The Roads -Road Committee 
Much of the road work is complete that was discussed on our Facebook page and in our last newsletter. We still are doing some ditching work in the low lying areas of the community, and Ottowa Trail, Pueblo, Hillview and Weber Road will soon have dust suppressant/binder put down. We are pleased with the progress of the work so far. If you note a significant road issue, please let one of the Board members know.
Board Happenings-SEPOA Board 
Since the last newsletter, two events have happened on the Board. First, Frank DeVito has retired from the Board after two years of service. To replace Frank through 2018, the Board has appointed … drum roll, please …. His wife, Irene DeVito, whom most of you know to have served for nearly two decades on the Board, as its President and Treasurer. We thank Frank for helping the Board through a rough time and in guiding us to less choppy waters. We welcome Irene back with open arms, and note that she has already grabbed the bull by the horns and taken control of (or, more correctly, had the responsibility thrown at her for) the Beach and Recreation Committee.
Also, Joe Vencill recently resigned from the Board due to personal commitments. We thank Joe for his time on the Board, as well, and wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors.
Finally, only one person – our current President, Tony Ciuffreda – was nominated for the elections in September. Given that there is one candidate for three positions, the Board has decided to forego the formality of an election. We may present a ballot question of some kind in one form or another.
TLPOA Presentation by Irene Blanchard
At the most recent SEPOA General Meeting held at the Pike County Public Library, TLPOA Board Members Barbara Whitney, President of TLPOA, and Kirk Mackey, TLPOA Board Member, were on hand to present a very informative discussion on the concerns about ticks and how to keep our beloved Twin Lakes clean and thriving for future generations.
Ticks are bad this year (I’ve been bit three times in a two month period and my husband was bit twice with 24 hours, as well as just spotting them crawling on shirts and other outdoor implements and opposed to last year which was zero) and Mrs. Whitney, who is a member of the Pike County Tick Borne Disease Task Force, explained that ticks carry more than just Lyme disease. There are many other pathogens that ticks carry and may different types of ticks. Symptoms aren’t always immediate and precautions are recommended. Since we do live a heavily wooded area, it is hard to avoid particular tick-enriched areas. Avoid tall grass, brush and leaves (between the beaches path-be extra careful!). Repellents such as DEET (20% concentration is recommended-anything higher can be dangerous) or Deep Woods OFF help. If you’ve been in a tick prone area, check yourself and take a shower as soon as you can. If you’ve been bitten by a tick, you can either carefully remove it yourself with tweezers, save it, and have it tested as well as yourself for Lyme or other disease it may carry. Or go to any Emergency Care clinic and have it removed. Since ticks usually have to be attached for 24 hours before they can transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, early removal will help reduce that risk. Using petroleum jelly, nail polish or a hot match is not recommended. Grasp the ticks as close to the skin as possible and gently pull the tick away. Not pleasant but once it’s out it’s a relief! Mrs. Whitney was kind enough to let us have some signs that we can post in regards to preventing ticks and Lyme Disease. They have been posted at both Showboat and North Beach entrances. She also had some pamphlets and information for the taking on these issues. There is a support group that meets at the library every second Saturday from 10:30am-12:00. The task force meets at the Pike County administration building every 4th Thursday at 10am and is open to the public.
Keeping Twin Lakes Clean
We were all treated to a beautiful Power Point slide show of the big and little lakes in all their glory and beauty. Mr. Mackey and Mrs. Whitney, who are members of the Twin and Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy, explained to us the procedure of how they test the waters for bacterial and foreign matters that could adversely effect the lakes. The most major concerns are septic systems and fertilizers. Keeping your septic system pumped regularly (every 2-3 years for year rounders, 4-5 for part timers) and checking the tank to make sure it is not rotting or leaking will help keep contaminants from leeching into the lake. Using fertilizers that are biodegradable and ecofriendly will help keep phosphate levels down. Also, if you take any boat- rowboat, kayak, sailboat, etc…-and use it in another body of water (Delaware for example) please wash it off before putting it back into our lakes. Foreign matters from other waters can stick to your boat, deposit themselves in the water and grow and over time could end up hurting the lake or even killing it.
Mrs. Whitney and Mr. Mackey both suggested to those who rent to post or inform tenants of the importance of keeping the lake clear and clean. Mrs. Whitney has a flyer that your could leave at the home for renting tenants to refer to when renting their home.
It was also stated that if anyone would like volunteer with the Twin and Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy or you would like more information on any of these matters, you can contact Barbara Whitney at twinlakes75@gmail.com or Kirk Mackey at mackey49@ptd.net. We thank them for taking time to inform us about precautions that can be taken to keep ourselves and the lake safe.
Fireworks
Even though the 4th of July is behind us, it is summer and fireworks are still quite prevalent. As a reminder, per SEPOA Rules and Regulations, fireworks are not permitted at Sagamore:
“Fireworks of any kind are not permitted on common areas -including the lake, beaches, ballfield, basketball and tennis courts -in Sagamore Estates. Fireworks are permitted on one’s own private property only to the extent that such fireworks are legal within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (Amendment: August 1, 2013).”
Effects of Fireworks on Twin Lakes
Our friends at TLPOA circulated some facts from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to make aware the impact fireworks may have on our lakes. Even though the fact sheet was a concern for New Hampshire’s lakes, it really does effect all lakes and any bodies of water. Just take a moment to read what the fallout from fireworks could do to Twin Lakes if not yourself.
Concerns of Health and Environmental Effects
There are growing concerns about the use of fireworks around New Hampshire’s lakes. As fun and enjoyable as fireworks can be, they may be causing more damage then you know. Aside from the obvious danger of operating controlled explosives, what you may not realize is the effects fire works have environmentally, economically and health wise.
Firework Ingredients and their Dangers
Fireworks are composed of many different elements, each contributing to the noise, color or propellant. While these ingredients combine to form a beautiful spectacle, many of them are very dangerous. Here’s a list of a few common firework ingredients, their use, and what makes them so dangerous.
Lead Nitrate/Dioxide/Chloride -oxidizer- Bioaccumulation; developmental danger for children and the unborn; may remain airborne for days; poisonous to plants and animals
Barium– glittering greens- Extremely poisonous, radioactive
Lithium– blazing reds- Slightly toxic
Rubidium– purple colors- Slightly radioactive; can replace calcium in body
Strontium– blazing reds- Can replace calcium in body; can be radioactive
Copper compounds– blues- Dioxin pollution
Aluminum– brilliant whites- Contact dermatitis
Ammonium Percolate– propellant- Can contaminate ground and surface waters; can disrupt thyroid functions
Cadmium– firework colors -Extremely toxic, carcinogenic; can bioaccumulate
Potassium Nitrate– in black powder- Toxic dusts, carcinogenic sulfur-coal compounds
Sulfur Dioxide– gaseous byproduct of sulfur combustion -Acid rain from sulfuric acid affects water sources, vegetation and causes property damage
The Effects Fireworks have on You and Nature
The fallout of these different chemicals can affect you both directly and indirectly. Once a firework explodes in the sky, it does many things. The gases from the rocket and the explosion are released into the atmosphere, where they are inhaled by humans and animals, and hurt the ozone layer. In addition to the gases, the debris and burning metals fall back to earth where they litter the area, contaminate aquatic ecosystems, and poison the wildlife, eventually working their way up the food chain.
How Phosphorus in Fireworks Impacts the Water
It has taken years to determine the dangers associated with the many ingredients in fireworks. Up until very recently, phosphorous (also found in fertilizers) was highly popular in fireworks until the realization of its associated problems to the environment. Although most manufacturers no longer incorporate more than trace amounts of phosphorus in fireworks, every little bit added to a lake can influence water quality. Phosphorus accelerates a process called eutrophication, which is the process that results in increased biomass, decreased lake clarity, decreased bottom oxygen, and increases the likelihood of cyanobacteria scums. Algal and cyanobacteria blooms caused by phosphorus introductions impact fisheries, drinking water supplies and impact the health of people who recreate in the waters as well as pets and any animal that drinks these waters.
The Final Impact
Altogether the damaging effect fireworks have is overwhelming. They impact water quality by affecting the odor and taste of drinking water. On the economic side, excessive algal and cyanobacteria growth due to phosphorus or contamination due to firework fallout increases water treatment costs, degrades fishing and boating activities, and impacts tourism and property values. The cost of damage done to property, the litter and the effect upon both wildlife and human life is incalculable. The Department of Environmental Services urges you to consider the effects of fireworks and perhaps find an alternative to a problem that is only growing with time.
FIELD DAY!!
Sagamore Day Picnic – White Elephant Event!
This years Sagamore Day Picnic will be featuring a new fun event – a White Elephant/Chinese Auction! If you are attending the picnic and would like to participate in this just bring a wrapped item – new, old or gag – and let the fun begin! If you have never been to one it goes like this: The first person chooses an item but doesn’t unwrap it. The next person to go either chooses another item or can “steal” the one item already chosen from the first person. That first person picks again. The third person then can proceed to pick an unchosen item or “steal” from person one or two. When all items have been taken, then everyone can unwrap what they have ended up with. The more items, the more fun!
And remember, bring a hot or cold potluck dish, sweet or savory and BYOB. SEPOA will supplement with hot dogs and hamburgers and some drinks. Let’s hope there is lots of sunshine and a breeze!
Lost and Found
A ring was found on the North Beach sometime in June. If you lost a ring at that time, please contact sagamoretimes@gmail.com and describe it.
Many thanks to the people who helped out with clean up day. Just because Sagamore is old doesn’t mean she has to look shabby.
Sagamore resident Virginia Pfeiffer has been diligent at obtaining information on the announced Twin Lakes Utilities rate increase (again!). If you haven’t received updates or need more info, you can contact her at sagamorenotices@gmail.com. It seems that the PUC has put a hold on the increase until next year so they can further investigate the issue.
Many thank yous go out to the Davis family for hosting the Fishing Contest. This was followed by the Ice Cream social where the kids and anyone around were welcome to enjoy a cone or dish of ice cream and all the toppings! 
Beach and Recreation purchased wooden picnic benches for both beaches this year. Old ones that were deteriorating were removed and recycled.
We want to thank the DiMarzio’s for keeping this activity a Sagamore tradition!
The Chief Griller and Cook this year at the Sagamore Day picnic was Jim Dekeles. It was a beautiful day for a BBQ and a nice relaxing time was enjoyed by those who attended. Thank you Jim for your grilling expertise!
New signs, like this, have been posted at both beaches alerting and reminding boaters who take their boats (kayaks, rowboats, canoes, sailboats..etc) to other water sources to please be sure to wash their boats with a bleach solution before reintroducing them to the lake as to not contaminate Twin Lakes with invasive species that can be harmful to the lake. Any invasive algae or plant life can be detrimental to the life of the lake, choking out any natural plants or wildlife. If you know anyone who does take their boat to another pond or lake or even the Delaware, please just kindly remind them to just give their boat a wash with some bleach solution to kill off any remnants from their trip. The lake will thank you.
Roads
