Testimonials
Why People Choose Crystal Springs
When it comes to choosing the perfect place to live, you have a lot of options. Why would you choose Crystal Springs? Maybe you like the idea of being surrounded by serene open spaces—just 47 miles from Manhattan. Or perhaps you enjoy an active lifestyle and the idea of having plenty of year-round activities appeals to you. Maybe you’re drawn by the luxury, quality, and style of the homes you can find here. Or maybe you’re attracted to the abundant amenities—golf, spas, skiing, fine dining, great wine cellars, and as much (or as little) social interaction as you want.
Maybe it’s a little bit of all of that! For those of us who built this community, we think Crystal Springs is a little slice of heaven—just outside the City. But don’t take our word for it. We invite you to listen to what the people who live here have to say. They’re glad they chose Crystal Springs—and we think you will be, too!
The Lowcher Family
The Lowchers have lived in The Village at Crystal Springs for the past two years. Jeff and Dale had decided to sell their Warren County home, hoping the family could spend more quality time together in this new four-season residential resort. Along with their two daughters Alexandra, 13 and Christiane, 8, the couple felt that this beautiful community would be the perfect place to call home.
Jeff and Dale's wish has come true with the family taking advantage of the many first-rate amenities that Crystal Springs offers. They're now all playing golf together, along with enjoying the world-class facilities at both Crystal Springs Country Club and Minerals Sports Club. Skiing and snow boarding have become ideal winter pastimes, with the slopes of Mountain Creek just minutes down the road. The girls also find time to participate in Girl Scouts and many sports in town, as well as studying hard to stay on Honor Roll.
Apart from all the activities available near their home, Jeff and Dale's daughters are involved in some very exciting competitions as well. Just this past summer, Alexandra won 1st Runner-Up out of 184 girls in the Pre-Teen Division of the National American Miss Pageant State Finals. She also won the Most Promising Model Award, earning her a scholarship to one of the top modeling agencies in New York City. Alexandra captured several other noteworthy awards that earned her an invitation to the National Pageant in California, where she will compete as New Jersey's representative for the title of National All-American Miss. Christiane isn't far behind in her sister's footsteps, having won the title of Little Miss Hardyston 2004 this past June.
Jeff and Dale couldn't be more pleased with their move to The Village at Crystal Springs, where the family has enjoyed residing in its lovely home and participating in many activities together.
The Poltersdorf Family
Nicki and Todd Poltersdorf have been homeowners in the Angel Fire section of Crystal Springs for nearly three years. Todd, who grew up in nearby Vernon, always knew he wanted to reside in the scenic, countrified area where he lived as a child. Nicki, originally from Nebraska, had lived in eight different locations across the country and wanted to be in a family-minded community that she could finally call home. "Since Todd and I wanted to have children, we thought to settle down where the kids could ride bikes and not have to go far to meet friends. We're so happy our daughter Abby will grow up here - we love the neighborhood aspect of Crystal Springs."
Another feature that the Poltersdorfs enjoy about our residential resort community is the wide array of recreation and amenities available. Todd loves the golfing experience, with a choice of 6 championship courses all within a 5 mile radius. Nicki and her mom Carol Kienitz, who is also a Crystal Springs resident living in The Tarryall, are Social Members at the event-filled Crystal Springs Country Club. They are both looking forward to the opening of the clubhouse pools and participating in the warm weather activities offered by the Resort. For these homeowners, living at Crystal Spring is a family affair enjoyed by all.
The Higgins Family
This edition of "Meet the Homeowners" features the Higgins family, who have lived in The Village at Crystal Springs for the past 3 years. Prior to relocating, Heather and Keith had lived in Dumont (Bergen County), and were hoping to find a more spacious home, as well as a community where they felt comfortable raising their two children, Sarah, 7 and Dylan, 4. Although they loved their new neighborhood and the beauty of the Hardyston once they arrived, Heather felt there weren't enough places close by where children, families and couples could socialize.
Then, in the summer of 2002, Crystal Springs Country Club opened to a warm welcome by homeowners, with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor amenities for both adults and kids. The following year, a playground and basketball court were built, once again creating new recreational opportunities.
One day, Heather came upon the idea of having an organized group which would offer children's activities on a regular basis. With that thought, the "Crystal Springs Kids Club" came into being last spring, with an Easter egg hunt as its first event. The club's website, Kids Club, lists a variety of upcoming activities, a mailing list sign-up form and welcomes all input as to how the club may be enhanced. Current membership is at 26 families...and growing!
Apart from maintaining an active role in the Kids Club, Heather, husband Keith and their new found friends from the neighborhood can often be found enjoying live entertainment at Kites Restaurant, dinner at Crystal Tavern or a well-deserved treatment at the luxurious new Elements Spa. There truly is something for everyone at Crystal Springs!
Gunnar and Djorna Elgaard
This edition of "Meet the Homeowners" offers an international flair with the story of the Elgaards. Gunnar and Djorna were born in Denmark, and met in the late 1940s at a dance hall in their small town outside of Copenhagen. During their courtship, many dates revolved around an evening of dancing. With their jitterbug perfected, they knew they belonged together off the dance floor as well and decided to marry. Soon after, Gunnar took a position with an office equipment export company.
