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Sentinel Index

Mayor Ken Branner Visits Springmill..............................Pg. 1Committee Reports...........................................................Pg. 3Notes From Your Board (Bob Lhulier).............................Pg. 5Town Meeting.....................................................................Pg. 7NCCo Library Update........................................................Pg. 7First State Choral...............................................................Pg. 8Cultural Events..................................................................Pg. 9Recycled Card Program....................................................Pg. 9Thoughts to Ponder.........................................................Pg. 11Meet Your Neighbor (G. Diaconyanis & P.A. Wilson)...Pg. 13Hummers Parade.............................................................Pg. 14New Year’s Eve with Sky Brady.....................................Pg. 15CEC Committee................................................................Pg. 17Charity Committee...........................................................Pg. 17Book Review (Kid Carolina)............................................Pg. 19Restaurant Review (Cantwell’s Tavern)........................Pg. 19Bear-Glasgow YMCA.......................................................Pg. 21Living Green (Light Bulb Phase-Out)............................Pg. 23Advertiser’s Spotlight (Atlantic Veterinary Center)......Pg. 25Computer Tutor (Apple Computer))...............................Pg. 25Vial of Life.........................................................................Pg. 26

Happy Valentine’s Day to all our Springmill ladies. Thankyou for all you have done to make Springmill a better placeto live. You have participated in all facets of Springmill lifefrom President of the Board to committee heads, committeemembers and volunteers. You have also shown your careand creativity in several clubs. Many of you are very caringneighbors helping out the sick, the lonesome and theelderly who live around you. Your thoughtfulness isoverwhelming and very well appreciated. Springmill is abetter place because of each and every one of you and “usguys” do want to say Thank You and Happy Valentine’s Day.

Joe Grippo

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE SPRINGMILL COMMUNITYVolume X, Issue 2 February 2012

Happy Valentine’s Day

Mayor Ken Branner Visits SpringmillOn a mild, rainy mid-January morning,a standing-room-only audienceeagerly awaited the arrival ofMiddletown Mayor Ken Branner for hisannual “heart-to-heart” discussion withresidents of Springmill. Mayor Brannerarrived shortly after 10:00 a.m.accompanied by Kristen Krenzer,Public Relations Officer for Middletown.

A majority of the 75-minute meeting was devoted todiscussing the Active Adult rental property project thatdeveloper Patterson Schwartz is planning to propose forthe central portion of the Middletown Professional Centerwhich is located just across the northern border ofSpringmill Drive. The Springmill Board of Directors recentlysent a letter to the Middletown Mayor and Councilexpressing opposition to this project. (See Pg 5: NotesFrom Your Board) .

The Mayor reviewed the project and displayed chartsshowing the location of the two three-story apartmentbuildings as well as an artist’s conception of the buildings.He mentioned that there had been no formal plansubmitted for the project at this time. He also stated that itwas unlikely this project would be approved because itwould require a zoning change from Commercial toResidential and a variance is needed because sufficientparking spaces are not available. He mentioned that Active

Adult rental apartments would be in demand but that this isnot the location for such a project. Existing occupants ofthe Professional Center are concerned that having aresidential community in that location would detract fromthe original concept of the Center.

The Mayor then updated the attendees on plans for newbusinesses within Middletown. On the east side of town,near the police station, work is underway on ChristianaCare which will result in an emergency care facility by theend of 2012 followed by a 250-bed hospital in the nextcouple of years. HealthSouth is waiting for final approvalon a 32-bed rehabilitation center which will be constructeddirectly across Rte. 299 (Main St.). Preliminary plans for ahotel and 2 office buildings for medical use will completethe eastside expansion.

On the west side, the one million square foot AmazonDistribution Center on 76 acres is officially approved andsite preparation work has already begun for an October 1completion. The Amazon Center will result in completingIndustrial Drive and Merrimac Road which will allow truckaccess to Route 301 from Levels Continued on Pg 26

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Springmill Sentinel StaffEditor: Dick RauschTreasurer: Joan SchoppSecretary: 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:springmillnews@hotmail.com

Lauri Richardson

(302) 379-9984200 N. Dilwyn Rd.Newark, DE 19711

LaurisCleaning1@verizon.netLicensed, insured, bonded

Residential / Office Cleaning

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Clubhouse Committee

The Clubhouse Committee met on January 6, 2012. As weapproach the end of 2011 we want to thank everyone whohelped out with the committee during the year. SarahMoney has become a new member of the committee andwe welcome her. As requested, we submitted our missionstatement to the Board of Directors. The Committee voted(with the approval of Maria Corvino, Charity Chairman) tocollect all used occasion cards to donate to the St. Jude’sChildren’s Ranch. (See Pg 9: Recycled Card Program)

The Clubhouse Committee is asking everyone who has anevent and is finished with the vacuuming to please emptythe canisters. Last month Stan Heer was kind enough totake apart the vacuums and clean them thoroughly. It isimportant to keep everything in good

Springmill Homeowners Association

Board of DirectorsBob Lhulier, President

Bob Gross, Barb Kelly, Fred Bodden & Carl RifinoBoard Recording Secretary: Janet Geftman

Community ManagerTracey Lund

801 Windmilll Lane376•5466

Tracey.Lund@mamc.com

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

Continued on Pg. 5

Communications Committee

The January meeting was held on the 10th with 10committee members in attendance. Carl Rifino began histhree-month assignment as liaison at this meeting. Allcommittee members heartily greeted Carol Geiger on herreturn after a 4-month absence due to illness.

Joan Schopp gave the Treasurer’s Report. Sentinelincome for December 2011 was $1,195. Income afterexpenses was almost $334. Just over $12,000 wascontributed to the Springmill General Fund in 2011.

Prior to the meeting, Business Manager Carol Geiger wasbrought up to date on the advertising situation by BertDekker. Carol reported that there will be 40 advertisers inthe February Sentinel. Follow-up for advertiser renewalsfor the coming months is in progress. Advertiser renewalsare strong with many advertisers opting for one yearcommitments.

The 2012 Springmill Annual Directory is at the printer. Itwill be distributed with the February Sentinel. An unusuallyhigh number of email changes were made in December, inpart due to residents installing Verizon FIOS. As a result,these changes will be included, as an insert, with the newdirectory. It is suggested that residents immediately applythese changes to the directory to keep it current.

Joe Grippo reviewed the editorial plan for February. Thefront page of the February issue will feature a Valentine’sDay message and a report on the community meeting withMayor Branner.

The Mission Statement of the Communications Committeewas reviewed at the request of the BOD. After discussion,the following statement was adopted: “The SpringmillCommunications Committee was established to transmitinformation of common interest to residents of thecommunity”. It was decided that adding the specifics ofhow this is accomplished is outside the realm of a missionstatement.

Phyllis Torgersen mentioned that backups for blockcaptains were needed. A request will be placed in the nextSentinel, although several committee members volunteeredon the spot.

Carl Rifino mentioned that he has undertaken an ad hoceffort to increase volunteerism at Springmill. There wasextensive discussion on how this will be accomplished. Itwas agreed that networking was an important element.Recruiting new residents soon after they arrive was alsomentioned.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. The next meetingis scheduled for Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.in the Clubhouse Craft Room. Joe Grippo will chair thismeeting in Dick Rausch’s absence. Residents arewelcome to attend.

