Remembering Deborah

It is with grieving hearts that we announce the passing of one of our founding owners, Deborah Norman. On September 20th, in the early hours of the morning and surrounded by her family, Deborah slipped peacefully into the arms of Her Savior. We were all heartbroken for ourselves, but rejoicing that she is no longer suffering here from the pain inflicted by her cancer.

After several years of working in real estate sales here in Sequim and building a reputation that earned her the esteem of her colleagues and peers, Deborah decided to open her own real estate company. With high regard for her community and clients, Deborah believed that she could make a difference and have a bigger impact as a business owner. Joining her in her mission and view, partners Hazel Ault & Kaylene Byrne, helped open BrokersGroup Real Estate Professionals in April 2007.

For 20 years Deborah invested in her clients, offering them her hallmark S.M.I.L.E. (Sales, Marketing, Integrity, Loyalty, Expertise) and superior care. She lived our motto ‘Making it better for someone….every day’ and continued to do so in both her business and personal life even after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2018. She leaves an empty place here in our office, but her spirit to serve our community and clients remains with us. It is with that spirit we will continue her legacy.

A service to celebrate her life is scheduled for 2pm on Saturday November 19, 2022 at Fox Bell Farm - 137. N. Barr. Rd. All are welcome.

'Tis the Season

Deck the Halls and get your Fa La La on. Our own John Glavin has partnered with longtime friend Vern Frykholm to sell Christmas trees for charity.

If you’re still in need of a tree, now’s your chance! Open Friday and Saturday from 12-4 at the corner of E. Washington Street and Rhodefer (across from the Sequim Chamber of Commerce). All proceeds will be donated to the Sequim Foodbank, North Olympic Foster Parents Association and Boy Scout Troop 1498.

See the Sequim Gazette’s write up in their Dec 1st issue here: https://www.sequimgazette.com/life/photo-a-noble-christmas-cause/

Photo credit: Sequim Gazette by Michael Dashiell

Good to the Last Lick!

With June we have hope that summer is on its way; which for us in the Pacific Northwest could mean warm weather and cool summer treats.  It could also mean cool weather and warm comfort food, but we won’t dwell on that!  June brings graduations, weddings and yes, Father’s Day.

It is with the promise of summer, Father’s Day and my Dad that I’ve chosen this recipe.  My Dad loved ice cream, so this month I’m sharing one of my favorite vanilla ice cream recipes in his honor.  Dad liked his ice cream in a shallow dish so he could lick the bowl clean (so cute!), and I have fond memories of him doing that all my life.  He also loved ice cream cones. Every time I would present him with one, he would exclaim “Oh my!” (again, so cute!).  Dad passed away last October, and I think of him so often; especially when making ice cream. 

There are so many variations of vanilla recipes in all the frozen categories: gelato, frozen custard, ice and more!  This recipe is a very slight variation of Alton Brown’s Serious Vanilla Ice Cream recipe, and it’s my go-to vanilla.  It’s egg-free, which makes it quick to put together, but I promise, it does not skimp on flavor!  Peach jam or preserves is called for. It adds little, if any additional flavor, but is included because of the pectin which provides just a bit of smoothness to the texture.  I suppose you could leave it out, but I never have.

 “This is for you, Dad, with love!”

-Christine

Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients:

2 c. Half and Half

2 c. Heavy Cream

1 Vanilla Bean, split and seeds scraped out

1 c. Granulated Sugar

2 T. Peach Jam/Preserves, NOT jelly

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients (including the bean and its seeds) in a medium-large saucepan and place over medium heat.

2. Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture to 170 degrees F., using a digital read, candy or frying thermometer. (If you don’t have a thermometer heat until just simmering.  Do not bring to a boil.)

3. Remove from heat and cool until no longer steaming. 

4. Remove the vanilla bean, cover and refrigerate six hours to overnight.

5. Place a quart-size container, with a lid, in the freezer so it’s cold and ready when its time to harden the ice cream.

