BUCK HILL FALLS PA
JUNE 2019
The Breeze The Trail Beckons
Summer Fun For Everyone More New Cottagers
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Tasting Room @ Crossings
BEER SPIRITS WINE SMOKED WHISKEY
Crossings Outlets Tannersville
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
In This Issue SHOOTIN’ THE BREEZE
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GEN NEXT
6 THE SOCIAL NETWORK
8 UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
10 PAST PERFECT
12 THAT SPORTING LIFE
14 IT’S YOUR BUSINESS
17 ON & OFF CAMPUS
18 DIARY OF
20 CALL OF THE WILD
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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, Chrissy Caiazzo-Pritchard, Cindy DeLuca, Brian Fowler, Mill Jonakait, Mary Lowengard, Marie McGrath, Pat McGrath, Tomas Ollestad, Tom O’Malley, Audra Ottaway, Mayson Moore-Price, Mary Kate Reeves-Hoche, Chris Robbins, Roxana Rojas, Susan Rusbasan, Jeff Smith, Karen Tetor, Robin Widing President, Buck Hill Falls Company Mike O’Shea Manager of PR & Communications Erin L. Delaney
THE BREEZE DEADLINES 2019-2020 July Issue August Issue Fall Issue (Sept/Oct/Nov) Winter Issue (Dec/Jan/Feb/Mar) Spring Issue (Apr/May) June Issue
June 1 July 1 August 3 November 2 March 1 May 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
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• Wahoo, the Buck Hill Falls summer is about to start! Time to reconnect with friends, put the garden furniture out, gear up for tennis, golf, and lawn bowling, tweak your brain with culture, and simply relish the thoughts of the glorious days ahead. • Hey, look, it’s our very own cottager, Mary Kate Reeves-Hoche adorning a banner right near the Pour House in Mountainhome! The HomeTown Hero program, run by Rotary is open to anyone who is currently in the military or who had served in the military. Mary Kate served in the United States Air Force Nurse Corps for 19 years from 1978-1997, including deployment in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Desert Sweep. In Saudi Arabia, where the Air Force had their most forward operating Mary Kate Reeves-Hoche is location, she was the night shift a HomeTown Hero for her triage officer making decisions on service in the Air Force. all incoming wounded. Mary Kate, thank you for your service. And please also note, BHF friend and ranger John Styk’s banner hanging in front of the diner. • The Buck Hill Garden Club was such a success last summer they have expanded it with nine additional beds and are fully subscribed for the 2019 season. There are now a How our garden grows. Nine new beds total of 23 beds. were added this year. Come visit the garden, which has proven to be a new hive of community activity. • Last year Betsy and Bruce Finley, Cottage 33, bid on “Dinner for 14” auctioned at the Buck Hill Art Association Fundraiser dinner/dance. This year, on May 4, they collected on that investment as 14 guests sat down to dinner at their new home in Charleston, SC. Buck Hiller and chef John Fretz prepared the sevThe Charleston dream dinner was hosted en-course repast by the Finleys.
Shootin’ The Breeze
with assistance from sous chef, Adrienne Fretz. Fellow cottager Susan Rusbasan served as sommelier with the perfect wine parings. The table was artfully set in the garden with jasmine in full bloom and the scent of their flowers wafting in the night air. The lucky 14? Buck Hillers Betsy and Bruce, their daughter Daisy and her boyfriend Jamie, Chuck and Susan Summertime and the livin’ is easy. Rusbasan, Adrienne and Picnic anyone? John Fretz, JR Robbins (who flew in for the event), and five Charleston friends. Sounds right out of central casting. • Art connoisseurs admire the Buck Hill Art Association Permanent Collection paintings, which recently returned from the Acorn Club of Philadelphia exhibit. With the paintings’ return, the Grille has been adorned with some old favorites like this snow scene by Edward Redfield the noted Pennsylvania Impressionist and frequent Buck Hill visitor.
Check out the new installation of paintings from the BH Art Collection at the Fairway Grille.
• Here’s a special fuzzy Buck Hill love story for you. Robert Woodward and Nadya Shmavonian, Cottage 25, have a male golden retriever called Gus. Chris and Kelly Powers, Cottage 56, have a female golden retriever named Luna. Just before Gus was to be neutered, the dogs were mated. The day after Gus was altered, the owners found out Luna was to be a mom to three female pups. Two of the darlings will stay in Buck Hill: Lilly with her pop Gus, and Gussie with her mom Luna. Nadya says they are looking forward to the furry chaos when the two sides of the family are reunited this summer when Chris, Kelly, their children, and dogs are back in BHF.
Buck Hill parents and pups (from left): Gus and Lilly; and Gussie and Luna.
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• As Buck Hill Yoga enters its fifth year, the 2019 Summer Season will include classes twice a week on Sundays and Thursdays and an expanded program introducing Gentle Yoga and Iron Man/Woman Yoga in addition to the muchloved “Regular” class. Holiday weekends will have additional classes scheduled to accommodate the crowds. Following its successful residency at Camp Club over the Get fit, strong, and centered with fall, winter and spring, weekly BH yoga. classes will move to the Tennis Tea from Memorial Day to Labor Day. As the exact venue can vary it is essential that participants register via SignUpGenius or they might miss an important relocation notice. There is also an active NextDoor Yoga Group to check for information. This year, for the first time, new cottagers will be offered a complimentary Buck Hill Yoga session as a welcome to the community. The very talented Amy Lee McMahon will be leading participants for her third year, and as her faithful student will attest, she is a superb instructor. For further information, contact Mary Lowengard at mary.lowengard@gmail.com or Amy at amyleemcmahon@gmail.com. Namaste, Buck Hillers. • Quiet time is a unique Buck Hill tradition. Early settlers in the community came here to escape the heat, din, and pace of city life. Here they enjoyed the quiet and beauty of our natural surroundings. In that vein, we disallow noisy outside work from July 1 through Labor Day. Enjoy the peace.
TextLess Live More by Marie McGrath
e’ve all seen it: the driver ahead sliding over the yellow line, eyes down instead of forward. Distracted driving is an everyday occurrence in 2019, and it is costing nine American lives every single day. TextLess Live More works to change that. This nationwide, student-led mission to end distracted driving was founded in honor of Merritt Levitan, an 18-year-old killed on a bike trip in the summer of 2013 when struck by a 21-year-old driver who was texting. When I first heard Merritt’s story, my mind returned to the Buck Hill summers of my childhood, spent wheeling wildly on our bicycles between Paiste Pond and the pool. Or later, with the newfound freedom of our driver’s
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• We trust you’ve noticed our new signs at the pillared entrance on Lenape Lane. The BH Signage Committee is responsible for the upgraded signs around the community including this installation. It’s funded by a private group of cottagers, but if you are interested in donating to this beautification initiative, contact JR Robbins at johnangellrobbins@gmail.com. • In the coming months, the focus of The Breeze will New signs at the entrance to be a bit more on what has the community are part of the happened vs. what’s gonna’ on-going signage program. happen. Why? BreezeMail is now your go-to-place for all upcoming info on events with location and time. Then The Breeze will report on those very events (plus more, of course). Please continue to send photos, tidbits, and good gossip for inclusion in the newsletter at thebreeze@ buckhillfalls.com for we value your input.
