Hobe Sound JUN 2025

The Boys & Girls Clubs Of Martin County’s Second Annual Songwriters In The Round

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s Second Annual Songwriters in the Round, presented by Beth and Steve Svopa and Brown & Brown Insurance, was a crowd pleaser. On a starry night that included a rocket launch, guests wore boots, jeans, dresses, and cowboy hats for an unforgettable evening of country music, barbecue, and dancing. Songwriters in the Round made its debut in 2023, and for the second time, the event was sold out.

Set among the country-style barn and decor, guests enjoyed cocktail hour, a silent auction, and delicious appetizers by the Fork in the Road food truck by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s culinary program. There was a special performance by local musician Kurt Stevens, who is known for blending laid-back trop-rock with the storytelling soul of country.

Guests enjoyed an intimate musical experience that offered a “behind-the-music” concert with the best of Nashville’s singer/songwriters, Brice Long, who has enjoyed a successful 25-plus year music career. As a songwriter, he has had over 175 of his songs cut with artists such as Garth Brooks, George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Hank Williams Jr., Randy Houser, Josh Turner, Reba McEntire, Gary Allan, Cody Johnson, Chris Young, and many more. Long’s songwriting hits include the No. 1 singles “Heartache On The Dance Floor” by Jon Pardi and “Nothing On But The Radio” by Gary Allan. Randy Houser’s “Like a Cowboy,” a song that also garnered Brice a CMA nomination for Song of

Dazzling 10-Foot Marlin Sculpture Shines At Lighthouse ArtCenter’s Roadside Reveries Exhibition

Artist Rene Gibson’s Lucky Mike blends beauty, resilience, and Florida flair with nearly 100,000 hand-placed crystals.

Roadside Reveries, on view at Lighthouse ArtCenter through August 1, brings together 22 contemporary artists from across Florida and the U.S. to explore the strange beauty and nostalgia of Florida’s vacation culture. From hand-painted signage and souvenir-like sculptures to surreal taxidermy and mermaids, the exhibition captures the quirky spirit of roadside attractions and the wonder they inspire. Among the standout pieces is Lucky Mike, a 10-foot-long sculpture of a leaping marlin by mixed-media artist Rene

Gibson, encrusted with nearly 100,000 shimmering crystals that catch and reflect the light in dazzling, ever-changing ways.

Curated by Anthony Record, Roadside Reveries, reflects on how Florida’s tourist destinations blur the lines between history and fantasy, and between the natural and the manmade. Curator Record expressed, “Pieces like Lucky Mike show how art can transform the way we see nature, not just as a scenic backdrop but as something alive, full of possibility and character.”

Gibson’s Lucky Mike anchors that vision with shimmering intensity. Composed of crystals in 36 different colors and enhanced with 13 specialty coatings, the sculpture glows with

Council On Aging Honors Seven Martin County Seniors With Sage Awards

The Council on Aging Martin County honored seven Martin County seniors at the Ninth Annual Sage Awards Celebration in April, proving that age is not an indicator of impactful community involvement.

All seven honorees have an impressive record of accomplishments for all they did throughout their working lives. Each of them is also creating a legacy of service to the community in their senior years.

At the Sage Awards Celebration, Council on Aging CEO Karen Ripper noted that the honorees come

from various walks of life but they share a remarkable demonstration of leadership, unwavering dedication, and deep compassion for others.

The 2025 Sage Awards honorees are: Gert Rodgers, Chairman’s Award, an accomplished healthcare administrator with a passion for quality care for all and a tireless advocate for seniors and issues of aging; Tom Campenni, Charlie Kane Award, the founder and publisher of the community digital newsletter Friends & Neighbors ; Nick Blount, Community Service, a longtime leader and volunteer for causes and projects that improve the life of the community; Tony Anderson, Education, a former teacher and school board member and an energetic champion of education; Kristal Wion Eckhardt, Arts and Culture, the founder of the highly

