Inspiring The Next Generation: STEM, History, And Living Legends At The 2025 Stuart Air Show
Nov. 7 To 9, Witham Field
The 2025 Stuart Air Show is more than breathtaking aerobatics and roaring jet engines—it’s also about education, inspiration and giving families a chance to experience history up close. This year, the show is expanding its community reach with a focus on STEM learning opportunities for students, interactive activities for families and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fly in one of the rarest aircraft in the world.
Friday STEM Event
On Friday morning, Nov. 7, before gates open to the public, the Stuart Air Show will welcome nearly 300 local school-aged children for a closed STEM education event. Students will explore aviation and engineering concepts through hands-on activities and presentations led by local aviation businesses, STEM organizations and the pilots
and crews of the aircraft on site. This unique opportunity sparks curiosity and highlights career paths in science, technology, engineering and math, ensuring the next generation is as inspired by aviation as the generations before them.
From Farm To Label: 2025 Farm City Luncheon Decodes The
Science (And Myths) Behind Food Labels
If you’ve ever stood in the grocery aisle wondering what words like “organic,” “cage-free,” or “sustainably sourced” really mean—you’re not alone. At this year’s Farm City Luncheon, you’ll finally get answers.
On Thursday, Nov. 20, One Martin and the Martin County Farm Bureau will host the Eighth Annual Farm City Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Rockin’ H Ranch in Palm City. The theme, “Label Logic: Decoding Your Food,” will unpack what’s marketing, what’s myth, and what’s grounded in science when it comes to food labels.
“This luncheon is a great reminder that agriculture is a major economic driver in Martin County and in a state of constant change,” said Rick Hartman, president of One Martin. “I find this year’s topic to be especially practical for everyone who consumes agricultural products – and that, of course, is everyone!”
The keynote speakers—both experts from the University of Florida—bring real-world knowledge to the conversation:
• Dr. Danielle Treadwell, associate professor and state extension specialist of sustainable and USDA-organic
vegetable crop production. She will share how soil health, crop quality, and human health are connected—and how food labeling fits into the bigger picture. Dr. Treadwell is tenured in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the University of Florida.
• Dr. Todd Thrift , associate professor of cow-calf management, beef cattle nutrition and stocker feedlot management at the University of Florida. He will explore
The Heat Is On: 14th Annual Tequesta Chili Cook-Off Aims To Hit $1 Million For Local Veterans
The countdown is on for one of Tequesta’s most anticipated annual events! The 14th Annual Tequesta Chili Cook-Off & Beer Tasting Event returns this fall, and it’s packing more heat, more flavor, and more purpose than ever before. This year’s goal?
To raise enough funds to reach a milestone $1 million in total donations to support local veterans’ charities.
Over the past 13 years, this high-energy patriotic festival has raised over $760,000 for organizations that directly support veterans in South Florida. From housing assistance and mental health services to job training and emergency relief, these funds make a tangible impact in the lives of those who served.
“This event is about more than chili and beer. It’s about coming together as a community to give back to the heroes in our own backyard,” said Captain David McGovern, director. “We’re proud of what we’ve built, and this year, we’re turning it up a notch.”
Saturday, Nov. 8
One Main Street – Paradise Park, Tequesta, FL
2 to 6 p.m.
Tickets are on sale at https:// tequestachilicookoff.com/ ticket-sales.
• General Admission: $30 (includes entry and access to chili tastings). Tickets online
and in person at Tequesta Brewing Company, McCarthy’s Irish Pub and Tequesta Fire Rescue. Ticket prices go up to $35 on the day of the event.
• Mug/T-Shirt/Ticket: $60 includes General Admission items plus a 16-ounce glass beer mug and event T-shirt. Tickets are only available online.
STEM Scavenger Hunt For Families STEM learning continues all weekend long with a STEM Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by Dave & Buster’s, on
Saturday and Sunday. Families attending the show can pick up a scavenger hunt card at the gate and collect stamps from STEM exhibitors throughout the venue. Once completed, kids can turn in their cards to receive a $10 Dave & Buster’s Power Card—a fun way to combine learning with play while encouraging exploration of all the exciting educational exhibits at the show.
