Hurry Spring! - Buck Hill Falls

BUCK HILL FALLS PA
SPRING 2016
The Breeze
Hurry
Spring!
Quiet
Pursuits
Fly Fishing 101
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
2
SPRING 2016
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
3
SPRING 2016
Editor Karen Walden
Executive Editor Jennifer Brown Mittereder
Publisher Willa J. Price
In This
Issue
SHOOTIN’ THE BREEZE
4
THAT SPORTING LIFE
6
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
8
Contributors
Peter Blume, Jamie Bowman, Angela
Croffut, Betsy Finley, Rob Frehse, Sue
Ketigian, Sandy Kraus, Mary Lowengard,
Jock Miller, Tom O’Malley, Audra Ottaway,
Jill Preston, JR Robbins, Jeffry Smith (cover),
Linda Terry
President, Buck Hill Falls Company
Mike O’Shea
Resort Operations Manager
Angela Croffut
DIARY OF
10
CALL OF THE WILD
12
ON & OFF CAMPUS
12
IT’S YOUR BUSINESS
13
PASSAGES
14
TO-DO-O-GRAM
15
THE BREEZE
DEADLINES 2016-2017
June Issue
July Issue
August Issue
Fall Issue
(Sept/Oct/Nov)
Winter Issue
(Dec/Jan/Feb/Mar)
Spring Issue (Apr/May)
May 1
June 1
July 1
August 3
November 2
March 1
Editorial submissions may be sent to
[email protected]
Production and Advertising Sales—
Willa J. Price. For a list of advertising
rates or advertising submissions,
contact [email protected]
or 570 595-6220
THE BREEZE • OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BUCK HILL FALLS COMPANY
Publication Schedule: June, July, August, Fall (September/October/November), Winter (December/January/February/March), Spring (April/May)
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.
Buck Hill Falls Company Office • P.O. Box 426, Buck Hill Falls, PA 18323 • 570 595-7511; fax 570 595-9426 • www.buckhillfalls.com
Hours: Mondays-Fridays, 8am-4:30pm • Plus Summer Saturdays: 8am-11:30am
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
4
Shootin’
The
Breeze
SPRING 2016
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
• Sheldon Rubin (Cottage 752)
was honored on November 11
to mark his 90th birthday. His
family organized a celebration at
the Fairway Grille with input and
support from the staff, including
Candi and executive chef Ed Hay.
We were impressed to hear that
Sheldon served in the U.S. Air
Force during WWII and received
birthday greetings from the President of Veterans of Foreign Wars,
President George W. Bush (43),
President George H.W. Bush (41),
Birthday boy Sheldon Rubin
President Clinton, President
and wife Dorothea.
Obama, and Pennsylvania Senator
Bob Casey. Sheldon and his crew of ten had been shot down
over Czechoslovakian territories and were rescued by the
Czech underground, who returned them all safely to their
European theater in Canossa, Italy. Our good wishes pale
compared to that roster of presidents, but belated Happy
Birthday anyway, Sheldon.
• Boy are we ready
for “the season” to
begin. Sure it’s been
a mild winter here in
18323, but we’re still
longing for golf and
tennis, hikes, outdoor
dining, warm days, and
people! Snowbirds start
arriving in May, and
those nearby, be it NYC
or Philly, start opening
their cottages soon to
gear up for summer
fun. Can’t wait.
• Time to extend a great big “thanks” to Jeff Smith (Cottage
148) for the photographs he’s contributed to past issues of
The Breeze, including this month’s cover. Jeff found his calling
in the business world, but found
a second “career” behind the
camera. It all started with a
correspondence course in photography after graduating from
college. Using a Nikon D5100,
Jeff doesn’t have any concrete
guidelines creating his photos,
but does consider the rule of
thirds: don’t put the horizon in
the middle of the image; try to
include an interesting foreground, middle, and background
Jeff Smith, contributing
avoiding distractions; and ensure
staff photographer.
that the subject is clear. When
not snapping photos, Jeff is found on the golf course, hiking,
or lawn bowling along with his wife, Barbara. Jeff serves on
ADRC, as vice-chair of Conservation, and has organized the
Buck Hill booth at the Art Show for the past several years.
Merci, Jeff.
• Elliot Muth (Cottage 262) is
headed to Columbia Graduate
School this fall. A graduate of
Lake Forest College in 2012 with
a degree in Economics, Elliot
started his professional career at
the Fox Development Corporation, a real estate development
firm, and then took a position
with FTI Consulting in Washington, D.C. Taking advantage of
his time on the Buck Hill tennis
courts (club champ one year),
he will pursue a Master of Science degree in Sports Manage- Elliot Muth is off to grad
school.
ment. Best of Luck Elliot!
• Mark your calendar for the Buck Hill Falls Fine Arts Festival &
Marketplace on Friday, July 22nd and Saturday July 23rd. Once
again, there will be a selection of fine art, as well as antiques
and collectibles, flowers and plants, great food, home-baked
goods, and the not-to-be-missed Gertie’s Garrett. This year’s
Bambi (hiding in the shrubbery) is a sure sign of Spring!
show will feature a preview on Friday from 6-8pm in conjunction with a cocktail party for all Buck Hill Art Association
members. Now is a perfect time to join if you’re not already a
member. www.buckhillartassociation.com
• Not an organization to rest on its laurels, the Foxhowe directors have been busy planning yet another season of lively
and intriguing programs that will appeal to adults and children alike. The line-up includes accomplished Buck Hillers
and other interesting presenters on a variety of thoughtful
and fun topics, such as human rights in North Korea, Robert
Moses and his legacy in New York City, and even a baking
demonstration. Celebrating its 92nd season, Foxhowe continues to offer a unique and refreshing mix of lectures, fine
and performing arts, and other educational opportunities
that make Buck Hill such a special retreat. Their complete
2016 schedule is coming in the next Breeze. All programs are
offered at no charge and the public is invited
• On January 17 some 55 cottagers toted provisions to the
Second Annual Buck Hill Winter Potluck at Paiste Pond.
