www.seabreezepublications.com
Taste Of Little Italy Celebrates Their 18th Anniversary At Tradition Square In Port St. Lucie
The Treasure Coast’s Largest Italian Festival Where It’s All About Love Valentine’s Day Weekend
Via Productions Inc. proudly announces the return of the Galbani Taste of Little Italy, celebrating its 18th anniversary on February 14 to 16. The cultural festival, known for its Italian ambiance, national Italian American entertainers, and authentic food, will be offering free admission to thank the community for all the years of support. The festival will be in Tradition Square. The Taste of Little Italy is the Treasure Coast’s largest Italian festival and this year’s theme is “It’s All
About Love” as we celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend.
Festival hours throughout the weekend are Friday, 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission and parking are free
Now in its 18th year, the Taste of Little Italy presented by Galbani Cheese promises a weekend filled with entertainment, food,
Children’s Museum Hosts Stellar ‘Starry Night – Black & White Gala’
The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast proudly announces the success of its “Starry Night – Black & White Gala,” held on November 16 at Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club. The event dazzled attendees and raised an incredible $110,000 to support the museum’s mission of inspiring and educating children in the community.
Guests were welcomed with a signature “Shooting Star” cocktail, setting the tone for an elegant and exciting evening. During the cocktail hour, attendees enjoyed live music by Harold Seay while exploring an array of enticing silent auction items.
The night reached new heights with an “out-of-thisworld” dinner, followed by a thrilling live auction. Highlighted items included:
• A 7-night Greek cruise donated by Cruise Planners
• A stunning blue topaz bracelet from Colorado Pawn & Jewelry
• Stays at the Atitlan Oasis Eco Hotel & Spa on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
• Exquisite Wine Pairing Dinners for 12, courtesy of OOO La La Life
Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation Recognizes 2024 Thanks For Giving Honorees
Philanthropist Marlene K. Filer And Ken Feiertag/ Feiertag Financial Group Of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Honored For Their Distinguished Service
The Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation presented its 2024 Thanks for Giving Awards to two honorees during the
Jingle and Mingle reception held in December at The Mayes Center in Stuart. Philanthropist Marlene K. Filer and Ken Feiertag/Feiertag, Financial Group of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, were honored for their commitment to the Treasure Coast Hospice (TCH) mission and distinguished service to philanthropy through time, talent and treasure.
“Thanks for Giving celebrates the extraordinary contributions of our honorees and how their generous support ensures quality end-of-life care for those we serve,” said TCH CEO Jackie Kendrick, CHPCA. “We are grateful to our honorees for caring so deeply about our mission to provide compassionate care to patients and families in our community.”
Thanks for Giving honoree Marlene K. Filer has been a fervent supporter of TCH’s Little Treasures Pediatric Palliative Care Program since its inception in 2014. Under her direction as co-founder
Children’s Museum on page 4
Taste Of Little Italy on page 3
Galbani Chef Marco
Anthony Nunziata
La Forcettta Chef Francesca
Shaleen Cetta, Stephen Cetta, Janice Berger, Richard Berger
Thanks for Giving Honorees Ken Feiertag and Marlene Filer with Mike Tommeraas
Medical Matters
Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center | RegenCen Comes To Hobe Sound
Not all med spas are created equal. If transparency, quality, and a premium experience matter to you, Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center (CSLC) and RegenCen is the perfect partnership for your aesthetic and regenerative wellness needs.
Founded in 2001 by Dr. Gustav Lo and Courtney Lo, PA, CSLC began as a boutique practice dedicated to personalized treatments and natural-looking results. With a patient-first approach, CSLC has grown into a multi-location premium brand with more than 20 locations across Michigan and Florida.
In 2020, the success of CSLC paved the way for RegenCen, a complementary practice focused on regenerative medicine and anti-aging therapies. While CSLC excels at helping clients look and feel beautiful, RegenCen specializes
Taste Of Little Italy from page 1
family fun, and more served up Italian-style! Each year, the Taste of Little Italy draws three generations of families on the Treasure Coast, promising something special for everyone to enjoy and remember as they create memorable moments together that last a lifetime.
