Roses And Rose’ Luncheon: A Stunning Success!
By Jackie Holfelder
Not only was Catch the Wave of Hope’s (CTWH) Roses & Rose’ Paris Luncheon a smashing success, it was a dazzingly beautiful event from start to finish!
On October 24, Hudson’s on the River (the Presenting Sponsor) was overflowing with pink posies, fabulous fascinators, and some of the Treasure Coast’s most vibrant women. They were on hand – all 170-plus of them – to lend their support to Catch the Wave of Hope in its mission to prevent the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children through awareness and education, while providing restoration to survivors.
Although the mood was joyful, the seriousness of the cause was never far from attendees’ minds as they bid on such luxury items as a Louis Vuitton purse, med spa packages, an overthe-top Stuart “staycation package,” and a glamorous tea party for 12, to name just a few.
A popular fundraising item was “Survivor Story Roses.” One hundred of these beautiful blooms, each connected to the name of a survivor of human trafficking or exploitation, were sold for $10 each.
Roses And Rose’ Luncheon on page 3
Humane Society Of The Treasure Coast Begins 70th Anniversary Celebration With Its Annual Mutt March
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 S.E. Ocean Boulevard. The races will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast’s 21st annual Mutt March will begin with a 5K and 10K race.
Humane Society on page 4
Celebrate The Gift Of Health At The VIM Gala
2025 ‘Old Havana Nights’
Mark your calendars! Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Clinic announced that its VIM Gala 2025, themed “Old Havana Nights,” will take place on Saturday, January 25 at the prestigious Willoughby Golf Club, starting at 6 p.m.
This vibrant event will celebrate the clinic’s legacy of providing free, compassionate health care to uninsured, eligible residents of Martin County since 1995. We are happy to announce Bill and Carolyn Michaud as this year’s Gala chairs. Longtime supporters of the clinic since 2010, the Michauds bring a heartfelt dedication to this event. Guests will enjoy an evening of fun and surprises, fine dining, and live music by Euphoria Band.
For over 29 years, Volunteers in Medicine Clinic has made a difference in our community, providing more than 9,500 patient visits and delivering over $9.9 million in medical care last year alone. Every donation
Volunteers in Medicine Clinic Gala Committee – Pictured left to right: Mia Cruz, Vickie Dodds, Judi Powell, Jordan Bromberg, Katie Makemson, Mary Fields. Not pictured: Anne Cooling, Linda Evans.
VIM Gala on page 8
Volunteers in Medicine Clinic Gala Chairs – Pictured: Bill and Carolyn Michaud.
Silvia Venezia, Roshini Lakram, Nicole Perotti, Jennifer Robson, and Krystal Colbert
How To Use American Ancestors’ Website With The Martin County Genealogical Society
One of the websites available in the Martin County Genealogical Society’s (MCGS) Genealogy Room is American Ancestors New England Historic Genealogical Society. At MCGS’s February 2025 meeting, professional genealogist Rhonda R. McClure will present “How to Use American Ancestors,” exploring its databases, finding subject guides, research templates and more. American Ancestors’ online collections cover a wide range of genealogical records from the 17th to the 21st centuries and span geographic locations from New England to the rest of the United States.
Roses And Rose’ Luncheon from page 1
A special, one-of-a-kind “golden rose” was purchased for $2,500 and then donated back to CTWH to sell yet again – this time for $2,600. Both purchaser/donors chose to remain anonymous.
In total, more than $60,000 was raised to support Catch the Wave of Hope.
A guest speaker shared the powerful story of her young daughter receiving therapy services and therapy funding from CTWH, allowing her to begin healing from her horrendous experience.
Club News
Senior genealogist at American Ancestors/NEHGS, McClure is a nationally recognized professional genealogist and lecturer. Before joining American Ancestors in 2006, she ran her own genealogical business. She has been a contributing editor and writer for several genealogy and history magazines, and has written 12 books, including the award-winning The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Online Genealogy, Finding Your Famous and Infamous Ancestors , and Digitizing Your Family History She also edited the sixth edition of the Genealogist’s Handbook for New England Research Free and open to the public, the meeting is at the Peter and Julie Cummings Library, 2551 S.W. Matheson Ave., Palm City, from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21. The meeting begins with a social time followed by a brief business meeting. The presentation, broadcast via Zoom, is at 2 p.m. To attend on Zoom, register at mcgsfl.org/events. (Please Note: The Cummings Library is a temporary change of
venue for our February and March meetings; we’ll return to the Blake Library in April.)
The Martin County Genealogical Society offers a variety of services at the Genealogy Room in the Blake Library in Stuart including an extensive research library, access to several genealogy websites and assistance from MCGS volunteers. For more information about membership, activities and services go to mcgsfl.org.
Kiera DiCicco and Fida Georges
Committee members included Fida Georges, Chair, and Kelly Laurine, Bonnie Gorman, Paul Wolfgang Ganieany, Amanda Cischke, Catherine Bailey, Nicole Vosters, Delia Templin, Diane Marcum. Kamila Wolser, Lady Lunn, Michelle Campolong, Mallory Mitchell, and Gia Skoch.
Catch the Wave of Hope collaborates with other service providers to prevent the duplication of services and to fill gaps in services that are not currently available to survivors. They take a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach to everything that they do and build the organization based on feedback from the community and those they serve.
To learn more, visit www.catchthewaveofhope.org.
Photos by MaryAnn Ketcham
Alicia Chapman and Diane Marcum
Maria and Shayna Lanzetta
Melanie Petschke
Zineb Rodriguez-Torres and Lisa Gay Michelle Campolong
Nicole Perotti
Rhonda McClure
Operated by Stuart Main Street
Susan G. Komen® Announces 2025 FORD Warriors In Pink
Warriors represent North Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Boca Raton, Palm City, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Fort Lauderdale and Broward County.
Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, is excited to announce the 2025 FORD Warriors in Pink. These nine women from across South Florida will be honored at the MORE THAN PINK Walk in West Palm Beach on Saturday, January 25, in addition to being featured in a variety of promotional materials and activities.
“Susan G. Komen Warriors in Pink represent the strength, resilience and determination of everyone impacted by breast cancer,” said Jamie Bellamy, Development Director at Susan G. Komen. “These women are beacons of hope and courage, inspiring us to continue our work to achieve a world without breast cancer. We are honored to celebrate them as breast cancer Warriors and join them in standing strong for every life touched by this disease.”
The Susan G. Komen 2025 Warriors In Pink Are: Kristen A. Dugan of North Palm Beach is a single mom of three girls. She was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in January 2024. Since then, she has undergone a double mastectomy, five months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. On August 22, she rang the bell to conclude her final chemotherapy treatment! While her experience has not been easy, she has dedicated herself to being a role model who embraces hope, inspiration and bravery.
Erin M. Correa of Riviera Beach is a registered nurse, wife and mother of two young sons. In 2022, Erin was diagnosed with gastroparesis followed by Stage 2 Mesenteric Follicular Lymphoma and in July 2023 she was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. Erin advocated for herself and met with multiple doctors before choosing her oncology team. By April 2024, she had completed her bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy, began physical therapy, and resumed her infusion therapy.
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/MuttMarchRegister. Packet pickups will take place from Jan. 14 to 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Humane Society’s Palm City shelter at 4100 S.W. 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, Ace of Carts, Camp Bow Wow, Metal Ops, LLC., Groza Builders, Apex Pavers & Pools and TC Palm.
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Allison Jones of Palm City has faced a series of health setbacks over the years. In 2023, plans for a dual hip replacement were put on hold when she received a diagnosis of HER2-positive breast cancer. Overwhelmed by the unexpected diagnosis, Allison was advised to focus on her breast cancer treatments as the top priority. Within two weeks, her treatment began. This year marks her first MORE THAN PINK Walk, where she hopes to reclaim her strength and connect with other women, finding inspiration and renewed determination through their shared experiences.
Lucille Ciaccia of Boca Raton went in for her first mammogram shortly after turning 40. However, what began as a routine screening quickly escalated, and her cancer progressed from Stage 1 to Stage 3 in a short time period. Since July 2023, Lucille has undergone a double mastectomy, AC-Thermotherapy and 25 rounds of radiation. Lucille passionately encourages women to advocate for their health. She advises, “If you’re told a mammogram before 40 isn’t necessary, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be afraid to fight for yourself!”
Nicholle Chadwick of Boca Raton is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) and mom of two. In 2022, Nicholle’s world shifted dramatically when she discovered a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Further testing revealed she was positive for the BRCA 1 genetic mutation. Nicholle has since undergone a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and IVF treatments. Through it all, her children became her driving force— her “why.” Nicholle encourages others to find their own reason to fight, saying, “Why are we fighting? The answer can simply be yourself and the will to survive.”
