Van Dyk Mortgage July 2017

Van Dyk Mortgage July 2017

July 2017

Letters From The Hart Give us a call! 239-437-4278 or visit www.TimHartJr.com CRUISIN’ Our Family Vacation on the Biggest Ship in the World Corporate NMLS # 3035 www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Last month, my family, my in-laws, and I finally got the opportunity to get away from it all, out on the open ocean on the Harmony of the Seas, part of Royal Caribbean’s cruise line and the biggest ship in the world. Between the shows, the delicious food, and the activities, the whole family agrees that it was one of the best trips we’ve ever been on.

Our first stop was St. Marteen, a beautiful island in the Caribbean. We boarded a catamaran licensed by the Golden Eagle Tour Company, who I can’t possibly recommend enough if you ever get the chance to check them out. The kids got some time snorkeling around the island, then we parked out on the beach and everybody jumped in the crystal-clear water. On the way back, the crew were singing and dancing and just going crazy. And, of course, drinks were provided the entire time, which just added to the fun. It was an absolute blast. A day later, we stopped at Puerto Rico and checked out some old forts that had been erected on the island. If I did the cruise again, I’m pretty sure I’d stay on the boat during the Puerto Rico stay; it just wasn’t worth it. None of us really enjoyed the scenery or the vibe.

We embarked at Fort Lauderdale, followed by a couple of days cruising across the sea. While on the boat, we were never bored. The whole setup was totally unreal. There were four open stories in the middle of the boat, with dozens of shops and restaurants and bars. When you walked through it, it felt like you were strolling through the halls of a swanky Vegas casino. A bunch of times, I had to stop and remind myself, “We’re on the ocean right now!” The whole thing was a gargantuan floating resort, but with more to do than any resort I’ve been to. Kneeboarding machines for the kids, putt-putt golf, ping- pong, water slides — they had everything. And the food was incredible, I swear the kids had two hamburgers every time we went to lunch, and I ate better food than I have in a long time. We saw a full Broadway production of “Grease,” which my wife loved, these three amazing singers known as the Texas Tenors, and a few great comedy shows. One of my favorite moments of the entire trip was watching the kids crack up at one family-friendly comedy night, just dying of laughter. It’s cool to see your young kids’ senses of humor, to see them actually getting the jokes and howling with laughter.

Then, we stopped at Labadee, sort of a fenced-off Royal Caribbean section of Haiti. They had this enormous water park that we all got to mess around in, with the kids bouncing off these crazy inflatables and splashing around. All in all, it was a highly successful trip. Everybody had the time of their lives, tried

all kinds of new things, and ate like kings the entire vacation. Really, though, it was the company that made the trip. Every worry-free moment I get to spend with my family is very special to me. Waking up every morning, ready to take the kids on a new adventure — I’d do it again in a heartbeat. – Tim Hart NMLS #354676

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Visit a hustling, bustling tourist trap and what do you get? Crowds of competitive travelers and a local populace that is sick to death of them. Visit a place with happy people, and you get good service, friendly faces, and you’ll learn firsthand what Harvard researchers affirmed in a 2012 study: Happiness is contagious. Luckily for the average traveler, the places that topped a nationwide Gallup poll and the United Nations’ annual World Happiness Report have plenty to offer in addition to cheerful locals. The Happiest States in the U.S. If we were to tell you that Hawaii is the happiest state in the country, you probably wouldn’t be surprised. And sure enough, Hawaii ranked first in overall happiness for the sixth consecutive year. The sunny As the game went on behind us, I asked him, as a new COO for the Fort Myers Miracle, what his vision for the team was this season. “It’s a great situation for me because this place has been wonderful for 25-plus years!” he said. “I’m just going to sit back, try a few new things this year, get to know the area, the people, and the sponsors, and try to get their feedback and become fan-friendly.” I asked him what the most popular night at the Miracle stadium was. “For the last 16 years, the last four elections, the Miracle have done a presidential bobblehead giveaway, where the fans have correctly, for the last four elections, picked the winner.” Bush, Obama, Obama, and Trump. On August 26, he said “We’re going to have a recount election night. We’re going to give the fans some time to think about their decision of last November.” Instead of bobbleheads, he said they’d have fun “Hilary and Trump Russian

nesting dolls.” Sounds like a fun event to me!

After reeling in a couple more — this time snook and mangrove snapper — Ben and I were done for the day. All in all, though, I’d say it was one of my more successful episodes, fishing-wise. I’ll take 10 keepers any day of the week. Thank you, Ben Hemmen. He may be new to the Fort Meyers area, but if he keeps fishing like that, he’ll fit right in. To my readers, I’ll see you at the Hammond Stadium. Go Miracles!

