Page 7 - Martin Downs Bulletin - December '23

Martin Downs, Page 7

libRaRy News

Sandra Thurlow To Be recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary The Kiplinger Literacy Award Luncheon will be held at

Honored At 2024 Kiplinger contributions to the promotion of literacy and the love of Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club in Palm City. The
reading in Martin County.
event will feature a keynote speech by Knight Kiplinger and the
Luncheon Thurlow has written and coauthored several books on presentation of the award to Thurlow. Tickets and sponsorships
the history and culture of Martin County and the Treasure are available at the Library Foundation of Martin County website.
The Library Foundation Coast, such as Sewall’s Point: The History of a Peninsular The Library Foundation of Martin County is a nonprofit
of Martin County is pleased Community on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Historic Jensen organization that supports the Martin County Library System.
to announce that Sandra and Eden on Florida’s Indian River, and Gilbert’s Bar House For more information, visit www.libraryfoundationmc.org
Thurlow, a renowned local of Refuge: Home of History. She has also been involved in or call (772) 221-1409.
historian and author, will various historical preservation and education initiatives, such
be honored at the Kiplinger as the Stuart Heritage Museum, the Elliott Museum, and the
Literacy Award luncheon Historical Society of Martin County.
on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, “Sandra Thurlow is a treasure of our community and a
at Harbour Ridge Yacht and champion of literacy. Her books and lectures have enriched
Country Club in Palm City. our understanding of our past and inspired our appreciation
The Kiplinger Literacy of our present. We are proud to recognize her with the 2024
Award, named after the Kiplinger Literacy Award,” said Michael Kenny, chief Treasure Coast
distinguished journalist and publisher Knight Kiplinger, executive officer of the Library Foundation of Martin County.
Outdoors

CELEBRATING We Need An Offshore Fishing

Club In Martin County

By Jim Weix
Once upon a time, we
had the Martin County
Angler’s Club. We used
to meet once a month. I
even had the privilege of
serving a term as president.
The club had featured
speakers and even hosted
a members-only fishing
tournament and fundraisers
like an auction.
Yes, we do have the Stuart Rod and Reel Club,
but that is primarily about river fishing. There is also
the Stuart Sailfish Club, which would come close.
Nearby we have the Port Saint Lucie Anglers. Even
The Villages has a saltwater fishing club and they are
two hours from any kind of saltwater.
One observation that I made about the Martin County
Angler’s Club was that the general membership was
getting old. Without fresh blood, things go downhill.
PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY On a positive note, the Martin County Angler’s Club
gave birth to the MCAC Artificial Reef Fund. This
group still exists and is responsible for many of Martin
County’s newest artificial reefs. Unfortunately, their
annual fundraising fishing tournament fizzled out. They
Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital offers now rely on sponsors to support new reefs.
So why is a fishing club important? It promotes fishing
and teaches people how to do it. When I moved here
preventive, primary and acute hospital from Wisconsin, I was an accomplished bluegill and carp
fisherman. I didn’t know squat about offshore fishing.
care, as well as a full array of specialty So I joined the Martin County Angler’s Club, which
was also hosting a fundraising auction. I bought a
fishing trip donated by Founder and President, John
services. Our physicians represent 71 Burke. Between that and fishing with Tom Flynn, of
Palm City, I learned to fish offshore.
medical specialties and subspecialties, So what happened? Perhaps the average age of
Martin County is getting older. We certainly don’t have
the affordable housing that would attract a younger
and provide collaborative, patient-centered population.
So here is my challenge: Create a Martin County
care to the Treasure Coast community. Fishing Club.
Editor’s note: Jim Weix is an avid hunter, angler,
conservationist, as well as an outdoor writer. Jim is
included in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s Hall of
Fame for helping restore thousands of acres of wetlands.
Jim is a broker associate with The Keyes Company. He
ClevelandClinicFlorida.org | 877.463.2010 can be reached at (772) 341-2941 or by email: jimweix@
jimweix.com.