At the age of 30, Gunnar was offered a job transfer to a marketing position in the United States for two years, so the Elgaards moved to a new home on Long Island in 1959 with their daughter Birgitte and son Jan. The following year, another son named Lennart was warmly welcomed as a U.S. citizen. As the end of their two year stay approached, the family decided not to return to Denmark as Djorna and the children enjoyed their American lifestyle, and Gunnar found opportunities that would allow a permanent stay in our country. While continuing to travel for his job, Gunnar began to feel that he wanted more time with the family, so in 1969, he started his own printing press import company. With his new office located in Bergen County, the Elgaards built a home on the fairways of a local golf club.
As the years passed and Gunnar approached retirement, he and Djorna looked at various golf communities, but each one seemed to be missing something. Then one night, the family was reading about a new resort lifestyle community called Crystal Springs, which had a top-notch golf course. It sounded ideal with a beautiful country setting, and less than an hour away from their friends in Bergen County. Gunnar sold his business, and in 1991, the Elgaards moved into one of the first homes built in the Tannery Hill neighborhood.
In his free time, Gunnar plays golf every chance he gets, and became a charter member of the men's golf association in 1992. He has found great fulfillment in many friendships and the game's competition, and has won several trophies. In fact, he shot a hole-in-one on the 12th hole of the Crystal Springs golf course! As more residents began moving into Crystal Springs, Gunnar found a need for seniors to get together and play golf, and decided to start a league. He arranges friendly tournaments and tee times at Crystal Springs Golf Club, which is one of 5 golf courses at Crystal Springs Golf & Spa Resort. Apart from his golf activity, Gunnar also enjoys woodworking and gardening. Djorna, a non-golfer just 5 years ago, has become quite the player herself with some help from the David Glenz Golf Academy. In fact, she has promised to beat Gunnar on the links while they are playing in Florida this winter.
The Elgaards have participated in many of the social activities offered at the Crystal Springs Country Club since its grand opening this past summer. Gunnar also attends local town and county meetings, with his interest in the community's activity and progress. The entire family loves to spend time with Birdie, their pure bread Shih Tzu. When you run into Djorna, who is often out walking the dog, be sure to ask how Birdie became part of the family! You can be sure that Gunnar and Djorna still dance a rousing jitterbug - if you'd like to learn, they'll happily share some pointers!
Joe Reynics
Who knew that the site of memorable rock finding expeditions which began 15 years ago would be the same place where Crystal Springs resident Joe Reynics would eventually live and work? It all started back in 1989 on what is now the Crystal Springs Golf Club’s 11th hole. The Clifton, NJ native had taken many trips to the nature-friendly Sussex County area, where he and his family enjoyed camping in Stokes National Forest and collecting rocks and minerals while visiting the Franklin Mineral mine. After 10 years of frequent outings, Joe and his wife Cathie were introduced by a friend to The Village at Crystal Springs. A beautiful new condominium in The Cedars on Harker Hill Road beckoned, and Joe’s family decided to leave its Clifton roots behind to start a new life in the lush rolling hills of Hardyston.
While the Reynics were raising their family of four sons and one daughter, Joe spent most of his career perfecting the art of fabric selection for a wide array of uniform styles. His technical design team at Burlington Textile achieved great success for the men’s suits division, but its professional mark was made in designing uniforms for the military, law enforcement, and the airlines. Many of Joe’s timeless signature looks are still being worn to this day.
On an active note, Joe has always been quite the adventurous outdoorsman. A stretch of 12 straight NYC Marathons and various other East Coast road races have kept him in tip-top shape. As Joe maintained his active walking routine around our scenic community, we had the good fortune to meet and recruit him as a course closer for both our Crystal Springs and Wild Turkey Golf Clubs. He has the knack for paying attention to the smallest of details - a trait that helps him in his daily routine around the fairways. For instance, Joe’s eagle eye assists him in identifying unwanted ball marks left on the greens. He efficiently follows up by politely encouraging golfers as to the proper course etiquette of repairing their marks. For all of his tireless efforts, Joe was named Crystal Springs Golf & Spa Resort Employee of the Month this past May. He gets great satisfaction in keeping the courses in prime condition for the many devoted golfers which come to play daily, and also takes pride in our highly regarded community where he resides. We should all be so lucky to have someone like Joe Reynics as a resident and employee!
Diane and Doug Paddock
While many couples were exchanging romantic gifts this past Valentine's Day, Doug and Diane Paddock were exchanging residences. It was a local move for the Hardyston, NJ husband and wife, as they wanted to remain in the rolling hills of Sussex County. The Village at Crystal Springs was a clear choice for the Paddocks. Doug, whose a member of AAAA (The American Association of Amateur Astronomers), already loved the neighborhood and stated, "It's the perfect place for hiking", which is an activity this couple is fond of. Interestingly, as astronomy enthusiasts, they had mentioned that Pennsylvania would have been an ideal place to purchase a home as well, as it offered the dark skies ideally suited for stargazing. It was the uniqueness of Crystal Springs, offering a wide array of activities, "great neighbors" and efficient homes that sold them on the community.
