VIM Gala Raises Funds For Martin County’s Health
Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Clinic
hosted its annual VIM Gala at the Willoughby Golf Club on Saturday, January 25, bringing together over 150 supporters to raise $345,000 for the clinic’s mission. These funds help provide over $10 million in free health care services to eligible Martin County residents in need annually.
The gala’s theme, Old Havana Nights, set the stage for an evening of celebration and philanthropy. VIM President Frank Byers, Jr., shared the Starfish Story to emphasize the clinic’s impact: “A man on the beach throws a starfish back into the ocean, telling a bystander, ‘It made a difference to that one.’ At VIM, every life we touch makes a difference, and together, we help so many.”
Founding Friends Of Treasure Coast Hospice Safari Nights Roars To Success
Annual Gala Raises $198K For Youth And Family Grief Support Programs
The Founding Friends of Treasure Coast Hospice (FFOTCH) welcomed guests to a magnificently decorated “jungle” at its Safari Nights fundraising gala, held on Jan. 11, at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club in Palm City. The sold-out event raised $198,000 to support Treasure Coast Hospice’s youth and family grief support programs.
Surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and exotic animal décor, nearly 200 attendees enjoyed an evening of glamour and adventure. A fabulous dinner, entertainment and a spirited auction created an unforgettable night
Golf For Heroes
Tournament Raises Over $11,000 For Marine’s Son
By Charles Dame, Special to Seabreeze Publications Sunshine, camaraderie, and a shared sense of purpose filled Hammock Creek Golf Club during the recent Golf for Heroes Tournament – an inspiring community event dedicated to honoring the life of Marine Gunnery Sgt. Terry J. Elliott. Over $11,000 was raised for Gunnery Sgt. Elliott’s son, Preston, who is now pursuing college in memory of his father’s selfless service.
designed to raise awareness and funds to support comprehensive grief counseling programs for children and families in the community.
“Treasure Coast Hospice is deeply grateful to the Founding Friends for their continued support of our youth and family grief support programs,” said Foundation Director Agnes Palmer, CFRE. “The success of Safari Nights is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the incredible volunteers who are dedicated to ensuring resources that provide comfort, hope and healing are Safari Nights on page 4
A Meaningful Tribute
The day began with a stirring presentation of the colors by the Marine Corps Color Guard. Their presence reminded everyone of the sacrifice made by service members – and the importance of uplifting the families they leave behind. Golfers then launched into a spirited scramble format, swapping stories, putts, and plenty of high-fives.
Community Spirit
The tournament’s success was a testament to the generosity of local businesses and supporters. Stuart Sailfish Marina, Zen Den, All Area Roofing, and TC Brewfest played a key role in sponsoring the event. Their contributions not only added fun and flavor to the day but also ensured that the memory of a fallen hero would be honored in a tangible way.
One Good Deed Can Change
Everything
With each swing, raffle ticket, and shared laugh, the community proved that coming Golf For Heroes on page 6
VIM Gala on page 3
Jordan Bromberg, Mary Fields and Chuck Cleaver
Doug and Ann Biek with Debbie and Bob Sopko
Jean Daniels, Beth McKay, Patricia Imperiale, Barbara Smith and Kate Morris
Cleveland CliniC Martin HealtH
Colon Cancer Screenings –When To Start
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S.
While the number of overall colorectal cancer-related deaths has actually been dropping for several decades thanks to more people getting regular colon cancer screenings and advances in treatments, colorectal cancer for people under 50 has been increasing. Why? Researchers aren’t sure and are investigating.
So, when should you get a colonoscopy?
Since 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine, recommends that colorectal cancer screenings start at age 45, as compared to the prior recommendation of age 50.
A colonoscopy screening doesn’t only detect cancer but it can also help prevent cancer by finding polyps that can be removed before they have a chance to turn into cancer.
At What Age Should You Get Your First Colonoscopy?
What exactly is a colonoscopy?
During the procedure, healthcare providers use a flexible camera to look inside your colon and rectum.
