Dancing With The Martin Stars 2024 Breaks Attendance And Fundraising Records For The Martin County Healthy Start Coalition
Dancing with the Martin Stars 2024 broke all records this September for massive attendance, sky-high fundraising, and wall-shaking energy levels in support of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition.
On Saturday, September 21, nine community volunteers and their professional dancing partners took to the stage of the Lyric Theatre in Stuart and brought the audience to their feet with applause for dances like the tango, waltz, and cha-cha. Because the event was a sellout long before the date, another huge crowd cheered on the dancers at a live-stream watch party at Ross Hall in the Pittenger Center on the campus of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
An astonishing $350,000 was raised by the dancers, sponsors and ticket sales. “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.”
This year’s Martin Stars lineup included 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.
Hibiscus
Children’s Center
Presents ‘An Evening In Paris’ To
Benefit Children
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of elegance and excitement at the
For months the dancers learned their steps and chose fabulous costumes. That was only part of the challenge, however. They also raised funds with a variety of mini events like dinners, wine tastings, and auctions to boost their fundraising totals.
The dancers’ goals were to dazzle the judges with their footwork and also raise the most money. In a fiercely competitive battle, Christian Anderson and Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe were declared the 2024 Overall Champions as Top Fundraising Team and Top Dancing Team. The First Runner-Up Dance Team was April Milner and Eliseo
Martin County Healthy Start Coalition COO Aubrey Campbell, Overall Champion Christian Andersen, Healthy Start CEO Samantha Suffich, Overall Champion Partner Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe, and Healthy Start Director of Operations Angie Aulisio celebrated the record-breaking 2024 Dancing with the Martin Stars event to benefit the Healthy Start mission.
Photo by Driven Media
Education Foundation Of Martin County Sets Up Hurricane Fund To Benefit Affected Schools
The Education Foundation of Martin County (EFMC), in partnership with the Martin County School District, has established the Hurricane Milton Crisis Fund to support students, staff and their families who need urgent assistance. One hundred percent of the monies raised will benefit the parties.
In addition, the EFMC has created a fund to support Murray Middle School, which suffered a direct hit that resulted in lost buildings, including those that housed their music programs (band, chorus, and musical theatre) and agriculture program.
Those who wish to help can do so online at https://bit.ly/efmcstormfund.
“With the community’s generous contributions, we aim to raise an initial $100,000 to provide essential resources and emergency relief for families struggling to rebuild their lives,” said Lisa Rhodes, the EFMC’s executive director.
The Education Foundation of Martin County is the sole authorized organization for accepting hurricane relief donations on behalf of the Martin County School District and Murray Middle School, ensuring that every contribution directly impacts its students and staff.
About The Education Foundation Of Martin County
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.
Dancing With The Martin Stars on page 3
Hibiscus Children’s Center Presents on page 3
Hibiscus Children’s Center, “An Evening in Paris” Casino Night. This showstopping event will be held on Friday, November 15 at Hutchinson Shores Spa & Resort.
An Evening in Paris Committee – Left to right/front: Pam Gardner, Dana Anderwald, Doris Clements, Molly Hoffman, Cochair Kate Mikkelson, Linda Schwaderer, Debbie Owens and Cochair Kelley Decowski. Left to right/back: Mary Zottoli, Rita Nelson, Joyce Powell, Carolynn Strom, and Judie Wolfe
Celebrating Leadership –Chamber Recognizes Business Impact At
Annual Chamber Installation And Awards
The Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce welcomed 250 guests to their annual Installation and Awards Gala on September 14 presented by Ashley Capital. The backdrop of this exciting event was the beautiful Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa. Chamber President/CEO Joe Catrambone and Dr. Lisa Grassam-Smith, chair of the Board of Directors, emceed the evening consisting of recognitions, dinner, dancing, and casino gaming. The honorable Senator Gayle Harrell conducted the installation and oath of office for the 2024/25 Board of Directors.
