Locust Lake Villager Summer 2017

SUMMER 2017

On-line at www.locustlakevillage.org

Robinson Farewell See page 4

Kids Fishing Contest See page 14

In Brief Badges, flags, plates, and stickers Property owners can pick up their LLV badges, flags, plates, and parking stickers at the Administration Office.

New vehicle stickers are required this year.

Rent, rent, rent your boat New this summer! Pocono Boathouse is renting kayaks, paddle boards, paddle boats, row boats, beach chairs, fishing equipment and other beach equipment at Pines Lake. Look for the Boathouse rental banner.

On the Boardwalk in Atlantic City A trip to Bally’s Resort Casino will take place Wednesday, July 12. Leave by bus from LLV at 9 a.m.; arrive Bally’s 12 noon. Leave Bally’s 6 p.m.; arrive LLV 9 p.m. Cost is $50 including a $20 in slot play per person. Must be at least 21 years of age. For details, contact LLV Recreation Director Nicole Hill at 570-843-7323. Payment due by June 26.

Regional Road Work Caution and slow-going are required on Route 611 between the Sanofi labs in Swiftwater and Great Wolf in Scotrun. It will take PennDot 2½ years of construction to overhaul the road.

The Dump Located next to and behind the mailboxes on Lake Lane is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Upon request at the Administration Office, the dump can be opened for your convenience during the week.

Continued on Page 5

The Aquaglide Water Challenge made its debut in Pines Lake over Memorial Day weekend.

See story, Page 20.

POA BOARD MAY MEETING

Chalet Deck Expansion Halted; New Phone System for Admin. Office Locust Lake Village (LLV) Property Owners Association (POA) board Vice-Chair Carrie Pohl noted in her remarks at the board’s May 20 meeting a trend that continues to take place at board meetings in 2017: increasing attendance.

Elated, Pohl encouraged those in attendance to “tell other property owners to come to the meetings so

2017 LLV POA BOARD ELECTION

that they will see that we’re doing things to improve the Village.”

May’s meeting agenda proved her point.

While the deck expansion at The Chalet was expected to be completed before Memorial Day weekend, the contractor, Oakridge Construction Co., and the architect Art Strunk, were thrown a curve by Tobyhanna

Continued on Page 28

Time To Run And Vote The process to elect new board members to the Locust Lake Village (LLV) Property Owners Association (POA) Board of Directors is under way.

According to LLV Election Committee Chair Harry D’Onofrio, POA members in good standing who wish

to run for the board have until July 14 to submit their credentials which include completing a candidate’s questionnaire and securing a petition with five signatures in order to be placed on the ballot.

Candidates will be running for three-year terms to fill four open seats on the board.

“The names of those who wish to run will then be placed before the POA board for nomination to the ballot at the annual board meeting in July,” said D’Onofrio. “Ballots will then be mailed to POA members in good standing for them to vote.”

Deadline for returning ballots by mail or in person to the LLV Administration Office is 12 noon, Aug. 16.

Results will be tabulated by the Election Committee and submitted to the board for its acceptance at the Aug. 19 monthly board meeting.

Continued on Page 5

Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335

PAID PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

Table of Contents

About the Village

About the Village From the Desk of the Community Manager

2

Community and Volunteering

3

Robinson Takes Leave of POA Board and LLV

4

Study Looks at Future of Admin.

Bldg.; Chalet Parking Lot Gets Green Light

6

Study Points to Replacement

7

March POA Board Meeting

8

LLV Rules Prohibit Careless Cutting of Trees

9

Understanding LLV’s Financial Structure

10

Summer is in full swing and once again the Village is alive with activity. It was an unusual winter and spring with Mother Nature being very unpredictable. By the time you read this issue of the Villager you should be seeing some progress in repairing the damage caused by the severe temperature swings that devastated the roads in the Village this year. I am not going to candy coat the situation: It will probably take until this winter to catch up. I understand your frustration and do take the problem very seriously.

The Annual Membership meeting will be next month on Saturday, July 15, 2017. This is your meeting and it is important that you attend. It is also the meeting where nominations are accepted for the open positions on the Property Owners Association’s Board of Directors. There will be four (4) open positions this year. So, if you have the time and the desire to help the Village, think about throwing your hat in the ring.

Many, many times I hear the statement: “A lot of people in the Village are not happy about this or that.” When I ask who, I get no response. This leads me to think the issue is just the concern of the person telling me. While it is still important, the noisiest wheel gets the most grease. Please don’t hesitate to give me your opinion or pass on something you think isn’t right. All I ask is that the feedback be given in a respectful and helpful manner so we can get things done.

Also, some folks tend not to mention what is bothering them about the Village or just wait to see something that should be done and how long it takes to get done. Or, if I or someone on the staff will notice.

Security Signs of the Times

11

Beware of Black Bears

11

Inside & Outside The Village LLV Calendar of Events

12

Houses of Worship

12

Please don’t let such a situation go on. Contact me before it gets any worse or before you run out of patience. Just tell me what you want, and if it is in my power and the Board approves it, we will get it done.

Have a safe, enjoyable and fulfilling summer. And I hope to see each of you at an LLV event sometime during the 2017 summer season.

Positively working for you, Daniel T. Dougherty, Jr., CMCA, AMS Community Manager Locust Lake Village POA

Weekly Activities at The Chalet 12 SPRING REDUX LLV Anglers Had ‘Em Fishin’

14

Golf Cart Parade And Cardboard Boat Race Set

15

Places to Go in the Poconos

16

Easter Bunny at LLV

17

Sunrise Services at LLV

18

Making the Spaghetti Connection

19

Village People Take First Place

20

Six Times the Fun at Pines Lake

20

Trout Fishing in LLV

21

Anglers Stock East Lake For Kids Fishing Contest

21

About Village People In Honor of Their Ser vice

22

Onto Drexel on a Big Scholarship 23 Good Gardening: I Thought It Was Supposed to Flower All Summer!?

24

Winter Bird Sightings

25

Fran’s Finds: Flowers And Gifts on 940

26

LLV Archer y Club

27

Anglers Update

28

PAGE 2 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

Community and Volunteering in LLV Part 2

In Part 1 of “Community and Volunteering in LLV” that appeared in the spring edition of the Villager, the meaning of community and the role it plays at Locust Lake Village was discussed. In Part 2, how volunteers who generously give of their time to help improve all aspects of LLV and volunteering’s connection with community is addressed.

The call for volunteers to help run events at Locust Lake Village (LLV) goes out on a regular basis. But as the biblical quote states, “Many are called, but few are chosen” or cast their lot to volunteer.

The LLV Recreation Committee and Recreation Director Nicole Hill note that basically the same core of volunteers turn out to run the Village’s major events throughout the summer and fall, especially the Friday Night Barbecues and the holiday picnics, which is a good thing.

Locust Lake Village POA

© Copyright 2016 1778 Lake Lane, Pocono Lake, PA 18347 P: 570.646.3616 F: 570.694.6690 www.locustlakevillage.org

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS: George Leonhardt talks grilling to his crew of volunteer cooks, from left, Ed Champion, Larry Macolly, Pat Swezey, and George Leonhardt Jr. during the Memorial Day weekend picnic held at Locust Lake.

PUBLISHER: Niki Jones Agency, Inc. 39 Front St., Port Jer vis, NY 12771 P: 845.856.1266 E: publisher@nikijones.com

However, there is more to it than being a good thing.

“Without volunteers we would not be able to do the events that we do,” said Hill. “They not only do prep work before an event then interact with residents, and later do the clean-up, but also help control costs and enable the proceeds of an event to go back into the recreation budget.”

Monday thru Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Saturday & Sunday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Community Manager Dan Dougherty, Jr. Office: 570.694-6767 Cell: 570.778.8923 dan@locustlakevillage.org Volunteers, from right, Mary Naughton, Alice Curreri, and Carolyn Pace serve up the sides at the season’s first Friday Night Barbecue at The Chalet.

The Recreation Committee is charged each year with the task of raising $30,000 that gets deposited to recreation’s budget to help offset expenses.

Pohl explained how that works.

“From her budget, Nicole makes expenditures for items such as: food for all the picnics and barbecues, and other events, event supplies and rentals, fees and permits for events, and miscellaneous items such as cleaning supplies for The Chalet,” she said. “But notice that there is no expense for a wait-staff or event coordinators. That’s where volunteers come in.”

Pohl commented in an interview for a Villager story in 2016, “If we run out of volunteers, recreation events would be drastically cut, and event fees would need to be increased in order to hire people to work the event.”

“Volunteers are dedicated folks who embrace and contribute to the community spirit of the Village,” said Hill in the same story.

As simple as it may be perceived, volunteers, especially those who work the Friday Night Barbecues and the holiday picnics, reinforce the community dynamic but also put in a lot of effort.

For example, the Friday Night Barbecues run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., give or take a half-hour. While Hill works with suppliers to obtain first-quality food at budget-reasonable prices, volunteers begin to prepare chicken or ribs as well as sides from 10 a.m. to Noon, sometimes longer. Volunteer cooks fire up the grills around 4 p.m. as volunteer servers prepare sides for the buffet line.

As many as 25 volunteers including cooks, order runners, cashiers, and beverage dispensers make a barbecue possible.

The same situation holds forth at the holiday picnics at Locust Lake and Pines Lake.

“Imagine if we had to employ people to provide those types of food services as well as to run our other events,” said Pohl. “Our annual assessment dues would go up by as much as $20 per property depending on the prevailing wage structure.”

Continued on Page 27

PAGE 3 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

Recreation Nicole Hill, Director Office: 570.843-7323 nicole@locustlakevillage.org Office Staff Lillian Bellis, Asst. Office Admin.

Linda Buscavage Office: 570.646-3616 llvpoa@ptd.net Office Administrator Mary Marucci Office: 570.843-7329 mary@locustlakevillage.org Ranger Staff Andy Gross, Chief Office: 570.843-7326 24/7 dispatch: 570.646.3532 Fire & Police: 911 Maintenance Shawn Heller Office: 570.843-7327 llvmaintenance@gmail.com Accounting Kathleen Benner Office: 570.843-7324 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.

ONTO HIS NEXT CHAPTER

In honor of Board Chair Will Robinson

Robinson Takes Leave of POA Board and LLV

Dee Kasarda, LLV/POA Board Secretary He established the Robinson Relative Receivables, the Replacement Reserve after inventorying all our assets and determining their shelf life and spent hours with personnel issues, all to make the running of the Village more efficient. With his efforts, the Village achieved the Gold Star Community status which serves to increase everyone’s property value.

Never in the ten years I’ve known him did he ever mention the many awards from his previous careers. His humble demeanor and accomplishments make him bigger than life.

His generosity with anonymous donations to the Village and personal residents goes without saying. He will be missed by everyone.

Vince Moderski, LLV/POA Board Treasurer

He is someone who loves to have a good time, but is not afraid to get involved to help friends and neighbors, and never expect anything in return. Will is always willing to share to help those in need.

Will’s biggest contribution to the Village was giving up much of his personal time to serve his community. He was also a silent, anonymous donor. Here are some things he has done that not many know about: Paid for membership for all board members in the national Home Owners Association; donated the infamous (Pines Lake) “iceberg;” bought the license for the Replacement Reserve Study software; and guaranteed a loan to a member to make the property look better among other “quiet” notables.

Having Will as a board member was a true pleasure. He always acted in the interests of the membership, supported his board colleagues, was a facilitator and not a dictator, and acted in a purely professional manner. I think we were able to accomplish more with less overall bickering than our predecessors. The only regret I have is that he will no longer be part of the Village community.

Will Robinson

He’s been our neighbor for some years now and soon he will be gone.

If we needed help, or had a question his light was always on!

Countless hours for common good as Chairman of the Board Persistence and enthusiasm LLV’s Gold Star soared!

Ten years ago, after he sold his construction company in Dover, Del. to his employees, Will Robinson went looking for a lakefront property in the Poconos.

Robinson also is a mentor at SCORE, a non-profit organization partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration that provides free small business mentoring and advice.

For eight of those ten years in LLV, Robinson has served on various committees as well as the LLV Property Owners Association Board of Directors, of which he has been chairman for the last five years and a past treasurer. His resignation from the board, announced at the March board meeting, came as a shock to some but more of a surprise to others.

Upon taking up residence in LLV, he began to attend board meetings, and soon saw an opportunity to improve the Village’s financials. “I was paying the dues, so I had an interest in how the money was being spent,” said Robinson as a sort of prelude to running for treasurer. What he noticed was that the board “was somewhat paralyzed and not working to the advantage of the Village.”

As he looked around the meeting, he said of his tenure on the board, “It’s been great, fun and at times great fun. Every board member has Locust Lake Village’s best interest at heart.” Before gaveling the meeting to a close, the audience gave Robinson a standing ovation, followed by a steady stream of well-wishers coming forward to shake his hand.

He pointed out that there is more information sharing especially with finances. “We publish everything,” Robinson continued. “Our decisions are open. There are no closed door or back door goings-on.”

“I wanted to live near water, like living on a lake,” Robinson said.

For him, the Poconos represented a “center of gravity.”

During his time on the LLV board and various committees, he has helped restructure the financial and business practices of the POA, and “My daughter was in has guided the Village Syracuse, my son was to prestigious Gold Star in Washington, D.C., status in the national and my family was in Community Association Philadelphia,” he said.

Institute (CAI). To reach Gold Star status, And then he found a community needs to Locust Lake Village, and meet rigorous standards a house on Pines Lake Will Robinson, chair of the Locust Lake Village Property Owners Association set by CAI that help with a beach and a deck. Board of Directors, bids farewell as he resigns from the board at the May 20 enhance property values board meeting. and the overall quality “I liked the place, and of life in a community.

In 2016, Robinson received the it was move-in ready,” Robinson continued. “It was my CAI’s annual Volunteer of the Year Award. first choice.”

At the close of the meeting, Robinson, in his easy going and professional manner that appeared somewhat unusually subdued, said, “I have sold my property and will become president and chief executive officer of Pennsylvania Institute of Technology in Media, Pa.”

In LLV’s Weekly Update of April 18, Robinson, 68, stated that when he moved to the Village in 2008 his plan was to spend the next ten years “here enjoying life, meeting new friends, and have a beer or two at Robert Christians. Well, ten years are up and I have decided to move on to the next chapter in my life…”

Some of his previous chapters include serving on major corporate and non-profit boards such as the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, George & Lynch, Inc., MetroAction, Modern Maturity and the founding chairman of the Delaware Military Academy.

“I was able to find common goals and negotiate compromises among difference of opinion,” Robinson commented on his management style. “The board today is much more transparent than previous boards.”

Financially, he developed the Replacement Reserve Study/Fund that has become a major financial cornerstone in Village operations.

Among other financial management systems Robinson introduced is the Robinson Relative Receivable Index that tracks accounts receivable. Before the index, Robinson said “the accounts receivable were out of control.”

Working with Kathleen Benner of the Village’s accounting department as well as with Dan Dougherty Jr., LLV’s community manager, Vince Moderski, LLV’s treasurer, Mary Marucci, LLV’s office administrator, and the LLV financial committee, Robinson said that a lot of work went into bringing receivables down to

For Archery, and all the clubs support was always there.

Like a friendly black bear, with shock of white hair!

To Will, Karen and family we’ll miss you day to day.

