The Boys & Girls Clubs Of Martin County’s Second Annual Songwriters In The Round
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s Second Annual Songwriters in the Round, presented by Beth and Steve Svopa and Brown & Brown Insurance, was a crowd pleaser. On a starry night that included a rocket launch, guests wore boots, jeans, dresses, and cowboy hats for an unforgettable evening of country music, barbecue, and dancing. Songwriters in the Round made its debut in 2023, and for the second time, the event was sold out.
Set among the country-style barn and decor, guests enjoyed cocktail hour, a silent auction, and delicious appetizers by the Fork in the Road food truck by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s culinary program. There was a special performance by local musician Kurt Stevens, who is known for blending laid-back trop-rock with the storytelling soul of country.
Guests enjoyed an intimate musical experience that offered a “behind-the-music” concert with the best of Nashville’s singer/songwriters, Brice Long, who has enjoyed a successful 25-plus year music career. As a songwriter, he has had over 175 of his songs cut with artists
The Boys & Girls Clubs on page 4
Dazzling 10-Foot Marlin Sculpture Shines At Lighthouse ArtCenter’s Roadside Reveries Exhibition
Artist Rene Gibson’s Lucky Mike blends beauty, resilience, and Florida flair with nearly 100,000 hand-placed crystals.
Roadside Reveries , on view at Lighthouse ArtCenter through August 1, brings together 22 contemporary artists from across Florida and the U.S. to explore the strange beauty and nostalgia of Florida’s vacation culture.
From hand-painted signage and souvenir-like sculptures to surreal taxidermy and mermaids, the exhibition captures the quirky spirit of roadside attractions and the wonder they inspire. Among the standout pieces is Lucky Mike, a 10-foot-long sculpture of a leaping marlin by mixed-media artist Rene Gibson, encrusted with nearly 100,000 shimmering crystals that catch and reflect the light in dazzling, ever-changing ways.
Curated by Anthony Record, Roadside Reveries, reflects on how Florida’s tourist destinations blur the lines between history and fantasy, and between the natural and the manmade. Curator Record expressed, “Pieces like Lucky Mike show how art can transform the way we see nature, not just as a scenic backdrop but as something alive, full of possibility and character.”
Gibson’s Lucky Mike anchors that vision with shimmering intensity. Composed of crystals in 36 different colors and enhanced with 13 specialty coatings, the sculpture glows
ArtCenter on page 6
Council On Aging Honors Seven Martin County Seniors With Sage Awards
The Council on Aging Martin County honored seven Martin County seniors at the Ninth Annual Sage Awards Celebration in April, proving that age is not an indicator of impactful community involvement.
All seven honorees have an impressive record of accomplishments for all they did throughout their working lives. Each of them is also creating a legacy of service to the community in their senior years.
At the Sage Awards Celebration, Council on Aging CEO Karen Ripper noted that the honorees come from various walks of life but they share a remarkable demonstration of leadership, unwavering dedication, and deep compassion for others.
The 2025 Sage Awards honorees are: Gert Rodgers, Chairman’s Award, an accomplished healthcare administrator with a passion for quality care for all and a tireless advocate for seniors and issues of aging; Tom Campenni, Charlie Kane Award, the founder and publisher
of the community digital newsletter Friends & Neighbors; Nick Blount, Community Service, a longtime leader and volunteer for causes and projects that improve the life of the community; Tony Anderson, Education, a former teacher and school board member and an energetic champion of education; Kristal Wion Eckhardt, Arts and Culture, the founder of the highly successful
Brice Long, Beth and Steve Svopa, Phillip White
Culinary student
Rene Gibson with Lucky Mike
Lighthouse
Council On Aging on page 6
Michael and Diane Dadko, Board member Steven McGovern, Jeannie McCall, Board Chair Dr. Neil Boland, Honoree Gertrude Rodgers, Michele Davidson, Jill Burton, Board member Bert Giscombe, Shawn Perrigo
The Singles Scene Column©
No Tariffs On Love
By Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli
“This unique engine (the heart in love) has always captivated humanity. Indeed, we have often believed that everything is under its command.”~~Pierre Berville Summer is upon us, and it will go quickly, so let’s consider some fun facts about the allure of June.
Welcome to extra sunshine, beach days, nostalgic rock music, and nights that don’t start until 9:00 p.m. Summer romances can last forever, so swipe left on the fling because we are here for the real thing. Tan lines will fade, but real love will not. Yet, many singles get weighed down by emotional overload, economic woes, and fear of rejection. Singles wonder: Are relationships still worth the cost? At Revolution Dating, our answer is simple: Yes. Because in our community, there are no tariffs on love, only massive returns.
Real love is not subject to market fluctuations. Unlike the swipe-happy online dating addicts, our confidential matchmaking service offers something truly recessionproof~~a priceless genuine connection. A dynamic duo will always live better than a single person. Finding (the right) love interest is and will always be your wisest and most significant investment. You have a financial advisor. Factor in a love advisor and thank us later.
