Space deadline is the 1st of each month. Camera Ready deadline is the 10th. The friendly publication where friendly people advertise!
Please call Rhett Palmer at 772.473.7777 or email us at advertising@verosvoice.com
It’s not just about buying a jet— it’s about buying it right.
Vero Beach: Then, Now, and Everything in Between
Although I’ve lived in Vero since the early 1990’s, my love for Vero Beach history began in earnest during the celebration of Vero’s 100 Year Centennial in 2019. I found the stories of our community’s early years fascinating, and looking at the old black and white photos transported me back to a simpler time.
I learned local historian and author Rody Johnson attends the same church we do and set out for an introduction. He graciously agreed to allow us to use excerpts from his latest book “Forever Vero: 1880-2020” which I’m sharing with you. His love of Vero Beach is evident in his writing: well-researched historical accounts skillfully interwoven with personal life experiences. I hope you enjoy reading this step back in time as much as I. The book is available locally at the Vero Beach Book Center and through Amazon.com.
— Barbara
PHOTOS:
Above: Rody’s parents, Kit and Sis
Background: Rio Mar Golf Course
Right: The torpedoed ship Java Arrow 1942, off Vero's Beach. Twenty-two of the crew were rescued by Kit Johnson and Ottie Roach in their small fishing boat. Four hundred Allied ships were torpedoed by U-boats in American waters in 1942. (Johnson Files).
Excerpts from Forever Vero: 1880-2020
BOOK BY RODY JOHNSON
Where the Tropics Begin – An Introduction
As a young child in 1936 with my parents, Kit and Sis Johnson, we arrived in Vero Beach, welcomed by its motto: “Where the Tropics Begin.” Having traveled south from our wintery home in West Virginia, we drove the Dixie Highway, built in the 1920’s and connecting Chicago with Florida.
An old family photo shows my father in front of a black 1935 Ford, 4-door touring sedan with a rounded trunk for baggage and an encased spare tire that was attached to the rear. We traveled several days, spending our nights in small motor courts, an improvement over travelers driving the old dirt road in Model Ts, sleeping in tent camps only ten years earlier. …Since Florida was open range, my father was always on the alert from the ever-present danger of running into cattle on the roads…We spent the winter of 1938 in Riomar while beginning to build a house on a property west of town.
While in Vero, my parents become involved in the community. My father volunteered for the Coast Guard, and during World War II in his fishing boat, he rescued the crew of a tanker that had been torpedoed by a German U-boat. . . .
U-Boats
Hitler’s U-boats were active up and down the East Coast of the United States. Our Navy was spread thin, battling the enemy both in the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans. This allowed the Germans to torpedo U.S. shipping off Cape Canaveral.
My father, like many private boat owners, joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary to do nightly patrols offshore, though there was little they could do other than possibly rescue survivors from a torpedoed ship. My dad would leave the house every afternoon and pick up his fishing friend Ottie Roach, along with other volunteers. Each night they went out on the Kitsis, his 33-foot cabin cruiser, doing their part in the war effort. I knew that he was not going fishing.
During this time there had been no blackout orders to dim the lights in Florida coastal cities. The concern
was that it might impact the winter tourist season.
U.S. tankers and cargo ships would closely follow the coastline, a protective strategy to avoid torpedoes. But the U-boats lay offshore and could easily spot the silhouette of passing ships, outlined by the glow of lights from coastal towns like Vero. . . .
The night of May 5 and 6, 1942, Peter Cremer’s U-boat torpedoed three ships in the vicinity of Vero and Fort Pierce. From the bridge of the Kitsis, my father’s sport fishing boat, Ottie and Kit saw flares. They navigated to the spot and discovered a lifeboat carrying half the crew of the tanker Java Arrow. The 22 survivors were loaded onto the Kitsis, built to handle a fishing party of five. With the survivors aboard, they motored the Kitsis to the Coast Guard Station at the Fort Pierce Inlet, almost sinking in the process. The rest of the crew was picked up by the Coast Guard. . . .
Within a week after the rescue of the tanker crew, a blackout order was finally issued to dim all lights on the Florida East Coast. Black tape was used to cover car headlights except for a small slit. . . .
My father joined the regular Coast Guard as a Chief Petty Officer in the fall of 1942. He ran a patrol boat operation on the upper Florida west coast until 1944, but with the U-boats gone, there was no action.
Editor’s Note: According to the Museum of Florida History, German U-boats sank 24 ships off the coast of Florida during WW II. A significant portion of these occurred along the east coast, especially in early 1942 before effective convoy and blackout measures were implemented.
Next month is March, spring training in Florida, and we’ll be visiting Vero’s beloved Dodgers.
The Best Waterview in Vero.
