BUCK HILL FALLS PA
WINTER 2018-2019
The Breeze Ah, Lovely Winter
Welcome New Cottagers DIARY OF
ANNUAL TOP TEN LIST
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
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THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
In This Issue SHOOTIN’ THE BREEZE
4 THAT SPORTING LIFE
6 THE SOCIAL NETWORK
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Editor-in-Chief Karen Walden Executive Editor Jennifer Brown Mittereder Copy Editor Barbara Smith Publisher Willa Jean Price Contributors Nicole Abrams, Tony Bowe, Cindy DeLuca, Brian Fowler, Mill Jonakait, Mary Lowengard, Julia Mutch, Tom O’Malley, Audra Ottaway, Mary Kate Reeves-Hoche, Roxana Rojas, Susan Rusbasan, Jeff Smith, Karen Tetor, Marianne Zychal President, Buck Hill Falls Company Mike O’Shea Manager of PR & Communications Erin L. Delaney
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
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THE BREEZE DEADLINES 2019-2020
IT’S YOUR BUSINESS
10 DIARY OF
11 ON & OFF CAMPUS
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It’s 11:01 somewhere here
CALL OF THE WILD
13 BULLETIN BOARD
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Spring Issue (Apr/May) March 1 June Issue May 1 July Issue June 1 August Issue July 1 Fall Issue August 3 (Sept/Oct/Nov) Winter Issue November 2 (Dec/Jan/Feb/Mar) Editorial submissions may be sent to thebreeze@buckhillfalls.com Production and Advertising Sales— Willa Jean Price. For a list of advertising rates or advertising submissions, contact bhbreeze@icloud.com or 570 595-6220
THE BREEZE • OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BUCK HILL FALLS COMPANY Publication Schedule: Winter (December/January/February/March), Spring (April/May), June, July, August, Fall (September/October/November) Articles appearing in The Breeze are presented as a community service. They do not necessarily represent the views of the Buck Hill Falls Company or the editorial staff. The Buck Hill Falls Company disclaims any liability for any advertisements published herein and in no way endorses or guarantees these ads. The publisher and editors reserve the right to reject any ads submitted. Visit our web site at www.buckhillfalls.com.
Buck Hill Falls Company Office • P.O. Box 426, Buck Hill Falls, PA 18323 • 570 595-7511; fax 570 595-9426 Hours: Mondays-Fridays, 8am-4:30pm • Plus Summer Saturdays: 8am-11:30am
Ask for it at the
Fairway Grille
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Shootin’ The Breeze
WINTER 2018-2019
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• By the time you read this, we trust that Buck Hill will be covered in a mantle of white. And why not? If it’s winter and cold, let mother nature do her thing, deliver the goods, and turn our community on the hill into a winter wonderland: snow angels, paddle tennis, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and sledding are on the agenda. Enjoy!
• Roxy Blacque is a four-yearold black and tan Norwich Terrier who has lived in BHF every summer since she was just a three-month-old pup. She loves sitting on the deck at Cottage 60 watching animals play in the woods but also likes chasing chipmunks, though she’s never caught one. With her parents, Richard and Betsey, she plays toss the toy—they throw it and she brings it back to them to play tug of war. It’s a good life. Fluffly white snow is perfect for making snow angels.
• Cameron Reilly, daughter of Ed and Susan Reilly, Cottage 208, ran in the Chicago Marathon on October 7 and finished in 4 1/2 hours. For you couch potatoes, marathons are a tad more than 26 miles! Cam makes the Windy City her home and friends and boyfriend were there to cheer her on as was sister Gussie who flew in for the event. Cam ran the Charleston marathon a few years ago, and this Chicago endeavor was her second. Third?
The Canonicos flanked by good friends (from left) Sue Ketigian, Rob and Lois Walinchus, the honorees Randy and Ralph, and George Ketigian.
• On Saturday, September 8, cottagers gathered at a farewell party for long-time Buck Hillers Ralph and Randy Canonico. Tributes were paid, toasts given, and tears shed by the attendees, who to a tee, we’re bemoaning the loss of this vital and fun couple. All our best to them wherever they land. • Congratulations to Zach Mandry, winner of the 2018 Signature Club Championship located in Solon, Ohio. Zach is the grandson of Tina and Paul Mandry, Cottage 747, a sophomore at Ohio University majoring in business and economics and on the golf team. When not at school, his home is in Solon with his parents and sisters. Zach outlasted a tough field in the 54-hole stroke play event to claim the title with a score of +6 and 5 shots better than the runner up! • Jock and Kay Miller’s grandson, Quint, constructed this trio of rock sculptures down by the falls last Labor Day. These small stone figures, Zach Mandry won called cairns, his club champion- have been ship by five strokes. used for millennia as landmarks, burial monuments, and trail markers along with other purposes. They can range from small structures such as these, to much more elaborate Cairns down by the falls built by Quint Miller. and large constructions.
Roxy Blacque lives the good life at Cottage 60.
• Teresa O’Malley, wife of our golf pro Tom, is a cover girl, but not for a reason she ever anticipated. The winter 2018 issue of Healthy You, the Lehigh Valley Health Network’s magazine, features a smiling Teresa on its cover, as the inside article tells of a routine mammogram that saved her life. Teresa’s story, told both in print and on a widely-distributed TV ad for the hospital, expresses her appreciation for the Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center, which successfully treated her invasive ductal cancer. Teresa, who is a surgical nurse at LVH-Pocono, agreed to be a spokesperson for the network so she can urge women to have routine mammograms. Ladies, we hope you are listening.
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• John Caggiano and Fritz Favorule earned a distinct honor this summer. They played in the men’s MemberMember Golf Tournament (and have for the past 18 years). But late in the summer, Fritz and his wife Lynn Krohn bought a golf cottage (see p.8 New Cottagers), making this dynamic Fritz Favorule (left) and John Caggiano celeduo eligible for the brate after the Member-Member Tournament. Member-Guest Tournament as well. As far as we know, it’s a first. John says, “We had a blast playing in both.”
Idea Share meetings were held in the Club Room at the Tennis Tea.
Cam Reilly (in white hat) celebrates completing the Chicago marathon with friends and family.
• Ed Post, Cottage 287, won the flyfishing lesson with Jock Miller that was auctioned at the Conservation Dinner Dance last summer. Either Ed is a very good student or Jock is a very good teacher (we suspect it’s both), for Ed caught native brook, stocked rainbow, and native brown trout under Jock’s tutelage, and also learned about our Exceptional Value creek ecosystem. Special thanks to Jock for volunteering his time. All fish were released, just so you know.
Ed Post shows off some of his bounty during a fishing lesson with Jock Miller.
Teresa O’Malley, cover girl and advocate.
• Last spring and summer, Lot and Cot and the Company sponsored Idea Share meetings where cottagers were invited to gather in small groups to express wants, needs, and desires for the community. Not only were the meetings productive, but discussions took on a positively friendly vibe. Maybe that’s because they were held in the cozy Club Room (our community living room) of the recently renovated annex of the Tennis Tea. Nice. • John Castellano and Warren Goldfarb were just two of the many participants in our annual Member-Member Golf Tournament held mid-September. As this photo shows, it doesn’t really matter how you play the game, it’s how you have fun and share the good times. • We would love to include your announcements, accomplishments, adventures in The Breeze. Just send us the facts and we can weave it into a story if you’re not so John Castellano (left) and inclined. Send submissions to Warren Goldfarb take camarathebreeze@buckhillfalls.com. derie to a whole new level at Thanks. the Member-Member.
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Golf News e know it’s been a couple of months since any of us stepped onto the beautiful Buck Hill golf course to play a round, but we thought you’d enjoy knowing some of the late-season champs in various tournaments. Ladies’ 9-Hole Championship This year’s champ is Sandy Mitchell, who was defending her title from 2017. She shot a 44 gross to lead the field, while Susan Rusbasan took the Net Division with a blistering 27! Ladies’ 18Hole Championship Susan Berry took the final over defending Champion Dawn Kendall to become the 2018 Buck Hill Women’s Golf Association Tom O’Malley with Club ChampiSandy Mitchell 9-Hole on. In the Net Champ. Division, Sally Sherratt outlasted Jeannie Sieghardt by one stroke to take the title. Men’s Championship The Men’s Club Championship is comprised of three flights: Net, Senior, Championship. Susan Rusbasan, • In the Net 9-Holer Net Champion. Flight, George
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That Sporting Life Kivowitz was able to hold off Charlie Paull to become the 2018 Buck Hill Golf Club Net Flight Champion. • In the Club Champ Chris Powers Senior with wife Kelly and son Flight, Tony Crosby. Sieghardt defended his title from last year in a close match with Pat McGrath to become the Senior Men’s Champion. • Two former champions, Greg Sieghardt and Chris Powers, squared off in the Championship Flight, with Chris ultimately taking the title of Club Champ for a second time. Congratulations to all and thanks to everyone who played—with a special thanks to Fran Starr and the Starr family for their continued support of this yearly event.
Tournament of The Roses A field of 60 took on a very challenging course for this annual event whose winners receive beautiful roses (arranged by Teresa O’Malley). If you haven’t played in the Tournament of Roses before, mark your calendar—it’s held every year on the Saturday before Labor Day. Richard Groseclose won the event—for the first time in 30+ tries— with his team of Claire O’Mara, Rick Birchen, and Frank Papeo.
Champions From left: Claire O’Mara, Rick Birchen, Frank Papeo, Rich Groseclose
Runners Up From left: Jim McClammy, Perry Kreidman, Charlotte Blamble, Rob O’Mara Member-Member Tournament In mid-September, long-time cottager John Rusbasan teamed up with newcomer David Adler for the outing and came out on top of the field becoming the Member-Member Champs.