VIM Gala from page 1
Travis, a patient at the clinic, highlighted how the clinic has impacted his life and the lives of many others in the community. His story reminds us that every contribution at VIM makes a real, personal impact.
Ninety-eight percent of all funds raised go directly to patient services. That’s possible because VIM Clinic is staffed primarily by volunteers and receives support from community partners such as Cleveland Clinic Martin Health which donates nearly $4 million worth of lab tests and other services.
Executive Director Mary Fields shared, “Our guests truly embraced this year’s theme, filling the night
Renee and Mike Ciferri
McClain
And for most people, the colon cancer screening age starts at 45. The current recommendation is mainly for average-risk individuals, meaning those who don’t have a family history of colorectal cancer or symptoms. With colorectal cancer, there are a number of risk factors. Some can be reduced while others are beyond your control.
Risk factors that you can manage include:
• Being overweight
• Not exercising regularly
• Too much red or processed meats in your diet
• Not enough vitamin D in your diet
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
You should watch out for rectal bleeding, changes in bowel movements (meaning going from having frequent ones to being constipated or having diarrhea), abdominal pain and weight loss. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately for a diagnosis.
What About People Who Are At Higher Risk Of Colon Cancer?
What makes you high risk? Risk factors that are beyond your control include:
• Being older
• A history of colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
with excitement and joy. Their support makes a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our community, and for that, we are deeply grateful.”
Thanks to the generous supporters of this event, VIM Clinic can continue to give the gift of health, ensuring that all eligible Martin County residents receive the highest quality of compassionate care. About VIM Clinic
Since 1995 Volunteers in Medicine Clinic has been providing free health care to qualified, uninsured Martin
• A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Having a hereditary cancer syndrome like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• Your race or ethnic background
• Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes
If you have a strong family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or a hereditary cancer syndrome, you’d be considered higher risk and might need to be screened before the age of 45.
Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women. The hope is that these newer guidelines will increase screenings and help identify health issues before they become severe, allowing for more effective treatment and better outcomes.
You may be able to schedule a colonoscopy at Cleveland Clinic in Stuart or Port St. Lucie without an office visit. Visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Colonoscopy to learn more.
call (772) 463-4128 or visit Volunteers in
online at www.vimclinic.net.
Nick and Dee Blount, Cindi Hobbs-deMoya, Wayne Klick, Marlene Filer and Ralph Davino
Ruth and Bob Cea
Mark and Donna Cocorullo
Bob Truckenmiller and Judi Powell
Nicole and Brandon Clark
Ron and Debbie Duell with Ann MacMillan and Bob Massey Kathy and Gary
County residents. Volunteers in Medicine Clinic is located at 417 S.E. Balboa Avenue in Stuart. For more information, please
Medicine Clinic
Operated by Stuart Main Street
nonprofit news
Impact100 Martin Prepares To Award $100,000 Grants To Local Nonprofits In April
Impact100 Martin, a dynamic group of generous women philanthropists, is preparing to award its $100,000 impact grants for 2025 to local nonprofits at a grants award celebration on April 9.
“We’re excited to be in our eighth season of awarding impact grants,” said Impact100 Martin President Maureen Cotter. “By the conclusion of the 2025 grant cycle, we will have invested more than $2.2 million and helped to change the quality of life and philanthropic landscape in Martin County.”
Impact100 is built on a simple structure strongly based on membership involvement. Each member donates $1,000 in one year. The funds are pooled to create grants in the impactful amount of $100,000 each. The number of grants awarded each year is dependent on membership numbers. Local nonprofits propose significant projects or programs, which are then vetted by the Grants Committee, and the members themselves determine which proposals best address identified needs within the community.
Impact grants are awarded within five categories: arts and culture, education, family, health and wellness, and environment, preservation and recreation.
For 2025, Impact100 Martin received 31 letters of intent and advanced nine of the projects from Martin County nonprofits to the semifinalist stage. They are Banner Lake Club, Project LIFT, Friends of the Everglades, Kiwanis Club of Stuart, Florida Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Martin County, The Arts Council dba MartinArts, House of Hope, Safespace, and NAMI Treasure Coast.
