A NEWSLET TER FOR AND BY THE COMMUNI TY MAY 2010
The Lakes At Tradition Beacon
PAGE 1
From The Editor
Advertising - off to a great start: Now that we have
started working with a small design firm to get our
newsletter published, Jeannette Walsh, of Simple Success,
we accepted advertising for this issue to recover the
modest publishing costs. As you can see, we've done
well in our first attempt at a process. Note - there is no
carry-forward of ads, and for this issue, there is no free
placement of business cards.
More news from you - the rest is online. To keep the
newsletter manageable, we will not regularly repeat
content in each issue that is also available online - for
example a list of committees or board members. For
those looking for the paper Lakes Calendar, please look
for it in the mailroom. Although the newsletter is e-mailed
to residents and several copies are printed, those who
want to go back and read a prior issue should sign into
the online version which is at http://groups.google.com/
group/lakes-at-tradition. Crystal Canada in the office can
provide you with the instructions as needed.
Recruit content and ads for the fall - even join the
committee! This issue is the last full issue for the season
- we will put out a short Beacon Bulletin in July and then
resume our ‘every other month publishing (September,
November, January, March, May) schedule in the fall,
at which time we will recruit advertising for the first issue.
Deadline for content for that first issue will be announced
in the summer Beacon Bulletin. Finally, for those interested
in joining the Newsletter Committee, please attend
the next meeting on May 10, 2010 at 6:00 pm, in the
clubhouse.
Signed,
Your Newsletter Committee
Chair, Laurie Orlov • laurie.orlov@gmail.com
Board Liaison, Angelo Cennamo
Members: Ina Jones, Carmen Murrell Randall, Cheryl
Robinson, Marilyn Dawson, and Vickie Smith
Important Phone #'s
Lakes Office 772-345-0690
Gatehouse 772-345-3301
Florida Power & Light 800-468-8243
Hometown Cable 772-345-6000
Animal Control 772-871-5042
Post Office 772-863-0674
Police, Non-Emergency 772-871-5000
A NEWSLET TER FOR AND BY THE COMMUNI TY MAY 2010
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW Update on the Social Committee
This month we introduced Ellen Prowler to the social
committee. Ellen, was part of Tradition Aid, a group that
ran the toy drives and food drives. Tradition Aid is no
longer a committee so we are hoping to add them to our
committee and make a division of Aid part of our service
to the community. More information will follow, as we
work on a program.
We will start to plan our big 4th of July party. For those
who have joined us before, tell our new neighbors how
much fun we have. It is fun and delicious.
To all those who have given to our SNOWBIRD food drive-
---we thank you. As usual you have been very generous
and made the Treasure Coast Food Bank very happy.
Bingo continues to be a big event the second
Wednesday of every month. Come on out and join us.
Any ideas for events you would like to have in Lakes of
Tradition are always welcome and you can send them to
me.
Linda Steinberg
imlj27@gmail.com
CURRENT CONDITION OF TRADITION
I love living in The Lakes. I love most everything about
The Lakes. I love my wonderful neighbors; I love the
genuine, loving friends I have made here. I love our little
community; I love our beautiful grounds and amenities
areas. I am very appreciative of the hard work and
diligent effort of all those we employ and all those who
volunteer their time and energy for us. I feel so fortunate
to have found this little piece of paradise.
What I don't like is what I see happening in our town
of Tradition. I often walk the "big" lake and I am very
disappointed to see the area deteriorating. Recently:
no fountains, no beautiful music around the lake, missing
bricks from the gazebo area, covers broken off the
electrical outlets, weeds and dead grass areas on the far
side of the lake and the plethora of trash at the water's
edge. I want the beautiful town center I saw in the spring
of 2007. The beauty of Tradition Square was a big draw
on the decision to buy a home here. So I made a visit to
Fishkind and Associates and asked them to address these
issues. The manager gave the following information to
me.
The fountain in the lake is broken. Fishkind is in the
process of obtaining quotes to have the fountain fixed.
