Voice Vol. 7 No. 2 Late Summer 2012 President’s Message By Chas Ritson, President There’s an old saying that “Sometimes when it rains, it pours.” Well, it’s been raining cats and dogs for the past few months. In late May, after the Memorial Day weekend, a mold problem in the office crawl space required the hiring of a professional cleaning company with expertise in the remediation of mold. In mid-June, a similar problem was discovered in the utility room and kitchen in the clubhouse, primarily in the dry wall separating the two rooms. These incidents have caused numerous problems, including disruption of our work staff, cancellation of several recreation activities, and rescheduling of the recent Board meeting in July. Both problem areas have been addressed, although close and continued monitoring will be required. On a more positive note, the following updates are provided: • Preparations for several salt problem activities are in their final stages, including scheduling of the 48 hour pump test, additional static water level and camera testing, and drilling of a test well on maintenance yard property using procedures that could potentially isolate good from bad strata. In addition, monthly field testing and quarterly baseline testing are pending member authorizations, and several lots for a potential central well water system are under review by our hydro-geologist. • Outer Drive has been completed, using a new binder top coat. The road looks really good. Bids have also been received for new tar and chip work for this Fall and the Board should be receiving approval from Pike County Conservation District through Cornerstone Engineering for the road and drainage work planned for the Butternut/ Basswood “hotspot.” Once approval is received, bids will be advertised. • The Crossing Road spillway application is proceeding, with expected submission this Fall prior to the planned increase in permit fees by the state. Approval of this very detailed application will take up to a year by Dam Safety. • The Board has finalized plans for renovating the pool by agreeing to hire Wade Consultants for bid and specifications development and construction oversight. Any work going forward will be dependent upon community approval of the recently mailed Reserve ballot, allocating an additional $40K for this project. This will be my last President’s Message, since I will be stepping down as President as of the Organization meeting on August 25th. It’s been my pleasure serving the Birchwood community. Enjoy the rest of the summer. Stroudsburg, PA 18360 PERMIT NO. 42 PAID PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE Birchwood Lakes Community Association 212 Aspen Road Dingmans Ferry PA 18328 Voting Reminder By the time you get this issue of the Birchwood Voice, you should have received your membership voting packet. This packet will require your vote on a number of items including candidates for Board of Directors, a proposed bylaws change and a reserve vote that includes funds needed to get the pool renovations started this fall, continue road and hot spot repairs, permitting and other expenses for our entrances and dam and some other necessary items. Don’t believe for a moment that your vote doesn’t count – it is very important to the Association. We require a quorum of 200 votes. You may think, “200, they must easily get that number of votes with all the people in the community; they don’t need mine.” Your Vote is Important! The Deadline is August 17, 2012 by 3:00pm at the Office We have had to extend the voting deadline several times previously because we did not receive the votes needed, or we barely scraped the 200 (last count was about 206)! Extending the deadline delays the business of the community for weeks and can prevent us from beginning proposed projects. Don’t put your voting packet away and think you’ll do it nearer the deadline date. Many of us forget about it with the busyness of everyday life - so understandable these days. Mail it in or drop it off to the office as soon as you read this (or by the deadline). It will be done and your membership right to be heard will be fulfilled. If you have mislaid your voting packet, you can obtain another one at the office. You can even complete it right then and there! Arts & Crafts
Transcript
VoiceVol. 7 No. 2 Late Summer 2012
President’s MessageBy Chas Ritson, President
There’s an old saying that “Sometimes when it rains, it pours.” Well, it’s been rainingcats and dogs for the past few months.
In late May, after the Memorial Day weekend, a mold problem in the office crawlspace required the hiring of a professional cleaning company with expertise in theremediation of mold.
In mid-June, a similar problem was discovered in the utility room and kitchen in theclubhouse, primarily in the dry wall separating the two rooms.
These incidents have caused numerous problems, including disruption of our workstaff, cancellation of several recreation activities, and rescheduling of the recent Boardmeeting in July. Both problem areas have been addressed, although close and continuedmonitoring will be required.
On a more positive note, the following updates are provided:• Preparations for several salt problem activities are in their final stages, including
scheduling of the 48 hour pump test, additional static water level and cameratesting, and drilling of a test well on maintenance yard property usingprocedures that could potentially isolate good from bad strata. In addition,monthly field testing and quarterly baseline testing are pending memberauthorizations, and several lots for a potential central well water system areunder review by our hydro-geologist.
• Outer Drive has been completed, using a new binder top coat. The road looksreally good. Bids have also been received for new tar and chip work for this Falland the Board should be receiving approval from Pike County ConservationDistrict through Cornerstone Engineering for the road and drainage workplanned for the Butternut/ Basswood “hotspot.” Once approval is received, bidswill be advertised.
• The Crossing Road spillway application is proceeding, with expectedsubmission this Fall prior to the planned increase in permit fees by the state.Approval of this very detailed application will take up to a year by Dam Safety.
• The Board has finalized plans for renovating the pool by agreeing to hire WadeConsultants for bid and specifications development and construction oversight.Any work going forward will be dependent upon community approval of therecently mailed Reserve ballot, allocating an additional $40K for this project.
This will be my last President’s Message, since I will be stepping down as President asof the Organization meeting on August 25th. It’s been my pleasure serving the Birchwoodcommunity. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
Stroudsburg, PA18360
PERMIT NO. 42
PAID
PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE
Birchwood Lakes Community Association
212 Aspen Road
Dingmans Ferry PA 18328
Voting ReminderBy the time you get this issue of the Birchwood
Voice, you should have received your membershipvoting packet. This packet will require your vote on anumber of items including candidates for Board ofDirectors, a proposed bylaws change and a reservevote that includes funds needed to get the poolrenovations started this fall, continue road and hot spotrepairs, permitting and other expenses for our entrancesand dam and some other necessary items.
