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Vero Beach, Fl - Ed. 12.21.2023

Hello FLASHERS~

We cross the finish line this weekend and celebrate Christmas on Monday! The frantic lead up will hopefully give way to the joy, magic and true meaning of Christmas as we quiet our souls and rejoice in the birth of our Lord and Savior. Below you will find a listing of church services that we were able to gather for you. 

Many of our long term FLASHERS will recall when my mother wrote a column for FLASH called "My View from over the Hill' Those are now cherished articles that chronicle her amazing life and showcase her fun sense of humor. At almost 91 she has faced some challenging and ongoing health issues this year. But her words are still quite appropriate and so I am sharing an article she wrote a few years ago on Santa. I think you will enjoy it.

Have a very Merry Christmas FLASHERS. Enjoy your friends and family and create some cherished memories. Perhaps when you gather together this year you will find time to recall and jot down some of your family's stories. Trust me when I say that someday you will be so happy to have those treasured storied someday.

God Bless You FLASHERS! Click on a link below to enjoy some Christmas music as it plays in the background while you browse this morning's FLASH.

Valerie Watkins

Publisher

Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church ~ 3755 A1A, Vero Beach 32963

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: 

10:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.

Live-streaming (only 10:00 a.m.) starts at 9:45 a.m.

Christmas Day - 10:00am

Christ Church Vero Beach ~ 667 20th Street ~ Vero Beach, FL 32960

Christmas Eve – 3:00 pm & 8:00 pm 

Christmas Day – 10:30 am 

Community Church of Vero Beach ~ 667 20th Street ~ Vero-(772) 562-3633

Christmas Eve – 10:15 a.m.The 4th Sunday in Advent in Sanctuary

10:15 a.m. C2 "Rock The Manger" in community Hall

4:30 p.m. Family Worship Lessons & Carols in Community Hall

7:00 p.m. Candlelight Service with Orchestra and Choir (Livestreamed)

9:00 p.m. Candlelight Service with Orchestra and Choir in Sanctuary

First Baptist Church ~ 2206 16th Avenue ~ Vero Beach, FL 32960

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services: 

10:30 AM - Fourth Sunday of Advent

4:00 PM - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Christmas Day – 10:30 am 

First Presbyterian Church - 520 Royal Palm Blvd - Vero - Ph: (772) 562-9088

Christmas Eve Worship 

10:00 AM Worship Service

3:00 PM Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

5:00 PM Family Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

7:00 PM Traditional Family Christmas Eve Service

9:00 PM Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

Christmas Day Worship Service

10:00 am - Christmas Worship

Grace Lutheran Church ~ 1150 41st Avenue ~ Vero Beach, FL. 32960

Christmas Eve Service:

9:30 AM Christmas Eve Candlelight ServiceChristmas Candlelight Worship

6:30 Christmas Candlelight Worship

Christmas Day Service ~ 

9:30 AM Festival Christmas Service 

Pathway Church 

Christmas Eve Service:

1:00 - 2:30 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

3:00 - 4:30 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

5:00 - 6:30 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

St. Helens Catholic Church ~ 2085 Tallahassee Avenue - 772-567-5129

Christmas Eve: Sunday, Dec. 24 Vigil at 4pm, 6pm, & Midnight (Bilingual) Mass

Christmas Day: Monday, Dec. 25: 7:15am, 8:45am, 10:30am, 12:15pm (Spanish

Mass)

St. Marks Anglican Church ~ 1795 45th Street - Vero - 772-563-0450

Christmas Eve: 5:00 p.m. (sung with incense)

Christmas Day: 10:00 a.m. (sun, no incense)

St. Augustine of Canterbary Episcopal Church ~ 475 43rd Ave, Vero

PH: (772) 770- 3494

Christmas Eve Services: Family Service 3:30 pm, Choral Concert Organ & Brass 8:30pm, Choral Eucharist 9 pm

Christmas Day Service ~ 

10:00 am - Christmas Day Eucharist

Vero Christian Church ~ 3250 9th Street SW (Oslo Rd) 

Christmas Eve Services: 

Dec. 24th - 8:30 am Traditional Christmas Eve Service.

Dec. 24th - 4:00 pm Contemporary Christmas Eve Service, with VCCKids having a Birthday Party for Jesus during the adult service.

IS SANTA CLAUS REAL?

