Honoring Those Who Make Martin County Shine

Dear Friends,

Awards season at the Council on Aging Martin County is a very special time of year for us. Each spring, we have the privilege of recognizing outstanding seniors who continue to enrich our community, along with the dedicated volunteers who serve in so many ways to make life better for those we support.

Throughout this month’s newsletter, you’ll see many names. Behind each one is a much larger story, and a network of compassionate individuals including staff, volunteers, donors, supporters, and caregivers who show up every day for the seniors of Martin County.

We are deeply grateful to all of them.

And if you or a loved one could benefit from this remarkable network of care, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here for you as your hub for senior resources.

Sincerely,

Karen Ripper, President and CEO

For the past decade, the Sage Awards have honored outstanding seniors in Martin County who continue to enrich the world around them. These remarkable individuals are a powerful reminder that age is no measure of one’s ability to contribute, lead, and inspire within a community.

The Council on Aging Martin County had the joy of focusing the spotlight on this year’s honorees at the 10th Annual Sage Awards Celebration on March 25 at Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Club:

Chairman’s Award: Suzy Hutcheson

Charlie Kane Award: Jim Snedeker

Arts & Culture: Neil E. Capozzi

Education: Marian Carpenter

Health, Science & Medicine: Sandie Cox

Military & Veterans Support: Robert Shurts, presented posthumously

Faith-Based: Noreen Perez

Community Service: Bernice T. Simpson

Pictured: seated (left to right): Marian Carpenter, Jim Snedeker. Back (left to right) Suzy Hutcheson, Neil Capozzi, Noreen Perez, Sandi Cox and Bernice Simpson. Robert Shurts, also a 2026 honoree, is receiving the award posthumously.  

Photo Credit: Liz McKinley

In celebration of our 10th anniversary, we were proud to introduce a new honor this year: the Unsung Hero Award. The community was invited to help identify seniors whose contributions often happen quietly behind the scenes, those who volunteer faithfully, mentor generously, and uplift others through consistent acts of kindness, leadership, and service, often without public recognition.

We are honored to recognize Michael Lazarus, a volunteer with Treasure Coast Hospice, as our very first Unsung Hero. Those who know him describe someone who simply sees a need and steps in to help. His steady leadership, quiet generosity, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others truly embody the spirit of this award.

We also presented a special Lotus Society recognition to the William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust and the United Way of Martin County in appreciation of their ongoing support of the mission and programs of the Council on Aging of Martin County.

Many thanks to Dr. Reza Khatib, an internationally renowned neurosurgeon and resident of Palm City, who was once again our Presenting Sponsor for the Sage Awards, and to all of our sponsors including: Dinner Sponsor: Richard A. Zappala Family Foundation; Honoree Sponsors: The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie, Nearing & Dallas Wealth Management at RBC Wealth Management, Edward J. Yen, CIMA, CPWA, Senior Vice President/Investments, Stifel/Palm Beach Wealth Advisory Group; Wisdom and Worth Sponsors: Dadko Wealth Management of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, Nancy Goethel, CFP®, CIMA®, CRPC®- Vice President of Investments at Raymond James, Ross Earle Bonan Ensor & Carrigan, P.A., Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, The Saelzer/Atlas Wealth Management Team of Raymond James; Sage Sponsors: HBK CPAs & Consultants, South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Water’s Edge Health Care, Rehabilitation, Assisted Living at Sandhill Cove; Supporters of Sage Sponsor: Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank.

Our volunteers give their time and talents without expectation of recognition, but we are always grateful for the opportunity to thank them for all they do to advance our mission and support the people we serve.

As one volunteer, Irene Murphy, shared, “I love volunteering because making people smile is my greatest reward. Even with all the worries in the world, it’s wonderful to see a smile on someone’s face.”

This year’s Annual Volunteer Luncheon, held on March 11 at the Kane Center, brought our volunteers together for a well-deserved celebration of their ongoing dedication and impact.

In addition to enjoying a delicious lunch, we recognized volunteers for their years of service and celebrated the friendships and camaraderie they bring to every role.

We extend our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors for their continued support and for the gift certificates and baskets that added an extra element of fun to the day: The Harrison of Stuart, FirstLight Home Care, Conviva Care Center, Oasis Senior Advisors, Discovery Village at Stuart, and Dignity Memorial.

If you are interested in volunteering, we invite you to explore opportunities on our website or call 772-223-7800.

Pictured (left to right): Renee Drentkiewicz, Wilson Milford, Gary Poos, Irene Murphy, Membership & Event Coordinator Lisa Bharath, Judy Hardy, Executive Assistant to CEO Consuela Webber, and Carol Light. 

Photo credit: Yolanda Melendez

Caregivers need support, and the Council on Aging of Martin County is always committed to providing meaningful resources. 

One of the most impactful ways we do this is through our annual Caregivers Workshop, which brings caregivers together with professionals who offer practical tools, guidance, and encouragement for those caring for individuals with dementia.

More than 115 caregivers attended this year’s Caregivers Workshop, “Cruising Through Caregiving,” held in March. Donna True, LCSW, shared the importance of the program:

“This workshop is designed to be both educational and engaging. We provide practical, everyday strategies, while also creating space for caregivers to connect during the lunch break. Many discover that even though their situations may differ, they are not alone.”

