Better Living & Marketplace Magazine Sweetheart/Winter 2022 Edition

SWEETHEART ISSUE | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

TREASURE COAST

&Marketplace

Meet Mark Whitaker of Cardinal (See featured cover story page 7)

E XC L U S I V E LO C A L O F F E R S | B U S I N E S S E S , P R O F E S S I O N A L S & H E A LT H S P E C I A L F E AT U R E S, E V E N TS & CO L UM N S | D I N I N G & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

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contents

Treasure Coast Styles

BY MARIANNE HOWELL

Trinkets and Objects

TREASURE COAST

Sweetheart Issue | February/March 2022

B.

that Add Character to Your Home A.

A. Gold Leaf On Marble Stand Decor Set Of 3 World Market | $74.97 worldmarket.com

C.

7

B. 50" Ceramic Bead Garland Studio McGee for Threshold | $30 target.com C. Gold Geometric Tabletop Sculpture Better Homes and Gardens | $8.44 walmart.com D. Jack Decorative Object Anthropologie | $18 anthropologie.com E. Wood Knot Sculptures Crate & Barrel | $59.95 crateandbarrel.com

D.

features

F. Glass Fireplace Match Cloche Bottle Skeem Design | $36-$60 amazon.com

E.

7

F.

11 14 16 30

On the Cover: Meet Mark Whitaker of Cardinal Financial Chuck’s Seafood Champions: Treasure Coast Patriots weVenture: Igniting the Power of Female Entrepreneurs Your Business & the Metaverse

in every issue 2 13 19 28

Marianne Howell is a stylist based on the Treasure Coast. She is drawn to simplicity and believes that less is more.

Find her online: www.treasurecoaststylist.com, instagram, facebook, & pinterest @treasurecoaststylist

2

BETTER LIVING & MARKETPLACE MAGAZINE

Treasure Coast Styles Women in Business HOME Community Events

Mark Whitaker

Cardinal Financial

columns 4

Letter from the Publisher

8

Holistic Health by Joanne Augusto

12 Pet’s Nook: Bonded Pairs By Gerard Elliott 18 Better Taste by Chef Mark Phillips

weVENTURE

15

BETTERLIVINGANDMARKETPLACE.COM

3

the publisher LETTER FROM

Dear Readers,

T

A

few weeks ago, we were introduced to Mark Whitaker. He is super passionate and knowledgeable when it comes to his field.

An avid boater and amazing family man are just two points he touches on in this month’s “Business Spotlight.”

We launched a new feature, “Better Taste”, with guest contributor, Chef Mark. So if you want to try your hand at being the “At-Home” gourmet chef, scan the SmrtAd code on the article. Chef Mark’s amazing recipes are easy to make and do not disappoint.

Another featured story to check out is the “Pet’s Nook” on page 12. Our wonderful friend Gerard, shares a beautiful story of his “Bonded Pair” rescues.

As some of you may know, the St Lucie Humane society is under new management and is doing some amazing things for our local animals in need.

We want to give a huge congratulations to the Treasure Coast Patriots! They ranked No. 1 in the nation, not once but twice. Read the entire article on page 14 and scan the SmrtAd code for more on this fantastic team.

So from Mardi Gras to St. Patrick’s day or a Wednesday, find a reason to celebrate and be happy everyday.

his weather! More on that in a minute…

Planning for the perfect gift to send to your loved one this Valentine’s day doesn’t have to be stressful. There are so many local shops on the Treasure Coast that God most definitely wants us to be happy. have great Valentine’s day gift options. If you are planning to have a dinner for two on this Psalm 126:2 says, “Our mouths were filled with special day, there are many local restaurants laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.” In fact, God tells us to be happy more times in with varied cuisines on their menu. scripture than any other command.

12

Now back to this weather... I am reminded of the poem that we all learned in elementary school, “March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.” I am looking forward to the lamb weather.

See you next issue. Be sure to #supportlocal.

New Feature! Pet’s Nook

– Indira Ceville-Borgella

If you do not receive or have the time to pick up our magazine please log onto betterlivingandmarketplace.com or email us at contact@betterlivingmarketplace.com for convenient home delivery.

If you are involved in a community program that is making a positive difference, please contact me at contact@betterlivingmarketplace.com. You just might be the next story.

