On-line at www.locustlakevillage.org
FALL 2016
LLV 2016 ELECTION RESULTS
New Poa Board Members Seated Three of the five candidates who ran for the open seats on the Locust Lake Village (LLV) Board of Directors took their newly elected positions at the monthly meeting of the LLV Property Owners Association (POA) held Aug. 20 at The Chalet.
The results of the election were delivered to the board by Election Committee Chairman Harry D’Onofrio. “Of 1100 ballots that were sent out,” D’Onofrio stated, “386 were returned.” He provided a breakout of the balloting: • Al Markin: 266 votes* • Carl Piazza: 255 votes* • Laura Laspee: 234 votes* • Dee Kasarda: 215 votes • Michael Wilcheck: 140 votes *elected to three-year terms
D’Onofrio thanked the LLV administration building office staff for their work in sending out and receiving the ballots, and the election committee for their careful tabulation and count of the ballots.
But before the incoming board members were seated, the board voted unanimously to accept the results of the election. Elected to threeyear terms were: Al Markin, Carl Piazza, and Laura Laspee. They replaced outgoing board members Bob Christensen, Rich DeMarco, and Dee Kasarda. Board Chairman Will Robinson welcomed the new board members and thanked the outgoing members for their service to the LLV community. Reorganization of the board by voice vote of its members also was conducted with the following results: • Will Robinson as chairman • Al Markin as vice-chairman • Carrie Pohl as secretary • Laura Laspee as assistant secretary • Vince Moderski as treasurer • Bill Dorner as assistant treasurer
Continued on Page 26
Photo by Dan Dougherty, Jr.
One of 18 entries, the “Banana Boat,” with a crew of 12, tries to slip by the competition in the Locust Lake Village’s Fifth annual Cardboard Boat Race held at Pines Lake on Sept. 3.
shoving off for fun
It’s LLV’s Fifth Annual Cardboard Boat Race Saturday, Sept. 3 was a great day to go sailing or paddling on Pines Lake.
In the case of the 18 crews who had entered their vessels in the Fifth annual Locust Lake Village Cardboard Boat Race, it was a great day to go paddling. Truth be told, they didn’t have a choice because paddling was the only means permitted under LLV
Cardboard Race Commission rules of powering their vessels made of cardboard and duct tape. And those vessels came in all shapes and sizes with names like “Two Fat Guys in a Boat,” “Make America Float Again,” and “Banana Boat” among others in the senior paddler division that launched six entries. The junior paddler division floated with names like “American Eagle,” “Pokemon,” “Rub-a-Dub-Dub,” “S.S.
Continued on Page 6
POA BOARD MEETING
Concern Raised Over Future Of LLV Snack Bars The performance of the vendors who operate the Locust Lake and Pines Lake concession stands was one of two dominant issues brought before the Locust
Lake Village (LLV) Property Owners Association (POA) Board of Directors at the Sept. 17 board meeting held at The Chalet. Recreation Committee Chair Carrie Pohl stated that many village residents have raised concerns about questionable hours of operation, differences in menus, quality of service, and noticeable differences in pricing.
“The menus or prices are not the same,” Pohl said. “One vendor got carried away with his menu at Locust while the other half (Pines Lake stand) had basically nothing.” Offering some perspective, Pohl added, “They are snack bars, not restaurants.” LLV resident Dave Maguire presented the board a petition signed by 50 people expressing their desire
Continued on Page 7
Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335
PAID PRSRT STD U.S. Postage
About the Village Table of Contents As I am writing this message, it is the first weekend of the fall season. Right on time, the leaves are changing and by the time you are reading this the fall foliage should be in full color.
About the Village From the Desk of the Community Manager
2
Demolition Clears Way For Chalet Parking Plan
3
Making Friday Night Barbecues Better
4
Outgoing Directors Say Thank You
5
Security Better Safe and Secure Than Sorr y
8
I enjoy all the seasons, but fall in the Poconos is the best. I especially stay off the main roads on my way to work by riding over from Tobyhanna on Rt. 423. In the fall, I don’t rush, but take my time and enjoy the scenery. So, join me this fall, slow down and enjoy the colorful gift of the fall foliage. A little bit of business before I sign off. Coming up shortly will be the public meeting to review the 2017 proposed budget. The date will be announced in my weekly eblast, so watch for that announcement. Please plan to attend this all-important meeting that will certainly have an impact on the coming year here at LLV. Recreation has a full line of activities for the fall season and Halloween. Some of that is in this paper and more information will be available in Nicole’s eblast on Thursdays.
Finally, even though it is now fall and that dreaded season winter will be here soon, we still need volunteers to help in several areas. So, please set aside an hour or two to help make our fall and winter activities even more fun and entertaining. Contact Nicole at 570-643-8655 or Nicole@locustlakevillage.org for details and opportunities to volunteer. I hope everyone has a wonderful fall season and enjoy nature’s spectacular show. Positively working for you, Daniel Dougherty Jr. CMCA, AMS
Inside & Outside The Village LLV Calendar of Events
9
Houses of Worship
9
More Than A Bake Sale
9
Dinner and Auction Benefit PA Wounded Warriors
10
Our Chalet Wedding Reception
12
SUMMER REDUX LLV ATV Rally Summer Photo Spread Cabareters and Tappers Anglers Fish Fr y Archers Dinner Dance
13 14-15 16 17 17
LLV Anglers Celebrate 25 Years 18 Archers’ Open House
20
Resolve to Pledge 4 Hours
20
Fran’s Finds
21
About Village People Gettis Golf Lecture
22
Joann Yakscoe Loves LLV
23
A Thank You To My Village Friends
23
Fish Stories
24
Archer y Update
25
New Directors Say Thank You
26
PAGE 2 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
Locust Lake Village POA
© Copyright 2016 1778 Lake Lane, Pocono Lake, PA 18347 P: 570.646.3616 www.locustlakevillage.org
OFFICE HOURS: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Wednesday - Closed Sat. & Sun. 8:30 am-4 pm The Tancredi house, which was bought by the LLV Property Owners Association board, was razed by Darwin Keiper & Sons Excavating Co., of Pocono Lake, during the week of Sept. 12.
FINALLY
Demolition Clears Way For Chalet Parking Plan After years of discussion among different Locust Lake Village (LLV) Property Owners Association (POA) Board of Directors, the abandoned house at 313 Fawn Road at the intersection of Fawn Road and Hillside Terrace has been demolished.
Popularly known as the Tancredi property, the house was razed by Darwin Keiper & Sons Excavating Co., of Pocono Lake, during the week of Sept. 12. The property itself consists of approximately one-half acre.
Keiper & Sons was awarded the demolition contract from a field of five contractors who had submitted bids in response to a formal request for proposal created by LLV Property Manager Dan Dougherty, Jr. and approved by the POA board. The budget for the contract had been set for $20,000 which covered all aspects of demolition and debris removal. Payment will be made from the POA capital improvement fund.
According to Dougherty, upon clearing the site, Keiper will leave a graded area which will be hayed and seeded by the LLV Maintenance Staff. In May the POA board approved the bidding process and awarded the contract in July.
The longtime process of acquisition and demolition of the house on the former Tancredi property is a key element in the board’s plan to expand parking at The Chalet which the board decided to make a priority in 2016. “Now the work of planning the second phase of The Chalet parking lot can begin,” Dougherty said.
The Tancredi house at 313 Fawn Road stood vacant behind The Chalet.
PAGE 3 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
PUBLISHER: Niki Jones Agency, Inc. 39 Front St., Port Jer vis, NY 12771 P: 845.856.1266 E: publisher@nikijones.com Community Manager Dan Dougherty, Jr. Office: 570.643.8653 Cell: 570.778.8923 dan@locustlakevillage.org Recreation Nicole Hill, Director Office: 570.643.8655 nicole@locustlakevillage.org Office Staff Lillian Bellis, Asst. Office Admin. Linda Buscavage Office: 570.643.8650 llvpoa@ptd.net Office Administrator Mary Marucci Office: 570.646.3616 mary@locustlakevillage.org Ranger Staff Andy Gross, Chief Office: 570.643.8656 24/7 dispatch: 570.646.3532 Fire & Police: 911 Maintenance Shawn Heller Office: 570.643.8659 llvmaintenance@gmail.com Accounting Kathleen Benner Office: 570.643.8652 kathllv@ptd.net Disclaimer:The comments, statements or written opinions expressed in Locust Lake Villager are the sole responsibility of the signed individual/author and/or committee and are not edited. All letters to the editor and paid advertisements do not reflect the opinions or views of Locust Lake Villager. Locust Lake Villager is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All advertising, including photographs are the property of Niki Jones Agency, Inc. and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased rights of reproduction in Locust Lake Villager and does not have the right to reproduce ads in any other place or publication without written permission from the publisher. Locust Lake Villager reserves the rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisement.
RIBS, STEAK, AND LOBSTER
Making Friday Night Barbecues Better Ribs on the Friday Night Barbecue for the start of a holiday weekend at Locust Lake Village are a sure crowd pleaser. But what could happen if those delectable darlings began to appear at other Friday night barbecues?