We hope you’ll stop by now and then to visit and say, “Hey!”

By Bob and Mary Gettis, neighbors

PAGE 4 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

In Brief

POA Board Workshops The LLV POA Board of Directors encourages LLV residents and property owners to attend POA Board Workshops during which items and issues for the monthly board meeting are discussed. Workshops are held at the LLV Administration Office at 7:30 p.m. on the Friday before the monthly board meeting which takes place every third Saturday of the month.

Going Fishing?

During the May 20 Locust Lake Village Property Owners Association Board of Directors meeting, Will Robinson takes a question from the floor.

a manageable level through the index. Receivables includes property owners who are past due on their annual assessments.

The LLV Anglers Club has restocked the Village’s lakes with trout, big mouth bass, golden shiners, black crappies and walleyes. Be sure you have a 2017 Pennsylvania fishing license and a 2017 LLV Association badge. Both must be displayed on an outer garment when fishing in any of LLV’s lakes. Persons over 16 years of age are required by state law to have a fishing license. Fishing license costs: $22.90—ages 16-64; $11.90—seniors 65 and up: $11.90—one day, 16 and up. For free 32-page 2017 Pa. Fishing Summary: Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws, go to pa.wildlifelicense.com/outdoorshop. Fishing and hunting licenses and boat registrations are available at Pocono Boat House, west of LLV on Route 940.

Volunteering

He points to two projects recently approved by the board that will have a major impact on the Village: The deck expansion and the parking lot expansion at The Chalet.

“The deck is a great problem to have,” Robinson said.

“Its expansion will make more space available for residents and facilitate more social engagement at the Friday night barbecues.”

Then there is the parking lot expansion which has been a controversial subject in the Village for some time.

“It’s been complained about forever,” he continued. “The condition and limited parking of the existing lot bring down the numbers for events such as the barbecue. Trying to get up that hill in front of The Chalet is a challenge.”

There’s always room for one more volunteer at an LLV event.Volunteers play a big role at LLV, help control costs, and make events more enjoyable. For details or to volunteer, contact LLV Recreation Director Nicole Hill at nicole@locustlakevillage.org or stop by the LLV Administration Office.

Clubs and committees Get in the swing of things at Locust Lake Village. As a ready reference, here is contact information on some clubs and committees: Anglers Club — Tom Rafter: traft60@aol.com; Joe McCusker: jgmmc4@comcast.net; Bob Wolek: bobalu2@ptd.net Archers Club — Dave Chorney: dchorney276@aol.com Birding — Bob Gettis: rgettis@comcast.net Village Life — Diane DiSandro: diane@disandro.net Recreation Committee — Nicole Hill: nicole@locustlakevillage.org Strategic Planning Committee — Bob DiLullo: rdilullo@verizon.net For information on all activities, drop by or contact the Administration Office at 570-646-3616.

Take out the Papers and the Trash…

Robinson stated that because both of these projects are interdependent, he is confident that once completed they will breed more success for the Village.

LLV trash and recycling dumpsters at Pop Gassner Way (down Martha’s Lane from the corner of Lake and Martha’s lanes) are open for trash disposal and recycling Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sundays, from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bagged household trash only must be placed inside of dumpsters, not on the ground. Not permitted: construction material or debris; appliances, metal or furniture; automotive parts, tires or batteries; lawn debris, leaves, twigs, branches of wood. Recycling is single-stream which means you can deposit: newspapers, plastics, junk mail, magazines, office and school paper, phone books, pizza boxes, cans, glass, metal and aluminum cans, and corrugated cardboard. Please breakdown cardboard boxes and cartons to allow more room in the dumpsters.

Although he will miss the friends he has made in the Village as well as its serenity, Robinson strongly feels that LLV has a bright future as a CAI Gold Status community.

Interested in a Community Garden?

His only regret: “I wish they could have moved along faster.”

“It is a good, solid, friendly community,” he said. “It’s its own unique community that keeps its forest, keeps its woods, and fosters an informality compared to other communities in the region. It’s an emerald in the green with very caring and nurturing staff and security staff.”

His advice to his successor, Al Markin: “Don’t take things personally. Everybody wants the same thing but they take different roads. Things aren’t as simple as ‘put it in.’”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

POA Board Election Last year, five property owners ran to fill three seats with Al Markin (266 votes), Carl Piazza (255 votes), and Laura Laspee (234 votes) winning as the top three votegetters. This year with four seats open, the top four vote-getters out of the field will fill those vacancies.

You’re in luck! LLV is considering starting a garden for residents in time for May/June 2018 plantings. There will be a rental fee of approximately $25 per bed; number of beds will be limited. If you would like a garden bed, contact the Administration Office (570-646-3616) and give your name and a contact phone number so that the level of interest can be determined.

(No commitment required right now).

Cleaning by

Susan

Located in Locust Lake Village!

267.304.4587 • Susan-Foley1@verizon.net

“We would like to see a strong turn-out for the election,” said LLV Property Manager Dan Dougherty Jr, commenting on an average of 360 out of 1,100 LLV property owners who usually cast their ballots. “If you do not vote, you are doing yourself and the Village a disservice, especially with the number of important issues facing the future of the Village.”

Candidate questionaires are available from Harry D’Onofrio (570-646-2257)and at the LLV Administration Office.

There will be a Meet the Candidates night held Friday, Aug. 4, at 8 p.m. at The Chalet.

PAGE 5 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

• Weekly Cleanings • Bi-Weekly Cleanings • Monthly Cleanings • Rental/Vacation Homes • Move Ins/Move Outs • House Checks

APRIL POA BOARD MEETING

Study Looks At Future of Admin. Building; Chalet Parking Lot Gets Green Light The April 15 meeting of the Locust Lake Village (LLV) Property Owners Association Board of Directors cautiously yet optimistically addressed the shape of things to come for LLV.

Administration Building Study The board, which had approved an engineering study of the LLV Administration Office conducted by Critierium Peters Engineers of Berwick, Pa., and the Village got a real eye-opener.

Overseen by the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC), the study concluded that the office building should either be renovated or demolished. The study, performed between Jan. 11 and Jan. 18, 2017, at a cost approved by the board of $8,000, estimated renovations at $325,000; building new, $400,000.

Bob DiLullo, chair of the SPC, made it abundantly clear that the building new estimate does not include demolition and temporary office relocation (if necessary) costs. “Either way the cost would exceed 8 percent of the current operating budget,” DiLullo continued, “which means that the board would need to make the decision and then submit its decision to the general ownership for approval before any further action could be taken. It’s a process that could take a while.”

The study lists scores of problems with the existing building chief of which are: its foundation and support piers do not support the structure properly; the building’s electrical wiring is a fire hazard; and because of its location, storm water run-off runs under the building causing wall deterioration. There are also areas in and around the building that are not in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) such as the condition of the sidewalks.

Board Treasurer Vince Moderski pointed out that the cost of a new building would come out of the Village’s capital reserve fund “which requires a vote of the membership in good standing.” Board Member Wade Burchell commented, “We should look at a real rebuild.”

Bob Christensen, chair of the Buildings and Grounds

Committee, (B&GC) said, “Show me the drawing of a new building, and how it affects everything. We need as much information as possible.”

Al Markin, board chair, said that while the future of the Administration Office must be addressed, safety issues such as the condition of the sidewalks to and around Locust Lake Village Property Owners Association Board Chair Al Markin congratulates the Administration Office merit immediate Mike Wilcheck during the April board meeting on his appointment to the board. Holding attention. Markin asked the B&GC to develop new offices on the board are, left, Dee Kasadra, secretary, and Carrie Pohl, vice chair. a plan for sidewalk remediation, and for the Not pictured: Carl Piazza, asst. secretary. Photo by Scott Baedenkopf SPC to work with Criterium to finalize the Administration Office study for further board review.

Bulk Drop-off Community Manager Dan Dougherty Pines Lake Iceberg Replacement The board also took action to replace the deteriorating recreation iceberg used in the summer months at Pines Lake.

LLV Recreation Director Nicole Hill and Recreation Committee Chair Carrie Pohl sought three bids, but found only one company that makes such an item. With unanimous board approval taken by an electronic vote, Hill and Pohl were authorized to make maximum use of $8,000 from the LLV Replacement Reserve Fund to replace the iceberg.

Working with Commercial Recreation Specialists, of Verona, Wis., they purchased a six-component miniwater recreation park which will be installed in Pines Lake in time for the summer season.

Robinson Resignation The board officially accepted the resignation of Will Robinson from his position as chairman of the LLV board. “With regret,” commented Vince Moderski, the board’s treasurer. Robinson’s resignation prompted a reorganization of the board including the appointment of Mike Wilchek to fill the board vacancy created when Al Markin succeeded Robinson as chair. The board also voted Carrie Pohl to vice-chair, Dee Kasarda to secretary, and Carl Piazza to assistant secretary.

Jr noted in his manager’s report that the annual bulk drop-off in the Village will take place June 24 and 25.

Volunteers are needed to assist the maintenance staff in loading discarded items. Dougherty added that the brush pile located off Lake Lane behind the mailboxes is now open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The pile can be opened at residents’ request during the week by contacting the Administration Office a day in advance. He said breaks in the wiring for the tree lights at the entrance to LLV were repaired, but problems persist causing breakers to pop. It appears that a complete rewiring is needed.

Treasurer’s Report LLV received its official audit from William Owens & Company, certified public accountants in Carbondale, Pa. “I’m proud to say that this is the smallest packet we have ever received,” said Vince Moderski, LLV treasurer. “Congratulations to the entire office staff for keeping us on board.”

Owens reported that LLV had corrected previously noted problems with its purchasing procedures and noted that LLV accountant Kathleen Brenner does not have a back-up, which, according to Moderski, is not financially possible.

PAGE 6 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

Continued on Page 25

LLV ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

Study Points To Replacement When Criterium Peters Engineers, of Berwick, Pa., was authorized by the Locust Lake Village (LLV) Property Owners Association (POA) Board of Directors to evaluate the condition of LLV’s Administration Building, a comment shared by a number of residents was: “We already did this before.”

And they were correct—to the extent as to the type of firm that did the inspection.

In 2011, Safeguard Home Inspections performed an inspection “of the accessible and visible components of the building,” as stated in its report submitted by Brad Chase, who had performed approximately 3,000 inspections as a home/building inspector in the Pocono region. However, as stated in Safeguard’s report: “Brad Chase, referred to in this report as the inspector, is not a structural engineer.”

Chase’s inspection was done under the direction of then LLV General Manager Ronald Gotti and LLV POA ViceChair John Laughner.

Since 2011, little action has been taken to implement or reject the recommendations made by Safeguard until the LLV Strategic Planning Committee, chaired

by Bob DiLullo, about 18 months ago delved into the history of the 2,398.25-sq. ft. building, which is approximately 57 years old, using Safeguard Home Inspections’ plan as a start.

“We took our cues from that plan,” said DiLullo, which he pointed out was prepared by a home/building inspection firm and not an engineering firm. “We found that the condition of the building has worsened over the last seven years. Our concern focused on the integrity of the building as well as the safety of the administration staff and residents.”

Criterium Peters, an engineering firm, performed a complete walk-through survey of the building, used as a general office and administration office for LLV and Century 21 Real Estate, between Jan. 11 and Jan. 18, 2017. Dennis R. Peters, P.E., P.L.S. and Project Manager Angel Slusser, both of Criterium Peters, were accompanied by LLV’s Property Manager Dan Dougherty Jr and Ranger Chief Andy Gross. The survey was conducted in accordance with ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) E 2018-99, Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process.

The engineering firm stated the survey’s goal as “to identify any current deficiencies that pose a threat to life and safety, as well as those items that will require repair or replacement now or within five years.”

“They reviewed practically every square inch of the building and the ground it sits on,” said Dan Dougherty.

“Their work could not have been any more thorough.”

Inspected and evaluated were the building’s electrical system, mechanical facilities, exterior and interior building construction, exterior landscaping including topography and drainage, interior and exterior ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance, plumbing system, septic system and fire safety.

Electrical wires hanging in the crawl space present a safety issue

The building needs to be brought up at least one foot due to the surrounding elevations and grades because storm water is running against the exterior walls and penetrates into the foundation which will cause settlement and upheaving during thaw/ freeze cycles.

The security office is inadequate for the needs of the operation.

The Locust Lake Village Administration Building is the subject of an engineering study conducted by Criterium Peters Engineers, of Berwick, Pa.

The crawl space needs a vapor barrier and insulation installed

Concrete sidewalks are trip hazards and need to be repoured so they are flat and ADA accessible

There is no ADA accessibility into the building—viewed as a major concern Regarding the building’s exterior construction, Criterium Peters discovered that there is no foundation under the north side of the building that will eventually cause the back office to settle after storm water washes out the ground below. The building’s T-111 exterior siding is below grade in numerous areas, causing the siding to rot.

authorization to proceed would need to come from a vote of the POA’s membership in good standing.

LLV Treasurer Vince Moderski said that the funds would come from the Village’s Replacement Reserve Fund which currently carries a balance of $1,250,000.

The board has asked the Strategic Planning Committee to work with the Buildings and Grounds Committee to develop a conceptual proposal for a new building.

Criterium Peters concluded that because of the long list of problems with the building, “consideration should be given to prepare a design for a fully functional new facility. A preliminary building estimate for a similar size 2,400-sq. ft. facility is in the $350,000 to $400,000 range.”

DiLullo added that the estimate does not include costs of demolition and possible temporary relocation of the office staff.

“We need to investigate the total cost of this project before we act,” he said.

“We are faced with a major decision,” DiLullo continued.

“The Strategic Planning Committee’s role in this study was to bring to the attention of the board and the Village the condition of the building and preliminary estimated costs for renovation or demolition. We realize that such a project cannot be done next week or next year.”

When presented with the study, the LLV POA board agreed that action needs to be taken, but Chair Al Markin stated that priorities need to be established to address the most pressing concerns first.

Because the cost of such a project would be more than 8 per cent of the Village’s operating fund, any

“Keep in mind that the building was constructed almost 57 years ago,” DiLullo commented. “We essentially wanted to get an updated professional and accurate assessment of it.”

Among its findings, Criterium Peters noted the following in its 98-page report:

The building’s foundation perimeters and piers do not support the structure properly PAGE 7 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

“We spent $8,700 more versus 2016 on roads and maintenance due to storm plowing and the increase in the Pennsylvania gas tax,” Moderski explained. “A good chunk of that gas tax goes to funding the State Police and the turnpike.”

Resident Bob Christensen asked that Community Manager Dan Dougherty review the fees being charged

by Parker Oil Company, the Village’s fuel supplier.

Part of the Ranger Patrol expense was an $8,000 cost for the purchase of flags for Alternate Terrain Vehicles such as golf carts which residents receive when they purchase their vehicle permits.

According to Moderski, the flag purchase was necessary because that inventory had not been restocked in 2016.

Locust Lake Village (LLV) property owners attend the March LLV Board of Directors meeting held at The Chalet.

MARCH POA BOARD MEETING

Robinson Resigns; Road Conditions Demand Action While discussion about road conditions—both during and after the week’s major snowstorm—fueled heated debate at the March 18 Locust Lake Village (LLV) Property Owners Associaton (POA) meeting held at The Chalet, it was overshadowed by Chairman Will Robinson’s resignation from the POA Board of Directors.