Caveat: Remember to share this with someone you care about, and know that this information suits the SINGLE and the TAKEN, ages 20 to 80.
The Cost of the Modern Dating Dilemma: High Risk. Low Reward.
With 34 years of experience, let us share the hardcore facts. Using online dating apps or rolling the dice in the bar may appear “free” on the surface, but the hidden costs are steep. Take notes on this and bring it up at your next dinner party.
• Time wasted messaging incompatible matches or attempting to vet each candidate with your limited free time.
• Emotional burnout from ghosting, catfishing, or worse … someone in another country trying to gain access to your bank account information. It happens more often than you think but no one will tell you.
• Safety concerns exist, especially for high-net worth professionals and upscale retirees. Do not post your photos on a public forum for all to envy. This can lead to identity theft, fake profiles, or an awkward encounter in your social circle. Many have seen their clients or neighbors on these sites, making both parties incredibly uncomfortable.
Dating
• The Inevitable Dating App Fatigue that drains confidence and hope. With social media alone, self-esteem is at an all-time low, so why bother? Technology is for work. Not for love. Nothing beats traditional and old-fashioned introductions.
Online dating platforms can feel like a clearance rack in the back of the store ... i.e., the unwanted and out of style. Discerning singles, C-Suite executives, and entrepreneurs must step it up to meet a good partner. Matchmaking is in, and online dating is out, and this phenomenon has been escalating dramatically over the last ten years. Real people with real success do not use online dating forums.
Enter: Matchmaking Skills.
At Revolution Dating, we know you’ve worked hard to build a quality life, and your love life should mirror your high standards. Modern dating should not feel like a gamble. Curated, confidential connections tailored to your lifestyle, values, and goals trump stranger danger every night of summer. So, quit while you are ahead and focus on your day job while we focus on your love life and coaching (you may need). Chemistry is found in real-life connections. Unlike online platforms that profit from your endless swiping to KEEP YOU SINGLE, we succeed when you stop looking and pair off. This is why we offer unlimited introductions all summer long. We do not want to keep you dating. That is more work for us. We love a one-and-done.
Insurance Policy on Romance?
Get real. Dating is expensive—not just in dollars but in emotional wear and tear. Bad dates, dashed hopes, and wasted weekends add up. Our talent, vast connections, and skillset protect your most valuable assets: your time, energy, money, and heart. Unlike the digital Wild West of online dating, our process is built for discretion. If you are a public figure, C-suite genius, or someone who values privacy, our matchmaking ensures your personal life stays private.
Jet-Set Sans Jet-Lag.
Why does summer lovin’ happen so fast? In a nutshell, people are more open, spontaneous, and relaxed. This is the only time of year that single parents of school-age children get a life, too. CONGRATS, SINGLE PARENTS! Energy is lighter and more playful, making summer the ideal condition for escalating a meaningful relationship. Your summer love story does not require a plane ticket, but an open mindset is mandatory. You can vacation in your backyard with your plus-one by your side. Just remember, our flights book quickly, so don’t delay or you may get stranded.
In our 34 years of specializing in representing clients who navigate the entire northeast coast, we have capitalized on our investment in the love movement. When you succeed, we succeed. Whether you are newly single, divorced, or widowed, let this summer bring the change you seek. Now is the perfect time to discover what’s possible when love is handled professionally, not casually. Your new summer hobby awaits. ... Book your initial interview with us today before we book solid. Clients are pre-booking weeks in advance. Don’t let
summer love pass you by. Simply scan the QR code and fill out the form or give us a jingle. LIVE Matchmakers are standing by.
XOXO - Kelly & Miranda #SummerLove25 #LiveOffline #ScreenFreeSummer #DiveIn #TellYourFriends #MatchmakingRoyalty
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) or scan the QR code below to hold your place in the club. Why wait? Just Date!
Behind The Scenes: Sunshine, Sparks, and Soulmates
Successful single, divorced, and widowed clients are ready to live and love offline. Revolution Dating is a fullservice matchmaking firm specializing in screening and representing clients from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades, with a corporate brick-and-mortar office in your backyard in the exclusive PGA Commons business neighborhood. Last month, the team celebrated many of their new success stories that have gone public! Thankfully, they chose to share their love with the community outside of the office and downstairs at Rocco’s Tacos on PGA Boulevard. Revolution Dating invites you to embrace love with them this summer. You belong here. #TellYourFriends #SummerLovin
& Brenda thank Kelly and Miranda with Beautiful Bouquets.
