May 9: Florida Oceanographic hosts “Barefoot on the Beach”

JENSEN BEACH, Fla. April 22, 2015 – If you have an interest in the health of our local waterways and want to kick off your shoes and celebrate in true Florida style, don’t miss “Barefoot on the Beach.”
This seaside soiree takes place Saturday, May 9 from 6-10 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott, 10978 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach. Listen to live music by South Florida beach band, Woody and the LongBoards, while drinking ice cold beer, sipping wine or a signature cocktail, and savoring delectable hors d' oeuvres. There will also be chances to win great prizes. After sunset, the party will continue poolside on the patio, to avoid disturbing the sea turtles (nesting season is March 1 - October 31).

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our members and those in the community to spend time with friends and celebrate by the sea,” said Mark Perry, executive director of Florida Oceanographic Society. “All proceeds support Florida Oceanographic’s mission and I hope you can join us on the beach!”

Tickets are $75 per person, $70 for Florida Oceanographic members (21 and older) and can be purchased at FloridaOcean.org, or call 772-225-0505, ext. 106. Advance purchase is required; ticket sales end May 4. 

About Florida Oceanographic Society 
Florida Oceanographic is a non-profit organization founded in 1964 with the mission to inspire environmental stewardship of Florida’s coastal ecosystems through education and research. Their Coastal Center is a 57-acre marine life nature center located on Hutchinson Island in Stuart, between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. As a leading state- and nationally-recognized environmental organization, Florida Oceanographic offers educational programs for all ages and conducts research and restoration programs that lead to healthy coastal ecosystems. For more information, visit FloridaOcean.org or call 772-225-0505.

American Quarter Horse Association Trail Challenge set for May 19

Saddle up for an extremely fun and challenging event!

The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) will host a Trail Challenge event on Saturday, May 19 at Jack Peeples’ Fox Trail Farm in Palm City. This is currently the only AQHA-sanctioned event of its kind in the Southeastern United States. Fox Trail Farm was also the site of the very first Trail Challenge in AQHA history, which took place March 24.

The course will open for schooling at 7 a.m., followed by a 9 a.m. clinic hosted by AQHA Professional Horsewoman, Cindy Reddish of Palm City, and top Quarter Horse trainers from around the state. The clinic is $75 per person. The Trail Challenge will begin at 1 p.m. Schooling and Trail Challenge classes are $20 each and $50 for the "Extreme Trail Challenge," an all-breed jackpot division. Register online by May 17 to receive a discount on multiple classes.

“This is a great event for riders of all ages, skill levels and disciplines,” said Reddish, who describes the course as a playground for horses. “Any type of horse can benefit from training and competing on this course. Navigating each obstacle builds confidence, respect and trust between the horse and rider.”

Those who are new to the course are strongly encouraged to participate in the clinic and ground work exercises to prepare their horse for each individual obstacle, before attempting the challenge.

The Trail Challenge will be divided into levels based on the horse and rider partnership: Level 1 – a training level or new partnership; Level 2 – an intermediate or established partnership; Level 3 – master level with the ability to negotiate difficult obstacles; and Level 4 – an added “Extreme Trail Challenge” and jackpot division. Classes will be offered for adults, youth and equestrians with disabilities, with American Quarter Horse and all breed divisions. Riders may participate in English or Western attire and tack.

The trail patterns will consist of approximately 16 obstacles (more for Level 4) with judges stationed throughout the course. Obstacles include bridges, logs, climbs and water crossings. Patterns will be distributed at registration and colored flags will mark the course for each level. Each partnership begins with a score of 70, with points added or deducted based on the team’s performance.

The goal is to complete the course safely, without refusals or deviating from the pattern. Teams that navigate the course calmly and willingly, without resistance or force, will receive additional points.

Ribbons will be distributed to the top 10 riders in each division. Registered Quarter Horses ridden by AQHA members may receive Trail Challenge Merits on their permanent records.

The Fox Trail Farm trail course is located in Sunshine Farms, near 5607 Honey Terrace in Palm City (signs will be posted the day of the event). Overnight accommodations are available for $35/stall at Martin Downs Equestrian Center. Refreshments will be available for purchase during the event.

Special thanks to Harbour Ridge Equine, Ranch Feed & Pet Supply, and West of Ole England for sponsoring the event.