Last Friday BBQ By Bob Gettis LLV Resident
About that time first-year resident Tom Spitz, who is a food manager at a local supermarket and has been cooking since he was 16 years old, entered the picture.
That’s the question that LLV Recreation Director Nicole Hill and Recreation Committee Chair Carrie Pohl put on the table midway through the summer.
Mixing together his culinary talent and resources with the cooking skills of the volunteer corps of cooks manning The Chalet’s grills produced not only tender mouth-watering ribs but also rib eye steaks that had the Village coming back for more.
Both Marys – Lynn and Anne
and Mike were at my right Yes, barbecue runner
on this last Friday night!
“We had to do something because attendance at the regular Friday barbecues was lagging,” said Pohl of the expanded menu.
Some say, “I’ll have a rib eye,”
and some “make me a rack”.
While the basic menu featured time-honored stalwarts such as hot dogs, hamburgers, bratwurst, chicken, and sausage available as separate items or included in a meal, Hill and Pohl noticed that attendance peaked at holiday Friday barbecues then dwindled between Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends.
At times we got quite crowded
our chefs kept us on track.
The Marys wrote the orders,
“To be honest, things were getting a bit boring on Friday nights,” said Hill. “When we began to expand the menu, we doubled attendance.”
and proper change they made This time there was no bourbon, as now this summer fades.
The real triumph was the Labor Day Friday night barbecue. Recreation Committee Chair Carrie Pohl and LLV Recreation Director Nicole Hill discuss additions to the menus for LLV picnics and barbecues.
DRYDOCK TIME
Boating Season Ends According to the LLV Administration Office, all boats, kayaks, sailboats, etc. must be removed from lake areas by Monday, Oct. 31.
So lots of happy faces,
Pohl had commented earlier in the season that she had not seen a bigger turnout than for the Friday night barbecue that kicked off the Memorial Day weekend.
complaints were less than few,
A special thanks to volunteers for all the things they do!
“Labor Day was almost standing room only,” she said. “At times there wasn’t a table or seat to be had on the deck or inside The Chalet.”
That menu featured a full rack of ribs buffet for $13 or a half rack of ribs buffet for $11, and a 10 oz. rib eye steak buffet for $13. These headliners were complemented by the basic entrees including a quarter chicken item and ten sides that made up the buffet.
The lobster crew shared space with grills that were hot with hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken.
At first bite, you might think that charging $13 and $11 would be hard to handle.
She added that credit and recognition must be given to the volunteers who cooked, served, and processed orders, pointing out that more than four hours of preparation by volunteers typically precede a barbecue.
If a person opted out of the buffet, he or she could go ala carte on the featured entrees at $2 less per item.
Lobster made its way on to the expanded menu for LLV picnics under the direction of George Leonhardt.
“Not so,” said Pohl. “Money seemed not to be an object as long as folks knew that the ribs and steaks were cooked well and to their order.” Hill was more than pleased with the feedback she heard, especially at the Labor Day Weekend barbecue. “I heard it said many times, ‘It was delicious. I can’t believe how well it was cooked,’” she said.
Hill pointed out the pricing was more than reasonable.
Hill, in her first full year as LLV recreation director, feels that Friday Night Barbecues are a great way to get the community together rain or shine.
“That’s why you don’t have to worry about prep and cooking,” she said. Perhaps one could say, “Cook it and they will come.”
NOTE: The Wednesday luncheons at The Chalet also will feature an expanded menu.
“It is cheaper than going out to a restaurant,” she said, “and you didn’t need to tip.” But there was still more to come at the Labor Day Lobster Bake Picnic at Pines Lake.
George Leonhardt had mentioned last year that he would like to do a lobster bake.
“George knew how to handle the process,” Pohl said. “He knows how to prepare lobster for more than four people.”
LLV residents had made advance reservations for 115 lobsters at $18 per meal. George and his volunteer crew carefully boiled the lobsters in three caldrons and served them piping hot with dipping butter and cornon-the-cob.
Volunteer cook Bob Leonard displays racks of ribs on the grill during a Friday Night Barbecue.
PAGE 4 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
Outgoing Directors Say Thank You
Bob Christensen
Dee Kasarda
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their support throughout my six years of serving on the POA Board. It was a very enjoyable experience and I learned more than I could have ever imagined. A special “Thank You” to our great staff in all the departments and our fantastic group of volunteers serving on all our committees.
When I first ran in 2010 I thought, “Hey how hard could this be?” Then to my surprise I was elected to a three-year term. Reality set in! I realized I didn’t know much about how a Property Owner’s Association operated and the amount of time needed to live up to the expectations of the membership—the amount of time needed to do the job right. At times I found myself wondering, “What the heck did I get myself into?” There were decisions I really did not wish to make but that was part of being a board member. All in all, it was very enjoyable and eye-opening serving the membership.
So much has been accomplished in the past six years it is impossible to list everything. We received a Gold Star rating by the Community Association Institute. Our year end surplus has been reduced drastically thanks to our finance committee and staff. We are debt free unlike many other associations! Our amenity areas have been improved, and our volunteer group is once again growing. We have new clubs that many people young and old enjoy. These are only a few things that come to mind. One bit of advice to our newly elected board members: Before jumping the gun get ALL the facts. Try your hardest to attend different committee meetings each month in an effort to learn what it takes to make LLV successful. Attend and volunteer for some functions. By doing so you will learn how much work and effort goes into making the functions successful.
On a personal note I would like to say the most rewarding thing I have received from serving on the board is the amount of friends I have made and the amount of wonderful people I have met. I want to thank ALL of you who have helped myself and my wife Tammi get through a very hard time in our lives these past three years. Your prayers and words of kindness for my daughter and family mean a great deal! Thank you, Bob Christensen
I want to thank the membership for the privilege of being on the board for the past three years. Your trust in me has been greatly appreciated.
I would like to thank Rich DeMarco for donating all his time, with hours between maintenance, roads, and geese patrol. He is a man of few words, but when he spoke, he spoke volumes.
I would like to thank Bob Christensen for his work as vice-chair and his donation of time. People do not realize that the job of being on the board is not just sitting at board meetings. He has donated hours in the office, maintenance, recreation, and goose control just to mention a few of the activities in which he was involved. I would also like to thank Will Robinson for the many hours he has donated. He instituted the reserve study, Robinson Relative Receivables, and spent countless hours in the office. He made many donations for the betterment of the community with recreation and sponsored board members with CAI, including educational seminars, and led Locust Lake Village to achieve the CAI Gold Star Community designation which serves to increase your property values. I would change his middle name to “Anonymous” because he has done many more things anonymously.
Rich DeMarco I would like to take this time to share my thoughts about my time spent as an LLV director. When I first started this three-year journey I must admit I was a little bit intimidated by it all and pretty much stayed quiet and in the background.
So I have to thank Will Robinson, Vince Moderski and Bob Christensen for teaching me about governance and the financial aspects. I would also like to thank the membership who always treated me with a “Hello, Rich” and with respect when they saw me about the neighborhood. I intend to still stay involved in other aspects where I can help LLV. Thank you all so much. Rich DeMarco
We are a recreation community; without volunteers we would need to hire personnel. As we are going into the budget process, keep in mind the increases needed to staff events that could be saved by volunteers. I ice bucket challenge the new board members and the membership to become volunteers with recreation. Finally I thank the board. It has been a pleasure working with you. Dee Kasarda
To Advertise In Locust Lake Villager Call Nancy at 845-754-2356
PAGE 5 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
(continued from page 1)
It’s LLV’s Fifth Annual Cardboard Boat Race one-man boats. “These are one-time boats,” Declan chimed in.
Shortboat,” “Cardboard,” and “Fragile” among 12 entries. The race, which has become a Labor Day tradition at Locust Lake Village (LLV), was for the first time divided into two divisions.
They revealed that they had gone up to the Walmart in Mt. Pocono at 11:30 that morning for their materials. “It was organized chaos,” said Ryan’s mother Kelly with a hearty laugh. “They jumped right in. What can you say?”
“We did this so that the kids could compete against paddlers like themselves,” said Nicole Hill, LLV Recreation Director and head of the LLV Cardboard Race Commission. “This arrangement gave the kids a better chance at winning and of having more fun, not to say that the older folks didn’t have fun.” Hill is pleased with the way the race is growing, both in numbers and popularity. “We grew from 13 entries last year to 18 this year,” she said. “In the early days of the race, there were as few as three and four entries.”
Providing race day commentary and boat race appropriate music at the race’s anchor desk were residents Fran Odyniec, Ray DiSandro, and Miss Dee Kasarda. “The boats keep getting more and more imaginative,” said Odyniec, who also interviewed the winners. “Walk among the lineup on the shore and you can feel a certain vibe of creativity and energy in the air.”
Boats followed a course from the shore of Pines Lake out to the lake’s dock, then turned at the dock for the home stretch to the finish line at the lake’s boat launch.
