Page 1 - Hobe Sound Reflections - October '24

VOL. 25 NO. 10 www.seabreezepublications.com OCTOBER 2024

The 2024 Dancing With The Martin Stars

Lineup Announced For The Martin County Healthy

Start Coalition September 21 Event

Competition among the 2024 Dancing with the Martin Stars contestants is hotter than
the weather. Nine professional dancers are teaching their volunteer partners the intricate
steps of the waltz, cha-cha, foxtrot and tango in preparation for the big showdown on
Saturday, September 21.
Dancing with the Martin Stars is the popular signature event of the Martin County
Healthy Start Coalition. Held annually at the Lyric Theatre in Stuart, this year’s competition
has already sold out.
“We’re so grateful to all of our dancers, sponsors and supporters,” Martin County
Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich said. “The funds we raise through this fun
event go directly to our mission of ensuring that in Martin County, every baby is born
healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved.”
Because of the huge number of people who want to attend the competition, Martin
County Healthy Start Coalition has added a Livestream Watch Party. Guests will be able
to see the entire competition livestreamed into the Ross Hall at the Pittenger Center on
the campus of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Stuart. Tickets to the Watch Party, which
include food and a drink ticket, are available at https://www.mchealthystart.org/dancing-
with-the-martin-stars/2024-stars-dancers/. Space is limited.
This year’s Martin Stars lineup includes Christian Anderson, dancing with local
professional Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe; Casey Caplan, with Brian Spector; Lorna Day, with
Angel R. Tamayo III; Matthew Durbin, with Emily Matos; Jonathan Garich, with Tanya Fabulous dancing, dazzling costumes, and a great cause – that’s Dancing with the Martin
Chaves; Stephanie Martinez, with Michael Chaves; April Milner, with Eliseo Ruiz; Matthew Stars 2024. The event is sold out at the Lyric, but guests can still get tickets for the livestream
watch party on the campus of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, with food, drink, and an on-site
Dancing With The Martin Stars on page 3 emcee, through the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition website.

Kitty Catalina — The PurrFect Referendum To Buy Natural

Event For Cat And Wine Lovers Lands In Martin County On The

The Humane Society of Ballot Nov. 5 Gains Momentum
the Treasure Coast recently
held its seventh annual Kitty
Catalina Wine Mixer, which If Approved, Funds Raised From Half-Cent Sales Tax Would Be Used To Purchase Lands
raised over $5,200 to help To Protect Water Quality, Natural Areas And Wildlife Habitat In Martin County
the no-kill shelter’s adoptable Martin County is a
animals. Animal rescue special place to live and
advocate and international different from areas to the
best-selling author Sherry north and south. Residents
Dunn was the presenting want to keep it that way.
sponsor and was on site “The recent outcry
showcasing her children’s Author and animal rescue advocate Sherry Dunn, who was from the public about the
book, Maddie & Jasmine. the presenting event sponsor proposed plans to build
Almost 90 attendees golf courses in our beloved
mixed and mingled with friends while sampling a variety of wines from Keel and Curley Jonathan Dickinson State
Winery, Florida Orange Groves Winery, San Sebastian Winery and Secret Gardens Winery, Park is a stark reminder of
all Florida wineries. Chef Amy from Heritage Kitchen at Secret Gardens provided light bites. why we must take matters
into our own hands. We
Kitty Catalina on page 4 need to buy and protect
environmentally sensitive
lands in Martin County right Aerial shot of Peck’s Lake Park
now,” said Jim Snedeker,
Chairperson of the Martin County Forever campaign.
On the Martin County ballot on November 5 is a referendum to protect water quality,
natural areas and wildlife habitat through a half cent sales tax. If approved, it will raise over
$18 million a year for 10 years to acquire and preserve approximately 46,000 acres of land
in specific areas. The amount of land targeted for purchase and permanent protection is

Referendum on page 6