At the Grants Award Celebration in April, the finalists from this group will present their project to the entire Impact100 Martin membership for a vote.
“As we grow to 500 members, our impact in the community continues to grow,” Cotter said. “Our members care deeply about their community and the impact we have had over the past seven years. They are prepared to make Season 8 our most impactful ever!”
Tickets are still available to the Grants Award Celebration beginning at 4 p.m., on April 9 at Temple Beit HaYam in Stuart. The public is welcome to attend, although only members of Impact100 Martin are eligible to vote. Member
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tickets are $30; guests, $35. To register for the event, go to the Impact100 Martin website www.impact100martin.org.
To learn more about Impact100 Martin, membership opportunities, and the impact that $1.8 million in women’s philanthropy has already had on Martin County, go to www. impact100martin.org.
Impact100 Martin is a nonprofit organization with a mission of creating positive, lasting change in the community through collective giving. Founded in 2017, it is a chapter of the national
available to those who are grieving in our community.”
Treasure Coast Hospice’s youth and family grief support programs help children and teens overcome the challenges of grief to find healing, assist families through grief counseling, and enable the Treasure Coast Hospice Crisis Response Team to support communities, businesses and schools when tragedies occur.
The FFOTCH have supported the Treasure Coast Hospice mission to provide access to compassionate, caring, expert and professional hospice and grief support
Impact100 Movement founded by philanthropist Wendy Steele to transform communities through the power of women’s philanthropy. It is a member-driven organization that awards grants in $100,000 increments each year to local nonprofits in the areas of arts and culture; education; family; health and wellness; and environment, preservation and recreation. Detailed information about membership, grants, and community impact is available at the website www.impact100martin.org/ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Impact100MartinFL.
services to patients and families at the end of life since 1982. The 200-plus members of the volunteer group have raised nearly $5,000,000 to support the organization.
For more information about Treasure Coast Hospice, the FFOTCH or its comprehensive grief counseling services, visit www.TreasureHealth.org.
Dan Bailey and Gale Langford
Safari Nights from page 1
Safari Nights Committee
Rita May Wright and Ted Kenny
Impact100 Martin members gathered in the spring of 2024 to award four Impact Grants to local nonprofits. Led by President
Maureen Cotter, the organization continues to grow its membership and is on track to award five $100,000 Impact Grants this April at its Grants Award Celebration.
Photos by Liz McKinley
Northern Palm Beach Pulmonary & Critical Care is now TGH Advanced Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine.
Your trusted physicians have now joined Tampa General — one of the nation’s top academic health systems and top 10% in the nation for Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. This partnership gives patients new access to cutting-edge research, technology and treatments, all while maintaining the personalized, local care they have come to expect. For a consultation, please call (561) 739-4TGH (4844).
Maung Oo, MD Pulmonary Disease, Sleep Medicine, Critical Care Medicine
Robert Grant, DO Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Sleep Medicine
taMpa General news
Tampa General Pulmonologist Suggests Sleeping On It
According to a recent study published online in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, early middle-aged adults who have poor sleep quality, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, showed more signs of poor brain health in late middle age.
Although the study does not prove that poor sleep accelerates brain aging, it does show an association between poor sleep quality and signs of brain aging. Previous research links sleep problems to issues with thinking and memory later in life, increasing the risk for dementia.
The study used brain scans to determine participants’ brain age. Results suggested that poor sleep was linked to nearly three years of additional brain aging as early as middle age. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of tackling sleep problems earlier in life to maintain brain health.
Dr. Luis Peña-Hernández, a pulmonologist with the Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Pulmonary Care & Sleep Institute (PCSI), agrees that sleep is important. “Sleep quality is a huge determinant of overall well-being and quality of life,” he said.
Club news
Explore “Martin Digital History” With The Martin County Genealogical Society
Martin County is filled with historical treasures – photographs, scrapbooks, records and letters – that chronicle the lives of our residents and help build an accurate picture of the history of our communities. At the Martin County Genealogical Society’s (MCGS) April meeting, professional archivist Georgen Charnes will discuss the mission of Martin Digital History. Orchestrated by the Martin County Library system, MDH encourages appreciation of Martin County’s unique history by collaborating with community members and local organizations to collect, present, and interpret relevant digital content.