This year’s theme was ‘Italian’ and it was taken seriously,
with pasta and polenta, meatballs, antipasto, and garlic
bread. All pitched in to help and, in spite of competition
from a Steelers
game and
Downton Abbey,
cottagers lingered into the
night. Thanks
to all who
turned out and
made it such
a friendly evening, and to
the Buck Hill
Falls office for
their essential
Potluck diners at Paiste Pond.
support.
• Here is pug Lady Margaret of
Highpoint...better known as Peggy
Terry (Cottage 776). A lifelong
resident of Buck Hill, she will celebrate her 12th Birthday in June.
As all senior citizens should do, she
now spends her winters in Florida
avoiding the cold and snow and
any chance of slipping on the ice.
The vocation of a pug is to be a
companion dog, and for all of her
life she has excelled in her chosen Lady Margaret of
Highpoint, aka, Peggy.
profession!
• The Safety Committee, courtesy of Lot and Cot, will be offering a basic life support class once again this summer. Information regarding time, date, and location will be forthcoming in
the next issue. Sign-up sheets will be posted in June.
• Why not spend a night having a great time for a great cause:
Join Paint & Pour on Monday, April 11 at 6pm to benefit
the Friendly Community Center. No artistic experience? No
problem! The cost is $40 per person; advance registration required. The FCC offers a wide selection of classes/workshops/
discussions—choose from dance, arm chair travel, yoga, mah
jongg, chess, meditation, knitting, and cardio, among others.
For more information visit www.thefriendlycommunitycenter.org,
call 570 481-4330, or just stop by.
• Buck Hill Rideshare started in the summer of 2015 and
enrolled 24 initial members. New York City-based Buck Hillers
use it to find and offer rides between New York and BH. Once
enrolled, you post a notice saying you either need a ride or
have room in your car. It’s administered through Google
Groups—to join, send an email to [email protected]
• Buck Hill Yoga has been going strong throughout the fall and
winter, and plans to expand the number and types of classes in
the spring and summer. Taught by the amazing Genise Gentry,
it has attracted a loyal group to Paiste Pond on Sunday morn-
5
SPRING 2016
ings at 9am for a one-hour modified Ashtanga session, which
works for all levels. Seriously, if you’ve never done yoga, this is
the class for you–and if you’re a Level 5 yogahead, this is the
class for you too. There’s an online signup at www.signupgenius.
com or you can email [email protected] to reserve a
place. The Spring/Summer Schedule will be announced in the
next issue and will include outdoor sessions. Namaste!
• Patrick Sopko (Cottage 32), a senior
at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville,
CT and one of the captains of the
football team, received the Burlsworth Character Award for 2016.
The award recognizes “the player
who may or may not be a top athletic performer, but who represents
the ideals and values that Brandon
Burlsworth had: to give 100 percent
on the field and to stand as a moral
Multiple-award winner
example to his team,” according to
Patrick Sopko.
the foundation’s website. “He helped
change the culture of Hotchkiss football,” said head coach Danny Smith of Patrick. “He frequently used terms like ‘brotherhood,’ ‘love,’ and ‘commitment’
when he spoke in front of the team.” In addition to this
achievement, Patrick was honored last year with the Scott
L. Probasco ’11 Football Award given to a varsity player who
has shown the most improvement during the season, and
earlier this year he received the Brian Cullinan ’67 Football
Prize, bestowed upon the player who makes an outstanding
contribution to the football team. He also received AllLeague honors. Wow, wow, wow, and well done Patrick!
• Knock, knock. There was a time when we walked over to the
next cottage to touch base or ask for help. Now there’s Nextdoor.com—the social network that links folks in our community. There you can get recommendations, find services, or welcome new cottagers to the hood. Charlie Redmond (Cottage
716) got the site up and running so why not hop on board? Just
go to next-door.com and sign up. Should you run into a snafu,
email Charlie at [email protected] for help.
• Guess who? She’s a
cottager of long-standing
and one you’ll see around
campus walking the dog.
The first person to send
the correct answer to
[email protected]
will claim the prize. Send
your childhood photo to
us for inclusion in a future
issue.
• Send us your photos
of pets (oh, and yes, of
people too), announcements, newsworthy
developments, fun tidbits,
or anything fit to print to
[email protected]
Adorable sure, but who is she?
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
6
That Sporting Life
SPRING 2016
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
The Season Launches
by Jock Miller
That
Sporting
Life
Getting
Started
The Buck Hill Tennis Season kicks
off Saturday, May 28th, and gets
into full gear June 20th through
Perfect your game at the Tennis Center on one of our ten excellent courts.
September 3rd. For those chomping
at the bit to get out and compete, there will be a Memorial Day Weekend Adult Mixer at 10am on Saturday, a Junior Tennis
Kickoff at noon on Sunday and a Men’s Round Robin on Sunday at 3pm. The venerable Tomas Ollestad will be at the service
line for the 13th year running the program; his staff is TBA. Mary Lowengard is stepping into Don Crabtree’s big Tretorns to
serve as Cottager Chairperson and she encourages all to email her with your thoughts and suggestions and especially any
great ideas stolen from other programs you participated in over the winter. Her email is [email protected].
40 Years Strong
One sweet tradition in BH is the Strode
Golf Tournament which began in 1975
when Joseph W. Strode Senior’s children wanted to honor their
father and his love of golf. Joe and his wife Ethel came to Buck
Hill in 1930 with their children, Anne, Jane, and Joe Jr. and
immediately got involved with the community and all it had to
offer. It was golf that brought the family and friends together.
As those who have experienced the love of golf (forget the frustration part) and the beauty of sharing a round know, golf can
bring people together. The Strode children wanted to create this
experience for people who had known and loved their dad.
When the event began, participants would gather for cocktails and dinner at the Inn at the end of the tournament. Some
of you might remember the attendant glamour: women wore
their fanciest dresses
and had their hair done,
while the men donned
their loud jackets and ties
picked just for the occasion. The Inn provided
an elegant backdrop for
those by-gone days. All
generations gathered to
replay the memorable
shots of the tournament
and to see whose names
would be inscribed on
The Champs taking home the goodies:
the silver plate.
