The Breeze Magazine- Spring 2019

BUCK HILL FALLS PA

SPRING 2019

The Breeze They’re Baaaack!!!

Soaring Cottage Sales Improving Our Infrastructure

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

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SPRING 2019

It’s 11:01 somewhere here

Ask for it at the

Fairway Grille

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

In This Issue SHOOTIN’ THE BREEZE

4 THE SOCIAL NETWORK

6 THAT SPORTING LIFE

7 UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

8 IT’S YOUR BUSINESS

10 DIARY OF

12 CALL OF THE WILD

14 ON & OFF CAMPUS

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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, Maryjane Baer, Tony Bowe, Richard Carey, Erin Delaney, Cindy DeLuca, Brian Fowler, Mary Lowengard, Pat McGrath, Julia Mutch, Tom O’Malley, Mary Kate Reeves-Hoche, Roxana Rojas, Susan Rusbasan, Jeff Smith, Karen Tetor President, Buck Hill Falls Company Mike O’Shea Manager of PR & Communications Erin L. Delaney

THE BREEZE DEADLINES 2019-2020 June Issue July Issue August Issue Fall Issue (Sept/Oct/Nov) Winter Issue (Dec/Jan/Feb/Mar) Spring Issue (Apr/May)

May 1 June 1 July 1 August 3 November 2 March 1

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

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

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Shootin’ The Breeze • Welcome spring!

As much as most of us love winter and all it has to offer (beautiful snowfalls, skiing, cozy fires), most of us are still Everything is green and lush, signaling the happy with the start of another Buck Hill season. arrival of spring.

Why? It means another Buck Hill Falls season is just around the corner. It means shedding the heavy coats and boots, more sunlight, and time to head outdoors. It means reconnecting with friends and neighbors. So get ready! The fun is about to begin.

Cottagers (from left) Warren Goldfarb, Kathy and Jerry Lewis, Clare O’Mara, Linda Goldfarb, and Rob O’Mara in Naples, Florida.

• Claire and Rob O’Mara met up with Linda and Warren Goldfarb who winter in Naples, Florida. They were all able to welcome new Naples homeowners and Buck Hill cottagers Jerry and Kathy Lewis.

• Every year, Buck Hill ladies enjoy a holiday luncheon that is not just about a good time but also solicits donations for C.A.M.E., our local food bank. Becky Lester, head of C.A.M.E., reported to organizer Lucy Stone that the funds collected at the luncheon plus some assistance from Mick Motors allowed them to buy a good used cargo van for hauling goods. Becky will oversee the reopening of the building behind the Canadensis Methodist Church where clothing may be donated. Thanks to the BH ladies who, in true holiday spirit, reached out to help others.

The ladies who lunched also donated $$$ to those in need.

A southern reunion of cottagers included (from left), Marie Powers, Linda Goldfarb, Ingie Larsen, Warren Goldfarb, Edie Castellano, Vina Cullen, Joan and Stephan Soilleux, Phyllis Blair, and Jane Castellano.

Missing from the picture are Dick and Denise Boyle.

• Current and former Buck Hillers gathered for a reunion in sunny Florida. Arranged by Vina Cullen, ten cottagers shared a meal, news, gossip, and a lot of laughs. Tommy Cullen even stopped in to say “hello.”

• Meet Gypsy Parker who, with her family the Parkers of Cottage 129, Glenwood Lodge, think that she may have run away from the circus. She is gregarious, smart, and loves to run in Jenkins Woods. When not looking for stinky things to roll in around the Buck Hill settlement, she can be found at Fishers Island, New York or Ditmas Park, The smart and gregarious Gypsy Parker of Cottage 129.

Brooklyn with her peeps.

• Mary and Norm Rosenburg visited Laura Ronayne in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, called up nearby cottager Lou Consiglio, and voila, a foursome for golf at the Marriott Resort with dinner afterward. Nice.

• There has been a record Norm and Mary Rosenberg, Laura number of cottage sales Ronayne, and Lou Consiglio enjoyed over the past few months a round of golf in Florida. (see page 10 for story), and though it is hard to see favorite long-term residents move on to other locations, it’s thrilling to welcome new cottagers to the settlement. Perhaps it shows the vibrancy of our community, the appeal of all we have to offer—think tennis, golf, lawn bowling, cultural events, Camp Club, pristine streams, and mountain scenery just to name a few.

But, ultimately, it’s the people, always the people, who attract newcomers to our village for these newcomers People are our most important product here in remain so for Buck Hill, whether they gather for a picnic, tennis match, or simply cocktails on the back porch. barely a season.

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

FAIRWAY GRILLE HOURS April April 4 Opening Day Happy Hour 5pm Monday-Wednesday 11am-5pm Thursday-Sunday 11am-9pm May Monday-Sunday 11am-9pm (7 Days!)

Pool Grill Opening Day May 25 11am-6pm Turn Grill Weekends Only Opening Day May 11 10am-4pm

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Residential

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.

In Vero Beach, Florida, Linda Terry (second from left) hosted (from left) Fran Durst, Judy Coleman’s sister Jeannie, Judy Coleman, and Laura Ronayne.

• And yet another Buck Hill reunion was hosted by former cottager Linda Terry in Vero Beach.

Linda gathered former cottager Judy Coleman (and her sister Jeanie), Laura Ronayne and Fran Durst at her club. Just goes to show that these Buck Hill connections run far and deep.

• Attention all anglers: We hope your gear is in order, because opening day is April 14. With our exceptional value streams, Buck Hill is the place to enjoy this sport.

Check with the Buck Hill office for appropriate licensing.

ASPHALT MAINTENANCE

Commercial al

• Seems like everyone was away this past winter including Carol and Mike Klatt, Our pristine streams beckon fishermen from near and far. once residents of Australia, who were down under for vacation and visited with Ros Elder, Elizabeth Carey’s mother who lives in Melbourne.

• Don’t forget to send announcements, tidbits, photos, and news for inclusion in The Breeze. We welcome your input at thebreeze@buckhillfalls.com.

Talkin’ Trash April Refuse 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Recycling 8, 22

Carol and Mike Klatt (at left) visited with Ros Elder in Melbourne, Australia.

May Refuse 6, 13, 20, 28* *(Tuesday holiday pick up) Recycling 6, 20

VISIT US ONLINE! WWW.CSIAPHALT.COM

Licensed & Insured - Free Estimates

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

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SPRING 2019

BHAA News • During the past winter the Buck Hill Art Association launched a virtual Sketching of the Seasons online encouraging all cottagers, near and far, to participate in sketching. This was accomplished by posting online photos of the East Wing fireplace, which is the chosen subject. Sketchers are asked to post photos of their works on Nextdoor. A prize will be given at the annual membership cocktail party for the best sketch–so jump in and join the fun.

• The first Fireside Chat of the year was hosted by the Goldwaters at their cottage Breezewood. Brooklyn ceramist and vintage textile cloth creator Erica Prince and metalsmith Shane Jezowski dazzled cottagers who were spellbound by their artistic story. Erica’s items can be obtained on her web page at Erica-prince.com. Watch for Shane’s creative endeavors at The Factory NYC.

The Social Network Cottagers gather at the Goldwater’s for a Fireside Chat.

• The BHAA is partnering with Barrett Paradise Friendly Library on their digital archival project to preserve the entire Buck Hill Archive Collection.

Thus, anyone with internet connection or who can get to the library will be able to access the archives. We are prioritizing documents and photos to be scanned first, and have committed to supporting the library financially to do the work. So, if you enjoyed the “pop-

Ten Years Strong

up museum,” last year at Senior Lodge and the movie about the Inn at Buck Hill Falls, then please consider making a donation to the BHAA specifically for the archival project. Many of the items in the museum and the movie are maintained by the BHAA archives.

• Save the date for the Buck Hill Art Association’s Annual Membership Cocktail Party on Saturday, June 22, and the Gala Dinner Dance and Auction on Saturday, July 20.

at Pocono Mountain East High School, just a few miles from Buck Hill. The 2019 Camp will begin on Monday, July 22 and culminate with the Performing Arts Camp Showcase on Friday, August 2. Led by the festival’s artistic director, Scott Coulter, the camp Mark your offers students a chance to learn from top calendars: Broadway talent and to perform throughout The Pocono the festival with stellar professional talent Mountains Music and also in their very own showcase.

Festival 10th Anniversary Season is Students receive instruction in musical just around the corner. Over five days– The Hot Sardines will close out the 10th theater vocal coaching, musical theater Anniversary Festival on July 28.

Wednesday, July 24 through Sunday, dance and movement, and tap. Our July 28–the festival comes home to in conjunction with the Monroe County extraordinary faculty–John Boswell, Klea venues in Buck Hill Falls, Skytop, and Public Libraries. Once again, students Blackhurst, Vibecke Dahl, and Germaine Pocono Mountain East High School. from the camp will perform alongside Goodson—have all signed on to return this The season opens on July 24 at the professionals and in their own showcase season. In 2018, tap dance legend and Tony Fairway Grille in Buck Hill with an intiperformance on Friday, August 2nd.

Award winner Savion Glover taught a masmate cabaret featuring two-time Tony For more information, go to www. ter class and performed with our students.

Award nominee Kate Baldwin. This is PoconoFest.org.

We are thrilled to offer 2019 Buck followed by Cirque d’Oz where daring Hill high school age students or relaacrobats and world-class musicians and tives visiting during July 22-August 2 singers mix whimsy and theatrics to enthe opportunity to participate in the tertain the entire family. Also scheduled festival’s dynamic Performing Arts he Pocono Mountains Music Festithis season are cabaret songstress Carole Camp. Campers must be available for val celebrates a milestone this year, J. Bufford, Music of the Knights with the full two-week session. its 10th Anniversary. Founded in the Pocono Pops! (featuring the music of For more information about the Per2009 as the Buck Hill Skytop Music Sir Andrew Lloyd Festival by Buck Hill resident David Mazza, forming Arts Camp, email General Manager Webber, Sir Paul David Gaebler at dave@poconofest.org. the 2019 festival will present performancMcCartney, Sir es July 24–July 28 (see adjacent article) Elton John) and, in Buck Hill Falls, Skytop, and Pocono on closing night, Mountain East High School. Many Buck a festival favorite, The Hot Sardines. Hill residents have been long-term board members, including David Ottaway, We’ll also continue our com- Marianne Zychal, Rosemarie Helmbrecht, Marie Powers, Dale Frehse, Karen Walden, mitment to arts education through and our newest board members, Lucy Stone and Caroline Salvino. the Performing The festival has a history of providing edArts Camp (see adBe there for Music jacent article) and ucational programs for local youth, which, of the Knights on three years ago, culminated in the founding 2018 Campers performing with legendary our very popular tapper, Savion Glover.

July 27. of the Performing Arts Camp with classes library program

Festival Camp

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THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

Golf

by Tom O’Malley

W

e welcome everyone back to what is going to be a very exciting 2019 season at the Buck Hill Golf Club. We have new events planned and tweaks to other tried-and-true tournaments. And to make golf even more enjoyable the new Rules of Golf for 2019 will make the great game of golf easier and faster this year.

New and Improved • We are very excited to introduce our new Buck Hill Family Golf Scrambles, scheduled for 2pm on Saturday, June 29, Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, August 25. What better way to spend a couple hours on a weekend afternoon with your entire family on our beautiful course?

• Regular popular events include: —Ladies 9-holers—Mondays —Ladies 18-holers—Wednesdays —Vultures (men) —Mondays and Thursdays —Nine and Dine (aka Twilight) —select Fridays (first is May 24) • Major events: Member/Guests, Member/Members, and charity events such as our Ladies’ Green and White. Here are just a few key dates—refer to your calendar at BuckHillFalls.com for specifics.

—Ringer Tournament for Ladies, Gentlemen, and Guests—May 25-26 —Guthrie Cup (Ryder Cup-style team event) —June 8-9 —Men’s Member Guest—July 12-13 —Ladies’ Member Guest—August 6 —Golden Years—August 11-13

MaryAnna and Perry Kreidman at one of last year’s Twilights (aka Nine & Dine).

First of this year is May 24.

Pat’s Patter

That Sporting Life • Finally, as mentioned, the Rules of Golf have undergone a significant overhaul with many new regulations going into effect as of January 1, 2019. As your PGA Professional I have always had a great interest and respect for the Rules of Golf.

I was able to attend a comprehensive Rules of Golf Workshop in Pittsburgh this spring, and I’m confident you will find the new rules are a welcome improvement to an already great game.

Several of the new rules have been implemented to improve the general pace of play at all levels of the game. Here are just a few of the standout changes: —Dropping procedure: When taking relief (from an abnormal course condition or penalty area, for example), golfers will now drop from knee height. This will ensure consistency and simplicity in the dropping process while also preserving the randomness of the drop. Speaking of penalty area, yes, that is a new term for those previous “hazards.”

—Balls lost or out of bounds (alternative to Stroke and Distance): A new Local Rule will now be available as of January 2019, permitting committees to allow golfers the option to drop the ball in the vicinity of where the ball is lost or out of bounds (including the nearest fairway area), under a two-stroke penalty. It addresses concerns raised at the club level about the negative impact on pace of play when a player is required to go back under stroke and distance. The Local Rule is not intended for

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higher levels of play, such as professional or major club competitions. In addition, the time limit for searching for a lost ball has been reduced to three minutes.

—Relaxed putting green rules: There will be no penalty if a ball played from the putting green hits an unattended flagstick in the hole; players may putt without having the flagstick attended or removed.

This is just a brief look at some of the major changes for 2019. For all of the new changes go to www.pga.org/articles/major-rules-changes-explained. The USGA has also put together a comprehensive, yet brief, youtube video called: The 9: Diving into Golf’s New Rules. You can check out USGA.org as well.

The Golf Committee, the staff, and I are all looking forward to a memorable year on the course. If you have any suggestions/comments/criticisms/atta-boys, please don’t hesitate to contact me direct at the shop at 570 595-7730, by cell at 570 807-9492, or via email at buckhillgolf@ buckhillfalls.com. Or just stop on by!

On The Courts

Make note of these happenings on Memorial Day weekend: • Drills & Skills clinic—Saturday and Sunday at 8:30am • Adult mixer—Saturday at 10am • 50+ clinic—Sunday at 11am • Men’s Round Robin—Sunday at 3pm And of course, Tomas and staff will be on hand to help organize and run these events.

Get thee to the courts Memorial weekend for one of many events.

golfers will be able to take advantage of everything GAP has to offer: • Premier championships, regarded among the most n exciting development last golf season was Buck competitive anywhere.

Hill Golf Club joining the ranks of the Golf Associ• Fun opportunities provided for the recreational golfer ation of Philadelphia (GAP). A year ago our local who enjoys a taste of competition, has a GHIN handicap Anthracite Golf Association (AGA) merged with index, and would occasionally like to venture off campus.

GAP, bringing Buck Hill into the fold along with many • Tee It Forward events are slated for June and September. other respected clubs in the Poconos.

Founded in 1897, GAP enjoys a long and distinguished • Also on tap are Four Man and Senior Four Man Team history. Some of its more famous venues, such as Merion, events.

Aronimink, and Pine Valley are ranked among the nation’s • Beginning in April there is an extensive lineup of AGA/ best. In total there are over 200 member clubs associated GAP events, all slated for venues in the Pocono region, including a Junior series throughout June and July. with GAP, boasting a variety of tremendous, well-condiAll details are easily accessible on the GAP website tioned golf courses. Buck Hillers who are members at (www.gapgolf.org), and Tom O’Malley can happily faciliclubs in Philadelphia or New Jersey know GAP to be a first-class organization. With the AGA merger, all Buck Hill tate further information and assistance. —Pat McGrath

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THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

New Cottagers

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sea. His leisure time is devoted to bicycling, hiking, and Phillies baseball. Both he and Erin hope to get involved in golf again. They have a young son, Owen, who loves people, arts and crafts, and anything with wheels.

Emanuel V. Kivowitz and Emily A Poler Emanuel, Emily, and their son Saul first experienced BHF last summer when they rented for the month of August.

Saul absolutely fell in love with Buck Hill while attending camp club and golf camp, and made lots of friends in the process...as did mom and dad.

Emanuel says they met so many wonderful people that welcomed them to the community that in just one month they knew they’d found their second home. Buck Hill is a great 180-degree counterpoint to their city life in Brooklyn, where Emily has a law practice, Emanuel runs a video agency, and Saul attends second grade. They bought Cottage 100 on Lenape Lane and are excited to become part of the Buck Hill Falls community and meet more of their new neighbors. Brother and sister-in-law, George and Marsha Kivowitz, are already members of the community as is friend Mary Lowengard.

The family all enjoy the outdoors, particularly hiking and swimming.

Emanuel even started playing tennis again for the first time in years and got back to golf as well. Emily began taking tennis lessons and is planning to teach the rest of the family to cross-country ski.

Peter and Susan Temple The Temples’ primary residence is in Kennett Square, PA where Peter is an attorney in private practice and Susan is now retired from her position as Associate HOS at Westtown School. Peter plays golf and they’ll both be checking out the fitness center and look forward to walks through the beautiful winding roads of the community.

Their three children include: son Peter, his wife, Chandra, and their daughter; son Ben, his wife, Erika, and three children; and daughter Emily and her wife, Kat. Everyone is excited to partake of all the activities in BH, especially camp club this summer. Peter and Susan are the fortunate owners of Cottage 117 “Turn In” on Knoll Drive, the renovation masterpiece of our very own JR Robbins.

Mark Trudell and Valerie Stevens Mark and Valerie live in Prospect Heights, NY with their three children Max, Dashiell “Dash,” and Lucy. Athletic interests are primarily golf (Max is golf obsessed), but it looks like the kids will also get involved in tennis as well. Max took ski lessons at Camelback last winter.

Mark, Max, and Valerie all enjoy running and are active NY Road Runner members. The family will make their Buck Hill home at Cottage 354 on Vireo Lane. The breadwinners both work in midtown Manhattan.

Up Close & Personal

Arthur Berry III (Buff) and Staci Barkalow Buff, owner of Camelback Mountain Resort in Tannersville, is a native of the Pocono Mountains and a graduate of Wyoming Seminary and Skidmore College. Staci was born in Summit, New Jersey and raised in the Pocono Mountains. She is a graduate of Pleasant Valley High and Centenary University and recently retired from the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau after 19 years as their Executive VP and CFO. Buff and Staci will be splitting their time between Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida and Cottage 828, Creekside.

They both enjoy hitting the links, as well as the slopes and can often be found on their boat fishing for the day’s catch. They are excited about this next chapter in Buck Hill Falls, especially the opportunity to spend more time with Buff’s mother Judie, his Aunt Sue and Uncle Bruce Berry, and the many lifelong friends that summer at Buck Hill provides.

Thomas J. and Laura M. McMillan Tom and Laura live in Hopewell, NJ, where he is a realtor with Callaway Henderson Sotheby International Realty, and Laura works in the financial office of The Lawrenceville School. They have two children: Julia McMillan and her husband live in California; and son, Caelen, and his wife, Amy, reside in Yardley, PA. Tom is particularly excited to be within walking distance of Buck Hill Golf Course, which he has played on a number of occasions over the years. Laura is already enjoying scenic runs in the area; and both look forward to exploring the beautiful Buck Hill trail system in upcoming visits. Laura says they have encountered nothing but the kindest reception from everyone in Buck Hill. They purchased Cottage 808 from Sue and George Ketigian and are particularly grateful to them for their warmth and generosity. They are excited to have firmed up family ties to the area, as their children have many happy memories of the Poconos when the family had a place in Skytop.

Robert O’Donnell and Erin Pick Bob and Erin purchased Cottage 71 on Laurel Lane from DeAnn Clancy.

Erin grew up in northern Illinois, loves urban gardening, yoga, and swimming.

She worked for the last 16 years at the Metropolitan Museum in the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. Last September she joined the Jesuit Parish of St. Ignatius Loyola as Director of Development. Bob is from the Allentown, PA area and attended Penn State University. He is a CPA and has worked in turnaround management and corporate finance for Price Waterhouse Coopers and GE Capital. He is co-owner of an antiquities gallery, Hixenbaugh Ancient Art, in Chel-

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

Aaron Rabinowitz and Marisa Keselica Aaron and Marisa will make Cottage 398 on Squirrel Road their fulltime residence. Born in Manhattan, Aaron primarily grew up in Tenafly, NJ, attended the University of Michigan, likes to golf, and enjoys smoking meats, grilling, and craft beer.

Marisa grew up in Chatham, NJ, is an alumna of Smith College, and says she has dabbled in golf. Both used to work in the film industry in Manhattan—Aaron on advertising, Marisa on distribution—specializing in American independent, documentary, and foreign language films. They also owned a boutique advertising agency before focusing on their food business—Buy The Farm—full time. It’s a specialty food and sauce company featuring sriracha-style hot sauce, barbecue sauce, hummus, dips, and freshly-made chips.

During the summer they grow many of the herbs and vegetables that they use in their foods; plus they work with farmer friends to grow the rest, including Brian Bruno at Apple Ridge Farm who has a stand in BH every summer. Marisa’s parents will be staying with the new cottagers in summer along with their slightly elderly, mixedbreed dog, Trixie, and a lot of plants.

Jane Wachter and Gille Roy Cottage 706 on Oak Hill Drive will be the new home to Jane and Gille. Jane is a local realtor who grew up in Barrett Township and remembers visits to the Buck Hill Inn and skating at the Buck Hill ice rink. She has five nieces and nephews and one great nephew. Gille is a log home builder and logger who has constructed homes in Turkey, India, and all over the U.S. In fact, his family logged and cleared the land that the golf cottages were built on in the 1980s! He has one daughter who lives in Florida. Jane and Gille snowmobile during the winter, boat and fish in the summertime, and have a two-year-old furbaby—Max the Rottweiler.

Hugh Hunter and Kim Niadna Hugh and Kim have four children—two boys, and twin girls. The boys are into swimming and skiing and anything else that has a good snack bar. The family currently live in Montclair, NJ by way of Brooklyn and Los Angeles and will make Cottage 110 on Old Hemlock Lane their Buck Hill getaway.

Colin Gardner and Erika Faust Colin and Erika and their daughter Margot are the new owners of Tuckaway Cottage 236 on Summit Drive. They are relocating within the community after owning on Lenape Lane for the past two years.

While in Buck Hill, you can usually find the Brooklynites on the tennis courts, golf course, poolside, or enjoying winter sports.

Margot will be returning as a Camp Club Dragonfly and Colin is currently serving on the board of the art association. The family adopted a rescue dog in January; look out for Dobey and his “crazy ears” on the trails. They say, “Summer in Buck Hill can’t come soon enough!”

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Mow and Chris Kofol The Kofols became the proud new owners of Cottages 369 and 370, Green Ledge, on Rolloff Road. They jumped at the opportunity to purchase Green Ledge as it holds a special place in the family, having been owned previously by Chris’ grandparents and his great-grandparents before them. The Kofols are no strangers to Buck Hill; Mow and Chris have been cottagers since Chris’ parents returned to the community in 2009 and bought a cottage on Wintergreen Lane. Because Chris and Mow wanted a place of their own, they bought a cottage on Treetop Trail in 2014 (where Chris’ parents Jean and Milan now live).

Chris, a fourth generation Buck Hiller was thrilled that Mow fell in love with the community almost instantly. When not in residence, they live in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City and both work in finance. They have a daughter, Cricket, a new son, George, and two mix-breed dogs, Parker and Drew. Chris and Mow enjoy everything BHF has to offer as you can find them in the gym, playing tennis, swimming, hiking, and golfing. Cricket is a water rat who loves the pool so you will surely see the whole family there this summer.

Coleen and Stephen Sawyer The Sawyers are excited to start renovating their new place, Cottage 330 on Treetop Trail, which will eventually be their retirement home. Their long-time friend of 50 years Jacob Seip Sr., previously owned the property. Stephen and Jacob worked together on many projects, and when a fire occurred at Cottage 330, Mrs. Seip asked Stephen for help. Then she asked if he was interested in the property “as is” and, well…as they say, the rest is history, and they bought it. There is a lot of work to be done, but they love the place and are confident they will make it a beautiful home again for their family of five—son Sam who attends Rowan University and two standard poodles. Both Coleen and Stephen are novice golfers, property owners, and were members of the Northampton County Country Club in Easton and long-standing members of the Pomfret Club.

Seamus and Lauren Robins Seamus and Lauren Robins and daughters Genevieve and Nora will be settling in at Cottage 62 on Old Hemlock Lane. Seamus is a native Texan, a chemical engineering graduate of Villanova University (where he met Lauren) and now sells structural steel for one of the nation’s largest steel companies. Lauren is a Chicago native, graduate of Villanova University and the University of Minnesota, and a retired veterinarian. As a child she and her family spent summers at Skytop and she is excited to have a house of her own in her “happy place.” Besides creating wonderful family memories she looks forward to mah jongg, improving her golf game, and enjoying nature on walks with their dog Kunu. Seamus looks forward to improving his golf game, meeting fellow Buck Hillers, and spending the summers in Buck Hill with their daughters. The girls have enjoyed many 4th of July festivities and are excited to spend more time here with Rob and Lois Walinchus, who act as surrogate grandparents.

Joseph J. Burka Cottage 154 on Rhodora Lane is the new home for Joseph who is from Cresco.

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

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SPRING 2019

BHFCO Update

It’s Your Business

T

he Buck Hill Falls Company Board of Directors met twice during the winter months.

At its meeting in January, the Board approved the Company’s budget for the fiscal year beginning in April. Perhaps the most newsworthy component of the budget is the level at which dues were set for the coming year. The Board voted unanimously to increase dues by 2.7% to $13,250.

The biggest increase in expense for the Company next year will be in payroll and employee benefits. This is due to a modest increase in headcount, and a broader increase in salaries and hourly wages.

