BUCK HILL FALLS PA
SPRING 2020
The Breeze Our Sanctuary
Helping Hands
People & Pets
Tennis Tea Reno
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n the Serving Mountain Regio Pocono
Lindsay A. AndrĂŠ
In-Home Personal Fitness Trainer & Wellness Specialist lindsay.a.andre@gmail.com | CPR, AED, First Aid, Fully Insured | 610-844-8024
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
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THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
Hi Everyone,
Letter From The Editor
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hile we were putting this issue together, we were still bombarded with the news about the coronavirus. We don’t normally touch on outside issues, but this news affects all of us, and as we go to press we don’t know how big or small our Buck Hill summer will be. If we are still social distancing in some form, that will be the time to embrace nature, start a project you’ve been putting off for months (or years), learn a game at home, read the classics, make bread from scratch, or even play some golf (the course was officially opened on May 1). We are amazingly resilient and we’ll find new ways (if needed) to enjoy every minute here in Buck Hill during the season. On a completely different note, you’ll notice a number of changes in The Breeze itself. We’ve revamped the publication so that over the course of the next year, Erin Delaney, Manager of PR & Communications, will take over editing the newsletter. Your team of Editor-in-Chief Karen Walden, Executive Editor Jen Mittereder, and Copy Editor Barbara Smith who have been editing, writing, and proofreading The Breeze for the last five years are gearing up for retirement (no 401K involved). The changes we’ve made include: • The frequency of publication will go from six times a year to four times a year. • The winter issue will be a planning calendar, with all of the summer events given in great detail so you can organize your calendar accordingly. • The content has been revamped and we’ve combined many departments to now include four sections going forward rather than the old 13. These new sections are: People (that would be you), Culture (that would be everything for your edification), Sports (that would be everything you do for fun and fitness), and Stuff (that would be everything else). As always, we value your input so if you have something you’d like to submit (new job, new baby, new anything), or simply wish to make a comment, please send it to us at thebreeze@buckhillfalls.com.
People
Music In The Mountains
Now in its 11th season, the Pocono Mountains Music Festival is thrilled to announce a virtual Festival experience—Silent Symphony—on Saturday, August 1, 2020. This rain-or-shine event will take place on the grounds of Skytop Lodge or from wherever you choose. Participants in the Silent Symphony experience will receive a link to a playlist personally curated by the Festival’s Artistic Director, Scott Coulter. Scott promises a wide range of musical styles—maybe you’ll walk around Skytop Lake while the sounds of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 come through your headphones and then find yourself dancing to the disco beat of A Fifth of Beethoven. Will you Move Like Jagger or Like a Rolling Stone in your own backyard? It’s completely up to you. So mark your calendar now for you won’t want to miss this day of joyous music. Check the PMMF website (www.poconofest.org) for upcoming performances. This event will comply with all CDC guidelines in place on August 1. Onsite participants must follow social distancing guidelines and wear masks as required by federal and state rules.
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Editor-in-Chief Karen Walden Executive Editor Jennifer Brown Mittereder Copy Editor Barbara Smith Publisher Willa Jean Price Contributors Maryjane Baer, Peter Blume, Karen Chase, Brian Fowler, MaryKate Reeves-Hoche, Chris Robbins, Roxana Rojas, Susan Rusbasan President, Buck Hill Falls Company Mike O’Shea Manager of PR & Communications Erin L. Delaney
THE BREEZE ISSUE DEADLINES 2020 Winter December 1 (Jan/Feb/March/April) Spring April 1 (May/June) Summer June 1 (July/August) Fall August 1 (Sept/Oct/Nov/Dec) 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 (January/February/ March/April), Spring (May/June), Summer (July, August), Fall (September/October/November/ December). 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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People
People
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Shootin’ The Breeze • Cool Yule Though it happened months ago, we thought you’d like to know that the yule log hunt was a big success with a bunch of young participants. The winners of this year’s event—Charles, Carson, Owen, and Dylan—found the yule log and dragged it down to Paiste Pond. A piece of the log was then cut off and burned on the fire as JR Robbins recited his story of Christmas pasts in Buck Hill Falls.
