ArtsFest, Feb. 11 & 12 in Gazebo Park, downtown Stuart!

ArtsFest returns to downtown Stuart February 11-12 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. featuring a wide variety of visual artists, musicians, singers, and top area chefs. Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $5 for adults, with children 18 and under free.

Consistently named one of the area’s Top 20 Events by the Southeast Tourism Society, ArtsFest will continue its 36-year history and showcase a diverse selection of arts to be enjoyed by residents and visitors. On the visual artist front, a juried art festival with submissions from across the nation will feature top artists in the categories of painting, drawing, mixed-media, photography, ceramics, glass, wood, sculpture, and jewelry are selected according to workmanship, originality, and artistic conception.

In addition to the juried art show, attendees can watch the popular CHOPPED event showcasing the inventive talents of renowned Treasure Coast chefs and listen to performances by the greatest talent on the Treasure Coast. Creating an added community ‘buzz,’ local agencies and nonprofit organizations will provide ArtsFest patrons with family-fun activities such as complimentary guitar lessons and getting up-close-and- personal with wildlife and nature along with information about a broad variety of supportive and enriching community programs and services

“We always aim to surprise and delight guests who attend Artsfest, and this year will be no different,” said Nancy Turrell, CEO of MartinArts Foundation. “ArtsFest is truly an extension of the expansive arts community we have on the Treasure Coast, and we love this opportunity to highlight their accomplishments.”

Leading up to ArtsFest, Martin County Office of Tourism and MartinArts are partnering again to host the Hidden Turtles scavenger hunt. Glass turtles, made by Palm City based glass artist, Dot Galfond can be found near cultural venues, art in public places venues and other popular spots in Martin County. Find a gold turtle and register it at MartinArts.org to secure two VIP ArtsFest Tickets. All other turtles secure a discount “buy-one-get-one free” ticket offer for ArtsFest.

Annually, ArtsFest draws over 7,500 people and over the past 3 years has generated more than a $1 million dollars to the local economy. For more information, access the website at MartinArts.org or call 772-287-6676. MartinArts is located at 80 SE Ocean Boulevard in the Court House Cultural Center in downtown Stuart.

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]

Jan. 26, 2023|

New outdoor classroom opens at House of Hope’s Golden Gate Center for Enrichment in Stuart

New outdoor classroom opens at House of Hope’s

Golden Gate Center for Enrichment in Stuart

The outdoor classroom at House of Hope’s Golden Gate Center for Enrichment is a welcoming space for a variety of activities. The idea for an outdoor classroom was inspired by the need during Covid to find well-ventilated spaces for group activities.

An outdoor classroom tucked into a wooded area on Dixie Highway in Stuart is the newest addition to House of Hope’s Golden Gate Center for Enrichment.

“The interest in using outdoor spaces for programming during Covid inspired this permanent outdoor classroom,” according to House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “It expands our useful space for teaching and learning, makes great use of the park-like garden that we’ve created on the campus, and helps with revitalization efforts for this part of our community.”

The outdoor classroom, a covered space that can be used year-round, was funded by a grant from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. It complements the classroom spaces inside the Golden Gate Center for Enrichment. “Our programs have proved so popular,” Ranieri said, “that we welcome this additional space.”

House of Hope’s Centers for Enrichment at both Golden Gate in Stuart and in Jensen Beach offer a full calendar of no-cost classes and workshops focusing on education, career readiness, health and nutrition, and arts and culture. Many of these programs are facilitated by partner agencies that are subject matter experts. Others are facilitated by House of Hope staff and volunteers. Services vary at each site and change to reflect the needs of the community. The Enrichment Centers also feature computer labs with access to free printing.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome the new learning environment will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. at the Golden Gate Center for Enrichment, 3223 SE Dixie Highway, Stuart, FL. 34997. For more information about House of Hope and its Centers for Enrichment, visit www.hohmartin.org.

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 a Thrift Shop 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.

Jan. 26, 2023|

Arbor Day Foundation names Fort Pierce 2022 Tree City USA

Arbor Day Foundation names Fort Pierce

2022 Tree City USA

Fort Pierce was named a 2022 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management. Fort Pierce achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

"Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand," said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "The trees being planted and cared for by Fort Pierce are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of Iife. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."