(from left) Tom and Andrea Osmun,
Joe Jr. played in the
Eileen and Trip Ruvane flanking Betty
Strode, tournament sponsor, along with tournament every year. It
was a special time when
Joe and Brad Strode and Tom O’Malley
he could honor his father,
looking on from the back.
GONE
FISHING
The trout are hungry, the insect hatches
can be seen in the air, and Buck Hill fly
fishermen are poised to cast that first fly in hopes of
landing a beauty on opening day—April 16. Remember
that, to fish our streams, you need a Pennsylvania Trout
License which you will take to the Buck Hill Company
office to get your Buck Hill stream pass, both of which
you must have with you when fishing.
Now, to get you started, here are the Cliff Notes of Fly
Fishing so you can hit the stream fully prepped:
play at his beloved
Buck Hill, and see
his friends. In 2012
Joe attended his last
Strode Tournament;
he was in a wheel
chair and in poor
health, but he was
not going to miss
this special day
It’s a family affair at the Strode Memorial
with his children,
from 2012, the last year Joe Jr. attended.
grandchildren, and
Front left to right: Laura Strode, Joseph
friends. Joe Strode
Strode Jr., Carly Kester
Jr. passed away the Back left to right: Maggie Strode, Kathy
next April. Now his Strode, Sarah Strode, Joe Strode III, KC Gillen,
wife Betty and their Kallie Strode, Vince Gillen, and Betty Strode.
children Joe, Dana,
and Brad and cousin Stacie Flight honor both Joe Jr. and Joe
Sr. and continue the tournament in their memory—a valued
Buck Hill tradition.
The winners of the 40th Annual Strode Memorial, August 2015 are:
Low Net
First: Trip and Eileen Ruvane/ Tom and Andrea Osmun
Second: Ed and Dawn Kendall/ Ron and Joan Rounsaville
Third (tie): Chuck and Susan Rusbasan/John and Ann Caggiano
George and Sue Ketigian/Jim and Marilyn Mucciolo
Fifth (tie): Bill and Janet Newell/Bill and Kay Britton
Jim and Sally Sherrat/Jerry and Susan Strock
Low Gross
First: Kathy Clark, Claire Castellano, Joe and Brad Strode
Closest to the Pin
Guest—Women: Joan Rounsaville; Men: John Salandra
Member—Women: Kathy Clark; Men: Bill Newell
Ideal Equipment
A #5 weight fly rod from 7 to 8.5 feet long, floating line,
waders (knee- or hip-high neoprene are the best and
lightest), 5X and 6X spools of tippet (the monofilament
leader onto which you will tie your fly), a snippet cutting
device to cut the tippet, dry fly dressing (applied to your
dry flies so they float atop the water enticing the trout),
a creel or fish pouch, fly fishing vest, a net, and a small
knife to clean the fish.
Fly Selection
• A box of dry flies (they float atop the water mimicking
insects): Hook Size #14 and #16 Deer Hair Caddis, Grass
Hopper, Royal Coachman, Stimulator, Royal Wolf, and
Light Cahill.
• A box of wet flies (mimicking nymphs below the water):
Hook Size #14 and #16 Black and Green Bead Head
Woolly Buggers, Bead Head Prince Nymph, Bead Head
Hares Ear, and Bead Head Copper John.
Where do you place your fly in the stream? Remember
that trout always face upstream to catch floating dry
and wet insects. So start down stream of each pool and
cast your fly upstream: first at the end of the pool, then
work the center of the current (left and right of the white
water) as you cast each section of the pool.
When you see a trout rise to your fly or feel a
strike, don’t panic. Slowly lift your fly rod up to eleven
o’clock high until you feel the fish—then the fight is on.
Do not pull hard on the line, and keep your hand away
from the reel (because if the fish runs, it will snap your
line). Only reel when you have slack in the line. Keep
your rod tip at eleven o’clock high and remember “fish
to reel.” Let the drag on the reel do the work when the
trout runs away. I have seen
many fish lost by the natural tendency to keep your
hand on the reel. Guaranteed that those monster
fish will break your line.
While we encourage
“catch and release,” you
can keep up to three trout
per day for your frying
pan, as long as they are at
least eight-inches long. We
also encourage releasing
Karen and Charlie Dixon
the monster fish—20 inches
matching the hatch at one of
and above—so that others
the new trout pools. Note the
can have that thrill of landconcentration in selecting the
fly and affixing it to the tippet.
ing one of the big ones!
7
SPRING 2016
Buck Hill
Falls
BECOME PART OF A
COMMUNITY THAT CAN
MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE!
Stately homes and cozy cottages built at the turn
of the 20th century and later, surrounded by the
breathtaking environment—natural waterfalls,
“exceptional quality” streams for fishing, miles of
hiking trails, mountain views, as well as birdwatching. And the list goes on: First-class amenities—
swimming in the Olympic-sized pool or the fresh
mountain streams, tennis on our Har-Tru courts,
lawn bowling on championship greens, matches
on 2 platform tennis courts, day camp for children,
horseback riding, book clubs, tons of summer classes,
and 27-holes of golf...For some, living on a golf
course is their lifelong dream. For others just breaking
par would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Remember...
Buck Hill Falls is a peach of a place
It takes the wrinkles right out of your face
It makes you feel in heavenly grace
So come to Buck Hill Falls!
Your Dreams and My Lifelong Knowledge of Buck Hill
—Perfect Together!
“John and I are so grateful for the service Anne
Russo provided us in our purchase of (newly named)
Bunnyhop at Buck Hill Falls! Anne, a long-time
resident of Buck Hill and the surrounding area, has
the distinct advantage of long-term relationships
with local vendors who may assist in renovations
or required services. More importantly, she has
multi-generational relationships with residents of
Buck Hill, and her knowledge of the needs of buyers and sellers, and genuine desire for the BEST
possible outcome for all parties is beyond compare.
Anne is an astute listener and a decisive realtor who
artfully and efficiently completed our transaction,
and will do the same for YOU!!”
~ Bowen & John Miller, IV
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
8
On A Mission
by Sue Ketigian
F
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
SPRING 2016
HTCNE is a well-run volunteer organization that coordinates the travel (and
many other things) for each of us, which
makes it a hassle-free way to travel with a
large group. All of the volunteers pay their
own expenses for each trip. The people I’ve
worked with are professionals from all over
the U.S.—the team is like a well-oiled machine: competent, dedicated, organized. It is
work I truly enjoy. I have been very blessed
in my own life and I’m fortunate that I’m
able to do this type of work that makes such
a difference to someone else.
Editor’s Note: If you would like to help fund Sue’s travels, you can
make a contribution to HTCNE (htcne.org) in her name. Any donation helps her help others. Win-win, don’t you think?
Up Close
&
Personal
or the last several years I’ve been
involved in surgical medical missions
as a registered nurse with an operating
room specialty. At this point in my life,
with my four children off on their own, I can
offer my time and
services to go places
that do not have
the medical care we
have access to in the U.S.
I’ve traveled with teams to Vietnam, El Salvador, Georgia (formerly
the Soviet Union), Peru, Colombia,
and most recently, this past January, to
India, completing my twelfth mission.
All of the missions focus primarily on
the needs of children, with earlier trips
targeted to eye surgeries and more recent ones targeted to cleft lip and cleft
palate operations. I’ve been involved
with several organizations, but my last
Sue Ketigian holding one
of the patients receiving seven trips have been with Healing the
Children Northeast, which has 16
care in India.
chapters nationwide.
HTCNE was established in 1979 to provide medical care to
children around the world. Missions are usually one working
week; thus I am away about eight to 12 days including travel.
Some of the sites are well established so we know what to
expect when we get there; however, some are new and there’s
always a surprise or two (or three). Day one is for screening the
hundreds of children and their families who come with the hope
that they can be helped. Surgeons, pediatricians, anesthesiologists, speech therapists, and ancillary volunteers see patients
all day to determine who are suitable candidates for surgery.
This is usually done in small examining rooms off long crowded
hallways, often without air conditioning.
Each family has its own sad story—children born with facial
and other deformities are outcasts in their villages, are unable
to go to school, and are the victim of beliefs that their family is
cursed. The families travel great distances to get to the surgical
team by any means necessary—bus, scooter, animal, or on foot.
The worst part is when we can’t help a child— especially those
with multiple birth defects—because they wouldn’t survive the
surgery. Turning people away is sad for all of us.
While the screening takes place, the operating room staff
unpacks the supplies and gets organized so we can have an
efficient and functioning operating room the next morning.
Depending on the size of the team, we might operate on several
children at a time as we’re able to double up the ORs with two
beds and work side-by-side. Our goal is to operate on as many as
70 children during our week’s stay.
The biggest reward is the final result—a child with a new
smile or with the ability to eat and speak properly. The parents,
usually composed, weep quietly while holding their baby in the
recovery room, now with new hope for their child’s future. Can
you imagine handing over your child to a group of strangers
(most of whom don’t even speak your language) for a life changing surgery? For most of these children, this is their only chance
for a normal life.
Cottager Of the Month:
Tomas Ollestad
First year in BH: The summer of 2003, after I was hired to
become the Director of Tennis.
Home in BH: Golf cottage, 2167 Oak Hill Drive. While buying
a cottage in Buck Hill was not always the long-term plan, after
many years of renting, it just felt like the natural move. We did
some renovations to the cottage, such as adding hardwood
floors, upgrading the master bathroom, and painting throughout. Owning is very gratifying.
Where you live outside of BH: My partner, Charlene, and I
sold our Florida home in April 2015 and just this past February
we purchased a lake house in greater Stockholm that we are
currently renovating.
Best thing about BH: Definitely the
people.
Person, living or dead, you most
admire: Winston Churchill.
Favorite expression: Down the middle,
solves the riddle. (For you non- tennis playing readers, this means hitting the ball down
the middle in doubles to win the point.)
First job in the US: Tennis camp coach
in the Berkshires and then an elevator
operator in a New York City Park
Avenue building.
Favorite quote: “Attitude is a little thing
that makes a big difference.” From my
Tomas Ollestad, longman, Winston Churchill.
time Director of Tennis
Nickname: Tompa
and, as of 2013, a cotFirst car: Ford LTD
tager, too.
Last book you read: Winston Churchill’s
Memoirs of the Second World War.
Preferred condiment: Tabasco Sauce.
Choice restaurant: The newly renovated Fairway Grille.
Somewhere you’d love to visit: Australia and New Zealand.
Favorite Sports team: I can’t pick just one, so it’s Tampa Bay
Bucs, Tampa Bay Lightning, and many Swedish teams.
Biggest change in BH since your first year: The renewed
interest in Lawn Bowling.
Traits you most admire in others: Non-judgmental, altruistic.
Pet peeve: People who make a commitment and don’t follow up on it.
Last time you laughed until you cried: Watching the British
sitcom Fawlty Towers starring John Cleese.
9
It’s Our 40th Birthday!
Thank you for inviting us into your cottage to... Build & install your personally
designed kitchen... Tile & update your bath... Replace your windows, siding &
doors... Design & build your addition... Build your deck & enclose it if you wish...
We Can Do It All... Kitchens & Baths • Windows & Doors • Decks & Porches • Siding & Gutters
Plumbing & Electric • Counter-tops • Custom Mouldings • Townhouse Repairs • Emergency Repairs
We Are... Problem Solvers • Creative Designers • Cabinet Makers • Craftsmen • Detail-Oriented
Family Owned & Operated • Cute Guys • Full Service Wood-Working Shop • Available Weekends
Community Volunteers • Eagle Scouts • Helpful • Friendly • Courteous & Respectful
We Work With... Locally Sourced Materials • Oak • Mahogany • Walnut • Cherry • Exotic Woods • Cork, Laminate
& Hardwood Flooring • Granite & Marble • Butcher Block • Formica • Wainscoting & Bead-Board • Painted Cabinets
Thank you for helping us hit the 40 year milestone. We appreciate your support of our family
owned business. In the coming years we look forward to assisting with your cottage improvements.
