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5728 Decker RoadBUSHKILL, PA 18324

PUBL ICAT ION OF SAW CREEK ESTATES COMMUN ITY ASSOC IAT ION

N O V / D E C 2 0 1 3

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Power Line Status Update

On Wednesday, September 25th, PPL Electric hosted a brief meeting and site tour exclusively for representatives of Saw Creek Estates. The meeting and tour were planned months ago, during a February 2013 meeting held here in Saw Creek Estates and intended to keep the community up to date on the status of the Susquehanna-Roseland power line project.

Present for the meeting were: Board President, Bill Montgomery; Vice President, Mike Campea; Treasurer, Bob Shrekgast; Directors, Bob Palmer and Tom Soden, Finance Committee Chairman Pete Derrenbacher, Director of Facilities, Jeff Gaal and General Manager, Dave Martin.

Representing PPL Electric were: Transmission Communications Manager, Paul Wirth; Construction Manager, Tim Howell and a representative of Burns & McDonnell, the management firm overseeing the project.

The group met initially at PPL Electric’s Lake Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center located on the lake shore, just off Route 6, in Hawley, PA. The Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center features an auditorium, science laboratory, resource library, glass museum and meeting rooms.

Construction crew attaching insulators to newly erected tower

Strategic Planning UPdateAs part of Saw Creek’s Strategic Plan, one of the first enabling strategies for the Board’s overall strategic goal was to develop statements of its mission, vision and values which are unique to its role as the chief governing body of the Association. On October 12, 2013 the following draft mission statement was presented by the Board and is expected to be adopted in a similar form during a future Board Meeting.

ARTICLE IV Board of Directors Mission Composition and Selection:

Section A. Mission: The Board of Directors shall oversee the management and control of the business and property of the Association, shall exercise all powers of the Association and determine all matters of policy, except for powers specifically reserved to the members in the Declaration, the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws.

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A mission statement captures in a short concise paragraph the purpose of the organization's existence and what actions it takes to fulfill this purpose. Mission statements are directly connected to vision statements but, whereas a vision statement describes the desired future state of the organization, the mission statement describes how that vision will be achieved. Ideally, mission and vision statements are crafted through a collaborative process that involves a wide array of community stakeholders and elected officials, usually as part of an overall strategic plan.

Mission Statement • Protect and enhance quality of life and the standard of living through effective leadership and best practices in response to the needs of the business and the membership.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

ADMINISTRATION

President’s Message 2

General Manager’s Report 3

Facility Director’s 4 Report

Treasurer’s Report 4

Annual Assessment Info 5

US Court Rules In Favor 6 of Saw Creek Estates

Dues Season Updates 7

Classified Column 10

Change in Member Services 10 Hours of Operation

Compliance Officer’s Report 10

Public Safety Statistics 11

911 Signs Mandatory 12

Help With Heating Bill 14

Just Can’t Make That Payment? 15

KIDS KORNER 8

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 9

EVENTS

Out & About Events 16

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Saw Creek Men’s Club 19

Safety Committee 19

Recreation Committee 20

SCE NEWS

New Chef at TOW 21

Are You Ready? 25

Planned Unit Development 28 Data Collection Act

Beautification News 29

Saw Creek News Community 30 Specific Information

Dear Homeowners:

I am sitting here writing my message while listening to cable news on whether an agreement can be reached to re-open the government and raise the debt ceiling. I hope by the time this is published our elected officials have come to their senses and no long term damage has been done to our country. I mention this because an invaluable service to our local needy was forced to shut down their operation.

Bushkill Outreach’s location is situated on Federal land and was forced to cease operations. But as it happens, our local community has stepped up and responded. The Reform Church of Bushkill is using its parking lot as a temporary distribution point. Bushkill Outreach’s food pantry distributes to over 1,000 individuals per month and thankfully, this service will go on uninterrupted.

As it happens, Bushkill Outreach was the annual charity picked by our Recreation Department for 2013. Various fundraises were held throughout the year with the highlight being the “1960’s Peace, Love & Groovin’” on September 21st. Thanks to all involved, Recreation, Restaurant Staff, Volunteers and our homeowners who all contributed to a great night of fun. We used the opportunity of Bushkill Outreach’s move to the Reform Church of Bushkill to submit a check to Kate Newman, Manager of Bushkill Outreach for $1,649.16. Needless to say, her appreciation was expressed to everyone in Saw Creek for the wonderful work our community does for their charity. As you may know, in addition, we have an ongoing can food drive as well as an annual “Coat Drive” and “Angel Treel” at Christmas for this wonderful organization.

I promised an update on our meeting with PPL. On September 25, 2013, 5 Board Members, Our General Manager, Dave Martin, Our Director of Facilities, Jeff Gaal along with our Chairman of our Finance Committee, Peter Derrenbacher had an on- site tour of the Susquehanna-Roseland power line project. This gave our group the opportunity to witness various construction stages such as road access building, tower installation and pulling of wires.

I also want to report that the initial start date in Saw Creek has been rescheduled from February, 2014 to July, 2014. Another meeting with PPL will take place sometime around March or April, 2014 when the new contractor (Par Electric) will also attend. A “Town Hall” meeting will take place in May or June, 2014 to fully explain to homeowners each stage of this project and its’ impact. (Please read an additional detailed article, with pictures in this edition).

As the holiday season approaches and on behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to wish all a safe and enjoyable holiday season and a Happy New Year.

In closing for 2013, I would like to thank the Board of Directors, General Manager, Committee volunteers and all our valued employees for their dedication to our common goal of making Saw Creek a “World Class” place to work and live.

Sincerely, Bill Montgomery President/SCE Board of Directors

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SCE BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident Bill Montgomery bill@sawcreek.orgVice-President Mike Campea michael@sawcreek.orgTreasurer Bob Shrekgast roberts@sawcreek.orgSecretary Kathi Connell kathic@sawcreek.orgMembers Bob Long bob@sawcreek.org Robert Palmer robert@sawcreek.org Ron Trimble ron@sawcreek.org Thomas Soden thomas@sawcreek.org James Hidalgo james@sawcreek.org

MANAGEMENT TEAMGeneral Manager Dave Martin dave@sawcreek.orgDirector of Public Safety Jim Andrews jim@sawcreek.orgDirector of Facilities Jeffrey Gaal jeff@sawcreek.org Recreation Director George McCormick george@sawcreek.orgDirector of Human Resources and Administration Peggy Gottschau peggy@sawcreek.orgRestaurant Manager Ryan McGinniss ryan@sawcreek.orgDirector of Member Services Jessica VanDerVliet jessica@sawcreek.org Director of Finance Cathy Wargo cathy@sawcreek.org

COMMITTEES & CHAIRPERSONSAppeals Norda Calder hearingandappeals@sawcreek.orgBeautification Phil Cozzi beautification@sawcreek.orgFinance Peter Derrenbacher finance@sawcreek.orgBuilding & Architectural Dave Stagg maintenance@sawcreek.orgNominating Peter Derrenbacher nominating@sawcreek.orgPublic Information Kristina Neumann pic@sawcreek.org Recreation Suzanne Mark reccommittee@sawcreek.orgRules & Regulations Joe Meehan rulesandregulations@sawcreek.orgSafety Robert Harter safety@sawcreek.org

Disclaimer: The comments, statements or written opinions expressed in the Saw Creek News are the sole responsibility of the signed individual/author and/or committee and are not edited. All Letters to the Editor and paid political ads do not reflect the opinions or views of the Public Information Committee.

PUBLICATION OF THE SAW CREEK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. © 20115728 Decker Road • Bushkill, PA 18324 P: 570.588.9329 E: info@sawcreek.org

PUBLISHED BY NIKI JONES AGENCY, INC.39 Front Street Port Jervis, New York 12771P: 845.856.1266 E: ads@nikijones.com

The Saw Creek News is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All advertising, including photographs are the property of Niki Jones Agency, Inc and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased rights of reproduction in the Saw Creek News and does not have the right to reproduce ads in any other place or publication without written permission from the publisher. The Saw Creek News reserves the rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisements.

General Manager’s ReportBy David W. Martin

For this, the final 2013 edition of the Saw Creek News, I want to add some thoughts and perhaps a slightly different perspective, on a very familiar theme - strategic planning. My focus however, will not be on why we need a strategic plan or how to create a strategic plan for the community. I’m also not going to write about strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats; not surveys or demographic data.