If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, energy use, and extreme heat and flooding. Fort Pierce is doing its part to address these challenges for residents both now and in the future. More information on the program is available at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA

About the Arbor Day Foundation
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters, and valued partners. Since 1972, almost 500 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods communities, cities, and forests throughout the world.

Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival. As one of the world's largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners, and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing, and celebrating trees. More information is available at http://www.arborday.org

Jan. 26, 2023|

Volunteer tax assistance available for St. Lucie County residents

Trained volunteers with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will be providing free tax preparation assistance at three locations throughout St. Lucie County starting in February.

VITA sites offer free tax filing assistance to residents making less than $60,000 per year. Assistance will be offered at the following locations:

St. Lucie County’s Family Success Center, 714 Ave. C, Fort Pierce: Feb. 6 through April 12.
Incubate Neighborhood Center, 532 N. 13^thSt., Fort Pierce: Feb. 4 through April 8.
Indian River State College, Bldg. Y-Rm. 102, 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce: Feb. 16, 23 and March 2, 9, 23. Closed March 16.

All locations are open for walk-ins only. Residents will be helped on a first-come; first-served basis. None of the locations will be taking appointments.

A list of potential paperwork that residents will need to bring to have their federal taxes prepared includes: Proof of identification, Social Security numbers, birth dates of family members, property tax bills, all income documents, including wage and earning statement(s) W-2, W-2G, 1099-R from all employers; interest and dividend statements from banks (forms 1099-Div); a copy of last year’s federal and state returns (if available); health care expenses; donation receipts and bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit.

Volunteers at all the sites have been trained by the Internal Revenue Service. For more details about this program, visit: www.irs.gov.

For those who make more than $60,000, but less than $73,000 can prepare their own taxes using the “My Free Taxes” at the link www.myfreetaxes.com. Please call 211 for more information.

Jan. 26, 2023|

United Way hosts child abuse and human trafficking discussion at third Powered by Purpose event

United Way of Indian River County’s third Powered by Purpose featured local child abuse and human trafficking experts. Featured speakers were Karissa Bolden, Clinical Manager for Cleveland Clinic’s Behavior Health Outpatient Services, Caryn Toole, Director of Child Welfare for Communities Connected for Kids, and Sarah Marie Henry, Community Development Director for Catch the Wave of Hope.

Hosted at Northern Trust, the event was a chance for concerned citizens and supporters of United Way to learn more about the signs, trends, and impact of child abuse and human trafficking during Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Panelists noted that child abuse affects families of all socioeconomic levels; there were over 200 known cases last year in Indian River County. “United Way invests in local solutions to prevent child abuse through nonprofit agencies with established best practices,” said United Way of Indian River County CEO Meredith Egan. “Programs that United Way funds are helping to improve parenting skills and offer counseling and resources to local families. Efforts to raise awareness and community engagement are small but significant steps to ensure children and families in our community are safe and can thrive.”

Florida ranks third in the U.S. for human trafficking cases behind California and Texas. In 2021, the state had 781 cases, 7.54% of the U.S. total. Human trafficking is a humanitarian crisis that is a form of modern-day slavery. Human trafficking is a multi-dimensional humanitarian crisis that is a form of modern-day slavery. Victims are trafficked for various purposes, such as commercial sex, agricultural work, or other forms of labor. They can be rich, poor, men, women, adults, children, foreign nationals, or U.S. citizens.

To help combat human trafficking cases, the speakers stressed the importance of recognizing the signs and focusing on prevention, education, and bringing awareness to trafficking. In addition, social media is increasingly influential in human trafficking. Since victims are targeted online, recognizing the signs can be challenging, but parents and caregivers must monitor their children's internet activity and relationships.

The problem and its impact are complex. Education, awareness, advocacy, and support resources are vital to combat this issue. Attendees were encouraged to report any suspected acts of child abuse at 1-800-962-2873 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or call local law enforcement.

The Powered by Purpose series hosted by United Way of Indian River County features community leaders and experts speaking about different topics of interest to help attendees learn more about an issue, community challenges, collaboration, resources, and other ways to get involved.

About United Way of Indian River County

United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every community member. United Way works with local programs to provide resources to individuals and families in crisis today, while working year-round to improve community conditions and create lasting solutions. We are effectively building a strong foundation and improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website, http://www.UnitedWayIRC.org.

Jan. 20, 2023|

The Rocket Man Show returns to Vero Beach!