“We are committed to celebrating our Italian cultures, values, and traditions that are built on the foundation of family. We are grateful for all who came out and celebrated and shared in the love of our heritage,” said Jerry Somma, Co-Founder and Producer of the festival.
Cheers to the next 18 years; we will offer The Aperol Spritz Piazza and the Voga Prosecco and Bellini Lounge, a great place to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of The Taste of Little Italy.
Experience national and local chefs who come out to the Taste of Little Italy and demonstrate how to cook specialty Italian dishes. This year, The La Cucina Galbani® Cooking stage will be hot with nationally known chefs like YouTube favorite Anthony Acampa from “Fat’s Where The Flavor’s At” serving up Italian specialties. Local chefs Joanna LaMarra of Pastaio, Francesca Di Fede of La Forchetta, and Kyle Greene of Amore and others will be creating special Italian dishes right before your eyes with cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend! Voga wine experts will be at the festival, providing tastings and a history of Italian wine.
New this year, you can enjoy the festival by reserving a romantic table for two for Valentine’s Day. A bistro table and two chairs will be in front of the stage and will include cocktail service and guests will receive a complimentary bottle of Jon Bon Jovi’s Hampton Water wine. Seating is
in optimizing health and vitality from the inside out. Together, they offer a comprehensive approach to beauty, confidence, and longevity.
At CSLC, we prioritize quality and expertise above trends. Our nationally-ranked injectors deliver exceptional results with treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) therapies, laser skin rejuvenation, and advanced body contouring. Every treatment is tailored to your unique goals, ensuring enhancements that feel natural and amplify your confidence.
Equally committed to innovation, RegenCen offers advanced therapies to enhance the quality and longevity of life. With a focus on bioidentical hormone replacement (BHRT), PRF for joint mobility and skin health, NAD+ and vitamin infusions, and menopause medicine, RegenCen addresses critical health concerns during every stage of life. It’s about feeling as vibrant and youthful as you look.
What sets us apart? Consultations at both CSLC and RegenCen are complimentary, and focused on trust and
limited. In addition, there are party options with a Private VIP Villa located near the stage for your enjoyment, including a covered area, large table, eight seats, and cocktail service, or enjoy a reserved pod seating with four chairs and a table including waiter/waitress service and a complimentary bottle of Hampton Water wine. Bistro tables, Villas, and pods can be reserved at Eventbrite.com.
For the entire family, there will be festival rides and games for all ages. Little Smiles will be on site with fun kids’ activities. Relax, sit, eat, and enjoy in the Humana Family Picnic area throughout the weekend. The Taste is committed each year to support the charity, Little Smiles of Florida. The nonprofit organization works tirelessly to bring smiles to the faces of children by giving kids the chance to be kids during difficult times.
The Taste of Little Italy is pleased to announce the Mistress of Ceremonies – Virginia Sinicki, on-air personality from The KVJ show on 979WRMF. Come
transparency. Our providers are highly trained, noncommissioned professionals who prioritize listening to you first.
“We take a step back before we take a step forward,” says founder Courtney Lo. This means we start with your goals—whether it’s achieving glowing skin, restoring energy, or regaining balance—and develop a plan that’s right for you.
Together, CSLC and RegenCen bring a unique blend of aesthetic artistry and regenerative science to every patient. Whether your goal is radiant skin, a more youthful appearance, or a healthier, more vibrant life, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
We can’t wait to see you in our Hobe Sound, Florida office. We are thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of our new clinic on February 20 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and we’d love for you to join us to celebrate this exciting milestone! We are located at 11810 S.E. Dixie Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455. Call or text (239) 367-7353 for more information or stop by! www.cslcbeauty.com, www.regencen.com
celebrate the love of the Italian culture with national artists performing the best classic Italian songs, romantic ballads, and popular hits on the Mattamy Homes Stage all weekend where It’s All About Love.
