Locust Lake Villager

On-line at www.locustlakevillage.org

GOLD STRIKE!

LLV Gets Gold Star Rating Locust Lake Village Property Owners Association (LLV/POA) has received the Gold Star Community rating from the PennsylvaniaDelaware Valley Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI).

“The Gold Star Community recognition indicates to professionals, vendors, and existing and prospective home purchasers that the association follows basic and open policies and procedures in the operation and management of Locust Lake Village Property Owners Association,” said Leanne Bath, spokesperson for the CAI.

Trout season opened April 16th at LLV with 88 anglers fishing at East Lake (above) and 183 anglers on shore and in boats on Locust Lake. See story on page 18.

Formal presentation of the rating was made during the General Session of CAI’s Annual Conference & Expo on April 15, 2016 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

LLV AUDIT OK

A professional panel consisting of an attorney, an accountant, a community manager, a contractor, and an elected CAI officer determined that LLV/POA conforms to industry standards in: governance, insurance, finances, architectural control, and rules enforcement.

Locust Lake Village (LLV) Property Owners Association (POA) Treasurer Vince Moderski delivered some good news at the Feb. board meeting regarding LLV’s 2015 audit conducted by William Owens & Company P.C., LLV’s certified public accountants.

“This was a community effort to achieve this status,” said Dan Dougherty, Jr., property manager of LLV/POA. “Without the outstanding help of the community’s volunteers, members of the POA board of directors, each of the committees, our staff, and most importantly the support of our property owners, we would not have achieved this honor.”

One item that Owens, located in Carbondale, Pa., took issue with in last year’s audit report was the need to revise the purchasing procedure. In the past some items had been bought without first issuing a purchase order leaving open the potential for double payments.

“The process of applying to the Gold Star recognition is a great exercise to examine Continued on Page 6

Everything is ‘Stellar’

“It’s one of the most stellar audits in the 19 years I’ve been here at the village,” Moderski reported. “We did such a good job on corrections (noted in the 2014 audit) that Owens hardly had any comments.”

Vince Moderski Treasurer, LLV/POA

Continued on Page 13

‘GET CONNECTED’

Campaign To Increase Use of LLV Website If you didn’t know that Locust Lake Village (LLV) has a website (and chances are that you don’t), www.

Locustlakevillage.org does exist but is underutilized

as a critical communication and information tool by the community. According to figures compiled by the LLV Communications and Technology Committee, more than half of the 1,237 residents listed in the village’s directory have never logged on to www.

Locustlakevillage.com. What’s more disturbing, says Will Robinson, chairman of the LLV Property Owners Association (POA) is that 25 percent of village residents have not listed an e-mail address with the POA. The LLV website is a state-of-the-art site that provides easy access for updated information on the community including a calendar of events, amenities, rental information, announcements, rules and regulations, and club information. It is maintained by the Communications and Technical Committee. Ray DiSandro serves as the site’s webmaster.

Continued on Page 7

Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335

PAID PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

About the Village Table of Contents About the Village From the Desk of the Community Manager

2

Know the LLV Rules

3

Bylaws Govern the Village

4

Security Practice Fire Safety Around Your Grill & Campfire

5

Village Thief Apprehended

6

Inside & Outside The Village LLV Calendar of Events

8

Houses of Worship

8

Sunrise Ser vice at East Lake

9

WINTER REDUX A New Year’s Eve Tale

10

New Year’s Eve

10

Teeing off in Februar y at LLV

11

Conditions Couldn’t Be Bitter

This is our first issue of the Villager with our new publisher, the Niki Jones Agency. You will notice a different look from previous issues. We hope to liven up the look of the Villager a little but keep the traditional features that you have come to expect. We will be trying different looks as we go along. Please let us know what you think since this is your paper.

What an unusual winter we had this year. You could almost say it was the winter that never happened. No one complained about the conditions on the ski hill since we never opened the ski hill this season. The lack of snow really put a kink in our winter activities. We could not even get the lakes frozen enough to have the ice fishing contest this year. Not being one who is into winter sports, I enjoyed the lack of winter and will take that type of winter anytime. It may have been quiet in the Village over the past several months, but it doesn’t mean that nothing was happening. The volunteers who served on the committees and helped with the events we were able to have over the winter, worked tirelessly to get the job done. So to all those volunteers, we thank you.

Spring is in full bloom, and people are returning from their winter hiding places. The maintenance staff is doing everything they can to get the Village ready for the upcoming season. Volunteers of the Recreation Committee and Nicole Hill, our recreation director, have put together a very busy calendar for the upcoming season. As I write this in mid-April Nicole, already has seven (7) lifeguards lined up for the summer. That is seven more than we had this time last year.

Our Rangers had a little bit of a turnover in staff this past winter, and we now have two new Rangers on patrol.

They are Stefan Mazhirski and James Cotter. Also, we have a new part time maintenance person Billy Davis. So join me in welcoming them into the LLV family. We also want to wish good luck to Ranger Rudy Sagnelli, who is moving to Arizona to further his education.

Baldwin

Finally, I am proud that we achieved the Gold Star status from the Community Associations Institute (CAI). This was a team effort that took all the volunteers, staff and the support of the community to achieve. So stand up and be proud you are from Locust Lake Village Property Owners Association!

Dan Dougherty, Community Manager

YOUR HERE YOUR OUR Your Home, YourY Life, Choose Liberty.

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11

LLV Marks St. Paddy’s Day

12

Let The Wet Times Roll!

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A Community Librar y With Global Reach

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About Village People Bill and Eileen Binns

16

Volunteers Make LLV Life Happen

17

On Target for its Sixth Year

17

Trout Season Opens at LLV

18

Christmas, Ice Fishing, and Trout Season Top Off Agenda

18

LLV Has Its Own Ellis Island

19

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PAGE 2 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

Rt. Route 940, Pocono 928 940,Lake Pocono Lake CERTIFIED AGING-IN-PLACE

SPRING CLEANING

Know the LLV Rules In the spring, a property owner’s fancy turns to… well, you know.

It’s that time of the year to, as a City of Philadelphia slogan once extoled, “Clean Up, Paint Up, Fix Up.”

Washing windows, putting in new plants, and painting a few interior walls are among projects that are on practically everyone’s to-do list.

Locust Lake Village POA

© Copyright 2016 1778 Lake Lane, Pocono Lake, PA 18347 P: 570.646.3616 www.locustlakevillage.org

However, there are some more ambitious projects that first require an understanding of certain guidelines found in the Locust Lake Village Property Owners Association (LLV/POA) Community, Neighborhood & Architectural Rules & Regulations.

“These rules and regulations are to assist in the improvement and promotion of our community, its natural beauty and physical environment,” said Dan Dougherty, Jr., LLV/POA property manager. “They also are designed to maintain the value of all common property as well as all residential lots and their improvements.”

By way of summary, here are a few regulations regarding exterior and outdoor projects.

Driveways: A permit is required to alter an existing driveway, including enlargement, paving, relocation or other improvement. However, no permit is needed for re-stoning a driveway.

Trees: A permit (valid for 60 days) is required to remove any tree(s) six inches or larger in diameter.

Upon inspection, the tree(s) approved for cutting (and only those trees) will be clearly marked by the LLV manager or a LLV-designated agent. Before cutting any tree(s), contractors must provide the LLV/POA office proof of liability insurance listing LLV as an additional insured. The LLV/POA office must be contacted on the day of the scheduled cutting for the LLV manager or

OFFICE HOURS: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Wednesday - Closed Sat. & Sun. 8:30am-4pm

PUBLISHER: Niki Jones Agency, Inc. 39 Front St., Port Jer vis, NY 12771 P: 845.856.1266 E: publisher@nikijones.com The board of approved colors is available at the LLV/POA administration office.

designated LLV agent to perform a visual inspection after all cutting is completed. Failure to obtain a permit will result in a $250 fine.

Shrubbery and planting: If landscaping is to be done around a home, it is recommended that native vegetation be used. The home owner should be aware of plants that are subject to deer and weather destruction.

Exterior lighting: Floodlights and other forms of high intensity lighting are restricted to those fixtures which may be affixed to the home or garage. Such lighting would be used to light walkways around the home, decking or other immediate pedestrian traffic areas.

Low-level lighting is limited to driveways, exterior walks, and landscaped areas, and must be ground level and not exceed an installed fixture height of four feet.

Security lighting (floodlight type) is permitted affixed to home, garage or driveway areas when lighting is controlled by a working timer and triggered by movement. The light cannot remain on for longer than five minutes.

Exterior material and color standards: Decks must be constructed of natural wood or synthetic composite materials. Wood decks may be clear-coated, stained or painted. Foundations which rise above grade must be parged, painted, stuccoed, or veneered with natural or synthetic stone. Siding, trim, fascia, and soffit material must be wood, vinyl, fiber cement board, metal or bend metal material. Natural or synthetic stone may be used as facing for a portion of the exterior of a dwelling. Roofing must be asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or metal. Colors must be chosen from the Color and Material Standards board found in the LLV/POA administration building. All exterior colors for any building or for new or refinished work also must be chosen from the Color and Material Standards board.