Executive Board
Chair, Dan Hulen, Fifth/Third Bank Merchant Services/ Worldpay
Past Chair, Dr. Lisa Grassam-Smith, Grassam Spine & Wellness Chair-Elect, Eric Kiehn, C&W Technologies
Vice Chair, Candace Lopes, Skin Serenity Spa
Vice Chair, Chuck Geary, Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC Treasurer, Gordon Proctor, Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPA
Directors
Dan Brady, Water Pointe Realty Group/SP
Marshall Critchfield, Florida Power & Light
Carol Houwaart-Diez, United Way of Martin County
Wayne Filowitz, WRPB Studios
Zack Gazza, Hobe Sound Farms
Jeff Gustafson, Coquina Cove at Martin Downs
Jeremy Harris, Growth Squad
Ryan Huff, Huff Enterprises LLC
Commissioner Stacey Heatherington, Martin County BOCC
Lt. General Frank Libutti
Jill Marasa, Ashley Capital
Michael Maine, Superintendent Martin County Schools
Brandon McAlister, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
Dr. Brian Moriarty, Loving Chiropractic of Stuart
Stephen Quintyne, Coral Shores Behavioral Health
Michael Schemel, Indian River State College
Steven Shultz, Edward Jones Investments
Chris Smith, PhotoGraphics
David Snyder, Evergreen Private Care
George Stokus, Martin County Government
Newly Elected To 2024/25 Board Of Directors
Gary Guttveg, DreamWorks Companies
Trisha Hawthorne, TD Bank
Tami Karol, Tami Karol Insurance Agency
Susan King, Martin Funeral Home
While the delicious steak and lobster dinner was enjoyed by guests, Dr. Lisa Grassam-Smith presented the following awards.
Honoring
Outgoing Board Member to Amber Woods of Treasure Coast Toyota, Volunteer of the Year to Kelly Dean of Rexel, Employer of the Year to Chris Smith of PhotoGraphics, Chairman’s Award to Martin County Commissioner Doug Smith, Public Sector Business Advocate Award to former City Commissioner Troy McDonald, and Private Sector Business Advocate Award to Jill Marasa of Ashley Capital.
Stuart/Martin County Chamber’s President and CEO Joe Catrambone closed the program by granting the President’s Award to Carol Houwaart-Diez of United Way of Martin County and Eric Kiehn of C&W Technologies. Finally, Catrambone presented a chamber tradition – the “Toots Armellini” Business of the Year Award – to Owen Insurance Group. Agency owner Gary Owen accepted the award to roaring applause. Owen is a Martin County LEADERship class 31 graduate and an active chamber sponsor, a role model to new business owners and guide for residents and business owners looking to navigate the complexities of the insurance industry. He is a staunch advocate for insurance education and started a nonprofit to help citizens learn more about the insurance industry.
The Stuart/Martin County Chamber Board of Directors and staff would like to congratulate these award recipients.
Additionally, the annual Installation and Awards Gala is made possible by generous event sponsors. The chamber thanks the following sponsors for their commitment to celebrating leadership in Martin County.
Presenting Sponsor Ashley Capital; Silver Sponsors Hobe Sound Farms, Florida Power & Light, DreamWorks Companies, Carr, Riggs, Ingram CPAs and Advisors, Owen Insurance Group, and Martin Funeral Home; Bronze Sponsors Fifth Third Bank Merchant Services/WorldPay, 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions, WM (Waste Management), TD Bank/Stuart, C&W Technologies, Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC, Serenity Stuart, Level 4 Telcom, Evergreen Private Care of Florida, 2J Data, Rexel, Just Gold Jewelers, and Comcast Business; and Copper Sponsors LaConte Engineering, Aycock Funeral Home/ Young & Prill, Recovery Insurance Adjusters, PhotoGraphics, Representative Toby Overdorf, Florida House District 85, Loving Chiropractic of Stuart, and the Business Development Board of Martin County.
Real estate
Treasure Coast Real Estate Report
Florida Homeowners Need To Consider Flood Insurance Seriously
By Jim Weix
Hurricanes Helene and Milton caught thousands of homeowners without flood insurance coverage. The losses that these homeowners will face are staggering.
When you mention flood insurance, many people will dismiss the idea if they are not in a flood zone. I don’t blame them, particularly if they live on a hill, but now we know that could be a tragic mistake.
In Florida, we are surrounded by two major bodies of
water and have more than 1,700 lakes, rivers, and streams. That doesn’t include the drainage ponds found in most subdivisions, which developers, realtors, and homeowners like to call lakes.
Back in 2004, when we had hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne, which dumped 30 inches of rain, many of us got an education about flooding. In some subdivisions, the overflow for the drainage ponds/lakes got plugged with debris. The homes surrounding these ponds/lakes suddenly had that tranquil view in their living rooms. Many homeowners didn’t have flood insurance.
