Vol. 2: Jan. 2025

The Culross Community Newsletter, No. 2

17 January 2025

Dear Neighbors,

Welcome to the second installment of the Culross Community Newsletter. For those of you who are new to this site, my name is Gloria and I have volunteered to write this newsletter. This is my way of helping to keep everyone informed of the happenings on our block, and to contribute to all of us living in a friendly neighborhood community.

The first edition of the newsletter was met with great success! I received many positive emails in response, and in the process I got to know my neighbors better. That was a great byproduct of writing the newsletter, given that Funk and I have only lived here two years.

ON A MORE PERSONAL NOTE

I was away for almost three months last fall. I’m blessed with the best gig in the world. Each year, I get to housesit in Hawaii for 2-3 months at a time at no cost except for travel expenses. Of course, I have to maintain the property for the owner while I’m there, but who cares, it’s Hawaii!

I own a tiny sliver of land on the island and someday I will build a healing retreat on it. I want other people to experience the same healing that Hawaii naturally provides, and most times, without even trying.

Next. This is just a tip on a great deal. If you need insurance for your UTV, I was able to purchase full-replacement UTV insurance from Progressive for $134 yearly. Having a UTV is a game changer. Doug helped me purchase one last fall and it has opened a whole new world for me and Funk. We get to go down to the beach anytime we want, and we can usually find someone down there to schmooze with. Our neighborhood is like having built-in friends.

Now for some amazing news. Our neighbor Doug, along with board president Greg, have both worked tirelessly all fall and winter—at NO COST to the HOA—to restore and strengthen the ravine down to the beach. Please give them a big thank you when you see them on the street.

Even more astounding is that Greg purchased a bulldozer with HIS OWN MONEY that will be used for HOA maintenance purposes.

Here is a photo of Greg’s bulldozer, with Doug at the wheel working on the ravine for all of us.

OTHER NEWS

The Bylaws committee is finalizing the updates they’ve been working on since last year. A new set of bylaws will be voted on during our annual meeting this spring
We still have many neighbors who are not aware that we have a website, built by fellow neighbor Jeremy Kaplan. Please inform your neighbors that our website exists, so they can be in-the-know of the happenings on our street: https://www.culrossdrive.org/
Can someone PLEASE step up to be “The Featured Neighbor” in the next Culross Newsletter. This missive will be quite boring otherwise! You don't even have to write the piece yourself. Funk volunteered to “interview” anyone who is willing to be featured. Once he's through, I will take his notes and edit them, after which, I'll send it to you for your approval before posting it in the newsletter.

CONTACT ME

To reply to this newsletter: [email protected]

To receive my personal newsletter: A humorous look at life, love, spirits & NAKED politics.
Real talk, told from the point of view of an anxious mind: www.gloriasquitiro.com

THIS EDITION'S FEATURED NEIGHBOR

Sandi Schnell, in her own words.

My name is Sandi, or, Storm Sandi (lol) as some people call me. I live at 16 Culross. If you do not know me by now, you've been hiding in your home!

I was born in Smithtown on August 26, 1968, at 9:25am. I'm a true Virgo. So being straight up, completely open, organized, tenacious, full of heart and a take-no-BS-kinda-girl, I fit my horoscope like a pair of perfectly matching socks.

I lived in Setauket until I started college. I majored in psychology, social work and nursing. I always wanted to help and change the world from the time I was a little girl. I wear my heart on my sleeve, but I’m definitely not one to reckon with. Being only 5’ tall, I believe part of the reason for that is because of what they call the Napoleon Complex. I needed to be heard, and yet everyone’s heads were above my mine! During school pictures I immediately sat on the floor knowing the little ones belonged there. The truth is, I was small in stature but had lots to say. At only 5’ tall, my mouth makes me 10 feet higher or more.

I became a mom at 25 years old. My biggest dream was to become a mom and put my career to the side. Once a mom, that was my job. And whatever I do in life, I do it from my heart and soul. I was taught to be the best at whatever I do, so I took my role as a mom very seriously and dedicated each and every day to my children.

My job was to teach them to fly like eagles. I exposed my kids to everything and let them try everything their hearts desired. Whether it was sports, an instrument, or allowing my daughter to go to sleep-away camp at only 8-year-old, or travel to Costa Rica at 12 to clean up schools and help the needy, the answer was always yes! I was also huge into expressing feelings. I actually had a special chair that I named the "Mama Chair" where they could sit on my lap and, as I call it, empty the garbage pail. It was a safe place to get out all their feelings, good or bad, to keep them from holding toxins in their souls. They still remember that safe chair.

Now let’s get to the good stuff.

