Sentinel March 21013

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Easter. It is the feast of the Resurrectionof Christ which is the culmination of thelife, suffering and death of Christ. Againwith the joy of Easter, we see hope forthe future, our future. For Christians, thehope for a better life begins here onEaster Sunday morning. It is a time forrenewal, rejuvenation, joy and hope.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons we all moved toSpringmill. Retired or on the verge of retiring, many of usmoved here because of the hope of a better life in oursenior years and most of us have found a very good lifehere at Springmill. We have found a very active life,wonderful surroundings in Springmill, great neighbors, andin general, a great caring community which has given usthe hope of a better life in our senior years. Hope doesspring eternal and maybe that is why SPRINGmill wasgiven its name.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Happy Passover, Happy Easterand let’s all enjoy the hope and joy of Spring.

Joe Grippo

The Joy & Hope of SpringtimeA NEWSLETTER FOR THE SPRINGMILL COMMUNITYVolume XI, Issue 3 March 2013

Sentinel IndexThe Joy & Hope of Springtime.........................................Pg. 1Committee Reports...........................................................Pg. 3Board Report (Carl Rifino)................................................Pg. 5Town Meeting.....................................................................Pg. 7Town Elections..................................................................Pg. 7New Businesses (Shoprite)..............................................Pg. 7NCCo Library Update........................................................Pg. 7Cultural Events...................................................................Pg. 9Travelog (One Month in New York City)........................Pg. 11Goodbye & Hello..............................................................Pg. 11Gone But Not Forgotten (Sharron Young)....................Pg. 11Meet Your Neighbor (June Glass)..................................Pg. 13Valentine Party & Dance.................................................Pg. 14Bingo.................................................................................Pg. 15Springmill Library ...........................................................Pg. 15CEC Report ......................................................................Pg. 17Travel Group....................................................................Pg. 17Book Review (Dear John)...............................................Pg. 19Movie Fan Reflections.......................................................Pg. 19Computer Tutor (Using Generic E-Mail Address).........Pg. 21Living Green (Update on Springmill Trees)..................Pg. 21Fox Fitness Tips..............................................................Pg. 23Poolroom News................................................................Pg. 23Advertiser’s Spotlight (Stanley Properties)..................Pg. 25Renovation 101 (Entertainment Unit)............................Pg. 25

March is upon us and with March comes many happyevents that help rejuvenate all of us and remind us of whywe moved to Springmill looking for a better lifestyle in oursenior years. The four happy events are: St. Patrick’s Day,Passover, Easter, Spring.

With March comes St. Patrick’s Day - aday of celebration and joy for all the Irishand all the rest of us who wear the greento be part of this great tradition. Green isthe color of hope -In most cultures, greenhas been traditionally associated withrebirth and for extension, to hope."Inmany folklores and literatures, green hastraditionally been used to symbolizenature, … life, fertility, and rebirth. Green was symbolic ofresurrection and immortality in Ancient Egypt; the godOsiris was depicted as green-skinned." wiki.answers.com .St. Patrick’s Day represents the joy and hope of Ireland andall Irish and Irish of heart.

Following St. Patrick’s Day comesanother day of joy for us all - the first dayof Spring. Oh, how we all look forward toSpring - the hope of warmer weather,the emergence of the first specks ofgreen in the gardens as bulbs start tomake their appearance, trees startblooming, birds start returning and

building nests and days become longer. It’s a time of theyear that makes us all feel better and want to get out of thehouse. It is the time of the year that seems to rejuvenate usall and and gives us hope for better times ahead.

Our next great celebration in March isPassover. Passover is a Jewish festival.It commemorates the story of theExodus, in which the ancient Israeliteswere freed from slavery in Egypt. Again,Passover was a time of rejuvenation andhope for the Israelites as they left theoppression of Egypt and began theirjourney to the Promised Land. Again,both Jewish and Christians learn much from Passover, butmost of all, we can all share in the hope that comes withthis great celebration.

Finally, we celebrate the greatest feast of Christendom,

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Springmill Sentinel StaffEditor: Dick RauschTreasurer: Diane DaigleSecretary: Janet GeftmanProduction Manager: Joe GrippoBusiness Manager: Carol GeigerAdvertising: Anne Currie, Jerry Ryan, Pat Steskal, Bert DekkerStaff: Mary Jo Starrett, June Stemmle , Sonya Comstock, Julie Hambrecht, Joe GrippoDirectory: Julie HambrechtDistribution Manager: Phyllis TorgersenCalendar: Tracey Lund

Please forward all articles & inquiries to:[email protected]

Lauri Richardson

Tel (302) 379-9984Fax (302) 368-1060200 N. Dilwyn Rd.Newark, DE [email protected]

Residential / Office Cleaning

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Springmill Homeowners Association

Board of DirectorsBob Lhulier, President

Bob Gross, Barb Kelly, Fred Bodden & Carl RifinoAss’t Treasurer: Jim Merrill

Board Recording Secretary: Janet Geftman

Community ManagerTracey Lund

801 Windmilll Lane376•5466

[email protected]

Clubhouse CommitteeJulia Hambrecht

Communications CommitteeDick Rausch

Community EventsBeverly Strong/Peggy Andrews

Finance CommitteeCal Reuss

Property CommitteeCarolyn Bodden

Maintenance & Repair CommitteeAnnie Hall

Charity CommitteeMaria Corvino

Anyone wishing to join a Committee should contact theChairperson of that Committee.

•• Please note: All committee meetings and activitiesusing a Clubhouse room must be cleared with TraceyLund of the Management Office at 376•5466.

Other Important Information

Calendar: Tracey LundFamily Emergency Numbers: Pat Howe, JoAnn StumpSocial Singles: Peg McMullenSunshine: Mary Elizabeth Rhoads/Faith Altman

Committee Reports

Communications Committee

We met on February 12 in the craftroom. Several memberswere absent due to vacation. Jim Crisfield and Anita Tuckerattended. Jim explained that they were present to soliciteideas for long range planning purposes. Jim took ten minutesand asked that we think of long range projects for theCommunity and give them to him after our next meeting.

Our minutes from last month were approved. Diane Daiglegave the Treasurer’s report. In January we contributed $680to the General Fund.

Carol Geiger gave the Advertisers report. She pointed outonly one potential problem. We did get a new advertiser thismonth, Creative Painting -¼ page for a year. CreativePainting has done work in the Clubhouse.

Joe Grippo gave the Editorial report. Mention was made of anew column to welcome new residents and say goodbye tothose leaving. The lead story would encompass four majorevents in March: St. Patrick’s Day, Passover, Easter and Spring.The Springmill Directory for 2013 was put to rest. Also under

old business was a brief reminder to think of new types ofarticles for the Sentinel.

Under new business, Carol Geiger thought it might be a goodidea to hold an event for our advertisers. This will be placedon next month’s agenda.

At 8:45 PM the meeting adjourned.

Joe Grippo

Property Committee

WARNING WARNING WARNINGI have received a number of warnings concerning IMPATIENS.They are being destroyed by a powderery mildew virus. It is verydestructive with no known cure. If you do get an infestation inyour garden, you are advised to remove all the Impatiens plantsand not to plant any for a couple of years. It seems as if this virusstays in the soil for a very long time. Instead of the regularImpatiens, it is recommended to substitute New GuineaImpatiens or Begonias.

If any homeowner has a suggestion for any informationneeded that might be placed in the Sentinel, please, call ore-mail me. It is important to the PC to know what would be ofinterest to our gardeners. In addition, any suggestions for ourannual gardens would be appreciated. THINK SPRING…….

Carolyn Bodden

Maintenance & RepairDuring the January 8th MRC meeting, Bob Lhulier attended asour BOD representative. The BOD representative is valuable(at all meetings) for clear communication between committeesand the Springmill Board. This (BOD representative) helps tospeed the process for instituting a new community guideline.Carl Rifino was our BOD representative in December whenthe MRC discussed Auden porch railings.6The MRC voted in December to approve the removal ofAuden model front porch railings. This community already hadfour (4) Auden model homes that did not have railings on thefront porch. Because this was the MRC’s first request forremoval of these railings, we could not approve withoutmajority votes from this committee and from the BOD. CarlRifino was asked to explain reasons Continued on Pg. 5

Finance CommitteeThe finance committee met on February 20th. The minutesfrom the January meeting were approved.