such as Garth Brooks, George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Hank Williams Jr., Randy Houser, Josh Turner, Reba McEntire, Gary Allan, Cody Johnson, Chris Young, and many more. Long’s songwriting hits include the No. 1 singles “Heartache On The Dance Floor” by Jon Pardi and “Nothing On But The Radio” by Gary Allan. Randy Houser’s “Like a Cowboy,” a song that also garnered Brice a CMA nomination for Song of the Year. Other recent chart toppers are Randy Houser’s debut single, “Anything Goes,” “Today” from Gary Allan, Casey James’ “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night,” and Jon Pardi’s “What I Can’t Put Down.” Joining Long was songwriter Phillip White, the writer of Reba McEntire’s “I’m A Survivor,” and in 2000, a song that Phillip wrote with D. Vincent Williams was placed on Rascal Flatts’ debut self-titled record. That song, “I’m Movin’ On,” became the group’s first No. 1, and eventually won both writers Academy of Country Music Song Of The Year accolades. Among the songs from Phillip’s catalog are Neal McCoy’s Top 10 hit “Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On,” Reba’s Top 10 hit “He Gets That From Me,” Blake Shelton’s Top 10 hit “Nobody But Me,” Trent Willmon’s hit “On Again Tonight,” Scotty McCreery’s single “The Trouble With Girls,” and cuts on records by artists like Gary Allan, Scotty McCreery, Neal Coty, George Strait, Blackhawk, The Blue Dogs, Chris LeDoux, Brian McComas, Rachel Proctor and Kevin Sharp, Tanya Tucker, Chalee Tennison and Kenny Rogers. With a steady pen writing top hits, Phillip White should continue writing hits for years.
During their performances, guests enjoyed a barbecue dinner and s’mores dessert from Fork in the Road. The night ended with the Andrew Morris Band as they played today’s country hits, as guests danced the night away.
Funds raised support the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. This event directly benefits the Workforce Development Program. The Workforce Development program is designed to nurture essential employment skills among our youth and help build brighter futures. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County offers comprehensive
training, providing hands-on learning opportunities through their Skilled Trades Program, Career Exploration and Virtual Training, Culinary Programs, and Manufacturing 4.0. The primary goal of the Workforce Development initiative is to ensure that every young individual has equal access to resources and career opportunities after graduation.
The event was cochaired by board members, Beth GarciaSvopa and Andrew Kennedy. Committee members include Colette Beland, Andrea Economus, Christina McIntosh, Carson
Proctor, Jackie Rea, Jennifer Sardone-Shiner, Sarah Testa, and Chris Vaccaro. Sponsors include Beth and Steve Svopa/Brown & Brown Insurance; Proctor Construction Company; Pamela Bernard; Florida Training Services, Inc.; VM Iron Works & Structural Steel; Brennan Engineering; Elder & Estate Planning Attorneys PA; and JSS Marketing & PR.
To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, visit https://www.bgcmartin.org.
Kim Rupp, Mark Robitaille, Kari and Mike Waldron
Etienne and Katey Bourgeois, Lorna Day Sara and Anthony Mastroianni, Mike Durkee
Jennifer Sardone-Shiner, Beth Svopa, Baba Rizzuto and Naika Sinanan
Kerrie Tyndall, Andrew Kennedy, Sarah Testa and Carson Proctor
Photos by May Ann Ketchum
THE POWER OF ACADEMIC MEDICINE NEAR YOU
Tampa General brings award-winning academic medicine to the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.
MEDICAL SPECIALTIES
TGH Advanced Kidney Care
TGH Advanced Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine
TGH Advanced Urology Care
TGH Cancer Institute
Cancer Center of South Florida
TGH Cancer Institute
TGH Concierge Health
TGH Digestive Health Center
TGH General Surgeons of the Palm Beaches
TGH Heart & Vascular Institute
TGH Imaging
TGH Pulmonary Care & Sleep Institute
TGH Urology Group of Florida
For nearly two decades, we’ve been ranked one of the Nation’s Best Hospitals and we continue to be Florida’s highest ranked hospital in multiple specialties. For a consultation, please call (561) 739-4TGH (4844).
Preventative Medicine
As pet owners, we want nothing more than to give our furry family members long, healthy, and happy lives. One of the most powerful tools we have to ensure this is often overlooked: preventative medicine and routine laboratory work.
Unlike humans, pets can’t tell us when they’re feeling off. In fact, many animals instinctively hide signs of illness or discomfort. By the time we notice visible symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, or lethargy a disease may already be advanced. That’s where routine exams and diagnostics come in. Preventative care helps us catch issues early, often before symptoms ever appear, and when they are most treatable.
Annual or biannual wellness exams are the cornerstone of preventative veterinary medicine. During these visits, your veterinarian will perform a full physical exam to check for abnormalities such as heart murmurs, dental disease, lumps, or skin infections. But just as important is what we can’t see from
drama department at Martin County High School and now an active member of the arts community; Jordan Bromberg, M.D., Health Science and Medicine, a revered medical practitioner on the Treasure Coast and now the medical director for the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic; and John P. Glynn, Jr., Military and Veteran Support, a veteran himself who is driven to honor the men and women who have served their country.