I’m writing to you about individual accountability, walking the walk, not just talking the talk. As we move forward with our plans for the future, nothing is more critical to our success than individual accountability. This means holding ourselves personally accountable for our words and our actions and holding each other accountable too. As directors, members, volunteers and employees of Saw Creek, the only way we can succeed is by our individual efforts to improve and to effectively guide and influence positive behavior in others.

Recently, the Board of Directors developed a draft document outlining a new mission statement, vision and values for Saw Creek Estates. The new organizational values espoused by the Board are at the core of what is expected in terms of individual or personal accountability. These are the values we will promote and adhere to. They will set the example for all and help guide our words and actions. They are:

• Exemplary Service to One and All

• Teamwork, Transparency and Integrity

• Guidance, Support and Respect for One Another

These are not mere words! Our organizational values are the yardstick by which we will measure our own behavior and that of others. They set a new and higher standard for what is expected and I heartily applaud the Board’s clear and concise statement of Saw Creek’s new organizational values.

Whether we realize it or not, our words and our actions have a very real and meaningful impact on those around us. People don’t always know what you meant to say, they only know what you actually said and the way you said it. Read those values again.

Teamwork, transparency, integrity, guidance, support and respect – these are qualities and values that people can easily sense or feel in your words and actions. Compare them to loner, secrecy, half-truth, misleading, unsupportive and disrespectful – these too are qualities that people can easily feel.

Our values are a direct reflection of who we are and how we view the world. If Saw Creek directors, members, volunteers and employees can come together in agreement on these new and positive core values, we will build a new values-aligned culture. A culture that is authentic and focused on positive outcomes, ready to meet any challenges the future may bring.

The Board has set an appropriately high standard by which we will all be tested. Will you pass the test? The time for talk is over. Now is the time to walk the walk.

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ADMINISTRATION

$

TReASuReR’S RepORTSeptember, 2013

Facility Director’s ReportBy Jeffrey J. Gaal

As the year draws to a close I would like to reflect on the past months. The Maintenance Department has done a wonderful job. There are many obstacles throughout the year that not many people see.

The task of keeping things on track is the Supervisor’s job. Steve Hanna has taken a very positive role in what goes on during the year on a daily basis. He has taken charge of the maintenance management (CMMS) program and has taken our department to the next step. That step being that the CMMS is driving the work order system. The preventive maintenance schedule actually puts out almost as many work orders as work requests. This means we are getting more proactive rather than reactive – which is something we have worked towards for a few years. This is a slow process learning that many things can and should be considered as preventive maintenance (PM).

The crew has been busy with many things that need to be done every year. Randy Seese has kept the road side grass and weeds trimmed, and was backed up by a crew of team members armed with weed whackers. Sean O’Conner has been very busy keeping the trash under control along with help from everybody. Alan Cunningham, who has been with us since the first of the year, has proven to be a driving force. All of our vehicles are checked weekly by Joe Tanner along with any other breakdowns or repairs which are many with a fleet of approx 20 vehicles.

The storm water work was taken care of by Dan Medrano and a crew of 5 or 6. This year round work consists of traffic control and many hours cutting shoulders and replacing pipes and keeping swales clean. Sigfredo Cruz stayed on top of all of the electrical and phone issues that continually arise - especially with the switch over to the new VOIP phone system. All of the pools were handled by our certified pool technician Brian Mislevy. Brian was the go to guy for any unusual pool incidents and was always getting phone calls from lifeguards for his expertise. George Padgett is a recent addition to our staff and he brings a diverse background to our team. And last, but not least, we must not forget Dan Butterfield who is the guru of all HVAC issues. Dan’s knowledge is very extensive and certainly appreciated.

This is just a very brief synopsis of what we handle day by day; there are many, many more issues and problems that arise daily. They are handled on a prioritized system of need, first and foremost are life safety issues, second is an outage at any amenity that serves you our customers, third are work requests of a non-emergency nature that are received from anybody that sends a problem or issue to servicerequest@sawcreek.org . The professional and dedicated employees that work in the Maintenance Department have made this place what it is today… one step closer to a WORLD CLASS COMMUNITY.

Thank you guys, for a job well done!

As of September, 2013, The Operating Fund had $1,929,967 in current cash assets. The balance consists of $340,213 in cash and $1,589,754 in investments.

Through the end of September the current year's dues collection was $3,556,846. Which represents a collection rate of 84.% Prior year's dues collected was $134,037 which represents 107.00% of the amount anticipated in the 2013 budget.

The Operating Fund revenue for September was $60,303. The total year to date revenue was $3,755,559 which is 95.2% of anticipated annual revenue.

The Operating expenses for September were $380,115 of which $241,426 was road improvements. The year to date expenditures were $2,524,691 which is 77.7% of the annual budget.

The total Capital Reserve Assets as of September 30, was $3,217,317 of which $382,568 is cash and $2,813,349. is investments.

The Capital income for September was $43,867. The total year to date income is $374,713. which is 91.8% of anticipated income for the year.

Capital Expenditures for the month of September were $3,228. The Capital expenditures for the year to date were $181,364.

The September write off for dues and other fees was a net of $59,789.

The above information is based upon the closing of the financial statements on October 9, 2013.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert T. Shrekgast, Treasurer

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It is that time of the year again to plan on paying your 2014 Annual Assessments. We will be mailing your invoice before December 15th and you should receive your invoice no later than December 20, 2013. If not received by that date please call or e-mail the Member Services Office and we will mail you another statement. Please read the Collection Policy that will be included with your invoice.

Annual assessments are to be paid in full by January 15, 2014. If you are unable to pay in full you may apply for a 6-month payment plan which runs from February 15th to July 15th and includes interest. You may contact the Member Services Office to request an application (or download the form from our web-site at www.sawcreek.org) and then submit the application form and fee before January 15, 2014. The payment plan application fee will increase to $50.00 after January 15th. To qualify for the 6-month payment plan, all prior balances must be paid. New

2014 Annual Assessment InformationBy Cathy Wargo, Director of Finance

for this year is the use of direct debit payments. By making timely payments through the direct debit option, no coupons will be needed, you will never get a late fee, nor will you need to remember to make your payments, we will do it for you!

A late notice will be mailed out on January 16th to all accounts with a balance due. Remember, annual assessments are due on January 15th so if they are not paid by then, you are late on your payment as of January 16th! A delinquent notice will be mailed on February 16th and a 10% late fee will be charged if the annual assessments have not been paid prior to the 16th or the owner is not on an approved payment plan. When our final warning letter goes out we will send the owners account to our collection agency and this action could affect the owner’s credit rating. If nothing is paid on the account we will proceed to legal services to obtain a judgment against the property. In the event of a hardship please contact us at collections@sawcreek.org or call the Member Services Office before the January 15th due date and we will work on a payment arrangement with you. If you call after the January 15th due date, you may be subject to additional late fees, interest and other charges.

HelP OUr cOMMUnity SaVe yOU MOney!

We all know that if we run out of money before all of our bills are paid each month, then it ends up costing us more money in the long run with late-fees and interest accumulating. It's easy to understand how important it is to have enough money available each month to meet our financial obligations.

Our association must also meet financial obligations and in order to do so, it depends upon the timely receipt of our assessments. When our community's budget is approved by the Board, it assumes two things: the amount of income must equal the amount of expenses, and, that each homeowner will pay his or her assessment in a timely manner. If one or the other fails to happen, we have a cash flow problem and it usually results in costing all of us more money in the long run. Ultimately, when even a few homeowners fail to pay their assessments on time it ends up costing us all more. We can all take part in keeping our community's expenses down, and one of the best ways is to make sure that your assessment check is sent on time!

S a W c r e e K n e W S n O V e M B e r | d e c e M B e r P a g e 5

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled in favor of Saw Creek Estates Community Association, Inc. and its Human Resources Director Peggy Gottschau, Public Safety Director James Andrews and Assistant Public Safety Director Artie Furman, in a sexual harassment case brought by a former employee.

In August of 2012, former Public Safety Dispatcher Heike Obergantschnig claimed she was subjected to sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation that the community association was fully aware of, but took no action to stop. She filed suit in federal court under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, seeking punitive damages in excess of $100,000, reinstatement of her position and back pay and compensatory damages.

