Hobe Sound FEB 2026

The Boys & Girls Clubs Of Martin County’s Third Annual Songwriters

Feb. 28 At The Rockin’ H Ranch

New Name, New Venue, New Date, New Event

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County proudly announces the return of the Third Annual Songwriters and Storytellers presented by Beth and Steve Svopa and Brown & Brown Insurance, a country-themed music event. This fundraising dinner and dancing event will make you feel like you are in the hit television series Yellowstone. This

Kool

event was the first of its kind on the Treasure Coast in its debut year, 2023, and it is set for Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Rockin’ H Ranch in Palm City. Due to popular demand, there is a new venue, a new name, and an earlier date. The event benefits the workforce

And Storytellers

The Boys & Girls Clubs on page 6

Cats & Diggin’ Dogs

Set The Stage For Humane Society’s Premier Gala

The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast’s premier fundraiser—the Paws and Claws Gala—is the largest one of its kind on the Treasure Coast. Presented by the Catsman Foundation, this year’s event, themed “Kool Cats & Diggin’ Dogs,” will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Willoughby Golf Club, 3001 S.E. Doubleton Drive. Tickets are $275 per person and may be purchased online at hstc1.org/gala. Each year the gala raises more than $200,000, with all of the proceeds benefiting the shelter animals. Volunteers Diane Coakley and Allola McGraw are co-chairing the gala. Their volunteer committee members are Carol Dippy, Debbie Hansen, Shaun Kelly,

Michele McCambridge, Sarah Ralicki, Wendy Talbot, Melony Zaravelis and Kay Ziegler.

In addition to the flavorful fare and specialty cocktails, The Essence of Motown will provide live entertainment and dancing opportunities for the guests to groove to the rhythm of Motown.

Co-chairs Diane

Humana Provides $45K Grant

Promise Fund, a South Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to increasing survivorship from breast and cervical cancer,

has received a $45,000 grant from Humana to host breast and cervical cancer screenings in Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties.

Three of these events were held recently in partnership with Community Based Connections, BCOM Health and Hispanic Unity of Florida, with nearly 100 individuals receiving screenings for the first time.

“This grant is making a tremendous impact by providing lifesaving screenings and education to women who otherwise may not have access to, or even awareness of, breast and cervical cancer screenings,” said Ambassador Nancy

Attendees are encouraged to dazzle and shine in glitz, glamour and soul attire.

The gala will feature many tempting items to bid on in both silent and live auctions. Beginning Feb. 14, bidding on some featured items can begin early by visiting the Humane Society’s online auction web page at www.hstc1.org/gala. More items will be added in the days leading up to the event, so organizers are encouraging supporters to keep on checking the website.

Fans of the classic television show, American Bandstand, are in for a special treat, too! Paws & Claws Gala attendees

Cats & Diggin’ Dogs on page 4

Brinker, founder of Promise Fund. “We are very excited that Humana is our partner in this initiative and applaud their commitment to improving community health.”

Additional sponsors of the community events include Walgreens, UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and

on page 8

The Singles Scene Column©

Best Relationship Advice Curated for 2026

By Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli

“ We have never wanted more out of a relationship than we do right now.”~~Terry Real, Renowned Therapist

By demand, your favorite Cupids have sharpened their arrow even more this year–and now it’s your turn. Our club has been changing with the times, and we are up to date with the latest “dos and don’ts” of relationship trends. Dating behavior is constantly evolving with no thanks to online dating and toxic tech culture. As a result, new clients are applying like rapid fire and our database is ever-changing. Matchmaking is the combination of talent, education, and connection. Our hearts are in the right place alongside yours. We want the best for you.

This is your year and big chance to embrace an honest approach to “offline” relationships and dating. Take a break from your screens and begin to live in real life (IRL). As always, do share this article with your single friends and family. It surely does take a village! We are grateful for all of you and we thank you for believing in love and learning. Don’t stop being a student.

