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Protection Team News LOOKING BACK AT ALL THE GOOD FROM THE PAST YEAR The 4 Fs That Defined Darren’s 2025
2025 Is in the Rearview Mirror Page 1 VOL 18, ISSUE 1 Looking Forward and Back With the Vermost Team Page 2
It’s hard to believe that 2025 is in the books and now firmly in our rearview mirror. Where did the year go? While 2025 was a strong year in terms of storms, family, and office productivity, I sincerely hope and pray that 2026 will be an even more prosperous year for each and every one of you. As I begin working on my personal and business plans for 2026, I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to look back at 2025 and reflect on the good, the bad, and the ugly before turning the final page.
Starting with the challenging moments, the most difficult part of 2025 was the continued recovery from the devastation left behind by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which ravaged our area. While many of us are finally getting back into the full swing of things, the recovery process has been long and demanding. More businesses have reopened, homes are being repaired, and progress is clearly visible. Many are not yet back to 100%, but we have made significant progress. Just look at Tropicana Field and its newly installed roof as a symbol of how far our community has progressed. Now, for the good that’s happened in my life, it all comes down to the four F’s: Family, Friends, Fun, and Franklin! 2025 was an incredible year both personally and professionally, but when I reflect on it, those four things are what defined it. I was fortunate to travel with Melanie on several trips, especially during the fourth quarter of the year. I spent meaningful time with great friends and had the opportunity to watch and support Mick, Chris, and Daniel in their many adventures. Of course, the highlight of the year was welcoming Franklin, our first and absolutely adorable grandbaby, into the world. I was truly blessed in 2025! I can’t wave goodbye to 2025 without a heartfelt thank-you to my amazing team and loyal clients. Without you, none of this would have been possible. I wish you all a safe, healthy, and prosperous 2026. To a prosperous new year,
How to Spot Real White Chocolate Page 3
Find Your Flow and Fall Back in Love With Exercise Page 3
Referral Winner Page 4
Wacky January Holidays Page 5
Puzzle Time! Page 5
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Romesco Sauce Page 5 December Puzzle Winner and November Referrals! Page 6
–Darren
A little Santa, a lot of joy!
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Toll free (800) 828-2226 Fax (727) 577-4991
vermost.com newsletter@vermost.com
THE VERMOST TEAM’S 2025 REFLECTIONS And Hopes for an Even Better 2026
What are you focusing on as we step into 2026? I’m looking forward to having more board games and Magic the Gathering nights. But my main goal is completing my 100- book reading goal for 2026, since I fell short in 2025. RONNIE SPARKMAN What was one thing you were proud of accomplishing in 2025? My proudest accomplishment in 2025 was changing careers and being fortunate enough to be hired for Probate Bond Pros! What are you focusing on as we step into 2026? As 2026 begins, my biggest focus has been looking into buying a house to host large family gatherings! MICHAEL CONSTANTINE What was one thing you were proud of accomplishing in 2025? Colleen’s husband, Ronnie, and friends playing Betrayal at House on the Hill
Hello 2026! The Vermost Team is happy to welcome in the new year, but no New Year celebration would be complete without a little reflection on the past year. MARY RIVERA ABRAMS What was one thing you were
proud of accomplishing in 2025? For 2025, I manifested a tall, dark, and handsome husband, and ta-da, I got one. What are you focusing on as we step into 2026? For 2026, I want to be the healthiest me that I can be (mind, body, and soul).
Mary with her husband, Rodney
CHRISTINE EARLE What was one thing you were proud of accomplishing in 2025? My daughter’s marriage (after 23 years together, they finally tied the knot). What are you focusing on as we step into 2026? I would like to take a cruise in 2026.
Following my heart professionally, which brought me here to Vermost!
Christine with her daughter Michelle
Michael with husband James
What are you focusing on as we step into 2026? Following through on making plans to see friends, family, etc., and spending time with our dogs, Captain & Morgan. JOHN O’BRIEN What was one thing you were proud of accomplishing in 2025? I formed a new band with my daughter! Our band is called Mulligan Road, and we play a mix
Michael and James’ dogs, Captain & Morgan
Carnival Cruise
LESLEY BROWN What was one thing you were proud of accomplishing in 2025? Traveling and spending time with friends and family. What are you focusing on as we step into 2026? Visiting family that lives in other states. COLLEEN SPARKMAN
Lesley with her friend Stacy
of Irish and Americana music. There’s nothing like playing music, performing, and writing alongside your child. Truth is, she’s 100 times the musician I’ll ever be.