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TREASURE COAST SWEETHEART ISSUE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022 Publisher/Editor Indira Ceville-Borgella

Magically Delicious

Assistant Editor Margie Ceville-Rogers Creative/Graphic Designer SC Design Web Creative Direction Treasure Coast Communications & Marketing Inc. Feature Writers Kathryn Rudloff, weVenture® Women’s Business Center

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Better Living & Marketplace Magazine is published seasonally by Treasure Coast Communications and Marketing, Inc. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by express written permission of the publisher.

All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Better Living & Marketplace Magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Better Living & Marketplace Magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publishers from all liability.

Letters from our readers are not only welcome but encouraged.

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feature business spotlight

Meet Mark Whitaker of Cardinal

C

ardinal Financial LP is a top 10 national mortgage lender. We offer many programs through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Va, FHA, Jumbos, and Non-QM products. Having this many products available allows me the ability to service many customers at a high level. Cardinal is at the forefront of the latest technology to streamline the process. Cardinal offers a true digital mortgage application that is often submitted on iPhones, Tablets, and Laptops. We have the ability to approve and fund purchase transactions in 15 days.

About me, I was born in Steubenville, Ohio, and spent most of my life in various parts of the state. In 2004 I was hired by a mortgage lender located in Dublin, Ohio. It was there I learned the basics of mortgage lending. Over the years I have fine-tuned my craft to ensure I'm at the top of my game. I relocated to South Florida in 2008 and got to work right away. I literally have built my business from the ground up. Fast forward to today I am one of the most highly respected mortgage lenders in the area, helping hundreds of families over the years. I'm passionate about Cardinal Financial LP this business and strive to put a good product on the street. In my spare (561) 237-5249 time, I enjoy fishing, boating, softball, working out, and spending time www.cardinalfinancial.com with my wife Alyssa and daughter Sydney. – Mark Whitaker

& Day Spa

You deserve the best mortgage experience possible.

It’s our winning combination of products, process, technology, and people that turns our customers into happy homeowners.

That’s the Cardinal Financial Difference.

(561) 237‑5249 www.cardinalfinancial.com

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column

holistic health

The POWER of RED T

here are still many mysteries of the human body.

Especially the heart. Unfortunately we don’t give it much attention until it malfunctions.

There are many steps you can take to heal a broken heart or nourish your heart for optimum performance. Just like your car engine needs preventive maintenance your heart needs daily maintenance.

No coincidence that the heart loves red fruits and vegetables. Here are a few of my favorites.

• POMEGRANATE Pomegranates are worth their trouble, one of the healthiest fruits on earth.

Pomegranates and their juice may help improve blood pressure. Consuming 5oz of unsweetened juice daily has been shown to lower blood pressure levels in as little as two weeks. Another study showed it also lowered triglycerides and reduced the LDL cholesterol.

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• TART CHERRY Tart cherry juice is famous as a natural remedy for gout but the heart also reaps benefits. Tart cherry supplements can reduce muscle breakdown, muscle soreness and speed up recovery.

Colors WALK-INS WELCOME!

• BEETS Beets contain a high concentration of nitrates, which can lower your blood pressure levels.

Eating all the colors of the rainbow are important, fresh Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Beets also and organic are always best. contain betalains, which possess a number of antiinflammatory properties. This is especially important

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“Life in paradise – can’t beat it, can’t mess it up.”

–OWNER GEORGETTE ANGELOS

Chocolate Covered

• Wedding invitation videos

Strawberries

• Pre- and posthoneymoon thank you videos

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hat’s better than eating amazingly juicy strawberries? Eating Chocolate Covered Strawberries of course. Nothing screams romance more than these easy to make romantic treats. I don’t know what it is, but seeing these succulent beauties never fails to put a smile on anyone’s face.

You’ve 2 options: Buy them or test your skills as a budding chocolatier and make it yourself!

It’s just a matter of dipping fresh strawberries in melted chocolate. It’s so easy anyone can do it.

For best results, use a high-quality like Ghirardelli or Baker’s baking chocolate. DM us pics of your creations!

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ord is out that Chuck’s Seafood, that cornerstone of the Fort Pierce dining community, has changed owners. But before everyone gets all nervous and worried, let me tell you the rest of the story. It truly is exciting and upbeat.

Chuck’s Seafood, on the Seaway Drive Circle of South Hutchinson Island, has been a fixture on the Treasure Coast for over 60 years, featuring a quirky charm and excellent food. Peter Angelos took over ownership from Chuck and Elodie Tabor in 1984. This past April Peter retired and his daughter Georgette assumed ownership. Georgette literally grew up in the restaurant. She remembers as a toddler taking naps on two barstools pushed together.