Creating Style, Ensuring Quality and Maintaining Legacy since 1976
www.yeoldevillageworkshop.com
WILLIAM M. FISHER III ~ MARK J. FISHER
SPRING 2016
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
10
SPRING 2016
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
A Winter Prepper
wish I could skip the summer and get right
back to the cold weather. But first, I have to
by Mary Lowengard
find employment to afford the $775 these
babies cost. That would be $275 for the coat
It’s cold. It’s dark. The wind is sweeping down
and $500 for the Canada Goose patch.
the plain. The tennis courts are netless. Half
Laying in prepper-level stores of food
the population has fled to Naples (Florida or
is the next step (N.B., survivalists have
Italy, whichever). Another bunch is elsewhere,
been rebranded “preppers”). For this, I
shuttling kids to basketball and SSAT tutoring.
breathlessly await the January ShopRite Can
Sometimes, I feel as if it’s just me and 3,867
Can Sale, shopping until I drop or until I
deer (and of course Deirdre at the 18323
feel confident I could be snowmageddoned
Post Office) in residence at Buck Hill. I’ve
in until mid-March 2019 and not starve,
just wrapped my third winter and am now
whichever comes first. I mean, who doesn’t
prepared to share my secrets to enjoying the
need
three
cases
of
Tuttorosso Peeled Plum Italian Style
time that spans the end of summer (i.e., the moment the golf
Tomatoes? At 12 for $7.88 (that’s 65 cents for 28 ounces!) I can
flags are stored away) to that first sure sign of spring (i.e., droves
almost forgive Tito Tuttorosso for improper hyphenation. Can
of dog walkers strolling down Falls Drive). Surviving winter
Can also features beans a-plenty
comes down to three essentials:
(note hyphenation) and this year
warmth, food, and entertainment,
Melita No. 4 coffee filters at half
enhanced by adequate supplies of
price. Heaven! Fine wine and
quality vino.
I am, by nature, a cold person.
good spirits are right next door.
A year at boarding school in
Since I was often too exhausted
London with no central heating
to cook after hauling all this into
put a chill in my bones that’s
the house, there was the siren
never left. Maintaining my core
song of the Fairway Grille, open
body temperature my first winter
for the first time this year through
in Pennsylvania seemed readily
the end of February. Guess I’m all
accomplished by fine-tuning (as
about marinara sauce next year.
in jacking up) my cool (as in phat)
As for the entertainment
All set for marinara sauce for the next few decades
programmable thermostat. This
factor, I’m happy to report Buck
thanks
to
the
ShopRite
Can
Can
Sale.
resulted in a $1,200 propane bill
Hill winter activities are just as
for the single month of February 2014, or $42.85 a day, had
abundant as in summer. Particular favorites are hiking (no
I been there every day. I was there nine days. That’s $133.33
ticks, no snakes, no surprise encounters with mama bear),
a day, for which I could have gone to Naples with the other
pool time (the type sans chlorine and avec cue), and tennis
Buckers (Florida or Italy, depending on the exchange rate). Thus
(platform variety, with beer between sets). The most fun in a
I conceived my patent-pending “Buck Hill Winter Up and Down
month of Sundays is to be had Roof Raking, a sport formally
System.” It’s simple: Layer up, heat down.
known as Damn the Ice Dams, Full Speed Ahead. It’s excellent
The goal in layering is to don fleece and wool to the point
for building the biceps-triceps-deltoids muscles. As with tennis
where you can still manipulate the corkscrew and—this is
or golf, quality equipment is essential. I highly recommend the
important—not appear to have gained an ounce over 25
Garelick 89421 21-foot Aluminum Trap Snow Roof Rake.
pounds. Then, turn down the thermostat. Lower. Even lower. I
I love winter in Buck Hill, I really do, and once I got the
set it for as low as I can stand, then move it another two degrees
hang of this prepping stuff it was all the more fun. And, much
lower and put on a down vest. This I call “doubling down.”
like they used to sing on TV, “I’m a prepper, He’s a prepper,
Though somewhat late to the party, I discovered Canada Goose
She’s a prepper, We’re a prepper, Wouldn’t you like to be a
tough-as-a-Toronto-winter parkas (the ones with the Boy Scout
badge on the sleeve) this winter, which was so thrilling I almost
prepper too?”
Diary
Of
11
SPRING 2016
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
12
On & Off Campus
SPRING 2016
Hit The
Trails
Call
of the
Wild
As winter melts into
spring we hope to see
lots of Buck Hillers once again out enjoying
the Jenkins Woods trails. Check out the
reclaimed and renovated Upper Glade trail
and complete the loop passing by Red Rocks
on to the lower Red Rocks pool accessed by
the newly created path.
We have new trail maps, packed with
information on the Metzgar’s and Margaret’s Falls area,
available for all conservation members. The Jenkins Woods
maps are also available. These maps not only mark the trails,
but offer information on specific plant species you may
encounter along the way, and insight to the long history of
these trails.
Keep an eye out for the work, which will begin this spring,
to totally replace the deteriorated staircase that goes down
to the Upper Falls Bridge. Thanks to a very generous donation by a Buck Hill family, we will have a new staircase in
place for the next 50 years.
We begin the third year of our forestry regeneration project. The seven-acre fenced area just below the pool parking
lot allows plants to grow without being decimated by the
large deer population and thus we hope to see many local,
native, species growing in the protected area this spring.
At the same time, we will also
begin our forestry manageSpring Hikes
ment program, which aims to
March 26—9am Hike
protect our woods from the
(weather permitting)
ever-increasing invasive plan
April 24— 9am Bird walk
population.
May 7—9am Bird walk
We have planned a variety of
hikes this year: Some will focus
May 21—10am Family
on birds, others on woodlands,
work day
and still more are geared
May 30—10am Hike
toward children. Visit buckhillAll hikes meet in the
consevation.org for more info on
pool parking lot.
hikes, membership, projects,
and activities.