Unless you have a mortgage, the decision to get flood insurance is a personal one. You can check to see if you are in a flood zone by going to https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search. Feel free to call me if you would like to discuss your options. I can be reached at (772) 341-2941 or jimweix@ jimweix.com.
Jim Weix is a broker associate with The Keyes Company. Jim has 25 years of experience selling real estate full-time. If you have questions or want the services of an experienced expert, you can reach Jim at (772) 341-2941 or jimweix@ jimweix.com. Southern Exposure Technologies Computer Install/Setup/Repair (561)
Education nEws
Education Foundation Of Martin County Expands Staff
The Education Foundation of Martin County (EFMC) — Martin County School District’s strategic nonprofit partner — has expanded its staff with the addition of two full-time employees and one temporary employee whose position has become permanent. Jinara Reyes has been named the new resource development coordinator, Candice Tedesco is the new program coordinator, and Pamela Amsbaugh works as the bookkeeper.
These staff additions are made possible in part from a grant provided by the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
“We are so grateful for the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties’ continued partnership and support as we continue to grow as an organization,” said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. “The addition of these team members will strengthen our ability to deliver our mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. We couldn’t be more excited!”
manager, development events/corporate giving manager, of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in astronomy and Master of Business Administration from Boston University. She resides in Palm City.
As the program coordinator, Tedesco is responsible for bringing the Foundation’s programs to life. Her focus is on planning, organizing, and executing initiatives that align with the nonprofit’s mission. Previously, she was director of vocational services for ARC of the Treasure Coast. A dedicated educator and advocate, she has spent over a decade championing the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Foundation since October 2023 in a temporary role, which is now permanent.
Amsbaugh earned her Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University’s School of Business and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business. She resides in Port St. Lucie. About The Education Foundation Of Martin County
The EFMC 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, mentoring programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, please visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.
Reyes is responsible for raising funds to support Martin County’s students, teachers, and schools from individual and corporate benefactors. She also strives to drive community engagement to further excellence in education throughout the Martin County School District. Her broad experience in fundraising includes leadership solicitations, annual giving, major donor stewardship, events, prospect identification and solicitation, and financial reporting. Before joining the Education Foundation, she was the donor advancement
Tedesco’s journey began as a paraprofessional while studying special education and organization at Indian River State College, where she earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in organizational management. She resides in Port St. Lucie.
Amsbaugh’s role is in handling the organization’s accounting and finances. Her entire career has been in accounting and finance. She began as a bookkeeper, handled accounting software installations and tech support, and then worked as a controller at Medtronic PLC for 20 years before moving to Kent Management for three years and then retiring. She has been with the Education
Jinara Reyes
Candice Tedesco
Pamela Amsbaugh
Holiday HappEnings
Poinsettia Power Kicking Off The Holiday Season At New Venue On December 2
Poinsettia Power, the very popular annual holiday bazaar, luncheon and fashion show that benefits the Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program in Martin County, is moving to a new venue this year.
“Our event gets sold out quickly every year,” said longtime committee member Linda Ryan, “so we’re moving it to a larger venue – the beautiful beachside Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa. The larger venue will allow us to double our capacity, so we can accommodate more people who want to get a jump start on the holidays and support a great cause.”
Poinsettia Power will be held on Monday, December 2, beginning at 10 a.m. Nathalie Pozo, morning anchor at WPBF25, will be the emcee.
Local and regional vendors will entice guests with a variety of merchandise including jewelry, clothing, holiday wreaths, pickleball must-haves, and more at a holidaythemed bazaar. A wide variety of prizes will be drawn, and silent auction items will be available throughout the program to help raise funds for Meals on Wheels. During the delicious lunch, participants will enjoy a lively fashion show and hat parade.
“There is no better time than the holiday season to focus on the people in our community who depend on Meals on Wheels,” said Council on Aging Martin’s President and CEO Karen Ripper. “For many of our clients, the hot meal delivered to their home each day means more than nutrition. It’s a friendly smile from our volunteers and an extra check on their well-being.”
Many Meals on Wheels clients are financially stressed and can’t afford daily meal delivery. The Council on Aging raises funds throughout the year, including at the Poinsettia Power luncheon, to make it possible for them to continue to get this critically important service.