Enjoy the beauty of our surrounds, including the quiet peacefulness.
licenses, piling into our mothers’ cars and flying down country roads, ours winding where the one Merritt rode that summer day was straight as an arrow. Injuries and deaths due to digital distraction are 100% preventable through education, dialogue, and behavioral change. For that reason, we are so excited to bring TextLess Live More and this important mission to our community. Together we can end distracted driving and save lives. To benefit this important cause, join us Friday, August 23 for the Weiler-TextLess Live More Inaugural Golf Scramble at Buck Hill. The inter-generational organizing committee so far includes Maddy Lawler, Quint Miller, John Rusbasan, and Patrick McGrath, Jr. Please reach out if you’d like to learn more to get involved. —Marie McGrath is Executive Director of TextLess LiveMore. Contact her at marie@textlesslivemore. org. Visit www.textlesslivemore.org for more information.
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Gen Next
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Camp Club It’s just about time for Camp Club to begin— Buck Hill Falls kids’ favorite pastime for decades. This year we present the following theme weeks: Week 1 June 24-28—Rock and Roll Week 2 July 1-5—Party In The USA Week 3 July 8-12—Little Spies Week 4 July 15-19—Camper vs. Wild Week 5 July 22-26—Shark Bite
Week 6 July 29-August 2—Wacky Week Week 7 August 5-9—A Taste Of The Holidays Week 8 August 12-16—Royal Treatment very camper receives a drawstring bag with his/her registration. And new this year is our Guest Passes program. Campers registered for the season will receive two free guest passes; those registered for four-consecutive weeks will receive one guest pass (restrictions and deadlines apply). To register visit buckhillfalls.com
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Kids just want to have fun. And do just that at Camp Club! Sports, games, carnival, and crafts are part of the deal.
Sunshine
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JUNE 2019
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JUNE 2019
Art News The Buck Hill Art Association has several big projects lined up for 2019 and beyond. We have taken steps on each of three fronts and invite you, our members, to join us in our endeavors. • First and foremost is the conservation and preservation of our art collection. During April, paintings conservator Steven Erisoty surveyed paintings in our collection Painting conservator to determine a Steven Erisoty examining course of stabione of our paintings. lization, repairs, and aesthetic improvements to selected paintings. The last program of restoration for the collection took place in the late 1990s. The work is periodically necessary to prolong the life of paintings in their natural course of deterioration. For example, new technologies, not available to artists working in the first half of the last century, can be applied to preserve paint that inevitably shrinks as it dries and begins to crack, flake, and ultimately fall off the supports on which it was applied. Conservation of works of art can also be a corrective to inappropriate varnishes that were applied in the past, allowing a painting to be seen in its best possible light. The proposed work will take place over the next several years on a prioritized basis. • Second is the preservation of the Buck Hill Archives. As previously reported, the art association has partnered with the Barrett Paradise Friendly Library on a project to digitally preserve the entire Buck Hill Archive Collection. Once digitized, anyone with internet connection or who can get to the library will have access to the arFrom left, Mary Kate chives. We are Reeves-Hoche, Presiin the process dent BHAA with Cindy DeLuca, Library Director, of prioritizing Barrett Paradise Friendly documents and photos to Library, and Mow Kofol, be scanned Treasurer BHAA.
The Social Network first and have just donated $10,000 to the library to proceed with the work. Please consider making a donation to the BHAA specifically for the archival project • Third is bringing art to the community, including these initiatives: —The association stepped into spring with a new exhibition installed at the Fairway Grille. On display are many of the old favorites— such as “Single Peonies” by H. Now on display at the Fair- Dudley Murway Grille, Single Peonies phy —that have by H. Dudley Murphy. returned from the Acorn Club in Philadelphia where they have been on loan. —The programming committee is at work lining up art classes for Art Week, July 15-19. Some favorite instructors will return, but we are also adding new classes. One such new offering is the art of miniature gardening in a pot. In prep for the class, master ceramicist, potter, and cottager, Claire Rodgers, recently hosted members of the art association to make the pots that will be used in the class. —The BHAA art season will officially launch on Sunday, June 23 with the open-
SAVE THE DATE The Buck Hill Art Association Gala Dinner Dance & Auction July 20, 6:30pm ing of the ArtPaths. ArtPaths is the idea of new board member Robert Woodward and involves inviting artists to build and install sculptures on one of the Buck Hill Falls trails. Thus, as hikers traverse the trail they will witness carvings and sculptures that help one to reimagine the woods and environment. Join us for mimosas and Bloody Marys on Sunday morning as we open the trail with a short talk by our guest artists. More details will be announced in BreezeMail and on NextDoor. —Please join us for our next Fireside Chat on Saturday, June 1 at 7pm at the Goldwater’s Breezewood Cottage, 223 Huckleberry (parking on Ledge) with healers Dr. Jen Furcht and Dr. Jamie Sarra as they discuss the Art of Energy. Dr. Furcht is a Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic and Physical Therapy and a Master of Bioenergy; Dr. Sarra is a Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic and Physical Therapy and a Clinical Nutritional Practitioner. Both use holistic approaches such as Reiki, Shambala, and Quantum healing in their practices as well as a combination of eastern and western techniques to clear roadblocks and blind spots in their clients’ lives so that creative energy can flow freely. At this gathering, they will teach us how to unlock and use the energy codes already present in our bodies so that we might better manifest our art. It is an honor to have them with us in Buck Hill. he annual Membership cocktail party will take place on Saturday, June 22 at 6pm at Caroline Salvino’s Honeysuckle Cottage. Cottagers are encouraged to join prior to the party through our website at http:// www.buckhillartassociation.com/store/. You may also join at the door. Please consider adding a donation for the BHAA projects.
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SAVE THE DATE
Claire Rodgers (left) giving pointers to Karen Chase making her garden pot.
The annual Gertie’s Garrett sale is July 12-13. Look for donation details on Next Door and in BreezeMail during June.
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Coming Attractions Foxhowe has an exciting lineup this season, with programs that will stimulate our minds as well as entertain children and adults alike. Our featured programs for June include: Sunday, June 23 The New Normal: Global Implications of China’s Road Ahead
PMMF
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t’s June in Buck Hill Falls and that means the Pocono Mountains Music Festival is right around the corner. The festival celebrates its 10th Anniversary Season this year with five spectacular events July 24-July 28 at venues close to home. This special anniversary prompted us to reflect on how an idea that Buck Hill resident, David S. Mazza, had in 2009 turned into a reality. To learn more, Maryjane Baer, PMMF board member, asked fellow board member David Ottaway, and Buck Hill resident to share his thoughts on ten Board member, years of the music David Ottoway, festival. David and along with his wife his wife, Marina, Marina are sponare sponsoring a soring a matching generous $20,000 grant to the festival matching grant to this year. the festival this year to encourage new donors and motivate regular donors to give more. Any new donor’s contribution will be matched dollar-for-dollar. For returning donors, any amount 25% or above your last donation will go toward this goal. MJB: David, you and Marina have been supporters of the festival since its inception. What was it about the idea that interested you? DO: The Buck Hill Inn once provided a wide variety of wonderful musical events involving many members of the community that was much appreciated, and I felt we needed to revive that rich tradition.