Every LLV property owner must have a copy of the Rules & Regulations present in his or her home for reference and review by the owner, tenants, renters, and guests. Copies of the complete Rules & Regulations are available at the LLV/POA administration building.

PAGE 3 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

Community Manager Dan Dougherty, Jr. Office: 570.643.8653 Cell: 570.778.8923 dan@locustlakevillage.org Recreations Nicole Hill, Director Office: 570.643.8655 nicole@locustlakevillage.org Office Staff Lillian Bellis, Asst. Office Admin.

Linda Buscavage Office: 570.643.8650 llvpoa@ptd.net Office Administrator Mary Marucci Office: 570.646.3616 mary@locustlakevillage.org Ranger Staff Andy Gross, Chief Office: 570.643.8656 24/7 dispatch: 570.646.3532 Fire & Police: 911 Maintenance Dave Wampole Office: 570.643.8659 llvmaintenance@gmail.com Accounting Kathleen Benner Office: 570.643.8652 kathllv@ptd.net Disclaimer:The comments, statements or written opinions expressed in Locust Lake Villager are the sole responsibility of the signed individual/author and/or committee and are not edited. All letters to the editor and paid advertisements do not reflect the opinions or views of Locust Lake Villager. Locust Lake Villager is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints.

All advertising, including photographs are the property of Niki Jones Agency, Inc. and not that of the advertiser.

The advertiser has purchased rights of reproduction in Locust Lake Villager and does not have the right to reproduce ads in any other place or publication without written permission from the publisher. Locust Lake Villager reserves the rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisement.

LLV BYLAWS

Bylaws Govern The Village Similar in theory to the Constitution of the United States, the bylaws of the Locust Lake Village Property Owners Association (LLV/POA) are the tenets by which the village is governed.

“You could call them the ‘bible’ of the association’s operations,” said Wade Burchell, chairman of the village’s Bylaws Committee and member of the POA’s board of directors. “They dictate the operation of the village, voting, elections, hiring and discharge of employees etc. They also include procedures and responsibilities for the board of directors, its composition and how they conduct business and impose fees or assess members.”

For the last year and a half, Burchell and his 12-member committee of property owners in good standing have carefully reviewed 28 proposed changes to the bylaws that were submitted by the POA in 2014.

These and any proposed changes that are submitted are carefully analyzed by the committee, and then submitted to the board of directors with comments and a recommendation for their approval or disapproval.

If approved, they are then sent out to the members in good standing for a vote.

Upon approval, the committee will mail those proposed changes to all property owners in good standing for their vote. In order to pass or approve a proposed change, a majority of 50 percent plus one of those members in good standing that year is required. As of Dec. 31, 2015, 1,133 property owners were in good standing. Thus, this year’s majority is 567 plus one (1) which equates to 568 affirmative votes for the “proposed change” to pass.

The process to present a proposed change is simple enough.

“Any member of the POA can look at the bylaws, make a suggestion and submit it to the POA property manager, the board or the bylaw committee,” Burchell continued.

“The board or manager will forward any suggested changes to our committee for review and disposition.

If it is a sound proposal, our committee will push it forward to the board for their approval to send it out to the membership.”

The first proposed change of more than 28 changes is a recommendation for the POA to include electronic

balloting for voting, which was sent out in December 2015. Property owners have until noon of June 15, 2016 to vote and return their ballots to the LLV administration office.

In order for a ballot to be validated, POA members must make sure that their return address is placed in the upper left hand corner of the return LLV/POA selfaddressed stamped envelope.

If a member has not received a ballot, Burchell advised obtaining a ballot from the administration office before the June 15 deadline.

However, the Bylaws Committee has decided that sending out 28 proposed changes at once would be burdensome and risk being ineffective.

“It would be too onerous to print and mail all 28 at once,” said Burchell. “Following the proposed electronic balloting change, we will send out the remaining 27 proposed changes periodically in three packs based on priority so that members are not overwhelmed by receiving a 10- to 15-page book.”

The committee’s reasoning is that a three-pack mailing approach will help POA members to better focus on and understand three issues rather than sifting through 27.

“It should take about 15 minutes or so to review and vote on three proposed changes instead of spending a couple of hours trying to fully understand the language of 28 proposed changes,” Burchell continued.

If the electronic balloting change is approved by the POA, ballots would then be e-mailed to the POA saving the association time and money in printing and postage.

Burchell pointed out that if passed, electronic balloting would not exclude POA members without computer access. Those members would still receive their ballots by mail with pre-paid, LLV/POA selfaddressed, return postage.

He emphasized that “we would not disenfranchise those folks without computers because we will have to still allow paper balloting for those members that choose to elect by that method.”

For LLV’s future, Burchell strongly feels that the bylaws must be amended to keep up with the needs of the village as a whole and property owners in particular.

However, he pointed out that LLV bylaws are difficult to change and for good reason, contrasting the bylaws with LLV rules and policies “We would not want bylaws to be easily changed,” Burchell said. “Currently, rules or policies can be changed annually without restriction if there is a majority of the Board of Directors. This is not the case with bylaws, and this is a good thing.

He reiterated that changes to bylaws can only be made by a vote of 50 percent plus one of all POA members in good standing to vote in the affirmative.

“If anyone ever has a question, please feel free to ask for my phone number or call 215-896-9560. I want to be as helpful as possible.”

Copies of the LLV/POA Bylaws as well as the LLV Articles of Incorporation and LLV Rules and Regulations are available at the village’s administration building.

PAGE 4 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

Security DON’T GET BURNT!

Practice Fire Safety Around Your Grill And Campfire

By Andy Gross, Chief Locust Lake Village Rangers Sunny afternoons and cool evenings in the Poconos beckon chefs in Locust Lake Village (LLV) out onto the deck, the screen porch, or into the yard to stoke up their grills to create those taste-tempting, summertime lipsmacking culinary delights for lunch or dinner.

But with this ideal situation comes a risk that could set fire to your home as well as to the ground around it.

Therefore, caution and care must be part of your menu (as well as your good taste) around the grill whatever size and wherever it may be.

According to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) latest figures (2007-2011), four out of five (82 percent) grills involved in home fires were fueled by gas while 16 percent used charcoal or other solid fuel.

During that period, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 8,800 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year. These fires caused an annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 140 reported civilian injuries, and $96 million in direct property damage.

Another hard fact from the fire service: a fire doubles in size every 30 seconds.

LLV is home to some of the most picturesque of environments found anywhere in the Poconos.

Undoubtedly, that is only one of the many reasons our residents decided to become a part of the community with the purchase of their homes which required an investment of thousands of their hard-earned dollars.

can be located on a deck or a porch but far enough away from the walls of a home, but are not permitted on screen porches.

No refuse, debris or leaf burning is permitted at any time. This means no burn piles are permitted.

Disregarding these rules will result in a fine.

Also, if you are a tobacco smoker, discipline yourself when you finish a cigarette or cigar. Do not toss the butt out onto the yard or a passing field. Dispose of the butt in a proper receptacle and never crush a butt against a tree or a tree stump.

Above all, report any signs of smoke or fire to the Security office at 570-646-3532 or call 9-1-1 for emergency response.

We have a pleasing blend of residential and nature here in LLV. Let’s work to minimize any fire hazards that would threaten any resident’s home and well-being.

The NFPA offers the following advice for safe grilling:

Propane and charcoal barbecue grills must only be used outdoors.

Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when flipping burgers, hot dogs, steaks, ribs, etc.

Periodically remove grease of fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

Keep in mind that this time of year is a prime season for grass and field fires. With more daylight, leaves and fallen branches and trees tend to become brittle and dry out, creating a fire hazard situation. Just imagine the billions of leaves that fall each year in the village.

That is all the more reason to be extremely careful when disposing of charcoal and knocking down campfires. Make sure that both are completely out by using the hose you have placed within arm’s reach of the campfire or the grill.

In order to safeguard those investments while still getting maximum enjoyment of summertime outdoor cooking, LLV has established rules regarding outdoor fires. They can be found in your copy of the village’s Rules and Regulations document.

For your safety and convenience they are as follows:

Outdoor cooking is permitted if it is done in or on a residential/commercial type cooking apparatus such as gas or charcoal grills or campfire.

Before initiating an outdoor fire such as a campfire or in a fire ring, residents must notify LLV Security prior to its start.

Campfires with a flame not exceeding a height of two feet and in a circle that is three to four feet in diameter are permitted. However, Tobyhanna and Coolbaugh townships burning bans must not be in effect. All fires including grills must be attended at all times by a responsible adult.

A working water hose must be available and in close proximity to the campfire.

A testing laboratory approved fire extinguisher(s) must be in close proximity to the grill.

Smokers, which can reach steady temperatures of 225 degrees, must not be located on a deck or a porch. Grills PAGE 5 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

FORM NEEDED

Special Emergency Help Available In the event of an emergency, the Locust Lake Village Property Owners Association (LLV/POA) wants to provide prompt assistance to residents with special medical needs. In order to send assistance in situations such as rain storms, snow storms, long-term power outages, wildfires, or hazardous material spills, the LLV/POA needs to have individual information forms on file to help those residents. This form is available at the LLV/ POA administration building. All information is kept in strictest confidentiality and can be used only by authorized LLV disaster volunteers and/ or local emergency responders from municipal, county, township, or state emergency agencies.

(Continued from Page 1)

LLV Gets Gold Star Rating your policies and procedures to be sure all of our insurance coverages are adequate and we are following all recommended CAI policies for open governance,” said Will Robinson, chairman of the LLV Property Owners Association board of directors. “The Gold Star award is an important step in moving LLV from a good community to a great community.”

Robinson added that “real estate agents will pick up on this fact, and that will increase the market value of our houses throughout the area.”

Stolen copper items found in the trunk of a person charged with theft from a foreclosed residence on Lake Lane.

Headquartered in Falls Church, Va., the CAI is an international center for community association information, best practices, education and advocacy.

CAI was organized in 1973, and includes 33,500 members in 60 chapters in the United States and around the world. Members include association board members and other homeowner leaders, community managers, association management firms and other professionals who provide products and services to associations.

BOOK ‘EM, DANO!

Village Thief Apprehended The Locust Lake Village Rangers (LLVR) and Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department (PMRPD) teamed up to apprehend a person charged with theft of copper from a foreclosed residence on Lake Lane in the village.

Ranger Chief Andy Gross was monitoring radio traffic on Sunday, Feb. 28 in reference to a vehicle that had been serviced at a local repair facility. The facility’s mechanic had noticed that the vehicle contained a trunkful of scrap copper consisting mainly of copper piping.

Gross attempted to verify the address connected with the vehicle against LLV records but could not make a positive match. But the mechanic stated that the operator of the vehicle was from LLV.

At this point Gross called in the assistance of the PMRPD. Gross and PMRPD Patrol Sgt. Kristopher Vogt determined that the operator and the vehicle belonged to an address on Lake Lane in the village.

When the operator of the vehicle was questioned, he denied having any knowledge of the copper found in the vehicle’s trunk.

Upon further investigation with the PMRPD, it was discovered that the operator had outstanding warrants from Bristol, Pa., after which he was taken into custody at PMRPD headquarters in Pocono Summit.

After a further round of questioning, the suspect/operator admitted that he had stolen the copper piping from the foreclosed residence on Lake Lane to sell for cash. Charges are pending for the copper theft, and the suspect was referred to the custody of Bucks County Prison near Doylestown, Pa. “We are grateful for the help that the PMRPD gave us in tracking down this fugitive,” said Gross, “and, as always, we appreciate their additional support.”

If you see anything or anyone of a suspicious nature, call LLV Security at 570-646-3532 or 9-1-1.

PAGE 6 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Campaign To Increase Use of LLV Website Communications and Technology Committee. Ray DiSandro serves as the site’s webmaster.

“It’s such an important thing,” Robinson said of access to the website. “Communicating with the residents through e-blasts on board issues and knowing, for example, what’s going on this weekend simply by going to the village website saves time and money.”

He said that the bottom-line benefit to the POA of posting to the website would be a saving of little over $600 in postage each time the board sends out a mailing to all the residents. Staff time and stationery expense also add to the cost of going the standard mail route.

“Our website is the primary resource for information,” DiSandro said. “FaceBook is coordinated with the website so that notices of events are posted.

Residents can also easily access the village’s rules and regulations, event calendars, meeting minutes, available amenities, the Locust Lake Villager quarterly newspaper, and administration office contact information among other items. It’s all there.”

But in order to access the website, residents first must have an e-mail address registered within the website.

It is literally a free-and-easy process.

“If you have a computer with a browser, just go to www.locustlakevillage.org,” continued DiSandro. “That will get you to the front door or the portal.”

Once on the site, look for the sign-up button (to request a log-in ID) which will request information about yourself and your e-mail address. Then click submit.

The person requesting will be issued a computer

The front door or portal to Locust Lake Village website.

generated log-in and password both of which can be changed to something more easily remembered.

To encourage increased use of the LLV website, the Communications and Technology Committee plans to launch a “Get Connected” campaign.

An incentive will be built into the campaign.

“We need a motivator,” he explained. “So we will have a random drawing of those who have signed up for the website at the end of each month and award the lucky end user $100 worth of LLV bucks for use at various village events.”

“Get Connected” will also offer residents free computer literacy classes at The Chalet.

“We will not overwhelm people,” DiSandro said of the classes. “The goal is to provide basic rudimentary information to ease any anxiety people may have of computers, and to show them a new way of communicating with the village as well as the world so that they are not afraid of using it.”

While in its planning stage, “Get Connected” will utilize the Locust Lake Villager as well as message boards and postings around the community to support the campaign.

“Our intent is to reinforce as well as to build awareness of the village website as an information resource,” DiSandro said. “With more people accessing it, we hope the website will help bring the community closer together by informing folks of activities and events that can offer the opportunity for new friendships as well as even more enjoyment of the LLV lifestyle.”

PAGE 7 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

Inside & Outside the Village •

HERE COMES SUMMER

•

LLV Calendar of Events

• •

More events will be added throughout the summer and some dates may change due to the availability of vendors, etc. This is a general outline of summer activities. For more information, contact LLV Recreation Director Nicole Hill at (570) 643-8655.

•

•

•

• • • • • • • • • • •

May 8th – Mother’s Day Breakfast 9 a.m.-Noon at The Chalet – Mothers Eat Free!

•

May 16th Adult Bingo Begins at The Chalet – Runs every Monday throughout the summer; doors open 6:30 p.m.; games start 7 p.m.

•

May 28-30th – Community Yard Sales

•

•

May 27th – Friday Night BBQ’s begin! Every Friday at The Chalet 5:30-8:30 p.m. through Labor Day Weekend.

•

May 28th Kids Fishing Contest hosted by the Angler’s Club 9-11 a.m. at East Lake

•

May 29th – Picnic at Pines Lake 4-7 p.m. followed by Bonfire & DJ till 11 p.m.

•

June 11th – Archery Open House 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Archery Range

•

June 18th – 5-9 p.m. Anglers’ Club Fishing Contest and Weigh-In Party at Pines Lake 9-11 p.m. (Club members only)

•

June 19th – Father’s Day Breakfast 9 a.m.-Noon at The Chalet – Fathers Eat Free!

•

June 22nd – Ice Cream Socials begin 7-9 p.m. at The Chalet; water slide will be setup for the kids; will be held every Wednesday through August.

June 25th – Kids Night – Magician & Balloon Creations by Aardvark Entertainment, 6 p.m. at The Chalet July 2nd-3rd – Community Yard Sales

•

• • •

July 2nd – Golf Cart Parade 10 a.m. at Pines Lake Community Carnival 1-5 p.m. at East Lake

July 3rd – Picnic at Locust Lake 4-7p.m. followed by DJ & bonfire from 7-11 p.m.

July 9th – Family Campout

July 10th – Anglers’ Club Fishing Contest 7-10 a.m. at Locust Lake; 10-11 a.m. Angler’s Club Breakfast (Club members only) July 16th – Archery Open House 1-4 p.m. at archery range

July 16th – Anglers’ Club 25th Anniversary Party (Club members only)

July 23rd – Archery Dinner Dance 6-11 p.m. at The Chalet July 30th – Country Western Night at Locust Lake, 6-10 p.m.

August 6th – Cabaret 7-10 p.m. at The Chalet

August 13th – Family Fishing Contest hosted by Angler’s Club at Pines Lake from 9-11 a.m.

Fish Fry hosted by the Anglers’ Club from 5-8 p.m. at The Chalet (open to all) August 20th – ATV Rally 1 p.m. at The Chalet

August 27th – Annual Benefit Dinner & Auction starting at 5 p.m. at The Chalet September 2nd – Last Friday Night BBQ for the summer, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

September 3rd-4th – Community Yard Sales

September 3rd – Cardboard Boat Races 1 p.m. at Pines Lake DJ & Bonfire 7-11 p.m. at Pines Lake

September 4th – Lobster Bake 4-7 p.m. at Pines Lake Fireworks at dusk at East Lake

PAGE 8 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

Houses of Worship Pocono Wesleyan Church

203 Spur Road Pocono Lake, Pa. - 570-646-7456 Poconolakewesleyan.org

St. Maximillian Kolbe RC

5112 Pocono Crest Road Pocono Pines, Pa. - 570-646-6424 Stmaxkolbepoconos.org

St. Mark RC Church

1052 Bear Lake Road Thornhurst, Pa. - 570-472-3061 Churchofstelizabethstmark.org

Thornhurst United Methodist Church 342 Old River Road Thornhurst, Pa. - 570-842-1434 Facebook: Thornhurst Umc

Congregation B’nai Harim Reformed

5349 Pocono Crest Boulevard Pocono Pines, Pa. - 570-355-5350 Bnaiharimpoconos.org

Community Bible Church of Pocono Lake

899 Route 940, Pocono Lake, Pa. 570-646-8995 Poconolakechurch.org

EASTER AT LLV

Sunrise Service at East Lake As the early morning light attempted to break through the fog that lazily drifted across Locust Lake Village’s East Lake, more than 50 people gathered on the lake’s east shore for the sixth annual Easter Sunrise Service conducted by Pocono Lake Wesleyan Church.

Despite a chilly temperature of 35 degrees, folks dressed for the weather with gloves, scarves and winter jackets exchanged warm Easter greetings with each other as they took their places in six rows of seats positioned before a large wooden cross with East Lake as the backdrop.

The observance by the lake, which was officiated by co-pastors Carey and Luke Richards, has particular significance for the Easter message that commemorates the resurrection of Christ.

Rev. Jim McFadden reads from Scripture.

“Jesus met his disciples by the sea,” said Carey Richards, referring to Christ’s appearance to them after He rose from the dead. “This is a reminder of how Jesus meets us.”

Lake Wesleyan to the village for its hospitality and the opportunity to carry on the tradition of the sunrise service at East Lake.

Carey’s homily followed a theme of hope that Christ’s death and resurrection holds out to mankind. “Jesus is alive this morning,” she said. “That is our hope.”

After the service, Pocono Lake Wesleyan provided breakfast at LLV’s Chalet, prepared by the congregation’s Chuck Lawrence and Marlin and Cheryl Searfoff. The menu included bacon, eggs, and cheese casserole, French toast casserole, potato casserole, scrambled eggs, sausage, and biscuits and gravy.

Luke Richards added, “The tradition of the Easter Sunrise Service ties in with when the disciples realized that Christ had risen, and it was the first appearance of Jesus to them.”

She also expressed appreciation on behalf of Pocono

The Richards were assisted by Rev. Jim McFadden, who read from Scripture, and Sherry Keiper, who led the gathering in song.

Rev. Carey Richards, who is co-pastor with her husband Luke of Pocono Lake Wesleyan Church, gives the homily during the Easter Sunrise Service held at East Lake.

PAGE 9 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

Winter Redux

Rafael and Breonna Silfonte, of Haynes City, Fla., unexpectedly but happily spent New Year’s Eve at The Chalet.

New Year’s Eve Couple

A New Year’s Eve Tale

Revelers do a line dance during New Year’s Eve festivities at The Chalet.

New Year’s Eve

Rafael and Breonna Silfonte took the road less traveled, at least for them heading north from their home in Haynes City, Florida, where for the last 15 years, Rafael owns and runs a residential construction company.

Ultimately it led to New Year’s Eve at Locust Lake Village where Rafael’s parents, Ralph and Sue, own a home, and the celebration at The Chalet.

Their journey began on Christmas Eve. Breonna had just lost her job and was not in much of a holiday mood. Rafael wanted her to have a good holiday weekend in spite of what had happened.

They jumped into their car on Thursday, Dec. 24, and found themselves in Cocoa Beach. That’s when on a whim they decided to keep driving north. “Let’s get on 95 and drive,” Rafael decided.

They arrived at Rafael’s parents LLV home on Saturday morning, Dec. 26.

After some rest and relaxation in LLV, they headed into New York City to check it out. They found what could be called “the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

They soon had had enough of the Big Apple, So, instead of Times Square, they ended up happily at The Chalet on New Year’s Eve, “I love nature,” said Breonna. “Here you have the lake, and can see deer in the back yard. It’s the kind of environment I do like.” Rafael, who would come up from Florida once-a-year for his parents’ anniversary, is of the same opinion. “I could see myself living here,” he said. Breonna was hesitant about returning to Florida, at least for a moment or two, “Go back?” she asked. “It’s more about coming up.” “We came back,” said Breonna. “As quick as possible,” added Rafael.

The New Year’s Eve party at The Chalet also made quite an impression upon him. “I love the fact that we are not on a main road,” he continued. “I feel safe and I feel we’re going to have a good time.”

Put New Year’s Eve in the hands of the folks at Locust Lake Village (LLV), and even Guy Lombardo (Mr. New Year’s Eve) would be jealous, and not just of the good time.

New Year’s Eve 2015 at LLV was a four-star production.

The Recreation Committee decided to offer the option of dinner and dancing or one or the other.

Under the supervision of Dee Kasarda, Carrie Pohl and Nicole Hill worked on a menu that included appetizers, chicken tetrazzini, hot roast beef and gravy, baked ziti, vegetable lasagna along with salad, vegetable sides, and a lip-smacking array of desserts.

Those desserts included chocolate covered strawberries, eclairs, cheesecake, and pudding filled vanilla cake topped with strawberries.

One of the appetizers, a Kasadra special, stood out from the variety of cheese and mouth-watering shrimp: cream cheese and crabmeat topped off with cocktail sauce.

“I guess we can call him ‘Hermit the Crab,’” she laughed of the appetizer she molded in the shape of a crab.

At midnight, LLV revelers wished each other a Happy New Year.

the buffet line time and again between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., DJ Dan “got the joint jumpin’” with farranging and pulsating music selections that more than inspired any number of dance moves.

“We started cooking on Wednesday afternoon,” Kasadra said.

With the countdown minutes away, the crowd of revelers had Locust Lake Village welcomed in 2016 with dinner and dancing at The Chalet. swelled to more than 70 as Hill and her husband Craig served champagne for the traditional midnight toast.

Kasarda knows of what she ordered, having been in the food business for 30 years with Dee’s Deli, which was located on state Route 940 south of LLV near the miniature golf, driving range, and arcade complex.

At the stroke of 12, the crowd ushered in the New Year with raised glasses followed by hugs, handshakes, and kisses that brought them together in friendship and best wishes.

All of this food didn’t suddenly appear on New Year’s Eve.

Hill added, “She gave us our marching orders and we did our jobs.”

“I have a great recipe for sloppy joes and potato salad,” she offered as the evening wore on to midnight.

The roast beef entre was the most popular on the menu as 35 dinner guests made their way through

As midnight inched closer, the crowd was ready as DJ Dan led the countdown.

Observing the merriment, Nicole Hill commented, “People survived another year and anticipate that next year will be better. We sure will try to accomplish that here at Locust Lake Village.”

PAGE 10 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

FORE!

Teeing Off in February at LLV Aside from a stiff cold wind blowing in from the west, it was a near perfect winter mountain day for Locust Lake Village’s (LLV) Third annual Ice Golf event held Saturday, Feb. 6 at Pines Lake—both on the ice and on the beach.

Part of the 30 “golfers” who played the nine-hole par 3 sand-and-ice course at Pines Lake for LLV’s Third annual Ice Golf event on Saturday, Feb. 6.

Bob Gettis, a self-styled golf course architect, laid out the nine-hole course assisted by the event’s cochairman Steve Pace. Play was according to LLV and not St. Andrew’s rules,” Gettis said.

“There are four holes on the beach and five on the ice,” he continued, assuring golfers that they would not be going out on thin ice. “It’s a challenging par 3 course with an unusual combination of fairways.”

The ice had measured a sturdy 4 inches thick.

The nine holes were dug in the sand and through the ice. Hazards shaped from frozen snow were strategically positioned. At the ninth or iceberg hole, where golfers teed off from the ice, the committee had fashioned a tight and compact hazard resembling an iceberg forming a very narrow approach to the hole.

During the event, 30 golfers of all ages took to these unique links with clubs and orange balls provided by the committee. Pace and Gettis went along with each party both as guides and caddies offering advice and encouragement as needed. Golfers could also compete in a closest-to-the-pin challenge, replacing regulation golf balls with sponge golf balls. Closest drive to the

Ji Young Roo tests the wind before putting out on Pines Lake.

Ji Young Roo’s boyfriend, Subin Lee, lines up a putt.

pin (actually a traffic cone placed 40 yards away) came within 30 inches of the target.

Ji Young Ryoo and her boyfriend, Subin Lee, were the first to tee-off around 12:30 with temperatures in the low 30s and gusting winds that sent the wind-chill factor into the 20s.

“This is very interesting,” said Ryoo, laughing as she revealed that she had taken five real-life golf lessons.

“It’s not like miniature golf.”

Lee, who electrified onlookers with a hole-in-one on the fifth hole, admitted, “I don’t know how to golf, but I

Subin Lee celebrates sinking a long putt from the ice to the shore on Pines Lake as his girlfriend, Ji Young Roo reacts in amazement.

think I have the talent.”

LLV Recreation Director Nicole Hill was on hand, providing donuts, hot chocolate, and coffee.

“Even in freezing temperatures, folks here at the Village know how to have a good time,” Gettis said.

ICE FISHING CLINIC

Conditions Couldn’t Be Bitter It was a day not fit for man or beast, but perfectly suited for ice fishing.

With temperatures hovering between 6 and 8 degrees above zero, the Locust Lake Anglers Club held its annual ice fishing clinic at East Lake on an Arctic-like Saturday afternoon, Feb. 13 after unfavorable weather and ice conditions forced postponement of the clinic originally scheduled for Jan. 16.

“This is a tundra,” uttered Anglers President Tom Rafter, standing by one of the fishing holes created by using an auger as a biting wind drove swirls of snow across East Lake. Ice fishing risks exposure to frost bite and hypothermia, and requires proper protection.

Rafter was totally prepared wearing layers of clothing looking like a model from an outfitters catalog.

Those occasional gusts of wind sent the wind chill factor plummeting to minus 20 degrees.

Anglers Secretary Joe McCusker, outfitted in gear resembling an Arctic explorer, said of that frigid day, “Keeping your back to the wind helped make it more manageable from a comfort level. The folks that made it out to the clinic were real troopers.”

Fourteen folks braved the wind and the cold to learn something about ice fishing.

On frozen East Lake, Tom Rafter, president of Locust Lake Anglers, and Mike Petro operate an auger to cut through the ice to form a fishing hole.

Tom Rafter makes sure Justin Rafter, his grandson, has some hot chocolate to warm up a bit during the Locus Lake Anglers Ice Fishing Clinic.

The sport involves the use of tip-ups and short jigging rods with reels to catch and land fish, not unlike those that Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon used in the film “Grumpy Old Men.” An auger makes it possible to burrow through the ice, which, for this year’s clinic was 8 inches thick at East Lake. Generally, ice should be at least 7 inches thick, McCusker pointed out.

Rafter said that fish caught while ice fishing should be fresh-frozen promising “they are the best you’ll ever have and taste like fresh fish come spring and summer.”

If you ask McCusker and Rafter, such a delight is well worth being out in those Arctic-like conditions in the middle of the winter.

The annual Ice Fishing Contest for 2016 was cancelled due to unseasonably warm weather, but McCusker and Rafter promised that there will be another contest next year—weather permitting.

Joe McCusker, secretary of Locust Lake Anglers, explains the fine art of ice fishing on frozen East Lake.

PAGE 11 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

GOING GREEN

LLV Marks St. Paddy’s Day

That’s when the village held its annual St. Patrick’s Day party at The Chalet from 6-10 p.m. accompanied by music from DJ Johnny.

Some tables were a bit more Irish than others. Take for example the Scotts’ table. Everyone at the table, including 8-month old Ezequiel, sported festive green party favors.

The menu included the required and traditional corned beef and cabbage and soda bread along with hardy pub food like wings, chicken fingers, fries and mozzarella sticks. Of course, folks were encouraged to bring their own liquid refreshments with which they were more than happy to comply.

Obviously, the Scotts enjoy the lineup of events that offer family fun. In fact, young Dean Scott was looking ahead to the summer. “I’m thinking about the Cardboard Boat Race,” Dean mused.

Out in The Chalet’s kitchen, it resembled a scene from the classic John Ford movie “The Quiet Man.” That retired pugilist played by John Wayne or the good father, played by Ward Bond, or the fetching Irish lass played by Maureen O’Hara would have felt right at home.

So for one day, even though it was five days ahead of time, everybody was Irish in Locust Lake Village on Saturday, March 12.

WATER FUN AND EXCITEMENT

“We’ve lived here year round for 11 years,” said Dawn Scott, official spokesperson for the clan who with her husband Vaughn, originally hailed from central New Jersey. “For the kids the village offers a friendly atmosphere.”

The boat race is scheduled for 1 p.m., Sept. 3 at Pines Lake.

Let The Wet Times Roll!

A few new twists and turns as well as splashes have been added to the Locust Lake Village (LLV) recreation lineup.

Popular indoor water parks at Great Wolf Lodge and Camelback Lodge have become the scene for day outings for the multigenerational residents of LLV. “Families are definitely going,” said Nicole Hill, LLV recreation director.

“Moms, dads, kids and grandmas and grandpas have gone with us for fun and relaxation.”

Judging by the first trip to Great Wolf Lodge’s Indoor Waterpark in Scotrun and sign-ups for the trip to Aquatopia at Camelback Lodge in Tannersville, there is a high level of interest.

Volunteer Marcia Rezner brings out another order for a hungry table.

The Great Wolf splash down took place during the week between Christmas and New Year’s with 93 folks taking the plunge. For the Aquatopian adventure on March 25, more than 40 folks took to the water like geese to Pines Lake. Both indoor water parks offer a wide variety of aquatic fun. A water temperature of 84 degrees all year long is maintained by both parks so there’s no need to even think about the chills of winter.

Great Wolf has more than 79,000 square feet with slides tagged Double Barrel Drop, River Run Canyon, Alberta Falls, Hydro Plunge, Coyote Canyon and more. Thrills range from the 52-foot vertical drop roller coaster water slide of the Hydro Plunge to the four stories of fast water tandem tube ride of Alberta Falls. The Cub Paw Pool for tykes and toddlers has tiny kiddie slides and an 18-inch “deep” end.

The Family Scott shows their Irish at LLV’s St. Patrick’s Day Party held at The Chalet on Saturday, March 12. From left, back row: Vaughn Scott with 8-month old Ezequiel, Dawn Scott, and Joe Scott. From left, front row: Tyler and Annie Scott (Ezequiel’s father and mother), and young Dean Scott.

Volunteer Tom Rezner in the kitchen keeps a close watch over a kettle of corned beef and cabbage.

Aquatopia, voted the No. 1 indoor waterpark in the country by USA Today, boasts among its 13 water slides and seven pools the Storm Chaser, North America’s longest indoor uphill water coaster, and the Venus Slydetrap, the only combination family raft ride of its kind in the world. Other entrancing water slides go by names including The Himalayan, Mountain Mayhem, The Constrictor, Paradise Plunge, and Skydive Plummet. Kartrite’s Quest is a fully themed and immersive multi-level AquaPlay structure for kids, and there also is the Ka-Na-Gawa Wavepool. “These waterparks offer LLV residents another option with two of the great amenities in our area,” said Hill. “And LLV gets group rates from both places.”

For more information, contact LLV Recreation Director Nicole Hill at the Property Owners Association building: phone: 570-643-8655; e-mail: nicole@locustlakevillage.org.

The Aquatopia waterpark at Camelback Lodge in Tannersville is rated the No. 1 waterpark in the country by USA Today.

PAGE 12 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Everything is ‘Stellar’ Moderski pointed out that Community Manager Dan Dougherty, Jr, had made the necessary adjustments during 2015 to correct the procedure.

“We don’t want to make that a way of life around here,” Dougherty said, referring to the lapse in the purchasing procedure.

Moderski said that a recurring comment from Owens refers to “segregation of duties” in LLV’s administration office. It is their position that there should be more staff so that front office positions especially in the accounting department have more personnel depth.

“With an extra $60,000 for two people, we could do that,” he said. On the possibility of additional hires he added, “I don’t think so.”

lot project through 2017. The $12 increase in 2016 annual assessments has also gone into the Capital Improvement Fund for the parking lot project.

An additional $15,095, which was the difference between a forecasted surplus of $44,856.88 and an actual surplus of $59,952.02, was placed in the Capital Improvement Fund for 2016. The remaining $44,856.88 was treated and placed in the Operating Fund as income for 2016.

“This was the first time in the last four years that we had a surplus increase,” said Moderski.

He said that the surplus increase resulted from a tightening of the reins on expenses by LLV’s Property Manager Dan Dougherty, Jr.

Had there been a deficit in the budget, POA assessments

would have gone up by as much as $40 without a surplus, Moderski said.

The $12 increase in assessments for 2016 was approved by the board on the premise that it is exclusively dedicated to the Capital Improvement Fund for the parking lot project.

In Owens’ final analysis, the firm wrote: “In our opinion the financial statements… present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of LLV POA as of Dec. 31, 2015 and the results of its operations and its cash flow for the year then ended are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.”

As Moderski in his treasurer’s report told the board at its meeting of Feb. 20, “This will hopefully make everybody happy. We did pretty good.”

Currently the accounting department as well as other administration office positions rely on a system of checks and balances to satisfy the depth or backup recommendation.

That system utilizes a supervisory/reporting chain that involves three key people to review and approve all expenditures and reports: Moderski, LLV POA treasurer; Dan Dougherty, Jr, LLV property manager; and Kathleen Benner, LLV accounting administrator.

Front office desk duties are shared by Mary Marucci, office administrator, Lillian Bellis, assistant office administrator, and Linda Buscavage, office assistant.

They represent over 40 years of experience and, according to Moderski, have in-depth knowledge of each other’s position which allows them to cover for each other.

As part of the audit, Owens randomly interviews LLV board members.

“This is done to determine if a board member is either guilty of fraud or manipulation of funds,” Moderski explained. “They want to make sure that people are not taking advantage of the situation and are following procedures and directions they have set for themselves.”

He identified three items that are cornerstones in LLV’s budget—all of which were found by Owens to be in good order: the Reserve Replacement Fund, the Capital Improvement Fund, and the Surplus.

The Reserve Replacement Fund with a $1,226,608 balance as of Feb. 29, 2016, is intended to replace existing assets that have run their expected and useful service life with equivalent assets. For example, a generator that has reached a life expectancy of 10 years that may need replacement. LLV also has an Operating Fund, separate from the two reserve funds. “These are funds that are set aside for everyday operations,” Moderski said.

The Capital Improvement Fund’s purpose is to upgrade an existing asset or to fund a new project.

“You can’t just go ahead and do it,” Moderski noted. “If an item is 8 percent or more of the previous year’s dues, it must be approved by the POA.” A prime example of a new project is the boardapproved construction of additional parking at LLV’s Chalet. The estimated cost may come in higher than $139,625.87 or 8 percent of last year’s budget of $1,745,323.36. If so, it will require the approval of the LLV membership.

The 2016 funding which increased the current balance to $94,653.62 in the Capital Improvement Fund has been exclusively dedicated to the Chalet parking PAGE 13 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

TOBYHANNA’S CLYMER LIBRARY

A Community Library With Global Reach It started out in 1906 with a modest inventory of 2,000 books. That inventory today has grown to more than 50,000 items including books, DVDs, magazines, newspapers, audio books, and miscellaneous CDs. Add to that lineup eight desk-top and three lap-top computers as well as three children’s computers and a wireless zone.

“We go out of our way to be a hometown friendly library,” said Laura Laspee, director of the Clymer Library, located not far from Locust Lake Village in Tobyhanna Township. “We are hometown friendly with global capabilities.”

Laspee and her family are full-time residents at LLV.

The Clymer Library traces its roots back to the Naomi Pines Assembly, which was based on the Chautauqua Movement, founded in 1901 by Rev. Rufus M. Miller.

Five years later, Clara Clymer worked with volunteers from the Women’s Association to secure space with the Pines Assembly for the library.

After a series of ownerships, the library was forced to leave the former Pines Assembly building and found a new home at the Tobyhanna Township Elementary School on Old Route 940 until the 1960s when it moved to the second floor of the Tobyhanna Township Firehouse at 115 Firehouse Road, its present location.

In 1980, the township offered the library the entire building through a nominal lease arrangement. The township paid for the renovation of the first floor and the library association, incorporated in 1914, paid for all the furnishings and shelving.

The library realized that it had to keep pace with the growth of its service area of Tobyhanna and Tunkannock townships. In 2000, the library association’s board of directors decided to expand the facility and services which set the stage for what patrons and visitors see and enjoy today: a building

Located on the former site of the Tobyhanna Township Fire Company, the Clymer Library has expanded to include an improved children’s area, a computer services room, and a large multi-purpose room for meetings and activities.

with an open truss ceiling and skylights; expanded lobby and circulation desk; improved children’s area; a computer services room, and a multi-purpose room for meetings and activities for up to 100 people.

Indicative of its position as a community resource, the library last year circulated 50,844 items and counted 33,059 visitors as well as 3,175 users of computer services.

Even in view of these numbers, one thing concerns Laspee.

“It frustrates me that the village doesn’t know we’re here,” she said. “My goal is to get the village over here and to get a library card into everyone’s hands.”

A visit to the Clymer would be well worth it. There are programs galore for all ages: 83 adult programs; 186 children’s programs, and nine teen programs.

Among the children’s programs are: Sleepy Time Story Hour; Daytime Story Hour, Junior Book Club, kid-rate movies as well as special programs each month.

The library’s Savvy Senior Area is one of the first of six such spaces in Pennsylvania to be funded by a grant through the Library Services and Technology Act from the federal Museums and Library Services Institute.

“We have an extensive summer reading program for which we offer prizes as incentives,” said Lapsee.

“There’s also a kids fitness series with exercises led by a fitness instructor from a local gym.”

Kristi Belcher is the library’s children technician.

“The love for reading starts out early,” Belcher said.

“We want to help children develop a love for reading to become a lifelong thing.”

A recent addition to support that mission is the AWE Early Literacy Station (AWE), a digital learning resource targeted to kids ages 2 to 8. Learning activities include Math Science, Social Studies, Reading, Art, Music, Writing, and Computer Skills among others.

“Technology is their future,” commented Belcher on the value of AWE. “It is all educational and totally filtered.

No one will be able to surf the web.”

Two youngsters work the AWE Early Literacy Station, the Clymer’s digital learning resource.

Kids and parents also will find a puppet theater in the children’s section that isn’t just for fun.

“With puppets and toys, kids can re-enact stories they read,” explained Belcher, “or make up their own stories

with their parents as their audience. This allows them to be creative and to have an imagination.”

Area teens can take an active role in the library through the Teen Advisory Board which meets on the third Tuesday of the month. Open to students in grades 7 through 12, the board plans programs and events for teens, helps select books, and holds discussions on books, movies, and other topics such as computer coding.

Seniors and adults can do more than just read a newspaper or magazine. Stress can be relieved through the Adult Coloring Program. The library provides coloring pencils and sheets or patrons can bring their own pencils. An ongoing film series brings movies including foreign films for an older crowd. The Brown Bag Book Club meets at noon time on Wednesdays to discuss selected titles.

The library also believes in the value of life experience seniors have to offer. Through its Intergenerational Program, seniors interact with kids.

“We have seniors from our area come in and give kids history lessons,” said Lapsee. “It gives the younger generation the opportunity to see the value of the older generation, that they are vibrant and have a lot to offer.”

Other activities and programs include a chess club, art shows, speaker and lecture series, blood pressure screenings and the Savvy Senior Area.

In fact, LLV resident Bob Gettis, a director at large and former president of the Golf Collectors Society, will present a lecture Thursday, July 21 at 6 p.m. on the history of golf, the evolution of golf equipment, and famous golfers with connections to Pennsylvania.

“Savvy Senior Area is a space created especially for seniors,” Lapsee said. “We were one of the first six libraries in the state to get a grant in 2010 through the Library Services and Technology Act from the Museums and Library Services Institute, an independent federal agency, to achieve this.”

The center includes all the library’s large print books, a stylized table-top chess board, a puzzle table, an array of informational pamphlets, and an Optelec reading aid for visually impaired.

PAGE 14 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

The Clymer Library staff includes, from left: Pat Weaver, volunteer; Carol Yates, library technician; Val Garny, volunteer; Melissa Lopez, head library technician; Laura Laspee, library director; Diane Lake, volunteer coordinator; and Kristi Belcher, children’s technician.

An open truss ceiling with skylights add to the relaxing ambiance of the Clymer Library in Tobyhanna Township.

“Our Savvy Senior Area is the fastest growing area in the library,” said Lapsee.

and, of course, providing information.

and Melissa Lopez, head technician. The rest of the positions are filled by six part-timers and volunteers.

Diane Lake is the volunteer coordinator.

Bauer’s expertise lies in herbs for fitness programs.

Garny is a retired computer expert who maintains the library’s website. Both are ready to help.

To obtain a library card or to visit, you will find the Clymer Library in Tobyhanna Township at 115 Firehouse Road, Pocono Pines; (570) 646-0826; www. clymerlibrary.org. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Sunday.

Take state Route 940 North to the traffic light at state Route 423. Turn left for a short distance to a left onto Firehouse Road. The library will be about 1,000 feet on the right.

She runs the library with a combination full-time, parttime and volunteer staff, accent on volunteer.

“Volunteers are extremely important,” said Lake. “We would not be able to function in the hours we’re open without volunteers. They’re the face of the library, the first people patrons meet upon coming into the library.”

Forty volunteers work in shifts of two or more as needed. Their duties include checking books in and out, helping to locate books, completing a fax, tending to the copy machine which is linked to the computer room,

In addition to their administrative duties, volunteers can be a wealth of useful information. Take for example two experts: Liz Bauer and Val Garny.

Always on the lookout for volunteers, Lake uses interpersonal to describe the volunteer dynamic.

“It’s a people opportunity that forms a bond between volunteers and patrons,” she said.

There are two full-timers on Lapsee’s staff: herself

“With a minimal staff,” beamed Lapsee, “we do really good stuff.”

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PAGE 15 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

Community People VILLAGE PEOPLE

Bill and Eileen Binns To begin with, Bill and Eileen Binns spent their early years in Mahanoy City and Pittston, respectively and separately. So it wasn’t that they weren’t familiar with the Pocono Mountain area.

Growing up in Mahanoy City with its diverse ethnic base, Bill got to know bits and piece of five languages from hanging out at his Uncle Ed Rajkowski’s candy store. One day he greeted one of his buds with the Polish greeting intended for a female. “Jackie took exception, and punched me in the mouth,” Bill recalled with a smile, adding that from that day forward he never forgot the difference in genders.

He said that because his family lived in the coal region of Pennsylvania, it was easy to become familiar with the Poconos and places like Hazelton and Wilkes-Barre.

Eileen’s father was the first person to have a car in Pittston, which was an exciting experience for her family. “We took Sunday drives all around the area,” she said, building her own familiarity with the Poconos.

As fate would have it, both of their families moved to Philadelphia where Bill and Eileen’s paths finally crossed in 1956, when they met each other working for Eaton/Yale & Towne in the northeast section of the city.

Bill was best man for a friend who also worked at Eaton/Yale&Towne. It was through this friend that Bill and Eileen met. They married in June of 1958, and spent their honeymoon where else but in the Poconos at Paradise Valley resort. As time went on, Bill became vice president of computers and information systems at Eaton/Yale & Towne. He and Eileen also started a family and along came William, Jr., Kathleen, Judith, and Patti.

Those Sunday drives of Eileen’s youth became part of the Binns family’s Sunday drives up to the Poconos both for an outing and to look at various residential developments.

That’s when a development called Locust Lakes Village (LLV) caught their eye in the spring of 1979 and in particular a lot on Cottontail Lane that fronted on Pines Lake.

“We became the fourth house on Cottontail Lane in 1979,” Eileen said. “Now there are ten.” LLV was still in its early stages. “All the roads were dirt,” Eileen said, “even Lake Lane.” They initially built their home as a weekend and summer getaway.

