pose a significant threat to your financial stability. A good insurance professional to have on your financial team will possess the knowledge to help ensure you are protected in the event of losing a spouse, longterm care issues, and estate tax planning.  They can also assist in retirement income planning for certainty of income.

Insurance agents assess your unique risk profile and help you choose policies that align with your retirement goals. Whether it’s life insurance, disability insurance, annuities, or long-term care coverage, these professionals provide a safety net, protecting your assets and ensuring your loved ones are financially secure in the event of unexpected challenges.

The Investment Manager: Navigating the Seas of Wealth Growth

Investing wisely is the cornerstone of wealth accumulation, especially in the context of retirement planning. A good investment advisor will carefully help you determine your appetite for risk, if any, your income needs for lifestyle, and long-term growth plans for your estate.

They will match your investment strategy with your overall financial plan so that your investments coincide with your needs, goals, and plans.  They help you make informed decisions, adjust your portfolio based on market conditions, and optimize your investments for long-term growth.

The Synergy of the Trifecta

Having all these aspects of your financial life coordinated can be a powerful tool for retirement success.  It can be challenging to find the right team members to assemble, but it could be well worth it once you do.  The key is having them coordinate with each other and collaborate together for your success.  All these aspects of your financial life affect each other.  Coordination can be extremely helpful in avoiding having one foot on the brake and one foot on the gas.

At East Coast Tax and Financial Planning, we’ve built our firm around the combined power of accountants, insurance agents, and investment managers under one roof. We understand the immense value in integrating these diverse skill sets to create robust financial strategies tailored to our clients’ needs. With expertise in tax optimization, risk management, and investment planning all housed within our firm, we offer a streamlined approach to retirement planning. By collaborating closely and leveraging our collective knowledge, we empower individuals to navigate their financial journey with confidence, knowing that every aspect of their plan is expertly crafted and seamlessly integrated within our firm.  When was the last time you sat down with your investment advisor, tax professional, and insurance advisor in one room or on a conference call, talking about you, your money, and your goals?

Danny Howes,

OF VERO

by Steve Glaser

Growing up, who was your favorite band and why?

led zeppelin

Michael Jackson. He was the best dancer ever! He was handsome and most young girls had a crush on him. Everyone wanted to dress like him. His songs kept us

Aleta

I grew up listening to “Gunster” especially their “Lost & Gone Forever” album. It was the music that my two older brothers and I shared together. So many wonderful memories on family trips singing together their music. Hoping to be at the Red Rocks in August to see them live with my two brothers.

Pastor

Trevor Raborn MORNING STAR CHURCH

PatBenetar rush

green day

Spice Girls and Linkin Park! They were both very innovative and I felt so free listening to their music.

Terra Lillis REALTOR, EPIQUE REALTY

Slipknot. Heavy and aggressive music makes my heart smile and helps keep my sanity. Noe Larios INSTA-KEYS MOBILE LOCKSMITH

dancing and we all wanted to dance like him.

Butts MENTAL HEALTH

ARGETED CASE MANAGER, NEW HORIZONS OF THE TREASURE COAST

Way back when, I loved the Doobie Brothers. Their sound was a mixture of rock and blues, two of my favorite genres. Plus, I always had a crush on Michael MacDonald. He was easy to look at and had such a sultry voice.

Linda Stern Rinelli SALES, D•R•HORTON

It’s so hard to pinpoint a favorite. During the mid to late eighties, songs were about guitar solos and ballads. Then rap, hip hop and R&B became popular. Back in my senior year of high school, I tried to get Green Day. “Time Of Your Life” was our senior class song.

Damon O’Neal D’S WRAPS

Lynyrd Skynyrd. My older sister Kathleen took me to see them performing in Madison Square Garden. She was babysitting me when I was thirteen and this was my first concert. I loved their performance, music and lyrics.

Mark Kloberg

Motley Crue. Loved listening to their music as I worked out in the gym.

Corey Troup FINANCIAL ADVISOR, EXPERIOR FINANCIAL GROUP

The Carpenters! I loved their sound and her voice. I grew up singing her songs. It was a great tragedy when she died …. so Karen.