The Singles Scene Column©

No Tariffs On Love

By Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli

“This unique engine (the heart in love) has always captivated humanity. Indeed, we have often believed that everything is under its command.” ~~Pierre Berville

Summer is upon us, and it will go quickly, so let’s consider some fun facts about the allure of June. Welcome to extra sunshine, beach days, nostalgic rock music, and nights that don’t start until 9:00 p.m. Summer romances can last forever, so swipe left on the fling because we are here for the real thing. Tan lines will fade, but real love will not. Yet, many singles get weighed down by emotional overload, economic woes, and fear of rejection. Singles wonder: Are relationships still worth the cost? At Revolution Dating, our answer is simple: Yes. Because in our community, there are no tariffs on love, only massive returns.

Real love is not subject to market fluctuations. Unlike the swipe-happy online dating addicts, our confidential matchmaking service offers something truly recessionproof~~a priceless genuine connection. A dynamic duo will always live better than a single person. Finding (the right) love interest is and will always be your wisest and most significant investment. You have a financial advisor. Factor in a love advisor and thank us later.

Caveat: Remember to share this with someone you care about, and know that this information suits the SINGLE and the TAKEN, ages 20 to 80.

The Cost of the Modern Dating Dilemma: High Risk. Low Reward.

With 34 years of experience, let us share the hardcore facts. Using online dating apps or rolling the dice in the bar may appear “free” on the surface, but the hidden costs

Dating

are steep. Take notes on this and bring it up at your next dinner party.

• Time wasted messaging incompatible matches or attempting to vet each candidate with your limited free time.

• Emotional burnout from ghosting, catfishing, or worse … someone in another country trying to gain access to your bank account information. It happens more often than you think but no one will tell you.

• Safety concerns exist, especially for high-net worth professionals and upscale retirees. Do not post your photos on a public forum for all to envy. This can lead to identity theft, fake profiles, or an awkward encounter in your social circle. Many have seen their clients or neighbors on these sites, making both parties incredibly uncomfortable.

• The Inevitable Dating App Fatigue that drains confidence and hope. With social media alone, self-esteem is at an all-time low, so why bother? Technology is for work. Not for love. Nothing beats traditional and oldfashioned introductions.

Online dating platforms can feel like a clearance rack in the back of the store ... i.e., the unwanted and out of style. Discerning singles, C-Suite executives, and entrepreneurs must step it up to meet a good partner. Matchmaking is in, and online dating is out, and this phenomenon has been escalating dramatically over the last ten years. Real people with real success do not use online dating forums. Enter: Matchmaking Skills.

At Revolution Dating, we know you’ve worked hard to build a quality life, and your love life should mirror your high standards. Modern dating should not feel like a gamble. Curated, confidential connections tailored to your lifestyle, values, and goals trump stranger danger every night of summer. So, quit while you are ahead and focus on your day job while we focus on your love life and coaching (you may need). Chemistry is found in real-life connections. Unlike online platforms that profit from your endless swiping to KEEP YOU SINGLE, we succeed when you stop looking and pair off. This is why we offer unlimited introductions all summer long. We do not want to keep you dating. That is more work for us. We love a one-and-done.

Insurance Policy on Romance?

Get real. Dating is expensive—not just in dollars but in emotional wear and tear. Bad dates, dashed hopes, and wasted weekends add up. Our talent, vast connections, and skillset protect your most valuable assets: your time, energy, money, and heart. Unlike the digital Wild West of online dating, our process is built for discretion. If you are a public figure, C-suite genius, or someone who values privacy, our matchmaking ensures your personal life stays private. Jet-Set Sans Jet-Lag.

Why does summer lovin’ happen so fast? In a nutshell, people are more open, spontaneous, and relaxed. This is the only time of year that single parents of school-age children get a life, too. CONGRATS, SINGLE PARENTS! Energy is lighter and more playful, making summer the ideal condition for escalating a meaningful relationship. Your summer love story does not require a plane ticket, but an open mindset is mandatory. You can vacation in your backyard with your plusone by your side. Just remember, our flights book quickly, so don’t delay or you may get stranded.