The association maintained that Obergantschnig’s claims stemmed from her personal animosity toward a co-worker, Brian Kaiser. Through its attorneys at the Jackson Lewis law firm in Philadelphia, the association argued that the allegations made by Obergantschnig amounted to little more than petty bickering and, even assuming they were true, did not rise to the level of unlawful discrimination alleged in the complaint. Apparently the court agreed. In an October 17, 2013 order granting a Motion for Summary Judgment, the court noted that, “Plaintiff [Obergantschnig] has failed to produce sufficient evidence to sustain her underlying discrimination claims…”

Saw Creek insists that its management staff acted promptly and appropriately in addressing all concerns raised by Obergantschnig during her employment including repeatedly counseling her that an employee cannot allow personal disagreements to repeatedly disrupt the workplace.

Saw Creek Estates General Manager Dave Martin commented, “We offer employee assistance programs for those in need, but beyond that we can’t be expected to serve as counselor or life-coach for those with anti-social tendencies or deep-rooted personal animus toward their fellow employees. I said at the outset that the court would find in our favor and I’m grateful for the court’s decision”

Human Resources Director Peggy Gottschau added, “We value all our employees, have always followed a clear policy of non-discrimination and provide annual training on topics like diversity, sexual harassment and conflict resolution, among others.”

If she chooses to pursue her claims, Obergantschnig has 30 days in which to file an appeal of the court’s ruling in the U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit.

U.S. Court Rules In Favor of Saw Creek Estates

Come bounce with us!! Open Jump

Mom and Tot's Holiday Event's

www.xtremejumpzone.com

CAKM Entertainment LLC

Bring the family for a night of bouncing, sliding fun!

First left after Turkey Hill on Rt. 209 North and Winona Falls Road. For more infomation contact us at:

S a W c r e e K n e W S n O V e M B e r | d e c e M B e r P a g e 6

2014 Dues Season Updates:

• Beginning January 6, 2014 the Member Services Office will be closed on Mondays. Our new hours of operation will be Tuesday - Saturday 9am-5pm.

• We offer many payment options. If you cannot make it to Member Services during our operating hours, we have a mail slot in our front door for payments. We also accept debit/credit card over the phone; call in your payment with a MasterCard, Visa or Discover. If you wish to be considered for a payment arrangement, please speak to our office staff. Payment plan applications can be downloaded on our website at www.sawcreek.org. For more information regarding our payment plan please refer to the Collection Guide which is available at Member Services or can be found on our website or at Member Services.

• Update your information. Complete the Member Information Form that was mailed with your annual invoice. This year, as an added convenience to our members, you can skip completing the entire form if your information has remained the same. If this is the case, simply sign off that you have verified your property information online via the Gate Manager program and sign the reverse side of the form. All gate cards which have not been updated by March 1, 2014 may be temporarily deactivated. Please complete all required documentation in order to avoid this temporary inconvenience.

• Bring in your 2013 Forever Badges. Bring in all 6 of your Forever Badges with the completed Member Information Form in order to update your badges. All badges must be present at the time of renewal in order to verify issued numbers. We will no longer accept 2013 badges at the amenities after February 15th, 2014.

• Fill out a comment card. While you wait why not tell us how we’re doing? Did you wait too long? Was the staff very polite and informative? Fill out a comment card and be entered to win a $25 gift card for the Top!

• If you don’t have something, if you’re not sure about something, or if we can help with something, let us know. We’re here to provide exceptional service to our members.

S a W c r e e K n e W S n O V e M B e r | d e c e M B e r P a g e 7

E T R Q L S H O V E L I N G P

J A K S T I A W W Z F G G X K

G J M N F W C G L O V E S X Q

M A P O B H P I S H R B E I Y

K J S W J Z F G C U Z E K V E

L X B B O K U C K L C N L Z F

M W O O B O O T S A E G V S S

I F W A P R G Y L G N S E O N

Z P N R R M H P C I I V W H O

M R A D P J E S I X R S Q S W

D W H C O R T K D A V N A T M

B L W Q I M S S C D V Q P L A

N Y F F D M K S T P Q S C C N

M S N O W M O B I L E V N V Q

T Z J F G K C J D A V R T E T

S a W c r e e K n e W S n O V e M B e r | d e c e M B e r P a g e 8

LeTTeRSLetters to the editor

Diva Here! And I’m FABULOUS!

Well THE MOST FABULOUS event ever was the Winetasting and Dinner with Your Dog soiree at the Big A Grillehouse in early October. The Brandlis’, fellow Saw Creek Homeowners and proprietors of The Big A hosted (along with their handsome dog Jerry) such a great evening. The Big A has a FABULOUS outdoor dining patio with lovely landscaping and even a pond.

Now I personally didn’t do the wine tasting or the dinner, but the Brandlis’ had snacks and beverage bowls for us shorter attendees. Inadvertently we became the entertainment as the dogs and people socialized. We made so many new friends.

If you want to be included in the FABULOUS Fun of the Saw Creek Critters email me at sawcreekcritters@gmail.com or call my pet parent, Suzanne, 301.325.6712. And remember,

Roses are red, violets are blue; I’m FABULOUS and so are you! Diva

No coupons or discounts accepted

letterS tO tHe editOr PrOtOcOl

Do you have questions about our

community? Concerns? Looking for advice?

Can you share insights or solutions to

some issues that affects you and/or your

neighbors?

All SCE residents in good standing may

write a “Letter to the Editor.” Letters of

300 words or less, in MSWord format must

include name, lot and section number. The

lot and section number will be used for

verification of member status only and will

not be printed.

The Public Information Committee makes

every effort to see that facts are printed as

available space permits. Your letter may be

directed to: Saw Creek Public Information

Committee at 5728 Decker Road, Bushkill

PA 18324 or emailed to PIC@sawcreek.org

DEADLINE: Last date for submission of

letters for the next issue of the Saw Creek

News is December 1, 2013.

All:

Let it be known - that the Annual Trunk or Treat event held Saturday at the TOW Complex was a great success. Great food and entertainment. All attending, especially the children, had a fun time.

Many thanks to all those that contributed to make this a very successful event - including SCE Administration, Recreation, Public Safety, Maintenance, TOW Restaurant, as well as the Recreation Committee, Community Volunteers, Contributors, Parents and Others.

A great Team effort! Thank you! Bob Palmer

S a W c r e e K n e W S n O V e M B e r | d e c e M B e r P a g e 9

Change in Member Services Hours of Operation—Please Read This Change. It Will Affect You!

HOMeOWner’S claSSiFied cOlUMnThis free column is available to homeowners to advertise “for sale” or “give-away” household items, pets for adoption, babysitting services, etc. Ads must be 30 words or less and include homeowner name, lot/section and contact phone number or e-mail address. Only the contact name and telephone number or e-mail address will be printed in the paper.

Mail to SCE: 5728 Decker Road Attention Public Information Committee or email information to PIC@sawcreek.org.

FOR RENT

3 Bedroom 1 ½ bath with large outside

deck and wood burning stove. Very clean.

$1,050/month. (631)-648-8819

LOT FOR SALE

Lot 464 Section 3A. .056 Acre at PMLE,

Bushkill. Approved to build a house. Many

Community Amenities/ $10,000 or best

offer. 570-369-6193 or 570-588-0957

Compliance Officer’s ReportBy Nicolas Hutta

Autumn is here and the leaves are falling, but the question is WHAT do I do with my leaves? This past year Saw Creek has banned open burning within the community, so that takes away one option for leaf disposal.

There are still several other ways to dispose of those unwanted leaves. The most environmentally friendly way to dispose of your leaves is to create a compost pile.

Designate an area on your property where all the leaves can be raked or blown into a pile, then allow Mother Nature to take control and turn those unwanted leaves into great soil.

Another way is to rake the leaves into bags and dispose of them into the community compactor. But most of all don’t forget to make a giant pile of leaves and jump into it! Have a happy and safe autumn.

Beginning on Monday, January 6th, 2014 the Member Services Office will be closed on Mondays. Our new operating hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.

This will allow members who work and commute during the week the ability to do business with the Association on Saturdays until 5pm. This change will also allow renters the ability to register and purchase guest badges until 5 pm on Saturdays.

This change will also ensure that the Compliance Officer and the Director of Member Services will be available to discuss compliance or member issues on Saturdays. This change comes after requests from members to expand our service hours for those who can’t make it here or discuss their concerns during the week.

Although the Member Services front office will be closed on Mondays, the Accounting and Collections Department will be here to answer/return all questions or concerns from the weekend via email or telephone.

As always it is our first priority to provide excellent customer service to our residents. If you have a concern that needs my immediate attention please

feel free to contact me directly at (570) 588-9329 ext 2213 or email me at jessica@sawcreek.org.