   I’ll never forget the day I was first asked that question. It was 1963 and my eldest daughter, Donna, was in second grade. I had picked her up from school and when she got in the car, she said, “Mama, I need to ask you something very important. Some of my friends at school said that Santa Claus isn’t real. That’s not true is it? I really need to know.”

   Wow! I wasn’t prepared to answer that. After I caught my breath, I said, “ Well, darling, I guess you’re old enough,” and I began to tell her about ‘the spirit of Christmas,’ but before I could say anything else, she slapped her hands over her ears and said, “I don’t want to hear! I don’t want to hear!”

   At this busy time of the year, I think we each would like do that. I do love Christmas, but with so much to do, it would certainly help if I had a ‘jolly old elf’ to help me. 

CLICK HERE to read on...

Upcoming Event and Classes

Gallery Stroll –

1st Friday Each Month - 5:00 PM – 8:00PM - January 5th

January Art Club Gallery Exhibit- Big, Bold, Beautiful

Discover Your Creative Side in 2024

- CHECK OUT OUR ART CLASSES -

Linda Wokoun - Watercolor Workshop –10:00 am to 5:00 pm - January 6th – 8th

Painting Studio – 1:30 – 4:30 pm – January 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th

Photography – 6:00 – 7:30 pm – January 9th

Catching a Likeness- 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – January 15th, 22nd and 29th

Open Studios - 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – January 13th, 20th and 27th

Youth Classes – 2:00 – 4:00 pm – January 13th and 27th

Oil Painting- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm – January 11th, and 18th

Wine & Design- 6:00 – 8:30 pm – January 17th

Art in the Park Fine Arts & Crafts Show- 10:00 am – 4 pm - January 14th and 28th

Youth Art Class – 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – January 13th and 27t

Veterans Art Class- 6:00-8:30 pm – January 18th

Art By The Sea – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm - January 19th -21st 

For further details on these classes, please visit our website: www.VeroBeachArtClub.org

Thank you to all who participated in our quiz this past week. The winner of the Barefoot Cafe certificate for her correct answers last week is,

Sally Schillizzi 

Last week's answers were Noel and All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth, and Silver Bells.

This week we're looking for the answers to A-1 and B-1.

Click Here to send us your answers.

We will randomly draw a name from the correct entries to win a $20 certificate from Barefoot Cafe! You will find all other answers to this week's quiz below.

ANSWERS

SANTA  IS ON HIS WAY!

Hey FALSHERS, did you know you can track Santa's progress? This is a great site that my children were glued to on Christmas Eve! Perfect for families with little ones or for Grandma and Grandpa that want to flaunt their special relationship with Santa... Click Here. 

TOW AND GO!

DRINKING AND DRIVING DON'T MIX

Did you know that you might exceed the legal limits after two drinks? The Today Show aired a great spot a couple of years ago that I think some of our FLASHERS might be interested in. Click Here. It follows party goers at a holiday party...Many who believe they were fine to drive after a couple of drinks or after waiting 1-1/2 hours to get behind the week. 

It's no secret that drinking and driving during the holidays is a problem. Forty percent of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related. If you have indulged, please don't get behind the wheel. There is a great service that AAA and Budweiser provide during many holidays; Tow and Go. They will provide free transportation with no questions asked. Check it out  and give them a call if you need them! This service will run from 6:00PM, this Friday 6:00PM until 6:00AM on Tuesday, January 2nd. HAVE A FLASHINGLY SAFE AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!:)

Kids Corner for crafts, recipes, games, experiments, tips etc. to keep your children entertained and busy!!

All activities are easy, fun & kid-friendly!

Reindeer Pancakes Recipe

Supplies:

2 pancakes, 2 bacon pieces, whip cream or 2 banana slices, 1 strawberry, 2 blueberries or chocolate chips 



Directions:

1. Cook two circle pancakes, one large and one small.
2. Cook two pieces of bacon. Break both pieces in half.
3. Place your pancakes on a plate with the large pancake on the bottom and the small pancake on top about halfway down.
4. Place your bacon pieces at the top of the large pancake to create the antlers. 
5. Using whip cream or banana slices, place two spots on the large pancake to create the eyes.
6. Using two blueberries or chocolate chips, place them on top of the whip cream/banana to finish the eyes.
7. Using whip cream, make a spot on the small pancake to create an adhesive.
8. Place a strawberry on top of the whipped cream to create the nose.