The equipment for the music around the lake was
disconnected by Core when they left. To have all
necessary equipment reconnected will cost $3,300,
which is not in the Tradition budget at this time. However,
Fishkind has found a free satellite radio station that will
broadcast over the speaker system, whenever it can be
reconnected. This is a low priority item.
They are fully aware of the ongoing trash problem in the
lake. This is a continuing problem & clean up is done, but
not every day, or even every week. According to them,
they do have people addressing this issue.
The missing bricks from the gazebo area are due to some
problems that are being addressed there & they are
aware of this.
They are also aware of the electrical outlet covers that
have been vandalized. This area was previously patrolled
from 4 PM until midnight. Due to cutbacks in manpower,
it is now patrolled from 6 PM until midnight, leaving from 4
to 6 PM unpatrolled. This is the time period when kids are
getting home from school. Maybe we should request that
it be patrolled from 4 PM until 10 PM.
The manager did say he would address the weed
problem today with a call to the landscapers.
Core still owns Tradition, along with other communities.
The only thing that changed is the management
company - not ownership. Due to the many foreclosures,
a great number of homes are now in collection and owe
back dues. Core still dictates what is spent and where it is
spent. Tradition is currently 18% built-out, leaving over 80%
still to be developed - most likely a long way off. Once
building starts again and monies are generated from
new development, it is hoped that the finances will be in
better shape.
What we can do as a community is be aware of any
vandalism going on and be very conscientious of the litter
problem, which includes our pet litter.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please
stop in Fishkind and talk to the manager. He was very
patient and sincere in answering all concerns. He would
welcome the opportunity to talk with others. Their office is
on the 2nd floor behind Sanctuary Spa.
Cheryl Robinson
PAGE 2
A NEWSLET TER FOR AND BY THE COMMUNI TY MAY 2010
Lakes at Tradition Block Captains Updated 04/22/2010
At the Lakes at Tradition, we currently have 27 volunteer Block Captains which have the following responsibilities;
Be a good neighbor. Meet each resident in your assigned area to let them know who you are.
Maintain an emergency list of phone numbers of your assigned area.
Assist your neighbors to organize and help each other in the case of flood,
hurricane, or other emergency situations.
To be the ‘Eyes and Ears of the Neighborhood'.
Serve as the point-of-contact for communications to the Board of Directors, ‘Liaison to the Board of Directors'. This
implies your regular attendance at block captains meetings.
Avenue to coordinate the installation of hurricane shutters for the elderly and neighbors who are unable to do so.
Coordinate Block Parties to help meet, greet and disseminate information to neighbors.
We are in need of volunteers for Block Captains for the following streets;
(1) Blue Mesa, (2) Dardanelle, (2) Keating and (2) Stratton (1) Elsinore
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Gary Banks at 772-345-1947 or email to HYPERLINK
"mailto:2garybanks@htcplus.net" 2garybanks@htcplus.net .
On the next page is a list of the current volunteer block captains which includes their area of responsibilities, name,
telephone numbers, and email addresses.
PAGE 3
Block Captains Can Help Residents
For you or a neighbor:
*Do you need help?
*Do you need encouragement?
*Sickness or Death in the family?
*Do you need baked goods or food cooked for you?
Your Block Captain and many amazing people in The Lakes are here for YOU!!
You just need to reach out when you need help, and we will do our very best to find you the assistance you need!
Please see the list of Block Captains in this newsletter and get acquainted TODAY!
If you do not have a Block Captain, feel free to call Ellen Prowler 772-345-3408,
Deb Antoon 772-220-3685 or the Social Committee and we will help you!