Trophy winners
Trophies were awarded to the first boat in each division that crossed the finish line, and for winners in five categories. First across the finish line in the junior division was “American Eagle” crewed by Lauren, Taylor, Joey, and Luke Ricevuto. In the senior division, the crew’s fathers, Ken and Chris Ricevuto, were the first to finish aboard “Two Fat Guys in a Boat.” Ken Ricevuto, spokesman for both boats, wasn’t sure as to how both boats finished first other than to say, “We were lucky. We got a good start.” Interestingly enough, both boats were repurposed vessels. “They’ve both been hanging in the basement of our Pocono house,” said Ricevuto, who confessed that this year time was running short to build new boats.
When asked what inspired them to name their boats, Ryan and Declan pointed to what was printed on the cardboard: “Cardboard” and “Fragile.” Ken Ricevuto, left, and his brother, Chris, far right, were the first to finish in the senior division with their boat, “Two Fat Guys in a Boat.” Their children, from left, Taylor, Lauren, Luke, and Joey, were first across the finish line in the junior division with their boat, “American Eagle.”
2016 category winners were: Most Creative, “The Rubber Ducky;” Movie Theme, “Pokemon;” Team Spirit, “Banana Boat;” Most Patriotic, “Make America Float Again;” and Silliest, “Rub-a-Dub-Dub.”
bigger and better things next year.
“I looked out on the road from where we were building our boat, and saw the “Banana Boat” pass by,” said Brian. “That’s when I realized that we have to step up our game.” After their three rolls of duct tape ran out at 7 p.m. Friday night, they discovered that the store where they had bought the tape had closed. Resupplied with tape the next morning, they worked feverishly to get the “S.S. Short Boat” lake worthy. “We finished it here at 1:30,” Brian said after the race.
The boys’ mother, Tiffany, had one word for cardboard boat racing: “Awesome.” Probably the most or least innovative entries (depending upon your point of view) were Ryan Hennessy’s, 13, “Cardboard,” and Declan Coates’, 14, “Fragile.”
“We were done in 20 minutes,” said Ryan of the time it took to fashion cardboard boxes into semblances of
“Two Fat Guys in a Boat” was a refit of the boat Ken used last year, “The Dragster.”
“American Eagle” was a relaunch of a boat Ken and his crew paddled two years ago when they came in third as the “Most Spirited” entry. While the Ricevutos are looking forward to next year’s race, Ken confessed that they have only put the “American Eagle” into drydock this year.
Making Sound Waves The Fifth Annual LLV Cardboard Boat Race anchor team of Fran Odyniec, Ray DiSandro, and Miss Dee Kasarda made their own waves across Pines Lake. Positioned under a tent at the center of Pines Lake beach, the trio mixed in music, laughter, commentary, and on-water reporting to bring the added dimension of entertainment and sound to the race.
Using a sound system they had built years ago and recently upgraded, Odyniec and DiSandro pumped out a mix of music that ranged from the Beatles’ “Octupussy’s Garden,” the Hues Corporation’s “Rock the Boat,” from the show “Guys and Dolls” “You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” to the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” Herman’s Hermits’ “Cruisin’,” Jackson Brown’s “Runnin’ on Empty,” and the Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up.”
“We only kept the kids’ first place boat,” he said. “We gave up our boat and trashed it so we’ll have to come up with a new one.” Overall, Ken and crew look at the cardboard boat race as good fun. “While it feels great to win,” he said, “it’s about the day and spending time with the family.”
Short and cardboard of it
Aidan McAnulla, 7, and Dylan McAnulla, 5, shoved off in the junior division aboard the “S.S. Short Boat.” Brian McAnulla, Aidan and Dylan’s father, looks to
ANCHORING THE FUN
“Everybody takes so much pride in building and racing these cardboard boats, we figured, ‘Why not give the race some formal framework?” said Odyniec when he and DiSandro presented the proposal to the LLV Recreation Committee Chair Carrie Pohl and Recreation Director Nicole Hill. “We liked the idea,” said Pohl, “and told the guys to go with it.”
“We changed it up a little and made it lighter,” he said. “Last year we had four people in the boat. So this year we took the roll cage off.”
“Our boat didn’t want to go anywhere,” said Dylan, “but we’ll be back next year.”
Fran Odyniec interviews Ken Ricevuto at the Fifth annual LLV Cardboard Boat Race. Odyniec with Ray DiSandro, far left, and Dee Kasarda provided race commentary, music and interviews.
Aidan McAnulla, in the bow, and Dylan McAnulla, holding the stern, promised to be back for next year’s LLV Cardboard Boat Race.
PAGE 6 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
Mix in some duct tape trivia, Miss Dee’s on-lake race and weather reports from out by the Pines dock, interviews with the winners, and you had what Odyniec calls “a radio station without a tower.” “We wanted everybody to have some fun,” said DiSandro, who served as engineer and commentator. “Our programming provided a soundtrack for the day.”
and surrounding areas in the 2017 budget.
(continued from page 1)
Concern Raised Over Future Of LLV Snack Bars
Tree trimming
that the operation of the Locust Lake concession remain in the hands of the current vendor. “The Locust food is out of this world,” Maguire said. “They are the nicest couple and offer great food and great prices.”
LLV Property Manager Dan Dougherty, Jr. pointed out that if the Locust menu continues to expand beyond snack bar food, the village would be running a risk.
“We would open ourselves to securing permits, inspections by the county health department as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and increased insurance costs,” Dougherty said. “We would be asking for more than expected.”
“It’s too much work for our in-house maintenance staff,” he said. If left unchecked, the canopies would contribute to hazardous road conditions in the winter, especially when it snows.
Recreation
The board will hold workshop discussions on the issue. LLV Treasurer Vince Moderski reminded the meeting, “Locust Lake is not in the concession business.”
The Locust Lake Village Property Owners Association’s Board of Directors listens to Sharleen Skipper, chair of the Security/Emergency Planning Committee, give her report at the Sept. 17 board meeting held at The Chalet.
Carrie Pohl, chair of the Recreation Committee, said that “it was a very good summer. Thanks to our recreation director, Nicole Hill, we had a lot of recreation.”
In answer to residents’ concern over events at Locust and Pines lakes, she said that picnics in particular will be scheduled on a rotation basis next year.
The other issue that commanded attention was the report from the Buildings & Grounds Committee chaired by Bob Christensen with co-chair Rich DeMarco.
Dougherty praised the work of volunteers and staff throughout the summer.
“The committee decided that one of the top priorities to investigate is the lighting and concession stands at Pines and Locust lakes,” Christensen said.
After their inspection of both stands, the committee felt it in the best interest of the village to have a licensed electrician, Jim Sartori of Jim and Tom Sartori Electrical Contractors in White Haven, evaluate both sites. Sartori’s recommendations included installation of a new 100 amp panel in both stands to separate utilities to reduce the load on the existing 100 amp panels.
For safer operation of cooking equipment, Sartori suggested installing four new receptacles on four 20 amp circuits at Pines and six new receptacles on six 20 amp circuits at Locust.
“This would eliminate the problem of running extension cords across the floor and overloading the existing circuits,” Christensen pointed out. “Both sites would have roof mounted exhaust fans installed and ducted into the concession areas.” When Christensen quoted the estimated cost of those improvements and remedial work needed on the lighting in the concession areas, it raised the board’s and residents’ eyebrows: $16,000, broken out as $8,800 for the Locust stand and $7,200 for the Pines stand. “There is no money in the 2016 capital budget,” said Moderski, “and not any in the 2017 budget unless we increase the contribution to the capital budget.”
The Building & Grounds Committee identified 19 other items for the board to consider including: Expansion of The Chalet’s deck to accommodate increased seating capacity
Clearing shrubbery at intersections and some curved roads in the village to improve lines of sight Removal of 15 dead and diseased trees at The Chalet and office areas.
Dougherty reported that bids will be going out for a tree cutting contractor to cut back canopies over village roads created by trees.
Christensen recommended that the board include funds for the electrical work needed at the concession stands
“The feedback from property owners, residents, and guests has been nothing but praise,” he said. “Without the volunteers, we would not have had the weekends that we had.”
Pohl complimented the work of George Leonhardt and his volunteer crew who manned the grills at the holiday weekend picnics. “They were a tremendous help in giving the Friday night barbecue crew some time off,” she said.
Strategic Planning Bob DiLullo, chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, announced that the committee will submit to the board its five-year plan for 2017 and the following four years at the next board meeting.
Chairman’s ruling
Board Chair Will Robinson announced that members of the LLV POA board may no longer chair committees so that there will be no risk of any conflicts of interest. Carrie Pohl will continue to chair the Recreation Committee until she can find someone to replace her as chair.
Leonhardt approached the Recreation Committee last year with the idea of having a lobster bake. “It was his idea,” Pohl said, “and he had done this before, but this time with 130 lobsters.”
