Mt. Gretna Campmeeting News
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Mt. Gretna Campmeeting News Summer Edition 2020 Letter from the President and concerns, and we take that into account as Kevin Burd, President, MGCA Board of Managers we make community-wide decisions. In recent months, we listened to your concerns and Since the spring newsletter was published, decided to create a weekly update to apprise much has happened in Campmeeting and Members of local, state, and federal government beyond. A global pandemic has forever changed guidelines and restrictions related to COVID-19. the way we think and function each day. We We also took this opportunity to feature local experienced fear for the health of our families, businesses and community Members who were friends, and community members. Yet we being creative amid the restrictions placed upon experienced hope too. their businesses. The greater Mt. Gretna Truth be told, I experienced dark days, days communities have also been challenged to that challenged my spirit—but through it all, I collaborate and build relationships with one have watched this community spring into action another. In many ways, this is a silver lining that and lead by example. I shared a well-known will hopefully continue. quote from Fred Rogers in a weekly COVID-19 You TRUST me, and you place your trust in Update—a nod to the helpers in our community, the Board of Managers. We are volunteers, and and it could not be more true. I will share it we are committed to Campmeeting. We work to again: prioritize infrastructure projects in the “When I was a boy and I would see scary community. Water is a priority. Recently the things in the news, my mother would say to me, board enlisted the expertise of a local “Look for the helpers. You will always find engineering firm to guide us in making sound people who are helping.” --Fred Rogers decisions regarding our drinking water, and we You INSPIRE me, and you inspire the Board will seek your input too. Paving projects, culvert of Managers every day. In the face of darkness, replacement under the street’s surface, and you continue to give back to the community. maintaining the tree canopy are all projects on Countless volunteers give their time for the horizon. Communication and transparency committee work. Our volunteers’ experience are a must, and we ask you to stay engaged—we and knowledge benefit this community in all play key roles in sustaining the future of significant ways. Beyond committee work, our Campmeeting. “steady Eddies” quietly maintain the community Most important, I value YOU. Thank you without asking for a thank-you. Whether it’s for what you give me—your love for keeping the Tabernacle free of debris, pulling in Campmeeting. I feel it every day; now more than a neighbor’s trash cans on Monday morning, or ever. walking a friend’s dog when time is a challenge— “Stay safe, stay healthy—and stay calm.” –Dr. you create a ripple that extends far beyond your Rachel Levine reach, and you contribute to the spirit that is Mt. Gretna. You CHALLENGE me, and you challenge the Board of Managers to maintain the best interests of our community, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. We listen to your comments Summer 2020 Newsletter P.O. Box 428, Mt. Gretna, PA 17064 www.mtgretnacampmeeting.com Page 1
Annual MGCA Board of Managers • Detailed instructions are included with Election for the 2021-2023 Term the ballot Submitted by Esther Mefferd, Nominations Committee • Members are asked to vote for no more Chair than three candidates • Members will have the ability to write-in Elections to fill three (3) seats on the Board candidates of Managers will take place on July 25, 2020. • Returned ballots must be postmarked by Individuals serve for a three-year term (2021- July 18, 2020 and received by 11 a.m. on 2023) beginning in January 2021. Five (5) July 25, 2020 MGCA members have submitted their names. Of the five, two (2) are incumbents, including • Members will receive a courtesy email (alphabetically): from the MGCA Office Manager to confirm ballot receipt • Kevin Burd, 201 6th Street (Incumbent) • Ballots will be counted on Saturday, July • Susan Engle, 705 1st Street 25, 2020 • Jennifer Kantmann, 404 3rd Street • The results of the election will be emailed • Ted Martin, 202 3rd Street (Incumbent to Members, posted in the community, • Katcha Neale, 502 6th Street and posted to the MGCA website on July 25, 2020 ELIGIBILITY & MAIL-IN BALLOTS • Short biographies are included with the “The members of the Association shall be all ballot; full biographies are posted to the persons who are homeowners within the MGCA website, and Members are Campmeeting Grounds” (MGCA Bylaws, Art. V, encouraged to view these personal Section 1.). However, there are limitations on statements members’ voting rights. Article V, Section 11, states: “The homeowners within the VOTING & POLLING PLACE Campmeeting Grounds are entitled to one (1) Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, all vote, in person, by ballot or by mail for each eligible voters will receive a paper, mail-in ballot. home, however, that (a) joint owners of a single There will be no in-person voting. home shall be entitled to one (1) vote for that household; (b) the owner or owners of two or ELECTION BOARD more homes in the Campmeeting Grounds shall “The Election Board, by the authority of the be entitled to only one (1) vote; and (c) under no Board and with the approval of the Board of circumstances shall any home, household or Managers, shall consist of a Manager (who shall individual be entitled to more than one (1) vote.” act as judge) and two (2) members of the Association who shall act as inspectors. No In other words, there is only one vote/ballot person who is a candidate for office shall act as a per household, and owner(s) of multiple cottages judge or inspector (MGCA Charter & Bylaws, are entitled to only one vote/ballot. Members Section 13. Election Board). The Election Board should decide who will cast the vote for joint will be notified of their role in the owners. The MGCA office maintains a list of election/voting process. the eligible voters; eligible voters will cast their • Barbara Myers, Judge (MGCA Board of votes via mail-in ballot. We encourage Members Managers, Vice-President) to return their mail-in ballots as soon as possible. • Carmen Bianco, Inspector (MGCA To vote, the following steps must be Member) followed: • Don Miller, Inspector (MGCA Member) • Ballots will be mailed to the Member’s • Beverly Andrews, Alternate Inspector address of record on July 3, 2020 (MGCA Member) Summer 2020 Newsletter P.O. Box 428, Mt. Gretna, PA 17064 www.mtgretnacampmeeting.com Page 2
CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION Katcha Neale—I volunteer on the Trees and Candidates submitted a full Bio/Letter of Policy & Procedure Committees and I believe Interest, as well as a 50-word summary for this transparency and accountability are crucial to Newsletter. Below you will find the summaries Campmeeting’s success. In addition to our numbered in alphabetic order. Please, go to the cottage, my husband and I steward 39-acres of MGCA website; familiarize yourself with the full woods, wetlands, and pastures. My greatest joy Bios for each candidate. was homeschooling our two sons. Preserving the environment is my passion. Kevin Burd (incumbent)—serving as the current board president, Kevin has served on the NOMINATING COMMITTEE board since 2017. He chairs two committees and If you have any questions about the serves on numerous others. His experience is in nominations and voting process, please feel free non-profit leadership, policy development, to speak to a member of the Nominating communications, and fiscal planning. Kevin also Committee: serves as a member of the Mt. Gretna Tabernacle • Esther Mefferd, Chair Board of Trustees. • Pam Bishop • Barbara Myers Susan Engle—retired Pharmaceutical • Tammy Travitz Executive: Quality, Regulatory, Facilities, Contracts. Education: BS Chemistry LVC; For any questions/concerns, please contact: MBA, Doctorate – Temple. I am a 3rd MGCA office at generation, 705 1st Street, Association Member office@mtgretnacampmeeting.org or 717-964- and both a Leader and Team Player. 3040. Campmeeting maintenance and capital improvement require attention. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” (Drucker) Jennifer Kantmann—a full-time resident with long-term ties to the area. An action-oriented, organized, and passionate Masters’-level Human Resources professional. I am creative and empathetic but hold myself, and others, to high standards. I encourage a focus on interests over positions, on common sense over politics and on fewer restrictions for homeowners. Ted Martin (incumbent)—longtime cottage owner and incumbent Board member, successfully secured significant grant funding for Tree Health & Management in the infrastructure projects, and prioritized planning Campmeeting efforts and community concerns. Ted is the Submitted by Pat Wilmsen, Tree Health & Executive Deputy Director for the Department of Maintenance, Committee Chair Community and Economic Development, Governor's Center for Local Government As many of you know, Pennsylvania is home Services, and he works tirelessly for to Penn’s Woods. It is easy to take our trees for Campmeeting. granted, and at first glance there may seem to be many. However, we must recognize that there is Summer 2020 Newsletter P.O. Box 428, Mt. Gretna, PA 17064 www.mtgretnacampmeeting.com Page 3
a relationship among our trees, and that they the Campmeeting will benefit, but most feed from one another. In turn, we must important, future generations. Our children and nurture the trees and be good stewards of our grandchildren will inherit a beautiful tree canopy tree canopy. It is important to have a broad and a healthy community that promotes the number of tree species—this includes native symbiotic relationship among trees—while plants of varying height. Smaller tree saplings maintaining property value. have a better chance at growth and survival, so we must be patient and watch them grow! We are committed to planting trees. Please understand that when a tree is removed, another Trees certainly define the Campmeeting. tree will be planted. Stumps will only be Without them, our community would change removed when necessary for future planting. If a drastically. Urban tree management started as new tree can be planted near a stump, as that early as the late 1800s, in America. stump decays it will feed the new-growth sapling. Unfortunately, tree care and management has Tree planting will be focused during early spring started to decline at a rapid pace. The volunteer and fall. If you find a sunny spot for a tree, let us members of the Tree Health & Maintenance know! Committee understand the importance of tree management, and the asset that the tree canopy How can you help? Join the tree committee. brings to this community. Volunteer to help plant trees. Maintain the trees we have—do not drive over the roots, do not Our goal is to develop a comprehensive, long- mulch too close to the trunks, stop ivy from term program that will address the following: growing up and choking trees, and report tree • Advise MGCA Members on tree-related issues immediately to prevent further damage. issues • Continue to maintain MGCA’s Tree Consider making a designated donation to Inventory Development & Management MGCA for “tree health & maintenance.” You Plan can do this in honor of someone, or in memory • Develop a Tree Planting Program that of someone. The committee intends to post accounts for tree species that minimize contributions to the MGCA website, as well as conflict with utilities, sidewalks, signs and future newsletters. more • Review tree removal requests and While on your porch, enjoy the solitude and coordinate tree removal, as needed beauty of our trees that surround us. • Seek funds through grants and donations for tree planting and maintenance I want to thank the members of the • Develop policies that focus on protecting committee for their efforts—Ann Bering, Joe trees, fostering tree health, and Bering, Deb Griffith, Kathy McKenna, and proper/necessary tree removal Katcha Neale—your dedication to our trees is • Educate, inform, and involve the noteworthy. community in tree care • Communicate with the Board of Managers, MGCA Members—West Cornwall Township, utility companies, and contractors Who would benefit from this program, you might ask? Every Member, guest, and visitor in Summer 2020 Newsletter P.O. Box 428, Mt. Gretna, PA 17064 www.mtgretnacampmeeting.com Page 4
determined by the collector (Rule No. 4 – The “Trash Rule.”). When possible, recycling should be your first choice for waste disposal. However, just because an item has a recycling symbol on it does not mean it is recyclable. Materials currently Mt. Gretna Community Library acceptable for curbside recycling must be clean The Library is committed to safely supporting and limited to: the community. The book/magazine rack is • Clear, green, and brown glass bottles/jars stocked and on the porch. Take items from the • Steel and aluminum food and beverage rack and enjoy them without returning them. cans Keep an eye out for the children’s “grab-and-go” • Plastic bottles and jugs only (no food summer reading box. In the coming weeks, look containers, packaging, etc.) to borrow from a limited book list. Titles will • Corrugated cardboard only (must be begin with the Chautauqua book review titles. flattened) Mt. Gretna Library is consulting with other • Newspaper libraries to model practices, and to be in-line with CDC recommendations. ENFORCEMENT Members (including their guests and tenants) The committee will meet on July 9, 2020 to who place trash at the curbside ahead of the discuss the remainder of the summer season. time, fail to return trash receptacles as noted in Information will be posted on the Library’s the Trash Rule, or place oversized items not pre- bulletin board that you can view from their arranged by the trash vendor are subject to fines porch. For up-to-date information on future by the MGCA. events, like us on Facebook: Mount Gretna Community Library. DUMPSTERS When a dumpster meant for disposal of Let’s Talk Trash construction waste, rocks, or other bulky items needs to be emptied, it gets lifted onto a special In 2019, the MGCA Board of Managers truck and transported to a waste disposal facility (BoM) voted to continue with curbside pick-up where it is then emptied. In contrast, the of trash and recyclables (every other week) for Campmeeting dumpsters are emptied on site, Members. At the same time, the BoM voted to directly into the hopper of a garbage truck. move forward with a centralized collection site These trucks have a mechanism that compresses (dumpster) for Members who are unable to the waste to reduce its volume. Items other than comply with the Trash Rule. regular household trash can damage that mechanism. Unapproved materials from a CURBSIDE PICK-UP – TRASH & Campmeeting dumpster have already caused RECYCLABLES damage ($5,000+) to one of our waste hauler’s All trash and recyclables shall be placed in proper trucks. The MGCA did not have to pay for that receptacles and shall be available for collection damage in this instance, but that may not be the on designated collection days. MGCA Members case if it happens again in the future. shall place their trash and/or recyclables outside for collection no earlier than the night before Dumpsters are for disposal of regular, collection day. Containers should be returned to Campmeeting-household waste only. Waste their normal location quickly after pick-up. should be bagged (maximum 35-gallon bags), and Excess refuse shall incur additional charges as Summer 2020 Newsletter P.O. Box 428, Mt. Gretna, PA 17064 www.mtgretnacampmeeting.com Page 5
all waste must be placed inside of the dumpsters. DUMPSTER LOCATION Recycling of cardboard is encouraged, though The MGCA dumpsters are located near the disposal is permitted in the dumpsters if boxes north end of First Street. If entering from Route are broken down and flattened. Items 117, the dumpsters are on the left side of the prohibited for disposal in dumpsters include, but street, situated between the garages. Side-loading are not limited to, construction/demolition dumpsters were placed in June. waste, yard/garden waste, medical waste, carpet, flooring, furniture, appliances, electronics, LARGE/OVERSIZED ITEMS (MGCA batteries, oils, antifreeze, paints, solvents, VENDOR) propane tanks, and any flammable or hazardous Members who wish to have large items picked-up materials. must make these arrangements directly with the trash hauler and must pay for the additional DUMPSTER ENFORCEMENT fee(s) directly with the trash hauler. Contact, Any Member or their guest(s) who is unable to TNT Sanitation at 717-866-2322, or comply with the “Trash Rule” is encouraged to www.tntsanitation.com. use the dumpsters. The dumpsters provided by MGCA are for use by Members, guests, and ADDITIONAL WASTE DISPOSAL tenants for disposal of regular household waste. OPTIONS Rules governing dumpster usage are posted on The Greater Lebanon Refuse Authority (GLRA) signs located at the dumpster site. If everyone north of Annville offers extensive (and free) abides by the posted rules, the dumpster area will drop-off recycling and free disposal of many remain clean and safe, and dumpster capacity electronics items, including televisions. For a will be sufficient for the intended purpose. nominal fee, Lebanon County property owners can also dispose of large items, The following actions are considered infractions construction/demolition waste, etc. at the GLRA of the Trash Rule: location. For more information on these • Unauthorized persons using the dumpsters. options, visit the GLRA website at This is considered “theft of services” and https://www.goglra.org/ or call 717-272-9841. may be prosecuted and subject to fines. • Items left in the vicinity of the dumpsters. For a small fee, Lebanon Country property This is considered “illegal littering on owners can arrange for annual pickup of certain private property” and may be prosecuted household hazardous waste (e.g., paints, stains, and subject to fines. solvents, batteries) that are otherwise difficult to • Members, guests, and tenants disposing of dispose of safely and legally. For details call 717- materials not allowed under MGCA Rules 449-7857 or search for “Household Hazardous & Regulations. Waste” on the GLRA website. Individuals violating MGCA Rules regarding items acceptable for disposal are subject to fines QUESTIONS? by the MGCA. MGCA seeks to provide Members and their guests with a variety of convenient options for A surveillance video system records all activity in waste disposal and recycling. If you have any and around the dumpster site. The MGCA is questions about curbside trash pick-up, recycling coordinating with the Cornwall Borough Police or dumpster-usage, please contact to identify and when possible, prosecute office@mtgretnacampmeeting.org or call 717- violators. 964-3040. Summer 2020 Newsletter P.O. Box 428, Mt. Gretna, PA 17064 www.mtgretnacampmeeting.com Page 6
Cancellations See You Next Season! West Cornwall Township removes Green Waste • Bible Festival, all performances are from our dumpsite. They have instructed our cancelled team that no sticks may be in the Green Waste • Heritage Festival – music under the trees, piles for their composting operations, so please all performances are cancelled help us to be compliant. Also, for residents on • Mt. Gretna Summer concert series, all Batdorf Avenue, please make separate piles for performances are cancelled. grass clippings. For the consideration of our staff—please do not Mt. Gretna Area Historical Society – put dog waste in these piles as our work is mostly Community Events done by hand. As far as clean-up operations, we also ask Members to place piles on streets in- view, so removal is easy and efficient. Consider calling us for your personal landscaping Watch the MGAHS website for upcoming needs! events. Consider becoming a member or volunteer. Also, looking for a unique Mt. Gretna gift? Feel free to browse the online store at www.mtgretnahistory.org/shop. From The Office Welcome new Members! Ian & Kendra Davis – 51 First Street Miles Bojanic – 405 Seventh Street Brenda Martin – 205 Fourth Street From the Tool Shed Angela Hollinger –305 Sixth Street Doug Cheyney, Cheyney Property Maintenance Ken Storck – 301 Bell Avenue Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, and Annual Assessment previous travel restrictions, a decision was made In light of the global pandemic and to extend Green Waste pick-up throughout the restrictions placed on Campmeeting Members’ summer season. ability to work and be compensated, please know that we are willing to work with anyone who Please remember to make separate piles for: finds him/herself in a situation where they are • Leaves, pinecones, and pine needles unable to pay their assessment on time. We will (Green Waste) take each situation individually and ask that you • Sticks and branches contact the office at your earliest convenience. Summer 2020 Newsletter P.O. Box 428, Mt. Gretna, PA 17064 www.mtgretnacampmeeting.com Page 7
during the Quiet Season, July 15 through Office Hours, MGCA President August 31. Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, office hours are on-hold. If you have Rules & Regulations questions, please contact In an ongoing effort to enforce office@mtgretnacampmeeting.org and your Campmeeting Rules, in the second quarter of questions, comments and/or concerns will be 2020 (April-June): forwarded to Kevin Burd. One warning was issued for Noise (Rule No.17) to 410 Sixth Street. Volunteers Needed No fines were issued. Community members are invited to volunteer on committees of the MGCA Board of Dumpsters Managers. Choose your area of expertise. Meet In an ongoing effort to enforce legal disposal your neighbors and make new friendships while of refuse, in the second quarter of 2020 (April- making the Campmeeting a desirable place to June): live. A full committee roster is located within One warning was issued for dumpster usage to this newsletter. Contact the office (717-964- 404 Seventh Street. 3040) for more information—or to volunteer. One fine was issued for dumpster usage to 103 First Street. Board of Managers Meetings One referral was made to Cornwall Borough The MGCA Board of Managers meets Police Department. monthly via ZOOM™ on the third Tuesday of the month. The recorded session is posted to Campmeeting Rental Opportunities the MGCA website within 24-hours. The video Heritage Park pavilion is available for rental is located within the “Board of Managers” on a first-come, first-served basis. The pavilion is ribbon, by clicking on the “Board Meeting available from April through October. The rental Minutes” drop-down menu. Members are fee is $25 along with a $25 security deposit. Be encouraged to view these meetings and to submit advised, rental is for the pavilion-only. The questions/comments to surrounding park area, playground and rest office@mtgretnacampmeeting.org within 10-days rooms remain available to the public. Additional of the video’s posting. All questions/comments rental opportunities that exist for Members are addressed at the next board meeting and include: Tabernacle rental, garage/shed rental included with the official meeting record. (First Street), parking space rental (Boehm Meeting minutes are the official record for the Avenue), large parking space rental (First Street, MGCA archives; the ZOOM™ video is deleted behind garages) and raised planting bed rental once the minutes are approved by the board. (Bell Avenue). Contact office@mtgretnacampmeeting.org for additional Be Respectful of Quiet Hours details, or to request a rental application. • Traditional quiet hours are from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday and Update your Association Membership all day on Sunday year-round—please no Contact Information leaf blowers on Sundays! If you’ve changed your phone number, • Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) mailing address, email address or any other pandemic and restrictions on contractors, contact information, please notify the the Board of Managers will not enforce Campmeeting office. Email communication is quiet hours between the hours of 8:30 a.m. preferred. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Summer 2020 Newsletter P.O. Box 428, Mt. Gretna, PA 17064 www.mtgretnacampmeeting.com Page 8
COMMITTEE ROSTER (Names in italics are MGCA Members who do not serve on the Board of Managers) MGCA Board of Managers Community Activities Ad Hoc Grants & Funding Board of Trustees, Mt. Kevin Burd, President Tammy Travitz—Chair Sources GretnaTabernacle (2020) Esther Mefferd Sally Marisic – Chair Association Barb Myers, Vice-President Jennifer Kantmann Ted Martin Ted Martin—President (2021) Justin Williams Deborah Erb, MGCA Staff Esther Mefferd—Vice- Sally Marisic, Treasurer Kevin Burd, Ex Officio Note: This committee is a President (2021 sub-committee of the Tom Heberling—Secretary Pat Wilmsen, Secretary Finance/Audit Finance Committee David Pierce--Treasurer (2022) Sally Marisic—Chair Ad Hoc Library Kevin Burd Pam Bishop (2020) Kevin Burd Michelle Shay – Co Chair Don Dale Don Dale (2022) Ted Martin Joan Sherman—Co-Chair Bruce Gettle Joe Lamont (2021) Barb Myers Margaret Hopkins Bob Kettering Ted Martin (2020) Pat Wilmsen Marcie Lloyd Sally Marisic Tammy Travitz (2022) Sally Marisic Barb Myers Justin Williams (2021) Nominations/Election Kevin Burd, Ex-officio Pat Wilmsen Esther Mefferd (Tabernacle Esther Mefferd—Chair Note: This committee is a Representative) Pam Bishop sub-committee of the Barb Myers Community Activities Executive Tammy Travitz Committee Kevin Burd—Chair Sally Marisic Property Ownership Ad Hoc Policy Barb Myers Pam Bishop—Chair Hal Myers – Chair Pat Wilmsen Susan Hoyt Deborah Erb, MGCA Staff Barb Myers Jennifer Kantmann Buildings & Grounds Kevin Burd, Ex Officio Sally Marisic Don Dale—Chair Recreation Ted Martin Dean Kantmann Justin Williams – Chair Katcha Neale Joe Lamont Tammy Travitz Pat Wilmsen Doug Lorenzen Kevin Burd, Ex Officio Kevin Burd, Ex Officio Barb Myers Note: This committee is a Bob Travitz Ad Hoc Archives sub-committee of the Kevin Burd, Ex Officio Don Miller – Chair Executive Committee Deborah Erb, MGCA Staff Jeffrey Hazel Doug Cheyney, cheyney Carole Miller Ad Hoc Tree Health & Property Maintenance Barb Myers Maintenance Kevin Burd, Ex Officio Pat Wilmsen – Chair Communications Note: This committee is a Ann Bering Kevin Burd—Chair sub-committee of the Deborah Erb, MGCA Staff & Deborah Erb, MGCA Staff Executive Committee Representative to B&G Sally Marisic Deb Griffith Christine Slotznick Kathleen McKenna Katcha Neale Kevin Burd, Ex Officio Note: This committee is a sub-committee of the B&G Committee Summer 2020 Newsletter P.O. Box 428, Mt. Gretna, PA 17064 www.mtgretnacampmeeting.com Page 9
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