The Legendary B-29 Superfortress “Doc”
History comes alive with the arrival of the B-29 Superfortress “Doc”, one of only two B-29s still flying in the entire world. This legendary World War II aircraft will land at Witham Field on Thursday afternoon, giving the public a chance to witness a rare piece of aviation history taxi in before the weekend festivities.
Even more thrilling, “Doc” will be offering rides out of the Vero Beach airport during its Treasure Coast visit. Passengers will have the extraordinary opportunity to fly inside a piece of history, experiencing what airmen of the Greatest Generation once did. Seats are limited, so aviation enthusiasts should keep an eye on stuartairshow.com for ride announcements and ticket availability.
Community, Family And Fun
While STEM and history shine brightly this year, the Stuart Air Show remains a full family event from start to finish. The weekend kicks off with the Friday Night Air Show and Dirty Flight Suit Party presented by TD Bank, featuring illuminated aerobatics, a fireworks finale and a choreographed drone show. On Saturday and Sunday, gates open at 9 a.m. with world-class flying from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., plus interactive exhibits, food vendors and community displays.
The show also honors service by offering discounted tickets for veterans, seniors, and youth, ensuring the event is accessible for families across the Treasure Coast.
Honoring The Past, Inspiring The Future
Director of Operations Chrissy Valvano shared, “The Stuart Air Show is about more than entertainment—it’s about celebrating our history, inspiring our community and sparking passion in the next generation. From the B-29 to STEM programming for kids, we are proud to connect past, present and future through aviation.”
Miller
Tom English • Margo Williams
Laura Berrio • Bret McCormick
Miranda Ledbeter • Alyssa Debban
Justein Matthias • Anissa Stender
Production Manager Lee Nostrant Production Department
Donholt
Strout
Ruth Nekoranec
Karen Kalisz
Reynolds
Event Details Nov. 7 to 9
1895 Flying Fortress Ln., Stuart, FL 34996
Tickets on sale now at stuartairshow.com
From STEM education to living history, the 2025 Stuart Air Show is where history takes flight and the future soars. Join us this November—Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.
Katie Heystek
Michelle Feeney
The Singles Scene Column©
Find Your Perfect Fit
Special Edition Hot Tips
By: Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli
“’Cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man” – ZZ Top
As October begins, witness wardrobe changes and cooler weather, signaling the best time of the year has arrived (and so have you). Sweaters, boots, and extra cuddles resurface as requirements of Fall, while summer trends and flings fade away. In fashion, as in love, certain things never go out of style—they evolve, adapt, or return new and improved. Today, we will draw a relatable comparison between the pursuit of romantic happiness and the ideal wardrobe that will create your best date night look. You want a good “fit”–right? The Rules.
As always, if you are TAKEN, do share these words of hope with your single, divorced, and widowed family and friends. We are sure you would be thrilled to see your favorite single people smile brighter this holiday season. No one wants to be the fifth or seventh wheel at the dinner party this season. The last quarter of the year can and will be epic. Believe it and own your role in it. This is not a one-man job. Acquire a connector in the know. Just The Facts.
With the holidays being the biggest trigger for singles, you may catch yourself reminiscing about past loves and daydreaming about what it was like to be a “dynamic duo” during the most wonderful time of the year. You are likely to be yearning for traditional courtship of days gone by. This does still exist–and we enjoy reminding people of this long-forgotten dating norm. We believe in it. Some singles may feel uncomfortable in our modern tech era (like a fish out of water). This means It’s time to ask for help…privately…and not online. It’s time to get set up by a trusted friend (i.e. your matchmakers). If you are already working with a matchmaker, it’s time to ask and accept their advice. Be open to change and adventure or you will go nowhere. Everything will stay the same and you will feel the same way on December 31st. Open your heart. The Hunt.