Thursday, February 19, 2026 ~ 5 to 9pm
The Arc of IRC’s
The Arc of IRC’s
FIRST ANNUAL
Hawaiian Luau
An authentic Hawaiian Luau
An authentic Hawaiian Luau
at our new Pavilion!
(Behind the west campus, 2455 street SW, Vero Beach, 32962)
(Behind the west campus, 2455 street SW, Vero Beach, 32962)
ulled out all the stops, from pig roasts, Hawaiian food dishes, fire eaters, hula dancers, a spectacular band and much much more. Between the food and the entertainment you will think you are in Hawaii!
Between the food and the entertainment you will think you are in Hawaii!
Contact Noreen at 772.584.9511 or noreend@arcir.org for info. ets are $250 per person. Space is limited. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
We have pulled out all the stops, from pig roasts, Hawaiian food dishes, fire eaters, hula dancers, spectacular band and much much more.
Contact Noreen at 772.584.9511 or noreen info. Tickets are $2 Space is limited. Sponsorship nities are available. our new Pavilion!
OUR MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
OUR MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS THRU THE YEARS
1975 -1979
Founded in 1975 ~ Thank you to our visionaries! Changed from providing services to children to providing services to adults.
Then
OUR MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS THRU THE YEARS
1975 -1979
1975 -1979
1975 -1979
Founded in 1975 ~ Thank you to our visionaries!
1980’s
Signed a 99 year lease with the school.
Founded in 1975 ~ Thank you to our visionaries!
Changed from providing services to children to providing services to adults. 1980’s
Changed from providing services to children to providing services to adults.
Founded in 1975 ~ Thank you to our visionaries! Changed from providing services to children to providing services to adults. 1980’s
1980’s
Built the current administration building. Started a program for piecework jobs.
Signed a 99 year lease with the school.
Signed a 99 year lease with the school.
Then
Then
Then
Acquired both Waldon House and 9 Oaks group homes.
Signed a 99 year lease with the school. Built the current administration building. Started a program for piecework jobs.
Built the current administration building. Started a program for piecework jobs.
Built the current administration building. Started a program for piecework jobs.
Built the Pullen building, named after a previous ED, Jane Pullen, who passed away. 1990’s
Acquired both Waldon House and 9 Oaks group homes.
Acquired both Waldon House and 9 Oaks group homes.
Acquired both Waldon House and 9 Oaks group homes.
Purchased our first van.
Built the Pullen building, named after a previous ED, Jane Pullen, who passed away. 1990’s
Built the Pullen building, named after a previous ED, Jane Pullen, who passed away.
Built the Pullen building, named after a previous ED, Jane Pullen, who passed away. 1990’s
Started both the Supported Living and Supported Employment programs.
Purchased our first van.
1990’s
Purchased our first van.
Purchased our first van.
Opened a Thrift Store.
Started both the Supported Living and Supported Employment programs.
Started both the Supported Living and Supported Employment programs.
Created a contract work program for the clients.
Opened a Thrift Store.
Started both the Supported Living and Supported Employment programs.
Opened a Thrift Store.
Opened a Thrift Store.
Started the Kid’s early intervention program. Collaborated with DOT/Senior Resource.
Created a contract work program for the clients.
Acquired HUD properties.
Created a contract work program for the clients. Started the Kid’s early intervention program. Collaborated with DOT/Senior Resource. Acquired HUD properties.
Created a contract work program for the clients. Started the Kid’s early intervention program.
Collaborated with DOT/Senior Resource.
Started the Kid’s early intervention program. Collaborated with DOT/Senior Resource.
Expanded Miller House.
Acquired HUD properties.
2000’s
Acquired HUD properties.
Expanded Miller House. 2000’s
Expanded Miller House. 2000’s
Expanded Miller House.
2000’s
Opened two more group homes.and turned Miller House into a Supported Living. Home.
Opened two more group homes.and turned Miller House into a Supported Living. Home.
Acquired the Shredding Plant for work for our clients.
Opened two more group homes.and turned Miller House into a Supported Living. Home.
Opened two more group homes.and turned Miller House into a Supported Living. Home.
Started the Behavior Services program. 2010
Acquired the Shredding Plant for work for our clients. Started the Behavior Services program.
Acquired the Shredding Plant for work for our clients. Started the Behavior Services program. 2010
Acquired the Shredding Plant for work for our clients. Started the Behavior Services program. 2010
Expanded our area to include the central region, not just Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin Counties.
2010
Merged with Sunup to become SunUpArc.
Expanded our area to include the central region, not just Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin Counties. Merged with Sunup to become SunUpArc.
Expanded our area to include the central region, not just Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin Counties. Merged with Sunup to become SunUpArc.
