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The 2024 Dancing With The Martin Stars Lineup Announced For The Martin County Healthy Start Coalition September 21 Event
Competition among the 2024 Dancing with the Martin Stars contestants is hotter than the weather. Nine professional dancers are teaching their volunteer partners the intricate steps of the waltz, cha-cha, foxtrot and tango in preparation for the big showdown on Saturday, September 21.
Dancing with the Martin Stars is the popular signature event of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition. Held annually at the Lyric Theatre in Stuart, this year’s competition has already sold out.
“We’re so grateful to all of our dancers, sponsors and supporters,” Martin County Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich said. “The funds we raise through this fun event go directly to our mission of ensuring that in Martin County, every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved.”
Because of the huge number of people who want to attend the competition, Martin County Healthy Start Coalition has added a Livestream Watch Party. Guests will be able to see the entire competition livestreamed into the Ross Hall at the Pittenger Center on the campus of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Stuart. Tickets to the Watch Party, which include food and a drink ticket, are available at https://www.mchealthystart.org/dancingwith-the-martin-stars/2024-stars-dancers/. Space is limited.
This year’s Martin Stars lineup includes Christian Anderson, dancing with local professional Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe; Casey Caplan, with Brian Spector; Lorna Day, with Angel R. Tamayo III; Matthew Durbin, with Emily Matos; Jonathan Garich, with Tanya Chaves; Stephanie Martinez, with Michael Chaves; April Milner, with Eliseo Ruiz; Matthew
Dancing With The
Stars on page 3
Kitty Catalina — The PurrFect Event For Cat And Wine Lovers
The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast recently held its seventh annual Kitty Catalina Wine Mixer, which raised over $5,200 to help the no-kill shelter’s adoptable animals. Animal rescue advocate and international best-selling author Sherry Dunn was the presenting sponsor and was on site showcasing her children’s book, Maddie & Jasmine
Author and animal rescue advocate Sherry Dunn, who was the presenting event sponsor
Almost 90 attendees mixed and mingled with friends while sampling a variety of wines from Keel and Curley Winery, Florida Orange Groves Winery, San Sebastian Winery and Secret Gardens Winery, all Florida wineries. Chef Amy from Heritage Kitchen at Secret Gardens provided light bites.
Episcopal Church, with food, drink, and an on-site emcee, through the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition website.
Referendum To Buy Natural Lands In Martin County On The Ballot Nov. 5 Gains Momentum
If Approved, Funds Raised From Half-Cent Sales Tax Would Be Used To Purchase Lands To Protect Water Quality, Natural Areas And Wildlife Habitat In Martin County
Martin County is a special place to live and different from areas to the north and south. Residents want to keep it that way.
“The recent outcry from the public about the proposed plans to build golf courses in our beloved Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a stark reminder of why we must take matters into our own hands. We need to buy and protect environmentally sensitive lands in Martin County right now,” said Jim Snedeker, Chairperson of the Martin County Forever campaign.
shot of Peck’s Lake Park
On the Martin County ballot on November 5 is a referendum to protect water quality, natural areas and wildlife habitat through a half cent sales tax. If approved, it will raise over $18 million a year for 10 years to acquire and preserve approximately 46,000 acres of land in specific areas. The amount of land targeted for purchase and permanent protection is
Referendum on page 6
Martin
Fabulous dancing, dazzling costumes, and a great cause – that’s Dancing with the Martin Stars 2024. The event is sold out at the Lyric, but guests can still get tickets for the livestream watch party on the campus of St. Mary’s
Kitty Catalina on page 4
Aerial
Cleveland CliniC Martin HealtH news
Advanced Cancer Care Is In Your Community
The Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health provides the most advanced cancer care available.
Programs and services at the center have grown in the past few years with the expansion of staff to include additional medical and radiation oncologists, nurse practitioners, social workers, genetic counselors and palliative care providers.
Patients who receive care at Martin Health benefit from the expertise of physicians who specialize in specific cancers and regularly collaborate with their colleagues at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital and Cleveland Clinic’s main campus in Ohio. This collaboration allows patients
access to the full range of cancer care options from healthcare providers who are at the top of their field.