Local historical organizations such as the Stuart Heritage Museum and the Black Heritage Initiative and many individuals have come together to help create a cooperative digital community archive open to all.
Georgen Charnes is the archivist and project director for Martin Digital History. She has master’s degrees in library science and communications and has been an archivist in a number of places, including New Orleans, Nantucket and Utah.
Free and open to the public, the meeting is at the Blake Library in Stuart from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, April 18. The meeting begins with a social time followed by a brief business meeting. The presentation is at 2 p.m. To attend the meeting on Zoom, register at mcgsfl.org/events.
The Martin County Genealogical Society offers a variety of services in the Genealogy Room at 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.
If you’re looking to get your sleep back on schedule, Dr. Peña suggests taking these steps:
• Keep all electronics outside of the bedroom, including mobile phones, tablets and laptops.
• Avoid watching TV, working on a laptop or browsing on your phone in bed before bedtime.
Electronics will interfere with the quality of your sleep and may contribute to developing insomnia.
• Avoid eating large meals and consuming alcoholic beverages at least three hours before bedtime.
• Keep the room as dark as possible and the temperature on the cooler side.
• Wear comfortable, loose sleepwear.
• Exercise on a regular basis, ideally in the morning hours.
• Do not drink caffeine in the afternoon.
• Create and maintain a sleep preparation routine, relaxing at least 45 minutes to an hour before going to bed. Avoid
Golf For Heroes from page 1
together for a common cause can bring about significant change. The funds raised will help Preston continue his education, carrying forward the positive legacy of his father.
Organized by the nonprofit WeDoGood, the Golf for Heroes Tournament encapsulated their central motto: “One Good Deed Can Change Everything.”
Judging by the smiles on the course and the outpouring of kindness, that sentiment rang especially true on this remarkable day.
Looking Forward
As the final putts dropped and the sun set on an unforgettable afternoon, participants and sponsors alike expressed gratitude for the chance to support a Gold Star family. Plans are already in motion for future tournaments and events, ensuring that the spirit of unity, gratitude, and service continues well beyond this single day on the green.
working on projects that require complex decision making or involve stressful tasks during this time.
• Avoid drinking an excessive amount of fluid before bedtime to minimize the need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Dr. Peña notes that sleeping pills should be used only as a last resort. “Avoid them, if at all possible,” he said. “Medications do not provide a permanent solution to sleep problems. In general, they alter the architecture and quality of normal sleep and leave you groggy in the morning.”
When is it a good time to consider seeing a sleep specialist? “Anytime you have a recurrent problem falling or staying asleep, or you experience daytime sleepiness,” said Dr. Peña. “Also, if you exhibit any abnormal behaviors like sleepwalking or restless legs, among others, it’s important to see a specialist.”
Dr. Peña and his colleagues at TGH PCSI evaluate and address sleep disorders that can negatively affect your quality of life and overall health. “We can determine if a sleep study at home or a test in the sleep lab would help, and then recommend a proper plan of care depending on the patient’s specific needs.”
For more information about the sleep health services offered by the TGH Pulmonary Care & Sleep Institute, please call (561) 739-4TGH (4844) or visit TGHPCSI.com.
Dr. Luis Peña-Hernández
Georgen Charnes
Education Foundation Of Martin County Plans Magical Celebration
The wizardry of Harry Potter will be on full display at this year’s Evening of Excellence – Bids for Kids event, which benefits Martin County students. Hosted by the Education Foundation of Martin County (EFMC) and presented by Morganti, this elegant gala fundraiser will take place from 6 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, at
eduCation
Harbour Ridge Country Club in Palm City and is expected to be a sellout.
Tickets for this Harry Potter-themed event are $250 per person (must be 21 and older to attend) and there are a limited number for sale. The event raises funds to assist the Education Foundation with enriching and enhancing the quality of education in Martin County’s public schools.
