Being The Best Was The Goal – Becoming #1 Was The Result

February 26th, 2010

“We didn’t plan to be #1 in home sales in the Coachella Valley. We planned to be the best real estate company in the desert area. Becoming #1 was the result,” said Windermere SoCal co-owners Bob Bennion and Bob Deville at yesterday’s All-Agent meeting held at the Rancho Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage. 

Keynote speaker, Patrick Veling, Principal of Real Data Strategies, discussed Windermere’s current market dominance and strategies for 2010. All strategies and statistics aside, everyone was in agreement that the ultimate goal, as always, is to provide the best real estate solutions and services to our valued home buyers and sellers.

Linda Novick’s February Sun City Report

February 19th, 2010

Windermere real estate agent Linda Novick offers her monthly report from the Sun City, Palm Desert from their Valentines Day event.

Windermere Attends The Rammy Awards

February 2nd, 2010

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Windermere Southern California owner, Bob Deville was recently nominated Business Man of the Year by the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce. Rancho Mirage office Managing Broker, Diana Weiss, was nominated Business Woman of the Year. Pictured above are Bob and Diana, along with fellow Realtors who attended the recent Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce Rammy Awards. Photo (from left to right) Dan McGeary, Jane Comelli, Trent Tiecke (standing), Bob Deville, Brenda Scott (standing), Diana Weiss, Alvin Greenwalt, Joel Cohen (standing) and his wife Susan. Photo courtesy of Realtor Terry Nelson.

Windermere Sponsors Children And Community Health And Fitness Expo

January 14th, 2010

A Children And Community Health And Fitness Expo will be held Sunday January 24th from 10:00am until 6:00pm to benefit the Wellness Foundation Palm Springs. The Expo will take place at ACE Hotel and Swim Club on 701 East Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs and is sponsored by Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley.

Presenters and exhibitors will include Zoo Yoga, Animal Samaritans, Action All-Star Cheer, Action Gymnastics, Urban Yoga Center, My Gym, Desert Recreation District, Sisters Cupcakes by Design, Helene’s Learn to Swim, Arbonne, Ren Yogamaya, Safe House of the Desert, Desert Recreation District, Datura Art Studio, Action Gymnastics, Gilda’s Club Desert Cities, Enchanted Memories, Desert Arc, Windermere Real Estate and others.

“Windermere really does believe that helping our community is essential. So many agents from our offices have been involved in our community awareness days, special events and fund raising. Our agents and staff really help support others,” says Paduano. “I have always been impressed with the owners, Bob Deville and Bob Bennion. They continue to stress to us how important it is to give back,” adds Paduano.

For more information about this event please contact the Wellness Foundation Palm Springs executive director, Michael Paduano, at 760-831-3761 or e-mail mpaduano@windermere.com. Wellness Foundation Palm Springs is a non-profit 501-c3 Tax ID #2604397952. www.WellnessFoundationPalmSprings.org.

Buyers and Sellers Benefit from REALTOR® Expertise in Distressed Sales

January 5th, 2010

RandyWiemer-SFR-12-09 copyWindermere agent Randy Wiemer has earned the nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification. The National Association of REALTORS® offers the SFR certification to REALTORS® who want to help both buyers and sellers navigate these complicated transactions, as demand for professional expertise with distressed sales grows.

According to a recent NAR survey, nearly one-third of all existing homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures. For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” transaction. REALTORS® who have earned the SFR certification know how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.

The certification program includes training on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limit risk, and provides resources to help REALTORS® stay current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distressed properties evolves.

You can reach Randy Wiemer at: www.GreatDesertHomes.com , or email: Randy@RandyWiemer.com , or by phone at (760) 333-7747.

Happy New Year From Sun City Palm Desert

January 5th, 2010

Sun City, Palm Desert resident and Windermere agent Linda Novick shares her latest monthly video report. To contact Linda, visit www.LindaNovick.com.

Windermere Raffles Free Hot-Air Balloon Ride

December 28th, 2009

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The Winner of the most recent Windermere Palm Springs South Balloon Ride free drawing was announced on December 21st. Palm Springs resident, Misha Talley’s name was drawn from hundreds of entries at the Palm Springs South office in the Smoke Tree Commons shopping center. Misha, pictured in the photo (center), was extremely excited and has never been up in a Hot-Air Balloon. Check this blog regularly for the next Windermere free drawing.