For more information, visit CindyReddishQH.com or contact Kathy Boyd at 941-961-2158. For rules and obstacle examples, visit AQHA.com/Riding and click on “Trail Challenge.”

Hello 2012!

It has been a while since my last post - I apologize. What's that saying, "The cobbler's children go without shoes..."? Well, that's certainly the case here. I've been busy helping around town... but here's a recap before I resume blogging (it's already mid-March 2012!).

• Mr. Stud Finder Charity Auction (Jan. 26, 2012), benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Martin County's 2012 Women Build, raised $30,000! Many thanks to everyone involved with making this event a success.
• The Martin County Library Foundation hosted another successful 'Dr. Seuss Days' in early March to celebrate Dr. Seuss' Birthday and share the gift of reading. I had the honor of reading and gifting the book, 'The Lorax' to students at Apple Tree Academy in Stuart. What a pleasure!
• The Power Ride cycling poker ride (March 11) - which also benefits Habitat for Humanity of Martin County's Women Build - brought in $10,000!
• Stuart Nursing & Restorative Care Center celebrated its 40th anniversary on March 15. They received a lovely feature in the Martin County section of the Stuart News, a proclamation from Mayor Christie and the City of Stuart, and had a wonderful party to commemorate this achievement and honor employee milestones. Congratulations!
• And tommorow (March 17) is the 4th annual Singlefin Showdown at Stuart Beach. This unique surfing event is hosted by Ohana Surf Shop and benefits the United Way of Martin County.
  

Stay tuned for more updates and post-event recaps!

New Growth Media, LLC provides marketing, communications and public relations services. Let us know how we can help cultivate your message. E-mail kelly@ngmedia.biz or visit www.NGMedia.biz.

Rock-A-Thon raises $7,500 for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County

STUART, Fla., Dec. 13, 2011 – On Dec. 3, champions of Habitat for Humanity of Martin County rocked their way to more than $7,500 – funds that will be used to build homes for deserving families throughout the community.

The Rock-A-Thon fundraiser took place at Lowe’s of Stuart and was quite a success for the local Habitat affiliate. The rocking chair relay event kept attendees of all ages entertained with live music, activities, refreshments and more.

"The outpouring of community support for the Rock-A-Thon is a testament to the Habitat mission,” said Mary Jones, director of volunteer services for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County. "We are very pleased with the results and so grateful to the volunteers, performers, sponsors and staff that made this event possible.”

The event included live entertainment from local bands including 99 for One of First United Methodist Church of Stuart, One Last Chance Band, and Medicine Cabinet; and children’s activities including a Lowe’s kids clinic and Boys & Girls Club craft table.

Special thanks to Lowe’s of Stuart for hosting the event, as well as the generous "Rock Star” sponsors, Bank Atlantic; Bushdogs Parties, Picnics and Casual Catering; Centex; EZ-On Products of Florida; and Water Pointe Realty Group. "You Rock" sponsors, Braddock Electric and Air, CSL Plasma, Empire Environmental, Forum Financial Group, Freedom Homebuilders, Natural Flow, New Growth Media, Premium Painters, Treasure Coast Propellers, Whiticar Boat Works, and River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp. "Rocker" sponsors, Accurate Tile & Marble, Ampersand Shirt Shack, Atlantic Insurance Advisors, Hurricane Boat Lifts, Koplas & Company, CPA, PA, Sterling Mortgage, and Beachcomber Fiberglass Technology.

We also want to thank Stewart with Hurricane Mountain Sound for providing the sound, Karen with KMF Entertainment who provided face painting and balloon art, Bushdogs Catering for providing the delicious food and sweets, and the Chick-fil-A for Santa Cow making an appearance.

To learn more about Habitat volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit HabitatMartin.org or call Habitat for Humanity of Martin County at (772) 223-9940.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit organization that works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to help eliminate substandard housing by building homes for others, revitalizing neighborhoods, and transforming lives. Since its inception in 1986, Habitat for Humanity of Martin County has built 94 homes in Hobe Sound, Indiantown, Jensen Beach, Port Salerno and Stuart. For more information, call (772) 223-9940 or visit HabitatMartin.org.

Luncheon raises $4,000 for Habitat's 'Women Build'

Many thanks to all who attended Habitat for Humanity of Martin County's 'Women Build Kickoff and Building Blocks Luncheon' on Oct. 12 at Harbour Bay Plaza in Sewall's Point, Fla.