6. Churn and freeze mixture in an ice cream maker or ice cream bowl,  according to the manufacturer’s instructions, until the volume has at least doubled and is at the “soft serve” consistency.

7. Transfer frozen mixture to the pre-chilled container, cover and freeze to allow to harden; one+ hours.

 Enjoy!

1031 Exchanges

Earlier this year our office had the opportunity to meet via Zoom with Rob Onnen, our local FEA Qualified Intermediary and expert on 1031 Exchanges. We had a great visit getting the skinny on qualified properties and identifying clients who could benefit from an exchange. After our meeting, I was able to chat with Rob and get answers to a lot of the questions clients and consumers ask.

BG: What is a 1031 Exchange?

Rob: 1031 is a section of the Internal Revenue Code that allows a taxpayer to sell investment real estate and defer tax on depreciation and capital gains if they buy replacement property of equal or greater value.

BG: How do I know if a 1031 is right for me?

Rob: The taxpayer should ask their tax preparer to calculate the tax in an outright sale to determine the potential tax savings. This would include the 25% tax on depreciation and the 15-20 % tax on capital gains. If the property is located in another state, it could involve a state income tax as well.

BG: Can I use my own real estate broker to sell my relinquished property and find and buy my replacement property?

Rob: Yes, you should always choose a broker to assist you in the 1031 process as timing is critical.

BG: Do I have to use a 1031 company to utilize this potential tax savings?

Rob: Yes, the IRS guidelines require the use of a Qualified Intermediary to successfully defer taxes. A good QI will lead you through all the hoops and hurdles of the regulation.

BG: How much does a 1031 Exchange cost?

Rob: The fees are usually less than $1,000.00. We publish our fee schedule at www.pioneer1031.com

BG: Where can I get more information?

Rob: You can contact me, Rob Onnen, to discuss. There is no fee unless you choose to proceed with an exchange.  

It’s Not Italian Jello!

Ever heard of the Soup Nazi from the Seinfeld episode?  Did you know there was also a Dessert Nazi?  Yep, that’s what some of my friends and co-workers called me behind my back, some years ago when I worked at a local restaurant.  It came as a shock to me that my attention to detail and…um…perfectionism...translated into that nickname.  Not what I was going for.

One night I was at said restaurant with a group of my friends and the busboy (poor, dear) was tasked with presenting our table with the dessert tray offerings.  The desserts that I had made.  Moi, the Dessert Nazi.

When he came to describing the creamy, delightful Panna Cotta he said, “It’s like Italian Jello”.  You could have heard a pin drop.  Would he live to tell the tale? ...and then, you should have heard my friends laugh!

If you haven’t experienced panna cotta yet, here’s your chance.  Italian for “cooked cream”, panna cotta is a simple, yet, oh-so-satisfying custard cooked on the stovetop without eggs.  It uses gelatin to allow it to set. (Still no excuse for the young lad.)  One of the things I love about cream is how versatile it is and how its flavor and composition change after its heated.  *sigh*

There are endless flavor options for panna cotta but this, purist’s favorite, vanilla bean panna cotta recipe is great for beginners. It’s perfect for serving to a group who might have different flavor preferences because you can top it with just about anything you’d like.  I chose lemon curd, fresh strawberries, chocolate sauce, Bailey’s, apricot preserves, fresh blueberries, sour cherries…you get the idea. 

If you’d like to treat mom, or yourself, this weekend and need a quick idea, then give this a try.  Just allow yourself time for the gelatin to set!

Enjoy!

 ~Christine

Panna Cotta

Skill Level: Beginner

Servings: 5-6

Ingredients:

1/4c cold water, in a heat resistant cup or bowl

1 envelope (2 ½ t) unflavored gelatin

3 c heavy cream

½ sugar

½ vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped out

Toppings and garnish of your choice

Instructions:

1. Spray teacups, ramekins, or parfait glasses lightly with oil spray, set aside on a tray for easy handling.

2. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water. Set aside and allow water to absorb gelatin (“blooming”).

3. In a medium sized pot, combine cream, sugar, vanilla seeds, and bean and bring just to scalding point over medium high heat while stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

4. Heat bloomed gelatin in microwave or over low heat just until melted.  Add to heated cream mixture; mix well.  Pour mixture through a fine sieve into bowl or heat proof pitcher to strain out any lumps and vanilla bean.

5. Pour into prepared cups and refrigerate uncovered until no longer steaming.  Cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill until set; 4 hours-overnight.

6. Serve topped with desired fruit, sauces, preserves or liquor.

 Enjoy!   

Still looking for a perfect gift for your baking inspired mom?

Try one of Chris’s favorite kitchen tools!

1. Assorted Swedish Style Whisks

2. Offset Spatulas

3. Silicone Spatulas - WithOUT wooden handles

4. Silicone Pastry Brush

5. Microplane Grater & Zester

6. Danish Dough Whisk

7. Digital Instant Read Thermometer

8. Small Offset Serving Spatula

Spring Has Sprung - Baking Blog Debut

Ahh, tiramisu.  Such a beloved dessert with delicious regional variations.  My Easter “Tiramisu” was inspired by this classic dessert but definitely has a personality all its own.   

The first major difference you’ll notice is the lack of ladyfinger cookies.  Early on, whenever I’ve made tiramisu, I’ve baked a sponge cake instead of using the traditional ladyfinger cookies.  This is just my personal preference because I’ve never cared for the texture of these delicate cookies after they’re soaked, and I’ve carried that preference over into this dessert as well.   

This recipe came about several years ago while I was living in the Portland, Oregon area and invited a dear Australian friend of mine for Easter dinner.  We decided on an Aussie favorite of roast lamb and veg meal and I wanted to serve something special but not too heavy for dessert.  Tiramisu came to mind but I associate it more with the fall and winter months, for some reason, so that wasn’t quite the right fit.  Its creamy filling is a hit all year round, however, so I got to wondering what else I could make using that filling, and this is what evolved.

Instead of soaking my sponge cake with a rich coffee mixture I used a sweet but light Moscato.  I added some fresh fruit to the layers and brightened up that luscious cream filling with lemon zest and the result was a new spin on an old favorite, perfect for spring, summer…and Easter dinner!  I hope you and yours like it as much as we did!

 ~Christine

Easter "Tiramisu"

Skill level: Intermediate                                           

Servings: 12

Oven Temp: 350*

Tips: Bake sponge cake the day before assembly for easier slicing and better absorption of soaking beverage. Great make-ahead dessert as it will need 6-8 hours to set in the fridge. 

Soaking Beverage:

2 c. Moscato (sparkling or still) OR substitute ginger ale or limeade

Fruit for layering:

2-3 c.  Your choice of assorted fruit; berries, sliced peaches, pear, kiwi, etc.       

Sponge Cake:

6 large eggs, room temp.

1 c. sugar

1 t. vanilla

Zest of 2 limes

¼ t. salt

1 ½ c. AP flour

Instructions:

1. Spray/grease 9” springform pan, line bottom with parchment paper, spray/grease again and dust with flour.  Set aside.

2. Sift flour and salt into medium bowl. Set aside.  Preheat oven to 350*.

3. Beat eggs in bowl of stand mixer with whisk attachment until foamy. Add sugar gradually, in stages, and beat until mixture is pale yellow and reaches “ribbon stage”.  Add vanilla and lime zest.

4. Scrape and remove whisk attachment and carefully fold in flour until incorporated.  Do not over mix.   

5. Spread evenly in prepared pan.  Bake for approx. 25 minutes or until golden brown. Leave to cool in the pan while preparing cream filling. (OR: cover with plastic wrap, store at room temperature overnight.  Prepare cream filling and assemble the next day.)

Cream filling:                                   

1 packet (2 ½ t) unflavored gelatin                                           

1/8 c. water, room temp.                                                          

6 egg yolks

½ c.