A NEWSLET TER FOR AND BY THE COMMUNI TY MAY 2010
A NEWSLET TER FOR AND BY THE COMMUNI TY MAY 2010
LIVE AND LEARN
A Word to the Wise - More on Original Inhabitants of the Lakes at Tradition
SANDHILL CRANES:
This bird is long-legged, long necked, grey in color with a patch of bald red skin on top of their head. The Florida Sandhill Crane is a year round,
breeding resident. They are monogamous and normally lay two eggs during breeding season. They are found in pairs or sometimes in small
groups. If you see a single Sandhill Crane, it can either be a young male looking for a mate; or a crane, male or female who has lost its mate. They
are omnivorous and live on seeds, grain, birds, berries, insects, mice to mention a few. They weigh approximately 12 pounds, males larger than the
female, about 4 feet tall and live 20 or more years. They are protected through Florida State Statute and feeding of these birds is forbidden. If caught
feeding them, a person can be jailed or fined. Cranes are year round residents and move very slowly, so you need to be aware and slow down.
SNAKES:
We have an abundance and variety of reptiles. They are related to the alligators, crocodiles, turtles and lizards. They play a big part in our
ecology. They eat rats thus helping man by keeping certain diseases under control. There are two types of venomous snakes in Florida: the
Crotalidae which includes the Diamondback Canebrake and Pygmy rattlesnake, the Cottonmouth and the Copperhead. The second is the
Elipidae, in Florida represented by the Coral Snake. Snakes are commonly found around lakes, marshes, swamps, ponds, rotting logs, or decaying
vegetation. They eat mice, frogs, squirrels, rabbits and birds and can birth 6-15 young at a time. If bitten, STAYCALM, loosen clothing, jewelry and
keep bitten area below the level of the heart as this will slow down the spread of the venom throughout the body. Do not cut the bite or try to suck
out the venom as it can penetrate the mucous membranes of the mouth. Do not apply a tourniquet or ice, and do not drink alcohol. Two nonvenomous
snakes to be aware of are the Black Racer, which is harmless and contributes to the ecology, and the Blue Indigo --protected by the
State of Florida and should never be killed.
RACCOONS:
This is a medium size mammal native to North America. The word raccoon is derived from the Algonquin work which means "one who rubs, scrubs,
and scratches with its hands". Many languages have a different name for this mammal but the meaning is the same, always referring to dousing/
washing. Its coat is grayish and has a distinctive facial mask and extremely dexterous front paws. They are noted for their intelligence -- studies
show they can remember solutions to tasks for up to three years. They are 16.1 - 28.0 inches long with a weight range of 7.9 - 19.8 pounds. They EAT
ANYTHING with a diet consists of invertebrates, plant foods and vertebrates - which includes garbage or food left outside. They began showing up
in urban areas in the 1920's. They live in woods, cottages, abandoned houses, attics, or hallows of trees. They are usually (but not always) nocturnal.
They carry rabies which is transmitted by their saliva when they bite. The main symptom of rabies in a raccoon is a generally sickly appearance,
aggressiveness, impaired mobility; however, there may be no symptoms.
- Carol Christiansen
Handyman recommendations
Keith Hommer - screen repairs
After a recent storm, we had two screen panels which had to be replaced. We called L&L Screening @ 772-359-9426 and Keith
Hommer took the call. We made an appointment for the next day and, as his business card says, he showed up on time. Great guy,
not expensive, professional. We would highly recommend this guy for any screen repairs to your enclosure.
Francois & Aline -- Hartwick Dr
Rob Savaria, handyman
Rob is very reliable, and experienced. Does everything from painting to just about anything His telephone number is 772-340-2697.
He has done work for myself and Deb as well as some of my own customers.
Dan Antoon, Elsinore Dr
Romeo Kutill, Flooring Carpenter
Romeo Kutill (954-290-0259) installed wood floors in my home two years ago. He did an excellent job at a very fair price. He made
sure that I was well informed about the process so that there were no surprises. I would highly recommend that you use Romeo, if
you are considering installing wood floors in your home.
Jason James McCoy, Elsinore Dr
Dan Antoon, Pressure Cleaning
We live on Elsinore Dr and recently had "Dan the Pressure Man" (772-834-6053) pressure wash our Capri and the two common walls
adjacent to our house. We had never had the common walls pressure cleaned and they were green with mildew and generally
very dirty. We had them pressure washed in anticipation of painting them. Dan did a great job. He worked for over two hours and
when he was done the house and common walls looked like they did when we first moved in five years ago. The walls were so clean
it was obvious that we didn't need them painted. We saved over two hundred dollars in painting cost. Dan was very professional.