On Valentine’s Day Friday, February 14 at 7 p.m. Franco Corso, the voice of romance will seduce the audience with his voice performing the best of Italian ballads and classics including Andrea Bocelli and more! The dance party begins with DJ Anthony Mangini spinning the best dance and club music as Friday night Freestyle returns to Tradition. On Saturday, February 15 the festival entertainment continues with a Pastaio Meatball Eating Contest at 1 p.m. with The KVJ Show (Kevin and Jason) from 979WRMF followed by Vince and Emily performing opera and more at 2:30 p.m., Philippe Harari performing classic Italian hits at 4:30 p.m., Sicilian tenor, Elio Scaccio at 6 p.m. The headliner is “Slippery When Wet,” a Bon Jovi Tribute performing decades of hits at 8 p.m. Sunday, February 16 at 12:30 p.m. Tony Quaranti with performing “The Sinatra Songbook” followed by the Galbani Celebrity Cheese Stacking for Charity at 2 p.m. Then internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, Anthony Nunziata will perform at 3 p.m. followed by Guy Richards performing a Tribute to his Dad, Sal Richards at 5 p.m..
With every step in Tradition Square, visitors will find food vendors serving authentic Italian dishes, from fresh pasta, pizza, sausage, and peppers. Then, enjoy a not-to-be-missed Italian dessert with homemade zeppoles with powdered sugar, sfogliatella, and cannoli.
For more information visit www.tasteoflittleitaly.net. About Galbani Cheese
Since its beginnings in the foothills of the Italian Alps in 1882, Galbani® has steadily grown into Italy’s number one cheese brand. The brand was acquired by Lactalis in 2006 and has brought its reputation for authentic Italian flavor and quality to American consumers since 2013. Today, Galbani Ricotta is the number one brand of ricotta in the United States. Galbani is the only brand that offers all forms of mozzarella in the U.S. including fresh mozzarella, block, shred and string, along with the authentic flavor of mascarpone. Lactalis USA produces and distributes Galbani products in the United States. For more information, visit https://galbanicheese.com/ and follow Galbani on Instagram and like us on Facebook.
About The Taste Of Little Italy
It began 18 years ago with a dream and a vision to create an experience rich in Italian culture to share. With family tradition and values at the core of its mission, the Taste continues to serve as the signature event at Tradition that brings together generations to celebrate marked contributions by great Italians. Through food, music, art, and history, over the three-day festival, we remain steadfast in encouraging the importance of bringing together the community, rooted in the importance of family. We remain dedicated to staying mindful of the hardships that our ancestors endured in migrating to this great country and proud of our Italian American heritage.
Calendar Announcement
The 18th Annual Galbani Taste of Little Italy–February 14 to16, It’s all About Love (Friday 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) at Tradition Square in Port St. Lucie. The celebrated three-day family Italian street festival will have national entertainment, authentic food, festival rides and games, free cooking demonstrations, and more. Admission and parking are free. Bistro tables, VIP reserved pods and private villas are available for Valentine’s Day weekend through Eventbrite.com. For more information, visit https://www.tasteoflittleitaly.net/.
Photos provided by Via Productions
Slippery When Wet
Operated by Stuart Main Street
The Pet Cottage Secures $15,000 Grant For Veterinary Expenses Supporting Forever Guardianship Program
The Pet Cottage is thrilled to announce a generous $15,000 grant from the Knopf Family Foundation dedicated to covering veterinary expenses for pets in our Forever Guardianship program. This vital funding ensures that pets who have lost their human due to death, disability, or
The celebration continued with highenergy dancing to the music of the Street Talk Band, bringing the evening to a memorable close.
Special thanks go to our Presenting Sponsors, Marsha and Michael Cetta, and to all the generous sponsors and attendees whose contributions made this event a phenomenal success.
Proceeds from the gala will fund the purchase of a mobile planetarium, which will travel to schools across Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, and Northern Palm Beach counties. Additionally, funds will support a scholarship program to provide field trips to the Children’s Museum, ensuring access to engaging educational experiences for children throughout the region.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s gala a truly stellar event!
Good Works
deployment will continue to receive the care they deserve while living with their dedicated Forever Guardians.
“This grant represents a significant milestone for our organization,” said Wendy Derhak, founder/executive director of The Pet Cottage. “It reaffirms our mission to provide lifetime care and support for pets in need, and it directly impacts their health and well-being. Veterinary care is one of our most pressing expenses, and this funding allows us to provide necessary medical services without compromise.”
