May 2014 - Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce

www.hobesound.org
THE
Vol. 23 Issue 2
Be a Hero
this Summer!
Volunteer for
Meals on Wheels
I Joined
the Chamber
of Commerce…
Now What?
A BIG Thank
You to Our
Chamber Member
Renewals!
PAGE 4
PAGE 10
PAGE 11
PELICAN
The 2nd Annual HoSo Pub Crawl
The Hobe Sound Chamber of
Commerce and the Young Professionals
of Martin County have teamed up to
bring the 2nd Annual HoSo Pub
Crawl to downtown Hobe
Sound on Saturday, June 7.
The Inaugural Pub Crawl
was a sold out event, with
over 100 participants who
enjoyed the fast-paced, entertaining evening at six Hobe
Sound establishments.
“So many new faces joined
us at last year’s HoSo Pub
Crawl, where they got a taste of
all Hobe Sound has to offer,”
said Angela Hoffman, Executive
Director of the Hobe Sound
Chamber. “This event is a great opportunity to bring new business to the area,
show off our fabulous restaurants, and offer a great
night of entertainment and fun to local residents.”
This year’s crawl will begin at Scooters, where participants will check-in, get their event shirts, and head to the
first stop – Harry & the Natives. From there, they’ll head
to Flash Beach Grille, and Taste Restaurant, finishing the
night at Scooters. There is a possibility of one or two
more stops – yet to be determined.
Photo by Kim Waser
Ready to start out on the HoSo Pub Crawl from Taste Restaurant on
Dixie Highway
“Last year’s event was such an overwhelming success, I can’t wait to see
what this year brings!” said Kim
Waser, President of the Young
Professionals of Martin County.
“Hobe Sound really has so
much to enjoy, and there’s no
better way to do it than with
100 friends and neighbors at
your side.”
In addition to a free drink
from each restaurant, participants will also have the opportunity to win one of five great
raffle prizes at each stop.
Tickets are on sale now at
www.hobesound.org/news_events
for $25 for members of the Chamber
or Young Professionals and $30 for nonmembers. Tickets include a drink at each
stop, event shirt, and one prize raffle ticket.
Additional raffle tickets will be on sale.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Be among the
lucky 100 who will enjoy this event.
Call early to reserve your spot. Be sure your friends
RSVP in advance too.
Be sure to give your shirt size when you call. For more
information call 561-452-5555 or email [email protected].
Photo by Kim Waser
Enjoying conversation and refreshments at Amato’s Bridge One Pizza
on Bridge Road
Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1507
Hobe Sound, Florida 33475
Phone (772) 546-4724
Fax (772) 546-9969
www.hobesound.org
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
WEST PALM BEACH, FL
PERMIT NO. 1865
Supplement to the
Stuart News
Or Current Occupant
May-July 2014
Hobe Sound Chamber of
Commerce Calendar
May, June, July 2014
◆
May Meetings
◆
Wednesday, May 7th
AMBASSADORS MEETING
12:00pm at the Chamber Office
Tuesday, May 13th and 27th
HOBE SOUND
TOASTMASTERS MEETING
7:00-9:00pm at Hobe Sound Bible College,
Administrative Building, Herron Center, 2nd Floor,
11298 SE Gomez Avenue, Hobe Sound
Open to Chamber members and the public
Call 772-546-4724 for more information.
Monday, May 19th
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
5:30pm at the Chamber Office
◆
May Events
◆
Friday, May 2nd, 9th, 23rd, and 30th
SCORE COUNSELING
10:00am-1:00pm at the Chamber Office
Email [email protected] or call 772-546-4724
to schedule an appointment.
Saturday, May 3rd
ROAD CLEANUP
10:00am-12:00pm
Gomez Avenue just north of Bridge Road
Call the Chamber office to volunteer 772-546-4724
Thursday, May 8th
MONTHLY BREAKFAST
8:00-9:15am at Hobe Sound Bible College,
Schmul Dining Center
11295 SE Gomez Avenue, Hobe Sound
Sponsored by: The UPS Store
Guest Speaker: Supervisor of Elections Vicki Davis,
Kherri Anderson
Topic: Elections Updates
$12 Members/$15 Non-members
RSVP Required/No Shows will be billed
Register online at www.hobesound.org
Monday, May 12th
COUNCIL OF CHAMBERS LUNCHEON
11:45am at Martin Downs Golf Club
3801 SW Greenwood Way, Palm City
Guest Speaker: U.S. Representative Patrick Murphy
Sponsored by: The Firefly Group
$25 per person
RSVP Required by noon on May 8
No Shows will be billed/48 hour Cancellation Policy
www.stuartmartinchamber.org
or 772-287-1088 ext. 101
continued on page 8
Page 2
Hobe Sound Pelican
www.hobesound.org
Your Hobe Sound Chamber Works for You
Do you take advantage of the many networking opportunities?
Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce
2014 Board of Directors
Officers
President: Charlene Oakowsky, Oakowsky Properties
Vice President: Steve Fenton, Fenton Services
Treasurer: Jennifer Ahern, Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith
Secretary: Ike Crumpler, Upstairs Communications
Past President: Dan Hulen, Fifth Third Processing Solutions
Ex-Officio: Ralph Davino, Secure Storage of Martin County
Board of Directors
Kim Biancardi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reelgraphic.com
Stacey Brandt . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jupiter Medical Center
Melinda Brault . . . . . . . . . . . .Geminye Design Group
John “Jac” Crawford . . . . . .Strategic Realty Services LLC
Michael Ennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ennis Construction
Mike McCoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .M & K Publishing
Robert “Bob” McLean . . . . . . . . . . . . .Avalon Air, Inc.
Pete Morello . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The UPS Store
Derreck Ogden . . . . . .Word of Mouth Comp. & Elect.
Dennis Root . . . . . .Dennis Root Public Safety Found.
Brandon Woodward . Law Office of Brandon Woodward
President’s Council
Tom Balling . . . . . .Treasure Coast Irrig/Rood Landscape
Blake Capps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Capps Roofing
David & Linda Chambers . . . . . . . .Chambers Electric
Scott Fay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridge Boat & RV Storage
Gary Lesser . . . . . . . . . .Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith
Mary Lopopolo . . . . . . . . . . . .Seacoast National Bank
Jason Lovelady . . . . .Carpenter’s Roofing & Sheet Metal
Charlene Oakowsky . . . . . . . . . . . .Oakowsky Properties
Derreck Ogden . . . . . . .Word of Mouth Comp. & Elect.
Dennis Root . . . . . .Dennis Root Public Safety Found.
Jeff Sabin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Waste Management
Tony Sementelli . . . . . . . . . . .Hobe Sound ShipCenter
Frank & JoAnn Tricarico . . . . . . . .Metz Construction
Eric T. Wesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jupiter Island Pools
Ambassador Committee
Janet Otten . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Director, Chamber Staff
Peggy Batch-Gattone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Coldwell Banker
Kim Biancardi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reelgraphic.com
Carol Bobo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BB&T
Bill Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Glory Association
Noreen Nelson-Slenker . . . . . . . . . .Illustrated Properties
Crystal Perez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TD Bank
Sharyl Pratt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Illustrated Properties
Amber Shirk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Seacoast National Bank
Theresa Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Beaches Hair Studio
Kim Toth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Edward Jones
Staff
Angela Hoffman, Executive Director
Janet Otten, Director of Member Services
Janelle Parsons, Membership Assistant
Rachel Willard, Bookkeeper
Volunteers
Judy Arbeznik, Carol Branch, Audrey Burzynski,
Marge Cabaniss, Bette Evans, Lillian Johnson,
Bobbi Kauffman, George Kleine, Richard Nash,
Rich Otten, and Jean Tierney
The Hobe Sound Pelican is published quarterly by the
Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce
11954 SE Dixie, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
772-546-4724
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:30am-3:30pm
Managing Editor:
Janet Otten, Director of Member Services
Production:
Theresa Dormi, Tandem VA
Members will do business with members they
know. Always bring a stack of business cards with
you to Chamber-sponsored events. Try to meet new
people at each event. Don’t just stop and chat with
people you know. Make a goal to meet at least one
new person at every event you attend.