Expanded our area to include the central region, not just Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin Counties. Merged with Sunup to become SunUpArc. Built Helios House.
Built Helios House.
Built Helios House.
Built Helios House.
Held the first in Florida Joey Travolta Film Camp. Joined The Arc National to become The Arc of IRC.
Held the first in Florida Joey Travolta Film Camp. Joined The Arc National to become The Arc of IRC.
Held the first in Florida Joey Travolta Film Camp.
Held the first in Florida Joey Travolta Film Camp.
2020’s
Joined The Arc National to become The Arc of IRC.
2020’s
2020’s
Joined The Arc National to become The Arc of IRC. 2020’s
After 14 months of COVID none of our Residential individuals or staff had contacted COVID.
After 14 months of COVID none of our Residential individuals or staff had contacted COVID.
After 14 months of COVID none of our Residential individuals or staff had contacted COVID. During the entire phase of COVID we had NO fatalities.
After 14 months of COVID none of our Residential individuals or staff had contacted COVID.
During the entire phase of COVID we had NO fatalities.
Built Sarah's House for medically fragile adults.
During the entire phase of COVID we had NO fatalities. Built Sarah's House for medically fragile adults. Started the Planned Giving Foundation.
Built Sarah's House for medically fragile adults. Started the Planned Giving Foundation.
Started the Planned Giving Foundation.
During the entire phase of COVID we had NO fatalities. Built Sarah's House for medically fragile adults. Started the Planned Giving Foundation.
Our fleet of vehicles has grown from one van in 1990 to a fleet of 25 vehicles. 2025
Our fleet of vehicles has grown from one van in 1990 to a fleet of 25 vehicles.
Our fleet of vehicles has grown from one van in 1990 to a fleet of 25 vehicles. 2025
2025
Our fleet of vehicles has grown from one van in 1990 to a fleet of 25 vehicles. 2025
Built the Pavilion and gazebo
Built the Pavilion and gazebo No long term debt!
Built the Pavilion and gazebo No long term debt!
No long term debt!
Built the Pavilion and gazebo ’s.
No long term debt! To many we are their home, family and friends!
To many we are their home, family and friends!
To many we are their home, family and friends!
WHERE THE MOUNTAINS
Breathe
Ivisited many places during my travels, but I couldn’t deny that there was something different about Flåm. I’ve seen places that impress and overwhelm. And then there are some places that don’t ask anything of you at all. They simply are. Flåm, Norway, was one of those rare places.
Tucked deep within the Aurlandsfjord, Flåm sits where steep mountains rise abruptly from calm, glassy water, with the earth rising up on all sides, as though it stood up to take notice of the calm waters. With only three hundred residents, the village is tiny. But nearly half a million visitors pass
through each year, arriving by train, ferry, or towering cruise ships that glide silently into the fjord like a modern-day longship. Even so, Flåm doesn’t feel busy. It feels watched over. Perhaps that’s the lingering presence of the Vikings who once roamed these valleys. Or perhaps it’s simply the land reminding you that it was ancient long before you arrived… and will remain long after you leave.
From the port, I rented what might be the most charming vehicle I’ve ever driven: a tiny, fully electric Renault Twizy. It’s not quite a car and not quite a motorbike. It’s more like a cheerful mechanical companion built for narrow mountain
“I didn’t realize how accustomed I was to breathing recycled air from
roads and impossible views. With its open cabin and tandem seating, it felt like a cozy invitation to see the world above.
The car spoke to me as I drove. Literally.
Through its GPS-guided audio tour, a local voice narrated the land as if I were being shown around by a friend who grew up here, offering history, anecdotes, and quiet encouragement to stop, breathe, and look. The electric motor hummed softly beneath me as I passed through the village, then climbed upward into the mountains along winding roads that buses and big cars simply can’t reach.
Sheep roamed freely across open fields, completely indifferent to my presence. They lifted their heads just long enough to acknowledge me, then returned to their grazing as if to say, “Yes, this is normal. You’re the visitor here.”
As I climbed higher, the air changed. It became sharper, cleaner, and so pure it almost startled me. I didn’t realize how accustomed I was to breathing recycled air from the ship, exhaust, and noise until Flåm stripped all of that away. Each breath felt made me feel… alive.
the ship, exhaust, and noise until Flåm stripped all of that away.”
Ready to sightsee in a Renault Twizy with its GPS-guided audio tour
At the summit, the road opened into stillness.
Below me, the village of Flåm sat quietly between steep mountain walls, its red and white buildings impossibly small. The fjords stretched outward like veins of water carved into the earth, reflecting the sky with a clarity that felt unreal. Far in the distance, our cruise ship rested at dock, serving as a reminder of the modern world I had briefly escaped. I sat there longer than I meant to.
At one point, my friend asked if I was okay. Without sarcasm, without hesitation, I said, “If I were to die right now, I’d be okay with it.”
I wasn’t in any kind of despair or distress; I was just at peace.
It was the kind of peace that only comes when nothing is demanding your attention. When your thoughts slow down enough to catch up with your breathing. When you realize that joy doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes it arrives quietly and waits to see if you’ll notice.
Flåm had been quietly waiting for me for centuries, and now…I had discovered it.
The village’s name dates back as far as 1340, derived from the Old Norse word flá, meaning “flat plain”, a nod to the rare stretch of level land nestled between unforgiving mountains. In 1670, Flåm Church was built, replacing an older stave church and anchoring the village as a spiritual and communal center.
By the 1960s, cruise ships began anchoring in the fjord. By 2000, a new pier allowed them to dock directly. Tourism boomed. Hotels expanded. And still, somehow Flåm retained its soul.
That’s the magic of this place.
Despite the visitors, despite the modern comforts, Flåm doesn’t feel curated or artificial. It feels honest. The Fretheim Hotel, originally built in the late 1800s, still welcomes guests with warmth rather than spectacle. The mountains remain indifferent to applause. The fjords don’t perform for tourists. They simply…exist.
Driving back down in that little electric car, wind rushing through the open cabin, I realized something: Flåm doesn’t try to impress you. It simply reminds you of what the world looks like when it isn’t trying to be something it isn’t.
In the early 20th century, Flåm became home to one of the most ambitious railway projects in the world: the Flåm Line. Approved by the Norwegian Parliament in 1908 and completed in 1942, the railway climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 12 miles, making it one of the steepest standard-gauge railways ever built. What began as a feat of engineering later became a gateway which brought travelers across the globe to this once-remote valley.
And in doing so, it helps you to find you.
Not your schedule. Not your obligations. Just you, breathing clean air, watching ancient water move through ancient stone, and understanding, if only for a moment, why people once believed gods lived in places like this.
And standing there, high above the fjords, I understood why the moment felt so familiar, even if I’d never been there before.
As Collective Soul once put it:
Oh, it’s the world I have known.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
“So I walk up on high, and I step to the edge to see the world below.
And I laugh at myself, as the tears roll down,
’Cause it’s the world I have known.
Halfway to the clouds, looking down on Flåm
in Vero Beach? MOST UNDERRATED SPOT What’s the
For me we’re at the most underrated location – right at the beach, the ocean. That’s where I come when I’m looking for any type of peace or clarity. This is the spot.
Brad V
I don’t think we want to tell people so they won’t go there, right? I’d say the wonderful parks, like Memorial Island, that don’t get a lot of footage out there. Riverside Park has all sorts of things, boat ramps, that people might not take advantage of.
Regina Richards
Havana Nights Piano Bar on South Beach. It’s a little hidden gem. I feel like a lot of people don’t go out there to get drinks and food. Upstairs it’s really great, a good fun night. Really good bar food, really good drinks and live piano.
Claire Santangelo
Meagan West
Somewhere you can be secluded, just a spot where you can be by yourself and just hang out, not be with friends.
Edgar
R
Probably Heaton’s at Kimpton. It’s right on the beach, you can get food and drink and it’s pretty chill, low key.
Jordan L
Bobby’s. They’ve got great burgers and not a lot of people know about them.
Dave Simpson
That’s a hard one. I’d have to say Skate World. I went there when I was a kid and it still exists.
John Fisher
14th Avenue in Downtown. It’s historical, has a very good scenery as of now, great local businesses. They put a lot into it. I think there should probably be more focal point on it.
Rio Coco Café downtown. They have really good coffee!
Kate and Chris Turner
We love Riverside Café. It’s got great views, it’s on the water, it’s got a good vibe.
The White Orchid Spa. That’s where I work. Janene C
Sean VanArman
I would say South Beach. It’s less crowded. Addison Willmot
BY
David
ANGEL STUDIOS – RATED PG
Ilove a good superhero film, don’t you? I never thought of David in the Bible as a superhero, but in a way he was, and this film does a nice job of retelling one of the most beloved Bible stories in a way kids can relate to, understand, and enjoy. I loved the animation, as did my grandkids, ages 18, 14, and 9, who saw David with me. It is top notch!
Though this film is based on a Bible story, any audience would enjoy it because of its message of character, courage, and purpose. The film is full of vibrant, colorful imagery and uplifting songs. And how can you not love David, who is characterized as ruddy and handsome, just as the Bible says.