3 c. mascarpone, room temp                                                 

1 ½ c. whipping cream, whipped                                                            

Zest of 2 large lemons

Instructions:

1. Pour water into heat resistant bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water.  Set aside to “bloom”.

2. Whisk yolks and sugar in heat resistant bowl over Bain Marie, continue whisking until thick, pale and sugar is dissolved.

3. Melt gelatin, cool slightly and stir into egg mixture.

4. Whisk in mascarpone, one cup at a time until smooth. 

5. Fold in whipped cream and lemon zest.

Assembly: 

Slice cooled cake into two layers.  Place the bottom layer into a clean springform pan lined with parchment paper. Soak bottom layer with half the Moscato until moist but not seeping.  Evenly spread bottom layer with half the cream mixture. Evenly arrange half the fruit onto the cream layer, gently pressing fruit into the cream.

Repeat with second layer of cake; soaking with remaining Moscato until evenly moist but not seeping, spreading with remaining cream mixture, and decoratively arranging remaining fruit on top, as desired.

Cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill for 6 hours or overnight.

Slide a long narrow knife around inside edge of springform to loosen edges before releasing pan.

Transfer to a serving platter or cake stand. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before slicing, if desired.

Slice of Sequim Heaven

It’s not often that a gem like this comes up for sale. Almost 10 acres of unobstructed water and mountain views in Happy Valley. This expansive and level property features PUD water, private septic, irrigation and a private well that could be used for further water needs. All this and no HOA or CCR's. In the city limits, yet private and only minutes to Downtown amenities. Sip your morning coffee on the large covered patio and enjoy views of the Strait, Olympic Mountains, Victoria BC and glorious Sequim sunsets framed by fruit trees in this park like setting. Open irrigation ditch babbles across this property adding to the serene and peaceful setting that draws people to the Pacific Northwest. Home sits on 5 acres with a 4.7 acre lot right next door making the property almost 10 acres! Give us a call or contact your real estate broker to learn more! Listed by Tom Hanna at BrokersGroup Real Estate Professionals in partnership with Jill Varvell at Keller Williams Walla Walla.

Photo courtesy of Double Click Productions

Photo courtesy of Double Click Productions

Photo courtesy of Double Click Productions

Clallam County Fair turns 100!

The Clallam County Fair is celebrating their 100th fair with the theme: “Red, White and Moo. It’s our 100th Too!” With current weather conditions, summertime and the fair may seem like a mirage in the distance, but it will be here before you know it. Fair preparations are already underway, and this Saturday will be the Fair Royalty Coronation. We at BrokersGroup Real Estate Professionals are so excited to be sponsoring one of this years contestants: Rebekah Parker.

"Rebekah is 15 years old and a sophomore at Sequim High School/Olympic Peninsula Academy. Her parents are Chris and LeAnn Parker. Rebekah's activities are drama, having participated in several plays at Olympic Peninsula Academy. Her hobbies are guitar, piano, photography and singing. Her future educational plans after high school are to receive a AA in Multimedia."

We hope you’ll come on out to the fairgrounds to support this years royalty contestants, and give an extra round of applause for Sequim’s own Rebekah Parker!

Open to the public, free of charge and fun for the entire family.

Clallam County Fair Royalty Coronation County Fairgrounds - Exposition Hall Saturday February 16th @ 1:00pm

Thank you! Thank you very much.

At BrokersGroup, 'Making it Better for Someone... Every Day' is at the heart of all we do, and we were so honored this week when the Sequim Chamber of Commerce presented us with their 'Shining Star' award. Awarded by the Chamber from nominations given by fellow Chamber members, the Shining Star award goes out to businesses that provide outstanding customer service, showcase exceptional services and demonstrate Chamber & community involvement. Chamber members since we founded BrokersGroup Real Estate in 2007 we have always been committed to community service and giving back. As our business has grown so has our involvement in community and Chamber activities. We look forward to many more years of serving those in Sequim and the surrounding areas, and we appreciate the support of our fellow chamber members, clients and friends. Thank you!