In the photo from left to right is: Michael Larson, Carol Berger, Bryan Arnold, Misha Talley (winner), Joe Simeone, Michael Ricks.

Happy Holidays From Sun City, Palm Desert

December 23rd, 2009

Linda Novick, one of our Windermere Sun City, Palm Desert Realtors and residents, provides monthy video reports from Sun City. This month she spotlights the Christmas, Hanukkah and other holiday celebrations in the community. Check back next month for her New Years video report, or contact her any time at www.LindaNovick.com . Happy Holidays from Linda and everyone at Windermere Coachella Valley!

Windermere HOMES Magazine Winter Edition Now Online

December 20th, 2009

SMALL-COVER-Windermere-socal-208px-1-10The Winter Editon of Windermere HOMES & Lifestyles magazine, featuring hundreds of homes for sale in all price ranges throughout the Coachella Valley, is now online. Click here to view.

View the magazine online and flip through the pages to find the home of your dreams. The print version of the magazine will be on stands the second week in January.

You can find a copy at various shops, restaurants and car washes throughout the Coachella Valley.

Randy Wiemer Receives 2009 Realtor of the Year From PSRAOR

December 19th, 2009

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Randy Wiemer was awarded the 2009 Realtor of the Year award from the Palm Springs Regional Association of Realtors on December 16, 2009. Randy was selected from over 1000 realtors for this prestigious award. His selection was based on his personal contributions and dedication to the members of the Palm Springs Regional Association of Realtors (PSRAOR).

Randy has been a licensed California Realtor since 2005. He served as the 2009 Chairman, Local Governmental Relation Committee (LGR). Randy has also earned the e-PRO Certification, EcoBroker Certification and just completed the requirements for the new Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) Certification.

Before working in real estate, Randy was on active duty in the US Air Force. He was a Master Navigator with over 2,790 flight hours in numerous aircraft. In June 2004 Randy retired as a Major from the USAF.

Randy is currently on the team of Langham and Wiemer, Windermere Real Estate, Palm Springs, CA. You can reach Randy at www.GreatDesertHomes.comRandy@RandyWiemer.com  or by phone at (760) 333-7747.

Photo: Randy Wiemer (left), being presented with award from Windermere Palm Springs Main office broker David Cantwell.

Thank You For Your Continued Loyalty And Business

December 18th, 2009

windermere-christmas-greeting-09-250pxWe would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our Windermere clients a Healthy, Safe and Happy Holiday Season. We appreciate the trust our Windermere clients have graced us with and promise to continue placing our clients first and foremost in all their real estate needs.

Windermere Coachella Valley has enjoyed considerable growth over the last 8 years and this would not be possible without our loyal clients. As the leader in real estate in every city in the Coachella Valley we firmly believe our buyers and sellers and real estate–related clients can look forward to a prosperous 2010.

We THANK YOU for your continued loyalty and business. Bob & Bob

Helping People Hear Again

December 18th, 2009

Besides working as a Palm Desert agent, Frank Montiforte is actively involved with HPHA Helping People Hear Again, a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing hearing devices (donated and refurbished) to individuals of all ages in need in the Coachella Valley. Individuals who qualify for the program receive all hearing health-related services at no charge. For more information about HPHA visit www.helpingpeoplehearagain.com . You can reach Frank at fmontiforte@windermere.com .

Ini Asmann Named CDAR Realtor Of The Year

December 14th, 2009

ini-asman-realtor-of-the-year-09-225pxPalm Desert agent Ini Asman has just been named 2009 CDAR Realtor of the Year for her outstanding service to the community. Ini believes that giving back to the community she serves as an agent should be a priority. Her passions are the Animal Samaritans Society  the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission and The Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City.

While being named CDAR Realtor of the Year is an honor, it’s only the latest chapter in a life full of well deserved awards. In 1980, Ini founded IMS (Ini’s Media Services) which, until 1999, produced celebrity interviews with award-winning photography. Hundreds of her articles and photos have been published all over the world.