Don’t believe for a moment that your vote doesn’t count –it is very important to the Association. We require a quorum of 200 votes. You may think,“200, they must easily get that number of votes with all the people in the community; theydon’t need mine.”
Your Vote is Important!The Deadline is August 17, 2012 by 3:00pm at the Office
We have had to extend the voting deadline several times previously because we did notreceive the votes needed, or we barely scraped the 200 (last count was about 206)!Extending the deadline delays the business of the community for weeks and can preventus from beginning proposed projects.
Don’t put your voting packet away and think you’ll do it nearer the deadline date.Many of us forget about it with the busyness of everyday life - so understandable thesedays. Mail it in or drop it off to the office as soon as you read this (or by the deadline). Itwill be done and your membership right to be heard will be fulfilled.
If you have mislaid your voting packet, you can obtain another one at the office. Youcan even complete it right then and there!
Arts & Crafts
Late Summer - 2012Birchwood VOICE2
Community Manager’s NotesBy Bettye White, CMCA, AMS
The Association has been awarded a grant by the Pennsylvania Lake ManagementSociety. The Association’s application included shoreline restoration, invasive speciesmanagement and excess nutrients categories including plantings in the area of the EastBirchwood Lake boat launch; addressing the sediment runoff in the vicinity of the parkinglot near the Lower Lake beach; sediment and stormwater runoff from Old Oak Court; anda gravel bar created by the unnamed tributary connecting Upper and Lower BirchwoodLake. While formal notification has not yet been received, the Association anticipates thegrant will be in the amount of $18,990.
Welcome to the new Recreation Coordinator, Christina DeCola. Many of you mayknow Christina as a former lifeguard for the community. Unfortunately, just as Christinabegan her duties, several recreation events were cancelled or rescheduled due to moldconcerns in the clubhouse. Mold remediation work was initiated by the Board of Direc-tors, so please watch for flyers announcing the rescheduled recreation events, as well asother activities. Updates are also posted on the website and bulletin boards.
As lifeguards return to school, staffing at the beaches and pool may be impacted.Notifications will be posted for any changes to the normal schedule.
The Upper Birchwood Lake Dam permitting is in process, with the engineer indicatingit is approximately 65% complete. Recent activities include the submission of all threejurisdictional dams Emergency Action Plans (revised) and the receipt of the PennsylvaniaHistorical and Museum Commission’s acknowledgement letter indicating no affect fromthe project (required as a part of the permit application). Additionally, PADEP hasindicated that upon submission of the permit application, they will consider a request bythe Association to raise the lake level next summer.
Outer Drive has been completed as approved by the Board. Additionally, the Board ofDirectors and Roads Committee are currently reviewing the sealed bids opened at the July17, 2012 Board of Directors Meeting. E & S plans for the Butternut/Basswood area arebeing processed for submission to the Pike County Conservation District. When drivingthrough roadwork areas, use extreme caution and please slow down.
The Association Attorney has moved forward on five Writs of Execution on judgmentsobtained by the Association within the last month. Delinquent accounts are now beingprepared to turn over to the attorney in August for the final collection letter before newcivil complaints are processed. If you have not yet brought your account current, please doso immediately to avoid additional collection costs. If you are unable to make payment infull, please contact the BLCA Office to discuss options that may be available.
During the last month, there have been incidents of vandalism and mischief includingdowned street signs, attempts to enter closed cabanas and relocation of beach lifeguardstands. State Police are contacted for assistance regarding criminal activities. Members areasked to contact Public Safety if they observe any unusual behavior at any of the Associa-tion facilities.
During the month of June 2012, Public Safety continued expanded summer hours.Citations were issued as follows: Abandoned Vehicles (3); Careless Driving (1); Stop &Traffic Control Signs (1); Common Area Restrictions (4); Parking (1); Untidy/UnsightlyProperty (3); Health & Sanitation (1); Fireworks (3); Construction Permit (1); and Fishing& Boating (1).
Don’t forget to check out discounts available to community members on the website.A list of vendors is available on the site under Purchasing Program.
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Voice
Volunteer Recognition ProgramBirchwood couldn’t function without our volunteers. These members support our work
in a variety of ways — with their own time, expertise, and resources. They serve oncommittees and assist the Board in researching, planning, budgeting, beautification,community affairs, communications, community safety and many other projects thatenrich the community. Our volunteers are our lifeblood.
We are pleased to announce that we have developed a program to recognize ourvolunteers. The program is designed so that members can nominate a volunteer. Theachievements, accomplishments or service on which the nominations are based representsthe person who best epitomizes the selfless dedication and commitment to communityservice that helps to make BLCA a great place to live.
Nominations will be accepted at the BLCA Office between September 1st and the lastFriday in June the following year. Once all nominations are received, they will be re-viewed by the Community Affairs Committee and presented to the Board at the JulyRegular Board Meeting where the Board will chose one nominee to receive the Volunteerof the Year Award at the Annual Meeting each August.
The Volunteer Recognition Guidelines and Nomination Form were approved at theJuly 17, 2012 Regular Board Meeting and will be available September 1st onwards at theOffice and on the BLCA website. Please consider joining a committee – the help is alwaysneeded and appreciated.