What was one thing you were proud of accomplishing in 2025? I am proud of my career change in 2025. I’ll never have to look back at retail again!
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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771-3315 Phone: (727) 748-2886
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What are you focusing on as we step into 2026? I have developed an interest in digital photography, and I’m hoping to find adult classes that can help me take photos in something other than “auto” mode.
John’s band with his daughter Annie called Mulligan Road
Restarting your workout routine after a long break can feel like climbing a mountain, but you don’t need to scale Everest on day one. You should start small and start smart. Even one or two weekly workouts can reignite your energy and rebuild your confidence. The key isn’t intensity at first, but creating a rhythm you can stick to. CRUSH SHORT-TERM GOALS. Small victories spark momentum. Instead of staring at a massive goal and feeling defeated, focus on micro-challenges: Walk an extra 1,000 steps daily, or squeeze in 20-minute workouts three times a week. Every little win builds confidence and sets the stage for bigger achievements, like hitting 10,000 steps daily or finishing a full-length fitness class. SCHEDULE WORKOUTS AROUND YOUR LIFE. Fitness should fit your life, not disrupt it. Figure out your prime energy hours. Maybe mornings fuel your focus, or evenings recharge your motivation. Even 15–20 minutes count when you’re easing back in. Start where you are, and gradually increase intensity. Remember, your stamina will grow alongside your consistency, not overnight. REINFORCE MOTIVATION WITH RETAIL THERAPY. A new pair of shoes, a matching workout outfit, or a fancy water bottle can make exercise feel like a reward rather than a chore. Then, try a 30-day challenge to keep things interesting: a mile walk every day, one new workout a week, or short movement breaks during work hours. At the end of the month, reward yourself with a massage, a new gym bag, or a small treat to reinforce your progress. BUDDY UP FOR ACCOUNTABILITY. Accountability is a game-changer. A workout buddy or group can push you to show up on lazy days, celebrate your wins, and keep the process fun. Studies show that having someone alongside you can boost your consistency, motivation, and happiness. Getting back into exercise isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, celebrating small wins, and making fitness a part of your life again. Start small, plan smart, and enjoy every step of the journey. Ease Back Into Fitness Without the Stress GET BACK ON TRACK AND FEEL STRONGER THAN EVER
John’s new interest is digital photography
IS IT CHOCOLATE OR A SWEET IMPOSTOR?
What’s your favorite type of chocolate? Some prefer dark or bitter dark chocolate, while others prefer the deliciously sweet milk chocolate variety. However, another type of chocolate is usually greeted with raised eyebrows from chocolate aficionados. White chocolate is a creamy, milder treat that many argue is not actually chocolate. Here are the facts: Not all chocolate is created equal, especially regarding different types and brands of white chocolate. The Food and Drug Administration states that for something to be considered white chocolate, it must have a cocoa solids content of at least 20% and a milk content of at least 14%. People get confused over the classification of white chocolate because it doesn’t contain any pure liquid derived from cocoa beans. Instead, it must contain at least 20% cocoa butter. Cocoa butter is a fat extracted from cocoa beans by a high-pressure press. This is a time-consuming and expensive process, which is why so many brands skip it and replace the cocoa butter with sugar and other filler ingredients. If you’re curious whether you’re buying real white chocolate, look for a couple of things. If you see white chocolate as white as snow, understand that the cocoa butter has been deodorized and bleached to give it that appearance. This removes the flavor and some of the health benefits. Furthermore, look at the ingredient list for the amount of cocoa butter. If it doesn’t have 20%, it’s not real. The next time someone tells you white chocolate isn’t really chocolate, hit them with the facts!
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Toll free (800) 828-2226 Fax (727) 577-4991
vermost.com newsletter@vermost.com
BE A LIFESAVER We want to thank everyone who referred their friends, family, and coworkers to Vermost Insurance throughout 2024. When you refer someone to us, you receive rewards for each referral and are entered into 2024 REFERRAL WINNER! 2026 REFERRAL PROGRAM
monthly and annual drawings for additional, even bigger prizes. Your referrals mean a lot to us, and we want to reward you for helping us grow our Vermost Insurance family. The annual grand prize winner of our 2024 referral program was Jene Cook. He received a 55-inch 4K TV plus a $250 donation to the charity of his choice. If you want a shot at the 2025 prize, keep sending referrals our way. Your referrals make us happy, and we hope our referral program makes you happy, too!