“Join us for a great kick start to your holiday festivities,” Ryan urges, “and know that you’re making the holidays, and every day, better for neighbors in need.”
Early sponsors in support of Poinsettia Power and Meals on Wheels include Holly Sponsor, Cummins-Levenstein Charitable Foundation; Peace Lily Red Wine Sponsor, Bob & Ralf Massey Foundation; Peace Lily Sponsors Donna Haines, Penny McCaffrey and Publix Super Market Charities; Amaryllis Valet Sponsor, Ross Earle Bonan Ensor & Carrigan, P.A.; Amaryllis Décor Sponsor, Nancy Goethel at Raymond James; and Mistletoe Sponsors Law Offices of John Mangan, P.A., N. Schoonover & Associates, Inc., Seacoast National Bank, Sandhill Cove Retirement Living and The Wawa Foundation, Inc.
For more information about Poinsettia Power, to purchase tickets at $150 each, or to become a sponsor, visit the Council on Aging Martin website www.coamartin.org.
About The Council On Aging Martin County
The Council on Aging Martin County is the community’s hub for senior resources and the county’s Lead Agency on Aging. Founded in 1974, the organization offers expertise, programming and support for older adults and their families to help seniors maintain lives of quality and purpose. Services include Day Primary Care Center, Memory Enhancement Center, Adult Day Club, Meals on Wheels, care management, caregiver support, and a robust offering of educational, cultural, fitness and wellness programs.
The Kane Center located at 900 S.E. Salerno Road in Stuart is the Council on Aging Martin County’s headquarters and is also an event venue available to the public. It serves as a special needs hurricane shelter when necessary. The Council on Aging Martin County also operates senior outreach facilities in Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, East Stuart and Indiantown. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Council on Aging receives funding from state and federal agencies and relies on philanthropic support from the community, including other agencies, private foundations and individual donors. For more information, visit www. coamartin.org.
all about Kids
Understanding Moody Teenagers
By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist
“My teen son has a hard time showing emotions, has a hard time to make friendships, has a hard time to feel happy and contented, has a hard time to do activities that he considers useless or are mentally or physically demanding. Help me figure out what is wrong with him!”
It’s not uncommon for teenagers to be moody since they are a ball of changing hormones, have variable sleep patterns, and are vying for independence. All this occurs while your teen is dealing with the pressures of school, social media, and exposure to drugs and porn. As the mom wrote, her teen was withdrawn and his behavior had changed within the past few months. Prior to this he was a happier person and a decent student.
Our testing revealed this teen was depressed. Mom had wondered if he was depressed but thought looking down at him from the 30,000-foot view he had a good life. He had an intact family, a cell phone, nice place to live, and he was doing well in school. She thought, “What is there to be depressed about?” Testing revealed he had very strong feelings of inadequacy and was struggling with his identity. He believed he was not in control of his outcomes so, “Why should he try?”
It took mom a while to get dad to recognize the struggle but after our results review meeting he understood additional support was needed. Dad actually initiated the conversation with his teen by saying, “I feel that our relationship is strained. It may not bother you but it bothers me and if you would, I’d like you to meet with a counselor. I will as well because I need some help knowing how to help you and our family.”
The teen agreed to dad’s request.
School neuropsychological testing was the process which provided answers. Call (561) 625-4125 if you are concerned about your child and would like understanding. Testing is completed in one day and we test children through young adults for autism, dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Our website is JimForgan.com.
Council on Aging Martin Poinsettia Power committee members are eager to share a new venue and holiday festivities to raise funds for Meals on Wheels. Back row, Marney McKee, Devon Senical, Joanna Mangan; Front row, J.C. Stern, Linda Ryan. Not pictured, Donna Haines, Francesca Morgan, Melinda Galley, Jackie Roesch-Sanchez, Beverly Mauermann
tip Of tHe tail
Kidney Insufficiency
Chronic kidney insufficiency is one of the most common diseases affecting older pets, especially cats. Many causes exist for chronic kidney insufficiency, with age-related kidney deterioration being one of the more common causes. Chronic kidney insufficiency indicates that a condition called azotemia has been present for months or years. When azotemia is present, toxins have accumulated in the bloodstream, and labwork will indicate abnormalities. Approximately 70 percent of kidney function must be lost before labwork abnormalities are noted. Azotemia does not necessarily mean a pet is experiencing a reduced quality of life. The term uremia means that the patient is azotemic and also demonstrating clinical signs of kidney disease, which may be reducing their quality of life. The goal in treatment of chronic kidney insufficiency is to prevent,
postpone, or resolve uremia, to ensure the pet experiences the best possible quality of life. Azotemia associated with chronic kidney insufficiency may not be reversible.
