Setalker August 2018
Reminder: If your name, address, phone number and email address is not on the "Residents List" please email me with that information so I may include you on our password protected Residents List.
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HOA News and Information
As the community evolves and matures, the Board continues to review what we have in place, what is effective, what’s appropriate and what makes sense. The community at large reflects on these things in a similar, but more informal manner; often those thoughts get shared with us in a variety of ways. We appreciate the exchange of ideas; it makes for a more engaged consideration of community life, our needs and expectations. One of the topics of conversation this past month at the Executive Board meeting was the upcoming election of a Board member. There is one position open and Tom Purcell who has been on the Board for the past six years has agreed to run again. He has been very successful as our Treasurer during this time and not only has kept our budget in check but was also instrumental in engaging the services of our new accounting firm, FullerLowenberg & Co., CPAs, P.C. As always, however, participation by residents to run for the Board is encouraged. Materials and information about the October election will be sent out to all residents in August by HPM. Another major topic of the meeting was the STP plant on our property. An STP plant is a sewer TREATMENT plant, NOT A SEWER. This means that anything thrown in the toilet has to go through a series of valves and pumps. When foreign articles (rags, diapers, Depends, knee hi stockings (yes, they have been found) and even ‘flushables’) are disposed of in the toilet, they CANNOT pass thru the machinery, thus causing valve and pump mal-functions. This past month, because of this problem, we spent almost $10,000.00 to fix a pump and valves. This money is an unforeseen addition to our budget and we all pay it! Please watch what is disposed of and alert Guests, Aides and Caretakers of the situation. As I was looking through some papers, I came across a discussion which took place at an HOA meeting in 2015! It was regarding speeding in the community and the possibility of installing speed bumps. This is now 2018 and we still have residents who find it necessary to speed through the community. Most of us are retired – what is the need to speed? Signs do not seem to make a difference and we certainly don’t want speed bumps! Please, be considerate and drive slowly in the community. Have you used the library in our Clubhouse? Have you wondered who keeps it all clean and well maintained? Virginia Harley, Betty Gasparin and Claire Pi are the “Setauket Meadows Librarians”. They are the quiet volunteers who sort the books and organize the shelves and have done so for many years. We sincerely appreciate all the time, effort and energy they have contributed. Book donations are always welcome but if you plan to donate more that 10 or so at a time, please call Virginia or Betty (phone numbers are in the Resident Directory on our website). This will give them an opportunity to sort them before transit. Have you enjoyed the solar lights around the big pond and the wonderful lighting in the Gazebo? Have you wondered who takes care of keeping all those lights on? Thanks go to Bob Dieterich and Rich Hudson who are the quiet volunteers in this case. For years, they have ‘kept the lights on’ around the ‘big’ pond. It really is a pleasure to look out at night and see the lovely setting. And last but not least, our thanks go to Carl Furci and Josephine Brandine. They have kept the weekly Happy Hour get togethers going throughout the entire year, by the fireplace in the winter and around the pool in summer. They have even added Theme nights (German, Italian, French, etc.) which are very well attended. It’s a casual atmosphere where everyone is welcomed! As we have done in the past, a review of a “sampling of rules” will be featured occasionally to create a more informed awareness of our self-set, community requirements. Again, we encourage all to go to our website to revisit the complete listing of our House Rules. Accepting and abiding by our own expectations makes good, neighborly sense. Pool Rules: NOTE: USE OF POOLS IS AT YOUR OWN RISK! NO LIFEGUARDS ARE ON DUTY at any time at the pools!
Last but not least, the correct way to alert HPM and the Board to report an issue or maintenance request is by using the HPMLI.COM website. See the instructions for completing a request on our web site by clicking here. There you can sign in and fill in the necessary information. This is more efficient than a phone call as it creates a paper trail which will be tracked and as the issue is resolved, you will be notified. The next HOA meeting is Thursday August 16th at 10 am in the Great room. As always, the Board wishes everyone a happy, healthy month ahead. Social Committee Update
by Ellen Silverman Hi Neighbors! It's my understanding that those who got together at the clubhouse to celebrate The Fourth of July had a fine time. Most any time that our Setauket Meadowites get together, formally or informally, is good time. Once again, Mike Maione, aka The Silly Magician, did not disappoint. Three, actually FOUR, generations thoroughly enjoyed his show on July 15. Linda Waslin, with her usual flair, did her own brand of magic with our little ones' faces. Our friend Omer, was there right on schedule with his Mr. Softee truck, to the delight of children of all ages. We now look forward to the following events that will take place during the next few months: Sunday, August 26 A Late-Summer Concert on a Sunday Afternoon 4:00 PM, clubhouse David Taubman, pianist Rachel Hauser, violinist Join us for wine and cheese following the concert $10 per person Sign up: Saturday morning, August 11, clubhouse, between 10:00 and 12:00 Thursday August 30 Launch date for... The Setauket Meadows Whatever You Want to Read Book Club 1:00 PM, clubhouse great room Please join us! Monday, September 3 Labor Day Brunch 10:00-12:00 Great Room and Poolside Omelettes (or scrambled eggs, etc.), home fries, bacon, sausage, (prepared by our neighbor, Ed Sutherland), as well as other brunch goodies. $5 per person Sign-up: Saturday, August 18, 10:00-1200, clubhouse **Please remember to bring a back-to-school item for "Friends of Karen" ~ you may bring it on the signup date or on Labor Day at the brunch. Saturday, September 29 Comedy Night at Setauket Meadows 7:00 PM Clubhouse Mike Maione will return to Setauket Meadows along with 2 comedians whom he hasn't brought to us before. $15 per person Sunday, October 28 The Denice Given Band 4:00 PM Clubhosue $15 per person Let me remind you that Denice LOVES to hear from you with requests. She and her band are so versatile that there's hardly a song that they aren’t familiar with. Her email address is denicegiven@msn.com Tuesday, October 16 FOXWOODS + FERRY = FUN Day trip to Foxwoods $45 per person includes: $20 free play free buffet or $$ towards a restaurant meal free ($5 value) Tanger Outlet Coupon Book RSVP by September 16: Donna Heller tanina005@aol.com 631-495-6078 Saturday, November 10 Setauket Meadows 60's style Coffee House 8:00PM Clubhouse Entertainment will be provided by Setuaket Meadows Residents. Wine and Cheese will be provided by your Social Commiittee. If you would like to perform: sing, play an instrument, read (poetry or otherwise), do something comedic (like telling jokes), please let me know. Reminder: If you would like to sing and need accompaniment, please contact Carl Furci, who would be delighted to practice with you as many times as you’d like before the big day approaches. Carl can be reached at carlfurciproductions@gmail.com or 917-833-1158. We have a lot going on this summer and autumn and we certainly hope to see YOU at many or all of our upcoming events. Ellen S, on behalf of your Social Committee Blwnklfrnd@aol.com 631-476-3077 |
Speaking of Sports August 2018
by Joe Polizzi Everyone deserves a second chance but what one does with that new opportunity is important. While attending a Yankee baseball game at the stadium in the Bronx, I had that second special moment . The entire family, wife, children, in-laws and grandchildren were spending a day at the Cathedral in celebration of our wedding anniversaries . You see all our weddings were in July actually the 18th, 19th and 20th to be precise; so what better way to acknowledge the events than to spend a day together at a Subway Series game (Yankees vs Mets). The game progressed as expected. The Mets jump out a 1-0 lead and then after a number of Met faux pas the Yankees take the lead and seem to have control of the game. The fifth inning rolls around and all family members are in their seats when the unexpected but often wished for “foul ball” comes in our direction and guess who it is coming at; you guessed it: me-Poppy. I quickly jump up, raise my hands to catch the soaring sphere and then it happens the ball hit my thumb bounced on the cement floor and is caught by another fan not of the Polizzi entourage. Now the chiding begins, “Poppy how could you miss the ball”, “it was right in your hands”, “you blew it”, etc. etc. The neighboring fans sitting near us also got involved in the playful scolding of my misfortune. The game continues and the 9th inning rolls around with the Yankees winning 7-3. I decide to rally the crew and head for the exit but with eleven people here there and everywhere this round up was not too easy. In the meantime the Yankee All Star closer, Aroldis Chapman, was coming into the game. Now how can I pass up an opportunity to see one the best late innings pitchers perform. He throws the ball 100+ miles per hour. I take my seat along with some relatives to watch this phenom and slowly everyone was back watching the game. Things start to quickly go down hill, an infield hit, three walks and a hit batter and the score is now 7-5 and our Ace can’t throw a strike. So the manager replaces him with another pitcher who immediately gets a double play for two outs but another run scored. The score is now 7-6 and the Mets best clutch hitter Wilmer Flores comes to the plate. If he gets a hit two runs score and we’re losing. Then it happens Flores takes a mighty swing and tips the ball which goes flying high over the net and is tracking like radar right for me. A second chance, what are the probabilities of this occurring. Again I jump up, raise my hands reach out and snag that ball from the sky. The family and new friends go wild. We’re high fiving and cheering it seems like we just won the mega-millions. Seconds later Flores grounds out, Yankees win and again we head for the exit but this time we have an official Rawlings American League baseball. Did I make the best of my second chance or was it luck, I’d like to think the former. So look for that second chance, take advantage of it and as always stay healthy and hitt’em straight ……Joe Polizzi Real Estate News
by Phyllis Colby Summer brings us out from inside to embark on a wide spectrum of projects, from those as simple as trimming the hedges to the more ambitious like replacing the roof. No matter what your plans are for home improvement over the next few months, be sure to take the folks next door into consideration and follow proper safety and etiquette practices, including the following:
August Recipes
by Pat Dawson Recipe #1 GRILLED PORK RIBS WITH HERBED MUSTARD SAUCE Tangy mustard sauce is a great alternative to the usual sweet barbecue. Works well with chicken, pork tenderloin or chops. INGREDIENTS SAUCE:
RIBS: 3 pounds baby back pork ribs Dry rub with salt, pepper, onion powder PREPARATION For the sauce:
ELEPHANT STEW 1 medium elephant 2 rabbits (optional) 2 cartons salt 2 cartons pepper 25 jars brown gravy Directions:
If more people are expected, 2 rabbits can be added, but do this only if necessary as most people do not like hare in their stew. 
8/1 Sandy Hammer
8/4 Mel Marks 8/5 Pat Zippel 8/6 Ellen Silverman 8/8 Patricia Dawson 8/10 Lorainne Milano 8/11 Donna Petix 8/12 D. Bruce Lockerbie 8/15 Dennis Konival 8/15 Michael Vigliotti 8/19 Virginia Ehlers 8/22 Rhoda Needlman 8/24 Angela Cipollina 8/27 Maryellen Lubinsky 8/29 Susan Connors 8/31 Harriet Cotroneo 
8/2 Patrick & Eileen Duffy
8/6 John & Ruth McFerran 8/10 Don & Betty Gasperin 8/28 Dan Andreoli & Elaine Reffeit Computer Tip Of the Month
by Ray Dawson Are you getting robo call on your cell phone? You're not alone. Last year there were 30 billion robo calls made in the USA. Yes, you read correctly......30 billion. Robo callers are getting smarter all the time. They are calling from phone numbers which appear to be from your local telephone exchange number like 828 or 509. This makes you think that a neighbor is calling you when in fact it's just another robo caller. I have addressed this problem as follows: To stop me from answering the phone when I don't know who is calling me, I have the entire community, family, friends and business relationships phone numbers in my Contacts list on my cell phone. That covers my world. If I see a phone number trying to call me but the person's name doesn't appear in my phone ID area, I don't answer the phone. 99% of the time the caller hangs up without leaving a voice message. If a voice message is left I'll listen to it and I'll likely delete it. I have found that trying to block calls by using that feature on the cell phone will work only for that specific phone number. Robo callers are smarter than that. They know you will block their call so they call from a different phone number which you haven't blocked. That's why I don't answer the phone if the caller is not in my Contacts. Try it, you won't have to answer every call you get, only the ones you want to get. So if you are trying to reach me and I don't answer, it will be because I am either eating dinner, taking a nap or I don't know you. Have a nice day. |