On & Off
Campus
Good Job
The Buck Hill Community
Services Committee recently completed the 2015 campaign with
donations to 13 local non-profit agencies.
Helping the residents of Barrett Township
Winter
Landscape
Quiet Dimensions
by Sandy Kraus
Even in winter, Mother
Nature continues to give
her gifts. Just look at
Barberry berries
what we photographed
spotted all around.
around campus on December 6th, when temperatures
were almost as mild here
as they were for snowbirds
down in warmer climes.
Ever-colorful blue
fescue shows off.
Pine cones fall from
large conifers.
Ferns pop up among
the detritus of fall.
Rosemary, still
growing strong.
Chestnut pods add
prickly orbs to the
landscape.
So often when asked,
“Why do you own a
cottage in Buck Hill
Falls?”, I offer the familiar litany of marketing
points starting with the
recreational facilities:
a 27-hole golf course, Sandy Kraus.
ten tennis courts, Olympic-size swimming pool, championship
lawn bowling greens, two platform tennis
courts, pristine trout fishing streams, miles
of mapped and marked hiking trails; plus
cultural enrichment: lectures, musical
performances, book clubs, art shows, and
classes; and a long tradition of family and
community life. But, truth-be-told, this is
not the whole of it.
After Camp Club many years ago
when my boys were young and we had
returned to the pool for our afternoon
swim, I came upon an experience that
in time would endear me to our Quaker
It’s Your
Business
ABCs Of ADRC
The golf course in early December!
has been a long-standing commitment
of the Buck Hill Community, and we
depend on the generous donations of our
cottagers to complete our task.
This year we were able to award grants
in the amount of $35,000 to provide
assistance to C.A.M.E., Barrett Paradise
Friendly Library, Pocono Medical Center
(Dr. Dracos’ Clinic), Meals on Wheels,
Family Promise, Women’s Resources,
Friendly Community Center, Burnley
Workshop, Salvation Army, Boy and Girl
Scouts, Cub Scouts, and the Barrett Fire
Department. The Community Services
Board extends a very hearty thank you
to all of our contributors. We do make a
difference in the lives of others!
Golden arborvitae
adds lacy texture.
lives of others!
What is ADRC?
ADRC is the Architectural Design Review
Committee, which serves in an advisory
capacity to the Buck Hill Falls Company Board of Directors. The committee
consists of not more than seven members, appointed by the BHFCO, who are
residents of the community and who
usually have professional experience in
architecture, engineering, construction,
history, design, or planning.
What is ADRC’s role?
ADRC’s major role is to assure that community standards of design character are
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
SPRING 2016
forefathers, and keep me close. Lying on a
poolside chair, arms dangled and sunglasses askew, the sounds of children at play
and water lapping faded as my mind drifted. I was not napping—I was awake, and
fully aware that my body grew limp. When
time came for the pool to close, I could
barely move; navigating my way to the
car took great effort. The condition only
worsened back at the cottage; I simply
could not shake it. The following morning,
I called a wise confidant to inquire as to
whether she thought I should drive into
the city and visit the doctor. After a few
inquiries and a loving pause, she said, “Oh
darling, you don’t need to see your doctor;
what you are feeling is relaxation.”
Our Quaker forefathers knew of the
restorative power of nature and lived purposefully in connection to her. After all,
they traveled up from Philadelphia at the
turn of the twentieth century to build a
respite from city life for their families. I like
to imagine that when they set their vision
to unfold the recreational amenities, they
did so with nature at the drawing board.
They would say, she must remain with
us—in all her fullness and beauty—to
sustain our cottagers as they play on her
grounds. Why else would the amenities
have been so carefully carved in her
arms? The natural oasis at the pool, and
throughout the entire community, invites
cottagers to the quiet experiences that city
life crowds out.
On a meandering walk through Jenkins
Woods, during a challenging hike on
Chestnut Mountain, while floating in the
fresh water pool at Red Rock or skipping rocks by the Falls, or in a reflective
moment at dusk rocking on the veranda,
the restlessness of the mind subsides;
thoughts roam freely—mulling here and
there—unimpeded by interruptions, distractions, attachments. Stillness happens
and subtle observations occur, learning
takes place, ideas emerge, solutions show
up. Repairs of the damages from urban
life are secured. I surmise that our forefathers understood that nature serves as a
portal to the inner world where relaxation
and well-being live.
compatible with both the built environment and the natural environment.
This review applies to both residential
buildings and construction projects of the
BHFCO. Some mandates are contained in
the Buck Hill Covenants (such as setbacks
from roads and Barrett Township regulations). In the case of the golf cottages,
Condominium Covenants apply.
the Committee. Approval/Denial of an
application, a qualified response seeking
clarification or further information, or a
conditional approval is communicated to
the President of the BHFCO through the
chairman of ADRC. This information, in
turn, is presented to the cottage owner
by the President of the BHFCO.
What requires ADRC application?
• All exterior construction, if it changes
the appearance of a cottage or company
building. This includes additions, surface
modifications, and roof or siding changes.
• New site work which modifies the
appearance or changes the site, including
drainage, are subject to review.
• Sheds, play equipment, support buildings, and garages are subject to review.
• Tree removal is subject to review if the
tree trunk is over four inches in diameter
three feet off the ground.
• Utility work that does not affect drainage
is not subject to review; siting of propane
tanks and air conditioning units are.
Does maintenance require review?
No. Replacing like with like does not
require review.
From right: Fran Durst, Community Services
Chair and Treasurer Mayson Moore-Price
present a check to Cindy DeLuca of the
Barrett Friendly Library.
13
How is the application started?
Information about the process and
appropriate forms are obtained from the
BHFCO office. A completed application
is submitted to the President of the
BHFCO, who forwards it to members of
Is there any application fee?
Applications submitted for construction
or renovation projects need to be accompanied by a $500 bond to guarantee
that the applicant abides by the project
as described and approved. Once the
project is completed according to the
application, the bond is refunded.