Rus Anderson as Elton John

The Rocket Man Show, a Tribute to Elton John will be on The Emerson Center Stage on Thursday evening, Feb. 9. If you’ve missed the opportunity to see this show, or want to see it again as many do, here is your opportunity!

Tickets are on sale now ranging from $40-$95. For best seats…buy tickets now! Visit the website for a listing of all concerts being held during the 10^th Anniversary year, available seating locations and ticket prices: www.MusicWorksConcerts.com or call the TIX Customer Service line 1-(800) 595-4849.

Scotsman Rus Anderson was Elton John's official body double for his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' world tour videos & photos! Hand-picked by Elton John himself, it was Rus' own live production “The Rocket Man Show” which got him noticed. In the show, Rus recreates the magic & live persona of a young Elton like no other….Storming around the stage with a fun-loving sense of flamboyance; part diva, part soccer player, killer vocalist, fierce piano player, all rock & roller. Rus' painstaking attention to detail includes wearing gorgeous, colorful & spectacular costumes (many actually worn by Elton) including his iconic boots, glasses & jumpsuits from 1973, as well as a sparkly Swarovski tuxedo from 1984. It is clearly the most authentic Elton John tribute show in the world. The Rocket Man Show is a regular feature across the USA at venues such as House of Blues, Hard Rock Live, Caesar's, Harrah's, Legends in Concert, BB King's, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World and back to Vero Beach again where his fans see his show over and over again!

The Emerson Center is conveniently located on the campus of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, 1590 27^th Avenue, on the SE corner of 16^thStreet and 27^th Avenue. The doors with Will Call access open at 6 p.m. and seating begins at 6:30 p.m. An elevator to the 2^nd floor balcony is available as well as complimentary listening devices from the Emerson Center office. The venue will provide a wine/snack bar in the lobby. The Emerson Center is conveniently located on the campus of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, 1590 27^thAvenue, on the SE corner of 16^th Street and 27^th Avenue. The doors with Will Call access open at 6 p.m. and seating begins at 6:30 p.m. An elevator to the 2^nd floor balcony is available as well as complimentary listening devices from the Emerson Center office. The venue will provide a wine/snack bar in the lobby.

The Presenting Sponsor of the series is Joe & Denise Corr. Other sponsors include AMAC Alex MacWilliam Real Estate, New Vision Eye Center, Ocean Grill, SouthState Bank. The Majestic Theatre is Screen Sponsor and ABC Printing is The Printing Sponsor. The Non-Profit Partner for this concert is The Emerson Center. If you wish to support the charity when you purchase your tickets, enter the code EMERSON in the discount space and the non-profit will receive a donation of 25% of the ticket price. For more information call 772-234-4412.

Jan. 20, 2023|

City of Fort Pierce Commissioners Seek Consumer Representative Applications for Board of Examiners of Contractors

The Fort Pierce City Commission is seeking civic-minded Fort Pierce residents to serve on the Board of Examiners of Contractors as a consumer representatives.
An eligible individual must be a Fort Pierce resident and not have ever been a member or practitioner of a profession regulated by the board or closely related
to the construction profession. To be considered, please submit an application no later than February 1, 2023.

To fill out an application or see a complete list of Boards and Committees, meeting days and times, and any specific qualifications, visit the Boards & Committees
on the City’s website at: www.cityoffortpierce.com. All applications should be returned to the Office of the City Clerk, 100 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34954,

via email to [email protected] or call 772.467.3065.

Jan. 20, 2023|

A Day’s Journey: self-discovery and personal growth workshop offered

A Day's Journey: self-discovery and personal growth workshop offered

Self-discovery doesn’t require you to reinvent yourself (unless you want to). You can simply desire to understand yourself better. We all question who we truly are at some point on our journey. Life gets busy, we get distracted with our goals and “to do’s”, raising our family and making others happy. Slowly, unintentionally along the way, we can lose our sense of self. You were in everyone else’s backyard but who was in yours? So, it makes sense if you are confused about what you want, your place in the world or your purpose. Plus, with the complexity in the world right now, it’s hard not to feel some level of stress. This workshop builds on how you can be compassionate with yourself and others but not take on the feelings of others that drain you and prohibit you living your life to the fullest.