The gastrointestinal cancer program, which treats liver, bile duct, stomach, colon, pancreatic and rectal cancers, is led by medical oncologist Xin Yao, M.D. Dr. Yao is a member of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), a national organization that performs multicenter clinical trials for cancer research. Yao serves as a representative for the community to the ECOG, providing feedback on clinical trials and their value to patients in the area. He is focused on making clinical trials more accessible for patients on the Treasure Coast.
Among the most advanced services offered at Martin Health, molecular testing is a routine part of treatment for many patients. Molecular testing is used for many reasons, including determining the type and characteristics of cancer.
“Molecular testing is really important because cancer treatment is now really individualized,” Yao says. “We are treating patients based on the mutation of the cancer cells. This type of testing gives us crucial information on how the cancer will behave and whether patients will respond to certain treatments.”
Adam Kotkiewicz, D.O., runs the genitourinary cancer program at Martin Health. He and his team also use molecular testing to determine treatment for cancers that affect the bladder, prostate, kidneys and testicles.
“Every patient’s care is and should be personalized to their specific cancer,” Kotkiewicz says.
Kotkiewicz says his team’s ability to communicate and collaborate with a variety of experts at Cleveland Clinic’s Weston and main campuses is the key to the best outcomes for their patients.
There are a variety of resources available for patients undergoing cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. All of these services are available within the Cleveland Clinic organization in Florida, allowing for seamless care for patients.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (772) 288-5858.
Right, with Eva B. Velez and directed by Marianella Tobar; and Sue Whittington, with Jang Don.
For months the dancers have been learning their steps and choosing fabulous costumes. That’s only part of the challenge, however. They have also been raising funds with a variety of mini events like dinners, wine tastings, and auctions to boost their fundraising totals.
The goal for this year’s event is $280,000. “The dancers have just blown us away with their passion and enthusiasm,” Suffich said. “We truly believe that they’re going to reach the goal and exceed it.”
For more information, visit https://www. mchealthystart.org/dancing-with-the-martin-stars/2024stars-dancers/.
For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www. mchealthystart.org, call (772) 463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.
Adam Kotkiewicz, D.O. Xin Yao, M.D. Dancing With The Martin Stars
At the end of the event, guests were hoping to have their raffle ticket number called for the 17 prizes that were available.
Of course, the superstars were the cats and kittens, as supporters gave them additional love throughout the evening. Because of Dunn’s sponsorship, the adoption fee was waived during the event for felines over one year old. Additional sponsorship support was generously provided by TC Palm, Seacoast Bank and Publix.
Volunteers Neda Story and Kimberly Smart
Although it rained most of the evening, the night skies were capped off with a double rainbow over the humane society’s Memorial Garden.
For more information about future events, contact Alyssa Bean, community events specialist, at (772) 600-3215, or Events@hstc1.org.
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 well-being in the Martin County area. A 501(c)(3) private,
Melony Zaravelis and Brittany Robinson with Blair
Liz and Martin County Commissioner Ed Ciampi
Michele and Sam Adler with Salem
Lisa Alloe and Jeff Taylor
Michelle Johnson is all smiles as she claims her basket of goodies.
Bob Lepa, Judith Just, Diana and Glenn Schreiner
Residents of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast now have another way to connect with award-winning care: Tampa General Hospital Concierge Health, a service of Tampa General Hospital Primary Care. As part of Florida’s leading academic health system, TGH Concierge Health delivers the highest level of primary care with white-glove service and personalized care plans. Laurie P. Rothman, MD, a board-certified physician in family medicine with over two decades of experience in Palm Beach County, offers preventative care, wellness and metabolic health for adults and adolescents ages 12 and up. For the very best care — with service to match — call (561) 559-0955.
Community
Local Teen Competes In National American Miss Florida Pageant
Miss Morgan McKeever, age 12, of Stuart, qualified as a State Finalist in the National American Miss Florida Pageant to be held July 11 to 14, in Orlando. The pageant is held for girls ages 4 to 24 in six different age divisions.