• Festive Feasting The whole O’Mara family gathered at Camp Club for Turkey Day dinner. There were three generations: Rob and Claire, their daughters Anne and Mary Claire; their sons, Rob, Matt, and Jerry, and their children (13 of 17 grandchildren). Everyone brought something and Claire cooked the big bird. It was so successful that the clan hopes to make it their new Thanksgiving tradition.
paddle courts, Harry Muth and Jamie Greenwald triumphed over the field of 24 doubles teams. In keeping with the community’s Quaker heritage, there was a potluck reception. Special thanks to Maddy Lawler for organizing the event. • Pint-size Putterer We got a kick out of this photo from last fall of cottager David Adler and his son on the putting green. Don’t you think we have a Tiger Woods in the making? The transfer of weight seems quite proficient. • Away From Home Ann and John Caggiano spent the winter in the warmer climes of Florida and Palm Springs. With room for guests, Jen and Dave Mittereder flew out to spend a week with them but had trouble getting back to Buck Hill once the coronavirus restricted travel. They made it home after a grueling trip that was delayed and took them to cities not anywhere near where they wanted to be. The Caggianos remain holed up in the California desert until mid-May. • Chip In Even as our own lives are turned upside down, most of us have the good fortune of having “enough.” But many of our neighbors do not. So, if we can make this suggestion: everytime you head to the supermarket, buy some extra non-perishables and drop them off in the C.A.M.E. box at the post office. We’re pretty sure you all know that C.A.M.E. is our local food pantry and serves Monroe County.
Inside Scoop • Maddy’s Party Over 50 young adults descended on Paiste Pond this past February for the first Young Professionals Winter Paddle Invitational. Competitors traveled from as far as Miami and Portland, Oregon for their shot at the title. In the most raucous atmosphere ever seen at the Buck Hill
f course, being housebound makes the outdoors all that more attractive. But when we can’t get outside, our inner producer steps in and our indoor pursuits take on some new direction. For example, some of us are playing more games like cards, Mah Jongg, or bridge online, gin rummy with our housemates, solitaire, Sudoku. Some of us have dug out the old jigsaw puzzles and put our attention to finishing the 1,000- or 500piece varieties. Still others are line dancing or practicing yoga on line. Many have taken up old pastimes—knitting, crocheting, sewing (like making masks for loved ones). Still others have been prompted to tackle hot items on the ancient to-do list, such as painting kitchen cabinets, cleaning the pantry, weeding out the garage, or editing the bookshelves. We’ve heard there was a run on yeast as families are starting to make bread from scratch; others are making strawberry jam. Some are
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People grooming the dog. And no matter what, we hear that home cooking is on the uptick. The proof of that will manifest when we finally don our summer duds that are just a little more snug than they were last year.
New Cottagers
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lease extend a warm welcome to these cottagers—some who have relocated within the community, some who are newcomers, and some who are returnees. Kathleen Kallmeyer Kathy purchased Cottage 40 at 164 Falls Drive from Mary Lowengard. Nadya Shmavonian and Robert Woodward Philadelphians Robert and Nadya moved to BHF on a lark in November 2017 even though they had not been looking for a summer hangout. Two years later in November 2019, after spending every weekend and more in their charming cottage on Falls Drive, they purchased a larger cottage at 2156 Laurel Lane (now called The Veduta) to accommodate what has become a profound change of lifestyle. The new cottage allows Robert and Nadya to each have studio space (for him to create everything, and for her to spend more time on her fabric art), and to more readily welcome Nadya’s three grown kids and their partners. Not to mention, there’s even more room now for the dogs. Note, that’s dogs plural because of a special date that Golden Retriever Gus had with the Powers’ Golden Retriever Luna to create L’il Gus (‘Lily’) in October 2018. And, as you all know, Robert opened the Veduta Gallery in Cresco in 2019. It’s been a busy time. They can’t express their gratitude enough for having landed in such a welcoming community, at a time of otherwise challenging national discord, where people seem genuinely committed to pursuing happiness and friendship, all while enjoying the natural beauty of BHF with such deep respect. Tyler and Alejandra McNeil The McNeil family has been in Buck Hill Falls for three generations. In fact, many of Tyler’s closest friends and fondest childhood memories are from this community on the hill. When Tyler and Alejandra “Ale” started dating in 2013, their first trip was to Buck Hill for New Years. They share a love of the outdoors,
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competitive sports, and spending time with friends and family. Their love of Buck Hill is very much a manifestation of these interests: Tyler is an avid tennis player, golfer, and runner; Ale is also an avid tennis player and fitness enthusiast. The family—mom, pop, and children MacKenzie and Chase—reside in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia. As they raise their family in the city, they look to BHF as the place for their children to experience nature and learn to play competitive sports. Mackenzie “Mack” is a spirited young girl who loves to swim and dance and attends Beacon Center in Philly. Brother Chase is a sweet and loving boy who adores his sister and Cheerios. Tyler is Managing Partner and Founder of Catalyst City Development, a Philadelphia-based real estate firm focused on mixed-use and single family home development. Ale was born and raised in Mexico and moved to NYC to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology. She runs their household and is an active member of the Claneil Foundation. The McNeils will make Cottage 202 on Pheasant Lane a place to make more fond memories. Beth McCarthy Miller and Eric Miller The Millers purchased Cottage 35 at 146 Falls Drive from Matt and Melanie Lower. Nancy Gallo and Pablo Gonzalez Nancy and Pablo are looking forward to a bright and pleasant future within the community. They will reside at Cottage 727 on Oak Hill Drive. Michael Saporito Michael says, “I’m so glad to have found this community.” By way of background, Michael is a Catholic priest. His family has owned a house in the Pocono Mountains for 40 years, and he became the owner in 2006. He and his priest friend, Tom, used the house at Saw Creek Estates on their off days—typically weekdays, which is their version of a weekend. They decided to downsize from the family home to spend more time enjoying their surroundings. That’s when they found Buck Hill. Michael purchased cottage 709 on Oak Hill to provide the peace and rest they long for as well as a community to belong to. While retirement is not looming, Michael also wanted to be prepared for a time when he would use the cottage even more. The Poconos is their respite from very active and demanding schedules. Golf may be on the playlist, the pool and trails beckon, and enjoying the outside and just having fun are all on the agenda.
