Sterling Woods Newsletter

Volume 21 #1 Winter 2023

A New Year, a New Season

The Board of Managers hopes that you enjoyed a

happy holiday season and wishes that you have a new year
of good health, peace, and prosperity. May you stay safe
from the corona virus and all of its variants, the flu, and all
of the other possible winter ailments.
On Monday evening, November 28th, the Sterling
Woods community celebrated the lighting of our holiday
lights at the pavilion with some music, song and hot
chocolate. The Board thanks all of the volunteers who put
up the holiday lights and decorations and those who will take
them down and also Colette Rodriguez and Diane Venturini
for organizing the Light the Lights Party.

At the Light the Lights Party and enjoying the hot chocolate

Annual Meeting
Monday, Feb. 13, 2023
7:15 pm to 8:45 pm
Comsewogue Library
Colette and Jimmy Purpose:
Rodriguez hosted the Cookie
Exchange Party on December 9th. To elect one manager
Although not required, many to the Board to fill a 3-
guests brought homemade year term.
cookies or fancy bakery cookies
to exchange. There were so many To discuss unfinished
to choose from and they all and new business.
looked so delicious. Every guest
was able to take home an Details inside.
assortment of cookies.
Many of the community have gotten into the holiday
spirit with their own display of holiday lights.
Call CAMCO  The best way to insure a proper response to a question or problem  631 476-2100
Sterling Woods Newsletter Volume 21#1 Winter 2023 – page 2

Sterling Woods Condominium, Ltd.

Maureen Brush, President ▪ Patricia Hanham, VP/Secretary ▪ Diane Venturini, Treasurer
C/O CAMCO Services of NY, P.O. Box 990, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
Carol Fishberger, Property Manager
Phone: (631) 476-2100 ext. 206 ▪ Fax: (631) 743-9780

January 13, 2023

Dear Homeowner,

The Sterling Woods Condominium, Ltd. homeowners Annual Meeting and Election will be held
on Monday, February 13, 2023, at 7:15 pm in Community Room A of the Comsewogue Public
Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776.

The agenda will include the President’s and the Treasurer’s reports, a discussion regarding
community concerns, and an Election to fill one (1) seat on the Board of Managers for a three (3)
year term. The incumbent, Diane Venturini, is standing for re-election.

Sterling Woods Condominium, Ltd. is governed by a three-member Board of Managers where

each member is a homeowner and serves a three-year staggered term. If you are an owner for more
than 36 months and are interested in running for a seat on the Board of Managers, you must send
a letter of intention to Carol Fishberger, our Property Manager. The letter of intention must include
a paragraph of approximately 200 - 250 words explaining why you are running for a position on
the Board and a brief description of your qualifications. This paragraph will be included with the
proxies that will be mailed to all homeowners approximately ten (10) days prior to the meeting.
The letter of intention may be sent by postal mail to CAMCO Services of NY, Inc. Attention: Carol
Fishberger-Property Manager, PO Box 990, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776, or by email to
carolf@camcoservicesny.com. If you send it by mail, please put ‘Sterling Woods Election’ on the
lower left corner of the front of the envelope. If you use email, please use ‘Sterling Woods
Election’ in the subject line. The letter of intention must be received at the CAMCO Services office
on or before 5:00 PM, Friday, January 27, 2023.

As all homeowners are given an opportunity to submit nominations by January 27, 2023. there
will be no nominations from the floor.

We strongly urge all homeowners to attend this Annual Meeting and Election.

Thank you,

Board of Managers
Sterling Woods Condominium, Ltd.

 Annual Meeting – February 13, 2023 – 7:15 PM to 8:45 PM – Comsewogue Library 

Sterling Woods Newsletter Volume 21#1 Winter 2023 – page 3

The President’s Corner

Happy 2023 to all! Hopefully it will be a year filled with good health, joy and many blessings.

I’m sure that many of you have noticed that our American flag is not being flown at our entry way.
Unfortunately, the trees that surround the flagpole, in conjunction with the strong winds of late,
basically ripped the flag to shreds. We are on the list to have the trees surrounding the flagpole trimmed
to a height which will allow our flag to fly freely. Because of the height of the trees, a bucket truck is
needed to do the job. We’re on the list for this to be done, ASAP.

The snow poles have been placed strategically around the community in anticipation of winter
precipitation. Let’s hope we have a mild winter!

Last week we had a few teenagers walking on the ice on the pond’s perimeter. Last winter we had a
few young boys who thought the pond would be great for playing ice hockey. We are all aware that the
pond, frozen or not, is attractive to people of all ages. Unfortunately, the pond is a liability. We must be
aware that someone having an accident on the pond, resident or not, could cost the community a hefty
sum…we certainly don’t need that! So please remain vigilant. Either ask the folks to get off the pond, call
a Board member, or CAMCO to have the people removed before anyone gets hurt.

There have been some complaints that people have things hanging on the siding outside their
homes. We’ve checked, and most of the folk’s hanging decorations on the siding have done so with
Command Hooks or Velcro tape. No problem! There is no damage to the siding using of these types of
“hangers”. Using either of the above will not harm the siding, requiring repair.

To all the “Snowbirds” don’t forget to leave an emergency contact phone number and address with
CAMCO before you leave. Have a safe trip and we’ll see you in the Spring.

Enjoy the coming winter months…do something positive each day for yourself or someone in
need!
Maureen

The After Holiday Party

Thanks to the efforts of Colette Rodriguez and Diane Venturini, everyone had a great time at the After
Holiday Party at Bella Maria’s Restaurant on January 8th. More photos are on page 8 and also are available
online at www.sterlingwoodspjs.weebly.com.

 Annual Meeting – February 13, 2023 – 7:15 PM to 8:45 PM – Comsewogue Library 

Sterling Woods Newsletter Volume 21 #1 Winter 2023 – page 4

Recent Board Decisions

Since the last newsletter, the Board made the following decisions:
November 17:
• The Board approved that a 10-day letter is to be sent to the owner who is delinquent over 60 days.
• The Board approved sending a letter to all owners who have not yet sent in the 2022 Annual Security Profiles. All
owners who have a new phone number or car need to update their profile.
• The Board approved the April 2023-March 2024 contract with Solitude to care for the pond for $5,760 to be paid
in six monthly payments of $960 beginning April 1, 2023.
• The Board approved the Directors & Officers insurance policy premium for $1,984 and the Commercial Umbrella
insurance policy premium for $2,244. The Board did not approve the general liability policy and requested that
our insurance agent renegotiate the price.
• The Board approved the motion made by Maureen to borrow $45,000 from the reserves to pay for bills that are
due on or before November 30, 2022. The money will be paid back to the reserves in 10 payments of $4,090 for
10 months beginning January 2023. The final payment of $4,100 will be paid in November 2023.
• The Board approved the following new house rule upon the advice of counsel:
Alarms – Each building is equipped with a smoke/heat/fire/CO detection system. Each residential unit is served
by heat sensors which operate from a master control panel in each building. These systems are checked for proper
operation annually as required by the Town of Brookhaven. If the heat sensors are tampered with, removed, or
painted, the cost of replacement will be charged to the homeowner. Homeowners are responsible for replacing
defective smoke and CO detectors. Any updated fire code mandates are the responsibility of the unit owner.
Fire Alarm Inspection – A charge of $100.00 will be made when a resident or owner fails to be home to admit
the Fire Alarm Inspector on the scheduled inspection day. When a make-up inspection appointment is needed, the
cost of the make-up inspection will be charged to the homeowner. If the resident or owner is absent for the make-
up inspection, a fine of $250.00 will be charged in addition to the cost of the missed appointment. This will apply
to subsequent missed appointments. Legal action, at the cost of the owner, will be initiated upon the third missed
appointment.
December 15:
• The Board approved the general liability insurance premium for $33,262.21.
• The Board approved that the account of the owner who is delinquent over 90 days be sent to our attorney for
collection.
• The Board approved the addition of the highlighted text be added to the current house rule regarding flags upon the
advice of our attorney, who stated that the rule must be more specific:
Flags: An owner may display the American flag or a seasonal flag. The flag must be
displayed on a flagpole. The bracket that holds the flagpole must be attached to the garage
door frame on the side closest to the walkway assigned to the unit, anywhere between
one inch below the top of the garage door frame and even with the house number (as
shown in the photo) and may not be attached to the gray vinyl siding. The maximum pole
length is 6 feet. The largest flag that may be displayed is 3 feet by 5 feet. When displaying
the American flag, the homeowner must also follow federal guidelines. (Federal
guidelines state, for example, that the American flag must be illuminated if displayed
after dusk.)
• The Board approved revising two items on the Responsibility Chart for Owners (last page of the House Rules):
Item 12. Patio: Owners are to keep the patios in good repair and free from weeds including along the building and
under the privacy fences.
New item 28. Owners’ responsibility: Smoke and CO detectors must comply with Brookhaven Town Code.
• The Board approved holding the Annual Meeting at the Comsewogue Public Library on Monday, February 13,
2023, from 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm. In addition, the Board approved placing the 30-day letter in the next newsletter and
the 10-day proxy/ballot letter will be mailed on January 27, 2023.
 Be sure to check the bulletin board for new announcements. 
Sterling Woods Newsletter Volume 21 #1 Winter 2023 – page 5

Additional Notes from the Board

Holes in the siding, etc.
Repeatedly, over the past twenty years, owners have been reminded in this newsletter that they are not to make any
holes in the vinyl siding except in the garage door frame where an owner may have placed a bracket for their flag or where
written permission has been granted by the Board such as in the case for the installation of an awning or satelite dish. No
owner has ever been given permission to use a hammer, drill, screwdriver, etc., to put a nail or a screw into the siding to
hang a decorative item or a camera or any other item. Now that we have a written complaint with photos from an owner, all
such items must be removed and the resident must repair or patch the holes in the vinyl siding. The only material that may
be used to attach something to the vinyl siding is a Command© hook or similar product or double-sided removable tape
such as Alien Tape since these can be removed without damaging the siding.
Because a written complaint complete with photos has been received, the Board must follow through and inspect all
units for holes in the siding. Our property manager will be inspecting every unit for holes in the siding during May 2023.

Snow Procedures…
Here are some suggestions and information to help all of us to be prepared for future snowstorms.
What you need to know:
When snow has reached an accumulation of two inches, Gettysburg Drive will be plowed for the first time and will be
kept clean and passable throughout the storm.
Within a reasonable amount of time (two to four hours) after the snow stops falling, the ground crew will begin to clear
the mailbox area, all driveways, walkways, and fire hydrants using shovels and snow blowers.
Please be patient, the clearing will continue until everything is done. Please note that in case of a severe storm, more
time will be needed before the job is completely done. This is especially true with strong winds and drifting snow.
What you can do to help:
Please do not go out unless you have to. Let the contractor do his job.
Do not park on Gettysburg Drive during a storm.
The contractor is not responsible for clearing out cars in parking spaces but will clear open parking areas
wherever possible. He will not do this until after the fire hydrants, walkways and driveways have been shoveled. If
you can, get together with your neighbors and move the cars from the parking areas in groups so that these areas
can be cleared more efficiently.
Be cautious:
Ice and snow are dangerous, so please, if you must go out, be careful.
Please call CAMCO when you see ice creating a problem especially around your own unit.
In order to prevent damage to our pavers, in the event of severe icing, ice choppers will not be used. Thus, it might
require ice-melt and sanding of the walkways over the ice until the ice melts sufficiently to allow shoveling.
One more thing:
Calcium chloride is the only product to be used on the pavers, driveways, walkways, and stoops. If your walkway or
stoop has ice, DO NOT spread any type of salt or sodium product. Only use calcium chloride.
Let’s all be considerate of our neighbors throughout any snow event!

Four Round-to-its
If you haven’t winterized your home yet, these winter weather preparations will help to keep your home safe and just
might save you a few bucks.
Clean it: Call your furnace service company and set up an appointment to have the furnace cleaned and the filters
changed. Note that many service companies prefer to service your central air-conditioning unit at the same time.

The stop sign is not a suggestion. Please stop at the stop sign.
Sterling Woods Newsletter Volume 21 #1 Winter 2023 – page 6

Store it: Store the items on your patio inside or carefully secure these items on the patio so that they do not blow around
during possible winter storms. Make sure that you have extra batteries on hand, spare blankets in the closet and plenty of ice
melting compound. CALCIUM CHLORIDE is the ONLY product to be used since it will not damage the pavers.
Seal it: Keep out the cold air by caulking any openings around windows, doors, and vents. Drain hoses and put them
away for the winter. Turn off the outside water faucets, drain them, and leave them open.
Replace it: If you haven’t already replaced the batteries in the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors when you turned
the clocks last November, now is the time to do it. Check the batteries in your flashlights and replace if necessary.

One More Thing

Barbeque Grills: If you are storing your LP (liquid propane) gas grill in your garage for the winter, you shall not store
the LP tank in the garage. This is a violation of the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County and New York State fire codes.
LP tanks, even if you think that they are empty, must be stored outside away from the building. If a fire starts due to a code
violation, the damages will be covered by the insurance provider as required by NYS law, but then one of two things will
happen - either Sterling Woods’ insurance costs will skyrocket, or Sterling Woods will become uninsurable.

One Call Now Uses Text Messages

However, you must opt-in yourself – by law, this is not something that we can do for
you. Twenty-five residents (out of 108) have opted into the One Call Now text system to
receive a text message on their cell phone. To manually “Opt-In” to text messaging,
complete the following steps. It’s easy to do!
1. In your Text Message App on your phone, open a new message and type 22300 in the
“To” field.
2. Then type in the word Alert in the message box and hit “Send”.
Text messages have an average
That’s all you need to do! open rate of 98% compared to a
Our intention is to use the system sparingly, for emergencies, reminders, and things that 20% open rate for emails.
pertain to most of our members. This is a great communication tool!

Free COVID 19 Tests

Four free Coronavirus (aka COVID 19) are available from the federal government at www.covid.gov/tests. Just enter
your name, address and email address in the form on the screen and click the submit button. The site does not request any
other information; you do not have to enter your insurance information nor your Social Security number.

Special Election for Brookhaven Town Clerk

This is a reminder that there will be a special election for Brookhaven Town Clerk on January 17, 2023, from 6 AM to
9 PM at the John F. Kennedy Middle School on Jayne Blvd. The candidates are Kevin LaValle (one of my former A+ super-
duper math students) and Lisa Di Santo (a community leader and educator).

Maggio Sanitation Adheres to Brookhaven Regulations

The following is the current information about the garbage collection provided by Maggio Sanitation.
On the first pick-up of the week (Tuesday), only the green Maggio trash container should be put out. No extra garbage
will be picked up. Only what is in the green Maggio trash container will be collected. If you have two green Maggio trash
containers, both may be put out.
On the second pick-up of the week (Friday), trash in the green Maggio trash container will be collected in addition to
extra garbage placed next to the container. You may use a non-Maggio container as an extra item in addition to the green
Maggio container. Only a maximum of four (4) extra items may be put out for pickup. The extra garbage must comply with
Brookhaven Town rules, otherwise, it will not be collected. For example, TVs may not be placed at the curb for pickup,
while mattresses may be put out.
The website links for the Brookhaven Town Rules are: www.brookhavenny.gov/1313/Curbside-Items,
www.brookhavenny.gov/1315/Bulk-Items, www.brookhavenny.gov/1319/12053/Appliance-and-Special-Collections,
www.brookhavenny.gov/1300/Paint-Disposal, www.brookhavenny.gov/407/Hazardous-Waste-Disposal
If you have any questions, please contact Carol Fishberger at 631 476-2100 x206 or at carolf@camcosevicesny.com.

The stop sign is not a suggestion. Please stop at the stop sign.
Sterling Woods Newsletter Volume 21 #1 Winter 2023 – page 7

CURB YOUR DOG:

•When walking your dog, please make sure that you walk it on the road and that it does its business on
the street. Please keep the dog off the grass and out of the planting beds. Remember that you have to
provide proof that your dog is licensed.