He arrived when he said he would, completed the work without delay, and there was no damage to any of the plants on our
property.
Carl Schlomberg
PAGE 5
A NEWSLET TER FOR AND BY THE COMMUNI TY MAY 2010
2010 Lakes @ Tradition Real Estate Activity as of 4/30/2010
Addres Bedrooms Sq Ft Waterfront Pool List Price Sold Price Status Sold Date
11267 SW Olmstead Dr 5 2478 no yes "229,000" Contract
11361 SW Olmstead Dr 4 2506 yes no "230,000" Contract
12381 SW Elsinore Dr 4 2487 yes no "230,000" Active
11397 SW Olmstead Dr 4 2503 yes no "280,000" Active
11422 SW Olmstead Dr 4 2506 yes no "334,800" Active
10888 SW Blue Mesa Wy 4 2503 yes no "229,000" Contract
10934 SW Blue Mesa 4 2487 yes yes "330,000" Contract
12380 SW Elsinore Dr 4 2487 yes no "289,900" "260,000" Sold 1/29/2010
12332 SW Keating Dr 3 2000 yes yes "289,900" Active
10940 Fall Creek Dr 3 2000 no no "250,000" Active
11515 Sw Rockingham Dr 3 2000 yes yes "269,900" contract
10909 SW Candlewood Rd 3 2000 yes no "275,000" Active
12323 Sw Keating Dr 3 2000 yes no "259,900" "240,000" Sold 4/7/2010
11564 Sw Rockingham Dr 3 2000 yes no "265,000" Active
12225 Sw Keating Dr 3 2000 yes no "249,000" Active
10843 SW Candlewood Rd 3 2000 yes yes "255,000" Active
11206 SW Northland Dr 3 2000 yes no "210,000" "207,500" Sold 4/23/2010
10749 SW Hartwick Dr 3 2000 no no "225,000" Active
11252 SW Northland Dr 3 2000 yes no "235,000" "220,000" Sold 4/30/2010
12160 Sw Keating Dr 3 2000 no yes "212,000" Sold
11268 Northland Dr 3 2000 yes no "259,000" Active
11284 SW Northland Dr 3 2200 yes no "254,400" Active
10681 SW Stratton Dr 3 2200 no no "215,000" Active
10587 Sw Stratton Dr 3 2000 no no "209,900" Active
12390 Sw Keating Dr 3 2198 yes yes "205,000" "226,100" Sold 2/25/2010
10581 Sw Stratton Dr 3 2000 no no "248,000" "225,000" Sold 1/7/2010
12111 Sw Lockhaven Ct 3 2000 no yes "274,800" "239,000" Sold 2/19/2010
10742 SW Hartwick Dr 2 1526 yes no "125,000" contract
10706 SW Hartwick Dr 2 1526 yes yes "124,900" contract
10670 SW Hartwick Dr 2 1526 yes yes "135,000" contract
10738 SW Elsinore Dr 2 1526 no yes "125,000" Active
11419 Sw Pembroke Dr 2 1526 yes no "134,000" contract
12210 Sw Elsinore Dr 2 1526 yes yes "179,900" Active
10533 SW Stratton Dr 2 1526 no no "110,500" contract
10477 SW Stratton Dr 2 1526 no no "142,900" Active
10745 SW Elsinore Dr 2 1680 no no "115,000" Active
10714 SW Elsinore Dr 2 1682 no no "130,000" Active
11384 Sw Pembroke Dr 2 1680 yes no "165,000" "145,000" Sold 4/5/2010
10805 SW Dardanelle Dr 2 1680 yes no "127,500" contract
10811 SW Dardanelle Dr 2 1526 yes yes "154,800" Active
11262 SW Pembroke Dr 2 1526 yes no "129,777" contract
11361 Pembroke Dr 2 1680 yes no "137,500" "137,500" Sold 2/10/2010
11344 SW Pembroke Dr 2 1526 yes no "142,000" Active
12280 Sw Elsinore Dr 2 1680 no no "125,000" "125,000" Sold 3/19/2010
12160 SW Elsinore Dr 2 1680 yes no "129,900" contract
10700 SW Hartwick Dr 2 1526 yes no "154,900" "147,000" Sold 12/14/2009
10513 Sw Stratton Dr 2 1680 no no "129,900" contract
10646 SW Hartwick 2 1526 yes no "141,000" contract
12180 Sw Elsinore Dr 2 1526 yes no "117,000" contract
10781 Sw Elsinore Dr 2 1680 no no "115,330" "115,000" Sold 2/5/2010
10520 Sw Stratton Dr 2 1526 yes no "135,000" "130,000" Sold 2/23/2010
10763 SW Dardanelle Dr 2 1526 yes no "127,775" "125,000" Sold 1/18/2010