The Forever Guardianship program is a cornerstone of The Pet Cottage’s mission. By pairing pets with loving Forever Guardians, the program ensures each animal finds a stable, nurturing home. This grant will be utilized to cover essential veterinary needs, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, surgeries, and chronic condition management.
Since its founding, The Pet Cottage has worked tirelessly to support the emotional and physical needs of both pets and their human guardians. With this funding, we can expand our reach and continue to uphold the quality of care that defines our organization.
“This grant enables us to give our pets the healthiest lives possible while easing the financial burden on their Forever Guardians,” Wendy added. “We are deeply grateful to the Knopf Family Foundation for believing in our mission and investing in the futures of these beloved animals.”
The Pet Cottage invites the community to join us in celebrating this incredible opportunity and to learn more about how they can support our programs. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of pets and their humans.
For more information about The Pet Cottage and the Forever Guardianship program, please visit thepetcottage. org or contact Wendy at wendy@thepetcottage.org.
About The Pet Cottage
The Pet Cottage is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the human-animal bond by providing lifetime care for pets who have lost their human due to death, disability, or deployment. Through innovative programs like Forever Guardianship, The Pet Cottage ensures pets find new loving homes with individuals committed to their lifelong care.
and president of the nonprofit Celebrities Fore Kids (CFK), Filer has facilitated more than $93,000 in funding for Little Treasures. Her generous support has provided much-needed financial assistance to families caring for children with lifelimiting illnesses. CFK’s contributions, including Walmart gift cards, gas cards, and cash assistance, have alleviated the financial burdens experienced by these families, who often face extreme financial stress due to various factors such as inability to work, travel expenses for medical appointments, and out-of-pocket costs for necessary medical equipment and services not covered by insurance.
Filer is a true champion and advocate for children. Through her philanthropic work, she encourages others in the community to find their passion and give of themselves to organizations that they love.
Thanks for Giving honoree Ken Feiertag and his firm, Feiertag Financial Group of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, began supporting Treasure Coast Hospice in 2013 with a memorial donation, but grew to be a major partner in 2015 when Feiertag became a founding member of the TCH President’s Circle, a group of community business leaders from Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties who financially support the mission of TCH.
To date, the direct financial support of Feiertag Financial Group is close to $85,000, however an innovative program that Feiertag and his business partner, Michael Tommeraas, developed has helped raise additional monies for TCH and many other Treasure Coast charities. The two partners take off their financial advisor hats and turn into “Chef Ken” and “Chef Mike,” offering authentic Louisiana Crawfish Boils to nonprofits that have silent auctions at their fundraising events. Feiertag Financial Group has also sponsored the annual TCH Golf Tournament and has been the Presenting Sponsor for the organization’s annual Sporting Clay Shoot since 2021.
Feiertag and his team believe in giving back to the community and have been instrumental in helping spread the mission of TCH through financial contributions, guidance and advocacy.
The event was graciously underwritten by Wilmington Trust, The Ngo Group Illustrated Properties Real Estate, Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Law Office of Jacobs & Jacobs, and Evergreen Private Care.
To learn how to support the Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation, visit www.TreasureHealth.org/Foundation.
Children’s Museum from page 1
Holly Carmody, Liz Ciampi, Cher Fischer, Ed Ciampi
Jean Laws and Gregory Scott
Les Liebowitz, Carolyn Liebowitz, Cher Fischer, Lorna Day, Brooke Lewis, Pete Morello
Maggie and Toby Overdorf, Marsha Cetta
Thanks for Giving Honoree Ken Feiertag with TCH CEO Jackie Kendrick, CHPCA
Thanks for Giving Honoree Marlene Filer with TCH CEO Jackie Kendrick, CHPCA
Hospice Foundation from page 1
taMpa General neWs
Concierge Care Is A Family Affair
When Kim Hoffman began experiencing complications following an emergency appendectomy at a community hospital in Palm Beach County, Tampa General Hospital’s (TGH’s) Dr. Laurie Rothman was the first person she called. “She answered on the first ring,” says Hoffman. “I was upset and concerned about what the doctors at the hospital were telling me. She reassured me that she’d speak with them and that everything would be okay. I was incredibly grateful and relieved knowing she was there for me, and would determine the next best course of action.”