Hip Hip Hooray, it's our Birthday!

That's right, BrokersGroup Real Estate Professionals is 10 years old today! 

History Mural of Sequim Pioneers:     Dick Jarmuth & Shirley Larmore

On April 1, 2007 we started BrokersGroup Real Estate Professionals in a small office complex right off Hwy 101 in Carlsborg, just outside of Sequim's city limits. In 2008 we moved to the heart of downtown Sequim; into the former Clallam Title Company building and previous home of local real estate pioneer Peter Black. This building was completely remodeled to suit our needs while striving to maintain the charm of it's historic age and history. Our 100 year old office building certainly lends to Sequim's history and we feel privileged to have been chosen to host one of Sequim's 'History Murals' on the east side of our building. 

We invite you all to come join us as we celebrate 10 years of serving our community and the surrounding area. We will be hosting an Open House with live music and food on April 14th from 5-7pm. There will be a ribbon cutting by the Sequim Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce and it's Ambassadors at 5:15pm and all are welcome. We hope to see you here!

The float has been unveiled!

Last Saturday was the Irrigation Festival Kickoff Dinner, and one of the highlights of the night is the unveiling of this years float. With last years float winning awards at every judged parade it entered, this year's float has a high bar set. Yet once again, the float team did not disappoint, and what was unveiled is truly astounding! We're really excited about the float this year. It fits the theme '122 Skies of Blue' beautifully and features a high-flying,   death-defying bi-plane. Wow!

Also unveiled at the dinner was the Royal Court's musical number for this year. Set to the tune of Disney's 'Under the Sea' audiences of all ages will enjoy the royals description of just why we celebrate irrigation and what the festival offers. It also provides a nice peak into the Royalty's platforms and pursuits.  

Hope to see you out and about this festival season; celebrating one of the events that makes this town so special. For a list of what's going on and when visit the festival webpage here.

Sequim .... Where Water is Wealth.

Remembering Rod

With a heavy heart we announce the passing of our own Rod Normandin. On January 10th Rod suffered a heart attack late in the evening. We were all devastated and shocked when we learned of his passing early the next morning. 

Rod has been a member of BrokersGroup Real Estate Professionals since its opening almost 10 years ago. He is a long time friend of the owners and was considered family by his office friends. He was a respected member of the real estate community, and will be missed by so many. He brought a warm smile and a great sense of humor to our day to day tasks, and was a wealth of real estate knowledge that he willingly shared with his colleagues. A memorial service will be held this Sunday,   February 12th at 2pm at the Dungeness Community Church - 45 Eberle Lane in Sequim.            

All are welcome to come remember Rod with us.  

It's Pageant Time!

The Sequim Irrigation Festival is still several months away, but planning and preparation are already underway. This year's theme is '122 Skies of Blue' and the first big Irrigation Festival event is just around the corner. It's pageant time. Time to decide which 4 ladies will be representing our beautiful city as ambassadors of Sequim. There are 7 candidates this year and BrokersGroup Real Estate Professionals is proud to be sponsoring the lovely Miss Abby Norman, as she prepares to compete for Irrigation Festival Royalty.

Abby is a Junior at Sequim High School. She is an active member of the SHS Leadership Class which donates over 100 volunteer hours each year, as well as an Honor Society student maintaining a steady GPA of 3.85. She and her family have traveled across the US, Canada and Europe which has given Abby the opportunity to get a first hand look at other ways of life, and give her a deep appreciation for the place she calls home...Sequim. Dancing has always been a part of her life and with 11 years of ballet training it's no surprise that Abby soon found a passion for the theater and singing as well. She has performed in numerous local ballets, plays & musicals and was even fortunate enough to be able to choreograph the Sequim High School's 50th Anniversary musical Cinderella, which also won her a nomination for the Outstanding Choreography Award in a high school musical from Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre. Her Freshman and Sophomore years she was a member of the Washington All State Symphonic Choir and is currently a member of the Vocal Ensemble as well. She has served her peers as the Sophomore Class President and the Junior Class Spirit Commissioner. She plans to attend Reed University in Portland to earn her Doctorate Degree in Pediatrics. If chosen as a Royal, she plans to organize a Blood Drive for the High School, if possible or assist with blood bank with local drives. 