The pursuit of love is much like the hunt for the perfect date night wardrobe. This can take time, experimentation, and timing. You are in luck because we, as matchmakers, are much like the stylists at a fabulous custom boutique, ready to take on the challenge with and for you. Dating is similar to browsing the fashion racks, and both require patience, a little adventure, and the confidence to know when something fits just right. You may be struggling to find your Plus One but that is normal when
Dating
you know you are in the right place. Bar none, matchmaking is a solid ticket to a happy ending in 2025. The pond is continually restocked, just like any popular boutique. Try It On.
Have you ever walked into a store and tried on an outfit, but nothing seemed to feel right? Or maybe you’ve found yourself in a fitting room with something that looked perfect on the hanger, but once you put it on, you realize it’s not for you. Dating can feel the same. You may meet someone who checks all the right boxes on paper but doesn’t feel quite right when you’re together. Next, please.
Don’t get stuck on one look. Every date won’t lead to the perfect match–but you must elevate the odds and let someone else do the vetting and setting up for you. You can adjust your expectations on your search and learn more about yourself. Also, don’t forget to work on yourself–this is a bonus for you and your future partner. If you find yourself striking out again and again–ask for help. Don’t be closed minded and blame the date or anyone else. It takes two and consider each encounter as a learning experience to help you become the best version of yourself. Regardless of your age, we should all be able to grow and learn and adapt. That is attractive.
The Perfect Fit.
Patience is a virtue. We recently had a success story of two CEOs in the club. It took the gentleman four months to find his “perfect” fit, and the woman was one and done in her first month! Finding someone you connect with will not always happen overnight. However, the wait will be worth it.
Love can appear unexpectedly (love at first sight). Just don’t settle for a relationship that doesn’t fit your needs and values longterm. A perfect fit is more than just superficial–it also requires the possibility of longevity. Will it stand the test of time? Look for someone emotionally, financially, and physically aligned with you and your dreams for your future. Trust Your Stylist (aka Matchmaker).
You may feel like you can do it alone, but you can’t. You have a job, and you are not The Pro. You would not do your own doctoring or lawyering, right? Bonding with your matchmaker, being honest, and trusting the constructive advice they may give you will exponentially increase your chances of finding your perfect match that fits like a glove. Hire the best in the business. Be a smart person and connect to the right people at the right time with the right mindset (looking for a true match).
On that note, thank you to our new applicants who have PRE-BOOKED their First Interview in advance. Clients who get started in October have a higher chance of meeting an ideal dating partner before the holidays and the turn of the New Year 2026 for the most important kiss of the year. Make the last three months of this year count. Your future self will thank you later.
We can’t wait to meet you in our gorgeous office on PGA Boulevard–where we have been for ten successful years and counting! Make the last quarter of the year the
best part of the year and end with a powerful and lifechanging win!
Xoxo, Kelly & Miranda #FALLinLove #End2025Strong #MatchmakingRoyalty #LeaveYourComfortZone #TellYourFriends
Kelly Leary, M.S.© is CEO and Founder of Revolution Dating which she launched in 2014. Kelly has 34 years in the dating industry and a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She has been written about in Modern Luxury Magazine Palm Beach and Modern Luxury Manhattan, The Palm Beach Post, The Shiny Sheet, Stuart News, Jupiter Magazine, and many more. Revolution Dating clients are pre-screened in person, including background checks and ID verification. Professional photos are taken by the staff. Revolution Dating is NOT online dating or blind dating. In addition to providing matchmaking services that make singles “UN-single” through their exclusive club memberships, Kelly and Miranda also provide feedback from dates when appropriate. Mock Dates are available by request. Single Coaching Sessions and Evaluations are also available by request for non-members or as an add-on to some memberships. *All inquiries are confidential *Specializing in representing jet-setting clients with a second home in the Northeast Area. Do call the central hotline at 561-630-9696 (XOXO) to hold your place in the club. Why wait? Just date!
Fall Into Romance
Upscale single, divorced, and widowed clientele are ready to live and love offline and the demand for quality matchmakers is soaring. It’s cuffing season, so do tell your friends and family who are still single. Revolution Dating specializes in screening and representing clients from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades. Take a look at the love overflowing out of the Revolution Dating Corporate Headquarters of Love in PGA Commons where they have been established for eleven successful years and counting. He who hesitates is lost, so get “unstuck” and book your first interview today. October is the perfect time to REV-up your love life.