Hoffman has been a happy patient of Dr. Rothman’s for more than 12 years. A friend recommended her after Hoffman moved to Florida. “They told me that I would love her, and I do!” Dr. Rothman has been practicing medicine in Palm Beach County for more than 20 years. Recently, when Dr. Rothman joined TGH Concierge Health, a service of TGH Primary Care, Hoffman jumped at the chance to reunite with her trusted primary care physician. In fact, she not only signed herself up with TGH Concierge Health, but also her husband and two adult sons. Diagnosed with several different autoimmune disorders, Hoffman has a complicated medical history. She says Dr. Rothman is truly at the center of her care – a master of coordinating and communicating with multiple medical specialists so everyone is on the same page. Hoffman notes that Dr. Rothman excels at breaking down information into ways she can understand. “She
remembers everything,” notes Hoffman.
Along with coordinating Hoffman’s health care, Dr. Rothman monitors Hoffman’s husband and sons’ well-being, ensuring preventative measures like specialized blood tests for her adult sons, one of whom has type 1 diabetes. “When our younger son is home from college, he can easily reach out to Dr. Rothman to get a refill on a prescription. She is like an old-fashioned family doctor,” notes Hoffman. “She treats patients holistically.”
Prior to joining TGH Concierge Health, Dr. Rothman served the brave men and women in law enforcement as the dedicated doctor for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department. She is also a member of the Florida Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
TGH Concierge Health is part of Tampa General’s commitment to connecting the Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast communities to innovative care. TGH Concierge Health patients receive the highest level of primary care, with after-hours access and personalized care plans. TGH Concierge Health includes same-day or
spotliGht
next-day appointments, after-hours communication with the concierge physician or staff, annual executive-level physical examinations, and more.
Since 2020, Tampa General has been creating a framework of state-of-the-art services for patients in the Palm Beaches and on the Treasure Coast, with the expertise and innovation of a preeminent academic health system.
One of the leading academic health systems in the nation, Tampa General has been affiliated with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida since the school was created in the early 1970s. Today, more than 700 medical school residents and fellows receive specialty training at the academic health system in areas ranging from general internal medicine to neurosurgery.
Tampa General is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Hospitals, with two medical specialties ranking among the top 20 in the nation and eight medical specialties ranking among the top 50 best hospital programs in the United States.
“Dr. Rothman has been there for all my ups and she’s been there for the downs, and it’s been quite the journey,” says Hoffman. “But we’ve come to the other side, so everything’s going pretty well right now. I’m so very happy.”
For more information about TGH Concierge Health, please visit TGH.org/ConciergeHealth or call (561) 7394TGH (4844).
The Fourth Annual Jensen Beach Garden Expo –
Bigger And Better Than Ever!
Mark Your Calendar: Saturday, March 1, 9 a.m. To 3 p.m. Save The Date – It’s Free!
Join us for Jensen Beach’s favorite springtime tradition! The Jensen Beach Garden Expo returns on March 1, from
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9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the beautiful Indian RiverSide Park, in front of the dockside pavilion. With more parking, extra food trucks, and fabulous door prizes, this year’s Expo promises a garden celebration like no other.
What’s In Store?
This specialty garden fair showcases the best local vendors offering lush tropical plants, native species, vibrant orchids, and unique finds like succulents, herbs, and outdoor art. Stock up on gardening supplies, learn from live presentations, enjoy hands-on demonstrations, and win free door prizes donated by our vendors throughout the day. It’s a fun and educational day for all plant lovers, from beginners to seasoned pros! Presenters include sessions on dragon fruit, edible plants, bonsais and pests in the landscape. Growing Our Community
More than just a garden show, the Expo helps our community flourish. Proceeds support college scholarships for local students pursuing studies in horticulture, environmental sciences, and related fields. We’re also
proud to fund camp scholarships for kids at the Florida Oceanographic Society and the Environmental Studies Center, as well as programs for Junior Master Gardeners and the Community Gardens of the House of Hope.