Georgia Irish

I grew up in Southern California and was in elementary school when MTV was launched and I became exposed to hundreds of bands. I loved Van Halen, Rush, Genesis, Pat Benatar, and Def Leppard, but my favorite was The Who. I always loved their amazing, interesting, and unique sound.

Steve Schwartz PD-GO DIGITAL MARKETING

Dave Matthew’s Band is amazing! I played the saxophone and was truly inspired by their saxophonist, LeRoi Moore. Their entire band had a unique jazz/rock sound and they were always able to improvise as they played.

Nick Casiello CUSTOM FLOORING & MORE

Led Zeppelin! John Bingham was their drummer and he was the best! Although classified as hard rock, I always loved the blues element in their music.

Lisa Angelillo

DelCogliano REALTOR, KELLER WILLIAMS OF VERO BEACH

Sublime… Beach anarchist vibes for the 90’s Vero Beach teenager.

Crystal Ploszay UNICORN EPOXY

The boy band NSYNC! They were dreamy and fun!

Abigail Bass SALES MANAGER, THE REYNOLDS TEAM, COMPASS REALTY

Book Club: The Next Chapter

RATED PG

by Del Bates

If you’re looking for a cute romantic comedy with great iconic actors in one movie, the Book Club: The Next Chapter is it. This feature hits the target audience with four mid-life forever friends starring Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Diane Keaton, Mary Steenburgen, Don Johnson, and Andy Garcia.

The story is about four high school friends who never lost touch. The movie opens with screens of Zoom chats they shared during their COVID hibernation.

As the COVID ban is lifted, the group is excited to reunite—in a great place: Carol’s (Mary Steenburgen) kitchen. One by one, they enter with long-awaited hugs. Sharon (Candice Bergen), who retired as a judge during COVID, strolls in first. Next is Diane (Diane Keaton), now in a new relationship but still grieving the loss of her late husband who passed years ago. Lastly, Vivian (Jane Fonda) enters with her typical grand entrance.

Quickly, she whisks off her white glove and extends her left hand to show a dazzling diamond. “I’m finally engaged!” she announces. Her friends are beyond excited for Vivian to finally take the plunge. I was excited for her, too, since she was in her seventies and had never married.

The fun begins when Carol recalls a time they planned to take a trip to Italy. Suddenly, she has a brainstorm. “The travel ban from COVID is lifted. At last we can take that trip to Italy. Let’s make it a bachelorette party for Vivian!”

At first they were all excited to go. As the days pass one by one each one finds a reason to back out. The first excuse was the funniest, I must say. Sharon couldn’t go because of her bird. He was her primary commitment. Sadly, he got ill and died and she was free as a bird to go!

Diane’s boyfriend, Mitchell (Andy García), encouraged her. It’s the trip of a lifetime. Go enjoy with your friends. Vivian’s fiancé Arthur (Don Johnson) encourages her he will be okay, she needs to go. Soon, they were Italy-bound.

Rome is everything and more than they expected. The food, the men, the sites, and the shopping. Little did they know what they were in for when entering a bridal shop they just happened to pass by. The entertaining owner catered to each of their fancies as they put on a fun fashion show. But Vivian hit the jackpot. Yep, she found the perfect wedding gown for her special day.

Nonchalantly, while sightseeing, a stranger convinces them they must see Venice, the city of love. What do they have to lose? Sounds romantic, right? Well, until they decide to take the train and realize, “Oh, no! Our luggage was stolen by the guys posing as porters at the train station! Thieves!”

Twists, turns, and more mishaps bring laughs and truths to each other. You can’t help but enjoy the crazy things that happen. I can recall a few of my own.

Only Diane was aware of the surprise planned by Vivian’s fiancé and she realizes the clock is ticking. They must leave Venice to get to Tuscany. Fearing losing their newly-purchased luggage again if they took the train, they rented a car and hit the road. But who could imagine they’d get a flat in the middle of nowhere? As the rubber meets the road (pun intended), stress threatens to ruin their final days until Diane spills the beans.