What began as a hobby, interviewing and photographing family friends and colleagues in the European film industry like Elke Sommer, Maria and Maximilian Schell, Curd Juergens, Romy Schneider, et. al. grew globally into an ever expanding circle of celebrities in different fields …from actresses Janet Leigh, Debbie Reynolds, Joan Collins, Barbara Eden and actors Telly Savalas, Sean Connery, Leslie Nielsen, George Clooney, Kevin Costner .. to entertainer Julio Iglesias, composer Henry Mancini, director Sydney Pollack, designer Geoffrey Beene, sports stars Michael Jordan, Steffi Graf, Pele & Franz Beckenbauer and authors Harold Robbins and Mario Puzo ..just to name a few.

The late Palm Springs resident Harold Robbins played an important role in Ini’s career more than once. In 1981, after contracting IMS to manage his publicity in Europe, Harold told his publisher in an interview that “Ini’s portraits and publicity photos were the best pictures ever taken of me” and requested that they use her pictures exclusively for his cover jacket portraits Harold’s glowing recommendations to other authors and publishers led to many referrals and in 1984 Ini opened a branch office of Munich based IMS in Beverly Hills.

In 1995, while visiting Harold and Jan Robbins at their home in Palm Springs, that Ini fell in love – at first sight – with the desert and had a great idea. “While selling stories and photos of celebrities in their homes, why not sell celebrity homes?” So later that year Ini moved here and has since become an established realtor… much sought after for her multilingualism and worldwide clientele. Along the way she has marketed the estates of Clark Gable, Elvis Presley, Cary Grant and Frank Sinatra.

You can reach Ini at www.IniAsmann.com,  iniasmann@earthlink.net or by phone: (760) 567-8661 or (760) 567-8661.

Photo of Ini Asmann (left), with Windermere Cook and Hovley office Broker, Emily DiSimone (right).

Living It Up At The Living Desert

December 12th, 2009
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Windermere So Cal owners, Bob Deville (left) and Bob Bennion (right), hosted the Annual Holiday Party at The Living Desert In Palm Desert. The country-themed celebration of the season was held on Friday the 11th and attended by hundreds of Windermere Coachella Valley agents and guests. Below, partiers danced the night away to the Kelly Rae Country Music Band.

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2010 CDAR Officers Announced

December 11th, 2009

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Diane-Busch-and-Heather-Ozur-cdar-225pxOn Thursday, December 10th, the California Desert Association of REALTORS® installed it’s 2010 directors at the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells. Names were Windermere agents:

Diane Busch, 2010 Director and Local Government Relations Chair
Wendy Formica, 2010 Director and Programs Chair
Peter Schmidt, 2010 Director
Charlie White, 2010 Director
David Banks, 2010 MLS Committee Chair
Leslie Munger, 2010 Commercial/Investment Committee Chair
Gary Anderson, 2010 Grievance Committee Chair
Don Rossignol, 2010 Scholarship Committee Co-Chair�
David Banks and Peter Schmidt, 2009 President’s Award recipients
Ini Asmann, 2009 CDAR REALTOR® of the Year

Congratulations to all!

Top photo David Banks (left) with Peter Schmidt (right). Bottom photo Diane Busch (left) with Heather Ozur (right).

Windermere La Quinta Office Helps Local School For Community Service Day

December 9th, 2009

Windermere’s annual Community Service Day was a huge success. Agents and staff from the La Quinta office donated school supplies to the Oasis School on Friday, November 13th.

Thank you to everyone who contributed. The La Quinta office is already collecting items to donate to Oasis School later this month.

Palm Desert-Cook & Hovley Office Helps Local School

December 9th, 2009

The Windermere Palm Desert-Cook & Hovley office collected items to donate to Carter Elementary school in Palm Desert. Agents and staff were able to fulfill all items on the teachers’ wish lists, plus more!

Broker Emily DiSimone, along with agents Debbie Sander and Michele Mayer, brought the items to Carter Elementary on Friday, November 13th. 

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Rancho Mirage Windermere Office Contributes To Local School

December 9th, 2009

Community Service Day at Rancho Mirage ElementaryOn Friday, November 13th, the Windermere Rancho Mirage office contributed their time and money to help the students and teachers of the Rancho Mirage Elementary school, as part of our annual company wide Community Service Day.