GARBAGE:

•On the first pick-up of the week (Tuesday), only the green Maggio trash container should be put out. No
extra garbage will be picked up.
•On the second pick-up of the week (Friday), trash in the green Maggio trash container will be collected
in addition to extra garbage placed next to the container. You may use a non-Maggio container as an
extra item in addition to the green Maggio container. Only a maximum of four (4) extra items may be put
out for pickup. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to comply with Brookhaven Town rules.

MODIFICATION OF THE COMMON AREA:

•If you wish to add color to the planting beds next to your garage, walkway, or condo unit, you may plant
annuals or small perennials in the planting beds. However, planting bushes, shrubs, or trees, or removing
them or installing a patio are all examples of modifications to the Common Area. If you wish to make a
modification, you need to notify CAMCO and submit the proper paperwork. Then the board will either
approve the modification, or not, at a regularly scheduled board meeting and will notify you of the
decision.

PARKING:

•According to our governing documents, every unit has two parking locations – the garage and the
driveway. There are additional unassigned parking spaces in the parking areas. The latter are open to all
and are used on a first-come, first-served basis but are not intended for storage of an auto. Leaving a car
and not moving it for days or weeks is inconsiderate to other residents and visitors and a violation of our
House Rules. If you must store a car, park that car in your driveway or garage where you can leave it
without inconveniencing other residents.

SPEED LIMIT:

•The speed limit in Sterling Woods is 15 mph.

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING:

•If you see something amiss, call CAMCO at 476-2100 where your call will be properly logged, and a work
order will be issued. You may also send an email, to CAMCO at carolf@camcoservicesny.com attaching a
photo if possible. If you see a serious problem where apparent/suspected illegal activity is ongoing, call
911 or for non-emergencies requiring police response call (631) 852-COPS(2677) or the 6th Precinct at
(631) 854-8600 and, for non-emergencies requiring a response from the Terryville Fire Department,
call 631-473-1224.

SEWER TREATMENT PLANT:

•Do not flush “Flushable” wipes or any other type of wipes down the toilet.

 Have a question or concern? Contact Carol Fishberger, our Property Manager. 

Sterling Woods Newsletter Volume 21 #1 Winter 2023 – page 8

More After Holiday Party Photos

Important Contact Information

Sterling Woods Condominium CAMCO Services of NY
62 Gettysburg Drive Carol Fishberger, Property Manager
Maureen Brush, President, 631 928-9563 Office: 631 476-2100 ext. 206
maureenbrush46@gmail.com Fax: 631 743-9780
carolf@camcoservicesny.com
46 Gettysburg Drive
For payments with coupon or for your online banking
Diane Venturini, Treasurer, 631 928-7042
system:
venturinidiane@gmail.com
CAMCO Services of NY, Inc.
51 Gettysburg Drive PO Box 5258
Patricia Hanham, VP/Secretary, 631 476-5979 New York, NY 10008-5258
sterlingwoods2003@yahoo.com For correspondence or payments without coupon:
33 Gettysburg Drive Sterling Woods Condominium
Industrial Coverage c/o Camco Services, Inc.
Mickey Romeo, 631 736-7500 x115 PO Box 990
(Sterling Woods Master Insurance - if your mortgage Port Jeff Station, NY 11776
company needs proof of the master insurance, fax After Hours Emergency Number: 476-2100, press 1 and
request to 631-736-7619 or email then 1 again (weeknights 5 pm to 8 am and 24 hours
CERTS@industrialcoverage.com) Saturday, Sunday and holidays)
Maggio’s M & P Carting Service Fire Department 911 or 631-473-1224 non-emergency
631 696-6300 for bulk item service Police 911 or (631) 852-COPS (2677) non-emergency

If you see something wrong, call CAMCO Services:

Carol Fishberger, Property Manager 631 476-2100 ext. 206
or email CAMCO at carolf@camcoservicesny.com
After Hours Emergency Number: 476-2100, press 1 and then 1 again
(weeknights 5 pm to 8 am and 24 hours Saturday, Sunday and holidays

 CAMCO does not want owners to talk to the vendors and their crews while they are here working. 