Georgette Angelos returned from a successful film making career in L.A. to take on the challenge and in just a few short months, under difficult circumstances what with a pandemic, supply issues and rising costs, has done a fabulous job. She just added an outside covered patio area, with a full bar, an oyster bar, beautiful high top tables, a corn hole court and live music on the newly constructed stage.

The nighttime views of the crystal clear water are breathtaking, as you can see from the picture.

My dinner started with FRIED SHRIMP succulent Steamed Clams

and super fresh hush puppies. The entrée of Atlantic yellow fin tuna, sesame seed crusted, and parsley potatoes was unbelievably delicious.

Dessert was a fabulous slice of authentic Florida key lime pie, made by Mike’s Pies in Tampa and is delivered fresh several times a week.

The biggest treat of the evening was owner Georgette, so poised and mature. It was obvious she is well liked and respected by her staff, some of whom followed her from L.A. There is a genuine aura of kindness, teamwork and engaging happiness among them all. She knows how to run the family business the Old School way, to keep quality up and prices down.

To quote Georgette, “They wanted music. I gave it to them. They wanted an outside bar. I gave it to them. But the food will always remain quality! I will never give less than that.” “Life in Paradise,” she continued, “can’t beat it, can’t mess it up.” And she won’t. eorgette plans to continue her father’s legacy of philanthropy in the Fort Pierce community. She just completed producing a film documentary for the new Highwaymen’s Museum off of Avenue D, dedicated to Jackie Canyon.

So, come on over to CHUCK’S SEAFOOD, the “Cheers” of Fort Pierce, where OUTDOOR HANGOUT everybody knows your name.

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Nook

feature

Bonded Pairs

BY GERARD ELLIOTT Pet Rescue Music Radio “Giving Pets Across America A Voice” www.PetRescueRadio.com

This is a term used by animal shelters to let potential adopters know that a particular pair CANNOT be separated.

Bug Bite Thing's Office 611 Mercantile Place, Port St Lucie, FL 34986-2258

Kelley Higney

FOUNDER AND CEO OF BUG BITE THING

Learn More

For more information about the Strong Coffee Strong Women event or other services call 321-674-7007 or visit weventure.fit.edu

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“A Passion For Paws Akita Rescue” in Southern, California. This actually was a Mother/Daughter named Daisy & Posy. The mistake was made when only the daughter was adopted and her mother was left behind. The result: The mother went on a hunger strike and almost died of despair. Luckily they were able to get the daughter back and they have since been adopted out together. But not all bonded pair stories have happy endings.

In general bonded animals who are separated may experience bouts with anxiety and destructive behavior. They may even shut down and very much keep to themselves and go into a depressive state. The unfortunate occurrence for many bonded pairs is that they spend much more time in a shelter than the average rescue because generally speaking, most folks are usually looking to adopt just one pet.

I was one of those adopters some three days before Valentines day, in 2019.

My late dog Trixie had passed and I was ready to move forward and rescue another dog. When I arrived at the foster home, I saw the rescue dog I came to see playing, running and having such a good time with another dog. When I inquired with the foster mom about that “other” dog, she said it was Dixie’s brother. Sadly, they were not being advertised as a bonded pair but by just spending a few minutes with them, you felt the love and kinship. I just didn’t have the heart to break them up, so I took both of them home and they are TRULY inseparable loving siblings.

So, as we celebrate another Valentines day, please be aware of the bonded pairs that are looking for a home and their ONLY request is to stay TOGETHER and grow old with each other by their side and maybe, just maybe you can make that happen for a bonded pair in 2022.

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s we approach Valentine’s day it’s nice to know that love isn’t just in the air for us humans but it also runs quite high among the animal kingdom. Especially when it comes to bonded pairs.

This is a term used by animal shelters to let potential adopters know that a particular pair CANNOT be separated. There could be many contributing reasons why this came to be. For one, the history of the pair (if known) is a telling tale. Many bonded pairs have been together through thick or thin, through trials and tribulations and one does not do well without the other.

The fallacy behind bonded pairs is that they have to be related. This is not the case. In many instances, bonded pairs establish a kindred friendship along the way. Just as we humans do on our own life’s journey.

But bonded pairs are to be taken very seriously. Pet Rescue Music Radio featured a bonded pair that landed at

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Congratulations to the Treasure Coast Patriots!

The 11U Treasure Coast Patriots have won two national championships within three weeks of each other.

A Full-Ser vice Payroll Company TREASURE COAST PATRIOTS CROWNED NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

T

he Treasure Coast Patriots took home the 11U Pinnacle Championship behind Head Coach Wonderful Monds III. The Patriots came out in the first game in the tournament and put up a 13-0 win against the eventual team they would meet in the championship game, the Lakewood Jr. Spartans. During post-game interviews, Coach Monds stated that he “was very happy to get the win, however, we did not play our best game”. That described the demeanor of this team, let’s keep working. The MVP of the championship game was #1 Wonderful Monds IV, who showed great poise and confidence in leading this group of athletes.

The most admirable part of the younger Monds was that he had the demeanor of a seasoned veteran and quickly credited his offensive line as being the reason for all of the success for the Patriots. The championship game was nothing short of spectacular with both teams showing grit and tenacity. When all the smoke cleared the TreasureCoast Patriots were left standing as the Prospects by Sports Illustrated 11U Champions.

Congratulations Patriots!

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To contact the Treasure Coast Patriots Organization, call (772) 215-5745.

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Igniting the Power of Female Entrepreneurs

B

usiness is booming in St. Lucie Whether they are looking for increased flexibility, County, there is no doubt about that. a chance to become more financially independent, or In 2021, Leslie Olson and Kara Wood just taking advantage of marketplace opportunities, saw an opportunity to catapult this women are flocking to entrepreneurship. In fact, there growth with their combined expehas been a 3,000% increase in the number of womrience. Having worked in city and an-owned businesses in America since 1972 and they county government for a collective 21 years, this savvy were a major driver of pre-pandemic economic growth. pair are experts at navigating the complicated land The NWBC 2019 annual report noted the total employdevelopment and site planning process. ment by women-owned businesses rose by 8% in the The two reached out to weVENTURE Women’s Busi5 years leading up to the pandemic, whereas all other ness Center, a program of the Bisk College of Business businesses were far less at just 1.8%. at Florida Tech, to seek start-up support.

Despite this rapid growth of women-owned busi“We weren’t sure what to expect, but from the nesses, the 2021 Lean In/McKinsey study found that moment we connected, the weVENTURE WBC coaches women still occupy fewer than 25% of c-suite execuhave helped us focus our efforts on writing a solid tive positions in America, business plan to put our a pesky metric that has idea into motion.” not grown much since the Today, they are working studies began in 2016. with clients and excited about the future of their COVID IMPACT business, District Planning Group. Kara has also Unfortunately, COVID-19 among African American women signed up to participate has had a disproportionin a new IGNITE 360 CEO ately negative impact on among Asian American women Peer Group, and hopes female entrepreneurs. Not this will help her manage only are their businessamong Latin American/Hispanic women two businesses, as she es more likely to be in works with the leadership industries hardest hit by team of Hi-Tide boat Source: National Women’s Business Council 2019 annual report the pandemic, like retail, lifts, a long-time highlyhospitality, and healthcare, successful family business. but data analysis by Facebook shows that 27% of wom“This is a pretty typical example of a weVENTURE en-owned businesses experienced forced shut-downs WBC client,” notes Kathryn Rudloff, Executive Director due to COVID, compared to just 20% of male-owned of the program. “Women often call us in the initial businesses. idea phase, looking for guidance on how to determine “We definitely saw an increased demand for our serif their idea could really become a business. But my vices over the last two years,” Rudloff notes. favorite is when women call us after a side-hustle “Especially once we pivoted all our services to be hobby has grown so profitable, they need help to available via Zoom. Thankfully, Florida Tech received scale it into a full-time enterprise.” funding from the C.A.R.E.S Act allowing us to expand The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) has the program and bring on additional business coaches reported that the rise in “side-entrepreneurship” is and mentors to work with small business owners.” especially true among women of diverse backgrounds in recent years.

Rise in Side Entrepreneurship Up 99% 63% 46%

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O

ne of those coaches, Jeannette Kraar, was dedicated exclusively to outreach and support to entrepreneurs on the Treasure Coast. In addition to supporting businesses who contacted weVENTURE, Kraar was also able to be a part of the St. Lucie county covid relief grant review process.

“That was really a great opportunity to help identify businesses who did not qualify for the county program but could benefit from the strategic mentoring and trainings hosted by weVENTURE WBC.” Kraar was also able to help identify clients who would benefit from the IGNITE 360(R) Business Mentoring program, which she developed for weVENTURE WBC almost 10 years ago. Normally a fee-for-service program that provides businesses looking to prepare for growth or navigate change with a team of mentors to work with them for 3 or 6 months at a time, the program was made available to COVID-impacted businesses at no cost thanks to the funding from the C.A.R.E.S. Act. Since May of 2020, weVENTURE WBC has counseled 1,563 unique clients, including 31 who went through IGNITE 360(R) at no cost. Additionally, over 1,200 unique clients have participated in their free COVID response webinars and group trainings.

Kelley Higney, founder and CEO of Bug Bite Thing, was honored as weVenture's Women Who Rock in 2021 Award for Female Small Business Owner of the Year. She was so impressed with the work of weVENTURE WBC to help female entrepreneurs, she has since become an investor to help give back and grow the program. As seen on Shark Tank, Bug Bite Thing is based in St. Lucie County, and has experienced exponential growth since being featured on the show.

“As a third-generation female entrepreneur, helping women to achieve their professional goals is a passion of mine. If sharing my story can help somebody else, that's a home run for me,” said Kelley. weVENTURE WBC is excited to partner with Kelley to host a Strong Coffee Strong Women breakfast at Bug Bite Thing corporate headquarters Thursday, February 24th. This purposeful networking event is a chance for female entrepreneurs to learn more about programs and services offered by weVENTURE WBC while being inspired by Kelley’s own entrepreneurial journey as a mom on a mission to educate the world on a better way to alleviate the effects of mosquito, bee, wasp and ant bites & stings.

Kelley Higney FOUNDER AND CEO OF BUG BITE THING

Coming up on February 24, 2022 8:30am-10:00am Bug Bite Thing's Office 611 Mercantile Place, Port St Lucie, FL 34986-2258

Learn More

For more information about the Strong Coffee Strong Women event or other services call 321-674-7007 or visit weventure.fit.edu.

ur mission is to ignite the power of entrepreneurs on the Space and Treasure Coasts by providing business coaching, education, mentorship and leadership development programs. Funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, weVENTURE WBC does not discriminate based on race or gender, and in fact about 20% of its clients are male.

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17

column Better

Taste

HOME

BY CHEF MARK PHILLIPS www.thekitchenofchefmark.com

Welcome to the Kitchen of Chef Mark

V

alentine’s Day is fast approaching. What are you planning on doing for your sweetheart? If you want to be like everyone else, then take your special someone to a restaurant.

But if you truly want to be unique, then set yourself apart from the rest and make a meal at home that they’ll remember forever!

Welcome to the Kitchen of Chef Mark, where we show you how to make fine dining restaurant quality food right in your own home.

Today we’re making French Toast with a Twist. Thick sliced toasted brioche bread, dipped in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Topped with sliced strawberries, blackberries and blueberries marinated overnight in Grand Mariner, brandy, and Natalie’s squeezed- fresh orange juice.

Drizzled with Vermont maple syrup and topped with powdered sugar. Impress your guest with a French Toast looks not only amazing but is bursting with flavor too.

SWEETHEART ISSUE | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

French Toast with a Twist Fruit 2 oz of Blackberries 2 oz of Blueberries 4 Sliced Strawberries 2 oz Brandy 2 oz Grand Marnier 4 oz Natalie’s Orange Juice French Toast 6 Slices of Brioche Bread Vermont Maple Syrup Pinch of Salt 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla 1 Stick of Butter 2 Tablespoons of Sugar 2 Tablespoons of Powdered Sugar 2 Eggs ½ Cup of Milk ¼ Teaspoon Each of Nutmeg and Cinnamon •

For the first step, add the fruit to a bowl and add in the Grand Marnier, brandy, and orange juice. Let the fruit marinate overnight if possible.

•

Our next step is to toast the bread. The reason that we toast it first is because we don’t want the French Toast to be soggy.

Toasting the bread helps to keep it firm. While the bread is in the oven toasting, put two eggs in a bowl and whisk them until smooth. Add in the milk, the sugar, the salt, the vanilla, the nutmeg, and the cinnamon, and whisk everything together until all of the ingredients are mixed in thoroughly.