The newly crowned Miss Florida Pre-Teen will receive the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses, and an invitation to compete at the national pageant. Most importantly, she has the opportunity to represent the state of Florida and make her wonderful hometown of Stuart proud.
She will compete in four overall categories including Formal Wear Modeling, Personal Introduction, Interview, and Community Service Project. Morgan will also be participating in the National American Miss optional contests of Talent, Spokesmodel, and Casual Wear.
National American Miss is dedicated to celebrating America’s greatness and encouraging its future leaders. Each year, the pageant awards thousands in cash and prizes to recognize and assist in the development of young ladies nationwide. All activities are age-appropriate and family-oriented.
The National American Miss pageant system is the largest in the nation. The focus of this organization is to create future leaders and to equip them with real world skills to make their dreams a reality. The program is based on inner beauty, as well as poise and presentation, and offers an “All American Spirit of fun for family and friends.” Skills, such as good attitudes about competition, as well as setting and achieving personal goals, are also part of the program.
Miss McKeever’s activities include participating in the Martin County 4-H Archery Club, boxing with the Martin County Police Athletic League, and taking singing lessons with the Stuart School of Music. She also enjoys surfing, paddleboarding, camping and fishing. Morgan always prioritizes community service and is an active volunteer with House of Hope and Salvation Army. Morgan feels pageantry is so important for instilling confidence in girls, becoming comfortable with public speaking, acing interviews, and building friendships from a platform of support for one another. For more information on how you can support Morgan to achieve her goal of Miss Florida Pre-Teen, please email MoeMcK9@gmail.com.
• Your time horizon – Where you are in life is an important consideration when investing. When you are young and just starting out in your career, you may be able to focus more on growth, as you have time to overcome the inevitable short-term market downturns. But as you near retirement, you may want to consolidate any gains you may have achieved, and lower your risk level, by moving your portfolio toward a somewhat more conservative approach. Even in retirement, though, you will need some growth potential to stay ahead of inflation.
• Your needs for liquidity – As you invest, you’ll need to maintain an adequate amount of cash and cash equivalents in your holdings. Without this liquidity, you might be forced to sell long-term investments in case you have unexpected expenses.
In any case, when it comes to investing, you may want to pay less attention to what names are on the ballot—and instead “vote” for the longer-term strategies that reflect your needs and goals.
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.
tip oF tHe tail
Prostatic Disease In Dogs
The prostate is a small gland located near the urinary bladder of male dogs and produces some of the fluids found in semen necessary during breeding. It surrounds the urethra which carries urine from the bladder to the outside world and lays beneath the colon. This is why prostatic disease will often result in problems with urination and/or defecation.
Enlargement of the prostate gland is common with most prostatic diseases. This enlargement puts pressure on the urethra and urination becomes difficult and uncomfortable and you may begin to see blood in the urine. An affected dog will spend a long time trying to urinate and the urine may only come out in thin streams or multiple spurts. If prostatic disease becomes more advanced, the colon will also be compressed, causing difficulty in passing feces. If your male dog strains to urinate or defecate, have him examined by your veterinarian.
There are many diseases that affect the prostate and range from the benign enlargement, called hyperplasia,
Community Foundation Awards Grant To Education Foundation Of Martin County
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties has awarded a $49,000 grant to the Education Foundation of Martin County. This funding will support the Education Foundation’s efforts to continue strengthening organizational operations and programs by investing in staff expansion and retention. This will benefit Martin County public schools, teachers and students.
Lisa Rhodes, the Education Foundation’s executive director, expressed her gratitude to the Community Foundation for its important support. “This grant will enable us to successfully grow our operations and expand our programming,” said Rhodes, “Our goal of increasing student reading proficiency is one of many benefits that this grant supports.”
For more information on the Education Foundation and its programs, visit www.educationfoundationmc.org.
