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Council on Aging Martin Begins Mobile Outreach Service to Martin County Seniors
STUART, FL - A brightly colored bus with the Council on Aging Martin County logo emblazoned on it is now bringing services directly to seniors in neighborhoods throughout Martin County.
“We realized how difficult it can be for some of our vulnerable seniors to get to us,” Council on Aging Martin President and CEO Karen Ripper said. “The best solution for helping those in need is for us to go to them and provide them with services and links to resources right in their neighborhood.”
Board Members, staff, funders, public officials and supporters joined together on January 7 for the official ribbon cutting for the bus, made possible with funding from Impact100 Martin, the Wong Family Foundation, and Cleveland Clinic Martin. The United Way of Martin County is providing funding for the social worker, the “Navigator,” who is staffing the van.
Council on Aging Martin County Board Members, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate the launch of the Elder Mobile Outreach Program bus on January 7. The bus is already making an impact in neighborhoods throughout Martin County.
In just four weeks on the road in Hobe Sound and Stuart, the Elder Mobile Outreach Program staff has already assisted more than 80 individuals with resources like securing affordable housing, referrals to Meals on Wheels or the Adult Day Club at the Kane Center, enrollment in the GUIDE program for people with dementia and their caregivers, medical consultation and screening from the Day Primary Care Center, and assistance with everything from unpaid utility bills to loneliness and isolation.
“Our overriding goal is to help seniors remain in their own homes,” Ripper said. “With the right resources, they can cope with the stresses of aging and continue to live in their home with a sense of safety and security. It’s a blessing to them as well as to their families and the community.”
The Elder Mobile Outreach Bus will continue adding stops to its itinerary, including Hobe Sound and Indiantown. “By meeting people in their own neighborhoods,” Ripper said, “we will relieve some of the stigma of asking for help and overcome any transportation challenges. Our community will be healthier as we address problems before they become catastrophes for seniors and their families.”
For more information about the Elder Mobile Outreach Program and other services of the Council on Aging Martin County, visit www.coamartin.org.
About the Council on Aging of Martin County The Council on Aging of Martin County is the community’s hub for senior resources and the county’s Lead Agency on Aging. Founded in 1974, the organization offers expertise, programming and support for older adults and their families to help seniors maintain lives of quality and purpose. Services include Day Primary Care Center, Memory Enhancement Center, Adult Day Club, Meals on Wheels, care management, caregiver support, and a robust offering of educational, cultural, fitness and wellness programs.
The Kane Center located at 900 SE Salerno Road in Stuart is the Council on Aging of Martin County’s headquarters and is also an event venue available to the public. It serves as a special needs hurricane shelter when necessary. The Council on Aging of Martin County also operates senior outreach facilities in Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, East Stuart and Indiantown. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Council on Aging receives funding from state and federal agencies and relies on philanthropic support from the community, including other agencies, private foundations and individual donors. For more information, visit www.coamartin.org.
ArtsFest 2025: Saturday & Sunday, February 8 & 9, 2025 Saturday 10AM-6PM, Sunday 10AM-4PM
Plan for a day filled with fine art, food, music, Stuart CHOPPED, and more all for $5! Our annual ArtsFest celebration will be back February 8 & 9 to bring the cultural heartbeat of the community together and display the arts in all their forms: Visual, performing, literary, and culinary - all in one place along East Ocean and Memorial Park! Whether you’re admiring an artist’s brushstroke, savoring a gourmet dish, or jamming to a local band, ArtsFest intertwines the various ways in which creativity comes to life.
To find out more or get involved visit ArtsFestStuart.org
34th Annual All Florida Juried Art Show: https://www.martinarts.org/court-house-cultural-center/currentexhibitions.html
Exhibit dates: January 10 - February 26, 2025
Opening & Awards Reception: Friday, January 10 | 5:30PM–7PM
A 34-year legacy exhibition showcasing recent art by all Florida artists in all media. Exhibited works span the mediums of watercolor, ceramics, acrylic, oil, photography, clay, encaustic, wood, metal, glass, and intaglio from 44 artists from Tallahassee to Miami.
Juror's Lecture: Saturday, January 11 at 11AM Artist Talk presented by KYLE, juror for the 34th Annual All Florida Juried Art Show. Learn how a transparent, thoughtful approach to art evaluation can elevate both the judging process and the artists' experience in the competitive art world. KYLE is represented by ArtSpace/Virginia Miller Galleries in Miami. To learn more about the juror visit: Kylefineart.com Free and open to the public. Registration requested for in person attendance: https://www.martinarts.org/resources/cultural_calendar.html/event/2025/01/11/chcc-gallery-34th-annual-all-florida-juried-art-show-juror-s-talk-/484562
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR PALM BEACH AND MARTIN COUNTIES ANNOUNCES NEW PAC MEMBERS Philanthropic Advisory Council Features Trusted Financial Advisors Providing Leadership and Guidance
West Palm Beach, FL (January 16, 2025) – The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, a nonprofit organization that leads partnerships with donors, nonprofit organizations, and community members to solve the region’s chronic and emerging issues, today announced five new Philanthropy Advisory Council (PAC) members. The Philanthropic Advisory Council is a collaborative group of trusted advisors providing the Community Foundation with leadership and guidance to best serve the nonprofit’s clients and the community.
“Our PAC members serve as trusted advisors, championing their clients' goals to drive meaningful change in our community,” said Mary Katherine Morales, Vice President for Philanthropic Services at the Community Foundation. “Their insights and collaboration allow us to create opportunities that inspire greater philanthropic participation and amplify impact. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and partnership.”
The newly appointed members are: Matthew Cohen, Principal of Prodos Capital Management LLC in West Palm Beach
Matthew Cohen has a diverse background which includes M&A, principal investing, real estate and politics. Prior to joining Prodos, Cohen was Director of Investments at AlphaTerra Partners, Senior Associate at Delancey Street Partners, and an Analyst at UBS Investment Bank in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group. Cohen also served as an integral member of Senator John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign and Governor Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. He received both his MBA and BBA from The George Washington University.
Elizabeth Marshman, Associate Vice President, Trusts, Estates & Private Clients at Freeman's | Hindman in Palm Beach
Elizabeth Marshman brings more than a decade of art business experience with an extensive sales and fundraising background, focusing on fine art and luxury acquisitions. She served as Special Events Sales Manager at The Colony Hotel and Director of Marketing & Social Media with DTR Modern Galleries and M Fine Arts Galerie. A native Virginian and member of the DAR, Marshman earned her bachelor's degree in history from Roanoke College, a teaching certification from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and has master's degree in art business from Sotheby's Institute of Art in New York City. She is currently a member of the Palm Beach Young Professionals, Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, Palm Beach Symphony Young Friends Executive Committee, The Town of Palm Beach United Way Allocations Committee and served as the Chairwoman for the Town of Palm Beach Business and Executive Committee.
Robert D’Angelo, CFA, Director, Wealth Advisor at Cresset in West Palm Beach
In his role, Robert D’Angelo works with clients to deliver tailored investment solutions and keep them well informed along the way. He is committed to providing the full resources of his firm to help clients achieve their financial and lifestyle goals. D’Angelo has spent most of his career working with high-net-worth families, most recently with Altrius Capital Management in North Carolina and Bernstein Global Wealth Management in New York. In both roles D’Angelo was responsible for advising on asset allocation, portfolio analytics, and building customized financial plans. He is a CFA® Charterholder and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Virginia.
Genevieve George, CFP, CPA, CFE, CDFA, Senior Financial Advisor at Hamilton Capital in Palm Beach Gardens
With 18 years of professional experience, Genevieve George is passionate about helping individuals and families plan, build and protect their wealth. She works with her team, in partnership with the client, to shape their goals in the areas of building wealth, charitable giving, college savings, retirement, divorce and estate planning, and everything in between. George aims to be a true resource, going above and beyond whatever aspect she is managing. Mostly she enjoys connecting with her clients, diving into the details of their financial affairs and building trust in the accomplishment of monumental goals.
Samantha Vassallo, CTFA, Managing Director and Wealth Advisor at Truist Bank in Boca Raton.
Samantha Vassallo has 29 years of experience assisting senior executives and other affluent individuals with financial and wealth management services, including comprehensive financial and estate planning. She manages the private wealth relationships of clients with the most complex investment, lending, and trust and estate needs and offers the highest level of personal service in the areas of banking, credit, trust and estate planning, and asset management. Vassallo finds that being a client advocate and taking an exceptionally creative and customized approach helps her achieve the goals of her clients’ financial, family, and philanthropic needs. Vassallo earned her Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor designation and is a graduate of the American Bankers Association Graduate Trust School. She has also been recognized by Barron's as one of America's Top 100 Women Financial Advisors in 2023.
To learn more about the Community Foundation PAC, please visit https://yourcommunityfoundation.org/philanthropic-advisory-council/,
About the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is a nonprofit organization that leads philanthropy locally. The foundation provides charitable expertise and vehicles to increase the investment options on behalf of individuals, family foundations, and corporations. Since 1972, the foundation has distributed nearly $250 million in grants and scholarships aimed at closing the area’s opportunity gaps. With its vast network of donors and nonprofit partners, the foundation supports initiatives that improve youth and education, economic opportunity, thriving communities, and crisis preparation and response. Learn more at https://yourcommunityfoundation.org.
Humane Society of the Treasure Coast begins 70th anniversary celebration with its annual Mutt March
STUART, Fla. — The year 2025 marks the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast’s 70th anniversary. There will be a series of events to commemorate this milestone, starting with the 21st annual Mutt March Festival and 5K and 10K races on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Memorial Park, 300 SE Ocean Blvd. The races will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the festival will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Mutt March Festival is free to attend. The cost of the races is $35 for the 5K and $45 for the 10K. To register for a race, go online to https://hstc1.org/MuttMarch-Register. Packet pick-ups will take place from January 14-17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the humane society’s Palm City shelter at 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave. All event proceeds benefit the shelter animals’ care.
The event is dog friendly; other domestic pets are not permitted to attend. Activities to entertain both people and pups include a group walk, a flea-‘less’ market, adoptable animals, food trucks, a pet costume contest, AKC Canine Good Citizen Testing, a kids’ Zone, a lure course, a Camp Bow Wow doggy playground and raffles.
The public is also invited to create a “pack,” which is a fundraising team that raises funds for the shelter animals. For more event information, visit the website, https://p2p.onecause.com/muttmarch2025.
The Mutt March is generously sponsored by Sunny 107.9 FM, Camp Bow Wow, Metal Ops, LLC, Groza Builders, Apex Pavers & Pools, TC Palm, Johnson Honda of Stuart, Ace of Carts and Seacoast Bank.
For event questions, email Alyssa Bean at Events@hstc1.org or call 772-600-3215. For sponsorship opportunities, email Ashton Sorrentino at ASorrentino@hstc1.org or call 772-600-3216.
About the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast – The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) is a no-kill animal welfare organization located at 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave. in Palm City, FL. Since 1955, it has been the leading advocate for animal protection and well-being in the Martin County area. A 501(c)3 private, nonprofit organization, the HSTC is independent and locally operated and relies on donations to support its programs and services. Follow the HSTC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/humanesocietyTC and Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/hstc1. For more information, visit https://www.hstc1.org or call (772) 223-8822.
Impact100 Martin Invites Community to Impactful Conversations on the Environment
Stuart, FL – The innovative work being done to protect our unique environment and expand recreational opportunities in Martin County is the topic of the February 13 “Impactful Conversations” event sponsored by Impact100 Martin.
Three local experts on environmental initiatives and outdoor recreational opportunities will discuss everything from the Explore Natural Martin program to artificial reef deployment and Guided Ecotourism programs during the program at the pavilion at Indian Riverside Park at noon on the 13th.
Panelists include Vincent Encomio, Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent with the University of Florida IFAS Extension; John Maehl, Environmental Resource Administrator for the Martin County Board of Commissioners; and Kevin Kirwin, Deputy Director for Martin County Parks and Recreation.
The public is invited to join the conversation at a cost of $15 that includes a boxed lunch on the deck of the pavilion. Guests can register at www.impact100martin.org.
The 400+ members of Impact100 Martin are celebrating their eighth year of making $100,000 Impact Grants to local nonprofits who propose bold solutions to the challenges facing Martin County. Grants are given in five focus areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Family, Health & Wellness, and Environment, Preservation & Recreation.
Impact100 Martin has awarded more than $1.8 million in grants since its founding.
“Our members themselves make the decisions about which organizations will receive grants each year,” said Impact100 Martin President Maureen Cotter. “Our ‘Impactful Conversations’ series helps us all to dig deep into local needs and hear from experts in our focus areas so we feel assured that we are making wise decisions.”
The inaugural Impactful Conversations series in December focused on “The State of the Arts.” Cotter described the event as eye-opening. “We continue to learn more and more about our community and the impact that our philanthropy can have on the quality of life in Martin County.”
