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Treasure Coast Hospice certified as a great place to work

Great Place to Work Institute and its senior care partner Activated Insights have honored Treasure Coast Hospice with certification as a Great Place to Work. The certification process involved surveying 100% of employees from across the organization and evaluating more than 60 elements of team members’ experience on the job. These included employee pride in the organization’s community impact, belief that their work makes a difference, and feeling their work has special meaning. Rankings are based on employees’ experiences, no matter who they are or what they do.

“Treasure Coast Hospice is honored to again be recognized as a Great Place to Work,” said CEO Jackie Kendrick, CHPCA. “Our staff care deeply for our mission and those we serve. They take tremendous pride in their work and supporting each other, creating a dynamic, collaborative environment in order to deliver the highest quality care to our patients and families.”

This is the fourth consecutive year that Treasure Coast Hospice has been certified as a Great Place to Work. This year, 94% of staff members responding to the survey said that it is a great place to work compared to 57% of employees at a typical U.S.-based company.

According to the survey’s results, 98% of employees said their “work has special meaning” and they are “proud to tell others where they work.” Treasure Coast Hospice was also chosen as a top place to work because staff feel good about the ways the organization contributes to the community and they feel welcomed upon joining the team.

“We applaud Treasure Coast Hospice for seeking certification and publicly sharing its employees’ feedback,” said Dr. Jacquelyn Kung, of Great Place to Work’s senior care partner Activated Insights. “These ratings measure its capacity to earn its own employees’ trust and create a great workplace for high performance.”

About Treasure Coast Hospice

Treasure Coast Hospice is a non-profit community organization of skilled professionals and dedicated volunteers whose mission is to provide access to compassionate, caring, expert and professional hospice and grief support services to patients and families at the end of life. Founded in 1982, Treasure Coast Hospice has grown to serve more than 4,000 patients annually in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties. Thanks to the generous support of our community, the Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation is able to fund comprehensive hospice and grief support programs for Treasure Coast Hospice, including three Inpatient Units for those who need a higher level of care, the specialized pediatric program Little Treasures, music therapy, massage therapy, virtual reality experiences, individual and group bereavement services, and Camp Good Grief for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

About Activated Insights and Great Place to Work

Activated Insights is the senior care affiliate of Great Place to Work, the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through its aging services certification program, Activated Insights helps Great Place to Work recognize outstanding workplace cultures in the aging services industry and produce the annual Fortune "Best Workplaces for Aging Services™” as well as other Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small & Medium Companies, and various regions. Through its employee engagement platform, Activated Insights helps clients create great workplaces that outpace peers on key business metrics like revenue growth, profitability, and retention.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Jun. 8, 2023|

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital event raises $500K

Cleveland Clinic Florida supporters Tony and Sally Woodruff, Pat and Carol Welsh, Warren and Ginny Schwerin

Cleveland Clinic supporters gathered with good friends for a good cause to support the 32nd annual May Pops spring concert featuring the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. With more than 600 guests in attendance, the end-of-year event was held at the Windsor polo field in Vero Beach and raised nearly $500k to benefit Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital priorities. Special thanks went to Presenting Sponsors Marlynn and Bill Scully; VIP Hospitality Sponsors Mrs. Herman F. Becker and Chris and Keena Clifford; and Broadway Sponsors Bob Williams and Karen Katen.

The evening commenced with remarks by Indian River Hospital Interim President David Peter, MD, MBA, who thanked guests for their unwavering commitment to elevating medical care for residents of Indian River County. He also celebrated longtime Chairman Tony Woodruff and his wife, Sally, for their extraordinary service and leadership over the years. Mr. Woodruff will be stepping down as Chairman this year and transitioning to the role of Chairman Emeritus.

“Tony has served on both the Hospital and Foundation Boards at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital,” said Dr. Peter. “He was on the Foundation board for 19 years, with a record nine years as Chairman. His leadership and strategic engagement resulted in over $50 million in contributions. Today, we celebrate Tony’s achievements and congratulate him on his new role.”

Dr. Peter then introduced the conductor, symphony and soloists. Under the baton of Music Director Christopher Confessore, the Brevard Symphony delighted guests with several beloved Broadway musical hits performed by renowned vocalists Sarah Uriarte Berry and Sal Viviano. Featured songs included, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You from Jersey Boys by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio and vocals by Sal Viviano, and selections from Les Misérables by Claude-Michel Schönberg and vocals by Sarah Uriarte Berry and Sal Viviano, among others.

May Pops was inspired by longtime supporters Dick and Helen Post, who had the idea of creating “an end-of-season celebration to support the hospital, with good friends, good music and good food for a good cause.” Since his passing in 2013, each year guests are invited to pay tribute to Mr. Post and his flair for signature neckwear by wearing a bow tie to the event.

