Double The Love: Giving Tuesday Donations To Humane Society Of The Treasure Coast Will Be Matched Up To $30,000
Supporters of the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) didn’t have to wait until Giving Tuesday on December 2 for their impact to double. The big $30,000 Giving Tuesday Match at the HSTC had already begun.
“Giving Tuesday” is a global generosity movement intended to unleash the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. On this annual day of support, the humane society asked all animal lovers and philanthropic-minded people to join together to help raise funds to support low-cost pet obedience and behavior training classes for local people and their pets.
“Many families who love their animals struggle to care for their pet with behavior issues and they believe surrendering them to the shelter is their only option, but it is not,” said Development Manager Ashton Sorrentino.
“We want them to know our surrender prevention program, the Pawsitive Manners Club, is available at a discounted rate to provide the necessary resources and support to prevent pet surrenders from happening.”
The Pawsitive Manners Club provides necessary resources and support through a multitude of obedience classes to help a dog become the best version of itself. Funds raised during the Giving Tuesday campaign make access to these valuable resources available at low cost – or even no cost – to those in need.
Dog owners can find out if they qualify for discounted classes by visiting hstc1.org/PawsitiveManners or contacting Tracy Steffen at tsteffen@hstc1.org.
Double The Love on page 5
Pep Rally Gala Teams All Fired Up Benefit Martin County Seniors And Meals On Wheels
Creative cuisine, cheerleading stunt work, gamechanger cocktails, a danceable playlist of live music, and a fiercely-contested team challenge that will better the lives of local seniors for years to come – that’s the promise of this year’s Pep Rally Gala to benefit the Council on Aging Martin County.
“This is a gala unlike any other,” said Andrea Levy, committee member and captain of Team Lotus Loft. “The Council on Aging Martin County has been serving seniors for 51 successful years. We’re celebrating that tremendous achievement and getting all fired up for the future.”
The event on Saturday, February 28, begins at 6 p.m. at the Kane Center. Chef’s Table will provide an amazing spread, the band Girlfriend Material will play lively, get-up-out-of-yourseat-and-dance music, and there will be surprises throughout the evening starting with a progressive cocktail tour.
Last year, teams competed for bragging rights and raised significant funds to benefit Council on Aging programs. This
year, they have their sights set on a very specific goal: $80,000 to purchase a meal delivery vehicle to support the Meals on Wheels program.
“Every day our volunteers deliver more than 580 meals to seniors in need throughout our county,” explained CEO Karen Ripper, “along with meals to our four congregate dining sites. They bring nourishment, programming and socialization to our clients. The meal delivery truck will be a game changer in how well we are able to deliver hot meals to our congregate dining sites in Jensen Beach, Stuart, Hobe Sound, and Indiantown.”
The 2026 teams are now forming. A team can be a business, neighborhood, or group of friends. The only requirement is, according to Andrea, “a
Pep Rally on page 4
Community Foundation
For Palm Beach And Martin Counties To Host
13th Annual Founders Luncheon
On Feb. 11 At Kravis Center
Event will feature USF Hunger Expert Dr. David Himmelgreen, Philanthropist Marshall Field V, and
nonprofit partners working on reliable access to healthy, affordable food across our region
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties announced today that it will host its 13th Annual Founders Luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts’ Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach.
Dr. David Himmelgreen, director for the University of South Florida (USF) Center for the Advancement of Food Security and Healthy Communities (CAFSHC), will be keynote speaker;
Marshall Field V, a noted philanthropist, will receive the 2026 McIntosh Award for outstanding service.
The Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization that leads partnerships with donors, nonprofits and community members to address the region’s chronic and emerging issues, holds its Founders Luncheon each year to rally hundreds of
“Giving Tuesday” donations will enable the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast to offer more discounted training and obedience classes. (Photo provided by the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast)
The 2026 Pep Rally Gala Committee, bottom from left, Casey Caplan, Andrea Turke, Natalie Nastasia, Mubina Dunn, Tara Baldwin, Alison Shingary, Taylor Emerick; Middle: Julie Collins, Devon Senical, Kristy Roman, Lindsay Benson; Back: Erica Curtis, Michelle Dyer, Ellise Ryan, Tabitha Lavery, Amber Stephan. Not pictured: Andrea Levy, Kim Palsin, Dakota Minervini, Katie Diamond.
