Fall - Birchwood Lakes Community Association

BIRCHWOOD
THE
VOICE
Birchwood
Association,Inc.
Inc.
BirchwoodLakes
LakesCommunity
Community Association,
P.O.
Box
222
Dingmans
Ferry,
PA
18328
212 Aspen Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328
(570)
828-2111
(570) 828-2111
• www.birchwoodlakes.net
Volume 6/ No. 3
BIRCHWOOD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.
FALL 2011
BLCA Annual Audit Report
Deadline
for the
Birchwood
Lakes
newsletter is
January 18
nity with a need to rebuild our
infrastructures and facilities the
reserve fund would be quickly
depleted. He stated that it is difficult for the Board to address these
growing demands on our community at our present reserve
fund level. The only way to meet
all these demands would be to
increase dues substantially, which
would require a vote of the
Membership. When further questioned by a member, Mr. Owens
stated that compared to other
communities in the area similar to
BLCA, Birchwood’s Association
dues are on the low end of the
dues scale. Mr. Owens works with
over 20 similar Community Associations in the region.
When asked how Birchwood is
doing with outstanding dues collections, Mr. Owens stated that in
the last couple of years BLCA has
an aggressive program in place to
attempt to collect these dues.
However, because we are a community with many lots versus
homes on lots it makes it harder
to collect outstanding dues on
these empty lots. Many people
who own these lots don’t have the
same commitment to paying their
dues and frequently allow these
properties to go to tax sale.
In closing, Mr. Owens noted
that the audit did not uncover any
concerns other than those regarding our reserve fund, and that the
Board and Staff were adhering to
accounting best practices.
Photo by Clare Bennett
Birchwood’s ‘Niagara Falls’
President’s Message
Summer is over and what a hot
one it was! After our cold winter
and rainy spring, it was a welcome relief. School is back in session so please drive carefully and
use the parking areas by the bus
stops. Do not stop or park in the
roadway when leaving your children to be picked up. It is not safe!
A big thank you to everyone on
the Beautification Committee for
watering the flowers and keeping
our entrances looking great in the
heat.
Birchwood welcomes our new
maintenance employee, Tom Martin. Our maintenance staff has
been working very hard this summer to maintain all our facilities
and they deserve our thanks.
Unfortunately, some of their time
is taken up repairing damage from
vandals and cleaning up garbage
Birchwood Lakes Community Association, Inc.
212 Aspen Road
Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328
Bill Owens, BLCA Auditor, provided an update on the financial
status of the Community and the
results of the audit. Mr. Owens
informed the meeting that in
keeping with best accounting
practices Birchwood now shows
its books as two separate records
for Operating and Reserves. This
system enables us to clearly show
that monies are being used for
their intended purposes.
Mr. Owens expressed pleasure
in our accounting practices stating
that our financial books are in
much better shape than in previous years and credited BLCA
Bookkeeper, Linda McGinley, stating this fiscal year was the best set
of records he has received from
Birchwood to date.
When questioned by a member,
Mr. Owens expressed that his
greatest concern for BLCA is our
need to increase our Reserve
Funds. While we have monies in
our reserve funds, Mr. Owens
believes that as an aging commu-
by Marcella Livingston
left by people at the mailboxes
and throughout Birchwood.
Please take your unwanted mail
home to dispose of properly.
Household garbage should not be
left in BLCA cans. There are several disposal companies available for
a variety of pickup days, including
one that charges only by the bag if
you don’t want a service contract.
Contact the office for more information.
Despite the difficult economic
times, our Association still needs
your dues to pay our expenses. A
large part of our budget is based
on the amount of dues we receive.
Our ability to offer services and
pay our bills is diminished with a
lack of funds. At our Annual
Meeting our Accountant, William
Owens related that Birchwood has
one of the lowest dues in the area
and our ability to schedule major
projects is hampered by the
amount in our reserve fund. We
are an aging community that went
from a primarily summer residence to a full time residence
community whose infrastructure
needs upgrading to meet our current needs. The Budget Committee
will be working to address these
concerns. We have stepped up our
efforts to collect on delinquent
accounts. We offer a payment plan
for those who need one. Contact
the office if you need a payment
plan.
Project Updates:
This fall our pool will undergo
an inspection and work will begin
on phase 1 of the maintenance
yard improvement. The old salt
shed will be removed and the
ground prepared for construction
of the new road material bays. The
roads scheduled for seal coating
were completed and drainage and
road work on Outer drive will
soon be underway. A new spreader is being purchased for sanding
this winter. Work on the permit
for crossing dam is progressing.
We are scheduled to meet with
PADOT in September regarding
our 739 entrance. Updates on
these projects are discussed at our
monthly meetings that are always
open to our residents.
A schedule of Board meetings is
in this newsletter, on the website
and at the office.
Volunteers are needed to join
our committees. By joining you
will get a better understanding of
how your community works.
Consider volunteering your time
to help make Birchwood move
forward.