Club Champ Susan Berry (left) with Runner-Up Dawn Kendall.
David Adler (left) and John Rusbasan are the 2018 Member-Member Champs.
WINTER 2018-2019
The Social Network
The Buck Hill Art Association Jean Kofol (left) receives has reorganized its meeting a gift from structure to meet every other board Presmonth as a board and, during ident Mary the off-months, to focus on committee Kate ReevesHoche as work. To plan, organize, and implement thanks for the art association’s activities for the her two 2019 season we established formal comterms on the mittees, which include: board. • Fundraising, chaired by Sara Stessel • Programs, chaired by Claire Rodgers • The Collection, chaired by Peter Blume • Finance and Insurance, chaired by Mow Kofol Each chair met with his or her committee to establish goals for the coming year and to make planning recommendations to the board. The creative force of the committees, mixed together with new and returning board members, is The new art association board from left: Peter Blume, Karen Chase, Mow Kofol, Beth sure to spark some new ideas for the Goldwater, President Mary Kate Reeves-Hoche, Robert Woodward, Linda Goldfarb, Colin Gardner, Stacey Flight, Sara Stessel, Claire Rodgers, Betsey Blacque, and Margaret Post. 2019 season.
PMMF
Carrion Cup winner Ken Blamble (center) flanked by Frank Papeo (left) and David Utz.
Carrion Cup The Vultures are a group of 50 senior golfers who play all season long on Mondays and Thursdays, competing for the aptly named Carrion Cup. Congrats to this year’s Vulture winner, Ken Blamble.
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2018 marked another successful season for the Pocono Mountains Music Festival. Under Artistic Director Scott Coulter, the festival brought performers including Tony Award-winning Broadway stars, tap dancing legend Savion Glover, Broadway’s Andrew Keenan-Bolger, and the inaugural year of the newly formed Pocono Pops! Orchestra to audiences. The Pocono Pops! will be appearing at the festival each year going forward. Rounding out the season were two new events: country music from the trio Southern Comfort and A.R. Gurney’s play Love Letters, performed by Tony Roberts and Barbara Andres. Forty-seven students from the Performing Arts Camp performed in the “Room Where it Happens!” festival closing, showcasing their talents, including newly acquired tap dancing
skills after just nine lessons. The training for the students didn’t end with the festival close: Scott has arranged for four “master classes” that the students can attend throughout the school year. For the upcoming 10th Anniversary season, Founder and President David S. Mazza and Scott have fashioned a “coming home” of sorts. The festival will run five straight days, Wednes-
day, July 24 through Sunday, July 28, at venues closer to home including Buck Hill Falls, Pocono Mountain East High School, and Skytop Lodge. The Performing Arts Camp will run from July 22 through August 2. Clear your calendars now for the 2019 Pocono Mountains Music Festival—you won’t want to miss the 10th Anniversary season.
Tap dance star Savion Glover (left) performs with kids from the Performing Arts Camp.
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New Neighbors
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ay “hello” to all of these new residents. They are in for the time of their lives right here in beautiful Buck Hill Falls.
Drew, Evie, and Addie Snyder Both Addie and Drew are fairly local to the Pocono Mountains. Drew’s family has owned and operated a business in Stroudsburg since 1940. It’s where he grew up, and he and Addie have called it home for the last ten years. Addie grew up in the Easton area. They both love to hike and walk their dogs and are avid beach- and pool-goers. Drew is an all-around fan of most athletics and plays golf, soccer, basketball (pretty much anything with a ball), and is eager to learn lawn bowling. Addie is a fan of yoga, hiking, and fitness in general. They’re winter jocks too and love to ski both downhill and cross-country. While they are looking forward to an active life at BHF, they also look forward to the cultural and historical side of the community. The Snyders have one daughter, Evie, and report “she’s an only child…for now!” Cottage 402 on Summit Drive will be their full-time residence. Lynn Krohn and Fritz Favorule You can say “Welcome” to two of Buck Hill’s newest residents, but you probably
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Up Close & Personal know them already. While Fritz Favorule and Lynn Krohn are among Buck Hill’s most recent homeowners with their purchase of Cottage 724 behind the #4 White green, they have been coming to Buck Hill Falls for many years. Aside from summer rentals, Fritz and Lynn have been attending the Member-Guest golf tournament as guests of Fritz’s partner for 18 years, John Caggiano. And in a bit of “what goes around, comes around,” long ago Fritz recommended Buck Hill to some friends in dire need of a summer home—John and Ann Caggiano and Chuck and Sue Rusbasan. While Fritz is an avid golfer and wine collector, Lynn is regaining her tennis stroke and enjoyed winning the golf Twilighters—most recently a BHF blanket for second place. Both are looking forward to their first winter in BHF, planning for paddle tennis and cross-country skiing. Residing in Manhattan’s East Village, Fritz is a sales manager for International Paper while Lynn is a real estate agent in Bay Head, New Jersey. They have four children, all of whom also live in Manhattan and are already planning weekends at the new family compound. Patrick Conlon and Rosaleene Hickey Rosaleene Hickey and Patrick Conlon purchased Cottage 821 on Creekside from David and Martha Olivier. They are from Middle Village, NY. John and Jeanne Kauffman Jeanne and John Kauffmann are the new owners of Cottage 776 on Bunting Drive. They met at UCLA and moved to the Philadelphia area after John graduated from law school at UC Berkeley and Jeanne