In our 34 years of specializing in representing clients who navigate the entire northeast coast, we have capitalized on our investment in the love movement. When you succeed, we succeed. Whether you are newly single, divorced, or widowed, let this summer bring the change you seek. Now is the perfect time to discover what’s possible when love is handled professionally, not casually. Your new summer hobby awaits. ...

Book your initial interview with us today before we book solid. Clients are pre-booking weeks in advance. Don’t let summer love pass you by. Simply scan the QR code and fill out the form or give us a jingle. LIVE Matchmakers are standing by.

XOXO - Kelly & Miranda #SummerLove25 #LiveOffline #ScreenFreeSummer #DiveIn #TellYourFriends #MatchmakingRoyalty

Kelly Leary, M.S.© is CEO and Founder of Revolution Dating which she launched in 2014. Kelly has 34 years in the dating industry and a master’s degree in clinical

Dating on page 4

tip Of the tail

Preventative Medicine

As pet owners, we want nothing more than to give our furry family members long, healthy, and happy lives. One of the most powerful tools we have to ensure this is often overlooked: preventative medicine and routine laboratory work.

Unlike humans, pets can’t tell us when they’re feeling off. In fact, many animals instinctively hide signs of illness or discomfort. By the time we notice visible symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, or lethargy a disease may already be advanced. That’s where routine exams and diagnostics come in. Preventative care helps us catch issues early, often before symptoms ever appear, and when they are most treatable.

Annual or biannual wellness exams are the cornerstone of preventative veterinary medicine. During these visits, your veterinarian will perform a full physical exam to check for abnormalities such as heart murmurs, dental disease, lumps, or skin infections. But just as important is what we can’t see from the outside, what’s going on inside your pet’s body.

That’s why routine lab work is so important. Blood tests, urinalysis, and fecal exams provide a window into your pet’s internal health. A basic blood panel can detect anemia, infections, or early kidney and liver disease, often long before your pet seems sick. A urinalysis can reveal hidden issues like diabetes or bladder stones. Regular fecal tests help identify intestinal parasites, which can harm both pets and people.

Establishing a “baseline” of your pet’s normal lab values is another major benefit of routine testing. If your pet ever becomes ill, your veterinarian can compare current results to past records and detect even subtle changes that may be significant.

Dating from page 3

Preventative care isn’t just about detecting illness, it’s also about monitoring trends over time and adjusting care accordingly. For example, a senior dog’s lab results might show a gradual increase in kidney values. With early intervention like diet changes or medications, we can often slow progression and give your pet more quality time.

Many serious illnesses, such as cancer, kidney failure, or endocrine disorders like hyperthyroidism, don’t show outward signs until they are far along. Routine screenings give us the chance to intervene before these problems become life-threatening.

It’s also worth noting that preventative medicine is often far less expensive than treating advanced disease. A simple wellness panel could detect early liver disease that, if left unchecked, might require hospitalization, intensive treatment, or even emergency surgery down the line.

Your veterinarian is your partner in your pet’s health. Together, through regular checkups and routine testing,

a dreamlike quality. “I saw a marlin one day and thought it would be gorgeous covered in crystals,” said Gibson, who began the project in 2017. “It became a labor of love—an extraordinary statement piece destined to shine in a Florida coastal home.”

The marlin’s journey from concept to completion spanned several years and personal milestones. After beginning the piece, Gibson was sidelined by a vestibular virus and later diagnosed with breast cancer. During her recovery, the work took on deeper meaning. “At that time, finishing the marlin

you can detect issues early, extend your pet’s lifespan, and improve their quality of life.

In short, investing in preventative medicine is one of the most loving things you can do for your pet. After all, they trust us to take care of them, and that includes staying a step ahead of illness.

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.

no longer seemed important,” she recalled. “But as I healed, my desire to complete it came back stronger than ever.”

Completed in 2019, Lucky Mike was briefly exhibited in early 2020 but remained in Gibson’s home during the pandemic. Its return to public view at Lighthouse ArtCenter invites visitors to marvel at the craftsmanship and the perseverance it represents.