Presorted Standard
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Permit #11
Pittston PA 18640
PAGE 2
BIRCHWOOD LAKES
2011 Board of Directors
The following officers, meeting dates and committee appointments
were made at the BLCA Annual Meeting:
OFFICERS:
DIRECTORS:
President: Marcella Livingston
Carl Fredrickson
Vice President: Clare Bennett
John Meola (resigned)
Secretary: Linda White
Thomas McConnon
Treasurer: Carolyn Martin
Joanne McInerney
Louis Freeman (resigned)
FALL 2011
Birchwood Swim Team
by Lisa Mickles
STANDING COMMITTEES:
BLCA Property
Development:
Chairperson: Carl Fredrickson
Co-Chair:
Roads Maintenance
& Construction:
Chairperson: Louis Freeman
Co-Chair: Denis Murphy
Rules & Regulations:
Chairperson: Carolyn Martin
Co-Chair: Clare Bennett
Finance, Budget, Contracts: Chairperson: Carolyn Martin
Co-Chair: Marcella Livingston
By-Laws:
Chairperson: Joanne McInerney
Co-Chair: Clare Bennett
Capital Projects:
Chairperson: Marcella Livingston
Co-Chair: Clare Bennett
Voting & Elections:
Chairperson: Linda White
Co-Chair: Marcella Livingston
APPOINTED COMMITTEES:
BLCA Property Beautification:
Community Safety:
Community Affairs:
Recreation:
Lake Management:
Chairperson: Carl Fredrickson
Co-Chair: JoAnn Woods
Chairperson: Thomas McConnon
Co-Chair: Dan Capano
Chairperson: Linda White
Co-Chair: Clare Bennett
Chairperson: Joanne McInerney
Co-Chair:
Chairperson: Charles Ritson
Co-Chair: Thomas McConnon
BLCA CONTACT INFO:
BLCA Office: 570-828.2111
BLCA Public Safety: 570-828-6009
BLCA Website: www.birchwoodlakes.net
BLCA Board of Directors Email: blboard@ptd.net
Birchwood Voice Editor Email: editor@birchwoodlakes.net
Let Delaware Township
inform you of local
emergencies.
Delaware Township in partnership with
Twenty First Communications has instituted
a local notification system that will be able
to send telephone notification to residences
and businesses within Delaware Township
impacted by, or in danger of being impacted
by, an emergency or disaster.
Register your phone numbers with us
so we can add you to our
Reverse 911 calling system.
Please contact us at:
570-828-2347
“Swimmers step up, take your
mark, go!,” were the words
Birchwood Lakes Swim Team lived
this summer as they successfully
completed another outstanding
swim season.
“The swim team brings the
community together,” said Eileen
Naturale, who coaches the team
along with her husband John and
Assistant Coach Ceci Buckle.
Almost 90 kids participated this
year on the Birchwood Lakes
Barracudas’ Swim Team, forming
a tight-knit bond with the community while learning to work
together as a team.
Three nights per week, dozens,
OPEN BOARD MEETINGS
Friday, October 14, 2011 @ 7 p.m.
Friday, November 11, 2011 @ 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 10, 2011 @ 9 a.m.
Snowdate – Tuesday, December 13, 2011 @ 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 14, 2012 @ 9 a.m.
Snowdate – Tuesday, January 17, 2012 @ 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 @ 9 a.m.
Snowdate – Tuesday, February 14, 2012 @ 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 @ 7 p.m.
Friday, April 13, 2012 @ 7 p.m.
Friday, May 11, 2012 @ 7 p.m.
Friday, June 8, 2012 @ 7 p.m.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012 @ 7 p.m.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012 @ 7 p.m.
Annual Meeting: Saturday, August 25, 2012 @ 9 a.m.
FOR SALE at
Birchwood Lakes–
attractive wooded lakefront
property at
East Lakeview Drive,
Sec. 11, Block 81.
Asking $41,000. Owner.
(516) 305-4467.
LAKE FRONT HOME - $259,900
3 BR + Loft, 2 BA, Year round lake
front home on East Lake. Many
new upgrades include appliances,
roof, vinyl cedar shake siding,
argon filled thermopane double
hung windows, doors and more.
Professionally landscaped. Low
maintenance. 908-421-3200.
and dozens of children came to
swim practice, under the guidance of the coaches and other parents who all volunteered their
time, so kids could get the skills
needed to compete against other
local community swim teams.
This year was different in that
the Pocono Summer Swim League
divided the swim teams into an A
and B group with the Barracudas
hitting the A-Division competing
with the likes of Hemlock Farms,
Woodlands, Lake Adventure and
Gold Key.
The summer program features
swimmers age three through 18years of age racing for top spots in
the individual medley, freestyle,
backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly,
and freestyle relay races as well as
kick boarding for the younger
kids during the weekly swim
Continues on page 5
FALL 2011
BIRCHWOOD LAKES
PAGE 3
YOU DO NEED A
BUILDING PERMIT!
BLCA Members are being
offered discounted pumpout rates by Allstate, Koberlein, and M&S Septic
Services. Rate sheets can
be picked up at the office.
Email Us!
Have you ever wished you
could contact the Board of
Directors by email with a suggestion, comment or concern?
The Board of Directors can
now be reached by email at
blboard@ptd.net.
(If you need an immediate
response, please contact the
BLCA Office.)
Birchwood Lakes Swim Team Thanks You!
The Birchwood Lakes Swim Team
would like to thank all the hole sponsors and door prize sponsors for our
4th Annual Outing. The Outing was
held at Shawnee on July 1. It was a
beautiful day and a great time was had
by all. If you missed the outing, please
be sure to watch for flyers next year.
Don’t miss another year!
We would not be able to do all that
we do for the kids, if it weren’t for all
those who give to the team. So from
each and every one of us…..THANK
YOU! Please patronize these businesses.