Dick Rausch

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(Also a Springmill Resident)

FOLLOW ME TO MY OFFICEFOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS

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Notes From Your BoardCommittee ReportsContinued on Pg 5: Clubhouse

Bob Lhulier

working order so that wecan continue keeping the clubhouse clean and presentable atall times.

The Pool/Poker Room and Library have been painted. GerryCrennan also replaced three blinds in the Pool/Poker Room.Larry Daigle has purchased a small cabinet to keep poolaccessories and playing cards. The rooms were closed for acouple of days and we want to thank everyone for theircooperation. The goal of the Clubhouse Committee is to keepthe Clubhouse in good working order and updated so that allresidents can be proud when they show their friends orpotential buyers into the Community.

Again we want to remind everyone that it is difficult to maintainthe temperature in the clubhouse so that everyone iscomfortable. We are trying our best. We urge you to dress inlayers and bring a sweater with you, especially in the evening.

If you use any of the facilities and see one of the residents whohelps keep everything working, please show them yourappreciation.

The Clubhouse Committee is always looking for volunteers tohelp with various projects and any ideas for improvement.Please contact Julie if you are interested in joining thecommittee, or feel free to come to our next meeting on Friday,February 3, 2012 at 1PM.

Julia Hambrecht

Property Committee

POND D-This is the pond in front of the clubhouse. We are inthe process of having this area cleaned up in order to keep itfunctional as a storm management pond. It certainly looksbetter already. Much debris, woody vegetation, and cattailshave already been removed. (No bodies were found) Thisspring the phragmites in the pond will be sprayed to preventspread of these unwanted guests. All the inlets and outfallstructures are to be clear of sediment and debris according toState regulations. The Town will then perform all futuremaintenance of this pond. We will still be responsible for anymowing or vegetation control up to the edge of this area.

LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES-The committee should befinishing up a review and revision of the LandscapeGuidelines. We have added four or five new additions in 2011and some in 2012. ALL OF THESE REVISIONS ADD TOWHAT THE HOMEOWNER CAN DO TO THEIR GARDENAREAS. Nothing has been subtracted or changed to denyrequests. Once we are finished, the new revision will besubmitted to the BOD for final approval. Copies will bedistributed to all Springmill Residents.

SHED-Final plans are coming together for a shed for all ourgardening stuff. After the base is down we will be having ashed that is identical to the MRC one placed nearby. Mygarage will be so happy.

THINK SPRING!

Carolyn BoddenEditor’s Note: Finance Report is on Pg. 7 and the MRCdid not report this month.

I thought I would take the time this month toupdate you on the status of the proposeddevelopment of the Middletown ProfessionalCenter. This information is current as oflate January.

You will remember, after the November 30thpresentation to the community by DuncanPatterson and his associates, a survey wastaken to determine the “sense” of thecommunity on the issue. Approximately 80 residents respondedwith 90% in opposition, 5% in support and 5% undecided.

As a result, the Board unanimously approved a motion inopposition to the proposed addition of the 72 fifty-five andolder apartments within the Middletown Professional Centercomplex. Since no standing committee had jurisdiction overthe issue, an Ad Hoc committee was established to researchthe issue and report back to the Board on the best way toproceed. The Middletown Professional Center OversightCommittee was formed and is made up of the following: EdBachtell, Sandy Corrozi, Bob Gross, Bob Jackson, KathyKobus, Bob Lhulier, Lee Rosenson, and Pam Stevens.

This group has met and established a game plan to deal withthe issue. Bob Jackson & Lee Rosenson have met with theTown officials and informed them of the opposition of thecommunity and they have been briefed on the process bywhich the Patterson group must apply for approval of theirplan. The committee drafted a letter to the Mayor and Council,a copy of which was distributed to the community. SandyCorrozi & Pam Stevens visited all of the commercial buildingscurrently in the Professional Center and provided them with acopy of our letter. Incidentally, many of the current occupantswere unaware of the planned development. Bob Gross hasmade sure that the community is on the list of interestedparties to be notified of any filings related to this planneddevelopment.

On January 17, 2012 Mayor Branner met with the community,as he does annually to update us on what is going on inMiddletown. In this case he wanted to address our concernraised in a letter to the Mayor and all Council members. In histalk to the assembled residents, he outlined the technicalprocess through which the Patterson group must pass in orderto gain acceptance by the town. He indicated that not only wasa zoning variance required but also the Board of Adjustmentwould have to grant waiver of the parking requirement in orderfor any plan submitted to be approved. After speaking to thetechnical aspects of the process, he then said, in answer to aquestion about the odds that this will not happen, “It’s 99 and44/100 percent sure” paraphrasing the old Ivory Soap slogan.The council will not approve any plan that changes the currentscheme from a commercial zoning to a residential setting. Hereiterated the position that he and town council werecommitted to the long term plan made with McKee in order tomaintain the current community character.

As they say, “It ain’t over till it’s over” but the take away fromthis experience is that quick action by the community andprompt response by the Board has resulted in nipping thesituation in the bud. We are reminded of the importance ofcommunity support for any action taken by the Board. Showingsupport by way of attendance at public meetings was key todemonstrating our opposition to this effort.

Bob LhulierEditor’s Note: Board Motions - Pg. 26

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Around Town

Sonya ComstockJune Stemmle

Library Update…February

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.Should you want to get the updatedinformation, you will need to go towww.nccdelib.org and click on“Happenings” for the seasonal changes.Of course, we will also highlight programs of interest in yourmonthly Sentinel.

The NEW hours at the library are: Mon. 10 -8, T & W 1 -8, Th & F 10 - 5, closed on Sunday.

NOTE: The library will be closed 2 days in February;Feb. 6 and Feb. 20.

• Third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM TheFebruary 15th selection is “My Name is Mary Sutter” byRobin Oliverira.

• Writer’s Block at 6:00 pm Tuesday, February 8.• Paper Crafts at 6:00 pm Tuesday, February 21• Alternate Tuesdays at 7:00 pm Knitting Circle• Second Saturday at 10:00 am Sew-Be-It Quilters

(novice & experienced quilters welcome).

Programs for adults in the Community ActivityCenter…must register• Armchair Travel Saturday, February 11 at 2:00. Jane

Fencer explores travel• Delaware Money School Check February’s topic at 1-

800-267-5002• Country Line Dancing $36 Six 1-hour classes on

Tuesdays from 6-7 pm for beginners and from 7 - 8 pmfor advanced.

• Zumba Fitness Saturdays in February from 10:15 -11:15 pm $6 per class; can drop in

• Zumba Gold Saturdays in February from 12 - 1:00 $6per class; can drop in

• Mat Pilates Thursday 7:30 - 8:15 $18/month

There are three special “family” programs slated forFebruary. Registration is required…all it takes is aphone call to the library.• Valentine Fun with Chef Freeman Tuesday, Feb. 7 at

6:00 pm; decorate cookies & story.• Endangered Species: Ellie the Elephant (ages 3 & up)

Friday, Feb. 17 at 10:30 am Meet a life-size blow-upbaby elephant, make a handprint elephant, make a paperplate elephant, and more.

• The Mitten (age 3+) Friday, Feb. 24 at 10:30 am Learnabout animals in winter.

• Movers & Shakers (walking to age 4) Tues. orThursday, 10:30 - 11:15 $18/mo.

June Stemmle

Town Meeting

At the first town meeting of the New Year,Duke Realty presented new plans foroverflow parking at the Amazon facility.Parking will be available for over 2,500vehicles on the 76+ acre site. Approval wasgiven by the town council. Construction isexpected to start shortly. A $4 million grantwas received for this project.

McDonald’s will be totally renovated by Pollard EngineeringCo. so that it becomes more of a casual dining restaurantrather than a fast food eatery. The present seating of 135seats will be reduced to allow for more comfortable chairs.Landscaping will be added to enhance the building.McDonald’s is expected to remain open during construction.

Jim Young, Salvation Army representative, thanked the towncouncil for their participation in the December fundraisingevent. He also thanked the 150 volunteers who rang thebell. There was a 16% increase in collections, and a total of$25,000+ was collected.

Young’s BBQ expressed a concern about allowing streetvendors to compete with small businesses in town. Whilesmall businesses have major expenses in operating costs,street vendors escape these costs and can sell their productat a lower price. He asked the council to consider anordinance which would restrict street vendors frombecoming part of the daily scene. The town council will workwith small businesses to protect their interests.

The police report mentioned that two garage door windowswere broken on a Springmill resident’s home located onSpringmill Drive.

Sonya Comstock

Finance Committee

The finance committee met on January 18th with 8 committeemembers in attendance. Fred Bodden attended as the BODliaison along with Carl Rifino, treasurer.

We discussed having an independent auditor evaluate ourfinancial position. To date, we have used the auditor associatedwith MidAtlantic Management Company. It was voted that werecommend to the BOD that we hire a CPA to advise us on thebenefits of using our own auditor and if so, what criteria shouldbe used as the process of selecting the auditor.

Treasurer, Carl Rifino, presented a proposal from the BOD thata committee be created to look at all of Springmill’s matureassets. This committee would evaluate when the assets needto be replaced and create a plan for implementation. Thiscommittee will be developed from volunteers from the variousexisting Springmill committees.

The next finance meeting will be held on February 15th at 3 pm.

Cal Reuss

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RESIDENTS ARE OURBEST

REFERRALS!

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Cultural EventsMiddletownEverett TheatreFri/Sat – Feb. 3 & 4 - 7:30 p.m. - “Sherlock Holmes” –PG13 Tickets $6Middletown High School - Feb. 24 - 25 March 1-3(Friday-Saturday, Thursday-Saturday) - 7 p.m. “AnythingGoes” -Tickets - $10 Adults, $8 Children/Seniors - Assignedseating

OdessaCorbit-Calloway Memorial Library - Sun. Feb. 12 – 2p.m. – ”Journey from Africa to the Americas” – using music,song, dance and stories as medium. Presentation byKamau Ngom. Free

Smyrna Opera House, 7 W. South Street , 302-653-4236Sat. Feb. 11 – 6 p.m. – Midnight - “8th Annual Arts Cotillion– Hooray for Hollywood!” – A full evening of entertainment– music by The Glass Onion , auctions – live and silent –food and drinks and lots of dancing. Fundraiser - $90 ppSat. Feb. 25 - 7:30 p.m. – “Smyrna’s Got Voice – Round 1”– Root for your favorite singer. Local and regional artistscompeting. Winner declared – April 21 – Tickets - $13

DoverSchwartz Cente, 226 S. State St., (302) 678-5152Friday, Feb. 17 – 7 p.m. – “Journey of the Spirit –Celebration of African American Heritage – The DelawareSymphony Orchestra, Delaware State Univ. Chorus andWesley College Chorus perform. Tickets - $35/$32

ArdentownNew Candlelight Theater, 2208 Millers Rd., 302-475-2313January 27 – March 11 - Matinee & Evening Shows -“Miss Saigon” Set in Saigon during the Vietnam War, thismusical deals with drama, impossible romance and anhistoric setting. Tickets - $50 – includes dinner.

WilmingtonGrand Opera House, 818 North Market Street, 302-652-5577Thurs. Feb. 2 – 8 p.m. - “Rhonda Vincent and the Rage” –Queen of Bluegrass performing traditional and new music –Tickets - $28-$36

Fri. Feb. 3 - 8 p.m. – “Bettye LaVette” – Soul singer forfour decades – performed at the Kennedy Center – Tickets -$25-$33Wed. Feb. 8 – 8 p.m. – “Bruce Hornsby” Piano/singer/songwriter – Grammy winner – Tickets - $33-$41Fri. Feb. 10 – 8 p.m. – “David Lanz” – Contemporaryinstrumental legend – New Age music - over two decades.-Tickets - $29-$36Sat. Feb. 11 – 8 p.m. – “The Tschaikowski St. PetersburgState Orchestra” – Direct from Russia – program includesworks by Ravel, Prokofiev – Tickets - $33-$41Sun. Feb. 12 – 3 p.m. – “Ladysmith Black Mambazo” –South African group – gospel music – performing for fourdecades – Tickets - $31-$38Wed-Sun – Feb. 15-19 (matinee & evening performances)– “Late Nite Catechism” – Funny play takes the audienceback to their youth. The Sister teaches class to theaudience rewarding them with nifty prizes. Tickets - $12-$24Fri. Feb. 17 – 8 p.m. – “BauSoleil avec Michael Doucet &Marcia Ball” – musical tour of the American South and GulfCoast and a bit of Texas roadhouse and Louisiana dancehall. Tickets - $30-$39Sun. Feb. 19 – 7 p.m. – “Original Tribute to the Blue Bros.” -humorous, swinging and some sing-alongs. Tickets - $28-$36Sat. Feb. 25 – 8 p.m. –“Champain Fulton Quartet” – jazzpianist and singer – Tickets - $26

DuPont Theatre, 1007 N. Market St., 302-656-4401January 31-February 5 - Matinee & EveningPerformances - “Blast” – This show brings outdoorpageantry to the stage using athleticism, musical talent,kaleidoscopic movement and showmanship into itsperformance. Tickets - $40-$70

Delaware Theater Co., 200 Water Street, 302-594-1100January 18-February 5 - Matinee & EveningPerformances “Time Stands Still” – A photojournalist anda foreign correspondent try to find happiness in a worldthat has gone crazy. They tell tough stories and when theirown story takes a sudden turn, the couple confronts theprospect of a more conventional life and everythingchanges. Tickets $45-$49

Sonya Comstock

Recycled Card Program

St. Jude's Ranch for Children takes donations of usedcards to be recycled into new cards.  The childrenparticipate in making new cards by removing the front andattaching a new back.  The result is a beautiful new cardmade by the children and volunteers. These cards are thensold.  The benefits are two-fold: the children receive paymentfor their work and learn the benefits and importance of"going green" and customers receive "green" cards.  Itstarted out as being only Christmas cards but they now areaccepting cards from all occasions and thank you notes.

The Clubhouse Committee has agreed to sponsor thisprogram. If you are interested in donating your cards at

any time during the year you may drop them off at theClubhouse Library. There will be a box with all information.

Donating tips:� All types of cards (Birthday, Thank You, Get Well, etc)� Only the front of the card will be used and the card

should be cut at the fold� Cannot accept Hallmark, Disney or American Greetings� 5” x 7” or smaller is preferred

If you wish any further information, please contact JulieHambrecht.

Julia Hambrecht

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$6.95

Expiration Date: 5/31/2012Expiration Date: 5/31/2012

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Thoughts to PonderOn a Cold Winter’s Eve

(Written by Regina Brett, 55 years old,of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio.)

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons lifetaught me. I added 5 more when I turned 50. It is the mostrequested column I've ever written. My odometer rolledover to 55 this year, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.5. Pay off your credit cards every month.6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to

disagree.7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the

present.12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea

what their journey is all about.14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in

it.15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't

worry; God never blinks.16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or

get busy dying.17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the

second one is up to you and no one else.20. When it comes to going after what you love in life,

don't take no for an answer.21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the

fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion.Today is special.

22. Over prepare, and then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wearpurple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In

five years, will this matter?"27. Always choose life.28. Forgive everyone everything.29. What other people think of you is none of your

business.30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.

Your friends will. Stay in touch.33. Believe in miracles.34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of

anything you did or didn't do.35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you

stronger.36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it

memorable.38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting

everywhere.40. If we all tossed our problems in a pile and saw

everyone else's, we'd take ours back.41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you

need.45. The best is yet to come.46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show

up.47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.48. If you don't ask, you don't get.49. Yield.50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

You may not agree with all of these items but I am surethat many of them will provide “food for thought”.

Dick Rausch

The Wine Stoppers Christmas Dinner

One of Springmill’s wine tasting groups, “The WineStoppers”, held their annual Christmas Dinner at CaféGelato in Newark on Dec. 13. In a beautifully decoratedprivate room, 16 of us were served a sumptuous mealwhich we all thoroughly enjoyed.

We began with hors d’oeuvres: shrimp salad on croutons,bruschetta on crostini, and short rib on polenta, all servedwith J. Lohr Reisling and Stags Leap Merlot. For dinner,our first course was house-made lobster ravioli with asherry cream sauce served with J. Lohr Reisling. Oursecond course was a salad of baby spinach, feta cheese,roasted walnuts, and sun-dried cherries tossed in a warmpancetta vinaigrette and topped with crispy onion. Our third

course was an intermezzo of lemon sorbetto. Our fourthcourse was an entrée choice of fillet mignon, rack of lamb,veal chop, or scallops served with St. Clement CabernetSauvignon and Talbott Kali Hart Chardonnay. The entreeswere prepared with delicious demi-glace, marinades, orbeurre blanc and accompanied by creative sides. Our fifthcourse was a dessert of their famous chocolate hazelnutgelato with coffee and tea service.Restaurant owner Ryan German welcomed us and gave usinteresting information about our dinner’s wines and why heselected them. Our servers were wonderful and efficient –and they even retrieved our coats for us! Café Gelato is anaward-winning restaurant. Ryan learned to make gelatofrom artisans in Italy. Give it a try.

Mary Jo Starrett

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272 Carter DriveMiddletown, DE 19709

Drew Chas, D.C.Now Offering Massage Therapy

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Meet Your NeighborIt may have been that we fit their “wish list” criteria. Or itmay have been George’s intuitive reaction when he and Pegpulled into Windmill Drive. Whatever it was, we’re glad thatGeorge Diacoyanis (dee ack o yan’ iss) and his wife of fiveyears, Peggy Anne (who’s listed in the directory asMargaret…but DON’T call her that) Wilson are happy intheir home at 144 Springmill Drive.

Since I knew this would be in the February issue, I got veryexcited when I heard their story. It is perfect for theValentine’s Day Sentinel.

George and Peg originally met at a summer coffee house atLoyola College, sometime in the early 70’s, where Georgeemceed the shows and performed on his guitar. A friend ofPeg’s was also involved with this coffee house andintroduced the two of them. Time passed, and in 1991, shemet George again at the same girlfriend’s house. This timethe friend and George had just started dating. Over the nextten years, a group of friends, including our threesome, gottogether every Saturday night. The guys played guitar andsang together, while the girls cooked and did crafts. Thegroup also enjoyed vacationing together. (I’m giving you allthis information for a reason, which will soon becomeapparent.) Then the relationship between George and Peg’sfriend ended. Before too long, sometime in 2002, Georgeand Peg (with her friend’s blessing) started “seeing eachother.” Luckily, “seeing” didn’t last another ten years. Thecouple became engaged in 2005, and got married onSeptember 23, 2006. Kismet…it took a while, but the rightcouple was finally together at the right time in their lives. It isthe first marriage for both of them.

In the intervening years, both had careers they loved. Pegworked at McCormick and Company Inc., in the FlavorDivision, for thirty-five years. She started right aftergraduating from Wilson College. Her job dealt with QualityAssurance and Regulatory Affairs. Basically, that means,she made sure that what McCormick produced was safe toeat and met the rules and regulations of the Food, Drug andCosmetic Administration. The Flavor Division manufacturesseasonings and flavorings for other American andinternational companies, which are used in foods (humanand animal), soft beverages, and alcoholic beverages. Oneof her responsibilities was to verify that all the ingredientsused in their products were legal for use and were labeledproperly on the products label. Having a grandson with apeanut allergy, I know how important that labeling can be.

George spent his career as a schoolteacher. His firstteaching jobs were in the Baltimore City Public Junior HighSchools. At this time, he also taught one high schoolchemistry class at Bais Yaakov School for girls. After nineyears, he transferred to the Hartford County Public SchoolSystem, where he taught chemistry and physics for 21years. In addition to teaching, he was the head coach forvarsity softball and the head junior varsity basketball coach.After a year of retirement, he decided to go back to hisprofession. He taught physics and was the Chairman of theScience Department at Seton Keough High School, for sixyears. I was very impressed with his science backgroundbecause I loved science. I just wasn’t very good with the

math part…sort of important inchemistry and physics.

Naturally these two clever,mature people knew what theywanted when it came time tochoose a retirement home. Pegand George were both born,raised, and lived in BaltimoreCity their whole lives…except forcollege. Gradually, the demographics of their neighborhoodchanged. It became hard to see the area transform andhave no power to turn things around. Initially they consideredPennsylvania but the tax situation in Delaware won out.They also wanted one floor, an over-55 community, andneeded to be close to family and friends. They also wantedto be a manageable distance from their Maryland physicians,whom they’ve known all their lives.

In 2007, both were ready to retire, so a move was in theirnear future…and they also knew they deserved a bettersituation than they had been dealing with in Baltimore City.They started their search in the Rehoboth/Lewes area. Buttraffic and distance precluded that move, so their searchmoved farther north. With their criteria in hand, they wouldfirst search on the internet, and then, on weekends, go“house shopping” to find their dream house. On their thirdtrip (The third time is always the charm.), as they turned intoWindmill Drive, George had a “gut feeling” that Springmillwas the place. He was right. They moved into their home inJuly of 2009.

Since moving, they have come to appreciate the “Mayberry”charm of Springmill and its residents. “Our neighbors aregreat! They continually surprise us with their caring, concernand helpfulness.” George and Peg have found some of thesame characteristics as they dealt with local businesses…quite a change from Baltimore City.”

The couple now has more time for some of their favoriteleisure activities. George’s passion is acoustic guitar andfolk music. If anyone would like to get together for a jamsession, he’s listed in the directory. Peg enjoys cooking,playing card games, especially bridge, and raising “indoor”plants, including orchids. They even have a dieffenbachiaplant, which looks like a small tree, which was started from aplant George’s mother received as a gift over sixty years ago.

As far as vacation time, they’re happy anytime they’re in anoceanfront house in the off-season. The Outer Banks is afavorite area. Even though Peg has traveled to many placesaround the world, they have hopes of traveling together toEurope and other “exotic” places in the coming years.

The couple said they had no “final thoughts” because thingsare never final…new things happen every day. Which in itsown way is a great final thought. I’m sure these five-yearlyweds will make lots of memories this coming year…especiallyon Valentine’s Day. We send all of you hugs and kisses onFebruary 14th. Go make some memories.

June Stemmle

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Sign Directs Visitors to Clubhouse

The Maintenance and Repair Committee (MRC) proposedreplacing the sign advertising McKee’s Spring Arbor, whichwas located on a grass berm about 500 feet north ofWindmill Lane. This sign was installed by McKee severalyears ago. It replaced the original sign directing potentialbuyers to the Springmill models and sales office. TheBoard of Directors approved the MRC proposal and abrand new sign was installed by members of the MRC inlate December. The sign reads “Springmill ClubhouseNEXT RIGHT” with an arrow (→) pointing to the right.  Itwill make it very easy for visitors coming to Springmill, fromthe north on US Highway 301, to find us.

Dick Rausch

The New Year came in on a spring-like day, and about athousand people lined the streets to see the annualparade. Leading was Jack Schreppler, the parade’sGrand Marshal for Life. Several floats demonstrated thesad state of the economy with its “Occupy Middletown”message. The floats also featured Casey Anthony, BinLaden’s widow with a goat, the short-lived wedding of KimKardashian, the Eagles coach, Andy Reid, the RoyalWedding and the Davis family’s vintage fire truck which

Hummers Paradewon first prize. Anything goes with this annual event whichbrings in people from afar who enjoy the creativity of thepeople on the floats. Nothing is too sacred to escapebeing part of the Hummers Parade, and parade goersenjoy seeing celebrities and politicians being mocked fortheir antics.

Sonya Comstock

Birth Announcement

Chase Hamilton Feinberg

12/20/20118 lb 7 oz.

Proud parentsCraig and Jessica Feinberg

Proud grandparentsHerman and Wilma Feinberg

Chris Chappelle &Marilyn Johnson

Jack Schreppler -Grand Marshall

Occupy MiddletownJudy Graff, Sonya Comstock, Chris Chappelle,Barbara Abrams, Herb & Cynthia Frank

Environmentalist

Casey Anthony Royal Wedding Facility for Occupiers Occupy Wall St. Wall Street 1%

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New Year’s Eve With Sky BradyAbout 70 residents came toSpringmill’s traditional New Year’sEve gathering. Sky Brady kept theparty hopping with a variety ofmusic enjoyable to all, a reading ofNew Year’s resolutions, and a gamefull of laughter.

Many thanks go to Bev Strong

and the CEC for all their efforts tomake this a very enjoyable evening.

The evening ended with the droppingof the Ball at Time Square heraldingin 2012! Happy

New Year!

Joe Grippo

Carolyn & Carl Rifino Margaret & ClarenceBailey

Bill & Mary Sapp

Lorraine Mills &Ann Raymond

Becky & Ed BullockGinny Grippo &Sky Brady

Freda & John Mitchell Noreen Ryan

Anne & Andy Lucas Sky Brady & MarilyJohnson

Jim & EleanorSchaeffer

Jerry & JanetGeftman

Marily Johnson &Sonya Comstock

Herman Feinberg, SandyMaguire & Herb Frank

Charlotte Smith &Vera Bagnatori

Victoria Mooney &Pat Frail

Catherine McNeil &John Oppelt

Herb & Cynthia Frank

George & ClaudetteLatsko

Gil & Jean Royal Jennie & BobSchreckengost

Bonnie & TonySilva

Ruth & Bob Cohen Fred & Maria Wendt

Wilma Feinberg Ann & Frank Basler Sky Brady & WifeDon & Bev StrongAnne Currie &Peggy Andrews

Bill Noyes &Bobbie Kauffman

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17

Springmill Activity Contacts

Book Club -Kay O’Day-AllenBocce – Ann LucasBowling – Julia HambrechtBridge (Thursday Afternoon) - Joan GrossBunco – Looking for a CoordinatorComputer Resources – Dick RauschDominoes – Barb KellyGolf - Fred WendtGourmet 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 - Peg McMullen/Phyllis TorgersenTennis (Men’s/Women’s) -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 ActivitiesBook Club Choices for February

Book Club 1 (Deb Kupper/1st Wed.) This month we’ll beenjoying “Shanghai Girls” by Lisa See.

Book Club 2 (Mary-Elizabeth Rhoads/4th Tues.) Ourgroup will be discussing “Heart Mender” by Andy Andrews.

Book Club 3 (Lydia Olson/3rd Mon.) Our book club isreading “Clara and Mr. Tiffany” by Susan Vreeland.

Book Club 4 (Mary Jo Starrett/1st Wed.) We will beenjoying “Dreams of Joy” by Lisa See.

Book Club 5 (Joan Gross/3rd Tues.) Our choice forFebruary is “Little Bee” by Chris Cleave.

June Stemmle

Charity Committee

The Charity Committee received a letter from the Outreachcoordinator at the MOT center. The letter indicates howmuch the gifts we gave from our holiday drive helpedmany seniors have a great holiday. I will post the letter inthe clubhouse for everyone to read.

With the cold winter months ahead and many of ourSpringmill community in Florida, help is still needed for theless fortunate. Putting out one or two cans of food can beof great help for those in need. We will be collecting for theNeighborhood House in February. A good deed is areflection of a person's soul . Try to stay warm.

Maria Corvino

Community Events Committee

One New Year’s celebration was not enough for theresidents of Springmill. So we had another one on January28th. We celebrated the Chinese New Year. The Year ofthe Dragon party was a great success. From soup tofortune cookies everything was delicious and who knewhow much fun you could have with chopsticks and ping-pong balls! Our thanks to Ann Newswanger, WilmaFeinberg and Pat Frail.

The festivities and fun will continue, so mark yourcalendar. FEBRUARY 18th “BELLA NOTTE” a beautifulnight of Italian cuisine. Check the flyer in this month’sSentinel for details.

APRIL 21st, there will be an evening of entertainment withTODD CHAPPELLE.

The CEC is always looking for new ideas for events for theresident’s to “HAVE A GOOD TIME”. If you have an ideayou would like to share, we would welcome your input. Noidea you can think of?? That’s OK, come to our meetingand hear what we are planning and how you can join in.The CEC meetings are held the first Wednesday of eachmonth at 6:30 in the Craft Room. Please join us.

Peggy Andrews

Editor’s Note: Peggy Andrews will be Chairing the CECfor the next several months while Bev Strong is in Florida.

Block Captains NeededPhyllis Torgersen, The Sentinel’s DistributionManager, is in need of Block Captians to deliver TheSentinel. The job entails delivering about 25 Sentinel’sat the beginning of every month. If interested involunteering, please call Phyllis.

Joe Grippo

Thank You

We wish to thank all our Springmill friends who havekept Carol in their prayers,provided meals, sent cardsand visited during the last several months of herunexpected ordeal and subsequent rehab. Yourthoughtfulness is appreciated more than we canadequately express.

Mel and Carol Geiger

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19

Book Review Restaurant Review Kid Carolina: R.J. Reynolds, Jr.

Heidi Schnakenberg

The heir to the Reynolds tobacco industry was a man whomade history of his own making. Not satisfied with just beinga successor to the family riches, he was a Southern icon inhis own right – a pioneer in business, engineering, politicsand philanthropy. He enjoyed the fortune he inherited to theninth degree and indulged himself with luxuries others couldonly dream about. Serving as treasurer of the DemocraticNational Committee, he is credited as single handedlysecuring FDR’s third term election and was Mayor of Winston-Salem. He earned his pilot’s license as a teenager fromOrville Wright, developed countless renowned businesses,from Delta and Eastern Airlines to the World War II shippingcornerstone, American Mail Lines. He helped to shapeAmerican history.

He had many successes, but marriage was not one of them.He was married four times but during these marriages, henever remained faithful, always wanting someone newer. Hisfather died in 1918 when he was 12 and Winston-Salem shutdown out of respect for a man who gave them employmentand changed the way employers treated their employees. Hewas one of the first employers in America to implement a 9-5workday, five-day workweek and to offer paid benefits,including health care, vacation time and on-site child care.Women were hired, the first black hospital in the South wassubsidized, a saving and loan bank was started, and manyother philanthropic endeavors were credited to the Reynoldsfamily and continue to this day. During the mourning period,he remained with his mother at the Reynolds estate where allfour children were sheltered from other young children. At 17he left home and set out to sea on a freighter, not revealinghis identity. His love of the sea stayed with him all of his life.

When his mother met a much younger man and married him,Dick felt betrayed. He and his siblings were left orphanswhen his mother died. Dick was only 18, and they wereraised by distant cousins. He enrolled at North Carolina StateUniversity but dropped out. Being tied down to someoneelse’s schedule was not his style.

Dick became interested in flying, and love of aviation neverleft him as he was constantly flying around the world. He alsocherished being on the ocean and owned many yachts in hislife time. His three addictions – alcohol, Camel cigarettes andwomen – would eventually ruin his life. While he would doeverything to help the town citizens survive through theDepression, he completely ignored his four sons with Blitzand two sons with Marianne. His personal life was ashambles, but he chose not to change and continued hispattern of leaving behind unfinished business everywhere.His health continued to deteriorate, and he died inSwitzerland with his fourth wife at his side. While he wasmourned in his home town of Winston-Salem, he was buriedin Switzerland which seemed out of place for someone whoseheart belonged to the sea. His fourth wife inheritedeverything while his sons were disinherited. To this day, theReynolds continue the tradition of supporting Winston-Salem.

Sonya Comstock

Cantwell’s TavernOdessa, DE

The long-awaited Cantwell’s Tavern opened in December justin time for the holidays. It really is a step back in time aspatrons enter the former Brick Hotel, which has been restoredto the time of 1822. The owner, Bob Ashby, and his son havecompletely renovated the building paying attention to thewoodwork and finishings. The back of the tavern features abrick wall with old photos and the name of the tavern. Eachof the small dining areas is inviting and cozy and tastefullyfurnished. An addition was added to the restaurant whichhouses the kitchen. Dining outdoors on the patio (not yetconstructed) will be offered in the warm weather. The bararea has stools for those who enjoy drinks beforehand andoffers British Punch, a very strong drink. It also has tables forpatrons who wish to dine there. Upstairs there are severalareas set aside for dining and a very cozy area just forsixteen guests for special occasions. Special events andweddings can also take place here. When the downstairsdining area is filled, patrons will be seated upstairs.

On the walls in the back area are old framed photos of theregion many years ago. More historic maps and photos willbe added throughout the tavern. The menu offers a variety oftasty food beginning with “Starters” such as Deviled Eggs,Oven Baked Pretzels, Harvest Apple and Cheese Fondue, tothe “Raw Bar.” A section called “Small Plates” offers aCheese Board with a selection of Artisanal Cheeses andCharcuterie , Brick Oven Flat Breads, Steamed Mussels orClams with a choice of broth. Garlic Shrimp and Andouilleplus Smoked Trout Salad and Grilled Oysters are also part ofthe Small Plates menu. “Brick Oven Pizzas” with a variety ofchoices follow. Several types of sandwiches are availableserved with hand cut fries and are reasonably priced too.

For those with large appetites, the “Large Plates” menuconsists of Fried Oysters, Turkey Pot Pie, Broiled CrabCakes, Grilled Salmon and Roasted Tomato, Sausage &Broccoli Rabe Ravioli and other tempting choices. Aseparate dessert menu is offered.

An attentive server took our order, and it was served in atimely manner. No rushing of the patrons was observed. Themenu contains items that are many years old such asSnapper Soup but also has She Crab Bisque and ButternutSquash Soup. Dining there takes one back in time whenservice and good food was expected. A casual but somewhatupscale dining is what is offered.

Hours of Operation: Sun. 10-9; Tues, Wed, Thurs. 11:30-10;Fri, Sat, Sun. 11:30-11 p.m. Closed on Monday. TelephoneNo. 376-0600

Sonya Comstock

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David Schopp(A Springmill Resident)

15% off dine-in or take out, can not be combined with any other offer.

All types of Glass & Screens - Sales & Repairs

Springmill Discount: $2.75 off every car wash!

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Bear-Glasgow YMCA

Leading a healthier life is even more important as we age. AYMCA membership sets a person on the path to good healthwith a variety of exercises that improve flexibility in joints,improve cardiovascular conditioning and burn calories to helpmature adults enjoy a full life. The plus side of belonging tothe Y is not just doing exercise but experiencing a lifestylewhich keeps all physically and mentally fit.

The new Y in Bear-Glasgow is not your typical exercise center.It greets its members in a beautiful spacious lobby with twolarge flat screen TVs, a lounge area with complimentary coffeeand tea and an adjoining area where different exercise groupshold special luncheons and get-togethers throughout the year.Only a few years old, the Y has 23,000 members and hasalready expanded its building.

The benefits of a full membership are unlimited use of all 7 Y’sin Delaware; free fitness classes (Aquatic/Aerobic), freebabysitting (1 ½ hrs.); Family and Older Adult Programs: freeindividualized fitness center orientation by a staff member; free“Smart Start” session – a goal setting session that starts a planwith a wellness center professional; free family swim andaccess to lap lanes (2 lanes open all day); new cardioequipment every three years; one indoor pool and two outdoorpools and volunteer opportunities.

Full Membership Fees are debited monthly from a credit cardand can be canceled at any time (with 10 days notice). If yourejoin within three months of having a membership, you do notpay a joiner fee again. However, if it becomes longer thanthree months, the joiner fee must be paid again. For adults(19-64), the monthly fee is $55, for seniors, the fee is $46. Allpay a one-time joiner fee of $60.

Do you think you cannothave a great workout inthe water? (Temperatureis always 84 degrees.)Water exercises benefitpeople of all ages andabilities. What wateraerobics does is providebuoyancy and support forthe body, making it less

likely for the muscle, bone and joint to get injured. Since watersupports up to 80% of your weight, it causes less strain on thejoints, back and torso when compared to land exercises.Water aerobics builds up toned muscle mass throughout the

body. Results can be seen quicker than with land exercises.Dance the Zumba in the pool by joining the Aqua Zumbaaerobics class. Want to improve cardiovascular conditioning?Water aerobics will do the job! Heart rate is maintained at alower rate than with running. In one hour of aerobics, it ispossible to lose about 450-700 calories. For those who sufferwith arthritis, a special program has been designed topromote joint mobility. There are other types of water aerobicclasses which include deep water workout and hydro-pump(shallow water). These classes meet in the morningbeginning at 8:30 during the week for one hour. Not onlydoes your body benefit from the classes, but the opportunityto meet other people is a nice added bonus.

Water exercisesare just one way tostay fit, while the Yoffers otherclasses. Forbeginners toIntermediates,L.I.F.E. (LowImpact FitnessExperience) isperfect for seniorswho are looking to improve strength, endurance, preventmuscle and bone loss while allowing you to retain yourindependence. Muscle tone is improved with the use ofbands, hand weights and body bars. Life Strength is aneducation class for beginners to help gain strength as well aslearn proper technique that can be carried into the fitnesscenter and is beneficial to mature adults, recent rehabparticipants or anyone new to strength training. An adultwellness room has all types of exercise equipment, and a stafferwill work with you to help with the proper equipment for you.

Group fitness classes are also part of the Y program offeringsuch sessions as Bodyflow – the Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilatesworkout; Bodyflow Express – strengthens your core,lengthens your muscles and leaves you feeling centered andbalanced. Beginner Spinning is a 30-minute class whichprovides a cardio workout. For those seniors who would likemore movement, Zumba is the way to dance your way tofitness. Other classes are offered according to your abilityand strength.

If you are uncomfortable or unsteady in getting up from a chairor picking up something, have trouble keeping your balance,then take advantage of this functional training for older adultsto help regain strength, balance and coordination. Feel muchyounger. Class time – Wednesday 10:30 – 11 a.m. (free).Eager to learn ballroom dancing – on Friday nights classesare offered beginning at 6:30-9:30 p.m, no partner necessaryto participate. From 6:30-7:30, New Comers Waltz/Rumba.7:30-8:30, Intermediate Fox Trot/Cha Cha: 8:30 – 9:30,Intermediate Tango/Samba. Sessions are seven weeks, andthe cost is $56 per person.

The Y is just off Rt. 40 West, near Rt 896 (about 12 miles fromSpringmill) and opens during the week at 5 a.m. and closes at10 p.m. Saturday 6 a.m.– 8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.Phone No. 302-836-9622; website: www.YMCADE.org. Ahealthy life style begins with YOU.

Sonya Comstock

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Free Furniture DeliveryFor Springmill Residents

By Mentioning This Ad

23

Living GreenLight Bulb Phase-Out

What You Need To Know

There seems to be a bit of confusionover incandescent light bulb phase-outso I thought I'd take a shot at clarifyingthings as much for my own educationas anything.

Legislation passed back in 2007established a phase-out schedule formost incandescent bulbs; starting with100 watt light bulbs in 2011 inCalifornia and on January 1 this year for the remainder ofthe USA. 75W light bulbs will be phased out next year andthe 60W and 40W light bulbs will disappear in 2014.

Although Congress threw a monkey wrench in the works inDecember 2011 in terms of the January 1, 2012, start dateby delaying its formal commencement until October 2012,the nation's bulb manufacturers and major retailers havestuck to the original January 1 date.

Consumers will still be able to buy 100 watt bulbs for awhile, until stocks run out - which is expected to happenaround mid-2012. From what I've read, some folks havebeen hoarding the darned things.

Incandescent bulbs are incredibly energy intensiveconsidering only 10% of the electricity they consume isconverted to light; the rest is wasted as heat. Still, somepeople say they prefer the type of light they generate; butperhaps they haven't tried the latest generation ofalternative lighting technology. It's certainly come a longway.

New packaging requirements have also commenced wherethe term "watts" is replaced with "lumens". The reason forthis is a watt is a unit of power, whereas lumen is a unit oflight. While packaging will offer some sort of "watt-equivalent" detail as well, here's how the new ratingstranslate for clear, frosted and soft white general servicelight bulbs.

100 watt = 1490-2600 lumens75 watt = 1050-1489 lumens60 watt= 750-1049 lumens40 watt = 310-749 lumens

This information comes from the American LightingAssociation.

The types of light bulbs we will be replacing ourincandescent bulbs with will be either halogen or xenonhybrid bulbs which barely pass the new efficiencyrequirements; or Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) andLED bulbs - both of which blast past it, with a quality LEDbulb being the king of efficiency and serviceable life.

CFLs are well established in the market and veryreasonably priced these days. Given the increase ofrecycling points, the small amount of mercury CFLs containhas become less of an issue. LEDs are a different matterwhen it comes to quality. You just need to be careful whatyou purchase, particularly given their higher price tag.

So why is there an attempt to delay the phase-out? Theway I understand it is a few politicians and lawmakerswhipped up a bit of a storm and the basis for their objectionto the phase-out was largely based on freedom of choice -and the usual cries of jobs and whatever else they coulddream up.

After much discussion and debate, a one-year bill waspassed in December 2011, that states the Department ofEnergy won't be able to spend money on enforcing therequirements until October 2012. As mentioned, retailersand manufacturers are thankfully respecting the originalJanuary 1, 2012, date in relation to the production ofincandescent bulbs of their own accord.

Don't we have more than enough destructive items stillfreely available to us? This situation also goes way beyondthe real or imagined rights of the individual. Imagine givingyour children a high level of freedom of choice. Of course,you wouldn't do it; they would only get themselves introuble. But we aren't children of course, we have much,much more common sense than our children, or do we?

However, in the case of light bulbs, old habits die hard.Market forces may have driven the change eventually, butwith a planet in crisis and this being reasonably lowhanging fruit, it makes sense to write the phase-out into lawand force positive change in a shorter period of time. Afterall, the greenest watt is the one you don't have to generate.

In the US the switch away from incandescent light bulbswill have saved more than 300 terawatt (that is 12 zeros)hours of electricity and 300 million tons of greenhouse gasemissions from now to 2020; equivalent to permanentlydecommissioning a few large coal-fired power stations orpermanently taking more than five million cars off the road.

Keep using those alternatives to incandescent light bulbsto help us “Live Green”.

Dick RauschPoolroom News

On December 21, thirteen pool players enjoyed a holidaypizza party followed by our usual three hours of pool playing.

This month we recorded four perfect games as follows:

January 11- Tom FerraraJanuary 11- Larry DaigleJanuary 5- Bob CohenJanuary 9- Bob Cohen

Bob Cohen

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We work with all Insurance Companies

25

Spotlight onOur Advertisers

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

Computer Tutor

Atlantic Veterinary Center

John Weiher, Jr., V.M.D. has been residingand practicing veterinary medicine in thearea since 1997. The move to Middletownwas brought about because of the many newhousing developments and an excellentschool district. Dr. Weiher’s responsibility isto diagnose animal health problems andperform tests such as blood tests, X-ray,EKG, ultrasound and stool tests. Another ofhis responsibilities is to prevent infections byvaccinating for diseases such as rabies and distemper. Becausethe animal is unable to speak about his or her problems, theprocess of elimination is the only way to diagnose what is wrongwith the animal. An annual exam is necessary to keep youranimal healthy and preserve good health for many years.

Dr. Weiher’s office is similar to a human doctor’s office withstate of the art equipment for all types of medical issues. Heperforms necessary surgery, medicates animals sufferingfrom infections or illnesses and sets simple fractures. Inaddition, he provides some animals with special food becauseof health reasons.

Dogs age quickly and by seven are considered approachingold age. As humans need more medical care as they age, sodo our pets. Dogs and cats may have dental problems thatprevent them from eating that need the special care of a vet.A slight limp might indicate serious problems. Animals withspecial needs such as blindness and deafness and those whoare diabetic require extra attention.

Becoming a veterinarian is a very long, expensive process.There are only 28 accredited schools in the US. A bachelor’sdegree is required with a background in animal science, andonly one in three applicants is accepted. The cost is staggering -$200,000. Once a student graduates from veterinary college,he or she can open a practice immediately. Opening apractice requires a major outlay in purchasing high-techequipment necessary to operate a first class vet center.

His wife, Maureen, serves as Office Manager and back-upreceptionist, handles the inventory of medications and thefinancial aspects of the practice. Both Dr. Weiher and his wifeagree that their greatest satisfaction is restoring a sick animalto good health again. Their office staff consists of Dr. ClareLochstoer who works on Wednesday evening, Thursdaymorning and every other Saturday and three technicians whoassist.

An unpaid member of their staff is Lucky, a stray dog theyfound. His job is to welcome animals and their owners in afriendly calming manner assuring them they are in good handswith the doctor. He never barks or jumps on patients as theyenter, but instead offers expressions of support. He knowsanimals are somewhat apprehensive when visiting the vet, butthey settle down with Lucky at their side. Continued on Pg. 26

Take a byte of Apple

Editor’s Note: Herb Frank, one of Springmill’s newestresidents, has volunteered to write an occasional article onthe world of Apple computing. I thought this would be agood contrast since most Computer Tutor columns are PC-oriented and this should provide a nice balance. Herb hasalso volunteered to keep the Clubhouse Library’s Maccomputer up-to-date. Herb starts off with:“A trip down memory lane ……”

This is a column devoted to Apple computers and devices.I am a devoted Apple user since 1979. I do not profess tobe an expert in all things Apple but rather a practical userof its products. My first computer was an Apple II+. It camewith one external hard drive and 48 KB of memory. It hadone disk drive. A KB is a kilobyte and is 1000 bytes. A byteis 8 bits. A bit is the smallest measure of data that acomputer uses. Today’s computers (my Mac) have 2 GB ofmemory. A GB is a gigabit and is 1 billion bits.

To print, you used a dot matrix printer. The quality andspeed was a far cry from today’s printers. To use aprogram, you would insert a disk (called a floppy disk) intothe external drive and wait until it loaded into memory.Then you ejected the disk and inserted another disk thatthe computer could write on when you saved your work.

This was a slow and cumbersome process. But it was thebest around and we were glad to have it. Sometimes aprogram needed two disks to load and you would switchdisks often. My first purchase after the initial one wasanother floppy disk to avoid this and allow the computer todo this.

You had to buy all your programs and disks. This prompteda new breed of user. One who learned the tips and tricks.They ranged from the simple and legal like cutting a notchin the disk to use both sides, to the complex and illegal likebreaking the copyright provisions of programs and copyingthem for use by others. These were the first hackers.

You could learn to program the computer in a languagecalled basic. I learned to write a simple program that wouldproduce a random number. I was a coder. Cool! Fromthere I was introduced to simple programs such as SargonII (chess), AppleWriter II (a word processor), VisaCalc (aspreadsheet) and my favorite Adventure (a fantasy game.)

There was the Internet but it was not available for thehome user. Later on we had bulletin boards. To connect tothem you had to get a modem, which connected to yourphone line and computer. Those modems were rated at300 bits per second. I gradually replaced them as theybecame available until the (then) fast modem speed of33.6 kbs in the 90’s. By contrast, today’s wireless routersor modems can stream data at 100 million bits per second.The computer would dial intothe bulletin board and

Continued on Pg. 26

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The Center is located at Middletown Square Shopping Center.Phone 376-7506 – Hours of Operation: Mon. – 8:15-7:30 p.m.,Tues/Wed/Fri – 8:15–6 p.m. Thurs. 8:15-5 p.m. Every otherSaturday 8:15-noon.

Sonya Comstock

Continued From Pg. 25: Atlantic Veterinary

magically datawould appear on your screen. You could have real timediscussion with other members; play word games, readstories and view drawings made with letters from thekeyboard.

Then I heard about the Internet. It was available to collegestudents, professors and staff. Then the bulletin boardsbegan to offer Internet access. You shared access withother members. So often you would sit and wait for yourconnection. The Internet of yesterday was a far cry fromtoday’s World Wide Web. It was not visual. It was only datastreamed to your computer. There were no photos orvideos or web pages. But it was a link to the outside world.You could access publicly available data at universities.You could email other users. You could communicate.

As time progressed, so did computers and what they coulddo. The World Wide Web came into being and is nowavailable to anyone with a computer or tablet to access it. Itis a “Brave New World.” My next column will discusstoday’s Apple products and why I feel they are so beneficialto seniors.

Herbert Frank

Road. A Chick-Fil-Arestaurant will be constructed this spring on a pad locationin front of Kohls. Other possibilities for the Westown areaare a Target Store and a movie complex in the distantfuture. Costco has been looking at a location in the AutoPark but this is very preliminary.

Within the downtown area, The Promenade will berethought and a new plan submitted. The owners of theproperties on either side of the railroad as you enterMiddletown from the west are looking for tenants. PaneraBread has expressed interest but several other tenantswould be required to make this happen.

The Mayor made it clear that the quaint nature of thedowntown area would be retained and that there were noplans to annex any additional land in the near future. Thepopulation of Middletown, which is now about 19,000,should not rise above 25,000 in the next several years.

The Mayor will look into the long wait to get out of thecommunity at the Springmill Drive traffic light. He alsoaddressed the issue of the white blinking light on a tower intown, visible throughout Springmill, which should be red atnight. He agreed this was an error and would be correctedshortly.

The residents applauded Mayor Branner’s honest, candidpresentation and invited him back again. The Mayormentioned that he enjoyed these sessions at Springmilland would return.

Dick Rausch

Continued From Pg 1: Mayor’s Visit Vial of Life

Since we have a number of new residents, our editorial staffthought this article, which appeared a few years ago, wasworth reprinting. Of course, all the information was checkedand updated.

“Vial of Life is a FREE service provided to ALL seniors anddisabled residents by the New Castle County EmergencyMedical Services Division Paramedics. It is literally a“vial” that looks like a medicine container for pills. The vialand kit are available upon request by calling (302) 395-8184.

So, you ask, why should I bother tocall and get this container? How willit save my life? The answer issimple. Should you have a medicalemergency, the paramedics havebeen trained to check yourrefrigerator door for a “Vial of Life”magnet. If you have one, they willthen open your refrigerator and headfor the butter compartment. Youread right…the butter compartment. If you’ve followeddirections, that’s where you’ve placed the container with allyour pertinent medical information inside: doctors’ namesand phone numbers, prescriptions you’re taking, allergies,contact persons, etc.

OK, this all sounds good, but nothing in life is free; what’s thecatch? The good news is that there is no catch. The reasonit’s free is that New Castle County has partnered withWalgreen‘s and Christiana Hospital, who are underwritingthe cost. Community service is a wonderful thing. Many ofour residents have already taken advantage of this programand brought it to my attention. Now, we’re sharing with all ofyou.

It is now time to pick up your phone and start dialing. Thelife you save may be your own.

June Stemmle

Editor’s Note: Recently both June & Sonya wrote about alsokeeping a record of medications and doctors in the glovecompartment of your car in case of an accident Also, it is agood practice to keep a list of emergency contacts in thesame envelop in the glove compartment.

January Board Motions

� Motion to waive additional fob fee to a new home ownerwith only one fob. Motion passed (4-0) Rifino absent

� Motion to order a Gold Star Award to be placed on theSpringmill entry sign. Motion passed (4-0) Rifino absent.

Bob Lhulier

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