Week@TheCreek News November 13, 2025

Thanksgiving Week Amenity Hours
Monday, November 24th - Friday, November 28th

Member Services: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9 am-4 pm, Closed Thursday & Friday

TOP Restaurant: Monday-Thursday closed, and Friday 4 pm-10 pm

Mill Pond Indoor Pool: Monday 4 pm-8 pm, Tuesday 2 pm-6 pm, Closed Wednesday & Thursday, and Friday 10 am-8 pm

Fitness Center: Monday & Tuesday 9 am-8 pm, Wednesday 9 am-3 pm, Closed Thursday, and Friday 9 am-8 pm

Veterans Day Ceremony

Roughly 50 people attended the Veterans Day Ceremony to honor the service and sacrifices of those who have served. Thank you to our Veterans for protecting our freedom and way of life.

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.”-Harry S. Truman

A Closer Look at the Daily Work that Keeps Our Community Running.

Every month our dedicated SCE team diligently manages a variety of responsibilities, including financial reconciliations, software transitions, owner support, and policy enforcement.

In our continuous effort to enhance transparency and keep you informed, we are pleased to present highlights from our Monthly Managers Report.

Click image to open document

What are the changes in the billing and collections process coming in 2026?

At the October 11, 2025 Board Meeting, the Saw Creek Board of Directors approved several changes to the billing and collections policy. The purpose of these changes can be summarized in a few key elements:

Simplification of terminology and process, encouraging uniformity and fairness, and bringing it into line with industry and First Service Residential best practices.
Determination to reduce the delinquency rate from the current 11% to a more acceptable industry standard of 8% or less.
Implement accelerated enforcement actions to reduce delinquency by addressing risks before accounts become overdue.

The major changes are:

Annual assessments will now be due on January 1, not January 15. Per the Bylaws, you will have 30 days, until January 31, to pay in full without any penalties (late fees or interest).
For added convenience and if your account is in good standing—meaning it shows a zero balance as of December 31, 2025—you will be eligible to enroll in the 12-month installment plan. Payments under this plan will be due on the first day of each month, beginning January 1. To take advantage of this option, you must sign up for the plan through our website. Simply beginning to make monthly payments will not qualify you for enrollment. Pennsylvania law requires that all participants explicitly agree to the plan’s terms.
If you enroll in the installment plan, all payments must be made on time each month. Missed or late payments cannot be “caught up” later. Once an account becomes delinquent, the payment plan will be canceled, and the only way to regain good standing will be to pay the full remaining balance in one payment.
Gate cards and amenity fobs will be deactivated immediately when an account becomes delinquent—beginning in February, rather than during the summer as in previous years.
Homeowners in default will receive late notices at 30 and 60 days past due. If the account remains unpaid after these notices, it will be automatically referred to a third-party collection agency. This agency may pursue all available legal actions to recover past-due assessments, including reporting to credit bureaus, placing property liens, obtaining court judgments, and initiating foreclosure proceedings if necessary. Please be aware that all collection-related fees, including attorney and court costs, will be added to the homeowner’s account balance.

Does this seem a bit severe? It shouldn’t — not if you pay your assessments on time! Our community thrives when every homeowner contributes their fair share toward maintaining and improving the place we all call home. For too long, the association’s finances have been impacted by a small number of owners who have fallen behind on their assessments. The annual budget reflects a good-faith estimate of what it takes to care for our neighborhood—both today and for the future—and it shouldn’t be limited by the expectation that some assessments will go unpaid. By working together and ensuring that everyone fulfills their obligations, we can keep our community strong, well-maintained, and a source of pride for all who live here.

You may always email accounting@sawcreek.org for more detailed questions.

Peter Poliakine, Accounting Manager

First Service Residential

Click here for the updated Collection Policy Resolution

2026 Annual Assessment

On Saturday, November 8, the Association’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets.

In light of current economic conditions, marked by substantial increases in energy costs and insurance premiums, the Board’s ability to contain other expenses, while maintaining the efficient operation of the community, its amenities, safety, and essential services, represents a significant accomplishment. This outcome reflects the Board’s strong commitment to its fiduciary responsibility and prudent financial management, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and responsibly.

The operating assessment will increase from $1,869 to $1,979, while the capital assessment will decrease from $214 to $192. Together, these adjustments result in a modest overall change in the total assessment, from $2,083 in 2025 to $2,170 in 2026, an increase of $87, or approximately 4%.