We look forward to providing better service to our residents with the upcoming change.

By Jessica VanDerVliet, Director of Member Services

S a W c r e e K n e W S n O V e M B e r | d e c e M B e r P a g e 1 0

HOliday ligHtingTemporary lighting for decoration, holiday and festival use does not require a formal application. Holiday lighting may be operative three weeks prior and three weeks after the holiday. After the period of use all temporary lighting and decorations shall be removed. If while celebrating a holiday and a notification letter is received within the allotted time period, please notify the Compliance Officer so to eliminate any confusion. SCE Guide for Construction, Architectural and Aesthetic Standards

HOLIDAy LIgHTINg SAFETy TIpS

• Check your light sets for cracked insulation, frayed wires or damaged sockets. Any of these could cause short circuits.

• Don't overload your string sets. Check the instructions on the package to find out how many light sets can be connected to each other.

• Avoid overloading circuits. Most home circuits can take 15 amps, or 1,800 watts.

• Cover each outdoor plug and connector joint with plastic wrap to protect it from rain; seal it with electrical tape.

• If you use staples instead of tape to secure lights, be sure that they're insulated staples.

• Make sure decorations pose no danger to children or pets. Don't leave cords dangling or strung loosely on the floor or stairs.

During the months of June 2013, July 2013 and August 2013 the Public Safety Department responded to 5055 calls for service that included 188 different types of calls. We handled 260 Burglar Alarms during the period. As we have discussed in the past the many alarms are caused by a number of reasons from actual break-ins to equipment malfunction to operator error, etc. This period none of the alarms we responded to were caused by an actual burglary. A majority of the time a home equipped with an alarm and one that advertises that via exterior warning signs are not a target of burglars. In fact we only assisted the PSP with 4 Burglaries during the period. We remind all residents that it is extremely helpful when they participate in Neighborhood Watch by simply paying attention to what goes on in their own neighborhood and reporting unusual activity. It always ends well when this model is followed.

Among the varied responsibilities of the Public Safety Officers they have conducted investigations into 15 disputes, responded to 61 medical calls and assisted at 2 fire calls.

We conduct traffic observation details daily to ensure compliance with motor vehicle laws. We truly look at this as an opportunity to educate the public and try to correct improper driving behavior. During the period we conducted 421 of these details. 77 Stop sign violations were cited, 66 speeding violations were cited, and 4 drivers were cited for Careless Driving and 2 for Reckless Driving among the 110 citation issued.

One of our main duties at Saw Creek is to protect the community properties and amenities.

Statistics and News from Public Safety

During the months of June, July and August Officers conducted 2078 property checks. That is when an Officer exits his or her vehicle and physically checks the condition of one of our buildings or amenities.

During the period we have added a few full time employees to the roster as replacements for those who have moved on. Saw Creek Public Safety welcomes Duwon Nelson (Gate), John Alfaro (Dispatch) and Roberto Rodriguez (Patrol).

The Summer has flown by and we enter the colorful Fall season. With the Fall comes the start of school and the return of hundreds of kids to our three bus stops. Many of the children walk to and from their homes to the stops. Please be mindful of this while driving on our community roadways.

I would like to remind all of our residents that although we have a fine Public Safety Department in Saw Creek we need your help to be successful. Each resident has a responsibility to take part in the process to ensure their own personal safety and security. This means, among other things, that we all should look out for each other. Report suspicious activity, persons or vehicles to Public Safety. If you hear, see or even smell something out of the ordinary…report it. Saw Creek is a beautiful, rural, safe community but unpleasant things can and do happen anywhere. Lock your homes, secure valuable property and possessions. It is common sense folks. When we look out for one another, take charge of our own situation, work with Public Safety and the Pennsylvania State Police to combat criminal activity we make Saw Creek a better place to live and visit.

As always we are here every day, all day to serve the community. If you should have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the Department and speak with an Officer or Supervisor. Just a reminder that we also conduct free home surveys and provide useful information to help you secure your home and family. The survey is conducted by the Director or Assistant Director of Public Safety who are both retired law enforcement officers.

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To the right is a letter Saw Creek Estates has received from your neighbor about the importance of 911 signs. As noted some residents have taken it upon themselves and have constructed 911 signs out of wood. These signs are not in compliance with the township ordinance and will need to be replaced as soon as possible. The purpose of the 911 reflective sign is to be seen in all weather elements, including rain and fog. As your neighbor noted, in an emergency seconds count. Saving a few dollars on a sign won’t matter if an emergency vehicle is needed at your home. Be smart, if you haven’t ordered your 911 sign, place your order today, or if your sign isn’t in compliance, fix it! $15 for a correct sign and post is nothing compared to saving someone’s life, that’s priceless.

Also, your neighbor mentions that Lehman Township has an ordinance in place, but as a reminder Saw Creek has changed its rules to reflect this ordinance as well, so be prepared. We are serious about safety. 911 Signs help Public Safety, Ambulances, Fire Trucks and all other emergency vehicles locate your home when seconds count. For more information on this ordinance please visit http://www.monroeco911.com/readdressing.htm or contact Lehman Township at (570) 588-9365.

This change will also affect your mail! If you are still using your old XXXX Saw Creek Estates, Bushkill, PA 18324 mailing address, you may not receive all of your mail in the near future. By now you should have notified all of your contacts including your phone, electric and cable carriers regarding your address change. If you need more information on this change please contact Member Services at (570) 588-9329 or email us at memberservices@sawcreek.org.

911 Signs are Mandatory and are saving your Neighbors Lives!By Jessica M. VanDerVliet, Director of Member Services

tHanK yOUI would like to take this opportunity to thank Bushkill Ambulance and Saw Creek Security for their quick response to the 911 control center my husband called. I had surgery one week before and then complications set in. My husband called 911 and within minutes the ambulance was here and two security officers. The only words to describe both parties is wonderful.

I cannot stress enough the importance of having a green reflective sign in front of your home. These signs are designed to reflect even in the fog. If you are having a heart attack every second counts. A wooden sign is not sufficient in the dark. Some homes have no identification at all. Medical emergencies can happen in a heartbeat. The next step is for all of us to use common sense. You cannot berate the ambulance if they cannot locate you.

I would also like to give a huge thank you to Jessica. I have called her during the winter months and told her about a existing medical problem and I must get out of the house. The workers have made sure that my cul de sac is plowed. The maintenance men are all awesome.

Thank you again for the teamwork.

Sincerely Barbara DeNooyer

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Contact your heating company (electric, natural gas or heating fuel company) as soon as possible with your most recent bill in hand and explain that you are having difficulty paying the bill. The utility company will either send you an application form for their assistance program or decide if you’re eligible over the phone. Call the Stay Warm hotline at: 1-866-550-4355 for information on programs for which you may qualify. The “Turn Down, Seal Off, Save Up” website, provides contact information for financial assistance and an online toolkit featuring resources to raise community awareness. Check it out at www.turnsealsave.org

Descriptions of Assistance Programs for which you may qualify through your Utility Company.

CuSTOMER ASSISTANCE

pROgRAMS (CAp):

This program is set up between the utility company and a low-income, payment troubled customer to pay utility bills that are based on household size and gross household income. CAP customers agree to make regular monthly payments, which are usually less than the current bill, in exchange for continued utility service.

CuSTOMER ASSISTANCE AND REFERRAL

EVALuATION SERVICES (CARES):

CARES offers help to customers with special needs. Special needs customers are consumers who are experiencing family emergencies,

Getting Help with the Heating Bill

divorce, unemployment, or medical emergencies. The program’s goal is to provide support and direction to help customers pay their utility bill.

HARDSHIp FuNDS:

Hardship Funds are emergency funds to help customers who have suffered a recent financial hardship and need temporary help in paying their utility bill. It can help pay for past bills or restore service if your utilities have been terminated. Hardship Funds are designed to help customers that have exhausted all other available energy assistance programs. Income limits vary by company. For further information, contact your local utility company.

LOw INCOME HOME ENERgy ASSISTANCE

pROgRAM (LIHEAp): THROugH THE

DEpARTMENT OF wELFARE—866-857-7095 LIHEAP helps low-income families pay their heating bills. LIHEAP is a grant. You do not have to repay it. To receive help you don’t have to be on public assistance, you don’t need to have an unpaid heating bill and you can either rent or own your home. Income eligibility and assistance for a family of four is $33,525.LIHEAP is open for applications beginning November 1, 2011. The length of the program is based on availability of funding and other factors. It consists of three components:

LIHEAp—CASH gRANTS help families pay their heating bills. The grant payment is sent directly to your utility company or fuel provider, and it will be credited on your bill. The minimum cash grant is now $100.

LIHEAp—CRISIS gRANTS help families with an emergency that are in danger of being without heat. Emergencies include: broken heating equipment (like a furnace) or leaking lines; a fuel shortage that may leave you without heat; having utility service shut off. Residents in need of crisis assistance may receive up to $300. The crisis portion of the pro-gram will open January 2, 2011 and close March 31, 2012.

wEATHERIzATION ASSISTANCE

pROgRAM (wAp) provides qualified low-income customers free weatherization and education programs to help customers save energy and money. The main activities are installing energy saving devices and educating family members on their energy use.

Call 1-866-466-3972 for details.

LOw INCOME uSAgE REDuCTION

pROgRAM (LIuRp) ALSO kNOwN AS

SMART COMFORT, wARM pROgRAM,

wRAp, OR wARM CHOICE—THROugH

yOuR uTILITy COMpANy:

LIURPs help you reduce the amount of energy you use, thereby reducing your overall energy bills.

If you qualify, you will receive an energy audit and, based on the audit, you may receive the installation of free energy conservation measures to help reduce your household’s energy consumption.

Full Star Enterprises, Inc. 570-223-2950 570-807-3081

fullstar97@yahoo.com

Stump & Tree Removal Septic Installation & Repair Retaining, Rock, Stone Walls Paver Driveways & Walkways Drainage Work Yard Ponds

Fully Insured Free Estimates

www.fullstarenterprises.com

SuppORT OuR

ADVERTISERS

Buy LOCAL! your Contributions

keep Area Businesses THRIVINg!

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How much did you know about living in a private community before purchasing your home in Saw Creek Estates?

What were some of the things that you saw or heard that made you say to yourself “this is where I want to raise a family” or “this will be perfect as my retirement or vacation home”?

Was it that you felt this was a safe place to live with 24 hour security?

Was it the playgrounds, kid-friendly activities and events, the well kept grounds, picnic areas and walking trails, fishing, indoor and outdoor pools, the tiki bar, year-round tennis?

Was it free skiing and snowboarding in your own ‘backyard’?

What about the proper care and maintenance of roads, amenities and infrastructure or perhaps, dining and entertaining friends at The Top?

No matter what made you decide that this is a great place to live…you were absolutely right! These are just a part of what your annual assessments pay for. But we sometimes forget to

Just can’t make that payment? Read here…By Lynda Keogh

consider that rising costs and a down economy can affect the community association as much as any individual. Just like your personal business, it takes funding to keep Saw Creek’s business running.

For some folks, it’s easy to forget to pay a bill - especially one that happens only once a year. We’ve all done it and we’ve all incurred a late fee at one time or another. It really puts a damper on your wallet (or savings account if you’re lucky enough to have one these days). Unfortunately, some are not in a financial position to make a $1,400+ payment at once, me included.

Saw Creek has and continues to work on making things easier and more convenient for our members, which is why we have always offered a 6 month payment plan. A $5.00 late fee is a lot easier to handle than a 10% ($140+) late fee. There is a $25.00 application fee when applying for the payment plan, if we received it no later than January 15th and a $50.00 application fee if the application was received between January 16th and February 15th.

Beginning in 2014, you will also have the option of signing up for direct debit. This will eliminate

the need to send in coupons and payments because they will be automatically deducted from your account each month, by your bank or other financial institution.

If you are one of the few who missed both the due date of January 15th and you haven’t paid on or before the delinquent payment date of February 15th, you will need to be on a delinquent payment plan. We encourage all members, but especially those on a delinquent payment plan, to sign up for the direct debit payment option.

Your payments will be debited automatically on the 15th of each month. Late fees, insufficient funds fees and other charges may be required by Saw Creek and your bank or other financial institution.

Please remember we are here to help in any way we can, but the Accounting Department is required to carry out the payment and collection policies determined by the Board of Directors. As always, if you have any questions you can contact us by phone at (570)588-9329 or email us at Collections@sawcreek.org.

REPLACEMENTS FOR MYERS, HYDROMATIC, LIBERTY OR GOULDS PUMPS

ENVIRONMENT ONE REPLACEMENTS STARTING AT $1350.00

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE PA SALES TAX

2 HP GRINDERS STARTING AT $1050.00

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SCe eVeNTSBy Donna Dillon

OUT & ABOUT EVENTS OUTSIDE OF OUR GATES

NOV 1ST & 2NDHotel of Horror – Saylorsburg – 570.992.3278

Terror on the Mountain Palmerton – 610.826.7700

NOV 2NDArt Opening – Environmental Education Center Bartonsville – 570.629.3061

Boy Scout Badge Fest – PEEC – Dingmans Ferry570.828.2319

Pocono Wildlife - Environmental Education Center – Bartonsville – 570.629.3061

Bog Walk – Environmental Education Center Tannersville – 570.629.3061

NOV 3RDEcozone Afternoon - PEEC – Dingmans Ferry –570.828.2319

NOV 6TH – 13THWednesday Bog Walks - Environmental Education Center – Tannersville – 570.629.3061

NOV 7TH – 21STThursday Walks with Darryl - Environmental Education Center – Tannersville – 570.629.3061

NOV 8TH -10TH 7th Annual Classic R&B Weekend – Fernwood Bushkill – 888-210-8009

NOV 9THAARP Safe Driving course – Pocono Tranquil Gardens – E Stroudsburg – 570.426.4000

Winter Tree ID - Environmental Education Center Tannersville – 570.629.3061

NOV 10THRiver Ramble – Smithfield Beach, Shawnee on Delaware – 570.424.6431

Holiday Bows & Boughs - PEEC Dingmans Ferry – 570.828.2319

White Tail Deer from A-Z - PEECDingmans Ferry – 570.828.2319

NOV 15THPsychic Medium Reading & Dinner – Mountain Springs Lake Resort – Reeders – 877.629.1120

NOV 16THEcozone Afternoon - PEECDingmans Ferry – 570.828.2319

Game Dinner - PEEC – Dingmans Ferry 570.828.2319

NOV 16TH – 17THArt on the Mountain – Shawnee Mountain Shawnee on Delaware – 800.233.4218

NOV 20THDiva Night – Hotel FauchereMilford – 570.409.1212

NOV 23RDIntro to Astronomy - PEECDingmans Ferry – 570.828.2319

Lenape of the Eastern WoodlandsPEEC – Dingmans Ferry – 570.828.2319

Orienteering - PEEC – Dingmans Ferry 570.828.2319

Pig Roast Pig Out Party – Split Rock ResortLake Harmony – 570.722.9111

NOV 23RD – 24TH Great Brews Classic Beer FestivalSplit Rock Resort – lake Harmony – 570.722.9111

NOV 26THCanadian Pacific Holiday Train – Scranton 570.340.5200

NOV 28TH Magical Fireside Christmas – The Inn at Pocono Manor – Pocono Manor – 800-233-8150

NOV 29TH – 30TH Honesdale for the Holidays – Honesdale 570.253.5492

NOV 29TH – DEC 1STSanta Special Trains – Jim Thorpe – 570.325.8485

DEC 6TH – 8THHawley Winterfest – Hawley – 570.226.4064

DEC 7THEcozone Afternoon - PEECDingmans Ferry – 570.828.2319

Intro to Astronomy - PEECDingmans Ferry – 570.828.2319

DEC 7TH – 15TH23rd Annual Old Time Christmas – Quiet Valley Stroudsburg – 570.992.6161

DEC 7TH – DEC 22ND Old Time Christmas Celebration – Jim Thorpe 888. JIM.THORPE

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60’S FUndraiSer dance at tOWA fundraiser dance at the Top of the World Restaurant took place September 21, 2013. The theme was 60s inspired food, costumes and dance music. The fee, which included door prizes that were raffled off, live entertainment and a fresh all you can eat pasta bar and ice cream bar was $25 per person. $10 of the $25 fee went to benefit the Bushkill Outreach Community Food Pantry. The purpose of the Bushkill Outreach Pantry offers basic material support to those in need serving Lehman Township in Pike County and Middle Smithfield Township of Monroe County. The Outreach has been serving people in the community for over 30 years. If you would like additional information regarding the Outreach program, please call 570-588-0660 or go to BushkillOutreach.org.The pantry offers support and sustenance mainly in the form of food, clothing and furnishings.

The dance was a great success generating 60s inspired dance music and clothing. People swayed to the tunes of the Joe Franzo Band. Members of the Saw Creek Community turned out in very creative costumes from this key era in social history. Prizes were given to the man and woman who were voted to have worn the costume most representative of this decade. The best female costume prize was given to Barbara Farrel and the best male costume prize was awarded to Ray Pace. All in all it was a fun-filled night, which reflected deeply on the painstaking organization and exectution of the Saw Creek Recreation Department and the Restaurant.

DEC 8THTree Lighting Celebration – Stroudsmoor Inn Stroudsburg – 800.955.8663

Ecozone Afternoon - PEECDingmans Ferry – 570.828.2319

Intro to Snowshoeing - PEECDingmans Ferry – 570.828.2319

DEC 8TH – DEC 22NDSanta Special Trains – Jim Thorpe – 570.325.8485

DEC 14THCampfire Hike - PEEC – Dingmans Ferry 570.828.2319Hibernation Hike - PEECDingmans Ferry – 570.828.2319

Winter Survival Hike - PEECDingmans Ferry – 570.828.2319

Winterfest & Tree Lighting – Dansbury DepotE Stroudsburg – 570.420-4.7540

DEC 18THDiva Night – Hotel FauchereMilford – 570.409.1212

DEC 22ND – 29THMagical Fireside Christmas – The Inn at Pocono Manor – Pocono Manor – 800-233-8150

eVeNTS Continued

Call your AAA Travel agent at 421-2500 or visit AAA North Penn, 1527 North Ninth St., Stroudsburg today!

Memorable Highlights:• EXPLORE the breathtaking scenery of the Cape of Good Hope and visit the endearing penguin colony of Boulders Beach, as you tour the region around Cape Town.• DISCOVER the spectacular sight and thunderous sound of the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the world’s seven natural wonders.• EXPERIENCE the ‘real’ South Africa as dinner guests in a home of a local Capetonian family.• ENJOY twice daily game activities in search of the “Big Five,” lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino- from your private game lodge.

South Africa & Zimbabwe

Africa Group features roundtrip transportation to the departing airport from Stroudsburg, LowesRates are per person based on double accommodations. For travel to South Africa, please ensure that your passport has a minimum of tow blank pages facing each other for entry into South Africa. Passport must be valid at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in South Africa. Hotels subject to change.

9 nights,September, 2014

Call For Rates

Itinerary :• Cape Town, South Africa• Kruger Private Reserve• Johannesburg• Victory Falls• ZimbabweAccommodations :• 3 Nights - Cape TownVineyard Hotel & Spa• 3 Nights – Kruger Private Reserve Kapama Karula• 1 Night – JohannesburgDavinci Hotel & Suites• 2 Nights – Victoria FallsVictoria Falls Safari LodgeIncluding luxurious safari!

including luxurious safari!

AAA.Saw Creek ad 10.13.indd 1 10/15/13 2:35 PM

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Environmental programs are offered to the public year-round on topics such as birds, wildflowers, wetlands and watersheds, and fishing education. The center is home to historical photos, hydroelectricity exhibits and Native American artifacts. The nearby lake offers year-round recreation opportunities including camping, fishing, boating and water-skiing. Lake Wallenpaupack itself was actually built by PPL Electric back in 1926 as part of a hydro-electric facility which continues today to provide extra power generation capacity during periods of high demand. PPL representatives provided an update on project status and scheduling. Among the key points addressed during the meeting were:

• The power line is complete from PPL’s Susquehanna Nuclear Plant in Salem Township through Scranton. Workers are now in the Lake Wallenpaupack region, about an hour drive north of Bushkill.

• With about 30 miles remaining in the 101-mile project, PPL has transitioned from the original contractor, T&D Power and is completing the project in cooperation with PAR Electrical Contractors of Kansas City, MO.

• The overall project remains on schedule to meet its spring 2015 deadline.

• Construction of the Saw Creek section of the line was tentatively planned to begin in February of 2014, but is now scheduled to start in July of 2014. It appears that the Saw Creek section will be among the last to be constructed and will be completed sometime around May of 2015.

Following the meeting, the group was given a site tour in order to have an up-close look at power line construction work in progress. They observed completed construction of access roads at the tower sites, actual tower construction in progress and the use of helicopters to install the wiring.Despite some ongoing concern about the power line project, it was quite obvious that the construction activities were well coordinated. The job sites appeared well maintained and the use of soil preservation and environmental “best practices” was evident throughout the project sites that were visited. For residents of Saw Creek, the most disruptive aspect of the project is likely to be the trucking and machine work required for construction of access roads along the right-of-way. However, once this part of the work is completed and the tower sections are delivered, the remainder of the work appears to be much less disruptive to surrounding properties.

As a follow up to the meeting and site tour, PPL Electric has agreed to further meetings as needed, including a town hall style meeting for all Saw Creek members and residents. This meeting will be held here in Saw Creek Estates in the first half of next year. The Board of Directors will continue to work with PPL Electric to ensure that the Saw Creek portion of the project is completed quickly and with the least possible impact on our community.

Power Line Status Update Continued from Page 1

Completed installation of insulators shown on horizontal support arms (note: wires shown in

foreground are on a separate, nearby power line as can be seen in Picture No. 3)

Helicopter pilot and workman shown as they are just about to touch down after installing

pulleys on tower. The pulleys are used to “string” the wires along the line.

A view of completed towers and lines in the background. In the foreground are the 1 ½

inch diameter power lines, temporarily secured on the ground and ready to be spliced onto the

next spool of cable.

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COMMITTeeSSaw Creek Men’s ClubBy Peter Derrenbacher, Club President

Our annual picnic at Bushkill Falls in conjunction with the Women’s club was a great success as both Mother Nature and almost 100 members and friends attended. In addition the Men’s club had their club golf outing at Fernwood on Sept. 17th followed by lunch at Pub 570. Again Mother Nature cooperated and we had over 30 golfers.

At our meeting on October 3rd, the Lehman Township supervisors, John Sivick, Richard Vollmer and Paul Menditto presented the club with a Certificate of Appreciation for the donation made in supporting the annual Lehman Township Fishing Derby.

Now that golf season is over, club members have started bowling again. The remainder of the year is booked for “game night dinner” at PEEC on November 16th and on December 14th, a dinner/show at Shawnee.

Our club meets the first Thursday of every month at 6 PM in the Mountain Room, followed by light food and beverages at the TOW. Why not show up at one of these meetings to check us out?

For more information, please contact Peter Derrenbacher, 570-588-7522.

Safety CommitteeBy Suzanne Mark, Vice Chair

We are pleased the Member Services Office now has copies of the PENNSYLVANIA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE free for all Saw Creek residents. This is an excellent document to help individuals and their families to be prepared for a variety of emergencies.

While various departments of our Homeowner Association staff have emergency preparedness plans and procedures every one of us needs to be somewhat self-reliant in emergency situations.

We welcome our newest Committee member, architect Emeka Emysoiobi. Emeka and his wife are from New York. It’s great to have his expertise on the Committee.

We still have an opening on the Committee and welcome all to our regular meetings on the first Wednesday of the month in the TOP Mountain Room.

SAFETy TIpS

This time of year it’s dark in the morning and evening. Please watch out for our children and pet owners walking the roads.

We have no sidewalks and street lights and we want everyone to arrive home safely whether in a vehicle or on foot.

Take care also in snowy and wet weather. Our curvy and sometimes steep roadways have black ice and wet conditions and it is better for vehicles to stay on the road and not in the culverts, swales

and ditches! Keep in mind snowmobiles are not permitted on Saw Creek roadways. There will be consequences, so read the Rules and Regulations.

Please do not shovel or plow snow into the roadways. This can cause dangerous freezing and black ice patches. Take care and drive safe! REMEMBER: Behind the wheel, anger is one letter away from danger!

A

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SUPPOrt OUr

adVertiSerS

SHOP lOcal!

Welcome new members to the Recreation Committee- Roseann Prasse and Suzanne Mark. We still have an opening on the Committee for a member and plenty of opportunities to help out at individual activities.

Got recreation? We sure do!

September started with a somewhat drippy Yard Sale on the 1st. But Saw Creek folks are tough enduring the on again off again raindrops. We had lots of tables of merchandise, a good crowd of shoppers and Joie’s was even open for breakfast and lunch too!

