Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
Protection Team News Books and Bots and Babies, Oh My! All the New Things in the Vermost World
Our New Portal Is the Second Most Exciting News This Month Page 1 VOL 17, ISSUE 9
Wow — there’s a lot of exciting news to share with you, so let’s jump right in! SOFTWARE LAUNCH: MEET DARREN™ On Aug. 1, we officially launched our brand-new Probate and Guardianship Bond Request Portal! We may be biased, but we believe this platform will be revolutionary, and early feedback from our users confirms this. This project has been a long time in the making, requiring a significant investment of time, resources, and collaboration.
While working with our intellectual property attorney to secure protection for the software, we also had the task of naming it. That turned out to be a bigger challenge than expected. After many brainstorming sessions, we landed on a name that felt right: DARREN™ , which stands for Digital Automated Robotic Remote Electronic Network . So, the official branding is: Probate Bond Pros powered by DARREN™. BOOK RELEASES: A PERSONAL MILESTONE On July 15, I hit another major milestone: I published my first two books on Amazon! Writing these books had been on my to-do list for far too long. With encouragement from two amazing friends, Mick Hunt and George B. Thomas, I finally carved out time each day to make it happen. The first book is designed to help new Personal Representatives in Probate Cases, and the second is a guide for Guardians in Guardianship Cases. While I don’t consider myself a natural writer, I had the privilege of working with a fantastic editor (who also happens to be an attorney) who brought my ideas to life beautifully.
The momentum doesn’t stop there … My third book, written for attorneys and their paralegals, is nearly complete and should be available by the end of August. I’ve even started outlining book number four. Stay tuned! FAMILY UPDATE: A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS Some of you may have heard the news, but many haven’t. Melanie and I are going to be grandparents this fall! Our daughter Noelle and her husband Jonathan are expecting their first child, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Check out this month’s featured photo for a sneak peek at the big announcement! Although they live far away in Detroit, we’re already planning plenty of trips north to spend time with them. Yes, I know it gets cold up there! I thought I was done with snow and parkas, but it’ll all be worth it for this little one. We’re entering such a joyful season in our lives, and we can’t wait to share more with you. Until next month,
The Pets of Vermost Page 2
Company Enlists Goats to Reduce Risk of Wildfires Page 3
Against All Odds, a Ranch Dog Brings a Lost Toddler Home Page 3
Referral Winner Page 4
Wacky September Holidays Page 5
Puzzle Time! Page 5
Hairball Control Cat Treats Page 5
Exciting family news: Darren’s daughter Noelle and her husband Jonathan are expecting their first baby!
August Puzzle Winner and July Referrals! Page 6
–Darren
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Toll free (800) 828-2226 Fax (727) 577-4991
vermost.com newsletter@vermost.com
THE PETS OF VERMOST!
BOBTAIL — SARA BORGESON’S CAT Nickname(s) Nuggett Breed/Species Bobtail How did they join your family? Adopted Favorite activity or toy? Lying on her leopard rug. Go-to treat or snack? She goes nuts for her wet food. If they had a job at Vermost, what would it be? Receptionist. She loves to greet people.
How did they join your family? Adopted them after losing my last cat. Favorite activity or toy? Sleep. My girls were born on 05/05/2010. They are old ladies now. Buddy loves
to hug, and Bella will kiss you. Go-to treat or snack? Buddy is a Pica cat, so we have to be careful with her. She loves chips, watermelon, strawberries, grass, and Ritz crackers. They both love treats and feeding time. If they had a job at Vermost, what would it be? Buddy Love would check for computer problems. She loves to lie on my keyboard or get in my face when trying to work. Bella is a creeper; she would be good at security. She is always keeping an eye on us. ELEANOR — JOHN O’BRIEN’S DOG Nickname(s) Ellie Breed/Species Treeing walker coonhound/ Beagle mix How did they join your family? We are always rescue adopters!