Stephen Sines, vice president of operations for Morganti, a longtime presenting sponsor, stated, “Morganti is proud to once again support the foundation’s mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County and
it is an honor to partner with the foundation in making a lasting impact on local education.”
An Evening of Excellence is known for having the most silent auction items of any nonprofit event on the Treasure Coast. Guests will have the opportunity to peruse and bid on more than 500 auction items that include gift baskets, vacation getaways, spa treatments, golf packages, jewelry, artwork, fishing charters, and restaurant certificates as they enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The Bids for Kids live auction will take place after guests feast on their choice of a surf and turf or vegetarian entrée, and then all will head to the dance floor. Raffle tickets for a wheelbarrow of liquor will also be on sale. All proceeds will go toward supporting educational enrichment programming for students.
Event sponsors are the Morganti Group; Keiser University; Hedrick Brothers Construction; Jeanine Webster and Mel Nobel; Gehring Group – A Risk Strategies Company; UDT; Proctor Construction; Harvard Jolly Architecture; AT&T; Laviano & Associates – Real Estate Professionals; Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital; Tami Karol Insurance; Florida Power & Light Company; Anthony D. George, Jr., P.A.; Florida Combined Life; Food Shop, Inc.; Taryn & Kevin Kryzda; Beauchamp, Sang, Gonzales & PhilPott, P.A.; PNC Bank; Fox McCluskey; and SwissMango.
For information, to buy tickets, or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.
The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s strategic nonprofit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. As an independent group, the foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing private and corporate funds through several established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, literacy and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.
Photo by Doreen Poreba
From left to right: Lisa Rhodes, executive director, Education Foundation of Martin County; Jennifer Russell, Martin County School Board member and EFMC board member; Michael Maine, Martin County School District superintendent of schools and EFMC board member; Lindsey Albertson, marketing coordinator at The Morganti Group; and Brent Martin, director of preconstruction and business development at The Morganti Group
Girl Scouts Of Southeast Florida Honors Four Outstanding Female Leaders In Martin County
Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida hosted an inspiring afternoon of recognition and celebration during the prestigious Emerald Awards Martin County luncheon held recently at Sailfish Point Country Club in Stuart, raising more than $70,000 to support Girl Scout programs and leadership opportunities for girls.
More than 152 guests attended the Emerald Awards Martin County where awards are presented to outstanding women in Martin County who embody innovation, creativity and problem-solving excellence, making a meaningful impact in their fields and communities.
This year’s Emerald Awards Martin County honored the female changemakers and visionaries who are powerful role models for young women in the community. The 2025 honorees were Maureen Cotter, president of Impact100 Martin; Commissioner Stacey Hetherington, Martin County Board of County Commissioners; Tammy Stefanovic, business development and strategy for Cognegenics; and Beth Garcia Svopa, senior vice president of Brown and Brown Insurance.
HonorinG
Guests enjoyed a networking reception, silent auction, luncheon, and recognition ceremony.
The Emerald Awards Martin County was chaired by Jennifer Sardone Shiner and committee members included Beth Galt-Salsamendi, Mary Gavin, Rose Novotny, and Ofelia Utset.
“It is one of the highlights of the year to recognize the incredible women who have such a positive impact on our community,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “We appreciate them, and we appreciate the generosity of our Emerald Award sponsors.” Honoring on page 9
Autumn Wilson, Senator Gayle Harrell, Zoe McKnight, Emma Smith
Hollani Davis and John McGowan
Jennifer Atkisson, Kirsten Pendleton, Danielle Borzillo
Jennifer Sardone Shiner, Gloretta Hall, Dianne Alexander
Tammy Stefanovic, Beth Garcia Svopa, Stacey Hetherington, Maureen Cotter
Senator Gayle Harrell and Jennifer Atkisson
Tami Karol, Jennifer Richards, Marshall Critchfield, Marsha Powers
Jennifer Atkisson Lovett and Elle Harrigan
Mary Gavin and Lisa Johnson
Kelly Layman and Ben Starling III Russ and Carlin Ryske
finanCial foCus®
Key Decisions For Retired Couples
By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones
Once you and your spouse retire, you’ll have some decisions to make –decisions that could affect your quality of life in your retirement years. What are these choices?