Planning a Party?If you are planning a party and are unable to accommodate all the vehicles in your
driveway, park vehicles as far off the road as possible and/or contact the office to find outabout parking alternatives. It is extremely important to keep the roads clear of vehicles sothat other vehicles, including emergency personnel, are not obstructed from passingthrough should they need to get to another home in your area.
Signature Verification CardsMembers are asked to complete a Signature Verification Card and submit it to the
BLCA Office. This card is essential to verify your signature when you send in your votingmaterial. If we do not have a card on file for you, or for some reason your signature on thevoting material does not match your signature on the verification card on file, the Judgesof Election cannot include your vote in the count because they cannot verify your signa-ture. We want your vote to count!
If you have not signed this card in the past or are unsure if you have, or if you thinkyour signature has changed since you last submitted the verification card, please pay avisit to the office as soon as possible so the staff can provide you with another card foryour completion. This card will be kept on file for all future voting.
Lost and FoundBirchwood Lakes maintains a lost and found in the office. If you have misplaced or
forgotten anything at the pool, beaches, clubhouse or mail areas it may have been turnedin. Contact the BLCA office to see if your missing item has been handed into them.
Slow Down, You Move Too FastMany members have expressed concerns about speeding cars and motorcycles on
Birchwood roads. We respectfully ask that you slow down and follow the posted speedlimit – 15mph in all recreation areas and 25mph elsewhere.
With the good weather and summer activities, we have many adults and childrenwalking and bike riding on our roads – please help keep them safe. Speed limits are radarenforced.
Birchwood VOICELate Summer - 2012 3
A Note From RecreationThe Recreation Committee and the Board of Directors would like to extend our
apologies to our members for the cancellation of several recreation activities. The eventsat our clubhouse were cancelled in consideration of the mold problem that was recentlydiscovered in the utility room. The Board decided it would be safer to cancel the eventsuntil we could have the clubhouse and conference room remediated by a professionalcleaning company.
Also, I would like to thank those of you who have been coming to the events at thepool and arts and crafts on the lawn at the clubhouse! It is always wonderful to see ourmembers getting together for relaxation and fun. We have added a few new events thisAugust in an effort to make up for what we had to cancel, including young adult poolnights, an adult BBQ and a spaghetti dinner the whole family can enjoy. Please check thenewsletter and our website for updated information on the Recreation Calendar.
Come out and join the fun!
Committee Sign-upsCommittee sign-ups will start all
over again at our Annual Meeting onAugust 25th. A Committee VolunteerForm was included in your membershipmailing that you should have justreceived. Please consider signing up forone or more committees. It is a way tomeet other members, make friends,exchange opinions and provide ideas forthe community. Volunteering educates you about the Community.
Review the committee descriptions and find one that you think will be of interest toyou and will benefit from your knowledge and assistance. You can come to a meeting tosee if you would be interested in joining it before signing up. You can speak to the chairof the committee you are interested in to find out more about it: What does the committeedo? How often they meet? Who else is on the Committee? Past achievements, futureplans? Committee Volunteer Forms can also be downloaded from the BLCA website.
Saving Energy to Stay CoolEnergy bills—like the temperature—always rise in the summer. But don’t fret: While
there are big fixes* you can incorporate to make your home more energy-efficient, thereare also many inexpensive energy solutions, as well as some simple and free steps thatyou can take to cut down on costs and save money:
• Turn it up. Set your thermostat as high as possible. Start with 78 degrees whenat home and 85 degrees when away. For each degree above 72 you set thethermostat, you save between 1-3 percent. Be sure to take into considerationyour health and comfort, and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Circulate air. Use fans to create cool breezes and keep the air moving in yourhome. Ceiling fans, in particular, can create enough air movement to make itcooler by at least four degrees. Ceiling fans only use about as much energy as a100-watt light bulb.
• Shut the shades. Windows allow a lot of heat into your home. Keep drapes andshades closed during the day to keep the temperature down.
• Open nights. At night, if it’s cooler outside than in, open your windows! Notonly will this bring some fresh air into your home, it will give you a chance toturn off that AC. Close your windows in the morning to keep the cooler air in.
• Wash and dry wisely. Run only full loads when using your dishwasher orwashing machine. Whenever possible, run those appliances during off-peakhours or when your air conditioner is turned off or barely running, whichtypically is during the evening, to save energy. Use the clothes dryers’ moisture-sensing automatic drying setting if it has one, and clean your clothes dryers’ linttrap after each use.
• Unplug. Electronics—such as TVs, DVDs, chargers, computers, printers andother devices—use electricity even when they are turned off. By unpluggingthese devices when you’re not using them, you only save a few watts, but theyquickly add up to bigger savings over time. Use a power strip for multipledevices, and switch it off before you go to bed.
• Plan pool time. If you have a pool, shorten the operating time if possible. Switchthe pool filter and sweeper operations to off-peak hours and during nighttime ifthe pool has automatic cleaning settings.
*As always, be sure to consult with the association to get approval for any major renova-tions on your home. Source CAI
Late Summer - 2012Birchwood VOICE4
BILL & WAYNEENTERPRISES, INC.