“We honor all of our honorees for using the wisdom, talents and treasures they’ve cultivated over a lifetime to enrich the world around them,” Ripper said. Dr. Reza Khatib, an internationally renowned neurosurgeon and resident of Palm City, was the Presenting Partner Sponsor for the Sage Awards Celebration. Honoree Sponsors include
with a dreamlike quality.
“I saw a marlin one day and thought it would be gorgeous covered in crystals,” said Gibson, who began the project in 2017. “It became a labor of love—an extraordinary statement piece destined to shine in a Florida coastal home.”
Lucky Mike’s big mouth
Tip of the Tail
the outside, what’s going on inside your pet’s body.
That’s why routine lab work is so important. Blood tests, urinalysis, and fecal exams provide a window into your pet’s internal health. A basic blood panel can detect anemia, infections, or early kidney and liver disease, often long before your pet seems sick. A urinalysis can reveal hidden issues like diabetes or bladder stones. Regular fecal tests help identify intestinal parasites, which can harm both pets and people.
Establishing a “baseline” of your pet’s normal lab values is another major benefit of routine testing. If your pet ever becomes ill, your veterinarian can compare current results to past records and detect even subtle changes that may be significant.
Preventative care isn’t just about detecting illness, it’s also about monitoring trends over time and adjusting care accordingly. For example, a senior dog’s lab results might show a gradual increase in kidney values. With early intervention like diet changes or medications, we can often slow progression and give your pet more quality time.
Many serious illnesses, such as cancer, kidney failure, or endocrine disorders like hyperthyroidism, don’t show outward signs until they are far along. Routine screenings give us the chance to intervene before these problems become life-threatening.
Betsy Herold, Craig and Elizabeth Price, Nearing & Dallas Wealth Management at RBC Wealth Management, Richard A. Zappala Family Foundation, and The Community Foundation Martin – St Lucie. Sage Sponsors include Dadko Wealth Management of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, HBK CPAs & Consultants; Nancy Goethel, CFP®, CIMA®, CRPC® – vice president of Investments at Raymond James; N. Schoonover & Associates, Inc.; Sandhill Cove Retirement Living; The Saelzer/Atlas Wealth Management Team of Raymond James; South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine; Water’s
It’s also worth noting that preventative medicine is often far less expensive than treating advanced disease. A simple wellness panel could detect early liver disease that, if left unchecked, might require hospitalization, intensive treatment, or even emergency surgery down the line.
Your veterinarian is your partner in your pet’s health. Together, through regular checkups and routine testing, you can detect issues early, extend your pet’s lifespan, and improve their quality of life.
In short, investing in preventative medicine is one of the most loving things you can do for your pet. After all, they trust us to take care of them, and that includes staying a step ahead of illness.
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.
Edge Healthcare and Rehabilitation; and Assisted Living at Sandhill Cove.
“As we applaud the 2025 Sage honorees,” Ripper said, “we also pledge to continue our work to ensure that all of our seniors are able to maintain vibrant and purposeful lives, aging with dignity and a sense of belonging.”
For more information about the Council on Aging Martin County, visit www.coamartin.org or call (772) 223-7800.
The marlin’s journey from concept to completion spanned several years and personal milestones. After beginning the piece, Gibson was sidelined by a vestibular virus and later diagnosed with breast cancer. During her recovery, the work took on deeper meaning. “At that time, finishing the marlin no longer seemed important,” she recalled. “But as I healed, my desire to complete it came back stronger than ever.”
Completed in 2019, Lucky Mike was briefly exhibited in early 2020 but remained in Gibson’s home during the pandemic. Its return to public view at Lighthouse ArtCenter invites visitors to marvel at the craftsmanship and the perseverance it represents.
Roadside Reveries is on display at Lighthouse ArtCenter’s main gallery, located at 373 Tequesta Drive in Tequesta, Fla. Admission is free for members and a $5 suggested donation for nonmembers. For hours and additional exhibition details, visit lighthousearts.org or call (561)746-3101.
Lucky Mike’s belly
Lighthouse ArtCenter from page 1
Members of the Board: Past Chair Nicki Schoonover, Bert Giscombe, Board Chair Dr. Neil Boland, Elizabeth AbeyttaPrice, Gregory Nuttall, Heidi Lahti, Chuck Cleaver, CEO Karen Ripper, Bill Clifford
Trey Fritz, Muffin Adamiak, Polly DeLater, Betsy Herold, Dr. Linda Kardos, Dr. Howard Robbins, Carol G. HouwaartDiez, Chuck Cleaver
Honorees: John Glynn Jr., Anthony Anderson, Dr. Jordan Bromberg, Nick Blount, Gertrude Rodgers, Kristal Wion Eckhardt, Tom Campenni
Craig and Elizabeth Price, May Smyth, and Liz Flynn
Council On Aging from page 1
John Doody, Nancy Crowder-McCoy, Board member Bill Clifford, Elizabeth Barbella and Kelly Buist
Tampa General News
Tampa General: Florida’s Provider Of Choice For Complex Care
As Florida’s leading academic health system for more than 50 years, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine combine education, research and clinical care that leverages cutting-edge technologies. As a result, the hospital deploys next-generation therapies and treatment that drive advances in complex care. The academic health system has also established strategic partnerships with the state’s best physicians and practices, expanding local communities’ access to academic medicine. Together, these elements converge to make Tampa General the provider of choice for patients needing complex care throughout Florida.