Here a few of the most important ones:
• How much should you withdraw from your retirement accounts? By the time you retire, you may have contributed for decades to an IRA and a 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. But
Studies show today’s girls are not spending enough time outdoors. However, the proceeds from Emerald Awards Martin County and the community’s generous support, Camp Welaka provides girls with a transformative environment where they can build confidence, develop independence and forge lifelong friendships through traditional camp activities. Located on 640 beautiful acres within Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Tequesta, Fla., Camp Welaka offers girls the opportunity to explore nature through outdoor activities such as swimming, canoeing, archery and outdoor skills in a safe, girl-led setting where they can step out of their comfort zones and discover their true potential.
Ruby Sponsor of the 2025 Emerald Award Martin County was Publix Super Market Charities; Award Sponsors were Amazon, HCA Florida Healthcare and Florida Power & Light; PNC Bank was the Valet Sponsor; LaCroix Water was the Beverage Sponsor;
once you retire, you’ll probably need to draw on these accounts to help pay your living expenses. Consequently, both of you will need to be sure that you don’t withdraw so much each year that you risk running out of money later in your retirement. One common guideline is to aim for an annual withdrawal rate of 4 percent, but everyone’s situation is different based on age, pre-retirement income, lifestyle, health, travel plans and other factors. (Once you turn 73, or 75 if you were born in 1960 or later, you will have to take certain amounts, based on your age and account balance, from your traditional IRA and traditional 401(k) each year.)
• When should you take Social Security? The answer to this question depends on many factors, such as your age and other sources of income. You can take Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly payments will typically be bigger if you wait until your full retirement age, which will be age 67 if you were born in 1960 or later. And if you can afford to wait even longer, your payments will “max out” when you reach age 70. Your decision on when to take Social Security
Table Sponsors were NAACP of Martin County Branch 5085B and Tammy Stefanovic; and JSS Marketing and Public Relations was a Friend of Girl Scouts Sponsor. About Girl Scouts
We are the preeminent leadership development organization for girls who believe that every girl can be a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader with the power to change the world. More than any other organization in our community, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida empowers girls ages 5 to 17 with vision and voice—girls who command their future, engage their communities and inspire others. We offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida serves more than 6,900 girls in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.
To explore opportunities to volunteer or partner with Girl Scouts, call (561) 427-0177 or visit www.gssef.org.
Photos by Steven Martine Photography
can affect your spouse – and vice versa. If the lower-earning spouse claims Social Security before their full retirement age –again, age 67 – their own retirement benefit and any potential spousal benefit will be reduced. (Spousal benefits are given to the lower-earning spouse if their full retirement benefit is less than half the other spouse’s full retirement benefit.)
• Should you downsize? If you live in a big home and your children are grown, you may find it economical to downsize. Of course, this is also an emotional decision, but you may find that you can save money by moving into a smaller home.
• Where should you live? Some states are far more expensive to live in than others. You’ll want to weigh your decision carefully, considering the cost of housing, food, income and real estate taxes, transportation and health care in whatever state you choose.
• Have you finished your estate plans? If not, now is the time. You’ll want to work with your legal professional to create whatever documents are needed – a will, living trust, power of attorney – to help ensure your assets go where you want them to go, and that your financial and health care choices will be protected if you become physically or mentally incapacitated.
Of course, many of these same issues will apply if you are single, divorced or widowed. But if you are married, you and your spouse will want to discuss all your choices and then decide which steps to take. Once you’ve got your plans in place, you may well find that you can fully enjoy your retirement years.
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.
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Honoring from page 8
Community Swings Into Action At Mark Garwood Foundation’s Fifth Annual Racquets For Recovery
Sunny skies welcomed more than 150 players to the Mark Garwood Foundation’s Fifth Annual Racquets for Recovery Tennis and Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 1. The event at North River Shores Tennis Club in Stuart, raised funds for the Foundation’s Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarship program. The program provides scholarships to adults in South Florida who are in recovery, committed to longterm sobriety, and ready to begin or continue their education.