The kidneys perform several important functions:
1.) Filtering waste products, primarily urea and creatinine;
2.) Regulating electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium;
3.) Producing erythropoietin, which helps stimulate the bone marrow to produce red blood cells;
4.) Producing renin, which helps control blood pressure; 5.) Producing and concentrating urine.
When kidney function begins to decline, waste products accumulate in the blood, electrolyte imbalances occur, anemia can develop, blood pressure problem may occur, and urine concentration decreases.
Clinical signs of chronic kidney insufficiency can be vague and may mimic other diseases. The most common symptoms usually noted are increased thirst and increased urination. Other symptoms may include decreased appetite, vomiting, weight loss, and poor hair coat. These symptoms may be slowly progressive, and, if mild, may go unnoticed by a pet owner. Labwork may reveal abnormalities before obvious clinical signs are evident, which may allow treatment to be initiated sooner and provide the best quality of life for the pet.
Several treatment options can be utilized to help pets with chronic kidney insufficiency maintain a good quality of life.
Special prescription diets are one of the best main long-term treatments to help maintain appropriate protein levels and certain electrolyte levels. These diets are available through
veterinarians. Another treatment option is fluid therapy, either subcutaneous fluids or intravenous fluids. Subcutaneous fluids, which are placed under a pet’s skin, can be used at home or in the clinic to help maintain hydration; subcutaneous fluids can be utilized long-term to help with quality of life. Some pets will benefit from subcutaneous fluids up to several times a week, while others may need fluids less often. Intravenous fluids are usually reserved for pets who need more aggressive fluid therapy. Some pets with chronic kidney insufficiency may have blood pressure issues, and these pets may benefit from blood pressure medications. Depending on the chronicity and severity of kidney insufficiency, pets can experience anemia. If this occurs, medication may be needed to help correct the anemia.
Chronic kidney insufficiency is a common disease in older animals; however, pets can live with a good quality of life for many years after diagnosis with proper management. Annual labwork may reveal indications of chronic kidney insufficiency well before a pet shows clinical signs. Please check with your veterinarian to see if your pet is due for his or her labwork.
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.
taMpa GeneRal news
TGH First In Tampa Region Offering Same-Day Spinal Surgery
Tampa General Hospital (TGH) is the first health system in the Tampa region to treat a range of spine diseases and conditions via minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery. Patients at the academic health system’s TGH Neuroscience Institute experience same-day discharge, quicker recovery, minimal downtime and less pain.
The procedure involves the surgeon inserting the endoscope through a tiny incision about the size of a pencil tip to access an affected area, such as a herniated disc. The device is then guided to the spine to capture video that’s projected onto a monitor. The surgeon can also insert miniature tools through the endoscope to help perform procedures to treat bone spurs, chronic pain, degenerative disc disease, facet joint syndrome, herniated discs, sciatic nerve compression and spinal stenosis.
acupuncturists, physical therapists and pain interventionists to determine the next course of action. “First, we try as many nonsurgical treatment options as possible,” he said. “In most cases, surgery is usually a last resort.”
“So far we’ve successfully treated athletes, soldiers and even patients in their 90s,” said Kim. “Collaborating with Tampa General’s anesthesia team, we’ve been able to perform awake spine surgeries with minimal sedation, similar to colonoscopies. This is a game-changer for patients usually deemed too sick for general anesthesia.”
Kim notes that patients with ruptured discs typically recover the same day, whereas those with more chronic illnesses recover in the span of a few days up to a week.
TGH Neuroscience Institute surgeons perform more minimally invasive spine surgeries than any other hospital in the region, including endoscopic laser spine surgeries, microdiscectomies, laminectomies, foraminotomies and lumbar fusions.
Tampa General is ranked by U.S. News & World Report 2024/25 as a high performing hospital for neurology
and neurosurgery, meaning the academic health system is among the top 10 percent of hospitals in the nation. Additionally, the TGH Neuroscience Institute is one of the top neurology and spine programs in the U.S., according to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2023 list of “Hospitals and Health Systems with Spine and Neuroscience Programs to Know.”