Physicians in the Palm Beaches and on the Treasure Coast join Tampa General and USF Health as a reflection of their commitment to advance research, innovation and technology to transform health care for their patients. Currently, the Tampa General network has more than 75 providers and 300 staff members in 13 medical specialties, practicing in 20 locations on Florida’s East Coast.
If patients in the Palm Beaches need to transfer to Tampa General for complex care, their trusted local physician can make the transition seamless, providing presurgical and postsurgical care. The most common treatments for which East Coast patients typically transfer to Tampa General are oncology,
hematology, oncologic surgeries, complex neurosurgeries and organ transplants.
Tampa General recently ranked No. 1 in the nation for transplants by volume, according to data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. With 889 transplants completed in 2024, the academic health system also set a new national record for transplant procedures in one year.
Organ Perfusion Technology Enhances Quality Transplant Outcomes
One of the reasons Tampa General ranks high for transplants is its utilization of organ perfusion technology. This gamechanging approach allows donor organs to function outside the body in a machine while continuously supplied with oxygen and nutrients. Organ perfusion offers several advantages, including the ability to:
• Preserve organs for longer periods
• Retrieve organs from a wider geographical area
• Expand access to lifesaving transplants
• Take on more complex cases
• Enhance quality transplant outcomes
Historically, Tampa General has some of the most efficient transplant timelines in the country and in Florida, according to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. On any given day, there are 150 to 180 transplant patients in the hospital.
In the Palm Beaches, practices such as TGH Advanced Kidney Care and TGH Digestive Health Center often refer patients to Tampa General for transplants. In addition, TGH Digestive Health Center’s Dr. Sonja K. Olsen is Palm Beach and Martin counties’ only transplant hepatologist.
Robotic-Assisted Technology Addresses Microsurgeries
Beyond transplants, another major advance at the hospital occurred in late 2024, when Tampa General became the first hospital in the southeast to acquire the Symani Surgical System. This robotic-assisted technology addresses the scale and complexity of microsurgeries.
The system features incredibly small robotic components coupled with enhanced controls, allowing surgeons to make ultraprecise sutures on tiny blood and lymphatic vessels, and nerves, even those as small as 2 millimeters. In addition, the Symani Surgical System features tremor-reducing and motionscaling technology for the ultimate in precision and control. The system is currently being used at TGH in delicate surgery to
Tampa General was the first hospital in the southeast to acquire the
correct lymphedema, a troubling side effect of cancer treatment in many women. This groundbreaking technology increases quality of life for those battling or recovering from cancer. Strategic Collaborations Define The Future Of Medicine
Through collaboration with USF Health and, most recently, its alliance with Mass General Brigham (MGB), Tampa General is defining the future of medicine.
The hospital draws upon and utilizes the expertise of USF Health’s faculty, graduates, residents, interns and current students. These individuals challenge boundaries and strive for innovative solutions to medically complex issues. This potent mix produces high-caliber research and development that gives rise to cutting-edge drugs, surgical techniques and treatment paradigms that enhance patient care.
Tampa General’s partnership with Mass General Brigham further augments the academic health system’s expertise. The two hospitals’ first joint venture in Palm Beach County is to create a 20,000-square-foot radiation oncology center at Legacy Place in Palm Beach Gardens. Together, TGH and Mass General Brigham will create a robust, integrated team of experts. All team members will cross-collaborate, share and support one other to deliver high-quality, responsive and customized care for each patient.
For more information about the complex care backed by academic medicine that Tampa General provides to the Palm Beaches and on the Treasure Coast, visit TGH.org/ ThePalmBeaches.
Symani Surgical System, a robotic-assisted technology that addresses the scale and complexity of microsurgeries.
Dr. David Amrose, nephrologist with TGH Advanced Kidney Care, and Dr. Kiran Dhanireddy, vice president and chief of the TGH Transplant Institute.
Soroptimist Of Stuart Celebrates Local Women And Youth At 2025 Live Your Dream Awards Banquet
Soroptimist of Stuart proudly hosted the 2025 Live Your Dream Awards Banquet on March 26, honoring and empowering women and youth who are striving to create better futures for themselves and their families.