Thank you to all who participated in this year’s Community Service Day! Your generous donation of school supplies and/or money to purchase school supplies has been GREATLY appreciated by Windermere and the Rancho Mirage Elementary School. Thank you to Christina Cook and Marilyn Bauer for their special efforts on our behalf.

Palm Desert-San Pablo Office Helps Local School

December 9th, 2009

Community Service Day 2009The Windermere Palm Desert-San Pablo Office collected money to purchase certificate paper for the Renaissance Department of the Palm Desert Charter Middle School. These are the students that prepare all the achievement award certificates for the entire school and they needed funds to purchase the paper.

The San Pablo office collected over $300.00 which is what was needed to make the purchase. On Friday, November 13th, they presented the class with the supplies. Joe Tucker, Counselor for the school was also on hand to receive the donations.

Indian Wells Windermere Offices Donate To Local School

December 9th, 2009

Indian Wells Office Donates to Local School

On Friday, November 13th, our two Windermere offices in Indian Wells donated school supplies to Gerald Ford Elementary School, as part of our annual company wide Community Service Day.

A thank you is extended to everyone who contributed school supplies for the students at Gerald Ford Elementary School; with a special thanks to our team leaders Kerry Anderson and Pamela Stone. They delivered two huge bins of supplies to an extremely happy school principal.

Windermere Real Estate Continues To Gain Great Agents

December 4th, 2009

RANCHO MIRAGE (Calif.) – December 3, 2009 – Windermere Real Estate is proud to announce the addition of its new real estate professionals to their Coachella Valley offices since November 1.

Robin Black, La Quinta
Iain Brown, La Quinta
John W. Butler, Rancho Mirage
Linda Crouse, Palm Desert San Pablo
Ross Crowe, Palm Desert San Pablo
William Doner, La Quinta
Bonnie Hart, Old Town La Quinta
Joan Hobin, Palm Desert San Pablo
Bob Hughes, Palm Springs
Main Kris Jones, Old Town La Quinta
Joy Kane, Palm Springs South
Art Koupas, La Quinta
David Lang, Old Town La Quinta
Christine Marra, Indian Wells Main
Patricia Mehall, Indian Wells Main
Carol-Lynne Mittelbusher, La Quinta
Carmen Morris, Indian Wells Main
Tony Otten, Palm Springs Main
John Ulf, La Quinta
Lori Webb-Carroll, Palm Desert San Pablo

“As Windermere continues to dominate the Coachella Valley in Sales Dollar Volume and new listings, we are also attracting great realtors, from throughout the valley as well as Southern California. Attention to detail and professionalism is priority with our Windermere agents and it is evident in the trust that our Buyers and Sellers instill us with,” says Windermere owner Bob Deville.

Windermere Real Estate is the leading residential real estate network in the desert area today, with more than 625 local agents.

Windermere Real Estate offices are located in Palm Springs, Palm Springs South, Rancho Mirage, On-Site office at The Club at Morningside in Rancho Mirage, On-Site office at The Springs Country Club in Rancho Mirage, On-Site office at Deep Canyon Tennis Club in Palm Desert, Palm Desert (San Pablo), Palm Desert (Cook & Hovley), Indian Wells Main, Indian Wells Luxury Homes & Estates, La Quinta and Old Town La Quinta, as well as Garner Valley and Lake Arrowhead.

Palm Springs Windermere Offices Contribute To Local School

December 3rd, 2009
A BIG Thank you from students at Raymond Cree Middle School

A BIG Thank you from students at Raymond Cree Middle School

Our two Windermere offices of Palm Springs have contributed their time and money to help the students and teachers of Raymond Cree Middle School, as part of our annual company wide Community Service Day. With services and supplies being cut back over the last two years, teachers are forced to spend their paychecks to teach our children.

 On Monday, November 16th, agents and staff presented a $1500 Visa Gift card and numerous school supplies such as the traditional paper, markers, rulers, gardening tools, and a podium for their speech class. “It is the non-traditional supply items that are needed that are not afforded in the school budgets,” says Windermere Office Manager, Frances Chafe.

Happy Thanksgiving From Sun City, Palm Desert

November 30th, 2009

Linda Novick is a Windermere Realtor and Sun City, Palm Desert resident. Linda will be providing a video report from Sun City each month. This is her first. Check back next month for her December video report, or contact here any time at  www.LindaNovick.com

We Salute Our Military Veterans

November 10th, 2009

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The years of military service given by our Coachella Valley Windermere agents (listed below) spans six decades, from the 1950s to the the present.