Thank you to our sponsors! Special thanks to Lindstrom Air Conditioning & Plumbing, and to our many generous sponsors who make this event possible. Don’t miss this incredible day of plants, community, and fun—see you at the Expo!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check out our website: https://www.jensenbeachgardenclub.com/garden-expo.
Kim Hoffman
local happeninGs
Humane Society Of The Treasure Coast’s Paws And Claws Gala To Celebrate 70th Anniversary
Seventy years and counting!
That’s the number of years that the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) has been serving shelter animals in Martin County. That’s why there is plenty to celebrate at the upcoming Paws and Claws Gala, the HSTC’s premier fundraiser from 6:30 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, at the Pittenger Center at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 623 S.E. Ocean Blvd. A complimentary valet will be available on site.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive in elegant cocktail attire to celebrate the 70th anniversary. The cocktail hour in the courtyard will begin at 6:30 p.m. with an opportunity to peruse the silent auction items. For dinner, the Chef’s Table will prepare expertly crafted cuisine, which will be followed by a live auction. Then guests can dance the night away to the sounds of The Chase Band.
Event Chairpersons Jennifer Campbell, Cindy Greenspan and Monica Olsen have been working hard along with their volunteer Paws and Claws committee to organize the event. The committee members are Dixie Church, Diane Coakley, Carol Dippy, Debbie Hansen, Kimberly Izzolo, Shaun Kelly, Allola McGraw, Lisa Patricelli, Sarah Ralicki, Alison Shade, Wendy Talbot, Melony Zaravelis and Kay Ziegler.
“This year’s gala is particularly special as we celebrate 70 years as an organization,” said Community Events Manager Alyssa Bean. “Our expansive history spanning seven decades of helping the animals in Martin County would not be possible without the support of our community. More so, in recent years, the services we offer have broadened tremendously to benefit the people, too. What better way to mark this milestone as we throw the party of a lifetime with our nearest and dearest friends!”
This event is generously presented by The Catsman Foundation. Additional sponsor support includes Integrity Garage Door Services, Apex Pavers & Pools, Stuart Magazine , TC Palm, Transmarine Chartering, Inc. and JetLoan Capital.
The cost to attend is $275 per person. Tickets may be purchased at www.hstc1.org/Gala.
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. For more information, visit the website, www.hstc1.org/Gala.
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 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.
Photos by Doreen Poreba
Standing, from left, committee members Debbie Hansen, Lisa Patricelli, Carol Dippy, Shaun Kelly (with Lilly), Kimberly Izzolo and Wendy Talbot; seated in front, from left, Chairpersons Jennifer Campbell and Cindy Greenspan (with Palmer)
Cindy Greenspan and Jennifer Campbell (not pictured: Monica Olsen)
cleveland clinic Martin health neWs
Heart Surgery Brings Quality Of Life For Older Patient
At 89 years old, Curtis Erickson says he still has a lot of living left to do. The avid golfer intends to keep enjoying the game with friends while also spending time with his beloved family which includes five – soon to be seven –great-grandchildren.
“Life couldn’t be any better,” Curtis says.
It is exactly this outlook that Edward Savage, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital, looks for in patients for whom he may recommend heart surgery.
“Determinants for being a candidate for heart surgery are functional and physical status, not necessarily chronological age,” Dr. Savage says.
When Erickson was referred to Savage for coronary bypass surgery last year, he was in overall good health despite his age and had the will to get through the surgery to feel better.
“His condition was an impediment to how he wanted his life to be,” Savage says. “He was a motivated guy.”
Erickson had been dealing with shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue and significantly reduced heart function when his cardiologist referred him to Savage. He had coronary artery disease and was not a candidate for stents. His only treatment option was open-heart bypass surgery.
Savage was hesitant initially to recommend surgery since Erickson had reduced heart function and also had undergone heart surgery 10 years prior to have a valve replaced.
“But he was very motivated and functionally in good status,” Savage says. “For him, 89 wasn’t an age, either. He had all these other things to do and was not ready to throw in the towel. He wanted to feel better to do the things he wanted to do.”
So, on April 5, 2023, Erickson underwent open-heart surgery at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital.