10736 SW Hartwick Dr 2 1680 yes no "129,900" "129,900" Sold 1/29/2010
10700 SW Hartwick Dr 2 1526 yes no "154,900" "147,000" Sold 12/14/2009
"Of these 45 properties, 23 were listed as Short Sale or Foreclosure properties."
"May not reflect all market activity, information is from South Florida multiple listing service and represents activity from all members."
Data is deemed accurate but is not warranted.
PAGE 6
A NEWSLET TER FOR AND BY THE COMMUNI TY MAY 2010
Around our community
Save those "Box Tops" !!
Did you know that schools save these & receive money for clipping those little squares?!
Here in Tradition, Palm Pointe Educational Research School last year collected 28,626 and this year as of February
we have collected 15,230! This money is placed into the PTO's budget and used towards classroom supplies
for the teachers; which in turn is for our children. See HYPERLINK "http://www.boxtops4education.com" www.
boxtops4education.com for more information and where to clip these.
Crystal has been so generous as to offer the HOA drop box in the mailroom for these clippings. If you are so kind to clip
them just place them in a Ziploc bag & place in Crystal's Drop Box whenever you are picking up your mail. These are
collected even when school is not in session - so save all year!
The school also collects empty printer ink cartridges (any type). Unfortunately these will not fit thru the mail slot, but
dropping them off to Crystal in her office would be so much appreciated. The school receives up to $3.00 per cartridge
that is returned to a recycling company. Place those in a Ziploc bag too! This "ink" money is utilized in the school
technology area.
We also collect Campbell's Soup labels! See www.labelsforeducation.com for this information and participating
companies.
We love our community & what they do for our children - join us in helping them further by "clipping" and saving!
SPECIAL INT ERESTS AND ACT IVI T I ES:
PAGE 7
Restaurant Review - Key Lime Café - Stuart
211 Colorado Avenue
Stuart, Fl.
A couple of friends and I visited this little café last week. Located in the center of Stuart, across the street from Duffy's,
it is a tucked away gem. You have to look for the sign to know it exists. Sitting outside under the dried palm umbrellas
there was a definite feel of Key West.
Our waitress, Dana, was as cute as a button with the personality to match. She was as delightful as the food.
Everything is freshly made on the premises and all dishes lived up to the promise of delicious flavor & freshness. We
started with the Key Lime Trio (tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole and queso) - an A+ for this appetizer.
Our party ordered the Triple Cherry Berry Salad, consisting of field greens, a blend of 3 types of dried cherries,
strawberries, gorgonzola cheese and toasted walnuts, with a homemade raspberry vinaigrette. Along with the salad,
we opted for several of the many sandwiches: a Chicken Quesadilla, the Hemmingway Grill (turkey, smoked bacon,
provolone cheese, avocados, tomato & onion, grilled together on your choice of bread) and the Cheeca Chicken
Salad (chicken breast, pineapples, walnuts, celery, mayo & seasonings on your choice of bread). All very good as was
the superb key lime pie we shared for dessert.