Deal with it. We all invest in our love life, whether in time, dating apps, actual dates, gifts, new outfits, hair and makeup, and so much more. Even time alone comes with a cost. Losing prime years by remaining solo is not a good idea. So, face it, relationship investments are happening daily, whether it is picking up your team a cup of coffee in the morning, lunching with your friends, or getting ready for that hot date. We all talk about investing, retirement plans, college funds, etc., but the biggest investment of all is your most important relationship—and ideally, this is with your beloved life partner. This is where the ultimate ROI starts to flow. Our children grow up and leave the nest, our friends pair off, and two is better than one.

What is the one behavior that could stand in the way of a happy relationship? The answer is...HARSHNESS. If you notice you have a tendency to go harsh when things don’t go your way–you have much work to do. Harshness is a toxic behavior that is simply a relationship no-no. Don’t do it with your friends, dates, co-workers, doctors, or your matchmakers. You will be dismissed. Anger and indignation are not attractive. We urge you to ignore erratic behavior and avoid presenting such behavior on or off the dating forum. There is no redeeming value whatsoever in harshness. Harshness does nothing that loving firmness doesn’t do better.

Dating

That’s revolution. That’s life-changing. You being harsh with someone has no value. Someone being harsh with you has no value. You being harsh with yourself has no value. Don’t be your own worst critic, and don’t be someone else’s worst critic. Say things like you are on the same side as the person you are talking to, and if you can’t, then take a break. Don’t live like a victim. It’s bad for everybody. Change your behavior and see what happens. If you find yourself in an adversarial relationship with anyone–you have something to do with it. So, change your behavior, and you will likely see a change on the other side.

ENTER: The Award-Winning Matchmakers of Revolution Dating

Our clients value integrity, compatibility, and shared goals. After 35 years of experience in studying human nature, we have become extra picky as to who we will represent. In addition to in-person screening, ID verification, photo verification, and background checks, we are also examining a client’s demeanor. We enjoy dealing with kind, courteous, respectful people with realistic expectations. If a client has rough edges with us, it is likely he or she has rough edges with the world. This will eventually turn into a hard stop.

February is the perfect time to expand and increase your odds of finding your next true love in 2026. Moreover, it is Valentine’s Day, and lucky for you, our Corporate Headquarters is in your backyard. We have been astute at transforming the lives of successful singles up and down the East Coast of the USA for years, with a special focus on our local area. It is high season in Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast, and many of our clients have a second home in the Northeast, making this meaningful to so many of you.

In one date (or day), you could meet your forever Plus One. Your journey starts now, and you are in good company. People are revved up and ready for love, romance, and spontaneous adventure. The New Year excitement is very positive so don’t get left out. Do reserve your consultation today, as our schedule is booking solid. You belong here.

Xoxo, Kelly & Miranda

#FindBlissIn2026 #MatchmakingRoyalty #MatchmakingEra #TellYourFriends

Kelly Leary, M.S.© is CEO and Founder of Revolution Dating which she launched in 2014. Kelly has 35 years in the dating industry and a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She has been written about in Modern Luxury Magazine Palm Beach and Modern Luxury Manhattan, The Palm Beach Post, The Shiny Sheet, Stuart News, The Coastal Pearl, Jupiter Magazine, and many more. Revolution Dating clients are pre-screened in person, including background checks and ID verification. Professional photos are taken by the staff. Revolution Dating is NOT online dating or blind dating. In addition to providing matchmaking services that make singles “UN-single” through their exclusive club

memberships, Kelly and Miranda also provide feedback from dates when appropriate. Mock Dates are available by request. Single Coaching Sessions and Evaluations are also available by request for non-members or as an add-on to some memberships. *All inquiries are confidential *Specializing in representing jet-setting clients with a second home in the Northeast Area or Mountain Country. Do call the central hotline at 561-630-9696 (XOXO) to hold your place in the club. Why wait? Just date!

Happy Anniversary To Revolution Dating!

