Page 14 - Martin Downs Bulletin - January '24

Page 14, Martin Downs

holiday networking breakfast

The Palm City Chamber of Commerce held their Holiday Networking Breakfast on
Wednesday, November 29 at the festive Piper’s Landing Yacht and Country Club. Guests
were welcomed with lovely holiday decorations, a delicious display of breakfast treats
presented by the amazing staff, and Santa Claus.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County shared the amazing happenings that occur
daily in their various locations. Meghan Shirey, Director of Marketing and External Affairs,
along with Chef Dan Bettencourt, and Kevin Farrell each highlighted the programs that
are benefiting the young people in Martin County. Chef Dan and the Fork in the Road food
truck teach the students about food preparation along with purchasing and selling items.
Kevin featured many of the youth work force development programs that are offered.
The students receive academic tutoring each day from certified teachers and are served a
healthy dinner. We are very fortunate to have such a fabulous organization locally.
Merritt Matheson gave us critical insight into preserving natural land in Martin County
as part of Martin County Forever. Martin County Forever is a conservation initiative with a
mission to acquire and preserve environmentally sensitive lands in Martin County. Merritt
and his fellow associates are very passionate and committed to our water and land. The
organization is seeking support to add a half-cent sales tax on the November 2024 ballot.
For more information, please go to their website at www.martincountyforever.com
Photos by Out2News.com

Santa and his helpers

Merritt Matheson, Martin County Forever, Stacy Raneri and Melissa Zolla, The Firefly
Group and Jim Snedaker, Martin County Forever

Palm City Chamber Team Missi Campbell, Samie Thompson, Summer Kessler, and
Liz Ciampi

Kevin Farrell, Ian Crowley, Karlie Tiedemann, Meghan Shirey, Andrea Schaffer, and Chef
Dan Bettencourt

Christina MacIntosh, Pampered Chef, Santa Claus, Merritt Matheson, Martin County
and Karen Kendall, Treasure Coast Navigator Forever Initiative