Also at the January meeting, the Board was introduced to Joe Tripodi, the Company’s newly-named Food and Beverage Director. Joe was hired after a comprehensive search utilizing the services of a professional recruitment firm. Joe was ultimately selected from a group of three finalists by the Food and Beverage Committee (led by Marianne Zychal and including Audra Ottaway, Susan Satterfield Frehse, John Fretz, John Caggiano, Paul Haser, Marsha Kivowitz, and Larry Stessel), and

by Company President Mike O’Shea and Board members Adrienne Fretz and Robin Ottaway.

Many thanks to all involved in New Food and Beverage this important Director Joe Tripodi. project.

At its meeting in early March, the Board authorized the construction of a new facility for the Turn Grill at the golf course. Designed by cottager Jeff Hayes to be reminiscent of the Swarthmore structure at Blue #4, the new Turn Grill will replace the nylon pop-up tent previously in the same spot. The Golf Planning Committee provided valuable input in the planning process. The Board hopes that the work will be completed by Memorial Day. The Board will next meet on April 27.

Fairway Grille

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Fairway Grille

y the time you read this, the Grille will be poised to open for the season (April 4) with our new Food and Beverage Director on board. Some of you may have met Joe Tripodi earlier this year. But if you haven’t, stop in to introduce yourself and indulge in Black Pepper Crusted Ahi Tuna or Avocado and Crab Sphere served during Happy Hour, 5-6pm Thursdays. Joe plans on a whole new menu and the culinary and front of house staff will be training prior to opening. Can’t wait.

Lot & Cot

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e are looking forward to LOT & COT spring and seeing everyone back on the mountain. Mark your calendars as we kick off our summer events: • Our first Meet and Greet will be Saturday, May 25 from 5:30-7:30pm. Check Breezemail for further details.

• The community Lot and Cot meeting is scheduled for Sunday, May 26 at the Tennis Tea at 4pm. A preview of summer events and amenity offerings will be presented. There’s also a chance to buy a Buck Hill chair and tote bag. We are down to the final few and not planning to reorder. Email LotandCot@BuckHillFalls.com if you want to reserve a bag or a chair—or both. Bags are $25; chairs are $30; and the set is $50.

Want some of this cool stuff? The chair and tote with Buck Hill logo are available through Lot & Cot. Black Pepper Crusted Ahi Tuna—center cut tuna loin crusted in fresh cracked black pepper zested with white truffle oil.

Avocado and Crab Sphere—delicate blue fin jumbo lump crab meat infused with the essence of lime and fresh herbs, then rolled in a sweet avocado.

• The July 4th weekend starts on Thursday with Paul Revere riding through the community warning of the approaching British Army. The rest of the day is packed full of Buck Hill traditions: The flag raising (revived last year) at the old Inn site will be at 9:45am, followed by the parade to the pool and our unique BHF ceremony ending with Tom O’Malley leading us singing God Bless America. The Metzgar’s picnic and fireworks at the golf course will be on Friday, July 5.

Lot and Cot would also like to thank cottagers Peter Heffernan for running this winter’s paddle tennis round robins, and Robert Woodward for stepping in over President’s weekend. Paddle has become one of Buck Hill’s favorite winter activities

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

so to simplify making court reservations, we are establishing an online system. Previously, you had to sign in the book at the courts. Now you can sign up before you even get to Buck Hill. You’ll need at least two people on the reservation and it will be good for the first ten minutes of your court time. If you are late or a no-show, the court is up for grabs. If your plans change, please go back to the online site and cancel. The links will be posted in Breezemail and on NextDoor.

We will be sending our membership letters in April via email; if you’ve had a change in email address, please let us know at LotandCot@BuckHillFalls.com. Like last year, you will be able to pay by check, Pay Pal, or charge to your cottage. As always, we appreciate your support. Your membership allows us to sponsor events and parties for the whole community.

Behind The Scenes

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here is much to take care of in our community. With 10 miles of roads, seven bridges, sports facilities, water and sewer operations, a golf course, trails and streams, a restaurant, 11 buildings, and a host of equipment, there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes by the Company to manage and prioritize our maintenance needs. In all, the Company spends about $1 million each year on maintaining the infrastructure in Buck Hill Falls and identifying opportunities to make incremental improvements.

Considering the amount of infrastructure, its age, complexity and a need to prioritize our efforts and capital spending, the Board of Directors debated the best way to bring more insight and practical advice and assistance to both the decision-making process and the execution of our maintenance activities. In the fall of 2018, the Board approved the creation of a “Capital Advisory Team” (CAT) and its initial membership.

CAT brings together the combined talents of members of the community with considerable experience in architecture, planning, engineering, building projects, and infrastructure maintenance.

The founding members of CAT are John Rodgers (Chairman), Chris Robbins, Kathy Clark, and Dan McCoubrey. CAT’s role is to provide advice to the Board on the

Going, Going, Gone

I

t’s certainly been exciting to see Buck Hill Falls real estate sales and prices trend upward during the last twelve months. According to realtor and cottager Caroline Salvino, “This past year was record setting in terms of sales.”

Company statistics indicate that a total of 25 closings occurred during calendar year 2018—an 80% increase from recent years. This includes 16 sales averaging $353,783 in the old community and nine golf cottage sales averaging $144,125 during this period. As of early March 2019, four homes closed and six were pending, meaning we’re off to an auspicious start this year!