All proceeds from May Pops will help advance technology, enhance facilities and elevate patient care at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.

About Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, part of Cleveland Clinic’s regional health system in Florida, is a 332-bed hospital in Vero Beach and offers comprehensive medical services to the Treasure Coast community. One of Cleveland Clinic’s five hospitals in Florida, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital is dedicated to achieving excellent outcomes. Guided by a Patients First philosophy, healthcare professionals represent specialties including orthopaedics, heart and vascular medicine, neurosurgery, stroke, gastroenterology, bariatrics and labor and delivery. With locations across Indian River County that include outpatient facilities, urgent care centers and a diagnostic center, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has a 24-hour emergency department. Cleveland Clinic’s regional health system in Florida is an integral part of Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where providing outstanding patient care is based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Physicians at Cleveland Clinic are experts in the treatment of complex conditions that are difficult to diagnose. For more information, visit www.clevelandclinicflorida.org.

Jun. 8, 2023|

Local letter carriers collect more than 68,000 pounds of food to Stamp Out Hunger

US Postal Service workers usually drop off items, but on Saturday, May 13, they picked up items — more than 68,000 pounds of non-perishable items — from mailboxes throughout Martin County.

Stamp Out Hunger is an annual tradition across the country. It was started in 1993 by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and has helped feed millions of American over three decades.

Each May, local letter carriers willingly pick up the bags of items that residents leave by their mailboxes and transport them back to their post office branch. From there, dozens of House of Hope volunteers helped unload the bags and put the items in bins. Additional volunteers pick up the bins in trucks and transport them back to House of Hope’s main office.

“We can’t say enough good things about our local letter carriers,” said House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “In addition to their real jobs of delivering the mail, on Stamp Out Hunger Saturday, they also gather, lift, and transport cans and boxes of food to help their friends and neighbors in need. We’re grateful to them and to every resident who donated.

House of Hope continues to see more and more families and individuals who need food assistance. “Between the after-effects of the pandemic and the rise in the cost of basic items like food,” Ranieri said, “our services are more in demand than ever.

The food collected during the Stamp Out Hunger drive will be used at the House of Hope service centers in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound and Indiantown and will be shared with House of Hope food bank partners.

About House of Hope

Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches the lives of more than 7,000 people each month helping with basic needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, as well as longer-term case management services that help build life skills for a more self-sufficient future. The organization has service centers in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach, and Thrift Shops in South Stuart, Hobe Sound and Indiantown. House of Hope’s Enrichment Centers in Stuart and Jensen Beach offer free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being. House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Hohmartin, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/houseofhopemc/, and Twitter https://twitter.com/hohmartin.

Jun. 1, 2023|

City of Fort Pierce honored with two Home Rule Hero Awards in 2023

The Florida League of Cities(FLC), the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently honored Mayor Linda Hudson and Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. with a 2023 Home Rule Hero Award for their hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2023 Legislative Session. Mayor Hudson and Commissioner Johnson worked tirelessly throughout the session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the League’s legislative agenda.

“The League and its legislative team appreciate the individual advocacy efforts undertaken by municipal officials throughout the state,” said FLC Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “Home Rule Heroes are some of our biggest advocates for protecting local decision-making. They are League members who stand out for their high level of participation, knowledge, and effectiveness. This year’s Home Rule Heroes continuously advocated for their communities throughout the 2023 Legislative Session.”

Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the Legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.

Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida’s cities, which are formed and governed by their citizens. The League believes in “Local Voices Making Local Choices,” which focuses on the impact citizens and city leaders have in improving Florida’s communities. For more information, visit flcities.com.

Jun. 1, 2023|

Sunrise Theatre announces Centennial Speakeasy

Join the SunriseTheatre for the Centennial Celebration at the Sunrise Theatre’s Speakeasy on Saturday, July 29, 2023, from 7 p.m. - 11p.m.. The evening will feature delicious food and beverages in multiple locations throughout the theatre, entertainment, music and much more!

Imagine entering through the speakeasy door with a special password or knock and being transformed back to the early days of 1920’s, learn the Charleston on main stage, enjoy gambling at the Casino in the lobby and a bourbon bar at the historic second floor Friend’s Lounge.

Your tax deductible ticket will assist the Sunrise Theatre Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3, with their mission to bring the experience of performing arts to children and to support theatre improvements which will enhance the theatre to fulfill its purpose within the community.