Since 2020, Tampa General has been creating a framework of state-of-the-art services for patients in Palm Beach and Martin counties with the expertise and innovation of a preeminent academic health system. Patients treated by Tampa General East Coast physicians enjoy several benefits, including access to minimally invasive and complex surgeries that utilize state-of-theart technologies. Tampa General is the primary teaching affiliate of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and is one of the largest hospitals in the nation.
For more information about the minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery offered at Tampa General, visit TGH.org/MinimallyInvasiveSpineSurgery.
According to Dr. Patrick Kim, an endoscopic spine surgeon at Tampa General, and an assistant professor in the Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida, there are multiple benefits to this technique, including a nearly zero percent chance of wound infection. “The end result is smaller incisions, less tissue disruption and quicker patient recovery time after surgery,” he said.
Dr. Kim is the first fellowship-trained endoscopic surgeon in the Tampa region. He received his medical degree from LSU New Orleans and completed his residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Subsequently, he pursued a fellowship in endoscopic spine surgery at the University of Washington Harborview Medical Center. “I’ve witnessed the progression from traditional open surgery to minimally invasive spine surgery,” he said. “The endoscopic spine surgery represents the pinnacle of that progression.”
Tampa General’s Spine Neurosurgery Program leverages a multidisciplinary team of physicians who specialize in the treatment and management of degenerative cervical and lumbar conditions, and complex spinal deformities. How do you know if you’re a candidate for spine surgery? Kim said that 80 percent of the U.S. adult population experiences lower back pain or neck pain in their lifetime. “As a surgeon, my role is to distinguish whether surgery is a patient’s best option,” he said. Kim works closely with the TGH Neuroscience Institute’s team of chiropractors,
Dr. Patrick Kim
Stuart Chamber Happenings from page 11
Stuart/Martin County Chamber Trustee Haylee Boorman, Brightway
Insurance/Vincent Zanfini
Family Agency, (left) and Katy Mitchem, Code Red Roofers, enjoyed networking at the September 24 Business B4 Breakfast, sponsored by White Glove Moving & Storage at Frazier Creek Brewing & Distilling Co.
Tom Tardonia, Atlantic Pacific Insurance, and Tina Dixon, Fulton Grace/DreamWorks Real Estate, enjoyed some tasty appetizers while visiting at the Stuart/Martin County Chamber’s September Business After Hours at Serenity Stuart.
Stuart/Martin County Chamber Trustee Adam Kripitz, Kripitz Insurance Agency, (left) and Chris Vaccaro, Congruity HR, got acquainted with new member Chris Glatz, CoAdvantage, during the October 1 Business B4 Breakfast, sponsored by Wounded Veteran’s Relieve Fund at 10th Street Community Center.
Stuart/Martin County Chamber Chairman Dan Hulen, Fifth Third Bank Merchant Services/Worldpay, (right) had the honor to introduce the October 1 Business B4 Breakfast sponsors Nick Cannon and Russell Cancilla, Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, at his first event as acting chairman. Nick presented some shocking facts and figures regarding our veteran population, while offering hope to those with physical and mental disabilities. He also emphasized the success of their Critical Dental Assistance Program and solicited donations from the chamber members.
the Stuart/Martin County Chamber’s October 8 Business B4 Breakfast at Stuart Scuba, including Chaz and Loretta
and Ambassador
Dr. Ashley Salomon, Hope Health & Wellness, celebrated her first place costume contest win with second runnersup Rich Cushing, Cushing Claims, and his wife Chamber Ambassador/Trustee Dawn Cushing, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, during the Stuart/ Martin County Chamber’s October Business After Hours at Investment Planning Group.
On October 3, Gerry Zapeta and Diana Martin, owners of Gerry’s Furniture Refinishing & Upholstery, welcomed family, friends and Stuart/Martin County Chamber members to the grand opening of their new location at 421 S.E. Monterey Road, Stuart. The guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and refreshments as they toured the beautifully decorated showroom, which was formerly Castro’s Interiors.