Drinks are fresh squeezed lemonade, limeade, orangeade - or a combination of any of these: small $1.95 to large
$3.00. Other drinks are soda, many beers and wine.
This little café has a definite Mexican flare: quesadillas, tacos and nachos, along with the numerous unique sandwiches
and salads. Prices range from $7.95 to $12.95, most being in the $8 or $9 range. Happy hour is Mon - Fri from 3 to 6
PM, when appetizers are half off and domestic beers and house wines are 2 for $5.
Look up their web site: www.keylimecafeandgrill.com and go on down for a little Jimmy Buffett experience. Well worth
the drive to Stuart.
Cheryl Robinson
A NEWSLET TER FOR AND BY THE COMMUNI TY MAY 2010
SPECIAL INT ERESTS AND ACT IVI T I ES: (cont )
PAGE 8
Mothers Day Tributes from Lakes Residents
To the mother who always is there for me no matter what. To the one who never places judgment and accepts me
for me. To the one who will always have my back in anything, and will always be my friend. Mother first, friend second.
I love you very much, and appreciate you! Thank you and Happy Mother's Day! I hope you have a great one, you
deserve it! Love you with all my ____ and ____.
Lorina
Dear Mom,
Thank you for feeding us, bathing us and walking us! Our bonding time is always well cherished. Love you, woof woof!
Happy Mother's Day!
Shelby & Lucy
A Story of a Wonderful Mother: Diane on Hartwick Dr.
Just over 40 years ago in Chicago, IL, when my young mother, Diane, was expecting her first baby, the doctor gave
her the shock of her life when he told her she was in early labor with TWINS! Well, my sister Paulette and I were born just
a short while later but the Lord had His own plans and my newborn sister was called up to Heaven. Then, almost 2 and
a half years later, another surprise... baby Julie was born.
Some say God chooses which Mothers to send special babies to... because only a Mother with faith could handle
losing one baby and then learning that Julie would need open heart surgery to repair a large hole in her heart.
Thankfully, with Diane's love and nurturing, little baby Julie made it!
But Mom's job never got any easier. Over the years, Mom sacrificed and worked painstakingly hard to provide our
family with everything we ever wanted and needed. In fact, my sister and I rarely knew how tough times were. Mom
worked multiple jobs and gave up so much so that we could have a "normal" childhood filled with love, stability,
great schools, bible classes (CCD), birthday parties, summer camp, girl scouts, cruises, and without a doubt the most
Christmas presents under the tree in our entire neighborhood every single year! And all the while, Mom was taking care
of and supporting her own crippled mother and later her elderly father.
Today, as adults, my sister Julie and I truly understand how blessed we are that God chose Diane as our Mother and I
am so happy for the time we spend together.
I think our favorite road trip sing-a-long song says it all: "Oh we ain't got a barrel of money/Maybe we're ragged and
funny/But we're travellin' along/Singin' our song/Side by side!" Happy Mother's Day!
Melissa on Hartwick Drive
Your daughter, Christa
Mom, you're a wonderful mother,
So gentle, yet so strong.
The many ways you show you care
Always make me feel I belong.
You're patient when I'm foolish;
You give guidance when I ask;
It seems you can do most anything;
You're the master of every task.
You're a dependable source of comfort;
You're my cushion when I fall.
You help in times of trouble;
You support me whenever I call.
I love you more than you know;
You have my total respect.
If I had my choice of mothers,
You'd be the one I'd select!
I love you!
My Mom Pam Ehmke is
Super Mom
A NEWSLET TER FOR AND BY THE COMMUNI TY MAY 2010
Mothers Day Treats
Strawberry Pineapple Salad
Ingredients:
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and crushed
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
Preparation:
In a bowl mix cream cheese and honey. Add strawberries
and pineapple and blend well. Pour into a freezer tray
and freeze for 2 hours. Cut into 4 portions. Serve on lettuce
leaves and garnish with strawberry slices, if desired.