“It’s been great,” Robinson said, of his tenure as he looked out at the audience at the close of the meeting, “and a few times it’s been great fun. Every board member has the Village’s best interest at heart.”

He indicated that his resignation would take effect as soon as a buyer’s mortgage is secured for the sale of his home here in the Village. Under LLV Bylaws, Board Vice Chairman Al Markin will fill the vacancy. Pending his acceptance, Michael Wilcheck, who moved up in the line

of succession based upon results in last year’s election after Dee Kasarda filled the vacancy left when Laura Laspee resigned last Nov., will fill the vacancy created

by Markin’s accession to board chairman.

Robinson will become president and chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, a two-year not-for-profit college in Media, Pa. Founded in 1953, the college offers two-year Associated Degree and Certification programs in technology and allied health.

He submitted his letter of resignation to the board on Friday, March 24.

Robinson received a standing ovation following longtime resident Ike Wade’s comment, “You did a great job.”

In his opening comments at the start of the meeting, Robinson encouraged residents to attend the board’s workshop meetings, which take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Administration Office the Friday evening before the monthly board meeting.

“It’s open to the public,” he said. “It’s not a secret meeting.

A lot of deliberation takes place that would otherwise bog down a board meeting. It can be prolonged but provides in-depth analysis and discussion.”

However, residents can voice opinions as observers.

“It’s important that our board members are open to transparency,” Robinson said.

Treasurer’s Report

As a snow squall whirled around The Chalet, Board Treasurer Vince Moderski commented on the large turnout for the meeting before he gave his report. “We have good attendance when it snows,” he kidded.

Expenses from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, 2017 were $501,578.23 which were offset by net ordinary income of $831,458.73. For the first two months of 2017, expenses amounted to 27.26% of the annual 2017 POA budget. The Capital Improvement Fund came in at $253,132.52 and the Replacement Reserve Fund at $1,293,885.79.

“Revenue is running on schedule,” Moderski said, referring to payments of annual POA dues. The largest expenses were for the Ranger Patrol ($56,232.31), Administration ($59,968.32) and Maintenance ($48,303.60).

Late fees through Feb. 28 amounted to $130,319.

However, POA Office Administrator Mary Marucci and Building & Grounds Committee Chair Bob Christensen are heading up an initiative for past dues collection.

From Jan. through Mar. 16 of 2017, they have collected $15,275.58 in past dues which goes directly into the Village’s operating fund.

“Thank you Mary and Bob,” said Moderski.

New LLV Vehicle

The board voted to approve the purchase of a 2017 Jeep from MotorWorld Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. for $22,166.76 with funds from the Replacement Reserve Fund. MotorWorld was the lowest of five bids submitted.

Board Co-Chair Al Markin commented that since funds are available, the purchase of a four-wheel drive vehicle for the Recreation Department is a better decision than having repeated maintenance on the present vehicle the department is using.

Board Member Dee Kasarda said, “It is very prudent to purchase a new vehicle.”

Board Member and Recreation Committee liaison Carrie Pohl said referring to the need for reliable onjob transportation for Recreation Director Nicole Hill, “She’s all over getting best prices on food, provisions, and services.”

Board Member Wade Burchell said, “A new vehicle is the right thing to do.” Treasurer Vince Moderski added, “This is a good investment.”

Copier replacement

The board debated replacement of the copier in the Administration Office, questioning the merits of a lease arrangement with an office equipment supplier versus a straight-out purchase of a replacement machine.

A major advantage of a leased machine is the responsibility for repair lies with the leasor. “If the machine fails under lease,” Moderski commented, “the office supply comes out as soon as it can and replaces it with a working machine. If we own a machine that breaks down, we’re at the mercy of an office supply who would probably need to fit us into his schedule.”

The board passed the motion to lease rather than purchase a new copier, and directed Community Manager Dan Dougherty to secure bids for a leased machine.

Comparative figures: 63-month copier lease: $10,166.94 consisting of $3,709.44 for the equipment and $6,457.50 for copies; Outright copier purchase: $3,015.00 with cost of copies remaining the same.

Manager’s Report

Community Manager Dan Dougherty Jr, CMCA, AMS, reported that the major snowstorm of March 14 which dumped up to two feet of snow on the Village “really

PAGE 8 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

challenged the maintenance staff,” which worked up to 30 hours plowing the roads of the Village.

“I know there are a lot of different opinions as to how it was handled, but am also certain that we will look at what was done and find that we should have done some things a little different,” Dougherty said. “We will have an after-action meeting to review our efforts and make improvements, and will prepare a report out of that meeting.”

LLV Committee Reports Security & Emergency Planning

The Ranger Patrol issued 41 written warnings in Feb. Included in those warnings were: 15 for Stop Sign violations; 12 for speeding; six for no LLV registration, and one for careless driving. Five citations were issued: four for unsightly property conditions and one for rear gate violation. Two thefts were reported: Missing beach bench at 106 Turkey Court and a missing wooden bear at 335 Fawn Road.

Feb. incident reports included: 192 dispatched calls; 27 vehicle stops; 15 motorist assists; 15 property owner assists; seven ambulance escorts; four open property found; five law enforcement assists; 10 hazardous conditions; two thefts; and one suspicious person(s).

Total incidents reported for Feb. 2017: 348.

Building & Grounds

Bids have gone out for construction of the new parking lot for the area around The Chalet. Bill Dorner, board member, promised, “It’s going to get done.”

Wade Burchell, board member, commented on the research on the parking lot project, “Dan (Dougherty) and the Building Committee have done a lot of exploration. We’re going to do it the right way.”

Roads

Community Manager Dan Dougherty Jr. gave the Roads Committee’s report on behalf of Chair Peggy Coates.

Dougherty stated that a repair/maintenance schedule will be developed targeting the top five roads in worst condition that are dirt roads and tar-and-chip roads.

“We will evaluate the five roads in each category that our maintenance staff spends the most time repairing,” he said.

Dougherty said that local contractor Darwin Keiper may be willing to consult with maintenance to look at each road in the Village and provide an analysis to indicate what should be done in terms of surface and drainage.

“We should bring Darwin in,” said Bob Chirstensen.

“He’s one of the smartest people around here and has built many roads up here.”

“Moving along,” Dougherty continued, “we should never bring tar-and-chip in here again.” He pointed out that the use of CP2 should be strongly considered, a process that stands up to wear for between five and ten years.

Board Member John Laughner, a retired PennDot engineer, said, “CP2 is two-thirds the price of paving, and can last 10 to 15 years. “Right now we are paying the price for past sins,” he said of previous repair procedures. “In the past our roads were not given proper attention.”

Voicing some frustration, resident Tom Rezner asked the board to commit to a schedule for road repair. Marcia Rezner, Tom’s wife, added, “We’re tired of promises.”

Board Member Bill Dorner said that the board will get the priority lists and review the roads analysis before developing a repair schedule.

Resident Rich DeMarco suggested that the board “wait until the snow melts before setting priorities.”

Recreation Board Member Carrie Pohl and recreation committee liaison reported that the Wednesday luncheons at The Chalet continue to be well-received, and noted that pizza made on-site in The Chalet’s kitchen has been a welcome surprise.

“Over Presidents Weekend it was unbelievable,” Pohl said. “It was our first attempt at making pizza, and we did 25 pizzas.”

Under the direction of resident Tom Spitz, a professional chef, the pizzas are made from scratch and baked in The Chalet’s kitchen. She added that Family Bingo Night that weekend at The Chalet “was mobbed.”

While the thinking and fun were fast and furious, the Village’s second Trivia Contest had a small turn-out probably due to the cold weather.

Communications and Technology

Chair Scott Beadenkopf reported that the spring edition of The Villager was due out the week of Mar.

20. Baedenkopf also stated that Carl Piazza, the committee’s board liaison, is investigating upgrades to the Administration Office’s telephone system. Under review is a Voice Over Internet Protection (VOIP) that would add more flexibility to the telephone system.

Bylaws

Chair Pat Hiddleson reported that to-date approximately 280 ballots have been returned for the vote to approve wording changes to the bylaws to permit electronic voting.

Village Life

Bob Boyer on behalf of Chair Diane DiSandro reported that 35 new property owners have joined the LLV community. “We’re keeping up with new folks with the help of Kathleen Benner in the accounting office to welcome them to LLV,” said Boyer. He added that Village Life is seeking more members and volunteers to help develop events like the “Welcome Wine and Cheese” that took place over Memorial Day weekend.

WOODSMAN SPARE THAT TREE

LLV Rules Prohibit Careless Cutting of Trees Trees are an essential part of the environment in Locust Lake Village (LLV), and, according to LLV Rules and Regulations, must be properly maintained and respected.

Resident Harry D’Onofrio voiced concern at the May Property Owners Association Board of Directors meeting over the future of trees in the Village.

“People need to realize that these trees have been here long before anybody here came to live in the Village,” D’Onofrio said. “Too many people have randomly and haphazardly cut down trees that should never have been touched.”

Before removing any tree, property owners must first secure a permit.

He pointed out that the clear-cutting of a property is in direct violation of the Village’s Rule and Regulations.

“It’s horrible what some folks have already done,” D’Onofrio continued. “Why would anyone want to clear-cut? Don’t you come to the mountains for the natural beauty that the Village prides itself on, especially the trees?”

While admitting that when trees rot out or fall victim to certain diseases, it’s in the interest of safety to remove them.

However, before any move is made to remove a tree, property owners must apply for a permit issued by the Administration Office. The permit, good for 60 days, allows a tree removal company to cut down only those trees covered by the permit. A fine will be levied if done so otherwise.

Under the LLV Rules and Regulations, “Before the permit is issued, an inspection of the property shall be conducted (by the property manager or his designated representative). The tree(s) for which the permit is being issued shall be clearly marked… by the property manager or LLV designated agent at the time of inspection. Only the tree(s) that have been marked by the LLV property manager or agent shall be cut and/or removed.”

Before any cutting can begin, the contractor is required to provide proof of liability insurance to the Administrative Office listing LLV as an additional insured.

Concern was also raised during the meeting over the indiscriminate cutting of saplings.

“We will look into scheduling tree or arbor information sessions that would be held at LLV by Penn State University experts to educate our residents on the need for trees and their proper care,” said LLV Property Manager Dan Dougherty, Jr. Free copies of the LLV Rules and Regulations are available at the LLV Administration Office.

PAGE 9 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

MAKING ‘CENTS’

Understanding LLV’s Financial Structure

By Vince Moderski

Vince Moderski, treasurer of Locust Lake Village’s (LLV) Property Owners Association’s (POA) Board of Directors, provides the following definitions of key financial terms used in his treasurer’s reports. His intent is to help property owners better understand LLV’s fund structure and accounting by which the financial affairs of the Village are run.

ACCOUNTING The modern field was established by the Italian mathematician Luca Pacioli in 1494. Accounting measures the results of an organization’s economic activities and conveys this information to a variety of users. The recording of financial transactions is known as bookkeeping or accounting, the most common term.

Financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles set by nationally recognized organizations, and are usually audited by accounting firms. William Owens & Company, certified public accountants in Carbondale, Pa., audits LLV’s statements.

ACCOUNTS

Every time an entry is made into LLV’s financial records, the same value (or the sum of same values) is entered into two different categories known as accounts. This is double-entry accounting in which the entry in one account is offset by the same or corresponding entry in another account. These entries are known as debits and credits. In other words, for every debit there is a credit.

One such LLV account is Accounts Receivable. When the bills for Property Owners Association dues are prepared, entries are made in accounts receivable.

LLV does its accounting on a cash basis, so initially the entries are placed into a tracking system called “C3”. LLV uses the double-entry system, and as payments are received, the amount is entered into Dues Income to increase that balance and the corresponding value is entered into the receivables account to reduce that balance.

Similar is Accounts Payable. When LLV makes a purchase and the vendor bills us, that amount is placed into accounts payable. The offsetting amount is entered into either an expense (utilities and supplies are examples) or an asset account (such as Ranger or maintenance vehicles). Payments then reduce cash and payables.

a specific time span. To account for the depreciation amount, the value in the asset account is reduced and the offsetting amount is placed into an accumulated depreciation account.

WRITE-OFFS

One item that makes the board meeting agenda is Write-Offs, and can be created in one of three ways.

By law, we can only claim dues owed us by a single member for three years. After that, we must reduce the amount (write-off) we claim as a receivable for reporting purposes. We still keep track of what the member owes, but no longer report it as an amount we expect to receive.

When a property is sold or foreclosed, the debt must be removed (written-off) since the member is no longer the owner of record. In a foreclosure, we are not usually the prime lien holder and only receive part of the money owed. In the case of a sale, we recover a larger portion since the new owner assumes the liabilities of the seller.

Locust Lake Village Property Owners Association Treasurer Vince Moderski. Photo by Scott Baedenkopf

It has been a pleasure to serve as your association treasurer for the past four years. Term limits require I step down at the August meeting, but I will still make every effort to continue as a member of the Finance Committee.

In some limited cases we negotiate with a member who pays past dues in return for a reduction (write-off) in the late fees.

In these three examples, the board is required to approve these reductions or write-offs at a regular meeting and those amounts made part of the record.

I hope these articles were helpful in making you aware of how LLV operates and gave you a sense of comfort that your dues are being managed in a financially prudent manner. I wish everyone the best.

INCOME

Property Owners Association dues are the primary source of income for LLV. Dues are exempt from federal income tax since we are a non-profit home owner association.

LLV also receives income from property rental (Century 21 Sales Office and the radio tower at the top of Fawn Road), sales of items such as T-shirts and sweatshirts, and investment income.

In an earlier discussion I had discussed our Replacement Reserve Fund which contain savings in anticipation of replacing assets that have outlived their useful lives. Since these funds do not have to

– Vince Moderski

be available for immediate use, they are invested per guidelines set in our Financial Policies and Procedures Manual.

Currently, all long-term investments are in certificates of deposit (CDs) paying between 0.5% and 1.6%. Set by the Federal Reserve, these rates are extremely low but will tend to increase as inflation increases. Any interest we receive is subject to federal income tax.

Assets add value to LLV but have a limited service life.

Accountants reduce an asset’s “book” value through depreciation which decreases the item’s value over

PAGE 10 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

Security IT’S NOT YOGI OR SMOKEY ABIDE OR BE FINED

Signs of the Times Driving the roads in Locust Lake Village (LLV) is the same as driving any road in Pennsylvania: Both are governed by motor vehicle laws in force throughout the state. And the LLV Ranger Security Staff will enforce them. That also means that within LLV all drivers must observe speed restrictions as established by the LLV Property Owners Association. Failure to comply will result in the issuance of a citation and assessment of a monetary penalty. By way of a reminder, here are a few examples of traffic signs motorists will find throughout LLV: STOP means that you come to a full stop, and not just slowing down.

WATCH CHILDREN tells you to be aware of children playing or walking in an area and to reduce your speed to 10 MPH.

VILLAGE SPEED LIMIT 25 MPH means the maximum speed permitted on any road within LLV is 25 miles per hour, unless otherwise posted.