This heightened activity is the result of our marketing and brand awareness

maintenance and development of the full range of infrastructure in Buck Hill and at the same time act as a very valuable source of advice and practical assistance to Buck Hill Company management. This structure is similar to what exists at many institutions, clubs, and HOAs. It takes time to become familiar with the infrastructure in Buck Hill, its state of repair and what’s critical and what’s not. For that reason, a dedicated group was considered a much better long-term solution than to attempt to replicate those same skills and experience on the Company Board. Of course, final decisions on capital spending remain with the Company Board, but now with the benefit of the depth and breadth of advice from CAT. CAT has met several times since its creation and has quickly focused atten-

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campaigns, cottage rentals, word of mouth to friends and family, as well as the demolition of the Inn, dismissal of the lawsuit, and additional amenities (Tennis Tea club room, community garden, pickle ball, and enhanced winter and holiday activities, as some examples). We will refine, enhance, and measure our 2019 marketing strategies to continue this momentum.

Just one of the many cottages sold in Buck Hill this past year.

tion on working with the Company to develop a long-term infrastructure plan with a particular focus in the near term on developing options to address the deteriorating state of the road network in Buck Hill–expect more information on this topic in late spring/early summer.

It is expected that CAT membership will expand or change over time. If you have an interest in lending your skills and expertise in this important endeavor, please reach out to John Rodgers.

On behalf of the Board and the Community at large, we are delighted John, Chris, Kathy, and Dan are on board. We appreciate all the work they have done so far and will continue to do on behalf of all cottagers in Buck Hill.

Hunters Notch Bridge—one of seven bridges the company must maintain.

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SPRING 2019

Buck Hill Yoga, Reincarnated

variations on the classic bridge pose.

These include the Hunters Notch Bridge pose, when you will be asked to imagine you are a 100+-year-old stone bridge with

by Mary Lowengard traffic passing over and under, and the Upper Glen Bridge pose, where you’ll Buck Hill Yoga began in the fall of 2015 and be offered an option of conjuring up the is still going strong, having acquired new thundering Red Rock Falls on one side instructors, acolytes, and venues along the or a gentle stream on the other. There’s way. As in matrimony, after three and a half also the No-Name Bridge pose during years it’s time for a reboot. In collaboration which class will be led in a meditative with our yoga spiritual and physical practice visualization of crossing Buck Hill Creek leader, Amy McMahon, we have reincarnated to head to the White course for nine the curriculum. This is not the same old holes, and the Lower Glen pose, a ghost same old Ashtanga, Bikram, Vinyasa, Naked pose in homage of the bridge at the Yoga—all so boooooring. This is bespoke bottom of the falls that no longer yoga, tailored for our unique Buck Hill exists. Class will conclude with the community. With pride, we present the Delaware Water Gap Bridge pose. If 2019 Buck Hill Falls Yoga Program. the class is facing north, an additional Buck Hill Friendly Yoga $1 toll will be added to the class fee.

In the spirit of Buck Hill’s Quaker Buck Hill G&T Yoga origins, this class will be conducted in For Buck Hill’s golf and tennis crowd, complete silence until the spirit moves this is the class to attend. After a basic someone—anyone—to call out a pose. warm-up, participants will embark Those who have for years relied on an on 40 minutes of arm swinging and instructor to lead and demonstrate can deep squatting while working through pick up a Buck Hill Yoga Pose Cheat classic yoga positions. This will Sheet at the beginning of class to refer to when the Downward-Facing Dog or Fully grown Buck Hillers enjoying child pose. isolate and strengthen those muscles essential to both sports. Cool down Tree Poses become tedious. Dancing and alcohol will be strictly forbidden while class is in session. will take place at the Fairway Grille Bar, where gin-andtonics will be served.

Approximately 15 minutes before the hour is up, the group will walk silently to the Falls to take the shavasana (also Buck Hill Falls Falling for Yoga known as Dead Man’s Float) position in the water.

We know you’re out there. We’ve heard you talking about it at Lot and Cot soirées and at Camp Club drop-offs and in the Buck Hill Coga post office. You’re the Buck Hillers who say they plan to get You’ve heard of Doga—yoga with dogs. Coga class is a to yoga, they want to try Buck Hill yoga, they’ve never done variation on Doga, enlisting the assistance of Miss Koufax, Cottage 40’s tuxedo alley cat, to roam the room and participate yoga but would like to learn or they gave up yoga in the last century but are thinking of starting again—and somehow as appropriate. Over the course of the hour there will be seven never get around to it. This is the class for you. We can’t cat-cow poses integrated into the program. Miss Koufax will possibly make it any easier for you—just show up on the demonstrate the “cat” part (but not the cow). Rest assured, designated Sunday, any time between 9am and 5pm, we’ll Miss Koufax had all her shots and is flea- and tick-protected. provide the mat, the music, the incense, the instruction.

Complimentary Allegra and a short-acting bronchodilator Come as you are (Lululemon gear not necessary). All you inhaler will be available for those with feline allergies–so don’t have to do is come in, sign in, and lie down on the mat for shy away. Bringing Friskies Temptations Treats is optional. as long as you’d like. That’s it! That’s yoga! See you next The Bridges of Monroe County Yoga Sunday. And don’t forget to sign up first at SignUpGenius.