Evan Osnos is a Staff Writer at the New Yorker. He is best known for his coverage of China and is an award-winning author—Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth and Faith in the New China. Location: Tennis Tea, 5:15pm cocktails; 6pm presentation Saturday, June 29 Kindness Rocks, Children Inspiring Others, is back by popular demand and will be spreading good cheer throughout the MJB: The festival has grown significantly over ten seasons. Is there one aspect that you and Marina have found most compelling and impactful? DO: It has taken the festival a number of years to find the right combination of music—opera, jazz, cabaret, choral groups, chamber ensembles—to attract the greatest number of people. I think we have come pretty close now to achieving the right mixture. One of the biggest surprises has been the enormous success of the music camp for local high school students. This has helped bring the festival closer to the outlying community beyond Buck Hill and Skytop, which has always been one of our main objectives. MJB: This year, you and Marina are providing a very generous matching grant to the festival. How do you envision that gift making a difference? DO: This is the festival’s tenth anniversary and quite an achievement. We wanted to show our appreciation for all that David Mazza has done and intend to continue our support for his endeavor. MJB: Is there anything else about the festival that you’d like to share. DO: The festival has had a number of beneficial side effects, one of which was to bring Buck Hill and Skytop together in a joint venture for the first time in their independent histories. At the same time and in the same spirit, it has served to bring both of them into closer contact with our neighbors in Barrett Township and beyond. We have birthed a common enterprise bringing us all together to spread the sound of music across the Pocono Mountains. This has enriched us all. Indeed. So take advantage of this impressive lineup: • Opening night will take place right here in Buck Hill at the Fairway Grille with a cabaret featuring two-time Tony Award nominee, Kate Baldwin at 6pm and 8:30pm on
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Buck Hill Falls community with children painting rocks with uplifting messages and designs. The painted rocks will then be hidden throughout the community. In partnership with the Buck Hill Art Association. Location: Camp Club, 10am Sunday, June 30 Marcelle Martin, Quaker traveling minister and author of Our Life is Love: The Quaker Spiritual Journey and storyteller of the early Quakers, especially women, as radical agents of social change. Location: Tennis Tea, 5:15 pm cocktails; 6pm presentation Wednesday, July 24. The Fairway Grille is a new venue for the festival and will offer table, bar, and row seating, in addition to beverages and a limited menu prior to the performance. • Thursday, July 25 brings the world-premiere of Cirque d’Oz, a breathtaking experience for the Cirque d’Oz is sure to please entire family grown-ups and kids alike. at Pocono Mountains East High School, Swiftwater, just a short 12-15 minute drive away. • A festival favorite and one of New York City’s most sought after performers, Carole Carole J. Bufford will appear at J. Bufford returns to Skytop Lodge on the festival on Friday, Friday, July 26. July 26 performing at the Evergreen Ballroom at Skytop Lodge. • Music of the Knights, a celebration of the works of Britain’s legendary songwriters, Sir Elton John, Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber, and Sir Paul McCartney, opens Saturday, July 27 at Pocono Mountains East High School, Swiftwater, featuring our 23-piece Pocono Pops! Orchestra. • This exciting season closes with the wildly popular jazz sensation, The Hot Sardines, on Sunday, July 28 again at Pocono Mountains East High School, Swiftwater, just a short drive away. To learn more about David and Marina Ottaway’s generous matching grant, how to bid for a chance to perform with our artists, to make a tax-deductible donation, or purchase tickets, go to: www.PoconoFest.org.
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New Cottagers
JUNE 2019
Comprehensive Financial Associates, Inc. and Pennsylvania Pension Planners, Inc., both located in Harrisburg, PA. In addition, Eric was the founder of the Harrisburg City Islanders/Penn FC Professional Soccer Club, which played Division 2 Pro Soccer in the United Soccer League for 15 years. A graduate of Bloomsburg University, he was a goalkeeper for the Bloomsburg’s Men’s soccer team and has coached for over a 25-year soccer career. Eric enjoys cycling and rode over 10,000 miles in one year. Patrice has been involved in marketing and sponsorships as Director of Business Partnership for the Harrisburg City Islanders/Penn FC; Director of Sales and Marketing for Hersheypark and Hersheypark Area, Hershey, PA, and Merchandise Buyer for Hershey’s Chocolate World. She enjoys fitness, yoga, gardening, playing piano, and volunteering with the Penn State Health Medical Center. Eric and Patrice have two rescue “puppies,” Prince and Kayla. All the Pettises are looking forward to their first season as Buck Hillers. Mike and Kelly Henry Mike and Kelly Henry have lived in Manhattan for more than 20 years and rented in Buck Hill Falls for seven years. Mike is the CEO of a digital media startup and Kelly is a writer working in the asset management industry. They first came to Buck Hill in 2012 as renters in search of a weekend getaway where they could enjoy fly fishing, hiking, and golf, and fell in love with the community. Since then, they’ve enjoyed watching their kids, Carson and Halina, grow up with a love of nature, Camp Club, and all things Buck Hill. When Cottage 314 came on the market (formerly owned by Milan and Jean Kofol), they knew within minutes that it was the one for them. The kids are thrilled with their new digs and their shorter commute to Camp Club and the pool. Mike and Kelly look forward to having friends over for dinner and drinks on the porch. Tom and Kara Skeans The Skeans family consists of Tom, Kara, and kids Jack, and Estella.
Up Close & Personal
Welcome, New Cottagers. You’re gonna’ love it here! Pam and Tom Robertson The Robertsons live in Summit, NJ with their four children Meredith, Will, Mimi, and Teddy. They recently purchased Tom’s parents’ cottage 573 on Bunting Drive. Tom is managing partner with TK Trial LLP and Pam is founder of lifestyle brand, Talking Joy. Meredith and Will are both students at Middlebury College in VT and Mimi and Teddy attend Summit High School. While in Buck Hill Falls the family loves spending time in the beautiful outdoors playing golf, paddle tennis, hiking, and fly fishing. You might recognize their son, “Nature Will,” the Camp Club naturalist the past several years. The Robertsons are looking forward to making many great family memories in their new home.
Eric and Patrice Pettis Eric and Patrice are the proud owners of Cottage 818 on Creekside Lane. After spending two years renting with their family on Hemlock Lane, it was clear that they had found a second home in the Buck Hill Falls community. The simple Quaker lifestyle, vast nature, hiking and biking trails, plus engaging community were the enticements. The Pettises reside in Elizabethtown, PA with their son Isaiah (currently at Binghamton University). Other family members include Erica Pettis and Jerome Wallace (Manhattan), Garret (Lancaster, PA) and Taylor (Montclair, NJ). Eric is the President of
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They live in Allentown, PA and golf, ski, and enjoy the outdoors. They know of Buck Hill because they have a family house at Skytop and use it often. Their new cottage 134 on Lenape Lane will be an extra family house. Richard Johnson Though not new to Buck Hill Falls (he’s been here since 2003), Dick returns to Buck Hill with hope. Following his wife Marsha’s passing last fall, he says “the community has provided a foundation for both my grieving and my healing.” He’s looking forward to returning to this wonderful and caring community (he spends winters in Sarasota, FL) at this new point in his life—with a new home on Creekside. He hopes to reciprocate Buck Hill’s support in any way. Matthew and Greg Peterson Matthew and Greg and their two Chihuahuas, Peter and Mac, are the new owners of Stonebriar Cottage 135 on Lenape Lane, the former home of Betty and Nick Sivolella. Matthew and Greg reside in Manhattan where Greg is the Director of Employee Relations for Animal Care Centers of NYC. Matthew just celebrated 15 years with American Airlines as a Cabin Service Director and primarily flies the London and Los Angeles routes. They purchased a weekend home in the Poconos five years ago and fell in love with their weekend escapes to the mountains. Last December they were out looking at properties in the area and stumbled upon BHF and felt like they had come home. One drive under the stone bridge on Golf Drive and they both decided this is where they wanted to be. Greg has already been down to the falls a few times with Peter and can’t wait for more hikes this summer. Matthew just recently helped plant a bed in the Garden Club with Caroline Salvino and is excited to watch everything grow this season. With summer fast approaching they are both psyched about all the activities ramping up and meeting new cottagers.