Furry Friends here is a very good reason Americans spent $95 billion (according to the American Pet Products Association) on pets and pet expenditures in 2019. Why? Because most of us are familiar with the stress-reducing benefits of owning a pet: they are an insurance policy, of sorts, against loneliness; they offer hours of fun and amusements; they help us live longer; and they offer unconditional love however inattentive we may be. And those benefits are ramped up in spades at this time of uncertainty. As we go to press we don’t know what the summer months hold for us here on the hill—will there be music, speakers, camp club? Will we be social-distancing? We just don’t know, but no matter what we do, our faithful four-legged companions will be by our side. And an interesting side-effect of this stay-at
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home order is that shelter pets are being scooped up into foster or forever homes. We read in Bloomberg that animal fostering is way up during the coronavirus in New York and other areas of the country. “The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said its Los Angeles office saw a 70% increase in animals going into foster care. And Best Friends said many of the shelters it partners with across the U.S. report the same phenomenon.” Bit of a silver lining, don’t you think? And one other thing you might like to know: the Labrador Retreiver is the most popular dog in the US according to the AKC. And it has been since 1991. So take that you designer hybrids! Here is a Buck Hill Pet Parade—our buddies, our cuddle bunnies, our dear companions who make life better for us, confined or not: • Roxie is my constant companion. When I was editing this issue of The Breeze, she was with me as I worked on stories. Here she sits on the ad lineup (at left), the paper with little blue squares, and the pagination (on the right)—the paper with big squares that I use to layout out the issue. —Karen Walden • Boots and James Bond are fixtures at the cottage, but Boots also explores all of the community. —Staci Flight • Meet Russell, my crazy, zany cat and my constant companion except when there are other people in the house. He loves company and assumes they are here to see him. He demands attention and when he knows he’s being watched, he shows off shamelessly. Unlike most cats, he loves seeing the cleaning people: he greets them upon arrival and then has great fun chasing the vacuum and broom. When no one is here, he’s in his favorite place: sitting with me—which makes us both “purr.” —Judy Stillinger • Sometimes we need to take care of our pets through this all. Here’s Alfie after sedation to fix a cracked nail, broken all the way into his foot but getting love from me. —Johnny Rusbasan • Sheltering in place–cats have been training for this all their lives. We continue to learn from guru Spooky how to slow down, breathe, and embrace the nap. —Dave & Jen MIttereder • The wonder of owning the right pet is not changed by this health crisis, just accentuated. A best friend is always happy to see you, attentive to your presence, and dependent on your care. And for us, a reason to get some exercise even if ice shoes are required. Bru is a little different from our previous dogs—she worries about us, gives us equal attention, and keeps both of us on her radar.—Frank & Ginny May • Our pets offer so much comfort and solace and warmth. Everyone should have something smaller and cuddly. We have Gus and his daughter ‘Lil Gus. Hopefully, everyone has someone, bigger and cuddly. —Robert Woodward & Nadya Shmavonian
• Dogs are a wonderful comfort in any kind of stressful situation. They are blissfully ignorant of what is going on in the world and love you unconditionally. Taking care of Theo and Libby is a welcome distraction from worrying about our daughter, Cecilia, and future son-in-law, Erik, who are both doctors and on the front lines in the epidemic. —Kelly Davis & Jeff Hayes • First off: quarantine stinks!!!!!! But to make the most of it, lots of us have a pet to make everything better in life. It could be a furry friend or a snake or maybe even a frog. They could explore the world or stay home to comfort you. Take a furry friend for example. Most of them love to be outside and hike through the mountains and that’s exactly what my dog does. We could get out of the house with just our family, but it’s a lot more fun with a sidekick. Brody Wentz Fretz, my dog, loves to run around and when he sprints, his ears fly back and he doesn’t have any worries. Brody is the cutest when he sprints. He is so chubby and happy and it brings a smile to my face every time he runs. Brody loves running free in Buck Hill, just like his humans do. We even joke that he gets depressed when we have to go back to New Jersey. During this quarantine, every time someone runs by or a package comes he barks at the top