Roadside Reveries is on display at Lighthouse ArtCenter’s main gallery, located at 373 Tequesta Drive in Tequesta, Fla. Admission is free for members and a $5 suggested donation for nonmembers. For hours and additional exhibition details, visit lighthousearts.org or call (561)746-3101.

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, 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 jetsetting clients with a second home in the Northeast Area. Do call the central hotline at 561-630-9696 (XOXO) or scan the QR code below to hold your place in the club. Why wait? Just Date!

Revolution Dating Receives BEST OF 2025 from Florida Weekly! #AwardWinningMatchmakers

Successful single, divorced, and widowed clients are ready to live and love offline. Revolution Dating is a full-service matchmaking firm specializing in screening and representing clients from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades, with a corporate brick-and-mortar office in your backyard in the exclusive PGA Commons business neighborhood. Last month, the team celebrated many of their new success stories that have gone public! Thankfully, they chose to share their love with the community outside of the office and downstairs at Rocco’s Tacos on PGA Boulevard. Revolution Dating invites you to embrace love with them this summer. You belong here. #TellYourFriends #SummerLovin

THE POWER OF ACADEMIC MEDICINE NEAR YOU

Tampa General brings award-winning academic medicine to the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.

MEDICAL SPECIALTIES

TGH Advanced Kidney Care

TGH Advanced Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine

TGH Advanced Urology Care

TGH Cancer Institute

Cancer Center of South Florida

TGH Cancer Institute

TGH Concierge Health

TGH Digestive Health Center

TGH General Surgeons of the Palm Beaches

TGH Heart & Vascular Institute

TGH Imaging

TGH Pulmonary Care & Sleep Institute

TGH Urology Group of Florida

For nearly two decades, we’ve been ranked one of the Nation’s Best Hospitals and we continue to be Florida’s highest ranked hospital in multiple specialties

For a consultation, please call (561) 739-4TGH (4844).

tampa general news

Tampa General: Florida’s Provider Of Choice For Complex Care

As Florida’s leading academic health system for more than 50 years, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine combine education, research and clinical care that leverages cutting-edge technologies. As a result, the hospital deploys next-generation therapies and treatment that drive advances in complex care. The academic health system has also established strategic partnerships with the state’s best physicians and practices, expanding local communities’ access to academic medicine. Together, these elements converge to make Tampa General the provider of choice for patients needing complex care throughout Florida.

Physicians in the Palm Beaches and on the Treasure Coast join Tampa General and USF Health as a reflection of their commitment to advance research, innovation and technology to transform health care for their patients. Currently, the Tampa General network has more than 75 providers and 300 staff members in 13 medical specialties, practicing in 20 locations on Florida’s East Coast.

If patients in the Palm Beaches need to transfer to Tampa General for complex care, their trusted local physician can make the transition seamless, providing presurgical and

Tampa General was the first hospital in the southeast to acquire the Symani Surgical System, a robotic-assisted technology that addresses the scale and complexity of microsurgeries.

postsurgical care. The most common treatments for which East Coast patients typically transfer to Tampa General are oncology, hematology, oncologic surgeries, complex neurosurgeries and organ transplants.

Tampa General recently ranked No. 1 in the nation for transplants by volume, according to data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. With 889 transplants completed in 2024, the academic health system also set a new national record for transplant procedures in one year.

Organ Perfusion Technology Enhances Quality Transplant Outcomes

One of the reasons Tampa General ranks high for transplants is its utilization of organ perfusion technology. This game-changing approach allows donor organs to function outside the body in a machine while continuously supplied with oxygen and nutrients. Organ perfusion offers several advantages, including the ability to:

• Preserve organs for longer periods

• Retrieve organs from a wider geographical area

• Expand access to lifesaving transplants

• Take on more complex cases

• Enhance quality transplant outcomes

Historically, Tampa General has some of the most efficient transplant timelines in the country and in Florida, according to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. On any given day, there are 150 to 180 transplant patients in the hospital.