Beware Of Black Bears In The Village

By Andy Gross, Chief - Locust Lake Village Rangers

You’ve probably heard a story or two of black bear sightings in Locust Lake Village. Whether it was about a bear climbing a tree to get at a bird feeder, a bear “picking” a latch on a storage shed, or a bear coming up on a deck as folks thought they could stop the bear by tossing food at him or a bear coming up on a deck drawn by the smell of the contents of a trash bag left out on a deck. Because we’re in the Poconos and bear country, almost everybody wants to see a Ursus americanus, the black bear’s scientific name. Curiously enough, while three species of bears inhabit North America, only the black bear is found in Pennsylvania. “Our” black bears live in the state game lands that border LLV and regularly pay visits to the Village as well as Arrowhead.

While they look cute and furry, it’s best to know a few important facts about black bears: • They can run up to 35 miles per hour • They can climb trees • They can swim well • Adults usually weigh around 200 pounds; some can weigh up to 600 pounds or more Now, here’s a very important point: Intentionally feeding bears is against the law in Pennsylvania. It is also against the law to put out any feed for any wildlife that is causing bears to congregate or habituate to an area. Black bears will eat human food, garbage, bird feed, pet food, fruits from trees or gardens, and livestock feed—and they will keep coming back as long as food is available. They also will lessen their fear of humans which means that they could make bolder attempts to go after food, such as climbing on a porch or deck. And the risk of a bear being struck by a vehicle or becoming a serious nuisance increases as does damage to property and the risk of human injury.

There are two ways to react should you encounter a bear: • Make loud noises or shout at the bear from a distance • Let the bear alone, and clean up the bear’s mess after it leaves • And don’t forget to dispose of whatever attracted the bear to your property.

A bear is spotted near the tennis courts on Lake Lane.

Photo by Tom Dowd

Speaking of disposing, place your trash in bear-proof containers. Trash cans should not be placed on the curb until the day of pickup. Double-bag smelly garbage and regularly clean trash cans with a deodorizer such as ammonia to reduce food odors. Remember, bears have a keen sense of smell. Put your trash out the morning scheduled for pick up, not before. Whatever is left on the grill after a barbecue can attract a curious bear. Always clean and store grills in a secure structure after each use. Don’t leave them out overnight.

Bird feeders also attract bears and they’ll stop at practically nothing to get their paws on a feeder day or night.

Either bring your feeders in at night or make sure your feeder is placed out of a bear’s reach. If you place your trash out at the curb and a bear or other critter gets into it and scatters it about, you the property owner is responsible for the clean-up. LLV Rangers will attempt to notify you as soon as possible to advise a clean-up. We recommend that you have your e-mail address up-to-date to expedite notification.

Situations vary, and LLV and our Rangers will try to help as much as possible. Keep in mind that you could be fined for trash left scattered about. If you are having a problem with a bear and have had no success in addressing it with the above suggestions, or if you have been threatened by a bear, call the Rangers for help at 570-646-3532 or call 9-1-1.

— Information from Pennsylvania Game Commission

CAUTION SLOW DOWN PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC means that you must slow down and be aware of pedestrian traffic especially by LLV’s lakes.

PAGE 11 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

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) 843-7323.

• Saturday, June 17: Anglers Club Fishing Contest 5 a.m.

• Saturday, July 22 – Archery Dinner Dance at The

• Sunday, June 18: Father’s Day Breakfast 9 a.m.-12:30

• Saturday, July 29: Wild West Party at Locust Lake,

– 9 p.m. and Weigh-In Party, 9-11 p.m. at Pines Lake (Members Only) p.m. at The Chalet. Fathers eat free!

• Saturday, June 24: Kids Night – Magician by Aardvark Entertainment, 6 p.m. at The Chalet

• Saturday – Monday, July 1 – 3 (Sat.-Mon.) –

Community Yard Sales. Register at LLV Administration Office; $10 Tobyhanna Township permit required.

• Saturday, July 1: Golf Cart Parade 10 a.m. at Pines

Lake; carts lineup at 9 a.m. Community Carnival at East Lake, 1-5 p.m.: Inflatable attractions, climbing wall, and kids carnival games

• Sunday, July 1: Picnic at Pines Lake 4-7 p.m. DJ & Bonfire at Pines Lake 7-11 p.m.

• Saturday, July 8: Cabaret at The Chalet, 7-10 p.m.

Chalet 6-11 p.m. Balloon Sculptor and Campfire at Pines Lake 7-9 p.m.

6-10 p.m.; Music, food, country line dancing

• Saturday, August 5: ATV Rally; line up at the Chalet,

1 p.m. Annual Benefit Dinner & Auction to benefit PA Wounded Warriors starting at 5 p.m. at The Chalet

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

• Saturday, August 19: Beach Karaoke at Locust Lake

Congregation

by the Anglers Club, 9-11 a.m. at Pines Lake. Fish Fry hosted by the Anglers Club (Property Owners Only) at The Chalet 4-7 p.m.

7-10 p.m.

• Saturday, August 26: Wine Tasting at The Chalet, time TBA

Sales, register at the LLV Administration Office. $10 Tobyhanna Township permit required.

• Saturday, Sept. 3: Cardboard Boat Races at Pines Lake

• Saturday, July 15: Archery Open House at the Archery

• Sunday, Sept. 4: Lobster Bake at Locust Lake 4-7 p.m.,

Range 1-4 p.m. Monte Carlo Night at The Chalet 6-10 p.m.; downstairs will be open for the kids

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

Thornhurst United Methodist Church

• Sunday, July 9: Anglers Club Fishing Contest at Locust

Lake 7-10 a.m. at Locust Lake; Anglers Club Breakfast 10-11 a.m. (Members only)

Pocono Wesleyan Church

• Saturday, August 12: Family Fishing Contest hosted

• Saturday – Monday, Sept. 2-4: Community Yard

Family Campout with Storyteller and Cookout at Locust Lake 7 p.m. till dawn

Houses of Worship

1 p.m.; Senior and junior divisions; line up begins at 11 a.m. DJ and Bonfire at Locust Lake 7-11 p.m. preregistration/reservations at LLV Administration Office required. Fireworks at dusk at East Lake

342 Old River Road Thornhurst, Pa. • 570-842-1434 Facebook: Thornhurst Umc

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

Faith Lutheran Church of Blakeslee Route 940 & Robyn Lane Blakeslee, Pa. • 570-646-0309 Email: faithlut@epix.net FB: Faith Lutheran Church, Blakeslee PA

Weekly Activities at The Chalet (unless otherwise noted)

• Friday Night BBQ: Memorial Day thru Labor Day weekends, Fridays 5:30-8:30 p.m. Each week will feature a signature dish like BBQ Ribs or Rib Eye Steak. Menus will be posted weekly.

• Adult Bingo: Mondays, May 1 thru October. Doors open at 6 p.m., games start at 7 p.m.; food available • Adult Game Day: Ongoing throughout the year, Tuesdays 1-4 p.m.

• Yoga: Tuesdays 6 p.m.

• PiYo – A mix of Pilates and Yoga, Fridays 10 a.m., June 28 – Sept. 1 • PiYo – Saturdays, 9 a.m., June 24 – Sept. 2 at Pines Lake

• P90X – High intensity cardio workout, Tuesdays 6 p.m., June 27 – Aug. 29 at Locust Lake

• Arts & Crafts: Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 27 – Aug. 24, 10 a.m.; Waterslide open 11-11:30 a.m.

• Ceramics: Fridays June 30 – Aug. 25, 10 a.m.; Waterslide open 11-11:30 a.m.

• Ice Cream on the Beach: Wednesdays, July 5 – Aug. 30, 7-8 p.m. Event will alternate between Pines and Locust beaches

• Family Thursdays: July 5 – Aug. 30. Alternating between Family Bingo and Beach Games, 6:30 p.m.

• Beach Hours

Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Pines and Locust Lakes from May 27 – July 2 Monday – Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Pines Lake July 3 – Aug. 27 Friday – Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Locust Lake July 7 – Aug. 27 Labor Day Weekend/Friday-Monday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Pines and Locust

PAGE 12 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

PAGE 13 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

Spring Redux r KIDS FISHING CONTEST

LLV Anglers Had ‘Em Fishin’ Devon Ferkler, 9, said that it had put up a bit of a fight, but she reeled in what turned out to be the heaviest trout in the Locust Lake Village (LLV) Anglers Club’s 26th annual Kids Fishing Contest held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. under cloudy skies with a chilly breeze Saturday, May 27 at East Lake. Ferkler’s trout tipped the scale at an even 2 lbs.

than hinting at his family’s love of fishing. “My kids were in this contest about 25 years ago, and we’ve been here in the Village since 1986.”

Sue Petro, a longtime member of the Angler’s Club, offered some perspective on the contest. “It’s not only a great time and a get-together,” Petro said, “but it’s part of the cycle of things that are part of our community. It’s a nice family event.”

Angler Bob Wolek commented on the success of the contest saying that club members as well as non-members “are not afraid to volunteer their services and donations.”

Prizes were donated by the Anglers and in part by the Pocono Boat House, of Pocono Lake.

While all 82 contestants got a prize, the top three fishermen with the heaviest trout had first choice of scores of prizes laid out on picnic tables near the Anglers’ registration and weigh-in tent on the northwest shore of East Lake. Only trout qualified for the weigh-in, and contestants had to be 15 years of age and younger. In the event of a tie, the winner is determined by the person’s sign-in time. Siena Colarusso, with a trout weighting in at 2 lbs., tied with Felker, but Felker signed in ahead of Colarusso. “It was the first fish that I caught today,” said a very happy Ferkler, who has been fishing for four years, as she clutched her prize, a Shakespeare Lady Fish Spinning Combo.

Second place went to Eric Again, a seven-year veteran fisherman, with a 1 lb. 13 oz. trout. Again chose a fishing rod for his prize, which he had been eyeing up before the contest began. “I really wanted that rod, and I’m happy I got it,” he said.

Jane Kalin came in third with a catch of 1 lb. 10 oz.

Contestants had the option of either keeping their catch or donating it to the Anglers for their annual village Fish Fry scheduled for Aug. 12.

Angler Club Secretary Joe McCusker, who handled registration and weigh-in duties with members Dave Chorney, Bob Wolek, and Tom Rezner, said that the contest is “great for kids. They get prizes, and the hope is that they keep at fishing. And it is a family thing.”

Emmet Hennessey helps his daughter Colleen steady her line while Colleen’s friend, Trisha Pimenta, patiently waits for a bite.

Tom Rafter Jr. and his family had taken up a position on the northeast side of East Lake with Tom Rafter Sr, president of the LLV Anglers Club.

Eric Again, who was the first to have his catch weighed and who came in second in the fishing contest, watches as Angler Dave Chorney weighs his trout at 1 lb. 3 oz.

This contest marked the first time that Tom, Jr. and his son Justin, 11, were fishing together at LLV. “It’s great for kids and the start-off for the summer,” Tom said of the event. Justin was excited that he had just landed a pickerel. His mom Jackie offered encouragement. “There’s a trout out there waiting for you,” she told him.

Trisha Pimenta, 16, and Colleen Hennessey, 16, along with Colleen’s father Emmet, were fishing a few yards down from the Rafters. Although not eligible for the contest, both girls were hoping to hook a trout or two. For Trisha, it was her first time as an angler. “It’s kind of hard,” she admitted. “I haven’t caught anything — yet, but I like it.”

Tom Rafter Jr offers advice to his son Justin, 11, during the 26th annual Kids Fishing Contest held at East Lake, and sponsored by the Locust Lake Village Anglers Club.

Colleen, who has been fishing for as long as she can remember and had already landed a trout, credits her father for getting her into the sport at an early age. “I’ve been fishing my whole life, since I was eight years old,” said Emmet. “I got my kids into it, and now I’m getting Colleen’s friend into it. It’s an outdoors activity that’s family friendly.”

“I want her to catch one,” said Colleen, pulling for Trisha. “She needs to catch a fish. That would be pretty cool.”

Taking a break from the morning’s fishing, Jay Pierce and his grandson Austin, 3, were sitting on the tail gate of Jay’s SUV examining Jay’s tackle box. It was Austin’s first contest. “It’s good,” Austin said. “I had fun.” Jay has been fishing for 27 years. “That’s why we’re here,” he said more

Devon Ferkler, 9, standing with her proud mom, won the Kids Fishing Contest with a catch that came in at 2 lb. even.

Austin Pierce, 3, attentively listens as his grandfather, Jay Pierce, explains a finer point or two of the contents in his tackle box.

PAGE 14 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

r Spring Redux START YOUR CARTS AND BOATS

Golf Cart Parade And Cardboard Boat Race Set Coming this summer to Locust Lake Village (LLV) are two of the most popular and looked-forward-to events in the Village.

Over Fourth of July weekend, the annual Golf Cart Parade will form up on Sat. July 1 at 9 a.m. in the Pines Lake parking lot. Last year, 41 ½ golf carts participated in the parade that follows a route from Pines Lake, looping around the Village, then returning to the lake for the awards ceremony. “If you can decorate a golf cart, you’re in the parade,” said Nicole Hill, LLV recreation director. “Just be sure to arrive at Pines Lake on July 1 at 9 a.m. or earlier.” Carters compete for Village bragging rights and prizes in three categories: most original; most creative; and most patriotic.

2016’s winners were: Most original: Borus and McFadden families with “Secret Service”; the Schlofer family with “ECTO-1” based on the “Ghostbusters” movie; and the Colarusso and Schaeffer kids with “Superheroes.” Hill added that while some folks plan a month or two in advance of the parade, it’s not unusual for others to tempt fate and work against the calendar and supplies at local stores to develop a theme and then decorate the day before or even the morning of the race.

Sixth Annual Cardboard Boat Race The Sixth annual LLV Cardboard Boat Race will paddle out at 1 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 3 at Pines Lake.

Eighteen crews entered their lake-worthy vessels in last year’s race. “This event continues to grow,” said Hill. “It’s becoming a Labor Day weekend tradition for more and more folks. “To accommodate skill levels, there will be a junior paddlers and a senior paddlers division.”

Under LLV Cardboard Race Commission rules, the only power permitted for a vessel is paddling by its crew members. All vessels must be made of cardboard and duct tape.

Winners will be chosen from the following categories: most creative, movie theme, team spirit, most patriotic, and silliest. Winning entries in 2016’s race were: Most creative: “The Rubber Ducky;” movie theme: “Pokemon;” team spirit: “The Banana Boat;” most patriotic: “Make America Float Again;” and silliest: “Rub-a-Dub-Dub.” Boats will follow a course from the shore of Pines Lake to the Aquaglide Water Challenge, turn at the challenge, and then head for the finish line at the lake’s boat launch. In order to be eligible for prizes, boast must cross the finish line.

Imagination and creativity are the marching orders of the day for the LLV Golf Cart Parade scheduled for Saturday, July 1.

Boaters must observe the following rules: • Each crew member is permitted one paddle, and must wear a personal flotation device approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

• The entire boat must be built from cardboard and duct tape.

• Duct tape may be used to reinforce seams with hull wrapping in duct tape permitted. No glue, caulking or other sealant is permitted.

• No electrical, gasoline, benzene, propane or other chemical or electrical propulsion system is permitted.

• There is no limit on size or length of a boat. In past races, there have been boats that floated with a crew of 12.

• Contestants are to maintain the decorum and dignity expected of yachtsmen.

• Registration is required. “It’s a good idea to get to Pines Lake around 11: 30 a.m. to set your boat on the shore,” Hill advised.