All Types of Excavation • Stone Hauling & FillDriveways • Additions • Septic System Installation & Repair
Board Meeting Minutes(Please note the below minutes are only brief highlights from the Board Minutes –Complete minutes are available on our website or at the Office)
Minutes of May 11, 2012• The Board approved proceeding with the applications for two PALMS Grants for
riparian buffers as well as Old Oak Court.• The Board discussed possible sources of funding to address the salt contamination
and the 739 Entrance, requesting the Community Manager research low cost loansand/or other funding alternatives. A meeting was held April 21st with thehomeowners around the Maintenance Yard updating them on recent conversationswith DEP and our consultants. A letter was sent to all Association Members invitingthem to attend an informational meeting on May 12th at 9AM on the salt issue.Board approved monthly field testing by our Maintenance and quarterly lab testingto be performed by our hydro-geologist consultant, Brian Oram, or by a certified lab.Board approved Cornerstone’s proposal for surveying and is waiting on proposalsfor further static water level testing and camera surveys.
• Community Safety Committee - Revised Community Safety Mission Statementacceptable and adopted.
• Lake Management Committee - Goose stopper treatments will be applied in advanceof Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends. Lifeguards are directed torake the beaches when they come on duty every morning and Maintenance does itonce a week with the York Rake. We will investigate the possibility of having thelifeguards come in a little earlier, schedules permitting.
• Capital Improvement Committee - The Committee discussed whether or not toproceed with the renovation of the Maintenance Yard at this time in light of the saltcontamination. It was agreed that the focus must be on resolving the salt issue first.
• Crossing Road Fencing - Cow gates have been installed at either end of the crosswayas well as no trespassing signs. Board also approved closing the gap on either side ofeach cow gate to fully seal off access.
• Salt Problem - Additional testing will continue. Moyer Well Drilling on-site May15th to review possible well modifications and other options. The Board is pursuingthe testing of the clubhouse and office water to see if we could use these sources forwater needs and continue to research potential properties for a new central watersystem for the impacted homes. The Board is holding the replacement of the saltshed in abeyance until further research is undertaken.
• 739 Entrance - Community Manager directed to set up a meeting with PENNDOTand the Board to discuss remedies. Board wishes to finalize plans to address thisentrance area during peak hours soonest.
Minutes of June 8, 2012• Collections: The Community Manager summarized status of collections, noting
executions on judgments are pending and the desire of Board to make this a toppriority. There are 6 judgments ready requiring Board approval. Accountinformation developed reflecting 53 member list with the dollar amount breakdownsso this can be put into a civil complaint, as well as adding any current year’soutstanding dues. This chart will be used after June 15th for late payments.
• Upper Lake - President Ritson stated DEP denied the raising of Upper Lake. Aletter was received from Dam Safety voicing concerns over East Lake not beingcompleted. President asked Community Manager to contact DEP Dam Safety toinform them that it was our understanding the application must be made this year.An Environmental Assessment is an outstanding component of the application. TheCommunity Manager sent a letter to those homeowners on the lake advising them ofthe situation.
• Membership Recognition Candidates - The Board would like to put a program inplace where the Community can nominate Members whose volunteerism hasbenefitted the Community in some way.
• Website Guidelines ––Website Guidelines are under development and DirectorBennett asked for Board input before the next Board Meeting on the draft documentpresented.
• Playground Equipment ––The Board provided authorization to the CommunityManager and Director McInerney to chose playground equipment and/or renovateexisting playground equipment with the remaining reserve monies.
• Pool Design/Bid Packet ––Ability to move forward on renovating vs. enlarging thepool was discussed. Aside from insufficient funds to expand the size of pool,Delaware Township will not likely provide us the variance to do so as there isinsufficient room for an enlarged pool and the necessary parking. The Board hadpreviously requested that $35,000 be placed on the reserve vote, but it has since beendetermined this is not sufficient to get the pool project done and requested anadditional $5,000. Wade Associates will create the design and bid package.
• Candidates Board of Directors - There are four openings on the Board. Five petitionswere submitted to the office, one being Director Balke’s. President Ritson discussedthe current rules that require candidates to be a member in good standing for a fullyear and that attorney opinion indicated we cannot make an exception. DirectorBalke understood, noting he didn’t become a sitting director until after this new by-law went into effect, by appointment. If someone resigned, he would be eligible buthe cannot run for this term now.
• Salt Update - President Ritson summarized activities since the Community wideMay 12th meeting, including the 48 hr. pump test, further field and lab testing, staticwater level testing, and camera studies. An Agreement for the 48hr pump test wasdeveloped by our attorney and sent to two homeowners for their review andsignature. Once obtained, the test will be scheduled. Letters are to go to all the areahomeowners for their permission to test their water. Once we receive signedpermissions testing can proceed. As to the well on the maintenance yard, it isdecided to install a packer and see if this method will be successful. We will bereceiving a contract from Moyer Drilling and will set a date. Cornerstone to provideadditional surveying of new wells and use info to update maps. Community ManagerBettye White attended the Supervisor’s Meeting at the Township to inform them ofthe salt contamination issue. She added that permits will be required and she wouldappreciate their cooperation in expediting them when they are required. TheSupervisors thanked her for the update and agreed that they will work with us asneeded to help resolve the situation.
• Pool Rule ––Tubes, scuba diving and noodles are not permitted. Only arm floatersand life vests will be allowed in shallow end accompanied by adult while in watereffective immediately. The Board approved a rule change: (6) Tubes, swim masks,scuba-diving equipment, noodles, etc., are not permitted in the pool. For non-swimmers, arm floaters and/or coast guard approved life jacket floating vests may beused in the pool, shallow end only, and the lake provided the non-swimmer isaccompanied by an adult swimmer while in the water.