Though he was nervous, he said he was shocked at “how calm and reassured I felt when I went down (to the operating room).”
“Dr. Savage has a wonderful way about him,” Erickson says. “He gives you so much confidence.”
Three days after his operation, he was discharged from the hospital. Three months later he was back on the golf course.
“This was my goal all the way through,” Erickson says. “It was a miracle to me.”
Savage says a team approach is key to successful outcomes in heart surgery. It is important to empower patients by making recommendations and involving them in the decision-making process.
“You have to be motivated to do this,” he says. “It’s not easy. I tell patients that it’s going to be hard, but you can get through this, and you can’t give up. You have to devote energy to recovering. You have to eat, follow instructions and get out of bed.”
He adds that most of his patients are usually “on the road to complete recovery” within a few weeks.
“It turned out just wonderful for me. I’m so glad Cleveland Clinic is here,” Erickson says. After living in many different cities during his career in school photography, he moved to the Stuart area in 1981. For the past eight years he and his companion, Vicky, have been splitting their time between Florida and Michigan. “I feel very blessed.”
To make an appointment with Dr. Savage or another cardiovascular specialist at Cleveland Clinic in Florida, call (877) 463-2010 or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/ Heart to learn more.
Financial Focus®
What Should You Know About RMDS?
By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones
You may spend many decades contributing to your IRA and 401(k), but eventually you will likely need to take the money out — in fact, you must take the money out or face penalties. What should you know about these mandatory withdrawals?
Here are some of the basics:
• What are they called? Mandatory withdrawals are technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs.
• When must I take RMDs? If you were born before 1951, you’ve probably already begun taking RMDs. If you were born between 1951 and 1959, your RMD age is 73. And if you were born in 1960 or later, your RMD age is 75. You can postpone accepting your first RMD until April 1 of the year after you reach your RMD age, but this will result in two RMDs for the year. After you take your first RMD, you must take subsequent ones by December 31 of each year.
• What penalties will be assessed if I don’t take all my RMDs? For every dollar not withdrawn, the IRS will charge a 25 percent penalty, but this can drop to 10 percent if you subsequently withdraw the correct amount within two years.
• Which accounts have RMDs? RMDs apply to traditional IRAs, as well as other types of IRAs, including SIMPLE and SEP IRAs. RMDs don’t apply to Roth IRAs. RMDs also apply to traditional 401(k)s, but not Roth 401(k)s.
• Can I withdraw more than the RMD for any given year? Yes, you are free to take out as much as you want. However, if you take out more than the RMD for one year, you can’t apply the excess to the RMD for the next year.
• How are RMDs calculated? Typically, your RMDs are determined by dividing your account balance from the prior December 31 by a life expectancy factor published by the IRS. Your financial professional should be able to perform this calculation for you.
• If I have multiple accounts, do I have to take an RMD from each one? If you are taking RMDs from a traditional IRA, you must calculate each RMD individually, but you can take the total amount from one or more IRAs. If you’re taking RMDs from a 401(k) or similar plan, you must take the RMD from each of your accounts.
• How are RMDs taxed? You are typically taxed at your income tax rate on the amount of the withdrawn RMD. You may be able to avoid taxes in a particular year if you
transfer your RMDs to a qualified charity in what’s known as a qualified charitable distribution.
• If I inherit an IRA or 401(k), am I subject to RMDs? Yes. When you take RMDs from an inherited account, you generally must withdraw all the funds within 10 years, as opposed to over your lifetime, which is the RMD window that applies to your own accounts. The rules are somewhat Financial Focus on page 9
In Your CommunIt Y
Council On Aging Martin Begins Mobile Outreach Service To Martin County Seniors
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.
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.
different if you inherit an IRA or 401(k) from your spouse. In any case, though, you’ll want to consult with your tax advisor about how to take RMDs from an inherited account.
If you’re already subject to RMDs, be sure you’ve taken them before the year ends. And if you haven’t yet started taking RMDs, learn as much as you can about them — because the more you know, the more likely you’ll make the right moves at the right time.
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 Sima Stahl, CFP®, AAMS™, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.
WORLD CLASS HEART CARE REDEFINING
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.
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