Page 1 - Stuart Exposure - May '21

VOL. 23 NO. 5 www.seabreezepublications.com MAY 2021

‘Heroes’ Exhibit Salutes First Responders

By Jackie Holfelder In the interim, the talented VSOA artists (students are aged
During the heart of the 5 to 18) and teachers created masterpieces that paid tribute
pandemic, leading up to the to law enforcement, first responders and medical personnel.
2020 holiday season, Lynne An invitation only VIP Reception was held on April 9. It
Barletta, founder of Visionary included speeches of gratitude to the real-life heroes of the
School of Arts (VSOA), the evening, delicious food and beverages and an auction of three
staff and the students were outstanding works of art, conducted by esteemed auctioneer
looking for a way to show Elliot Paul.
their gratitude to Martin The trio of three original pieces were created by VSOA
County’s first responders. students Christopher Carnes and Alexandra Trejo, VSOA
They decided that the teacher Alice Laputka and Barletta, herself.
theme of the Rising Star Visionary School of Arts, founded by Barletta in 2010, is a
Spring, 2021 exhibit would 501(c) (3) nonprofit that uses art to not only provide a creative
be “Heroes” and included in outlet for students of all ages, but to use art as a vehicle, in
the holiday gift basket that order to bring messages of leadership, values and change.
each first responder received For more information, visit VisionarySchoolofArts.org
from VSOA an invitation to or call (772) 283-4888.
the show, which took place Lynne Barletta, founder/executive director of VSOA, flanked by Martin County Sheriff Office Photos by Jackie Holfelder
the weekend of April 9 to 11 Deputy Ed Fitzgerald, Major John Budensiek, Deputy Crystal Nash, Community Police
at Stuart Infiniti’s showroom. Deputy Michael Vitello and Manager Trisha Kukuvka ‘Heroes’ Exhibit Salutes First Responders on page 5
Students Recognized For Good Character

Through Joe Kordick Youth Character Awards

There’s light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, but many
time-honored events still have not returned to normal. Last year
to adapt to this challenging time, United Way of Martin County
found creative ways to recognize students who were honored
for their outstanding character through the CHARACTER
COUNTS! Joe Kordick Youth Character Awards.
Instead of honoring students during a ceremony, United Way
of Martin County CHARACTER COUNTS! advisory board
members continued the pandemic-friendly recognition they
started last year by placing signs at students’ homes that read “A
Joe Kordick Youth Character Award Winner Lives Here.” Seniors
were also presented with a $1,000 cash award and middle school
recipients were presented with a plaque.

Students Recognized For Good Character on page 4 Shelby Sexton Katie Berger Quincy Clark Emily Osborn
Public Health In Action: Community Organizations

Band Together For Pandemic Response And Recovery

The year 2020 posed an extraordinary challenge for but we could not have done it
public health agencies and the response to the pandemic alone,” said Carol Ann Vitani,
called for a colossal community-wide collaboration health officer for the Florida
spearheaded by the Florida Department of Health in Martin Department of Health. “Our
County (DOH). partnerships and volunteers
“This past year has been like no other. I am incredibly helped set our community on
proud of our DOH-Martin staff and our agency’s response, the path to recovery.”

Retired registered nurse Jane Cebelak of
Palm City helps a Martin County resident
fill out paperwork during a vaccine clinic
hosted by United Way of Martin County.

Sue Hardesty, R.N. and Rhonda Foerscht, R.N. Public Health In Action on page 3