Staff Spotlight
Meet Andy Andrejcisk,
chief of Buck Hill security.
Originally from Staten Island, NY, Andy has been
a Pennsylvania resident
for the past 27 years
and has been with the
company for 9 years. His
favorite part of the job?
Socializing with cottagAndy Andrejcisk.
ers and addressing their
concerns. Andy is married, has two grandsons, and some of his favorite activities
are fishing and traveling with the family.
Something you may not know about him:
he farms maple syrup!
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
14
THE BUCK HILL BREEZE
SPRING 2016
Passages
Richard K.
Helmbrecht
Richard
Helmbrecht,
Cottage 818,
passed away
unexpectedly
on February 29
while visiting
family in Austin,
Texas. He was
79 years old.
As many
of
you know,
Richard Helmbrecht
Richard was a
stalwart of our community: he served on
numerous committees including Tennis,
Food Services, and started the Winter
Activities Committee; he was the President
of of Lot & Cot for four years, and served
on the Board of the Buck Hill Falls Company including three years as Chairman. He
was known for his easygoing nature, quick
laugh, quirky sense of humor, and his love
of The New York Times, used bookstores, minor league baseball, good beer, fly fishing
in the Buck Hill stream, and the Cleveland
Indians.
The son of Dr. Wayne and Mary
Helmbrecht, Richard was born in Warren,
Pennsylvania in 1936. He graduated from
Pennsylvania State University. After teaching high school, he attended the University
of Chicago and received an MA in Political
Science. Beginning in 1966, he held several
posts under Michigan Governors George
Romney and William Milliken, including
service as a policy advisor, Executive Director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, and Director of the
Michigan State Department of Commerce.
He was also President of the National
Association of State Housing Directors and
an advisor on housing policy to President
Ronald Reagan. Richard later worked as an
investment banker for several firms in New
York City. In retirement, he used his professional experience to help others and served
as President of the Board of Ridgecrest
Senior Citizens Housing in Ridgewood, NJ.
Richard is survived by his wife of 36
years, Rosemarie, and children Hope
Helmbrecht Krom, (Steve), Spencer
Helmbrecht (Theresa), Stacy Helmbrecht
Wilson (Charlie), and Michael Helmbrecht
(Megan), and grandchildren Hannah,
Emma, Sarah, Jordan, Katie, Will, Tom,
Madison, and Mackenzie—just the right
number for a baseball team, he noted. He
was preceded in death by his parents and
his son James G. Helmbrecht.
There will be a memorial service in
Buck Hill during the summer, date to be
announced. Memorial gifts may be made
to Michigan State University to the James
G. Helmbrecht Memorial Scholarship Fund,
Department of Forestry, 535 Chestnut
Road, Room 300, East Lansing, MI 48824.
Donors should write “Richard K. Helmbrecht” in the memo of the check. Our
dear friend and neighbor Richard will be
sorely missed by all who knew him.
Diane Bradshaw
One time resident of BH, Diane Bradshaw,
formerly of Cottage 707, passed away on
December 5, 2015. Diane is remembered
as a devoted bridge player and active
member of the Women’s Golf Association.
She was also involved with the Buck Hill
Art Association and with her community
in Hilton Head, SC. For many years, Diane
and her late husband, Duke, served as
George and Martha Washington in the
annual Buck Hill July 4 parade. Diane left
Buck Hill a few years ago and is fondly remembered by her friends and neighbors.
Helen C. Baumann
Helen Baumann, Cottage 398, passed away
on February 19 at the VNA Hospice House
in East Stroudsburg. She was 88 years old.
Many of us had the pleasure of seeing
Helen regularly, as she was the postmaster
in Buck Hill Falls for 39 years.
Helen was the daughter of Stanley and
Veronica Koncoski and the wife of the late
Robert Baumann. She is survived by son
Robert Baumann (Diane) and daughters
Deborah Elsesser (Hank), Patricia Dennis
(Jerry), and Melissa Bandala (Eddie), sister
Veronica Wells, and four grandchildren:
Lisa, Robbie, Eduardo, and Isabella. Her
brother, Joseph Koncoski, preceded her in
death.
Helen was a parishioner at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Canadensis.
Memorial contributions may be sent to
the Hughes Cancer Center, 231 E. Brown
Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
Harriett B. Humpton
Harriett Bennett Humpton, Cottage 777,
was born July 18, 1935 in Centerville, Maryland to John Archibald Bennett and Louise
Callahan Bennett. She attended Centerville
High School and Randolph Macon Women’s College and became an elementary
school teacher after graduation.
In 1958, Harriett married Charles
Broomell Humpton, Jr. of Haverford. They
raised three children, David, Susan, and
Joseph, at their home in Newtown Square
as well their cottage in Buck Hill Falls. She
loved annual family trips to Sea Island, GA
and Skylark Villa, Jamaica. Harriett and
Charlie celebrated 52 years of marriage
before his passing in June, 2010.
Harriett was a loving and supportive
wife who was deeply involved in her children’s upbringing and education. She volunteered with local nonprofits and served
as President of the Haverford School
Mother’s Association. Both Harriett and
Charlie enjoyed golf and were members
of several clubs including the Merion
Golf Club, the Rolling Rock Club, and the
Merion Cricket Club.
Harriett is survived by her three children
and their spouses, seven grandchildren, and
two great-grandchildren, and her brother,
John Bennett of Houston, Texas. Donations
can be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Joseph K. Gordon
Joseph Gordon,
formerly of
Cottage 239,
passed away
on October 5 in
Bryn Mawr
Hospital. He was
90 years old.
Joseph lived
in Haverford, PA. He
graduated
Joseph Gordon
from Episcopal
Academy, Princeton, NJ and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. After
a successful career at Ballard Spahr, the
Philadelphia law firm, he became the first
resident counsel at Philadelphia National
Bank, where he is credited with helping
to develop the bank’s first credit card and
crafting the legal framework for the local
network of ATM machines.
He is also known for his charitable endeavors, serving as chairman of Lankenau
Hospital Foundation and the Main Line
Health Board of Trustees. He is remembered by his Buck Hill neighbor, Alice
Cullen, as “a wonderful man.”
