A 55+ Community in Stuart, FL

March - April 2023

Edition No. 15

Welcome!

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Learn about community happenings, see upcoming events, and read articles of interest on a wide range of topics. If you’re new to our publication, click here to subscribe now. If you are missing email notifications from us, please check your spam folder.

Manager's Corner
 

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It’s hard to believe, but Community Manager Orion is about to celebrate his first anniversary with Pinelake Gardens. Read on for his reflections on the past year.

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Manager's Corner

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Residents,

Spring is upon us and after my first completed year, I want to say there’s nowhere I’d rather be than right here at Pinelake Gardens & Estates. The acts of kindness that I’ve seen during my first year have been nothing short of exceptional. I honestly have never been to any place like it. You should be proud of the place you call home.

Our community is beautiful, and each of us must keep our piece of the world looking the best we can. Strive for greatness and not just settle for good enough. Some of us have created new friendships and some of us have seen loved ones pass. Don’t be afraid to live for today because tomorrow is never guaranteed. Be remembered as a kindhearted, caring, and loving person.

In closing, I am honored and privileged to be your Community Manager.

Thank you
Orion J. Binns Sr.
Community Manager

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Office Closed
 

Office closed

The Community Office will be closed on Friday, April 7 in observance of Good Friday.

Food

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Banana Pudding on a Budget

This banana pudding is creamy and delicious, but even more so because it doesn’t break the bank! At only $1 per serving, you can’t go wrong with this sweet treat.

Sales Update
 

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Hometown America currently has no homes on the market. If you would like to sell your home, please contact the Sales Office for further assistance.

Capital Improvements
 

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In 2022, Hometown America improved Pinelake Gardens & Estates with over 35 upgrades. As we move forward in 2023, you will begin to see some major improvements. Please be on the lookout for changes around you and keep reading for more information.

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Capital Improvements
 

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We are excited about our capital improvement projects we have planned this year. Some of the project ideas and suggestions came from you and your HOA. Hometown keeps an ongoing “Wish List” so that each year, we can incorporate some of the improvements and enhancements to the community that YOU want to see! If you have suggestions for any type of project you feel would enhance our community, please provide those ideas to your HOA.

Upcoming Events
 

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The upcoming months are packed with pool parties, dances, and other events. Read on and mark your calendar.

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Upcoming Events
 

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We can’t wait to see our friends and neighbors at these upcoming events.

March

  • Saturday, March 4 – Social Club Breakfast, time and place TBD
  • Thursday, March 9 – Sunset Memorial, 6:45 pm at Clubhouse 2
  • Wednesday, March 15 – HOA Community Event, time and place TBD
  • Saturday, March 18 – Social Club Dinner Dance, time and place TBD
  • Saturday, March 25 – Estates HOA Picnic, time and place TBD
  • Friday, March 31 – HTA Pool Party, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Clubhouse 1

April

  • Saturday, April 1 – Social Club Breakfast, time and place TBD
  • Saturday, April 15 – Social Club Dinner Dance, time and place TBD
  • Wednesday, April 19 – HOA Community Event, time and place TBD
  • Thursday, April 20 – HTA Paint and Sip, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Stay tuned for more details.

Your Health

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Flavor The Moment

Who says routine has to be mundane? Make the most out of your morning coffee break by turning it into an act of self-care. These simple steps can allow what fuels your body to also foster your mental health.

Restaurant Review
 

Restaurant review

In this issue, we are reviewing The Black Marlin, located in Stuart. Open every day of the week, with happy hour from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, this is the perfect restaurant for your next night out. Keep reading to learn more about The Black Marlin.

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Restaurant Review

Restaurant review

Located at 53 West Osceola Street in Stuart, The Black Marlin will not disappoint. They are open Monday – Saturday, 4:00 pm to 12:00 am, and Sunday, 4:00pm – 9:00 pm. They have ½ price off appetizers, wine, and beer every day from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Appetizers include everything from fried calamari to Caribbean conch cakes. Main entrees include delicious dishes such as filet mignon, char grilled salmon, and Italian seafood pasta. They also serve a grouper sandwich and margherita pizza. With a great selection of wines and a fantastic ambiance, this is definitely a local gem. You can make reservations by calling (772) 286-3126.



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Yard of the Quarter
 

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Hometown America would like to congratulate Bob & Jan Dittmar of the Estates for having the yard of the quarter. They live back on SE Heartwood Trail. Bob and Jan won a gift card to Home Depot for having such a beautifully landscaped home.

