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/dancing-with-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 Right, with Eva B. Velez and directed by Marianella Tobar; and Sue Whittington, with Jang Don.
Dancing With The Martin 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 bestselling author Sherry Dunn was the presenting sponsor and was on site showcasing her children’s book, Maddie & Jasmine
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.
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.
Although it rained most of the evening, the night skies were capped off with a double rainbow over the humane society’s Memorial Garden.
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.
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 more than four times the size of Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The lands to be purchased from willing sellers would help to improve
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water quality in our rivers and waterways, ensure safe drinking water sources, preserve wildlife habitats and open spaces, and create more recreational opportunities.
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 Episcopal Church, with food, drink, and an on-site emcee, through the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition website.
Kitty Catalina on page 4
Author and animal rescue advocate Sherry Dunn, who was the presenting event sponsor
Aerial
of Peck’s Lake Park
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
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Safeguards Built Into The Referendum
Martin County Forever advocates worked with county staff to structure the referendum with built-in safeguards to ensure the funds raised are only spent the way voters intended. The land purchases will be overseen by a citizens advisory committee, with activities conducted with public transparency and annual audits required. Only lands within four key areas are identified for purchase. Those areas are Blueways, 400 acres of “in town” parcels, adjacent to local waterways; Indian River Lagoon South, 27,000 acres of critical importance to the health of the lagoon; Loxahatchee and St. Lucie Headwaters, 9,800 acres essential to the health of both rivers; and Pal-Mar, 8,500 acres of high-quality wetlands in Martin County.
Key Facts About The Half Cent Sales Tax
• In 10 years, it would generate about $183 million.
• More than a third of the total (37.5 percent) would be paid by people who don’t live in Martin County.
• The dollars raised locally could leverage matching funds from federal, state and other land conservation sources.
• The current sales tax rate would increase from 6.5 to 7 percent.
• Importantly, just like our current sales tax, the halfcent increase would not apply to groceries, prescription medications or school supplies or to the portion of any purchase over $5,000.
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
“This referendum puts the future of Martin County in our own hands,” said Merritt Matheson, former mayor of the City of Stuart, environmental advocate and strong supporter of the referendum. “We urge all Martin County voters to educate themselves on the referendum, get involved and help spread the word. The clock is ticking. If we don’t buy the land now, it can be developed and gone forever.
Many Ways To Be Part Of The Campaign Volunteers are needed to spread the word and campaign organizers have some fun ways to get the message out to voters. A song, Let’s Buy the Land , was produced to make the campaign more memorable. The folksy tune and heartfelt lyrics are a fun way to get across a serious message, according to Martin County Forever organizers. The song is easy to learn and available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and other streaming services. A full cut video featuring the song as well as shorter versions are also available to watch and share through Martin County Forever’s YouTube channel.
For more information, visit www.martincountyforever. com. Follow Martin County Forever on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube Additional Referendum Information
Here’s how the official referendum wording will appear on the ballot:
Lands To Protect Water Quality, Natural Areas And Wildlife Habitat
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.
Shall Martin County protect its water quality and unique character by acquiring critical natural lands in Martin County within the Indian River Lagoon South, Pal-Mar, Loxahatchee and St. Lucie Headwaters, Blueways areas and provide municipal infrastructure allowed by law, by levying a one-half percent (0.5%) county sales tax for 10 years starting January 1, 2025 with Annual Audit and Citizen Oversight? Jim Snedeker and Merritt Matheson are available for interviews.
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/2024-stars-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 from page 1
Referendum
What Is The Difference Between ADD And ADHD?
Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist
You may have wondered things like “What is ADD? Is it different from ADHD?” or “How do I know if my child has ADD or ADHD?” ADD was an older term for attention deficit disorder, which is the classification for symptoms like inattention, distractibility, forgetfulness, and making careless mistakes. While people still use the term ADD to classify these symptoms, it is no longer the technical term
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
and
Kids Corner
used in the medical and psychology community to diagnose these types of symptoms. In the late 1980’s the medical community shifted to the term ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In the early 1990s ADHD was classified into three different types, or presentations, that we use today. The three types are: inattentive presentation, hyperactive presentation, and combined presentation.
