Dear Friends,
One of the greatest joys of my job is saying thank you. Every day, I have reasons to be grateful: for the clients and families who entrust us with their care, our staff whose dedication brings our mission to life, the donors and supporters whose generosity sustains our work, and the community partners who help us bring more resources to seniors in need.
Some of the most meaningful moments come when that gratitude finds its way back to us. Just this past week, I received a handwritten note from a gentleman sharing how much the Kane Center and its activities have enriched his life. A Meals on Wheels client called to tell us our chef is the best! And every day, the hugs and smiles in our Adult Day Club express more than words ever could. These moments remind us why our work matters and how much we have to be thankful for. |
As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope you’ll join me in taking a moment to appreciate the people who bring care, comfort and connection to our lives. Here at the Council on Aging Martin County, we’re especially grateful for you and the many ways you help make our community a more caring place for seniors and their families.
Wishing you and those you cherish a warm and joyful Thanksgiving. I hope you’ll explore the opportunities in this issue to celebrate with us, including our 2026 Poinsettia Power luncheon. It’s always a joy to gather with friends!
With gratitude, |
| Karen Ripper, President and CEO |
We’re delighted to welcome Louann “Lou” Robinson, MSN, BSN, RN, CCRN, as the new Director of the Adult Day Club at the Council on Aging Martin County.
An experienced Treasure Coast healthcare professional, Lou holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in Healthcare System Leadership from Norwich University. She most recently served as Director of a Patient Care Unit at HCA Florida Lawnwood in Fort Pierce and previously served as Director of Critical Care Nursing Services at Kuakini Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Lou is a U.S. Air Force veteran, and also the recipient of the DAISY Award for Outstanding COVID-19 Nursing Care.
“We are delighted to welcome Lou Robinson to our team,” said President and CEO Karen Ripper. “She brings the leadership qualities, competence and compassion that our clients in the Adult Day Club need and deserve.”
The Adult Day Club serves seniors with mild or moderate dementia or mobility challenges, offering days filled with meaningful social activities, specialized therapies, memory care and brain fitness. The program enhances participants’ quality of life while giving caregivers much-needed time to rest, work or attend to other responsibilities.
If you hear the sound of music and laughter at the Council on Aging’s home at the Kane Center on Salerno Road, it’s sure to be coming from the Day Club and Lou looks forward to being part of those joyful moments.
“I’m very excited to be working at the ground level, interacting with our clients every day, and having a positive impact on their quality of life,” Lou said. |
| With Gratitude to Phyllis Brown |
After several years of leading the Adult Day Club team, Phyllis Brown has retired as Director, leaving a legacy of compassionate care and meaningful connections.
“Phyllis helped build our program where clients are engaged and families feel involved and supported,” Ripper said. “She leaves an impressive legacy and we’re deeply grateful for all she has done and wish her joy and fulfillment in this next chapter of her life.”
For Phyllis, saying goodbye means missing the people who made her work so rewarding. “I’ll miss seeing my clients,” she said. “I’ve had a good run, but seasons change, and we need to change with them. This is the right time for me to do other things.”
As she reflected on her time at COA, her appreciation for the staff, clients and families remained at the heart of her farewell. “This is the best staff anywhere,” she said. “They are driven by the mission. They love what they do, and what they do is so important. Our clients deserve every chance to continue to live meaningful lives, and the Adult Day Club gives them that. While they’re enjoying their day at the Club, their families have time to recharge and take care of their own lives. I’m so proud to have been a part of it.” |
Phyllis Brown opened the door each day to personally welcome clients to the
Adult Day Club. |
For the last several months, a quiet but essential expansion project has been in progress at Adult Day Care and Memory Enhancement Center at the Kane Center. Walls were moved, the décor was brightened, and the entire area is now more functional and welcoming to a steadily increasing number of individuals taking part in these life-affirming programs.
On October 16, we celebrated the official ribbon cutting with the generous donors who made the renovations and expansion possible: the Wong Family Foundation, the late George and Sally Barngrover, and Mrs. Nancy Angstem. Thanks to their support, we can now serve even more seniors and families in our community. |
| From left to right: Board Member Jill Ball, Chief Philanthropic Officer Michele Jacobs, ADC client / Ribbon Cutting Guest Karen Voisinet, Board Member & Past Chair Nicki Schoonover join in the official ribbon cutting for our expanded ADC and Memory Enhancement Center. |
| Day Primary Care's Dr. Mildred Sabo reflects on a rewarding career in geriatric medicine |
For Dr. Sabo, caring for older adults is about more than treating medical conditions. It's about building relationships, listening to patients and helping them make the decisions that are right for them. It's an approach that has guided her throughout her career in geriatric medicine and one she continues to embrace at Day Primary Care.
Now, Dr. Sabo is celebrating an impressive professional milestone: 30 years of board certification.