As with the LLV Golf Cart Parade, preparation takes a variety of approaches. “A big part of the fun is building a boat,” continued Hill, “regardless if it’s done a week or two in advance, the night before, or even the morning of the race. Just make sure you have an ample supply of duct tape beforehand.”

For more information on both events, contact LLV Recreation Director Nicole Hill at 570-843-7323, or email her at nicole@ locustlakevillage.org.

LLV’s Cardboard Boat Race shoves off at Pines Lake on Saturday, Sept. 3.

PAGE 15 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

Spring Redux r WITHIN AN HOUR (OR LESS) OF LLV

Places To Go in the Poconos While a rather complete boatload of activities is scheduled for the summer at Locust Lake Village (LLV), folks may like to explore the Pocono/Lehigh Valley region for more places to go and things to do.

“We feel that while the Recreation Committee offers a great lineup of things to do right here in the Village,” said LLV Recreation Director Nicole Hill, “there are many destinations within an hour’s drive that can make for an ideal day trip.”

Recreation Committee Chair Carrie Pohl commented, “You’d be surprised at the variety of interesting and fun as well as educational places in and near this region.

A favorite of ours is the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm just outside Stroudsburg.”

Whether it’s a day at one of the four waterparks less than 30 minutes from LLV, or some fun learning all about crayons in Easton, this region offers a veritable treasure trove of fun and excitement. The Recreation Committee will highlight ten places to go in each of the upcoming editions of the Villager. The complete list is available at the LLV administration office.

CASINO THEATRE AND FAMILY FUN CENTER Twin first-run movie theatre, mini golf course, malt shop and sandwich shop 1403 Pocono Blvd. (Route 611 South) Mt. Pocono, Pa. 18344 570-839-7831 Casinotheatre.net

940 GOLF N’ FUN It’s a family play park with an arcade, ice cream, miniature golf, driving range, batting cages, bumper cars, pro shop, and paint ball.

951 Route 940, Pocono Lake, Pa. 18347 570-646-0700 Open seven days a week QUIET VALLEY HISTORIC LIVING FARM An open-air working Pa. Dutch farm. Costumed interpreters operate the farm and explain family life from 1760s to 1913.

347 Quiet Valley Road Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 570-992-6161 Quietvalley.org

THE CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE Learn all there is to know about crayons through 26 interactive exhibits and digital activities on four floors comprising 65,000 sq. ft. Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

30 Centre Square Easton, Pa. 18042 610-515-8000 Crayolaexperience.com LACKAWANNA COAL MINE TOUR Enter old Slope No. 190 in a mine car and descend slowly to explore 300 ft. beneath the surface in an anthracite coal mine opened in 1860. Temperature is a constant 53 degrees year round.

McDade Park, Scranton, Pa. 18503 800-238-7245 Lackawannacounty.org

STEAMTOWN NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK On 40 acres of the former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, Steamtown’s collection of vintage railroad equipment includes steam locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, an incredible roundhouse, and rare photos, films, and artifacts from railroads that once serviced Northeast Pennsylvania and the nation.

Open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Operated by the National Park Service.

150 South Washington Avenue Scranton, Pa. 18503 570-340-5200 Nps.gov/stea

The Crayola Experience with parking across the street in Easton is only an hour away from LLV.

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders

Triple A Affiliate of New York Yankees PNC Field 235 Montage Mountain Road, Moosic, Pa. 18507 570-969-2255 Swbrailriders.com

Lehigh Valley IronPigs

Triple A Affiliate of Philadelphia Phillies Coca-Cola Park 1050 Iron Pigs Way Allentown, Pa. 18109 610-841-7447 Ironpigsbaseball.com

HICKORY RUN STATE PARK Operated by the Pa. Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources, offers 15,990 acres of outdoor fun including: hiking, picnicking, swimming, fishing, disc golf, orienteering, geocaching, and the immense Boulder Field (a National Natural Landmark) formed during the glacial age. Open year round from sunrise to sunset.

3613 State Route 534 White Haven, Pa. 570-443-0400 hickoryrunsp@pa.gov MT. AIRY CASINO - RESORT Table games, slots, golf, entertainment 312 Woodland Road Mt. Pocono, Pa. 18344 877-682-4791 WATERPARKS

Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark 1 Great Wolf Avenue Scotrun, Pa. 18355 570-688-9896 Greatwolf.com/poconos

Camelbeach Mountain Outdoor Waterpark

309 Resort Drive Tannersville, Pa. 18372 570-629-1662 Camelbeach.com

Camelback Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark 193 Resort Drive Tannersville, Pa. 18372 855-515-1283 Camelbackresort.com

Kalahari Indoor Waterpark

250 Kalahari Blvd.

Pocono Manor, Pa. 18349 570-580-6000 Kalahariresorts.com/Pennsylvania

WHITEWATER CHALLENGERS Raft the Lehigh River or bike the Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail 288 N. Stagecoach Road Weatherly, Pa. 18255 800-443-8554 Whitewaterchallengers.com HORSEBACK RIDING: TRAIL RIDES OR LESSONS

Paradise Riding Stables

1619 Route 611 Mt. Pocono, Pa. 570-839-8340 Instagram: @Poconohorses Facebook: Paradise Riding Stables

Mountain Creek Riding Stables 6190 Paradise Valley Road Cresco, Pa. 570-839-8725 Mtcreekstable.com

The Ranch at Pocono Manor 391 Manor Drive Pocono Manor, Pa. 570-839-6237 Poconomanor.com/stables

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF INDUSTRIAL HISTORY A Smithsonian Institution affiliate that connects America’s industrial past with innovations of today, and based in a century-old facility on the site of the famous Bethlehem Steel works. Complete with interactive displays and 200 artifacts that cannot be seen elsewhere—first made, longest operating or last produced. Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

602 East Second Street Bethlehem, Pa. 18015 610-694-6644 Info@NMIH.org

PAGE 16 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

r Spring Redux The Easter Egg Hunt was underway near the LLV ski hill.

Kids couldn’t wait to say hello to the Easter Bunny.

With some help from his mom, Emilia Madzhirski, Taylan, 3 ½ , has dyed his egg yellow.

Having lunch with the Easter Bunny are, from left: Kristen Bartlett, Jayson Diggins, 2, Lynn Olney, Christopher Var, 8, Timmy Fitzgerald Jr., 5, Reilly Hollhan, 9, and Dustin Fitzgerald, 8.

Ryan Miller, 5, calls his decorated egg the “Jesus Egg.”

ON THE BUNNY TRAIL

Kids, Eggs, Lunch and the Easter Bunny at LLV Ask any of the kids who were there. It was a hopping good time at The Chalet on Saturday, April 8 as the Easter Bunny made his annual visit to Locust Lake Village (LLV).

Taylan Madzhirski, 3 ½, with his mom Emilia and dad Stefan, an LLV Security Ranger, was intent on the task before him.

Appropriately enough, the trail began in The Chalet’s arts and crafts room where Lisa Spitz, LLV’s arts and crafts coordinator with some help from her daughter Rebecca, helped kids dye and decorate eggs and create bunny happy treats.

Carter Cupchak, 3, and Rayne, 3, were fully immersed in decorating.

The bunny trail included egg decorating and crafts, lunch, games, and photos with the Easter Bunny, and an egg hunt on LLV’s ski hill—all packed in between 12 noon and 2 p.m.

“We wanted to make sure kids had some Easter fun,” said Lisa, “in case they weren’t dyeing eggs at home. My kids are older but we still do it at home every year.”

“It’s another way to get the LLV community together,” she added.

Seated at a long table with all the necessities for dyeing and decorating, each child received three eggs and made color choices from pink, green, yellow, blue, and orange dyes. Once the color capsules were dropped into containers with water and vinegar, the fun began.

To say the dyers and decorators were excited, was an understatement.

Angela Miller was one of the parents caught up in the action as she assisted her daughter Veronica, 7, and her son Ryan, 5, in dipping the eggs for color.

“They were so excited to come and do this,” Miller said. “They talked about it all week.”

Veronica hadn’t yet decided on decoration for her eggs.

“I’m going to go with the flow,” she said pondering her choices. Looking over at her brother she added, “Ryan knows what he’s doing.”

In keeping with the Easter spirit, Ryan held up an egg he had decorated with a cross and proudly proclaimed, “This is a Jesus egg.”

Asked if he was having fun, Taylan replied with a definite, “Yes.”

“He’s very excited,” said Emilia, adding with a laugh, “He’s not scared of the Easter Bunny anymore.”

“They’ve been looking forward to it all day,” said their Mom Linette.

Gwen Nelson, 4, who was busy dyeing an egg in three colors, couldn’t wait to get to The Chalet for the festivities.

“At ten o’clock she said, ‘Dad, we’re gonna miss it,’” said her father Grant. “Yes, she’s been looking forward to this all day.”

Stacy Helmandollar and her daughter Anabel, 10, were among the first to arrive.

“I think it’s awesome,” Stacy said. “We don’t miss it. Stacy is very excited.”

Soon the trail led upstairs to lunch at The Chalet activity room, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. After chowing down on a menu that included hot dogs, pizza, macaroni-and-cheese, French fires and beverages and playing games with the Bunny, the kids got their goodie bags from LLV Recreation Director Nicole Hill and lined up by age group outside The Chalet for the final leg of the bunny trail: the egg hunt.

“There are one thousand eggs on the Ski Hill,” Hill said in preparation for the hunt’s starting signal.

Once making sure the starting line was as steady as possible, she shouted “Go!” and the kids were off.

By Hill’s reckoning, the eggs were claimed in under 15 minutes.

“An event like this helps create community spirit,” she commented. “And it gets kids together so that they can get to know each other.”

PAGE 17 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

Spring Redux r

The annual Easter Sunday Sunrise Service conducted on April 16 on the east shore of East Lake by Pocono Lake Wesleyan Church and officiated by Pastors Luke and Carey Richards.

JOY AT EAST LAKE

Sunrise Service Marks Easter at LLV Celebrating the joy and hope of the Easter message, nearly 75 folks attended the annual Easter Sunday Sunrise Service on April 16 held by Pocono Lake Wesleyan Church on the shore of East Lake in Locust Lake Village.

As the early morning sun turned dawn into day, Pastor Luke Richards proclaimed the theme of the service, “He is risen, indeed, He is risen!”

Following a Scripture reading from John 20: 1-18, the congregation joined in the hymn written by Bill Gaither, a Contemporary Christian songwriter, “Because He Lives,” which affirms Christ’s resurrection from the dead: “Because he lives, I can face tomorrow… all fear is gone.”

Pastor Carey Richards, Luke’s wife, gave the homily offering the congregation “Easter Thoughts.”

“We need a good fishing story,” Carey began, motioning toward fishermen who were fishing a few yards down from the service on the second day of Trout Season.

She recounted the story of the miraculous catch of fish that involved Christ’s disciples especially Peter. After a frustrating night of fishing that came up with nothing, Peter and the disciples were crestfallen and ready to call it a day as morning dawned. Then a stranger on the shore entreated them to cast their nets on the other side of their boats.

“Only after their nets were full of fish did they recognize Jesus,” Carey continued, referring to the stranger on the shore.

“It showed Peter that Jesus still had work to do.”

Reflecting on the miraculous catch, she said, “Jesus doesn’t give up on us. To believe is to experience life with Jesus.”

At the conclusion of the service, Carey invited each worshipper to place a flower on the tree that was behind the cross that had been erected for the service as a personal statement of belief in Jesus.

Those in attendance at the Easter Sunrise Service were invited to place flowers on the cross as a symbol of faith.

Following the service, all in attendance sat down to an Easter mountain breakfast at LLV’s Chalet that was prepared and hosted by the church.

As she finished her breakfast, Pastor Carey commented on how appropriate it was to have held the Sunrise Service on the shore of East Lake.

“Jesus’ disciples were fishermen,” she began. “Jesus spent a significant part of His ministry near the Sea of Galilee, and He appeared to them while they were fishing. So, being near the water is a wonderful place to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.”

Carey added that God is in the midst of today’s culture with its difficulties and trials.

“He doesn’t want us to go it alone,” she continued. “He gives us peace in the midst of difficulties and strength if we let Him.”

The Easter mountain breakfast, courtesy of Chuck Lawrence and his crew of Homer Argot and Marlin and Cheryl Searfoss, which seemed to multiply in a never-ending supply of food (like the feeding of the assembly at Christ’s Sermon on the Mount), topped off the inspirational and moving service.

PAGE 18 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

r Spring Redux BINGO AT LLV

Making the Spaghetti Connection What does spaghetti have to do with Bingo?

A lot if you were among the 60 folks who were at The Chalet on Saturday evening April 22. That’s when the annual Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Locust Lake Village’s (LLV) Monday Night Bingo program took place.

Proceeds from the dinner help fund the cash prizes awarded each week at Monday Night Bingo.

Tom and Marcia Rezner headed a small army of volunteers who worked the dinner in the best tradition of a South Philly Italian restaurant.

“It’s not sauce, it’s gravy,” Tony Ruggierio pointed out as he slowly stirred the lightly seasoned gravy at the stove in The Chalet’s kitchen.

Tom Spitz, one of The Chalet’s volunteer cooks, made sure that the good-sized meatballs and sausage as well as the pasta would stand up to any South Philly or Little Italy taste test.

“It’s a fun night,” said Marcia Rezner of Monday Night Bingo. “It’s an opportunity to get out and possibly win some money.”

Longtime LLV resident Terry Jones, who was volunteering in the kitchen, agreed.

Bingo!

The ever popular game of Bingo is almost 500 years old. According to ExtraBingo.com, it originated in Italy around 1530 from a lottery game called “Lo Giuoco del Lotto D’Italia.

“Everybody is very friendly,” Jones said of Bingo night. “A lot of the community and friends are there.”

The Bingo lineup consists of 22 games with variations such as corners, vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and postage stamp among others. After the first 11 games are played, a brief time-out occurs to allow folks to get a resupply of Chalet Pizza, Philly soft pretzels, or hot dogs along with beverages or coffee. At the conclusion of the evening, a consolation game may be played that awards the first person to completely cover a card a cash prize. One person was known to have won $50 in the consolation round.

Volunteer Ann Rafter serves up a plate full of spaghetti at the Spaghetti Dinner held at The Chalet.

Volunteer Marsha Rezner, who headed up the Spaghetti Dinner for the benefit of LLV Bingo, makes sure everyone has had at least one helping.

Tom Rezner and Harry D’Onofrio rotate as callers for the games.

As the dinner rolled on with every table taken, Rezner proceeded with door prize and 50-50 drawings, assisted by volunteers Eileen Binns, who with her husband Bill, worked the admission table.

Former chair of the LLV Property Owners Association’s Board of Directors Will Robinson had the winning ticket, and immediately donated the pot of $118 to the Bingo program.

In another gesture of goodwill, Gary Dydak donated $15 to the program after paying $35 for his dinner party.

LLV Recreation Committee Chair Carrie Pohl commented, “We owe the volunteers who made tonight possible a great vote of thanks. Their dedicated efforts made this a highly successful evening.”

Volunteers Tom and Marsha Rezner display the “Bingo Cake” that topped off the Spaghetti Dinner.

PAGE 19 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

Spring Redux r SECOND ANNUAL TRIVIA CONTEST

Village People Take First-Place They were ready for another epic showdown at The Chalet.

Twenty-four people on four teams brought their best powers of recall “to think it out” at the second annual Locust Lake Village (LLV) Trivia Contest held at The Chalet on a cold Saturday night March 11.

