Tuesday, May 18, 2010

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:




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.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Habitat to host silent auction featuring rare finds from Frances Langford home

STUART, Fla., April 13, 2010 – Frances Langford fans, local history enthusiasts and antique collectors will be delighted by the rare finds and architectural salvage items up for bid during Habitat for Humanity of Martin County’s silent auction, April 16 through May 5.

The silent auction will feature a variety of unique items salvaged from the Rio home of the late singer/actress, Frances Langford. Among the items up for bid: signs from her property and Outrigger Resort, a handcrafted bar decorated with authentic tapa cloth, cypress bar tops, leather director’s chairs embroidered with Langford’s initials, furniture and so much more.

More than 100 items are on display at the Habitat for Humanity of Martin County ReStore, 2555 S.E. Bonita Street in Stuart, two blocks southeast of the corner of Indian Street and Old Dixie Highway. Bids may be placed in person or by phone during operating hours, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

An auction wrap-up party is set for May 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the ReStore. Bidding will close at 6 p.m. and each item will be awarded to the highest bidder (bidders need not be present to win). All proceeds support Habitat’s mission to eliminate substandard housing in Martin County.

To view a photo gallery of select auction items, visit HabitatMartin.org. To place a bid by phone or for more information, call the ReStore, (772) 223-8991.

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 www.HabitatMartin.org.

Photo caption
Showcasing Langford’s handcrafted tapa cloth bar and accessories from Langford’s Outrigger Resort is Committee Member Louann Smith, Habitat Administrative Assistant Susan MacDonald, Habitat Executive Director Margot Graff, Committee Member Karen Sandler, ReStore Director Bobbi Blodgett and Habitat Director of Resource Development, Mike Readling. Not pictured, Committee Member Mary Louise Wadsworth. For more information, visit www.HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-8991.

Former coaches, players revitalize Stuart Hornets youth football association

STUART, Fla., April 1, 2010 - Youth football is more than a game; it’s a sport that teaches fun- damental life skills.

When former players and coaches learned that the Stuart Hornets youth football program was dwindling financially and the 2010 season might be cancelled, they took a personal interest and decided to get involved – for the kids.

James Davis grew up in Stuart and began playing for the Hornets at an early age. He later went on to play for the Detroit Lions and New York Giants as an outside linebacker from 2003 to 2006.

“I started playing for the Hornets when I was 8 years old – it helped launch my career in the NFL,” said Davis. “Football teaches kids discipline, teamwork and communication. That’s why it is so important that this team succeeds for the kids in Stuart.”

Stephen Leighton, a former Hornet player, echoed that sentiment. “I couldn’t allow something that was so instrumental in my upbringing just slip away,” said Leighton, who lives and owns a small business in Stuart. “It has been a team effort and we plan to bring the Stuart Hornets back to their former glory.”

Part of the Pop Warner Treasure Coast Football Conference, the Stuart Hornets will play teams in Martin, St. Lucie and Palm Beach counties.

“There’s a longstanding interest in this community for Hornet football,” said Jeff Montpetit, recreation supervisor for the City of Stuart Recreation Department. “Everyone is thrilled that we’re going to bring it back, with the exception of opponents in neighboring leagues,” he added with a smile.

As a not-for-profit organization, the Stuart Hornets have been invited to participate in a Giving Day, an event organized by the Martin County Community Foundation. Between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, donors may access the Giving Day page on the Martin County Community Foundation’s Web site, www.yourmccf.org, or call 1-877-GIV-MCCF (448-6223). The first $100,000 to be donated through the community foundation toward a specific non-profit will be doubled. This is a unique opportunity for donors to make a gift to the Stuart Hornets that will be matched.

The Stuart Hornets are in need of sponsorships and donations for uniforms, equipment and transportation in order to make this season a success. Football and cheerleading coaches, and various volunteer positions also need to be filled. Call (772) 260-3345 for more information.

“We’re calling upon past players,” said Leighton. “If they ever wanted to give back, now is the time to get involved, for the kids.”

Stuart Hornets football and cheerleading registration for children ages 5 to 12 is available at the 10th Street Recreation Center, 724 S.E. 10th Street in Stuart. Call (772) 288-5340 or (772) 260-3345 for more information.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

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


HOBE SOUND, Fla., March 25, 2010 – Habitat for Humanity of Martin County (HFHMC) celebrated the con-struction of its 82nd home at a dedication ceremony on March 20 in the Banner Lake community of Hobe Sound. The new homeowner, Gary Woods, thanked all those who worked so hard to help him reach this goal.

After explaining that Woods had contributed 300 sweat equity hours working on his home and the homes of others as a requirement for becoming a Habitat homeowner, Margot Graff, HFHMC executive director, presented Woods with the key to his new home. At the end of the ceremony, Woods invited supporters inside for a tour of the home and a barbecue lunch.