David was released in theaters December 19, 2025. More theaters were added, and it is still showing as I write this a month later. The film tells the story of the young shepherd boy chosen by God to defeat the giant Goliath and become a king. David is humble, brave, and imperfect as he learns to trust God in the face of fear and making mistakes. The Christian viewer will appreciate how the movie demonstrates reliance on God over human strength. In the Goliath scene, David’s confidence and courage are a result of his faith, not just his skill with a sling shot, and in spite of the Philistine army laughing and making fun of his size.
The film follows David from a young shepherd boy (voice of Brandon Engman), to defeating Goliath, through his tumultuous encounters with the jealous, resentful King Saul, up to him becoming king (voice of Phil Wickham). Though his taking down of Goliath wasn’t terribly graphic, there are a few intense battle scenes with threatening enemies that might be a bit much for children under about six years old. But it all makes for a good superhero action movie for the rest of the kids. There is certainly plenty of tension, as well as humor.
David is taken from 1 Samuel, Chapters 1631. If you are a believer, I would suggest reading through these chapters beforehand if you need to refamiliarize yourself with the story and perhaps better recognize where they went “off script.” This could make some great discussion with the kiddos after seeing the movie. Keep in mind this is an artistic interpretation of the story, not a textbook retelling.
The film did show that David encountered a lot of turmoil, but his faith always carried him through. If you’ve ever read his Psalms, David was full of raw emotion.There were some Psalms incorporated into a couple of scenes, as well as a “Why God?” scene. However, there were some significant verses from 1 Samuel that could have been used. And in terms of the songs, though they were good, I felt they could have used more Scripture along the lines of the Psalms, since David was one of the best songwriters in the Bible. Still, it is completely enjoyable as a family-friendly, faith-honoring film.
“The Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
–1 Samuel 16:7 ESV
I did wonder how they might handle David’s indiscretions, but they did not include that part of his story in this retelling. (Isn’t it nice that some film makers keep things family friendly?) The bottom line is, David gives us hope, not only because of his purpose, courage, and faith as portrayed in this account, but because of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness to him in spite of his faults. David’s story shows us that it’s all about our heart, not our sins, and God can and will use anyone in spite of their faults, size, strength, or age. And that is good news for all of us!
DAVID: 4 1/2 STARS
Penny Cooke is an award-winning author of Pursuing Prayer: Being Effective in a Busy World, The Wake-up Prayer children’s book, and her latest, Pursuing Prayer for America She co-hosts the Seeds of Hope podcast with Del Bates on Wednesdays on Vero’s Voice Facebook page. Learn more at pennycookeauthor.com
CotyLey Hat Co.
Beautifully crafted, customizable hats with so much heart behind the brand. Find them at local events or visit their storefront at 865 S. Kings Hwy, Fort Pierce, FL.
Follow along: @cotyleyhat_co
One of my favorite parts of working in fashion is meeting the talented small business owners who bring style, creativity, and heart to our local markets. This month, I’m highlighting a few standout vendors I’ve had the pleasure of discovering around the area—along with my own brand, Treasured by MLH. From curated fashion and handcrafted accessories to permanent jewelry experiences, these businesses are proof that great style and meaningful design can be found right here at home.
Voltage & Vine
A modern permanent jewelry vendor offering pop-ups and private events. Their pieces are timeless, meaningful, and designed to be worn every day—making them perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or just because.
Follow along: @voltage_and_vine
Shop Joliee
A local mobile boutique offering on-trend styles with heart. Always welcoming, always thoughtfully curated.
Follow along: @shop_joliee
Treasured by MLH
Meaningful, customizable charm jewelry designed for markets, popups, and private gatherings—each piece made to tell a story.
Follow along: @treasuredbymlh
Need help styling these pieces?
Wed., Feb 4 • 11 AM
The Promenade
10730 US Hwy 1 Sebastian, FL 32907
Wed., Feb 18
10AM-NOON
Costa d’Este Beach Resort 3244 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL 32963
Tues., Feb 24 • 11:45AM
Indian River County Chamber of Commerce 1216 21st Street Vero Beach, FL 32960
Wed., Feb 25 • 11 AM
The Brennity at Vero Beach Senior Living 7955 16th Manor Vero Beach, FL 32966
LADLE UP:
February brings welcomed cooler temperatures – a chance to break out those turtlenecks and sweaters, the aroma of homemade soup simmering
Sweater Weather Soups for
POTATO SOUP
My mother would make this when the weather changed and it’s one of my favorite go-to comfort foods. Add pieces of ham or bacon if you like the smoky flavor.
Ingredients
4 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 stalks celery, including green leaves,
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
6 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Salt and pepper
6 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley
Garnishes (optional)
Grated cheese of your choice
Sliced green onions
Dollop of sour cream
Directions
1. In a large soup pot, melt the butter on medium heat: add the onions, carrots and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, about fifteen minutes.