For members who are eligible and choose the 12-month installment plan, the monthly payment will increase from $187.00 to $208.38. (This amount includes 1.25% monthly interest and the $150 service fee.)

The Board understands that any increase can be felt by our members and wants to assure the community that every effort has been made to minimize the impact while preserving the high standards, safety, and quality of life that define our neighborhood. These adjustments reflect the Board’s continued commitment to responsible financial stewardship and to ensuring that the community remains well-maintained, vibrant, and strong for years to come.

Click here for community photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/140309292@N03/albums/

Top of the World Indoor Pool
Due to a maintenance concern, the TOW Indoor Pool/hot tub is closed until further notice.

Mill Pond Indoor Pool will be open the following hours:
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday: 4 pm-8 pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 2 pm-6 pm
Saturday: 10 am -8 pm
Sunday: 10 am-6 pm

The TOW Fitness Center will operate with normal hours.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we appreciate your patience as we address this issue. Thank you!

Water Aerobics is being held at the Mill Pond Indoor Pool while the TOW Indoor Pool is closed.

TOW Indoor Pool Update

At the November Board meeting, held on Saturday, November 8, we provided the community with an update regarding the ongoing issues affecting the Top of the World Indoor Pool and Spa. This article serves as a follow-up to share our findings and outline the next steps.

The issue began on July 8, 2025, when a leak was detected in the spa airline, prompting an investigation to identify the source. By July 19, 2025, a digital camera inspection located a break in the line, and repairs were completed by August 14, 2025, by an outside contractor.

Unfortunately, on September 15, 2025, the pool completely drained due to a failure in the fire pump feed line, indicating that the problem persisted. A subsequent inspection on September 25, 2025, revealed another break in the line. Video footage of the inspection was shared with our engineers for further review.

Following their evaluation, on October 8, 2025, the contractor submitted a proposal to sleeve the fire pump pipe to address the issue, which was forwarded to the engineering team for consideration. Engineers arrived on-site on October 28, 2025, to perform a structural review of the pool area to determine the cause of the pool’s settling and any underlying issues contributing to the repeated failures.

Their assessment concluded that the subbase beneath the pool is no longer adequate to support the structure. While this is not a safety concern, it does mean that ongoing structural movement may continue to affect the plumbing and foundation.

We will be proceeding with the pipe sleeving repairs in the hopes of reopening the pool for the holiday season. However, it is important to understand that this repair is not a permanent solution, and there is no guarantee that it will hold through the holidays.

Looking ahead, the community will need to make some important decisions as we prepare for the potential full renovation of the Top of the World Indoor Pool and Spa.

Public Safety Officers

By David Loncki, Director of Public Safety

In Saw Creek Estates, your Public Safety Officers are the guardians of your community, diligently working to protect its assets and your peace of mind. Their role is multifaceted, extending far beyond simple patrols to encompass a proactive approach to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

At the core of their duties is the active enforcement of Saw Creek Estates Communication Association (SCECA) rules and regulations, as well as the governing documents that shape your community. You’ll see them patrolling regularly, on the lookout for potential hazards such as downed wires or trees and ensuring that amenity buildings are securely locked and safe for your use.

A crucial function of your Public Safety Officers is the screening of all individuals entering the community. This serves as an important first line of defense, helping to maintain the controlled environment that Saw Creek Estates offers. Furthermore, they patrol the roads, ensuring that speed limits are observed and basic traffic rules are followed, contributing to a safer driving experience for everyone.

In the unfortunate event of a vehicle accident, your Public Safety Officers are equipped to respond, assisting with the necessary exchange of information and compiling a preliminary report. While they will facilitate towing and ensure injuries are addressed, it’s important to note that in cases involving injuries or the need for towing, the Pennsylvania State Police and Emergency Medical Services will be engaged, with your Public Safety Officers providing crucial support during these moments.

It is vital to understand that your Public Safety Officers are not police officers. Their primary function, when an incident escalates to the level of a crime, is to observe and report. They meticulously document what they witness, providing essential information to appropriate law enforcement agencies. This distinction is particularly significant in our geographical region, where State Police response times can sometimes be lengthy. Your Public Safety Officer acts as that immediate, on-the-ground presence, bridging the gap until official law enforcement can arrive.

Their role extends to school bus safety. As a visible presence, they help deter potential disputes, ensuring a secure environment for children and parents. While they are not tasked with breaking up fights, they will use verbal commands and their presence to de-escalate situations, always prioritizing safety given the tools they carry.

High-speed pursuits are not undertaken by your Public Safety Officers due to the inherent risks to residents and vehicles. Instead, they focus on observing and relaying comprehensive information to responding agencies. This collaborative approach has proven effective, as seen in instances involving unauthorized dirt bike riders, where PSOs worked closely with State Police, providing critical intelligence that led to enforcement actions.

When fire calls occur, your Public Safety Officers are present to ensure residents are safely evacuated from burning structures. While they do not actively fight fires, they are invaluable in assisting responding fire departments and managing traffic control, ensuring the safety of both residents and emergency personnel.

Taking individuals into custody is generally reserved for extreme situations where there is an immediate threat to life. In domestic disputes, however, your Public Safety Officers play a critical role, separating individuals to ensure safety until State Police can arrive. Given the response times from PSP Blooming Grove, the assistance provided by Saw Creek Public Safety is essential in these critical moments.

While your PSOs are ACT 235 certified, they are not municipal police or State Troopers, they do not have the authority to make arrests or conduct in-depth criminal investigations. Their commitment lies in preserving scenes until PSP Stroudsburg, PSP Blooming Grove, or another agency can respond.

As you can see, while their authority has specific limitations, your Public Safety Officers serve as an indispensable first line of defense, significantly contributing to the safety and security of Saw Creek Estates. They are an integral part of your community, working diligently to uphold its standards and protect its residents. Remember, while their role is vital, they are distinct from police officers.

Are you a resident/member from way back, prior to 2000? Do you have a story of what Saw Creek was like for you and your family or photos you would like to share? If so, send your story or photos to communications@sawcreek.org.

Standards of Care Recognition Program

The Standards of Care Recognition Program recognizes one employee each month who goes above and beyond their normal work expectations each day to show they care. We believe our ultimate goal is to provide the highest level of friendly, personal, and exceptional service. Following our Standards of Care, each employee must create an environment of teamwork and lateral service so that the needs of our members, their guests, and each other are met. Each department head makes nominations based on specific characteristics of an employee’s character, interpersonal skills, and motivational/leadership skills as it relates to our Standards of Care.

The Management team will choose one employee from all employees that are nominated each month. The chosen employee will receive a $50 gift card and a certificate of acknowledgement in recognition of their contributions to the Standards of Care that makes Saw Creek Estates a Gold Star Community.

The winner for October is Jocelyn Vasquetelles, HR/Administrative Assistant. Jocelyn demonstrates an outstanding work ethic and consistently provides support to all departments. Her commitment to delivering prompt and knowledgeable assistance has made her an essential and highly valued member of the Saw Creek team.

L to R: Melanie Voiles, Director of Human Resources, Jocelyn Vasquetelles, Jessica VanDerVliet, Community Manager

Happy Thanksgiving from your Safety Committee

The holiday is only two weeks away, so here are some Thanksgiving safety tips:

As wonderful as Thanksgiving Day can be, it can also be stressful. So, take a deep breath, sit down and make a list of everything that you need and want to get done with the family.
If you are going to travel to celebrate, allow plenty of travel time, both going and coming home. This also applies if you’re going out to eat at a great restaurant or buffet.
If air travel is involved, it could be even more problematic than usual. Have alternative plans.
You have the whole family coming to your house…oh, brother! Here are a few things to mention to them:
Let them know what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. (Think of your grinder pump.)
No fires in the fireplace until you first check that is the flue is open. No accelerant in the fireplace, only wood. And, given the dry conditions this year, be especially careful of outdoor fires or cooking.
Ashes retain red hot embers from a fire for hours after the fire seems to be out. Dispose of them carefully.
If anyone is a smoker, provide a safe place to extinguish and dispose of their cigarette butts.
And NO POLITICS on this day. Remember, Great Aunt Bertha is still mad about the PTA election of 1964.

Now the Big Day has arrived. Parades, football, the Westminster Dog Show, and the Big Dinner.