of his lungs, making sure we stay away and that others passing by keep their distance. Social distancing seems to come naturally to him. Another thing is that having a pet gives you more to do on some long days. Brody gets very messy very, very quickly. I mean Brody gives you something to do like feeding him, brushing him, cleaning up the sticks he brings in the house, sweeping his fur. But most of all he’s the best to cuddle with just lying around and having good plain fun. —Maddie Fretz (11 years old) • What a relief to have a member of the family around who is unfazed by heartbreaking headlines, and who manages to live life completely in the moment. Shadow’s concerns about the future are blissfully unchanged. And, she might actually be happier than ever; as a city dog she probably misses her dog walker and her doggie friends, but a long walk to Red Rock and a run on the blue course seem to more than make up for missing those familiar faces. And her family are around more than ever, which also makes her happy. If you have to live through a pandemic and can’t do it as a dog, having one around sure is a nice reminder that simple needs are the best and that simple pleasures can sometimes mean the most. —Lisa Neary Whelan • Dobey is a very friendly 65 pound mix who sprints fast and cuddles like a lap dog. A three year old rescue from the onion capital Vidalia, Georgia, he has ears like the Flying Nun and his namesake Dobby, the House Elf from Harry Potter. He has been part of our family for just over a year. If you see us around, stop and say hi–he loves belly rubs. —Colin Gardner & Erika Faust • Odin is always happy to be with Christopher and me no matter how much time he spends with us. —JR Robbins
People Gen Next Ten year old black lab Jessie Jane Robbins has taken on the coronavirus “stay at home” orders with ease. She is loving the frequent walks with her family, as well as the pats, fetch games, and treats in between her many daily naps. Stay PAWsitive folks. —Jack Robbins
The MASKcateers by MaryKate Reeves-Hoche
y mid-March it was clear that everyone was going to have to do their part to help stem the tide of the coronavirus pandemic. That meant—for those not in the health profession or critical jobs—staying at home, washing their hands, and wearing a mask in public. It worked in Asia, it could work in the USA. Several savvy Buck Hillers began making masks for their family members and friends and spreading the word long before the CDC recommended wearing face masks. On March 20, a hospital in North Carolina put out a cry for help: they needed homemade cloth masks, a step back to the 1980s when cloth was the standard. These Penny Preston masks would be used in non-critical care ironing mask ties. settings thus saving N95 PPE for the ICUs. On March 27 a similar call for help went out from our Pocono Medical Center, part of the Lehigh Valley Health Network. At that point, Buck Hillers Ginny May, Mary Beth Goldwater Kate Reeves-Hoche, and Beth Goldwater dons her mask. met (in Ginny’s driveway standing six feet apart) and launched our sewing campaign to make masks for the hospital as well as for those at risk locally. An announcement was made on NextDoor and the response 100 masks ready was overwhelming: people donated fabric, for delivery on April 17. elastic, sewing machines, and sewing skills. One person donated their personal stash of N95 masks, and another person offered to be the delivery driver. Over Lucy Goldwater time, we have called upon people to do with a mask she odd tasks, such as ironing the long ties on made. the masks, which speeds up the work of the sewers. To date, over 200 masks have been delivered to the hospital, as well as some N95 masks. Masks have been made for C.A.M.E., the post office, the Buck Hill MaryKate ReevesFalls Company, and numerous cottagers. A Hoche, the masked huge shout out and thank you (in alphabet- mask maker. ic order) to all who have donated supplies, volunteered, or did the sewing: Paul Bonessi, Mary Buckman, Teresa Buttz, JoEllen Chadwick, Emily CooperMargo Goldwater man, Elizabeth Elder-Carey, Kelly Davis, shows a mask Lisa Flanagan, Cindy Gerson, Beth, Lucy, she made. and Margo Goldwater, Beth Haser, Connie Houseknecht, Marisa Keselica, and Carol Klatt. Also, Patty Lawrence, Kathy Legg, Ginny May, Ann Mitchell, Dave Mittereder, Lisa Neary, Sue Neumann, Carlisle Nostrame, Jill, Lucy, Ginny May sports and Penny Preston, Emily Poler, MaryKate Reeves-Hoche, her colored mask. Nadya Shmavonian, and Robin Widing. People in the community who received one of our homemade masks asked how they might repay us. Ginny May suggested they pay it forward. So for those so inclined, please make a donation to C.A.M.E., our local food bank. Thus far, $1,000 has been collected for C.A.M.E., which comes at an especially needy time as there is an uptick in the numbers of families needing assistance.