2. Add the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the potatoes and stir to combine. Stir in broth and increase heat to high. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Whisk together the flour and milk until smooth and stir it into the soup. Cook 5 minutes more.
5. Remove half to two-thirds of the soup and blend in batches in a blender or food processor to create a creamy texture. (Use EXTREME CAUTION–blending hot liquids creates steam pressure which can result in a surprising explosion if not vented properly. Fill half way, remove the lid’s center cap and cover it with a towel before turning the blender on.)
6. Pour the blended soup back into un-pureed soup and stir to combine. Let it heat back up and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper as needed.
7. Stir in the cream for extra richness if using, then add parsley, reserving some for garnish.
8. Serve in bowls, topped with cheese, parsley, green onion slices, sour cream, if desired.
MULLIGATAWNY SOUP
A hearty, flavorful blend of Indian spices, veggies, and chicken with a hint of sweetness from apple and coconut milk. Customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand. When I hear Mulligatawny, the “Seinfeld” episode with the Soup Nazi comes to mind. This recipe, though, is adapted from Sara Moulton’s recipe – the first chef I followed on the food network many years and chefs ago.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon garam masala* or curry powder
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup onion)
2 stalks celery, chopped (1/2 cup)
2-3 carrots, chopped (1 cup)
1 tart but sweet apple, chopped (Honeycrisp, Fuji)
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk
1 1/2 cup red lentils
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded cooked chicken**
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Pinch cayenne pepper, if desired
Garnish
Lime wedges, dollop of yogurt, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the garam masala and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the carrots, onion,
celery, and apple, and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 7 to 8 minutes.
2. Add the chicken broth, coconut milk, lentils, and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and starting to break down.
3. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until slightly thickened. Or use a blender, being careful to remove the center knob so the steam can escape – and place a paper towel over the opening. Purée until smooth and return the blended soup to the pot.
4. Add the cooked chicken and 1 tablespoon lime juice, and heat until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, more lime juice, and cayenne pepper, if desired. Serve the soup generously sprinkled with fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of yogurt, with lime wedges on the side.
*Garam masala is available in the spice aisle. Or make your own by combining these ground spices: 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1/4 teaspoon cloves, 1 tablespoon cumin.
**Use a rotisserie chicken to save time, or chicken thighs.
CELIA’S CINCINNATI CHILI
I first had this chili at my sister-in-law’s many years ago. I’d never heard of chili over spaghetti topped with cheddar cheese and had my doubts. But I loved the surprising flavors and it became my favorite chili. The seasonings are similar to Greek cooking … cinnamon, clove, allspice. (This ain’t your typical hot Texas chili with beans.)
Ingredients
For the Chili:
2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
2 medium onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, smashed
3/4 cup tomato paste (6-ounce can)
2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider or red wine)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more, to taste)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
To Serve:
Spaghetti
Shredded cheddar cheese
Diced onions
Sour cream
Directions
1. Place 4 cups cold water in a large Dutch oven. Using your fingers, break up the beef into the water. Stir well, continuing to break up the beef. Add 2 more cups water. Stir in the remaining ingredients.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat uncovered, stirring frequently. Lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until chili has thickened - no longer soupy but not yet thick enough to stand a spoon in - about 2 hours. Season with additional salt.
3. Traditionally served over spaghetti, topped with shredded cheddar, chopped onions, and an optional dollop of sour cream.
PART ONE
TNavigating Your Taxes in Retirement: A Guide to Smart Planning
ax season often brings a sense of urgency, but for those approaching or living in retirement, it serves as a crucial reminder. Your relationship with taxes changes significantly once you stop earning a regular paycheck. Instead of just a yearly obligation, tax planning becomes a year-round strategy for preserving the wealth you have worked a lifetime to build. A proactive approach can help you protect your assets, manage your cash flow, and secure your financial legacy.
Thinking about taxes as an integrated part of your overall financial plan is key. Decisions about when to draw from certain accounts, how to manage investments, and even when to claim Social Security can have significant tax consequences. This article will provide actionable insights to help you navigate this new landscape, minimize your tax burden, and maintain your financial well-being throughout your retirement years..
Why Tax Planning is Different in Retirement
During your working years, tax planning is often straightforward. Your income is predictable, and deductions are typically consistent. Retirement changes this dynamic entirely. Your income now comes from multiple sources, each with its own set of tax rules. These sources might include:
• Social Security benefits
• Pension payments
• Withdrawals from 401(k)s, 403(b)s, or traditional IRAs
• Distributions from Roth accounts
• Income from investments like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
• Annuity payments
Managing these varied income streams requires a shift in mindset from tax preparation to strategic tax planning. The goal is no longer just to file your return correctly but to structure your income in a way that minimizes your liability over the long term.