Board certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a physician's expertise in a medical specialty and commitment to maintaining high standards of care. Maintaining certification requires ongoing medical education and periodic assessments to stay current with advances in medicine.
Dr. Sabo's path to medicine began with a love of science and problem-solving. After working as a medical technologist for five years, she pursued medical school and eventually discovered her calling in geriatric medicine, drawn to the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults.
Since joining Day Primary Care in 2017, Dr. Sabo has appreciated the opportunity to spend quality time with her patients, getting to know them and understanding their individual needs.
"One of the things I appreciate most about Day Primary Care is that we have the time to really get to know our patients," she said. "That time is so important, especially when you're caring for older adults who may be managing several health concerns. It allows us to build relationships and provide the kind of individualized care they deserve."
She also values the close connection between Day Primary Care and the Council on Aging of Martin County, which allows her to help patients with needs that extend beyond the doctor's office.
Through the Council on Aging, patients can access programs and services such as Meals on Wheels, adult day care, exercise and social activities, and assistance with challenges like transportation and medication costs.
"One of the biggest changes I've seen over the years is the number of resources available to support older adults," she said. "Here, we're able to connect patients with programs and services that can make a real difference in their daily lives. It's wonderful to have that kind of support available right next door."
While medicine has changed dramatically throughout her career, with new technologies, treatments and medications, Dr. Sabo believes one thing remains essential: listening to patients and respecting their wishes.
"Every patient is different, and what matters most is understanding their individual needs and wishes," she said. "Some patients want to pursue every available treatment, while others prefer a more conservative approach. My role is to help them understand their options and support them in making the decisions that are right for them."
And while she may be celebrating 30 years of board certification, Dr. Sabo isn't ready to close this chapter of her career.
A patient recently told her, "I don't want you to retire."
Fortunately for that patient and the many others who depend on her, Dr. Sabo has no plans to retire anytime soon.
Congratulations, Dr. Sabo, on this remarkable milestone and your continued dedication to the older adults in our community! |
Tickets are going fast for the 2026 Poinsettia Power Holiday Bazaar Luncheon and Fashion Show on Tuesday, December 1, at Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa!
Guests will enjoy shopping at one-of-a kind vendors at our holiday bazaar, revel in the stylish fashions at our fashion show, participate in our annual Hat Parade, and delight in a special holiday lunch complete with champagne and wine service.
And the purpose of all this celebration? To benefit our beloved Meals on Wheels program, bringing a hot meal and a warm smile to seniors in need throughout Martin County.
Secure a table NOW for your friends, neighbors, clients. This event could even be a ready-made holiday party for your business or organization.
And it’s not just for the ladies – men are welcome too! From golf packages and great experiences in our silent auction to a mission that matters to everyone, Poinsettia Power is an event for the whole community.
Thank you to this year’s sponsors!
Holly Program Sponsor
- Cummins-Levenstein Charitable Foundation, in honor of Mom and Grandmother Audrey Sandra Wolfin
Peace Lily Sponsors
- Bob & Ralf Massey Foundation
- Betsy Herold
Amaryllis Valet Sponsor
- Ross Earle Bonan Ensor & Carrigan, P.A.
Amaryllis Décor Sponsor
- Nancy Goethel, CFP®, CIMA®, CRPC®, Vice President, Investments at Raymond James
Mistletoe Sponsors
- Beacon Legacy Law
- Seacoast Bank
- Water’s Edge Health Care. Rehabilitation. Assisted Living at Sandhill Cove
- Nancy Wong
For tickets and sponsorship information, contact Michele Leigh Jacobs at 772-223-7803, mjacobs@coamartin.org, or Amber Ducote at 772-284-3007 or visit the Council on Aging Martin County website at www.coamartin.org/poinsettia-power/. |
| Members of the 2026 Poinsettia Power Luncheon Committee, left to right: Gillian Sasuta, Joanna Mangan, Lensey Ackerman, Jeannine Warren, Jill Ball, Donna Haines, and Rosemarie Lembo James |
Council on Aging Martin County is bringing a little celestial sparkle to this year’s Festival of Giving! Decorated by our Community Outreach Coordinator Lesley Vestrich, COA’s tree features the sun, moon and stars in a heavenly celebration of the season.
Formerly known as the Festival of Trees, this cherished community tradition fills the Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast at Indian Riverside Park with beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and centerpieces that celebrate and support local nonprofits.
A heartfelt thank-you to The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast for bringing nonprofits, businesses and neighbors together for this festive tradition. We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of an event that spreads holiday joy while supporting so many organizations serving our community.
Visit the Children’s Museum on Nov 13 through Nov 21 to enjoy the festive displays and purchase raffle tickets for a chance to take one home while supporting a good cause. Admission to the festival display is free.
Festival Hours:
- Friday, November 13 – Sunday, November 15: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Monday, November 16 – Thursday, November 19: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Friday, November 20: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Saturday, November 21: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
And be sure to stop by our Council on Aging tree! |
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