“Vivian!” she shouts, “Your fiancé is waiting in Tuscany for us where he has planned a surprise wedding!” The comedy of errors continues throughout the trip right up to the altar.

Grab your popcorn and favorite drink. I know you’ll enjoy the surprise ending as much as I did. Seeing these actors who created lasting memories in years gone by will leave new ones in your heart in this new chapter of their lives. Enjoy!

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 12:12pm on Vero’s Voice.

Del Bates

by Barbara Freund

Ilove the bright spring flavors in this cake, but sometimes there’s just no time to bake from scratch. If you want to try a “nest” cake for Easter, substitute your favorite boxed cake, baked in a bundt pan, frosted with white icing. Pick flavors that complement the coconut “nest.” Use the Topping ingredients, follow Step 1, and before serving fill the cake with the candies.

LEMON COCONUT EASTER CAKE

A lemon coconut bundt cake decorated like a nest with toasted coconut, topped with lemon cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut flakes … filled with candy-coated chocolate eggs.

INGREDIENTS

Topping

1 and 1/2 cups (150g) sweetened flaked coconut

1–2 cups candy-coated chocolate eggs (Hershey’s or Cadbury Mini Eggs)

Cake

3 cups (360g) cake flour (spooned & leveled)

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar

1 heaping Tablespoon lemon zest

1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil

5 large eggs, at room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon coconut extract

1/2 cup (120g) full-fat sour cream or plain yogurt, at room temperature

2/3 cup (180ml) whole milk, at room temperature

1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice

1 cup (100g) sweetened flaked coconut *

Frosting

8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 cups (240g) powdered sugar

1–2 Tablespoons (15–30ml) fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. For the topping Lightly toast about 3/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes to achieve the “nest” look. Spread the coconut on an ungreased baking sheet and toast at 325 degrees 5-10 minutes, until golden brown. Cool completely before using. You’ll use half toasted, half untoasted on the cake.

2. For the cake Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously grease a large 10-12 cup Bundt pan.

3. Whisk the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.

4. In a large bowl, beat the butter on high speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Add the sugar and lemon zest and beat on high for 3–4 minutes until creamed. Scrape the sides as needed. Add the oil and mix on medium speed to combine. With the mixer running on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, then add sour cream and the vanilla and coconut extracts. Beat on medium-high speed until combined, scraping down the sides and bottom as needed.

5. Whisk the lemon juice and milk together.

6. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with the lemon-milk mixture, and mixing after each addition

until just incorporated. Do not overmix. Fold in the coconut.

7. Pour evenly into your Bundt pan and bake for 55–65 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. (If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.)

8. Cool cake for 2 hours in the pan, and then invert onto a serving plate. Cool completely before decorating.

9. For the frosting In a large bowl beat the cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. On low speed, add powdered sugar, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice and vanilla extract. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes. Add 1 more Tablespoon of lemon juice to thin out, if desired. Frost the cooled cake.

10. Top with a combination of toasted shredded coconut and fill the hole in the center of the cake with candycoated chocolate eggs.

11. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 24 hours. If the cake has been refrigerated for longer than an hour, let it sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, to soften up.

12. Store covered cake in the refrigerator up to 5 days.

Adapted from sallysbakingaddiction

RICE KRISPIES EASTER EGGS

These are super cute and easy to make. You’ll need nonstick cooking spray, plastic Easter eggs, and 3 cardboard egg carton halves. Kids of all ages love them.

Makes 32

INGREDIENTS

4 tablespoons butter

1 10-ounce package mini marshmallows

1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Pinch of salt (optional)

6 cups Rice Krispies or other puffed rice cereal

1/3 cup small t sprinkles, assorted pastel spring colors

DIRECTIONS

1. In large saucepan melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows, almond extract, and salt. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted. Remove from heat.