Stephanie R. Baker, RN, MSN, of Boynton Beach is a Registered Nurse who teaches at Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology. During a routine mammogram 17 years ago, Stephanie’s life was turned upside down with a breast cancer diagnosis. She met brave women who offered her tools to cope, make plans, dream and continue with her treatments ahead. With the support of her husband, kids, siblings, family and friends, she survived and later earned her BSN and MSN in nursing. She has
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 S.W. Leighton Farm Ave. in Palm City, Fla. Since 1955, it has been the leading advocate for animal protection and wellbeing 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
since retired to Florida and gives back to the nursing profession as a nursing professor at a local college. Shae Henderson of Broward was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 23. Shae’s journey with breast cancer was marked by delays and dismissals. Despite being told she was too young to have breast cancer and being denied mammograms and referrals, she refused to give up. Eventually, she found her team at Holy Cross, where a doctor finally listened to and validated her concerns. For Shae, that compassionate care made all the difference— both physically and mentally. Her advice to others: “Play an active role in the fight against cancer and draw strength from those around you.”
Elizabeth Hamma of Jupiter is the market president at Hubbard Radio, a wife, mother of two adult children, and grandma to three grandchildren. Elizabeth never expected her journey with cancer to extend beyond supporting family members, friends and her involvement with Komen. However, life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Thrust into the fight herself, she made the decision to undergo a bilateral mastectomy. Now, Elizabeth embraces her role as a breast cancer “thriver” and looks forward to continuing her advocacy with a renewed perspective.
Julie Culpepper of Fort Lauderdale began her journey in 2017 when her oncologist identified an atypical (precancerous) lump during a routine screening. Given her family history—both her mother and sister are cancer survivors—and a decade-long pattern of benign biopsies, she initially underwent a lumpectomy but later opted for a mastectomy for peace of mind. The path, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Over two years, Julie faced difficulties with implant reconstructions before successfully undergoing a DIEP flap procedure. Now, a year and a half later, she is thriving and grateful for the choices that have supported her health and well-being.
The MORE THAN PINK Walk is open to the public and free. Please register in advance at www.komen.org/ wpbwalk. Participants are encouraged to fundraise. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.
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
Humane Society from page 1
At last year’s Mutt March, Betsey Kerner and her dog, Lisa, aka “Spug-ghetti and Meatball,” were among the costume contest winners.
A walk around the park begins the festival portion of the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast’s 21st annual Mutt March.
The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast’s 21st annual Mutt March includes the opportunity for dogs to chase a mechanized lure.
TGH Advanced Kidney Care
TGH Cancer Institute
Cancer Center of South Florida
TGH Cancer Institute
TGH Concierge Health
TGH Digestive Health Center
TGH General Surgeons of the Palm Beaches
TGH Heart & Vascular Institute
TGH Imaging
TGH Pulmonary Care & Sleep Institute
TGH Urology Group of Florida
At Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center, how you look and feel is more than skin deep – it’s the ultimate act of self-care, and we’re here to help you shine.
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Tampa General news
Tampa General Continues To Enhance Its Services On Florida’s East Coast
Since 2020, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has been creating a framework of state-of-the-art services for patients in the Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast areas. More than 70 providers in 12 medical specialties practice in 17 area locations, and two TGH imaging centers offer patients convenient access to a comprehensive list of diagnostic imaging exams. As the system continues to grow, it’s natural that area residents have questions about what this expansion means to them. The information below addresses the most commonly asked questions.
and sponsorship raised through the gala directly funds essential services, including doctor visits, diagnostic care, medications, and referrals to specialists.
“This event honors the years of impact and the incredible support of our volunteers, donors, and partners. Thanks to their generosity, we can continue to give the gift of health,” shared Mary Fields, VIM Clinic’s executive director.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. To purchase, please email gala@vimclinic. net or call Mia Cruz at (772) 463-4128, Ext. 211. You may also visit the website at vimclinic.net/gala.
Since 1995, Volunteers in Medicine Clinic has been making a difference in our community. Our dedicated staff, volunteers and partner organizations have been ensuring compassionate health care is available for eligible, uninsured residents of Martin County.