Hole Sponsors: Neste’s General
Store, Moffa’s Home Improvement,
Stroyan Funeral Home, Busacco
Family, Lakeview Plaza Market,
Carpentry Unlimited, Buddy’s Auto
Repair, Dingmans Ferry Bridge, Penn
Text Books, Pike County Motors, Inc,
Etre Day Spa Salon, Rockaway Auto
Repair, Inc, Town II Auto Body, Flair,
Sisters Corner Deli, Mountaintop
Floor Coverings, Arnold’s Country
Mini Mart, BLCA Board of Directors
and Property Mgr, Milford Pet Foods
Plus, Ray’s Auto Repair, Inventory
Professionals, Jacob L Perry Certified
Public Accountant, Dingman Delaware Insurance Agency, LLC, AB
Computer Services, Kingsland Contractors, Staples, Traco Embroidery,
MP Auto Body, Foreign Auto Service,
Inc, Ridgeline Motors, Pike Physical
Therapy, Mirror Image Auto Body, Inc,
Franklin Body & Bear, Inc, McGinley
Family, Castelucci Family, BarryNaturale-Saunders Family, American
Legion Post 139, Mt. Haven Restaurant, Sprinkle Shack,
Door Prize Donations: Birchwood
Lakes Swim Team, Arrow-Antiques &
Collectibles, Naturale Family, Buckle
Family, Velasquez Family, Douglas
Dillmuth State Farm Ins, Demasi
Family, Mickles Family, Pies On
Restaurant, Silver Lake Tavern, Moffa
Family, Wrenches, Buzz Cutz, Independence Home Center, Picture
Perfect, Pike County Action Outfitters,
Jewelry Art Gifts, Denim or Lace,
Milford Barber Shop, Broad Street
Coffee House, AnneMarie’s House of
Hair, Flynn Family, Penn Text Books,
Good Time Pizza, Collins Family,
Dingmans Flowers, Ryder Family
GUIDELINES FOR LETTERS
Birchwood Lakes Community Association residents are invited to submit Letters to the Editor for publication in The Birchwood Voice. It is the intent of the Community Affairs Committee that publication
of letters will encourage a civil discussion about important issues in the community. These are the committee guidelines:
1) All letters must include the member’s name, address and telephone number and MUST BE
RECEIVED BY THE DEADLINE AS NOTED ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THE LAST ISSUE. Names
only will appear in print. Letters may be e-mailed to: editor@birchwoodlakes.net or dropped off at the
office.
2) All letters must be 300 words or less. Longer letters may be edited or returned to sender for editing.
3) Letters to the Editor may not be inflammatory, derogatory, obscene, and libelous or discuss issues
in terms of individuals in the community.
EDITOR’S NOTES MAY BE ADDED to clarify or correct information.
BILL & WAYNE
ENTERPRISES, INC.
All Types of Excavation • Stone Hauling & Fill
Driveways • Additions • Septic System Installation & Repair
Piers & Water Lines
Jeff Hiller • PA#006191
570-226-9558
A Birchwood Lakes permit is required if you are doing any of the
following work:
Roof
Decks
Fence
Additions
New Home
Garages
Screen Houses
Sun Rooms
Sheds
Replacing Deck Boards
Septic Repairs
Septic Replacement
Wells
Docks
There are no fees involved in the permit process, but you must
check with Pike County and/or Delaware Township to discuss their
permitting procedures and requirements.
BLCA
WEBSITE
Do you sometimes wonder what’s
going on at Birchwood? Do you like
to see pictures taken by your neighbors? Do you need a permit form to
remove a tree? Maybe you want to
post a notice to the community. Well
then, Birchwood’s website is for you!
Our
community
website,
www.birchwoodlakes.net, is a great
way to keep informed and to connect
with the community. The Home page
has a section of notices that is updated frequently with informative news
and reminders. Stop by once a week
to see what’s new. You can also browse
the calendar on the Events page to
check out times and places for events
and meetings.
The BLCA Business page and the
Forms page are great resources for
learning about how our community is
run. You can peruse our By-Laws,
Rules and Regulations, Board meeting
minutes and download a wide variety
of forms such as permits for tree
removal or construction projects.
There is even a Suggestion and
Complaint form for those of you who
want to put in your two cents to help
improve Birchwood.
But the web site content doesn’t
come just from our administration.
You can contribute too. There is a
Gallery page to which you may submit interesting photos of scenery and
events around Birchwood. There is
also a Classifieds page on which you
can offer personal goods for sale or to
buy. You have probably seen the community bulletin boards we have
around the neighborhood. If you
want to try reaching your neighbors
electronically, our web site has a
Bulletin Board page on which you can
have notice of your garage sale or
other event posted.
There is even more than what I
have described on the web site. Next
time you have your computer on,
open up your web browser and take a
look. You just might like what you see.
And if you have any suggestions for
improvement or want to submit some
content, just email us at editor@birchwoodlakes.net.
PAGE 4
BIRCHWOOD LAKES
Inspection of Our Lakes
Photos by Tony Brando of Middle Lake
All lakes were at capacity due to
heavier than normal spring and
early summer rains. With the
exception of the East Lake, the
lakes were in very good overall
condition for this time of year. It
was recommended that East Lake
be treated as soon as possible for
Watershield (a type of small leafed
water lily) along the entire western shore from the pool to the
southernmost cove and for Naiad
(a branched pondweed) adjacent
to the dam spillway. [Please note
that EcoSolutions treated these
areas, week of 7/25.]
Other recommendations were
made for each lake, including
reducing the Spatterdock (yellow
water lily) in the cove on the
Lower Lake, spot spraying for
Watershield around several docks
on Middle Lake, and reducing
patches
of
Pickerelweed,
Smartweed, Water Willow and
Cattails in various locations.
(EcoSolutions was expected to
look at these areas in early
August). The committee is planning another inspection in Mid-
Notice to
Our
Veterans
Are you missing out on benefits or programs that you may be eligible for? Contact the Veterans Bureau at 570-296-3563. They have an
excellent staff that can answer your questions and assist you with
paperwork should you be filing for any benefits or programs that may
be available to you. The office is conveniently located at 514 Broad
Street, Milford.
August.