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Art Association
Culture
The Buck Hill Art Association held its second Fireside Chat of the season on February 16 at the cottage of Colin Gardner and Erika Faust. After brief introductions by BHAA President Karen Chase and Board Member Colin Gardner, cottagers John Dixon Hunt and Emily Cooperman provided a thought-provoking lecture on Genius Loci citing examples in art, literature, and history from the days of Ancient Rome through the early days of Buck Hill Falls. The 50-some cottagers in attendance contemplated the Cottagers listen intently as John Dixon special places within Hunt and Emily Cooperman lead the Art our community Association fireside chat. that are our genius loci—those that nourish and sustain us. Buck Hillers left with a greater awareness of “spirit of place” and of our obligation to pass that value on to future cottagers.
SAVE THE LIVE/ VIRTUAL DATES June 19—Beth Goldwater Virtual Concert for Members June 20—Robert Woodward Virtual Fireside Chat June 21—Opening of ArtsPath (One direction and maintaining social distancing)
Collection Highlight by Peter Blume
Woodland Monarch is the first work of art to belong to the Buck Hill Art Association, even before the association had by-laws, officers, and/or board of directors. The painting seems to have been commissioned by the Buck Hill Falls Company from the venerable New York painter Franklin Dehaven who was probably their guest at the Inn. Dehaven’s Woodland Monarch and two large paintings by Cullen Yates purchased in 1933 for the collection represented a change in the cultural life of the Buck Hill Inn and settlement. The paintings by Yates (1866-1945) are installed on either side of the main door entrance into the Fairway Grille. lthough Dehaven and Yates may not be household names today, in their heyday they were part of a second generation of artists that helped define the American art movement known as Tonalism. Usually depicting intimate landscapes at dawn or dusk, tonalist paintings are void of people and without narrative incident. There is a single dominant tone seen as if through a haze to dampen the color. They are evocative rather than descriptive, poetic rather than
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Conservation Program
he sun was shining in Daniel Garber’s painting Road By Jameson, but the landscape appeared to have a haze across the dark trees. The haze was caused by a deteriorated varnish that had a condition called “bloom,” like the bloom you find on a grape. Treated by Philadelphia painting conservator Steven Erisoty, Road By Jameson is once again looking as the artist intended—a brilliant, impressionist and sun-filled day in Bucks County. The Buck Hill Art Association acquired the painting for the community’s art collection in 1959. It was the Purchase Prize that year and Daniel Garber (American, 1880-1958), was determined by Road By Jameson, Buck Hill Art popular vote. It will Association Collection, Purchase Prize 1959. be back on view at the Fairway Grille soon, along with others treated by Erisoty this past winter, as part of a methodical program that determined which paintings were a priority for conservation. In support of this conservation project, the BHAA solicited its membership offering opportunities to “Adopt-A Painting.” An enthusiastic response indicated great affection for both individual paintings that have special meaning for donors, as well as many gifts that did not specify a particular work. Eight paintings have made the trip to Erisoty’s studio thus far and will be back at exhibition in Buck Hill. Work will continue over the next three years on the group of twenty-five paintings identified as part of the core collection.