February marks 12 years of Love by Revolution Dating in PGA Commons Art, Dating, & Dining District, and our hearts are bursting with gratitude. To our amazing community, clients, couples, and followers, thank you for trusting us with your hearts and stories. Wishing you all the happiest year filled with connection, hope, and a little magic. Ever wonder if Cupid is Real? Come see for yourself! Enjoy these photos of our loyal and loving Team of Cupids who work around the clock to make

true. It takes a village. #HappyAnniversaryTheTeam #ValentinesDay2026

tampa general news

Tampa General Launches Kidney Stone Clinic In

Palm Beach County

If you’ve had one kidney stone, it probably won’t be your last. In fact, nearly 50 percent of individuals who’ve had one stone will develop another within five years. In addition to struggling to find rapid treatment, it can be challenging to coordinate the multiple specialists involved in your ongoing care.

With this in mind, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) recently launched the Tampa General Hospital Kidney Stone Clinic, a first-ever comprehensive clinic in Palm Beach County providing coordinated care for patients afflicted with kidney stones. Designed with patients in mind, the new clinic simplifies the sometimes complicated process of kidney stone care, which involves navigating multiple specialists and medical systems.

By integrating three Tampa General practices in Palm Beach County, the TGH Kidney Stone Clinic streamlines the multidisciplinary approach required for kidney stone treatment. The clinic is a collaboration between TGH Advanced Kidney Care in Jupiter and West Palm Beach; TGH Urology Group of Florida in Palm Beach Gardens, Delray Beach, and Lake Worth; and TGH Advanced Urology Care in Jupiter. With experienced, board-certified urologists and nephrologists, each TGH practice has convenient locations for patients living in the Palm Beaches and on the Treasure Coast.

“Working with multiple specialists from different medical institutions can be overwhelming for patients,” notes Dr. David Amrose, a nephrologist with TGH Advanced Kidney Care. “The TGH Kidney Stone Clinic offers patients a coordinated approach to treatment by using Tampa General’s umbrella of world-class physicians for kidney stone relief.”

will have the chance to enter a raffle in hopes of winning one of three seats on the “American Bandstand” Rate a Record judge’s panel where they will rate two surprise songs performed by The Essence of Motown. All three judges will be entered into a drawing for the chance to take home a private dinner cruise for four people on the luxurious Food Yacht in Jupiter. Only those who attend the event will be eligible to participate in this raffle.

Presented by The Catsman Foundation, additional sponsors are Apex Pavers & Pools, JetLoan Capital, The Saelzer Atlas Wealth Management Group of Raymond James, Team Parks, Stuart Magazine, and TC Palm.

For event questions, contact Alyssa Bean via email at events@hstc1.org or call (772) 600-3215. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Fundraising Associate Shelly Marino via email at development@hstc1.org or by phone, (772) 600-3216.

Follow the HSTC on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/humanesocietyTC and Twitter at https:// www.twitter.com/hstc1. For more information, visit https://www.hstc1.org or call (772) 223-8822.

Photos by Mitch Eiseman Photography

When a patient is diagnosed with kidney stones, they are often seen by two different specialists, a nephrologist and a urologist.

• Nephrologists care for the kidneys’ overall function, identifying and correcting the underlying causes of stone formation, and implementing prevention strategies. They may also provide patients with access to other specialists like dietitians.

• Urologists specialize in diagnosing and treating stones, performing procedures to break them up or surgically remove them. The specialists offer patients personalized plans based on their history, lab work, and risk factors.

“Nearly 50 percent of individuals who have had one kidney stone will develop another within five years,” said Dr. Murray Goldberg, a urologist with TGH Urology Group of Florida. “A simpler, streamlined process is the key to successful treatment.”

If you are seeking kidney stone relief and prevention, call Nicole Lashley, BSN, R.N., Tampa General Provider Network Clinical Integrator, at (561) 960-3099 or email nlashley@tgh.org.

Since 2020, Tampa General has established a robust network of state-of-the-art services in the Palm Beaches and on the Treasure Coast, backed by the power of academic medicine. To learn more about TGH’s practices on Florida’s East Coast, visit TGH.org\ThePalmBeaches.