• Office - President Ritson summarized a mold problem in the office. Integra Cleaninghas been hired to do the remediation this coming Monday at a cost of over $6,000.President Ritson indicated that we purchased an additional air purifier and a largerdehumidifier for the crawl space and moved the smaller one into the office. We hadmaintenance HEPA vacuum the entire office and are looking into the viability ofhaving a professional office cleaning company come in. President Ritson indicatedhe contacted Williams Drilling to review the well on this site to see about the wateroverflowing as it is possible that the overflow may be impacting the crawlspace andcontributing to the wetness down there.
• Discussion ensued on moving the office to the Conference Room in the Clubhouse.Although it may be feasible, there is no way to move the staff that quickly.Therefore, we must remediate the office now so that the staff can continue to workthere until we can make the move to the Conference Room.
• Resolution Committee Correspondence ––Board reviewed two letters to Board fromresolution committee. One involved their determination of when the time beginswith construction permits. The other related to dismissal of a complaint when thereis lack of a witness. It was noted Resolution Committee had heard cases without awitness in the past. The Board received legal input and decided dismissal based onthat input. Board found their position appropriate.
• Motorcycle Access ––Board received a complaint from a resident who was issued acitation by Legion for going around gates without using pass card. Question of theBoard: should we allow this, or request they use their pass to enter. Board decided toenforce using gate card vs. going around gate with a motorcycle but agreed to a onemonth warning, starting issuance of citations effective July 1st.
• Financial Assessment ––Board–discussed hiring Bill Owens (Auditor) to providefinancial assessment over a five year period, particularly reserves and what do weneed to do to provide for the future. Board will request a proposal, and to come infor a meeting, and if it is a reasonable amount, we will proceed accordingly.
Late Summer - 2012Birchwood VOICE6
The Lily PadIssues and activities on ourlakes and in our environment
Important News on ‘911’ SignagePlease help us help you. Many residents in Birchwood Lakes Community still do not
have “911” street signs on their house or in front of their property. When a call comes inrequesting emergency assistance (ambulance, fire, police), it is difficult for the Associa-tion to offer assistance in leading the emergency volunteers to your home if it isn’t clearlymarked with the 911 address.
Make sure your sign is visible from the road. If you need information on your 911address, contact the Birchwood Lakes Community Association office at 570-828-2111.While we hope that you will never require emergency services, take a moment to helpyourself and your loved ones just in case.
Motorcycle AccessIt has been brought to the attention of the BLCA Board of Directors that motorcyclists
are circumventing the entrance gates to gain access into the Community. The purpose ofthe gated entrances is to prevent illegal entry intoour Community by people who are not residents orthe guests of residents of Birchwood LakesCommunity Association. Please help keep Community safety a priority -Members are required to use their gate cards at theentrances and we request that your motorcyclistguests are instructed to use the guest callbox togain entrance. Our security has been instructed to issuecitations for any motorcyclist found breeching theentrances after July 1, 2012.
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The warm winter, the recent shortage of rain, andthe high temperatures we have had in late June and
early July appear to be having a significant impact on aquatic weed growth in our lakes,particularly in East Lake, our shallowest lake, and in Upper Lake, where DEP denied ourrequest this year to raise the lake level as has been down in the past.
East Lake has already been treated two times, including the east shore for Naiad andthe western shore and center of the lake for Watershield. Recent observations indicate thatadditional treatments will be necessary for the Watershield, as well as reducing patches ofwater lilies and an outbreak of Naiad in the eastern cove.
The Upper Lake has also been treated twice, including the incoming cove from theEast Lake and the outlet/ spillway area. Additional treatments will likely be necessary.
The Lower Lake has not needed treatment as yet, although Spatterdock/ yellow waterlilies in the north cove is being monitored.
The Middle Lake was recently treated for pondweed in the center of the lake. This wasthe first treatment in three years.
Lake Management Committee volunteers will continue to monitor each lake. Membersshould contact the office if they have concerns.
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Birchwood VOICELate Summer - 2012 7
Keep Your Home Safe WhileYou’re Away on Vacation
As the summer heats up, many of you will escape the daily grind and head out on awell-deserved vacation. But before you hit the road, take a few precautions so your homeisn’t enticing to thieves or susceptible to fire and other disasters. Not only is having yourhome vandalized or burnt to the ground a highly unpleasant way to return from a trip, butit also puts the rest of the association at risk, as these problems have the potential tospread quickly throughout the neighborhood. So, before you take off, consider implement-ing these safety tips to keep your home and our community secure.
Call on friends for help. If you’re going to be away a week or more, ask a trustedfriend to check on your house every day or two—or better yet,housesit—while you’re gone. Not only will they make surenothing happens to your home, but you might also ask them tobring in your mail and newspapers, water plants or even feedFluffy. Of course, it’s a good idea to let your neighbors knowa friend is monitoring your property so they don’t call thepolice to thwart a perceived “break-in.”
Set your lights on a timer.Leaving your house unlit fordays on end is a sure signto burglars that it’sempty, but so iskeeping thelights on 24-7.A good way tohandle thelights on/offconundrum isto set them on atimer that’s scheduledto simulate your regularroutine. Of course, ifthe lights seem a bit toosimulated, that can beanother telltale sign, soit’s a good idea to set the timers in individual rooms onstaggered schedules to make the light coming from your homeseem more natural.
Stop your mail and newspaper. Nothing screams“nobody’s home!” like a pile of newspapers strewn about yourdoorstep or an overflowing mailbox. So, if you can’t get afriend or neighbor to collect them for you, it’s best to haveyour mail and paper stopped if you’re going to be out of townfor awhile.