Here is one of my best coaching tips. You are the one you are waiting for! There is nothing out there that is going to provide sustainable joy and an optimal life- no job, no spouse, no achievement, no home, or vacation. Sustainable joy and the ability to give and receive love is an inside job and requires knowing yourself. And to do that, we need help observing our mind and behavior because it’s hard to step outside ourselves and be able to see gaps and suggest changes that would lead to our growth. Trust me, I have worked with the best and the brightest and we don’t see the water we swim in.

Working together as a small, supportive group, we will draw on different techniques and concepts such as the Enneagram, Mindfulness, a consciousness model called “Living Above the Line” and other exercises and embodiment practices to gain a new perspective, uncover a deeper awareness about ourselves, access strengths we possess and shift our thought processes in ways that better support our thriving in life.

Get out of your comfort zone and try something new
Uncover unconscious patterns and habits that sabotage your enjoyment of life
Let go of other people’s image of you and follow your internal compass
Spend time visualizing your ideal self and lifestyle
Access a sense of calm and balance in your life
Experience heart opening and personal growth
Strengthen your meaningful relationships in a mutually beneficial way
Strategize your next moves
Feel supported and understood by like-minded folks that want to expand and grow just like you do

You’ll grow and change as you discover more about yourself. Trust me, your starting point will feel nothing like the finish line. I promise you a day of personal growth, renewal, and fun!

Fee: $350 and may be paid by Venmo, PayPal, Zelle or check prior to workshop date. Group limited to 8. Please RSVP early and claim your spot/payment reserves your space.

RSVP/Questions: [email protected]

Location: Vero Beach (specific address provided once registered)

Jan. 20, 2023|

AT&T Full STEAM Ahead grant awarded to Bessey Creek Elementary School

Kate Cotner, EFMC President; Stacy Schmit, Principal, Bessey Creek Elementary School; Kendra Remian, Science Lab Teacher, Bessey Creek Elementary School and Ian Cotner, Regional Director of External & Legislative Affairs at AT&T and EFMC Board Member. Photo provided by Education Foundation of Martin

Holiday magic came early to Bessey Creek Elementary School in Palm City when principal Stacy Schmidt and science lab teacher Kendra Remian received some great news. The school was awarded an AT&T Full STEAM Ahead Grant which will be used to provide hands-on science lab experiments for all third, fourth and fifth grade standards. The Education Foundation of Martin County (EFMC) presented the grant on a surprise visit to the school.

Schmidt was delighted with the news. “Being awarded the AT&T Full STEAM Ahead grant means we will be able to connect our students’ concepts of science to hands-on learning. This will make a lasting impression for all our fifth-grade students and afford them a learning opportunity to build a solid science foundation to keep them learning and growing for years to come,” she said.

Lisa Rhodes, Executive Director of EFMC, reached out to all Martin County public schools when she learned about the one-time grant and immediately heard back from Schmidt. Said Rhodes, “Ms. Schmit had a plan to re-engage students in science who may have fallen behind during the COVID-19 pandemic, but just needed the funds to make it happen.” Rhodes applied on behalf of Bessey Creek and the school was awarded $5,000, part of a $100,000 statewide grant offered by AT&T.

Bessey Creek Elementary students will now have an opportunity to experiment in real-time with a scientist, at their own lab station while using all the materials the scientist is using. The goal is to foster a love of science and boost science scores on the fifth grade Florida Standards Science Assessment. “We can't wait to see the end results of this generous award from our longtime partner, AT&T," said Rhodes.

To learn more about the Education Foundation of Martin County, visit www.educationfoundationmc.org.

Jan. 13, 2023|

12 3 Next

Local Interest

ArtsFest, Feb. 11 & 12 in Gazebo Park, downtown Stuart!

New outdoor classroom opens at House of Hope’s

Golden Gate Center for Enrichment in Stuart

About House of Hope

Arbor Day Foundation names Fort Pierce

2022 Tree City USA

Volunteer tax assistance available for St. Lucie County residents

United Way hosts child abuse and human trafficking discussion at third Powered by Purpose event

The Rocket Man Show returns to Vero Beach!

City of Fort Pierce Commissioners Seek Consumer Representative Applications for Board of Examiners of Contractors

via email to [email protected] or call 772.467.3065.

A Day's Journey: self-discovery and personal growth workshop offered

AT&T Full STEAM Ahead grant awarded to Bessey Creek Elementary School

City of Fort Pierce seek volunteers for Parks Advisory Committee