Dr. David Himmelgreen
Excellence is more than a standard - it’s a promise.
Our Stuart dealerships represent some of the world’s most celebrated luxury and performance brands, each backed by a team dedicated to providing an exceptional ownership experience from showroom to service.
WHY MURGADO AUTOMOTIVE IN STUART?
We Have Options
Browse our large selection of almost 600 new and quality used vehicles spanning many luxury brands!
Unique Programs
Access our wide range of offerings such as the Murgado Guard Used Car Warranty or our VIP Platinum Program!
Local Legacy
Proudly serving the Treasure Coast with a reputation built on trust, community, and passion for driving.
Service Beyond the Sale
Your vehicle deserves expert attention - trust our certified technicians and stateof-the-art service centers to keep it performing at its peak. Whether it’s routine maintenance or specialized care, our service teams are here to deliver precision and peace of mind.
The Singles Scene Column©
2025 Lessons In Love
Special Holiday Edition:
By Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli
“I see trees of green Red roses too I see them bloom For me and you And I think to myself What a wonderful world”
– Louis Armstrong
Happy December to all of our loyal friends, clients, and couples. As the holiday glow takes over many of us, we may find ourselves reflecting on what the year has meant to our hearts: the good, the challenging, and the unforgettable. At Revolution Dating , we’ve enjoyed watching our clients evolve from SINGLE to TAKEN all year long, and we’ve learned a lot about what people truly want (and need) when it comes to courtship and romance. Once again, thank you for joining us as we celebrate the season with you, and do share this column with your single friends and family as always. We appreciate each and every one of you!
2025 has been a transformational year for relationships. Coming out of years of social uncertainty, emotional resets, and digital fatigue, upscale singles showed they are ready for something real. Humans are craving genuine connection and meaningful conversation, the kind that can’t be found in a swipe or a DM. Let’s look back at the biggest and best lessons of the year and how you can use them to make sure you guard against those pesky “holiday blues.”
Lesson One: Love Requires Courage
This year reminded us that love still favors the brave. It’s not easy to put yourself out there again, especially after heartbreak, divorce, loss, or dating exhaustion. But those who took the leap this year discovered that courage pays off. We know this because we are celebrating a brandnew Revolution Dating engagement this weekend! The gentleman proposing had tried every online dating site as well as two other matchmakers before joining our awardwinning club. Imagine if he had given up before he called us? Some of our most epic 2025 stories came from people who almost didn’t reach out to us or were unbelievably pessimistic about the current dating scene. They thought: Maybe it’s too late? or Maybe there is no one out there for me? Now, those same people are traveling with their new partners, spending their first holidays together, or slipping a shiny rock onto their finger.
The lesson? Courage is the secret ingredient to connection. Love rewards action, not hesitation.
Dating
Lesson Two: Quality Over Quantity
Online dating promised endless options, but it mainly delivered endless frustration. Ghosting, fake profiles, and superficial matches have left many singles disillusioned. That is why in 2025, more people than ever said goodbye to the apps and hello to real matchmaking. At Revolution Dating , we’ve seen a surge in successful pairings because our clients understand one thing: it’s not about having hundreds of matches, it’s about meeting the right one (at the right time) who has the same emotional readiness. Last year, on Christmas Day, one of our new grooms proposed to his beautiful bride after dating for only seven months. They were each other’s first and last date, handpicked by us. The groom almost didn’t join. Imagine if he didn’t consummate his merger with Revolution Dating ?
The lesson? Love is not a numbers game. Quality connection beats quantity every single time.
Lesson Three: Florida Is The Love Capital
Thousands of singles have moved here from across the country, bringing with them fresh energy, success, and an openness to new adventure. We’ve seen an incredible mix of professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees all coming into our brick-and-mortar corporate headquarters ready to make real connections. The Sunshine State isn’t just a place to live; it’s become a place to love . Consider us the new love hub with branches up and down the coast and far west. Our popularity is growing and people are hearing about our good deeds and work nationwide ... thanks to all of you.
The Lesson? This one is obvious. You are lucky to live and love in this ever-growing state.
Lesson Four: Embrace The Change
As the calendar flips, one thing becomes clear: Love favors those who heed the call to action. Individuals who actually find love are the ones who say: I am ready for love (again), and it starts today. The perfect time is the moment you decide to make a change. The couples who will ring in 2026 together are the ones who stayed on course and did not wait another week or another day. He who hesitates is lost.