So, if you’re seeing inattentive symptoms in your child and they were to be diagnosed, the official diagnosis would be ADHD, predominately inattentive presentation. Likewise, if your child struggled with hyperactivity and impulsivity the diagnosis would be ADHD, predominately hyperactive presentation and if your child had both symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, they would be diagnosed with ADHD, combined presentation. What this shift in terminology did was combine both inattentive and hyperactive impulsive symptoms into one disorder with specific presentation types so everything could be categorized the same way.
the leading advocate for animal protection and wellbeing in the Martin County area. A 501(c)(3) private, nonprofit organization, the HSTC is independent and locally operated and relies on donations to support its programs and services. Follow the HSTC on Facebook at
How Do I Know If My Child Has ADHD?
Children can be evaluated for ADHD with several instruments that assess their functioning in different areas and look at the severity of their symptoms. The testing we provide in our office targets the specific areas of concern related to ADHD and allows us to diagnose and provide specific recommendations to support your child at home and at school. Our evaluations are comprehensive and offer a “whole child” approach so we will be able to assess their cognitive processing, like attention, memory, and processing speed, as well as their social-emotional and behavioral functioning. Our testing will provide you with the answers to know if your child really has ADHD or if they are struggling in some other area that is contributing to their ADHD-like symptoms. You will leave this process with targeted and specific recommendations tailored to your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Call (561) 625-4125 to discuss about your child.
https://www.facebook.com/humanesocietyTC and Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/hstc1. For more information, visit https://www.hstc1.org or call (772) 223-8822.
Kitty Catalina from page 1
Bob Lepa, Judith Just, Diana and Glenn Schreiner
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.
Volunteers Neda Story
Kimberly Smart
Photos by Doreen Poreba
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.
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
Twenty-three teachers have been nominated for the Education Foundation of Martin County’s 2024/25 Martin County Teacher of the Year awards program.
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.
CTWH Announces Partnership With Monique Burr Foundation
By Jackie Holfelder
The Monique Burr Foundation for Children (MBF), a nonprofit organization located in Jacksonville, was founded in 1997 to educate and protect children and teens from all types of bullying, abuse, and other types of child victimization using evidence-based and evidence-informed prevention education programs.
Sarah Marie Henry, executive director of Catch the Wave of Hope (CTWH), recently announced a new partnership with MBF.
The CTWH team completed the Monique Burr Foundation’s Facilitator Training in the Child and Teen Safety Matters Curriculum, which gives CTWH leadership the credentials and resources to offer MBF curriculum in any Florida school at no charge to the school.
This evidence-based curriculum is approved by the Florida Board of Education and meets the state mandate on human trafficking prevention for all K-12 grade students. This important designation allows schools to outsource this required program. It is especially important because not all human trafficking training programs have state approval. Henry says that when schools permit Catch the Wave of Hope staff to present the MBF program to their students, it decreases the workload for school personnel while equipping youth with the information they need to protect themselves from this ever-increasing threat to their safety and well-being.
To find out more about how Catch the Wave of Hope can bring this important educational tool to your school, contact Sarah Marie Henry at sarahmarie.henry@ catchthewaveofhope.org.
Sarah Marie Henry, executive director of Catch the Wave of Hope. Photo provided by Catch the Wave of Hope.
in your Community
Hanley Foundation Joins Mark Garwood Foundation To Host Eighth Annual Shoot For The Moon Event
The sporting clay event marks Hanley Foundation’s partnership with Mark Garwood Foundation to provide education scholarships to individuals in recovery in South Florida.
Hanley Foundation and the Mark Garwood Foundation invite the community to join the Eighth Annual Shoot for the Moon on Friday, November 1, at the South Florida Shooting Club in Palm City, Fla. The sporting clay event marks a milestone for Hanley Foundation, as it has officially partnered with the Mark Garwood Foundation to offer education scholarships to individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD).
The day of fun and friendly competition begins at 7:30 a.m. with registration, breakfast, and a raffle. After a warm welcome from the Garwood family, and a short safety briefing, individuals and teams made up of more than 200 shooters will make their way to the competition courses. Following the sporting event, participants and guests will enjoy a lunch cooked by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office’s Barbeque Grill Team, a live auction, an
awards ceremony for individual and team participants, and the introduction of the 2025 Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarship recipients.
Proceeds from the Shoot for the Moon event will help Hanley Foundation support the Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarship program. The program awards scholarships to adults in South Florida who are in recovery, committed to long-term sobriety, and ready to begin or continue their education. Eligible recipients must be in financial need and live in St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, or Broward counties.
The Mark Garwood Foundation was founded in 2014 by Stuart residents, Erica and John Garwood, after they lost their son, Mark, to substance use disorder. The foundation honors Mark’s life by providing strength and hope for adults in recovery. Since 2015, the foundation has provided more than $485,000 in scholarships to 67 adults in Florida. These recipients have moved on to earn degrees in nursing, social work, accounting, and business administration. Two alums have earned doctoral degrees in medicine and nursing.