2. Add the rice cereal and half the nonpareils and stir until well coated.

3. Working quickly, spray the inside of a plastic Easter egg with nonstick cooking spray. Spray your hands and stuff each side of the Easter egg with the puffed rice mixture so it comes slightly out of each half. Press the two sides together firmly to seal the egg. Open the egg and gently remove the Rice Krispies treat egg. Dip the top of the egg into the bowl of mixed sprinkles and then place it in an empty slot in the egg carton.

4. Repeat the process with the rest of the mixture, spraying the eggs and your hands as needed with cooking spray.

Notes: Keeps two days at room temperature in an airtight container. To freeze, cover the eggs in Glad freezer wrap and freeze in an airtight container up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Here’s one for St. Patrick’s Day! IRISH APPLE CAKE

An authentic old-fashioned Irish apple cake with tart apples and a streusel topping. If you like coffee cake, you’ll love this. Delicious warm out of the oven with a sprinkling of powdered sugar or served with the traditional custard sauce – which is amazing drizzled over just about anything!

INGREDIENTS

Streusel topping

3/4 cup (105 g) all-purpose flour

1/2 cup (115 g) granulated sugar

1/4 cup (21 g) rolled oats

1/8 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

Cake

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup (115 g) granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups (177 g) all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons whole milk

3 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled and thinly sliced Custard Sauce

5 large egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar

1 3/4 cup half and half

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and line a 9-inch baking pan with parchment.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, oats and salt. Using your finger tips, rub in the cold butter until you’ve reached the texture of coarse breadcrumbs. Cover and refrigerate.

3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until combined. Stir in the vanilla.

5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

6. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet along with the milk, and stir until combined.

7. Spread evenly into your cake pan and top with the sliced apples in one even layer.

8. Cover the apples with the streusel topping. Press down gently with your hand.

9. Bake 65-75 minutes, until the top is golden brown all over and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before turning out of the pan, streusel side up.

10. Meanwhile, make the custard sauce. In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk egg yolks and 1/4 cup sugar until sugar is dissolved and is lightened in color, about 1 minute. Place a fine-mesh sieve over another empty medium bowl and set aside.

11. In a medium saucepan, over mediumlow heat, heat the half and half, salt, and remaining 1/4 cup sugar, stirring frequently, until steaming. Do not boil.

12. Whisking constantly, pour about a cup of warm half and half mixture into the egg mixture. Add the warm egg mixture back into the remaining half and half mixture, whisking to combine. Cook until it starts to thicken and coat the back of your spoon, 2-3 minutes, 175-180 degrees.

13. Immediately pour the mixture through the sieve and stir in the vanilla. When cooled to room temperature, place plastic wrap directly on sauce and refrigerate.

14. Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days.

by Marianne Howell

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F. GLASS FIREPLACE MATCH CLOCHE BOTTLE SKEEM DESIGN | $36-$60 | AMAZON.COM

B.

C.

D.

F.

E.

MIND

LOGIC RIDDLE

A man is trapped in a room. The room has only two possible exits: two doors. Through the first door there is a room constructed from magnifying glass. The blazing hot sun instantly fries anything or anyone that enters. Through the second door there is a re-breathing dragon. How does the man escape?

S C 26 March 2024 / ISSUE 158 / Vero’s Voice

R O A K M

SUDOKU

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

PERCEPTION

Answer the following two questions after studying the grid for five seconds:

Which color appears least frequently in the grid?

Which color appears most frequently in the grid? Answers

How many words of five or more letters can you find in the wheel? Each word you find must use the central letter and each letter can only be used once. Can you find a word uses all nine letters?

ENGLISH REASONING

Which English word can be placed before all of the following to form new words or phrases on each occasion:

a) Dancing

b) Down

c) Even

d) Water

FOOT STEP

on page 30

WORD LADDER

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.

WORDS

by Beth Walsh Stewart

Beyond faitH

Everyone has faith in something. We may argue that point, but in the end there are some things that exist, and no amount of human determination can eliminate them. Let’s take physical laws as an example. Few of us will climb up on a roof and step off. Why? We have faith in gravity. We’ve seen it in action. We’ve felt its power. We have a track record of experience that proved our faith to be prudent.