Bill and Eileen Binns display one of her many knitting creations. Of her sweater she says, “If I’m wearing a sweater, I made it.”

Eileen and Bill Binns can usually be found at LLV events held at The Chalet such as Wednesday luncheons, Bingo, and the Friday night barbecues volunteering at the money table.

“It was a great place to bring the kids up for the summer,” Eileen recalled of those six years of the getaway era with Bill driving up on Friday nights and returning to Doylestown on Sunday.

For two of those summers, Kathleen, who graduated with a degree in physical therapy from Jefferson Medical School, worked as LLV activities director, and taught tennis and swimming. The other kids came up just to relax, said Eileen.

Eventually, Kathleen’s three daughters would become lifeguards. When she turned 50 years of age, Eileen decided that she wanted to do something special to mark that milestone in her life. “I wanted to fly a plane, but my children poo-pooed the idea,” she laughed. “So, I got my lifeguard certification and lifeguarded here for two summers.”

Their location on Cottontail Lane affords views that change with the season. “We used to walk the lake,” continued Eileen, “and walk across the lake when it froze in winter out to Ellis Island. Back then there weren’t many trees on the island. Now you can’t see through it.”

In 1985 when Bill retired from Eaton/Yale & Towne, Cottontail Lane became their permanent address. “I wanted just to relax,” he said of life at LLV, “and enjoy it.”

Then one day while reading the newspaper, he noticed that Emery Air Freight in Scranton was looking for a data processing manager. “I worked there for a couple of years,” Bill said matter-of-factly. “But wait there’s more,” as they say in those late-night TV commercials.

Before calling it quits in data processing, Bill worked for GE’s carbon products division in East Stroudsburg.

“He finally retired in 1998,” Eileen said, as she gave Bill a smile of relief during the interview for this Village People feature. While she adores the view they have of Pines

Lake, Eileen was not going to sit and sip coffee all day watching for wildlife, and waiting for Bill to retire again.

In 1988, she landed a job as a teller with NorthEastern Bank in Stroudsburg. It didn’t take her long to move up to what she calls a floating manager with responsibility for branches in Blakeslee, Pocono Pines, and her home branch in Mt. Pocono. Her retirement came one year after Bill’s in 1999.

Bill, a proud graduate of La Salle University (with a B.A. and an M.B.A.) as was his father before him in 1924, has pretty much followed his goal of relaxation.

He and Eileen volunteer for various LLV events such as the Friday night barbecues, family bingo, and the Wednesday luncheons.

For most of her life, Eileen has been passionate about crocheting and knitting. “We were taught knitting in the fourth grade at Roosevelt School in the Pittston School District,” she said. “If I’m wearing a sweater, I made it.”She has been crocheting since the early 1970s.

If there is a need to help with a fundraiser for folks in the village, Eileen is only a stitch or two away from helping. Her afghan raffles have helped LLV residents meet medical bills or get through a rough time. “By the way,” Bill quietly added, “I buy the yarn.”

About four years ago, Bill and Eileen became involved with the Wounded Warriors of Pennsylvania (WWP), and organized auctions to specifically benefit the organization. They also ran auctions to benefit the Tobyhanna Township Fire Department and the Emergency Medical Technicians of Monroe County.

Each of the last four years, she and Bill have raised funds for WWP by going from business to business in the township asking for donations. “We start in July and the businesses have been wonderful with their gifts and prizes for the auction in August,” Eileen said.

On living at LLV, Bill and Eileen point to its environment.

“The four seasons here are all beautiful,” Eileen said. “And the roads have been improved.” She added that the staff in the management office “are the loveliest people you want to deal with.” Bill gives the preservation efforts of the LLV Property Owners Association a strong “thumbsup.” Both agree on the vital role LLV’s security staff plays in keeping the village safe.

She added that the staff in the management office “are the loveliest people you want to deal with.”

Bill gives the preservation efforts of the LLV Property Owners Association a strong “thumbs-up.” “It is nice the way houses are built here,” he said. “Not many trees are chopped down.” Both agree on the vital role LLV’s security staff plays in keeping the village safe. “It is more than reassuring to know that they are on the job 24 hours a day,” Bill said. Eileen added, “They are just another reason why the village is such an ideal place to live.”

PAGE 16 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

HEART OF THE VILLAGE

Volunteers Make LLV Life Happen There’s always room for one more—one more volunteer, that is.

Volunteers make the difference when it comes to staffing events and activities that are at the heart of Locust Lake Village (LLV) life.

Staffing falls to the LLV Recreation Committee. For example, the Friday night barbecues, the holiday barbecues and picnics, and kids activities at the beach among others are run by volunteers.

“You don’t have to be on the committee to volunteer,” said Carrie Pohl, chair of the village’s Recreation Committee (the largest of LLV committees) and its liaison with the village’s Board of Directors. “Renters, tenants, property owners can volunteer—anybody can volunteer.”

Thanks to their contributions of time and effort, volunteers help the village meet its capital improvement expenses. That is the reason why there is a charge, albeit highly affordable, for food and beverages at barbecues and picnics.

“Volunteers are our community’s greatest resource,” said Nicole Hill, LLV recreation director. “Without them we would not be able to do many of our activities.”

Since she arrived at LLV late last summer, Hill makes sure that fun is part of all her programming.

“Fun is the key to a successful event,” she said. “If it’s a fun event, friends tell friends who bring more friends and have more fun.”

However, keeping that cycle going and insuring that an event runs smoothly is where volunteers come into the picture.

“They are dedicated folks who embrace and contribute to the community spirit of the village,” Hill continued, “But one of the goals of the Recreation Committee is

LLV volunteers who staff the village’s various committees enjoy the annual Volunteers Appreciation Dinner held Saturday evening, November 7 at The Chalet.

to get more people to support and grow that spirit.”

Carrie Pohl pointed out the need for volunteers. “If we run out of volunteers, recreation events would be drastically cut,” she said.

also volunteers during the winter as a ski instructor at Camelback. In fact, she suffered a cardiac arrest before an instruction session, and is indebted to the other volunteer instructors “who saved my life.”

Another study based on 2,000 adults and published in the Journal of Health Psychology, after adjusting for differences in socioeconomic status, prior health status, smoking, social support, and physical activity, volunteerism decreased death rates by more than 44 percent.

She has become a fixture at Pines Lake during the summer.

While reasons for volunteering may vary, the Corporation for National Community Service has research that indicates volunteering has a positive effect on social psychological factors such as a personal sense of purpose and accomplishment, and enhances a person’s social networks to buffer stress and reduce disease risk.

Here at LLV, people have their own reasons for volunteering. Dee Kasarda, a member of the LLV Board of Directors and a loyal volunteer, can be seen helping out with many LLV events throughout the year. She

LLV ARCHERY CLUB

On Target For Its Sixth Year Founded in 2011, the Locust Lake Archery Club gets ready to mark its sixth year as one of LLV’s most popular activities.

A chaptered member of the National Field Archery Association, the club has grown from five members in 2011 to 47 members in 2015—and 2016 looks very promising for increased membership.

“2016 looks like a good year,” said Mark Brugler, president of the club. “People keep calling in requesting more information on joining.”

The club’s mission is to foster sportsmanship, introduce the community to archery through open houses, and encourage friendly competition among members. Archery lessons also are offered.

Shooting takes place on the club’s archery range which is located behind the LLV’s sledding hill. The club’s season runs from the last weekend in March through the middle of October or, as Brugler said, “Until the first snow.”

However, due to a relatively mild 2015-16 winter, the club kept one target open for somewhat of an extended season.

The club will hold open houses at the archery range on June 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and July 16, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Its annual dinner dance is scheduled for Saturday, July 23 at The Chalet. Also planned are visits to Hawk Mountain near Reading, Pa., and to various archery ranges in the region.

Membership in the Locust Lake Archery Club is $25 per year, and is open to all Locust Lake property owners in good standing. For more information, contact club secretary Bob Gettis at rbgettis@comcast.net.

“I enjoy meeting new people and the camaraderie of friendships,” Kasarda said. “I love cooking and working in The Chalet’s kitchen with food prep. It would be impossible to invite everyone to my home for a meal; this way I get to ‘visit’ with them and enjoy their company in a social setting.”

“When I introduced the Sunday games this (past) summer for the children,” Kasarda said of games that included the suspended bagels challenge, the floatingtarget-water balloon-sling shot, and super soakers, “I knew it would be an opportunity to foster new volunteers for the future.”

She said that the work of volunteers reinforces the image of LLV as a friendly and welcoming place for families. “I’ve met second generation villagers with their own children that have purchased homes here because of the memories and fun they had growing up in LLV,” she said.

Mike Pellegrino, who helps with Friday night barbecues, said of volunteering, “It brings people closer together. It’s rewarding and actually fun. More people should do it.”

Bill Dorner, a member of the LLV Board of Directors, enjoys volunteering. “It’s a lot of fun and it’s community involvement,” he said. “Volunteering makes it [LLV] a better place for everybody and increases the quality of life.”

Perhaps Dorner’s wife, Mary Lyn, said it best, “It’s a way to give back to the community. If we didn’t have volunteers, there would be no functions and we would not have the sense of community.”

To become a volunteer or to get more information on volunteering, contact Nicole Hill, LLV recreation director at: 570-643-8655 or e-mail her at nicole@ locustlakevillage.org.

PAGE 17 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

GOIN’ FISHIN’

Trout Season Opens At LLV Some came as early as 4:30 a.m.; others, the day before to stake out their preferred spots. That’s what usually happens at the lakes at Locust Lake Village when serious fisherman get set for the opening day of trout season. This year trout season opened on Saturday, April 16 under clear Pennsylvania skies with the temperature between 55 and 60 degrees and an occasional gentle breeze fanning across the lakes.

“These are the best conditions in about four years,” said Tom Rafter, president of the Locust Lake Anglers Club, as he surveyed the activity from his spot among 88 fishermen lined up along the shores of East Lake.

Locust Lake reported 153 fishermen on shore and in boats.

Rafter had begun fishing at 7:30, but was looking to head home by noon or by the time he had caught the limit of four trout—whichever came first.

Only nine weeks ago, the Anglers held an ice fishing clinic on the lake frozen eight inches thick in temperatures in the low single digits and a wind chill factor of minus 20 degrees.

A passerby on opening day was heard to say, “I walked on this lake a few weeks ago.”

On Saturday, Rafter had claimed a spot next to a post with a sign that warned: “No fishing East Lake until April 16.”

A few yards up from Rafter, the Durkee party of Uncle Mike, Grandpop Michael, and grandson/nephew Jimmy Cross, 6, were focused on their rods.

Suddenly, Jimmy had a bite. With Uncle Mike’s help, Jimmy reeled in his first catch of the day, a rainbow trout.

“I’m happy and excited,” said Jimmy, who has been fishing for about three years. He nodded in agreement that he was aiming to catch his limit.

Interestingly enough, Jimmy had moved up from where his father was fishing because “down there nobody was

catching fish,” he reported.

Jimmy was in good company with Grandpop Michael, a fisherman with 40 years’ experience, and Uncle Mike, who has been fishing for 30 years.

“We’ve been here since around 4:30,” said Uncle Mike, adding with a proud smile, “We’re hard core.”

Across the lake Chris White, his fiancé Marsena Vranesic, and Chris’ two nieces, Ella Daly, 6, and Shae, 14, Daly, had Lined up with rods at the ready, the White party, from top to bottom, Chris White, Marsena Vranesic, Ella Daly, and Shae Daly, has their spot at East Lake on the opening day of 2016’s trout season. arrive at about 8:15, and, 45 minutes later, had yet to land a fish.

“Not yet,” Chris replied when asked about his party’s progress.

But, like all good fisherman, he said, “We don’t quit.

They’ll have to drag me away if I don’t catch a fish.”

For the White party, it was a day of firsts.

Marsena was out for the first time in 20 years; Ella, first time ever; and Shae, now-and-then .

Ella, working a “Frozen”-themed rod, wasn’t too sure about how many fish she would bring home.

“I don’t’ know,” she said, showing no signs of leaving the lake any time soon. “I didn’t get one yet.”

Rafter said that as a fisherman and a member of the LLV Anglers Club he was very pleased with the day’s turnout.

“This is a good lead-off for the season,” he said. “It will bring them back.”

The Anglers Club had stocked Pines Lake, Locust Lake, and East Lake over the winter and early spring.

With his first catch of the day, Jimmy Cross shares the moment with his uncle, Michael Durkee at East Lake on the opening day of 2016’s trout season.

LLV ANGLERS CLUB UPDATE

Christmas, Ice Fishing, And Trout Season Top Off Agenda The November Anglers club meeting was held Saturday, Nov. 28 at The Chalet. The request from the Locust Lake Villager Property Owners Association for the 2016 club budget was discussed.

Anglers decorated The Chalet on Sunday, Nov. 29 for the annual LLV Kids’ Christmas Party sponsored by the Anglers. The club sends out very special thanks to all the volunteers who transformed The Chalet into a combination Santa’s craft shop and festive holiday scene complete with a regal chair for Santa to hear what kids wanted for Christmas. Volunteers included: Tom and Cheryl Dowd and Justin, Cathy Brugler, Tom and Marcia Rezner, Paul and Lydia Lewis, Dee Kasarda, Tom and Anne Rafter, and Bob and Diane Wolek.

The Kids Christmas Party was held on Saturday, Dec. 5 at The Chalet from 12 – 2 p.m. Attendance included 54 kids, 67 adults, and four teenagers, and the kids received early Christmas presents from Santa Claus.

They also enjoyed lunch and snacks and got the chance to have their picture taken with Santa. The Anglers

greatly appreciate the work of the volunteers who included: Bob and Diane Wolek, Tom and Anne Rafter, Tom and Marcia Rezner, Tom and Cheryl Dowd and Justin, Jim and Nancy Friling, Carrie Pohl, Harry and Alma D’Onofrio, Dee Kasarda, John and Mary Heil, and Paul and Lydia Lewis.

Winner of the 2015 Anglers Club dividend/kickback lottery drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Timberline Sports Shop was Stephen Proust.

The Ice Fishing Clinic scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 16 was rescheduled due to weather and held on Saturday, Feb. 13 at East Lake from 12 noon to 2 p.m. The Ice Fishing Contest scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 14 at Locust Lake from 9 to 11 a.m. was cancelled due to extremely cold conditions and potential for weak ice.

Stocking for opening day of trout season took place Saturday, April 2. Additional trout stockings took place in late April and in May.

UPCOMING EVENTS: The Kids’ Fishing Contest, Saturday, May 28, 9 to 11 a.m. at East Lake. Rules: 15 years of age or younger; only trout are eligible for weigh-in; LLV badges required; one rod per child; live bait or power bait only—no lures cast and retrieved, no wading. They must hook and reel in the fish; ties in weight will be decided by registration order. All kids must be registered at East Lake that morning. Family Fishing Contest and Annual Fish Fry: Saturday, Aug. 13th. Next club meeting: Saturday, May 28 at 1:30 p.m. at The Chalet.

For club information or questions regarding membership contact Tom Rafter at: traft60@aol. com (215-624-7865), or Bob Wolek at: bobalu2@ptd. net (201-370-2992), or Joe McCusker at: jgcmmc4@ comcast.net (215-389-6209).

East Lake and Locust Lake were stocked with trout on Wednesday, Dec. 2 for late fall and winter ice fishing.

The club salutes volunteers Tom Rezner, Dave Chorney, and Larry Chiolan for assisting with the stocking.

PAGE 18 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2016

HONORING DICK ELLIS

LLV Has Its Own Ellis Island If you hadn’t noticed, there is an island toward the center of Pines Lake.

It is man-made from some of the dirt that was excavated when Pines Lake was dug during the early days of Locust Lake Village (LLV) in the 1960s.

Until four years ago, it was an island without a name.

That’s when former LLV Ranger Debbie Parker suggested that the island be named in honor of Dick Ellis.

Through the efforts of residents led by Dee Kasarda, the island on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012 officially became known as Ellis Island at a dedication held on the island for Dick’s immediate family and their invited guests.

Dee and Denny Kesarda were instrumental in getting the island (background) dedicated to the memory of Dick Ellis.

Perhaps not as famous as the other Ellis Island in New York harbor which was named after Samuel Ellis, a New York merchant who purchased it during the Revolutionary War, LLV’s island commemorates Dick Ellis who, as many residents have said, put his heart and soul into whatever work assignment he was given during his ten years as a member of the LLV Maintenance Department.

A resident of nearby Thornhurst, Dick Ellis passed away at the age of 82 on Jan. 29, 2011— two months after he retired.

Whether it was running the ski lift, collecting trash, or cleaning the Pavilion, his daughter, Rebecca McManus, said that he always took pride in his work.

Dick Ellis

His wife Barbara said at the time of the dedication that “he sincerely enjoyed working for the wonderful people of Locust Lake. Every day he came home with a happy story.�

Naming the island in his honor and memory would have made Dick blush a bit, or as his daughter said, “He would have been ‘tickled pink,’ and gotten a real kick out of it.�

The Ellis family gathered on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012 for the dedication of Dick Ellis Island in Pines Lake in honor of Dick Ellis, who was a beloved member of the LLV Maintenance Department.

Denny Kasarda, Dee’s husband, who helped transport the folks to the dedication ceremony via the Kasardas’ multi-passenger paddle boat from the dock in back of their home on Partridge Lane, said, “It shows that the development appreciated Dick Ellis. He didn’t want any hoopla.�

At the dedication led by Rev. Joe O’Connell of Thornhurst Community Church, a white wooden marker approximately 10 feet high created by the Kasardas with “Dick Ellis Island� stenciled on all four sides was erected and still stands to this day.

The island itself has been home to nesting geese and various species of birds.

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“It’s a birder’s paradise,� said Dee. “One summer a bear owned the island. And at one time there were blueberries out there, but there hasn’t been a crop in the last four or five years.�

Because the water that surrounds the island is about six feet deep, not many people venture out to it. “It’s not used for anything as such because of its swampy areas,� said Denny. “In the summer some people fish a little.�

However, those five acres now bear the name of a guy who enjoyed serving LLV: Dick Ellis.

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