If you are frying a turkey in oil:

Someone needs to be outside watching the turkey from the minute it goes into the hot oil.
Ensure that the turkey is completely thawed when putting it into the oil.
Do not overfill the pot with oil.
Never fry a turkey on a wooden deck, in the garage or basement.
Keep people and pets away from the pot while frying.
Be careful pulling the turkey out of the hot oil.
Let the oil cool completely before emptying the fryer pot.
If you are serving a traditional roasted turkey:
Someone needs to stay in the kitchen. Sorry you’ll miss some of the parade or the big touchdown.
Just as importantly, watch all the pots and pans on the stove. Ensure the burners are turned off when you’re finished.
Keep kids and pets out from underfoot when carrying hot dishes.

Whether frying or roasting your turkey, you should always have a CO2 extinguisher handy. And NEVER, NEVER, NEVER throw water on a grease fire.

Have a marvelous Thanksgiving. Spread the Spirit!

Be safe.

First Energy

A representative from Harbor Metrics (on behalf Met-Ed) will be going around the community inspecting trees for protection of the power lines and prevention of service interruptions. Notices will be left on the doors of properties that have trees that require removal or trimming.

Retired Operations Truck for Sale – Highest Bidder Wins!

The Association is selling one of its fleet vehicles.

Vehicle Details:

Year/Make/Model: 2012 Dodge Ram 2500
Mileage: Approximately 43,500 miles
Configuration: Cab and chassis (no bed included)

Condition:

Not currently running – due to an electrical issue
Sold as-is

This is a great opportunity for a buyer with mechanical skills or access to parts to restore a low-mileage heavy-duty truck. The bidding starts at $5,000.00. Requests to view the vehicle or to place a bid, email bidinquiry@sawcreek.org. Bidding ends on 12/15/25.

SCE Committees

Would you like to give back or get involved in YOUR community? There are several vacancies on the SCE committees.

November is National Diabetes Month

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year for family to spend time together and enjoy an indulgent meal. But for the 30 million Americans who live with type 2 diabetes, a spread of carb-heavy foods and sugary desserts can make managing blood sugar spikes difficult.

Click here for diabetes-friendly Thanksgiving recipes

Kids Craft-Handprint Thanksgiving Napkins

Start a new Thanksgiving tradition, by creating a keepsake that can be displayed each year. You just need acrylic paints, paint pens, and cloth napkins. Click here for information on making handprint Thanksgiving napkins https://www.iheartartsncrafts.com/easy-handprint-thanksgiving-napkin-kids-craft/.

Monthly Fun Facts

November 5, 1994: At age 45, George Foreman became the oldest heavyweight boxing champion, when he defeated 26-year-old Michael Moorer in the 10th round of their fight in Las Vegas.

November 9, 1965: The Great Northeast Blackout caused a massive power outage affecting over 30 million people across New York, parts of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Canada. The outage occurred during peak rush hour, lasting up to 13 hours and leaving about 800,000 people trapped in the NYC subways.

November 10, 1969: Sesame Street debuted.

November 12, 1799: Andrew Ellicott, an American astronomer, witnessed the first recorded meteor shower (Leonids meteor shower), near the Florida Keys.

November 13, 1927: The Holland Tunnel opened to traffic at midnight. At that time, it was the longest underwater vehicular tunnel in the world.

November 15, 2001: Microsoft released the Xbox in North America.

November 20, 1947: Princess Elizabeth and Phillip Mountbatten married at Westminster Abbey.

November 21, 1980: 350 million people from around the world tuned in to find out who shot J.R. Ewing on the tv drama Dallas. It was revealed to be J.R.’s sister-in-law, Kristin Shephard.

November 22, 1986: Mike Tyson, at 20 years old, became the youngest heavyweight boxing champion in history, by knocking out Trevor Berbick in 5 minutes and 35 seconds.

November 29, 2004: To honor the 50th anniversary of the film, Godzilla was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Family-Friendly Jokes

Let the kids entertain the family with some festive jokes this Thanksgiving.

Why did the pie go to the dentist?
It needed a filling

Why did the mashed potatoes go to therapy?
Too many mixed feelings

What’s the best way to fix a broken pumpkin?
Use a pumpkin patch

Knock, Knock!
Who’s there?
Norma Lee
Norma Lee who?
Norma Lee I don’t eat this much

What should you expect at the end of Thanksgiving?
The letter “G”