Reindeer Food Craft

Supplies:

Raw uncooked oats, sugar cookie sprinkles, plastic baggie, poem 

Directions:

1. Add 3-4 tablespoons of oats into your baggie.
2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of sprinkles to your baggie. 
3. Secure your baggie closed.
4. Attach the Magic Reindeer Food poem. 

Click Here For a Helpful Website

About Indigo: I am just a big puppy who loves to do zoomies! An active girl like me would benefit from an equally active home that can help me release my energy in a positive way. I get very excited when I see humans and would love to say hello to everyone I meet. I love chew toys and I cannot wait to be your best friend! Requirements: Martingale Collar; Children 8+.

About Atlas: This guy is super chill but does get a bit goofy when he gets into the catnip (which he loves, by the way). He’s a very sweet little man and can be very cuddly once he’s comfy with a new hooman. Atlas takes couch surfing to a professional level and is going to make for the perfect binge-watching partner. Come in soon to get acquainted! Requirements: SO urinary diet.

Click Here to visit our website.

82 Unique Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Everyone on Your List

Click Here

Click Here

2023 Taxes:

8 Things to Know Now

With Tax Day approaching, here are eight things to keep in mind as you prepare to file your 2023 taxes.

Click Here

Below are two possibilities for your holiday tablescape. Some greenery, Pinecones and votive candles serve to anchor the more elegant, tall, cranberry, taper candles in the photo below. Add your fine china, linen napkins and a loose tied bow in the same cranberry hue and you will be celebrating in style. If you prefer a more casual affair; consider the more rustic farmhouse stripe napkin topped with two sprigs of rosemary with a placecard stowed into the groove of a festive, holiday bell. CHEERS!

LAST DAY IS THIS SATURDAY

PLAY GAMES

We are a family of game-player and boy do we have fun. Might I say that our guests always has fun too! Lots of it!

Games provide some interaction that you don't get with just a social gathering. That interaction is more desirable today in this world that finds us all on our phones and texting rather that speaking to each-other. Click Here for a link of some fun games. I personally like some of the minute to win it games.

CHUCKLE OF THE WEEK

1) What did Mrs. Claus say to Santa when she looked up in the sky?

    Looks like rain dear!

2) What does Santa do in his garden?

     Ho Ho Ho!

3) Where does a snowman keep his money?

   A snow bank.

WE LOVE OUR FLASHERS WHO DON'T KEEP US A SECRET! PLEASE SHARE US WITH EVERYONE!

FISH CALENDAR, MOON PHASES

 & TIDE CHART

The darker the fish...The better the fishing!

(click here for tide chart)

Baked Brie with Blackberry Compote and Spicy Candied Pecans

Take your baked Brie game up to the next level with this Spicy Candied Pecan Baked Brie recipe flavored with homemade blackberry compote. This appetizer is not only easy-to-make, but also ridiculously flavorful. Perfect for all your upcoming holiday parties.

Click Here!

Youth Guidance Pre-Apprenticeship Program Teaches

Skilled Trades to Indian River County Young Adults

On Tuesday, September 12th, Youth Guidance held its first pre-apprenticeship class of the 2023 school year with 25 teenagers and young adults (ages 17-24) enrolled.

Now in its third year, the Youth Guidance Pre-Apprenticeship Program introduces Indian River

County young adults to five trades, including carpentry, electric, plumbing, HVAC, and welding. The program is the only one of its kind in Indian River County.

The Pre-Apprenticeship Program also provides young adults the opportunity to obtain

professional certifications and training cards, including: OSHA-10 certification, first aid and CPR certification, Florida Department of Education pre-apprenticeship completion certificate, NCCER certification (National Construction Center for Education and Research), forklift training card, and high reach training card.

The program is offered at no cost to students thanks to the generosity of the local community. Support for the program comes from the Bank of America Neighborhood Champions Award, the Blair Family Foundation, and individuals and businesses in Indian River County. “It has been incredible to see the community support the Pre- Apprenticeship Program,” said Youth Guidance Executive Director Phil Barnes. “From donating dollars to gently used tools and building materials – the public truly understands the need for this type of program in Indian River County. There is a nationwide shortage of skilled workers within the trades, and we are working to fill this gap.

Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy is dedicated to enriching the lives of Indian River County youth through mentoring relationships that inspire trust, self-esteem, and positive futures. Founded in 1973, Youth Guidance provides daily meals and mentoring programs to children and young adults ages 5-24 with limited resources.

Pictured: Students build a wall frame as part of the Carpentry Module in Pre-Apprenticeship.”

Santa Claus had to preorder a super-sized sleigh this year to accommodate a multitude of holiday toys, thanks to the residents and staff at Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club. 

On December 15, Operation Hope Florida's president and founder Jesse Zermeno and his team of merry elves visited Orchid Island in Vero Beach to pick up hundreds of toys which will be distributed at the nonprofit's annual Santa Claus Christmas Festival in Fellsmere, Florida.  

Every December, altruistic Orchid Island members gather to collect Christmas gifts and celebrate the spirit of the holidays at their highly-anticipated Operation Hope Toy Drive Cocktail Party. This year's festive fête showcased more than 200 unwrapped treasures–from toys and bikes, to electronics and athletic gear–which will make the holiday season extra special for hundreds of local children and families in need who eagerly anticipate Santa's magical visit each year. 

"We are always pleased to partner with Operation Hope," said Rob Tench, general manager of Orchid Island, "who, along with our generous members, always brings so much happiness to families and children throughout the holiday season."

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club is located at One Beachside Drive, Vero Beach, FL. For more information, visit OrchidIslandRealty.com or call (772) 388-3888.

Operation Hope Florida is located at 12285 County Road 512, Fellsmere, FL. For more information, visit operationhopefl.org or call (772) 571-0003.

McKee Botanical Garden Names Rochelle Ibañez-Wolberg Executive Director

Wolberg to lead the development and operations of the historic garden.

Following a comprehensive, five-month, nationwide search, McKee Botanical Garden is pleased to announce the appointment of Rochelle Ibañez-Wolberg as the new Executive Director. This position became available with the retirement of McKee’s longstanding Executive Director, Christine Hobart. Peter Benedict II, President of McKee’s Board of Directors, officially made the announcement on December 18. Ms. Ibañez-Wolberg is set to assume her new responsibilities on January 16, 2024.

Well-regarded for her leadership in the realm of horticulture, Ms. Ibañez-Wolberg comes to McKee Botanical Garden from Mounts Botanical Garden, Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden, where she served as the Curator and Director since 2017. In this role, she spearheaded strategic direction, operational oversight for the 20-acre public botanical garden, and managed programming, community outreach, visitor experience, data collection and plant displays.

Addressing the pivotal task of continuing McKee’s historic development, Ms. Ibañez-Wolberg remarked, “McKee Botanical Garden is at an exciting inflection point in its legacy and evolution as an institution. The opportunity to strategize and plan for the existing garden spaces, architectural treasures, and outstanding collections of waterlilies and orchids does not occur often and is not to be taken lightly. The Garden’s mission ‘to nurture and enhance a historic garden in a unique tropical setting’ tells an inspiring story of Florida horticulture and exemplifies the importance and unique beauty of the regional ecology.”

United Way’s Powered by Purpose Speaker Series Illuminates Crucial Issues for Florida Seniors

United Way's commitment to community education and empowerment shines brightly through the Powered by Purpose Speaker Series, a heartfelt initiative addressing the critical needs of Florida seniors. The series brings attention to the challenges faced by over half of Florida seniors living below the ALICE threshold and the substantial senior population (33%) in Indian River County.  

United Way, in collaboration with local organizations, recognizes the hardships seniors endure, including isolation, limited healthcare access, and transportation barriers, and is dedicated to bridging the gaps in support for this deserving community.  

Distinguished guest speakers at the event included Karen Diegl, President and CEO of Senior Resource Association; Bonnie Metz, Executive Director of St. Francis Manor; and Peggy Cunningham, Executive Director of the Alzheimer and Parkinson Association.  

The programs represented at the event provide a comprehensive range of services for seniors, including social activities, meal delivery, transportation, and low-income housing. While the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association focuses on individuals affected by memory and movement disorders, the Senior Resource Association (SRA) and St. Francis Manor cater to the broader spectrum of seniors needing services.  

Pictured: Karen Kiegl, Bonnie Metz, Peggy Cunningham and Meredith Egen

Click Here to visit calendar