After the kids got older, I wanted to find something I could do that had a flexible schedule so I could always be there for my kids. I sold many of my own homes and knew every house on the market. I received my real estate license 26 years ago. It fit my criteria as to a flexible schedule, but more than that, I loved helping buyers and sellers in finding their dream home or moving to their next destination. I never looked at myself as sales person; I was there for them emotional and physically; holding their hand throughout the entire process. I treated them the way I want people to treat me. I still have customers call me from over 20 years ago. Truly, I'm someone you do not forget! I never did it for the money, I did it to satisfy my need to help the world, which stemmed back from when I was a little girl. And because of that ideology, by my second year in real estate I was the #1 unassisted agent for Hough & Guidice out of all 17 offices. Go me!!

But the truth was, I worked 7 days a week with endless hours and I had no idea what life was really about.

My mom was diagnosed with brain cancer at 57 years old and died at 58 years old. My dad had a heart attack the day she was buried. Big blow, but I was told by an angel (my mom) that everything happens for a reason. I needed to find that out for myself, and while it took me years, thankfully I now know that she was 100% correct.

Before she died, and when I was in my 30s, I remember her telling me I needed to "stop and smell the roses." I listened to her as I always did, because she was my best friend and the air I breathed. We were inseparable and could finish each other’s sentences. She told me life was not all work and no play. That life was a one-act play, with no do-overs. She sat me down to discuss this while she was dying. A truly unselfish women who still worried about me and wanted to make sure she finished her job for me to fly before she passed. She explained that I needed to live his life in every best way I could. Go on vacations, make cherished memories, smell the air, sink my feet in the sand, see every show I ever imagined, grab life by the balls and LIVE IT! It wasn't until she died that I remembered her words and finally realized what she meant. This is the gift she left me. Again, as this wise woman once told me regarding everything happening for a reason, I actually wrote a poem once I fully understood what she meant. (Please see Sandi's poem below.)

Of course over the years after mom and dad died and my only sibling disappeared, as well as getting a divorce after 27 years of marriage and having little family, I was basically alone and faced many trials and tribulations as life itself is truly a roller coaster. If I ever wrote a book, “Roller Coaster" would be the name.

Fast forward to after my mother’s death, I survived it all and I’m stronger than I've ever been. I'm still standing, and as they say, and high as ever !

The best part is that I moved to Culross Beach! It’s pure peace with such beauty, it’s like heaven. From the quiet, privacy, the lush landscape with the most beautiful roses I’ve ever seen. Not to mention the precious deer and so many unique animals, including eagles, owls, bats and more. The beauty is so deep, it touches me deep in my heart. The beach of course, including all sunsets and sunrises and the views across to Connecticut. And let’s not forget "shit rock: the one we all love to watch, sing, and dance by, and also gauge the level of the tide.

Yet, with all that, we have a community that I can ask many neighbors at any time for a cup so I can finish making dinner.

I've met some of the best people in my life; friends who will be forever friends. Now that’s something that’s truly my biggest gift since I've moved here. My days at the beach with neighbors, or at each other’s homes loving and laughing and connecting. Even on hard days, we all have someone to lean on here. I sometimes think about how many wonderful people I've met and tears stream from my eyes with the purest happiness.

More than anything I want our community to grow closer and continue to have more get togethers. I want everyone not to sweat the small stuff, and instead, to focus on unity and communication without bashing each other. I believe people can agree to disagree, it’s up us.

We can do this—2025 Will be great for all of us!

Love, health and happiness to all.

Lastly, I’m always here for all of you in any way I can and that will never change. Even as a realtor. As a true neighbor and friend to all, I'd love to help anyone looking to sell their home. I actually have a huge list of buyers who are ready, willing and able to pay top dollar for your home. My services include an attractive "CULROSS DISCOUNT," and of course my 26 years of undeniable success. I do things no other realtor does. I sell your home as if I was selling my own. Giving back to the world is my passion! Feel free to call me confidentially to discuss your real estate needs. What’s better than hiring someone who LOVES our special private beach community as much as I do, and knows everything about it? I'll leave that answer all up to you.

To Smell the Roses

By: Sandra Schnell

In Loving memory of Bubbi

Had to get away for a few days

Leave this life of craze

My first time at Key West It turned out to be the best

My mom always told me to enjoy each day

I never really knew what she was trying to say

I thought it was things in life that made us happy

That's why we worked so hard ,but often felt crappy

She often told me to smell the roses

My work shouldn't be my whole life of focus.

I never really understood what it meant

Until Key West...a place that I went

The bluest skies

that brought tears to my eyes

Amazing sunsets that I never did see because I didn't understand me

Watching wild dolphins jump in the air Was a first for me that I had no other care

The visions of the world without material things made me feel like a free bird with magical wings

I never felt so free or such inner peace my deep smiles from within was such a release There is a reason for everything I was once told From a very dear woman who was made of gold

Smell the roses my dear girl

You will need it to enjoy the world

Stress will eventually take its toll remember that before you get too old.

Maybe god took her so I would learn

As she had already had her turn

Key West was a few days away It felt so good I wanted to stay.

I know now I can smell a rose anyplace

It's a matter of which day I choose to take off from my rat race.

THE PHOTO: SANDI SCHNELL