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Couple Of The Month
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teve and Becky Vosburgh fell in love with Buck Hill Falls on a beautiful September day in 2013 while visiting fellow cottagers Elise and Tom Ross. Two months later they bought 3175 Ledge Drive and moved in during the winter of 2014. Loving the history, diversity, sense of family, and The Vosburg clan with mom/grandma natural beauty of Becky center (in white), and dad/grandpa the place, they have Steve third from right. found Buck Hill a perfect summer (and sometimes winter) retreat. Their four grown children (Christopher, Emily, Megan, and Nicholas) love Buck Hill, too. Their five grandchildren go to Camp Club and spend at least a month with Steve and Becky each summer. A biannual family reunion (50-plus people from Becky’s extended family) enjoy Buck Hill as well. Becky and Steve have become active members of the community: Becky serves on Foxhowe, the Community Service Committee, and the Welcome Committee; Steve is a director of Lot and Cot. Steve, the third of five siblings, was born in Detroit, Michigan, but grew up mostly in Darien, Connecticut. Becky, the fourth of seven siblings (hence, that huge extended family) grew up on a farm near Macomb, Illinois. Meeting at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, they tease that Steve “saved that poor little farm girl,” while Becky saved “that aloof snooty guy from Darien.” Married in 1975, they started out in Chicago when Steve went to work for Karastan Rugs. Like his father before him, Steve found that working in the floor covering business required many geographical transfers. Five moves and three babies later (each born in a different state), they settled in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, where they lived for 12 years. More recently, Steve has worked for Design Tex, Mohawk Industries (a textile company) entailing a move to Hoboken, then a recent move to Tarkett USA, Inc. and a new home in the Cleveland, Ohio area where they now live. Becky ran a drop-in daycare center in her Mountain Lakes home, but given Steve’s peripatetic career, she considers her career to have been moving often and raising four great children. Asked to name a little known fact about herself, Becky pointed out that even though she grew up on a farm, she has never had a garden and finds that she hasn’t any green in her thumb! Remembering her mother, who passed away at Christmastime in 2017, Becky says that her mother is the person she most admires. She taught Becky the value of family, an appreciation for diversity, and reminded her that there was a great big world outside the farm—a world worth investigating. Her mother, says Becky, also demonstrated a positive attitude toward life— an attitude that the Vosburghs have brought to Buck Hill, for which we are all grateful.
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Old Lamps by Chris Robbins
JUNE 2019
Past Perfect
We can thank the Olmsted Brothers for the wonderful look and feel of the built landscapes and clubhouses of Buck Hill Falls. In the early 1920s the Buck Hill Falls Company hired the firm famous for designing Central Park in NYC, the grounds of the Capitol, the Biltmore Estate, and many of the public grounds throughout the national parks. The charge was to create a master plan that would tie together the cottages, amenities, and the soon-to-be redesigned Inn. The Olmsteds had a hand in the design of all of the vintage common buildings and built landscapes throughout Buck Hill, including the golf club, the tennis club, the pool facility, lawn bowling, the falls entrance, the flower garden, and of course the Inn grounds. Central to this effort was the elaborate north terrace, which brought together paths from the cottages and amenities, guiding Buck Hillers to the new main wing of the Inn. The Olmsteds were inspired by nature, style, and design. It was 1923 when the Olmsted Brothers first sketched the terraces of the proposed grand reimagined Buck Hill Inn. The lamps perched atop the terrace walls never appeared in their sketches, but you can imagine the style and fashion of the roaring twenties in the tall slender design with the bell-shaped shade. Their art-deco form is reminiscent of the stylized dancers of the day called flappers with their bell-shape or “cloche” hats. Although we were able to salvage many plans, sketches, and photographs from the lost Olmsted archives the lamps do not appear in any of the drawings.
The original lamps were sited at various points around the Inn.
The Olmsteds were famous for designing every detail of their landscape projects, so they would not have left the design of the lamps to others. We believe local craftsman, possibly members of the Another view of one of the old “cloche” lamps. Buck Hill Falls Company staff, created the lamps on site, under direction from the Olmsted Brothers. If you look closely at the four original lamps, you’ll note the bases are repurposed vintage truck brake drums, the main support is common iron steam pipe, and the wrought iron scrolls would be quick work by a local blacksmith. Spinning the copper shades would most likely require a trip to town but was a common practice in 1925. Before the demolition of the Inn began, we were able to salvage four lamps—incomplete, in pieces, and with no shades. After the demolition was underway, people would reach out to us from near and far to tell us their stories of the Inn. On occasion, people would return artifacts from the Inn. On one such occasion, we received word that two of the original copper shades had survived. We now have all the pieces to begin the process of restoring the four salvaged lamps and creating the lost four from scratch. I reached out to Andrew from Artisans of the Anvil in Stroudsburg. His work can be seen at the Fairway Grille and numerous other Buck Hill buildings. Andrew quickly took on the project, but he wanted to weld
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The new lamps were fabricated by Artisans of the Anvil.
the copper shades. That was not an option as the originals had been spun and hammer finished. He relented, and learned a new skill in the process. Andrew created oak forms in the shape of the shade then spun the copper plate against the oak form on a lathe using levered wheels to mold the copper to the form. The first shade took Andrew four hours, but the sixth took just 45 minutes. The only difference between the original lamps and the four that were reproduced is the missing 1920’s truck brake drum bases. Next time you are visiting the Inn site and notice the eight lamps perched on their stone stages, imagine what inspired the Olmsted’s design. If you listen closely you may hear the music played in 1925 at the grand opening of the new Inn.
The new lamps stand proud atop the Inn site reminiscent of bygone days.
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JUNE 2019
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
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JUNE 2019
Think Golf By Tom O’Malley
e hope you are thinking about joining us here on the course for one or many of our upcoming events. We have the new stuff—like Family Golf Scrambles—and old classics like our Member-Guest and Member-Member tournaments. With our full slate of tournaments and daily games, you will never be wanting for a chance to hone your skills on the course and take home the prize, all the while spending time with friends, both old and new. Here’s a sampling of our regular weekly and upcoming events. Be sure to log in to the calendar on BuckHillFalls.com and/or contact us here at the Buck Hill Golf Course for more information 570 595-7730. • Ladies’ 9-Holers—Women of varying abilities come out on Monday mornings at 9:15am with one goal in mind—to have as much fun as possible on a golf course in two hours ending with a lovely lunch. • Ladies’ 18-Holers—See above. Double it! Wednesdays usually with a 8:45am tee time. On major events like the Member-Member, we play on Tournament Tuesday and Wednesday. • Vultures/MOLS—See above, figure it’s pretty close to the same thing as Ladies’
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With all the great events planned, there’s no reason to miss any day on the links.
That Sporting Life 18, except it happens at 8:30am on Mondays, Tuesdays (MOLS), and Fridays. Oh yes, and it’s a bunch of guys! • Men’s Niners—Men’s Niners is comprised of gentlemen that like to start a little later in the morning, 10am to be exact, and then do lunch. Very civilized. • BH Junior Tour—Mondays at 3pm, our Juniors descend upon the course. Age groups are 7-8, 9-11, and 11-15. • Twilights—Golf, libations, food. Make up a foursome and compete for the prize. It’s a Captain’s Choice format, with a couple of wrinkles. Then join us at the Grille where Joe, Chastity and staff provide delectable delights. Twilight is generally every other Friday at 5pm. • Guthrie Cup—Two teams—the North and the South—captained by old Yankee Tom O’Malley and our own Son of the South Gary Clark. Play a Ryder Cup style format June 8 and 9. • The ladies’ annual Green & White Tournament will be August 15 at 4:30pm. Ladies, don your favorite green and white bling and come out for a 9-hole scramble and have a rocking good time. The tournament is a fundraiser intended to help out one of our favorite causes—C.A.M.E.—which feeds those less fortunate in the area. • As mentioned above, we have added our new Family Golf Scrambles slated for Saturdays June 29 and July 27, and Sunday, August 25. The scrambles will feature tricky course set ups, lots of fun, and an
New Pro The Buck Hill Golf Club is happy to introduce Assistant Pro Christopher J. Benner as the newest member of the golf shop team. Chris was born in 1992 and raised in East Stroudsburg where his interest in the game of golf began when he was just 9 years old. He played all four years on the varsity golf team while attending East Stroudsburg South High School and also got his first “golf job” as a cart attendant at Mountain Manor Golf Course. He continued his education at ESU and worked as an assistant at Water Gap Country Club from 2013-15. After graduating from college in 2015, Chris worked at The Architects Golf Club in Phillipsburg, NJ—first as the Assistant then as the Golf Operations Manager from 2017-2019. Chris is excited to join the Buck Hill Falls team, share his knowledge about the game, and to get to know the members and families of Buck Hill. Chris is also an accomplished bowler with many 300 games and multiple 800 series, enjoys brewing his own beer, and attending baseball games with friends and family.
opportunity for you and your family to get out for an amazing afternoon of golf at the most beautiful course in the Pocs. Round up the kids and come out—this will not be your father’s rules of golf. The Tournament of Roses has nothing on BHFGS.
SAVE THE DATES
Twlight golf goals: have fun with friends, win prizes, eat good food. When? Just about every other Friday through the season.
Men’s Member-Guest—July 12-13 Joseph W. Strode Memorial Mixed Member-Guest—August 3 Ladies’ Member-Guest—August 6 Golden Years—August 12-13 Tournament of Roses—August 31
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
Pat’s Patter
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ugust will mark two years since the passing of cottager Joan Ruvane. Devoted mother, grandmother, and dear friend, Joan’s spirit touched many, and her passion for golf is most fondly remembered. Joan captured numerous Women’s Club Championship titles, her first at age 16 in 1949 at Pocono Manor. She would win nine there and eight at Buck Hill Falls. Joan was one of the first female caddies at Pocono Manor, learning the game from eventual Masters champion Art Wall, Jr. She competed successfully in USGA Women’s and Senior Women’s amateur tournaments. As recently as 2016, at age 83, Joan was runner-up in the Buck Hill Women’s Club Championship. But what she gave back to the game, and particularly to junior golf, outdistanced her personal achievements. Joan was the matriarch of Buck Hill junior golf; her commitment to instilling values dear to the game extended to junior play throughout the region. In fitting tribute to her lifelong commitment, the inaugural Joan S. Ruvane Junior Club Championship will be played Sunday and Monday, August 4 and 5. Commemorating the occasion, a cookout at Paiste Pond will immediately follow Sunday’s opening round. All who know the Ruvane family, and knew Joan, are welcome to join our junior golfers and their families for the festivities. “Mom was all about honesty and the integrity of the game,” her son Trip Ruvane said. “She loved competition
Joan Ruvane, former 8-time club champion and matriarch of Junior golf in Buck Hill.
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• Northeast Division (NED) of Bowls USA Singles Playdown: the BHFLBC will host this event July 19-21. We are thrilled to start the 2019 season competition with such an exciting tournament. • The Nelson Tournament (Club Doubles Championship), August 3. Will last year’s champs Hank Walker and Jeff Smith, be able to successfully defend their title against all challengers?
JUNE 2019
but it was more about encouraging participation.” Joan revitalized the Pocono Junior Tour, where many Buck Hill girls and boys got their start. As a USGA rules official, Joan insisted that her young charges play by the rules and exhibit proper etiquette. A proponent of the women’s game, Joan founded the women’s golf team at Cornell, and in later years gave considerable support to the women’s team at Duke. But her heart was always in Buck Hill. Stories surely will abound as we proudly celebrate Joan and her enduring contributions at the Joan S. Ruvane Junior Club Championship, named forever in her memory. —Pat McGrath
ON THE RINKS his year is the 87th season of the Buck Hill Falls Lawn Bowling Club (BHFLBC). We trust that both the upper and lower greens and their 16 rinks will be utilized throughout the season with all of the great events we’ve got planned, including these: • “Groovin’ On The Greens,” our social lawn bowling: every Saturday afternoon at 4:30pm, throughout the season, under the excellent direction of Tomas and Charlene, with assistance from the BHFLBC. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be with friends and family as well as learn or enhance your lawn bowling skills.
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The rinks will be a hive of activity this summer, with tournaments and regular play. You won’t want to miss the fun.
• Annual Skytop/BHF challenge: August 10 at Skytop. • NED of Bowls USA: this event returns to the Poconos August 16-22 (for its third consecutive year) with a seven-day NED Open including Singles, Doubles, and Triples competition co-hosted by Skytop Lawn Bowling Club, the BHFLBC, and the Buck Hill Falls Company. Last year’s NED Open was very exciting, so come on down and watch some top-rated competition right here in our own backyard. Last year cottagers volunteered to help run the event and we’re hoping they will step up again this year.
• The Trumpet Vine (Club Singles Championships): September 14. Mosey on down to the greens to watch Dan McCoubrey, Karen Chase, Charlie Dickson, and Jean McCoubrey defend their titles. As in 2018, there is a $25 annual fee to join the NED, which enables you to compete in any NED event, to support the NED, and to participate in BHFLBC competitions. For further information, contact Jim Price: jimprice95@icloud. com, 910 880-0663 (cell) or 570 595-2662 (home). Other BHFLBC activities and more detailed information will be highlighted in BreezeMail and BHFLBC emails.
Last year’s singles winners (from left): Runner-up Charlie Dickson, Champ Karen Chase, Runner-up Jean McCoubrey, and Champ Dan McCoubrey.