Security
Sharleen Skipper, chair of the Security/Emergency Planning Committee, noted the work of the Rangers and Chief Ranger Andy Gross in particular in helping a lost young boy who somehow made his way from his home in Arrowhead Lake to the village. Coordinating with Arrowhead Lake security, the LLV Rangers safely returned the boy to his family. Two thefts of loose items from unlocked vehicles were reported during August. The thefts occurred in the vicinity of the 100 block of Wagner Way. Gross commented that residents and their guests must not take for granted that unlocked vehicles anywhere in LLV are not exempt from theft.
Village Life
Diane and Ray DiSandro, co-chairs of the Village Life Committee, reported that the committee will be holding computer classes at The Chalet that would cover the use of Smart phones, tablets, and basic computer knowledge. The committee is looking for residents who would serve as LLV ambassadors to welcome new residents at LLV events and to answer questions that may come up at LLV events. Village Life meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at the LLV administration building.
PAGE 7 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
LLV FINANCES
On Good Footing As the year winds down, LLV finances are in pretty good shape, said POA Board Treasurer Vince Moderski. “We have a healthy cash flow coming in, so we should have no problem in meeting expense through the end of the year,” Moderski told the audience in his treasurer’s report at the POA Board Meeting on Sept. 17. He did explain that August was a low income month due to POA dues being paid up and fewer sales of t-shirts and other items. “We’re in the same ballpark as last year,” Moderski said. “There’s no surprise.” The largest users of revenue in August continued to be by department: recreation, 10 percent; maintenance, 19 percent; Rangers, 20 percent; and administration, 26 percent. “We have $600,000 to get us through the rest of the year, not including the reserve and capital fund accounts,” Moderski continued. With LLV averaging $130,000 per month in expenses, “there are no concerns,” he added.
Security DEFENDING YOUR HOME
Better Safe And Secure Than Sorry By Andy Gross, Chief Locust Lake Village Rangers Now that the fall season is upon us, and a lot of our friends and neighbors depart for home, this leaves an emptiness in our community both friendship and security related. Unfortunately the bad guys capitalize on this and try to take advantage of this well-known Pocono fact. Statistically speaking, Locust Lake Village (LLV) has one of the lowest incident rates relating to residential
break-ins and burglaries in the Pocono Mountain Regional Police jurisdiction. Year to date statistics reveal zero burglaries in Locust Lake Village for 2016.
Let it be known the Ranger staff here at LLV will do its best to try to maintain these low statistics. We cannot accomplish this achievement totally alone. You, the residents here in the village, are our “eyes and ears” when it comes to crime prevention. Here are ways to deter potential burglars both while you are away as well as at home:
Remember to close and lock your doors and windows. Screens allow easy access. Hide your valuables! Don’t keep them in a common place. Thieves don’t want to spend a lot of time in a house. What they can’t find they can’t steal. Document your valuables through pictures, serial numbers, etc.
Don’t let your newspapers pile up at the end of the driveway. To a criminal it says, “We’re not at home.”
Cut your bushes back and use some outdoor lighting with motion sensors. Write down license plate numbers and remember descriptions of cars that are strange to your neighborhood.
Be suspicious of people you do not know. Thieves come in all ages, sizes and colors. There are professional thieves out there that will distract you at the front door while someone else sneaks in the rear door to commit a crime.
Lock your car doors. Most cars contain some good things to steal, not to mention your garage door remote which a thief might use for a return visit. Talk to your neighbors. Find out what’s going on.
If something does not look or seem right, it usually isn’t.
Please do not hesitate to “get involved” by reporting any type of suspicious activity that you may observe while enjoying the upcoming months, either while out and about, or at home. Our Ranger Staff patrols 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. All calls are received by a live dispatcher who is in immediate radio contact with the duty officer. They can be reached at 570-646-3532. All information received is confidential. For the part-time residents here in the Village, we encourage you to enroll in the House Check Program. Please call the office for an application and details.
With your help, we all can make a difference in making Locust Lake Village a safe and secure place to live and enjoy.
PAGE 8 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
Inside & Outside the Village HERE COMES FALL
LLV Calendar of Events More events will be added throughout the fall and some dates may change due to availability of vendors, etc. This is a general outline of fall activities. For more information, contact LLV Recreation Director Nicole Hill at (570) 643-8655.
• Every Tuesday –
Area Holiday Events
Games Day at The Chalet, 1-4 p.m.
• Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt at SteelStacks and
• Every Tuesday –
Downtown Bethlehem November 18-20, 25-27 December 1-4, 8-11, 15-18 www.Christmascity.org
Yoga at The Chalet, 6-7 p.m. $7 per session; bring a mat if you have one
• Every Wednesday –
• Mifflinburg Christkindl Market
Luncheon at The Chalet, 12-2 p.m.
Mifflinburg, Pa. December 8-10 www.oldchristkindl.com 1-800-666-0877
• Saturday, October 29th – Halloween Festivities
• Saturday, November 12th –
• Christmas at Eckley Miners Village Weatherly, Pa. December 4 www.eckleyminversvillage.com
Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m.
• Sunday, November 13th –
Veteran’s Day Breakfast, 9 a.m.-Noon
• Old Time Christmas
• Saturday, December 10th –
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm Stroudsburg, Pa. December 3 & 4, 10 & 11 www.quietvalley.org 570-992-6161
Anglers Kids Christmas Party
• Friday, December 16th –
Christmas Cabaret Show, 7-10 p.m.
• Fall Foliage Train Trips
• Sunday, December 18th –
Steamtown Natiional Historical Park October 15 & 22 to Moscow, Pa, October 16 to Delaware Water Gap www.nps.gov/stea/ 570-340-5200
Christmas Caroling
• Saturday, December 31st – New Year’s Eve Party
DOUGHING IT RIGHT
More Than A Bake Sale “We were surprised that we sold out before the boat race,” said Linda Buscavage, LLV office assistant and a member of Pocono Wesleyan who helped coordinate the bake sale. “This was the third year that we held the bake sale in conjunction with the boat race, and we are very grateful to everyone who supported our efforts.”
In the two hours before the Fifth annual Locust Lake Village (LLV) Cardboard Boat Race at Pines Lake, LLV residents unknowingly were in their own race against time—and for a good reason. It took them only two hours to raise $448 for the Five Loaf House, home to the Top of the Mountain Ecumenical Food Pantry in Pocono Pines.
Leaving the boat race to the paddlers, LLV residents couldn’t resist the urge to buy their confectionary favorites from a selection of 50 homemade baked goods—some still warm to the touch such as Homer Argot’s piping hot blackberry pie.
They quickly snatched up Argot’s pie and other confectionary delights including more pies, cupcakes, and brownies as well as longtime LLV resident Dot Wade’s famous Irish whiskey cake and Lydia Lewis’ fudge pie that were available at Pines Lake beach and in the LLV administration building. Argot along with Chuck Lawrence, Vickie and Ashley Schad, and a few others from Pocono Wesleyan Church in Pocono Pines rolled out their finest taste-tempting recipes that obviously were a big hit with the boat race crowd.
Lawrence runs the food pantry at Five Loaf House which is supported by local communities and the churches in the Top of the Mountain Ecumenical Council that includes Blakeslee United Methodist, Faith Lutheran, Pocono Lake United Methodist, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Salem United Church of Christ and Pocono Wesleyan. Proceeds from the bake sale go to what Buscavage calls a dream. “We want to finish the upstairs of Five Loaf House into temporary living quarters for women and families,” she said.
The Top of the Mountain Ecumenical Food Pantry is located on Firehouse Road in Pocono Pines; telephone: 570-646-7456.
PAGE 9 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
Houses of Worship Pocono Wesleyan Church
203 Spur Road Pocono Lake, Pa. - 570-646-7456 Poconolakewesleyan.org
St. Maximillian Kolbe RC
5112 Pocono Crest Road Pocono Pines, Pa. - 570-646-6424 Stmaxkolbepoconos.org
St. Mark RC Church
1052 Bear Lake Road Thornhurst, Pa. - 570-472-3061 Churchofstelizabethstmark.org
Thornhurst United Methodist Church 342 Old River Road Thornhurst, Pa. - 570-842-1434 Facebook: Thornhurst Umc
Congregation B’nai Harim Reformed
5349 Pocono Crest Boulevard Pocono Pines, Pa. - 570-355-5350 Bnaiharimpoconos.org
Community Bible Church of Pocono Lake
899 Route 940, Pocono Lake, Pa. 570-646-8995 Poconolakechurch.org
IN ITS THIRD YEAR
Dinner And Auction Benefit PA Wounded Warriors For the last two years longtime LLV residents Bill and Eileen Binns have put together a fundraising event with a special focus: Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, Inc. (PWW). It’s an all-volunteer organization, headquartered in Camp Hill, Pa., that picks up where the national Wounded Warriors Project leaves off.
According to Helen Sajer, who, with her late husband Maj. Gen. Gerald Sajer, founded PWW in 2006, the national organization helps when soldiers are first injured. PWW works with soldiers who are going through the recovery process as well as their families in need of financial support. “I actually met someone who was treated by them,� said Eileen.