Jene Cook was our 2024 referral winner of the 55-inch 4K TV plus a $250 donation to a charity of his choice.
Be Entered in MONTHLY Drawings for • A $50 GIFT CARD • PLUS ... ANNUAL Drawing for a
• EACH Referral • $5 Starbucks Gift Certificate • 3 FL Lottery Scratch-Off Tickets • A chance to win prizes! • $5 donation to our spotlight charity: Robert Irvine Foundation
$500 Amazon Gift Card plus a $250 donation to the charity of the winner’s choice
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1200 Belcher Rd. S. Suite 1 ● Largo, FL 33771-3315 ● Phone: (727) 748-2886 Largo, FL 33771-3315 Phone: (727) 748-2886 1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1
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Wacky January Holidays
• January 2 – National Cream Puff Day • January 3 – National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day • January 4 – National Spaghetti Day • January 5 – National Whipped Cream Day
• January 16 – National Fig Newton Day • January 18 – National Winnie the Pooh Day • January 19 – National Popcorn Day • January 20 – National Cheese Lover’s Day • January 21 – National Granola Bar Day • January 22 – National Polka Dot Day • January 23 – National Pie Day • January 24 – National Peanut Butter Day • January 25 – National Opposite Day • January 26 – National Peanut Brittle Day • January 27 – National Chocolate Cake Day • January 28 – National Blueberry Pancake Day • January 29 – National Corn Chip Day • January 30 – National Croissant Day • January 31 – National Hot Chocolate Day
• January 6 – National Cuddle Up Day • January 7 – National Bobblehead Day • January 8 – National Bubble Bath Day • January 9 – National Static Electricity Day
• January 10 – National Houseplant Appreciation Day • January 11 – National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day • January 12 – National Curried Chicken Day • January 13 – National Peach Melba Day • January 14 – National Dress Up Your Pet Day • January 15 – National Bagel Day
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER STEAKS WITH ROMESCO SAUCE
SUDOKU
Ingredients
• 1 cup dry small lentils • 6 cups water • 1 tsp salt • 1 extra-large cauliflower • 1/2 red onion • 1 large bell pepper • 4–6 garlic cloves • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 2 tsp cumin, divided • 1 tsp coriander
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
(3/4 tsp marinade, 1/2 tsp sauce)
• 1/2 cup almonds • 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne • 1 tbsp tomato paste • 1 tbsp red wine/sherry vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil • 2–4 tbsp water
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425° F. 2. Boil lentils with salt and water until tender, drain, and drizzle with olive oil. 3. Cut cauliflower into 1/2-inch steaks; slice onion; quarter bell pepper. Add to sheet pan with whole garlic cloves. 4. Mix olive oil, paprika, 1 tsp cumin, coriander, and salt; brush over veggies. Bake 35 minutes, removing garlic when golden. Sauce: In food processor, pulse roasted peppers, onion, garlic, and almonds. Add salt, pepper, cayenne, tomato paste, vinegar, olive oil, and water; pulse. Divide lentils among bowls, add sauce, and top with cauliflower.
SOLUTION ON PG. 6
You can fax, email, or mail your completed puzzle for a chance to win our monthly prize!
Inspired by FeastingAtHome.com
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Toll free (800) 828-2226 Fax (727) 577-4991
vermost.com newsletter@vermost.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1200 Belcher Road South, Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771 vermost.com (727) 748-2886
You Make Us Happy
We Insure More Than Just Cars and Homes Here’s a list of some of our lines of protection:
People who referred clients to us in November: • Tom Richardson • Jeffrey Sears • Santo Carollo/ Kesin Pharma • Peter Beeley • Elena George/Guardianship of Miami-Dade Monroe PA • Gary & Mary Haag • Tammy Hawkes
› Antique vehicles › Annuities › Auto › Boat/RV › Bonds › Builder’s risk › Commercial auto › Commercial property › Condo › Disability
› Flood › General liability › Home › ID theft › Life › Mobile home › Motorcycle/Jet Ski › Notary public
December Puzzle Winner: Catherine DeHaan November Referral Winner: Jeffrey Sears
› Umbrella › Workers’
• Guy Pelland • Gilit Kontny
compensation
... and more!
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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1
Largo, FL 33771-3315
Phone: (727) 748-2886
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