This year’s banquet recognized three remarkable local women with Live Your Dream Awards, totaling $6,000 to support their education and training goals. In a special highlight of the evening, one recipient was also awarded a $5,000 Southern Region Live Your Dream Award, further amplifying the impact of her award.
The celebration continued with the presentation of Youth Service Awards to three inspiring teens, recognizing their dedication to education and community service. These awards reflect the Soroptimist of Stuart’s commitment to nurturing leadership and volunteerism in young women.
Additional honors included the Women In Transition Award, for a woman veteran furthering her education to improve herself after life-changing events. Special Gifts of Gratitude honored Just Gold Jewelers for their generous donation of a diamond necklace to the jewelry fundraiser, which raises money for the awards program.
Diana Swiecki was recognized as the Soroptimist of the Year for her outstanding service and dedication to helping fulfill the mission of the club.
With clubs in 168 countries and 65,000-plus members, the Live Your Dream Awards program distributes over $2.8 million in cash grants each year, with more than $40 million awarded since its inception in 1972. Soroptimist International is one of only two women’s organizations with a seat on the U.N. Founded in 1954, Soroptimist of Stuart is doing its part to help fulfill the global mission to help 500,000 women and girls go to college or technical school to pursue their dreams, achieve economic empowerment, and become self-sufficient by 2031.
The Pet Cottage Post
Forever Promises: How Love Lives On
When Mister and Beary’s mom passed away from cancer in the fall of 2024, her love didn’t end—it simply took a new shape.
She had made provisions in her estate to ensure her cherished 10-year-old bonded dogs would never be without care. Because of her thoughtfulness, Mister and Beary became part of our pack in November, joining The Pet Cottage’s Lifelong Guardianship Program.
They arrived grieving, confused, and with medical needs. Both had developed painful bladder stones, but thanks to prescription food and close veterinary care, we’ve been able to dissolve the stones—avoiding surgery altogether. However, Mister later developed a tumor on his eyelid. On May 13, he underwent successful surgery and is now recovering
Answer for Crossword Puzzle
Honoring
Soroptimist, a 501(c)(3) organization, also powers LiveYourDream.org—an online community offering offline volunteer opportunities in support of women and girls. For more information about how Soroptimist improves the lives
Pet Matters
comfortably beside Beary, his tail thumping in rhythm with hers.
Mister and Beary are a reminder of why we exist: to keep pets safe and loved when their humans can no longer be there. Older, bonded dogs with medical needs are often overlooked. But not here. At The Pet Cottage, they are promised forever.
of women and girls, visit www.soroptimist.org. For more information about membership in Soroptimist of Stuart or to learn how you can support their mission, please visit https:// soroptimistofstuart.org/.
To keep that promise, we need to plan ahead—just like their mom did.
This month, we invite you to join our Legacy Circle—a growing group of compassionate souls who have included The Pet Cottage in their estate plans. Legacy gifts are one of the most powerful ways you can help ensure we’ll always be here for pets like Mister and Beary.
Whether you leave a gift in your will, designate The Pet Cottage as a beneficiary, or consider leaving land or property that could serve as a permanent sanctuary, your legacy becomes a lifeline.
We are currently operating our sanctuary on leased land, and it’s working—for now. But our dream is to own a property outright, ensuring we can provide forever homes for pets who are simply too fragile to be placed elsewhere. Pets like bonded pairs, seniors with chronic conditions, or those who just need time to heal.
Your love can live on. It can offer comfort, safety, and healing to pets who have lost everything—and help us keep our Forever Promise.
If you’d like to learn more about joining our Legacy Circle, please reach out to us at info@thepetcottage.org or visit thepetcottage.org/legacy.
To include The Pet Cottage in your will, your attorney may use the following sample language:
“I give and bequeath to The Pet Cottage, Inc., a nonprofit organization located at 17049 Thunder Road, Jupiter, FL 33478, Tax ID #47-4011633, the sum of $_____ (or ___% of my estate) to be used to further its mission of providing lifelong guardianship for pets whose humans can no longer care for them due to death, disability, or deployment.”
To schedule a visit or for more information about becoming a Forever Guardian call (561) 818-5025.
Soroptimist of Stuart Leadership Team
Marie Kennedy and Deborah Wilde present Diana Swiecki with the Soroptimist of the Year award for outstanding service and dedication to fulfilling the club’s mission.
Third Place Live Your Dream Award winner Christina and Board member Diana Swiecki
Youth Service Award winners Mattine and Kenzi with Award Chair Nidia Bernstiel
Mister with a cone
Cookie and Kevin
Michelle and Sally Mister and Beary
Loggerhead News
Blue Friends Society Supports Sea Turtle And Ocean Conservation During Rooftop Social
At Topside At The Beacon
Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s (LMC) Blue Friends Society hosted a social gathering at Topside at the Beacon on Wednesday, May 7, to support the center’s significant work on ocean conservation and sea turtle rehabilitation. More than 100 members enjoyed an evening of cocktails, light bites, and a special raffle at the renowned rooftop bar and restaurant, offering stunning views of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
The Blue Friends Society is a community of LMC supporters and ocean conservation advocates who come together to engage in conservation activities, build connections, socialize, and support the center’s mission. To become a member, contact bluefriends@marinelife.org.