15
SPRING 2016
Buck Hill
To-Do-O-Gram
Friday, April 1, 2016—Tuesday, May 31, 2016
FAIRWAY GRILLE – Hours
(Candi Watson 570 595-3535; [email protected])
April 1-May 31
Sundays-Thursdays 11am-4pm; Bar Closes @ 5pm
Fridays & Saturdays 11am-8pm; Bar Closes @ 9pm
Reservations Suggested 570-595-3535
Buck Hill Skytop Music Festival
(www.buckhillskytopmusicfest.org)
Memorial Day Weekend Tournament—
Saturday 5/28 & Sunday 5/29 9am
Camp Club (Chrissy Caiazzo-Pritchard
570 595-3861; [email protected])
Lawn Bowling (Jim Price [email protected])
Opening Day 5/21 (weather permitting)
Groovin’ on the Greens—Beginning 5/28
Saturdays 4:30-6pm
Canasta (Sue Walker [email protected])
Beginning 5/4 Wednesdays 1pm, Kerby Library
TURN GRILLE – Hours
Conservation Foundation
(www.buckhillconservation.org)
Lot and Cot (Jill Preston [email protected])
Spring Community Meeting Sunday 5/29 3pm,
Tennis Tea. Concurrent child care at Camp Club
Saturdays & Sundays 10am-3pm (weather permitting)
Fly Fishing (Tyler Miller [email protected])
Opening Day 4/16
PA fishing license and BHF Permit Required.
Mah Jongg (Karen Walden [email protected])
Saturdays 1-5pm, Kerby Library
May 1-May 31
POOL GRILLE – Hours
May 28-May 30
Foxhowe (JR Robbins 610 329-9552;
[email protected]; www.foxhoweassociation.com)
11:30am-6pm (weather permitting)
Friendly Community Center (570 481-4330
www.thefriendlycommunitycenter.org)
Appleridge (www.appleridge.net)
Art Association (www.buckhillartassociation.com)
Barrett Paradise Friendly Library (570 595-7171
www.barrettlibrary.org)
Barrett Township (570-595-2602
www.BarrettTownship.com)
Bridge (Mayson Moore-Price 860 287-8126)
Tuesdays 1-4:30pm, Kerby Library
Buck Hill Book Club
(Barbara Herkner [email protected])
Meeting Sunday 5/29 1pm, Dalziel Cottage 425
Friends Meeting (Ginny May [email protected])
Golf (Tom O’Malley, Golf Pro Shop 570 595-7730;
[email protected])
Opening Day 4/8 (weather permitting)
Bandits—Beginning 4/16 Saturdays & Sundays 9am
L.O.L.S—Beginning 5/4 Wednesdays 9am
Get Golf Ready—Beginning 5/21 Saturdays 11am
Ladies’ Nine Holers—Beginning 5/2 Mondays 9:30am
Men’s Niners—Beginning 5/3 Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am
M.O.L.S.—Beginning 5/3 Tuesdays 9am
Twilight—Friday 5/27 5pm
Vultures—Beginning 5/2 Mondays & Thursdays 9am
Talkin’ Trash
Trash Pickup
Recycling Dates
4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25,
5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/31*
(Mondays except *5/31 Tuesday)
4/11, 4/25, 5/9, 5/23
(Every Other Monday)
Pool (Michele Saffer 570 595-3274 [email protected])
Opening Day 5/28 (weather permitting)
Beginning 5/28 open weekends only
Open Memorial Day Monday 5/30
Rotary Club of the Pocono Mountains
(www.rotaryclubofthepoconomountains.com)
Tennis (Tomas Ollestad, Pro Shop 570 595-3298;
[email protected])
Opening Day 5/28 (weather permitting)
Memorial Day Weekend Adult Mixer 5/28 10am-12pm
Junior Tennis Kick-Off 5/29 12pm
Men’s Round Robin 5/29 3pm
Yoga (Mary Lowengard [email protected])
Wednesdays 9:30am, Urice Room (reserve at 570 595-6369)
Sundays 9am, Paiste Pond (reserve at signupgenius.com)
Brewer y, Eater y,
Family Fun!
Tips
• To prevent wildlife from raiding trash, don’t put cans out until
the morning of pickup.
• Call Palmisano 570 595-9027 for removal of bulk items which
are priced and hauled separately from regular pickups.
• Recyclables include: glass, tin, aluminum, #1 and #2 plastics.
Newspaper and magazines need to be tied; no cardboard.
Great Food
Handcrafted Beer
Free Brewhouse Tours
Catering at our Place or Yours
Your Buck Hill neighbors, Trip & Eileen Ruvane,
invite you to our place.
We’ll sing you in, we’ll sing you out...
barleycreek.com
Coming Soon:
Small-Batch Spirits
from our Distillery
1774 Sullivan Trail
Tannersville, PA
570-629-9399
Mobile: (570) 977-1777
Office: (570) 595-3705
[email protected]
Bright and Sunny 5-6 Bedroom
with Open Layout on
One Full Acre.
155 Vireo Road ~ $450,000
If you’re thinking of buying or selling...
call someone who lives, works and plays in
Buck Hill Falls!
•
•
•
•
Caroline Salvino
Associate Broker
Full-Time Realtor
30 years’ experience in the Real Estate Industry
#1 Producer out of 100 agents at Classic Properties
Sold 32 houses in Buck Hill Falls in past three years
Luxury homes from $450,000 to $995,000
Fe a t
ured
ry
Lu x u
Hom
Historic homes from $100,000 to $475,000
e
u
Feat
125 Vireo Road - $795,000
re d
me
ic Ho
r
o
t
His
548 Pheasant Lane - $475,000
Golf Cottages from $150,000 to $185,000
Fe a t
ur
ol f
ed G
age
307 Creekside Court - $150,000
One-acre vacant lots available from $24,000.
www.BuckHillFallsRealEstate.com
www.ClassicProperties.com
1124 Route 390, Mountainhome, PA 18342
C ot t