Do you always have business cards with you whenever you are out and about, even on personal
errands?
You never know when the opportunity to talk
about your business or services will pop up. Maybe
at the spa, maybe at the dry cleaners, or even the doctor’s office. Never be without your business cards.
Do you encourage other businesses that you deal
with to become members?
Membership growth enables the Chamber to offer
more services to its members, more networking
opportunities. The community benefits from the participation of more businesses in Chamber activities.
Always carry a potential new-member packet and a
community guide in your car so that you can encourage new membership growth.
Do you send a note to new people you meet and
exchange business cards with?
What an easy, cost-effective way to reinforce your
business with someone new. A note letting them
know you enjoyed meeting them at “the Chamber
event” or “in the elevator on the way up to the doctor’s office.” Thank them for their card and let them
know you will refer them if the opportunity arises.
Be sure to put another business card in the envelope
continued on page 9
Page 3
Hobe Sound Pelican
www.hobesound.org
Community News
Photo by Lucy Corley
United Way staff, volunteers, clients and agency partners thank Publix
employees during a positive picketing tour through all Publix locations
in Martin County.
Photo by Kathleen Stacey
Volunteers from United Way of Martin County’s Martin Volunteers
program helped the Treasure Coast Food Bank operate a mobile food
pantry on April 11. Pictured from left, Jo Haberland, Jimmie Haslom
and Collette Klinsky.
Mobile Food Pantry Benefits
Banner Lake Residents
Food insecurity is a growing problem in Martin
County and local nonprofit agencies are working together to provide relief.
The Treasure Coast Food Bank identifies areas in the
community where the needs are great and volunteers
help operate mobile food pantries to disperse food items
like bread, fruit, vegetables and proteins.
On April 11, United Way of Martin County’s Martin
Volunteers program, which helps volunteers of all ages
find impactful volunteer opportunities based on their
interests, recruited a small group of volunteers to help
operate a mobile food pantry at the Banner Lake
Community Center in Hobe Sound.
Martin Volunteers, along with others from the
Treasure Coast Food Bank and family members of those
receiving food, worked together stocking tables while
more than 50 food insecure families shopped for their
weekly groceries.
“It’s startling to see how many families are in need of
help even while having a job,” said Kathleen Stacy, volunteer coordinator at Martin Volunteers. “The food
bank does a wonderful job working with local supermarkets like Publix and Winn Dixie to provide clients
with the best possible food options.”
Martin Volunteers is funded in part with grant dollars
from the Corporation for National and Community
Service and the Hobe Sound Community Chest. Its
mission is to engage people of all ages and backgrounds
in volunteer service that enriches the individual and
strengthens the community. For more information, visit
MartinVolunteers.org, call 772-220-4472 or email
[email protected].
United Way Shows
Appreciation by Positively
Picketing Publix
When a company and its employees invest close to half
a million dollars into the Martin County community it
means they’re serious about helping their neighbors.
This year, Publix Super Markets and its employees –
everyone from checkout clerks to store managers – contributed $465,000 to United Way of Martin County’s
2013-14 Campaign by way of a corporate gift and payroll deductions.
To thank Publix and its employees for their generous
contribution, United Way recently led a county-wide
round of positive picketing with donors, volunteers,
agencies representatives and clients at each Publix location in Martin County.
Publix and its employees understand that by supporting United Way’s annual campaign their hard-earned dollars are put back into the community where they’re need-
ed most by helping end hunger, strengthening families,
improving people’s health, creating job opportunities and
ensuring safety.
“Publix is proud to support the United Way of Martin
County and the important work they do to provide programs and support services to those in need,” said, Nicole
Maristany Krauss, Media and Community Relations
Manager for Publix. “Publix associates are passionate
about participating in our United Way campaign and
some have even been recipients of the services the United
Way provides. United Way appreciation days serve as a
wonderful reminder that the contributions made by
Publix associates help build essential lifelines for those
who need it most and we’re thrilled to be a part of the
United Way’s impact on our community.”
When a business or individual makes a contribution
to United Way, it’s leveraged with other donations, government grants and private gifts. Last year, for every $1
raised by United Way $6 of total impact was made in
Martin County.
Although United Way is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization, funds raised in Martin County stay in
Martin County where local residents can decide where
they’re needed most. United Way of Martin County is
determined to improve lives together and lift the community by ending hunger; ensuring safety; improving
people's health; creating job opportunities; providing
solid education for all; and strengthening families. For
more information about United Way of Martin County,
visit www.LIVEUNITEDmc.org or call 772-283-4800.
A few spots are available for the 31st
Annual Hobe Sound
Chamber Golf Tournament!
Saturday, May 17th
7:30am registration, 9am shotgun start
Call the Chamber at 772-546-4724 for
more information and to sign up!
Page 4
Photo provided by Hobe Sound Community Chest
From left: Joe Frelinghuysen, HSCC Treasurer; Mali Annibali, HSCC
Grants Chair; Lisa Dames, 2014 Hobe Sound Community Service
Award Recipient; and Peter Pauley, HSCC President
Banner Lake Club President
Awarded Hobe Sound
Community Service Award
Honored for her creativity, determination and dedication to the Banner Lake community, Lisa Dames was
awarded the 2014 Hobe Sound Community Service
Award by the Hobe Sound Community Chest at their
annual Leadership Reception.
As president of the Banner Lake Club, Dames oversees a 501(c)(3) agency that meets a variety of needs in
a challenged community. Through partnerships with
other charities, she was able to expand programming
that benefited struggling elementary school students,
teenagers looking for after-school activities, the hungry
and the elderly.
Along with recognition at the Leadership Reception,
held recently at the Jupiter Island Club’s Beach Club,
Dames received $5,000 for the charity of her choice,
which of course will be the Banner Lake Club.
“I would like that money to start a building fund,
Hobe Sound Pelican
because we’re going to need it,” she said. “This award
comes at a perfect time, because there are a lot more
things we want to do.”
Already, Dames, along with a part-time staff member
and volunteers, uses contributions from the Chest and
other sources to provide tutoring in collaboration with
Martin County Parks & Recreation, coordinate a teen
program in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of
Martin County, run a food bank with support from
Loaves and Fishes and offer a soup kitchen with hot meals
for approximately 50 residents each week.
Plus, under Dames’ leadership, the Banner Lake Club
organizes social and civic events to foster positive community spirit. Among other events in the last year, they’ve
held a Valentine’s Day dance, Easter egg hunt and a
memorial bench dedication for a U.S. Marine from
Banner Lake, killed in Afghanistan.
She and her husband Aron, who grew up in Banner
Lake, also managed the renovation of a multi-purpose
sports field to provide more sports activities for Banner
Lake children.
“Lisa is very detail- and task-oriented. She sees the
need, sees what needs to be done, and then she figures
how to get it done,” said Joe Frelinghuysen, treasurer of
the Hobe Sound Community Chest and member of
the Banner Lake Club’s board of directors. “She seeks
out partnerships, pulls the community together and is
a true leader.”