Key Strategies for Tax-Efficient Retirement
In Part 1 we’ll discuss:
Leveraging Tax-Advantaged Accounts:
• Tax-Deferred Accounts (Traditional IRA, 401(k))
• Tax-Free Accounts (Roth IRA, Roth 401(k))
• Taxable Brokerage Accounts:
Leverage Tax-Advantaged Accounts
Effectively managing your taxes in retirement involves a combination of strategies. By understanding how different accounts and income sources are treated, you can make informed decisions that align with your financial goals.
Your retirement savings are likely held in a mix of tax-deferred and tax-free accounts. Knowing how to use them is the cornerstone of a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy.
• Tax-Deferred Accounts (Traditional IRA, 401(k)): You did not pay taxes on the money you contributed to these accounts, and it grew tax-deferred. However, every dollar you withdraw in retirement is taxed as ordinary income. These are often the last accounts you should tap if
by Danny Howes, EA, RFC
you have other options, as withdrawals can push you into a higher tax bracket.
• Tax-Free Accounts (Roth IRA, Roth 401(k)): You contributed after-tax dollars to these accounts. In return, qualified withdrawals are completely tax-free. Roth accounts are a powerful tool for managing your taxable income in retirement. Having a well-funded Roth account gives you the flexibility to access funds without increasing your tax bill for that year.
• Taxable Brokerage Accounts: These accounts hold your non-retirement investments. You pay taxes on dividends and capital gains as they are realized. Long-term capital gains are typically taxed at a more favorable rate than ordinary income, making these accounts a potentially tax-efficient source of funds. A common strategy is to withdraw funds in a specific order to manage your tax bracket each year. This might involve drawing from taxable accounts first to take advantage of lower capital gains rates, then from tax-deferred accounts, and finally from tax-free Roth accounts.
Look out for Part 2 in March where we will wrap up with:
• Planning for Required Minimum Distributions (RMD’s)
• Managing Your Capital Gains
• Putting it All Together: Building a Cohesive Plan
DANNY HOWES, EA, RFC EAST COAST TAX AND FINANCIAL
Valentine’s Day Through History
In the 1300s, Valentine’s Day officially became a holiday associated with love and romance.
History’s first valentine was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, who wrote a poem to his wife when he was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415.
In 1537, England’s King Henry VII officially declared Feb. 14 the holiday of St. Valentine’s Day.
Every Valentine’s Day, the Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare’s lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet.
Lace is often used on Valentine decorations. The word “lace” comes from the Latin “laques,” meaning “to snare or net,” as in to catch a person’s heart.
During the Victoria Era, those who didn’t want the attention of certain suitors would anonymously send “vinegar valentines,” also called penny dreadfuls, rejecting unwanted admirers.
Giving a box of candy was started in the 19th century by Richard Cadbury of the British chocolate manufacturing family.
About 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year.
In the 1840s the first Valentine’s Day cards were mass-produced in the US sold by Esther A. Howland. She is credited with commercializing Valentine’s Day cards in America and is remembered for her elaborate cards made with lace and ribbons.
220,000 is the average number of wedding proposals on Valentine’s Day each year.
The Valentine’s Day gift that people spend the most on is jewelry.
“Sweetheart” candies started out as lozenges. The machine that produced the lozenges was switched over to candy making. Printing messages on the candy started in 1866, and in 1901 the candies got their heart shape.
The red rose was the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
Over $2 billion is spent on Valentine’s flowers every year.
More than 36 million heartshaped boxes of chocolate are sold each year. Caramels are the most popular flavor in chocolate boxes, followed by chocolate-covered nuts, chocolate-filled, cream-filled, and coconut.
PRAY PREY TO NOT FALL
Residents of Florida’s Treasure Coast enjoy the wonder of raising families in the backdrop of the tropics.
Swimming, beach walks, skateboarding, and catching lizards are among the activities that fill the lives of local children.
Recently, there has been an attack against our idyllic lifestyle. It sneaks into homes without a sound, and Treasure Coast teens are falling victim to its false promises of pleasure. Worse, parents of those affected are slow to sound the alarm to alert other parents because the issue is uncomfortable and humiliating. Mistakenly believing that their parenting went awry somehow, they remain closed-mouth and solitary as they manage seeking recovery for their loved one.
“I didn’t know who to tell,” said Maureen R., a Vero Beach mom. “I called my Pastor for prayer, but I asked him not to share the story. I was embarrassed until I realized it wasn’t about my role as mother. Addiction is an illness.”