ALEXANDER & MIMI — REBEKAH MATTIOLI’S CATS Nickname(s) For Alexander: Alexi, chiquitio, chiquibaby, chirrinquinflino, bubilubi, and carajito. For Miranda: Mimi, Mimita, Mimilina, Memes, and carajita. Breed/Species Standard short hair cats How did they join your family? Both adopted
Favorite activity or toy? Mimi’s favorite activity is tormenting Alexander. As for Alexander, his would probably be snuggling. He’s my little snuggle bug. Go-to treat or snack? They both love Churu’s. If they had a job at Vermost, what would it be? Mimi would be the boss because she IS the boss. Alexander would take over my job, since he’s the sweetest cat in the world and always greets me at the door when I come home. He’s so friendly to everyone he meets. JAX & PIPER — LESLEY BROWN’S DOGS Nickname(s) Jacky Boy and Crack Pipe Breed/Species They’re both Australian Shepherds abandoned in Alabama, and we got him when he was about a year old. Piper was surrendered as a puppy, and we fostered and then adopted her. Favorite activity or toy? Jax likes to cuddle and eat snacks. Piper likes to chase lizards, squirrels, thunder, balls … Go-to treat or snack? Denta bones and watermelon. If they had a job at Vermost, what would it be? Jax would be a greeter and chief snack inspector. He loves to meet people and eat. Piper would be security — good luck moving without her noticing. BUDDY LOVE & BELLA BLUE — CHRISTINE EARLE’S CATS Nickname(s) Bud and Creeper Breed/Species Buddy is an orange tabby, and Bella is a Turkish van cat. How did they join your family? Both were rescue dogs. Jax was
Favorite activity or toy? At her age, she’s a skilled napper. She likes to be in the middle of her people.
Go-to treat or snack? She loves peppers and tomatoes. If they had a job at Vermost, what would it be? She would be the Director of First Impressions; she’ll meet you at the door and welcome you with barks and/or kisses. She’s loving, but suspicious!
ALLIE — COLLEEN SPARKMAN’S CAT Nickname(s) Alley Cat Breed/Species Tabby cat
How did they join your family? Allie was my proposal — my ring was on her collar.
Favorite activity or toy? A small fishing pole toy. Go-to treat or snack? Delectables wet treats. If they had a job at Vermost, what would it be? Allie would be pest control, a true alley cat. PUMA — RONNIE SPARKMAN’S CAT Nickname(s) Pumé (pu-may) Breed/Species Bombay How did they join your family? Puma was a Christmas gift. Favorite activity or toy? A stuffed pickle. Go-to treat or snack? Delectables. If they had a job at Vermost, what would it be? Puma would be asleep on the job.
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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771-3315 Phone: (727) 748-2886
A tiny desert town along Route 66 in Arizona is home to a new hero — a big, shaggy ranch dog who rescued a toddler lost in the desert this past April. Two-year-old Boden Allen was missing from his Seligman, Arizona, home for 16 hours when a 6-year-old Anatolian Pyrenees named Buford appeared in his master’s driveway with the child at his side — 7 miles from Boden’s home. Buford’s owner, Scotty Dunton, had heard about the child’s disappearance. “I noticed my dog was sitting by the entrance (to his ranch),” he said, “and the little kid’s standing there with my dog!” He calmed the child, who was unharmed except for a few scrapes and nicks, and gave him water and food while calling authorities. Dunton was overjoyed. “I was ecstatic that he was okay and that my dog found him,” he said. Dunton asked Boden if he had been walking all night, and the child told him no, he had been lying under a tree. “Did my dog find you?” Dunton asked Boden. He wasn’t surprised when the child said yes. Dunton traced the little boy’s tracks more than a mile from his ranch, with Buford’s paw prints beside them. “That’s what he does,” Dunton said of Buford. “He loves kids. I can imagine he wouldn’t leave him when he found him.” Dunton’s discovery of the little boy ended an anxious 16-hour search by more than 40 search-and-rescue volunteers, sheriff’s deputies, and state public-safety officers. Wearing only a tank top and pajama pants, Boden had wandered away at about 5 p.m. into rugged desert terrain, where two mountain lions were spotted later that night. Boden’s frantic parents had reported his absence to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. Dunton says he wasn’t surprised by Buford’s protective behavior. “He is a guardian dog. He patrols all night and keeps coyotes away,” he says. The Anatolian Pyrenees is a crossbreed, a combination of a Great Pyrenees and an Anatolian shepherd, known for its intelligence, gentleness, and protective nature. In appreciation for their neighborhood hero, Buford’s admirers piled chew toys, bones, and other gifts on Dunton’s doorstep for days after the rescue. DESERT HERO Rancher’s Dog Rescues Toddler Lost in the Desert