On the weekend before the big snow, the Village People, Board Power, Trivial Pursuers, and the Travelers came up with their best answers through ten rounds to make a run for trivial bragging rights at Locust LLV.

With Property Manager Dan Dougherty Jr. serving as master of ceremonies and court jester, the contest consisted of ten rounds of ten multiple, ten-point, three-choice questions each on the following subjects:

• Who Invented What • TV Trivia

• Comedy Movies/TV

• LLV Property Owners Assoc. Trivia

• Pennsylvania Trivia

The Village People, from left, Rich Phifer, Kay Krause, Lisa Phifer, Bob Boyer, Melinda Dankanich, and Ryan Dankanich finished first with 68 points. The Trivial Pursuers tallied 62 points, the Travelers scored 59 points and Board Power mustered 54 points.

• Food and Drink • Goofy Trivia

• Business Trivia The new Aquaglide Water Challenge consists of six components for added fun at Pines Lake.

REPLACING THE ICEBERG

Six Times The Fun At Pines Lake The iceberg, the popular floating climbing inflatable, seen in the waters of Pines Lake these past few summers, has, in so many words, melted. Originally donated by a Locust Lake Village (LLV) resident, time, use, and the elements had taken their toll on the iceberg, according to Recreation Committee Chair and LLV Property Owners Association board member Carrie Pohl. “It’s now missing the platform needed to get on it,” Pohl told the board at its April meeting. “We need to get approval to purchase another one that is much more durable.” The board approved $8,000 to replace the iceberg, funds for which came from LLV’s Replacement Reserve Fund. “We have replaced the iceberg with an interconnected series of inflatable recreation components called an Aquaglide Water Challenge from Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS), of Verona, Wis.,” said Hill. The Aquaglide consists of six interconnected inflatable components: •

Foxtrot: a challenging balance beam

•

Jungle Jim: a multi-use play station nearly 7 ft. tall with a climbing wall angled inward with grip handles

•

Tango: a bounce platform

•

Runway: a 10-ft. long stable platform

•

Sierra: a modified climbing structure 3 ft. 8 in. tall perfect for just sitting or jumping into the lake

•

Zulu: a five-ft. high ladder-style climbing wall with a zero-entry slide

“All six components come with a three-year limited warranty, free shipping and are made of Duratex™ commercial grade fabric, reinforced PVC material,” said Hill. “Instead of one inflatable, we can now provide kids six more opportunities for fun at the lake.” For safety, any child or adult using the Aquaglide is required to wear a life vest available from the lifeguard on duty.

• Potpourri

• Super Trivia

Teams had 30 seconds to choose from the multiple choice answers projected on The Chalet’s screen. Each team captain then recorded each team’s choice on category forms which were turned into Steve and Carol Pace, official score keepers. Teams had the option in each round of taking a mulligan on an answer they were not sure of.

During verification and tabulation, Dougherty revealed correct answers which were met with cheers and, in some cases, disbelief.

Through the first five rounds, the Village People nosed out to a five-point lead at 41 over the Travelers, the Trivial Pursuers, and Board Power tied at 36. At halftime, Dougherty promised that “the questions will get tougher.”

Scores in the second half reflected the increased degree of difficulty, and were underscored by periodic moans and groans as well as some good-natured challenge exchanges between teams.

Correct answers took somewhat of a nose dive in rounds six and seven with the Village People losing some ground to the Travelers and Trivial Pursuers.

But in round eight the Village People rebounded, while the Trivial Pursuers mounted a surge to challenge the Travelers for second place. Board Power, who were on a hot pace in the first half, began to lose momentum in rounds seven and eight.

Board Power attempted to make up for lost ground in round nine by besting the field with seven correct answers while the other three teams tied with five correct answers each.

The contest was decided in round ten when the Village People tallied nine out of ten correct answers, the Travelers, six; the Trivial Pursuers, seven; and Board Power, two.

In the final tabulation, the Village People came in first with 68 points, the Trivial Pursuers took second with

LLV Recreation Director Nicole Hill and volunteer Tom Spitz made real homemade pizza for the second annual Trivia Night held Saturday, Mar. 11 at The Chalet.

62 points, the Travelers finished third with 59 points, and Board Power put up 54 points for fourth place.

Rich Phifer, captain of the Village People, said of his team’s first-place finish, “It was a lot of fun. Our life experience showed that we spent too much time in front of the TV.” Bob Boyer, of the Village People, added with a sly smile, “We studied all day.”

Captain Marci Haire, of the Trivial Pursuers who competed in last year’s event as The Philly Five when they finished second to the Late Comers, commented, “We’ve now finished second twice. Watch out for us in the next trivia contest when first place will be ours.”

Last year, the Philly Five and Board Power tied in competition points but the Philly Five took second with a better over-under point performance, which was designed in contest rules to serve as a tie-breaker.

“We will have another competition in the warm weather,” promised Dougherty, who introduced each team’s members after the final results were made official. “The event is designed to test people’s knowledge of trivia but, most importantly, it is intended to provide a truly fun night and for LLV folks and their guests to get to know each other in a very welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

Recreation Director Nicole Hill and LLV volunteer cook Tom Spitz and volunteers manned The Chalet’s kitchen and offered three types of wings and made-fromscratch pizza which met with five-star reviews from the teams.

PAGE 20 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

r Spring Redux

Fishermen line East Lake as Trout Season opened at LLV on Saturday, April 15.

This band of fishermen arrived at Locust Lake at 4 a.m. to stake out their spot.

Standing proud from left to right: Chris Greica, Chris Kelly, John Gibbons, Rick Morrison, Angela Miller, John Miller, Rich Lechner, Rob Rees, Julie Keron, Jeff Stumpp, Aaron Keron, and Bryan Koppenhaffer.

NOTHIN’ LIKE IT

Mike Lefever reeled in an 18-inch trout on his first cast of the day at East Lake.

Trout Fishing In LLV Trout season at Locust Lake Village (LLV) officially opened at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, and by Ranger Security count, lured a total of 170 fishermen to East and Locust lakes. At East Lake, Mike Lefever, who has been fishing for 49 years, had taken up his position a few minutes before eight o’clock on the east shore along with five others in his party. Sooner than later he reeled one in. “On my first cast,” the soft spoken Lefever said holding up an 18-inch trout. “Maybe I won the pool. It has $500 in it —minus $495!” But quickly added with a laugh, “It’s still early. These guys are good fishermen.”

Dave Ganser, a few feet down the shore from Lefever had a more reachable goal: “I hope to hit my limit.” (Under Pennsylvania fishing law, four trout is the limit.) LLV resident Bill Wood annually invites the group up to the Village for the opening of trout season. “We camp out here,” said Wood of the positions they intended to hold for the rest of the day. “If we go up to the house, the women will have us doing something, so we’ll stay put here as long as we can.” Others in the group included Mike Ganser, Tyler Ganser, and Aaron Baske.

Just to be sure, a friend of Lefever measured that 18-inch catch.

Over at Locust Lake, Bryan Koppenhaffer had assembled another group of 12 dedicated fishermen who have been coming to LLV for opening day of trout season for the last 12 years.

Not only did the group bring an array of tackle, they had also set up a tent that served as both a shelter and an impromptu cafeteria complete with hot dogs and hamburgers on a grill, salads and side dishes among other essentials. The trout count had come in at ten as of 2 p.m. Even though as the day wore on and the sky became overcast, Koppenhaffer turned a blind eye to the change in weather. “It’s always a good day,” he said as he tended the grill. “We’ve been here since four this morning.”

‘PUT AND TAKE’ TROUT

Anglers Stock East Lake For Kids Fishing Contest Bob Getz, of Getz Farms and Hatchery in Jonas, Pa., arrived at East Lake on Wednesday morning, May 24, with some trout—750 pounds of brook, brown, golden and rainbow trout, to be exact. Getz, who was there with Bob Wolek and John Heil of the LLV Anglers Club, said it’s a matter of “put and take,” as they stocked East and Locust lakes with nearly 600 of those beauties.

LLV Angler Bob Wolek hands fellow Angler John Heil a net full of trout as they stock Locust Lake under the guidance of Bob Getz, of Getz Farms in Jonas, Pa. as part of stocking day on May 24.

That’s the phrase fishermen use so that “somebody ought to catch a fish,” said Getz, as the trio went about passing the net that contained flipping and flapping trout anxious for the water. The trout ranged in size from 12 to 14 inches with a handful in the 20-inch range.

The LLV Anglers Club wanted to make sure that there was a good supply of trout for its annual Kids Fishing Contest that took place on Saturday, May 27 at East Lake. In a manner of speaking, Locust Lake got the “left overs.”

“It will be a great day and a big day,” Wolek said of the contest. “The kids will have a good time and learn what fishing is all about.” While some fishermen scoff at the idea of “put and take” because it’s not outdoorsy enough, Getz explained, “They’re domestic trout but it’s still fishing.

They’re just like a wild fish.You’re supposed to sneak up on them.” Getz has been stocking LLV lakes for the past 25 years.

PAGE 21 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

Bob Getz, of Getz Farms in Jonas, Pa., shows LLV Angler John Heil the variety of fish including a golden trout while stocking East Lake on May 24 in advance of the Anglers’ 26th annual Kids Fishing Contest.

IN HONOR OF THEIR SERVICE

Command Mstr. Chief Bob Boyer, USN Villager Bob Boyer Specialist 4th Class John Heil, USA

Villager John Heil

Bob Boyer

John Heil In October of 1967, longtime Locust Lake Village resident John Heil entered the U.S. Army. After taking basic training at Fort Bragg, N.C. and Fort Polk, La., Heil was assigned to duty in South Vietnam with Company B-2nd Battalion/501st of the vaunted 101st Airborne Division known as the “Screamin’ Eagles.”

After a day of extensive patrolling, Company B set up a night defensive position southeast of the city of Hue on the Perfume River, 50 miles south of the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Vietnam. Hue was the site of a three-week battle during North Vietnam’s Tet Offensive in January of 1968.

Specialist Fourth Class Heil and his fire team took up a defensive position on the company’s perimeter.

Shortly after midnight a large North Vietnamese force attacked and attempted to cut through the perimeter to overwhelm Company B. John directed his team to return fire and hold their position against the oncoming North Vietnamese force.

According to the official Department of the Army report, “Heil moved from position to position to rally his fire team and to distribute ammunition. Specialist Heil was firing his M-16 rifle at a fleeing North Vietnamese soldier when he was seriously wounded by an exploding rocket-propelled grenade. Despite his wounds, he continued to fire his weapon until the enemy probe was repelled. Specialist Heil’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United Sates Army.”

For his bravery and devotion to duty, John received the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for his valor, one of the highest medals awarded by the U.S. Army. He went on to receive The Purple Heart, The Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge.

John’s promotion to Specialist Fourth Class was made in the field. “It was hell for the men and the job they had to carry out,” he recalls. “I am proud to be an American and to have served my country with honor.”

John added that it is a great gesture of appreciation when people recognize a Veteran and say to them, “Welcome home.”

Bob Boyer joined the Navy in July of 1958, but didn’t spend that much time on a ship. Upon completion of his basic training at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Memphis, Tenn., Bob spent the next 24 years attached to units which supported P-3 Orion submarine patrol aircraft. The P-3 Orion was a Lockheed, fourengine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft. “Our mission was to detect and track enemy submarines,” said Bob. “Since that aircraft was a little too large to fit on a carrier, I managed to avoid ship-board duty.”

During his naval career, his squad was deployed to: Lajes, Azores; Rota, Spain; Subic Bay, the Philippines; Agna, Guam; and Naha, Okinawa. Bob was attached to four Anti-submarine Warfare squadrons. “I was instructor on one tour,” Boyer said, “and had two tours of staff duty.”

“I was trained to trouble-shoot and repair the aviation electronic systems on the P-3 aircraft,” he continued.

“My specialty was radar and sub detection systems.”

The Orion P-3 carried radar, electronic support systems, infrared detection system, and magnetic anomaly detectors in addition to weapons. Bob proudly states that “the pinnacle of my career came when serving as the Force Master Chief on the staff of the East Coast Patrol Wing Commander.”

He closed out his career as Command Master Chief of Patrol Squadron 64 at the Naval Air Station in Willow Grove, Pa.

Reflections at the Wall

By Marie Heil I sit here and watch as people walk by In silence they go with a tear in their eye.

Respectfully they pass The Wall built of stone That lists the names of those not coming home.

Family and friend leave flowers, notes, and such, Memories of those who are loved so much.

Emotions releasing, tears we have cried, Our hearts are heavy for those who have died.

Etched in rows are the names of comrades who fell.

But some veterans today go through a private hell.

Their battles continue day after day, The sadness and sorrow will not go away.

From the north, the south, the east and the west, These heroes are among America’s best.

We must remember, we must never forget Those who answered the call, the Vietnam Vet.

Corporal Harry D’Onofrio, USA

Villager Harry D’Onofrio

Harry D’Onofrio Keeping the peace in a world recovering from the tumult of World War II required an army ready to resist any military provocation. This is where longtime LLV resident Harry D’Onofrio answered his nation’s call to service beginning on Nov. 1, 1951.

“That’s when I was inducted into the Army,” Harry recalls. “I was driven by bus to Camp Kilmer near New Brunswick, N.J. for processing. Then I was sent to Ft. Dix in N.J. for training, was assigned to a heavy-duty infantry unit, and we trained for 16 weeks.”

Upon completion of training, Harry and his unit were literally shipped overseas. “I embarked on a transport ship,” he continued, “docked at Naples and then sailed to the northwestern coast of Italy and the city of Livorno and to the Leghorn Army Depot. From there I was assigned to the United Sates Forces in Austria at Camp Roeder and the 350th Infantry Regiment stationed at Salzburg.”

In the tradition of the legendary Red Ball Express convoy system that supported troops in action during World War II, Harry became part of the Service Company and was assigned two trucks. “One truck carried 90 mm ammo,” he continued, “and we transported our infantry unit to a target range where the tank units would practice shooting at former German pill boxes.”

Then there was his other truck called a G-2. “This is where the generals would plot their plans on how to detect the enemy in a simulated tactical defense maneuver,” Harry said. “I had to be available on a moment’s notice because we were out in the field quite often.” He quickly added, “I enjoyed every minute of it.”

During his time in the Army, Harry advanced to the rank of corporal, and was offered the third stripe of a sergeant, if he would sign up for another three-year tour of duty. “I thanked my commanding officer,” he said, “but declined the offer.”

In Oct. of 1953, Harry was given orders to rotate back to the U.S. Returning to where it all began, he arrived at Camp Kilmer and was given an honorable discharge for his service in helping to keep the Army on a “ready-to-go” basis while keeping the peace in Europe.

To honor all Veterans, Harry says to hang out the flag “to show respect for Veterans and our country. And, if you can, donate to Veterans organizations.”

PAGE 22 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

REBECCA MARUCCI

Onto Drexel On A Big Scholarship The fact that Drexel University in Philadelphia believes that “Ambition Can’t Wait” presents an opportunity as well as a challenge for Rebecca Marucci.

Daughter of Vinnie and Mary Marucci of Locust Lake Village (LLV), Becca, 18, and a graduating senior at Pocono Mountain West High School, has her sights set on a career in nursing, and will start this fall as a freshman at Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professionals.