She was in Walmart one day, and asked a man shopping nearby to help her get an item down from a high shelf. The man was wearing a PWW t-shirt. “They have been wonderful to me,� he said to Eileen. His comment “made me feel really good,� she said.
Known as the Annual Benefit Dinner & Chinese Auction, this year’s fundraiser took place at The Chalet on Saturday evening, Aug. 27. All the proceeds from the spaghetti dinner and auction went to PWW. LLV resident and volunteer chef Tom Spitz prepared meatballs and sausage to go with the spaghetti and gravy.
The auction offered 87 items ranging from tickets to the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs in Allentown and stage shows at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, gift certificates to a local hair salon, barber shop, a ski and cycle shop, wall hangings, and antiques to day passes to waterparks, a restaurant, and a butcher shop among many other items.
Shelby Grove can’t believe she is on her way to winning ten items during the Chinese Auction at the fundraiser for Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors. Neither can Jim Kelly, right.
It takes the Binns about two weeks every July to canvas the businesses along Route 940 down through Blakeslee. Bill drives while Eileen negotiates.
“’Here she is again,� laughed Eileen as she recalled the greeting she received as she entered a shop. “They knew who I was, and they’re all willing to give us something,� Eileen said.
However, Bill and Eileen don’t set a goal. “We try to do the best we can,� said Bill. This year the dinner and auction raised $1,887 for PWW.
“Thank all of you for coming,� Eileen told the dinner crowd just before she started the auction, “and thank you to all the businesses down to Blakeslee who support us so well.�
She then asked the LLVers to support those businesses “when you need a haircut. You know what I’m talking about.� As the auction gained momentum, eager hands went up to claim the items.
Residents Jim Kelly and Diane Wolek set the early pace with four claims apiece. Then the tide turned as Shelby Grove, Donna Bristol, and Carol and Bud Votto outdistanced the field. Grove was the evening’s big winner with ten items.
Continued next page
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PAGE 10 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
“It’s really fun,” she said, surveying the small mountain of items in front of her, “but I felt embarrassed and bad going up and grabbing all this. I normally don’t win.”
On the heels of Grove were 30-year LLV residents Carol and Bill Votto, who carried home nine items. “It was beginner’s luck,” said Bill as he and Carol stood with their arms full. One of their take-homes was a model of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello that lights up.
When asked what would she do with it, Carol replied with a laugh, “I’m going to give it as a ‘potato gift.’” Donna Bristol, who had provided her sons and their friend with funding for the auction, went to the front eight times to claim their winnings.
“The boys are out fishing,” Bristol laughed, “and mom’s sitting here. I didn’t think they would win anything.”
She was elated about winning the doggie bag filled with treats. “We have three German Shepherds,” Bristol said. “Yes, they will be happy pups.” The following are local businesses that donated to the Chinese Auction which was part of the fundraiser for Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors:
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Mt. View Vineyard and Winery
Moyers Country Kitchen, Pocono Lake My Tiny Gift Shop, Blakeslee Nifty-Thrifty, Pocono Lake
940 Golf ‘n’ Fun, Pocono Lake 940 Gun Shop, Pocono Lake
Papa Santos Pizza, Blakeslee
Peterson’s Ski & Cycle, Blakeslee
Pocono Motorsports, Pocono Lake Robert Christian’s Restaurant, Pocono Lake Selig Center, Pocono Lake Shawnee Mountain
Summit Motors, Pocono Lake
The Butcher Shoppe, Blakeslee Vera Church Salon, Blakeslee
• Wilkes Barre-Scranton Railriders
Donations from the Village included: The Archery Club, Cara Nothum and Stacy Helmandollar, Ben and Pat Holohan, The Anglers Club, Lydia Lewis, Sophie Selgrath, Marilyn Betz, Grace Ann Colorusso, Clare Strenger, Joan Burger King and daughters and the LLV Board of Directors.
A Taste of Antiques, Pocono Lake Aharts Supermarket, Blakeslee
Bankus Gifts & Collectibles, Pocono Lake Beastie Treats & Pet Shop, Pocono Lake Blakeslee Garage, Blakeslee Budget Cleaners, Blakeslee
Volunteer Chef Tom Spitz carefully ladles out the meatballs he cooked for the Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors fundraiser at The Chalet while volunteers Alice Curreri (left) and Recreation Chair Carrie Pohl look on with approval.
With the help of a young friend, Eileen Binns waits to learn the winner of one of the 87 items that were up for bid at the Chinese Auction that was part of the fundraiser for Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors.
What’s a Chinese Auction?
Camelback Resort, Tannersville Compu Logic, Pocono Lake
One curious onlooker at the fundraiser for PWW had no idea as to how a Chinese Auction works. Jason Bristol, a young lad who had previously participated in such an auction at his job in Delaware, was more than happy to explain. “You put in a ticket,” he began as he and his brother Nathan and their friend Justin Davis signed their names to more than 30 tickets that the Bristols’ mother had purchased for the trio. “If your ticket is pulled out, you win the item.”
Dominic’s Pizza, Pocono Lake Dunkin’ Donuts, Blakeslee
Great Wolf Lodge, Scotrun
Jennifer’s Salon, Pocono Pines J R’s Deli, Pocono Lake
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs Liztech
Louis Barber Shop, Pocono Lake Matirko Hardware, Pocono Lake
Michael’s Carpet & Flooring, Pocono Lake Moose Crossings, Blakeslee
Jason and Nathan Bristol and Justin Davis fill out their Chinese auction tickets and then put them into cups in front of items they hope to win.
PAGE 11 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
Inside & Outside the Village WEDDING PLANS?
Our Chalet Wedding Reception By Mary Ellen Morris
The Chalet serves as a meeting space for Locust Lake Village’s (LLV) Property Owners Association board meetings, club dinners, meetings, special events, the Wednesday luncheons during the cold weather months as well as the famous summer Friday night barbecues. But there is an aspect to LLV’s Chalet that many people may not know of: It also provides an ideal setting for a wedding or a wedding reception. Longtime LLV resident Mary Ellen Morris explains why. My son was recently married and we held the reception at The Chalet. I thought I’d tell you about the wedding and the reception, in the event that it may give you some ideas for future weddings in your own family. Sean and our new daughter-in-law Jess are down-toearth, socially and environmentally conscious vegans, and their goal was to create a non-traditional wedding event with friends and family, while not outspending their savings so they can buy their new home in Philadelphia. Locust Lake Village played a large part in their wedding plans. The wedding ceremony itself was held in the tiny little schoolhouse/chapel in Hickory Run State Park near White Haven, which is surrounded by rolling hills, waterfalls, trees, glades, and campgrounds. It was a fairy-tale setting perfect for the start of a new life together. The ceremony was short, sweet and funny, conducted by an officiant and a guitar player who were
Jess and Sean Morris this past summer held their wedding reception at The Chalet.
friends of the bride and groom. Then it was on to the reception at The Chalet. (Did you know that The Chalet is a perfect party/reception/family gathering venue that is available for a nominal rental fee?) In our case, it could not have worked out any better. Although the weather was perfect for the wedding ceremony and the first half of the reception, the skies later opened up in a major way. But it didn’t put a damper on the reception, because our 100 guests were still able to eat, mingle, and dance inside and on the lovely covered patio. The reception dinner was a pot-luck affair, and having The Chalet’s kitchen available was helpful in preparing the drinks and warming the vegan seitan (the main dish). All those pot-luck vegan dishes were laid out on a long buffet table at the back of the room. And our guests found plenty of seating at round tables—a very convenient and conversation friendly arrangement, with seating for six to eight guests at each table. Centerpieces made by my daughter Kelly graced each table and consisted of: a Ball canning jar filled with bright yellow gerbera daisies and purple statice that were tied with jute and tulle. A one-inch slice of wood cut from a tree that had been taken down in my own yard on Beech Lane anchored each centerpiece on
Jess and Sean Morris’ wedding reception at LLV’s Chalet accommodated 100 guests who enjoyed the event both inside The Chalet and out on the facility’s spacious deck.
the table. Also, the grounds surrounding The Chalet are beautifully landscaped, so the wedding photos are gorgeous. A good friend who is a professional photographer did the honors.
The wedding music was Sean’s pre-recorded mix, and provided the dancing groove for the guests. While the rain came down outside, the guests enjoyed the opportunity to stay dry and happy. They couldn’t have been more engaged in helping to make the wedding an event for everyone to remember, and I had the opportunity to get to know many of them a bit more in this casual environment.
All told, with the help of family and friends, and using The Chalet as a wedding reception venue, Jess and Sean spent less than $1000 creating a wedding memory that will last a lifetime for themselves, their friends and their families. It can be done, and right here at Locust Lake Village! For information on The Chalet rental rate and availability, contact Recreation Director Nicole Hill at (570) 643-8655; e-mail: nicole@locustlakevillage.org.