Serves 4.
Found this recipe on a Mothers Day site, never tried it
but sounds easy and yummy and great way to take
advantage of all those strawberries on sale!
Strawberry Coffee Cake
• 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
FILLING:
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add eggs;
mix well. combine the flour, baking powder and baking
soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour
cream. Beat in vanilla. Fold in the strawberries.
Spoon half into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube
pan. Combine the filling ingredients; sprinkle half over
batter. Top with remaining batter and filling.
Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted
near the center comes out clean.
Cool for 15 minutes before removing from pan to a wire
rack to cool completely.
Another way to use up all those strawberries!
Recipes submitted by Vickie Smith
SPECIAL INT ERESTS AND ACT IVI T I ES: (cont )
PAGE 9
My Mother, My Best Friend
My mother, Lydia Andreu, believed she was put on this Earth to be a parent. She would always tell me that when I
was first placed in her arms our love affair began and I became her mission. We were a family of two; she was both
mother and father to me. As I grew I learned and cherished that we were a team and had a special responsibility
to each other. We "grew up" together. We even had bunk beds at one time. Our relationship developed into a one
of a kind friendship. My mother was becoming my best friend. I thank God for putting us together. My mother was
a single parent, worked, ran a household, was up early, went to bed late, had breakfast on the table when I walked
into the kitchen, ate dinner with me every night, always checked and signed homework, never missed a conference
with my teachers, did grocery shopping every Friday after work, cleaned the apartment every Saturday, and always
welcomed all of my friends with a hug, a smile and a snack. Our home was full of love and comfort.
My mom was my personal cheerleader for 59 years. During this time she became a special kind of mother-in-law and
an incredible grandmother to two. She followed through with her usual dedication, love and happiness. Although my
mother was a tiny lady, she was a "giant" capable of giving so much. We never doubted it for a minute. We became
a three generation household and lived together for 26 years. She helped Peter and me raise the children and even
learned how to drive at the age of 60 to help out with their demanding schedules. Once again, she had breakfast on
the table every morning and we had dinner together every evening. We had become a family of five. Together we
celebrated and enjoyed every holiday and birthday, manicures and pedicures, trips to the shore, vacations, and the
annual trip to Lincoln Center to see the Nutcracker Suite ballet at Christmas time. My children are who the are today
because of her involvement in their lives. She added a unique dimension to their souls that only a grandmother could.
On February 4th of this year this exceptional lady left us in body but she will never leave us in spirit and will remain a
part of us forever. We miss her hugs and kisses. We miss being able to hug and kiss her. No one will every be able to fill
her shoes. She was one of a kind; she was my first friend; she was my best friend; she was my mother.
------- Yolanda Rodriguez Peta
RECIPE
Sharkey is your Short Sale Specialist
Brian Sharkey of ST Lucie West Realty LLC is the Short Sale Specialist other agents go to for their short sale transactions. Sharkey is known for his negotiating skills which are essential when dealing with lenders on a regular basis. He is always exploring different ways to provide his clients with the best possible solution for their financial situation.
When the market changed and short sales were considered "deals to be avoided" due to their difficulty, he saw them as an opportunity for growth and a way to assist homeowners in need. He also helps fellow Realtors to understand the process and they in turn come to him for advice and guidance.
Sharkey's strong problem solving skills have provided him a base from which he has built a successful business. He is continuously networking with other real estate professionals such as mortgage brokers, title companies, and other Realtors to provide his clients with the best possible vendor to service their needs. He is highly self-motivated with a passion to deliver superior service. And due to his enthusiastic personality and high energy, it's no wonder the majority of Sharkey's business comes from referrals.
Sharkey has an extensive amount of Short Sale experience and is a certified Short Sale professional. He specializes in Short Sales in St. Lucie County, Martin County and Palm Beach County in the state of Florida.
If you would like to know if you qualify for a short sale or just want more information about the process, you can reach Sharkey at 772-204-9965 or visit www.SharkeyRE.com.
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