To learn more about Impact100 Martin, membership opportunities, and the impact that $1.8 million in women’s philanthropy has had on Martin County, go to www.impact100martin.org.
ABOUT: Impact100 Martin is a nonprofit organization with a mission of creating positive, lasting change in the community through collective giving. Founded in 2017, it is a chapter of the national Impact100 Movement founded by philanthropist Wendy Steele to transform communities through the power of women’s philanthropy. It is a member-driven organization that awards grants in $100,000 increments each year to local nonprofits in the areas of Arts & Culture; Education; Family; Health & Wellness; and Environment, Preservation & Recreation. Detailed information about membership, grants, and community impact is available at the website www.impact100martin.org/events/ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Impact100MartinFL.
Molly’s House is thrilled to invite you to one of the most exciting events of the season—the 2025 Polo Classic presented by the Herold-Cadorette Family! This unforgettable fundraiser takes place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the beautiful Port Mayaca Polo Club.
Experience thrilling polo matches, the sparkle of champagne at our interactive divot stomp, and the joy of gathering with friends and family at your reserved table. Savor a unique paella lunch, prepared on-site and paired with an open bar, making this event as delicious as it is memorable.
Molly’s House, a nonprofit in Stuart, FL, provides affordable accommodations for families traveling for medical care. By attending the Polo Classic, you’re helping us continue offering comfort and compassion to families in need.
Tickets and tables are now available! Reserve your spot today and be part of this extraordinary event. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://one.bidpal.net/2025polo/welcome or www.MollysHouse.org
We can’t wait to share this remarkable day with you!
Hibiscus Children’s Center Hosted “An Evening in Paris” to Benefit Children
Martin County, FL – “An Evening in Paris” was a fabulous affair held at the beautiful Hutchinson Shores Spa & Resort. This lovely event benefited the children served by Hibiscus Children’s Center and helps to provide critical services to improve their lives. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner and dancing to the sounds of DJ Brian Lemen. A highlight of the evening was the Casino where guests had fun rolling the dice and our top three highest rollers won exciting prizes!
Children living at Hibiscus Children’s Center receive life-changing services including educational and literacy services, medical and dental services, and mental health counseling. Hibiscus often receives children at all hours of the day and night. The stress endured from being removed from their home is traumatic. They walk through the doors of Hibiscus and into the staff’s hearts and the healing begins. It is because of your unwavering support that Hibiscus continues to provide safe haven and life changing services every day to vulnerable children.
Hibiscus Children’s Center is deeply grateful to our generous sponsors: Merci Beaucoup - Braden & Braden Architects & Planners, Joan Damson, Michael & Nancy Del Priore, Richard & Deb Kessler, and Ted & Pat Tiemeyer; Bon Chance - Albert M Covelli Foundation and Jo Covelli, B.D. & Jane McIntyre Foundation and Charles McIntyre, Robert Crandall & Ellyn Stevenson, RBC Wealth Management - Pam Dallas & Gordon Nearing, Frank & Patricia Noonan and Richard & Nancy Zappala; LaVie En Rose - John & Andi Brennan, Sally Batz & Henley Sandidge, Dr. Al & Pam Gardner, Elizabeth Herold, Dick & Molly Hoffman, David & Joyce Powell, and Robert Weissman Foundation; Can Can – John & Muffin Adamiak, Richard & Nancy Cassell, Timothy & Maureen Cotter, Richard & Cathleen Lennon, Kate Mikkelson – Edward Jones Investments, and RE/MAX of Stuart.
Special Thanks to event co-chairs Kelley DeCowski and Kate Mikkelson along with their dedicated committee of volunteers. Thank you to our Call to the Heart Auctioneer, Mark Greene. Hibiscus Children’s Center thanks every sponsor, supporter and volunteer who is helping to make a difference for the children and give them a brighter future filled with hopes and dreams.
For more information about Hibiscus and how you can get involved to help children or to tour the Hibiscus Shelter, please visit us at HibiscusChildrensCenter.org or call Lori Swift, Director of Special Events, at (772) 334-9311, ext. 121.
Martin County PAL’s Galentine’s Sip N Press – The Ultimate Ladies’ Night Out for a Great Cause!
Ladies, Are You Ready to Celebrate Galentine’s Day in Style?
Get ready to gather your best friends for a fabulous and creative evening at our upcoming Galentine’s Sip N Press – Boujee Trucker Hat Party on February 6th! This special Sip & Press event is the perfect opportunity for a Galentine’s celebration, where you can design your own custom trucker hat, enjoy drinks from an open bar, indulge in delicious food, and connect with other amazing women.