Photo by Doreen Poreba
caused by excess testosterone to potentially lifethreatening prostate cancer. The prostate can also form cysts or abscesses and can become infected by bacteria traveling up the urethra. All of these diseases can present exactly the same way and we may need an array of tests to determine the cause. The first step is to determine if the gland is enlarged by palpating the prostate through the abdominal wall or through the rectal wall. Additional tests may include radiographs, ultrasound, urinalysis, urine culture, cytology and/or biopsy of the prostate.
Once we have a diagnosis, we can aim the treatment at the specific cause of the prostatic enlargement. Treatment usually includes neutering your male dog to remove the source of testosterone and estrogen. If infection is present, antibiotic therapy may be needed for weeks to months because it is difficult for antibiotics to penetrate into the prostate. Some cysts and abscesses may require major abdominal surgery.
The prognosis for prostatic cancer is usually poor, but your veterinarian will discuss treatments to keep your dog comfortable for as long as possible. If your dog is showing signs of prostatic disease, bring him to your veterinarian for a complete physical exam, including palpation of his prostate, and to discuss further diagnostics and potential treatment options. The best way to prevent prostate problems is to neuter your dog early in life.
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.
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties’ grant to the Education Foundation of Martin County enabled the nonprofit organization to expand its staff. From left, Candice Tedesco and Jinara Reyes recently joined Pamela Amsbaugh and Lisa Rhodes on the foundation’s staff.
Local Bakery Launches Special Product For Foster Parents
Denise Natalizio knows foster care; she’s made a life supporting local people who open their hearts and their homes to children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned.
Natalizio is the Martin County director and director of foster parent licensing for Communities Connected for Kids, the nonprofit organization that oversees the child-welfare system in Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast.
When she decided to open her own cottage industry – The Good Loaf Bakery – foster care was still first in mind.
Indeed, she debuted the gratitude loaf, a sourdough recipe dedicated to foster parents, within weeks of opening. Customers who order the bakery’s signature Perri bread can
Good worKs
purchase the gratitude loaf for a discount, and The Good Loaf will deliver it free of charge.
“Foster parents open their hearts and homes to take in abused, neglected and abandoned children,” Natalizio said. “Let’s come together as a community to give back to those who have given so much to our community.”
Like many people trying to fill their time during the lockdown of 2020, Natalizio began baking bread for her friends and neighbors during the COVID pandemic. And last year, she started baking sourdough.
She opened The Good Loaf Bakery this July.
“I really loved giving away bread, and seeing how that makes people feel,” she said. “I started following microbakery women online and thought, ‘Hey, I can do that.’”
Natalizio’s orders increased from about two to 15 loaves per bake day in just the first month.
“We’ve had a great response from the community, people sharing their bread stories, and I really love seeing
my neighbors order bread to share with one another,” she said.
Natalizio’s own story began with her mother, Pierrette, for whom the baker named her signature loaf, the Perri. The original sourdough bread is a “well-balanced combination of tangy deliciousness, a chewy texture and crispy crust,” she said.
“My youngest memories are of my brother and me sitting in the back seat of the car after a stop at our local bakery. Mom would pass a warm loaf to us in the back seat, and it would be gone before we got home.”
Natalizio hails from a family of entrepreneurs and has herself forged her own path through the business world in the past, having run her first business in her 20s as the coowner of two car stereo retail stores and as an independent contractor teaching English in the Dominican Republic.
Natalizio said her next business goal is to increase production and expand into farmers markets when the cooler season begins. And to raise awareness for the Gratitude Loaf. So far, she has delivered loaves to 10 local foster families. She also delivers to La Haia, a homeless camp in Martin County. All menu items are pre-ordered through the HotPlate.com/ goodloafbakery.
Club news
Finding Cause Of Death With The Martin County Genealogical Society
Do you know or ever wonder how your ancestors died? Was it an infectious disease, a chronic illness, an injury or some other cause? At the Martin County Genealogical Society’s (MCGS) November meeting, genealogists Janet Mar and Janene Zaccone will present “Cause of Death: Past, Present and Future.” They will explain how our ancestors’ deaths can tell us about their lives, lead us to new sources of information for our genealogy research and even alert us to our own risk of developing heart disease, diabetes or cancer.