Thank you in advance for your support which will make a difference at the Sunrise Theatre, now and in the years to come. Please join in the 100 year celebration for a “roaring” good time! For tickets, visit https://www.sunrisetheatre.com/product/sunrise-theatre-centennial-celebration/

May. 25, 2023|

Stuart Air Show named one of ten best in country

In announcing the Stuart Air Show as one of the USA Today 10 Best Air Shows in the country, the publication said “The Stuart Air Show is a three-day event in the Treasure Coast area of Florida. Helicopter rides in famous historic vehicles are available for purchase and thrilling performances by nationally-known aerobatic groups fill the skies over Stuart. Visitors can also enjoy static exhibits of a number of impressive aircraft.”

Now everyone knows about the gem of an air show that’s taken place at Witham Field for 34 years, thrilling attendees of all ages.

This year’s show is scheduled for the weekend of November 10-12 and will offer the best-loved features of previous years as well as exciting new additions.

Dewey Vinaya, President of the Stuart Air Show said, “Thanks to our amazing staff and the best volunteers on the Treasure Coast. I can tell you that this year’s show will be the biggest and best ever. And now that the whole country knows about us, we’re expecting record-breaking attendance. You won’t want to miss it.” Ticket sales are live June 1.

To keep up-to-date on news of the Stuart Air Show, visit www.stuartairshow.com.

May. 25, 2023|

A-1 Global Holdings announces the appointment of Robert Jardim to vice president of finance

A-1 Global Holdings, Inc., a leading manufacturer of pre–engineered building components, is delighted to announce that Robert Jardim has joined the leadership team as Vice President of Finance. He will lead A-1's Accounting Department, including financial planning, analysis and reporting, tax and treasury. His hire compliments current and ongoing growth in A-1’s Accounting Department.

"Rob's extensive experience in both large and small manufacturing firms makes him an ideal fit for this period of rapid growth at A-1," said Jan Beck, A-1’s President. "We are extremely happy to welcome him to the team and look forward to his contributions to financial leadership and management during this very exciting time as we continue to scale our operations to meet the high order demands from our customers.

Rob graduated from Bentley University with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and a minor in Systems Implementation and Design. He obtained his CPA license in Massachusetts. His career started in the public accounting sector, including Price Waterhouse. Rob spent the past 12 years for COMET, a publicly traded Swiss Technology company, in increasing roles from Vice President of Finance to Country General Manager for the North American Region

"I've admired A-1's team and technology, and I'm excited to join a Company that has not only been successful but also has the potential for considerable growth in the near future," said Rob. "I look forward to working with A-1’s talented team to continue to build on the great success A-1 has seen in recent years."

About A-1 Global Holdings

Founded in 1977, A–1 has over 370 employees and is a leading manufacturer of pre–engineered wood trusses and EZWALL® framing solutions. The Company recently reorganized as A-1 Global Holdings, Inc., the new parent company for A-1 Industries of Florida, Inc., and A-1 Industries of Georgia, LLC. A-1 currently has manufacturing facilities in Fort Pierce, Fla., and Bainbridge, Ga., and multiple employment opportunities in both locations for candidates who share the Company’s Core Values – Own it, Passionate, Honesty, and Respect. A-1’s employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

May. 25, 2023|

City of Vero Beach Forms Private-Public-Corporate Partnership for Rejuvenation of Pocahontas Park

Exciting news for the community is on the way, as the City of Vero Beach embarks on a partnership with entities from the private, corporate and non-profit sectors of the community addressing an important piece of the Master Plan puzzle…Pocahontas Park in downtown Vero Beach. What Mayor John Cotugno so passionately describes as “The Jewel of Downtown,” Cotugno, as well as his fellow city council and city administration, held a Call Meeting on May 17 to discuss the ideas and goals to rejuvenate the park known as the centerpiece in the heart of downtown.

“Some believe the park looks worn, even unsightly and those who have always enjoyed sitting on benches under the shade of the beautiful trees, or playing in the historic playground, are not feeling safe anymore” Cotugno shared. “The fountain is not working properly, restrooms need refurbishing, and some of the unhoused members of the community have become an issue in a one-time popular gathering spot in the center of town. Now is the right time to address this problem and come together as a caring community to beautify our Jewel. ”

The first non-profit to step up-to-the plate with some ideas to tackle the job, already had the same idea on their drawing board. There’s an endless stream of new and exciting programs coming out of The Source, and their newest is called Community Works. It is designed to help the community’s public streets and properties become clean, while at the same time allowing Source members to earn a paycheck.

“The name of the program was conceived because it’s about members from The Source community that will be doing the work,” according to Jade Alexander, Director of Operations for The Source. “We know that the leading cause of homelessness is a catastrophic loss of family and community. So, we are also making a statement that community is what will work to end homelessness.”