Through the support of attendees, donors, sponsors and volunteers, the event raised more than $4,000 for the 2012 Women Build home for the Sanchez Family. The home will be located in the Carter Park community in Indiantown, Fla and construction will begin in January.

View New Growth Media's photos from the event by clicking on the slideshow, below.

Kelly Beard, guest blogger for Margaret May

I'm excited to have received an invitation to blog about philanthropy for Margaret May. Please visit her blog and read my post on volunteerism. I hope you enjoy!

Kelly Beard named Communicator of the Year

Kelly Beard, owner of New Growth Media, LLC, was recently honored by the Florida Public Relations Association's Treasure Coast Chapter as "Communicator of the Year for a Non-Profit Organization."

Beard was nominated by her client, Habitat for Humanity of Martin County, for her communications and marketing efforts and received the award at the 2011 Treasure Coast Image Awards Dinner.

"Kelly has the unique ability to take an idea or infant concept and develop, implement and maintain an entire marketing program or event, while also transitioning that idea into a platform for future programs to build upon," said Margot Graff, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Martin County.

New Growth Media, LLC specializes in cultivating effective and meaningful communications, marketing and social media strategies that drive positive results. To learn more, visit NGMedia.biz or call (772) 538-3222.

Meet Margaret May

I'd like to introduce you to Margaret May, an inspiring individual with whom New Growth Media has had the pleasure of working with this past year.

Margaret empowers women to create their public and private wealth legacy unique to their passion and purpose, inspiring them to make a difference in the world. She is an accomplished author, trainer, thought leader and public speaker. Her financial expertise, experience in estate planning, philanthropic giving and ability to speak from the heart allows her to bring a unique and inspirational message to her clients and audiences. Her latest book, co-authored with Niki Nicastro McCuistion, is “Women, Wealth & Giving, The Virtuous Legacy of the Boom Generation,” published by John Wiley & Sons.

New Growth Media has worked closely with Margaret to establish a blog and social media sites through Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Vimeo and You Tube.

In addition, New Growth Media worked with CommuniGraphics to unveil a new website and e-newsletter for Margaret May.

Please visit the links above and follow Margaret as she inspires "transformation through virtuous philanthropy."

To learn how New Growth Media can cultivate your message, visit NGMedia.biz.

Rock-A-Thon to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County

Proceeds from rocking chair relay event will help build homes for deserving families

Habitat For Humanity of Martin County is gearing up for the 2010 Rock-A-Thon, Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lowe’s, 3620 S.E. Federal Highway in Stuart.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to support Habitat for Humanity, even if they’re unable to help with the construction of homes on the job site,” said Mary Jones, director of volunteer services for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County. “The beauty of a Rock-A-Thon is that almost everyone can rock in a rocking chair!”

The event will take place at Lowe’s in the parking lot across from the garden center and will feature live entertainment, children’s activities, a silent auction featuring robust gift baskets, raffle prizes and refreshments. Funds raised will help build homes for deserving families throughout Martin County.

Join Habitat volunteers, homeowners, students, civic groups and local congregations at this fun-filled event to support the Habitat mission. There are several ways to get involved:

• Rock as a team or individual – sign up now to begin fundraising!
• Pledge to sponsor a rocker or team – donations start at $1 per minute.
• Sponsor the event – sponsorship opportunities range from $50 to $250.
• Enter to win a 32-inch LG television – tickets are $10 each or six for $50.
• Stop by the Rock-A-Thon (it’s FREE!) and cheer on the rockers and enjoy the live entertainment.

To register or to learn more, visit HabitatMartin.org or call Habitat for Humanity of Martin County at (772) 223-9940.

Special thanks to Lowe’s of Stuart for hosting the event, as well as the generous “Rock Star” sponsors, 99.7 Jack FM, Advanced Technologies Group, Bank Atlantic, E-Z-On, New Growth Media, Pampered Chef, and Roegiers, Goldin, Chappel, Nall & Associates.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, call (772) 223-9940 or visit HabitatMartin.org.

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County kicks off Women Build 2011 with luncheon and shopping event

Building Blocks Luncheon offers unique opportunity to purchase materials needed for Women Build home

STUART, Fla., Sept. 7, 2010 – Habitat for Humanity of Martin County will kick off its 2011 Women Build program with a special “Building Blocks Luncheon” and shopping event at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at Harbour Bay Plaza’s Palm Room, 3720 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart.