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storytelling. Tonalist artists thrived between the years 1880 and 1910 though the movement lingered well into the modern era. Dehaven moved from Indiana to New York City in 1882 but was peripatetic looking for new landscapes to paint: he visited coastal New England and we know he also worked near Milford, Pennsylvania in the late 1880s, not far from Shawnee and its country hotels. Dehaven and Yates were both fellows of the National Academy of Design and members of the Salmagundi Club, an important association of artists in New York. Yates, who made his home permanently at Shawnee-on-Delaware in 1923, was the go-to guy for Buck Hill Falls Company president Charles F. Jenkins. Jenkins was keen to have the expansive exchange floor of the Buck Hill Inn furnished with fine paintings meaningful to the community. In the earliest moment of the formation of the Buck Hill Art Association, Jenkins’ initiative, abetted by Yates’ connections in New York, produced an exhibition of paintings by 20 members of the Salmagundi Club mounted in the Buck Hill Inn July 15 to August 15, 1933. Along with Woodland Monarch, the exhibition comprised 45 paintings including those of Charles C. Curran, John Ward Dunsmore, Hobart Nichols, Ernest D. Roth, Guy Wiggins, Andrew Winter, Victor C. Anderson, Albert Lucas, Eugene Higgins, David Daly
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and, of course, Cullen Yates. A number of these artists would eventually have works in the association’s collection. The July 28, 1933 Buck Hill Breeze article by Alexander J. Wall suggested “that at least one painting be purchased each year from the exhibition at the Inn as a start of a permanent Buck Hill gallery.” He further suggested “that each Cottager be asked to donate a small amount and that the prize picture be selected by vote of the subscribers to the fund.” Thus began the Buck Hill Art Association collection of paintings. Dehaven’s Woodland Monarch is a composition divided vertically, roughly in half, by a large oak tree standing in unlikely proximity to a body of water that zigzags from the composition’s front-right corner back to the middle center of the composition. It is an idealized convention of composition that Dehaven had used, as are the other elements of the composition. However, the monarch tree described in the title is a single survivor tree surrounded by second-growth saplings and woods. This was probably like most of Buck Hill and the surrounding acreage in the early decades of the twentieth century. That observation—forests clear-cut to supply timber for the post-Civil War industrial boom—gives us an insight to Dehaven’s painting. We are induced to a reverie, a melancholy observation of the aftermath of what man has done to Pennsylvania’s native forests, at that time from east to west clear-cut and reestablishing as second growth forest. We are looking not at a narrative but a meditation on nature’s regenerative triumph. Dehaven’s subdued palette and idealized composition are used to appeal to our subjective feeling for landscape rather than simply to describe a forest interior. he colors in the painting—in the wooly russet foliage—were made not by painting leaves or even naturalistic bunches of leaves, but in a cloud of autumn color made by laying on small dabs of paint contrasting lighter or darker to that beneath it. Below this lively-painted redcloud surface are two patches of blue sky (complementary to the red-orange foliage) on either side of the tree’s trunk. The central radiance of the painting comes from the warm glow of a mass of smaller trees in the background, which is the central horizontal band of the painting. The foreground is dark and non-specific, amorphous lumps of rock and log at water’s edge. Dehaven has painted with an expressive brush and high impasto laying on paint with vigor, making a radiant movement of the repeated tree forms across the middle ground. Woodland Monarch is among if not Dehaven’s last painting. He died the following year. Dehaven’s Woodland Monarch is difficult to see today as its varnish has deteriorated and no longer saturates the paint beneath making the artist’s intention rather murky. There are also a number of places where old bumps and hits have cracked the paint making it loose from the canvas. Later this year it will be taken to the studio of painting conservator Steven Erisoty as part of a systematic program of conservation of the Woodland Monarch, 1933 by Franklin Dehaven collection. (1856-1934), oil on canvas, 30 x 25 inches.
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The Social Network
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Sports Getting Physical
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s you’ll note, there is a theme in this issue: we don’t know what’s in store for our Buck Hill summer. If we’re up and running as usual, then just forget these suggestions. If not, then perhaps you’ll commit to one or all of these options—always, always maintaining the requisite social distancing: • The hills are alive and we can hike them. Taking any one of the beautiful trails is both physically challenging and spiritually uplifting.
• We can fish in the “exceptional value” streams within Buck Hill. Remember EV is the highest rating one can get from the water authority. Kids and adults can partake of this fun activity and heck, even provide food for dinner. Remember you can keep three fish per day provided they are at least eight inches long. You must have a Pennsylvania fishing license (which you can get at Walmart or online) and then go to the Buck Hill Falls office for a BHF trout license, which is free.
• Cycling through and around the community can be a challenge thanks to the mountainous terrain, but it’s a cool way to get fit. Have you thought about an electric bike? A little boost from a battery can be the ticket to more easily reaching the summit of the challenging hills in the hood. Kids will find liberation on their bikes, too. Remember, using a helmet is the law for children under 12, but a smart choice for everyone. • Though not really a “sport,” gardening may be one of the most fun and productive pastimes for you and your family. Consider taking one of the plots in the community garden (contact JR Robbins for info) or find a spot for a plot in your own backyard. With all of the home cooking going on, some fresh basil, parsley, or tomatoes from your garden will up the taste quotient of your dinner. • News flash: as of May 1, the golf course is open! Of course it’s not business as usual but with some restrictions, we can get back out on the links. Check with the pro shop for details.
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Out & About
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uring March and April, cottagers took to the fresh air to keep in shape, destress, and enjoy our surroundings during the coronavirus lockdown. Here we’ve captured some intrepid Buck Hillers doing their thing in the great outdoors: they were walking either alone or with others, jogging through the community, hiking the golf course, skateboarding, drawing on the driveway, or taking a step class at the Tennis Tea—all while practicing social distancing. How lucky are we to have this beautiful setting in which to enjoy these healthy pursuits.