Stuart Community Concert Band: A Blast From The Past
Tickets for Shoot for the Moon are $350 per person and include ammunition, clays, trappers, scorers, golf carts, and meals. Individuals and team members are responsible for providing their own firearms. For more information and to RSVP, visit hanleyfoundation.org/events/shoot-for-the-moon.
Join Hanley Foundation and the Mark Garwood Foundation for a fun and worthwhile fundraiser!
For more information About Hanley Foundation, visit hanleyfoundation.org or call (855) 741-4673. Photos courtesy of Hanley Foundation.
The Stuart Community Concert Band is excited to announce its upcoming concert, A Blast From The Past, which will take place on Sunday, October 20 at 2 p.m. at the Kane Center. This concert will kick off the season with a nostalgic journey through some of the most beloved pop tunes from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s.
Musical selections will feature Neil Diamond in Concert, a medley that includes four of his greatest hits which are sure to evoke fond memories.
The Beach Boys Forever, seven classic hits from the iconic band, bring the sunny vibes of the ’60s to life. Big Fun In The Sun, a lively throwback medley celebrating summertime favorites, will have you tapping your feet.
In Your Community on page 9
WITH A MINIMUM OF 6 HOURS A MONTH, OR 2 HOURS A WEEK, OR ON AN AS-NEEDED BASIS RATE OF $75.00 P/HOUR. START YOUR NEW YEAR WITH SECURE BACKUPS, QUALITY MAINTENANCE,
Front, Samuel Gerzine and Zachary DeWitt; Back, JoLynn Lowanse, Stephanie Roberts, Harriet Jackson, Robin Sexner and Josie Kirchner
Remembering Gene Wilder: A Documentary
By Nils A. Shapiro
Almost 20 years ago I read, and thoroughly enjoyed, Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art, the memoir written by actor, writer and director Gene Wilder, who in those pages came across as one of the sweetest, gentlest and just plain nicest human beings ever to have graced the American theater and screen.
Like millions of others I had for many years enjoyed his performances as a vulnerable, zany, hilarious comedian in such films as: Young Frankenstein; Blazing Saddles; The Producers; The Woman in Red; The Frisco Kid; Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and others–and paired with Richard Pryor in See No Evil, Hear No Evil and Silver Streak . (I should add that after I had moved from
filM review
New York to Los Angeles in 1981 as a magazine publisher and ran into Wilder in a restaurant the physical image I had of him from those films was shattered when I realized that he was actually quite handsome in person, his eyes a piercing blue.)
Having enjoyed his memoir, when I noted in late August the release of this documentary of his life on Netflix, I was drawn to it immediately and, sure enough, amid the many laughs inspired by brief clips of
several of these films I shed a tear or two as well. Despite all the wonderful humor that was his gift to us, for Gene Wilder himself all of life’s success was nothing to laugh at in the end. With all his comedic genius, he died on August 29th, 2016 at the age of 83 as the result of complications from Alzheimer’s.
Interestingly, although one of the most appealing aspects of this documentary is the fact that Wilder himself narrates the story of his childhood and start in show business. Yet the actual production of the film did not begin until years after Wilder’s death. It turns out the narration used in the documentary was picked up from the one Wilder had made for the audiobook version of his 2005 memoir, Kiss Me Like a Stranger, and works seamlessly here together with the film’s scenes of Wilder’s growing-up years in a middle-class Milwaukee Jewish family and his first big break when Mel Brooks’s wife, Anne Bancroft, tells her husband she suggests the young Wilder be hired for a role in her Broadway play.
Gene Wilder had been born with the last name of Silberman. As a young boy he was told by his father that his mother had a serious heart condition, could not bear any stress, and that it was important for the boy to try instead to make his mother laugh as much as possible. That was the moment and motivation that set the boy on his life path. As he later relates, “I didn’t think the name Silberman seemed right for the job. I wanted to be wilder!” And that is how the rest of the world came to know and love him.
Among those who appear in this film to discuss the Gene Wilder they knew are his widow, Karen Wilder, Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, Carol Kane, Harry Connick Jr., Dick Cavett, producer Mike Medavoy and Ben Mankiewicz, among others.