Burns Wealth Management Group

Robert

CFP Board owns the marks CFP ®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® in the U.S. Chartered Financial Consultant ® (“ChFC® ”) is a registered trademark owned by The American College of Financial Services. Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks “CPWA,” and “Certified Private Wealth Advisor.” CPWA, and/or Certified Private Wealth Advisor signifies that the user has successfully completed The Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professionals and/or wealth advisors.

©2026 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved.

BESPOKE HOMES AS MAGNIFICENT AS THEIR WATERFRONT SETTING

Discover Jupiter’s premier waterfront enclave ideally situated on a stunning peninsula of land directly on the Intracoastal Waterway. Anchored by 13 private boat slips up to 60 feet in length, Forté Luxe is your gateway to the Palm Beaches, Atlantic Ocean, and enchanting Intracoastal Waterway, where excursions for sport and leisure are effortlessly accessible.

CONSTRUCTION | DELIVERY SUMMER 2026

development programs that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County have established to expand career opportunities beyond high school graduation.

Set on a farm in Palm City, guests will have a cocktail hour on the front lawn with a view of cattle and horses. Appetizers will be served by the members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County “Fork in the Road” Culinary Program. This year, our radio sponsor, 103.1 WIRK, will feature two radio deejays as our emcees, Moriah and Eddie-E.

Then, dust off your boots and get ready for a countrythemed evening as the Rockin’ H Ranch transforms into a country bash. From the delicious country dinner made and served by the culinary members, guests will also have the opportunity for fun photos before the concert begins. “Songwriters and Storytellers” is a unique, intimate musical experience that offers a “behind-the-music” concert that spotlights some of the best singer/songwriters, including Ricky Young, who has established himself as a student of the craft of songwriting, securing coveted co-writes with Luke Combs, Zac Brown Band, Lee Brice, Love and Theft, and Dave Gibson. Young’s first single, Could You Love Me Again, hit the radio in February of 2013. His YouTube channel has over two million views.

Young collaborated with long-time friend and Carolina crooner, Lee Brice, on a gritty country rock track titled I Carry It With Me. Young has toured and played nationwide since 2001 and has opened up for artists like Eric Church, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann, Eli Young Band, Darius Rucker, Montgomery Gentry, Tyler Farr, Parmalee, Craig Campbell, Chase Rice, and many more.

In 2015, at a Nashville songwriters’ round, Young met a young new singer-songwriter from North Carolina named Luke Combs. The two hit it off, and Young asked Combs to join his tour. They wrote songs while touring, including a tune Shell Shocked that landed on Young’s Shock Moves EP in 2016. As it turns out, this was Combs’ first time touring as a Nashville singer-songwriter-artist. It all worked out for Luke Combs! Young says that being a small part of Luke’s career has been one of the most gratifying parts of moving to Nashville. Most recently, Young partook in a year-long residency at Flora-bama, where he played over 150 gigs since 2020. He now resides in Jupiter, Fla., where he writes along the coast and is living his best “pretired” life.

Our next featured artist is Cade Walker, a Stuart native who made the bold move to Nashville at just 19 years old. A country and country-rock songwriter, Cade found early success when he co-wrote the song Drunk, Stoned, Or Sober by artist Josh David. He was also selected for ASCAP’s prestigious 2026 GPS Songwriter Program, further cementing his rising status in the industry.

Joining Young and Walker is a name to remember: Jordan Oaks. New England-born and raised American singer-songwriter, Jordan Oaks, has accumulated over 290 thousand streams and 13 million active listeners on just one single in just two years of its release date. Derived by inspiring country legends such as Merle Haggard and George Strait, Oaks is reviving these ’90s traditional artists with his own deep-rooted music by incorporating the southern classics with elements of his own. In 2021, with his hit single, Oaks stepped into the spotlight of country music on several national sites, securing Number 13 on Country music charts and Top 4 on iTunes. Oaks’s ability to revive ’90s traditional music is highly acknowledged by his audience and fellow artists. He lives by “These Roots Run Deep,” a phrase that reflects his values and appreciation of where he came from and where he is headed. Following dinner, the night will explode with Jordan Oaks and his band as they play ’90s country and today’s country hits as guests boot scoot and boogie the night away.