In the Palm Beaches, practices such as TGH Advanced Kidney Care and TGH Digestive Health Center often refer

patients to Tampa General for transplants. In addition, TGH Digestive Health Center’s Dr. Sonja K. Olsen is Palm Beach and Martin counties’ only transplant hepatologist. Robotic-Assisted Technology Addresses Microsurgeries

Beyond transplants, another major advance at the hospital occurred in late 2024, when Tampa General became the first hospital in the southeast to acquire the Symani Surgical System. This robotic-assisted technology addresses the scale and complexity of microsurgeries.

The system features incredibly small robotic components coupled with enhanced controls, allowing surgeons to make ultraprecise sutures on tiny blood and lymphatic vessels, and nerves, even those as small as 2 millimeters. In addition, the Symani Surgical System features tremor-reducing and motion-scaling technology for the ultimate in precision and control. The system is currently being used at TGH in delicate surgery to correct lymphedema, a troubling side effect of cancer treatment in many women. This groundbreaking technology increases quality of life for those battling or recovering from cancer.

Strategic Collaborations Define The Future Of Medicine

Through collaboration with USF Health and, most recently, its alliance with Mass General Brigham (MGB), Tampa General is defining the future of medicine.

The hospital draws upon and utilizes the expertise of USF Health’s faculty, graduates, residents, interns and current students. These individuals challenge boundaries and strive for innovative solutions to medically complex issues. This potent mix produces high-caliber research and development that gives rise to cutting-edge drugs, surgical techniques and treatment paradigms that enhance patient care.

Tampa General’s partnership with Mass General Brigham further augments the academic health system’s expertise. The two hospitals’ first joint venture in Palm Beach County is to create a 20,000-square-foot radiation oncology center at Legacy Place in Palm Beach Gardens. Together, TGH and Mass General Brigham will create a robust, integrated team of experts. All team members will cross-collaborate, share and support one other to deliver high-quality, responsive and customized care for each patient.

For more information about the complex care backed by academic medicine that Tampa General provides to the Palm Beaches and on the Treasure Coast, visit TGH.org/ ThePalmBeaches.

the Year. Other recent chart toppers are Randy Houser’s debut single, “Anything Goes,” “Today” from Gary Allan, Casey James’ “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night,” and Jon Pardi’s “What I Can’t Put Down.” Joining Long was songwriter Phillip White, the writer of Reba McEntire’s “I’m A Survivor,” and in 2000, a song that Phillip wrote with D. Vincent Williams was placed on Rascal Flatts’ debut self-titled record. That song, “I’m Movin’ On,” became the group’s first No. 1, and eventually won both writers Academy of Country Music Song Of The Year accolades. Among the songs from Phillip’s catalog are Neal McCoy’s Top 10 hit “Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On,” Reba’s Top 10 hit “He Gets That From Me,” Blake Shelton’s Top 10 hit “Nobody But Me,” Trent Willmon’s hit “On Again Tonight,” Scotty McCreery’s single “The Trouble With Girls,” and cuts on records by artists like Gary Allan, Scotty McCreery, Neal Coty, George Strait, Blackhawk, The Blue Dogs, Chris LeDoux, Brian McComas, Rachel Proctor and Kevin Sharp, Tanya Tucker, Chalee Tennison and Kenny Rogers. With a steady pen writing top hits, Phillip White should continue writing hits for years.

During their performances, guests enjoyed a barbecue dinner and s’mores dessert from Fork in the Road. The night ended with the Andrew Morris Band as they played today’s country hits, as guests danced the night away.