It is all here, in this documentary: his loves—which included an earlier marriage to the Saturday Night Live comedienne Gilda Radner, and tragic loss of her to cancer—and his extraordinary successes as an actor, writer and director. Now this documentary of his life has won numerous awards, among the most recent the Best Documentary Feature at the 2024 Boca International Jewish Film Festival.
Remembering Gene Wilder . You won’t forget it for the many memories it will bring back to you.
Barry Manilow’s Copacabana will have you reliving the excitement of this disco favorite. And Miami Sound Machine will transport you back to the dance floors of the past.
This concert promises to be a delightful experience for music lovers of all ages, and we encourage everyone to come and enjoy an afternoon of fun and nostalgia. Tickets are available for purchase through the Kane Center’s website, www.kanecenter.org, by clicking on the events calendar or by calling the Kane Center at (772) 223-7800.
• Advanced tickets are $14.
• Tickets at the door are $16.
Don’t miss out on this chance to relive the music of the past!
The band continues its 2024/25 season with the following concerts:
Celebrating Christmas Around The World
December 7, Blake Library, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Let’s Go To The Movies
January 26, 2025, Kane Center, 2 p.m.
The Wild West
March 2, 2025, Kane Center, 2 p.m.
Air And Space
April 6, 2025, Kane Center, 2 p.m.
Beyond Our Borders
May 18, 2025, Kane Center, 2 p.m.
The Stuart Community Concert Band is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization of over 70 dedicated volunteer musicians who play for the love of music. For more information on the band and how you can help support your community band, visit www. Stuartcommunityconcertband.org.
Rehearsals are held at the Elliott Museum on Hutchinson Island most Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. We invite our fellow musicians to join us.
For more information, please visit our website, www.stuartcommunityconcertband.com or email us at stuartcommunityconcertband@gmail.com. See answer in this paper.
House Of Hope Creates Disaster Kits With Grant
From The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie
If you live paycheck to paycheck, it’s almost impossible to gather the supplies you’ll need before a hurricane or the resources you’ll need to recover.
The House of Hope staff know this story all too well: low-income families who go into a hurricane without the ability to stock up on supplies, households who lose precious perishable food when the electricity goes out, hourly workers who can’t get paid because their places of employment are shuttered.
Thanks to a designated disaster-relief fund established through The Community Foundation of Martin-St. Lucie,
good worKs
nonprofits like the House of Hope are able to be proactive in providing clients with hurricane-preparedness kits before the storm and responding quickly after it.
“Historically, in the middle of the storm, I would be preparing to reach out to our clients and friends to say, ‘Okay, it’s real. The storm hit. We’re going to need to help the frontline organizations really quickly,’” The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie CEO Elizabeth Barbella said. “And when the dust settled, we’d be reaching out to organizations asking for some type of simple application and then deploying the resource.”
The Local Disaster Relief Fund gives donors an opportunity to set aside funds in advance of a hurricane or other disaster. Their proactive philanthropy gives nonprofits like House of Hope the knowledge that resources will be there when needed.
“Now we can plan, knowing we will have the resources in place and ready to go when our clients need them,” House
Community partners and volunteers, including a team from Macy’s, helped House of Hope pack supplies into 1,150 kits for vulnerable households and for individuals experiencing homelessness in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee Counties so they’ll be better prepared for hurricane season.
of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri said. “It will make us an effective resource for the lower income community, and it will be almost instant, like flipping a switch.”
This summer House of Hope began using funds from the program to assemble 1,150 hurricane preparedness kits, including 250 that have additional supplies for those experiencing homelessness. Supplies include nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, water, tarps, hand sanitizer, a manual can opener, garbage bags, a first aid kit, tents, bug spray, and string bags.
Without this assistance, most of the organization’s clients wouldn’t be able to stockpile supplies, said House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “It’s a couple hundred bucks they don’t have in their budget.”
House of Hope is taking the lead in working with partner agencies in neighboring counties, distributing support to Mustard Seed and GraceWay Village in St. Lucie County and Our Village in Okeechobee County.
“We’re grateful to The Community Foundation and its donors for the incredible foresight to plan ahead and put a structure in place that will greatly benefit the people we serve,” Ranieri said. “The Local Disaster Relief Fund is an ingenious concept and a lifesaver.”
To learn more about House of Hope or to donate, visit House of Hope’s website at www.hohmartin.org or call (772) 286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
The Foxwynd Foundation DAF funded the Foxwynd Foundation’s generous donation to the House of Hope. Half of the funds received will help House of Hope procure perishable items for its pantries and food bank partners. “Perishable items aren’t typically donated and have a short shelf life,” Ranieri said, “but we know that foods like milk, butter, eggs, chicken, turkey and meats are important parts of the well-rounded healthy diet that we try to provide for our clients.”