PAGE 12 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
SUMMER REDUX 12th ANNUAL
LLV ATV Rally Combines Fun And Safety Locust Lake Village (LLV) is one of the few communities in the Pocono Mountains that permits the use of ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) in the village. To celebrate this distinction, LLV, under the supervision of Chief Security Ranger Andy Gross and his staff, annually holds an ATV Rally. This year’s event with a field of 13 ATVs was held in the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 20, marking the twelfth running of the event. “Jim Evans who was a member of the LLV board of directors introduced the idea 12 years ago,” said Gross. “The idea was to have an event that promotes safety and knowledge and to have fun at the same time.”
True to that goal, the field of 13 met at The Chalet at 1 p.m. for a safety seminar before kicking into gear for a course with checkpoints that wound through the village eventually ending up by splashing through two mud pits created by the LLV maintenance staff near the village’s sledding hill.
work,” said Penny of “Big Red.” She classified herself as a professional passenger, leaving the driving to her husband Chris.
Later after successfully navigating the mud pits, Penny said, “I’d do it again.”
Once back at The Chalet for the awards ceremony, Cathy Agan said of her first rally, “It was a lot of fun. I liked that the checkpoints were in areas all around the village.”
Rally trophy winners were: Chris and Penny Strauss for “Best in Rally;” Ben Mayes for “Best in Obstacle;” Mariah Bermudez for “Safest Rider;” Eric Agan for “Muddiest Rider;” and Carl Pizza for “Best Overall Rider.” Volunteers who manned the course were: Aaron Schneider, Victoria Castelli, and “Chef” Dave Krauter. Jim and Kim Roberts, as they do annually, donated the trophies.
During the seminar, Gross emphasized the need for safety at all times when riding an ATV, whether for fun or as part of a rally. “Be very careful,” he said, as he reviewed ATV safety rules. “Treat your ATV like an auto, and operate it accordingly. Think of the person behind you. Stop at all stop signs. Use arm signals to let them know what you’re doing. Otherwise you could get wiped out.”
Penny Strauss reviews her answers to the safety quiz before the start of the 12th annual Locust Lake Village ATV Rally.
Two ATVs riding side-by-side on village roads is strictly prohibited.
In LLV, it is also recommended that if a car or truck is coming up behind a golf cart, the operator of the golf cart must pull off to the side of the road to let that vehicle pass.
Proudly standing with their trophies are the winners of the 12th annual LLV ATV Rally. Front row: Ben Mayes for “Best in Obstacle Course,” Mariah Bermudez for “Safest Rider,” Eric Agan for “Muddiest Rider;” back row: Penny and Chris Strauss for “Best in Rally,” and Carl Piazza for “Overall Best Rider.”
LLV Maintenance Supervisor Shawn Heller leads the line pulling Ben Mayes and his vehicle out of the mud pit after he got stuck on one of his passes.
To operate an ATV in LLV, a person must be 14 years of age, show current proof of insurance when registering the vehicle at the LLV administration office, and must wear a helmet, goggles, and gloves. When operating a UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle), the minimum age is 16 along with a valid state driver’s license.
Gross stated that ATV operators must be aware of not just their surroundings but also of their speed. ATVs may not exceed the 25 mph speed limit posted throughout LLV. “It’s hard to realize how fast you’re going because of the noise created by an ATV,” he continued. “So perception is more important than anything.” After viewing a safety video, Gross administered a written safety test that quizzed the participants on the video and his presentation. After reviewing the test, an inspection was made by Ranger John Baxter of each of the 13 ATVs. Then the operators drove their ATVs over to the athletic field adjacent to East Lake for a safety exercise drive through an obstacle course under the supervision of Ranger Sara Link. Assisting her were Rangers Jay Cotter, Jim Kelly, and Tom Dowd.
LLV Chief Security Ranger Andy Gross points out safety guidelines to the LLV ATV Rally’s participants before the start of the rally on Saturday, Aug. 20.
LLV Chief Security Ranger Andy Gross reviews the ATV Rally’s checkpoint map with Eric Agan.
Upon satisfactory completion, the participants were divided into teams of three vehicles each, handed a rally map, and then cleared for takeoff. Cathy Agan and her son Eric were anxious to get started, each on their own ATV. “We’ve never been here for the rally,” she said, “but it looks like fun.” Chris and Penny Strauss were seated in their UTV affectionately known as “Big Red.” “We use it for yard
Ben Mayes blasts through the mud pit on the final stretch of the 12th annual LLV ATV Rally on Saturday, Aug. 20.
Eric Agan plunges through the mud pit during the Locust Lake Village 12th annual ATV Rally.
PAGE 13 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
SUMMER REDUX Lobster Bake A first-time event, the Lobster Bake took place over Labor Day Weekend on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 4 at Pines Lake. George Leonhardt and his picnic crew had 130 lobsters to prepare and they didn’t miss a beat. Along with the lobsters were corn-on-the-cob, hot dogs, hamburgers, and all kinds of sides. There was even a special table for dipping butter. This was a delicious as well as relaxing way to bid farewell to Summer 2016 at LLV.
What’s a lobster bake without a hefty supply of corn-on-the-cob?
George Leonhardt, Jr. shows how to keep hamburgers under control over the Labor Day Weekend during the Lobster Bake at Pines Lake.
Volunteer Tom Spitz artfully displays these three delectable crustaceans as signs of good eating at the LLV Lobster Bake at Pines Lake during the Labor Day Weekend.
George Leonhardt approvingly sizes up a lobster fresh from the kettle as his son George observes his father’s technique.
With lobster on plate, Jessica Ellis said of the lobster bake’s ability to bring the LLV community closer together, “I think that’s always good. It’s a nice little event.”
Volunteers Dee Kasarda and Bill Dorner couldn’t resist jumping into the photo while Diane Misthal happily balances her lobster dinner.
Haley Pace, 7, and her brother Mason, 4, are curious about lobsters.
Father’s Day
Storytellers
Dads get to have a free breakfast on Father’s Day at The Chalet.Volunteers including Dee Kasarda and Recreation Director Nicole Hill served up hardy breakfasts throughout the morning to dads and their families.
A new activity for young and old spun stories of fantasy and Native American lore at Pines Lake Beach. MaryAnn Paterniti told one ghost story which led one kid-atheart to jokingly say, “I’ll sleep with the light on tonight.” Rob Aptaker told a Native American story about how mosquitoes came to be when an evil monster was killed only to let loose over the land mosquitoes.
Gathered with their dads and husbands for the Father’s Day breakfast at The Chalet in honor of dads were, from left: Travis Martin, Kristine Martin, Gavin Martin, Karen Shelton, Samantha Shelton, RJ Shelton, Kaitlyn Shelton, and Eve Martin.
Dee Kasarda checks on the quiche which was on the Father’s Day breakfast menu at The Chalet.
Some folks enjoyed their Father’s Day Breakfast on The Chalet’s deck as did, counterclockwise: Kyle Matsko, George Matsko, Bob Boyer, Cajetan Berger, Donna Berger, and Kay Krause.
PAGE 14 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
Ocean & Nature by Dedan and Amilia
Locust Lake Village by Charlie, Eddie, and Matt
Fastest Castle by Julian
Cinderella & Arura Castle by Alex, Bruno, Julia, and Eddie
Castle of Love by Grace, Violet, and Sam
Battle of Jakku by Jacob and Phil
Sand Castle Contest
Great creativity and unique shapes was the best way to describe the creations that rose up from the beach at Locust Lake on Saturday, July 23. There was a good sampling of castles including a magnificent Cinderella and Aura Castle, animals including a dragon and Elsa the Turtle, depictions of ocean and nature, snakes and even an interpretation of Locust Lake Village.
Elsa the Turtle by Taylor & Morgan Friel
Dragon by the Randall Team: AB, Analise, Dominic, and Anthony
Abbey Zoo by Abbey
Under the Ocean by Adian and Mom
Kids Got Talent
Slither Python vs 3 Snakes by Joshua, David, Jane, and Shasa
There’s no doubt about it. Kids at Locust Lake Village (LLV) definitely have talent, and proved it at the “Kids Got Talent Show” held Sunday, June 24 at the Pavilion at Locust Lake. Keyboard artistry, gymnastics, dancing, stand-up comedy, and folk tales were performed by the LLV younger set much to the delight of an appreciative audience.
Wild West Party
Boot scooters, two-steppers, and line dancers were more than welcome at the Wild West Party, Saturday evening, July 30. Although rainy weather forced the festivities to be moved to the maintenance department’s shed at the Martha’s Lane facility, the grub would put any chuck wagon cook to shame, courtesy of volunteer chef Tom Spitz. The grub included ribs, corn, pulled pork, fried chicken, baked beans, and cornbread. While it didn’t take much for a cowboy or cowgirl to chow down on the grub, instruction was available in line dancing which added to the fun.