Mar is a retired nurse practitioner and university professor. Much of her nursing career focused on medical research, specifically the study of investigational drugs for FDA approval. She became interested in medical genetics after a relative’s sudden death, and she has applied her research skills to her family genealogy.
Zaccone has been conducting genealogy research for most of her life. She has a Bachelor of Science in journalism and a Master of Arts in history. A member of the MCGS board of directors, she currently serves as chair of the Communications Committee.
Free and open to the public, the meeting will be at the Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Road in Stuart, from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15. The meeting begins with social time followed by a business meeting; the presentation is at 2 p.m. If you can’t attend the meeting in person, it will be available on Zoom. For registration details, go to mcgsfl.org/events.
The Martin County Genealogical Society offers a variety of services at the Genealogy Room in the Blake Library 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.
The Henley Family
loCal GovernMent
We Are Counting On YOU – VOTE November 5!
As a voter in the state of Florida, you have the option to vote by mail, vote early, or vote on Election Day at your assigned precinct.
To help you decide how to cast your votes in the upcoming November 5 General Election, here are some important facts to keep in mind:
• You can request a voteby-mail ballot through Thursday, October 24. Voted ballots can be dropped off at the Elections Office at any time, however, the deadline to receive voted ballots is Election Day at 7 p.m. when the polls close.
• Early Voting will take place in six locations throughout the county from Monday, October 21 through Saturday, November 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, which includes Sunday, October 27. Listed are the six early voting locations:
• Martin County Elections Office, located in Stuart
• Elisabeth Lahti Library, located in Indiantown
• Hoke Library, located in Jensen Beach
• Peter & Julie Cummings Library, located in Palm City
• Robert Morgade Library, located in Port Salerno
• Hobe Sound Library, located in Hobe Sound
• Secure Ballot Intake Stations (drop boxes) will be available during early voting at all six early voting locations for you to drop off your voted mail ballot.
• Remember to bring signed, photo identification when voting early or when voting at your assigned precinct on Election Day. Also, know where your precinct is located if voting on Election Day, it may be different from your preferred early voting site.
• The sample ballot is available on our website at www.MartinVotes.gov by clicking the Sample Ballots icon on the homepage. Sample ballots will be mailed to registered voters that have not requested a vote by mail ballot. Additionally, sample ballots are also available at all public libraries.
Please visit www.MartinVotes.gov or call the Elections Office at (772) 288-5637 if you have any questions or need more information.
Thank you for voting in the upcoming November 5 General Election – see you at the polls!
Vicki Davis, Martin County Supervisor of Elections
Martin County Property Appraiser’s Office
How Does Property Damage Affect Your Property Value And Taxes
By Jenny Fields, CFA, Martin County Property Appraiser, 3473 S.E. Willoughby Blvd., Suite No. 101, Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 288-5608 www.pa.martin.fl.us
What Is A Calamity?
A calamity occurs when your home is physically damaged or destroyed by an event beyond your control. Events such as fire or hurricanes would qualify as calamities. This applies to both homesteaded and nonhomesteaded property. This does not include damage caused directly or indirectly by the property owner with the intent to damage or destroy the improvement.
How Does A Calamity Affect My Property Value ?
Any damage or destruction that occurred due to calamity or misfortune will be reflected as of January 1 of the following tax roll year. The property appraiser will consider the condition of the property as of January 1 and any repairs that have been made and completed by January 1, will be considered. Since the valuation of your property is done in arrears, the recognition of damage still present as of January 1, cannot be accounted for until the following tax roll year.
Under normal circumstances, any improvements made to your property would be assessed at full market value once substantially completed. However, under the calamity provision, any changes, additions, or improvements made to the dwelling as a result of a calamity, may be protected from being assessed at full market value.
How Does A Calamity Affect My Property Taxes ?