Also, owner of Aron’s Towing, along with her husband,
and a personal trainer, Dames is dedicated to strengthening Banner Lake for the benefit of its residents. She said
she could not do her work without the support of the
Hobe Sound Community Chest.
“They have a special place in their heart for the community and the kids of Banner Lake,” Dames said.
“Nothing could happen without them.”
Each year, through the Hobe Sound Community
Chest, residents of Jupiter Island, Loblolly and the rest of
www.hobesound.org
the Hobe Sound mainland contribute about $1 million
to social services agencies benefiting Hobe Sound residents of all ages.
Programs the Chest supports include those focusing on
child care, elder care, health care, education, direct welfare and crisis relief. Board directors provide hands-on,
direct oversight to ensure effectiveness of programs.
To learn more about the Hobe Sound Community
Chest and the agencies it supports, log on to www.hobesoundcommunitychest.org.
Photo Provided
Cathy Knowles, Manager of Meal Services for the Council on Aging of
Martin County, needs YOUR help to deliver Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors this summer!
Be a Hero to Seniors this
Summer; Volunteer for Meals
on Wheels
Can you spare two hours every week or every other
week? If so, you can be a real hero to homebound seniors
this summer. The Council on Aging of Martin County
is urgently in need of volunteers to deliver Meals on
Wheels during the summer months. As our northern
friends head home, we experience a critical shortage of
volunteers to deliver hot, noontime meals, Monday
through Friday, to homebound seniors throughout
Martin County. Volunteering with Meals on Wheels
takes just two hours each week – from 10:30 a.m. to
12:30 p.m. Routes can also be shared, for those who cannot make a weekly commitment.
Families can make Meals on Wheels a fun summer
vacation project: It’s a great way to teach younger children about community service. For high school students,
Meals on Wheels volunteering is a rewarding experience
to share with friends, and it can also be counted toward
community service credit requirements.
In addition to delivering important nutrition, Meals
on Wheels volunteers offer a friendly face and an important wellness check for seniors who may not see anyone
else that day. “You’re my hero,” said one of our homebound seniors to her Meals on Wheels volunteer. This
volunteer commented, “Delivering a meal is by far the
easiest thing I have ever done to become someone’s hero.”
YOU can be someone’s hero this summer. Contact
Mary Jones, Volunteer Coordinator, at 772-223-7829 or
via e-mail at [email protected].
www.hobesound.org
Welcome New Members:
Caruso’s A Cut Above
Carole Ann “Annie” Heagney
2602 Lake Osborne Drive
Lake Worth, FL 33461-5663
561-557-4273
Business Classification: Landscaping and tree services
Sponsored by: Kim Toth, Edward Jones
Organization Description: Caruso’s A Cut Above
prides itself on their impeccable reputation throughout
Palm Beach County. They enjoy providing pristine
landscaping and tree services. They have decided to
expand their company to Martin County, specifically
Hobe Sound. Their mission as a family-owned business is to help to improve the landscape of America.
They wish to continue to exceed their customers’
expectations with the level of quality of services they
provide, while still maintaining affordable rates. From
their community to yours – remember, “There’s no job
too big or too small, just give us a call.”
Jobe Insurance Agency
Pauline Lucas
8876 SE Bridge Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
561-329-9725
Business Classification: Insurance Agencies
Sponsored by: Derreck Ogden, Word of Mouth
Computers and Electronics
Organization Description: Jobe Insurance Agency is
here to provide you with complete coverage of the
highest quality that will meet your individual needs at
an affordable low cost premium. Let them review your
current coverage and they will provide a no cost, no
obligation quote.
Just Gold Jewelers
Jody Potts Bond
2691 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34996
772-283-6717
www.justgoldjewelers.com
Business Classification: Jewelers
Organization Description: Just Gold Jewelers is a family-owned fine jewelry retail store known for its high
quality traditional and contemporary designer pieces in
14 or 18 karat, platinum or silver. Designers include
Makur, Dove’s, Martin Flyer, Mastoloni, Tara, Yael,
Gottlieb, Mazza and Nanis. Watches are by Bulova and
Fossil. Waterford Crystal and Reed & Barton Sterling
are also on hand. Custom Just Gold designs, jewelry
and watch repair, and appraisal services are available
year round.
Kip Kennedy
Kip Kennedy
11764 SE Dixie Highway, Ste. 4
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
772-341-7488
Business Classification: Retail Sales
Organization Description: Kip Kennedy has opened
her “resort-inspired,” clothing, gift and accessory “studio” in the St. Onge building next door to Taste
Restaurant. She specializes in moderately priced resort
clothing, gifts and accessories. Kip initially planned the
space to be a working studio, only open to the public
one or two days per week, or by appointment.
However, based on the warm welcome she has received
from friends in Hobe Sound and the surrounding area,
as well as many of her current clients, she is looking
forward to expansion beyond her “studio” concept next
season. In addition to her shop, you can often find her
“popping up” in festivals and markets on the east coast.
Page 5
Hobe Sound Pelican
She is currently in the Cape Cod market area in the
summer. Kip is a born and raised New Yorker from
East Hampton/Montauk, New York. She has been a
resident of Martin County for 30 years, raising her
children here, and participating on community boards
in Stuart and Sewalls Point. She has an extensive retail
background in Florida and New York having worked as
a Buyer/Divisional for Federated-Macy’s Department
Store for 18 years. Kip looks forward to welcoming
more of the community and visitors to her new shop.
Lydia Sudick Fine Art
Lydia Sudick
8958 SE Bridge Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
772-932-7988
Business Classification: Appraisals
Organization Description: Lydia Sudick Fine Art provides fine and decorative art appraisal services and consulting. A two-fold business of a fine art gallery, with
full art advisory services, fine art appraisals and valuation
services, with emphasis on connoisseurship, curatorial
expertise and management of collections for clients in
both the private and public sectors; private clients, corporations attorneys, accountants and estate planners.
For more than two decades Ms. Sudick has been an
appraiser and dealer of fine and decorative art. She holds
a Certificate in Appraisal Studies from New York
University, a Masters degree in Business Administration
from the University of Hartford, in Paris, France. She
was a recipient of the 1993 Appraiser’s Association of
America and Sotheby’s Appraisal Award.
Mario Mangone Architect, P.A.
Mario Mangone
1931 Commerce Lane, #4, Jupiter, FL 33458
561-743-5111
Business Classification: Architects
Organization Description: Mario Mangone Architect
provides high- quality professional services, whether
your project is large or small. Their track records for
consistency, timely service, and subject matter expertise make insurmountable tasks possible to overcome.
Their projects have been published in The Palm Beach
Post, Palm Beach Magazine and Florida Design
Magazine.
The Keyes Company
Gonzalo Herrera
218 N U.S. Highway One, Tequesta, FL 33469
561-746-2436
Business Classification: Real Estate
Sponsored by: Jan DeMiranda, The Keyes Company
Organization Description: The Keyes Company has
been in business since 1926. The Tequesta branch
office has been serving the Jupiter, Tequesta, Hobe
Sound area for over 12 years. They are a family-owned
business with over 30 branch offices spanning from
Port St. Lucie down to Homestead, Florida. They service residential and commercial sales as well as seasonal
and annual rentals. The Tequesta office offers a friendly and professional environment. Let one of their 40
Realtors assist you with your real estate needs.
TreasureQuest Appraisal Group, Inc.