May we have eyes to see those who are rendered invisible and excluded, open arms and hearts to reach out and include them, healing hands to touch their lives with love, and in the process, heal ourselves. About Volunteers In Medicine Clinic
Since 1995 Volunteers in Medicine Clinic has been providing free health care to qualified, uninsured Martin County residents. Volunteers in Medicine Clinic is located at 417 S.E. Balboa Avenue in Stuart, Florida. For more information, please call (772) 463-4128 or visit Volunteers in Medicine Clinic online at www.vimclinic.net.
What Is Tampa General?
Tampa General is Florida’s leading academic health system and has been for more than 50 years.
As the teaching hospital and partner of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa General pioneers breakthrough treatments, conducts game-changing clinical research and trains the next generation of health care professionals.
Consistently recognized for world-class care, Tampa General is ranked as the No. 2 hospital in Florida by U.S. News & World Report for 2024/25, and is nationally ranked among the top 50 hospitals in the nation in eight specialties. Additionally, Tampa General was ranked as “high performing” in 15 procedures and conditions and among the top 10 percent of hospitals in the nation in three additional specialties.
Why Does Tampa General Have Facilities On The East Coast Of Florida?
Tampa General is partnering with leading physicians on the East Coast to help the community connect with academic health care to improve access to groundbreaking clinical research and top-quality care for patients with complex conditions.
When A Practice Joins Tampa General, What Does This Partnership Mean For Patients?
Patients don’t need to take any action. Their current level of care will continue, and even be enhanced. Patients continue to see the same doctor at the same location. Accepted insurances, copayments and medical records will remain the same.
Patients will have access to several benefits when a practice partners with Tampa General, including:
• A convenient path to the highest level of academic-based care
• Access to a wider variety of clinical research trials by Tampa General and its partners at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
• The opportunity to receive enhanced personal treatment plans
• Access to minimally invasive and complex surgeries that utilize state-of-the-art technologies
• Options for advanced immunotherapy treatment
What Happens If A Patient Needs To Go To Tampa For Complex Care Or Surgery?
If a patient needs complex care in Tampa, a nurse navigator with specialized expertise will coordinate their care, transferring medical records and other needed paperwork and information.
Patients will also be connected with a Tampa General health ambassador who can help arrange travel and accommodations, and handle any other logistical needs, so that their trip is as smooth as possible. As part of the Tampa General network, each affiliated Palm Beach County medical provider and their practice will support a patient’s treatment, offering presurgical and postsurgical care after complex surgery in Tampa.
East Coast physicians join Tampa General as a reflection of their commitment to advance research, innovation and technology to transform health care for their patients.
Tampa General Hospital East Coast Provider Network*
TGH Advanced Kidney Care
David S. Amrose, M.D.
Imtiaz M. Ather, D.O.
Kerim Oncu, D.O.
Alberto Ortiz, M.D.
TGH Cancer Institute
Robert S. Scoma, M.D.
Marcus Eby, M.D.
Jason M. Hechtman, M.D.
Mark J. Meyer, M.D.
TGH Cancer Institute – Cancer Center Of South Florida
Abraham B. Schwarzberg, M.D.
Kelly Foster, M.D.
Varun Gupta, M.D.
Vijay Narendran, M.D.
Marshall Posner, M.D.
Talya Schwarzberg, M.D.
Sujal Shah, M.D.
Raymond E. Tsao, M.D.
TGH Concierge Health
Laurie P. Rothman, M.D.
TGH Digestive Health Center
Jeffrey Garelick, M.D.
Glenn H. Englander, M.D.
Sonja Olsen, M.D.
Robert S. Raymond, M.D.
David Schwimmer, M.D.
Sheldon Taub, M.D.
TGH General Surgeons Of The Palm Beaches
Itzhak Shasha, M.D.
TGH Heart And Vascular Institute
Amy Mostafavi, M.D.
TGH Imaging
Walter H. Forman, M.D.
Donald W. Goodwin, M.D.
Robert L. Stickle Jr., M.D.
Hunter Wasserman, M.D.
TGH Pulmonary Care And Sleep Institute
Jay S. Maizes, M.D.
Alan Bakst, M.D.
Luis J. Peña-Hernández, M.D.
Carlos Sanchez, M.D.
Denzil Seedial, M.D.
David Weissberger, M.D.
Adam Wellikoff, M.D.