When a calamity occurs on residential improvements that are rendered uninhabitable for at least 30 days, the property owner may request a refund of taxes for the portion of the year in which the home was deemed uninhabitable. This does not include structures that are not essential to the use and occupancy of the residential dwelling, such as a detached garage, swimming pool, or land.
An application needs to be filed with the property appraiser by March 1 of the year following the event. The property appraiser may request additional supporting documentation to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a refund. If entitled, the property appraiser shall issue an official written statement to the tax collector within 30 days after the determination, but no later than April 1. The tax collector shall calculate the damage differential pursuant to Florida Statute 197.319 and process a refund in the amount equal to the catastrophic event refund.
Certain restrictions apply for all scenarios. To learn more, please watch our educational video by scanning this QR code or view our full Property Damage handout. For all questions or concerns, please call our office to speak with one of our professionals. Our phone number is (772) 288-5608.
Video
Handout
eduCation news
Education Foundation Of Martin County Recognizes This Year’s Teacher Of The Year Candidates
Teachers, often referred to as the unrecognized superheroes of society, are getting their due recognition by the Education Foundation of Martin County with its annual Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration presented by Audi Stuart, Infiniti Stuart & Alfa Romeo Stuart. Every year the foundation invites each school in Martin County to nominate one of its teachers for this prestigious award. There are 23 candidates for the 2024/25 program, as follows.
Shannon Allred, Bessey Creek Elementary School
Vanessa Molina-Council, Citrus Grove Elementary School
Elaine Sanchez, Crystal Lake Elementary School
Ashley Kemler, Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School
Coral Kelly, Felix A. Williams Elementary School
Alicia Carter, Hidden Oaks Middle School
Jill Stuart, Hobe Sound Elementary School
Alexis Matonti, Hope Center for Autism
Sara Patterson, Indiantown Middle School
Chenae Jackson, J.D. Parker School of Science, Math and Tech
Karen Madalena, Jensen Beach Elementary School
Samantha Pankhurst, Jensen Beach High School
Katherine Manahan, Martin County High School
Megan McChrystal, Murray Middle School
Stephanie Carlson, Palm City Elementary School
Ashley Martin, Pinewood Elementary School
Kristin Guillen, Port Salerno Elementary School
Kimberly Brannon, SeaWind Elementary School
Laura Green, South Fork High School
Kelly Dawedeit, Stuart Middle School
William Price, Treasure Coast Classical Academy
Jean Wright, Warfield Elementary School
Tammie Meder, Willoughby Learning Center
Three of these candidates will be announced as the winners in the elementary, middle and high school categories at the celebration slated for Friday, October 25. Of those three winners, one of them is named the top Martin
County Teacher of the Year and will go on to represent Martin County in the state competition to become the Florida Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year. In addition to the teacher awards, one school is selected as the evening’s Spirit Award Winner, which recognizes the school whose staff demonstrates the most creative interpretation of theme and an over-the-top energy during the evening’s festivities.
The public is encouraged to participate by voting for their favorite teacher nominee online at www. EducationFoundationMC.org and sharing how this teacher makes a positive difference at school or in the community.
Audi Stuart, Infiniti Stuart & Alfa Romeo Stuart, part of the Murgado Automotive Group, Inc., has been the presenting sponsor of the Martin County Teacher of the Year event for 11 years.
Twenty-three teachers have been nominated for the Education Foundation of Martin County’s 2024/25 Martin County Teacher of the Year awards program.
Devin Carlson, the company’s partner and general manager, said, “For over a decade, we have had the honor and pleasure of supporting the teachers of Martin County. These teachers dedicate their lives to nurturing and educating our future generations. It is our hope, that through our continued support, we are showing just how much we appreciate and respect these amazing educators. We look forward to presenting another luxury car to this year’s Teacher of the Year!”
The additional award sponsors are Keiser University, Publix SuperMarkets Charities, and Cook Shell Contractors. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, visit the website, https://www. educationfoundationmc.org/p/106/teacher-of-the-year.
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 programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, please visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.
Photo by Doreen Poreba