The new year is a blank page—and it’s waiting for your new love story. If 2025 was about learning, growth, and rediscovering what you want, then 2026 will be about receiving it. We expect next year to be the most romantic year yet, with more engagements, more success stories, and more real relationships coming from our office. The energy is shifting, and if you’re ready to be part of it, there’s no better time than now. Don’t let another year slip away wondering what if . You have learned the lessons, so now is the time to apply them. If you find yourself struggling, ask for some coaching or a morale booster. We could all use the encouragement. Just never quit on love--no matter what has gotten in your way. Your next love is out there and waiting to meet you too. Look how
hard you have worked and know that you will never be as young and attractive as you are today.
Join Revolution Dating this December, and step into 2026 with confidence, hope, and statistics on your side. We have the perfect gift waiting for you, and it is destined to last a lifetime. Allow us to help you meet the right person and create your next great chapter before the new year begins. Let the ball drop with your secret in your pocket--US.
Happy Holidays From Your Favorite Matchmakers! XOXO, Kelly & Miranda #TheGiftOfLove #MatchmakingRoyalty #LeaveYourComfortZone #TellYourFriends #HolidayLove
Kelly Leary, M.S.© is CEO and Founder of Revolution Dating which she launched in 2014. Kelly has 34 years in the dating industry and a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She has been written about in Modern Luxury Magazine Palm Beach and Modern Luxury Manhattan, The Palm Beach Post, The Shiny Sheet, Stuart News, The Coastal Pearl, Jupiter Magazine, and many more. Revolution Dating clients are pre-screened in person, including background checks and ID verification. Professional photos are taken by the staff. Revolution Dating is NOT online dating or blind dating. In addition to providing matchmaking services that make singles “UN-single” through their exclusive club memberships, Kelly and Miranda also provide feedback from dates when appropriate. Mock Dates are available by request. Single Coaching Sessions and Evaluations are also available by request for non-members or as an add-on to some memberships. *All inquiries are confidential *Specializing in representing jet-setting clients with a second home in the Northeast Area or Mountain Country. Do call the central hotline at 561-630-9696 (XOXO) to hold your place in the club. Why wait?
Just date!
’Tis The Season of Love--The Year In Review! Now is the time to celebrate and reflect on the many love stories created by Revolution Dating. It’s Plus-One Party season too, so do tell your friends and family who are still single--there is HOPE in the wild world of too much tech. Revolution Dating specializes in bringing back traditional
CEO John and Dr. Christine With Their Two Beautiful Blessings! #RevolutionBabies
Stephen Miller
Miller
willingness to get fired up and help us raise funds for seniors in our community.”
It’s quick and easy to become a team. Just line up the team members, choose a name and logo, and sign up at coamartin. org/peprallygala.
The most important goal of the Pep Rally Gala is to help vulnerable seniors, especially at a time when cuts to government programs have made their needs greater than ever. There are also valuable perks that come with forming a team or being a sponsor.
Sponsors will have their names included in press releases, biweekly email blasts to update the status of the competition, and all marketing materials. Teams that raise more than $2,000 will enjoy their own table at the event and receive 10 tickets. At the $5,000 and above level, sponsors will also be honored as a contributor with a listing on the new meal truck.
“The Pep Rally Gala will be incredible fun from start to finish,” said Michelle Dyer, committee member and captain of the New Home Dream Team. “We invite the community to get rowdy with us and help Council on
dating and chivalry by screening and representing likeminded clients. Our love connections yield happiness from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades and is now picking up even more traction in mountain country and the Midwest. Lucky for all of you, our corporate office is here in Florida which has become the epicenter of new starts and budding new romance. Take a look at the good energy overflowing out of the Revolution Dating Corporate Headquarters of Love in PGA Commons where we have been established almost 12 successful years and counting. Become UN-Single and book your first interview today. It’s so easy to start. Bonus: December is the perfect time to find your love just in time for a New Year’s Kiss. #TellYourFriends #RomanticRevolution
Aging continue their amazing work. Together, we can fight senior hunger and isolation!”
For tickets and sponsorship information, contact Michele Leigh Jacobs at (772) 223-7803, mjacobs@ coamartin.org, or the Council on Aging Martin County website www.coamartin.org.