#TellYourFriends #FallInLove
Cleveland CliniC Martin HealtH news
Cleveland Clinic Expands Cancer Services In Martin County
Cleveland Clinic’s ongoing mission is to provide the most advanced cancer care available to our community. That care is even more accessible as the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital adds caregivers and expands its services.
Mel Lizaso, M.D., is one of four radiation oncology physicians at the cancer center. Also included on the staff are radiation therapists, physicists, dosimetrists, and nurse practitioners.
“We dedicate ourselves to providing evidence-based care that is individualized to the patient,” says Dr. Lizaso. “Our treatment plans are based on cutting-edge science and compassion.”
The radiation oncology department uses leading-edge technologies to offer the latest in radiation therapy, including stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR or SBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). SABR/SBRT and SRS are radiation techniques that use state-of-the-art equipment to
• VIP Experience: $100 includes Mug/T-Shirt/Ticket items plus entry to the VIP tent with upgraded food, drinks, and exclusive event swag.
• VIP Table of 10: $1,500 includes a private table for 10 people in the VIP tent, a bottle of prosecco, exclusive event swag including collectors’ mugs and T-shirts, and upgraded food and drinks.
This is a 21 and over event.
No pets allowed (service animals permitted).
Clear bag policy enforced – all bags must be transparent for entry.
What To Expect
• 32-plus First Responder, military and private sector chili teams competing for glory
• Craft beer and wine tasting
• Pipes and drums
• Military flyovers
• Celebrity guests and judges
deliver highly focused highdose radiation. The precision with which the radiation is delivered allows for the treatment of tumors without overexposure to nearby healthy tissue. Because of the higher dosages, patients need fewer treatments – between one and five, compared to traditional 25 to 35 – and experience fewer side effects.
Mel Lizaso, M.D.
The Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center offers SRS for brain and SABR/SBRT for lung, bone and other sites of cancer.
“In the appropriately selected patient, stereotactic radiation therapy can diminish the treatment time, thereby removing the time toxicity of cancer care and improving quality of life,” says Lizaso.
• An award ceremony honoring our veterans and Gold Star families
• Live music all day long
• A packed silent auction and high-energy live raffle Want To Support Beyond Tickets?
We’re currently accepting donations for our silent and live raffles. From gift cards and baskets to experiences, services, and exclusive items your contribution will directly support our
A variety of radiation oncology services are available in Port St. Lucie and Stuart. New and state-of-the-art equipment allow the physicians to use such techniques as surface guidance, 4-D CT scanning, and hypofractionated therapy for more precise targeting of tumors that spares the surrounding tissues while sometimes decreasing the number of treatments required.
The radiation oncology team at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital provides exceptional patient-centered cancer care. Patients are provided with a thorough overview of treatment options and informed with recommendations while being guided through every step of treatment.
“We take into account the whole patient when designing our treatment plans,” says Lizaso. “It is individualized and considers the goals and best interests of each patient.”
To make an appointment with Dr. Lizaso or another specialist at Cleveland Clinic in Florida, call (877) 463-2010 or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Cancer to learn more.
fundraising goal. It’s a great way for individuals and businesses to get involved and be recognized.
To donate an item, please email: info@ tequestachilicookoff.com.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Get your brand in front of thousands of passionate attendees while supporting a great cause. Custom sponsorship packages are available, from main stage, wine and beer sponsors to VIP and community-level supporters.
Visit www.tequestachilicookoff.com or email info@ tequestachilicookoff.com to learn more.
Why It Matters
Funds raised benefit five local organizations: SE Florida Honor Flight, Operation 300, Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, Warriors Renewal Coalition and Tequesta Friends of Public Safety, Inc. Your participation helps ensure no veteran is left behind.
Let’s make this year historic! $1 million for our veterans is within reach.
The chili is hot. The cause is hotter. Don’t miss it.
FinanCial FoCus®
Let A Financial Advisor Help Plan For Life’s Curveballs
By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones
No matter what stage of your life you’re in—caring for children, working toward retirement or planning your legacy—unforeseen events like a job loss, a major illness or even a stock market drop could derail what you’re working so hard to achieve financially.