TGH Urology Group Of Florida
Lawrence M. Yore, M.D.
R. Neill Borland, M.D.
Murray G. Goldberg, M.D.
Emanuel E. Gottenger, M.D.
David S. Meinbach, M.D.
Edward M. Scheckowitz, M.D.
David Weinstein, M.D.
*Physicians only. Network list is current, as of December 6, 2024.
For more information about Tampa General providers in the Palm Beaches, visit TGH.org/ThePalmBeaches.
Photographs by Mia Cruz
VIM Gala from page 1
FundraisinG news
Quantum Foundation Makes
$500,000 Grant To Community Foundation For Palm Beach And Martin Counties’ African American Museum And Research Library (AAMRL) Project
Funding Will Support Architectural Design And Planning For AAMRL On Historical Roosevelt High School Site In West Palm Beach
Quantum Foundation has announced a $500,000 grant to Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties’ newly established African American Museum and Research Library (AAMRL) Fund. The grant will support architectural planning and design for the project. Quantum Foundation’s mission is to inspire and fund initiatives that improve the health of Palm
Beach County residents. Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that leads partnerships with donors, nonprofits, and community members to solve the region’s chronic and emerging issues.
Earlier this year, Community Foundation received approval for funding from the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners to plan and develop a new African American Museum at the historic Roosevelt High School site (1601 N. Tamarind Ave.) in West Palm Beach. The AAMRL will celebrate and preserve African American history and culture in West Palm Beach, the state of Florida, and beyond. The project will include exhibit space, a research library, and extensive opportunities for community engagement through lectures, educational programming, workshops, seminars, special exhibitions, cultural programs, oral history projects, research opportunities, and youth programs.
“Over the past five years, we have strategically supported projects and programs to enhance the physical and social conditions for residents in Coleman Park,” said Eric Kelly, president of Quantum Foundation. “These neighborhoods, which reflect the lowest life expectancy in Palm Beach County, are home to some of the most extraordinary cultural landmarks. While we’ve made strides, there is still much work to be done in addressing the underlying systems that impact this community. We are proud to support the African American Museum and Research Library, which serves as a powerful reminder of our shared history and furthers our ongoing commitment to this area.”
“The Palm Beach County African American Museum and Research Library initiative would not be possible without the generosity and support of partners like Quantum Foundation,” said Danita R. DeHaney, president and CEO of Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. “Quantum Foundation’s $500,000 grant, dedicated to architectural planning and design, represents a crucial first step in creating a lasting cultural institution that will preserve and celebrate African American history for generations to come.”
According to DeHaney, the AAMRL will stand as a transformative anchor institution in the historic Coleman
Park neighborhood, fostering community pride, economic growth, and cultural vitality while honoring the area’s rich African American heritage. This initiative is a collaboration between the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, The School District of Palm Beach County, and various community stakeholders.
Once home to West Palm Beach’s two all-Black high schools, in recent years, the Roosevelt High grounds became the Roosevelt Full-Service Center. The Roosevelt Center, owned by the The School District of Palm Beach County, became a community center with neighborhood resources, services, and alternative school programs on site.
The school district has already commenced phase one of the Roosevelt Center renovation project. Phase two of the project will provide for renovation of the buildings at the Roosevelt Center that will house the research library and for construction of a new 20,000-square-foot two-story building to house the museum.
For more information or to donate to Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, please visit yourcommunityfoundation.org/give-now/.
Danita DeHaney and Eric Kelly
House Of Hope’s Cirque Du Soirée Gala Goes Electric
For 2025
House of Hope’s glamorous gala, Cirque du Soirée, presented by Pedersen Family Foundation, is going electric this year! With a reputation for surprising and delighting its guests, the Third Annual Cirque du Soirée is promising an unforgettable evening with an exciting atmosphere, fantastic entertainment, exquisite food, and an opportunity to change the lives of people in need in Martin County.
This annual event takes place on February 1, at Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Club in Palm City. The gala is a celebration of the generous community of support that has enabled House of Hope for over 40 years to empower area residents to overcome hunger and hardship.
“The gala has earned the reputation of being a terrific evening of fun and fellowship,” House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri said. “At the same time, it has a very serious purpose – to remind us that helping others is a continuing challenge and it requires high energy and commitment from all of us every day.”