Photos by Tracey Benson Photography
Deb Rasmussen, Bill Quinn, Susan O’Connel, Gloria Briggs
Regina Anicito, Tina Munroe, David Friedman
Susan Knox Berzin, Danny Holsclaw, Susan Holsclaw, Ben Berzin
Krissy Mikus, Alyse Lemstrom, Meg Miller, Nicole Dugan
Pete Wells, Lynn Wells Amanda Joiner, Andy Dehart
Monique Brechter, Steve Heinemann
Roger O’Brian, Kymberly O’Brian
Ellen Lawless, Joe Lawless Lisa Sliney, Rich McMichael
Michelle Kukla, Gui Proenca, Jim Kukla
Abrielle Myers, Luke Myers, Sally Annweger
Jay Cannava, Debra Cannava
Alice Mashig, Mon Vertucci
Stuart Chamber happeningS
The community has patiently waited 20 years for this moment to arrive. Costco Wholesale officially opened their Stuart store with a Stuart/Martin County Chamber ribbon cutting on April 25. General Manager Mark Mann, with Assistant General Manager and Past Chamber Chairman James Steadham, delightfully performed the task of cutting the ribbon.
Their future is so bright, they had to wear shades! New Stuart/Martin County Chamber members
James Lamb and Ashley Brown, Reel Plumbing, enjoyed their first event at the April Business After Hours at Coquina Cove at Martin Downs.
Management and staff of the Locals Lanes and The Hutch Market & Café, located at Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, celebrated the Grand Opening of their duckpin bowling diner and market/coffee bar on April 17. Guests including Martin County, City of Stuart and Stuart/Martin County Chamber dignitaries were treated to an array of homemade appetizers, craft cocktails, a D.J., juggler/magician and of course duckpin bowling. Owner Rocco Mangel (second from left) explained their concept of catering to year-round residents, as well as tourists during the Stuart/Martin County Chamber ribbon cutting ceremony.
and
Clayton and Marina Kershanick, Skin
Aniello and Maija Warner, Central
Stuart/Martin County Chamber members enjoyed a beautiful evening networking by the pool during the April Business After Hours hosted and sponsored by Coquina Cove at Martin Downs. Members were delighted by the newly decorated clubhouse designed for fun and relaxation. Representing Coquina Cove were (left to right) Luis Pantoja, Robert Falkenthal, Melissa PouxWilliams, Jeffrey Gustafson, Matthew Hamrick, Ashlynn Turban and Brittney Cotterell, with Chamber President/CEO Joe Catrambone.
Chad Hastings has come a long way! Through his many years of practicing law in South Florida with other reputable firms, he has now opened his own private practice, Hastings Law Firm, located at 759 S.W. Federal Highway, Suite 300, Stuart. Family, friends and longtime associates gathered on April 17 to help celebrate with a Stuart/Martin County Chamber ribbon cutting.
Stuart/Martin County Chamber members were in the swim of things as they learned all about Fish Tails Swim School during the April 29 Business B4 Breakfast they hosted and sponsored. Representing Fish Tails were (left to right) Molly Stracuzzi, Donna Timney and Tracie Lowe.
New Stuart/Martin County Chamber members were welcomed at the April 29 Business B4 Breakfast at Fish Tails Swim School. Shown (left to right) are Aileen Fornuto, Choice Advertising; Max
Kylie Micciche, Perfect Pavers Pros of the Treasure Coast; Kristen
Serenity Spa; Julie LaVan, Useful Meditation; Michele
Eyes North.
Fulton Grace Realty founder/owner TJ Rubin and broker Kelly Guttveg, surrounded by their associates, cut the Stuart/ Martin County Chamber ribbon during the festive Grand Opening of their Stuart location at 110 S.W. Monterey Road, Suite 1 on May 8. Guests feasted on a large array of delectable gourmet foods, including DQ ice cream sandwiches, as they welcomed Fulton Grace into the community.
Stuart/Martin County Chamber Trustee MP Service Group/ Naturalia was represented by (left to right) Greyven Landergren, owner TJ Pirela and Hiran Nieves at the April Business After Hours hosted and sponsored by Coquina Cove at Martin Downs.
To kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, life coach and therapist Susan Shirley, sponsor of the Stuart/Martin County Chamber’s May 6 Business B4 Breakfast, presented some staggering statistics regarding the increase of mental disorders and their impact on society. Chamber Chairman Dan Hulen, Fifth Third Merchant Services/Worldpay, thanked Susan for her sponsorship of the event held at 10th Street Community Center.