If you hear what sounds like
fireworks over the lakes, you
should know that the lake management committee has begun
using pyrotechnics to harass the
large increase in geese seen this
summer. Volunteers will be using
“screamers” and “bangers” to
make our lakes less desirable to
these birds and will use these very
loud noisemakers only during
reasonable hours. Please work
with us to reduce or eliminate
these birds that leave unsightly
droppings on our beaches, common areas and docks, and that
contribute to higher bacteria
counts that can close our beaches.
(Editor’s Note: thanks Lake Management
Committee for keeping on top of our most
important amenity – our lakes!)
FALL 2011
Committees reflect a short
summary of activities in
the community
The committees below reflect a
short summary of their activities
in the community. There may be a
committee below that is of interest to you. Meetings vary but are
generally less than six a year and
are set to accommodate all members’ schedules. So even if you are
not a full time resident, consider
joining one of the committees
below. Join us in making this the
best lake community in PA.
Road Maintenance & Construction: Louis Freeman, Chair.
We solicited proposals for
drainage, asphalt repair and seal
coat utilizing Wayco, Inc. for the
asphalt and seal coat work and
Cornerstone Consulting Engineer
& Architectural Firm to work on
our drainage project. In addition,
we contracted Pocono Spray Patch
to repair many of the potholes in
the community with their specialized equipment and process. Seal
coated roads include: Alder,
Poplar, Red Pine, Persimmon
Drive, Gumtree Lane, Tamarack
Trail, East Lakeview Drive, Lancet,
Primrose
Lane,
Hawthorn,
Pepperidge, Wisperwood, Tallwood, Branchwood Trail, Tulip St.,
and Palm Drive.
Road Construction includes:
Outer Drive as per the Engineering
Plan, Wisperwood
Mail/Bus Area, and a Speed Hump
on Aspen. Engineering Plans from
Cornerstone Consulting include:
Old Oak Court, Poplar, West
Shore, Myrtle Court, Basswood,
Buttonwood, Gumtree Lane, Pine,
Chestnut, Spruce, East Lake and
East Lakeview Drive.
BLCA Property Development:
Carl Fredrickson, Chair. The
Committee researched and purchased more properties from the
repository sales.
Lake Management: Charles
Ritson, Chair. The Lake Management Committee continues to
be active in many areas involving
our lakes and is currently comprised of 12 members. This past
year we conducted our 4th annual Well Water and Septic Program
on 7/23 with 22 members
attending and Koberlein Septic
and Delaware Township Septic
Enforcement Officer.
We supported the Kids Fishing
Tournament, participated in planning meetings with the Community Manager and EcoSolutions, conducting mid-season
inspection of our lakes in July. We
conducted our 3rd annual geese
addling and pyrotechnics program this spring, and provided an
Action List to the Executive Board
listing several concerns including
enforcement of decals and badges
on the lakes and trespassing. We
posted a new Warning Sign posted
at the beach launch indicating that
the BLCA lakes are for members in
good standing and their guests
only.
On-going Issues and concerns
we will address increasing the
Continues on next page
SEPTIC
SERVICE
Fast and
Dependable
Same Day
Service!
Neighbor Discounts Available!
IT’S TIME
TO HAVE
YOUR SEPTIC PUMPED!
$20 OFF
Coupon not to be combined with any other offer.
Pumping • Snakings • Repairs
570-828-7748 or 800-428-6166
FALL 2011
budget for lake treatments, geese
programs, aerators, posted signs,
as well as looking to increase
enforcement of badges/ decals
and trespassing on the lakes. We
are currently researching cost
effective ways to remove or
reduce the peat islands in Middle
and East Lakes and grant opportunities related to reducing storm
water run-off into our lakes.
Voting & Election(s): Clare
Bennett, Chair. Secretary Bennett
shared with the Members in
attendance that out of over 700
Members in Good Standing, only
147 Members sent in their ballots.
She reminded the Membership
that it is their right and duty to
vote and that this should be taken
seriously. It is important to the
function of the organization that
the Membership participates fully
in these important decisions and
changes.
Finance, Budget & Contracts:
Carolyn Martin, Chair. The fiscal
year for Birchwood Lakes
Community Association starts
May 1st. The budget must be
ready to mail to members in good
standing by December of each
year, which makes for a very busy
committee in the preceding
months. Our task is difficult and
time consuming. We review each
line item in the budget against
prior year’s activities, look at our
upcoming financial needs, and
then estimate the amount needed
for each line item. We are also
charged with making sure there is
reserve monies set aside for future
projects, replacements, emergencies and/or major lake community projects that may be coming up
in future years. We meet throughout the year just to review the
budget and make sure our line
items are operating effectively and
efficiently.
The bulk of our income comes
from collection of Association
Dues. We have one of the lowest
dues structures in the Pocono
region, and we work very hard to
keep these dues reasonable but
today’s difficult economic climate
makes dues collection a serious
budgetary problem that affects us
all. To help address this, we shortened the 90-day collection period
to a 30 and 60 day collection peri-
BIRCHWOOD LAKES
od. If still in arrears, these
accounts are immediately placed
in our attorney’s hands to proceed
with legal action to achieve collection.
By-Laws: Clare Bennett, Chair.
The By-Laws Committee is
charged with reviewing our ByLaws on an ongoing basis and
revise as needed. Suggested
changes to the By-Laws come
from
By-Law
Committee
Members or the Board of
Directors. The Committee vote on
whether proposed changes be
presented to the Board of
Directors at the Board Meetings. If
the Board approves the proposed
change(s) they will make a
motion to put it to the
Membership for a Vote. BLCA ByLaws cannot be changed without
a favorable majority vote of those
Members in Good Standing who
submit a vote.