For seniors, their families, and caregivers, the Council on Aging Martin County is their trusted and comprehensive hub for senior resources. We work with the community to reduce anxiety, depression, loneliness, and hunger. Together, we help seniors live a safer, healthier, and happier life.
From our Adult Day Club, Day Primary Care Center, case management, and memory enhancement programming, to our nutrition and exercise classes, games to improve memory, concerts and social events, the Council on Aging’s Kane Center on Salerno Road is a beehive of activities.
donors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders around a key community issue.
This year’s event, themed “Hope for Hunger,” will spotlight local donors and nonprofit partners working to ensure reliable access to healthy, affordable food across Palm Beach and Martin counties. Co-hosts of the event are Jeffrey A. Stoops, chair of Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, and Danita R. DeHaney, president and CEO of the Community Foundation.
“Food insecurity affects families in every zip code— often quietly, but with real and lasting consequences,” said DeHaney. “Through this year’s theme, Hope for Hunger, we aim to shine a light on the incredible local organizations ensuring our neighbors have access to healthy, affordable food. Together, we can make meaningful progress toward a future where no one in Palm Beach or Martin County goes hungry.”
Himmelgreen, Ph.D., is a biomedical anthropologist and professor in the Department of Anthropology at USF. Dr. Himmelgreen’s research focuses on food insecurity and health, food-as-medicine initiatives, and nutrition education. He has conducted research in the United States, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Lesotho, and India.
Dr. Himmelgreen founded and directs the USF CAFSHC, a statewide center recognized by the Florida Board of Governors. CAFSHC’s mission is to eliminate food insecurity through research, education, and innovative strategies that increase access to affordable, nutritious foods and create healthier communities. The center works closely with community partners to design and evaluate programs that improve food security, health, and wellbeing. He also co-organized the USF Future of Food Think Tank and is an active member of the Florida Alliance for Food Security which is part of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“I look forward to joining the Palm Beach and Martin counties’ giving community to shed light on what true food
Services also take to the road – like Meals on Wheels, providing a hot meal and a warm smile to more than 580 homebound and needy Martin County senior residents in their home each day, or Senior Dining Centers at locations throughout the county in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Indiantown and Hobe Sound. The Elder Care Mobile Outreach Bus brings knowledgeable and compassionate staff directly to seniors in local neighborhoods.
For 51 years, the Council on Aging Martin County has been working tirelessly to inspire a community that embraces, uplifts and encourages seniors to maintain lives of quality and purpose. Stay healthy. Be active. Eat well. Get help when you need it from the Council on Aging Martin County. Please visit us in person, online at coamartin.org, or on social media, and learn more about the many services of the Council on Aging Martin County. Our staff and volunteers are ready and eager to help.
security means,” said Dr. Himmelgreen. “It’s crucial in this moment to understand the ecosystem that sustains food access, the threats it faces, and proven ways to strengthen it, including approaches like ‘Food Is Medicine’ programs that not only stem hunger but improve health and reduce healthcare costs.”
Marshall Field V of Hobe Sound, a longtime volunteer and advocate for the Community Foundation, has been named the 2026 McIntosh Award recipient. Named in honor of Community Foundation founders Winsome and Michael McIntosh, the award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the community through leadership, generosity, and service.
Field—a fifth-generation philanthropist from a family celebrated for its civic leadership—is known for his enduring commitment to Martin County through volunteer service and strategic philanthropy. His lifelong passion for environmental conservation, education, healthcare, and the arts continues to shape and strengthen the community.
2026 Event Sponsors include (as of 11/10/2025): Marshall Field V, The Kolter Group, R&M Hagan Family Fund, Renay and William Meyer, Julie F. and Peter D. Cummings, Timothy and Karen Burke, Mary Pat and Darren Alcus, Sherry and Tom Barrat, Storage Rentals of America, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, FPL, Findlay Galleries, Palm Health Foundation, Eileen Berman and Devin Krauss Family Foundation, Shawn M. Donnelley and Christopher M. Kelley, Bill and Fayre Mynatt, Beth Neuhoff and Steve Frank, The Everglades Foundation, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, Kevin and Marsha Powers, Hon. Sheree Davis Cunningham (Ret.) and Earnie Ellison Jr., The Palm Beach Post LocalIQ, Palm Beach Illustrated, and WLRN NPR.