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Before & After
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he little house on the hill was beckoning them. So in 2016 Stanley and Nicki Doggett purchased Cottage 343 on Tree Top Trail and started on a seven-month renovation of the 1957 dwelling. Stanley says, “We were looking for a small house with a great view and we found it. The bones were super and we knew that it could be made to suit us perfectly.” It was a labor of love for a couple who were moving from a golf cottage they had also renovated. Nicki is a long-time Buck Hiller (since 1948), part of the Dugan clan of Cottage 43 (now owned by Susan and Tony Roberts), who introduced Stanley to Buck Hill in 1978 and he immediately fell in love with the place. They also spend winters in Vero Beach, Florida. Stanley was the driver of the renovation that, by all accounts, was a total rehab: they removed walls, got rid of all the carpets, installed hickory floors, replaced the furnace, added insulation, redid the bathrooms, doubled the size of the deck, gutted the kitchen, revamped the front yard replacing the wooden fencing, and painted the whole house inside and out. One of the biggest changes was taking the wall down between the dining room and kitchen offering a bit more of an open plan. Then they started from scratch designing the enlarged space. It now sports white beadboard cabinets, a huge island perfect for casual meals, lots of light, and has become the hub of the home.
The deck before the reno.
Stuff The master bath was enlarged by co-opting an adjacent closet. Now the spa-like space boasts a double vanity and extra-large shower. The other bathrooms were also updated. In the living room, a traditional Buck Hill stone fireplace was added not only to give the room a focal
The welcoming sign at the Doggett’s cottage on Tree Top Trail.
point but to provide a place for a cozy fire on a cool night. Outdoors improvements were part of the deal too: they extended the deck across the back of the house, added plenty of seating for lounging or dining and now it’s the place to be on a summer afternoon (or any time) taking in the north facing view of the mountains. The screened porch was also enlarged, giving the couple options for outdoor living. Traditional white wicker furniture completes the look. When asked about cost, Stanley says, “We had a budget but exceeded it somewhat—as most renovations do.” But he adds, “We moved from a large house in New Vernon, NJ to a medium-size golf cottage in Buck Hill, and then to this house, which is significantly smaller. We both like this house better than any other we have lived in…it just suits us.” The cottage is named Three Pines after a mythical village in the wilds of Canada. The village plays a large role in the novels of Louise Penny and is described as “a village that isn’t on any maps. There is a sense that it is only found by people lost. No one goes there on purpose—they sort of bumble into it. But the people who do find it were meant to find it.” Kind of sounds like Buck Hill Falls, doesn’t it? Three Pines is a safe haven with a mystical realism about it. An amazing refuge. A renovated one that is perfect for the Doggetts.
Enlarging the deck created a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy the surroundings.
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
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SPRING 2020
The kitchen before was a dated affair.
Nicki and Stanley gravitate to the light and airy redone kitchen.
The living room prior to rehab was crying out for some help.
So cozy and inviting, the after living room is a place to hunker down and relax.
A blue bathtub was on display in the before master bath.
After, the spa-like space is just the ticket for a stylish couple.
The original porch was a bit too small and dark.
Increasing the size of the porch made room for lounging or dining—take your pick.
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
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Back To Nature
A
s we’ve been under stress these past few months, let’s take a moment to reflect on the gifts we do have: We are so blessed to live in this paradise called Buck Hill Falls. Going strong for 119 years, it will continue to go on as long as we cottagers pull together as a community to enjoy each other and the beauty that surrounds us. Though we may be restricted connecting with each other, we can always connect with nature. Just observe the creatures great and small, growing things, flowing streams, the mountains, and beauty of every season here on the hill. These photos are proof-positive of the gifts we have.