Updates were presented by sub-committees dealing with longrange planning, insurance policies, and the tree task force. Inall casesdecisions on these issues will continue to bediscussed into the spring.

Under old business, changes made by the finance committeeand approved by the BOD to the Verizon account werepresented and reviewed by the committee. Also, the committeediscussed potential changes to the Mid-Atlantic contract. Thecontract will continue to be reviewed in the next few months.

The January financial statements were reviewed and approved.

Cal Reus

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It’s mid-February and I’ve started to workwith a financial auditor from Cover &Rossiter. The BOD decided to use a newauditor this year to see if a fresh lookbrings out any area of concern that hadn’tbeen previously found. The first phase willinvolve looking at our 2012 financialrecords, committee meeting minutes, theKipcon engineering report, and other documents thatdescribe the overall financial health of the community.Analysis of these documents and records helps the auditor toset up the scope of the audit report as well as provide thebasis for critiquing management and financial practices by thecommunity association and its contracted associates. Thus,it’s important to understand that your Board wants to learn ifthere are specific practices or procedures that should bechanged.

If you recall some of my previous BOD columns, you wouldhave remembered reading about the need for goodgovernance. I pointed out how this depends on the effectivenetworking of the BOD with the established committees,certain knowledgeable members of the community, theManagement Company, and the homeowners in general.When we celebrated our tenth anniversary, we realized thatthe community was maturing, not only as individuals but alsoas a community of people having similar interests.

In the last few months, a few committees started to look attheir area of responsibilities. For example, the ClubhouseCommittee is looking at the Clubhouse’s appearance as wellas its policies and stewardship. This review may result inadding new policies or updating them. The FinanceCommittee is looking at our insurance policies and checkingwhether we would be better served by alternative companies.They’re also asking the other committees to suggest ideas forimproving our community physically or meet its future needs.The Property Committee is looking over ideas for enhancingour common property. BOD is interested in developing astrategic plan for managing our reserve’s resources. TheMaintenance & Repair Committee is engaged in looking atthe Community’s replacement needs. This effort is necessaryto help maintain our resources for the future and to assistthose people who will replace those now working for theAssociation. In fact, these activities are the basis forresponsible corporate behavior.

This is a good time for new people to become involved in theAssociation’s activities. We’ve encouraged people to join oneof the committees. Some have answered the call, but othershave tried to work on their own rather than join a committee.Though an individual may have an expertise or interest in agiven area, it isn’t constructive to insert oneself on that basisonly. Many of us who had careers in corporate situationsknow that the “I” attitude has limited value in such situations.It is better to have the “We” attitude for team situations andyour Association’s activities definitely need teamwork andteam solutions. So I ask you to contact me or another Boardmember to tell us about your interests. We can help youchannel your energy and expertise to benefit the community.

Carl Rifino

Committee Reports Notes From Your Boardfor our yes votes to the BOD. Mel

Geiger wrote the ARC Guideline entitled “AUDEN MODELFRONT PORCH RAILINGS” and circulated it via e-mail forMRC approval. After MRC approval of the new guideline it isforwarded to the BOD for approval. Bob Lhulier informed usthat the BOD had voted approval. He reinforced the need forhomeowners to know that all repairs related to railing removal arenot covered under the $500 per year repair policy.

The final topic at this meeting was introduced by Jim Crisfield(Finance Committee) who is working on a long rangeSpringmill Association Plan. We will all be hearing more aboutthis in the future.

We extend special thanks to Georgianna Anderson forrecording minutes while Rosemarie Lamb was dealing with thedeath of her mother and other urgent family situations. Thenext MRC meeting will be on February 12th at 6:30 p.m. in theclubhouse and residents are welcome to attend.

Annie Hall

Continued From Pg. 5: MRC

The Clubhouse Committee

The Clubhouse Committee met on February 6, 2013. TheBoard of Directors has approved the replacement of the boccecanopies. Gainor Awnings will be making and installing themfor us and they will be ready for bocce season.

The Great Room was painted the week of February 25th.This was the best time we could schedule so that the leastamount of activities were interrupted. Thank you everyone foryour patience and cooperation. We ask that all folding chairsbe put in the great room closet and left out leaning against thewall.

A sub-committee has been formed to evaluate the rules for use ofthe clubhouse and facilities. The committee will also be lookinginto safety measures that can be taken. The first step was to putlabels on all ladders asking that if you need to use a ladderplease have someone with you or at least in the clubhouse.

Also since it is still flu season please be sure to wipe down allfitness equipment when you are done exercising.

The clubhouse has two defibrillators. We are makingarrangement with the Middletown Fire Department to havesessions set up not only to learn how to use them but also forCPR. Please see the enclosed flyer.

Our next meeting is Wednesday, March 6, at 11:15AM.

Julia HambrechtBoard Motions

1. Motion to move forward with arborist, John Hosbach ofRockwell Assoc. to perform tasks outlined in his proposaldated 12/07/12 - Option 1, for the sum of $13,230.00.Approved (5-0)

2. Motion to approve CLBHS Committee's recommendationand contractor's proposal for replacement of bocce canopies.Motion approved (5-0)

3. Motion made to reject request for the BOD to pay for a newmusical CD playlist. Motion approved. (5-0)

Board of Directors

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Library Update…March

Listed below are the on-going programsat NCC Southern Library, located inPettinaro Building on 651 North BroadStreet. Phone number for information orregistration is (302) 378-5588. Shouldyou want to get the updated information,you will need to go to www.nccdelib.organd click on “Happenings” for theseasonal changes. Of course, we willalso highlight programs of interest in yourmonthly Sentinel.The hours at the library are: Monday 10-8, Tuesday/Wednesday 1-8, Thursday- Saturday 10-5, andclosed on Sunday. NOTE: The library will not be closedfor holidays this month.

� Knitting Circle Alternate Tuesdays at 7:00 pm (Mar. 5 & 19). For all levels of experience.

Tech Tuesdays 6:30 to 7:30 Free tutorial on using e- devices & downloading e-books.� Sew-Be-It Quilters Second Saturday at 10:00 am

(Mar. 9) novice & experienced quilters welcome. Book Discussion for Adults Wednesday, March 20

at 7:00 pm� Delaware Money School Call 1-800-267-5002 for this

month’s topic.

Programs for adults in the Community ActivityCenter…must register� Card Making Monday, March 18, at 6:30 with Pam

Gill ($5 material fee)� Senior Yoga Thurs. 11-12:00 $24 for four 1-hour

classes with Crystal Walker� Zumba Gold Sat. 10:30-11:30 $6 drop-in fee,

instructor is Elisa Cordero� Defensive Driving: Advanced Sat. March 2 9am-12

noon 3 hour class for $27

Children’s Programs/Fee & Registration� Movers & Shakers (2-4) $18 for four 45 min. classes,

Thurs. 10:30-11:15, Learning games, music� Book Babies (under 2) Fridays 11 am No story time

on 3/15 and 3/29� Rhythm, Rhyme & Story Time (ages 3+) Fridays

10:15 No Story time on 3/15 and 3/29

June Stemmle

June Stemmle

Around Town

Sonya Comstock

Town Meeting

The Mayor called attention to the upcomingelection to be held on Monday, March 4. Ifthere are no challengers, the regular Townmeeting will take place after the swearing-inceremony.The Mayor and two councilmenare seeking re-election. One council positionis open. Chuck Dixon announced he will notseek re-election for the council position.Candidates have until February 12 toregister. (See article “Town Election” below).

It was noted that DelDOT expects funds to be available assoon as the budget passes to rotomill and do an overlay ofall of Broad Street (North and South) up to Rt. 13. Theproject would also include up to Armstrong Corner Road.Curbing will be replaced as needed in some areas. Thisproject is expected to begin in late summer and take about amonth for completion.

Sonya Comstock

Town Election

The deadline for filing for the 2013 election has passed, andno challengers have come forth. The Mayor and threecandidates for Town Council will be elected uncontested.Councilman Chuck Dixon announced at the February TownCouncil meeting that he would not seek re-election, so hisseat became available. David Fisher, a resident of DoveRun, was the only candidate who filed for the open seat.