Funds raised support the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring,

Alyssa Debban

Justein Matthias • Anissa Stender www.seabreezecommunications.com

responsible citizens. This event directly benefits the Workforce Development Program. The Workforce Development program is designed to nurture essential employment skills among our youth and help build brighter futures. The 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, and Manufacturing 4.0. 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 was cochaired by board members, Beth GarciaSvopa and Andrew Kennedy. Committee members include Colette Beland, Andrea Economus, Christina McIntosh, Carson Proctor, Jackie Rea, Jennifer Sardone-Shiner, Sarah Testa, and Chris Vaccaro. Sponsors include Beth and Steve Svopa/Brown & Brown Insurance; Proctor Construction Company; Pamela Bernard; Florida Training Services, Inc.; VM Iron Works &

Structural Steel; Brennan Engineering; Elder & Estate Planning Attorneys PA; and JSS Marketing & PR.

To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, visit https://www.bgcmartin.org.

COmmunity happenings

Kid-Preneurs Shine At Market On Main

There’s something extra special happening on the third Sunday of every month at Market on Main in Historic Downtown Stuart—a vibrant pop-up of creativity, ambition, and youthful energy known as the Kids Market. Since its debut in the summer of 2021, the Kids Market has become a beloved feature of Stuart’s favorite outdoor market. It’s more than a charming addition; it’s a grassroots business incubator for the area’s youngest entrepreneurs. These “kid-preneurs” are not just selling lemonade and cookies. They’re building brands, learning life skills, and gaining hands-on experience that will shape their futures.

Open to local children and teens, the Kids Market invites participants to sell handmade, homegrown, or locally sourced products. Offerings range from glutenfree baked goods and hand-poured candles to artistic creations, soaps, jewelry, and fresh-squeezed lemonade in seasonal flavors. All vendors must apply and meet market guidelines, ensuring a high-quality and authentic experience for shoppers.

Among the standout vendors is Keegan, who began her business at age 11 with a line of handmade soaps and candles. What started as a creative outlet during the pandemic has since grown into a thriving mini-business, thanks to Keegan’s dedication and the support of Market on Main. Her mother,

Council On Aging from page 1

successful drama department at Martin County High School and now an active member of the arts community; Jordan Bromberg, M.D., Health Science and Medicine, a revered medical practitioner on the Treasure Coast and now the medical director for the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic; and John P. Glynn, Jr., Military and Veteran Support, a veteran himself who is driven to honor the men and women who have served their country.

“We honor all of our honorees for using the wisdom, talents and treasures they’ve cultivated over a lifetime to enrich the world around them,” Ripper said.

Dr. Reza Khatib, an internationally renowned neurosurgeon and resident of Palm City, was the Presenting Partner Sponsor for the Sage Awards Celebration. Honoree Sponsors include Betsy Herold, Craig and Elizabeth Price,

Jennifer, shared, “This program is important to us. We believe it strengthens the community and encourages economic growth by empowering young entrepreneurs.”

Another sibling duo, Eamon, 16, and Maeve, 14, launched Daisy’s Gluten-Free Baking to solve a problem close to home: finding organic, gluten-free treats without refined sugar. Unsatisfied with store-bought options, they began experimenting in the kitchen. Now, they share their delicious results with marketgoers each month. “They’re not just learning how to run a business,” their mom Daisy explained, “they’re growing in confidence and pride. It’s amazing to watch.”

The Kids Market offers more than a shopping opportunity—it’s a chance for our community to uplift and celebrate the next generation of makers, bakers, and

Nearing & Dallas Wealth Management at RBC Wealth Management, Richard A. Zappala Family Foundation, and The Community Foundation Martin – St Lucie. Sage Sponsors include Dadko Wealth Management of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, HBK CPAs & Consultants; Nancy Goethel, CFP ®, CIMA ®, CRPC ® – vice president of Investments at Raymond James; N. Schoonover & Associates, Inc.; Sandhill Cove Retirement Living; The Saelzer/Atlas Wealth Management Team of Raymond James; South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine; Water’s Edge Healthcare and Rehabilitation; and Assisted Living at Sandhill Cove.

“As we applaud the 2025 Sage honorees,” Ripper said, “we also pledge to continue our work to ensure that all of our seniors are able to maintain vibrant and purposeful lives, aging with dignity and a sense of belonging.”

innovators. Shoppers can browse riverside under the shade of the trees, enjoy live music, and connect with local families in a meaningful way.

