Subject Prepare, Connect, & Stay Cool This Summer

Dear Friends,

Summer in Martin County brings longer days, rising temperatures, and a few important reminders - and this issue of Council on Aging Connections covers it all.

Inside, you’ll find everything you need to know about our upcoming Hurricane Preparedness Expo, an update on renovations to the Adult Day Club, and helpful tips for staying safe and cool during the summer heat.

At the Council on Aging Martin County, we’re honored to serve as your trusted Hub for Senior Resources, providing programs, services, and support for seniors and their families throughout Martin County.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives and your community.

Stay safe and stay connected,

Karen Ripper, President and CEO

Hurricane season is here, and the best time to prepare is before a storm is approaching. Even longtime Florida residents can benefit from a refresher on storm safety, emergency planning, and the resources available during severe weather.

Join us for our annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on June 24 at 10:30 a.m. at the Kane Center. Attendees will hear valuable seasonal forecasts and preparedness information from Will Ulrich, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne. 

Guests will also have the opportunity to win a Hurricane Preparedness Kit and leave with helpful tips, tools, and resources to stay safe throughout the season.

To learn more about the expo, click here.

As you prepare your own hurricane supply kits, please consider donating items for hurricane emergency jump kits that will support local seniors in need. For many older adults living on fixed incomes, purchasing emergency supplies can be a financial challenge. Your generosity can help ensure vulnerable seniors are prepared, protected, and supported before a storm approaches.

A little extra truly goes a long way. To learn more about how you can help, visit our website. 

Thank you for helping us keep our community safe this hurricane season.

We’re excited to share another positive update on the expansion of the Adult Day Club Enhanced Memory Program.

The newly expanded 860-square-foot room is now fully operational and being actively used by participants each day. The additional space has already made a meaningful impact by creating more opportunities for programming, activities, and participant engagement in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

One of the newest additions is a smart board, which is already enhancing lessons, videos, and other interactive activities designed to support cognitive stimulation, learning, and social connection.

Additional upgrades throughout the space are also improving visibility and enhancing presentations, educational programming, videos, and special events for both participants and caregivers.

Overall, the project continues to move in a very positive direction, and we are deeply grateful for the support that has helped make this expansion possible for the seniors and families we are honored to serve.

The Council on Aging is thrilled to announce its 3rd Annual Summer Sendoff Business After Hours event on August 27th! This year, the theme is all about the ultimate "Staycation!" 

Casual camaraderie perfectly blended with professional networking transpires from 5:30-7:30 at the Kane Center. Guests will enjoy delicious light fare and beachside inspired cocktails. 

PLUS, every attendee who registers with a $20 ticket donation is automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to win a spectacular $400 gift card to the luxurious Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa! It is the perfect way to wrap up the season while supporting our crucial Meals on Wheels Program! 

To RSVP or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit our website today!

If you're a Target Circle member, you may already have votes waiting to be used — and you can put them to work for local seniors in just a few clicks, for free! 

Here's how it works: All that Target shopping you've done throughout the year has accumulated votes in your account. Now you can direct those votes to Council on Aging Martin County. Target distributes real dollars based on the percentage of votes each nonprofit receives – so the more votes we get, the more funding we receive to fight senior homelessness, isolation, and hunger right here in Martin County. 

Voting ends June 30, 2026 — so please don't wait! 

Here’s how you can vote: 

Web Browser: 

Step 1: Sign in to your Account on Target.com.  

Step 2: Click ’Target Circle’ in the top navigation bar 

Step 3: Scroll down & click Community Support Votes 

Step 4: Find Council on Aging Martin County & Vote! 

Mobile App: 

Step 1: Sign in to your Target app  

Step 2: Click on “My Target” in the bottom navigation bar 

Step 3: Click ’Circle benefits’ in the top navigation bar 

Step 4: Scroll down & click “Community support votes" 

Step 5: Find Council on Aging Martin County & assign your votes! 

Summer heat can be hard on all of us, but it can be especially challenging for older adults. Our team at the Day Primary Care Center wants to make sure you stay healthy and comfortable all season long.  

Here are a few simple reminders: 

Stay Cool: Stay indoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when heat peaks. Use fans or air conditioning whenever possible. 

Stay Hydrated: Drink water throughout the day, even when you’re not thirsty. Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration. 

Dress Comfortably: Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing makes a big difference on hot days 

Stay Connected: Seniors living alone should check in regularly with family, friends, or neighbors and keep a phone nearby in case of emergency. 

Know the Warning Signs: Dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion, or a rapid heartbeat may be signs of heat-related illness. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms occur. 

It was wonderful to be part of the Martin County Employee Safety & Wellness Fair on May 1 at the Blake Library. This year’s “Jurassic Park” themed event featured wellness activities and valuable community resources for county employees, and it was a roaring success. 

Our Community Liaison, Lesley Vestrich, was on hand to share information about programs and services available to local seniors and caregivers. Approximately 250 employees attended the fair throughout the day, providing a great opportunity to connect with the community and educate attendees on resources available for older adults in Martin County. 

Thank you to Martin County for including us! 

Our Kane Center on Salerno Road is a bustling hub of activity every day, from exercise classes and book clubs to game days and special events. There’s always something to look forward to. 

Here is one event you won’t want to miss: