Located on 5 acres of wooded property in Palm City is Caring Fields Felines — a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization. This agency is a no-kill rescue & adoption organization on a mission to reduce the number of homeless felines in Martin County and surrounding areas. Established in 2000 with 30 cats and a handful of volunteers, today this sanctuary is home to more than 175 cats with over 50 volunteers working to keep things running smoothly.

Caring Fields Felines is about CATS:
C aring Fields Sanctuary provides a natural, yet protected environment for more than 175 cats.
A doptions: Caring Fields Felines found forever homes for over 400 cats last year.
T NVR: Trap-Neuter-Vaccine-Return program successfully helps control the feral cat population.
S pay/Neuter: Each year, CFF spays & neuters hundreds of cats.

At Caring Fields Felines there is a major emphasis is on CARING. Seven staff members and a team of dedicated volunteers take care of everything from feeding & socializing the cats to keeping the facilities clean, comfortable, and safe 365 days a year. In some cases, CFF looks out for animals from beginning to end. While the goal is to help all “residents” find a loving forever home, there are some that will spend the rest of their days at the sanctuary. No matter what, they are truly well cared for in a loving home.

The residents live in a protected, free-roaming environment complete with cottages they can utilize whenever they want. There are plenty of areas to climb, spots to nap in the sunshine, and safe places to harbor them from the elements. Each building throughout the safe amp protected campgrounds serves a special purpose, including:
– Lisa’s Safe Haven, a colorful cottage reserved for cats diagnosed with leukemia and feline immune virus.
– The Cattery, which is home to adoptable cats and kittens, including some with special needs that do not have contagious diseases.
– New neo natal nursery that has enabled CFF to save so many more kittens

Cats come to Caring Fields Felines from various sources and all walks of life. Many are given to CFF directly from shelters that practice euthanasia in an effort to spare their lives; the organization works closely with a shelter in Okeechobee as well as shelters in Palm Beach County. Sometimes volunteers will pick them up from Animal Control, kitten litters are rescued from outdoor colonies, owners are unable to care for their pet any longer, or, occasionally, a cat is returned to by someone who previously adopted them from the CFF.

Efforts to control the feral cat problem in the community includes CFF’s Trap-Neuter-Vaccine-Return (TNVR) program. Not only does this successfully diminish the number of homeless cats, but also improves the health and wellbeing of the cat community as a whole. Operation Catsnip through CFF offers low-cost or no-cost services that have spayed/neutered over 4000 cats across the Treasure Coast.

Connect with Caring Fields Felines: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK PAGE | YOUTUBE CHANNEL

“Watching the organization grow in the 10 years I’ve been involved has been very gratifying,” said Katherine Goodman, Realtor® with Water Pointe Realty Group. Goodman dedicates much of her free time to Caring Fields Felines by volunteering at events, selling properties that have been donated to CFF, assisting with trapping/transporting/adoptions, and she was even the Realtor® who helped locate and close on CFF’s current 5-acre property. Katherine also loves working the various fundraising events throughout the year.

One of Caring Fields Felines’ major fundraisers is its annual baby shower for kittens. People bring food and other supplies to donate while also getting to coo & cuddled (and hopefully adopt) the cats and kittens. “I love the annual Kitten Shower,” Goodman said. “It’s so wonderful to see so many people excited to find a new furry family member and then to watch them leave with their new baby! Whether it’s an adult or a kid- they’re all beaming!

Another fundraiser that CFF organizes is its holiday event Merry Meows. Goodman said she typically works check-in for the event with the same group of gals and that many of the same folks come back each year. “The cottages where the resident cats live are all dressed up with twinkling lights and it’s just magical,” she said.

While the services Caring Fields Felines offers to the community are vital, they are made possible solely by the generosity of its donors. CFF receives no state, federal, or local financial aid. Any donations made to CFF help provide the necessary food, medical, and housing requirements for residents so that they may live peacefully at the sanctuary until they are adopted. Click HERE to make a donation and click HERE to become a Cat-A-List monthly sponsor.

Caring Fields Felines is located at 6807 SW Wedelia Terrace, Palm City, FL 34990 and can be reached by phone at 772-463-7386.

Some information has been attributed to articles published by TCPalm.

Information courtesy of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

History of Veterans Day

World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice (temporary cessation of hostilities) between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory …”

An Act approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day dedicated to the cause of world peace. Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but the 83rd Congress (at the urging of the veterans service organizations) amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans” after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen in the nation’s history. With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11 and helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Veterans of Water Pointe Realty Group

We extend a warm welcome to our newest veteran, Sean Quinn, who served as a member of the United States Navy.

Vince Bajis, United States Navy

Vince joined the U.S. Navy in late 1995 and began basic training/boot camp in 1996 at Naval Service Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. He then went on and attended Naval A School at Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) at the Naval Air Station in Meridian, Mississippi. Vince served 4 years (1996-2000) at the Pentagon/Department of Defense in Washington D.C. under the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Logistics, N4, VADM James F. Amerault, and VADM William J. Hancock. They delivered combat capability and capacity to ensure ready forces and joint support of U.S. Pacific Fleet. Vince held a TS clearance and acted as alternate NATO Security Officer overseeing NATO sensitive information, personnel security, and provided administrative support of fleet readiness and logistics under the Chief of Naval Operations, Secretary of the Navy, Joint Chiefs of Staff, National & Homeland Security Council, Secretary of Defense and the President. He says he is a proud patriot and grateful be living in the United States of America! He would like to honor his Grandfather, Almis O. Blankenship, CPL US Army, WWII, Korean War (Purple Heart), RIP “Blackie”.

Frank Swain, United States Marines

Frank entered the service in June of 1969. He did basic training at Parris Island in South Carolina, which is home to the Marin Corps recruit training. Frank then went on to infantry training at Camp Gieger in North Carolina, and he would be stationed there to complete his active duty. Camp Geiger was originally known as “Tent Camp” and was the first section at Marine Corps Base Lejuene to be constructed. Frank spent the remainder of his time in the Marines attending reserve meetings and active duty trainings two weeks each year at various bases. He was at Camp LeJuene for infantry training and then again to attend NCO school, war games at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms in California, Amphibious Assault training at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base in Virginia, and communications school at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. Frank was discharged in June of 1975.

Steve Eivers, United States Air Force

Steve joined the Air Force in 1979, just one year after he graduated from high school. His basic training was hosted on Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Lackland in Texas; all new recruits attend training on JBSA-Lackland. Steve went on to be stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in northwest Florida for his full 4 years in the military. He was trained to become a mechanic and service F-15 fighter jets. Steve also served two temporary duties to Eglin’s sister base in Bremgarten, Germany. Looking back on his time in the Air Force, Steve said it was a great experience that afforded him the opportunity to visit a handful of places around the world including trips/stops in Germany, France, Switzerland, and Ireland.

Matt Right, United States Army

Matt was inspired by his Pop Pop, who he thinks of as his hero. Although he never spoke much about his military service, WWII, the Korean War, being a POW… Matt was always intrigued by what it meant to serve his country. Between looking up to his Pop Pop, and watching G.I. JOE as a kid, it was almost a forgone conclusion that he would enter the military; he was proud to be accepted into the Army after graduating from high school. Matt explained that it’s never easy being away from family and friends for years, but that you gain new friends that become your family who will always be there for you through thick in thin. Though serving in the military isn’t easy, he said it was worth it to see the smile on his Pop Pop’s face, and would happily serve again if called to do so. Matt is proud to have served for two tours overseas and was able to retire from the Army in 2009.

Matt Right while deployed in Iraq

Located in Southeast Florida as the northernmost municipality of Palm Beach County, Tequesta boasts a genuine small-town spirit. If you are searching for a place that offers amazing friendliness, Atlantic Ocean access, an opportunity to relax or shop or play… look no further.

The Village of Tequesta was named after the Tequesta Indians; what started as the dream of one man back in 1955 has evolved over the years into an exceptional waterfront community. A splendor of shops, boutiques, various churches, parks, and restaurants call this region home — perfect for any lifestyle. Located along U.S. Highway 1 it borders the Atlantic Ocean to the East, the Loxahatchee River to the South, Jonathan Dickinson State Park to the North, and the Tequesta County Club to the West.

A mix of single-family home neighborhoods and condominium complexes attracts everyone from families to working professionals to retirees. With a population that now surpasses 6,200 people across 2.26 square miles, the Village of Tequesta is proud of its strong sense of community. Residents routinely participate in Village-sponsored events such as movies & concerts in the park, Tequesta Fest, and more.

Water Pointe Realty Group has an office conveniently located at 393 Tequesta Drive. Here you will find brokers Mark Eble, Ryan Billings, and a fantastic group of agents. Click to learn more info on this office location HERE.

If you are looking to spend the day with breathtaking ocean views, swimming or snorkeling, try a visit to Coral Cove Park. If you enjoy a quieter beach but still want the benefit of great snorkeling and paddleboarding, this is the place. The most prominent feature is the natural limestone, which is part of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. These rocks and the reefs are inhabited by marine wildlife including fish, sea turtles, eels, and marine worms. The beach is home to a large selection of shells for those interested in collecting. Covered picnic areas with tables, built-in grills, playground, and showers are all available at Coral Cove for your fun day at the beach.

Learn about one of Florida’s favorite sea creatures and pay a visit to Loggerhead Marinelife Center! This non-profit organization is committed to the conservation of ocean ecosystems through public education, research, and rehabilitation, with a focus on threatened & endangered sea turtles. The free-to-visit center is located in Loggerhead Park and features an on-site campus hospital, learning exhibits, gift store, and aquariums. Drop by Loggerhead Marinelife Center to check out the turtle nesting season activities.

Let the experts at Water Pointe Realty Group tell you everything you need to know about the Village of Tequesta – call us TODAY!