•

Put some butter in a non-stick pan and bring the heat up to medium-low. Put a piece of the toasted brioche bread into the mixture and coat the top and bottom thoroughly; let the excess mixture drip off of the bread and then put it into the pan. You can also use a non-stick flat griddle if you want to cook all of the pieces at the same time. Cook the French Toast for three to four minutes and then flip it over and cook for an additional three to four minutes. You want the French Toast to be a golden brown.

•

We’ll put the French Toast onto a plate and place it into a 170-degree oven to stay warm.

•

When you're ready to serve, add the French Toast, then add the fruit, then drizzle some of the maple syrup, and finally, sprinkle some powdered sugar onto the French Toast and the fruit.

Watch Chef Mark make this recipe.

Go to www.thekitchenofchefmark.com Be sure to Like and Subscribe.

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community events february 4

Concerts in the Park Series 5:30 PM - 8PM 700 Main St, Sebastian, FL 32958

Concerts in the Park is a series of 5 outdoor concerts held at Riverview Park, near the Indian River Lagoon, from January to May every year.

4

Chow Down And Shop Around Tradition Square SW Meeting Street, Port Saint Lucie 5 PM - 9 PM

Join us every first and third Friday of the Month as we kick off the weekend with a variety of tasty food truck options. You can also enjoy shopping around and supporting local vendors.

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FALL ISSUE

Discover an extraordinary waterfront shopping experience with an amazing array of local vendors offering a wonderful and diverse selection of goods and so much more… plus great live music and ongoing events… every Saturday, downtown by the marina.

5th & 19th Community Garage Sale Minsky Gym 750 S.W. Darwin Blvd.

Port St. Lucie, Florida 34953

Find a bargain, or better yet, become a vendor!

| OCTOBER/NO VEMBER 2021

TREASURE COAST

Caitlin Ste

ele

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E XC L U S IVE LOC AL OFF SPECIA ERS L F E AT U | BUSINE RES, EV SSES, P ENTS & ROFESS COLUM IONALS NS | & HEAL DINING TH & ENTE R TA I N M ENT

Visit

Fort Pierce Farmers Market 8am until 12pm (rain or shine) 101 Melody Ln, Fort Pierce, FL 34950

A/C TUNEUP $ 00 39 CALL 772-214-365

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10 River Nights: The Event Lawn at The Port 2454 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Bring a comfortable chair and head over to the Event Lawn at The Port!

Listen to live music, while looking out over the St. Lucie River and gazing into the night sky.

Food and drink are available for purchase.

River Nights is free and takes place on the second Thursday of every month.

540 NW University Blvd, Suite 202 & 204, Port St Lucie, FL 34986

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12-13 Botanica Garden Festival Plant Sale at the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens 9 AM- 4 PM 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd, Port St. Lucie

Events listed here, are only partial listing of events in the area. Better Living & Marketplace Inc. is not responsible for any typos, copy errors, omissions or cancellations of any listed events. Please contact the facilities directly for any question regarding these events.

march 1

Off the Chain Crochet for Teens at Hurston Library 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM 3008 Avenue D, Fort Pierce FL 34947

Do you know how to crochet or would you like to learn? Our teen program is open to all skill levels. Learn new stitches and techniques or just come and crochet with others. Call for additional dates 772-462-2154.

Some of the best-known nurseries in the state feature their most exotic and tropical plants.

Admission and parking are FREE.

14 Valentine's Day 18-20 Taste of Little Italy Italian Festival 10708 SW Tradition Square Port Saint Lucie FL 34987 18th 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM 19th 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM 20th 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Immerse yourself in the richness of Italian culture in the Annual Taste of Little Italy, Italian Festival! Celebrate with delicious and authentic Italian food and music. There will be live music all day long, wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, festival rides, games, and more. This is a great, family-friendly event sure to please!

19 STEPHEN MARLEY "Acoustic Soul Tour" 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM AT TERRA FERMATA - 26 SE 6th St. Stuart 21 Presidents Day and Washington's Birthday 22 Off the Chain Crochet for Teens at Hurston Library 3008 Avenue D, Fort Pierce, FL 34947

Do you know how to crochet or would you like to learn? Our teen program is open to all skill levels. Learn new stitches and techniques or just come and crochet with others.

2

Ash Wednesday

5

Community Garage Sale 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Minsky Gym 750 S.W. Darwin Blvd. Port St. Lucie

Find a bargain, or better yet, become a vendor!