completed her Masters in Library Science there. Now they make their home in Radnor, Pennsylvania. John practices law in Philadelphia and enjoys playing music. He is currently the principal flutist in the Lower Merion Symphony and the Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra. He also performs with the Wayne Oratorio Society orchestra and several chamber ensembles. John plays golf and enjoys reading history. He also sings in the Wayne Presbyterian Church choir. Jeanne is a librarian and head of the Children’s Department in the Upper Merion Township Library, enjoys music, particularly singing in the Wayne Presbyterian Church choir and the Wayne Oratorio Society. She has a passion for spiritual direction, including as a member of Wayne Presbyterian Church, and enjoys reading and walking. Both look forward to participating in sports and other activities at Buck Hill. The Kauffmans have three children, Sarah, Joe, and Katie, all of whom are in their early thirties. Sarah and her husband Brad (Hein) have three children, Alex, Max, and Lena; Katie and her husband Andrew (Kurnas) have two children, Violet and Matilda. Joe is a professional violinist, who just received his doctorate in violin performance from Temple University.
Bill Smith and Joan Stagg Joan grew up in Garden City, NY and spent summers in Wolfeboro, NH while Bill grew up in Brooklyn. As adults, they lived and met in Garden City, and are now living in Malverne, NY. They have six adult children between them and eight grandchildren. Though neither one is particularly athletic (so they say), Joan wants to give golf a try. Bill runs his own business in Brooklyn—a telephone answering service—and that is his favorite hobby, though he does like to visit a casino every now and then, and relax in a pool. Joan works with Bill in the business, likes to walk, and looks forward to exploring the BHF trails. She also likes to shop, decorate, go out to lunch, needlepoint, and knit. Joan says, “I am so excited to be part of such a wonderful community and look forward to being an active member.” They will be ensconced at cottage 701 on Oak Hill Drive formerly owned by Susan and Richard Huffman.
Cottager Of The Month: Elise Ross
A Rodrigo, Charles, and Kirsten Risopatrón Meet Rodrigo, Charles, and Kirsten Kantak-Risopatrón. Their lives have taken them from Geneva to Maplewood, NJ with stops in New York, Paris, and London. Their friendship with John and Adrienne Fretz got them to this year’s luau. After a few drinks and contemplating jumping into the pool, they called Caroline Salvino and it only took them a few days before signing on the dotted line to buy the beautiful house owned by the Canonicos, Cottage 292. Kirsten is CEO of a pharmaceutical advertising agency and Rodrigo is head of sales at a services company but is still dreaming of being scouted as the next American star chef. Their son Charles loves meeting people and will soon be running for mayor. They love good food, good wine, and can’t wait to share this passion with new friends in Buck Hill Falls. Sarah, Tommy, Tom, and Henry McCabe The McCabes had been looking for a home around various areas of the Poconos for about two years before they were introduced to Buck Hill Falls, when dear friends invited them to join in a rental here for a holiday weekend. Now they are the proud owners of Cottage 239 on Summit Drive. When not in residence, they live in Philadelphia in Queen Village. Sarah is a SVP at Stern Investor Relations, a biotech IR firm based in NYC. Tom is a SVP and Head of Business Development at Freeman’s, an art auction house in Philadelphia. They have two boys, Tommy and Henry, who attend Penn Charter and two Golden Retrievers, Rusty and Hunter. They love to explore new places, travel as a family, hike, play tennis, and golf; the boys play soccer, tennis, and ice hockey.
lover of Buck Hill Falls since her first visit as a child in 1957, Elise Ross has been an active volunteer since she and husband Tom bought their golf cottage (“Eagles’ Rest and Red Fox Den”) in 2005. Having served as Director, Secretary, and President of Lot and Cot, Elise continues her volunteer efforts informally on the Welcoming Committee and more formally on the Communications Committee (she was the first GrilleMail author), and currently serves on Foxhowe. An inveterate volunteer, Elise was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Mountain Lakes, NJ Police Department in 2008, honored for her long service on a variety of community committees. Over the years the Rosses have adopted several retired seeing-eye dogs, and these days Elise volunteers at The Seeing Eye and at Morristown Medical Center where her dog Ritz and she are part of the hospital’s Pet Therapy program (Paws for People). Here are Elise’s answers to our questions.