PAGE 15 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
Zoo Castle by Claire
SUMMER REDUX THE SHOW GOES ON
Cabareters And Tappers Entertain The County Drop in on one of the Arrowhead Cabaret and Village Tappers’ rehearsals at Locust Lake Village’s Chalet and you’ll sense a wave of energy making its way through and among the performers as they prepare for their latest production, “Music Through the Ages.” A cast of 25, ranging in age from 62 to 82, makes up “Pat Grace’s Arrowhead Cabaret featuring The Village Tappers” performed show tunes, country tunes, “pop” selections, oldies, rock ‘n’ roll, and movie tunes to audiences at Arrowhead Lake and Locust Lake Village (LLV) this past summer.
While audiences packed their two-hour shows, the company also “takes the show on the road” during their season which runs from April through December to seven senior centers and nursing homes around Monroe County as well as the Clymer Library.
The Village Tappers do a production number to Anne Murray’s “Blue Finger Lou.”
The Cabaret had its start 14 years ago at Arrowhead Lake under the leadership of Pat and Judy Grace, who were in charge of the community’s senior activities. “We wanted to do something positive and exciting,” Judy recalled after the rehearsal for “Music.” “We wanted to see a bunch of older people having fun.” After Pat passed away in 2013, Judy, who taught tap at Arrowhead, decided to continue on with the Cabaret and keeps his name at the top of all the group’s promotional material. Before a person can get a solo, he or she performs as part of the chorus in production numbers or as back-up singers.
LLV resident Barbara Hudson, who has been dancing since she was 3 ½ years old, had taught tap dancing in South Jersey before moving to LLV and joining the Tappers. “We originally had five,” Hudson said. “Now we have eight active dancers, but it has been as high as 12.”
Donna Berger and her sister Kay Krause moved to LLV in November of 2012. Berger works for a podiatry practice in Albrightsville and Krause is a retired registered nurse.
Pat Grace’s Arrowhead Cabaret featuring The Village Tappers bring the house down with a rousing salute to all of America’s military forces.
Both women have backgrounds in theater and tap dancing, but had no intention of getting involved with the Tappers until they met Barbara Hudson. “We were just looking for a place to do tap dancing,” said Berger. “We didn’t know many people.”
They met Hudson who mentioned that there were a few people in the village who were involved with tap dancing. Little did they realize that when Hudson said, “Here are the dates for our next show,” that they had been recruited for the Tappers. In “Music Through the Ages,” Berger also had her first solo number singing the Tommy James and the Shondells’ hit, “I Think We’re Alone Now.” When it comes to pre-performance jitters, rehearsing in an empty hall without an audience other than fellow-performers is unlike playing to a full-house at Arrowhead or LLV. “It’s good to have them,” said Pat Forcella, who has been in shows at the Shawnee Playhouse. “The show must go on.” Kay Krause, who has had roles in theater and opera productions in the Lehigh Valley area, said, “I used to get nervous.”
Roy Odell takes the jitters head-on. “When you get up and perform, the jitters go away,” Odell said.
The Cabaret ensemble brings to life the Shirelles hit “Foolish Little Girl.”
Of the take-away the Cabaret wants its audiences to have, Jim Forcella, the company’s technical director said, “We want to entertain and engage them and have fun.”
The company provides its own props and costumes, and does its own wardrobe seamstress work. Their pay comes with their performance. “I just love to entertain,” said Pat Forcella. For Barbara Hudson it’s playing to the audience, especially in nursing homes. “It’s a pleasure to watch their faces and smiles,” said Judy Grace. “That’s why we engage the audience.” Like Ethel Merman once said, “There’s no business like show business…”
The next show for Pat Grace’s Arrowhead Cabaret featuring The Village Tappers will be their Christmas Cabaret at The Chalet, Dec. 16, 7 to 10 p.m. No admission charge; beverages and snacks available.
Barbara Hudson sings “Pennies From Heaven.”
PAGE 16 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
Donna Berger sings the Tommy James and the Shondells hit, “I Think We’re Alone Now.”
Anglers Fish Fry You didn’t want to distract Joe McCusker and Dave Chorney from what they were doing out on the deck of The Chalet late Saturday afternoon, Aug. 13. “Batter’s good, Joe,” said Chorney of the quality needed so that what was going onto the cooker wouldn’t stick “so you can flip them.” Both men, members of the Locust Lake Village Anglers Club, were busy preparing the signature item on the menu of the club’s 24th annual Fish Fry: trout.
They had started their cooking duties at 2:30 that afternoon as they began to prepare about 20 lbs. of trout fillets that had been donated from the club’s annual Kids Fishing Contest. “It’s an art,” Chorney said of the process. McCusker would not divulge the recipe other than they use Bisquik and Canola oil. “It’s a guarded recipe from 25 years ago,” he said. Chorney added, “It’s been handed down from generation to generation.”
Part of the enormous crowd that attended the Locust Lake Anglers Club’s annual Fish Fry held at The Chalet on Aug. 13.
All McCusker allowed was that “you take dry fillets, flour them, put them into the batter, then into the fire.”
Down at the other end of the deck, Anglers were working The Chalet’s grills cooking up barbecue favorites that included hot dogs and hamburgers. Along with five coolers worth of beverages, the Anglers provided sides of pasta, cole slaw, potato salad, green bean casserole and desserts that included cantaloupe, cake, brownies, cookies, and watermelon. Many of the sides were donated by folks who came to the event.
A tasty Locust Lake Smoked Trout Spread also made for an interesting appetizer. “This is our give-back to the community,” said a more-than-pleased Tom Rafter, longtime president of the Anglers. “We even have some fish that were caught today.”
Anglers President Tom Rafter congratulates Bob Killough with a personalized trophy in honor of Killough landing the biggest catch in the club’s annual Family Fishing Contest held at Pines Lake.
Near the end of the Fish Fry, Karen Chorney handed the club’s rotating tournament trophy for the Family Fishing Contest held June 18 at Pines Lake to Bob Killough, who had cought the biggest fish, a bass weighing in at 4 lbs. 7 oz. Tom Rafter followed this up with a personalized trophy for Killough to recognize his catch.
The Fish Fry was spawned at Pines Lake where it remained for two years. “On the third year, it rained,” said Rafter. “That’s when we moved it up to The Chalet, and we’ve been here ever since.”
Karen Chorney hands the Anglers Club’s tournament trophy for the biggest catch at the club’s Family Fishing Contest to Bob Killough who won the right to the rotating trophy when he hooked a bass that weighed in at 4 lbs. 7 oz.
Anglers Secretary Joe McCusker carefully prepares trout fillets which he will give to Dave Chorney literally “to put the fish in the fry” during the LLV Anglers Club’s 24th annual Fish Fry.
Archers Dinner Dance The Chalet became a big league baseball clubhouse for one night on Saturday, July 23 when the Locust Lake Village Archery Club hosted its annual dinner dance.
Noticeable in the crowd were jerseys, shirts and caps of the Phillies, Yankees, and Red Sox.
This year it was a “Take Me Out to the Ballgame Party,” complete with a concession stand, pennants from all the Major League Baseball teams, baskets of snacks and peanuts on each table, and a menu headlined by hot dogs and sausage.
Then, “Play ball!” echoed around The Chalet and the party was off and running like Willie Mays making that legendary over-the-shoulder catch of Vic Wertz’s line drive to centerfield in the Polo Grounds in the eighth inning of the first game of the 1954 World Series between the New York Giants and the Cleveland Indians.
Last year, the club created a “Christmas in July” theme to coincide with the July 25 date for the event.
The concession stand was actually the buffet food line that also include a wide sampling of side dishes. Pictures of baseball greats lined one wall representing a lineup that could have won at least 100 games every year.
That lineup included classic shots of Willie Mays, Pete Rose, Stan Musial, Ted Williams, and Hank Aaron among others.
As the crowd settled in, the host DJ cued up “The Star Spangled Banner” which got the fans on their feet in salute to our national anthem.
Archers’ Director Tom Dowd surveyed the scene like Giants manager Leo Durocher sizing up his infield from the top step of the dugout.
“We had a lot of first-time people,” Dowd commented. “It was a totally different crowd. The count came in at 82.”
Continued on Page 24
Bob Wolek is the leadoff server in the buffet at “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” as folks come to bat for hot dogs, brats, hamburgers and other ballpark food.
PAGE 17 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
STILL FISHING
LLV Anglers Celebrate 25 Years One day 25 years ago, a funny thing happened on the way to one of the lakes in Locust Lake Village (LLV): Someone forgot to stock it with trout.
That was all that was needed for Jim Barry, Tom Rafter, and Joe McCusker to form the LLV Anglers Club. Since then, the Anglers have grown to more than 130 members, and have made fishing one of the mainstays of the community, and not just by telling tall fish tales.
In addition to coordinating the stockings of Locust, Pines, and East lakes, a typical yearly agenda for the club calls for a series of family fishing contests, club fishing contests, an ice fishing clinic, and an ice fishing contest. Other than club events, the Anglers open clinics and contests to the community. The club’s biggest annual events are the Kids Fishing Contest, the Fish Fry, and the Kids Christmas Party. Every child in the fishing contest gets a prize, and at the Christmas party they receive an age-appropriate gift personally given to them by Santa Claus.