For additional information, tickets, and sponsorship information, please visit https://founders. yourcommunityfoundation.org.
Learn more about the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties at https:// yourcommunityfoundation.org.
Dating from page 3
Bruce and Brenda Always Steal Our Hearts! #RevolutionCouple
Community Foundation from page 1
Financial Focus®
Smart Financial Moves To Make Before Year-End
By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones
As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to make some smart moves before the calendar flips to 2026. Think of it as a financial tune-up that could help with saving money and setting you up for success in the months ahead. Here are some things to consider.
• Don’t forget about required withdrawals. If you’re 73 or older, you’ll need to take your required minimum distribution from traditional retirement accounts to avoid a 25% penalty on any amount you should have withdrawn but didn’t. This rule also applies to some people who inherited retirement accounts, including certain Roth accounts.
• Use your flexible spending money. Got money sitting in a flexible spending account at work? Remember, these accounts follow a “use it or lose it” rule. Check with your HR department about your plan’s specific deadlines for spending the money and submitting receipts. Whether it’s that dental work you’ve been putting off or new
Double The Love from page 1
There are several ways to donate: Over the phone, call (772) 600-3216; visit the website hstc1.org/GivingTuesday; or mail in the donation to Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, 4100 S.W. Leighton Farm Ave., Palm City, FL 34990. Include “Giving Tuesday” on the check’s memo line.
The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) is a no-kill animal welfare organization located at
prescription glasses you need, now’s the time to use those funds before they disappear.
• Boost your retirement savings. Consider ramping up your pretax retirement contributions before year-end. Not only will this help your future self, but it might also reduce your current tax bill. If your workplace plan allows it, you can even set up automatic increases for next year so you won’t have to remember to do it later.
• Share the wealth through gifting. In 2025, the current tax rules let you give family or friends up to $19,000 per person without affecting your lifetime gift tax exemption. Married couples can combine their allowances to give up to $38,000 per person. Plus, you can pay someone’s tuition or medical bills directly without these payments counting against your gift limits at all.
• Navigate new tax changes. The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act has made several tax provisions permanent, including lower individual tax rates and higher standard deductions. However, it also introduces new changes that might affect your situation. It’s worth sitting down with a financial advisor or tax professional to understand how these updates impact your specific circumstances.
• Examine your investments. Take some time to review your investment portfolio. Ask yourself: Did your investments perform as expected this year? Do they still match your goals and comfort level with risk? You might need to rebalance things to get back on track.
• Build up your emergency fund. It’s ideal to have enough cash saved to cover three to six months of living
4100 S.W. Leighton Farm Ave. in Palm City. 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.
expenses in an easily accessible account. This safety net can prevent you from having to raid your retirement savings when unexpected expenses pop up.
• Review your estate planning documents. This is especially important if you’ve had major life changes like marriage, divorce or a new baby. Don’t forget to check the beneficiary designations on all your bank and brokerage accounts as well as life insurance policies – these often override what’s written in your will.
Taking care of these financial housekeeping tasks now can help you start the new year on solid ground.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Member SIPC.
Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.
Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Contact us at (561) 748-7600, Sally Stahl, CFP, ChFC, AAMS, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.
2025 Hobe Sound Chamber Of Commerce Board Of Directors
Laura Barbone, President – Aycock Funeral Home
Adam Blake, Brightway Insurance - Treasure Coast Insurance Partners
Sam Bruning, Past President – Southern Magnolia Investment Management
William “Jay” Connelly, Immediate Past President –Connelly PLLC
Jared Gaylord, Secretary – Law Office of Marc R. Gaylord, P.A.