The opportunity before her comes by way of a fouryear academic scholarship (worth six figures) she was awarded based on her high school grades (a solid 3.0 or B student) and a concentration in science. Recognizing the investment Drexel has made in her, the challenge, as she puts it plain and simple: “I need to keep my grades up and to focus on studies to keep my scholarship.”

Becca says that the situation will be hard, but “it is better for me because I’m motivated and like to be challenged.”

She has always been interested in the medical profession and in helping people. A turning point for her came in sophomore year when she learned how she could get a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Delving a bit further, Becca decided that her first choice would be to become an emergency room nurse.

“It’s fast paced and something new is happening every time a patient comes in,” she said, adding that while there will be some horrific times, “they won’t bother me. I don’t get queasy.”

Her favorite subjects at Pocono Mountain West were chemistry and biology with AP chemistry in her second year of the sciences.

“I like solving problems,” Becca continued, “especially the math part of it.”

determine their pH values. She and her classmates took pH values of substances ranging from hydrochloric acid to soap.

Becca knew from the start the importance of biology and chemistry.

“They’re needed for nursing,” she said. “Chemistry relates to medicine while biology shows how humans work.”

Becca likes that “Drexel has you hitting the ground running. I’m very excited.”

Her curriculum will include two semesters of geriatric medicine and pediatric medicine.

“Even English classes are geared toward medicine,” she said. “They’ll have us writing papers for medical research.”

Becca will live on the Drexel campus in West Philadelphia, somewhat of a change from the mountains and forests of the Poconos.

“I always liked Philly as a kid,” she said. “I always like visiting cities.”

As her senior year at Pocono Mountain West drew to a close, Becca was stage manager for the school’s spring musical “Beauty and the Beast.” The year before, she handled ticketing and the box office and was part of the stage crew for the musical “The Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Becca also was inducted into the National German Honor Society for High School Students in recognition of her work in Advanced Placement German., While she had a taste of the theater in middle school, Becca doesn’t aspire to be on the stage.

“No,” she said, “I’m not that talented.”

Rebecca Marucci, scholarship winner

Mary her mother, who is the LLV office administrator, said that she and Vinnie her husband, “are extremely proud of Becca. She amazes me every day.”

Mary pointed out that having a millennial child isn’t the same as a Generation Xer or even a Baby Boomer.

“You look at things differently,” she said. “Becca and her friends are tolerant and open-minded, which to me says that we’re raising good kids.”

And as Drexel puts it, “Ambition Can’t Wait!”

The math part of it included quadratic equations used in titrations, the analysis of acids and bases to

To Advertise In Locust Lake Villager Call Lauren at 845-456-1218

PAGE 23 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

About Village People

GOOD GARDENING

I Thought It Was Supposed to Flower All Summer!?

By Rose Petal

Stella de Ora day lilies. Beautiful flower. But it is a DAY lily. Each flower lasts only one day.

You may have that arrogant blossom that hangs on for a day and a half or even two days. But count on only one day. What’s that you say? The person at the nursery told you it will re-bloom The Day Lilly all summer. Well sometimes they do but not as proliferous as you may want or expect. I found some pruning info on the internet that, although tedious, can help solve the nakedness of your golden beauty. It’s deadheading in an unusual way. If you don’t deadhead the plant, it will put its attention to producing next year’s seed pods. To do this you need to know the difference between the plant scape, the bud, the stem, and the ovary.

Stalk: This is the stalk that produces the blooms. It may produce a dozen buds.

Bud: This is the immature flower. Usually, only one bud for every scape will bloom per day. So if there are several buds on the stalk, each should bloom a different day.

Flower stem: The part that attaches a daylily flower to the scape.

Ovary: Slightly swollen area at the bottom of the flower is where the seed will be produced if fertilization is successful.

You also need to know the difference between a oneday-old blossom and a two-day-old so you don’t cut off the wrong part (ouch).

One-day-old blossom: The day-old blossom will not have the fresh aspect of a bud about to bloom and the tips of the petals will show a watery, translucent appearance.

Two-day-old blossom: This blossom is completely withered and dry. It should still be attached to the plant

So, according to Dengarden.com, here is your deadheading guide. You MUST remove the spent blossom AND ITS OVARY from the scape by detaching the blossom from its flower stem or detaching the flower stem from the scape. Sounds confusing – you bet. So here is a graphic (above) that I think is very helpful. Here’s another hint to refresh your golden beauties if they have been in the ground for a while and looking a little sad.

Divide them every three to six years or when the plant begins to look overcrowded. To divide, dig an entire clump with a spade or garden fork. Separate the clumps into smaller sections at the plant’s obvious divisions.

Each section needs a set of leaves and several healthy roots. This works. I have done this and it is amazing how these girls survive after being chopped up. For more information from Dengarden.com, specifically go to: https://dengarden/gardening/How-To-Keep-Stella-DeOro-Daylilies-Blooming-All-Season-Long. The site has a couple of other pictures if you need more guidance. Once you get the hang of it, it won’t be so confusing and you should have flowers all summer.

PAGE 24 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

Snow Geese

Fox Sparrow

Tundra Swans

Blue Jay

Eagles

Black Backed Oriole

LOOK UP!

Winter Bird Sightings

By Bob Gettis

In previous articles we have talked about how bird watching is a year round sport.

But you wouldn’t necessarily think that the winter months would be prime time.

Well, as it turns out, if you are willing to find your binoculars, grab your bird book and spend some time on your feet, you’ll find the birds. Mary and I had a great day in Feb. responding to an article in the Pocono Record. We tracked down a sighting in Sinking Spring, Pa. of a bird that had never been identified in the United States!

The Black Backed Oriole shown (above, far right) at a backyard fruit station of grapes and oranges was a phenomenal sighting. The bird is from Mexico not Pa! When we arrived at 7:30 a.m., serious birders had their positions and scopes all set up for what could be considered a once in a lifetime sighting. The explanation is that the bird most likely got caught in a Pacific storm that made its way to our part of the world. Afterwards, we found our way to nearby Middle Creek Wildlife

Management in Stevens, Pa., near Lancaster where we had been some years before.

Just as we got to the park, Mary spotted a male and a female American Bald Eagle.

We saw thousands of Snow Geese, many Tundra Swans and were treated to some Eastern Bluebirds.

Sometime in March we saw some Fox Sparrow in our backyard which is a large sparrow with distinctive brick like coloring on the tail. Also pictured are Juncos “circling the wagons” during our 20”+ snow fall. Consider keeping track of your sightings in a note book by date but if you enter a male Cardinal today there is no need to enter it again. This is a life list and there is no better time to start it. Please let us know if you question any of the birds that we have identified here or if you might be interested in being part of a birding club at Locust Lake Village. I look forward to your e-mails at rbgettis@comcast.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

POA April Board Meeting Collections and expenses for the month ending Mar. 31, 2017 were normal with Administration at 24 per cent and Rangers at 22 per cent of total expenses, “the top two spenders,” Moderski said.

Fuel cost for LLV’s vehicles came in at $10,864.40 for the month at 47.45 per cent of utilities expenses. Dan Dougherty, Jr. said that while nothing can be done with the price of gas, he is looking for a new supplier that can give LLV a better price on delivery charges per gallon.

Accounts receivable are down to $660,000, down from last year at this time, said Moderski, attributing this to the collection of current and past dues as some people have caught up while there are stragglers who pay when they come up to LLV for the summer.

The balance in LLV’s capital reserve fund stood at $1,250,000 and the capital replacement fund’s balance stood at $240,000.

“We’re good and healthy,” assured Moderski. He also pointed out that expenditures for The Chalet’s deck expansion and new parking lot will come from the capital reserve fund.

Chalet Parking Lot The board approved an expenditure of $140,000 from the LLV capital reserve fund for a new parking lot at The Chalet. Of that amount, $118,000 is awarded to Keiper & Sons Excavating, of Pocono Lake, Pa., for construction with the balance of $22,000 dedicated to lighting for the parking lot. Bids were submitted by six contractors ranging from a high of $367,322 to the $118,000 bid submitted by Keiper & Sons. “That amount does not exceed 8 per cent of the annual budget,” commented board member Wade Burchell on the bylaw requirement for a resident vote on expenditures over 8 percent of LLV’s annual operating budget. “We’re OK.”

Committee Reports

Security & Emergency Planning: Chair Sharleen Skipper reported that due to the major snowstorm in March only seven written warnings were issued.

Regarding the storm that dumped up to two feet of snow on the area, Skipper expressed thanks to everyone who was involved with snow removal. “I want to thank all the people in maintenance and security for working for the benefit of Locust Lake Village,” she said of the 31-hour shifts that maintenance and security worked during the aftermath of the storm. Skipper also pointed out that Pocono Regional Police and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration office in Scranton on Feb. 8 found $3.5 million worth of cocaine stuffed in the axel of a semi parked in Harry James Lane in Blakeslee. The suspects were apprehended, charged, and arraigned in federal court and remain incarcerated. “We have to be aware of drugs,” she continued. “Our people, security and maintenance have to do everything we can to keep them out of here. If you see anything drug related (or suspicious), let security know as soon as possible.”

Strategic Planning: Chair Bob DiLullo stated that Strategic Planning is evaluating the report from Criterium Peters Engineering on the condition of the LLV Administration Office building and will present it to the board at the May meeting.

Building & Grounds: Chair Bob Christensen reported that work on the deck expansion at The Chalet is waiting for permits from Tobyhanna Township. Christensen said that action needs to be taken to properly man the maintenance staff. “A four-man crew can’t keep up with 26 miles of road,” he pointed out. Christensen continued that the list of projects facing the maintenance staff continues to grow “and that includes everything: roads, buildings, and grounds. They are understaffed. It is time to advertise (for help) in the Pocono Record.” Board ViceChair Carrie Pohl commented that the typical response of “Oh, maintenance will do it” puts added strain on the maintenance staff. “We’ve expanded what they do,” Pohl said, alluding to the need for expanded staffing.

Christensen identified as immediate priority projects: replacement of outdoor lighting especially at Pines Lake as it presents a potential fire hazard; and repair of the sidewalks around the Administration Office building which he said is a “developing hazard” that could become a liability.

Roads: Board Member and committee liaison John Laughner reported that due to the recent heavy snow, evaluation of LLV roads with consultant Darwin Keiper of Keiper & Sons Excavating, of Pocono Lake, Pa., has been postponed until better weather.

Working with the Roads Committee, Property Manager Dan Dougherty, Jr. has previously stated that LLV roads need to be re-measured to include their width as well as their length. Dougherty indicated that he will get cost estimates for applying CP-2 to LLV roads. CP-2 is a bituminous binder that is an extremely flexible base course that can be used for new construction of existing gravel roads or over existing but severely deteriorated roadways. It is more economical instead of a total reconstruction, he added. Dougherty also reported that he has met with Darwin Keiper on how to improve pot hole repairs by using a combination of stones chosen to minimize water and freeze-thaw cycles.

“Tar and chip doesn’t work,” Dougherty said. “CP-2 requires less maintenance and better wear due to its hard surface.” CP-2 has been in limited use in LLV, and, according to Dougherty “holds up great.”

Recreation: Recreation Chair Carrie Pohl said that this summer’s recreation calendar is nearly complete, and that Recreation Director Nicole Hill has some new activities. Pohl also reported that a replacement for the aging and deteriorating iceberg water recreation float has been purchased and will be ready by Memorial Day weekend. “We’re going to have a full summer,” she said.

Communications & Technology: Chair Scott Beadenkopf reported that the summer edition of the LLVillager is taking shape with a deadline for editorial content of May 15. Publication date is June 28.

“Contributors are always welcome,” said Beadenkopf referring to writing opportunities for the Villager. He also stated that the new digital phone system for the Administration Office will cut bills significantly after the initial outlay of $1,800. Beadenkopf also noted that the log-in rate at the LLV website is 48.7 per cent, and continues to increase.

PAGE 25 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

FRAN’S FINDS

Flowers and gifts on 940 This LLVer was taken somewhat by surprise one day not too long ago when driving down 940 West just under a mile beyond the Village.

There to the left on the top of a sign in large letters is: FLOWERS.

Now this LLVer has seen signs in the LLV area for bait, plants, ice cream, miniature golf, a flea market, a barber shop, a hardware store, an art gallery, pharmacies, golf carts, any number of eateries, and the like but this one piqued his interest.

As they used to say on those late night TV commercials, “But wait! There’s more!”

And that is just the point. Just to the left of the FLOWERS sign is another one on the roof of a shop that really begins to tell the story: “Auntie Bo’s Flowers & Gifts.”

Whoa! Sure, there are more gift shops in the Poconos than you can shake a roll of wrapping paper at, but how many can offer you fresh flowers and an impressive array of gift items?

to mention handmade jewelry, hand-carved wood sculptures, decorative signs, and candles among other items, and, oh, yes, a spray of summer flowers?

As you enter Auntie Bo’s, a large cooler near the center of the shop that contains flowers upon flowers draws your attention. But, if you’re a first-time visitor, it’s wise to look around the shop in its nooks and crannies and then wind up back at the flowers. This LLVer discovered it best to slowly make a round of the shop taking in the primitive décor items, jewelry, candle, soaps, miniplush animals, chocolate pizza and even smores before coming back to those flowers. (Caution: You may need a second go-round.)

Auntie Bo’s Flowers & Gifts on Route 940, just west of LLV

Janice Argot and her daughter-inlaw, Bernie Argot (who is the real Auntie Bo; ask her about that) claim to have the best of both worlds.

“A place like this has always been one of our passions,” said Bernie. “I wanted gifts, Janice wanted flowers.

So we put those two together.”

Well, Auntie Bo’s has been around since November Bernie Argot, the real Auntie Bo, left, and Janice Argot are ready for any flower of last year. Who ever thought that arrangement you can think of. you could pick up a bunch of flowers for your dinner host or perhaps for your own table just minutes away from LLV, not

Of course, there is always the opportunity for crossover between the two.

Auntie Bo, left, and Janice Argot offer a wide range of seasonal as well as creative and quaint gift items.

“Anything in the store can make a gift basket for any occasion,” flowers and candles can make a thoughtful gift for your Bernie continued, suggesting that a host or can brighten up any dinner or end table in LLV. little bit of this and a little bit of that combined with flowers or fruit.

For summer they suggest choosing from carnations, But let’s get back to the flowers, and perhaps an idea for roses, lavender, yellow or white daisies, Gerber daisies, roses, lilies, tulips or astromerica. dinner. According to Bernie and Janice, a centerpiece of

“We can get anything you’d like,” said Janice, calming any fear of frustration over choice. “We get fresh flowers daily, and can make arrangements for weddings, funerals, and special occasions such as graduations, anniversaries, birthdays, and proms.”

“If you don’t see it,” chimed in Bernie, further alleviating any flower cooler confusion angst, “we can make it up for you.”

The ladies also take pride in what their flowers are placed in.

“We search high and low for unique containers and vases,” assured Bernie. “They’re not run-of-the-mill.”

There is a sign that hangs over the archway next to the flower cooler: “Enter as Strangers. Leave as friends.”

That’s the feeling you get at Auntie Bo’s.

Auntie Bo’s Flowers & Gifts, 990 Route 940, Pocono Lake, Pa. Open Tues. thru Thurs., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Closed Sun. and Mon.; Call: 570-355-5252. On the web: auntiebo’sflowersandgifts.com.