Stuff
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
$95,000 ~ 2157 Oak Hill Drive • Buck Hill Falls
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SPRING 2020
THE BUCK BUCKHILL HILLBREEZE BREEZE
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SPRING SPRING2020 2020
Tennis Tea Reno by Chris Robbins
ast fall, the Capital Advisory Taskforce investigated the possibility of renovating the Tennis Tea, built in 1929. Originally, the interior was a dramatic timber frame structure. The barrel-vaulted, acoustic tile ceiling was a later addition meant to modernize the facility in the early 1940s. The CAT committee, led by John Rodgers, Chris Robbins, and Dan McCoubrey, felt a renovation, including air conditioning, heat, ventilation, lighting, insulation, and an audio/visual system, would make the facility more appealing for the myriad events held at the Tea in high season. From our investigations we knew there were dramatic scissor trusses hidden away above the barrel ceiling. Once we had completed the demolition of the acoustic tile ceiling, it became clear that far more of the 1929 design was there to be saved. To our surprise, the original beadboard wainscoting and remnants of benches around the perimeter of the room were mostly still in place, hidden for over 75 years. These details and more will be part of the restoration. The most dramatic revelation came as the 1940s wood
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fireplace surround and mantle was removed and the original, 23-foot tall stone fireplace was uncovered. Sadly, the stone fireplace surround and chimney structure was severely damaged during the 1940s’ renovation. The original stone mantle and supporting corbels had been broken away and discarded, but the towering stone chimney structure was intact, albeit covered in tar and calcium from generations of roof leaks. During our salvage efforts at the Buck Hill Inn before it was demolished, we were able to save the 9-½ foot stone mantle from the Greenleaf Library. This massive mantle now resides atop the restored fireplace at the Tennis Tea, where it looks like it has always been. With all of the exciting 1929 details uncovered it became clear to both the CAT committee and the Buck Hill Company Board that fully restoring the room to its former grandeur was now an important added challenge to the project. This dramatic renovation is led by Chris Robbins, with John Rodgers and Dan McCoubrey collaborating on all of the design details. Once this project is complete the community can look forward to: the dramatic restored open-timber structure, featuring four sets of scissor trusses rising
An architectural study of the proposed renovation, from The Breeze, 1941.
to the ridge more than 23 feet above the floor, as well as new air conditioning, heat, insulation, much-improved acoustics, dramatic lighting, 1929 style ceiling fans, a professionally designed state-of-the-art audio and 4k video system with retractable 150-inch screen and, of course, the fully restored 23-foot tall grand fireplace. The large map from the Exchange Floor of the Buck Hill Inn will be mounted on the north wall opposite the grand fireplace and the Greenleaf mantle. We will also install heat and air conditioning in the Tennis Pro Shop and the Urice Room, install new iron railings at the porch, steps, paint the porch, and replace the screens. Just a note on the audio video system: We wanted to be sure that we got it right, so we hired a professional design firm and consulted with Foxhowe and the Music Festival to be sure the system could meet the needs of our community going forward. We were thrilled when Foxhowe announced they would contribute $15,000 toward the design and installation of the system. The renovations were scheduled to be completed in May with a grand reopening on Memorial Day weekend. However, due to the coronavirus, construction was halted and the timing altered. We trust that soon the Tea will be reopened—in all its glory —for your viewing pleasure.
Stuff
THE THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
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SPRING SPRING2020 2020
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GREGORY L. BATZEL PAINTING & PAPER HANGING Since 1976
Serving the Poconos for 39 Years Residential • Commercial • Industrial TOWNHOUSES & COTTAGES
Demolition begins and the stately ceiling trusses were exposed.
Interior and Exterior Painting • Power Washing Deck Repair and Restoration Wallpaper Removal and Installation Faux & Custom Finishes • Plaster & Drywall Repair
Cresco, PA • (570) 595-7751 PA Contractor License #PA 02749 Federal Lead Certification # NAT 34482-1
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The band stand at the Tennis Tea—one of the only existing images of the original 1929 interior.
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www.batzelpainting.com
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THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
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SPRING 2020
FAIRWAY GRILLE FOOD TO GO The Grille will be open everyday from 11am-6pm for takeout only. Pickup at the “Sweet Spot” window. Place orders at 595-3535. The Turn Grill will be open everyday from 10am-4pm.
Independently Owned & Operated
NURSE-MANAGED HOME CARE
570 223 2248
Serving Carbon, Monroe & Lehigh Counties
Floors at
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Village Workshop Creating Style, Ensuring Quality and Maintaining Legacy since 1976
HARDWOOD ~ TILE ~ LAMINATE CORK ~ VINYL 570-595-2593 | 113 Golf Drive | Mountainhome, PA www.yeoldevillageworkshop.com
• Foundation Repair • Water Proofing • Mold Prevention
• Insulation Repair • Moisture Control • Protective Barriers
• Joist, Beam, Sill Repair
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
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SPRING 2020
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! “The Numbers Speak for Themselves” Caroline’s Statistics: 30+ Years Experience #1 Agent in Buck Hill Falls 19 Sales in 2018 18 Sales in 2019 7 Sales Year-to-Date in 2020 85% of Sales in Buck Hill Falls*
Caroline Salvino
Associate Broker
* On either the buyer side, seller side or both according to data from the Pocono MLS.
To View All Buck Hill Falls Cottages For Sale and Current Market Statistics Please Visit 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