Nina Gelardi, Juno Shoe Girl
John Peterson, President Elect, Edward Jones - Peterson
Wendy Reynoso, Banner Lake Club
Bob Thornton, O’Donnell Impact Windows & Storm Protection
Raymond Torres, Basic Business Solutions
Bob Zaccheo, Project Lift
President’s Council
In 1968, Harm’s grandson Wayne Huizenga and two other investors, Dean Buntrock and Larry Beck, had a vision. They wanted to serve their community by properly managing the waste produced by a rapidly growing population consuming more and more products built for convenience. In the 1970s, Americans started to embrace a more environmentally friendly mindset. WM was already responsibly disposing of waste, and we expanded our commitment to the environment by beginning to address complex specialized waste. By 1982, WM was the world’s largest waste disposal company, driving the industry toward sustainable waste management practices. We were one of the first truly integrated waste companies, not only collecting waste but responsibly managing the landfills it ends up in. And we were also one of the first to recognize the burgeoning recycling movement, building robust collection, materials recovery and materials marketing infrastructures to ensure that more of our waste finds a second life. The story of WM is always evolving. Innovative recycling technologies, renewable energy breakthroughs and strengthened communities are some of the chapters we’ve written, and they’re only the beginning.
President’s Message
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president of the Hobe Sound Chamber this past year. It has truly been a blast to work alongside such an incredible community and to witness firsthand the dedication and spirit of our local businesses. I couldn’t be prouder of what the Hobe Sound Chamber has accomplished together—from supporting business growth to strengthening the connections that make our town so special.
I’d also like to extend a huge thank-you to all the businesses that have placed their trust in the chamber, as well as to our wonderful community partners who help ensure our events are well-funded and run smoothly. We truly couldn’t do any of this without your support, hard
work, and dedication. It really does take a village—and Hobe Sound sets a shining example of what a tight-knit, caring community can achieve when we work together.
As my term comes to an end, I’m thrilled to pass the torch to John Peterson of Edward Jones Financial, who will serve as our next chamber president. I have every confidence that John will do an amazing job leading the chamber forward and continuing our mission of promoting and supporting Hobe Sound’s vibrant business community.
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday filled with love, laughter, and plenty of goodies. Before we know it, we’ll be clinking our glasses and ushering in the New Year as we sing Auld Lang Syne . Cheers and let’s make 2026 an awesome year!
Warmest regards,
Laura
Ruth Barbone,
President, Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce
October Business After Hours
We had such a great time at our October Business After Hours starting out a Peggy’s Natural Foods and then making our way down the plaza to enjoy more food, drinks and networking in the patio at Penellie’s Cafe and in Palm & Ivy Kitchen and Cocktails. Thanks to our members for joining us and the hosts for a fun night getting into the Halloween spirit!
Lainey Muenich of Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce, Linda Wolf, Ann Marie Kelleher, Jose Fuertes of ABC Supply and Adam Blake of Brightway Insurance - Treasure Coast Insurance Partners
Erin Banas of Jenkins Landscape, Wan Rissacher of Dr. Tred’s Slim Body Laser Spa and Joan Anthony
November Breakfast
We had a wonderful Chamber breakfast last Thursday at Harry and The Natives sponsored by Seacoast Bank, with District 3 Commissioner Blake Capps as our guest speaker. Commissioner Capps educated the group on the meanings
Kalinina of Amethyst Ageless Studio, Patrice Drennan Smith of Seacoast Bank, Ryan Costello of Peggy’s Natural Foods, Harold Jenkins of Jenkins Landscape, Bianca Wesel of Jupiter Island Pools, Trudi Onus of Seacoast Bank and Matthew Hedrick of Hedrick Brothers Construction
Christie of Cruise Planners, Dan Mackin and Jeanne Knight of Cruise Planners
behind the various yellow notices we see around town. It was a great turnout and a perfect way to wrap up our final Chamber breakfast of 2025!
Jon and Tammy Pasqualone of Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association, District 3 County Commissioner Blake Capps, District 3 Martin County School Board Member Jennifer Russell, Henry Budensiek of Heatwaves Exteriors, Bob Thornton of O’Donnell Impact Windows and Storm Protection and Matt Maloyed of Hobe Sound Bible College
Upcoming Networking Events
and
David Daversa of Martin County, Meg Shirey of Boys and Girls Club of Martin County and Steve Iscowitz of 4EverYoung Stuart
Members of the Hobe Sound Chamber enjoy light bites and drinks at Penellie’s Cafe
Laura
Kelly Larsen
Ryan Costello of Peggy’s Natural Foods
Brandon Woodward of Woodward, Kelley, Fulton and Kaplan and District 3 County Commissioner Blake Capps
Kelly Sweet and Lindsey Thomas of Seacoast Bank
Amie Davidson of Prime PT & Wellness, Jay Connelly of Kelly Kronenberg Attorneys at Law and Lainey Muenich of the Hobe Sound Chamber
Anna
Matt Maloyed of Hobe Sound Bible College and John Peterson of Edward Jones
Tip Of The Tail
Holiday Hazards
Pet safety is especially important during the holiday season. We must remember our four-legged and winged family members. Holiday festivities present situations which can be hazardous to your pet, so a little precaution is necessary for making this season a happy time for everyone. You may be surprised by what your pets can get into during the holidays, but your veterinarian won’t
be. We have seen almost everything! Plants, gifts and decorations are just a few of the seemingly harmless things that can change a celebration into an emergency trip to the veterinarian.
