February Cheers: A Pep Rally, a Milestone & Meaningful Impact

Dear Friends,

We’re officially in full cheerleader mode this month as we gear up for our annual Pep Rally Gala on February 28. The enthusiasm has been contagious as teams rally to raise funds to purchase a much-needed vehicle for our Meals on Wheels program. We’re so grateful for their creativity, commitment, and big hearts, and there’s still time for you to jump in and join the fun.

We’re also celebrating a meaningful milestone: the first anniversary of our Elder Mobile Services Outreach Bus. Over the past year, Lesley, our Mobile Case Manager, has met seniors where they are, literally and figuratively. She’s sharing a few powerful stories that highlight both the impact of this service and the unmet needs still facing older adults in our community.

And don’t miss our interview with Dr. Neil Boland, Chairman of our Board of Directors. His leadership and dedication are just one example of the incredible people behind the scenes who help make our mission possible.

Thank you for being part of our community and for all you do to support seniors throughout Martin County. Wishing you a productive, meaningful, and heartwarming February.

Warm regards,

Karen Ripper, President and CEO

The competition is at fever pitch as the 2026 Pep Rally Gala teams reach the home stretch for raising funds and enthusiasm for the Council on Aging Martin County.

This year’s teams include Lotus Loft, New Home Dream Team, COA Board of Directors, Team Diamond, Leadership Martin County Class 35, Team Raymond James, Orangetheory, Team Certified Payroll Advisors, Team COA Staff, Closets by Design, and Ethos Electric.

The blow-out party to celebrate each team’s achievements and award bragging rights to the winner takes place on February 28 at 6 p.m. at the Kane Center in Stuart. Tickets are now available for an event that features an amazing spread from Chef’s Table, get-up-out-of-your-seat-and-dance music from Girlfriend Material, a Progressive Cocktail Tour, and lots of surprises.

Sergio Nativi and his Certified Payroll Team are new to the competition this year. “My friends encouraged me to be part of the event, and my staff and I are having a great time raising money and learning about the COA mission. We’re ready for a fantastic party!”

The teams have their sights set on a very specific goal: $80,000 to purchase a meal delivery vehicle to support the Meals on Wheels program. Every day, volunteers deliver more than 580 meals to the homes of seniors in need and also to four congregate dining sites.

Sponsors to date include the Law Offices of Philip DeBerard; Bridge Financial; Pipeline Utilities; Lesser, Landy Smith & Siegel PLLC; Team Parks; Scott Sade and Robin Miley, and Ross Earle Bonan Ensor & Carrigan P.A., MarineMax; Geminye Designs; Orange Theory, Priority Life Care; Brian & Katy Scott; D & D Quality Constructors; Brandseer; Alex Gillen, Attorney at Law (List in Formation).

Want to be a sponsor, support a team, or secure a ticket to the best party on the calendar? Go to www.donate.coamartin.org/team-leaderboard or contact Michele Leigh Jacobs at 772-223-7803 or mjacobs@coamartin.org.

The Certified Payroll Advisors Team are gearing up for fierce competition at 2026 Pep Rally Gala. Pictured are Sergio Nativi, Melissa McComas, Wilson Guzman, and Amanda Gilbert.

The brightly painted Elder Care Mobile Outreach Bus is bringing hope and resources to seniors in neighborhoods throughout Martin County.

After a full year of service, this Council on Aging Martin County program has stories to tell and successes to celebrate. 

Lesley Kring, Mobile Case Manager, staffs the Elder Care Mobile Outreach Bus and meets seniors every day who are living at or below the poverty level. Many no longer drive or have access to reliable transportation. With only a modest Social Security check to rely on, some are in crisis, struggling to keep the lights on or keep up with rising rent.

Lesley helps seniors understand which programs they may be eligible for, whether that’s assistance with electric bills, Meals on Wheels delivering a hot meal to their door, or United Way’s Rides United, which provides transportation to medical appointments. Often, simply knowing where to start can make all the difference.

Sometimes, however, there is nowhere left to turn. Funding sources such as those administered by the Area Agency on Aging can become depleted, and the need this year has been especially challenging. Nonprofits across our community are seeing requests for help far outpace available resources.

Other seniors visit the van for a different reason: loneliness. After the loss of a spouse or partner, many find themselves isolated and unsure how to reconnect. Through referrals to Council on Aging social workers and programs such as Congregate Meal Sites, support groups, and activities at the Kane Center, they begin to rebuild meaningful connections.

Many seniors Lesley meets simply do not know how to navigate the system. “It’s easy to tell someone to register online,” she explains, “but what if they don’t have computer access or don’t know how to manage an online application? That alone can feel overwhelming.” From her office inside the van, Lesley can walk seniors through the process step by step, helping them access online tools and complete forms, including Medicaid applications.