With your future at stake, you may want to get guidance from a financial professional who can develop a personalized financial strategy to help you navigate life’s curveballs.
Here are specific ways a financial advisor can help.
• Create a customized long-term strategy. This is the first step to weather unforeseen events. You may have several long-term investing goals—your retirement, your child’s education or perhaps a dream vacation. A financial advisor
From Farm To Label from page 1
what labels mean for livestock and the sustainability of Florida agriculture for future generations. In his extension role with IFAS, Dr. Thrift collaborates with both large and small producers across Florida, offering expertise in nutrition, reproduction, genetics, meat science and animal health.
Together, they’ll help consumers shop and eat with confidence, while shining a light on the farmers and ranchers working behind the scenes.
The Farm City Luncheon has become a beloved community tradition, always selling out as it brings together farmers, ranchers, business and civic leaders, and local residents. Past events have featured
can help you build a strategy specific to your goals and risk tolerance. This will include prioritizing those goals, building a path toward each and pivoting your strategy as markets shift and needs change.
• Set realistic expectations. Successful investing requires discipline and patience—most individual investors make their money over time, not overnight. Start by setting realistic timelines to reach each of your goals. And don’t be surprised if you need to make trade-offs, like working an extra year to help fund your retirement dream home. It’s realistic to expect you’ll hit some bumps in the road. Perhaps the markets will drop and the value of your portfolio may follow. (It’s also realistic to expect they will rebound, as they have historically. Of course, past performance of the markets is no guarantee of what will happen in the future.) A financial advisor can help you keep your emotions in check no matter what comes your way and stay focused on the long term, knowing you have a customized strategy in place.
• Diversify your investments. The foundation for your portfolio is your asset allocation, or how you divide your assets among stocks, bonds, cash and other investments. Different investments behave differently in various market conditions, so maintaining a good mix can help better weather market fluctuations than putting “all your eggs in one
multigenerational farm families, aquaculture tastings, and stories from the fields and ranchlands that shape our county’s economy and way of life.
This year’s event promises plenty of “aha!” moments—along with a delicious, locally sourced, farm-to-table meal and the chance to connect with neighbors who help put food on our tables every day.
Tickets go fast so become a sponsor of the 2025 Farm City Luncheon today and guarantee your seats, or secure individual tickets for $65 each. For more information go to www.onemartin.org/farm-city-week, email info@onemartin.org, or call (772) 287-5272.
To learn more, visit www.onemartin.org or follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ OneMartinCounty.
basket.” Finding the right diversification mix, and keeping it balanced despite what the market does, can get complicated, but it’s almost second nature for a good financial advisor. All investments do carry risk, and asset allocation doesn’t ensure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.
• Keep a long-term outlook. It’s easy to become distracted by the latest headline, expert prediction or market swing. However, if these events don’t change your long-term outlook, there probably isn’t a reason to make changes to your strategy. In fact, these declines often present good opportunities if you’re a long-term investor, so use them to your advantage—your financial advisor can show you how.
• Keep your emergency savings well-funded. This is your “rainy day” fund, and an unexpected event may constitute a rainy day. For most people, maintaining three to six months of total expenses in emergency savings is appropriate. The specific amount depends on factors like your risk of unexpected expenses or temporary loss of income, and how much you value being confident that you can weather financial emergencies. A financial advisor can help you determine what your emergency savings should look like.
Unexpected events are part of life. You can’t predict them, but you can prepare for them. No matter what is going on around you, having a professional by your side can help set you up to navigate them confidently.
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.
When it comes to breast health, Cleveland Clinic is here with routine screenings. Early detection matters, so take the first step and schedule a mammogram with our experts.
Scan the QR code or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Mammogram to schedule your screening in Stuart or Port St. Lucie.
President’s Message
As we say goodbye to summer and welcome the crisp air of fall, things are still heating up in Hobe Sound! From our annual golf tournament that kicked off October to our muchanticipated Halloween Hustle at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, your Hobe Sound Chamber is keeping the momentum going. We can’t wait to see you at one (or all!) of these exciting October happenings!