How did your professional life develop? After earning a Master’s degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Travel Administration from UMASS/Amherst, I worked in the hospitality field for a Boston consulting firm, for Marriott, and for a privatelyowned, full-service hotel in New Jersey. After raising a family [three children, Kaitlyn, Jack, and Brendan], though, I worked in guidance at the high school level,
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which led to a career in undergraduate admissions at the college level. What are your favorite things about BHF? First, the BHF staff and cottagers are the best! I will be forever grateful to the seven Lot and Cot Directors who assisted me when I served as President. Second, I really enjoy the abundance of amenities and activities in our community (aka adult camp club). What does a perfect day in BHF look like? It includes a walk to the falls. It’s my favorite spot for a multitude of reasons. What is something few people know about you? In the spring of 2008, my friend Mayson [Moore-Price] and I adopted a flower garden at the #5 white tee box. While dodging golf balls, the two of us planted hostas and other shade-loving plants. Shortly thereafter, the Buck Hill Women’s Golf Association planted a tree at one end of the garden in memory of Joan Foster—my neighbor and the first cottager I met in BHF. Today, every time I pass by five white I am grateful for staffer Renee Zimmerman’s continuous gardening work there and throughout our community. What are you currently reading? David Ignatius’ Body of Lies, as a result of his Foxhowe presentation this summer. Whom do you most admire? My husband, Tom, for his work ethic and passion about what’s important in life: family, friendship, education, faith, community, golf, and the Mets—but not necessarily in that order!
The Ross Family enjoying the 2018 Conservation Dinner Dance event (from left) Brendan, Kaitlyn, Tom, Elise, Jack and his financée Theresa.
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BHFCO Update
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he Buck Hill Falls Company Board of Directors has met twice since the last issue of The Breeze, first on September 2 and again on October 13. At the September meeting, the first order of business was the election of Company officers. Peter Shriver was elected Company Secretary while Tony Bowe will continue as Board Chair and Mike O’Shea as Company President. Richard Carey will continue to serve as Chair of the Finance Committee, Robin Ottaway as Chair of the Marketing Committee, and Adrienne Bigley Fretz as Chair of the Nominating Committee. As President of Lot and Cot, Julia Mutch attends all Company Board meetings. A meaningful portion of the September meeting was focused on a report from Julia on behalf of the various Lot and Cot committees broadly aligned with the Community amenities: Golf, Tennis, Youth Activities, and Food and Beverage. She delivered a particularly indepth report on Youth Activities, which experienced a decline in enrollment this past summer. Feedback from parents and children was compiled with an eye toward identifying areas for improvement in next year’s program. The Board also reviewed the Company’s policy on cottage rentals, as was
At The Grille
Fairway Grille
he Fairway Grille continues to be the hub of the community year-round. Drop in for any of these events and dinner anytime: • The good times continue to roll at the Grille every Thursday from 5-7pm when happy hour attracts Buck Hillers with specially priced hors d’oeuvres and drinks. • Fun Day Sundays at the Grille bring out all the fans for football, food, and cheering on your favorite teams as you watch them on our big screens. Football fans have
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The Grille will be decked out in greenery so stop in for a cup of holiday cheer.
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It’s Your Business promised when the policy was put in place in the summer of 2017. Several cottagers have expressed concern about the impact of short-term rentals on the community. While the Board recognized the validity of these concerns, it decided to continue to allow short-term rentals for another year and to reconsider the policy again at the end of the 2019 summer season. Other factors that the Board weighed in its decision were the potential for real estate purchases by short-term renters and the need of some cottagers to offset the cost of owning a Buck Hill cottage with rental income. At its October meeting, the Board discussed at length the recent developments in the lawsuit brought against the Company and Lot and Cot by Michael J.
been sharing the space with the Mah Jongg players, who have made their winter headquarters at the Grille every Saturday and Sunday at 1pm. Sara and Larry • To celeStessel get brate Hallowdolled up for een, another Halloween costume costume karoke karaoke at the Grille. was a wild and crazy night with the likes of Willie Nelson, Fred Flintstone, and many others joining in the fun. • A fall/winter menu was introduced with comfort food including homestyle meatloaf and roasted butternut squash soup, among other favorites. Check BreezeMail for holiday happenings and see Bulletin Board (p.14) for the Grille hours of operation this winter.
Walters and a handful of other cottagers. In early September, the court granted the Company’s Motion for Summary Judgment and dismissed the case. In early October, Mr. Walters’ attorney filed notice with the court of his intention to appeal the decision. The appeal process may take over a year to run its course, but will hopefully be a less costly exercise than the earlier stages of the case. The Board has instructed its legal counsel to continue to energetically defend the Company in this matter. On a more constructive topic, Joe Strode updated the Board on the Golf Course Master Plan. Rees Jones, Inc., has almost completed the plan, which is intended, first and foremost, to restore the course to its original Donald Ross-designed excellence. The important work of prioritizing the improvements and arriving at a plan to finance the work will be formulated over the coming months. Finally, the Board reviewed its strategy regarding the Buck Hill Water Company and the need for an increase in rates to fund operating and capital expenditures. Water rates in Buck Hill have not increased in 14 years. A cost saving plan to end regulation of the water company by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission will not be pursued further. Instead, the water company will seek an increase in rates as a public utility early next year.