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
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That Sporting Life
JUNE 2019
On The Courts By Tomas Ollestad
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ur tennis season at Buck Hill Falls is ramping up. On weekends from May 25-June 23 we will be offering the following pre-season clinics: Adults Drills & Skills Saturdays 8:30-10am Sundays 8:30-10am Sundays 11am-12:30pm
Juniors (Ankle Biters 5-8; Future Stars 9-13) Saturdays 11am-12pm Our summer clinic schedule starts on Monday, June 24; the schedule for both adults and juniors can be picked up in the Pro Shop. Please note these events: • Saturday, June 29, 10am—Adult Mixer Season kick-off • Sunday, June 30, 10am—Parent/Child Tournament • Wednesday, July 3, 10am—Ladies’ Round Robin kick-off • Saturday, July 6, 9:30am—17th annual Davis Cup Tournament • Sunday, July 7, 10am—14th annual Junior Davis Cup for kids ages 10-14 • Sunday, July 7, 1pm—10th annual Junior Davis Cup for kids ages 6-10
Chris and Mow Kofol with daughter Cricket prove you’re never too young to learn the great game of tennis.
I am happy to announce that both Krystian Bigalowski and Melker Svard are returning for the season. In addition, we have two new pros joining us this summer: Alvin Rogers and Peter Pappas. Meet the whole staff below: Tomas Ollestad Head pro Tomas is originally from Stockholm, Sweden, but lived in the U.S. for many years, mostly in Florida. He moved back to Stockholm recently, but spends the summer months at Cottage 705. He has a degree from Tyler College in Tennis Teaching and Tennis Management and was All America in singles and doubles while in college. He was ranked in the top ten in Sweden in Juniors, was #1 in Florida in the 25-yearold division, and won the 2010 Florida State Championship for 50-year-olds. Tomas has been teaching for over 40 years. Krystian Bigalowski Krystian is originally from Wroclaw, Poland where he was ranked among the top 15 juniors in the country. He participated in intercollegiate competition at the University of Central Oklahoma and played in the #1 and #2 positions in both singles and doubles. Krystian has been teaching for 14 years in both Europe and the U.S. Melker Svard Melker is a Swedish native and has been playing tennis for 20 years and teaching for four. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in Media, Communications, and Entrepreneurship. He played NCAA Division 1 Tennis for all four years at the #1 or #2 position.
Peter Pappas Peter is from Traverse City, Michigan, has been playing tennis since he was six, and played throughout high school as well. He played Junior Davis Cup (Midwest Region) and on Albion College’s men’s team in Albion, Michigan. He is working on a bachelor’s degree in Professional Tennis Management from Ferris State University in Michigan. Peter has been coaching tennis for seven years. Alvin Rogers Alvin (called AJ) is from Little Rock, Arkansas and attends Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. where he is pursuing a degree with a minor in Professional Tennis Management (PTM) and a major in Justice Studies. He has been playing tennis for twelve years, is on the varsity team at Methodist, was ranked in the top ten juniors in the state of Arkansas, and earned Conference Champion and All-State honors in high school tennis. As a reminder to all members and their guests, the Tennis Club has a dress code for the courts: Tennis shoes are a must and no T-shirts, cut-off shorts, bathing suits, or other non-tennis clothing are allowed. We are not an “all-white clothing” club, but we make every effort to maintain a dress code standard for all players. Members, please pass this information on to your guests and renters. Stop by the courts anytime to meet the pros, join a clinic, or play in one of our tournaments. I look forward to my 17th year in Buck Hill and to a great tennis season.
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
BHFCO Update
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he Buck Hill Falls Company Board of Directors met on April 27. At the outset of the meeting, the Board unanimously elected Chuck Hood to fill a Board seat left empty when a Board member resigned earlier this year due to a change in personal circumstances. Immediately after Chuck was elected, he joined the meeting, having flown in from Denver to be there. Chuck’s experience as a corporate attorney, and his love of golf made him a particularly attractive candidate. Erin Delaney updated the Board on the various marketing initiatives the Company is pursuing. While there is no question that activity in the market for home sales in Buck Hill has markedly picked up, the Board is particularly interested in understanding to what extent the Company’s marketing expenditures have been a contributing factor to that improvement. Erin carefully described to the Board how success can be gauged and how that same information can be used to fine-tune the marketing strategy.
Summer Fare
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ot and Cot has been ramping up plans for summer events for all. A few of note include: • The July 4 celebration will begin with a flag raising on the Inn site at 9:45am, the parade at 10am followed by the pool ceremony, and then pool games at 1:30pm. The family barbecue at the Grille at 5:30pm precedes the fireworks at 9pm-ish on the golf course. The picnic at Metzger’s will be the next day, July 5, starting at 5pm. To make your July 4 weekend even more enjoyable,
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Richard Carey updated the Board on the road repair project. As you probably know, the Company has engaged the
services of an engineering firm to assess the condition of our roads, recommend how best to prioritize and accomplish the necessary repairs, and to estimate the cost of the work. We are hopeful that the engineering firm will submit its report not long after Memorial Day and that the Company will be in a position to inform the community about it during the summer. Joe Strode described the work of the Golf Planning Committee to the Board. This summer, the committee plans to explain the recommendations of Rees Jones, Inc., who recently completed a Master Plan for the course, to the community. The committee is planning to hold a handful of sessions where cottagers will be invited to learn about the Master Plan and help set the agenda for its implementation. Some work on the course that was recommended by Rees Jones has already commenced: tree work around the tee boxes across from the Fairway Grille, select widening of fairways, and slight expansions of greens where grass had grown over the original Donald Ross layout. The Company Board’s next meeting will take place on June 1.
may we suggest a new Buck Hill Falls tote bag ($25), canvas chair ($30), or both for $50—handy for the picnic, fireworks, or pool ceremony. Contact Beth Haser to reserve at bethmhaser@gmail.com. • The pool will open on Memorial Day weekend (yippee), and Lot and Cot will sponsor an ice cream Get ready for the social there on the oohs and aahs at evening of June 28 the fireworks on (please note on your calendars). Come the golf course.
one, come all. • Lot and Cot will also be sponsoring night swims, movie nights at the pool, a fishThe Buck Hill pool opens ing derby, and on Memorial weekend a fire-pit night for the season. among others. More on those later, but check BreezeMail throughout the summer for details. Everyone is welcome to these events, but they don’t happen without your annual membership dollars ($85), so please get those in ASAP to Lot and Cot, PO Box 171, Buck Hill Falls, PA 18323.
It’s Your Business
The community will hear about the Master Plan for our golf course.
BONDED • INSURED • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL
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JUNE 2019
Library News ummer is calling to all of us and in response the Barrett Paradise Friendly Library staff has planned events and fundraisers throughout the season. Check our website www. barrettlibrary.org for additional information and a complete list of our programming but note these three special events: Books & Bubbly Friday, June 14, 6:30-8:30pm Join us for a fun-filled evening, during which a variety of local establishments, local organizations, and Friends of the Library will offer the opportunity to sample a wide variety of food and beverages. Imagine a cocktail party with food and drink stations around the library, live music provided by Dan Lane, and lots of conversation. All proceeds enable the library to continue providing outstanding services to our community. Tickets are $30 per person in advance; $35 per person at the door. Overflow parking will be available at Weiler Corporation and the train station. L.O.L. Comedy Night, Saturday, August 10, 6pm Round up a few friends and head to the Tennis Tea for Buck Hill’s Annual Comedy Night for Carla Johnson is the Barrett Paradise once again produc- Friendly Library. All ing Comedy Night. proceeds contribute to essential library services for our community. Carla Johnston, a Buck Hill summer friend, is our producer but is also an actor and comic known for her work on Orange is the New Black, and What Would You Do? She does voiceovers, commercials, and standup comedy at Gotham, The Stand, and Caroline’s on Broadway. She’ll be booking top NYC comics for our evening. Comedy night includes live and silent auctions, good food, and great comic entertainment.