Held year-round at Flagler Park every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (extended to 2 p.m. in the cooler months), Market on Main is a community-led effort operated by Stuart Main Street. In addition to the Kids Market, the event features a wide array of locally grown produce, pastureraised meats, artisan foods, handmade crafts, wellness products, and more—offering something for everyone, every week.

Now’s the perfect time to get your child involved or simply show up and show support. To apply for a space in the Kids Market, email market@stuartmainstreet.org or visit www.stuartmainstreet.org/market.

Follow Market on Main on Facebook and Instagram @StuartMarketOnMain.

Shop small. Support local. Encourage young entrepreneurs.

For more information about the Council on Aging Martin County, visit www.coamartin.org or call (772) 223-7800.

finanCial fOCus®

Carefully Consider Social Security Decisions

By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones

Your Social Security benefits can be an important part of your retirement income – but when should you start collecting them? It’s a big decision, so you’ll want to consider your options carefully.

Essentially, you’ll need to decide whether you’re going to take your benefits as early as possible – age 62 – or if you should wait until your “full retirement age” or even longer. If you begin accepting benefits at 62, they’ll be about 30 percent lower than if you waited until your full retirement age, which is 67 if you were born in 1960 or later. And if you wait until 70, your benefits will be about 24 percent higher than at your full retirement age.

In deciding when to claim benefits, you’ll want to weigh these factors:

• Income needs – If you need the money to help meet your daily cost of living, then you may not feel you have much of a choice about when to take Social Security. However, if you have sufficient income from other sources, such as your 401(k) or other retirement accounts, you may be able to delay taking benefits until they’re much larger.

• Employment – If you’re still working and you haven’t reached your full retirement age yet, it might be a good idea to wait before claiming Social Security because your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 earned above $23,400. In the year in which you reach your full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $3 earned above $62,160. (But once you reach your full retirement age, Social Security will adjust your payments to credit you for the months during which your benefits were lowered because of your income.)

• Life expectancy – None of us can say for certain how long we’ll live – but you may have some hints. For example, if you have a family history of longevity, and you’re in good health, you might decide it makes sense

June 15

to delay taking Social Security until your full retirement age, or even later, as you could potentially have more years of receiving larger checks.

• Spouse – If you’re married, decisions about when to claim benefits could affect you or your spouse. The spouse with lower Social Security payments may be eligible to receive spousal benefits, which, when combined with their own benefits, can reach up to 50 percent of the higherbenefit spouse’s payment at their full retirement age. To qualify, the lower-benefit spouse’s benefit at their full retirement age must be less than half of the other spouse’s full-retirement-age benefit. But if the lower-benefit spouse claims their benefits before their full retirement age, their own retirement benefit and the spousal benefit will be reduced. Also, the lower-benefit spouse reaches their maximum benefit amount at their full retirement age – they won’t receive additional benefits even if they or the higher-benefit spouse delays taking benefits past their respective full retirement ages.

One other point to keep in mind: If the higher-benefit spouse claims early, the survivor benefit to the other spouse is reduced, but if the higher-benefit spouse delays their benefit beyond their full retirement age, the survivor benefit is increased.

By making the appropriate choices, you can help maximize your Social Security benefits – and possibly enjoy a more comfortable retirement.

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.

Contact us at (561) 748-7600, Sally Sima Stahl, CFP®, AAMS™, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.

Our experts use advanced, surgical techniques and the latest technology to treat the most complex cardiovascular conditions. At the forefront of cardiovascular care, Jupiter Medical Center’s Robson Heart and Vascular Institute provides the most cutting-edge, effective treatments available. From minimally invasive procedures that reduce recovery times to the latest implants that keep your heart in rhythm to the region’s only robotic heart surgery program, state-of-the-art cardiac care is right here. With our team of specialists leading the way in advanced therapies, your heart is in expert hands. Learn more about how we keep hearts healthy at jupitermed.com/heart