Greg Strahm
8447 SE Retreat Drive
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
772-546-4853
www.tqag.com
Business Classification: Appraisals
Organization Description: Greg Strahm and Tim Luke
are the Appraisal & Event Guys, the “Fric and Frac of
Knick & Knack;” providing personalized service to
clients and organizations to make strategic decisions
regarding appraisals and consignment of personal
property or collections; event strategy; fundraising
effectiveness; and benefit auctions. Call today for more
information – 772-546-4853.
Welcome Social Member:
Betsy Young
8418 SE Sharon Street
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
772-418-8940
Ribbon
Cutting…
From L to R: N. Slenker, Illustrated Properties, A. Shirk, Seacoast
National Bank, Anne Smith, Eclectic Flooring & Accents, C. Bobo, B
B & T, B. Brown, Glory Association, S. Pratt, Illustrated Properties,
K. Toth, Edward Jones, S. Gonyo, Stuart Family Chiropractic, and P.
Batch-Gattone, Coldwell Banker
Eclectic Flooring & Accents
Anne Smith
8880 SE Bridge Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
561-401-5850
www.facebook.com/eclecticfloor
Page 6
www.hobesound.org
Hobe Sound Pelican
Audubon of Martin County Honors Photography Contest Winners
A mixed crowd of artists, environmentalists and
birding enthusiasts came together at Memorial Park in
Downtown Stuart at Walk on the Wild Side to honor
the winners of the Audubon of Martin County A
Bird’s Eye View Photography Contest. 100 entries
were received and 18 entries were honored in categories including Birds, Wilderness Landscapes, Flora
& Fauna, and Student entries. The three highest honors, “Best of Show”, “Students” and “People’s Choice
Award” earned cash prizes of $100 each.
Proving it wasn’t beginner’s luck, for the second year
in a row the People’s Choice award was presented to
Lisa Renee Ludlum for her photograph entitled
“Connected Spirit.” The photo was taken using a
Nikon D800. “I love nature, and photography is my
true passion,” Ludlum said. “I am honored to win the
photo contest for the second year in a row. As a member of the Audubon of Martin County chapter, it’s also
gratifying to donate my winnings back to the local
Audubon chapter so we can continue to promote environmental education and awareness in our community,” she added. Along with winning the People’s
Choice award, Lisa won first place and an honorable
mention in the “Birds” category, second and third
place in “Flora & Fauna”, and third place in the
“Wilderness Landscapes” category.”
"Our Audubon chapter’s goal is to protect and conserve Martin County’s natural environment, with a
special focus on birds, through education, advocacy
and public awareness," said John Nelson, President of
• NOTICE •
URGED TO RENEW VEHICLES
FOR ONE YEAR ONLY!
Ruth Pietruszewski, Martin County Tax
Collector, urges taxpayers whose registrations are
due for renewal prior to September 1st to renew
their vehicle registrations for one year instead of
opting for a two-year renewal, in order to take
advantage of the lower fees next year. Effective
September 1, 2014, Florida’s vehicle registration
fees will be reduced.
Audubon of Martin County. “We are thrilled that we
can help bring awareness to our beautiful community
through this contest" he added.
For more information on Audubon of Martin
County, visit www.audubonmartincounty.org. To view
entries, visit the contest website at www.birdhero.com.
Founded in 1955, Audubon of Martin County is a
501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and a certified
chapter of the National and Florida Audubon
Societies.
Its goal is to protect and conserve natural ecosystems in Martin County – focusing on birds, other
wildlife, and their habitats - through education, advocacy and public awareness.
Audubon of Martin County’s main office is located
at the Possum Long Nature Center in Stuart, Florida.
The office maintains an extensive collection of taxidermy specimens. The Sanctuary itself is adjacent to
the Center and includes an almost 5-acre urban forest
that is open to the public. Their wetland sanctuary has
attracted many birds, including wood ducks, woodstorks, great blue heron, great egret, and many others.
Recently, yellow-crowned night herons have been
spotted nesting on property. Audubon of Martin
County is located at 621 SE Palm Beach Road in
Stuart. For more information about Audubon of
Martin County, visit www.audubonmartincounty.org
or facebook.com/ audubonmartincounty.
Photo Provided
Left to right - Winner of the 2014 People’s Choice Award, Lisa Renee
Ludlum and president of Audubon of Martin County, John Nelson
Why is Maintenance so Important on Your Air Conditioning
System?
By Robert “Bob” McLean, Avalon Air, www.myavalonair.com
To answer that question, I would like to start by
explaining how an air conditioner works. First, air
conditioners do not make cold air. (At this point I
normally see the eyebrows raise.) In the most basic
explanation, air conditioners remove heat and
humidity from your home or office and transfers
this heat and humidity outside. The evaporator coil
in the air handler picks up the hot and humid air
from inside your home or office. What is left is cooler, drier air. This air is delivered, by a blower,
through the duct system in your home or office.
There is a condensate drain pan under the evaporator coil and a condensate drain line that drains outside. The water that comes out of this drain was the
humidity from the space you are cooling.
The condenser coil, in your condensing unit outside, rejects the heat by the use of a condenser fan
motor. When you put your hand over the top of the
condensing unit, the hot air you feel was the heat
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that was inside your home or office.
This refrigeration process continues until the
thermostat reaches your desired temperature. At this
time the system will cycle off. Anything that restricts
this process could make you feel warm, humid, and
uncomfortable and could cause the system to take
longer to cool. This could leave you with a higher
than normal electric bill.
This is where proper maintenance on your equipment comes in. When proper maintenance is performed, air filters are checked and replaced. The
evaporator and condenser coils are checked to make
sure there is proper air flow. The condensate drain
pan and drain line are cleaned to ensure the drain
will not back up and cause a water leak. All electrical connections are checked and tightened. All
motor amperages are measured and checked with
the equipment nameplate. Refrigerant pressures and
system temperatures are checked. This is just a partial checklist that Avalon Air, Inc. performs on each
maintenance call. After proper maintenance is performed, the refrigeration process will continue to
run at its peak.
If you have any questions about maintenance or
any other air conditioning concerns contact Robert
“Bob” McLean, Avalon Air, 7100 SE Osprey Street,
Hobe Sound, FL 33455 or call him at 772-323-6393.
Visit www.myavalonair.com for more information.
www.hobesound.org
How Can Toastmasters
International Help Me?
Have you given consideration to becoming a member of the Hobe Sound Toasters?
Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and
leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations.
Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita,
California, the organization has more than 292,000
memberships in more than 14,350 clubs in 122 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has
helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.
Toastmasters offers a proven and enjoyable way to
practice and hone communication and leadership skills.
Participants practice and learn skills by filling a meeting
role, ranging from giving a prepared speech or an
impromptu one to serving as timer, evaluator, grammarian, “Ah” counter or other role. Every Toastmasters club
follows the same manuals and the same meeting protocols. Each member proceeds at their own pace to achieve
various designations. The first manual is comprised of 10
speeches. Each speech builds on the lessons from the previous chapter. When ten are accomplished the participant is designated a “Competent Communicator.” From
there the member can go on to other manuals with varying titles such as “Humorously Speaking”, “Story Telling”
and other relevant topics. Members choose those manuals depending on the path they would like to follow leading to advanced designations.
Hobe Sound Toasters is a local club sponsored by
the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce. Membership
is open to Chamber members but also to the community. Meeting days are the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of
each month from 7pm to 9pm. The location is a second-floor classroom in the Herron Center
Administration Building of the Hobe Sound Bible
College, 11298 SE Gomez Avenue, Hobe Sound.