We are honored to be her sponsor and invite you to join us in cheering her, and the other candidates on in the 122nd Irrigation Festival Pageant. This event takes place Saturday February 11th at 6pm in the Sequim High School Auditorium. Tickets are $8 each and on sale now at the Sequim Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the Sequim Irrigation Festival and all of its events, please visit their website. 

Jazz in the Alley & Lavender Weekend ... it's that time again!

Lavender is in full bloom here in Sequim and that means Lavender Festival weekend is upon us. The best part of Lavender Weekend here for us? Jazz in the Alley! This year marks the 10 year anniversary of Jazz in the Alley and BrokersGroup Real Estate Professionals is proud to be sponsoring it once again. This year's anniversary brings a special treat. The Sequim Community Orchestra String Kids will be the opening act for Tracy Blume and her Jazz in Blume band. Tracy was one of the founders of Jazz in the Alley, and even though she's no longer a Sequim local she has had a heart for the community event since its conception in 2007. We are so glad to be welcoming her back to Sequim for this anniversary event.  

Our very own Neil Culbertson was an integral part of Jazz in the Alley and contributed greatly to its growth until his passing last July. We are so glad to have Tracy here, and to be dedicating this year's performance to Neil Culbertson and Jean Haught, a Sequim business woman, lover of jazz and promoter of arts in Sequim. 

Besides Jazz in the Alley. Lavender Weekend brings many opportunities to see live musical performances, attend lavender processing demonstrations and enjoy fine lavender foods. For more information about all things lavender and Lavender Festival related visit the Sequim tourism page.

Artistic Door Competition

Several businesses around Clallam County have been selected to host painted doors as part of Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County’s Artistic Door Event, a fundraiser supporting the 25 year anniversary of HFHCC. We are so proud to be able to feature the artwork of local Sequim artist Natalie Andrzejeski. Natalie is a lifelong artist having developed a passion for painting as a little girl living in New York City. Her 4th grade art teacher encouraged her students to explore every medium imaginable, and to this day she can’t say she likes one over another. Art followed her throughout her adult life as a hobby until she was asked to volunteer her time to paint a piano. For the last 4 years she has devoted her time and efforts into bringing awareness to the benefits of art and music. Shortly after moving to Sequim 2 years ago, she left her 8-5 job to pursue her passion. She is currently a photographer, a traveling commissioned artist and has a growing business called Pour, Sip, Paint through which she brings the joys of painting to homes and businesses around the Peninsula. Her painted door will be on display here at BrokersGroup Real Estate Professionals through April 10th. All the doors will be available for viewing and several of the artists will be present at the Artist Reception & Preview on April 15th. The doors will go up for auction during HFHCC’s Taste of the Peninsula event on April 16th at the Sunland Golf & Country Club. The event is a fabulous opportunity to support a wonderful cause while enjoying exceptional cuisine and wine from right here on the Olympic Peninsula. Stop by our office to catch an up close and personal look at Natalie’s door!

2015 SAR Installation Banquet

This past weekend the Sequim Association of Realtors hosted their annual Installation Banquet to thank the 2015 officers and swear in the 2016 officers. Among those being sworn in was our very own Hazel Ault. Hazel has been the designated broker for BrokersGroup Real Estate Professionals since we opened in 2007. She has been an active participant and member of the Sequim Association of Realtors since 1990. Since then she has served in several capacities including Chairman of the Education Committee, Local Association Director and RPAC (Realtors® Political Action Committee) Chair. In 2012 she was the recipient of the Realtor® Achievement Award for her steadfast devotion to the Realtor® profession and her community. This weekend BrokersGroup was proud to witness her installation as the 2016 President of the Sequim Association of Realtors® but the fun didn’t stop there! Our own Judy Stirton was awarded the 2015 Community Service Award for being a fearless and passionate advocate. Her ongoing work and commitment to local water issues as well as her volunteerism as President of WAG (Welfare for Animals Guild) make her a truly deserving recipient. We are so proud of her and all she does for our community and its citizens, including the 4 legged ones.

