Page 5 - Palm City Spotlight - January '23

Palm City Spotlight, Page 5

LocAL GovErnmEnt

Martin County Property Excellence in Assessment Administration from the Angel trees in all of our
offices,” commented Ruth
International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO).
Appraiser Approximately 13,000 offices in the United States and Pietruszewski, Martin
Canada are members of the IAAO, and our office was County Tax Collector.
By Jenny Fields, CFA one of only 49 to be honored with this prestigious award. Each Angel tree is filled
Jan. 5, 2023 will mark my This certificate affirms that we are operating at the highest with the names and wish
second year as your Martin level of performance for our customers. lists of local children. The
County Property Appraiser. In addition, the office was recognized with seven list consists of toys, and
I continue to commit my Gold Addy Awards by the American Advertising sizes for shirts, pants, and
office to providing excellent Federation Treasure Coast Chapter for our messaging shoes. The donor’s name
customer service, education, and communication methods to reach the public. is kept anonymous. The
and community outreach for the None of this would be possible without my talented Salvation Army Angel
residents and business owners team of professionals. Their hard work, dedication, Tree is one of the true
of our great county! unique knowledge, and accessibility is what makes the spirits of giving and a
In 2022, we gained an office truly great! way to bring Christmas
additional partner to our library of seven print and digital Thank you for the honor of serving to Martin County children who are less fortunate.
publications to distribute monthly informational articles as your Martin County Property The majority of the staff at the tax collector’s office
to you (ICares, Hometown News, Seabreeze, TCPalm Appraiser. Happy New Year and all personally donated to fill all the angels that were on the trees
Real Estate Source, Treasure Coast Real Estate and the very best in 2023! at the four offices. The spirit of Christmas giving and cheer
Local Living, Friends and Neighbors of Martin County, Sincerely, filled the air in our office!
and Out2News). We have also collaborated with Martin Jenny Fields, CFA,
County Television (MCTV), as another distribution point Martin County Property Appraiser
to air our monthly educational videos and infomercials.
Our presentation schedule to local groups and Martin County Tax Collector
organizations increased by 63 percent over the prior year.
Presenting to homeowner associations and attending new By Ruth “Ski
business openings in Martin County are two additional Pietruszewski, Martin
community outreach initiatives. County Tax Collector
The office incorporated three new software modules Salvation Army
which have significantly impacted productivity and Christmas Tree Angels
accuracy (iLOOKABOUT, GeoViewPort Desktop Review
and Assessment Project Management). In addition, The True Meaning Of
more than 25 enhancements were made to our website Christmas
increasing overall favorable customer service. In fact, Angel trees brighten Ruth “Ski” Pietruszewski, Martin County Tax Collector,
the website saw robust traffic, receiving more than 3.5 Christmas for children. “We announces that the Real ID Act compliance date has been
million page views in 2022! hope to help bring the true extended for two years. The extended date is May 7, 2025.
Because of these achievements and so many meaning of Christmas to Look for the gold star in the upper right-hand side of your
more, the office received the Recertification of local children and help the Salvation Army by putting driver’s license to confirm you are Real ID compliant.

With A Tropical Twist from page 1 Helping People Succeed has been serving families on the
Treasure Coast for more than a half-century and in the past
As in years past, local philanthropist Bill Lichtenberger was year has focused on broadening the scope of its programs
the host for the evening and was honored with a standing ovation. and services in the mental health arena.
Sponsors included Marlene Filer with Celebrities Fore To learn more, visit www.hpsfl.org.
Kids, Jim and Jayne Mondello, Barbara Taylor, David and Photos by Liz McKinley
Karen Townsend with the Blueyes Foundation, Bob Crandall,
Jack and Ginny Luther with the Bart Blue Star Foundation,
Randy and Linda Prange and Bob and Carol Weissman.
Elliot Paul conducted the live auction and Call to Heart,
which doubled last year’s financial success and raised monies
for Helping People Succeed’s emergent families.
In total, this major fundraiser for the nonprofit surpassed
last year’s earnings. Pete and Joy Funston with Stacy and Tom Nisa

EVERY SUNDAY
9AM-2PM

FLAGLER PARK Allen Herskowitz and Gayle Sokoloff with Ellyn Stevenson
and Bob Crandall
•FRESH PRODUCE

•LIVE MUSIC
•MOBILE CRAFT BAR
•KIDS MARKET
(last Sunday of every month)

Operated by Stuart Main Street

Fresh Local Produce & Honey
Organic Eggs, Beef & Poultry Suzy Hutcheson, Bill Lichtenberger and Suzi Beers
Household Plants & Florals
Homemade Cheeses
Spices & Sauces
Freshly Baked Breads & Tasty Treats
Pottery, Art & Home Décor BE A PART OF
Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories SOMETHING
Vegan and Gluten Free options! FRESH!

A market for growers, crafters, artists & other creators

772-285-0502 | market@stuartmainstreet.org
Stuart Main Street is a 501c3 non-profit focused on promoting the Historic Downtown.
Marian and Otto Vitale James and Jayne Mondello