“What’s in for me?”
• Public speaking skills
• Confidence – The voice of leadership
• Learn to think quickly & clearly, on your feet
• Be a better listener
• Career advancement
• Mutually supportive learning environment
• Enhance the Hobe Sound Community thru better
Communication
“But what if I don’t want to be a Public Speaker.”
Maybe not -- but how about better communication
skills with your spouse, with your children, with your
friends? How about more self confidence? How about
an enjoyable, fun, entertaining and educational
evening with great people twice a month? Come for a
visit. You’ll probably want to stay for a long time.
For more information about Toastmasters go to
www.toastmasters.org or call the Chamber office at
772-546-4724.
Page 7
Hobe Sound Pelican
Personal Safety Strategy, Part 3 – Get Training
By Dennis Root
In part one of this three part series on developing
your personal safety strategy, I stressed the importance of being AWARE of the individuals and environments that make you feel uncomfortable, or present a clear threat to your safety. In part two, I discussed the importance of being PREPARED. This
meant thinking about the potential threats you may
face and developing a strategy to address those
threats.
One of the key elements to being aware and prepared is TRAINING. In fact, it is one of the most
critical elements of your personal safety strategy. You
have to receive training to enhance your awareness.
Through your training you will become prepared to
recognize and avoid dangerous situations. You also
become prepared to deal with events you cannot
avoid. If you want to carry the personal safety device,
then you should receive training on how and when to
use it. Perhaps you decided to carry a self-defense
spray, like pepper spray. There is more to it than
merely reading the advertisement and making the
purchase. What kind of product is it? Is it a foam,
stream or fogger unit? How far will it spray? Do I
know how to hold and deploy the unit? All of this is
answered through quality training. Maybe you decided that you want a firearm. The truth is, a firearm
will not do you any good in the glove compartment
of your car when you are exiting the mall. Therefore,
it needs to be on your
person and that
requires
specific
licensing in most, if
not all, states. You
will need to attend a
firearms
training
course to help you
understand the law
regarding
the
firearm's carry and
Dennis Root
use. More importantTactical
Advantage
Solutions, LLC
ly the course you take
should provide you
with the opportunity to develop the shooting skills
you will need to safely employ that weapon in your
personal safety strategy.
Training is an essential part of the development of
your personal safety strategy. Take the time to consult
with a personal safety professional if you have any questions. Remember, you can make the choice NOT to be
a victim!
Dennis Root is the founder of Dennis Root Public
Safety Foundation, located at 1111 SE Federal
Highway, Suite 118, Stuart, Florida 34994-3802. For
more information you may call him at his office 772324-8147 or visit www.dennisrootpublicsafetyfoundation.org.
Why Should I have a Ribbon Cutting?
This is a question I am often asked when someone
new signs up to become a member of the Hobe
Sound Chamber. Especially concerned are new members who have
been in business for a long time.
There are many answers to that
question. First and most obvious, is
to celebrate your membership in the
Hobe Sound Chamber. And it follows that when your ribbon cutting picture is published in The Pelican – you get free advertising.
Remember, 5,800 copies of The Pelican are printed
and they are distributed throughout Martin County
and beyond.
We also will do ribbon cuttings when you move your
office, update your existing office, or want to celebrate
a special accomplishment or award.
In other words, ribbon cuttings are not just for new
businesses, although that is certainly a reason to celebrate.
If you don’t have an office or storefront, your ribbon
cutting can take place at the Chamber office. You can
bring your truck with your name and logo on it, or a
banner with your information or just be at the
Chamber office. The important thing is to recognize
and honor your business.
The big question should really be,
“Why would I not have a ribbon cutting?” There is no answer to that
question because celebrating your
membership, your new business, your
new location, or your special event seems
like the perfect way to let the Hobe Sound
community and surrounding areas know that you are
here and ready to do business!!
Remember that bright pink reminder slip that
came in your Welcome Packet? We bring the scissors
and ribbon and more importantly, the camera.
Come on, call Jan today at the Chamber 772-5464724 or email [email protected] and schedule
your ribbon cutting.
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•Residential
•Service Calls
•Commercial
•Generators
Celebrating 45 Years
of Quality Service!
Hobe Sound, FL 33475
772.546.2292
License EC13001299
www.hobesound.org
Hobe Sound Pelican
Page 8
Hobe Sound Chamber of
Commerce Calendar
May, June & July 2014
continued from page 1
Saturday, May 17th
GOLF TOURNAMENT
7:30am
9:00am shotgun start /4-player Scramble
$150 per player/$600 per foursome
Presenting sponsor: Metz Construction
Open to Chamber members and the public
To sign up or for more information visit
www.hobesound.org or call 772-546-4724
Thursday, May 20th
NEW MEMBER RECEPTION LUNCH
12:00-1:30pm at Hobe Sound Bible College,
Herron Administrative Building, 2nd Floor,
11298 SE Gomez Avenue, Hobe Sound
Sponsorship Available
Monday, May 26th
MEMORIAL DAY
Chamber Office Closed
Wednesday, May 28th
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
5:30-7:00pm Sponsored by: Jobe Insurance and
Eclectic Flooring & Accents
8876 and 8880 SE Bridge Road, Hobe Sound
$7 Members/$10 Non-members
RSVP online at www.hobesound.org
◆
June Meetings
◆
Wednesday, June 4th
AMBASSADORS MEETING
12:00pm at the Chamber Office
Tuesday, June 10th and 24th
HOBE SOUND TOASTMASTERS MEETING
7:00-9:00pm at Hobe Sound Bible College,
Administrative Building, Herron Center, 2nd Floor,
11298 SE Gomez Avenue, Hobe Sound
Open to Chamber members and the public
Call 772-546-4724 for more information.
It’s a Girl!
Executive Director Angela,
and her husband Jason,
Hoffman
welcomed
daughter number two,
Alina Michele, to
their family on April
24th. Alina joins big
sister, Laney Marie who
will be two years old on May 5th. At this time all
are doing well though Alina at first had some
medical concerns but each day finds her stronger
and she will soon be home from a brief stay at St.
Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach.
Monday, June 16th
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
5:30pm at the Chamber Office
◆
June Events
◆
Tuesday, June 3rd
COFFEE TALK
8:00am at the Chamber Office
Guest Speaker: Xperience Marketing Solutions
Topic: Social Media Marketing & Communication
Limited to the first 12 who sign up/No fee to attend
Coffee and light refreshments will be served.
RSVP to Jan at 772-546-4724
Friday, June 6th, 13th and 27th
SCORE COUNSELING
10:00am-1:00pm at the Chamber Office
For information or to schedule an appointment call
772-546-4724 or email [email protected]
Saturday, June 7th
HoSo PUB CRAWL
2:00-6:30pm
Registration and Raffles for Sale at Scooters
Group proceeds to 4 more Pubs and
ends at 6:15pm at Scooters
Limited to the first 100 who sign up
$25 H.S. Chamber & Young Professionals Members
$30 Non-members
Includes one free drink at each Pub stop & Tee shirt
RSVP at www.hobesound.org or
Call Chamber for more information 772-546-4724
Thursday, June 12th
MONTHLY BREAKFAST
8:00am-9:15am at Hobe Sound Bible College
11295 SE Gomez Avenue, Hobe Sound
Watch News You Can Use or
www.hobesound.org for Details
$12 Members/$15 Non-members
RSVP online at www.hobesound.org
Sponsorship Available
Thursday, June 19th
COCKTAILS & CONNECTIONS
6:00-7:00pm
Watch News You Can Use or
www.hobesound.org for Details
Sponsorship Available
Thursday, June 25th
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
5:30-7:00pm
Watch News You Can Use or
www.hobesound.org for Details
$7 Members/$10 Non-members
RSVP online at www.hobesound.org
Sponsorship Available
◆
July Meetings
◆
Tuesday, July 8th and 22nd
HOBE SOUND TOASTMASTERS MEETING
7:00-9:00pm at Hobe Sound Bible College,
Administrative Building, Herron Center, 2nd Floor,
11298 SE Gomez Avenue, Hobe Sound
Open to Chamber members and the public
Call 772-546-4724 for more information.