Don’t leave the spare house key lying around. That fakerock where you keep the extra house key isn’t as discrete asyou think. Whether you keep a spare under your welcomemat, above the door frame or in a hide-a-key contraption,chances are it will take the nefarious types five minutes flat tofind it and gain easy entry to your house. So take it with you,let a friend hold onto it or put it in a safe place inside yourhouse, even if you’re worried about losing your other keys.Because when it comes down to it, calling a locksmith is lesstraumatic than calling the police.
Make a last-minute checklist. Are all the windows anddoors locked? Stove and oven turned off? How about all thefaucets? Are the electronics unplugged and valuables secured?Take five minutes before you leave to ensure your house isvacation-ready. Another run-through of the house may seemunnecessary if you did it earlier in the day, but knowingyou’ve left your house as safe as possible will help you kickback and have a great vacation.
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Animals and Any Other Blockages Removed
Late Summer - 2012Birchwood VOICE8
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Some exclusions apply.EXPIRES 12/31/2012
Protect Windows from Bird CollisionsFlight is a magnificent means of transportation, but not without its dangers—especially
for birds. For many birds, a journey across the skies ends with a deadly collision withwindows, vehicles, cell towers or high-tension wires.
If you’ve been startled by the dull thud of a bird smacking your window, you’re notalone. Bird collisions with windows occur day and night, in all seasons, and in cities,suburbs and rural areas. Birds don’t see the glass, generally because it mirrors trees,shrubs, or sky, so the transparent panes appear to offer a passageway through a building.
It’s surprising how common this problem is. The National Fish and Wildlife Founda-tion and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimate that billions of birds die from aerialcollisions each year in the U.S. And a lot of them, it seems, are colliding with our win-dows. Replacing glass or just cleaning it after a bird crash is a maintenance issue.
Fortunately, some simple solutions can help protect our windows and the birds.• Place birdfeeders either close to (within 3 feet) or far away from buildings (a
minimum of 33 feet). Birds cannot build up enough momentum to injurethemselves when flying to and from feeders that are very close to buildings.Conversely, when birds take flight quickly from feeders that are further frombuildings, they are less likely to collide with windows.
• Hang a mobile, wind sock or strips of fabric on the outside of the window.• Use an attractive window film, such as one that gives the appearance of glass
etching or sandblasting to reduce reflections.• Paint or stencil the window with soap or wax.• Cover the window with garden protection netting or a screen.• Hang multiple bird silhouettes on the outside of windows to break up reflection.• Replace standard windows with non-reflective stained or frosted glass.
Source: CAI
BLCA Website AdvertisingMembers in good standing can advertise their not-for-profit event or notice on the
BLCA website free of charge. Not-for profit events or notices may be submitted by otherorganizations for consideration if it promotes local events or activities that may be ofinterest to our members. There are a few basic guidelines:
• BLCA Board of Directors and/or the office retains the right to refuse an ad ornotice if it is considered inaccurate, in bad taste, profane, defamatory,infringing, obscene, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive, or would not benefitthe membership. Anything of a political, religious or sexual nature is prohibited.
• Ads or notices must not defame, abuse, harass, stalk, threaten or otherwiseviolate the legal rights (such as rights of privacy and publicity) of others.
• The Association retains the right to decline any submitted ads or notices or todiscontinue any posting previously accepted.
• The Association will not publish to the website any article that is copyrightedwithout authorization to use.
• The Association reserves the right to not link to or to remove links to other websites.
• BLCA reserves the right to change these policies at any time.Submission Procedure:• Items for sale, wanted, barter or free, can be placed by submitting your item
form directly to our webmaster at www.birchwoodlakes.net/classifieds.html.• Events and/or notices can be emailed to the BLCA office at [email protected].• If approved, notices will be placed on the BLCA Website Bulletin Board.• Business ads are not accepted.• Office staff will review the notice to determine its eligibility for placement on
the BLCA website.• If deemed unsuitable, BLCA will contact you and provide you with the
opportunity to provide a different copy in accordance with guidelines above.• Notices must be provided in a pdf or text format such as Word. The Webmaster
reserves the right to reproduce in a format that conforms to the website ifdeemed necessary.
• Once approved the notice will be forwarded to the webmaster for placement.Disclaimer: Birchwood Lakes Community Association, Inc. does not guarantee any
claims made by advertisers. Publication does not constitute an endorsement, recommen-dation or approval of goods or services advertised herein by Birchwood Lakes Commu-nity Association, Inc. The advertiser hereby agrees to indemnify, defend, and holdBirchwood Lakes Community Association, Inc., its officers, directors, and staff, harmlessfrom any and all claims, causes of action, demands, penalties, damages, obligations,liabilities, and costs (including reasonable attorneys fees) arising out of or connected withthe advertisement or the sale of goods and/or services.
NOTE: We do not accept commercial advertising or any advertising that is not ofbenefit to our members.
I.C.E.When was the last time you completed the “in case of emergency” (I.C.E.) card in your
wallet? With all our updated technology very few of us carry this emergency card any-more. Since most of us are carrying cell phones, emergency medical technicians recom-mend storing an ICE number in our cell phone.
In the event something happens to you, emergency personnel can check the phone foran ICE number and notify the designated person listed on your phone. If you do not carrya cell phone you should carry an information card in your purse or wallet.
It is also recommended that on that card you list any key medical information and/ormedications you are currently taking. Complete a card for each member of your family.