Resident Spotlight
 

Residents of the month

This issue’s resident spotlight is Ralph Raucci of the Estates. Keep reading to learn more about this former detective.

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Resident Spotlight

Residents of the month

Ralph Raucci was born in New Haven, CT in 1937, and graduated from Hamden High School in 1956. After high school, Ralph went on to The University of New Haven and then proceeded to the FBI National Academy where he graduated in 1974. He went on to work for the New Haven Police Department for 25 years as a detective in the Major Crimes Unit.

Ralph and his high school sweetheart, Roberta, were married for 65 years until her passing in 2022. Together they had three children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Ralph loves Old World Italian food and is a pretty good cook himself. He also loves the LA Raiders, the New York Yankees, and UConn basketball. His favorite shows include Yellowstone and Tulsa King. His favorite movie is The Godfather.

I have talked with this gentleman many times. He is sincere and his stories are fascinating. We are pleased to have him as a resident of Pinelake Gardens & Estates.

Home & Garden

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Spring Cleaning

Spring is the perfect opportunity to freshen up your home. Follow this checklist to make sure you reach every nook and cranny. Remember that spring cleaning doesn’t only mean physically cleaning your space— take time for self-care!

Past Events Recap
 

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This year has started off with a bang. Read on for a recap and photos from our events so far this year.

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Past Events Recap
 

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On Friday, January 20, we brought in the new year with the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick. Movie night was held under the stars at Clubhouse 1. Mr. Softee gave us a nice treat with discounted ice cream.

Karaoke was held on Friday, February 10 at Clubhouse II. What a great time! Good friends and some great singing.



Boost Your Bookshelf
 

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Sometimes perusing a bookstore can feel overwhelming. There are so many options, and so little time to find the book that’s right for you. Check out the Book of the Month subscription and see how it can make choosing your reading a little easier.

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Boost Your Bookshelf

Bookshelf with books

Reading is one of the greatest pastimes and there is always more to read. But where do you begin? There are so many options, and you never want to feel like you’ve wasted your money on a book you end up disliking. There may be a solution to these problems.

This Book of the Month subscription box makes building your personal library easier than ever. Each month, Book of the Month selects 5 to 7 wow-worthy reads to choose from. They’re always on the lookout for the best of bestsellers, debut authors, and new genres to check out. You can trust that their selection will have something for everyone! All you have to do is pick the ones that pique your interest and it’s shipped to you.

This subscription also offers access to early releases and highly rated books for a lower monthly price. And if you ever decide that none of the month’s picks are for you, you can skip that month, free of charge. But if that’s not your speed, check out this list of the best books of 2022 and shop for yourself!

Create a Capsule Wardrobe

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Tis the season for a wardrobe cleanout. But you may want to take it a step further, and cultivate a closet of only the essentials! Here’s how you can start a capsule wardrobe for the everyday.

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Create a Capsule Wardrobe

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Ever heard of a capsule wardrobe? The idea goes that by cultivating a closet of only a select number of essential pieces, all of which match together, you’ll be able to cut out all the hassle and decision-making of getting dressed each morning. You’ll also eliminate the waste that comes from having a closet so stuffed you never even know what your options are.

The step-by-step process of creating a capsule wardrobe is super easy. First you have to think about your personal style and the clothes you actually wear day to day! If you live in a warmer climate, there’s no need for a drawer full of sweaters—your one or two favorites will do.

Staples of a capsule wardrobe include a few pairs of trousers, a skirt, dresses for formal and casual occasions, and a selection of tops from T-shirts to blouses. Throw a coat in there too and you’ll be surprised to find that you’re set! Start getting rid of stress today.

Experiences

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Picnic Pick Me Up

There’s nothing like a picnic to enjoy the fresh air with someone you love. Enjoy the smells and sounds of nature while munching on sweet treats or new recipes. These tips will help you have the best picnic possible.

E-Z Pay
 

E-Z Pay

Take the hassle out of making rent payments with Hometown America’s E-Z Pay. With E-Z Pay, your lot rent will be automatically deducted from your bank account on the third of each month.

 
 

Entertainment

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Podcasts To Peruse

Podcasts can be an excellent source of entertainment or even education, but with so many options to choose from, who knows where to begin. This list contains the best podcasts available right now! With a variety of genres, topics, and hosts, there is sure to be a great podcast for anyone!