“We’re proud of all our Windermere agents. But we’re extra proud of our military veterans each year on Veterans Day,” say Bob Deville and Bob Bennion. 

Richard Albers – 1958-1960
US Navy, Lt. LG.

Jim Atwood – 1956-1966
USAF on active duty early in the cold war from 1956 to 1959 flying in SAC B-47’s. I retired as a Captain from inactive reserve in 1966.

Jack Banks Served – 1969-1976
Oregon National Guard (Army) assistant to Brigade Surgeon.

Bruce Blomgren – Served 1968-1972
Vietnam war era vet. US Air Force, Grade E-4, Computer Maintenance Specialist.

Ted Broome – 1960-1964
Served in the USAF.I attended the USAF Russian Language School at Indiana University.

Joe Cain – Served 1954-1957
I was an air force pilot for three years, between wars. I never shot or bombed anyone in anger! Very proud to have been a vet.

David Carden – Served 1968- 1970
I was a medic for 18 months with the 82nd Airborne in Vietnam, was a Specialist 5 at discharge and was honored to receive the Bronze Star for my service. Upon my return from Vietnam I served as the NCOIC for Medical Processing at the Presidio San Francisco.

Ed Cullinan – Served 1950-1967
Enlisted at the age of 17 in the U.S. Marine Corps; went thru boot camp at Paris Island, South Carolina; advanced infantry training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and from there to Camp Pendleton. Later stationed in Vietnam for two years. Main job was land mine warfare and demolitions. Honorably discharged in 1967 at the rank of sergeant.

Richard Cusolito – 1957-1961
I spent four and a half years in the Air Force. Boot camp at Lackland AFB Training and work at Travis AFB. Three and a half years RAF Station, Upper Heyford England, 3918th Air Police Squadron. Terrific years that I would gladly do all over again.

Raleigh DeBow – Served 1951-1953
During the Korean “Conflict” I was drafted. I was in the US Army Infantry, at Fort Ord, CA (training), Far East Command (Assigned to a Regimental Combat Team in Okinawa). Honorably Discharged as Sergeant in 1953.

Jerry Doherty – Served 1960-1964
I served in the U. S. Marine Corps. Attained the rank of Corporal (E-4) as a Repair Shop Machinist. Honorable Discharge.

John Donnelly – Served 1966-1968
U.S. Army, 1st Lt Infantry, Fort Benning, GA and U.S. Army Pacific.

John Easton USN CTRC – Served 1960-1980.
Current area president if Navy League of U.S

Bob Eisenman Served – 13 years during WWII in the Pacific.
U.S. Navy and U.S. Army in Korea.

Richard Engle – Served 1966-1969
Staff Sergeant, US Army Security Agency.

Jim Fry – Served 1968-1971
I’m a Vietnam veteran and spent one full year in Vietnam, during the war.

Bob Garmisa – Served 1962-1968
U.S. Army. I was a Hospital Unit Medic. Total of six years service, both active and reserves.

Mike Z. Haque – Served 1998-2005
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps. I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, 29 Palms, CA and Parris Island, South Carolina. My military occupation was Logistics, Martial Arts Trainer and Marksmanship Trainer.

Stephen Hodge – Served 1970-1971
I am a Vietnam vet having served aboard the nuclear “Fast-Attack” submarine “Sargo” in the South China Sea in 1970-71 which was home ported in Pearl Harbor and Subic Bay Philippines. We were submerged for two months at a time (without surfacing) collecting data and “monitored” activity in a huge area of ocean as well as some coastal “interests”. It was scary and exciting and sometimes dangerous. I was very proud to have served.

Darrel Hume Served 1970-1976
U.S. Army Reserve.

Randy Kuehnel – Served 1969-1971
I was in the Army from March 1969 to March 1971. I was one of our country’s last draftees. I served in the Military Police and also played golf for the Army on the Fort Ord golf team. This was the height of the Vietnam war and also “Flower Power”. I was stationed at Presidio of San Francisco and later at Fort Ord.