Our own Judy Stirton was awarded the 2015 Community Service Award for being a fearless and passionate advocate. Her ongoing work and commitment to local water issues as well as her volunteerism as President of WAG (Welfare for Animals Guild) make her a truly deserving recipient. We are so proud of her and all she does for our community and its citizens, including the 4 legged ones.

Hazel being Sworn in by the Sequim Association of realtors executive officer, gina valaske.

judy and her coworkers, sara Campbell & kaylene byrne, celebrate after her award acceptance.

Your Vote Matters

Well the yard signs are out in full swing, and I’m not talking real estate signs. It’s election time; time to vote. I think we all know someone, maybe even ourselves, who has been guilty of the ‘My vote doesn’t matter, so why bother?’ thought. I know it’s flickered across my mind in the past, and the whole ‘electoral’ vote system has been known to amplify those thoughts and frustrations in me. I’ve changed my way of thinking though. My vote DOES matter; so does yours!

For hundreds of years our forefathers and fellow countrymen and women have fought for and defended our freedoms. Familiar freedoms we hold dear such as our freedom of speech and religion.  Shouldn't we hold our right to vote as high as the others? It’s a freedom thousands have paid for with their lives. Not only is voting one of our rights as a citizen, but it’s a way for our voices to be heard and a way we can hold those we elect accountable for the decisions they make. It's also a way we can influence the decisions that will ultimately affect our communities and the way we live. If voting is our voice being heard, then what does not voting say? It says more than nothing. It says we don’t care. It says we can’t be bothered enough to answer the question of how we feel about something. If you’re like one of the many people I’ve met who are frustrated with the electoral voting system, then voting should take on an even stronger importance to you. How will the electoral vote system ever change if we don’t care enough to vote on the ‘smaller’ items we’re asked to voice our opinions about? There’s another important reason to vote though; one I think we have slowly moved away from—honor. Our vote honors those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms.  As a female, I feel I owe a special duty to honor those women and suffragists who went before me and fought so strongly for my voice to be heard and counted. For me, duty and honor are reason enough to send me to the ballot box, and to all our veterans and serviceman, Thank You!

Please vote…it really does matter.

US Flag by jn1776 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Save Energy In Your Home

Patricia Parnell shares with us her article, from the Parkwood Homeowners Newsletter, for saving energy at home. 

Clipart used with permission by Dominiquechappard

Planning ahead can save you money and alleviate frustration with high utility bills. Here are some tips to protect your hard earned dollars.

·         Remove window air conditioners for winter , if it cannot be removed, weatherize with a properly fitted cover

·         Keep all vents (AC, heating) free from debris

·         Replace Screens with storm glass

·         Replace heat filters monthly

·         Do not block vents with furniture

·         Save 10% on energy costs when you install weather-stripping or caulk leaky doors and windows and install gaskets behind outlet covers

·         Leave your thermostat at one temperature (around 77) and leave it alone when running the AC. It takes more energy to heat or cool an area than it does to maintain a constant temp

·         In winter, set your thermostat about 68. For every degree you lower your heat, you save up to 5% in heating costs. At night turn heat down to 55 but never below 50.

·         Open window coverings in the daytime to let the sun heat your home and close them at sundown to insulate.

·         Rearrange your furniture so you are sitting by interior walls. The temperature is more constant on interior walls.

·         Close doors to other parts of the house and turn down the thermostat when using the fireplace.

·         Remember that fireplaces lose up to 8% of your energy. Keep damper closed when not in use.