Ho, Ho, Home
here is no place like home for the holidays—and Buck Hill is exactly that magical place this time of year. Snow and temperatures low enough to make ice for skating would be fun, but even if Mother Nature doesn’t comply, Lot and Cot has a fun-packed holiday season for the community. • On Christmas eve, Monday, December 24, at 5pm, come join us for caroling around the Christmas tree in the flower garden, which will also be decorated with the vintage Buck Hill sled. Song sheets provided. (Psst: it’s a great setting for a family photo op.) • Our Holiday Festival takes place on Thursday, December 27 at the Paiste Pond Activity Center and will include paddle tennis tournaments, crafts for all ages, hot chocolate all day, and a grill set up outside for burgers and chili to ward off the cold. Noon-5pm. • Then on Friday, December 28 it’s time to spruce up for the annual Holiday Party at the Fairway Grille from 6-9pm. Lot and Cot will provide a spread of food and a cash bar will offer a full array of holiday cheer. • On Sunday, December 30 at 3pm we’ll revive a Buck Hill tradition with the Yule Log hunt. The log will be brought back to the fireplace (location TBA), where we will warm up around the blazing fire and listen to JR Robbins read “Ye Old Buck Hill Falls Christmas Story.” Of course, there will be hot chocolate, a hot chocolate peppermint bar, a cash bar, and snacks for all. There are other exciting activities in the planning stages for the long winter season. Stay tuned to Facebook, BreezeMail and Next Door for firm times and details.
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Diary Of
The 10 Best Of 2018
by Mary Lowengard
ell, here we are again. My fifth year as a Bucker or a Hiller or a Bucker Hiller, whatever, has just concluded, and it’s my fourth year of sluffing off reporting by publishing my annual 10 Best list. Here are this year’s picks: 10. Okay, the Pocono Folk Festival, held in Delaware Water Gap in midSeptember wasn’t all that folky, but it was the first and it has potential. Cottagers Dave and Jen Mittereder, Ann Caggiano, and I showed up at the front end providing a Buck Hill presence at the event. We were long gone by the time headliner John Sebastian showed up, but it was a fun day and certainly beat sitting at my computer working on Liquidity Risk Principles for Asset Managers. 9. I’ve whizzed by Weis Supermarket on Route 209 and 447 some 427 times coming and going to Buck Hill. This year, I stopped. It’s big, it’s clean, the fish are fresh, and red peppers are five for $5. If you ask where the Castelvetrano olives are, you are escorted to the Castelvetrano olives, just like at Whole Foods. Best of all, the bathroom is spotless. 8. How about all those Starbucks popping up this year—on I-80, as well as inside the Stroud Target, and the Giant in Bartonsville. Surely this is a harbinger of a Pocono renaissance, no? One can only hope. 7. Yoga feeds the mind, body, and spirit—and Buck Hill Yoga this year was a moveable feast. First we were evacuated from Paiste Pond to make way for the Fitness Center, then it was last call at the Tennis Tea Bar Room, now the Club Room. We Downward Doggied and Happy Babied through the end of the summer on the porch and then moved to Camp Club for the non-camp season. Perfect. 6. I finally hit the Camelback slopes, on a Thursday in March, and it was divine. I planned to ski until just after lunch; I dragged home at 4:30pm. Perfect snow, empty runs, no ice, and if you squinted a bit you could almost believe it was Colorado. 5. Let’s talk about “the kindness of cottagers.” Here’s an example: I sought advice from the Buck Hill community via NextDoor to source a new fireplace screen to better protect my furniture from renegade embers. The Toomeys offered me one they no longer use. And even delivered it to my door. 4. Anyone can have a snake in their garden—I had a snake take up residence in my basement under my dryer this summer. He kept the basement bug and rodent-free throughout the summer. Seriously. 3. I did it, I did it, I did it. I cut the cord. Okay, so I can no longer spread out on the couch and channel surf, but I’m also no longer paying for 859 channels of which I only watch four. It works well enough and when the screen starts blipping out on me, well, there’s always a good book. 2. From the minds of the folks who brought you the Fitness Center and Club Room (that would be JR Robbins) sprang The Community Garden (with help from Christopher Gaillard). It was a sight to behold in late August. I didn’t actually have a plot but enjoyed the fruits of the McCoubrey’s labors. Actually, make that vegetables. 1. In late August, a bunch of us organized a Brigadoon-ish popup, pot-luck dinner party for 16 on the Inn site—complete with tables and chairs, tablecloths, and a four-star quality repast. It was magical. At least until the sun started to set and we scrambled to get everything back down the hill. Couldn’t have done this last year or for many years before that, but it’s The Inn site became the venue for a summer dinner alfresco. definitely on the calendar for 2019.