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Continuing Support s we welcome each other back to Buck Hill Falls for the 2019 season, the Community Services Committee would like to thank each and every donor from 2018. We raised and distributed $46,500. This much-needed support made such a positive difference in our larger community—all the recipients have expressed heartfelt thanks. These funds have
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Library Raffle Our fundraising raffle this year is offering some great prizes including: Grand Prize: Local artist and art teacher, John James, has donated a vibrant watercolor entitled “508 Through Cresco.” This painting depicts the train arriving at Cresco Station and it’s on display in the Children’s area in the library. First Prize: Mickey Miller, formerly of Theo. B. Price Lumber donated a Hearts and Flowers vintage applique quilt. Second Prize: “Purple Majesty” is an original floral watercolor painted by Audrey Goodleaf and donated by Joyce Mazurik Barna. The drawing for these items will be held late in the fall. Tickets are $1 per ticket or 6 for $5 and can be purchased at the library and at Lewis’ Supermarket.
Children’s Programs • One of our programs for kids is Summer Quest at BPFL—A Universe of Stories. It’s an expansion of our summer reading program with the aim of inspiring children with exciting activities to embrace their creativity and encourage learning explorations. Starting June 17, children will read books, make friends, attend programs, and win prizes. Registration begins June 10 and children can stop by the library to receive their registration packet. •We host S.T.E.M. programs on Tuesdays at 1pm. • Each Wednesday at 1pm we tackle a new art project. •On Thursdays at 1pm, people of all ages are invited to the library to enjoy a variety of performers. including magicians, reptile handlers, and even a former Broadway dancer, Conny Andres to teach us about dance (in collaboration with the Pocono Mountains Music Festival). • On Saturday, August 10, the end of summer celebration includes ice cream, a story, and raffle of grand prizes. We hope you’ll bring your children, grandchildren and/or family friends to share some of these experiences. Adult Programs In June, the library is offering free classes such as Photography, Crocheting Basics, Preparing Filipino Egg Rolls, and Genealogy. On June 4 and June 11 the library invites the public to watercolor evenings where the library supplies watercolor paints, paper, brushes, and a quiet creative atmosphere in which to paint. Hoopla Hoopla is a digital collection of over 500,000 eBooks, comics, digital audiobooks, television shows, movies, and music. Library cardholders can borrow up to four items per month from the collection, which is always available; thus, no hold or waiting times and it’s free with your library card. Contact the library at 570 595-7171 or by email at brfpubli@ptd.net. If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter, please send your email address to us to subscribe.
been given to organizations that service Barrett Township and Monroe County, including: C.A.M.E. (our local food bank), Barrett Paradise Friendly Library, Lehigh Valley Medical Center (Dracos Orthopedic Clinic), Meals on Wheels, Family Promise, Women’s Resources, Friendly Community Center, Burnley Workshop, Salvation Army, and The Barrett Volunteer Fire Co., as well as, new this year, Habitat for Humanity. It is a rewarding experience to be a part of helping those in our surrounding com-
munity. The hard-working volunteers that staff these organizations are truly grateful for our support. In fact, we often hear that they couldn’t do their important work without our help. And so, we begin again. Please consider donating to the Buck Hill Falls Community Services fund this year. Each dollar goes directly to our local neighbors in need. Donations can be made by PayPal at http://bit.ly/1GEfpxj or by sending a check to the BHFCSC at PO Box 453, Buck Hill Falls, PA 18323.
On & Off Campus
The Grand Prize in the raffle is this watercolor by John James on display now at the library.
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
Summertime At The FCC uck Hill Falls is gearing up for a great season and the Friendly Community Center can be a factor in your summer schedule with these great offerings: Breathe In The Fresh Air • Take easy hikes to beautiful areas of the community with Weekly Walkers every Tuesday at 9am from May 1-October 15. • Relax and enjoy the outdoors with Qi Gong every Thursday at 9am. • Get out in the fresh air for a work out at our outdoor Fitness Park, anytime or any day. • If you enjoy birding attend our Barrett Bird Club on the second Tuesday of the month, led by Jackie and Darryl Speicher of the Pocono Avian Research Center and Tim Grover. Learn Something New • Watch a photographic presentation of Icebergs, Polar Bears, and Fjords by Ron and Lois Dickey on Friday, June 28 at 6:30pm. • Join the FCC’s new series, Our Town, Our World, covering such topics as climate change, pollution, homelessness and hunger to learn what’s happening in our own backyard and what you might do to help. Next event: Tuesday, June 11 on Homelessness in our Town.
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Refresh Your Soul • Learn the art of Tai Chi with Mario every Tuesday at 4pm. • Relax and refresh the chakras of your body with Crystal Bowl Sound Bath on the first Thursday of every month at 7pm. • Visit The Weiler Family Gallery at The FCC and enjoy artwork on display and for sale by various artists; photography by Steve Broderick is on display for the month of June. Renew Your Body • Challenge yourself with Cardio Sculpt as Colleen LaScala leads you in body sculpting exercise every Wednesday at 5:15pm. • Join Men Get Fit with Bob Larsen every Monday, and new this year, Wednesdays at 4:15pm in a circuit-style program that incorporates balance, flexibility, and strength. • Feel the music at Zumba every Thursday at 4:15pm or 5:30pm with Natalie. The Friendly Community Center is also available for rent. Looking for a venue
Cabaret Night he Pocono Mountains Theater Company will bring its cabaret show, Flipping Broadway, to the Tennis Tea in Buck Hill Falls for one night only on Friday, June 21 at 7pm. Flipping Broadway, starring popular local vocalists Kara Snyder and Ken McMullen, with musical direction by Scott Besser, celebrates Broadway with a twist. Audiences will enjoy their favorite Broadway songs with Kara taking the lead on songs written for men and Ken taking on those written for women. The evening includes music from Victor/Victoria, Hamilton, Mame, and many more. This is an evening of stories, songs, and fun for the whole family. Artistic Director Brian Long says, “As we continue to introduce ourselves to the community, we are pleased to bring this very popular production to Buck Hill this summer.” Tickets are $20 and are on sale now at www.poconomountainstheatercompany.org. The Pocono Mountains Theater Company was established by former Rattlestick Managing Director, Brian Long. It has been bringing professional theater to the Poconos since 2016. PMTC is committed to the development and production of diverse new works by both local and national
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JUNE 2019
Check out the Fitness Park at the FCC
for a birthday, anniversary, shower, or other special occasion? This beautifully renovated historic building with modern amenities, and ADA Accessible, is the perfect backdrop for your special event. For more information on classes, the rental program, or to receive a complete schedule, call Nicole Abrams at 570 4814330, visit www.thefriendlycommunitycenter.org or check us out on Facebook.
American artists, to cultivating and developing audiences to support the future patronage of American theater, and to providing a positive collaborative impact to the community, both culturally and financially. To learn more about Pocono Mountains Theater Company or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit our website.