The other half of the grant will be used to support the operations of the Growing Hope production farm in Palm City, where greenhouses, orchards, and a packing house enable House of Hope to grow fresh produce for its Client Choice pantries and food bank partners. At peak production, the farm is now producing well over 1,500 packages of fresh produce weekly.
“We’re very grateful to the Foxwynd Foundation for their confidence in us,” Ranieri said. “While House of Hope is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, we continue to grow and find new ways to help our clients and the community.”
To learn more about House of Hope or to make a donation, visit House of Hope’s website at www. hohmartin.org or call (772) 286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Local Happenings from page 10
loCal governMent
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.
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
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 vote-by-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.
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.
• 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.
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.
• 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
Thank you for voting in the upcoming November 5 General Election – see you at the polls!
Video
Handout
Vicki Davis, Martin County Supervisor of Elections
August Breakfast
The Palm City Chamber of Commerce hosted the Monthly Networking Breakfast on August 28 at Piper’s Landing Yacht and Country Club. This event was sponsored by Tami Karol Insurance and Mattamy Homes.
Campbell,
Our guests enjoyed a presentation given by Tami Karol and she spoke about the importance of having insurance, different types of insurance, and the challenges that Floridians are facing in today’s economy. James Fitzgerald spoke on behalf of Mattamy Homes, and he gave lots of important updates regarding the Community of Newfield, KC Trails, and Newfield Farm.
The breakfast was also a big day for the passing of the torch from Executive Director, Missi Campbell to Liz Drew Ciampi as she takes on her new leadership role at the Palm City Chamber of Commerce.
September Lunch and Learn
The Palm City Chamber of Commerce hosted a Lunch & Learn on September 3 at Sandhill Cove Retirement Living. The featured Sponsor was the Treasure Coast Food Bank. Chief Development Officer Jessica Gosa and CEO Judith Cruz gave an informative presentation and answered questions about their programs, updates in the counties they serve, and ways that citizens of the community can help to fight hunger for those that are struggling and need help.
James Fitzgerald Mattamy Homes
Tami Karol, Owner Tami Karol Insurance
Ambassador Celeste McKeefery, Personal Training by Celeste, Ambassador Christina McIntosh, Pampered Chef
Missi Campbell, Executive Director Palm City Chamber of Commerce; Liz Ciampi, Membership Director, Palm City Chamber of Commerce
Missi
Executive Director of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce
Chief Development Officer Jessica Gosa, Treasure Coast Food Bank; President Elect Palm City Chamber of Commerce Peter Sicoli, Sailfish Insurance
Director of Development Ashley Capital, Jill Marasa; Senior Director of Development Cleveland Clinic, Elisabeth Glynn; Chief Development Officer Jessica Gosa, Treasure Coast Food Bank; Ryan Bloss, Ashley Capital; CEO Treasure Coast Food Bank, Judith Cruz
Van Mingace, Van’s Uniforms; Ambassador Evie Klaassen, Colorado Pawn & Jewelry
Vice President Palm City Chamber of Commerce, Meghan Shirey; Boys & Girls Club of Martin County, Board Member Palm City Chamber of Commerce, Mike Gonzales, Blue Stream Fiber
Chief Development Officer Jessica Gosa, Treasure Coast Food Bank
Dish With The Commish
Taryn Kryzda, Village Manager of the Village of Indiantown, was the guest of Martin County Board of County Commission District 5 Commissioner Ed Ciampi on Tuesday, September 17th for Dish with the Commish. Taryn shared a variety of information about what is currently taking place in Indiantown. There are many exciting projects happening in Indiantown and the community has a lot to look forward to. Taryn gave the audience information about her long history working for Martin County and answered questions from the audience.
District 5 Martin County Commissioner Ed Ciampi and Village Manager of the Village of Indiantown Taryn Kryzda
Ambassador Chair Evie Klaassen, Colorado Pawn and Jewelry, and David Daversa
President of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce David Bradford; Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Ambassador Mandi Roe; Susan Maxwell Team at ReMax of Stuart, and Membership Director Liz Ciampi, Palm City Chamber of Commerce
Susan Gibbs Thomas, District 5 Martin County Commissioner Ed Ciampi, Village Manager of the Village of Indiantown Taryn Kryzda
Vice-President of the Palm City Chamber Meghan Shirey, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, and David Daversa