On October 10, Bridge Road was lined with light pole banners proudly displaying the brave faces of our Hobe Sound veterans. The Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with District 3 Commissioner Capps, is honored to recognize and celebrate the service and sacrifice of our local heroes. This heartfelt tribute is a small token of appreciation for the veterans who have given so much for our community and country.
2025 Hobe Sound Chamber Of Commerce Board Of Directors
Laura Barbone, President – Aycock Funeral Homes/Dignity
Adam Blake, Brightway Insurance - Treasure Coast Insurance Partners
Sam Bruning, Past President – Southern Magnolia Investment Management
William “Jay” Connelly, Immediate Past President –Connelly PLLC
Jared Gaylord, Secretary – Law Office of Marc R. Gaylord, P.A.
Nina Gelardi, Juno Shoe Girl
John Peterson, President Elect, Edward Jones - Peterson Wendy Reynoso, Banner Lake Club
Bob Thornton, O’Donnell Impact Windows & Storm Protection
Raymond Torres, Basic Business Solutions
Bob Zaccheo, Project Lift
President’s Council
The Law Office Of Marc R. Gaylord P.A.
The Law Office of Marc R. Gaylord has assisted Treasure Coast clients with their real estate and legal needs for over two decades. When it comes to life’s most important decisions, it is important to have a local and experienced lawyer. Marc’s focus has always been the client. Our firm never loses sight of the importance of customer service. But at the Law Office of Marc R. Gaylord, we care for our community and the clients in it. The professionals in our office will help guide you through your real estate or legal matters with care and expertise. Any legal matter can be stressful. But at Marc R. Gaylord, P.A., we care for our clients with integrity and respect. Your situation will be handled with care and outstanding legal expertise. Schedule your free consultation today at (772) 545-7740.
Then on October 25, it’s time to lace up those running shoes because it’s our Annual Halloween Hustle 5K Trail Race. Returning to Jonathan Dickinson State Park for our fifth year, this spooky, fun-filled run is perfect for the whole family—costumes encouraged!
Wrapping up the month on October 29, join us for our Business After Hours networking event with chamber members Peggy’s Natual Foods , Palm & Ivy Kitchen & Cocktails and Penellie’s Cafe . Enjoy delicious refreshments, discover natural remedies and connect
with fellow local professionals in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Thank you once again for allowing the Hobe Sound Chamber to serve this incredible community. It’s an honor to support our local businesses, connect with our neighbors and help Hobe Sound continue to thrive. We hope everyone has a fantastic October!
Laura R. Barbone, President, Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce
Upcoming Networking Events
August Business After Hours
Thank you to everyone who came out to our August Business After Hours sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Martin County and hosted by Engel and Volkers. We had a great night enjoying food from the Fork in the Road Culinary team, libations from Bonner Mobile Bar and tours of the new Boys and Girls Club Greater Stuart Club.
September Breakfast
On the morning of September 11, at our September Breakfast, we gathered to remember and honor all the lives affected and lost 24 years ago. A heartfelt thank you to the American Legion Post 62 for graciously hosting us and Stuart Air Show for sponsoring. Steven Iscowitz
of 4Ever Young Stuart and Lesley Vestrich of the Kane Center
Shirley Rearick of the American Legion Post 62 and Steve Elias of Aycock Funeral Home
Dewey Vinaya and Chrissy Valvano of the Stuart Air Show
Bianca Wesel of Jupiter Island Pools and Linda Wolf Our chamber members enjoying the breakfast
Bill Hatfield of Complete Synthetic Turf and Angie Sherlock and Laura Christie of Cruise Planners
Ian Crowley, Meg Shirey, Vanessa McMillan, Isabel Miguel, Angie P., Walker W., Ryan G., Lance Pettway of Boys and Girls Club of Martin County
Scott Parsons of Source One Solutions, Lainey Muenich of Hobe Sound Chamber, Richard O’Connell of Hobe Sound Beach Shop, Erin Smith of Hobe Sound Chamber and Mark O’Connell
Meg Shirey of Boys and Girls Club of Martin County, Stacy Little of Engel & Volkers and Scott Parsons of Source One Solutions
Bonnie Avello, Emilie Cooper and Olivia Butler of Hobe Sound Farms
Van and Dave Mingace of Mingace Custom Sound
Tonya Lei and Timothy Van Den Heuvel of Integra Title LLC
tip oF tHe tail
Pet Safety For The Holiday Season
Pet safety is especially important during the holiday season. We must remember our four-legged and winged family members. Holiday festivities present situations which can be hazardous to your pet, so a little precaution is necessary for making this season a happy time for everyone. You may be surprised by what your pets can get into during the holidays, but your veterinarian won’t be. We have seen almost everything! Plants, gifts and decorations are just a few of the seemingly harmless things that can change a celebration into an emergency trip to the veterinarian.