The evening will culminate in a silent and live auction, and guests will learn about the impact the clubs have on the local community of students. Funds raised will support the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County: enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. This event will directly benefit the Workforce Development program. The program is the only pre-apprenticeship program of its kind, teaching essential employment skills to our youth to create a direct pipeline to employment—and employers. Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County offers comprehensive training, providing hands-on learning opportunities through their Skilled Trades Program, Career Exploration and Virtual Training, Culinary Programs, Manufacturing 4.0, and Futures in Fashion. The primary goal of the Workforce Development initiative is to ensure that every young individual has equal access to resources and career opportunities after graduation.

The event is cochaired by Beth Garcia Svopa (board member) and Andrew Kennedy. Committee members include Dan Bettencourt, Missi Campbell, Aislynn

Mooney, Jackie Rea, Jennifer Sardone-Shiner, Meghan Shirey, and Sarah Testa. Sponsors include Beth and Steve Svopa, Brown & Brown Insurance, Proctor Construction Company, FPL, Alpha Door & Hardware, Architectural Design Collaborative, 103.1 WIRK, Stuart Magazine, and JSS Marketing & PR.

Tickets are $300, and sponsorship opportunities are available online at https://www.bgcmartin.org/songwritersstorytellers-2026. For more information, visit or call Meghan Shirey at (772) 545-1255 or SpecialEvents@bgcmartin.org. Calendar Listing

Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. – Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County Third Annual Songwriters and Storytellers. The best of singer/songwriters include Ricky Young, Cade Walker, and Jordan Oaks. This incredible acoustic performance will also include the stories behind favorite country music songs. There will be music, dancing, and silent and live auctions, and guests will enjoy a dinner provided by the culinary members at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County with their food truck, The Fork-in-the Road.

The Golf Learning Center

Two Alignment Hacks For Putting

By Tom F. Stickney, Director of Operations

One of the biggest problems in putting is aligning the body and the ball properly at address. As you know when you putt you are lining up your putt from the side of the ball, not behind it (as you would shoot a gun) and this tends to give people perceptional issues. I have long advocated getting behind the ball at address and figuring out the best way to align yourself to the path you have chosen. Some players pick a spot in front of the ball while others line up a stripe but most have some technique to set themselves up correctly. Players need to have an idea of where they are going when they stand over the ball at address as it’s impossible to line up the putt while over the ball, but many do not understand this concept.

In my opinion lining up a stripe is the easiest and most visually compelling for most people so let’s take the stripe of the ball first and show why this is a necessary habit to get into when putting.

Humana from page 1

Florida Mobile Mammography, Baptist Health South Florida and Monarch Health Services.

Future health screenings organized by Promise Fund will be posted on thepromisefund.org.

Since its founding in 2018, Promise Fund has:

• Reached 109,000-plus individuals through outreach and education.

• Provided access to screenings, diagnostics, and care for 25,000-plus women.

• Helped 266 women diagnosed with cancer navigate lifesaving treatment.

For more information, visit thepromisefund. org. Follow @thepromisefund on Instagram and @ PromiseFundofFL on Facebook.

First, look at the ball, you will see a straight line drawn by a special tool that marks the golf ball, this is a necessity as any freehand line will be crooked or off-center negating the overall effect of this alignment aid. Secondly, examine the ball’s position relative to the clubface – it is in the center of the blade just in front of the ball’s sweet spot. As we know hitting the ball in the correct part of the putter is vital so the ball leaves the blade with the right speed, missing the center of the putter will cause the ball to leave the blade at different speeds and thus the line chosen will be incorrect. Finally, the ball serves as the center of this alignment train so that the putter alignment is set secondly, then the body set up around the line formed between the ball and the putter –more on that later.

Studies have shown that the more “parallel” lines on your putter complemented with this stripe on the ball leads to people finding their starting direction more successfully. Whenever there are no lines on the putter or the putter does not have some “squareness” to its shape it will be much harder to begin the ball where you have intended. For more on putter shape and alignment tendencies this check out articles written by David Edel online.

Now that we have picked our line and set the stripe up accordingly, we will next align the putter head to the ball and set up our body around this foundation.

The line on the ball serves as the master indicator as to where to place your putter and body so you can get your flowlines in the right direction. Your flowlines are the positions of the body in regard to the ball’s stripe you see at address. Let’s take the set up from the ball and putter upwards. …

First, set the putter in line with the ball’s stripe and visualize a line running from your target through the ball, this will be the right rail of the train track that you will use to set up your body. Next, using the train track idea, set the feet parallel to the right rail of the track as seen in the photo. This will allow you to set the rest of the body up in the correct position so the ball can begin on the chosen starting line as much as possible.

Examine the forearms, they should be level and in-line with one another showing us that they are parallel to the ball’s stripe, this allows the shoulders to remain square to the target line so the path of the putter can remain as on-plane as possible. Whenever people set up with their feet, hips, forearms, and shoulders differently than where the ball and putter head are pointing you will find that the putter path will become compromised and a compensation must be made to begin the ball on the correct line.

The bottom line is that if you are struggling with putting it all begins with the ball’s alignment to the hole and works backwards to the putter head and up through the player’s body. If you will use hack number one –aligning the ball’s stripe and setting the putter up around that – you will solve the first issue. Secondly, by setting the body up around the putter everything will be square and this will allow the body’s flowlines to be parallel with the intended target line, and this will help begin the ball on the correct line time after time.

Enjoy. …

ClevelanD CliniC news

Understanding Neuromuscular Disorders

Neuromuscular disorders affect the nerves and muscles that control movement and sensation, often leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, difficulty breathing and impaired mobility. These conditions – ranging from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and muscular dystrophy to neuropathy, myopathy and myasthenia gravis – can be progressive and life-altering, requiring specialized, multidisciplinary care.

At Cleveland Clinic in Florida, patients benefit from a comprehensive, team-based approach to diagnosis and treatment. The Neurological Institute brings together neurologists, pulmonologists, physical and occupational therapists, speech

Feline Wellness

pathologists, dietitians and social workers to deliver coordinated, compassionate care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Advanced diagnostic tools such as electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, neuromuscular ultrasound and biopsies help pinpoint the exact nature of the disorder. Treatment plans may include intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), plasmapheresis, targeted medications and rehabilitation therapies to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

“Neuromuscular conditions can be complex and deeply personal,” says neurologist Morgan Jordan, D.O. “My goal is to help patients understand their diagnosis, explore treatment options and feel empowered throughout their care journey.” With locations from South Florida to the Treasure Coast, including Tradition HealthPark Two in Port St. Lucie, Cleveland Clinic makes expert neuromuscular care accessible to communities throughout the Treasure Coast.

Visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Neuro for more information. Call (877) 463-2010 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jordan or another Cleveland Clinic neurology specialist.

tip of the tail

Regular wellness care is an important component of a healthy lifestyle for all pets. Unfortunately, cats are less likely to receive routine wellness care than dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, only half of cat owners brought their pets in for wellness care over the course of a year and 10 percent of cat owners never even take their cat to the vet at all. This is an unfortunate statistic when you consider how many cats may be suffering from illnesses that could be prevented. Cats are experts at masking symptoms and hiding pain.

Because it can be difficult to tell when a cat is feeling ill, some owners may feel that their cat doesn’t need routine wellness care. This means many cats don’t get the care they need until their condition is much more serious. Most illnesses can be more easily treated if caught early, sometimes even before the cat is showing outward symptoms at home. Additionally, when brought in regularly, your veterinarian can evaluate for unhealthy or concerning trends, i.e. weight loss.

