Setauket Meadows Community
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SEPTEMBER 2018 SETALKER

HOA News and Information
For those of you who were unable to attend the HOA meeting held on August 16, 2018, this letter is to update you on the information.
As of this date, due to a number of unforeseen expenses, there is a deficit of just over $100,000.00 in the HOA budget.  As the community ages, things begin to break down. This is due to a number of issues.  
The STP plant continues to be a major expense. This summer, in addition to replacing the control panel, 18 cesspools and leaching lines had to be cleaned out and treated.  In addition, while this was happening, water ran down the hill to the RR tracks where men were working.  The Board of Health was called in and a berm had to be built to prevent further problems.  The cost for this entire project was $25,000.00.
Because of the extraordinary March storms, the snow budget was $18,500.00 over.  Other unexpected issues included a new air compressor for the Clubhouse, major repairs for the indoor pool dehumidifier, and a broken SPA filter which resulted in a flooded basement. Though these unexpected expenses occurred, The Board is committed to maintaining and increasing the reserve money for future major issues, i.e. roads, roofs, etc. and were unable to contribute to the monthly reserve $60,000.00.
As a result, in September, there will be a $700.00 assessment for each unit to make up these overages.  You will be sent the necessary information 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. 

Social Committee Update
by Ellen Silverman

Here's what's happening at Setauket Meadows...
AUGUST
Sunday, August 26

Music for a Late Summer Afternoon ~ 4:00 ~ Clubhouse
  • David Taubman, piano       Rachel Hauser, violin
  • $10 per person ~ wine and cheese following the concert
  • **Yes, we still have some availability if you wish to attend.
  • The official sign-up date was this past Saturday.  As is our policy with many of our events, now that sign-up day is behind us, we can open it up to residents who couldn't make it on Saturday and to family/friends of paid-up attendees. This will be done on a first come/first served basis.
Contact me, Ellen S: Blwnklfrnd@aol.com    631-476-3077

Thursday, August 30

Launch of...
The Setauket Meadows Whatever You Want to Read Book Club 
1:00 in the great room

SEPTEMBER
Monday morning, September 3
Labor Day Brunch ~ 10:00-Noon 
  • $5 per person
  • Poolside - HOPEFULLY! - otherwise in the great room
  • **For this event, you MUST be there for sign-up on Saturday morning, August 18 ~ 10-Noon, in the clubhouse OR you MUST let Sue Connors know beforehand that you plan to be there and make an arrangement to get the money to her.  Sue’s phone number is 631-751-7498    Due to the nature of this event, we can't make any exceptions.

Thursday, September 27
  • The Setauket  Meadows Whatever You Want to Read Book Club 
  • 1:00 ~ Clubhouse

Saturday, September 29
  • Comedy Night ~ 7 PM ~ Clubhouse
  • $15 per person (cash or check made out to cash) 
  • Sign-up ~ Saturday morning September 8, 10-Noon, Clubhouse 
  • Mike Maione will be here with John Santo and Stevie GB to delight us with their comedy and perhaps a bit of magic.

OCTOBER
Saturday, October 6
Walking Tour with the Three Village Historical Society, Saturday, 2:00

(details in our recent email) 
  • $10 per person to be brought with you that day - no reservations necessary
  • Tours leave from the Caroline Church parking lot at the Carriage Shed along Dyke Road at the Setauket Green.
Questions? Contact Sherry Azoulay Klein:  Azoulay01@aol.com     516-635-6641

Tuesday, October 16
  • Fun! Friends! Foxwoods! via ferry and bus 
  • Sign-up ~ Saturday morning, September 8, 10-noon
  • Questions?: Contact Donna Heller:  Tanina005@aol.com     631-495-6078

Thursday, October 25

Setauket Meadows Whatever You Want to Read Book Club 
1:00, clubhouse

Sunday, October 28 
Denice Given Band ~ 4:00 ~ Clubhouse
  • $15 per person 
  • Sign-up: Saturday morning, October 13, 10-Noon ~ Clubhouse 
  • Please feel free to contact Denice at denicegiven@msn.com with musical requests. As you know, Denice would love to hear from you...yes, YOU!
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NOVEMBER
Saturday, November 10
  • Coffee House ~ 8 PM ~ Clubhouse
  • Featuring Setauket Meadows performers: 
  • If you're a singer, instrumentalist, writer of poetry and/or prose, comedian, something that I can't think of, please contact me (Ellen S) and tell me that you'd love to do your thing that night.  
  • Reminder: If you wish to sing and you would like accompaniment, you may contact Carl Furci at 631-828-1159. He’d be happy to accompany you and provide several practice sessions...however, he’d like to know by the beginning of October so that you’ll have ample time to practice. 
  • $5 per person includes wine and cheese

Thursday, November 30
Setauket Meadows Whatever You Want to Read Book Club 
1:00 ~ Clubhouse

DECEMBER
  • Holiday Party Sunday, December 16
  • Clubhouse
  • Save the date!
  • Details to follow!

Remember: 
  • Happy Hour ~ Wednesdays of every month in the clubhouse or poolside ~ 5-7 PM 
  • The Whatever You Want to Read Book Club will go on vacation until April.  Keep on reading!

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​9/5     Edna Multer 
9/5     Rita LoMonaco 
9/15   Ed Bradin
9/20   Anita Sutherland 
9/21   Eileen Duffy 
9/21   Sal Mazzeo  
9/22   Joseph Rasullo 
9/25   John Weber
9/26   Dominick Livaccari 
9/28   Linda Hasenmeyer 
9/28   Kathy Holly 

Speaking of Sports
by Joe Polizzi
  My fan base has requested that I wax poetic on the current baseball season of our local teams, the Yankees and Mets. Mets have been a big disappointment. After an exciting opening 11-1 record the team took a nose dive and are next to last in their division. They had some key injuries and their 100 million dollar star, Yoenis Cespedes, has not played due to leg and foot problems.  The Met front office solution has been to pick up veteran players (Jose Reyes, Jose Batista, etc) in the twilight of their career in hope of catching “lightning in a bottle”. It did not work. So gone is another season and what’s on the horizon? Their pitching staff is still solid with deGrom, Wheeler, Syndergaard and Matz. But let’s get some all-star players behind them and I don’t mean bring back David Wright and keep your fingers crossed that he doesn’t breakdown yet one more time.  Next year’s free agent market is plentiful, so management has to spend some money and hope to land a Bryce Harper or Manny Machado or whoever else can bolster their “rag-tag” team.  Met fans deserve a make over and start by opening up your wallet.
      The Yankees have the second best record in baseball but unfortunately their arch rival Boston Red Soxs have the best. By all measures this has been an excellent year. The Yankee farm system has collected numerous excellent players-Andujar, Torres, Bird, Sanchez, Judge and they just keep coming. That’s what a quality baseball program does. But it is also not afraid to spend money. Picking up National League 2017 MVP Giancarlo Stanton proves that. Bolstering their bullpen with top players shows they want to win now-a Steinbrenner tradition. Their primary concern is their injuries and starting pitching.  Judge, Gregorious, Sanchez, Sabbathia, and maybe Chapman are all on the Disabled List mending from something. As far as starting pitchers go, we can use one “stud” but will opponents relinquish them or at what price, money or minor leaguers.  Regardless, I am confident that by mid-September the team will be at full strength rested and ready to give the Soxs a run for the American League title.  Go Yankees.
       Now for some news from the Setauket Meadows Men’s Golf Club(SMMGC).  Being a group of senior golfers we prefer driving golf carts when playing a round rather than walking. And driving can be hazardous at times. You might remember my reporting in  the June 2012 Setalker of a SMMGC member flipping his golf cart when he did not properly set the brake on a downhill at the 16th hole at Great Rock. Well another driving mishap happened this year at Middle Island GC on the 5th hole of the Spruce Nine. After finally hitting a fairway a member misjudged his second shot and pulled a 6 iron to the left of the green. After an exhaustive 5 minute search ( USGA rule) the player assessed himself a one stroke penalty for a lost ball, chunked a chip shot then three putted for an ugly snowman (8). Furious by his poor play he slams his putter into his bag, jumps into the driver’s side of the cart, throws the cart into reverse and without looking steps on the accelerator and then the unexpected happens. He drives into another golfer and knocks him to the ground. Silence comes over the group as they see a SMMGC member motionless on the ground. Will he get up? Did he suffer a major health issue?  But slowly the member rises to his feet while the driver frantically checks for breaks or bruises.  None to notice but some minor scratches. Now another member, a former Suffolk County Police Officer, jumps into service. He pulls out his all purpose first aid kit from his golf bag and administers medical assistance. Cleaning the affected area and putting a “muppets band aid” on the wound.  The following group of golfers are approaching the green and not to hold up play we proceed to the next tee and continue our round. Nothing of the incident is mentioned until the round is over and then the injured golfer says: “Hope to see you next week-CRASH”. PS. Aside from embarrassment the reckless driver’s golf cart driving privileges were suspended until further notice.
       As always, stay healthy, drive carefully and Hitt’em straight…Joe Polizzi

Auto Advice
by Joe Sarro

In previous years when we were looking at new cars, power was a major concern. Not that it is not today but manufacturers are now reaching new heights when it comes to performance and economy. Back in the 50's and 60's everything was about cubic inches and horsepower. To make the cars go faster the manufacturer just made engines bigger.
With today's technology and gearing, the vehicles of today's performance is achieved by matching transmissions with smaller engines. It will be very hard to find a good old American V8. Now we have 10 speed transmissions and turbo 4 cylinders that get much better gas mileage and achieve the same performance if not better.
So my tip of the month is when looking for a vehicle, don't dismiss the 4 cylinder until you drive it. They get much better gas mileage and perform even better than the trustworthy V8.

Real Estate News
by Phyllis Colby
Keeping Your Property Beautiful

7 Water-Saving Tips for Your Yard

Looking for a lush, gorgeous yard, but not happy about guzzling tons of water? The following tips can help you keep your yard stunning and your water consumption low. 

  1. Don't drown. The greatest waste of water comes from applying too much, too often; much of the water is never absorbed. Instead of watering for one long session, water a few times for shorter periods and take 15-minute breaks in between each session. This will allow water to soak in while minimizing run-off. 
  2. Watch the clock. Water between 5 and 10 a.m., when the sun is low, winds are calm and temperatures are low. Midday watering tends to be less efficient because of evaporation and windy conditions. 
  3. Consider dripping. When it comes to watering individual trees, flower beds, potted containers or other non-grassy areas, consider applying water directly to the roots using low-volume drip irrigation. 
  4. Divide by zones. Different plants need different amounts of water. Divide yard and landscape areas into separate irrigation zones so that grass can be watered separately and more frequently than groundcovers, shrubs, and trees. 
  5. Water only things that grow. If there already is an underground sprinkler system, make sure the sprinkler heads are adjusted properly to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways. A properly adjusted sprinkler head should spray large droplets of water instead of a fine mist to minimize evaporation and wind drift. 
  6. Be rain smart. Install a shut-off device that automatically detects rain or moisture. Rain gauge and soil sensor devices are inexpensive and take advantage of the free rainwater without wasting the metered water. 
  7. Do routine inspections. Since lawns and gardens should be watered in the early morning hours, a problem may not be discovered until it is too late. A clogged head or a torn line can wreak havoc on both the landscape and the water bill.

Recipe of The Month
by Pat Dawson

​CHICKEN SALAD-STUFFED TOMATOES

This is a fun, lower-carb take on a classic. Makes the most of ripe summer tomatoes.
Great for a light luncheon meal. Serve with a light white sangria with summer fruit.
 
Ingredients:
  • 4 large tomatoes
  • 1 ½ cups arugula
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • ¼ cup light mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
  • ¾ cup Italian seasoned croutons

Step 1: Cut thin slices off tops of the tomatoes.  With small spoon, scoop out insides, leaving walls intact.  Season tomato cavities with salt and pepper. Divide arugula among cavities of tomatoes.
 
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, lemon juice and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper.
 
Step 3: In a food processor or blender, pulse the croutons until fine crumbs form.  Divide the chicken salad among the tomatoes, stuffing into cavities. Top with
croutons and chives.

Computer Tip of The Month
by Ray Dawson

Do you own a cell phone? Of course you do. If you have noticed your cell phone slowing down over time, there's a few things you can do to delay the cell phone blues.

Bad Habits That Slow Down Your Cell Phone​
  • Let's start with the most explosive way you can destroy your phone: cheap, off-brand charging cables. I'm not talking about trusted manufacturers  but the no-name USB cables you found for $1 online. Poorly made cables can permanently damage your device—or worse, put you at risk of fire. It isn't worth the short-term savings. Buy your chargers from a known brand. Then, once you have quality cables, treat them with care. If you abuse them, you can cause the wires inside to fray, which in and of itself is a fire hazard. So stop wrapping your cables so tightly, and avoid yanking them out of the wall from the cord—pull them out from the actual plug. You don't want to end up on the evening news as a victim of another battery explosion.
  • How many people do you know with a cracked or shattered screen? We all think it won't happen to us...until it does. You may prefer the cleaner look of a caseless phone, but it just isn't worth the risk.Even small chips and cracks can ruin the structural integrity and make large-scale damage more likely. Also those small chips and cracks can destroy the phone's resale value when you want to upgrade down the line. So keep your phone in a case! A good case with a "lip" around the edge is ideal, and a tough screen protector is a good idea, too. I use an Otterbox.
  • Your phone's battery degrades over time. That means that in a few years, its maximum battery life won't be as high as it was when you bought it. In the case of the iPhone, your device may even slow down as the battery degrades. My iPhone was eligible for a battery replacement by Apple for $29, usually $75. These things are inevitable, but bad habits can speed up that degradation and kill your battery sooner.
  • To avoid this, you should perform regular, shallow discharges, and recharge your phone before it dies—you don't want to run it down to 0 percent all the time. Don't worry about charging it overnight. Just try to keep the battery above approximately 30 percent. Let it discharge occasionally to calibrate the sensors, and you'll keep your battery healthy as long as possible.

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9/10      Larry & Joan Becht 
9/15      Richard & Lisa Justman
9/18      Robert & Joan DeMaio
9/25      Robert & Elaine  Hansen