Adolescents are naturally curious and creative. Couple this with their innate desire to fit in with peers, and experimentation with drugs and alcohol may follow. Even the most reverent child can get caught up in the whirlwind. With the advances in pharmaceutical science, addiction isn’t the only concern. Kids that are just “dabbling” can become statistics because of powerful chemistry at work.
One of the newer drugs to threaten our youth is fentanyl. Found alone or mixed with other compounds for effect, this drug is changing the face of our slice of paradise. Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers and his deputies have been working hard to keep this deadly drug off the streets since the Operation Knockdown with twelve arrests in 2023–2024 right on up to recent history, with two arrests which closed a drug house operating in the Oakmont Park neighborhood.
Many ask, what is fentanyl?
“Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever, approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is prescribed in the
BY BETH WALSH STEWART
form of transdermal patches or lozenges and can be diverted for misuse and abuse in the United States. However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally-made fentanyl. It is sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often mixed with heroin and/ or cocaine as a combination product—with or without the user’s knowledge—to increase its euphoric effects.” [1]
Because of its strength, drug dealers will use illegally-made fentanyl to stretch out higher cost products by cutting it into their goods. This can be a recipe for death.
So, how do parents on the Treasure Coast fight back?
First, start the discussion. One of the key reasons that drug abuse and addiction are growing in our area is because we are slow to talk about it. One of the drug culture’s chief weapons uses pride to silence family problems due to fear of exposure. Open discussion is imperative to overcome this issue.
Seek information before you need it. Our community is blessed with Thrive, a local non-
“One of the drug culture’s chief weapons uses pride to silence family problems due to fear of exposure. Open discussion is imperative to overcome this issue.”
profit dedicated to protecting and empowering our community from the harmful impacts of substance misuse. Thrive-ir.org. Utilize their offerings. Set up an informational meeting with other interested parents and let them inform you about the real statistics in this community. This non-profit is dedicated to education that averts the web of addiction.
Maintain our roles as parents. Successful families embrace consistent structure, and while it is natural to give more freedom to children as they mature, it is integral that parental roles remain “business as usual” in our homes. Planning regular family meals, consistency in discipline, and routine open discussion may thwart the desire for children to “check out” completely.
Maintain our roles as citizens, paying attention to law enforcement efforts and voting for public servants who address this key issue. Pray for your own children and all children on the Treasure Coast that they do not fall prey to the social lures of drug use and potential addiction.
Fentanyl. (2020, March 19). Retrieved July 13, 2020, from https:// www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/fentanyl.html
Beth Walsh Stewart, MTh, is 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.
Look Through the Eyes of LOVE
Being critical of someone or judging them is something that we as human beings seem to do so effortlessly. You can either be the person doing the judging, or you can be the one on the receiving end of being judged. Honestly, I have experienced both. I have felt the overwhelming hurt of being judged, and at the same time, sadly, I have been the one to judge someone else on certain occasions.
Jesus made an amazing statement:
Matthew 7:1–5 (NLT)
1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.
2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?
4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?
5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.
From the above passage we can see without a speck of doubt, that it is not acceptable for us to judge, because in the same way that we judge we will be judged. Wow, that should be a wake-up call for all of us.
This means that if you do not judge others, you also will not be judged. If you show kindness and understanding when someone is going through a struggle in
by Pastor Alex Pappas
their life, then you will find that when you are in season of difficulty; that kindness, mercy and understanding without judgment might be shown to you as well. In scripture we can see the pattern of sowing and reaping displayed over and over again.
“…before we judge someone, we need to realize that we also have flaws and faults.”
Another thing that the above scripture teaches us is that before we try to take the speck out of our friend’s eye, we should first take the log out of our own. In other words, before we judge someone, we need to realize that we also have flaws and faults. Sometimes our shortcomings are even greater than the person we are judging.
Even though we sometimes succumb to our flesh, we should try our best to make it a priority to exercise grace and compassion instead of judging other too quickly. If we don’t, we can expect to be treated the same way by others.
Let’s be a people that show kindness, compassion, mercy, and most of all love.
BY PASTOR RICH IENUSO
Jesus Loves You!
We’ve heard this many times. And it still remains true.
John 3:16 is still in the Bible.
John 16:27 states that “the Father himself loves you...”
Ephesians 2:4 states “...God who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us...”
1 John 4:16 says “...God is love...” May the Lord show His love towards you. Receive His love.
2 Thessalonians 3:5: “And the Lord directs your hearts into the love of God and into the patient waiting for Christ.”
And remember: Jesus loves you! Pastor Rich Ienuso
Pastor Alex Pappas is Senior Pastor
Church God’s Way makes it clear that the Church is NOT THE PHYSICAL BUILDING BUT THE PEOPLE. It exposes the lies and deceptions of the devil through the Biblical Truths of the Word of God.