The response from participants was overwhelmingly positive: GREAT! INSPIRING! HELPFUL!

We extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated committee members who made this event possible: 

• Donna True and Tracy Tyler of COAMC
• Laura Zel Kremer of MorseLife Care Management and Counseling
• Elizabeth Lynch of Treasure Coast Neuropsychology
• Amy Walker and Lisbeth Molina of the Area Agency on Aging

Their ongoing work with family caregivers ensures that each year’s program is thoughtfully designed to meet real and evolving needs.

We are also deeply grateful to our generous sponsors, whose support allowed us to offer this program at no cost, including lunch and valet parking. Sponsors include:

Premier Sponsors 

• Discovery Village at Stuart
• Elder Home Care Services 
• Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital

Gold Sponsors  

• Acorn Elder Care
• The Estate
• Taub Podiatry
• Tequesta Terrace
• Trust & Elder Law Firm
• Visiting Angels

The Pep Rally Gala teams crushed it! Thanks to their amazing fundraising efforts, widespread community support, and the special challenge grant from the United Way Foundation of Martin County, we exceeded our goal and have been able to purchase a new Meals on Wheels Truck!

This was the winning leaderboard:

1st Place: Team Orangetheory Fitness, with thanks to the OTF members and a sponsorship by Chick-fil-A of Stuart

2nd Place: Team Lotus Loft

3rd Place:  New Home Dream Team, a joint effort by Remax of Stuart & CrossCountry Mortgage.

Team COA Staff enjoyed a surprise donation of $10,000 just before the event, securing an MVP Award for the team.

Team Diamond got extra-fired up and secured a donation of $4,000 while the event was going on!

Pictured (left to right): Nicole Johnson, Andy Dowd, Johanna Job, Ben Pekarsky, Skylar Kosek, Kelley Pekarsky, Danae Clark Dowd, Katie Diamond, Blanca Diamond, Perry Diamond Jr., Perry Diamond III

Other competitors also brought their high energy, enthusiasm, and donations:

Leadership Martin County Class 35

Crane Creek Hoodies

The COAMC Board of Directors

Certified Payroll Advisors

Team Raymond James

Team Indiantown

Team Closets by Design

The Challenge Grant from the United Way Foundation of Martin County deserves a special mention. This was the first challenge grant the organization offered, and it presented a huge opportunity to match what was raised at the February 28 Pep Rally Gala up to $45,000.

“To say we are honored is an understatement,” Karen Ripper said. “To be the first organization to receive a challenge grant from the United Way Foundation is a true vote of confidence in our organization and in the Meals on Wheels program, specifically.”

Many thanks again to everyone who made the event such a success, including these sponsors: D&D Constructors, The Tyo Family, Scott Sade and Robin Miley, Ross, Earl, Bonan, Ensor & Carrigan, P.A., Bridge Financial, Team Parks, Less, Landy, Smith & Siegel, PLLC, Nearing & Dallas Wealth Management at RBC Wealth Management, Geminye Designs, Orange Theory, Priority Life Care, Tami Karol Insurance, The Scott Family, Alex Gillen Attorney at Law, Brandster, Jim & Tammy Simoneau, Strings for Students Foundation, Chick-fil-A, WellMed, The Pekarsky Family, and the Lewis Family.

Pictured (left to right): Brett and Manon Mitchell, Tim Wojnar, Daisy Wong, Tabitha and Michael Lavery

Care Navigator Brian Sullivan knew immediately that he had the perfect nominee when he saw the description of the Palm Beach Post’s Season to Share program: Ms. Dilsia Glover, a Meals on Wheels client of the Council on Aging Martin County from Hobe Sound.

At 81 years young, Dilsia has spent a lifetime caring for others. Over the years, she fostered more than 50 children in her home while also raising children of her own. Today, photos of those lives she’s touched fill her home. Even now, she continues to give back, checking on elderly neighbors and helping with everyday needs like picking up prescriptions.

Dilsia has always worked hard and managed to make ends meet. But a severe storm several years ago caused extensive and unexpected damage to her home. Water-stained walls, damaged sheetrock, and the need for a new roof, appliances, and exterior doors left her facing challenges she could not manage alone. The woman who had spent her life helping others suddenly found herself in need.

Thanks to the story in the Palm Beach Post, generous members of the community stepped forward to help Dilsia restore her home. She has been overwhelmed with gratitude, especially for simple comforts like her new dryer after years of trips to the laundromat.

We are deeply grateful to have played a role in connecting Dilsia to the recognition and support she so richly deserves.

Day Primary Care is pleased to welcome Skylar Kosek, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, as our newest Nurse Practitioner.

Skylar earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University and is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She brings a diverse clinical background in medical-surgical, oncology, and hospice nursing.

In her own words, Skylar shares what drew her to Day Primary Care:

“I chose to join Day Primary Care because it allows me to live out my passion for caring for individuals across the lifespan. The organization’s commitment to patient-centered, high-quality care aligns with my personal values. I am honored to be part of such an incredible team and to serve our patients and community. I am especially passionate about disease prevention and helping individuals become the healthiest version of themselves.”

If you are looking for a primary care provider who prioritizes meaningful, one-on-one time and truly understands your health concerns, we invite you to call Day Primary Care at 772-223-7864 to schedule an appointment. You can also connect through our patient portal at www.dayprimarycare.org.

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: