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Protecting Your Computer

Don Trauger – Kennett

You are probably wondering what I mean by the title of this article. Believe it or not your computer
may not be in the best environment in your home. If you have a desktop computer, the tower portion
should be elevated to the level of the monitor. When placed at floor level, the cooling fans suck in
dust and over time the dust can cover the sensitive electronic parts. This results in a layer of
insulation that can actually trap heat and if severe, can shorten the life of the computer. Heat is
an enemy to electronic devices. As a do it yourself task I recommend using a shop vac or a similar
device that can blow reasonably clean air with some force to thoroughly clean the inside of the
computer. To gain access to a desktop computer’s interior; remove either the left or right side panel.
Pay attention to cleaning the fans. A small brush can be handy for reaching the hard to reach spots on
the fans. DO NOT BRUSH ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC PARTS. Doing so creates static electricity and will
potentially damage the sensitive electronic parts. Let the shop vac do its job as best it can on the
rest of the interior. Try to clean everything. Also check the bottom front of the computer. If you see
a buildup of dust, use the shop vac in the vacuum mode. The computer should be inspected every 2-3 years
for excessive dust buildup and cleaned out as necessary. Laptops have no significant dust buildup problem;
however, check the vents on the bottom and/or rear to make sure there’s no dust blocking the air flow. Use
a brush to clean the vents if necessary. To clean a streaky screen, spray a small amount of window cleaner
(Windex or similar) on a soft cloth and rub gently. Do not spray directly on the screen! If it remains
streaky after using window cleaner try again using only a damp cloth.

While I’m discussing laptops, here’s a tip to extend the battery life. Once a month remove the charger
unit and run the battery down to 10-15%. Then reattach the charger and fully charge it (100%). When
shutting down after normal usage don’t leave it fully charged at 100% and plugged in. I would suggest
leaving it between 50-90%. For example, if you plan to use your laptop for several hours certainly plug
it in but think about unplugging it near the end of your session to stay within the 50-90% range. This
may seem strange but it’s all due to the chemical reaction taking place in the lithium-ion laptop battery.
Most batteries can take about 500 charges before capacity is reduced.

Although I’ve mention the following in years past it bears repeating. When there is thunderstorm
activity nearby or forecasted, disconnect your Comcast cable from your cable modem and unplug the power
cables to your computer equipment. Don’t depend on your surge protector to protect you. They are
virtually worthless when a major surge hits. Do not remove the Comcast cable if you have the Comcast
telephone service. Leave the cable in place otherwise you won’t have telephone service should an
emergency arise. If you have Verizon DSL Internet service, you can remove the telephone line at the
rear of the DSL modem. Be careful not to disturb any connections to your telephone. Remember, a nearby
lightning strike can induce unwanted voltages into the ground that “leak” into our underground utility
cables. This of course includes our electrical, TV (Comcast), and telephone cables. Sensitive electronic
equipment and lightning just don’t mix!

Please come to our PC club meeting for answers to your computer questions. It starts at 7:00 PM in the
Ardmore room upstairs in the Community Center on the second Tuesday of each month.

Special Treats for Bluebirds

March 29, 2023: Special Treats for Bluebirds

Hershey’s Mill Nature Group has kicked off the 2023 Nest Box Monitoring season. Approximately 15 volunteers have signed up to oversee the 110 nest boxes installed around the HM campus. We have been inspecting and repairing or replacing those boxes.

We often get questions about feeding mealworms to Bluebirds. We have been advised by our past chair, Wilbur Amand, DVM, that it is not a good idea to do so on a regular basis.

The North American Bluebird Society also offers the following note of caution regarding feeding mealworms: “Because they do not provide complete nutrition, mealworms should be used as a supplemental food only. They are calcium-depleting, which can leave young birds with weak bones or cause egg binding in laying birds. Feeding mealworms should be considered a “treat” much like candy for us.”

Eggshells can be an excellent substitute. During the nesting season, female Bluebirds need extra calcium to produce eggs. That’s why eggshells could be what they actually require! You can save the shells in your freezer until you’ve accumulated 6 or 8. Once you have enough, place them on a baking sheet and dry them in the oven for 15 minutes at about 250 degrees. You can then crumble them and place them in a dish. (I use a pie plate.) If you like, mix in just a few mealworms and the Bluebirds will love it.

Happy Blue Birding!