Soul Survivors Band is returning to the event this year to provide the lively soundtrack to a great evening of dancing and entertainment. Guests will enjoy a full gourmet dinner, open bar, and lots of unexpected experiences to make the evening memorable.
All proceeds from the evening will benefit House of Hope’s Project HOPE (Helping Others Progress through Empowerment). Through Project Hope, individuals and families can receive food, access the clothes closet, meet with
Pinpoint: How GPS Is Changing Technology, Culture, And Our Minds
By Nils A. Shapiro
Nils began his career as marketing director for a major book publisher. He has since edited the authors’ manuscripts for more than 20 published books, written more than 200 book reviews, served as publisher of several million-plus circulation national magazines, created the official yearbooks for teams in Major League Baseball, the National Football League, National Basketball Association and National Hockey League, and “retired” as president of a successful telecommunications company.
As miraculous as is the now common practice of being guided by an invisible voice as you drive miles through streets and down highways, making left and right turns on command until you arrive at your predetermined destination, the true background story of how this technology—the Global Positioning System (GPS)— was created and developed is equally extraordinary, and it is told here in impressive detail thanks to the clearly exhaustive depth of research by author Greg Milner. After 266 pages of text there are an additional 50 reference pages.
I must state at the outset that so fascinating to me is the way that the GPS technology is able to provide its driving directions to the general public. I was sufficiently intrigued to keep turning the pages to the very last one, even though, because of other important events in GPS’s history and other ways in which it is used, the author took many narrative detours that (ironically, considering this book’s subject matter) it frequently left a “non-techie” like me lost for a while.
But it has been well worth the trip. And here are just a few of the hundreds of things you will learn here to underscore my recommendation that you dip into Pinpoint … especially if your technology IQ exceeds mine.
• There is a constellation of 31 GPS satellites orbiting more than 20,000 kilometers above planet Earth. Every few minutes
HappeninGs
case managers to locate needed resources, obtain financial or housing assistance, and chart a better future with workforce development and self-improvement programming. Project HOPE strengthens families, prevents homelessness, equips students to learn and grow, improves health, encourages employment, and changes lives for the better.
Tickets sell out fast. They’re available now at hohmartin. org/soiree. Sponsors of Cirque du Soirée are assured of prime seating at the event, recognition in event-related communications, and the satisfaction of helping House of Hope
care for individuals and families throughout the community. Sponsorship opportunities at varying levels are available at hohmartin.org/soiree.
To learn more about House of Hope or make a donation, visit House of Hope’s website at www.hohmartin.org or call (772) 286-4673.
For more information about House of Hope, visit hohmartin.org or call (772) 286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Book review
16 U.S. Air Force monitoring stations around the world, from Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific to the South of England, collect data from satellites coming over the horizon, noting speed and trajectory based on 1,200 different protocols that tell how the satellite is performing. There is no room for error. Among other uses, all the world’s atomic clocks base their timing on these satellites. And for drivers, if a satellite’s timing is off by one millionth of a second the directions can send a driver as far as 200 miles from the desired destination!
• America’s first interest in developing a technology that would later become GPS began in earnest during World War II. Its purpose: to kill people more efficiently by making our airplanes’ bombing raids over Germany and Japan more accurate. Although the facts were kept from civilians at home, the truth was that the Army Air Corps’ doctrine of high-altitude bombing to avoid hazardous daytime raids resulted in targets often being missed by more than a mile.
And then, for decades, the military rejected to the point of sabotaging at every opportunity the use of GPS for civilian purposes! This is one of the most frustrating themes that runs through much of the book, a constant example of the shortsightedness of the American military in its obsessive concern about technology getting into the hands of an enemy. It was left to private industry to do the job.
Interestingly, one of the individuals who played a role in its development was an immigrant who, hating and fearing Ayatollah Khomeini, fled from Iran hoping to work hard and bring his wife and children to the U.S. He was hired in 1981 by a tech firm, Trimble Navigation, was fascinated by the concept of GPS and was instrumental in the introduction three years later of their first GPS receiver.
House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri, center, is joined by members of the Pedersen Family Foundation, the Presenting Sponsor for Cirque du Soirée 2024: Cory Pfister, Timothy Pfister, Stephen Pedersen, Kari Pedersen, Kenny Gould, and Jack Waldroup.
