Page 3 - Hobe Sound Reflections - May '22

Hobe Sound, Page 3

Salvation Army from page 1 States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance
from The Salvation Army each year through a broad LocaL
Gaiser for their efforts in the Red Kettle campaign. Lori array of social services that range from providing food
Baird of Port St. Lucie won 2021 Volunteer of the Year. for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for
the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing
Civic awards were presented to the Knit Wits of PGA and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for Government
Village, Nathan Family Farms of Palm City, Jim and DD
Feenstra of Port St. Lucie and For the Love of Paws of underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar the
Fellsmere for their generous donations to the Salvation Salvation Army spends is used to support those services
Army’s food pantries. In addition, First United Methodist in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, From The Martin County
Church of Hobe Sound, Faith Congregational Church of go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
Port St. Lucie, Stuart Congregational Church, Palm City Photos by Liz McKinley Tax Collector
Presbyterian Church, Harbor Place of Port St. Lucie,
Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee and First United Methodist By Ruth “Ski”
Church of Port St. Lucie were recognized for group bell Pietruszewski, Martin
ringing in the Red Kettle campaign. County Tax Collector
For more information about the Salvation Army of “Our greatest natural
Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee Counties and how to resource is the minds of
volunteer, visit salvationarmymartin.org or call (772) our children.” – Walt
288-1471. Disney
About The Salvation Army Art plays a critical
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the role in our children’s
universal Christian church established in London in 1865, educational and personal
has been supporting those in need in His name without development, and
discrimination for more than 130 years in the United Bruce Nathan of Nathan programs like Kids Tag
Family Farms in Palm City Art provide help in understanding its effect on their
was recognized for his regular Lori Baird of Port St. Lucie emotional, intellectual, and social behavior. Through
donations of fresh eggs for the won top honors as the 2021 the course of the Kids Tag Art (KTA) project, fifth grade
Salvation Army’s food pantry. Volunteer of the Year. students have an opportunity to explore their imagination
and showcase their talents and ideas.
Passionate Partners – “Investing In Our Future”
Some people give and live with both arms open wide and
excited for all of the good things to come! That’s our partners
in our children’s Tag Art Program. Children are our future,
and education is the most powerful tool to use to invest in
our future. Our group is determined to give our children
the best knowledge and skills they need to face life’s daily
challenges making a lasting difference in their life.
Martin County Tax Collector Ruth Piestruszewski and We thank members of our Kids Tag Art partners for
Supervisor of Elections and Salvation Army Advisory Board judging the children’s artwork and choosing winners.
Chair Vicki Davis We thank: Jennifer Hearn, Martin Arts; Trish Kukuvka,
Martin County Sheriff’s Office; Dr. John D. Millay,
Superintendent of Martin County School District; Tammy
Calabria, Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast; Tracy
Mike Dewey of Palm City poses with Col. Dennis Strissel, Steffan, Humane Society of the Treasure Coast; Meredith
Corps Officer for The Salvation Army of Martin, St. Lucie Jones, artist; and Martin County Tax Collector’s office. The
and Okeechobee Counties. quality of the artwork is unimaginable. All these children
are winners, not just the ones that are chosen for prizes!
On Feb. 15, after much deliberation, judges selected
18 designs, out of 926 submitted, and granted Kids
Tag Art 2021/22 awards in the following categories:
Award of Distinction to Emanuelle S. from Citrus Grove
Elementary, “Behind the badge” Award to Adrian R.
from Pinewood Elementary, “Catch of the day” Award
to Hayden C. from Citrus Grove Elementary, “Life is
Retired Salvation Army Salvation Army Women’s better by the water” Award to Sadie S. from Bessey
Advisory Board members Auxiliary members Joan Creek Elementary, “Wagging tail” Award to Jazmine
Jack and Char Meyering of Lewenhagen and Pat The Salvation Army recently held its Volunteer Appreciation Y. from Pinewood Elementary, Tax Collector’s Choice
Palm City Northcutt, both of Palm City Luncheon at Martin Downs Golf Club. Award to Courtney M. from Citrus Grove Elementary.
The principals from each participating school awarded
David Pittinos Steps Down After 20-Plus students for their designs: Lyndee M. – Bessey Creek
Elementary; Isabella G. – Citrus Grove Elementary;
Years As Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Palm Ishita W. – Crystal Lake Elementary; Jackson B. – Felix
A. Williams Elementary; Channing G. – Hobe Sound
Elementary; Miguel A.F. – Indiantown Middle School;
Beach & Martin Counties Volunteer Chilton D. – Jensen Beach Elementary; Tyley L. – J.D.
Parker Elementary; Sara M. – Pinewood Elementary;
Lesli A. – Port Salerno Elementary; Ireland D. – Palm
By Jackie Holfelder When asked about his most challenging and rewarding part City Elementary; and Payton H. – Seawind Elementary.
of his service, he stated that it’s been seeing the Martin On March 30 the Children’s Museum of the Treasure
David Pittinos transferred to Stuart County agency become financially viable and then expand Coast welcomed all awards recipients of the fourth season
in 2001 in a career move and shortly to serve Palm Beach County youth, growing from formerly Kids Tag Art program. With family members, friends,
thereafter attended the Taste of serving 199 children to more than 500 currently. faculty, members of the school board, and sponsoring
Martin County. partners in attendance, young artists were recognized
On behalf of everyone at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm for their talent, their aptitude, and their creativity.
Within a year he was on the Board Beach & Martin Counties, thank you Dave for your decades Martin County Tax Collector Ruth Pietruszewski,
of Big Brothers Big Sisters of of service and commitment. congratulated all the winners for the exceptional
Palm Beach & Martin Counties designs, and emphasized the specific and unique value
(BBBSPBMC), where he has that art brings to our lives.
remained until now!
David Pittinos We are looking forward to the next season! To
The retired Certified Financial Planner, who has over 45 watch the festivities go to https://www.facebook.com/
years in the investment business and has been a broker, watch/?v=1210862699655088.
branch manager, and financial planner, fell in love with
the nonprofit and left a mark that will not be forgotten.

Although he held many positions on the board, Dave’s most
significant achievements were in fundraising, specifically
masterminding a BMW raffle which raised $25,000 over
a five-year period.

He also served on the Martin County Advisory Board and Alumni Board Chair Larry Green, Board Trustee Josh
the Finance Committee. Folds and David Pittinos

In 2018, Dave received one of BBBSPBMC’s top accolades,
the Raising a Child Award, to honor his service and passion.