Players competed in men’s and women’s doubles for both tennis and pickleball and enjoyed lunch and an awards ceremony afterward. The tennis tournament was presented by Hanley Foundation and Seacoast Bank, and the pickleball tournament was presented by Ted Glasrud Associates.
Kate Ryan Watkins, a Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarship recipient, spoke during the event. Through the foundation’s support and encouragement, she earned her master’s degree and fulfilled her dream of becoming a therapist, helping others in recovery. Watkins was joined by 20 fellow scholarship recipients who volunteered to help at the event, ensuring this year’s Racquets for Recovery was another success.
Good works
John and Erica Garwood
Turner Benoit, Steve Docekal
Kate Watkins
Nicholas Galligan, Chris Miele
Jamie Rotenizer, Maggie Barnard
Volunteers and Phoenix Scholarship recipients
Erica Garwood, Felece Marks, Diane Minogue, Patrizia Volpe, Amy Stoneburg, John Garwood
Kate Keller, Lindsey White
Good Works on page 11
tip of tHe tail
Heartworms
As many of you may or may not be aware, heartworm disease is fairly prevalent here in Florida. It is a potentially fatal disease that is spread to dogs and cats via mosquitoes. The good news? It
Good Works from page 10
Since 2015, the Mark Garwood Foundation has awarded more than $560,000 in scholarships to 76 adults in Florida. The foundation has supported 28 alumni who have earned 38 degrees, including two doctorates.
is completely preventable with heartworm prevention, usually in the form of a monthly pill. But did you know that your pet is still at risk of contracting the disease in fall and winter months? There is sometimes a false perception that because we see less mosquitoes during that time, that the risk of your pet getting heartworms is not present. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. We see heartworms year-round, especially here in Florida. Additionally, mosquitoes routinely travel inside our homes to escape the elements and in search of a blood meal. Therefore, even indoor animals or pets that only go outside to use the restroom are still at risk. And here’s another alarming fact: One heartworm positive dog in the neighborhood (this can be someone’s pet or a stray) will result in 74 percent of the mosquitoes having infected heartworm larvae. This means that your pet, if not on heartworm prevention, is at an even greater risk.
As previously mentioned, heartworm disease can be a fatal disease, in which adult worms measuring up to 14 inches long
For more information about the Mark Garwood Foundation and its scholarship program, visit markgarwoodfoundation.org.
can lodge in the heart and major blood vessels. This can cause irreversible changes to the heart muscle, as well as damaging your pet’s lungs causing a cough or shortness of breath on walks, etc. In untreated cases, congestive heart failure can result in fluid accumulation in the pet’s abdomen. Heartworm disease can be treated, but it does carry an expense that far outweighs the cost of keeping your pet on prevention – not to mention the potentially long-term effects on your pet’s heart muscle. For an average 40-pound dog, it would cost as low as $12 per month to keep him or her protected, depending on the product chosen. Alternatively, if the same pet were to become infected with heartworms, the cost to eradicate them could be 10 times the yearly amount depending on the treatment.
Thankfully, there are many options for preventing heartworms in our small animal companions. The mainstay is a monthly preventative pill, with many of the products including protection against fleas and intestinal parasites. These medications come with stickers in the packaging that you can place on your monthly calendar to remind you when it’s time to give the prevention. If purchased directly from your veterinarian, these products come with a guarantee from the manufacturers. Contact your veterinarian to determine which option might be best for you and your pet’s lifestyle. If your dog has been off prevention or missed doses, your veterinarian will likely want to perform a simple blood test to ensure he or she has not already contracted heartworms. It can take up to six months for heartworms to be detected via blood test. So, if you’ve recently adopted a dog with an unknown medication history, you’ll likely want to retest six months after the initial sampling.
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.
Turner Benoit
Tracy Tullier, Laurie Riber, Dawn Oliver, Silva Brinkman
Photos by Tracey Benson Photography
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