Ron Lindemann – Served 3 years during the Korean conflict.
I love the word conflict the political spin placed on this war which still has 15,000 troops on the Southern border of Korea. More men and women were lost in this “Conflict” than in the 2nd World War. The totals exceeded 50,000 lost. I served in the US Army and trained 16 weeks in Fort Ord, California. Sent to Fort Benning, Georgia to attend Officers Candidate School for 16 weeks. Sent back to Fort Ord to run 8 week schools in Advanced Infantry Training at the East Garrison out side of Fort Ord. (We lived in tents in the woods.) Snipper School, Dog Training, and rapid firing weapons not taught in the 16 weeks of basic training. The schools kept me out of that hell hole and when my time became too short to serve as an officer in the theater of combat they sent me to Europe with our troops stationed our side of Frankfort. I closed out my tour in the European theater and pleased to say the Russions didn’t come back over the line although they always had their troops within eyesite aong the borders outside of Fulda, Germany. The cold war was in full swing. I received an honorable discharge.

Jack Livengood – Served 1966-1973
Air Force (Air Nat’l Guard) 142nd Fighter Group.

Byron J. Lohman – Served 1984 – 1988
Served in the USAF at Los Angeles Air Force Station. I served as contract negotiator for the Anti-Satellite and Space Shuttle based SDI (Star Wars) experiments, Project Engineer for the F-15 GPS Receiver and as Assistant Executive officer for the Commander, Space Systems Division. Honorably discharged as Captain in 1988.

Edward J. Marteka – Served 1965-1966
I took ROTC in college and as a Lt I was an Airborne officer assigned to a STRAC unit. Trained at Fort Gordon and Fort Benning, I jumped out of C 130’s as a stick leader. Later, I was a Commanding Officer of a 600 man Company, for which I earned an Army Commendation Medal. I loved the Army.

Ray Martin – Served 1965-1969
I was in the Navy for four years. However, I was never on a ship, I was always stationed with the Marines, since I was a Hospital Corpsman.

Dan Mobley – Served 1962-1965
I was honorably discharged from the Marines in January 1965, after three years of service. I served at the Cuban Crisis and then in Okinawa and Japan for two years. I was a corporal when I left.

Frank Montiforte – Served 1955-1957
US Army 7th Army Transportion Corps. stationed in Zirndorf, Germany.

Leslie Munger – Served 1976-1979
Iin the Army Reserves for 2 years I was a secretary to the colonel of the Armed Forces Reserve Center. I was in Southern California.

Terry Nelson – Served 1968-1972
I enlisted in the U.S. Navy and grew to the rate of E-5. I was stationed at Naval Air Station Miramar, San Diego with “Fighter Squadron VF-213″ (World Famous Black Lions). We flew thirteen F-4 Phantom jets (2 seaters – Pilot and Navigator) on the USS Kitty Hawk-CVA 63 (aircraft carrier). I had three oversea tours (6-9 months each) in the Tonkin Gulf (off Vietnam) on this carrier and with squadron VF-213. During our combat missions, I would work in the pilots Ready Room and man the “sound powered” phones. I would track our pilots/jets departures/arrival times and relay any issues/mishaps to our Squadraon’s Commanding Officer. I am proud to be a Veteran and served our country…even during a time as controversial as the Vietnam War.

Howard Richcreek – Served 1953-1955
I was a Lieutenant in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. My tour of duty was at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska.

Stanley Rosenthal – Served 1959-1962
Army 3rd Armored Cavalry F troop for three years. Fort Meade MD and Germany, M 60 Tank Commander SP/4.

Peter Schmidt – 1967-1972
U.S. Army Reserves (USAR) Drill Instructor.With less than 180 continuous active service days, however, I do not qualify for Veteran Benefits.

Roger A. Sullivan – Served 1970-73
U.S. Navy.

Paul Vincent – Served 1958-1962
I served in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years, during which time I was assigned to a helicopter squadron. I spent time in the far east including Okinawa, Japan, the Philippines and finally in Thailand, where we supported the Laotian Army. This was a time leading up to the war in Vietnam.

Scott Woodard Served – 1984-1989
In the U.S. Coast Guard my duties were Search and Rescue and Maritime Law Enforcement. My many titles included Boarding Officer, Coxswain, EMT and Weapons and Petty Officer.