“After living in a rooming house, having my own place is a dream come true,” said Woods. “I’m so happy to be moving into my own home so I can invite my son, grandchildren and extended family to visit on a regular basis.”

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

In addition to Woods’ sweat equity efforts, he joined the Banner Lake Community Group, an organization focused on neighborhood improvement.

“We are so pleased to present Gary with the keys to his new home. He worked so hard and is truly dedicated to making Banner Lake a great place to live,” 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 Publix Super Market Charities, the Martin County Board of County Commissioners and the Martin County Community Redevelopment Agency. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community.”

HFHMC also thanks Clarence Banks, Nancy Cloud, All Kinds of Clean, and the Summerfield Garden Club for their contributions, as well as cross-country bicyclist riding for Habitat for Humanity, Brian Hochman.

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: Habitat board member Charles Lavelle with new homeowner Gary Woods, Habitat board members Mark Sandler (also Habitat Family Selection Committee chair) and Michael Houston, board president, in front of Woods’ new home in the Banner Lake community of Hobe Sound.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Martin County High School students invite President Obama to Stuart, rally to end recession

Some people tell them that they can’t get the President of the United States to speak in Stuart; the reply is a determined “Yes we can!”

More than 2,000 Martin County High School (MCHS) students gathered on the football field March 16 and chanted, “Yes we can!” while filming a video invitation to President Barack Obama, urging him to speak at their Recovery Rally event. They hope he will attend to speak about his Middle Class Task Force and answer economic questions from the community.

The goal of the Recovery Rally event, slated for April 25 pending President Obama’s availability, is to unite the community, local business owners and local government to support one another and end the recession. The students’ objective is that President Obama will serve as guest of honor and keynote speaker, along with presentations from financial experts, local government officials and business owners. In addition to special presentations, the rally will feature a trade show where local businesses can network and showcase their services, entertainment from local bands, food and refreshments.

The students also created a Web site, RecoveryRally.org, dedicated to improving the community and ending the recession. The site will serve as a business directory and job bank, creating a hub for local businesses and the community to communicate and support one another. Online advertising and directory membership sales will fund the maintenance of the site and the MCHS Junior Achievement Program.

“I speak for the entire student body when I say that we are future college students or members of the workforce, wondering if we will benefit from our college education or if we will find jobs,” said Maureen Dolan, president of MCHS class of 2010, during her plea to President Obama. “We want a strong economic community to reside in or in which to come home to. We also want to see the burdens of our parents to be lifted, to see the light in these difficult times.”

Leadership advisor LuAnne Puett has played a key role in motivating the students and providing them with the resources they need to succeed – not only with the Recovery Rally event and Web site, but in life. Puett works closely with economics teacher Susan Fogharty, television production teacher Jeff Younglove and MCHS administrators, who have been extremely supportive of the students’ efforts.

About Recovery Rally
Weary of their parent’s complaints about foreclosures and the dwindling economy, and scared for their economic future, students in Martin County High School economics and leadership classes and the Junior Achievement Program decided to do something about it. Through a Recovery Rally event and RecoveryRally.org, the students hope to unite the community, ignite change and promote economic stability. To learn more, visit RecoveryRally.org.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Library After Hours at Indiantown library a success

The Library After Hours event on March 2 at the Elisabeth Lahti Library in Indiantown proved to be the most successful event in Library Night Owls history.

The event attracted more than 200 attendees from the Indiantown community and throughout Martin County. Entertainment was provided by students at Hope Rural School and Warfield Elementary, along with guest speakers Carol Matthews Rey and Iris Wall. Liquid refreshment was provided by A Picky Gourmet of Jensen Beach.

The Library Night Owls have been hard at work, trying to bring back a piece of the Martin County Library System’s storied history.

“The Story Express,” the library system’s bookmobile, was purchased in 1985 and decommissioned in 2002. Now, a burdened economy and the increasing cost of fuel have created a heightened need for a new bookmobile to service Martin County’s community members unable to come to the library – including stops at local child care centers and eventually nursing homes and community centers.

The Library Night Owls, a sub-committee of The Friends of the Martin County Library System, is led by Justin and Kelly Beard, Tara Biek, Stephen Leighton, Jennifer Salas and Tori Savard with the support of The Friends of the Blake Library. The committee was established in 2009 to help raise money to maintain and operate a new bookmobile, as well as attract new patrons and increase awareness of library programs and resources.

The Library Night Owls organized a “Library After Hours” social networking event series rotating through each of the library system’s six branches. Money raised from the $10 admission charge, which includes two drinks, hors d’ oeuvres and entertainment will go towards the “Bring Back the Story Express Fund.” With the success of the event series, the group has raised nearly $12,000 and recently presented the library system with a used bus to serve as The Story Express until funds can be raised for a new, state-of-the-art bookmobile.

To learn more about how you can support the Library Night Owls' cause and help bring back the Story Express bookmobile, visit library.martin.fl.us or call (772) 283-0019.