“We’re bringing resources to people who need them but can’t come to us,” Lesley says. “And beyond referrals, we’re bringing something just as important: hope.”

To learn more about the Elder Care Mobile Outreach Bus program and how you can help seniors in need in our community, visit www.coamartin.org.

Together, let’s make Year Two of the bus even better for the seniors we serve.

Great organizations need great board members. The Council on Aging Martin County has been blessed for decades with individuals willing to volunteer as board members and share their expertise to help us build an ever stronger organization.

Dr. Neil Boland is one of those outstanding volunteers. In his career as an OB-GYN physician on the Treasure Coast, he delivered more than 5,000 babies and earned the admiration of patients and healthcare professionals alike for his genuine care, concern, and dedication to the highest standards of medical care. In 2015, he founded the Treasure Coast Bioidentical Institute dedicated to cutting edge hormone evaluation and care for both men and women.

Here is Dr. Boland’s perspective from his leadership position at the Council on Aging Martin County.

COA: What first drew you to work with the Council on Aging?

Dr. B: Years ago I was truly honored when asked to join the Council by one of my patients at our practice at the Treasure Coast Bioidentical Institute. Since our practice is devoted to Anti-Aging and Preventative Medicine, it seemed a natural extension of my deep religious conviction - that of service to my fellow man. My roots in Martin County run deep after living here for 45 years, and I care deeply about the welfare of our senior citizens.

COA: What gives you the greatest satisfaction from your service on the board?

Dr. B: Every day I see the profoundly positive impact the Council on Aging provides to our community in its social outreach programs, senior daycare center, Meals on Wheels, and its full-service primary care clinic, the Joseph C. & Ann S. Day Primary Care. Volunteering to help someone who needs help and is disadvantaged in life is its own special award. We are truly blessed in Martin County to have many volunteers who unselfishly donate their time, efforts, and financial donations to help others. We always welcome anyone who wants to give back. Virtually any one of us may need the Council on Aging’s services for ourself or our family member in the future, so we all need to support it. In aggregate, together we can make a difference!

COA: What are some of the challenges that the COA faces as it continues being our community’s hub for senior resources?

Dr. B: In the past fifteen years we have grown exponentially as we have expanded our community outreach programs. In order to continue, we must increase public awareness that philanthropy “literally drives our bus”. Governmental grants cover only a portion of the money needed, so every dollar donated to COA counts. We are constantly threatened by loss of these grants with reduction in or elimination of these vital services.

For nomination details, sponsorship information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.coamartin.org/foundation/sage-awards. 

Veterans and their families gathered at the Kane Center on January 23rd for the annual Council on Aging Martin County Salute and Thank You Breakfast. All branches of the Armed Forces were represented in a joyous display of pride and gratitude.

In a special saluted, the JROTC of South Fork High School performed the Star Spangled Banner. We’re grateful to them, to all of our sponsors whose generosity and support made this meaningful event possible, and to all of our veterans and their families.

Our Kane Center on Salerno Road is a bustling hub of activity every day, with exercise classes, game days, book clubs, special events, and so much more.

Here are a few of the events you can look forward to:

Sing Along with the Atlantic City Boys on February 14

Murder Mystery Lunch on February 22

The generous contributions you make to the Council on Aging Martin County directly support our Mission. When you make a gift to benefit our programs, you help seniors reduce loneliness, anxiety and depression. By supporting our work you help build a sense of purpose and social connection for our community's seniors.

You can make a gift today or plan for the future. Please contact Michele Leigh Jacobs, Chief Philanthropic Officer, to discuss opportunities that best suit you, your philanthropic priorities and your passion for our senior community.

Email: mjacobs@coamartin.org
Direct: 772.223.7803
Secured Online Giving: www.coamartin.org

About the Council on Aging Martin County

For seniors, their families, and caregivers, the Council on Aging Martin County is their trusted and comprehensive hub for the resources they need for a safer, healthier, and happier life. 

From services like the Adult Day Club and Day Primary Care Center to exercise classes, games to improve memory, concerts and social events, the Kane Center on Salerno Road is a beehive of activities. Services also take to the road – like Meals on Wheels, providing a hot meal and a warm smile to more than 500 homebound and needy Martin County senior residents in their home each day, or Senior Dining Centers at locations throughout the county in East Stuart, Jensen Beach, Indiantown and Hobe Sound, offering a healthy lunch and socialization through exceptional programming. The Elder Care Mobile Outreach Bus, the newest member of our family of care management services, brings knowledgeable and compassionate staff directly to seniors in local neighborhoods. 

For 51 years, the Council on Aging Martin County has been working tirelessly to inspire a community that embraces, uplifts and encourages seniors to maintain lives of quality and purpose. 

We invite you to visit us in person, explore our website at www.coamartin.org, or connect with us on social media to learn more about the wide range of services offered by the Council on Aging Martin County. Our staff and volunteers are ready and eager to help.