If there is one rule, we should follow this time of year, this is it: Anything they can swallow, they will swallow! Obstructive foreign bodies are things our pets eat that lead to partial or complete blockage of their gastrointestinal tract. We have seen animals that have ingested needles, fishhooks, rocks, a spoon and even razor blades. These objects can get stuck anywhere from the mouth and lips, all the way to their back end. Pay special attention to plastic toys, especially those with small removable parts, strings or loose wires. Batteries are caustic and potentially highly toxic. They can cause obstructions or lead to chemical burns. Linear foreign bodies are among the most dangerous we encounter! Strings, tinsel and ribbons can obstruct or even cut through the intestines. Tree ornaments
can result in cuts. They can be swallowed whole or contain toxic dyes or chemicals. Crayons, markers and pencils are usually nontoxic, especially if made for children, but can result in vomiting or diarrhea.
Many things can be poisonous, including plants, decorations and even foods that are safe for people to eat. Mistletoe is very toxic and can cause intestinal upset, heart arrhythmias, breathing problems, seizures or a coma. All of the plant, especially the berries, is poisonous. Holly is moderately to very toxic, especially berries and leaves, and results in severe vomiting and diarrhea or nervous system depression. Poinsettias and all parts of the Christmas tree are only mildly toxic.
Decorations are beautiful, but potentially dangerous to our pets. Snow spray, fireplace colors (fire salts) and angel hair (spun glass) are only slightly toxic. The fluid in bubbling lights (methylene chloride) can be lethal if inhaled or ingested in large amounts. Tree preservative varies in toxicity by brand, so read the label carefully. New tinsel is nontoxic, but in the past, it contained poisons such as metallic cyanide. So be careful if your decorations have been passed down from relatives.
Chocolate isn’t just dangerous to our waistline; it is dangerous to our pets. The danger varies with the type of chocolate. Unsweetened baker’s chocolate is the worst, then milk chocolate, and white chocolate is the least. Toxicity can range from an upset stomach to neurologic signs such as tremors to coma and even death. Coffee contains caffeine and theobromine which is harmful to pets and can cause acceleration of heart rate and breathing or even seizures. Bread dough and other yeast products can produce alcohol and cause intoxication. Dough can also block the intestinal tract or cause bloating. Macadamia nuts can cause increased body temperature, muscle stiffness, increased heart rate and tremors. Pets seem to be attracted to alcohol, so don’t leave drinks unattended. It is no joke to get a pet drunk; serious intoxications have occurred. Small amounts of antifreeze can be fatal. Potpourri/potpourri oil can cause severe burns, and ingestion can affect the nervous system.
A few other, often overlooked, dangers include electric shock from chewing on Christmas lights or other electrical
cords and traumatic injuries from cats climbing trees or children climbing pets.
Holiday festivities can get stressful. You should provide a special quiet place to which your pet can retreat when the excitement gets too stressful. (Sometimes, you may want to join him!) Family and guests are coming and going, so watch out for open doors and windows to prevent pets from escaping. Be sure your pet has a collar with tags or a microchip. Discourage visitors from feeding your pets treats, we want our pets to enjoy the holiday season with us – not with vomiting and diarrhea.
The Palm City Animal Medical Center wishes you all a very Happy and Healthy Holiday Season.
Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