Beginning at 11 a.m., attendees will have a unique opportunity to buy everything needed to complete the 2011 Women Build home, even the kitchen sink! The shopping list includes all the necessary “building blocks,” from footer concrete, paint and roofing nails to doors, cabinets and appliances. Items are listed per unit at Habitat’s actual cost, ranging from $12 to $3,500. All donations are tax-deductible and tax receipts will be provided.

The luncheon and presentation will begin at 12 p.m. with passionate testimonials from Habitat volunteers and staff, as well as past and present Women Build home recipients, detailing the profound impact this program has on the Martin County community and its female participants. Renato’s Italian Ristorante will cater the luncheon with a menu featuring a salad, choice of chicken marsala or eggplant parmesan and dessert.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to build our fourth Women Build home for a very special family,” said Mary Jones, director of volunteer services at Habitat for Humanity of Martin County. “Habitat is blessed with amazing staff members, volunteers and community partners who contribute their sweat and tears, time and money to this wonderful cause. We look forward to working with them and meeting new faces at our upcoming luncheon.”

The 2011 Women Build home will be built for Shameeka Dixon and her two 4-year-old boys in the Hobe Sound community of Banner Lake. Dixon is already contributing to Habitat’s sweat equity requirement of 300 volunteer hours and construction of her home will begin in January. She will purchase the home with a no-profit loan and her monthly mortgage payments will be used to build more Habitat homes.

“Owning a home means everything to me. I’ll be setting up a great foundation for my children and they’ll have a place to call home,” says Dixon. “It’s also a great achievement for me to reach one of my life-long goals.”

Luncheon tickets are $35 and seating is limited. Reservations must be made prior to Sept. 30 by calling Habitat for Humanity of Martin County at (772) 223-9940. To view the “Building Blocks Shopping List” or for more information, visit HabitatMartin.org and click on “Women Build.”

About Women Build
Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity International program that encourages women and girls to have fun and make a difference by building homes and communities. Women crews around the world have built thousands of homes since Women Build’s official creation in 1998. Each year, more homes are added as affiliates, donors and sponsors discover the impact of women volunteers and their resources.

Fast Facts

• Women Build empowers women to build Habitat homes, enabling them to positively impact the lives of children by making home ownership a present reality for families.
• Women Build is not about excluding men; it's about including women.
• Women are often intimidated on a “mixed” construction site; but in the comfortable environment of Women Build, they quickly learn construction skills.
• When women come together in a supportive environment, they feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem.
• More than 12 million U.S. children – one in six – are living in poverty. Poverty is a severe threat to children's health, growth and potential.
• Women need not wait for others to address substandard housing issues. They have the capability and determination to be part of the solution.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, call (772) 223-9940 or visit HabitatMartin.org.

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County teams up with Educate Tomorrow on ‘green home’ build

STUART, Fla., July 14, 2010 – Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is receiving some much needed assistance with the construction of their green homes in East Stuart, thanks to Miami-based not-for-profit, Educate Tomorrow.

The group of 11 young adults and two adult mentors are volunteering for HFHMC through Friday, July 16, on two home sites located at the 800 block of Tarpon Avenue. The students are transitioning out of the foster system; Educate Tomorrow helps them to bridge the gap into the real world and college through mentorship programs.

“At some time in their life, these kids have been abused, abandoned or neglected,” said Erica French, chief operating officer and program supervisor for Educate Tomorrow. “As foster kids, they can go to any state or technical school for free, but often there’s no one to help them get there. At age 18, they’re out of the foster program, but if they stay in school, they can receive a monthly check to help with living expenses. It’s not easy being on your own, finding an apartment, learning to budget your expenses, and that’s where Educate Tomorrow helps out.”

Educate Tomorrow, Corp. is an international, nonprofit organization with a mission to make education an attainable goal for the most disadvantaged, so that all may be afforded the possibilities that can be achieved through learning. Educate Tomorrow supports 15-23 year olds who are aging out of the foster care system, by matching them with mentors. These mentors in turn help the young people to enroll in college and training programs, find housing and jobs, as well as apply for educational and social assistance that may be available to them.

“We’ve volunteered for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County every year for the past three years,” said French. “We know that camps and retreats are good for the students and makes for a great bonding experience.”