Rates and Reels viewer and personal friend John Nicollettes had a question of his own. He asked Ben, “Will Doug Mientkiewicz be the manager to get the Miracle back to the championship?” It was a real tough one, in my opinion, but Ben didn’t hesitate. “Doug’s a competitor,” he said. “He was the one that led the team to the championship in ’14 … he’s going to get 100 percent of their effort every night.”

Watch our show “Rates and Reels” now on YouTube and Facebook! DESTINATION: HAPPY PEOPLE Visit the Happiest Places in the World — It’s Contagious

beaches, rich culture, and perfect weather give tourists a taste of paradise that the natives enjoy all year long. Next in line is a state that has little in common with the Aloha State. Alaska came in second place for the third consecutive year. With eight national parks, including Denali, Glacier Bay, and Gates of the Arctic, Alaska’s 663,000 square miles are filled to the brim with the wonders of nature. Denmark has long been the standard- bearer in this category, but this year it relinquished the title to its Scandinavian sister. Norway is home to some of the most breathtaking vistas on Earth, most notably its western fjords like the world-famous Geirangerfjord and Nærøfjord. For the city wanderer, you’ll find choice seaside restaurants and walkable streets in towns like Bergen,

the country’s second-largest city, which sports rainbow architecture and a 15th- century waterfront. Knowing the heart of a destination begins and ends with its people. Tack on beautiful scenery and daydream- worthy activities, and you just found yourself the perfect vacation.

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The Treehouse of Dreams One Disabled First-Grader’s Wish for the Best Childhood Ever

For many kids, having a treehouse is a quintessential part of growing up. From building the treehouse to having slumber parties and Nerf gun battles in it, the treehouse has come to represent the ideal childhood. Meet Hayden Trigg, a 7-year-old from Austin, Texas. He has lived his life in a wheelchair. Being diagnosed with cerebral palsy and spina bifida meant a treehouse was likely not in his future. Earlier this year, that changed. Hayden wanted nothing more than to have his very own treehouse and a place to play with his friends and siblings. Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as a local contractor, his dream of having a treehouse was realized.

His family found the perfect spot between two 200-year-old oak trees. Through rain and shine, Hayden eagerly watched the treehouse come together. Instead of the typical rope or wood ladder, the treehouse was designed with a 65-foot wheelchair ramp. Once complete, Hayden invited his first- grade class to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Yes, you read that right. Hayden’s treehouse opened with a celebration complete with a ribbon-cutting. With the ribbon cut, Hayden and all of his classmates played together in the new treehouse. Hayden’s mom, Adrienne Trigg, watched as her son played. “It was the best day of his life,” she said. “His wish was to share this with his friends.”

The treehouse was finished earlier this year, just as school let out for the summer, and Hayden was able to spend his summer having sleepovers and parties. The best day ever turned into the best summer ever. Hayden loves his treehouse so much, he insists on doing his physical therapy there. He even practices rolling himself up the ramp with his manual wheelchair. In the past, he had struggled to travel far on his own due to low muscle tone. Now, he can roll up his treehouse ramp without a second thought.

SUDOKU

VanDyk Testimonials “I found your company to be very professional and knowledgeable. If we had questions or concerns, your people were quick to respond with quality information. I never felt that we were a ‘number.’ Very satisfied with our experience with your company, and will recommend to friends and family.”

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

It’s bad luck to throw this away without opening it!

Give us a call! 239-437-4278 or visit www.TimHartJr.com

8280 College Parkway Suite #101 Fort Myers, FL 33919

Inside This Issue

Our Family Vacation on the Biggest Ship in the World PAGE 1 The World’s Happiest Vacations PAGE 2 The Treehouse of Dreams Testimonials

Sudoku PAGE 3

Tim’s Choice! Rates and Reels With Ben Hemmen, Executive Vice President and COO of the Fort Myers Miracl e PAGE 4

Hitting It Out of the Park With Miracle COO Ben Hemmen

When you’re up to bat in baseball, you stand on home plate, get ready, and hope you hit the pitches you swing at. In a lot of ways, fishing is the same way. You head out on

after that first one that we started landing keepers. Ben was on fire all day, and went on to limit out on the number of trout we could keep. Just a couple weeks later, I got a chance to talk to Ben in the skybox at the Miracles diamond, for my signature “3 Questions.”

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the boat, throw your line in, and hope the fish takes the bait. Sometimes you strike out, and sometimes the fish don’t bite. Luckily, I think we hit a home run with the latest episode of Rates and Reels, with special guest Ben Hemmen, executive vice president and COO of the Minnesota Twins minor league affiliate, the Fort Myers Miracle. To start off the mild Wednesday morning, Captain John Conway of Conway Charters took us out for some trout fishing, using white bait to see if we could get a couple spotted sea trout on the hook. Ben pulled in the first one, but, despite my protests, Captain John insisted it was shorter than the required 15 inches, and we had to throw it back. Luckily, it wasn’t too long

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