Photo: Palm Springs agent David Cardin in Vietnam, 1969.

Windermere Agent Served Under Presidents Clinton And Bush

November 10th, 2009

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Randy Wiemer isn’t your typical agent. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years and retired in 2004. After graduating from Florida State University he was Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in May 1984. He graduated Undergraduate Navigator Training and KC-135 Navigator Training and headed off to his first duty assignment at Altus AFB, Oklahoma.

Other duty assignments included Grandforks AFB, North Dakota, Patrick AFB, Florida, Yokota Air Base, Japan, Scott AFB, Illinois, and Camp Pendleton Marine Corp Base, California.

He says his most interesting job assignment was as a Presidential Advance Officer for Air Force One. “My responsibilities required me to proceed AF-1 and arrange all the logistical support requirements for the Aircraft. I served under President Clinton and President Bush,” says Weimer.

“My final job was as the Air Mobility Command Liaison Officer (AMLO) for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), Camp Pendleton, CA. My job responsibilities included advising the Commanding General and staff officers on Air Mobility Command (AMC) airlift issues and coordinate airlift requirements. After 9-11, I helped coordinate the airlift requirements for the Marines to deploy to the Gulf region for Operation Iraqi Freedom. I deployed with the Marines and spent six months in the region coordinating Theater airlift requirements,” he adds.

He’s a Master Navigator, with over 2,790 flight hours in the following aircraft: T-43, KC-135A, KC-135Q, KC-135R, C-130E, C-130H, HC-130P. In June 2004 he retired as a Major from the USAF.

Today, Wiemer is a Windermere Realtor, e-PRO (Certified Internet Professional) and Ecobroker Certified.

You can reach him at www.GreatDesertHomes.com

An Agent Remembers Vietnam Years

November 10th, 2009

Jim Fry group shot veterans day 09 

Indian Wells Luxury Homes And Estates agent, Jim Fry remembers his Vietnam years like they were yesterday.

Jim enlisted in the Army on June 14th, 1968 (flag day). Basic Training took place at Ft. Ord, then he went on to Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Lee Virginia. Upon completion of AIT, orders sent him to Vietnam.

He says he departed Travis AFB on Friday, December 13, 1968, sat in row 13 on the airplane and upon arrival he was assigned to the 13th Combat Avaition Group. For Jim, 13 turned out to be a lucky number. “Even my parents were married on the 13th, in 1940, but not on a Friday,” he adds.

When Jim returned home in December 1970, Vietnam Veterans were not a very popular group of returning Vets, but his family was glad to welcome him home. Following a 30 day leave, his next stop was Ft. Benning, Georgia. “I still think of the song “A Rainy Night in Georgia” (a popular song in 1970). Not liking the cold dampness of a Georgia winter I soon found myself on orders to Germany for the remaining 15 months of my enlistment,” he recalls.

“Decades later when discussing our past lives, Frank Montiforte (an agent from the Palm Desert Office) and I learned that we were stationed at the same base in Germany, seperated by a number of years. Probably 13.

Another odd coincidence occured once he settled in his base in Germany. He sent a post card home to his parents with his new address. A postal worker in his hometown noticed his return address and called his parents that evening to say that she and her husband had been stationed at the same place in Germany. When her son joined the Army, he was sent to Vietnam and stationed at the same place Jim was stationed in 1968. The two families became good friends and have remained in contact to this day.

Like many of his fellow Windermere agents, Jim was one of the lucky ones and looks back fondly on his military service.

Photo: (1969) in Vietnam, and (1970) stateside.

Serving The Desert And The Country On Veteran’s Day

November 10th, 2009

While busy Rancho Mirage real estate agent Christina Cook serves her clients, here in the desert, her husband serves his country on the other side of the globe. 

“My husband, Captain Sean Merlin is an Active Duty officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He has been an officer in the Marine Corps for 13 years. He is currently deployed in Okinawa Japan for one year returning July 2010. He has served three terms in Iraq and was there when our son was born (now 5 years old). My husband was recently promoted to Major and will have his new rank official in January,” boasts a very proud Christina. Contact Christina at www.christinacook.windermeresocal.com

La Quinta agent Sherri Forbes also has someone to be proud of on this upcoming Veteran’s Day.