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
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A Buck Hill Konmari-er
JUNE 2019
A year ago, under the influence of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, I transferred the boxes to a secondby Mary Lowengard floor bedroom. Then, every spring into summer I got busy sorting, stacking, n my salad days—that period of and chucking. I organized the boxes into time between college graduation territories: Corporate Work, Journalism and the day I could afford digs with a dishwasher, I lived in a series of Jetsam, Creative (i.e., unpublished) apartments that were long on charm but Writing, Kids, Travel, Financial Flotsam, short on closet space. Personal, and Et Cetera. There was a My first, a studio, had built-in lot of Et Cetera. I set about to conquer cupboards with shelves that extended the paper, like Hannibal or perhaps back into some twilight zone where Genghis Khan, territory by territory. sweaters and socks disappeared Wholesale jettisoning of paper forever. Everything I owned was was not going to happen. I’m a shoved on shelves or hung on the writer! Those words are my children! shower rod which regularly collapsed I did my best not to dawdle while from the weight. The bedroom in my next apartment döstädning (death cleaning). I also had no closet. I commissioned a preserved the best and filed the starving artist friend to construct one. rest in Whole Foods grocery bags I He is no longer starving and now a transported back to New York and sculptor of some renown. His closet quietly comingled with my co-op’s is possibly the most valuable piece of paper recycling. I didn’t shred—I’m There’s a novel somewhere in them thar unsigned art in the apartment. boxes. over shredding. Anyone who wants to I rented a place in the West Village steal my identity is welcome to it. consisting of two closets, which the agent called bedrooms. While time consuming, this process was not without I hammered common nails—big ones—into the walls and pleasures. Before there was an Internet and email, there hung my clothes on them. Fast forward 10 years. I acquired a 1,350 square-foot cowas something called letter writing. I had epic epistolary op in New York City with seven closets. And a dishwasher. relationships, and it appears I saved every letter, billetsSeven-closet heaven! Also three children, a cat, a turtle, doux or not. Reading these sparked joy and often outright and a hamster. I was anti-clutter long before juxtaposition laughter. I found—and returned framed—a postcard from of “spark” and “joy” gave to birth an industry projected a friend who rapturously declared she’d met “the one.” Yes, to be worth 11.8 billion by 2021. But stuff just, you they’ve been married now for more than three decades. know, accumulates. I exiled it to a storage facility in “the For Christmas gifts, I made packets of saved letters that I country”—aka New Jersey. returned to the senders, inviting them to take a walk down Then I bought Cottage 40—my first second home, my their own memory lanes. Or burn them, as they wished. It refuge, my happy place, with closets to spare, a basement, was a hit. And now I’m down to a mere half-dozen boxes, and an attic. In short, a 3,000-square-foot free storage which I think is a reasonable amount of paper to hoard. space. I transferred four dozen Bankers Boxes from paid storage to the basement and from there on up to the ext up: clearing out the basement, which has attic—a crawl space accessed by a pull-down folding ladder. become a veritable thrift shop of excess furnishings. Like the proverbial tree falling in the woods, I rationalized I just can’t seem to escape Parkinson’s Law of Stuff: that anything out of sight wasn’t clutter. It fills the space allotted.
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Diary Of
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THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
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JUNE 2019
Floors at
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THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
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JUNE 2019
Fiesta Like There’s No Mañana!
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sultry new theme will spice up the annual Buck Hill Conservation Dinner Dance this summer. The top of the Inn property will become an equatorial paradise as “Night in the Tropics” puts some salsa on the plate and on the dance floor. Mark the date—July 6—to slip into your colorful and cool attire and kick it up with the pulsating music of Smooth. This year’s fund-raising project is “Trees for Bees,” whereby a $100 donation helps to promote the Foundation’s new beekeeping partnership taking shape on Conservation property,
Bluebird Birdhouses
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id you ever wonder about those weathered-looking wooden boxes on the Buck Hill golf courses? These pine birdhouses play an important role in the survival of the beautiful eastern bluebird. The treelined open areas of the golf courses are a perfect setting for the bluebirds to build a nest and raise their young. No doubt you’ve caught sight of this colorful bird. The male sports the “flashier” look, with his reddish-brown vest and almost fluorescent-blue plumage, while the female’s light blue wings and grayish-blue head are a bit more subdued. All 18 pine bluebird houses were constructed by Camp Club campers and
The rustic birdhouses along the fairways often host nests of precious bluebird fledglings.
Call Of The Wild as well as its many other tree-establishing projects. The night’s buffet will feature the tantalizing tropical flavors of a Margaritaville menu, with such delights as Key West conch fritters and jerk chicken. And the auction will follow with some guaranteed fiery bidding. set up by former nature counselor John Jose and the golf maintenance crew under the supervision of Tim Stem. The first ten boxes were placed along the fairways in 2011, with an additional eight boxes added in 2012. Nest box trails are an ideal way to protect and promote the health and prosperity of these brightly-colored songbirds. BHCF trustee Carol Klatt assisted naturalists Jackie and Darryl Speicher with their weekly summer reports of bluebirds along the fairways to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Jackie and Darryl are the founders of the Pocono Avian Research Center based in Cresco, Pennsylvania. Carol tells of her experience: Our weekly summer birdhouse visits started at 8am. With a quick knock on the side of the birdhouse to alert the adult bluebirds of our arrival, Jackie opened the front panel of the box to gather details such as condition of the nest, number of eggs, and growth of any fledglings. Whether we were peering in on the bald heads of the bluebird hatchlings in one house, or an overcrowded box of twoweek-old juveniles, it was always exciting to view the dramatic changes from week to week. My first thought when Jackie flipped open the bluebird house door was that our presence might cause the mother bird to reject either her eggs or the whole nest. I was assured that this was not true. Although we never touched the eggs, Jackie was able to pick up a young bird on more than one occasion
The allure of exotic escapes, steamy spas, and intriguing artwork brings out the much-needed donations that fund the Conservation Foundation’s many conservation projects. Carol Klatt, auction coordinator, is in need of donations for the auction. Please consider donating a week at your vacation home or apartment, a gift of services, a piece of artwork, or any other item or opportunity that will draw eager bidders. Contact Carol at 570-595-2065 or klattcarol@hotmail.com. RSVP by June 22; $150 per person. Buy tickets on the BHCF website: buckhillconservation.org. or by check made out to BHCF and mail to: Buck Hill Conservation Foundation, PO Box 350, Buck Hill Falls, PA 18323. Be sure to list the number of attendees in your party and their names. and return it comfortably to the nest. I’ve learned that bluebirds are ‘secondary cavity nesters,’ meaning that, in order to survive, they require a sheltered home for the first two to three weeks of life. Unlike some species, bluebirds are born without any feathers or protective covering and are vulnerable to predators. Since bluebirds are not strong enough to create their own protective enclosures to lay their eggs, they look for either woodpecker holes, old tree cavities, or bluebird houses. From the 1920s-1970s there was a major decline in the bluebird population. This decline can be attributed to pesticide use, weather changes, and possibly the increased removal of standing dead trees. The bluebird species faced possible extinction. Wherever the bluebird boxes are placed, the bluebirds’ numbers have improved dramatically. Because of such human efforts, this beautiful species is no longer in danger of extinction.
The bluebird houses were constructed by Camp Clubbers a few years back.
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
23
JUNE 2019
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
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