For just $50, you’ll receive a trucker hat and 5 patches, with the option to upgrade your look with additional patches for only $10.
Prefer to join us just to socialize and enjoy the evening without making a hat? We’ve got you covered! Social-Only Tickets are available for $30, giving you full access to the event, including drinks, food, and great company.
Whether you’re showcasing your creative side or simply enjoying a fun and festive evening, this event promises to be the ultimate ladies’ night out of the season.
Event Details: When: February 6th, 2024 Time: 6:00 PM Where: 1284 SW 34th St, Palm City, FL
How to Get Involved: All proceeds from this event will directly support Martin County PAL and our programs that help shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Limited spots are available, so don’t wait. Reserve your spot today!
Visit www.martincountypal.org to register today. For more information, contact info@martincountypal.org.
“How Secure is Our National Security?” 2025 Rappaport Speaker Series Begins on February 13
Whether it’s wildfires or a hurricane threatening to take down the power grid or a crippling cyber-attack by a bad action from a foreign country, our national security is under constant threat.
Juliette Kayyem, a national leader in homeland security and crisis management, will address the question “How Secure is Our National Security?” as the first presenter in this year’s Rappaport Center Speaker Series. The program is open to the public at Temple Beit HaYam in Stuart on February 13.
Juliette Kayyem is a Senior Lecturer and faculty chair of the Homeland Security Project and the Security and Global Health Project at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. She served as the Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security and is the recipient of many government honors, including the Distinguished Public Service Award, the Coast Guard’s highest medal awarded to a civilian. Currently she is also a national security analyst for CNN.
Kayyem has written and spoken extensively about the threats and vulnerabilities that the nation and in fact the globe now face from natural disasters as well as vulnerabilities in the nation’s critical infrastructure and cyber security. Her most recent book, The Devil Never Sleeps: Learning to Live in an Age of Disasters, is described as an “engagingly urgent blueprint for rethinking our approach to disaster preparedness and response.” T
ickets are available online for $35 at www.RappaportSpeakerSeries.com. The conversation with Professor Kayyem will be moderated by Blake Fontenay, columnist for TC Palm, and will begin at 7 p.m.
The Rappaport Center Speaker Series is supported by the Phyllis & Jerome Lyle Rappaport Foundation through a grant to Temple Beit HaYam to increase dialogue and understanding within the broader community. It has featured speakers like David Gergen, advisor to both Republican and Democratic presidents; Marty Baron, former editor of The Washington Post; and Mitch Albom, author famous for his books including Tuesdays with Morrie.
“It is our great pleasure to invite the community to join us at Temple Beit HaYam each year to hear from significant thought leaders and engage us in dialogue,” said Rabbi Matt Durbin. “We’re grateful to the Rappaport family for creating and sustaining this unique forum for intelligent conversation.”
More information about Kayyem and the Rappaport Center Speaker Series is available at www.RappaportSpeakerSeries.com, www.tbhfl.org, and www.facebook.com/RappaportCenterSpeakerSeries.
About The Rappaport Foundation
The Phyllis & Jerome Lyle Rappaport Foundation is a nonprofit that partners with leading institutions in Boston and beyond to promote and nurture emerging leaders in the fields of public policy, neurodegenerative disease, mental health and the arts. The Foundation has a long and proud history of supporting emerging leaders, including civic leaders who improve the lives of their constituents and communities, medical researchers who have unlocked the mysteries of the brain, mental illness and Alzheimer’s disease, and artists who enrich lives, ignite imaginations, and challenge us to see the world in a new light. In Stuart, Florida, it sponsors the Rappaport Center Speaker Series to encourage thoughtful dialogue on issues of national and international importance.
About Temple Beit HaYam
Temple Beit HaYam is a Reform Jewish Congregation committed to Torah (life-long Jewish education), avodah (worship through prayer and observance) and gemilut chasadim (the pursuit of justice, peace and deeds of loving kindness). Founded in September 1993 in Stuart, Florida, by a group of dedicated Jewish families, the congregation opened its Temple building in Monterey Commons Professional Park in January 2000. In addition to worship services, the Temple offers Hebrew and religious training to youngsters from kindergarten through high school, has active Sisterhood and Brotherhood programs, and extends its outreach to the Treasure Coast community through concerts, lectures, and other events.