Book Review on page 11
Treasure Health Names Lisbet Vandenberg Chief Financial Officer
Expanded Role Oversees Treasure Coast Hospice And St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care
Treasure Coast Hospice (TCH), a Treasure Health service, and St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care (SFR) recently announced the promotion of Lisbet “Liz” Vandenberg to chief financial officer (CFO), effective December 2. Currently serving as CFO/COO for St. Francis Reflections, Vandenberg’s promotion reflects the long-term growth and strategic initiatives of the recently finalized partnership between Treasure Coastbased Treasure Coast Hospice and Space Coast-based St. Francis Reflections. In her new role, Vandenberg will be responsible for oversight of all aspects of the combined hospice and palliative care organization’s financial operations, reporting, budgeting and accounting processes.
Book Review from page 10
• The book’s first two chapters are fascinating in describing centuries of mankind’s search for an answer to the question, “Where am I?” On a planet that consists more of water than land, with no identifiable markings and a flat surrounding horizon, travelers on the open ocean were forced to reckon by the sun, moon and stars.
As the author notes, “In seafaring and navigational terms, while the Europeans were discovering fire, the Polynesians had already split the atom. They crossed the ocean in canoes roughly 60 feet long, built from hollowed-out trees, with sails made from woven leaves. … And yet, with no compass, sextant, or any other modern navigational aid, explorers in canoes found tiny oases scattered across one-third of the planet, an expanse nearly as vast as Europe and Asia combined.”
• As part of its ongoing attempts to prevent civilians from deriving the full benefits of GPS technology the Pentagon
spoTliGHT
“We are excited to have Liz accept this expanded role and oversee the financial operations of our combined organization,” said Treasure Health President and CEO Jackie Kendrick, CHPCA. “Liz’ financial acumen and experience in merger and acquisitions will enable Treasure Coast Hospice and St. Francis Reflections to further its strategic plans for growth while continuing our commitment to deliver compassionate hospice and palliative care to our respective communities.”
“I’m thrilled to take on this expanded role and look forward to working with the teams at Treasure Coast Hospice and St. Francis Reflections to successfully implement their strategic financial and growth initiatives,” said Vandenberg.
Vandenberg brings more than 30 years of extensive accounting and financial experience to the position, including more than 20 years serving as a chief financial officer. Prior to joining St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care in 2022, Vandenberg served as the chief financial officer for the largest nonprofit hospice in Southern Nevada.
Strongly committed to her profession and community, Vandenberg has served as a board member of Financial
in April 1990 established a two-tier coding to enable the satellite service. The restricted one was labeled SA, which stood for select availability and was reserved for the military. Four months later Iraq invaded Kuwait in Desert Storm and a private American company, which had developed a highly efficient small receiver called the Trimpack, filled a Pentagon order for 1,000 units that enabled U.S. forces to know where they were in the open spaces of the desert, providing one’s latitude and longitude, directions to another location and even store the GPS coordinates of special battle maneuvers. In order to do so it needed to have Pentagon clearance for SA access. But when that company ran out of their Trimpacks another firm, Magellan, offered a substitute of their own that could provide most of the same benefits. “Despite a price tag of $1,000 soldiers wanted these Magellans—even if they had to pay for them out of their own pockets. Their families called the company, which directed them to marine retail outfits. The most enterprising soldiers would manage to call Magellan
Executives International (FEI), the United Way of Southern Nevada, the Latin Chamber of Commerce and the College of Southern Nevada Foundation Board of Trustees.
Vandenberg holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the Universidad de Oriente, Venezuela and a master’s degree in business administration from the National University, Irvine, California.
directly from the Gulf and arrange for the company to ship the receivers directly to them.”
• When the private companies began to develop GPS technology their focus was on the mariner (boaters’) market, not automobile drivers. In 1989, Gary Burrell and Min Kao started their Garmin Company (named from the first parts of both their names) and soon proved them wrong. “By 2006, Garmin controlled 60 percent of the U.S. [market] for navigation equipment. Americans bought five million Garmin GPS receivers that year, as the company posted $1.68 billion in sales, a 64 percent increase from 2005. Fully half of the company’s revenue came from GPS units, with sales in that segment growing at an astounding 140 percent annually.” U.S. News & World Report Magazine credited Garmin with opening up a new consumer category.
I may have gotten lost a few times learning about GPS in these pages because of my low technical IQ, but you shouldn’t let that stop you from heading straight for a copy of this book.
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