THIS JUST IN: “My grandma baked a cookie” bakeshop and café opened in the Liberty Plaza at 906 Route 940. Hint: Try the peaches and cream pie.

Another hint: Try the antipasto at JR’s Deli in the Pocono Plaza on Route 940.

PAGE 26 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Community and Volunteering Both Hill and Pohl acknowledge that volunteering can compromise personal schedules, and some people feel that they don’t come up to LLV to work. “We are unbelievably grateful to those folks who continue to volunteer barbecue and picnic after barbecue and picnic,” said Pohl. “But we would certainly welcome more folks, not necessarily the entire Village, to consider giving some of their time to help out with one or two events, their schedules permitting.”

For example, Tom Spitz, one of The Chalet’s volunteer cooks, and his family are now into their second year as LLV residents. His wife Lisa, their daughters Meena and Becca and their son Andrew have all pitched in on Friday nights.

Other residents who volunteer to cook at the Friday Night Barbecues include Bob Christensen, Bob Leonard, and Dave Krauter.

“There are as many as 14 of those barbecues through the summer,” said Hill, “and all these guys show up rain or shine.” She added that people give high marks to the menu items that come off The Chalet’s grills.

George Leonhart and his crew are another group of stalwart volunteers who man the Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day picnics.

Leonhart last year approached Hill and Pohl with the idea of a lobster bake for the Labor Day picnic. “He knows how to handle the process,” Pohl said.

The lobster bake turned out to be one of the best picnics of the year. Leonhart and his crew boiled 115 lobsters in three caldrons and served them piping hot with dipping butter and corn-on-the-cob. They also kept grills going for hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage, and bratwursts.

Some folks may balk at the idea of charging for food, but at $13 for a full rack of ribs and buffet (or a half-rack for $11), a rib-eye steak and buffet for $13, $18 per lobster meal, and two or three dollars for items like hot dogs and hamburgers, the price is right.

“It’s cheaper than going out to a restaurant,” commented Hill, “and you don’t have to leave a tip.”

There’ also the convenience factor of not having to cook at home after traveling up to LLV on a Friday evening or after a day at the beach on a holiday weekend.

Veteran volunteers all agree that their time on an event is time well spent.

Archery Club member Mark Brugler demonstrates the correct way to hold a bow to a willing student.

LLV ARCHERY CLUB

Put Some Archery in Your Summer

By Dave Chorney

With the spring rain behind us, our Kids Open House had to be cancelled two weeks in a row due to that inclement weather. The Archery Club is working with Recreation in hopes of rescheduling this event. Keep an eye out for the E-Blast with details and updates for the Kid’s Open House.

Now with summer upon us, we can look forward to the following Archery Club events. With the growing interest, everyone is welcome to join us for two planned summer open houses on Sat. June 10 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., and Sat. July 15 from 1 – 4 p.m. Our last open house will be held on Sat. Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Come out and get your dancing shoes on, and have fun with your fellow archers and friends for a pig roast on Sat. July 22 from 6 – 11 p.m. at The Chalet. Be sure to bring your appetite.

As always, the Archery Club is looking forward to a fun summer at the range.

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 Dave Chorney at dchorney276@aol.com.

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

Dee Kasarda, another member of the board of directors, also has said that volunteering “reinforces the image of LLV as a friendly and welcoming place for families.”

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.

Former Chairman of the LLV POA Board of Directors, Will Robinson believes that serving on different volunteer committees provides people with a stronger sense of community because they not only better understand the dynamics of the community but also experience first-hand how friendships and common interests are key ingredients in developing community pride and spirit.

“Look at our board,” Robinson said. “Every person on it serves as a volunteer and an officer.”

07612

To become a volunteer or to get more information on volunteering, contact Nicole Hill, LLV recreation director at: 570-843-7323 or e-mail her at nicole@ locustlakevillage.org. For Village Life, contact Diane DiSandro at diane@disandro.net.

PAGE 27 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Chalet Deck Expansion Halted; New Phone System for Admin Office Township. The township decided to hold up approval of permits needed for the project by informing Oakridge Construction Co. and Architect Art Strunk that the project specifications do not meet the township’s building code.

“The list of items shocked us,” said Building and Grounds Committee Chair Bob Christensen of the submitted plans. “Everything was done correctly, but no one was told that the township had adopted a new code to replace the 2015 code.”

With the construction of the sprawling Kalahari Resorts & Conventions waterpark off I-380 in Pocono Manor, the township adopted a new code, said Christensen.

Archery Club President Tom Rafter surveys the gift tables during the club’s 26th annual Kids Fishing Contest on May 27.

ANGLERS UPDATE

Get Set for Some Good Fishin’ The Ice Fishing Contest scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 19 at Locust Lake from 9-11 a.m. was cancelled due to poor ice conditions and was not re-scheduled due to the poor ice and weather conditions.

Stocking for the Opening Day of Trout Season took place on Saturday, April 1 at 10 a.m. East Lake and Locust Lake were stocked and 20 people showed up to watch them all go in. Some of the trout were tagged, five in each lake. Tag numbers 396-400 in East and tag numbers 391-395 in Locust. Tags can be taken to the LLV Administration Office for a cash prize.

An Anglers Club meeting was also held on Saturday, April 1 at 11:30 a.m.at The LLV Chalet. Multiple topics of discussion took place.

Opening Day of Trout Season was Saturday, April 15 at 8 a.m. There were 65 anglers at East Lake and 91 anglers at Locust Lake including 12 boats. LLV Security did a good job checking for badges, licenses, limits, and boat stickers. The weather turned very windy soon after 8 a.m. According to Anglers Club members, power bait and spoons seemed to work best.

Additional spring trout stockings of East and Locust lakes took place on April 26 and May 10. East Lake was stocked on May 24 for the annual Kids Trout Fishing Contest. The Kids Trout Fishing Contest was held on Saturday, May 27 at East Lake. Additional details to follow.

Reminder: Please be mindful of the 4-trout daily limit within LLV during the regular season and the catch and release of all largemouth bass along with enhanced panfish regulations within LLV.

Reminder: Please remember to pay annual Anglers Club dues for 2017 if you have not already done so. Annual dues are still only $10. Any questions regarding club membership status or on the Anglers Club itself contact Tom Rafter at: traft60@aol.com (570-624-9002), Bob Wolek at: bobalu2@ptd.net (201-370-2992), or Joe McCusker at: jgcmmc4@comcast.net (215-389-6209) UPCOMING EVENTS: The Family Fishing Contest is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 12 from 9-11 a.m. at Pines Lake. Come down and fish with your family, some of your family, or just fish on your own. The Annual Fish Fry is also scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 12 at The Chalet from 4 – 7 p.m.

Tobyhanna Township is a client of Bureau Veritas, a worldwide code enforcement organization that works with clients to comply with standards and regulations regarding quality, health and safety, environment, and social responsibility.

Christensen indicated that Veritas will “help us with the additional issues.”

Those issues will be presented to Oakridge, Architect Art Strunk and the Building and Grounds Committee, and the POA board. A new deadline for the deck expansion hinges on resolution of those issues without causing the permits to expire.

Board Member Wade Burchell proposed action be taken on property owner delinquencies.

“We need to take control of our debt,” Burchell said.

“There are 51 properties in arrears for more than three years. That balance comes to $475,000 with the top ten at $216,000. Let’s go after them.”

Resident Bob Christensen pointed out that a collection company can take as much as 20 per cent of the proceeds from a delinquent account, and that if other properties of the delinquent owner are attached, it would take some time for the process. “We might get only six months’ worth of dues,” Christensen added.

“We’ve been there before.”

Board Chair Al Markin advised that “we go after the ones we can.”

Burchell agreed and, working with LLV Office Administrator Mary Marucci, will formulate a plan for board review.

Debate again arose over the condition of LLV’s roads.

Board Member and Roads liaison John Laughner requested that LV decide on how snowplowing should be done. “Do we leave two inches of snow on the road or do we take the snow down to the road surface?” he asked.

Community Manager Dan Dougherty Jr replied that he plans to meet with the Maintenance Department to “redo the snow plow plan.” Dougherty also reported that a list of the top five dirt and top five tar-and-chip roads that Maintenance spends most time repairing has been developed by Maintenance Supervisor Shawn Heller.

In reply to some concern regarding the role Darwin Keiper of Keiper & Sons Excavating has in this road repair project, Dougherty explained that Keiper is providing his advice at no charge. “It’s a starting point at no cost,” he said.

PAGE 28 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

Resident Tony Ruggierio asked about Keiper’s credentials or experience.“He has built many roads in the Village,” Dougherty replied. “And any major work on our roads will go out for bid.”

Board Chair Al Markin said, “We can educate ourselves on road conditions with Darwin.”

Manager’s Report

Community Manager Dan Dougherty Jr reported that road repairs will begin after the Memorial Day weekend.

However, Dougherty has asked Maintenance Supervisor Shawn Heller to spread stone over large areas that are impossible for people to go around then run the roller over the stone in advance of the holiday weekend.

He also explained that there was confusion during the Administrative Office’s telephone system switchover from Frontier to Nextiva due to some confusion on Frontier’s end. “As of May 16, we are now completely over to the new system and the disconnect messages are no longer happening,” Dougherty said. “The main office number is still 570-646-3616 and the 24-hour security dispatch is still 570-643-3325.” However, LLV departments have new contact numbers. (Refer to the masthead on Page 3 for those new numbers.)

Concluding his report, Dougherty requested residents to “assist us by being an extra set of eyes… If you see something that is maintenance-related, send me an e-mail or call me directly.”

Treasurer’s Report

LLV Treasurer Vince Moderski reported that income through April is “back to its normal flow consisting more of retail sales instead of dues. Our income is higher than the three-year average due to collection efforts and stands at $1.6 million.”

The Replacement Reserve Fund had a balance in April of $1.2 million; the Capital Improvement Fund, $250,000.

Total Receivables at $610,000 were higher for the month than in April of 2016, but Moderski expected that amount to come down as property owners who come in for the holidays pay their annual dues.

Moderski said that vehicle fuel remains the largest part of Utility Expenses. “It’s not the cost of gas,” he explained. “It’s the cost of getting gas here.”

To bring overall gas expenses down, Community Manager Dan Dougherty Jr has engaged a new fuel supplier, Supreme Oil Company, of Hazelton. While market dynamics set the price of gas, Supreme has agreed to deliver fuel at 5 cents per gallon. Parker Oil, of Stroudsburg, charged 50 cents per gallon.

Old Business

Ratified purchase of six-component water recreation float for Pines Lake for $8,066.45 with $2,574.98 from the Replacement Reserve Fund and $5,491.47 from the Capital Improvement Fund.

New Business

Committee Reports Security & Emergency Planning: Chair Sharleen Skipper reported that Security is in the process of upgrading/replacing surveillance cameras around the Village.

“The cameras at Locust Lake are six years old,” said Ranger Chief Andy Gross.

“They can be replaced with cameras with technology that has increased tenfold and half the price.”

On the subject of vehicles left on properties, Gross said that his Ranger Staff must get the property owner to verify the vehicle with registration and insurance before action can be taken.

Locust Lake Village Property Owners Association Board Members Wade Burchell, right,

and Carl Piazza, left, deliberate during the May 20 board meeting held at The Chalet.

In reply to Resident Joan King, Gross said Photo by Scott Beadenkopf that the Maintenance facility is under camera surveillance, and that there is no undue or unauthorized use of the gas fill “We are trying to add something new to each picnic,” at the facility. “We monitor mileage with a double Pohl added, pointing out that last year’s Labor Day system of tacking,” he said.

Lobster Bake was a success. “A clam bake will be part of this Memorial Day picnic.”

In April, ten written warnings were issued including five for unsightly condition of property and two for Communications & Technology: Chair Scott speeding. Eight citations were issued including five for Beadenkopf indicated that the summer edition of The unsightly property condition and one for home-based Villager will have a good number of stories including business violation. reports on LLV/POA board meetings and debut of an ongoing salute to Veterans among a long lineup Strategic Planning: Chair Bob DiLullo explained of features and informational stories. On the new that the committee continues to “look forward five to telephone system at the Administration Office, he ten years, not what we’re going to do next year.” The reported that a reduction of 50 per cent in monthly committee is working on two projects: a Walking Trail costs is expected. at East Lake and the future of the LLV Administration Building. Mary Gettis and Wolf Pohl are reviewing the Village Life: Co-chair Diane DiSandro announced Walking Trail proposal that is designed to revitalize that the second annual “Welcome Party” for new LLV the East Lake area as a multifunctional recreation residents will take place on Saturday evening, May 27 area. The committee is reviewing an engineering at The Chalet. “It’s a wine and cheese event for new study performed by Criterium Peters Engineers property owners, and we love to have everybody in the that recommends a replacement structure for the Village come over to welcome them.”

Administration Building which is approximately 57 years old. “It will probably take four to five years before Bylaws: Chair Pat Hiddleson reported that the anything can be done,” DiLullo said of the many phases committee continues to work on updating LLV’s and issues connected with the project. Meanwhile, a bylaws, and is considering better methods of approving possible next step is to produce a Request for Proposal changes to the bylaws. for a concept design for the building.

Lakes & Wildlife Management: Member Bob Recreation: Board Member and Chair Carrie Pohl Christensen said that LLV’s lakes “are full up and look reported that three recent events went very well: great.” The committee is on the case regarding geese the Easter Sunrise Service at East Lake conducted by management, but Christensen that “the geese keep Pocono Lake Wesleyan Church; the Spaghetti Dinner hiding.” He added that they are monitoring a family of fundraiser for the Monday Night Adult Bingo program; goslings at Pilgrim Lake, and, if they don’t move on, the and the Mother’s Day Breakfast at The Chalet, which committee will contact the Pennsylvania Department of Pohl reported was “extremely well attended with a Conservation and Natural Resources. fantastic menu that included omelets made to order.”

She also reported that the Wednesday Luncheons at The Finance: The committee report indicated that the Chalet are over until the fall; the new six-component new Nextiva telephone system in the Administration water recreation complex at Pines Lake will be ready Office is more efficient and economical than the for Memorial Day weekend; yard sales will be back; two Frontier system. It also noted that The Chalet has new new grills for holiday weekend picnics go into service on paint and a chair rail has been installed to safeguard Memorial Day; all new tables and chairs that allow better the interior walls; The Junction snack shop on Route mobility have been placed on The Chalet’s deck; and a 940 in Pocono Pines has taken over running LLV’s casino trip to Bally’s in Atlantic City is being planned. concession stands this summer.

The board approved the following: purchase of a laptop from the Replacement Reserve Fund for $2,331.64 for the Administration Office to improve processing and tracking of accounts receivable; purchase of a replacement storage shed at Locust Lake for $1,951.99 from the Replacement Reserve Fund; purchase of a new storage shed at Pines Lake for $2,238.19 from the Capital Improvement Fund—both sheds are for storing lifeguard equipment; purchase of tables and chairs for The Chalet for $3,291.28 from Replacement Reserve Fund; purchase of a replacement fountain aerator pump system for East Lake with installation for $5,513 from the Replacement Reserve Fund—it was scheduled to be replaced in 2018 but failed this year; write-off of $4,984.36 on a mortgage foreclosure of 175 Beech Lane.

PAGE 29 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SUMMER 2017

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