“I haven’t served in the military, but my future son in law has,” says Sherri. “He was in the Army and served in Iraq. His name is Travis Smith. Born in Kalispell, Montana, he currently resides in Libby, Montana (Where we live for part of the year) and is a Lincoln County Sheriff in Libby. He is a gem of a man, has the biggest heart, the funniest sense of humor I have ever seen and so loves his country!”

You can contact Sherri at sforbesrealestate@yahoo.com

Fellow La Quinta agent Marianne Young says “My father served in the US Air Force during WWII and Korea. My son was in the Army during the Gulf War. My husband was a medical doctor in the Navy during the Vietnam years. So, I’m also very proud.”

You can reach Marianne at www.marianneyoung.com

Community Service Day To Benefit Desert Area Public Schools

November 4th, 2009

oasis-school-indio-300pxOne day each year Windermere Real Estate’s agents, owners and staff volunteer at improvement projects in their local communities. This year’s Community Service Day will be held November 13th.

Windermere Coachella Valley will be donating much needed school supplies to local public schools. Each Windermere office is sponsoring a school serving their community and asked for a “wish list” from them.

“Our agents put their heads together to determine what worthy project we could do this year and the need for school supplies kept popping up at the top of the list,” says Windermere owner Bob Deville. “With services and supplies being cut back over the last two years, some of those suffering the most have been our children. Windermere feels strongly about starting from the bottom and working up. Our children and their education today are clearly our future.”

The schools receiving donated supplies are Rancho Mirage Elementary, Palm Desert Charter Middle School, Carter Elementary in Palm Desert, Raymond Cree Middle School in Palm Springs, Gerald Ford Elementary in Indian Wells and Oasis School of the Desert in Indio.

The photo above was taken at the Oasis School of the Desert in Indio. The La Quinta office is actively involved with the school throughout the year.

First Pet Adoption Fair In The Desert

November 3rd, 2009

stephanie-copeland-with-parot-450pxLa Quinta real estate agent, Stephanie Copeland, and her Umbrella Cockatoo Pillsberry have helped organize the first Pet Adoption Fair for rescued animals in the Coachella Valley. Pillsberry is, herself, a rescued pet.

 Loving All Animals will host the inaugural Super Pet Adoption Fair on Saturday,  November 14 the 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at BG Bird Gardens, located at 73-179 Joshua Tree, in Palm Desert, California. 

Participating animal welfare organizations include: Coachella Valley Animal Campus (Thousand Palms facility), Animal Samaritans, Save A Pet, Humane Society of the Desert, Living Free, TLC, Palm Springs Animal Shelter and others

This first-ever, day long family event will include more than 100 dogs and cats looking for “forever” homes, health check screenings as part of the adoption process by local veterinarians, “Animal Alley” a collection of animal oriented boutiques, grooming and training tips, a magician and a mime to entertain, a pet psychic, micro-chipping with registration, food and a lot of fun.

The event is open to the public with a minimum donation of $5 per person. Goodie bags filled with animal products will be available to attendees while they last.

For more information, visit www.lovingallanimals.org .

Contact Pillsberry and Stephanie Copeland at stephaniecopeland@dc.rr.com .

Active-Adult Agent Truly Is

November 1st, 2009
diane-aledort-450px
Diane Aledort loves animals. She was a docent at the  LA Zoo before moving to the desert and worked at the Living Desert her first year here. For community service, each year, she volunteers at Animal Samaritans.
 
“I’ve always wanted to swim with the Dolphins and I got the opportunity a few years ago on a cruise thru the Panama canal,” says Diane.  “This took place in Puerta Vallarta in a huge salt water pool. We got to pet them , ride on their backs and get pulled along by them. It was one of the highlights of my trip.”
 
“I got to ride an elephant this September when I was in Thailand,” she adds. “We went to an Elephant Park and rode them for an hour. Afterwards, there was an elephant show and we also go to feed them. Another highlight for me.” 
Diane recently received her Senior Real Estate Specialist(SRES) designation to better serve the active adult community. She enjoys her Sun City home and says she loves to share “her” community with others. As a Sun City resident, she’s active in many of the amenities this unique community has to offer and has full knowledge of all the floorplans that are available. She also, services the other active adult communities in the Coachella Valley. 
 
For more information, visit Diane’s website.