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Access Anywhere
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ur library is all about sharing resources. Sharing local historical documents and other resources via the internet makes them more useable for anyone, anywhere. And it protects fragile items from loss and damage. This is what is planned for the Buck Hill Collection, Barrett Township Historical Society, and the Paradise Township Historical Society documents, maps, photos, and other reference material. The library has applied to the PA Historical and Museums Commission for a $15,000 matching grant for Historical and Archival Records Care. If granted, the funds would be used toward digitally preserving, cataloging, and providing Internet access to these collections. This important project will take several years. We are working with a digital repository company called Vital to host the collections. The service allows virtually every kind of “document” to be archived—for example, photographs, slides, sound clips, digital video, and research papers. Library staff are being trained in cataloging items for a digital repository. The major task will be to scan each document, or to photograph each artifact, then scan the photograph. Next, workers will catalog the scans using a concise and consistent list of subject headings. Under the directions of the library director and cataloging staff, we expect to hire college
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
On & Off Campus
it, sign up on the website or call us at 570 595-7171 and we’ll add you to the list. Library Director Cindy’s suggestion: I’ve been reading through the list of PBS’s Great American Read titles looking for the ones I missed. This month I chose The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah, which was published in 1999. Remember you can download e-books for free from the library’s website!
Share The Joy interns and recruit volunteers to help with this historical (and historic) project. The project cannot proceed without funds beyond the library’s operating budget. Costs include software, its license, a scanning device, and all the staff hours to scan and catalog. Local gifts and grants will be important. If you can help, or can suggest a grant opportunity, please contact Cindy DeLuca, Library Director. Our plan is to begin with the Buck Hill Collection. Imagine being able to search decades of back copies of The Breeze from anywhere! And please let us know if you have any historical materials that you are willing to donate or share to ensure these records are as complete as possible. To keep informed about library happenings, please go to the library’s website www.barrettlibrary.org. Each month a wide variety of programs are planned for people of all ages. We also email a monthly newsletter; if you don’t receive
Two images from the Buck Hill Collection to be preserved digitally.
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s we celebrate the holidays and welcome in the new year, we give thanks for all our blessings. But we cannot forget that we have neighbors here in Barrett Township that are struggling to feed their families, or provide safe shelter. The Buck Hill Falls Community Services Committee has distributed more than $30,000 that had been raised within the community in 2017. These much-needed funds have been given to organizations that service Barrett Township and Monroe County, including C.A.M.E. (our local food bank), Barrett-Paradise Friendly Library, Pocono Medical Center (Dracos Orthopedic Clinic), Meals on Wheels, Family Promise, Women’s Resources, Friendly Community Center, Burnley Workshop, Salvation Army, and Barrett Volunteer Fire Company. Please consider making a difference in the lives of your neighbors. It is such a rewarding experience to be a part of helping those in our surrounding community. The hard-working volunteers that staff these organizations are truly grateful for our support. We often hear that they couldn’t do their important work without the help of the BHF Community Services’ donations. We send our many thanks to all that have contributed and helped make this possible. We could not have done this without your support. And so, at this special time of year, we ask that you consider donating to the Buck Hill Falls Community Services fund. Each dollar goes directly to our local neighbors in need. Donations can be made by sending a check to Buck Hill Falls Community Services Committee, PO Box 453, BHF, PA 18323, or via PayPal: http://bit.ly/1GEfpxj.
FCC Offerings
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esist the urge to hibernate and head over to The Friendly Community Center to partake of one of their many offerings.
• Play: Meet for Mah Jongg or card games on Mondays from 1-3pm or Thursdays from 12-3pm; it’s Canasta time on Wednesdays from 1-3pm. • Move: Warm up with Yoga or Chair Yoga. Stretch and tone your muscles with Barre Fitness and Cardio Sculpt. Dance to the beat at Zumba or our new program, Chair Zumba. Men— we have a fitness program just for you—workout at your own pace with Interval Training every Monday. • Relax: Breathe in and out to reduce stress during one of our many relaxation classes, such as Mindful Meditation, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, or Crystal Bowl Sound Bath. Attend the monthly Women’s Circle to share your hopes, dreams, fears, fun, and life experiences. • Join: Great Decisions is back offering relevant topics facing America. The Barrett Birding Club, led by Darryl and Jackie Speicher, meets monthly for field trips and monthly bird discussions. • Create: Learn trendy craft projects, flower arranging, soap making. Attend watercolor and pastel classes, and Paint & Pour nights. Or make progress on a knitting, crocheting, or needlework project during the weekly In Stitches group. • Support: Bring your loved ones to interact with others through instrument playing and singing at Music Therapy on the first and third Tuesdays at 1pm or on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 1pm for shared experiences at our Alzheimer’s Memory Café. • Travel: Join our bus trip to the Garden for Sculpture or the Corning Glass Museum. For more information on FCC programs and specifics on any of the above, visit our Facebook page, call 570 481-4330, or visit www.thefriendlycommunitycenter.org. January is the time to renew your membership, so stop in and renew today.