Congratulation to Mayor Branner, Council members JasonFaulkner, David Fisher and Robert Pierce who will be sworninto office at the regular monthly town meeting on Monday,March 4.

Sonya Comstock

Final Results of the $100,000 GrantRecycling Challenge

Middletown finished No. 19 out of 50 towns in the country –still in the top 25 towns. The winner was Lakes at Red Rock,VA, who will receive the $100,000 grant.

The Mayor and Town Council would like to thank all residentswho participated in this challenge and understood theimportance of recycling. The contest is over, but pleasecontinue to recycle. Recycling saves money by diverting wasteout of landfills, and Recyclebank saves everyone money withvalue savings, deals and discounts. Access to the Recyclebankprogram will continue for free for another 18 months.

What’s more important is that continued recycling will helpreduce our waste and could possibly lower our monthlywaste bill with the town. The more that goes in the greencontainer, the better the payoff. So we are all winners. Wehave the recycle container, so fill it up and put it out weekly.It’s a practice that needs to be continued by all.

Sonya Comstock

New Business

Shop-Rite is moving into the empty grocery store in the FourSeasons Shopping Center located on Rt. 896 in Glasgow andshould be completed by July. Both Super Fresh and Pathmarkwere previous tenants. The current building will be expandedto 72,000 sq.ft. and will be the largest and sixth ShopRite inDelaware. It will offer “ShopRite from Home” service whichallows customers to shop online and have their itemsdelivered.

Sonya Comstock

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RESIDENTS ARE OURBEST

REFERRALS!

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Cultural EventsSpringmillSee separate listing of events under the CEC article.

MiddletownEverett TheatreFri/Sat – March 1 & 2 - 7:30 p.m. – “Les Miserables” - Tickets $6

St. Anne’s Episcopal School, 211 Silver Lake RoadThurs. March 7 – 3–8 p.m. – “Fifth Annual Spring Expo” –The Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce invites the publicto attend this event celebrating Arts & Entertainment asvendors promote their business to the MOT community. Enjoyfood and beverages from local restaurants and wineries. FREE

Middletown High SchoolReserved Seating, 302-376-4141, ext. 1406Email – [email protected]/Fri/Sat – March 1&2,-7,8&9 – 7:30 p.m. – “State Fair”– The Frake family heads off to the Iowa State Fair each withtheir own hopes for the trip. Music by Rodgers andHammerstein. Tickets - $10

Appoquinimink High School, 1080 Bunker Hill Road,302-449-3840, ext. 6147Thurs/Fri/Sat – March 21-23 – 7:00 p.m. – “ThoroughlyModern Millie” – Set in the flapper era, a young woman findsherself in the midst of a series of madcap adventures whenshe sets her sights on marrying her wealthy boss. Tickets –Pre-Sale $7 – at door $10

OdessaCorbit-Calloway Memorial LibrarySun. March 10 – 2 p.m. - “Meet the First Ladies: Trivia andTales of the Presidents’ Wives” - An overview of how therole of First Lady has changed over the centuries and how theyhave influenced the President. Speaker – Ed Okonowicz - Free

SmyrnaSmyrna Opera House, 7 W. South Street , 302-653-4236Fri-Sun. March 1-3 – 7:30 p.m. & (Sun) 2:30 p.m. -“Dessert Theater: Where There’s a Will, There’s aRelative” – Sam Price has passed away, and his relativesgather at his home to mourn, but eventually all the praise forhim turns to greed as they discuss their supposed inheritance.How far will they go to accomplish their goals? Hilariouscomedy as much is revealed. Tickets - $16Fri. March 15 – 7 p.m. – “The Happy Movie” – What makesyou happy? Is it money, work or family? The film takes usfrom the bayous of Louisiana to the deserts of Namibia, thebeaches of Brazil to the villages of Okinawa. This filmexplores the secrets of happiness. FREE

DoverAgricultural Museum, 866 N. DuPont Hwy - Rt. 13,302-734-1618Until April 27 – 10-3 p.m. - “Quilt Exhibit” – African/Americanand Western exhibits. Quilts are for sale – proceeds benefitthe museum. Admission - $4

ArdentownNew Candlelight Theater, 2208 Millers Rd., 302-475-2313Matinee & Evening Shows , January 25-March 17 – 6 p.m.,Sunday – 1 p.m.“The Producers” - Mel Brooks Musical. Winners of 12 TonyAwards. Tickets - $56 – includes dinner buffet.

WilmingtonDuPont Theatre, 1007 N. Market St., 302-656-4401Matinee and Evening Performances, 8 p.m. & 2 p.m., Fri-Sun – March 8-10 - “Hooray for Hollywood” – Celebrating its100th season, special show featuring the greatest moviemusicals over the last 50 years with live performances as wellas classic film images. Singers and dancers perform over 30songs including Singing in the Rain, Glenn Miller songs, AllThat Jazz, In the Mood and many more. Tickets - $35-$75

Grand Opera House, 818 North Market Street, 302-652-5577Fri. March 1 – 8 p.m. – “Chris Botti” - Pop trumpet masterwith crossover appeal as both a jazz and pop musician –Tickets - $48-$67Fri. March 1 – 8 p.m. (Baby Grand) – “LOL” - Ten finalists willcompete for the chance to open for a star comedian during the2013-2014 season. Tickets - $10Sat. March 2 – 8 p.m. – “Gaelic Storm” – Pub Band withenergetic Irish music and rowdy fun. Tickets - $28-$36Sun. March 3 – 3 p.m. – “Philadanco” – Modern dancecompany blending African American-based dance with ballet,jazz and modern. Tickets - $31-$37Sun. March 10 – 7 p.m. – “Perpetuum Jazzile” – EasternEuropean Youth Choir on US tour – vocal jazz and a cappellagroup performing favorite pop music – Tickets - $30Sun. March 10 – 7 p.m. (Baby Grand) – “Full Set” –Traditional Irish music – Tickets - $27Fri. March 22 – 8 p.m. – “Afro-Cuban All Stars” –Tremendous diversity of Cuban music lead by Juan de Marcos– Tickets - $30-$37Sat. March 23 – 2 p.m. – “Cirque Ziva” – The Golden Dragons -dazzling Chinese acrobats with a cirque twist. Tickets - $32-$39

NewarkChapel Theater, 27 N. Chapel St., 302-368-2041 / 368-2248Fri/Sat/ March 1 & 2 – 8 p.m., Sun. March 3 – 2 p.m. ,Thurs/Fri/Sat March 7-9 – 8 p.m. - “The Merry Wives ofWindsor” – Opening Night – Wine & Cheese Reception – 7:30p.m. - Sr. John Falstaff steps out of the world of court life to takeup residence in Windsor and seduces two married wives. Oncehis game is discovered, the last laugh is on him as he makes themistakes of underestimating small-town folks. Seniors - $10

University of Delaware, 17 W Main St , 302-831-0500Pre-Theater / Early Dining - Enjoy a three-course dinner at theVita Nova Restaurant (Darden Bistro) Wed-Fri – beginning at5:30 p.m. for just $20 pp. Includes appetizer, choice of fiveentrees & three desserts. No reservations are necessary.

International FilmsU. of Delaware, Sunday – 7:30 p.m. , 302-831-4066 - FreeMarch 3 – “Beasts of the Southern Wild” - Southern Gothicfairy tale about a little girl named Hushpuppy, who lives in abayou town called The Bathtub, as she faces down dangerssuch as a Katrina-like hurricane and monsters. QuvenzhaneWallis, nine years old, youngest ever Oscar nominee for BestActress. USA 2012 – 93 min.March 10 – “In a Better World” – As a doctor commutesbetween his home in Denmark and his work at a Sudaneserefugee camp, he and his family are faced with difficultchoices. In Danish) Denmark 2010 – 118 min.March 31 – “Samsara” – Kaleidoscopic images captured on70 mm. of beauty and wonder from all over the world. USA2011 – 99 min.

Sonya Comstock

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SPRINGMILL RESIDENT SPECIALS

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Travelog

Gone But Not Forgotten

You may not have noticed, butsomeone who was a majorcontributor to Springmill being thesuccessful community that it istoday, has quietly left thecommunity. Her name is SharronYoung. Those of us who were hereduring those turbulent early years ofconstruction remember very well theproblems we experienced with thebuilder, McKee. Sharron wasinstrumental in bringing their shortfalls to issue and gettinga very reluctant builder to recognize the problems and helpwith the expenses associated with resolving them. TheBoard was able to negotiate with McKee and to release asignificant amount of funds to the Board and to thecommunity to at least partially mitigate some of theexpenses. Sharron was also a driving force in negotiatingwith the Town of Middletown to force McKee to adhere tothe building specifications and various corrective actions.

Sharron was elected to the first all-resident Board ofDirectors for Springmill, along with four other residents,myself included, in September of 2005. The Boardmembers elected her to be the first President of the Boardof Directors and it turned out to be a wise choice forSpringmill. We all stepped into a slew of serious problemsranging from builder-related

Sharron Young

A Month In New York City

We recently spent the month of December in Manhattan.We had previously stayed in May and September.December is delightful because of Christmas but I prefer thespring or fall. The agency we deal with requires a monthstay.

Christmas in Manhattan is magical – the trees lit, storesdecorated inside and out, pubs and restaurants festive, theRockefeller tree, businesses in the spirit with trees,wreaths and other spectacular decorations. You just walkalong the streets and ooh and aah all the way. TheChristmas Markets in Central Park, Bryant Park and UnionSquare are so enjoyable that they are worth a second orthird trip.

See the trees along Park Ave. between 54th & 96th Sts.(especially at night). Illuminated with white and gold lights,these 104 ft. firs are lit in remembrance of fallen Americansoldiers. The tradition began 65 years ago in honour ofthose who gave their lives during WWII. Trees are lit the1st Sunday in December. The world’s largest snowflake isat Fifth Avenue & 57th St. It is 23 ft. in diameter, 28 ft. inheight, 3300 pounds and features 16,000 crystal prisms.You have to look up to see this delightful sight. The

world’s largest menorah stands at 5th Ave. & 57th St. Atthe Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most beautifulChristmas displays you will ever see. An 18th centuryNeapolitan Baroque crèche and village are awe inspiring.

Planning ahead is essential. I always have my itinerary,updated info for museums and Broadway shows, Playbilldiscount coupons, bus and subway maps, street maps(these can be picked up at Tourist Board), maps of variousdistricts, and names of grocers, pharmacies and walk-inclinics located close to our apartment. We also have a listof restaurants and pubs that we either have tried and likedor plan to visit. One of the most important things toremember: NYC is expensive.

First things first. Once we check in - grocery shopping foressentials for apartment living. There are quite a fewgrocers in Manhattan (you just don’t see them in the touristareas). Wholefoods is my favorite. A must-stop sometimeduring our stay is Zabar’s – a delightful deli/grocer on theUpper West Side. Sometimes we visit several times – thepastries and breads are beyond compare.

Next we check our Metro card to make sure we haveenough on the card for several days. Some years back weapplied for the senior card; going down to Financial District.You can apply in person (2 valid IDs necessary), whereyour picture will be taken and your application approved.You can also apply on-line. The Continued on Pg. 26

Good Bye & Hello

This is the beginning of a new feature in The Sentinel. It willappear periodically as the ownership of Springmill homes change.

Springmill is a close knit community, and we are always sorry tosee existing residents leave. On the other hand, we aredelighted to welcome new residents. For those who have livedhere for some time and are leaving, we want to bid you a fondfarewell. Likewise, we would like to say hello to the newcomerswho have purchased the homes of the departing residents. Weare pleased to welcome you to our community and hope you willfind a pleasant and enjoyable life among us. We hope the newresidents will take advantage of all that Springmill has to offer,much of which is highlighted in The Sentinel each month.

� Goodbye to David and Joan Schopp, long-time residentsat 94 Springmill Drive, who have moved to Bluffton, SC,and welcome to Betty O’Grady from Middletown, DE.

� Goodbye to Carl and Shirley Gundrum, long-timeresidents at 623 Poets Way, who have moved to Reading,PA, to be closer to family and welcome to Rodger andBarbara Keller.

� Goodbye to Anne Berkley, long-time resident at 633Poets Way, who has moved to Virginia and welcome toBetty Anne Opalach from Newark, DE.

� Goodbye to Barry McCullough, long-time resident at 528Whispering Trail, who has remarried and moved to NewCastle and welcome to Esselee Davis from downstate.

� Goodbye to Sharron Young (see separate article onSharron Young), long-time resident at 230 Patience Way,who has moved to South Carolina and welcome to Marcand Phyllis Lichtenfield from Washington Township, NJ.

Sonya Comstock Continued on Pg. 26

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272 Carter DriveMiddletown, DE 19709

Drew Chas, D.C.Now Offering Massage Therapy

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Meet Your NeighborWinter has been rough on many of us, making it difficult to gettogether. Such was the case with June Glass, of 337Daylilly Way, and me. But with perseverance, we finallymanaged good health and time for a MYN interview. I’veknown June, not only as a neighbor, but also an activecongregant at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

It was nice to sit down with her and her dog, Snoopie (“withan ie, because she’s a girl”). Along the way, I discovered allsorts of things I didn’t know about this bright and creativelady.

June was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee early in 1945. OakRidge came into existence because of World War II. Thissecret “Atomic City”, with a population of 75,000, was the 5thlargest in the state at that time, yet it wasn’t on any map,because work was being done on the atomic bomb. We allknow the name the Manhattan Project. But did you know that50 cents of every dollar was spent at the Oak Ridgeinstallation? Tennessee seemed like a strange locationchoice to me, but June explained that that’s just why it waschosen…no one would think to look in the area for somethingof this magnitude. For seven years, only workers and theirfamilies inhabited the city. Guards were posted at theentrances to the city and all residents had to wear badgeswhenever they left their homes. June’s dad was a designengineer involved in the project, which gave her a front rowseat, even at a young age, to history in the making. Sheremembers that planes were detoured around the area, so noone would know the city and laboratories were there. Shementioned one disadvantage to all the secrecy was that eventhough the population increased, the rations didn’t. Peoplehad to rely on the plentiful fish, game and plants in the areato supplement their diet. After the war ended, the fencesaround the city came down, and it was added to the statemap.

The Glass family remained in Oak Ridge until she was in thefourth grade, and then moved 13 miles away to Norris,Tennessee (site of the first TVA dam and lake) until Junegraduated high school. At that point, the family moved backto Oak Ridge, and June went off to college, TransylvaniaUniversity (the oldest college west of the Allegheny Mts.), inLexington, Kentucky, where she majored in math. Aftergraduating, June went on to earn her Master’s Degree inMathematics at the University of Tennessee. Her first jobwas teaching math at Longwood University in Virginia, whereshe remained for five years, leaving as an AssistantProfessor with tenure, to pursue other avenues. She took ajob with the Department of Defense at the Naval SurfaceWarfare Center as a mathematician, working on fire controlsystems for submarine launched ballistic missiles. She latermoved to the Joint Warfare Analysis Center, under the JointChiefs of Staff, working on “top secret” advanced and cuttingedge projects. June retired in 2005.

Originally, she planned to move closer to the mountains ofTennessee, Virginia or North Carolina after retirement, buther brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Judy Glass, andniece, Kelly, suggested moving to Delaware. She did justthat and is glad for the decision. The move actually tookplace in November, 2008. June purchased a resale after a

few visits. Not everything in thehouse was to her liking, but enoughto keep her happy.

Since the move, June has come tolove the diversity of our population.She particularly enjoys hearing thedifferent dialects and all the storiespeople have to tell about growing upin the north. June says she hasfound her neighbors to besupportive, friendly, and FUN!

Thinking about her dreams andaccomplishments before retirement, June felt that she justmight have missed her calling…as a veterinarian. She grewup with a variety of pets and loves animals. But, she hasalways had a passion for math concepts and is content withthe career choices she made. Many times, she found workstressful, but admits it was always stimulating.

June has a number of hobbies and interests. When she wasyounger, she loved canoeing and fly fishing and hiking in themountains. She was especially proud talking about the3,000 square foot vegetable garden and numerous flowerbeds she had at her previous home. These days, Juneenjoys doing crafts and painting with acrylics…would like totake classes someday. Whenever she can, she participatesin games and Rummikub at the Clubhouse. She is fond oftraveling and has visited all fifty states, a number ofprovinces of Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, and parts ofEurope

Growing up near the Great Smoky Mountains, themountainous areas of Virginia, W. Virginia, North Carolina,and Tennessee will always remain a favorite destination,though she has come to love the ocean and especially ourlocal wetlands.

June is single, but has a wonderful extended family of twobrothers and sisters-in-law, four nieces and one nephew,along with seventeen great-nieces and nephews. Luckily,except for her nephew’s family in Alaska, she “gets to seethem frequently and loves them all…every one of them.”

June’s small beagle, Snoopie, is the affectionate companionshe adopted after it had four litters of puppies…and wasready for a rest. I can confirm that Snoopie is full of “friendlyenergy”, freely giving lots of kisses to anyone withinrange…all accompanied by an actively wagging tail…actuallyit’s her whole body.

In closing, June would like you to know that her church andchurch family are an important part of her life here. She’shappy so many Springmillers are part of that church family.She enjoys working on missions and helping people. Herwork on the Charity Committee in Springmill attests to that. Idon’t think June ever says no to someone who needs ahelping hand. We’re pleased to have her as a friend andneighbor.

June Stemmle

14

Freda & John Mitchell

Valentine PartyThe CEC keeps coming up with great entertaining events.This was certainly one of those events. This year wecelebrated Valentines Day with 50 residents enjoying adelicious dinner of spaghetti, chicken parm, and an antipastosalad supplied by Pat’s Pizzeria. This was all followed bycheesecake from Costco.

Just as we started to eat, our DJ for the night played somesoft music to blend in with the evening. Ed Teodozow ofAbove & Beyond Entertainment, did a great job in getting usall moving after eating that sumptuous meal. We all enjoyed

Ed and his music for the rest of the evening.

Ed also got three teams to play Name-That-Tune. PeggyAndrews’ team won. A fifty-fifty raffle was won by Pat Frail.Part of the fifty-fifty is being used by the CEC to replenish thepantry.

Once again, many thanks to both Peggy Andrews, Pat Frailwhose Grandkids did the cleanup and the rest of the CEC fora wonderful evening.

Joe Grippo

Chuck & Lynn Ruh

Ginny & Joe Grippo

Ed Teodozow - DJ

Phyliss & Marc Lichtenfield &Arlene Gurnee

Joanne & TonyGiantonio

Joel & GlendaSchneiderman

Susan & Mark HoldenGary & Sharon MerrickJean & Gil Royal

Bill & Tiny FarquharSal & Lois DiMenno

Cathy Davis &Bill Uranko

Noreen Ryan &Ann Newswanger

Joe & Diane Tomassetti

Joan Hancock &Kathy Cioffi

Vera Bagnatori &Joyce Foster

Bernadette Hnat &Charlotte Smith

Gene & Shirley SmithCarl & Carolyn RifinoMel & Carol Geiger andBetty Ann Opalach

Peggy Andrews &Pat Frail

Larry & Diane Daigle

Carl Rifino &Vera Bagnatori

Pat Frail &Grandkids

15

Bingo NightFriday evening, February 8th, while the rest of thenortheast was in the midst of Nemo, dropping 2-3 feet ofsnow, about 50 residents enjoyed an evening of Bingo inthe Clubhouse. There was much laughter and enjoymentexpressed by all as well as many winners. The grand prizeof $100 was won by Carol Wagner. Gene Smith kepteveryone honest by checking all the winning cards andthen distributing the money. The fifty-fifty was won byTheresa Joy.

Both Ginny Grippo and Peggy Andrews were responsiblefor putting the evening together and many thanks go to

them and the CEC for making this a very enjoyableevening. Pat Frail and Shirley Smith took care of thesnacks while Bernadette Hnat marked off the numbers forall to see on the overhead projector sheet. Many thanks goto Frank Hnat and Tony Silva for helping with the settingup and also many thanks go to all who helped geteverything back in place after the event. Finally, one lastthank you goes to all the residents who participated. It wastruly a fun night with a fun crowd.

Joe Grippo

Greg & Helen Gaden &Andy Lucas

Gene Smith &Carole Wagner

Claudia Garrett &Ann Raymond

Elsie Breading &Lorraine Mills

Ann Lucas &Theresa Joy

Bridget & Joy McGrath Marie Platt & Irene Menhinick

Barbara Alt &Joan Hancock

Ron & Joan Jacoby Jean Sweeney &Helene Silverman

Louise & DickSommers

Phyliss Lichtenfield &Noreen Ryan

Janet Geftman &Jim Fron

Jim & Carol Fron Dick & Sheila Rausch

Mary Sabatino &Kay Queen

Kitty Hutson

Springmill Library

That quiet little room in the Clubhouseprovides so much to the residents with itsmany hardcover books and paperbacksplus magazines. Also donated from timeto time are books on tape and movies.Rather than drive to the AppoquiniminkLibrary and sign out for a book for threeweeks, a person only has to come to theClubhouse and see the many books thatare waiting to be read. No time limit is puton signing out any book, but books should be returned in areasonable period of time so others can read them too. Allof the books have been donated by residents over theyears, and at least a thousand books

Eileen Bengermino& Julie Hambrecht

Continued on Pg. 23

CongratulationsWedding

Anniversary

Helen & Greg Gaden

58th

16

17

Springmill Activity Contacts

Book Club -Kay O’Day-AllenBocce – Ann LucasBowling – Larry DaigleBridge (Thursday Afternoon) - Joan GrossBunco – Looking for a CoordinatorComputer Resources – Dick RauschGolf - Fred Wendt - MSML/Bob Lhulier-SSMGLGourmet Club – Debra KupperJazzercise – Gail RouillerLibrary – Julia Hambrecht & Eileen BengerminoMahjongg – Barb AbramsMen’s Hearts – Len BrusseeMen’s Poker – Tom FerraraMen’s Pool – Bob CohenPickleball – Carl RifinoRed Hat Society – Kay O’Day-AllenRomeos - Nick CiranniRummikub - Jo VerniSocial Singles - Cathy Cioffi/Bridget McGrathTennis -Terry Markisohn & Mark VerniTexas Holdem – Stan HeerThe Timeless Travel Group - Glenda SchneidermanWater Aerobics – Ann Raymond/Tad UrbanWelcoming Committee - Peggy AndrewsYoga - June Stemmle

Please note: All committee meetings and activities using aClubhouse room, must be cleared with Tracey Lund.

Springmill Activities

Book Club Choices for March

Book Club 1 (Deb Kupper/1st Wed.) We will be reading“Agenda 21” by Glenn Beck this month.Book Club 2 (Mary-Elizabeth Rhoads/4th Tues.) Ourgroup did not have a choice in time for publication.Book Club 3 (Lydia Olson/3rd Mon.) Our book club’sselection for March is “Homefront” by Kristin Hannah.Book Club 4 (Mary Jo Starrett/1st Wed.) We will beenjoying “Soul Catcher” by Michael White.Book Club 5 (Joan Gross/3rd Tues.) When we meet inMarch, we will be discussing the book, “Cover of Snow” byJenny Milchman.

June Stemmle

Travel Group

We would like to extend the signup for the Asheville trip,set for May 20th-24th, through April 15th, so as to allow our"snowbirds" to return to their home nest. Also,If anyonedoes not have sufficient information regarding this trip, andwould like some, please contact me and I'd be happy todiscuss the details with you.

We will be promoting the play "NOAH" at the MilleniumTheater in Lancaster, Pa. for mid June. We'll get back toyou with the exact date. Also, weare planning a casino tripwith a doo-wop show in July. Shh, we're working on aNew England trip for Sept., but keep this hush hush , aswe're trying to get some good pricing. Don't tell anyone.

If you have some ideas or would like to meet the peoplewho think of these trips, please join us for a brainstormingmeeting, usually held the third Wed. of each month at 10A.M. at the clubhouse. Our next meeting is Wed. March20th. Hope to see some new faces.

Glenda Schneiderman

Community Events Committee

Bingo night was a lot of fun. Joe Grippo was the caller,Bernadette Hnat was the marker, and Gene Smith checkedthe cards and distributed the prize money, (if you called outbingo, you had better have bingo!!!). Ginny Grippo andPeggy Andrews organized the evening. Thanks to

everyone who helped putting away the tables and chairs. Itwas greatly appreciated.

The Valentines Dinner Dance was great. Good food,good fun and great music. The dance floor was neverempty. We all celebrated Greg & Helen Gaden’s 58thwedding anniversary. The DJ played a game of trivia withtheme music from TV shows from the 50’s 60’s and 70’s,and we guessed them all (our memories are still there). PatFrail won the 50/50. It was truly a delightful evening. Manythanks to Pat Frail and Bernadette Hnat and to all the CECmembers for all of their hard work and efforts to provide ourCommunity with affairs like this.

March 13th. Come join us for an afternoon tea. “MYFRIEND, JACKIE” Presented by Historical InterpreterRene Goodwin. A look at the life of Jackie Kennedy asseen through the eyes of her friend Candy Stanton. It ismere days before the Presidential Inauguration; there is somuch hope and promise in the hearts of the Americanpeople. It is the beginning of a new era with clear sailingahead. Or is it? Come! Hear some of the heartwarming,humorous and sometimes disturbing inside stories ofJacqueline Kennedy. After the program a variety of photos,books and replicas of Jackie’s jewelry are available forreview and discussion. Flyer in Sentinel.

March 16th (note: date change) SPRING FLING 50’s/ 60’snight. Malt shop dining and dancing to the music we allgrew up with. The fabulous DJ Steve Kurtz from radio’s92.1 will be there. Sign up at the clubhouse Friday, March8th, 10:00 am and 7:00 pm; Sat. March 9th, 10:00 am. Flyerin Sentinel.

March 23rd Saturday Night Social 7:00 pm Volunteer hostRich & Karen Baggs and Terry Markisohn

April 7th - Newcomers Brunch.

The CEC meets the first Wednesday of every month at 9:30am in the card room. Our next meeting will be on March6th. Please try and join us.

Peggy Andrews

18

(Also a Springmill Resident)

FOLLOW ME TO MY OFFICEFOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS

State Farm

19

Book Review Movie Fan ReflectionsDear John

Nicholas Sparks

John Tyree is somewhat of a rebel hanging out with thewrong crowd and well aware that he is going nowhere withhis life. He lives with his single Dad, who is obsessed withhis coin collection, and John suffers from lack of direction inhis life. After graduation from high school, he enlists in theArmy not knowing what else he can do. During a furlough,he meets Savannah on the beach in North Carolina whereshe is working for the summer on a Habitat for Humanityproject with other college students. John senses that thismutual attraction will grow into something serious. Hisleave is over, but they both know this is a very seriousrelationship. John cannot wait until his tour of duty is over,and he can return to the love of his life and settle down.Both agree they will marry when he is home again.

When 9/11 happens, everything changes. With emotions inturmoil and without thinking beyond the moment, he re-enlists as he feels it is his duty to protect this country. Hehopes Savannah will understand his decision and wait a fewmore years until they can build a life together. Savannahpromises to wait for him to return home so they can marry.This long separation puts a strain on their relationship asJohn struggles to survive in Iraq along with his comrades.Letters become fewer and less personal as time goes onand when John receives the “Dear John” letter that tells himSavannah has found a new love and will soon marry, he isovercome with grief. He now knows that his re-enlistmentwas too much for Savannah. His father dies, and he returnshome to bury him and now he is truly alone. John wants tosee Savannah one more time, but the visit reopens hisheart as to what he lost and will never happen again. WhileSavannah is married with major problems of her own, heknows he must never visit her again. What could havebeen would have been had he chosen love over his country.

Sonya Comstock

My wife Sheila and I have been avid movie fans since wewere married almost 50 years ago. We enjoy getting out to“dinner and a movie” 2 or 3 times a month. We also catchup on “good” movies we have missed on TV, Netflix andRedbox. By the way we do have a life outside of ourfascination with the movies.

By the time you read this the Oscar for the winner of 2012’sBest Picture will have been awarded by the Academy ofMotion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). Theannouncement was made just a couple of days ago (aboutmidnight on February 24) while this issue of the Sentinelwas being printed.

Here is my take on the best picture category, which wasincreased to 9 nominees last year (from 5 which is thenumber of nominees in every other category). There are nottoo many surprises (there was talk about "MoonriseKingdom," "Skyfall" and "The Master" being nominated butthey did not make the cut). The list of Best Picture nomineesis: Amour, Argo, Beasts of the Southern Wild, DjangoUnchained, Les Misérables, Life of Pi, Lincoln, SilverLinings Playbook and Zero Dark Thirty. From thesenominees comes what is definitely the tightest best picturerace in years, with Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" and BenAffleck's "Argo" seemingly having the best chances (withoutside chances for "Silver Linings Playbook" and "Life ofPi").

The chances for Argo are hurt by the fact that it wassnubbed in the best director category. Rarely has a bestpicture award been given to a picture without a best directornomination. This suggests the prize is Lincoln's to lose,given it has the director nod. However, Argo has now wontop prizes from the Critics’ Choice, Golden Globes, SAGs,etc. which is a pretty remarkable feat. And perhaps BenAffleck's director snub is actually helpful in gettingsentimental votes for Argo in the best picture category?Either way, this will be a very interesting final moment onOscar night.

In case you have not seen these pictures here is shortsynopsis of each.Amour: In the final months of her life, a retired musicteacher and her husband of sixty years struggle with thedebilitating effects of two strokes on both her health and herquality of life. As George cares for the increasingly unhappyAnne, the pair finds the nature of their life togetherirrevocably changed.

Argo: When six Americans take refuge in the Canadianembassy in Tehran during the 1979 hostage crisis, U.S.government agent Tony Mendez turns to Hollywood forhelp. Working with a producer and a makeup artist, hedevises a rescue mission that centers on the creation of afake film production company scouting locations in Iran.

Beasts: In an isolated Louisiana swampland known as theBathtub, young Hushpuppy and her father are part of acommunity that lives outside of the structure of modernsociety. When rising flood waters threaten the area, theyoung girl's resourcefulness and

Grandkids Only!

What to do with young grandchildren during the wintermonths? Take them to Mid-County Lanes where they canbowl and score every time. For young children, severallanes have been set aside where a small gate on either sideof the lane keeps the ball rolling down toward the pins. It’sfun for the little ones as they knock down the pins. Rental ofshoes - $3 plus the cost of the lane. The ball weighs about6 lbs. and if it is too heavy for the child, there is a small rampthat can be used to roll the ball down. The Family FunGalaxy also offers the following: Frog Hopper ($1), BumperCars ($2), Laser Runner ($5) and Mini Bowling ($2). Arcadegames are available from 25 cents – $2.50. A very busytime is Saturday, but the other six days are less crowded.Location – N. Broad Street – 378-0677. Hours varyaccording to the day.

Sonya Comstock Continued on Pg. 23

20

All types of Glass & Screens - Sales & Repairs

Springmill Discount: $2.75 off every car wash!

21

Use an email address that you’ll never have tochange.

I have been using [email protected] asan email address for almost as long as Ihave lived in Springmill, which is 10 years.About 8 years ago, a few residents bandedtogether and coerced Verizon to offer DSL,which was Middletown’s first (non-radio based) high speedinternet service. DSL was available a couple of years beforeFIOS and long before Atlantic Broadband offered internetservice.

I recently decided to change from Verizon as my InternetService Provider (ISP) and realized that would meanchanging the email address which has become part of mylife over the years. To eliminate having to change my emailaddress again in the future I signed up for one of the manyfree email services which are independent of your ISP.

Now my new address is [email protected] since Gmailseems to be one of the most popular email providers today.I looked thru the new Springmill Annual Directory and notedthat about half the residents have free generic emailaddresses offered by various organizations (Google’sGmail, Yahoo Mail, AOL mail, MSN’s Hotmail). Someresidents who are employed use their employer’s emailfacility. Any of these types of email services areindependent of your ISP which at Springmill is eitherVerizon or Atlantic Broadband and in a few cases the “old

Computer Tutor

Living Green

fashioned” painfully slow dial-up service. You need yourISP just to gain access to the internet and then your emailprovider takes over.It is very easy to obtain a generic email account. If youwant to use Gmail you just sign up for a Google account, ifyou don’t have one already. It is easy to create a GoogleAccount. A Google Account also allows you to access avariety of Google products such as Gmail, Google Photos,YouTube, and many more. A Google Account includesyour Gmail address and a Google Profile, which will helpyou have a richer, more personalized experience acrossGoogle products.

You can create a Google Account by going towww.google.com and clicking on “create an account forfree” or by clicking the red “Sign up” button on the top-rightcorner of any Google sign-in page. You can use yourGoogle Account with all Google products, so once youcreate an account -- regardless of whether you do itthrough the Account Creation page or through a specificproduct’s sign-in page -- you can use that username andpassword with any Google product.

Let’s say that you want to start using YouTube to post yourvideos. You go to www.youtube.com, and create a GoogleAccount. Not only can you use that username andpassword combination to sign in to and start posting videoson YouTube, you can also use it to create and sharedocuments in Google Docs.

Google will send all emails about your account and productusage to your new Gmail address, which will be [email protected]. When

Tree Task Force Update

The Tree Task Force met on January 30 to discuss theformal proposals of a certified arborist and a landscapearchitect firm. They were submitted after hearing about theProperty Committee’s report to replace Springmill streettrees and taking a tour of selected areas within thecommunity. The arborist’s proposal defined the projectscope such that the committee saw many of the details thatneeded to be accomplished to ensure the project’ssuccess. In a December presentation, the arborist alsomade the point that the removal of trees must be prioritizedto allow an orderly replacement program. This wouldminimize the negative impact on the community’sappearance and appeal.

The landscape architect’s proposal focused on the designactivity for the finished product. This approach centered onthe community’s involvement in modifying the proposeddesign plan. Some members remarked that such anapproach might push back the start beyond this spring.The BOD and the Task Force want a plan that provides for

a total landscape appearance for Springmill. They do notwant to merely remove the problem street trees. Plantingnew trees street side or in front lawns is going to be verydifficult because of all the underground utility lines: gas,electric, water, sewer, telephone, cable. An arborist canlend expertise about trees and their care, but a truelandscape architect is needed to develop an aestheticallypleasing plan that will add to Springmill’s appearance andappeal. This is why the Task Force voted to hire thecertified arborist, Mr. John Rockwell Hosbach of RockwellConultants and a landscape architect. Mr. Hosbachindicated he would have no problem working with anylandscape architect. The plan to move forward with Mr.Hosbach plus a landscape architect was approved by theBOD. It has not been specified whether the landscapearchitect would be one selected by Springmill or oneoffered by Mr. Hosbach.

As you can see from this report there is a great deal of activityoccurring relative to the community’s trees. We should startto see some results of the tree improvement program over thecoming months with continuing progress over the next fewyears.

Roy Peters and Carl Rifino

Continued on Pg. 26

22

$2 Off

23

Poolroom News - Art Lamb and Bob Cohen report forboth January and February. On January 2nd and February11th Len Brussee shot perfect games of 8 ball . Not to beoutdone, Larry Daigle shot a perfect game on the 8th ofJanuary. Bob Cohen decided he wasn't going to let that gounanswered, so he shot two perfect games of 8 ball on the17th of January. Are we going to see 3 perfect games, byone player, one day next month? We'll see. On January22nd Tom Ferrara won a “cutthroat” game while playing ina resident’s home.

lively imagination arecalled into play as the region's residents face theapproaching disaster.

Django: German bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz buys aslave named Django and promises him his freedom oncehe has helped Schultz track down the criminals he isseeking. But Django has a wife who was sold off yearsago, and his partnership with Schultz may offer him achance to find her.

Les Misérables: In early 19th century France, JeanValjean, a man imprisoned years earlier for stealing a loafof bread, decides to break his parole following his releaseand assume a new identity. Although he succeeds inbuilding a new life for himself, the relentless pursuit ofInspector Javert threatens the security of Valjean and hisadopted daughter, Cosette.

Life of Pi: Young Pi, the son of zookeepers in Pondicherry,India, finds the world he knows swept away when hisfamily sells the zoo and sets sail for Canada with a few ofits remaining animals. A storm capsizes the ship and onlyPi escapes, set adrift in a lifeboat that is also the refuge ofan enormous Bengal tiger.

Lincoln: With the Civil War coming to a close and thefreedom granted to the slaves by the EmancipationProclamation called into question, Abraham Lincoln seeksto pass a thirteenth amendment to the Constitution that willoutlaw slavery everywhere in the United States. Facingopposition from many quarters in Congress, Lincoln useshis vast political powers to gain allies in his fight.

Silver Linings: Pat Solatano is released into his parents'care after eight months of treatment for a bipolar disorder.His recovery seems far from certain, however, when hestops taking his medication and becomes increasinglyobsessed with winning back his estranged wife, a plan thatleads him to embark on a complicated relationship with atroubled young woman whose husband has died.

Zero Dark Thirty: In the aftermath of 9/11, as the trail inthe hunt for Osama bin Laden seems to grow cold, adetermined CIA agent begins a painstaking, decade-longsearch for the Al Qaeda leader. For Maya, directexperience of terrorism steels her resolve to find bin Ladenand leads her to trust her own instincts regarding the bestcourse of investigation to pursue.

If you are not a movie fan, get out to a movie once in awhile and enjoy.

Dick Rausch

Continued From Pg. 19: Movies

Fox Fitness Tips

Nice weather is quickly approaching.  It’s time to get outsideand walk!  Walking is one of the most beneficial types ofexercise.  We all know walking can help in lowering yourblood pressure, but did you know walking also helpsdecrease joint pressure, ease stress, improve your sleepingand memory, and limit sickness by halving your odds ofcatching a cold?  Try inviting a friend to keep you company,and work to encourage each other to keep up with yourwalking routine.  Four to six times a week is optimal, but anywalking is valuable!  Remember to stay safe!  Wearsupportive shoes and appropriate layers of clothing forcomfort and the ability to adjust to the weather.  Walkingstrengthens your legs and helps to improve balance andprevent falls. So check the weather forecast, and pick thebest time of day for optimal weather conditions.  To quoteHippocrates, “Walking is man’s best medicine.”

For more information on Fox Rehabilitation, visit our websiteat www.foxrehab.org.

Kristine JolikkoPhysical Therapist

are donated everyyear. Duplicates are given to the Odessa Library ordonated to Goodwill.

When the clubhouse opened in the Spring of 2002, the librarywas established by Marilyn Waterman with Pat Howe andJoAnn Stump as her helpers along with several other residentshelping out from time to time. Julie Hambrecht and MelindaCorkadel took over the responsibility in mid-2006. After threeyears Melinda resigned, and Eileen Bengermino joined in2010. When books are donated, it is necessary to make cardsfor them as well as adding the title to the Master List. BothJulie and Eileen come into the Library daily to put away booksand rearrange shelves. A convenient sturdy ladder has beenadded so that residents can get books on the upper shelveseasily. A section for new books built by Bob Hambrecht andRay Rouiller has been added and after a month, the books aremoved to the regular bookshelves. A new addition to theLibrary is the replacement of the old table. The new tablecomplements the tables in the card room and has a shelf onthe bottom. For the paperbacks, Ray made spacers for theshelves allowing the books to be shelved closer to the frontarea. Both Julie and Eileen are pleased to see that more andmore books are being printed in large type making it easier forolder people to read. More than half of the residents use thelibrary.

Seasonal books such as Christmas are brought down to the

Continued From Pg. 15: Springmill Library

Library from the storage room for a period of two months.

When asked what authors most residents take home withthem, the list consisted of James Patterson, John Grisham,Nora Roberts, Danielle Steel, Tom Clancy and Jodi Picoult.For many residents, having a library of wonderful old and newbooks offers a quiet form of entertainment close to home.

Sonya Comstock

24

We work with all Insurance Companies

25

visible in the home, have the problem resolved.

On the exterior, keep the property free of paper and debris.If owners have a propane gas or oil tank, check to be sure itis at the level it should be. Walk around the property to seethat it is secured. An inspection can be done as often as thehomeowner would like, and a report from each inspection issent immediately.

Homeowners who are having major projects in their home butcannot be there can depend on Bruce and Carolyn to takeover their role in managing the project using the homeowners’selected contractors or ones they have experience with,whether it is something as small as painting of a room orsomething larger like a finished basement or office or a totalrenovation. They will become the surrogate owners everystep of the way until the project is finished to their satisfaction.“No stones left unturned,” say both Bruce and Carolyn. Theyknow most of the construction companies in the area andknow how to deal with unreasonable delays or less-than-perfect performance. Their business is to take care ofbusiness for others, and homeowners can arrive home toprojects being completed.

Stanley Properties wants to take care of your home whileyou are away. When you return, your home will be ready togreet you in a most favorable manner. For moreinformation, contact Stanley Properties at 302-376-8800 orat [email protected].

Sonya Comstock

Spotlight onOur Advertisers

"This series will "Spotlight" one of ouradvertisers each month. Advertisers arechosen on a random basis."

Renovation 101Entertainment Unit…Design

It’s a new year and my wish list continues. We have two projectsfor 2013. One is an entertainment unit for the sunroom. Theother is a computer area in the kitchen. The big lesson Ilearned is that my husband and I plan projects in differentways. My concerns seem to be based on aesthetics andfunction. Joe worries about wall switches, plugs, and thingsthat might need to be changed…the minutiae that affect theproject, but can be taken care of by hiring someone. So,unless you are of one mind, be sure to work all that out beforebringing an “innocent third party” into your home.

That said, we did decide to work on the entertainment unit first.After three or four attempts at purchasing what we wanted, orusing stock cabinetry, we felt a custom piece that couldaccommodate both our concerns, was the way to go. We calledin two people to solve our dilemma…Mike Moore, of Moore’sCabinet Refinishing, and Mark Wasmund, the HiFi Guy.Both are local, and both are easy to deal with…no pressure.

Mark was the first to be interviewed, because we knew wewanted to put the new TV on the wall with a 180 degreeswivel, and we also wanted to incorporate all the wiring andcomponents into the cabinet. He gave us more choices than Ieven knew were available. Everything was put in writingalong with prices. He also agreed to stay in touch with Mike,so they could coordinate the project. This step was a BIGdeal…it has taken me years to have Joe agree to put the TVon the wall. It took the availability of new technology to getthis project going.

Next, we met with Mike to explain our needs and see what hecould come up with. Since we had seen at least four otherdesigns for the area, I thought this would be the simple part. Ishowed him the previous designs and pointed out things I likedand didn’t like about each. After about three more face-to-facemeetings and some e-mails, we came up with a design thataccommodated what I wanted in the unit…3 electricalcomponents, books, games, CD’s and DVD’s, 2 file drawers,etc. We also agreed on a price for materials, labor, andinstallation. Then we hit a roadblock.

There were three more decisions to make before starting. One,did we want something built-in or freestanding. Two, whatkind of wood should we use. And, three, what kind of doorsdid we want. After more discussion about the pros and cons ofboth, we decided on a built-in unit. And, after getting input fromfriends and neighbors, chose a natural cherry for the wood.The last obstacle was the type of door…a flat door or a frameddoor with an inset panel. Flat doors are more contemporaryand inset gives a more traditional appearance. One more lookat them should finalize that process. I admit, I’m probablydriving Mike crazy, but I’m following my own advice. Untilyou’re 100% sure, don’t sign on the dotted line. (Eventuallychose the framed inset door…mostly because I wanted glasspanels in one of them.)

While custom work is great, because you get exactly what youwant, it’s also pricey. So…ooo, you had better take your time.There are no “returns.” Next month will take you through theTV wall mount installation. And by spring, we should have thefinished project. We’re on our way.

June Stemmle

Stanley Properties

Bruce and Carolyn are owners ofStanley Properties which makes lifeeasier for those who want to travel fora long period of time and yet not worryabout their home. Their expertise with38 years of construction know-it-allallowed them to move into this newbusiness of taking responsibility forempty homes so that the vacationinghomeowners can really relax whileaway. They keep that “live-in appearance” visible to all whopass by. It includes an entire list of inspections such aschecking the alarm system should it go off accidentally alongwith securing all entrance doors and garage door openers,checking for leaks throughout the house and even wateringplants.

When homeowners are away during the winter months, it iscrucial to be sure pipes do not freeze, electricity stays onand if necessary, to reset timers. Is the refrigerator/freezeroperating? If not, why not? If signs of rodents or bugs are

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apply on-line.The card is good for two years and it is renewedautomatically and mailed to your home. You need either aMetro card or cash to ride the bus. The card is necessaryto ride the subway. Regular fare is $2.25; the senior fare is$1.10.

We spend a lot of time walking the various districts ofManhattan and visiting the parks. Parks are great forpeople watching.

Greenwich Village (East, West & Historic) is terrific forvisiting. We usually spend several days there meanderingthe streets and alleys. Greenwich does not have the nicestreet grids of Mid and Uptown so it is easy to lose yourway. In December there was a pianist with a grand piano inWashington Square. There is usually some entertainmentin Washington Square and it, too, is great for peoplewatching.

I love the architecture of the city and have learned a bit of thehistory for some buildings and areas. Several of myfavorites: Flat Iron Building, Woolworth Building and GrandCentral Station.

As everywhere, restaurants are closing. The Stage Deliestablished in 1937 recently closed due to rental issuesand reduced business. The Carnegie Deli (several streetsover) opened the same time and is still in operation. Thisdeli was so busy that we never did get in – the line wasamazingly long.

My favorite restaurant is the Gramercy Tavern (American)in the Flatiron District. The Gramercy is not really a tavernas such but they do have a very nice bar area. It is a‘special occasion’ restaurant as it is a bit pricey. Herb’sfavorite is Barbetta (Italian) on W. 46th St. We alwaysmake sure we visit a German restaurant; the Heidelberg(E. 85th) or Rolf’s (3rd Ave @ 22nd). The decorations inRolf’s are amazing; every possible space has somethingChristmas. It’s worth a visit just to see decorations.

Herb’s favorite things are walking the districts, Broadwayshows and the restaurants. He loves the electricity andexcitement of the City. My favorites are walking, museumsand restaurants.

If you haven’t spent any extended time in Manhattan, youmight try it as it’s a wonderful experience.

Kay O’Day-AllenHerb Allen

Continued From Pg. 11: New York City

Thank You

My husband, Art, and I wish to thank all our Springmillfriends and neighbors for the food, phone calls andcards sent on the death of my mother, Pierina (Perry)Carbone. It was a difficult time for us but yourthoughtfulness and concern made it easier to bear.We are so blessed to be living in such a wonderful,caring community.

Rosemarie Lamb

Thank You

In grateful appreciation to my friends and neighborsfor all your acts of kindness during my recent illness, Ihave requested a Mass said for your intentions at St.Joseph’s Church at 9.30 a.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2013.

Maureen Maxwell

issues, Declaration andBy-laws issues and committee issues. Needless to say wewere going through many growing pains and Sharron wasthe right leader at the right time.

I probably shouldn’t say this but there are a lot of verylovely families in this community, unfortunately we didn’tmeet very many of them back then. Everyone had thereown ideas as to how this community should be run, but withSharron’s guidance we stuck to the written Declarationsand By-laws, which were not always very popular, but wereour guiding rules in this Deed Restricted community.

The more serious problems we faced were related to trees,lawns, concrete and maintenance of ponds in thecommunity. These were all expensive and problematicissues and were dealt with by the Board of Directors underSharron’s guidance.

I personally worked very closely with Sharron and rememberthe long hours we spent planning and strategizing thesolutions to these serious issues. Sharron devoted manyhours of her time in working with the builder, the town andMayor, the committees, the County and the other Boardmembers working out solutions to all these issues.

I can only hope that the people here at Springmill canappreciate those efforts and join me in wishing her a longand healthy life in her new home. God bless her and keepher for the great person that she truly is.

Tom Ferrara

Continued From Pg. 11: Sharron Young

create your account,you will be asked for some information to provide you with asecure and personalized Google experience.You can usethe Gmail web mail feature at www.mail.google.com or set upWindows Mail, Eudora, Netscape or Mac Mail to receive andsend your Gmail if you wish.

If you select a generic email address you’ll never have tosend out another email to your contact list telling them thatyour email address has changed.

Dick Rausch

Continued From Pg. 21: G-Mail

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