Dear Friends,
There’s always something new at Council on Aging Martin County - and this month, we’re especially excited to share it with you.
Our brand-new website is live at www.coamartin.org.
We’ve been working behind the scenes for many months to build something truly worthy of the community we serve - more intuitive, faster and much more visually appealing. Whether you visit us often or haven’t stopped by the site in a while, we think you’re going to be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
Just a few of the many things you can explore and do:
• Browse and sign up for Kane Center events — from exercise classes to concerts
• Find memory programs and other specialized services
• Connect with Day Primary to schedule an appointment
• Explore volunteer opportunities
• Make a donation to keep the good work going
• Get quick answers in our brand-new FAQ section, designed to help you navigate our programs, services, and how to get started
Our goal was simple: make it easier for seniors, caregivers, and community members to find what they need - in plain language. Same address. Same mission. A whole lot better experience. |
Come see for yourself at www.coamartin.org. No matter how well you think you know us, we’re betting you’ll discover something new.
Also in this issue: meet our newest board member, learn how your Target purchases can help fight homelessness, and get to know two remarkable individuals from our Adult Day Club.
Warmly, |
| Karen Ripper, President and CEO |
The Council on Aging Martin County received a wonderful surprise during its annual Sage Awards ceremony when Charity Classic Committee member Gretchen Kundahl and Club Manager Rick Falero of Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Club presented the organization with an incredible donation of more than $57,000. The announcement created one of the evening’s most memorable and heartfelt moments.
The generous gift was made possible through Piper’s Landing’s annual Charity Classic — a beloved community tradition that brings residents together through pickleball, tennis, and golf competitions, as well as an elegant dinner and live auction, all in support of local nonprofit organizations.
Piper’s resident Harriet Stone first introduced the Council on Aging’s mission and impact to the Charity Classic Committee, helping inspire this year’s support.
As Gretchen shared, “We are just thrilled to have this opportunity to support such an incredible organization and its impactful programs. The Piper’s community is small but mighty — and we love giving back!” |
| Pictured L to R: Gretchen Kundahl, Rick Falero, Club Manager, and Barbara Pompa, Club President presented the Council on Aging a check at the annual Sage Awards ceremony, surprising the President & CEO Karen Ripper and Board Chair Dr. Neil Boland and all of its guests! |
The Mariner Sands Country Club community came together for this year’s Charity Week. They were faced with a moment that truly matters. They recognized that right now, seniors in Martin County are struggling to meet their most basic needs—food on the table, a safe place to live, and access to essential healthcare.
On April 22, 2026, members of the Council on Aging were presented with a $25,000 contribution to help provide essential emergency basic needs and housing assistance for Seniors in Crisis. This grant will empower our case managers to help seniors during times of a crisis. This generous support will provide critical funds necessary to aid vulnerable seniors, who may be at risk of becoming homeless and having an adverse impact on our fixed-income, low-income seniors.
The Council on Aging Martin county is honored to have been among the Mariner Sands’ Focus Charities this year! |
| Pictured L to R: Judith Carlson, Alan Casanneli, Edie Stevenson, Jack Flanagan and Kathy McGowan representing MSCW and Karen Ripper, President & CEO, Greg Nuttall, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, and Michele Jacobs, Chief Philanthropic Officer, representing the Council on Aging Martin County. |
Our Adult Day Club is always filled with energy, laughter, and activity - especially when we’re celebrating the birthdays of our wonderful clients.
Recently, we had the joy of honoring two very special members of our Day Club family: Bill and Emma, who generously shared a little about their lives and what the program means to them.
At 93 years young, Bill is nearly a native Floridian, having moved to South Florida with his family as a young boy. After the loss of his wife, he found himself searching for companionship and meaningful ways to stay engaged. He found both at the Day Club. Several days a week, the Day Club bus brings him from his home to the Kane Center, where he enjoys the friendships, activities, and welcoming atmosphere.
“People are friendly and loving here,” Bill shared. “There are always fun things to do, lively conversations, and good food! Everyone works hard to make it a good day - and they succeed.”
Emma, 90, truly is a native Floridian, born in Hobe Sound. She also rides the bus to the Day Club each day and says the time flies once she arrives.
“It’s like a big party every day,” Emma said with a smile. “I especially enjoy the field trips and the mental challenges like word searches. My daughter thought it would be good for me to come here and she was right.” |
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