Monday, July 21st
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
5:30pm at the Chamber Office
◆
July Events
◆
Friday, July 4th
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Chamber Office Closed
Friday, July 11th, 18th, and 25th
SCORE COUNSELING
10:00am-1:00pm at the Chamber Office
For information or to schedule an appointment call
772-546-4724 or email [email protected]
Thursday, July 10th
MONTHLY BREAKFAST
8:00-9:15am at Hobe Sound Bible College,
Schmul Dining Center
11295 SE Gomez Avenue, Hobe Sound
Watch News You Can Use or
www.hobesound.org for Details
$12 Members/$15 Non-members
RSVP online at www.hobesound.org
Sponsorship Available
Wednesday, July 30th
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
5:30-7:00pm
Watch www.hobesound.org and
News You Can Use for details
$7 Members/$10 Non-members
RSVP Required
Register online at www.hobesound.org
Sponsorship Available
•••
Sponsorships Available – Call
Today!
The Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce has several cost-effective ways to put your company in front of
business professionals, the Hobe Sound community
and beyond! Consider the benefits of sponsoring a
Chamber program or event!
What are your benefits for taking advantage of these
opportunities? The Chamber handles all invitations
and reservations. The Chamber does all publicity for
these events including, but not limited to: listing on
the Pelican calendar of events, the website and in News
You Can Use – these include recognition by name and
logo of sponsor. The Chamber handles all check-in
responsibilities. Time is provided for sponsor to speak
(time varies per event). Sponsor signage and recognition at event.
Available dates:
May 20th, New Member Orientation Luncheon
June 12th Breakfast
June 19th Cocktails and Connections
June 25th Business After Hours
July 10th Breakfast
July 30th Business After Hours
www.hobesound.org
Page 9
Hobe Sound Pelican
Business Briefs
Hulen Named to President’s
Cup for 4th Consecutive Year
Dan Hulen was named
to Vantiv’s 2013 President’s
Cup for the 4th consecutive year as a result of his
2013 sales performance.
Vantiv,
Inc.
(NYSE:
VNTV) is a leading, integrated payment processor
differentiated by a single,
proprietary
technology
platform. Vantiv offers a
Dan Hulen
comprehensive suite of traditional and innovative
payment processing and
technology solutions to merchants and financial institutions of all sizes in the U.S., enabling them to
address their payment processing needs through a single provider. States. Formerly known as Fifth Third
Processing Solutions, LLC, since 1971, Vantiv has
provided payment processing solutions to its clients.
Learn more at www.Vantiv.com.
The same project also won Gold in the Residential
Water Feature category, Gold in the Residential
Pool/Spa Combination 701 sq. ft. and over category,
and Award of Technical Achievement in the
Residential Water Feature category.
Almar/Jackson Pools also received the Silver Award
in the Residential - Shotcrete, Gunite, Dry-pac,
Masonry Vanishing Edge category.
The annual FSPA Design Awards program gives
members an opportunity to enter their pools, spas and
water features for judging on workmanship, soundness
of design, beauty, practicality and safety. Categories
customized for Florida pool construction divide the
entries by size, type of construction and features.
“The FSPA Design Awards recognizes some of the
best pools being built in Florida by FSPA members,”
said FSPA President John Garner, Sr. “The excellence
and quality seen in these pools, spas and water features
are a true testament to the builders.”
This year, 24 awards ranging from Best of Show to
Award of Merit were given out. The winners are selected by a Design Awards Committee, which consists of
knowledgeable professionals, and are recognized at the
annual Everything Under the Sunsm Expo in February.
for their support, but also to recognize the leadership
of the Florida Sheriffs for starting the Youth Ranch
and keeping it going for more than 50 years. We
served 7000 kids just last year and this is a good example of the positive things that can come from a partnership between a for-profit company, a non-profit
organization and government. It’s a fun event, and I
plan to come back next year with a shot gun.”
“Seacoast National Bank is proud to support an
organization like the Florida Sheriff ’s Youth Ranch,”
said Dennis S. Hudson, III, Seacoast National Bank
Chief Executive Officer. “The competition at the
Shootout is always friendly and the Sheriff ’s enjoy the
camaraderie of one another.”
The Highlands County Sheriff Team took home
the top prize and a $1,000 donation was made to the
South Florida Youth Ranches in Sheriff Susan
Benton’s honor.
Seacoast National Bank is the operating arm of
Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (NASDAQ:
SBCF). With over $2 billion in assets, 34 traditional
branches and 5 Accelerate loan production offices
fueled by the power of Seacoast National Bank, it is
one of the largest community banks headquartered in
Florida. Offices stretch from Broward County, north
through the Treasure Coast and into Orlando, and
west to Okeechobee and surrounding counties. For
more information, visit www.SeacoastNational.com.
Your Hobe Sound Chamber
Works for You
continued from page 2
Photo Provided
Seacoast National Bank Chief Executive Officer Dennis S. Hudson,
III, is flanked by Sheriff’s Office teams and Seacoast National Bank
Associates at the 3rd Annual Sheriff Shootout.
Photo Provided
The winning pool received the Best in Show award in the Florida
Swimming Pool Association’s (FSPA) annual Design Awards contest.
Local Pool Builder Wins Best
in Show at FSPA Design
Contest
Local pool builder Almar/Jackson Pools, Inc.
received the Best in Show award in the Florida
Swimming Pool Association’s (FSPA) annual Design
Awards contest.
The winning pool was designed by Richard
Rutledge of Innocenti and Webel in Hobe Sound.
Seacoast National Bank Hosts
Event to Benefit South
Florida Sheriff Youth Ranches
Seacoast National Bank played host once again to
the Third Annual Sheriff Shootout, inviting Sheriff
Department representatives to participate in a friendly
cross-county shooting competition to benefit the
South Florida Sheriff Youth Ranches. Sheriff departments from nine counties—Hendry, Highland,
Glades, DeSoto, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm
Beach and Okeechobee—were represented at the event
on April 3rd, at the Quail Creek Plantation in
Okeechobee, Florida.
“This is a great event,” said Roger Bouchard,
President of the Florida Sheriff Youth Ranches. “It is
not only a great way for Seacoast to thank the Sheriff ’s
with the note as a refresher and just in case they’ve
“misplaced” the original one, or want to pass one
along to someone who needs your services.
Do you read The Pelican and News You Can Use,
and check www.hobesound.org, to keep current with
Chamber happenings?
Although the Chamber tries hard to let everyone
know about upcoming events it might be a good idea
to check The Pelican calendar and the calendar of
events on the Chamber’s web site. Keep your date
book up to date with events you know you don’t
want to miss.
Have you taken advantage of the opportunity to
meet, at no charge to you, with SCORE?