When a Colorado wildfire threatened one of Lockheed Martin’s plants last summer, the big defense contractor decided they needed better fire protection measures. So, the company called in an unlikely emergency workforce — a battalion of 1,200 grazing goats. Lockheed contracted Goat Green, a local Colorado company, to put its herd of hungry Cashmere goats to work clearing 98 acres of wilderness terrain near the company’s worksite, which includes a $350 million satellite-manufacturing facility. The terrain is too steep and hazardous for machine clearing or human crews, but it posed little challenge to the goats. Their mission: to eliminate fuel for future fires and clear paths for firefighters, if needed. The goats could mow down an acre of land dense with plants and underbrush in a day, eliminating invasive vegetation and reducing the terrain to a nearly level, trimmed surface. The goats’ work also prevents overgrowth near powerlines, where fires often start. Lockheed embraced this unusual fire-protection strategy after last year’s 580-acre Quarry Fire came within a mile of the company’s Waterton aerospace facility near Littleton. Five firefighters were injured battling the blaze, which forced the evacuation of 600 homes and put thousands of Colorado residents on edge. Goat Green has contracted with parks, government agencies, municipalities, farms, ranches, and private land owners across 15 states to provide low-tech clearing services. The company’s workforce consists of 1,500 Cashmere goats native to the Himalayas and comfortable in cold, dry temperatures. Unlike most domestic goats destined for the slaughterhouse early in life, Goat Green’s employees work for about 12 years for as many as 265 days a year. Kids are born on the worksites and learn to eat a wide range of weeds and forage as adolescents. These goats even have a retirement plan: After losing their teeth, they live out their final days in peace on a ranch. After a dozen wildfires in the last 10 years in the Littleton area, residents are bracing for another wildfire season. The area is a little bit safer this year, however, thanks to the goats. As one regional fire-protection official said on Facebook, “These goats are a wonderful partner to us.” Goats on the Job in Colorado Hooved Helpers Ward Off Wildfires
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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! 2025 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. • EACH Referral • $5 Starbucks Gift Certificate • 3 FL Lottery Scratch-Off Tickets • A chance to win prizes! • $5 donation to our spotlight charity: Special Operations Memorial Foundation
Be Entered in MONTHLY Drawings for • A $50 GIFT CARD • PLUS...ANNUAL Drawing for a
$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 September Holidays
• September 1 — National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day • September 2 — National Blueberry Popsicle Day • September 5 — National Be Late for Something Day • September 6 — National Coffee Ice Cream Day • September 7 — National Salami Day • September 9 — National Teddy Bear Day • September 10 — National Swap Ideas Day • September 11 — National Hot Cross Bun Day • September 12 — National Hug and High 5 Day • September 13 — National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day • September 14 — National Eat a Hoagie Day • September 15 — National Cheese Toast Day • September 16 — National Guacamole Day
• September 17 — National Apple Dumpling Day • September 19 — National Talk Like a Pirate Day • September 20 — National Fried Rice Day • September 21 — National Pecan Cookie Day • September 22 — National Brown Butter Day • September 23 — National Great American Pot Pie Day • September 24 — National Cherries Jubilee Day • September 25 — National Comic Book Day • September 26 — National Pancake Day • September 27 — National Crush a Can Day • September 28 — National Strawberry Cream Pie Day • September 29 — National Coffee Day • September 30 — National Chewing Gum Day
HAIRBALL CONTROL CAT TREATS
SUDOKU
Inspired by Vitacost.com
• 1 1/4 cup brown rice flour • 1/3 cup canned pumpkin • 1 brown egg • 3 tbsp ground flax • 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp water • 1 tbsp catnip (optional) Ingredients Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350° F and set aside a sheet of parchment paper. 2. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a medium bowl. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it cool for 5 minutes in the fridge. 3. Unwrap and knead. On parchment paper, roll dough out to 1/4-inch thickness. 4. Use a pizza cutter to cut narrow strips of dough vertically, then repeat in the opposite direction, creating a patchwork grid. 5. Transfer parchment paper and dough to a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. 6. Remove from oven and break up the treat grid. Spread pieces evenly and return to oven for another 10–15 minutes or until golden brown. 7. Let cool and give your feline friend a treat they deserve.
SOLUTION ON PG. 6
You can fax, email, or mail your completed puzzle for a chance to win our monthly prize!
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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
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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 July: • Pedro Flores/ Flores Fence and Lawn Services LLC • Jim Parent • Andrey Coulombe • Justin Orr/ Priority One LLC • Abe Moussa/ IDM Holding
• Cathy Flynn • Carey Chin/ Robert Slack • Bill Spinner/RLS Plumbing LLC • Duane Drewes • Ralph Grasso • Gary Haag • Cindy & Michael Boso
› 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
August Puzzle Winner: Catherine Dehann
› Umbrella › Workers’
July Referral Winner: Andrey Coulumbe
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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