Some cat owners may feel that just because their cat doesn’t go outside, routine health checkups are not needed. This could not be further from the truth. Indoor cats can still develop a plethora of ailments and regular examinations, and preventative measures can ensure that they stay healthy for a long time. Another hesitation that cat owners have is the difficulty and stress (for them and their feline companion) of transporting to the veterinary office. If this is the case, you can reach out to your veterinarian about techniques and/or pheromones or medications that might ease your cat’s transportation and visit.

So, what can you expect during your routine visit? The veterinary staff will check your cat’s vitals, including weight, during every visit. They can discuss any recommended

vaccines or preventative parasite control based on lifestyle. Your veterinarian will perform a full physical exam to include dental assessment as well all body symptoms, including listening to their heart and lungs. Another integral part of assessing our feline companion’s health status is checking routine lab work to include blood and urine testing. This will give your veterinarian more crucial information about your cat’s health. This can provide a healthy baseline; but your veterinarian can also assess for trends over time enabling them to catch disease before it becomes a debilitating issue.

Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.

Hobe Sound Chamber Of Commerce Board Of Directors 2026

Laura Barbone, Immediate Past President – Aycock Funeral Home

Adam Blake, Secretary – Brightway Insurance, Treasure Coast Insurance Partners

William “Jay” Connelly, Past President – Kelly Kronenberg Attorneys at Law

Ryan Costello, Peggy’s Natural Foods

Jared Gaylord, President Elect – The Law Office of Marc R. Gaylord

Nina Gelardi, Juno Shoe Girl

Steve Iscowitz, 4Ever Young Stuart

John Peterson, President – Edward Jones

Wendy Reynoso, Banner Lake Club

Bob Thornton, O’Donnell Impact Windows and Storm Protection

Raymond Torres, Basic Business Solutions

Al Townsend, Townsend Financial Life Management

Bianca Wesel, Jupiter Island Pools

Bob Zaccheo, Project Lift

President’s Council

President’s Message – February 2026

By John Peterson, President, Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce

As we step into February, I’m happy to share that we kicked off the month with a fantastic Chamber Breakfast at Hobe Sound Bible College . It was our first time gathering there since before COVID, and it truly felt like coming home again. The staff and faculty welcomed us warmly, just as we remembered. And of course, many of us were thrilled to finally enjoy their famous scones once again — we certainly missed those.

Although I’m writing this message before our monthly Business Afterhours, I always look forward to the Festival of the Arts Unveiling event, by the time you read this, we’ll have already shared that special moment when the new festival artwork is revealed for the very first time. The unveiling is always exciting — it sets the tone for the entire event and ignites the energy that leads us into festival weekend. I have no doubt this year’s artwork will inspire us all.

This month also brings renewed excitement as we celebrate the 25th Annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts . This cherished event brings thousands of residents, visitors, and art lovers to S.E. Dixie Highway each year, transforming Hobe Sound into a vibrant outdoor gallery filled with talent, creativity, and community spirit. The Festival continues to be one of the most anticipated weekends of the year, and we are proud to support an event that showcases both our local culture and our local businesses so beautifully.

As always, thank you to our members, volunteers, sponsors, and partners who make these gatherings and celebrations possible. Your continued support allows our Chamber to thrive and to serve the businesses and residents that make Hobe Sound such a remarkable place.

Wishing everyone a wonderful February, and I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

John Peterson, President, Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce, Edward Jones – Hobe Sound

Upcoming Networking Events

Cleveland Clinic was at the forefront of modern medicine when its founders opened it as a multi-specialty group practice in 1921. In its first century, Cleveland Clinic has introduced many medical firsts, opened facilities around the world and is proud to be ranked among the top hospitals in the country. From a small outpatient clinic, it has grown to become the world’s first integrated international health system. With more than 65,000 caregivers worldwide, Cleveland Clinic has almost 6 million patient visits per year, at more than 200 locations. Now, 100 years later, the vision of the founders remains Cleveland Clinic’s mission: caring for life, researching for health, and educating those who serve.