In 2011 the By-Laws Committee developed some important
proposed changes. These included
changes to directors’ meeting
attendance, directors’ good standing status, introducing a Code of
Ethics Policy and Ethics breach
procedure. In addition, we proposed that in the event a Board of
Directors chooses to change to an
external entity from in-house
staffing, such changes would
require the vote of the membership, not by a BOD of as little as 5
people.
The By-Laws Committee continues to review other areas of the
By-Laws. These include but are not
limited to rentals and landlords,
permitting renters to participate
on committees, quorums, and
meetings. If you think you would
be interested in any of these topics or have other suggested ByLaws changes come join the committee.
Rules & Regulations: Carolyn
Martin, Chair. When people
move into a gated community
governed by an association, it is
very important that you understand that the rules and regulations are in place to protect,
enhance and promote the quality
of life for the entire community.
Yes, complying with one’s Rules
and Regulations can be a burden
to us, but quite honestly, they are
instruments that serve to protect
you and your neighbors. The
committee reviews the adopted
Rules & Regulations four times a
year making sure they are user
friendly, not confusing, or cumbersome.
Recommendations come from
the Community Resolution
Board, our residents, our Board of
Directors, or sometimes we need
to address changes required by
new legislation. We work closely
with our By-Law Committee and
our Board of Directors and do our
very best to make sure our regulations are fair, and that they protect
and promote our community’s
needs, introducing a new Septic
Ruling and adjustment of fines.
We also created a new Health &
Sanitation subsection. We are
going to be looking at other rules
involving commercial and construction vehicles, recreation
vehicles, excessive noise, setting
off explosives, as well as guest
boats and tenants.
Community Affairs: Linda
White, Chair. A special thanks to
Sheila Salmon and Nancy Halliday
for the many years they volunteered their services on the
Birchwood Voice. As your new editor,
I can tell you it isn’t an easy task,
and there are many areas that you
can assist towards promoting
community awareness. Most
important, we need help. I am
sure there are many of our members who have great writing abilities, photography expertise or
love taking photos. Most important, a very special note of appreciation to our webmaster Frank
Arrison who gives us endless
hours of volunteerism setting up,
maintaining and keeping our
website current. THANKS FRANK!
Capital Projects: Marcella
Livingston, Chair. The Pool is
scheduled for inspection following the Labor Day closing. We are
working with the Engineer to get
the area prepped for the new salt
shed in Phase 1 of the New
Maintenance Facility. We recently
got a proposal for renovating and
enlarging the current office. The
purpose for getting the proposal
is so that we can have a cost estimate before putting it out for a
reserve vote. We want to plan
ahead financially so that when the
time comes we are ready with the
funds to proceed with the office
renovation.
Beautification/Property
Management: Carl Frederickson,
Chair. Our committee takes care
of the community’s landscaping
and amenities, always looking for
ways to enhance our lake community. We are responsible for all of
the many flowers and plantings,
PAGE 5
choosing them, planting and
maintaining them. Recently you
may have seen some rocks being
placed near the Route 739 entrance. It is our intention to make
this area more aesthetically pleasing and hope to have shrubs and
plantings installed in the rear of
the rock wall area. You may have
noticed the upgrades to our
entrance guard house which was
another of our projects. Do you
have a green thumb? We can use
more volunteers and welcome any
ideas or comments you have. You
can access forms for volunteering
on our website or at our offices.
Community Safety: Thomas
McConnon, Chair. The Community Safety Committee met this
year for the first time in two years.
They have redefined the Mission
Statement of the Committee and
are working on ideas for improving safety and security in the
Community. Director McConnon
invites Members to volunteer.
Recreation: Joanne McIner -
ney, Chair. Recreation activities are
ongoing. Arts and crafts are twice
a week and bingo is weekly. She
informed the meeting that while
attendance at bingo is disappointing we continue to offer it to
those that enjoy coming to it. The
Adult Luau was popular with over
60 people participating. The Ice
Cream Social was so popular we
ran out of ice cream – a first! The
Dinner Dance was enjoyed by
about 75 people. Our end of the
season activities, the Pool Closing
Party and our Jackpot Bingo, was
great fun attended by many. Look
for upcoming recreation events
on our website, as well as the
Community Message Board.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark your
calendar now for our Halloween
Party on October 15 from 1-3
p.m. and December 17 10 a.m.12 noon for our Meet with Santa
Party.
Birchwood Swim Team...
Continued from page 2.
meets held at six of the ten participating communities since they
have regulation-size pools.
The work paid off, since the
Barracudas came in third behind
top contenders Lake Adventure
Dolphins and Hemlock Farms
Hurricanes where all five teams
went head to head in the final
championship meet held at Lake
Adventure. Something also new
this year was the fact that for the
first time there was an All-star
meet where 40 Barracuda swimmers went on to outperform
many of the top-swimmers from
all of the Division A and B teams.
Eileen and John said they were
proud of how hard the kids
worked this year and are excited
that for the upcoming season,
many swimmers might take it a
step further by joining winter
swim leagues to help refine their
skills, possibly giving them a leg
up on the competition at next
year’s Pocono Mountain Summer
Swim League meets.
Birchwood Lakes is unique in
that every child can join the team
for free through money raised
from the swim team’s annual golf
outing at the Shawnee Resort. In
addition, every weekend, parent
volunteers man a booth at the
pool selling chips, candy, team
wear and beverages and this year
the team obtained a food handling license to sell hotdogs and
hamburgers since it is their belief
that all kids should be allowed to
participate on the community
swim team regardless of their
financial status or swimming ability.
Each child receives a team
swimsuit, goggles, bag and other
needed equipment to compete as
athletes in the summer league,
which bonds the parents and kids
together as one with tons of team
spirit to boot.