You read the book. You saw the movie. Now take the yoga class. This session will be a flow practice featuring Namaste, Buck Hillers.

Diary Of

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

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SPRING 2019

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SPRING 2019

Annual Dinner Dance

Call Of The Wild

Channel the spirit of “Red, White, and Blue” as you get decked out for the annual Conservation Foundation Dinner Dance and Auction on Saturday, July 6. Head up to the Inn property to enjoy great food, drinks, and music as you bid on auction items. We are always looking for new auction ideas so if you have a special vacation destination or experience or are ready The site of the former Buck Hill Inn to part with that notable piece set the stage for last year’s BHCF of art and are willing to donate, dinner dance, whose theme this please contact Carol Klatt at klattcarol@hotmail.com. year is “Red, White, and Blue.”

On & Off Campus Friendly Library

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he Popular reading materials and lifelong learning programming direct the services in our small, rural public library. In 2018, 43,582 people walked through Barrett Paradise Friendly Library’s doors. They borrowed 46,720 library materials, and 10,525 people of all ages attended one or more of the 707 varied programs offered to the public free of charge. It was a good year and we continue to strive to offer more opportunities for learning Pat McCain Williams leads every day in the Shakespeare class every 2019, including these: Wednesday.

Preparing For New Life

ast February, targeted areas in the community once choked with Japanese barberry were prepped for seedlings to regenerate those areas. This May a team of volunteers, headed by John Styk, Keith Baer, and forester Josh Flad, will plant 2,150 saplings, including white pine, white spruce, Norway spruce, tamarack (European larch), winterberry holly, and willow shrub.

The project, focusing on areas along Rolloff Road and Golf Drive, follows the recommendations in the 2012 Forest Management Plan for controlling invasive species. Any cottage owners who want to eradicate barberry on their own properties can forward their names and contact information to BHCF President Susan Worth Reilly at susaneworth@gmail.com. If enough cottagers wish to employ the services of the contractor, the BHCF will issue an estimate to the property owner for treatment.

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• Each week the staff choose and purchase new materials for the library. We offer popular movies, books, and audio books. Many times, in small libraries, the average wait for a very popular book is much shorter than in more urban libraries. It’s all a matter of numbers—population and copies.

• Hoopla, RBDigital, and Overdrive are three online resources we offer via web and mobile platforms that allow patrons to download or stream media content free of charge—e-books, e-magazines, e-audiobooks, movies, and even e-comic books— from their mobile devices. The process to set up and begin is quick. Call the library at 570 595-7171 and ask for Briana or Chelsea to take you through the steps.

• Every week infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary students come for songs, nursery rhymes, stories, art, S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and math), music, movement and play programs. Families come just to play and relax in the Children’s Area, too.

• Diversification and creativity are the keys to our adult scheduling: we offer programs for foodies, art lessons with John James, classes from yoga to self-defense, from embroidery to chess, from chakras to Zumba, and from WWII to Shakespeare.

• In fact, the Shakespeare classes and discussions have been taking place for almost seven years. Each week 13 to 15 people come together to appreciate and understand more of William Shakespeare’s words and stories every Wednesday from 1-2:30pm through the end of May. Pat McCain Williams leads the discussion.

Look on our website www.barrettlibrary. org for calendars, pick one up at the library, or send your email address to brfpubli@ptd. net and sign up for our monthly Constant Contact e-newsletter to have the info at

your fingertips. Remember you are always welcome at the public library, please come and share its resources and participate in its mission of lifelong learning.

The FCC The Friendly Community Center offeres a full schedule of activities and programs including these: • Weekly Walkers every Tuesday at 9am from May-October.

• The Barrett Bird Club meets the second Tuesday of the month, led by Jackie and Darryl Speicher of the Pocono Avian Research Center and local bird enthusiast, Tim Grover.

• Get Medicare issues explained by Sandy Goddeyne and Ernie Camlet of APPRISE with a personal appointment on the first Wednesday of the month. Schedule in advance.

• Join our bus trip to the Corning Museum of Glass on April 27 and enjoy the beauty of glassmaking. Purchase tickets in advance.

• Yoga with Colleen LaScala, Tuesday and Saturday mornings.

• Cardio Sculpt with Colleen LaScala, Wednesdays at 5pm.

• Men Get Fit with Bob Larsen, Mondays at 4:15pm.

• The FCC’s new Memory Café (2nd and 4th Tuesdays 1-2:30pm) offers support to persons living with dementia.

• Exercise with Natalie Schultz-Kahwaty at Dance & Movement for people affected by Parkinson’s disease or arthritis, Thursdays at 3pm.

For more info call Nicole Abrams at 570 481-4330, visit www.thefriendlycommunitycenter.org, or check in on Facebook.

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

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SPRING 2018

S

CAROLINE

Mobile: (570) 977-1777

ALVINO

Office: (570) 595-3705 ccsalvino@gmail.com

If you are thinking of buying, selling, or renting, call Caroline.

She lives, works and plays in Buck Hill Falls!

Caroline is a FULL-TIME agent with 30+ years experience!

Caroline’s goal is to provide her clients with an unsurpassed level of service that’s based on integrity, dedication, honesty and a commitment to excellence.

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