january 2018 bay front · dianne l. besso president of bay front hoa photograph by len hecker;...
TRANSCRIPT
Bay FrontJ A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8
Message from the HOA Board President SeaScape News & Reminders Feature Article: Native American Trail Markers Updates from Clubs
In this issue:
AT REHOBOTH
State of the Bay Front HOA
We will continue in 2018 to focus on the effective management of the Association’s affairs and continue evaluating our policies and procedures so that we can identify opportunities for improvement.
Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year. Best regards, Dianne L. Besso President of Bay Front HOA
Photograph by Len Hecker; Cover photograph by Mary Beth Aring.
Hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season; the time has gone by very fast. We had our first Annual Meeting and elections since assuming control of the HOA from the Developers. Despite the snow, we had a great turnout at Independence Hall. The two Board vacancies carrying a two-year term were filled by Chris Coggeshall and William Mailander. I would like to thank Joe Wilkens for serving on the Board this past year. I also would like to thank my fellow Board Members, Committees and Subcommittees, and Chris Nichols for their hard work and dedication.
We will be concentrating on setting up Committees and Subcommittees for 2018 so please consider volunteering. HOA members should think about what each of you can offer and let us know your interests.
We still have many challenges ahead of us for 2018 and will continue to address them. Swales are being worked on with the Sussex County’s Department of Public Works, the Developers, and Schell Brothers. Road edges in problem areas have been filled and seeded, we have some curves that need filling which will be addressed to preserve the asphalt edges. We will continue communication with Camden Harbor Group to make sure Bay Front is protected during sale and building of their remaining 16 lots.
From the
HOA BoardOF DIRECTORS
Dianne Besso . . . . . . . . . . . . .President Greg White . . . . . . . . . . .Vice President Mary Beth Aring . . . . . . . . . . Secretary Chris Coggeshall . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer Bill Mailander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director
HOA BOARD MEETINGS
The HOA Board of Directors has established regular monthly meetings on the fourth Sunday of each month from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in the Card Room at the Clubhouse. Other meetings during the month are posted indicating an “If Needed” status. Check the Event Calendar for these dates. Meeting Minutes will be published on the Bay Front website once approved at the following month’s meeting.
Ornamental Grass Trimming
Shore Property Maintenance will be trimming the ornamental grasses that are a part of the foundation plantings in January or February. We will email the exact date(s) when we get them.
Winter Perils
With the extremely cold temperatures, we are concerned about several issues that the cold temps can bring about - the most dangerous of which is people (especially children) playing on the frozen ponds. This is extremely dangerous! PLEASE, if you have children in your home, discuss the dangers of walking on the ice with them. If you see anyone on the ice, ask them to leave the area.
Check on Your Home
Another peril of frigid temps is broken pipes. Check your home often if you do not live in Bay Front full time. Heat should never be set lower than 60 degrees. The money you save on propane will not be enough to cover the damage a broken pipe can cause.
Photograph by Len Heckler
Photograph by Len Hecker
140 Days! until the Pool opens!
Highlights from Your HOA Website
As new residents go to settlement, we are encouraging them to register on the Bay Front website. But, signing up is not enough. Make sure you visit the site a couple of days per week to reap the benefits. There are updates and news items added frequently to keep you in the know about the Bay Front community. To quickly find out what has changed from your last visit, after logging-in, click Help, then "What's New" to see a list of changes.
Fred Kramme, the bayfronthoa.net administrator, does a masterful job of keeping the site current. Social events and community news are posted on the home page.
As a registered member, you can access so much more via the Resident's Area, so be sure to Sign In.
bayfronthoa.net
Check This Out: Member Directory
Once you sign in on the Bay Front website, you have access to the Residents Only section. Click on Member Directory to see a listing of Bay Front lot owners. Here are some of the features of the directory.
Sort & Search - Sort the directory by clicking on any of the headers: name, address, city, state, or phone.
Or search for a particular owner by First or Last Name.
You can email from within the directory.
And create your own contact list of people you're in touch with often.
Event Calendar - View upcoming events, including committees, clubs, socials, information sessions, and private events Member Directory - Look up neighbor addresses and phone numbers; view more by clicking on a person's name Find a sitter - For your house, pets, plants, or children.Documents - Access all those PDFs that have been shared to date (i.e., Pool Rules, Reserve Studies) e-Forms - Complete certain applications online Neighborhood Watch - Stay informed to help reduce crime Newsletters - Read past Quarterly Newsletters Classifieds - Post items for sale, free, wanted, or lost. Email Archive - View past community emails.
UP
COMING
CALENDAROF EVENTS
01/28 HOA Board Meeting 02/02 First Friday 02/25 HOA Board Meeting 03/02 First Friday 03/25 HOA Board Meeting
Check the website for more details on these events and more
Interested in Joining a Club? Clubs & Contacts
Book Club
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Visit bayfronthoa.net for more information
October 2017 • RESTAURANT CARDS - Lynda Rock took orders and sold 53 Cape Gazette Restaurant Cards. There are approximately 20 restaurants that give a discount on certain nights through the Fall and Winter.
October 2017 • MURDER MYSTERY DINNER - Ovation Dinner Theatre put on an amazing Murder Mystery Play at the Clubhouse. The theatre company commented on how well the Social Club organized the event, and the audience rewarded the actors with a standing ovation. There were 54 homeowners and eight actors in attendance. And they dined on Lasagna, Caesar salad and Italian bread.
November 2017 • COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER - The Bay Front community celebrated the holiday mid-month and was treated to turkey with all the fixings a la pot luck.
December 2017 • COAT DRIVE - Bay Front residents also collected money and clothing for the Cape Henlopen HS Coat Drive, contributing 80+ coats, gloves, socks, and vests.
November 2017 • TRUNK SHOW PARTY! - Several vendors participated allowing guests to purchase holiday gifts: Zellie Rozecki hosted Williams Sonoma & Pottery Barn; Jackie Heiser sold LulaRoe clothes, and Mary Jo Coe sold Lizzie James Jewelry.
Ricki Marshal – [email protected] Marshall - [email protected]
Canasta ClubIan Friedland – [email protected]
Stitch & More Club
Jan Fisher – [email protected] Fink – [email protected]
Environmental ClubFran Tomkowid – [email protected]
Social ClubDianne Besso – [email protected]
Left to Right: Rick Downes, Carol Rose, Robin - Boy Wonder, Inga, Paul Schulz, Professor Van Helming, Ethel, Igor, & Ellen Dowling
November 2017 • THANKSGIVING FOR THOUSANDS - Thanksgiving week members of the Bay Front community joined other volunteers from across the region to pack up Thanksgiving meals at Mountaire.
Left to Right: Joe Wilkens, Rebecca & Bob LeRoy, Jan & Greg Dunn, Karen Wilkens, & Dan Scully Also in attendance: Mary Beth Aring, Sharon Cook Bilohlavek, Jack Meaney, & Christine Coggeshall
December 2017 • COOKIES & GIFT EXCHANGE - Sharon Bilohlavek and Chris Coggeshall hosted this annual favorite with 39 residents in attendance.
December 2017 • CPR CLASS - We now have an additional 22 residents certified in CPR thanks to the training by Commander Jeffrey Russell, CPT, EN, MDARNG, HHD, 581st TC.
Golf LeagueStuart Proctor – [email protected]
Photo Collage by Len Hecker
The BFEC was started by former resident Ted Farragut. Its purpose was to encourage residents to learn more about the area in which we live and engage in nature trips, guest speakers, special projects.
We have carried on this mission by hosting environmental trips, such as the sold-out Sunset Cruise on the Broadkill River in October (thanks to Mary Beth Aring); planting of the Board-approved pollinator test areas around the Sanctuary pond (courtesy of Joe Lachac who donated the seed), and hosting Burr Monroe from Tributaries as a
Envrionmental ClubBAY FRONT
Keeping Up with Bay Front Happenings
For the most up-to-date Bay Front at Rehoboth news, check out the website, bayfronthoa.net (see page 5 for more information). Quarterly, the Communications Committee will also send out this newsletter in collaboration with the Bay Front HOA Board of Directors and SeaScape, Bay Front's Property Manager.
But wait! We've also added a Facebook Group for Bay Front Residents only. 92 of your neighbors are already posting updates, photos, and links, so check it out.
Have an idea for an article or an addition to the newsletter (or website)? Send it to [email protected] following these simple guidelines:
Original content only or links to online articles, videos, images, etc. Submit written items in a Word format (.doc or .docx) with Ariel 10 pt.Send photos in .jpg or .png format as an email attachment.Avoid ads disguised as articles.
The Communications Committee reserves the right to edit or exclude articles at their discretion.
Not a member? Contact Jean Fram, Facebook Group SiteAdministrator, at [email protected] to be added.
guest speaker regarding phragmites control (thanks to Karen Wilkens). We also hosted the wreath and poinsettia sale (thanks to Donna Price from East Coast Garden Center).
Going forward we hope to receive Board approval to adopt more beautification projects in our community, such as rain gardens, tree plantings, etc.
We meet on the last Thursday of each month at 10 AM in the Clubhouse. Join us this month, and check us out on the Bay Front website.
Photographs of wild flower gardens in Sanctuary by Fran Tomkowid
The Golf League was created as a forum for men and women interested in golf to meet Bay Front residents and make new acquaintances. The skill level and interests vary from serious, low-handicap golfers to those more interested in fostering a friendly, congenial atmosphere among neighbors.
Play is usually on Tuesday, mid-morning from the end of March – mid November. Players meet at the Clubhouse to carpool to the designated course for that week. Play is scheduled at one of about six courses in the Delaware-Maryland area within a 25 – 50 minute drive. Check out our page on the Bay Front website for more information.
Back Row (left to right): Bill Heffernan, Jeff Rozecki, Jeff Androsko, Joe Wilkens, Phil Keats, & Stuart Proctor Front Row (left to right): Alan Sneyd, Rob Abbott, John Witt, Jeff Carter, Bob Mitchell, Ray Yerg, Henry Weissenberger, & Fred Oswald Not pictured: Don Brownlee, Scott Cassey, Phil Coggeshall, Lee Lyons, Ken Rodriguez, Rodger Rose, Steve Rosemary, Ricky Rumble, Warren Rumble, Don Wall, & Henry Weissenberger
Bay Front Golf League
On a beautiful fall day at the Rookery South Course in Lewes, 14 of Bay Front’s most adventurous, brave and athletic residents met to battle it out for the prestigious Bay Front Golf Champion Award. From the first golfers driving off hole #1 came the familiar expressions, “Did you see where it went?”, “I’m takin’ a mulligan,” “Fore!” and other similar phrases of exasperation that multiplied during the day.
After four-and a-half hours of superior golf acumen that hasn’t been seen in LSD for many years, the course was safe again for other golfers. At the golf reception that followed a few weeks later, the following awards were presented to the survivors: 2017 Bay Front Champion – Rob Abbott 2017 Jim Baumbach Golf Award – Joe Wilkens Closest to the Pin on #9 (10’) – Alan Sneyd Longest and Most Accurate Drive on #18 (260 yards) – Joe Wilkens Believe It or Not Award – Fred Oswald I’m In, No I’m Out Award – Bill Heffernan Motivation & Organizational Support – Jean Keats, Zellie Rozecki, Cherie Proctor
Male residents interested in participating in a weekly outing that is focused onfellowship and golf should contact Stuart Proctor at [email protected]. Female residents contact Barbara Weissenberger at [email protected].
2017 Bay Front Golf Tournament
INDIAN TRAIL MARKERS IN OUR OWN BAY FRONT
This oak tree, located in our backyard in Bay Front, is 58 inches in circumference, which equates to being approximately 300 years old, give or take a couple of decades.. What we first thought was just a deformed tree that grew askew due to heavy tree growth surrounding it from years ago, appears to be what is known as an “Indian Bent Tree Trail Marker.” Trail trees, trail marker trees, Crooked Trees, "Prayer Trees," "Thong Trees," or "Culturally Modified Trees" are hardwood trees throughout North America that Native Americans intentionally shaped with distinctive characteristics. These traits convey that the tree was shaped by human activity rather than deformed by nature or disease. A massive network of constructed pre- Columbian roads and trails has been well documented across the Americas, and in many places remnants can still be found of trails used by hunters and gatherers. One unique characteristic of the trail marker tree is a horizontal bend several feet off the ground, which makes it visible at greater distances, even in snow.
Native Americans would bend trees in order to create trail markers that formed an early routing system, which served multiple purposes. From indicating that water and food was nearby, to warning travelers of rough country ahead, these landmarks were important features in navigating the early Americas.
Upon making this discovery, we contacted the Nanticoke Indian Museum and the Lenni Lenape Indian Nation Museum requesting that they review the pictures and verify if the tree is actually an "Indian Trail Marker”.
It's not hard to imagine hundreds of years ago, tribes of indigenous Native Americans hunting and gathering right here in our backyard. So, if you find a weird-looking bent tree on your property, you may have the next marker along the trail.
As told by Art & Marcy Fink
More more information, check out these resources:
Great Lakes Trail Tree Society - http://www.greatlakestrailtreesociety.org Mountain Stewards - http://www.mountainstewards.org
Roadtrippers - https://roadtrippers.com
Native American Trail Marker Trees: Marking Paths Through the Wilderness - https://www.facebook.com/TrailMarkerTree/
THE
BACKYARD
GARDENER
A Greener Thumb
Gardening on the coast
Del Tech Continuing Education
Winter Gardening Tips
Native Plant Demonstration Garden at UDel
East Coast Garden Center
Want to take a class or two?
Click on a title to access the publication.
This is a great time to take a class, a tour, or a trip for garden inspiration.
03/06 - Philadelphia Flower Show: Wonders of Water 8:00 AM • $105 (general public) / $95 (encore)
04/12 - Blooming Flowers at Longwood Gardens 8:00 AM • $79 (general public) / $69 (encore)
04/29 - Norfolk Botanical Gardens 8:00 AM • $129 (general public) / $119 (encore)
There are five ways to register: phone, fax, online, in-person, or email. Register HERE.
Check your perennials and bulbs to see if they have been heaved out of the ground by freezing and thawing of the soil. If so, press down firmly and cover with at least two inches of organic mulch.Start a pot of shamrocks to have ready by St. Patrick’s Day in March. Look through catalogs and start planning your garden.Apply horticultural oil sprays to kill over-wintering mites, aphids, and scale. Use this oil on deciduous plants and hardy evergreens, but not on needle-leafed species.
Brochure (PDF) - Check it out & plan a visit
Hugh R. Sharp Campus, 700 Pilottown Rd., Lewes
New York Ironweed (PDF)
Mist Flower (PDF)
Blue Flag Iris (PDF)
Mountain Mint (PDF)
New England Aster (PDF)
03/31 - Spring Festival Kick-Off • 8AM - 5PM
04/07 - Vendor Showcase • 8AM - 5PM
04/21 - Seasonal Solutions Launch • 8AM - 5PM
For more information, check out the website at http://www.eastcoastgardencenter.com/
As you're planning that spring garden, take a look at these native plants for consideration:
Photograph by Fran Tomkowid
Photograph by Len Hecker
Winter Lecture Series
Tuesdays, 5:00 - 6:00 PM • FREE Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum
01/16 - Cultivating the Wild Beach Plum with Rick Uva
01/23 - Culinary Heritage of Southern Delaware with Denise Clemons
01/30 - The American View of the U.S. Constitution with Larry Mayo
02/06 - Delaware’s Quarantine Stations, a Time Traveler’s Presentation with John McCarthy
02/13 - State of the Bays with the Center for the Inland Bays
02/20 - Primitive Skills in Archaic Delaware with Jeff Moore
02/27 - Lighthouses of the Delaware Bay with Red Moulinier
Find Out MoreDelaware Seashore State Park
Winter's
HEREGET OUT THERE
And Play! what to do with these up and down winter temperatures here at the beach? We certainly don't hibernate! Check out the following ideas - both in and out of the elements.Wondering
Visit Delaware!
Events around Delaware
Visit Southern Delaware!
Events around Southern Delaware
Delaware Today
Events around Delaware
Delaware Scene
Arts & culture in the First State
Delmarva Beach Guide
Events around the Delaware Beaches
Sunny Day Guide
Events around the Delaware Beaches
Rehoboth.com
Events in and around Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach
Events in and around Rehoboth Beach
City of Rehoboth
Events in and around Rehoboth Beach
Lewes Chamber of Commerce
Events in and around Lewes
Lewes Public Library
Events in and around Lewes
Rehoboth Foodie
Reviews on the best places to eat
Lifelong Learning
Learn something new!
Art in the Park
Thursdays, 7:00 PM Pre-register at (302) 227 - 6991
01/11 - Love Me, Love Me Knot $15
01/18 - Paint, Canvas, & Phragmites $15
01/25 - Sea Glass Sun-Catchers $20
02/01 - Upcycling Nautical Flag Art $20
02/08 - Love Me, Love Me Knot $15
02/15 - Paint, Canvas, & Phragmites $15
02/22 - Sea Glass Sun-Catchers $20
Winter is for Hiking!
01/14 - Thompson Island Nature Preserve 01/21 - Prickly Pear Trail at Fresh Pond 01/28 - Burton Island Nature Preserve
Sundays, 2:00 PM • $5 Pre-register at (302) 227 - 6991 by 3PM the day before
Lantern Tour
01/14 - Surfmen, Dunes, & Shipwrecks 02/10 - Surfmen, Dunes, & Shipwrecks
Pre-register at (302) 227 - 6991 by 3PM the day before 7:00 PM • $10
CulinaryDo you like to cook, share favorite recipes, try new ones or take a class to improve your skills? Then look in this corner for information that will stoke your interest!
If you missed the opportunity to experience the culinary classes offered by the Delaware Technical Community College during their Fall semester, here is a sample of their Spring 2018 offerings
Class sizes are small so if you’re interested, don’t delay! Register ON-LINE or call 302-259-6330 .
Baby, It's Cold Outside
This 3-week beginner class is perfect for anyone who wants to learn the basics of decorating like a pro! This is a hands-on opportunity to learn the basics of icing cakes, creating decorative borders, flowers, basket weaves, piping and writing. You will also learn how to use those decorative tips. Call for a list of materials that will be used in this class. Three sessions will be held Mondays, 2/12 to 2/26, from 6-8 PM. Course fee $55.
Nothing is better on a cold winter day than a delicious cup or bowl of soup to warm the body and spirit, accompanied by a big slice of warm, crusty bread! If this is a visual that appeals to you, try this recipe adapted from poorgirleatswell.com.
Beginner Cake Decorating
Back by popular Demand, come and learn to make this Italian favorite in your home kitchen! This is a “hands-on” class where you will learn to make cheese ravioli the traditional way. You will also make fresh egg pasta and stuff it with a special herbed cheese filling. A tomato-basil sauce will complete this delicious meal. This three-hour session will take place on Monday, 4/30, 6-9 pm. Once registered, you will be notified of the specific location of this class within the Delaware Tech GeorgetownCampus. Course Fee $75.00.
Let's Make Ravioli!
It’s cold outside but Easter will be here before you know it! In the Italian family, Easter is the time to celebrate new life and the freshness that Spring brings in both weather and the growing season. Learn about and taste a typical Italian Easter dinner during this chef demonstration and culinary class! The menu will reflect many of the traditional dishes served during an Italian Easter celebration, such as zuppa stracciatella, artichokes, baby lamb, and torta di riso! This class will be held at Touch of Italy, Rehoboth Beach, on Thursday, 3/22, 6-8 pm. Course Fee $65:00.
An Italian Easter
CORNER
C O M M U N I C A T I O N S C O M M I T T E E
B A Y F R O N T H O A
L E W E S , D E
bay f r on thoa .ne t
Debbie Espitia (Chair) Mary Beth Aring (Board Liaison)
Jean Fram (FB Site Administrator) Fred Kramme (Webmaster)
Pam Lyons (Secretary)