No doubt Doug's neighbors are happy having him living nearby. It's a special occasion when he sets up his Celestron 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain, a telescope generally purchased by universities. Additionally, the couple own a refracting telescope with a hydrogen alpha solar filter offering daylight views of the sun. It's obvious when speaking with both Doug and Diane that they are pleased when neighbors gather to take a peek. "Most people don't realize just how much there is out there to look at," states Diane.
So, was this a marriage 'made in heaven'? In recollecting her childhood memories, Diane fondly remembers her mom taking her outdoors to look at meteor showers, comets and even to catch 'The Skylab' moving across the sky. Doug, who has over 45 years invested in his hobby, treasures a now tarnished circa 1910 brass refracting telescope given to him by his grandfather. He shares nostalgic stories of many nights lying on the cold grass with friends, gazing at the dark sky and pondering the universe. Although the question "What sign are you?" was not part of the couple's get-acquainted conversation, Diane cheerfully reminisces about the first time Doug showed her Jupiter and Saturn through his telescope.
Where can the residents of Crystal Springs find Doug and his telescope next? In conjunction with High Point State Park, Doug is presenting day and evening sky viewing throughout the summer. Contact the Ranger Station for details at 973-875-4800 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 973-875-4800 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Shari Dua, Crystal Springs' Social Director, is arranging a "Family Picnic & Nature Day" to include a visit from Doug along with his grand telescope. For more information on Doug, astronomy and the CG-14 Telescope, visit Doug Paddock's web site at: http://users.tellurian.net/skyguy/ or email Doug at skyguy@tellurian.net. For information on all upcoming Social Events at Crystal Springs call 973-827-9968 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 973-827-9968 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Welcome to Crystal Springs Doug & Diane...We're eagerly looking forward to getting to know you better, and thank you for your amazing scientific expertise!
The Smiths
Donna and Loris Smith moved from Wayne, New Jersey to their Augusta model single-family home on Cypress Lane in August 2001. The primary reason for their move to the Hamburg area was to be closer to two of their five married children, and to their grandchildren. When visiting one of their daughters at Great Gorge three years ago, they fell in love with the surrounding area in general, and with Crystal Springs in particular.
"We always had it in the back of our minds to move to Sussex County, and to Crystal Springs specifically," says Donna. "When we finally made the decision to relocate, we didn't look at any other town or community. We were set on Crystal Springs," she states.
The Smiths' goal was to downsize from their home in Wayne, "but we ended up with a much larger home," reveals Donna. "This house was just so pretty, and our money went much further up here than in the metropolitan area".
Both Donna and Loris enjoy their own home-based workshops - Loris for his furniture building hobby and Donna for her many handicraft activities. In the move, both tripled the size of their workshops. "As I am painting, arranging flowers, or making picture frames, I can glance out my bay window to the golf course and mountains beyond. I just love it," Donna says.
The Smiths really enjoy the beauty of the green rolling hills and colorful landscape of the Sussex County countryside. "We're secluded, yet still not far from shops and restaurants," remarks Donna. "It's a different more relaxed way of living compared to the busy congested highways and lifestyle in Wayne, which is only a 45 minute drive - though it seems like a world away."
Adds Loris, "Donna and I are both from rural farm communities in North Dakota, where we spent a lot of our time outdoors. Today we're enjoying this area for that same kind of feeling, as well as similar attitude and laid-back lifestyle."
While Donna's background is as a registered nurse, Loris has served as General Manager of Giants Stadium and the Meadowlands Arena, General Manager of the Jacob Javits Center in New York, Executive Vice President of Ticketmaster, and as Chief Operating Officers of Ogden Entertainment, for which he traveled the world. He retired in 1998, and is happy to finally "kick back and rest."
Donna says that the neighbors she and Loris have met so far at Crystal Springs have been very friendly. "The minute we moved into Crystal Springs, we felt like we were home, like we'd lived here for years. There's a very secure, happy and serene feeling here. Every morning when we awake to that feeling, and to our beautiful expansive view, we feel like we're in paradise."
The Greelys
Cary and Jack Greely have been homeowners in The Village at Crystal Springs since 2002. The active couple had lived and worked in Manhattan for many years, and were residing just 20 minutes away in Kinnelon's Smoke Rise section prior to moving to our residential resort.
The Greelys became interested in Crystal Springs after seeing a newspaper ad, which prompted Cary and daughter Renita to take a drive up and explore the area. With both mother and daughter falling in love with the community's picturesque setting and wide range of amenities, they soon decided to have their homes built next door to each other. Although Renita and her family have recently moved to North Carolina, Cary and Jack are still very pleased with having moved to the resort. "Everything about living here is wonderful," Cary affirmed. "The golf is awesome - and we even live right on the 9th hole of Crystal Springs golf course."
During the summer months, the Greelys often enjoyed the swimming pools at Crystal Springs Country Club, where they regularly admired "one of the most beautiful views around." Even with winter approaching, Cary and Jack plan on keeping active with the many clubs and seminars offered at the clubhouse, as well as various trips and holiday parties. "There's always something going on here. Boredom is not an option!"