One of our newer programs has been a series of nutrition lectures. They have proved to be very popular. Especially the sampling!

We were ‘Peace, Love and Groovin’ at the fund raiser dinner dance on September 21st at the TOP.

Recreation Committee ReportBy Suzanne Mark, Chairman

Over $1,000 for the Bushkill Outreach. There was great food, hilarious costumes, some psychedelic nonsense and all for a great cause.

October: What a great time we had at the Family Fall Festival at the TOP. It was a spectacular Fall foliage day. What a glorious view from the deck of the TOP where our new Chef Gerry put out a fantastic display of German culinary treats. This was accompanied by beer tasting. Especially good was the hard cider! Meanwhile on the pool deck children of all ages decorated their very own pumpkins and constructed scarecrows. What FUN!

Of course there is always the creepy ‘Trunk or Treat’ in the TOP parking lot followed by a potluck lunch in the indoor tennis courts. Then the adults had to have their fun at the annual Halloween Costume Ball. The celebration of ghouls and ghosts ends with ‘The Haunted VIP’. It was all just too scary and spooky.

November is our annual Thanksgiving Pot Luck dinner on the 16th at 5 pm. Everyone brings a dish to share. Please sign up with the Recreation Department.

December is always a time for shopping and you can continue your holiday shopping right here in Saw Creek at the 2nd Annual Holiday Shopping Craft Fair on the 7th at the TOP indoor tennis courts. Vendors welcome at $10 per table. This year we’ll have an area with children’s activities so parents can focus attention on what else? SHOPPING. Bring a camera for pics with Santa.

End 2013 with the always sold out New Year’s Eve Party at the TOP. As usual we’ll be having a New Year’s Eve Kids Night from 6-10, $5 per child ages 4-13. Fun, games, refreshments. Advance registration is required.

We’re always on the lookout for new and interesting ideas as well as volunteers. Drop us a line at recreation@sawcreek.org.

LET THE RECREATION BEGIN AND THE FUN NEVER END!

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You asked, we listened! The Top of the World Restaurant wants you to have a taste of their new menu. We are pleased to introduce Chef Jeremy Greene. Jeremy has 25 years of experience in the food and business industry. His culinary achievements have brought a new dimension to the Top’s specials and banquet and catering services. Stop by the Top to enjoy one of our new tasty additions!

Meet Jeremy. His journey into the culinary field was happenstance.

“When I was in high school, I was a volunteer firefighter,” he said. “One of the officers was a chef and I would help him run the station’s kitchen and banquet facilities.”

He was given another push in the culinary direction a few months later, when his school hosted a presentation about Culinary School.

“I went to the presentation, decided to fill out an application, and the rest is history.” Jeremy graduated from the Pennsylvania Institute of

New Chef at Top of the World

Culinary Arts in 1994 and received a degree in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management. Jeremy has much experience in country clubs and family restaurant settings.

He was the Executive Chef at Fernwood Resorts in East Stroudsburg, PA for five years before becoming the Restaurant Manager at the Wintergreens Patio and Grill located in Bushkill, PA.

“I came to Top of the World looking for a new challenge,” Jeremy said. “Everywhere I go I find an opportunity to learn new things and teach others.”

Jeremy said that he and Restaurant Manager Ryan McGinniss are currently working on an updated menu. “I am also working on ideas for upcoming events,” he said.

Located in the heart of Bushkill’s Saw Creek Estates Community, Top of the World Restaurant offers an exceptional variety of delicious food, wine and cocktails. Top of the World Restaurant opens Monday, Thursday and Friday at 4 p.m.; Saturday at 12 p.m. and Sunday at 11a.m.

SaW creeK Manager earnS

tOP indUStry PrOFeSSiOnal

credentialSaw Creek Estates General Manager David

Martin recently joined the elite group of community association managers who

have earned the Association Management Specialist (AMS®) credential from the

Community Associations Institute (CAI). Martin, whose career includes 25 years

of property management experience with several Fortune 500 firms, was hired to lead the Saw Creek Estates team in 2006 and by

earning the AMS credential, he joins more than 6,000 managers worldwide who have

earned this prestigious designation.

“Professionals who earn CAI credentials maximize the value they can provide to their

community association clients,” said CAI Chief Executive Officer Thomas M. Skiba, CAE. “Not only have these professionals

demonstrated a personal commitment to self-improvement, but they have also elevated their practical knowledge and

expertise. That’s what all community associations need, and what board members

and residents deserve.”

SCe NeWS

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SaW creeK reSidentS Had a great tiMe at OUr trUnK~Or~treat & HallOWeen Party!

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NOW OFFERING HEATING OIL & KEROSENE IN PIKE COUNTY

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Are you ready?By Peggy Gottschau, PIC are yOU

PrePared FOr an eMergency? An emergency is defined as "an

unforeseen combination of circumstances

or the resulting state that calls for

immediate action." An emergency doesn't

necessarily mean a disaster. It could

meant that your child needs a copy of his

birth certificate to register for school,

or you need a copy of the pink slip for

your automobile when a brand new set

of wheels catches your eye. If you don't

already have important papers together in

a safe place, maybe this is a good month

to buy a small fireproof box and gather

those papers together that might include:

• Wills, social security cards, passports,

birth certificates, divorce and custody

decrees, immigration documents.

• Property deeds, mortgage company

address and phone number, homeowners

and life insurance policies and phone

numbers, copies of health insurance card

and phone numbers.

• Inoculation records, health records,

doctors and dentists names, addresses

and phone numbers.

• Auto ownership papers, auto insurance

policies and phone numbers, drivers and

auto license numbers.

• Credit card numbers, addresses and

phone numbers for outstanding loans.

• Stock and securities certificates, address

and phone number of broker, bank

account numbers, addresses and phone

numbers of banks.

• A current copy of your employment

resume, as well as a list of previous home

addresses and dates of residence.

• An extra copy of your address book,

complete with phone numbers and

addresses of friends, relatives and

professional resources.

• You'll be surprised at how useful it will

be to have this information in order

and accessible.

Winter is approaching and so is the threat of bad weather and all that comes with it – slippery roads, blizzards, ice storms and power outages! Are you and your family prepared for prolonged power outages and other emergencies? Now is the time to prepare! Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Consider the following:

• Identify an out-of town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. Also, if you do not reside here full time, leave your number with a neighbor so they can contact you in case your house sustains damage during a storm.

• Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts.

• Teach family members how to use text messaging (also known as SMS or Short

Message Service). Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.

• Subscribe to alert services. Many communities and news outlets have systems that will send instant text alerts or e-mails to let you know about bad weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc. If you will not or cannot leave the area prior to a storm, make sure you and your family have enough food, water, batteries, etc. to last a few days. Stock up on these items now. Your emergency kit should contain the following items:

• Water – one gallon per person per day

• Food – ready to eat or requiring minimal water

• Manual can opener and other cooking supplies

• Plates, utensils and other feeding supplies

• First Aid kit & instructions

• A copy of important documents & phone numbers

• Warm clothes and rain gear for each family member

• Heavy work gloves

• Disposable camera

• Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification

• Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer and soap

• Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows

• Tools such as a crowbar, hammer & nails, staple gun, adjustable wrench and bungee cords

• Blanket or sleeping bag

• Large heavy duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket for waste and sanitation

• Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget water and supplies for your pets. You should also consider putting the following items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly. Prepare one “Go-bag” for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.

Continued on Page 26

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CALL NOWFor Advertising Opportunities

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Are you ready?Continued from Page 25

• Flashlight

• Radio – battery operated

• Batteries

• Whistle

• Dust mask

• Pocket knife

• Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls

• Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat

• Local map

• Some water and food

• Permanent marker, paper and tape

• Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes

• List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers

• List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food

• Copy of health insurance and identification cards

• Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items

• Prescription medications and first aid supplies

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Extra keys to your house and vehicle

• Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.

• If you do find yourself in a prolonged situation without electric and/or water, there are a few things to remember:

• Do not call 911 except in the case of emergency. 911 operators cannot tell you when the electric will be turned back on.

• Call your electric supplier and report your outage (Met-Ed in our case). Do not assume that Met- Ed knows that your particular area is without power. Do not call Public Safety or Member Services to report outages. Saw Creek has no control over your electric.

• Call Lehman Township for information regarding shelters, food distributions, etc. Did you know that Bushkill Fire House offered a place where residents could seek shelter during the aftermath of Sandy? We have to remember we belong to a larger community and often the answers and assistance we need during such times can be found outside our gates.

• Do not flush your toilet. Remember that all Saw Creek homes are fitted with grinder pumps to dispose of waste. The pumps run on electricity and you risk of having them back up into your yard or home if you continue to flush them.

• Do not run your water for the same reasons listed above.

• Do not use the Decker Road or Mill Pond compactors. Open top containers may be provided if conditions and availability are appropriate.

• Do not open your refrigerator or freezer. A freezer full of food will usually keep about 2 days if the door is kept shut; a half-full freezer will last about a day.

During times of prolonged outages Public Safety is a good place to go for information. The Public Safety building is equipped with an emergency generator so that the building remains operational during prolonged power outages. If there is no phone service, you can always visit the building and speak with the Dispatch Officer on duty. You can also check out Saw Creek’s website, www.sawcreek.org, and our Facebook Page which will be updated as internet access allows.

For more information on preparing yourself and your family for any emergency, please visit www.ready.gov or www.72hours.org.

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SaW creeK Fall FeStiVal

A warm October afternoon made for the perfect conditions for Saw Creek’s Annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Painting.

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LeGISLATuRe

wHAT IS IT?

wHy IS IT IMpORTANT?

The Community Associations Institute’s (CAI) Pennsylvania Legislative Action Committee (PA LAC) has announced that Representative Mario M. Scavello (Monroe County), has agreed to introduce legislation that would mandate the collection of data on planned communities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at the county level.

CAI has supported the introduction of such legislation since the release of a report by the Joint State Government Commission (JSGC) in 2011 that recommended such a move by the state.

The legislation is referred to as the Planned Unit Development Data Collection Act and PA LAC helped author the legislation.

The JSGC study, authorized by House Resolution 350, passed by the state House of Representatives in 2009, examined the impact of Common Interest Ownership Communities (CIOCs), commonly referred to as planned communities, on the Commonwealth and its local governments.

The JSGC study provided critical data, insight and recommendations. One key finding of the JSGC study concerns the absolute lack of information on CIOCs across Pennsylvania.

While it is estimated that 2.8 million PA residents are in a CIOC and that roughly 80 percent of new housing starts since 2000 are CIOCs, the actual number and location of these communities is, by large and far, unknown.

PriVate cOMMUnity

rOadS inclUded in dUi

JUriSdictiOn Pike County District Attorney Raymond Tonkin announced that the Pennsylvania Superior Court has decided to uphold a

previous jury determination stating that a person can be convicted of driving under

the influence of alcohol on the roads of private communities.

This decision stems from a case of driving under the influence that took place in Saw

Creek Estates two years ago. In 2011, a Saw Creek resident by the name of Carlos Guzman was charged for driving under the influence within community lines. The jury

determined that the roads in Saw Creek are traffic ways, and because Pennsylvania

vehicle code permits the enforcement of the DUI laws on traffic ways in the

Commonwealth, Guzman was found guilty.

Guzman recent appealed the case to the Pennsylvania Superior Court. The

superior court noted the large amount of residents in Saw Creek Estates, and the fact the school buses, delivery services

and utility services are permitted to enter the community, and thus, upheld

the jury’s decision.

In a recent interview with the Pocono Record, Tonkin said: "It has long been my

office's policy to pursue DUI charges against people who drive under the

influence on roads in private communities. This decision by the Superior Court

ensures that people driving on the road in most private communities receive the

same protection under the law, from drivers driving under the influence as

motorists on public highways."

Saw Creek Estates supports the decision of the court and welcomed the efforts of District Attorney Ray Tonkin and others in pursuing the case. We at Saw Creek Estates believe that private community

residents throughout the commonwealth will benefit from the recent ruling by the Superior Court, and urge everyone to be

aware that driving under the influence on private community roads will result

in prosecution.

The Planned Unit Development Data Collection Act

The study resulted in a series of policy recommendations for the state to consider concerning community associations in Pennsylvania.

One of the recommendations was to mandate the collection of data including information such as name, physical location, land area, lot size, number of units, location, infrastructure age, and articles of incorporation or other non-profit organization registration information filed with the Department of State.

The lack of this information impacts the ability to predict the fiscal costs associated with certain state legislative amendments to Title 68.

With the introduction of this reform legislation, state and local government will be one step closer to filling in this massive data void that potentially impacts up to three million Pennsylvania homeowners.

This data collection effort will also assist community associations, their managers, elected volunteer board members and all Pennsylvanians living in a CIOC in delivering essential services, maintaining their infrastructure, and complying with applicable statutes governing their community.

Saw Creek Estates supports the Planned Unit Development Data Collection Act introduced by Scavello.

Saw Creek’s General Manager Dave Martin serves as a Delegate to CAI’s PA Legislative Action Committee which has lobbied in support of the bill.

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Where has the time gone? I can't believe it's fall and the growing season is coming to an end. It has been a busy year which has seen the completion of the landscape project at our new Kirkham Gate. Plant material is in and a new decorative block edging has been placed around the carved Saw Creek sign and the planting bed by the information board. Thanks to the volunteers on the Beautification Committee, the final touch has been added to the planting bed at the back gate, namely two hundred daffodils ! These will burst into bloom next spring, greeting all homeowners and guests who pass through those gates.

Beautifying the common areas in our community has been and is the main goal of the Beautification Committee. However, we are extremely pleased that many of our homeowners have also made it their goal to enhance their homes and properties in Saw Creek, thus making our community a beautiful place in which to live. Our committee has sponsored the yearly House Appeal Contest to search for and reward those residents who have gone that extra step to make their homes a credit to our community. This year we wish to congratulate our new winners John and Johanna Haltmeier who have lived here in Saw Creek for nine years now. They consider their home to be a work in progress where they try their best to maintain "curb appeal" by changing out plantings and decorative banners with each season.

A colorful, decorative bench on the front porch is a great accent that greets visitors as they approach the front door along with beautiful hanging baskets along the walkway. There always seems to be something in the works, like plans to install a fountain in the front yard this coming spring. Attention to detail is quite obvious with this property and these homeowners as seen in how well the storage shed complements the home and fits so will with the property. The siding on the shed matches the siding on the home, and window boxes and shutters give the shed that special touch. Pride in home ownership is definitely evident with the winners of our 2013 House Appeal Contest. Special thanks to all the other contestants who entered our contest this year.

Beautification NewsBy Phil Cozzi, Chairperson

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For Infants to School Age Children Located next to Mignosi’s Foodtown

M-F: 5 am–8 pm Sat: 8 am – 5 pm

Curriculum receives recognition through the National Council for Private Schools. http://www.the-road-to-excellence.com

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Strategic Planning UPdate cOntinUed FrOM Page 1

Vision • To be widely recognized by members, responsible homebuyers, the real estate industry and our community association peers as progressive and innovative leaders of the best managed, most financially sound and member-focused community in the region.

Values 1. Exemplary Service to one & all 2. Teamwork, Transparency & Integrity 3. Guidance, Support & Respect

Putting together a newsletter for our community is quite challenging considering there is so much more to include in it than we do. Many residents have interesting news to share about upcoming events, personal milestones, issues of community interest, etc., but we never hear from you!

Between Management and the Board of Directors, we try to include items in our newsletter that not only inform owners of important business matters before the association, but we are also attempting to help educate our members on some of the ongoing challenges that associations must face on a monthly basis.

Issues such as the Annual Audit, Reserve Study, Budgeting Process and Rules Enforcement are included throughout the year in order to help owners understand some of the complexities of running our association. Both the Board of Directors and the Management hope that if more members understand why the Board must make the decisions that it does, then this knowledge will help make living in a common interest development more comfortable.

Another benefit of increasing the members' awareness of association issues is to help motivate others to take an active role in our community. The more we understand about how our Association functions, the more likely we are to get involved.

These generic, educational articles are important, but don't forget that our newsletter is one of the best communication tools available in our community and in order to help our newsletter become more community-specific we need to hear from YOU. If you would like to contribute, please do not hesitate to contact the Public Information Committee at PIC@sawcreek.org.

Saw Creek News Community Specific Information!

FareWell Margie!On October 4, 2013 Management and Staff said goodbye to Recreation Director Margie Gerstmann as she departed for a new adventure in Florida.

Margie became Director of Recreation in January of 2009. During her tenure, Margie introduced many new and innovative programs to Saw Creek. Some of the most popular programs included presentations from PEEC and The Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center as well as the annual ski races and winter festival held in February.

We thank Margie for her service to Saw Creek and wish her the best in her new endeavor.

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