If there is one rule we should follow this time of year, this is it: Anything they can swallow, they will swallow! Obstructive foreign bodies are things our pets eat that lead to partial or complete blockage of their gastrointestinal tract.
We have seen animals that have ingested needles, fishhooks, rocks, a spoon and even razor blades. These objects can get stuck anywhere from the mouth and lips, all the way to their back end. Pay special attention to plastic toys, especially those with small removable parts, strings, or loose wires. Batteries are caustic and potentially highly toxic. They can cause obstructions or lead to chemical burns. Linear foreign bodies are among the most dangerous we encounter! Strings, tinsel and ribbons can obstruct or even cut through the intestines. Tree ornaments can result in cuts, be swallowed whole, or contain toxic dyes or chemicals. Crayons, markers and pencils are usually nontoxic, especially if made for children, but can result in vomiting or diarrhea.
Many things can be poisonous, including plants, decorations and even foods that are safe for people to eat. Mistletoe is very toxic and can cause intestinal upset, heart arrhythmias, breathing problems, seizures or a coma. All of the plant, especially the berries, is poisonous. Holly is moderately to very toxic, especially berries and leaves and results in severe vomiting and diarrhea or nervous system depression. Poinsettias and all parts of the Christmas tree are only mildly toxic.
Decorations are beautiful, but potentially dangerous to our pets. Snow spray, fireplace colors (fire salts), and Angel Hair (spun glass) are only slightly toxic. The fluid in bubbling lights (methylene chloride) can be lethal if inhaled or ingested in large amounts. Tree preservative varies in toxicity by brand, so read the label carefully. New tinsel is nontoxic, but in the past, it contained poisons such as metallic cyanide; so be careful if your decorations have been passed down from relatives.
Chocolate isn’t just dangerous to our waistline; it is dangerous to our pets. The danger varies with the type of
chocolate. Unsweetened baker’s chocolate is the worst, then milk chocolate, with white chocolate the least. Toxicity can range from an upset stomach to neurologic signs such as tremors to coma and even death. Coffee contains caffeine and theobromine which is harmful to pets and can cause acceleration of heart rate and breathing or even seizures. Bread dough and other yeast products can produce alcohol and cause intoxication. Dough can also block the intestinal tract or cause bloating. Macadamia nuts can cause increased body temperature, muscle stiffness, increased heart rate and tremors. Pets seem to be attracted to alcohol, so don’t leave drinks unattended. It is no joke to get a pet drunk and serious intoxications have occurred. Small amounts of antifreeze can be fatal and potpourri/potpourri oil can cause severe burns and ingestion can affect the nervous system.
A few other, often overlooked, dangers include electric shock from chewing on Christmas lights or other electrical cords and traumatic injuries from cats climbing trees.
Holiday festivities can get stressful. Family and guests are coming and going, so watch out for open doors and windows to prevent pets from escaping. Be sure your pet has a collar with tags or a microchip. You should provide a special quiet place to which your pet can retreat when the excitement gets too stressful (Sometimes, you may want to join him!). Discourage visitors from feeding your pets treats which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. We want both the owners/parents and their pets to be healthy for the holiday season.
The Palm City Animal Medical Center wishes you all a very Happy and Healthy Holiday Season.
Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
Graded ‘A’ for Safety. Dedicated to You.
An ‘A’ rating in patient safety from the Leapfrog Group doesn’t just set Jupiter Medical Center apart from other hospitals in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. It highlights our team’s unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and patient experience: the foundation of everything we do. It takes complete dedication at every level and an iron-clad commitment to putting patients first. For our patients, it’s the assurance that when they choose Jupiter Medical Center, they are choosing the safest possible care. Learn more at jupitermed.com