Because of that prudent track record, we’ve moved beyond faith with our thoughts about gravity. We believe in it. We don’t doubt that in this world without an outside power source, what goes up will eventually come down. We can’t see gravity, but we can see it work. We can’t taste it, touch it, smell it, or hear gravity; yet we know it to exist.

Trust is faith with a track record. When we trust another person, it is usually because we have built up evidence of their reliability. Once trust is established, we become ready to believe. Belief is foundational because of the hard work involved in creating it. The track record is integral because repetition is how most of us learn.

Now, what about false beliefs? How did they come to exist? Clearly, the idea that we are unworthy or insignificant to the greater plan must be a lie. Each one is designed specifically to use their gifts and talents to better the world.

Repetition is the agent of this sort of deceit. When personal value is beaten down repetitively by someone we hold in authority, we may develop belief systems based on a different kind of record. This faulty record comes from trusting a broken or fraudulent source. Reliability is replaced by authority, and we become afraid to challenge the messages even though our inner being knows the messages are untrue. This often happens when a person

in authority seeks power instead of loving relationship. Desiring control, the fraudulent source conditions the weaker one to deny their creational design and value. This denial of value is repeated over and over, and with repetition the lesson is learned. When a belief is false, it must be challenged in the light of holy truth. For some of us, we will need help to untangle the cluster of lies on which we have built our lives. The work may be emotionally painful, but once completed it is profoundly emancipating. Each of us is an incredible child of Creation designed with gifts and talents necessary to make this world better. False beliefs impede this creational plan.

When we consider ideas like these, is there a small voice inside calling us to seek new understanding? Does hope erupt, with an almost fearful desire to find a new way of thinking and living? Don’t be afraid. If we identify with a broken past, there is help available to create a promising, positive future. We are not alone unless we choose that stance. There are many who have walked this road and have stayed to help other stragglers find their way to healing and wholeness.

That is the greatest hurdle to transformation.

Can you come to believe that you are a remarkable agent of goodness and truth? If that sounds difficult, will you believe that we believe? We are all around you, and we are willing to help. You’ll find us in churches, in 12 Step groups, in book clubs, in therapy offices, and in many other places you have hesitated to go.

Start your new track record today. Give hope legs and take a small action. Ask for help.

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.

Mind Games Answers

Puzzles on page 26

WORD LADDER:

FOOT SOOT SHOT SHOP STOP STEP

PERCEPTION:

Least: Pink

Most: Gray

LOGIC RIDDLE:

He waits until nighttime and goes through the first door.

ENGLISH REASONING:

Break

WORD WHEEL:

Some of the words of 5 letters or more that can be made from the wheel include: machs, scams, mosks, harms, marks, macho, marcs, macks, macro, march, marsh, roams, masks, makos, shams, amoks, mocha, smash, smock, mocks, moras, smack, comas, chasm, scram crams, shmo, charm, charms, chroma, chasms, smacks, macros, schmos, scrams, machos, morass, mochas, smocks, chromas, shamrock, shamrocks

The Passion of Christ is celebrated every Palm Sunday and has all the elements of a Greek tragedy, plus more.

It begins with Jesus’ joyful entry into Jerusalem as the long-awaited Messiah with an enthusiastic crowd throwing palms along His route. Then it switches to tragedy but does not end in tragedy like a Greek drama; it ends in victory. It is recorded in all the gospels and is more

HOW OFTEN DO WE RUSH TO JUDGMENT BY CONDEMNING OTHERS OR BETRAYING THEIR TRUST?

than a record of one individual’s suffering; it is a process through which all who call themselves Christians must go through.

We tend to see ourselves in this story only as sympathetic bystanders. But we are more than that: we are the judges, the betrayers, the cowardly disciples and the executioners. How often do we rush to judgment by condemning others or betraying their trust? How quickly are we ready to unleash a bitter tongue, a piercing remark, a snap judgment? How mercilessly do we find ourselves following the crowd, taking the easy way out and shirking our responsibility to follow Christ?