The Barracudas are even more
exceptional since they took third
place after placing fourth last year
in the annual PMSSL Championships. This is unheard of for
such a small community when
you are up against larger communities with professionally hired
coaches using Olympic-sized
pools to practice in.
Of course, none of this would
be possible without the support
of the local community, including
sponsorships from local businesses, and the volunteers who have
given Birchwood Lakes Community members something to
look forward to each and every
year.
The Barracudas are always looking for new swimmers no matter
what their age or experience. If
interested for next year, please
sign up by Memorial Day weekend. The first meet will be July 7
and the season will end on August
12. Please consider your vacation
schedule when joining. To receive
more information on how you
can join or help the team’s
fundraising efforts, call Eileen
Naturale at 828-8202.
PAGE 6
BIRCHWOOD LAKES
Annual
Board of
Director’s
Meeting
August 26
Top Right: Clare Bennett, Robin Geiger & Linda White
Middle: Carolyn Martin & Nancy Halliday
Bottom: Roy Kohen, Andrea Nestor, Barbara Politoski,
Carolyn Todino, Janet Flaherty, Carolyn Martin & Nancy Halliday
Photos by Clare Bennett
FALL 2011
Lake
Management
Committee
Activities and
Issues
Well Water & Septic Program
The Annual Well Water and
Septic Program was held July 23.
Koberlein Environmental Services
presented an overview of septic
system maintenance and Justin
Striharsky, Delaware Township
Septic Enforcement Officer, spoke
about plans the Township is
implementing for an inspection
and pump-out ordinance in the
near future. A lively Question &
Answer session ended the session.
The focus of the Well Water portion of the program was on the
quality and safety concerns that
make testing your well water so
important, the data that was generated the last two years on BLCA
wells, and the three options that
were being offered – basic, intermediate, and comprehensive testing. It was noted that changing to
a sanitary well cap and chlorinating your well were the two easiest, least expensive and most
effective ways of treating several
common problems and that annual well water testing is strongly
recommended, particularly if you
have had a problem in the past or
if your water doesn’t smell, look
or taste right.
Six door prizes were raffled off
at the end of the meeting, including a free septic pump-out donated by Allstate Septic Systems, a
$25 gift certificate to Ehrhardts
Restaurant from Koberlein, a $75
comprehensive well water test
from Dr. Oram of Wilkes University, two tote bags from BLCA
office staff, and a basket of phosphate-free household cleaning
products from BLCA Member,
Nancy Halliday. Pictures of the
seminar and the winning members are shown.
TO ADVERTISE IN THIS
PUBLICATION, CALL SETH
AT JOURNAL NEWSPAPERS
570-443-9131, XT. 302
FALL 2011
BIRCHWOOD LAKES
PAGE 7
BLCA’s Annual Fishing Tournament on August 13
The BLCA Kids Fishing
Tournament was held under partially sunny skies on August 13 at
the Lower Lake dam. Thirteen kids
participated and everyone had a
great time. Two members of our
life guard group, Erin and Alex, as
well as three members of the Lake
Management Committee helped
measure fish, tied on new hooks,
and generally made sure that
everyone was safe. The winners of
our three age groups were:
Gianna Cancelleri with a 9 inch
yellow perch in the 5-10 age
group; Mitchel Maloney with a
13 ¼ inch brown bullhead catfish
to win the 11-12 group; and,
Lenny Cancelleri in the 13-14 age
group with a 12 ¾ inch pickerel.
Winners of each age group won a
Shakespeare spinning rod & reel
READ THE
BIRCHWOOD
VOICE ON
THE WEB
Each issue of the Birchwood
Voice is available on the
Birchwood website, www.
birchwoodlakes.net as soon as it
is published. Save BLCA the
mailing costs and sign up for the
web only preference.
E-Mail your name, Birchwood
address and your mailing
address if it is different to
editor@birchwoodlakes.net to
opt out of receiving your copy
by mail.
RULES &
REGULATIONS
HIGHLIGHT
Section 98 - 20 - 6 Fleeing
or attempting to elude B.L.C.A.
Public Safety Department Amended effective 5/1/05
A. It is prohibited for any driver of a motor vehicle to willfully
fail or refuse to bring his/her
vehicle to a stop, or who otherwise flees or attempts to elude
an officer of the B.L.C.A. Public
Safety Department, in a Public
Safety vehicle, when given visual
or audible signals to bring the
vehicle to a stop. The signal given
by the B.L.C.A. Public Safety
Department may be by hand,
voice, emergency lights, or siren.
B. The fine for violation of
Section 98 - 20 - 6 shall be $100
and suspension of membership
privileges for a period of sixty
(60) days.
combo and everyone who participated was able to select from a
variety of fishing lures. Although
Kaitlyn McKenzie didn’t catch the
biggest fish in her group, she was
given special recognition for
catching eight sunfish. Way to go
Kaitlyn, Gianna, Mitchel, and
Lenny! Thanks to all the kids and
their parents for participating!!
Photos on the next page
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PAGE 8
BIRCHWOOD LAKES
FALL 2011
BLCA’s Annual Fishing Derby 2011
FALL 2011
BIRCHWOOD LAKES
SENIOR CITIZENS ONLY
In these difficult times, seniors
and their families recognize more
than ever the Importance of planning for the future. With this in
mind, a guide has been developed
and is available for you to review
at www.pabar.org. This guide has
been updated for 2009-2010 and
is designed to provide information about legal issues faced by
Pennsylvania’s older residents and
their caregivers. Its authors and
publishers intend to help seniors
make appropriate choices so they
can maximize personal autonomy,
minimize costs, navigate through
the maze of government benefits,
and protect themselves against
predators who want to deceive,
exploit or defraud.
Senior citizens within Pennsylvania require timely and reliable access to legal information.