SCORE has appointments available three Fridays
a month from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Chamber
office. Whether you are thinking of starting a new
business, or a well-established business that wants to
grow or has some specific areas that need tweaking,
SCORE business experts will meet with you. They
will answer your questions, help you determine a
path to take, meet with you more than one time, and
all information is kept strictly confidential.
Just call the Chamber office at 772-546-4724 to
schedule your appointment.
Page 10
www.hobesound.org
• Build Your Business •
I Joined the Chamber of Commerce…Now What?
Submitted By John Carr, JR Consulting Group
The first time I joined a local chamber of commerce
over 20 years ago, I remember thinking this is the
greatest thing ever. I can go hang out with other business people, eat, drink and have a great time. This was
working out great for me until I realized when I was
budgeting for next year’s marketing plan, I could not
show any return on my investment from the chamber.
Now let’s fast forward to 2012, 85% of my business
today comes either directly or indirectly from the
chamber. I typically receive at least 2 referrals per
week from my referral partners and/or clients that I
have met through the chamber of commerce.
How did I turn it around? Simple, it was no longer
a social event, it was about business and how I can help
others. The first thing I did was make an appointment
to sit down with the membership director and discussed all the committees and councils that were within the chamber. I determined which committee I
could best serve on with my experience and knowledge
and how it would benefit the chamber and myself.
My next step was to stay involved in the committee
100% and to never over promise and under deliver but
the exact opposite, under promise and over deliver.
Once I found the committee I wanted to be involved
in I viewed all of the events the chamber held and
made a point to go to as many as I could possibly
afford to go to. In other words, I shaped my schedule
around the chamber’s events that I felt would be a
good fit for me to find people that I could help or be
visible to potential
clients, prospects or
referral partners.
That takes me to the
next step I had to take.
I needed to help others.
It is easier to help people who call on the
same clients that I do,
so I focused on setting
appointments
with
people that I thought I
John Carr
could help the most. I
was meeting with at
least two potential referral partners every week and was
passing many referrals. It took some time but before I
knew it I was receiving almost as many referrals as I
was handing out. I suggest making a list of who you
can help the most with referrals and target them at the
events. Next month we will continue with how to get
the most out of your chamber membership.
These few tips are part of a full Effective Use of Your
Chamber Membership Program. If you would like
more information about JRC Consulting Group please
visit www.jrcconsultinggroup.com.
John Carr is the founder of JRC Consulting Group,
4440 PGA Blvd Suite 600, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
33410. Telephone: 561-623-5349
Seven Martin County Schools to Be Recognized for Making
the Grade in “Going Green”
Seven public and private schools in Martin and
Palm Beach Counties that have made the grade in
“going green” during this school year will celebrate
their efforts at the sixth annual “Green Schools Awards
Luncheon” held in their honor at the West Palm Beach
Marriott. Seven of the schools are in the Martin
County School District: Citrus Grove Elementary,
Felix A. Williams Elementary, Hobe Sound
Elementary, JD Parker School of Science, Math and
Technology, Jensen Beach Elementary, Martin County
High School, and Warfield Elementary.
The program recognizes schools for taking a holistic
and innovative approach to going green that incorporates
school ground enhancement, resource conservation, curriculum connections and community involvement with a
school-wide commitment and focus on sustainability.
The Green Schools Recognition Program (GSRP) is
coordinated by the Florida Atlantic University’s Pine Jog
Environmental Education Center in collaboration with
the School Districts of Palm Beach and Martin Counties
and with the support of a host of community partners.
“We are very proud of our schools that have taken the
initiative to embrace sustainability campus-wide by participating in this nationally recognized program,” said
Margaret “Missy” Trumpler, Energy Manager for the
Martin County School District.
The top Green Schools will be announced at the
luncheon and will receive cash awards totaling $14,500
for demonstrating exceptional leadership as models for
implementing green school programs and practices. All
cash awards are intended to help these schools continue
to grow their “green” projects. These awards will be
announced at the luncheon.
In addition to the cash winners, all participating
schools will receive a 2014 Green Schools banner, Green
Schools logo, and framed certificates. Additionally, all
schools will have their Green School profile on the
Program’s website at www.ourgreenschools.com.
To learn more about the 2014 Green School award
recipients, contact Susan Toth ([email protected]) or Karen
Aubry ([email protected]) at Pine Jog Environmental
Education Center, 561-686-6600.
Return to Respecting Fire
“As we return to respecting fire,” states Melissa
Yunas, Florida Forest Service “Floridians are reminded that altering Florida’s natural processes can have
negative impact in the future.” Fire and water have
been shaping Florida’s natural systems since the land
first emerged from the sea. Fire is an important force
that helps keep Florida’s natural systems balanced,
beautiful, and diverse. Prior to the arrival of humans
thousands of years ago, the occurrence of fires was
determined by weather conditions and vegetation.
Along with periodic fires caused by lightning, fires
set by early humans spread across the land, removing
dead vegetation and promoting growth of herbs,
berries, wildflowers, grasses, and low shrubs.
Author and historian Henry T. Lewis concluded
that there were at least 70 different reasons for Native
Americans to use fire including hunting, pest management, fireproofing, and crop yield improvement.
Later, when European settlers began colonizing
Florida, they remarked upon the open forests and
grasslands maintained by fire. In the 1800s and early
1900s, Florida cattle ranchers commonly used fire to
improve grazing conditions.
Yunas explains, “Over time, natural fires have been
excluded and damaging wildfires have become more
common”. As more people moved to Florida in the
19th and 20th centuries, roads and settlements
became barriers to fire’s natural spread across the land.
“Without periodic fires, both dead and living vegetation (fuels) began to accumulate in natural areas”,
Yunas emphasizes. “As the vegetation has built up over
time, the risk of severe wildfires has increased.”
By the latter half of the 20th Century, a return to
respecting fire occurred with the acknowledgement
of the benefits of prescribed fire to reduce the accumulation of fuels. “Prescribed fire is recognized as
the most ecologically and economically effective way
to manage fuels in Florida”, Yunas explains. Florida
is very aggressive in the use of prescribed fire, burning more acres (2 million) per year than any other
state. Florida Forest Service issues 120,000 authorizations on average a year to ranchers, farmers, citrus
and sugarcane growers and land managers.
Florida Forest Service can provide assistance to
landowners who want to manage their property
through prescribed fire. “We can write the prescription, conduct the burn and execute mop-up,” states
Yunas. Landowners should contact their local
Florida Forest Service office for more information.
•••
Rack ‘em Up!
Have you stopped by the Chamber office recently to
check the supply of your business cards in the rack in
the lobby?
We had a very busy winter season and many of the
spots on the wall are empty. That means that your
business cards were picked up by potential customers
and we have none left for future visitors.
Please take some time in the near future to come in,
say “hello,” and bring along a supply of business cards.
Unfortunately, we cannot store extra cards, so we only
need enough to fill the slot on the wall (approximately
25 cards.) We cannot “police” it for you and we often
don’t know whose space is empty, so we ask that you
stop in personally to check it out – and we always love
to see our members!! So, come on in and “rack ‘em up!”
www.hobesound.org
Page 11
Hobe Sound Pelican
Success Stories Abound in
Council-funded Programs
Thank You Renewals:
By Suzanne Wentley, Public Education Coordinator,
Children’s Services Council of Martin County
Since 1981
Illustrated Properties – Sharyl Pratt
Walk into one of the 20 not-for-profit agencies
funded by the Children’s Services Council of Martin
County, and chances are you’ll meet a parent grateful
for the program benefiting her child.