Jado Foot

Desktop

Don Trauger – Kennett

Over the past years I’ve written how important it is to maintain your computer to keep it in top shape. This article deals with another area
of the computer called the Desktop. The Desktop is the screen on the monitor that is finally presented to you when you start up your computer.
Over time it gets cluttered with icons, most of which you’ll never use. Deleting unused icons is easy and safe with only one precaution.

Icons are often referred to as religious works of art. However with computers, Desktop icons generally represent a program or web site. They
are also known as “shortcuts”. They can be identified as having a small arrow located in the lower left portion of the icon. An unused icon
that has an arrow can be safely deleted. You are not deleting the program only the graphical representation of the program. Simply right click
the icon and in the pop-up menu left click delete. This action will move the icon from the Desktop to the Recycle Bin. If you make a mistake
and want the icon back double left click the Recycle bin icon and right click the previously deleted icon and then left click on Restore. It
should now reappear back on the Desktop. Continue deleting the unwanted icons from your Desktop until it’s cleaned to your satisfaction. Now
for the precaution, don’t delete anything that doesn’t have an arrow. You may have a folder on your Desktop which will not have an arrow. If
you delete that folder, any file contained in that folder also gets moved to the Recycle bin. You can double left click the folder to open it
to see what files it may contain. After inspection you can decide to leave it alone or delete it.

Now that you have cleaned your Desktop here are some other tips to consider. Right click a blank area of the Desktop. In the pop-up menu on
a Windows XP computer, move the mouse pointer to “Arrange Icons By” and left click Name and Auto Arrange. This will alphabetically arrange your
remaining icons on the left side of the screen. If you have a Windows Vista or Windows 7 computer choose “Sort By” and then left click Name. If
you click View in the menu you can also choose “Auto Arrange”.

Desktop icons and folders can also be renamed. If you have a misnamed icon or folder such as “New folder” (Windows default), just right click it
and in the pop-up window left click on Rename. Type your new name and press the Enter key.

If you would like to create a new icon on the Desktop for a program installed on your computer, click on Start then go to the All Programs menu,
right click the actual program and move the mouse to “Send to” and left click Desktop (create shortcut). The new icon should appear on the Desktop.

Cleaning up the Desktop will not make your computer run any better; however it will make it easier to see the remaining useful icons. Even a
new computer will have unwanted icons. Here’s your chance to help it look the way it should!

Nature Main Page

⇦Home page of HM website

“In Nature, nothing exists alone.” — Rachel Carson

Sanctioned by the Hershey’s Mill Master Home Owners Association, the Nature Group was formed in early 2020.  We invite you to explore the information and resources presented on this site, and we’d love to hear from you!  Just send your suggestions, feedback, and/or questions to HMNatureComm@HMHOA.com.  You can also sign up to receive our emails and reach our Steering Committee through this email address.

VISION STATEMENT:

To help maintain and enrich the natural, open environments of HM and in so doing ensure desirable habitat of a diverse population of native wildlife and plants for the enjoyment of our residents.

MISSION STATEMENT:

“Group” Core Purpose: To preserve native wildlife and birds and their habitats by promoting appreciation for and stewardship of the local HM natural environment through education and active participation.

HMNG Steering Committee & Advisory Council

Map of Hershey’s Mill Natural Areas and Paths

Nature Spotlights

Annual Photo Contest

Events

Nature Videos and Articles

HMNG Lectures on YouTube

Nest Box Monitoring

Bird Watching

Natural Areas Stewardship

Birding Articles & Resources

HM Native Plant & Pollinator Garden Information

Native Plant, Pollinator & Tree Resources

HMNG-Group Objectives and Actions & HMNG-By-Laws

HMNG-Group Objectives and Actions & HMNG-By-Laws

⇦ Return to Nature Main Page

“If you know what’s coming, you can take proper measures.” –Vincent Nijman, anthropologist

“Group” Objectives:

  • Continue to focus on organizing the volunteer monitoring of blue bird/song bird and wood duck nest boxes found throughout HM;
  • Review HM Village rules regarding bird houses/bird feeders/bird baths;
  • Recommend habitat enhancements and landscape planting options with regard to native wildlife species, including birds, butterflies (and other pollinator species) and reptiles/amphibians;
  • Address pond/stream ecology and health in an effort to attract/support native wildlife species;
  • Give consideration to the establishment of several pollinator gardens within certain HM Villages.

“Group” Actions:

  • Involve HM residents through nature/bird/wildflower walks within HM and schedule periodic lectures addressing nature issues/topics;
  • Communicate with HM residents through the use of HMCTV/Guide & Digest; the HM Technology Committee; and various HM Village newsletters;
  • Reach out to other groups such as the West Chester Bird Club; Valley Forge Audubon Society; Cornell University Lab of Ornithology; the State/National Audubon Society; Audubon International Sanctuary Program; and other like groups, in an effort to keep HM residents updated on activities and concerns related to native wildlife/birds, environment, climate, and related topics;
  • Interact with various HM Committees including the HM Landscape Committee; the HM Landscape Division; the Community Gardens Committee; and the HM Golf Club Grounds Division in order to identify and participate in endeavors of mutual interest.

HMNG BYLAWS

Franklin Village – August 28, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes

FRANKLIN VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING NOTES

Aug 28, 2023, 9 AM, Malvern Rm., Community Center

In attendance: Margaret Callahan, , Bill Shipley, Bob Gottschall, Jack Keeley and Janet Burgess(CSK). Jay Harter- absent

Meeting called to order 9:00 Malvern Room, Community Center.

Draft meeting notes sent via email.

Financial-Jay Harter:. Grading/Drainage under budget by $10,400; snow under by

$21,000;Water $5% over budget <$2000; Tree expense on budget by end of yr.

Currently $31,000 under budget to date. Jay will schedule a budget committee meeting in September.

Architectural-Bob Gottschall:

  • Paul Welle using a new spreadsheet to track the process of new Architectural requests through the various approval processes
  • Soldwisch and Richards electric heating units approved
  • Certificates of Insurance are required for all contractors working in Franklin. After much discussion the head of Architecture should request the certificate.
  • The repair of 606 was approved without expansion. Timbertech was approved for the decking with brown vertical studs. Color sample was close and approved.
  • The downspout at 582 will be connected to the drainage system by HMLD at owner’s expense.
  • Skylights that need replacing will be covered by Bachman Roofing. If someone wants to keep one that they recommend to replace there will be no warrantee .
  • 540 request for 2 windows

Landscaping-Bob Gottschall: Nothing new with Michelle on vacation

Welcoming Committee: Up to date. 535 closed Friday Aug 25. 577 not moving in till early 2024. Carolyn Hincken a bit confused about who owns what around the house. Jack will call her.

Pool Committee- Bill and Margaret: Getting lots of good ideas and help from Rich Richards ex pool company owner.

  • Switching to salt pool in 2024
  • Switching from overflow going in to our sewar system to on the grass
  • May keep pool open past Labor Day depending on weather

Communications- Bill and Margaret as back up:  Bill Shipley getting out announcements in a timely manner

Maintenance- Bill Shipley: Jack volunteered to help with filling asphalt street cracks. Best time is late Fall. Also, some mailboxes have missing letters

Lights- Kevin Callahan: no issues

Docs Committee: Margaret to rewrite Franklin Rules and Regulations section on pickup trucks with clarifications on what can be in the bed section

Old business: New sign quote still coming per Jack

New Business-Drainage issues:

  • HMLD quoted $250 to hopefully correct the garage water penetration and it was approved as the least expensive alternate
  • 563 spot in road will be monitored
  • 562 (see docs committee)
  • Outdoor cooking grills s/b ten ft from house per E Goshen

Meeting ended at 10:45PM

Next meeting Sept 19th  9AM

Franklin Budget meeting Nov 9th 7PM

COVID-19 Transition to Yellow Phase

Fellow Hershey’s Mill Residents,
(This has been sent to all HM residents registered on the HM email platform)
Update #36

PREPARING to MOVE to YELLOW PHASE

We are in Red Phase and still under Stay At Home Orders until June 5. Assuming the PA Governor moves Chester County to Yellow on June 5th, here are the Guidelines for the Yellow Phase:

PHASE YELLOW

In this phase, state officials will ease some restrictions and allow more businesses to open, but customers can still expect mitigation efforts such as curbside pickup/delivery only and potential limitations on the number of people allowed in store. Closures of schools, gyms, and other indoor recreation centers, hair and nail salons, as well as limitations around large gatherings, remain in place.

Click Below to be taken to the PA Government website:
https://www.governor.pa.gov/process-to-reopen-pennsylvania/

IMPORTANT: Once a county transitions to the yellow phase, the rates of infection will be monitored for significant outbreaks. Some counties could move to the green phase — in which salons, gyms, and restaurants reopen in a limited capacity — within two weeks if the infection rates continue to decrease.

As a Practical Matter, here is what we can and cannot do in the Yellow Phase:

Life under Yellow Phase for the majority of Hershey’s Mill residents means being able to leave your home and continue activities with the guidelines above and below, while wearing a face mask and social distancing.

SOCIAL RESTRICTIONS

We still have to wear masks
We still have to social distance
The stay-at-home order is lifted

Gatherings of more than 25 are prohibited

We will be able to enter some retail stores, but curbside and delivery is preferable.

Businesses and retailers will have to follow specific rules, such as limiting capacity in buildings, installing shields at registers, and mandating mask wearing among employees and customers.

Restaurants State wide, in Yellow Phase areas, will be able to serve customers sitting down at outside tables spaced six feet apart, and continue carry-out. Face masks must be worn by customers except when seated. Keep in mind, your favorite restaurant may not be able to have outside seating if on a through way sidewalk area.
We suggest making reservations early because of the high demand there will be for few tables.

All businesses must follow guidance for social distancing and cleaning.

Indoor recreation, meaning Table Tennis, Pool, Bridge, Movies, Gyms, etc. will remain closed.

***********************************************************************
NOTES:

1) HM Community POOL – Gov. Wolf has not re-opened pools. Watch for notices via email.

The second step is PA Governor Wolf opening pools for our local area. This has not been done. There will likely be criteria that must be met in order to use facilities when they are re-opened. The Board is watching closely and abiding by Governor Wolf’s Orders and Guidelines. Watch for notices from emails issued through this HM Email Platform.

2) Meetings – In Person and in HM Facility Meetings continue to be Cancelled until further notice. This means pre-planned meetings and events.

MEETINGS Continuing Via Zoom, Skype, Conference Calls –
HM Board
HM Landscape Committee
HM Master Association
Nature Group
Sports Groups
Technology Committee & Sub Committees
Village Councils

3) Returning & New from out of State HM Residents – Things to Know:
PA DOH requires that we wear Face Masks when we leave home and when we enter the grocery store, pharmacy and other open businesses.

4) CAUTION – Face Masks: When we are finally able to go without face masks, we recommend that everyone keep their face masks. Health Organizations worldwide are expecting a second, possibly worse, round of the COVID-19 to occur during our next Flu season. This will complicate diagnosis and treatment. We expect that Face Masks will be required again. Remember – for now, face masks are required.

5) Walkers around Hershey’s Mill: Please be careful when crossing the street in Hershey’s Mill. Look both ways before stepping into the street. Be sure you can hear your surroundings over your ear phones. A few have almost been hit by a car and never even knew it.

**********************************************************************

NEIGHBORS
Please check on your neighbors regularly. A simple phone call checking in may make all the difference in someone’s day. We are all in this together – call a neighbor or two today. If you just moved here an don’t know any one, call one of your Village Council members.

-Please communicate this information to any neighbor that does not receive emails.

– Please check with your friends and neighbors to be sure they see the COVID-19 emails.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

1) Please tune into Hershey’s Mill Community TV (HMTC) Channel 1971 for updates via scrolling banners

2) Please log onto hersheysmill.org for updates on the HersheyMill website.

We thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate these unprecedented times.

On behalf of the Technology Committee,

To your health and safety,

Wash your hands, wear a face mask, social distance, stay healthy,

Bill and Sherry Kane
Co-Chairs, HM Technology Committee

Note: Emails sent out Community wide through the HM Email Platform are for internal HM use only and not for public distribution, posting on any type of website, with the exception of the hersheysmill.org website, or used in any other manner available to the general public or those residing outside Hershey’s Mill.

HMSG-Pickleball

Welcome to our Pickleball Group

Pickleball - Main Page

8 Great Courts

The Courts

Join Us for Open Play

Our Pickleball Players

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong, and is played on a badminton-sized court using a ball similar to a wiffle ball. Pickleball has swept the nation in recent years across all age categories. Seniors are no exception finding out that pickleball is great exercise and easy to learn. Smaller courts make it a social game and are less stressful on the body than tennis and other racket games.

Who is playing this sport? You guessed it: the group that seems to have become regular players are baby boomers. The seniors have been attracted to the sport because it is easy to play, very social and less stressful on the body. Some are even current and former tennis players who for physical reasons can no longer play that game. Many non-racket sport players have also joined the pickleballers.

Try it – you might like it.

Here at Hershey’s Mill the predominant focus is on having fun. We have 8 great outside courts and a very welcoming group of players.

  1. Residents can schedule a court and play private games with whomever they want at any competitive level in which they are comfortable.
  2. Most of our players use our daily OPEN “scheduled time” to come out: socialize and play recreational type games still managing to get games of relatively competitive skill levels. At times, some of our more experienced players will “pay it forward” for a game or two by playing out of thier skill level (always appreciated). 

Click Button to see some Pro Videos including 17 Year old Sensation Anna Leigh Waters who turned Pro at 12 Years old..

See Pro Video's

Trying to improve your game (regardless of your current level)?

See Tip's

Free Lunch to our Prize Winners!

Tom Enlow – The Pirate

Ed Depiera – Poncho

Social Pickleball: A non-competitive round robin format. For players looking for a fun, comfortable and social type of play. Players are able to move around the court safely and play with others of the same level and competitive or non-competitive spirit. 

We continue to receive many great comments regarding our welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

Open Play creates a social atmosphere. It is a more structured time organized by the Sports leader. We encourage Open Play without excluding others who just want to play private games. Open Play hours are adjusted by seasons so that we can take advantage of temperature norms. Please see poster image below!

Questions, Concerns, Other? 
Submit Form at bottom of this page
or Contact Dawn Kowalchuk pocketz5@aol.com

How to Schedule Court time

Click SKEDDA image below to open SKEDDA tab..

Anyone can view the SKEDDA schedule but you need prior authorization for creating reservations. This is a “1” time process. For more information, please press the “More SKEDDA” button to the right!

Learn all about SKEDDA..

SKEDDA pronounced /sked-dah/ 

is a web based software system used by Hershey’s Mill for scheduling court time. Being web based means that you can schedule future playing time from any browser on any device you have. Court time can be scheduled for the following Sports Groups:

  • Billiards
  • Bocce
  • Horseshoes
  • Pickleball
  • Platform Tennis
  • Shuffleboard
  • Table Tennis
  • Tennis
More SKEDDA

It is important to realize that any resident can use any of the Sports facilities whether or not they have registered for HMSG and/or one or more Sports groups.

In other words, simply stopping down and using a sports facility is fine if it has not already been scheduled by anyone.

To ensure that you don’t run into conflicts, it makes sense to simply schedule the resource that you would like to utilize ahead of time.

[In such a case, the group who made the reservation would have the right to the court]

We Use SKEDDA to maintain our reservations!

  1. You do need to do a “1” time request of SKEDDA Access if you plan on using it to schedule time for one of the Sports facilities.
  2. With or Without SKEDDA access, anyone may view the schedule by clicking on the link.

If you would like to stay informed of HMSG plans and events, make sure you join HMSG if you have not already done so. You will be added to that mailing list.

Likewise, if you want to know what’s going on in particular sport groups, let them know so they can add you to their unique mailing list.

Current Rules
USAPA Site

USA Pickleball is the National Governing Body for the sport of pickleball in the U.S. and provides players with official rules, tournaments, rankings and promotional materials.

The association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation and governed by a board of directors and professional staff who provide the guidance and infrastructure for the continued growth and development of the sport.

Watch Pro Matches

Click below for some of the most recent Professional matches from around the world
PickleBall Pro Videos

Tudor Plus Ball Machine

To learn more about this machine, click button below
Go

Looking For Tips

Click button below for Pickleball Tips and How to Play Videos

PickleBall Tips

Have a Request for the HMSC ? 

Please download a HMSC Request form on the right.

Fill it out and submit it to Jack Bradley (or any other member of the HMSC).

 

You can download it in PDF form and simply use a pen/pencil to fill it out

  • Have Sport Leader sign 

    • Scan and email completed form or simply drop paper copy in their mailbox

If you prefer and are comfortable with Microsofts Word program, download a blank form in .Docx format.

    • fill out on your computer replacing place-holder X’s with your text.

    • Have Sport Leader sign

      • Scan and email completed form or simply drop paper copy in their mailbox

Download Form (PDF)
PDF will be opened in a new Browser Window
Download Form (Word)
Word Document will be found in your Browsers Download Folder

Pickleball Feedback form

If you have any questions, concerns or issues that you would like to bring to the attention of the Pickleball COS Team, please give us as much detail as possible…

If you would like to join the email distribution list, please fill in name, email and street address (used to validate HM residency).

Pickleball day to day operation is run by a Committee Of Sorts (COS)  consisting of multiple individuals led by Dawn Kowalchuk & Tom Fant. [see list below]

Dave, Jack, Tom, Lynn, Larry, Dawn, Mary, Denis & George

HMSG-PlatformTennis-Training

Welcome: Learn a bit about Platform Tennis!

Platform Tennis - Training

Platform Tennis Overview

Platform Tennis Serve Lesson - The Toss - Part 1

The Serve and Volley