• Walkways• Stone Work• Patios• Planting• Retaining Walls• Maintenance
Birchwood VOICELate Summer - 2012 9
Birchwood Lakes Community AssociationBoard of DirectorsPresident ................ Charles RitsonVice President ...... Clare BennettSecretary ............... Linda WhiteTreasurer ............... Marcella LivingstonTheodore Balke Carl FredricksonCarolyn Martin Thomas McConnonJoanne McInerney
Standing Committees
BLCA Property DevelopmentChairperson Carl FredricksonCo-Chair Chas Ritson
NOTE: When a call comes in for emer-gency assistance (ambulance, fire, police),it can be difficult for the Association tooffer assistance in leading the emergencyvolunteers to your home if it isn’t clearlymarked with the 911 address. Make sureyour sign is visible from the road. If youneed information on your 911 address,contact the BLCA Office 570-828-2111
Upcoming Board MeetingsTuesday, August 14, 7:00pmAnnual Meeting: Sat., August 25, 9:00am
Dates to Note(see calendar for full list of activities)Election and Voting DatesAugust 4 @ 9am – Vote HearingAugust 17 @ 3pm – Deadline for votingAugust 25 @ 9am – Annual Meeting
Recreation Events to NoteAug 1, 8-11pm - Young Adult Pool PartyAug 5, 8am - Fishing Tournament atBeach 3Aug 5, 1-5pm - Kids Karnival, PoolAug 11, 6-9pm - Adult BBQ, Beach 1Aug 13, 1pm - Tie Dye, PoolAug 19, 9-11:30am - Pancake BreakfastAug 22, 8-11pm - Young Adult Pool PartyAug 25, 6-9pm - Spaghetti Dinner w/Potluck DessertsSept 1, 1-5pm - End of Summer PoolPartySept 2, 7pm - Jackpot Bingo. (DoorsOpen at 6:30pm)Sept 1, 1-5pm - Pool Party (Rain DateSept 2nd)Sept 2 - Community Wide Yard Sale
Volunteers are always needed to join our committees. By joining you will get abetter understanding of how your community works. Consider volunteering yourtime to help Birchwood move forward. The form for volunteering can be found onour website at www.birchwoodlakes.net or is available at the BLCA Office.
www.birchwoodlakes.netCheck out our community website for updates and information
Tips for Safe Swimming Nothing says summer vacation likewarm days spent at the pool or a quickweekend retreat to the beach. Whetheryou’re jumping waves in the ocean orsplashing around in a pool, these tipsfrom the Federal Citizen InformationCenter will help keep you and your
family safe this summer:• Teach your kids to swim. Check for swimming lessons in your area on
USA.gov. Giving your kids the basic water skills they need will help keep themsafe.
• Keep an eye on your kids. With lots of kids splashing around in public pools,it’s easy for someone to get dunked by accident. Know where your kids are so ifyou see them go under you can make sure they come right back up.
• Check your drains. If you have your own pool, make sure your drains meetsafety standards. Drains that don’t could catch children’s hair or limbs and pullthem with great force to the pool’s bottom.
• Don’t panic in a riptide. Before you or your kids go in the ocean, make sure youall know what to do if you get caught in a riptide. Swim parallel to the shore.Don’t fight your way directly back to the beach, but swim sideways until youare out of the current. Wave for a lifeguard to help get you back to shore safely.
Play it safe in the lake. Lake water can be murky, making it hard to see what hidesbelow the surface. Wear water shoes to protect your feet from sharp rocks or other debris.And don’t swim too far from shore. You may not realize how far you’ve gone until youtry to stand and can’t find the bottom.
Playing in the water should be a fun family activity. With the proper safeguards, yourfamily can stay safe while cooling off. Source CAI
Safe Summer FunThe National Center for Missing & Exploited Children recommends that parents and
guardians take action to keep their children safe during both structured and unstructuredsummer activities. The first step is to talk to your children.
Kids need to know:• Neighborhood boundaries and
whose homes they may visit.• Whom to call and where to go in
an emergency.• Their full name, address and
telephone number.• To keep doors locked and not
open the door if they are homealone.
• Not to approach a vehicle oraccept a ride from anyone withoutyour permission.
• To avoid pools and other bodiesof water without adultsupervision.
• Their curfew, and to call you ifthey will be late.
Parents also should remember to:• Supervise children at malls,
movies, arcades and parks.• Choose and screen babysitters
with care.• Investigate day care centers and
recreational camps thoroughlybefore enrolling your children.
• Always listen to your children.For more information, visit The
National Center for Missing & ExploitedChildren’s website at www.ncmec.org.
Source CAI
Late Summer - 2012Birchwood VOICE10
Building PermitsBLCA Rules and Regulations (Section 98-50-19), inaccordance with the Association’s Covenants andRestrictions, require members to obtain a BLCA permitprior to moving to, constructing, or erecting anystructure or building within the community. There is nofee for obtaining the permit. Additionally, permits areneeded for septic repairs and tree removals. For moreinformation, contact the BLCA Office at 570-828-2111.
BLCA CurfewBLCA has a curfew of 10:00p.m. Sunday-Thursdayand 11:00p.m. Friday and Saturday. As a courtesy toother members, please observe the curfew hours.
Right of Way NoticeAll property owners are hereby put on notice that theAssociation has a right of way on each roadway. Anypersonal property placed in the right of way is not theAssociation’s responsibility and will not be heldresponsible for any damages incurred to said property.All property owners are to refrain from placing personalproperty within the Association’s right of way. TheAssociation does not permit encroachment of anyAssociation property, which includes roads or right ofways, common area or any other location, which isBLCA property.