The group is contributing to the construction of HFHMC’s green homes, which will conform to environmentally sensitive standards, meeting gold rating requirements by the Florida Green Building Coalition. The house is expected to be complete in November.

“We’re so grateful to the students and mentors at Educate Tomorrow for volunteering their time to help our community, year after year,” said Margot Graff, HFHMC executive director. “It’s a wonderful partnership and we’re so blessed to have an opportunity to work with such an extraordinary group.”

To learn more about Habitat sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, visit HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940. For more information about Educate Tomorrow, visit EducateTomorrow.org or call (305) 374-3751.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, call (772) 223-9940 or visit HabitatMartin.org.

Photo Captions
Educate Tomorrow students Harry Mystery DuVal and David Dixon are spending a week of their summer vacation volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County.

Educate Tomorrow student Calvin Pierre helps secure a truss while volunteering at one of Habitat for Humanity of Martin County’s green homes on Tarpon Avenue in Stuart.

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County dedicates new home in Hobe Sound

HOBE SOUND, Fla., July 13, 2010 – Habitat for Humanity of Martin County (HFHMC) celebrated the con-

struction of its 86^th home at a dedication ceremony on June 24 in the Banner Lake community of Hobe Sound. The new homeowners, Gilbert and Alisena Payoute, thanked all those who worked so hard to help them reach this goal.

The Hobe Sound Community Chest sponsored the home construction, and board member Jennifer Ferrari, also executive director of the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce, presented the Payoute family with the key to their new home. Margot Graff, HFHMC executive director, explained to dedication attendees that the Payoute family had contributed 300 sweat equity hours working on their home and the homes of others as a requirement for becoming Habitat homeowners. At the end of the ceremony, the Payoute family invited supporters inside for a tour of the home and refreshments.

Through the donations of funds, materials and volunteer labor, HFHMC was able to build the home and sell it at an affordable price. The Payoute family purchased the home with a no-profit loan and their monthly mortgage payments will be used to build more Habitat homes.

“We are so pleased to present Gilbert and Alisena with the keys to their new home,” said Graff. “We would also like to thank all the volunteers who generously donated their time to help make this house a home, as well as the Hobe Sound Community Chest. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community.”

To support an upcoming build or to learn more about Habitat homeownership, visit HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, visit HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940.

Photo caption: Jennifer Ferrari, Hobe Sound Community Chest board member and executive director of the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce, presents Gilbert Payoute and his son, Marco, with a key to their new home. The Hobe Sound Community Chest sponsored the three-bedroom Habitat for Humanity home in Banner Lake.

Stiltsville

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Stiltsville, located in Biscayne National Park, Miami, Fla. Following Hurricane Andrew, only seven houses remain of what was once a colorful community in the 1960s. There were approximately 27 houses during Stiltsville's prime.

I stayed at the stilt house operated by the Miami Springs Power Boat Club and Stiltsville Optimist Club of Miami. Here is a link to some of the photos from my trip, taken during the annual Ralph Duey Memorial Fishing Tournament, June 2010. Enjoy!

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County dedicates ‘Women Build’ home in Hobe Sound

HOBE SOUND, Fla., June 2, 2010 – A group of women wielding power tools recently made a dream come true for a local woman and her two children.

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County (HFHMC) celebrated the construction of its 83^rd home at a dedication ceremony on May 29 in the Banner Lake community of Hobe Sound. The home is part of Habitat’s ‘Women Build’ program and was constructed by women for a woman.

Gulfstream Business Bank sponsored construction of the 2009-10 Women Build home, located at 8495 Eucalyptus Way in Banner Lake. Amanda Gonzalez and her two children, Amya and Alijah, are the deserving recipients of the home. Gonzalez hosted an open house reception immediately after the dedication to thank those who worked so hard to help her reach this goal. Gonzalez contributed more than 300 sweat equity hours working on her home and the homes of others as a requirement for becoming a Habitat homeowner.

Through the donations of funds, materials and volunteer labor, HFHMC was able to build the home and sell it at an affordable price. Gonzalez purchased the home with a no-profit loan and her monthly mortgage payments will be used to build more Habitat homes.