According to Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source, “Members participating are paid by our organization and dressed in uniforms while picking up trash along streets, lawns and alleyways that might smell or need pressure cleaning, and do other work to help beautify the city. We are equipping an identifiable trailer with all the cleaning supplies needed to get the job done. We are proudly committing $30,000 from our operational budget to pay the Community Worksparticipants. The Source is trying to help the city by doing our part.”

In addition to The Source and the City of Vero Beach, others that are initially making commitments to help the crusade for change include Main Street Vero Beach, the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, the Vero Beach Police Department as well as the incoming corporate sponsor, Piper Aircraft.

The Source, along with city representatives who include Monte Falls-City Manager, the Vero Beach Police Department and the Public Works Department, will launch the Community Works project from a meeting site at the Train Depot on 14^thAvenue on Thursday, June 1 at 9 a.m.

According to Zorbaugh, “We will have a supervisor from the Source, along with members and staff ready to roll with all our cleaning equipment and community spirit. We will be there until 1 p.m. on the first day, then each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-1 p.m. Our first area of concentration will be the sidewalks on 14^th Avenue from the Vero Beach Community Center to 21^st Streets (both sides of the street), down to the Shuffleboard Courts, past the IRC Chamber of Commerce, the parking lots behind the Pickleball Courts and the Community Center, including the playground and the park outside of the Heritage Center. Right now it’s hard to say how long all this will take, but once finished, we will work with Public Works to move on to another needed area.”

“We are generating a time-table for these efforts and identifying others who wish to come on board,” Mayor Cotugno continues. “We see the theme of working together to be the pathway to our goal. We believe, for the community to enjoy the park again, we need it updated, better lit, safe and clean with more police presence for the public and businesses downtown. We have to begin the process and now the time is right. This is an immediate opportunity for all of us.”

For those interested in coming on board to lend their expertise and support in other ways, contact Mayor John Cotugno at [email protected] or Anthony Zorbaugh at The Source, [email protected].

May. 25, 2023|

House of Hope and Children’s Services Council launch Family-Centered Coaching

House of Hope and the Martin County Children’s Services Council are partnering in an initiative called Family-Centered Coaching to help House of Hope clients become stronger, more independent, and better advocates for themselves and their families.

“This approach has the potential to be transformative for our organization and for the whole community,” explained House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “It puts the participants in the driver’s seat and helps them learn how to make the best choices for themselves.”

The Children’s Services Council has been looking for a program like this, according to CSC Executive Director David Heaton. House of Hope, with its mission of empowering its clients, seemed like a natural match to pioneer the program locally.

“We see this as a paradigm shift in how we approach the process of helping and empowering people,” Heaton said. “It assumes they are creative, capable, and resourceful. It positions staff as ‘coaches’ instead of ‘fixers.’ That difference in language and approach between saying ‘This is what we offer’ to ‘What do you need?’ creates an environment that makes change possible.”

More than 120 organizations in 32 states have already adopted the approach of Family-Centered Coaching, a program of The Prosperity Agenda. Amber Wilson, a regional Partnership Manager, described the empowering effects that other organizations have witnessed. “When people recognize that they have strengths and expertise of their own, they become problem solvers on their own behalf. They become better able to care for themselves and their families, and ultimately better able to be productive members of the community.”

House of Hope staff will spend the next year learning how to incorporate the spirit and language of Family-Centered Counseling into every aspect of their work, from feeding the hungry and growing fresh produce to offering clothing and rental assistance, counseling, classes, and internships.

The program launch is set for the end of May. “We consider this CSC program award a true gift to our organization,” Ranieri said. “It will be a lot of work, but it’s a great opportunity for our staff, our clients, and the entire community.”

About House of Hope

May. 18, 2023|

FAU Harbor Branch Boat Tours returning May 26

FAU Harbor Branch public boat tours are back and excited to invite explorers of all ages to join us for a fun and educational 1.5-hour excursion on the Indian River Lagoon! During this experience, an expert guide will discuss the wildlife encountered as well as the research that the Institute conducts to better understand and protect this important ecosystem. Participants will have the unique opportunity to experience the lagoon like never before — as a marine scientist aboard a floating laboratory with state-of-the-art-tools. Activities include interpreting real-time water quality data from the Indian River Lagoon Observatory Network, surveying underwater habitats with a Remotely Operated Vehicle, and identifying wildlife of all sizes, from microscopic plankton to sharks, rays, manatees, and dolphins. Tours run every Friday and Saturday, more information can be found at www.fau.edu/hboi/bookatour or by calling 772-242-2293.

May. 18, 2023|

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