The Senior Lawyers Committee of
the Pennsylvania Bar Association
has determined that it can best
serve the needs of the legal community by serving the needs of
the citizens of Pennsylvania. Its
concentration on the creation of
this statewide Guide for Senior
Citizens is complimented by other
programs such as a mentoring
project, a pro bono project and
the sponsorship of continuing
legal education (CLE) programs,
all designed to aid the legal community by offering the expertise
of older, more experienced attorneys to all Pennsylvania practitioners. This in turn helps to bring
the best possible representation to
the clients of Pennsylvania
Lawyers. Obviously, no publication can cover all the legal issues
relating to a group as diverse as
Denis Murphy and Louis Freeman.
Janet Flaherty and Carolyn Todino.
PAGE 9
SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL
OUR VOLUNTEERS OF 2011
this State’s senior citizens.
However, this guide offers basic
information, points out various
services and ways to access them,
and outlines areas, which may
require specific legal advice or
expertise, given each individual’s
needs. Go to this website and read
about your rights. Many other
resources are located on the website at www.paseniorcenters.com.
Robin Geiger, Denis Murphy,
JoAnn Woods, Bob and Marie
Wertz, Charles Ritson, Dennis
McMahon, Nancy Halliday, Dan
Capano, Barbara Fox, Lorraine
Brando, Sally Pohlman, Carolyn
Todino, Pat Collins, Daniel Hayes,
Janet Flaherty, Ginny Tray, Tom
Askar, Joseph McConnon, Frank
Arrison, Steven Hill, Kathleen
Brady, Richard Buonomo, Roy
Kohen, Gary Stevenson, Robert
and Sheila Salmon, Shannon
Cancilleri, Mercedes Valasquez,
Lorraine Storms, Roseann Huss,
Mikkie Weiss, Gerry McConnon,
Barbara McInerney
Quick & Easy Recipes
Recommendations
Since we are busy people, and with school started, try these simple recipes and enjoy the results.
20 MINUTE CHEESY
CHICKEN & RICE
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Chicken
Soup (regular or 98% Fat Free)
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups uncooked instant white rice
2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli flowerets
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
DIRECTIONS
Heat oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken
and cook 10 minutes or until browned. Remove chicken.
Add soup, water, paprika and black pepper. Heat to a boil.
Stir in rice and broccoli. Return chicken to skillet. Sprinkle chicken
with additional paprika and black pepper. Top with cheese. Reduce
heat to low. Cover and cook 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer
pink and rice is done.
CRUMB TOPPED
BANANA MUFFINS
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large ripe bananas, mashed
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup butter, melted
TOPPING
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, to taste
1 tablespoon cold butter
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
In large bowl, mix together the 1st 4 ingredients. In a separate bowl
cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg and bananas. Stir into the dry
mixture just until moistened. Fill the muffin cups ¾ full. Combine the
first 3 topping ingredients. Cut in butter until a crumb consistency.
Sprinkle topping over muffins. Bake at 375° for about 20 minutes,
until muffins test done. Cool in pan for 10 minutes.
PAGE 10
BIRCHWOOD LAKES
FALL 2011
ALL ABOUT BIRCHWOOD LAKES
HR 350 and the
future of Common
Interest Communities
As most of us are aware, our
property taxes are paid yearly to
the Township, but we, as homeowners in a private community,
receive no services from them. PA
House Bill 202 (referred to the
committee on finance on
1/25/11) would allow a unit
owner in a planned community to
deduct 75% of their association
dues from their personal income
tax. This bill has been introduced
in 2 legislative sessions and has
not had a hearing yet. Why the
delay in moving this bill forward?
The state was to complete a study
on this issue in an attempt to catalogue every Pa. Community association by March 2011. All of you
are affected and are urged to contact the PA State Senator, Lisa Baker
and our Representative Rosemary
Our historic stone manor is situated on
3.5 manicured acres offering majestic views &
stream side relaxation. Our compassionate staff
are trained to provide 24 hour care while keeping
independence in mind. We provide customized
indoor and outdoor activities and organized
community events to ensure our residents feel
right at home. We offer semi-private and private
accommodations and encourage our residents to
provide their input to develop our meal menu's.
Let the historic Briarwood Manor become your
new home. Call today for a free needs assessment.
570-252-4224
878 Main Street • Newfoundland, PA 18445
Brown to demand that this bill
move forward expeditiously.
Private communities have been
paying for municipal services
never received for far too long!
New Jersey has legislation requiring municipalities to provide
services or reimburse communities for their cost. Private communities in Pennsylvania need this
monetary relief. WRITE TO: Lisa
Baker, 2512, Hawley, PA 18428 or
Rosemary Brown, PO Box 869,
Marshalls Creek, A 18335 and let
them know in or own words how
important it is that this legislation
goes forward. Make sure you
include the name of your township and your community.
BLCA
Curfew
BLCA has a curfew of
10 p.m. Sunday through
Thursday and 11 p.m.
Friday and Saturday.
As a courtesy to all
members, please observe
the curfew hours.
• If you are a lakefront home
owner, you can make your waterfront less attractive to geese if you
don’t mow your grass right down
to the waterline, plant short grasses or deer resistant plants at the
waterline or put up a fishing line
barrier near the water’s edge.
Geese love lawns and can make
yours a mess.
• If you store your boat on one
of our beaches, you need to make
sure you have a BLCA decal on it.
You can pick a decal up from the
office. Boats without decals are
being removed and placed beside
the BLCA office area.
• Do you own a lakefront
home? Did you know you have
the right to maintain around your
dock in accordance with DEP regulations as long as you do not use
any mechanical devices.