“We are very excited to present Amanda with the keys to her new home. She has worked so hard and is truly a delightful person,” said Graff. “We would also like to thank our Women Build volunteers who generously donated their time to help make this house a home, as well as Gulfstream Business Bank, the Martin County Board of County Commissioners and the Martin County Community Redevelopment Agency.”

To support an upcoming build or to learn more about Habitat homeownership, visit HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940.

About Women Build

Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity International program that encourages women and girls to have fun and make a difference by building homes and communities. Women crews around the world have built thousands of homes since Women Build’s official creation in 1998. Each year, hundreds of homes are added as affiliates, donors and sponsors discover the impact of women volunteers and their resources.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, visit HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940.

Photo caption: Margot Graff, Habitat for Humanity of Martin County executive director presents Amanda Gonzalez and her two children, Amya and Alijah with the keys to their new home. The home is part of Habitat’s ‘Women Build’ program and was constructed by “power women with power tools.”

Coasters’ Oyster Roast earns more than $15,000 for Florida Oceanographic Society

STUART, Fla., May 20, 2010 – The Coasters’ Oyster Roast raked in more than $15,000 and 500-plus pounds of oyster shells for Florida Oceanographic Society and the timing couldn’t be more critical.

With the devastating news of a tragic oil spill, unfortunate Lake Okeechobee freshwater releases and the declining health of the Indian River Lagoon, now is the time to educate our community about our treasured coastal ecosystems and what can be done to save them. Florida Oceanographic provides those educational resources at its Coastal Center in Stuart.

The Coasters’ Oyster Roast took place May 15 at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. More than 300 attendees enjoyed live music and a special performance by singer/songwriter Rachel McGoye, plus raffle prizes, a silent auction and more. The oyster roast menu included more than 1,500 pounds of oysters, shrimp, burgers, salad, cookout favorites, as well as an open bar with beer and wine.

The Coasters, formerly known as the Young Friends of Florida Oceanographic Society, are a dynamic group of young adults, age 21-50, engaged in promoting environmental stewardship of Florida’s coastal ecosystems.

“The Oyster Roast was a great success, generating participation from guests to recycle oyster shells for our oyster restoration projects while they enjoyed fabulous food and entertainment,” said Mark Perry, Florida Oceanographic executive director. “Thank you to all our supporting guests, the sponsors and our deeply committed staff who made this a super event.”

The oyster roast was made possible thanks to New England Fish Market, New Growth Media and Steven Martine Photography.

In addition to raising funds to support Florida Oceanographic’s mission, more than 500 pounds of shucked oysters from the event were collected to restore oyster reefs in the St. Lucie River/Estuary and the Indian River Lagoon. It usually takes two weeks for Florida Oceanographic to collect that amount of oyster shells from local restaurants.

Florida Oceanographic is diligently working to restore the oyster population devastated by freshwater discharges into the river and lagoon. In the last 60 years, the river has lost more than 75 percent of its oyster reef habitat.

The healthy functioning of the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon is intimately tied to the health of their oyster reefs. When healthy, oysters will filter and clean the water; provide food and habitat for more than 300 estuarine species; stabilize and protect shorelines.

Florida Oceanographic is building several artificial reefs in the river and lagoon to provide much needed substrate for oysters to grow. The reefs are made from recycled oyster shell acquired from local restaurants and events like the Coasters’ Oyster Roast. Through the efforts of Florida Oceanographic and dedicated volunteers, more than 800,000 oysters have been restored to the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon.

Visit FloridaOceanographic.org or call (772) 225-0505 to learn more about the Coasters, membership and volunteer opportunities at Florida Oceanographic Society.

About Florida Oceanographic Society

Florida Oceanographic Society’s mission is to inspire environmental stewardship of Florida’s costal ecosystems through education and research. Our teaching and programming is designed to change the generational views of how we care for and preserve our unique environments. To learn more, visit FloridaOceanographic.org or call (772) 225-0505.

Photo caption

The Coasters Oyster Roast committee poses for a photo in front of the game fish lagoon at Florida Oceanographic’s Coastal Center: Tara Biek, Kelly and Justin Beard, Alli Cartwright, Danny Strauss, Stephanie Gray and Crystal France. (Photo credit, Steven Martine)

For Your Health, Summer 2010

Check out the latest edition of For Your Health magazine, written, art directed and edited by New Growth Media.

Click here to read the Summer 2010 issue.

Recovery Rally: May 22

Young adults in Martin County are feeling the effects of the struggling economy and they’re doing something to help.