·         Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. They use 75% less energy.

·         Turn kitchen and bathroom ventilating fans off after use.

·         A 2nd Refrigerator can add as much as 10-15% to your energy bill.

·         Only use your self-cleaning feature when your oven is already hot.

·         Drain a bucketful of water from the water heater several times a year to protect against mineral build-up.

·         Use cold water to wash clothes and reduce the washer's energy use by 75%.

Remembering Neil

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our own Neil Culbertson. Neil suffered a severe heart-attack on July 4th and did not recover. It was a devastating shock to us all.

Neil has been with BrokersGroup Real Estate since it’s beginning in 2007. Loved by all of us here at BG and a friend to many others in the real estate community, Neil will be missed dearly. Known for his positive attitude, hard work and commitment to his clients, Neil brought to this office so much more than we could ever have imagined. His love of music inspired him to co-found Jazz in the Alley, an event BrokersGroup has been excited to sponsor and something we look forward to every summer. Celebrating it’s 9th year this Lavender Weekend, JITA will not be the same without him. A musician at heart, Neil was encouraged to continue his passion for music when he was asked to join the Buck Ellard Band. We have all enjoyed the numerous musical events Neil brought into our lives, and are immensely blessed to be considered ‘family’ by him and his wife Beverly. There is no one who will ever take Neil’s place in our hearts. I wish the goodbye’s of this life didn’t hurt so much, but I know you’re in a better place Neil and I hope you and Beverly know just how much you’ll be missed by your family here at BrokersGroup.

A Taste of the Peninsula

Looking for something to do this weekend?

How about joining us at ‘A Taste of the Peninsula’ fundraising event happening this Saturday April 18th from 5:30 to 8:30 at the Sunland Golf & Country Club Ballroom. BrokersGroup Real Estate Professionals has proudly joined presenting sponsor, Green Crow Corporation, in Habitat for Humanity Clallam County's premier signature fundraising event. Other sponsors include Ray Gruver-State Farm Insurance, Coldwell Banker Uptown Realty, Platt-Irwin Law Firm, Windermere Real Estate Port Angeles and OSP Sling – Olympic Synthetic Products.

Habitat for Humanity Clallam County  broke ground this year on the Dancel family's home.

"A Taste of the Peninsula ~ Celebrating Community Partners will be full of fabulous food, fun and purpose," Cyndi Hueth, Habitat's executive director said in a press release. "Habitat helps provide a pathway towards home ownership. This annual event will give us an opportunity to raise funds and generate excitement for the work we all do together. It is one more way the community can engage in our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”

The event will include music by the Sequim High School Jazz Band under the direction of Vern Fosket. The local food and beverage sponsors, Double Eagle Steakhouse, Alder Wood Bistro, The Sweet Beginning, Crumb Grabbers Bakery, Jose’s Famous Salsa, H2O – Waterfront Bistro, Michael’s Fine Dining, Camaraderie Cellars, Harbinger Winery, Olympic Cellars Winery, and Wind Rose Cellar are sure to make this an event your taste buds won’t forget. The night will feature a fund-a-need auction ~ “Raise the Roof”, as well as awards given to community partners from Forks, Port Angeles, and Sequim.

The Gooding family will be the recipients of HFHCC's 27th home. 

Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry. Dedicated to providing decent and affordable housing in partnership with low-income families, HFHCC has built 25 homes for families in Clallam County since it’s incorporation in 1991. Groundbreaking for the 26th HRHCC home began in March of this year and plans are underway to begin on the 27th home. Recipients of the 26th and 27th home appreciate all the support from the community and volunteers, and we are thrilled to see the work HFHCC is doing to benefit local families. For more information about HFHCC contact Colleen Robinson, Community Outreach Director for Habitat for Humanity at 360-460-5560 or via colleen@habitatclallam.org. Tickets for ‘A Taste of the Peninsula’ are $100 each and can be purchased at the HFHCC website: www.habitatclallam.org