Notices
Quote“It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points
out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deedscould have done better. The credit belongs to the man who isactually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweatand blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up shortagain and again, because there is no effort without error orshortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the greatdevotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, atthe best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement,and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daringgreatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold andtimid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”
—Theodore Roosevelt
BadgesAll Members are reminded to wear their badges whenusing any of the common areas, and when attendingmeetings and/or recreational events. Anyone without abadge will be asked to leave the common area or will notbe admitted to meetings or events.
Tennis Court UsageTennis courts, located opposite the Clubhouse, areavailable for use by members in good standing and theirguests. A key is required and may be obtained at theBLCA Office with a $5 deposit. Badges should bedisplayed when utilizing the facilities.
Birchwood VOICELate Summer - 2012 11
Recipes
Chocolate Banana Milkshake1 banana, frozen and chunked6 tablespoons powdered chocolate-flavored malt drinkmix (such as Ovaltine®)1 cup milk2 cups vanilla ice cream
Directions: Place the frozen banana chunks, powdereddrink mix, milk, and vanilla ice cream into a blender, andblend until smooth and creamy. Pour into large glasses.
Angel Pudding1 (10-inch) angel food cake6 cups cold milk1 (5.9-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix1 (5-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix2 (2.1-ounce) bars chocolate-covered crispy peanutbutter flavored candy (e.g., Butterfinger™), crushed(this is also good with Heath Bar Candy)
Directions: Place half of cake cubes in the bottom of a9x13 inch dish. Prepare chocolate and vanilla puddingswith cold milk according to package directions. Spreadprepared chocolate pudding over cake cubes in dish. Topwith half the crushed candy. Distribute remaining cakecubes over candy and top with vanilla pudding andremaining candy. Chill until serving.
Triple Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Pork Chops4 or 6 1” boneless natural pork chops1/2 cup grated fresh natural mozzarella1/2 cup grated fresh natural cheddar1/4 cup grated fresh natural parmesan8-10 slices natural bacon, fried and crumbled1 package corn bread stuffing mix
Directions:Pan-fry the pork chops until brown on both sides, about
4 minutes per side.Note: chops will NOT be done in the center. Cut a slit
in the side of the chops to form a stuffing pocket. Mix thecheeses, bacon, and corn bread together in a mixing bowl.Stuff each chop pocket with the mixture, closing withtoothpicks. Lay the chops in a greased baking dish. If anyadditional mixture is left over, you can sprinkle it on thetop of the chops. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutesor until the chops are done to your liking.
Do-It-Yourself Deer RepellantPreviously submitted by member Janet Flaherty
1 bar of Fels Naptha soap2 bunches of scallions, roughly chopped2 head of garlic cloves, separated4 EggsLots of chili powder
Fill 1/2 of a 5 gallon bucket with hot water. Shave soapinto the bucket to dissolve. Place scallions, garlic, eggs andchili powder in a large piece of doubled cheesecloth, tie upends of cloth tightly, use a wooden spoon to crack theeggs. Place in a shaded area. Let stand for 1 week. Transferin batches to a pump sprayer. Apply after each rainfall orevery two weeks.
Grill Safety TipsWhen firing up your grills this summer, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds you to
barbecue safely whether you use gas or charcoal.
Gas GrillsLiquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane, used in gas grills, is highly flammable. Each year about 30 people are injured
as a result of gas grill fires and explosions. Many of these occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle fora period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill’s gas container.
To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, consumers should routinely perform the following safety checks:• Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders, or food grease. Use a pipe
cleaner or wire to clear blockage and push it through to the main part of the burner.• Check hoses for cracks, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.• Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease. If you can’t move the hoses,
install a heat shield to protect them.• Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.• Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer’s instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill
to the LP gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don’t attempt to light the grilluntil the leak is fixed.
• Keep lighted cigarettes, matches and open flames away from a leaking grill.• Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the
grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or under a surface that can catch fire.• Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance
repair person.• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions that accompany the grill and when connecting or disconnecting
LP gas containers.• Consumers should use caution when storing LP gas containers. Always keep containers upright. Never store a
spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, nearthe grill.
• To avoid accidents while transporting LP gas containers, transport the container in a secure, upright position.Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which mayopen the relief valve and allow gas to escape.
We’re Going GreenThe Birchwood Voice is published in print, electronically at our website at www.birchwoodlakes.net, or in pdf format
via email. We have recently had to revamp our mailing and email lists for the newsletter in response to member com-plaints that they had not received recent edition(s) by mail or email.
We are asking all members to complete the form below, indicating your mailing preference and return the completedform to the Office. It can be mailed to Birchwood Lakes Community Association, 212 Aspen Road, Dingmans Ferry PA18328 or it can be returned in person to the office.
PLEASE CUT OUT AND MAIL OR DROP IT OFF TO THE OFFICE
___I prefer to receive a hard copy of The Birchwood Voice in the mail.
___I prefer to receive The Birchwood Voice in pdf format to my email address.
___I prefer to read The Birchwood Voice on the Birchwood Lakes Website atwww.birchwoodlakes.net.
Note: If you change your email address from one listed above, please rememberto notify the office.
Alternatively, we havemade the form available onour website atwww.birchwoodlakes.net.You can complete the formelectronically and email [email protected] by submission of thisform you indicate otherwise,a hardcopy newsletter will bemailed to the address we havefor you on file at the office.
Members with tenants,please advise your tenantsthat if they would like a copyof “The Birchwood Voice”they can pick one up at theOffice or obtain it from theBLCA website.
Your email address willbe added to our database.Please be assured that itwill be used only by BLCAto distribute the newsletterand any pertinent Associa-tion information.
