Council on Aging Honors 7 Martin County Seniors with Sage Awards
Seven outstanding Martin County seniors are the honored recipients of this year’s Council on Aging Sage Awards.
Each of them is a remarkable example of leadership, unwavering dedication, and deep compassion for others, representing a broad spectrum of life experiences and fields of influence.
“Our honorees are truly impressive,” said Council on Aging CEO Karen Ripper. “All of them have used the wisdom, talents and treasures they’ve cultivated over a lifetime to enrich the world around them. They are tremendous examples of the fact that age is not an indicator of how much a person can contribute to his or her community.”
This year’s Chairman’s Award was presented to Eileen Morris, a tireless and successful fundraiser for area nonprofits for several decades. The Charlie Kane Award went to Joseph Flanagan, a local advocate for education and children’s causes. Also honored were Jane Lawton Baldridge, a renowned artist and ocean advocate; Dr. Philip Schein, a noted oncologist and international authority on the development of anticancer therapies turned artist; David Mayo, a volunteer for organizations that support veterans and their families; Lloyd Jones, a founder of Martin County’s Black Heritage Initiatives; and Vicki Jenkins, honored posthumously, an extraordinary and beloved special education teacher.
A special Lotus Society recognition was given to Wes and Linda George and Peter and Gayle Grimm for their outstanding philanthropic commitment to the Council on Aging. Their generosity and that of countless other members of the community help to support the broad range of programs that the Council on Aging offers in the areas of Health & Wellness, Social Connections, Meals & Nutrition, and Memory & Care Giving.
For 50 years the Council on Aging has served the residents of Martin County as the hub for senior resources. “As we applaud the 2024 Sage honorees,” Ripper said, “we also pledge to continue to ensure that our seniors are able to maintain vibrant and purposeful lives, aging with dignity and a sense of belonging.”
The Presenting Sponsor for the Sage Awards was Dr. Reza Khatib, with additional sponsorship from The Community Foundation Martin - St. Lucie, Nearing & Dallas Wealth Management at RBC Wealth Management, Price Wealth Management, Richard A. Zappala Family Foundation, Brain Matters Research, Freedom Support Solutions LLC, HBK CPAs & Consultants, HBKS Wealth Advisors, Betsy Herold, Nancy Goethel CFP®, CIMA®, CRPC® - Vice President of Investments at Raymond James, N. Schoonover & Associates Inc., Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, Seacoast Bank, The Saelzer/Atlas Wealth Management Team of Raymond James, Sailfish Wealth Management Group/Michael Dadko, South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Management, Edward J. Yen CIMA® CPWA® Senior Vice President/Investments, and Stifel/Palm Beach Wealth Advisory Group. Council on Aging also recognizes Supporters of Sage: Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank and
The Feiertag Financial Group of Stuart, with special thanks to Bob Weissman, Judie Price, and Michael & Penny Carr.
About the Council on Aging of Martin County
The Council on Aging of Martin County is the community’s hub for senior resources and the county’s Lead Agency on Aging. Founded in 1974, the organization offers expertise, programming and support for older adults and their families to help seniors maintain lives of quality and purpose. Services include: Day Primary Care Center, Memory Enhancement Center, Adult Day Club, Meals on Wheels, care management, caregiver support, and a robust offering of educational, cultural, fitness and wellness programs.
The Kane Center located at 900 SE Salerno Road in Stuart is the Council on Aging of Martin County’s headquarters and is also an event venue available to the public. It serves as a special needs hurricane shelter when necessary. Council on Aging of Martin County also operates senior outreach facilities in Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, East Stuart and Indiantown. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Council on Aging receives funding from state and federal agencies and relies on philanthropic support from the community, including other agencies, private foundations and individual donors. For more information, visit www.coamartin.org.