10 River Nights: The Event Lawn at The Port 2454 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Bring a comfortable chair and head over to the Event Lawn at The Port!

Listen to live music, while looking out over the St. Lucie River and gazing into the night sky.

Food and drink are available for purchase.

River Nights is free and takes place on the second Thursday of every month.

13 Daylight Saving (Start)

15601 West Midway Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34945

19 Community Garage Sale 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Minsky Gym 750 S.W. Darwin Blvd. Port St. Lucie

Find a bargain, or better yet, become a vendor!

26 Special Battle of the Food Trucks Tradition Square 3 PM - 9 PM 10708 SW Tradition Square Lawn area in front of Tradition Town Hall, Port Saint Lucie Bring the family to "Chow Down" at this special Battle of the Food Truck event!

26 25th Annual Downtown Stuart Craft Fair 10 AM – 5 PM Osceola Street Cafe 26 SW Osceola St, Stuart, FL

r Next Event!

Let Us Cater You

Port St. Lucie • 772-336-5291

1718 SW St. Lucie West Blvd.

M-F 7am - 2:30pm • Sat & Sun 7am - 3pm

www.berryfreshcafe.biz

CHECK OF Off $25 OR MORE $5

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Sources:

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17 St. Patrick's Day 18-20 Shrimp Fest & Craft Brew Hullabaloo Friday 2 PM- 8 PM, SAT 10 AM - 8 PM, SUN 10AM - 5PM Riverview Park, US-1 &, Co Rd 512, Sebastian

Features FREE entry and parking, live music, exciting kids' activities, loads of vendors and more.

Hours: Tue-Fri 11-5 and Sat 10-4

$10 OFF Any Regular Priced Item $50 or more.

Cannot be combined with any other offers. Exp. 3/31/22.

www.Abcconsign.net

(772) 882-5501

Feb. 25, 2022 - Mar. 6th St. Lucie County Fair Boots, Jeans & Midway Dreams!

Fun for the whole family.

Eat Fresh. Buy Local. Be Well.

BAGELBROTHERSOFNY.COM

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462 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd., Unit 114 BETTERLIVINGANDMARKETPLACE.COM

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Your Business & The Metaverse

A

s technology evolved by leaps and bounds in the early 2,000s virtual social platforms like Second Life in 2003 and MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) Games like World of Warcraft gave us the earliest look at what was possible.

With the rise and evolution of blockchain technology there are currently dozens of Metaverse projects in production. Here we will focus on how this will affect your business.

In the first Week December 2021 four metaverse projects sold $106 million in virtual land. The Sandbox saw the sale of the most expensive piece of virtual land ever, after Republic Realm spent $4.3 million on one plot. Crypto asset manager Grayscale has said the metaverse is a $1 trillion opportunity.

Let’s look at one example of how brands are taking advantage of an early adoption of this new virtual reality. In late 2021 Budweiser introduced a limited series of 1,936 stylized JPEGs of Budweiser cans of various styles on various backgrounds. These were offered for $499 apiece and their “Gold Heritage” line listed at $999. The project was created on the Ethereum blockchain and sold via the OpenSea marketplace. All of the unique NFTs sold out within an hour netting the equivalent of $1 million US dollars. More importantly it showed that a 145 year old beer brand can successfully adopt this new marketing strategy.

J

How does this affect your business? ust like the internet brought us websites which replaced phone books and greatly affected direct mail and the move to WEB2 and mobile connectivity gave rise to today's social media giants that almost all businesses use as their primary connection to clients and prospects, the WEB3 migration and virtual spaces (Metaverse) introduce a new and even more engaging way of marketing, selling and conduction business.

This is not a far off vision of the future nor a reality reserved for the Fortune 500. Any product, service, nonprofit or business selling B2B or B2C can start migrating and incorporating a Metaverse strategy. One that includes greater engagement, customer satisfaction and a clear return on investment.

We will highlight and break down the options in our next article.

– Angel Fernandez

CHIEF GROWTH STRATEGIST AT METAWORKS STUDIOS

met·a·verse noun a virtual-reality space in which users can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users.

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arcia Law, PL is a Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches law firm, practicing in the areas of transactional matters and civil litigation.

All matters are handled by an experienced attorney. We use cutting edge technologies that allow us to respond quickly, and give you the most relevant information and perspectives.

Our experience is in the areas of : Personal Injury Business Disputes Family Law Estate Planning

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