Enjoying the camaraderie at the Stuart/Martin County Chamber’s May 6 Business B4 Breakfast at 10th Street Community Center were (left to right) Sara Borlaug, Capstone IT; Ginger Kirila, Techni-Gal Technology Training & Set-Up; Christina Lofthus, Mary Kay Cosmetics; and Lesley Vestrich, Council on Aging Martin County.
Stuart/Martin County Chamber Chairman Dan Hulen, Fifth Third Merchant Services/ Worldpay, and Membership Director Amy Pearlstine (right) presented Dawn Maschas, Aflac, with the Ambassador of the Quarter award during the May 6 Business B4 Breakfast sponsored by Susan A. Shirley Counseling & Consulting at 10th Street Community Center.
Shanna Chartier, Realty ONE Group Innovation (left), and Chamber Trustee Haylee Boorman, Brightway Insurance/V. Zanfini Family Agency, got caught up at the Stuart/Martin County Chamber’s May Business After Hours sponsored by Lower Extremity Group/Joshua Sebag, DPM at Frazier Creek Brewing & Distilling Co.
Stuart/Martin County Chamber Chairman Dan Hulen, Fifth Third Merchant Services/Worldpay (right), thanked Dr. Joshua Sebag, DPM, Lower Extremity Group, for sponsoring the May Business After Hours at Frazier Creek Brewing & Distilling Co. Dr. Sebag presented the orthopedic services he provides, including foot and ankle reconstruction, flat feet, bunion and hammertoe correction.
the Stuart/Martin County Chamber’s May 13 Business B4 Breakfast at SouthState Bank Stuart.
Trey Fritz, United Way of Martin County (left), and John McMurry, Real Property Management, got acquainted at
Katey Bourgeois, owner of Frazier Creek Brewing & Distilling Co. (left), showed off her string of 50/50 tickets she purchased to Gigi Suntum, Caring
Is Your Daughter ADD?
By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist
“My ten-year-old daughter often has trouble following multistep directions, will lose her place in reading and need to re-read, will say ‘huh?’ or ‘what?’ after being given directions, blurts things off topic, has a difficulty staying engaged during lessons, and shows inconsistencies in academic performance.” This mom asked, “Could she be ADD (now called ADHD Inattentive Presentation)?”
KidS Corner
These warning signs showed a valid concern and lead her to trust her instincts and seek out professional help in understanding her child. She felt like her daughter might be being manipulative but yet she did not want to scold her for something that she might not always be able to control. Mom also wanted to understand treatment options if it was ADHD, Inattentive Presentation.
Our school neuropsychological evaluation tested many key areas of attention including her sustained attention, attention capacity, impulse control, flexible thinking, memory, and processing speed. The child also completed a self-esteem assessment to gain understanding about how she felt about herself. Emotional health is important for reaching one’s potential.
The results revealed two factors which contributed to her challenges. First, she had slow processing speed. This helped explained her “huh” types of behaviors. She must put in lots
New Stuart/Martin County members were introduced at the May 13 Business B4 Breakfast hosted and sponsored by SouthState Bank Stuart. Shown are (left to right) Maija Warner and Michelle Aniello, Central Eyes North; Joe Begin, ESI; Kayla Infante, Lean Kitchen Company; Aileen Fornuto, Choice Advertising; Shawn Smith, Cryoshine LLC; Jeremy Pescow; Able Closets; Earl Himes, Conquering Concepts; Julie LaVan, Useful Mediation; Neoma Varela, Chase Business Banking/Neoma Varela and Dylan Suess, Sailfish Solar.
of mental effort when learning new content. This drained her mental energy and contributed to her difficulty maintain attention. Once her mental fuel was used, she tuned out, disengaged from learning and showed avoidance behaviors. The second factor was indeed a deficit in sustained attention. This was validated through interactive tests of attention, a computerized test of attention, and by having others complete behavioral rating scales. We discussed the different treatment options, and this mom decided to first work on increasing her underlying processing speed prior to considering other treatments. This mom also planned to share the results with her school to give understanding and obtain accommodations.
Call (561) 625-4125 if you would like to discuss your child and your concerns for possible dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Learn more at www.JimForgan.com.
Associates of SouthState Bank welcomed more than 80 Stuart/Martin County Chamber members to their Stuart location at 2400 S.E. Monterey Road, as they hosted and sponsored the May 13 Business B4 Breakfast. Representing SouthState were (left to right) Wayne Parker, Amy Bottegal, Cathy Dorn, Petrona Egan, Randy Pennington, Teresa Hoyla, Janis Court, Lisa Payne and Pam Davidge, with Chamber Chairman Dan Hulen, Fifth Third Merchant Services/Worldpay.
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Stuart Chamber Happenings from page 11