Local high school and college students from the Martin County Junior Achievement program are hosting a Recovery Rally on May 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Martin County Fairgrounds, 2616 S.E. Dixie Highway in Stuart.

This local business expo will focus on sharing information to help Martin County recover from recession. Among the lineup of guest speakers: county commissioners Doug Smith and Susan Valliere, and Crystal France of the Business Development Board of Martin County. Presentations will address the Martin County economy and employment, foreclosure mediation, real estate values/selling/buying/short sales, credit counseling, small business loans, investing during a recession and more.

The family-friendly Recovery Rally will also feature live music from The Chaise, a hot air balloon, bounce house, water games, activities, giveaways, food and more. Apple Tree Academy will provide supervised daycare so parents can enjoy the presentations.

Local business owners are encouraged set up booths to promote their companies, sell goods and services. There are four ways for businesses to participate at the Recovery Rally event:

• Banner advertisement, FREE
• Vendor booth, $35/members, $75/non-members
• Coupon (if unable to attend event), $35 (must provide coupons)
• Web site advertisement, $40/month

Admission is free. For more information, visit RecoveryRally.org or call (772) 220-3247.

Photo caption: Local high school and college students from the Martin County Junior Achievement program are hosting a Recovery Rally on May 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Martin County Fairgrounds. Admission is free. For more information, visit RecoveryRally.org or call (772) 220-3247.

Habitat to dedicate Women Build home

A group of women wielding power tools are about to make a dream come true for a local woman and her two children.

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County (HFHMC) will celebrate the construction of its 83rd home at a dedication ceremony on Saturday, May 29 at 10 a.m. in the Banner Lake community of Hobe Sound. This home is part of Habitat’s Women Build program and was constructed by women for a woman.

Gulfstream Business Bank sponsored construction of the 2009-10 Women Build home, located at 8495 Eucalyptus Way in Banner Lake. Amanda Gonzalez and her two children, Amya and Alijah, are the deserving recipients of the home. Gonzalez will host an open house reception immediately after the dedication to thank those who worked so hard to help her reach this goal. Gonzalez contributed more than 300 sweat equity hours working on her home and the homes of others as a requirement for becoming a Habitat homeowner.

Through the donations of funds, materials and volunteer labor, HFHMC was able to build the home and sell it at an affordable price. Gonzalez will purchase the home with a no-profit loan and her monthly mortgage payments will be used to build more Habitat homes.

“We are very excited to present Amanda with the keys to her new home. She has worked so hard and is truly a delightful person,” said Graff. “We would also like to thank our Women Build volunteers who generously donated their time to help make this house a home, as well as Gulfstream Business Bank, the Martin County Board of County Commissioners and the Martin County Community Redevelopment Agency.”

HFHMC will host an open house Thursday, May 27 from 12 to 6 p.m., welcoming the public to tour the Women Build home.

To RSVP for the open house or dedication event, call (772) 223-9940. To support an upcoming build or to learn more about Habitat homeownership, visit HabitatMartin.org.

About Women Build

Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity International program that encourages women and girls to have fun and make a difference by building homes and communities. Women crews around the world have built thousands of homes since Women Build’s official creation in 1998. Each year, hundreds of homes are added as affiliates, donors and sponsors discover the impact of women volunteers and their resources.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, visit HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940.

Photo caption: Amanda Gonzalez (center) and her two children, Amya and Alijah are the deserving recipients of Habitat for Humanity of Martin County’s Women Build home, located in the Banner Lake community of Hobe Sound. An open house is set for May 27, 12 to 6 p.m. and a dedication ceremony will take place May 29 at 10 a.m. To RSVP, call (772) 223-9940.

Coasters Oyster Roast to benefit Florida Oceanographic Society

Check out some of the media coverage for the Coasters' Oyster Roast to benefit Florida Oceano-graphic Society (May 15) sponsored by New Growth Media and Steven Martine Photography:

Stuart News

Luminaries - May 10 cover story

Your News

Hometown News

For the sake of the St. Lucie, keep the riverkeeper

Great column by Eve Samples: For the sake of the St. Lucie, keep the riverkeeper.

It's really unfortunate the state of the St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon. I won't be fishing/swimming/boating/paddle-boarding in the river until the Lake Okeechobee discharges stop. There go my Memorial Day weekend plans.