Prenatal care, after-school and summer camps,
mental health programs, swimming lessons, subsidized early learning initiatives and much more is supported by the Council, an independent special district of local government that serves as a dedicated
funding source for children and family programs.
Every homeowner in Martin County supports the
Council’s efforts through ad valorem tax dollars.
While Council staff conducts substantial programmatic and fiscal oversight to ensure the tax dollars are
being used effectively and efficiently, another way to
measure success is by listening to our neighbors.
“As a single mom, it was difficult to adjust without
extended family close by to help,” said a Martin
County mother of 10-year-old twins. “I reached out
to Big Brothers Big Sisters to help find a positive role
model for my son. His behavior problems lessened,
and he is becoming a responsible young boy.”
As a result of the support of Big Brothers Big
Sisters, the mother was able to complete her education and eventually was hired for a full-time job.
Council-funded programs help older residents,
too. A grandfather of a 9-year-old boy in Martin
County was raising the child because of troubles with
the parents, and he brought the boy to the Boys &
Girls Club.
“In our neighborhood, there are already some really young boys going down the wrong path,” the
grandfather said. “If it wasn’t for this program, he
could have easily been in the same situation.”
Instead, the boy enjoys learning and having fun at
the Club – and is staying on a positive path to reaching his full potential.
Parents can break negative cycles as well. A
teacher, concerned with poor discipline practices,
encouraged a parent to call CASTLE to help learn
parenting skills.
“I learned from CASTLE to be a better parent for
my child by communicating and learning to open up
to him more,” she said. “CASTLE also gave me the
courage to accomplish one of my most important
goals, after being a better parent to my son, which
was getting my G.E.D.”
By supporting parents and children, the Children’s
Services Council-funded programs also buoy the
local economy and create the workforce of the
future. Learn more about the Children’s Services
Council at www.cscmc.org or friend them on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/cscmc.
Since 1982
Bethel Lutheran Church
Since 1988
Aycock Funeral Homes
David Chambers Electric – President’s Council
Since 1993
GFWC Hobe Sound Women’s Club
Metz Construction – President’s Council
Since 1994
Waste Management – President’s Council
Since 1998
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Martin County
Since 1999
Habitat for Humanity
Since 2001
Tequesta Terrace Assisted Living
Since 2002
Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Kitchen Strand
Publix
Tent Logix
Since 2003
The Bridges
Since 2004
Beaches Hair Studio
South Martin Regional Utility
Since 2006
Early Learning Coalition
Stone Photography
Since 2007
Caring Children Clothing Children
Raymond James Financial
Since 2008
Courtyard by Marriott
HSBR Insurance
Stuart Family Chiropractic
Since 2009
Capt. John Gonzales – Social Member
Fifth Third Processing Solutions | Powered by Vantiv
Richard & Jeanne Nash – Social Members
Stuart Fence
Patti Davis Thogersen
Chapel Manager
Young and Prill Chapel
6801 SE Federal Highway
Stuart, FL 34997
772-223-9300
www.youngandprill.com
Ana Byrd
Chapel Manager
Byrd, Young and Prill Chapel
1170 SW Bayshore Blvd.
Port St. Lucie, FL 34983
772-879-9300
www.byrdyoungandprill.com
Since 2010
Always Best Care Senior Services
Eleanor M. Gonyo
Nathaniel Reed
Word of Mouth Computers & Electronics
Since 2011
American Cancer Society
Coldwell Banker – Rich Otten
Floridays RV Park
Group Insurance Solutions
James Brown, Social Member
Preserve Martin County
Regions Health Group
St. Lucie Battery & Tire
Treasure Coast Food BankSince 2012
Adam’s Pest Control
Branch Bank & Trust (BB & T)
Commissioner Anne Scott
Gayle Harrell, State Representative
Juno Shoe Girl
Since 2012
Carol Branch – Social Member
Comcast Business
Floridians Fighting Falls
Illustrated Properties – Mark Montgelas
Landmark Arts
Janus Investigations
Wahoo’s River House
Since 2013
Council on Aging of Martin County
First Citizens Bank
Heavenly Home Services
Hunter’s Grill
Merritt Family Chiropractic
Superintendent Martin County School District –
Laurie Gaylord
Page 12
Hobe Sound Pelican
www.hobesound.org
Picture Page
Photo by Hobe Sound Chamber
Business After Hours at Hobe Sound Early Learning Center on March
18. HSELC staff, Mary King, Mayce DelValle, Becky Slack, Pam Wolf,
Kathy Cagni, and Megan Jurek of Indiantown Chamber of Commerce
Photo by Hobe Sound Chamber
Business After Hours at Habitat for Humanity on February 26: Don
Hughes, Peggy’s Natural Foods and Gloria Kinkead, SelectShred
Photo by Hobe Sound Chamber
Wildly Successful Women’s Wednesday Luncheon at Pirate’s Cove on
March 19. Guest Speaker/Sponsor, Dennis Root, Dennis Root Public
Safety Foundation
Photo by Hobe Sound Chamber
Dennis Root, Dennis Root Public Safety Foundation; Angela Hoffman,
Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce at Habitat for Humanity Business
After Hours on February 26, 2014
Photo by Hobe Sound Chamber
Famous Hobe Sound landmark, Hobe Sound Early Learning Center’s
mascot Dunkin the Dinosaur – Business After Hours, March 18, 2014
Photo by Hobe Sound Chamber
Ike Crumpler introduces Congressman Patrick Murphy at President’s
Council Breakfast, Mariner Sands, March 24th
Photo Provided
Laurie Gaylord, Superintendent of Martin County School District
and Blake Capps, Capps Roofing at the March Breakfast
Photo by Hobe Sound Chamber
Presentation of new flag to the Hobe Sound Bible College, Schmul
Dining Center. Donated by Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce and
Hobe Sound Toasters, Toastmasters International: Color Guard from
South Fork High School, Star Spangled Banner sung by Joe Duerr,
Toastmasters International
Photo by Hobe Sound Chamber
Enjoying presentation by Congressman Patrick Murphy at President’s
Council Breakfast, Mariner Sands, March 24th, Charlene Oakowsky,
Oakowsky Properties; Dennis Root, Dennis Root Public Safety
Foundation
Photo by Hobe Sound Chamber
Coffee Talk on March 4: Derreck Ogden, Word of Mouth Computers
& Electronics, Karin Mitchell, Mitchell Marketing Group, Barbara
McLaughlin, Smart Source, Steve Landwersiek, Ameriprise
Financial Services, Guest Speaker, Mike McCoy, M & K Publishing,
Angela Hoffman, Hobe Sound Chamber, and Rich Otten, Coldwell
Banker
Photo by Hobe Sound Chamber
Presentation of new flag to the Hobe Sound Bible College, Schmul
Dining Center. Donated by Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce and
Hobe Sound Toasters, Toastmasters International: Wesley Holden,
Hobe Sound Bible College, Rich Otten, Hobe Sound Toasters,
Toastmasters International, and Lenita Shillington, Cafeteria
Manager, Hobe Sound Bible College
Photo by Hobe Sound Chamber
Animated conversation at President’s Council Breakfast featuring
Congressman Patrick Murphy, Mariner Sands, March 24th, Seated
left to right, David Chambers, David Chambers Electric; JoAnn
Tricarico, Metz Construction; Derreck Ogden, Word of Mouth
Computers and Electronics; Nick Blount, FPL; Alex Beringer, Fair
Wind Air Charter. Standing Tom Wilkenson, Seacoast National
Bank and Sue Stutzke, Nightingale Private Care