Hobe Sound Chamber Annual Installation And Awards Luncheon Presented By Strategic Realty Services

Club news

Find Your Family Using DNA With The Martin County Genealogical Society

finanCial foCus®

Why Social Security Matters More For Women

By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones

While staying in the workforce builds a stronger earnings history and better benefits, that isn’t realistic for everyone. Those who can’t, may need to plan and fund alternative sources for retirement income.

Being an adoptee can make ancestry research challenging, but DNA testing makes it much easier to identify one’s birth family. At the Martin County Genealogical Society’s February 2026 meeting, Genetic Genealogist Richard Hill will present “Finding Your Family with DNA Testing.” Reviewing his own case, Hill will show how adoptees and others find biological parents and siblings through DNA testing. Sharing recommended strategies, he will discuss the tools used to identify relationships and provide examples of surprise discoveries.

The first adoptee to identify his birth family through genetic genealogy DNA tests, Richard Hill shared his story in the award-winning book Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA. He also founded two websites on DNA testing, most recently, DNAFavorites. com. A member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, Hill gives presentations on genetic genealogy topics both virtually and in person. He lives in Michigan with his wife of 57 years.

Free and open to the public, the meeting will be at the Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Road in Stuart, from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20. The meeting begins with social time followed by a short business meeting, and the presentation is at 2 p.m. The meeting will be available on Zoom; registration required. For details, go to mcgsfl.org/events.

The Martin County Genealogical Society offers a variety of services at the Genealogy Room in the Blake Library including an extensive research library, access to several genealogy websites and assistance from MCGS volunteers. For more information about membership, activities and services go to mcgsfl.org.

When planning for retirement, Social Security isn’t just another item on your financial checklist. For women especially, it’s often the cornerstone of a secure retirement. The Social Security Administration reports that nearly 55 percent of Social Security benefit recipients are women, and for many, it’s their primary source of retirement income.

Unlike investments that can lose value when the market drops, Social Security provides guaranteed income that adjusts for inflation and generally lasts as long as you live. That reliability makes it valuable for helping to address two major retirement risks: rising costs and the possibility of outliving your savings.

Life expectancy. On average, women live about five years longer than men (CDC 2023 Life Expectancy measure). That means they rely on Social Security for a longer period, making the decision of when to start benefits especially important.

Taking Social Security early reduces your monthly benefit. You can claim benefits as early as age 62, but every year you wait increases your monthly payments by two-thirds of 1 percent, or 8 percent per year, maxing out at age 70. Given women’s longer life expectancy, that patience can pay off.

Building your benefit. Your Social Security benefit depends on your 35 highest-earning years. If you have years with zero or very low earnings in that calculation, it can reduce what you receive in retirement. Many women step away from work or reduce their hours to care for family members, and that trend is increasing. A 2025 University of Kansas analysis found that the share of mothers with children under age 5 leaving the workforce fell more in early 2025 than at any point in the past 40 years. The study also noted that rising return-to-office policies may continue to impact working mothers.

Protection for married women. Marriage can provide additional Social Security options. A lower-earning spouse may receive up to 50 percent of their partner’s full retirement-age benefit.

If your spouse dies, you can receive the higher of your own benefit or up to 100 percent of your deceased spouse’s benefit. However, if you remarry before age 60 (age 50 for disabled widows), you lose eligibility for survivor benefits from your late spouse while the new marriage lasts.

Women divorced after at least 10 years of marriage may qualify for benefits based on an ex-spouse’s record. If you remarry, you forfeit spousal benefits while the new marriage continues.

A word of wisdom: Report any name changes following marriage or divorce to the Social Security Administration to ensure your earnings and benefits are correctly credited.

Navigate carefully. Given the complexity of Social Security rules, the unique retirement challenges women face and the lasting impact of claiming decisions, working with a qualified financial advisor can be invaluable. An advisor can help you navigate questions about timing, spousal benefits and how Social Security fits into your overall retirement plan.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

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