• When you take your child to
the school bus areas, please park
only in the designated parking
areas. Keep our children safe. it is
important to make sure that you
park your car in the swimming
pool parking lot.
• The Clubhouse can be rented
by a member in good standing.
Having a Big Party? The rate is
very reasonable so why not consider having your next party or
big event at our clubhouse. It has
a fully equipped kitchen, bath-
Photo of Heron on our Beach 5 by M. Livingston
rooms, tables and chairs and a
large parking lot. Call the BLCA
Office for details.
• Parking recreational trailers,
boats, cars in the lake’s BLCA
Right of Way is strictly prohibited.
If you are currently parking in
these areas, please remove them
immediately. Citations are being
issued.
• Our website is current and has
a vast amount of information and
links. Go to www.Birchwood
lakes.net. You will find our Rules
& Regulations, By-Laws, Recreation Calendar, Board Minutes and
a variety of forms.
• A Classified Section is available
to members in good standing on
30 years Experience
Insured
PAHIC#083296
Looking for
something
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Important Telephone Numbers
Police, Fire, Ambulance Emergency 911
Birchwood Lakes Office 828-2111
Birchwood Lakes Public Safety 828-6009
our website. Advertising is free
and you can advertise items for
sale or wanted. Want to sell something? Use our website. Send
requests
to:
editor@birchwoodlakes.net.
• If you are a member in good
standing, you can request an
inspection of corporate records by
filing a Request for Corporate
Document Form. This form can be
downloaded from our web or
obtained from the BLCA Office?
• That the Board is a fiduciary
body that is here to serve your
interests? The Board of Directors
has a new email address that now
allows you to communicate direct
to the Board. Send us your comments, questions, suggestions to:
blboard@ptd.net.
• There are still many sized
BLCA T-Shirts available in all different sizes and colors and prices.
If interested in purchasing one,
contact the BLCA office.
AVAILABLE IN
THE OFFICE
BLCA T-Shirts – For Sale
Children’s Sizes S, M & L
(Beige & Navy Blue)
$11
Adult’s Sizes
S, M & L
(Beige, Light Blue & Navy Blue)
XL
XXL
BCLA Tote Bags
$11
$13
$15
$5
Adults Arts and
Crafts every
Tuesday at the
Clubhouse from
9:30 a.m.-12:30
p.m. Bring your
own supplies.
TO ADVERTISE IN THIS PUBLICATION,
CALL SETH AT JOURNAL NEWSPAPERS
570-443-9131, XT. 302
FALL 2011
BIRCHWOOD LAKES
PAGE 11
5
9
8
7
8
4
1
2
9
3
9
6
1
5
6
1
7
5
8
7
6
1
2
2
6
1
2
5
4
1
4
4
5
3
49. Bit
50. Solicits money while performing music
52. On fire
55. Mugshots (2 wd)
58. Pepsi, e.g.
59. Representative
60. Bad marks
61. Any group derived from a
simple aromatic ring
62. Erupt
63. “___ we forget”
Down
1. “___ rang?”
2. “___ and the King of Siam”
3. Calf-length skirt
4. Chest protector
5. Discuss again
6. Kind of column
7. Spotted, to Tweety
8. Ornamental climbing plants
9. Tennis ___ (pl.)
10. Bounce back, in a way
11. Deuce topper
12. “___ Town Too” (1981 hit)
14. Charger
17. French wine region
18. Appear
22. Go for
23. Balls
24. Legislate
25. A mile a minute
26. English exam finale, often
28. Kind of ticket
29. Catʼs cry
30. Disparaging remarks
35. Convent superiors
36. Fly high
39. Voluptuous
41. Fairy tale figure
42. Fleetʼs commander
45. Roll about in mud
46. “Enchanted April” setting
48. Barely get, with “out”
50. Crude dude
51. Hideous
52. Preferred above others
53. “Good going!”
54. Patrilineal clan
55. ___ Victor (acronym)
56. Former measure of U.S.
economy (acronym)
57. Undertake, with “out”
ANSWERS
9
2
7
8
6
5
2
3
8
4
1
7
3
9
4
6
5
1
1
3
4
5
9
6
2
8
7
5
6
1
8
2
3
4
7
9
4
2
7
9
1
5
8
3
6
8
9
3
7
6
4
1
5
2
6
1
9
4
5
8
7
2
3
7
4
2
6
3
9
5
1
8
Puzzle 1 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.68)
3
5
8
1
7
2
6
9
4
2
3
5
7
6
8
9
4
1
4
6
7
1
9
3
8
2
5
9
1
8
5
2
4
7
6
3
8
5
6
3
7
9
4
1
2
3
2
4
8
5
1
6
7
9
1
7
9
2
4
6
3
5
8
6
8
1
4
3
2
5
9
7
5
4
2
9
8
7
1
3
6
7
9
3
6
1
5
2
8
4
Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.48)
Across
1. Thanksgiving dish
5. Campus military org.
9. Speed
13. “Donʼt bet ___!” (2 wd)
14. Calyx part
15. “Godʼs Little ___“
16. Indisposed (3 wd)
19. Idiot
20. The real ___
21. Denials
22. Homebuilderʼs strip
23. Sneeze response
27. “Desire Under the ___“
31. Cartoon art
32. Schuss, e.g.
33. Dirty
34. Calif. airport (acronym)
35. Beasts of burden
37. ___ cross
38. “Hamlet” has five
40. ___ constrictor
41. Footballʼs ___ Bowl
43. Eye affliction
44. Wall alcoves where light
enters (2 wd)
47. At no time, poetically
4
5
4
8
2
3
9
1
5
4
9
9
5
2
8
6
1
3
2
6
7
9
3
2
4
3
PAGE 12
BIRCHWOOD LAKES
FALL 2011