Call Of The Wild
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WINTER 2018-2019
Jack Dugan Award
Retiring BHCF trustee Jackie Speicher has been named the recipient of the annual Buck Hill Conservation Foundation award, bestowed in honor of Jack Dugan’s conservation vision President Susan Reilly says that during Jackie’s six years serving on the Board, Susan came to know her as “the person who knows how to get it done.” Jackie has coordinated the BHCF nature education hiking programs, brought in the area’s most notable conservation speakers, kept the bluebird houses alive, and has been behind the scenes for every BHCF fundraising event. Jackie is also an active member of the Brodhead Watershed Association, serving as its Streamwatch Outreach Trainer. In the fall of 2000, Jackie and her husband Darryl founded the Pocono Avian Research Center, PARC, with the mission of fostering an appreciation for birds and their habitats through research, education, and community involvement. In 2014, Jackie and Daryl received the Environmental Partners Award, given by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Environmental Partners. Jackie is currently an Adjunct Professor of Biology at Northampton Community College, where she passes Last year’s Jack Dugan honoree, on her conservation ethic. She and her John Rodgers, presents Jackie Speicher with the 2018 Award. husband live nearby in Mountainhome.
Hosting for A Cause
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he BHCF will be one of the local organizations helping to host the statewide 2019 Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference to be held May 16-18 at Skytop Lodge. Coordinated by the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association (PALTA), the conference attracts about 400 conservation leaders annually. This year’s theme is “Beyond Boundaries: United to Protect Land and Water.” The BHCF’s involvement includes inviting participants on an informational hike on Foundation-held easements and introducing the many projects the BHCF has undertaken in recent years, including land acquisition, controlling invasive plants, the deer enclosure, and the Inn project. The BHCF is a member of PALTA.
Chestnut Mountain Update
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hestnut Mountain is enjoying increased foot traffic, thanks to hikes led by the Brodhead Watershed Association. On Sunday, October 21, hike leader Patti O’Keefe hosted a two-mile out-and-back trek to enjoy the “viewstrewn mountain,” where, from the overlook, hikers can see Camelback, Pocono Manor, the Knob in Mount Pocono, Cresco Heights, and then Chestnut Mountain, Spruce Mountain, Mount Wismer, and Skytop’s West Mountain. The BWA calls Chestnut Mountain “one of Monroe County’s jewels of conserved land.” The Buck Hill Conservation Foundation acquired 479 acres of Chestnut Mountain in 2012 and has preserved it as Open Space, fully open to the public. For more information on BWA year-round hiking schedule, go to: brodheadwatershed.org.
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
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WINTER 2018-2019
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
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WINTER 2018-2019
Bulletin Board December 1, 2018-March 31, 2019
FAIRWAY GRILLE
Mah Jo ng g
Saturdays, 1pm December-January Sundays, 1pm Thursdays 4-9pm Fairway Grille Fridays 11am -9pm Saturdays 11am-9pm Sundays 11am-5pm Special Holiday Hours December 26-January 1 11am-9pm February & March Refer to BreezeMail for times. Reservations are welcomed and required for parties of 10 or more. 570 595-3535. The above times may change based on weather or private events. Management has the discretion to close earlier than posted hours.
Lot & Cot
r 24, 5pm Monday, Decembe g lin ro Ca as tm ris Ch en rd Ga r Flowe r 27, 12-5pm Thursday, Decemlbe Holiday Festiva Paiste Pond 28, 6-9pm Friday, December Holiday Party Fairway Grille 30, 3pm Sunday, December Yule Log Hunt Location TBA
k Up Tra s h P icondays 6:30am
Golf Pro Shop
December 15-16 & 22-24 10am-3pm (approx)
The Fairway Grille will be open special Holiday Hours.
Refuse - M 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 r Decembe7, 14, 21, 28 January 4, 11, 18, 25 February 1, 18, 25 1 March 4, 6:30am Mondays ecycling - , 17, 31 R r3 Br idg e Decembe14, 28 Tuesdays, 1-4:30pm January 11, 25 February1, 25 Kerby Library March 1 mmprice@ptd.net
119 Fox Run
Ye Olde Village Workshop is completely renovating this Golf Cottage. Grab your favorite pillow and move in to this beautifully updated 4 bedroom, 3 bath cottage this fall.
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CAROLINE
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ALVINO
Office: (570) 595-3705 ccsalvino@gmail.com
Wishing All A Happy Healthy Holiday Season! If you are thinking of buying, selling, or renting, call Caroline. She lives, works and plays in Buck Hill Falls!
Caroline Salvino
Associate Broker
To View All Buck Hill Falls Listings Please Visit www.BuckHillFallsRealEstate.com Seasonal Rentals are Available. For More Information Visit www.BuckHillFallsRentals.com Vacant Lots Available Starting At $15,000 For One Acre.
1124 Route 390, Mountainhome, PA 18342 • www.ClassicProperties.com