The sins of the judges, disciples and executioners for whom Christ died were not just the past sins of those who condemned Him over two thousand years ago. They are present-day sins which people commit daily. They are the

sins of omission of those in authority who turn a blind eye to evils in our midst or fail to act in a timely manner to avoid dire disasters for people in their charge. The list is long. Think of the useless wars that have ravaged cultures, uprooted innocent people and laid waste to the infrastructures of entire countries. These are also the sins of disinterested people who daily turn on each other, unleash a bitter tongue and refuse to forgive and see Christ in their neighbor.

Every year, as we celebrate Palm Sunday and the Passion of Christ we become part of a great drama. We recall how a master became a servant, how he humbled himself and yet was exalted above every other creature, how death was swallowed up in life, how he gave us his word, his example.

This is the story of Christ’s love for us. This love is so great He sacrificed His life on the cross that we might do the same. “Greater love,” He said, “no man has than to lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Sacrifice and Love, all wrapped up in one, is Christ’s lasting gift of Palm Sunday.

–Fr. Hugh Duffy

REV’S VERSES

by Pastor Rich Ienuso

Psalm 91

This Psalm is a great one to read daily.

Verse 1: When we dwell with the Lord, He keeps us.

Verse 2: The Lord protects us.

Verses 3-4: The Lord delivers us.

Verses 5-8: The Lord heals us. Do not fear.

Verses 9-13: God’s angels watch over us.

Verses 14-16: The Lord blesses us with protection and a long life. Read Psalm 91 daily. Trust Him and He will take good care of you. He is on your side. Talk to Him today. He listens and answers.

What a Friend we have in Jesus! Blessings, Pastor Rich

Pastor Rich Ienuso

Fr. Hugh Duffy

VERO’S VOICE MAGAZINE

BEACHSIDE

Riverside Theatre

Cliff Norris Real Estate

Village Beach Market

CVS-A1A

Planes Dental Arts

Vero Beach Hotel & Spa

Cobalt

Seaside Grille

Corey’s Pharmacy

Lemon Tree

Ocean Grill

Holiday Inn

Treasure Lane Boutique

Red Onion

The Tides

Ryder’s Gourmet Market

AMAC | Alex MacWilliam

Real Estate

Charlotte Terry Real Estate

Di Mare Restaurant

Marine Bank

Ryder’s Market

Asian Fusion

Delivery Locations

IN TOWN

iThink Financial, 1340 US 1

1420 Coffee House, 2001 14th Ave

ACT Computers

Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce

Habitat for Humanity

Certus Memory Care

CVS –53rd

Center for Advanced Eye Care

Big Shots Golf

Mental Health of IRC – 37th PL

Springhill Suites

Regency Park

Oak Harbor Club

Crab Stop

Calvetti’s

Manatee’s

La Tabla

Rhonda’s Seafood

Mattress Market – US1

Vincent’s Italian

A & A Insurance

First Watch Restaurant

Hampton Inn

S.T.A.R. Pilates

Ceviche

Michaels on 7th

The ARC

Wooden Spoon - Oslo

IRC Chamber of Commerce

Vero Beach Theatre Guild

County Administration Office

Carole Jean Jordan, IRC Tax Collector Cultural Council

Beach Bum Bagel

Vero Beach Main Street

Gallery 14

CVS –17th

Main Library

Renaissance Senior Living

Vero Beach Airport Lobby

CJ Cannon’s Restaurant

Perkins Pharmacy – Route 60

Oceans Unite Christian Center

Mattress Market – Route 60

Brackett Library, IRSC

Larry’s Roadside Restaurant

Image 360

Kelley’s Irish Pub

Hemp Nook

Salt & Pepper BBQ

Mrs. Mac’s Fillin Station

Seacoast Bank

Joey’s Seafood

Golf Carts of VB

Majestic Theatre

Einstein Bagels

Touch of Class Dry Cleaners

Green Marlin Restaurant

Molinari Pools

American Legion

Orthopaedic Center of Vero Beach

Orthopaedic Center Physical Therapy

Dean Wellness Center

American Grill

Center City Pizza

Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce

The Red Wok Chinese Restaurant

The Rowe Gallery

Lychee Nail Salon