The Stuart/Martin County Chamber’s October 8 Business B4 Breakfast was a full house, despite the rainy weather. More than 55 members weathered the rain and threat of an upcoming hurricane to attend the event, hosted and sponsored by Stuart Scuba. Owner Benjamin Hadfield introduced his professional dive staff as he promoted a fun lifestyle of underwater exploration and travel. He also donated a full SDI open water dive course as a door prize. Shown (from left) are Chamber Chairman Dan Hulen, Fifth Third Bank Merchant Services/Worldpay; Jeff Hedgepeth, Jeff Endriss, Benjamin Hadfield, Peter Friedman, Donna and Nick Barrett and Anthony Shones, Stuart Scuba.
County
Stuart Chamber Happenings on page 13
It was a sea of blue at
Russell, Gratitude Steel Band
Russell Rykse, Edward Jones.
Stuart/Martin
Chamber Ambassador Daniela Quinn, First Citizens Bank, (left) greeted new members Yvette Thompson and Rob Jones, Project Brilliance at the September Business After Hours at Serenity Stuart.
Benjamin Hadfield, owner of Stuart Scuba (left) presented Alex Connolly, Gulf Stream Council, Boy Scouts of America, a certificate for a full SDI open water dive course during the Stuart/Martin County Chamber’s October 8 Business B4 Breakfast he hosted and sponsored.
Stuart/Martin County Chamber members were introduced to Stuart’s newest apartment complex, Serenity Stuart, recently acquired by Coquina Cove at Martin Downs, as they hosted and sponsored the September Business After Hours. Guests were able to tour the beautiful one- and two-bedroom apartments during the event, which featured delicious hors d’ouevres and cocktails by Bonner Mobile Bar. Representing Coquina Cove and Serenity Stuart were (from left) Celeste White, Jeff and Karen Gustafson, Alan Rose, Alyssa Harper, Kacey Connolly, Ashlynn Ralston and David Nail.
Stuart/Martin County Chamber members came dressed in style to the October Business After Hours hosted and sponsored by Investment Planning Group. For the third year, the financial group hosted the Halloween bash, complete with specialty cocktails, delicious fare by BBQ Island Style and plenty of original costumes on display. Shown (from left) are Chamber Chairman Dan Hulen, Fifth Third Bank Merchant Services/ Worldpay; Gisela and Steven Landwersiek, Investment Planning Group.
All dressed up for the occasion at the Stuart/ Martin County Chamber’s October Business After Hours at Investment Planning Group were (from left) Lesley Vestrich, Council on Aging Martin County; Ali Kamen, Investment Planning Group; Michele Chardt, Arrow Title Services; Stephen Dillemuth, Investment Planning Group; and Jamie Pennington, Arrow Title Services.
Your First Choice for Cancer Care
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nOnpROfit news
Humane Society Presents A Winning Combination For Shelter Animals
The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast’s Whiskers for Whiskey event attracted a sell-out crowd on September 25 at the Chef’s Table. By night’s end, more than $8,500 was raised to benefit the care of the shelter animals.
Bobby Knapp of Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits provided details about the featured whiskey from Rabbit Hole Distillery of Kentucky. Guests enjoyed chefprepared four-course pairings that accompanied each pour.
Gabe and Deb Miron were the lucky winners of a raffle prize that included a dinner for two at the Chef’s Table and bottle of Rabbit Hole whiskey, courtesy of Libations Mobile Catering Co.
Answer for Crossword Puzzle
Roberto Lugo, Jon Brown and Eric Duffy
“We are grateful to the Chef’s Table and our sponsors, Stuart Magazine and Tankersley Chiropractic, for making this evening possible,” said Sarah Fisher, the Humane Society’s communications manager. “Events like this help to provide support for our shelter animals.”
For more information about future events, contact Community Events Specialist Alyssa Bean at (772) 600-3215 or Events@hstc1.org. Or visit the website, www.hstc1.org/events.
About The Humane Society Of The Treasure Coast
The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) is a nokill animal welfare organization located at 4100 S.W. Leighton Farm Avenue in Palm City, FL. Since 1955, it has been the
leading advocate for animal protection and well-being 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 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.
Photos by Doreen Poreba
Nicholas Meola, Nancy Lawless and Lorna Day
Dawn Cullum, Cindi Hobbs and Ruth Martucci
Keaton Perry, Taylor Waits, Carra Crehan, Candace Callahan, George Olsen and April Brumley
Tabitha Lavery and Chung Wong
Gabe and Deb Miron, winners of the raffle prize
Bob and Terri Munger
Berto Vasquez, Amy Peterson, Liza and Chris Cromwell
Nonprofit News on page 15