As longtime president Tom Rafter commented, “They are ways to accomplish our mission to encourage fishing and camaraderie.” So to mark their 25th anniversary, the Anglers celebrated with a dinner dance held at The Chalet on Saturday, July 16.
Anglers secretary Joe McCusker displays items from the Anglers Club’s 25-year history at its 25th anniversary dinner dance this past summer.
Served buffet style, Anne Rafter and Diane Wolek did the cooking. “I cooked the beef in Philadelphia,” Rafter said with a knowing look. “My oven is better (than The Chalet’s).” Wolek handled the chicken, mashed
Anglers dance the night away at the club’s 25th anniversary dinner dance held at The Chalet on Saturday evening July 16.
potatoes, and veggies. The LLV Archers Club donated a 25th anniversary cake with the greeting in icing: “Congratulations and thanks to the Anglers Club for 25 years of fun!”
“We’ve been growing over 25 years,” said Rafter during the gala. “People love to share fishermen stories.” Joe McCusker, the club’s secretary, told one story that has proven true through the years. “By managing the health of the lakes with fish stocking,” McCusker said, “the fishing got so good to the point that we don’t go to other lakes anymore, and the catch and release rules make fishing here better for everyone.” Rafter, citing the Anglers’ three major events that are free and open to LLC residents, said that the club seriously takes the idea of “giving back to the community.”
The Kids Christmas Party includes craft tables where with the help of volunteers kids make marshmallow snowmen, pine cone owls, and Christmas cards among other items in addition to those age-appropriate gifts from Santa Claus. At the Fish Fry, LLV residents do justice to fish caught from the village’s lakes as well as traditional fare including hot dogs and hamburgers and side dishes.
The Kids Fishing Contest has become so much of a tradition that LLV residents Kris and Pat Heffner along with their sons Jake and Matt wouldn’t miss it. “We get up here specifically for it,” said Kris during this year’s contest held on May 28.
In his after-dinner remarks, Rafter recounted the club’s history and how events like the Fish Fry bring out the best of people in the village. But he concluded by scanning the membership and saying, “Tonight we have the best!”
From left, Anglers Diane Wolek, Cheryl Dowd, Sylvia Amis, Anne Rafter, and Diane Ruggiero celebrate the club’s 25th anniversary at The Chalet.
Charter members of the LLV Anglers Club, (from left) current president Tom Rafter, Jim Barry, and current secretary Joe McCusker hold the cake marking the club’s 25th anniversary.
PAGE 18 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
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PAGE 19 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
Josh Boyle, a certified USA Archery Instructor and one of the Archery Club’s newest members, demonstrates the proper approach to the target on the club’s shooting range during an open house on Saturday, July 16.
Archers’ Open House Is Gateway To The Sport At a Locust Lake Village (LLV) Archery Club open house, an interesting combination of experienced and first-time archers usually attend the event held at the club’s shooting range located behind the village’s sledding hill. This past July 16th’s open house was no exception as 60 folks came to the range. “I think it’s good,” said Tom Dowd, a club director, of the attendance. Adding with a smile, “And we’ve gotten no complaints.” Cheryl and Vince Marsero decided to drive over to the event on their ATV. “He had to convince me,” said Cheryl, who was planning to spend the afternoon at the beach. “I’m glad he drove us over.” Well, both were first-time archers, but, according to Vince, Cheryl likes to do different things. Cheryl, displaying some of her self-admitted competitiveness, took aim, and let an arrow fly straight to the target. “This is cool,” she said, commenting on her ability to “hit it to the target. I enjoyed it.” Ike Wade, a longtime LLV resident, stepped up to the shooting line and let the arrows fly. “That deer got away,” laughed Ike, commenting on his shooting. “I got some crooked arrows here.” Josh Boyle, a new club member, sized up the range for his first round. Boyle is a certified USA Archery Instructor who moved to LLV in March. “This is a sport for everybody of all skill levels,” he said. “Ideally, you start with the classroom portion of instruction to promote safety and become comfortable with the bow and arrow.”
Ray DiSandro, who co-chairs the Village Life Committee with his wife, Diane, explains the mission of the committee at a recent meeting held at The Chalet.
VILLAGE LIFE COMMITTEE
Resolve To Pledge 4 Hours To LLV It’s been said many times at Locust Lake Village (LLV) events and Property Owners Association (POA) board meetings that if it weren’t for the way LLV residents volunteer, the village wouldn’t have anywhere near the number of activities that form a cornerstone in the community’s quality of life. Recognizing this fact of village life, the LLV Village Life Committee has decided to ask residents for a gift and resolution of their time to volunteer in 2017.
“It’s a gift to our village that costs you nothing but a bit of your time and a resolution to invest that time in helping the village to continue to offer events and activities that define what the village is,” said Ray DiSandro, co-chair of the committee.
Just in time for the holidays, LLV residents will receive in December a resolution form to fill out. There will also be an electronic form on the LLV website’s home page that will read: “2017 New Year’s Resolution, click here.” Committee member Mary Friel developed the project with the goal of simply explaining the difference a few volunteer hours can make.
“We are asking each Villager to make a New Year’s resolution to give just four hours of their time to volunteering in 2017,” Friel said. Residents will be able to pledge their four hours (or more) to a brief list of activities that will appear on the resolution form such as: arts and crafts, beach games, and ice cream socials for children; Friday Night Barbecue set-up, prep, serve, etc.; Bingo, picnics, clubs, etc.; LLV Ambassador; and LLV administration support (data entry, filing, etc.) As an incentive, the Village Life Committee will enter the names of villagers who have completed and submitted their resolution forms by Jan. 31, 2017 into a prize drawing. “We’re asking that residents make this a resolution that they will keep throughout 2017,” said Friel.
Resolution form copies also may be picked up at the administration office. Forms may be scanned and e-mailed to ray@disandro.net or sent via U.S. Postal Service to Locust Lake Village POA, 1778 Lake Lane, Pocono Lake, PA 18347.
It’s also important to learn about the history of the sport and the mechanics involved in proper and safe shooting, Boyle added. He warned that without good mechanics, a person learning to shoot can become frustrated. “It’s all about fundamentals,” Boyle continued. “You try to eliminate as many variables as possible.” He advises taking the sport step-by-step. Knowing how to plant your feet, notch an arrow, and hold a bow are all essential mechanics. “Above all, you want everybody to be safe and have a good time,” Boyle said.
PAGE 20 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
FRAN’S FINDS
Goin’ For The Joe By Fran Odyniec, Editorial Coordinator So, you like to have a cup o’ joe with your morning paper, or in today’s high-tech society, with your computer, tablet or I-Pad. Whether it’s at the breakfast table, out on the screen porch, or on the couch in the living room, coffee-andthe-paper is a time honored tradition. But sometimes you just may want to go out for a cup o’ joe and either pick up a paper, or perhaps tote your electronic device with you. That “other” cup o’ joe may be closer to Locust Lake Village (LLV) than you think (or know), within a 15-minute ride either east or west of the village on Route 940. Let’s take a right out of the village and head west toward but not beyond Blakeslee on 940.
Wawa in Blakeslee
At the intersection of routes 940 and 115 is that local Taj Mahal of convenience stores, the Wawa (open 24 hrs.).
Its coffee section is located immediately to your right as you enter the store from the east side of the building. And the pre-packaged pastries and other baked goods are just a few feet away from those coffee canisters brimming with quite a range o’ joe. Now I must admit that I am an unabashed coffee snob who prefers to brew his own joe at home in a French press.
Those Wawa canisters can cause you to stop in your tracks to survey offerings such as Cuban roast, dark roast, regular, French vanilla, hazelnut, and decaf. The coffee snob in me forces me to mix or blend the Cuban or Columbian roast with regular or dark roast with regular. For production line coffee, Wawa’s roasts aren’t bad but lack excitement for the palate, hence mix or match.
Dunkin’ Donuts in Blakeslee
But, you can pick up a paper to go with your choice of joe, and you’re off.
Just up 940 from the Wawa is a Dunkin’ Donuts (open 5 a.m.). It’s an organization that not all that long ago declared war on Starbucks, and they meant it. Dunkin’ boasts that you will taste the same quality of coffee no matter the Dunkin’ store. Their typical lineup of joe consists of original, decaf, dark roast, and ice coffee. Be sure to specify that you would like your cream on the side, otherwise, the barista may be a bit heavy-handed at the cream dispenser.
Of course, there is a wide variety of donuts followed by bagels, muffins, croissants, and coffee cakes among others. One thing that Wawa and Dunkin’ share is fast service. At Wawa, you’re in and out. At Dunkin’ there is some seating if you care to sip a while and pour over the paper you purchased at Wawa.
Now, if you’ve chosen to turn left coming out of the village onto 940, perhaps on your way to Mt. Mountaintop Lodge in Pocono Pines Pocono, within 15 minutes the Mountaintop Lodge at Lake Naomi will come up on your left. The coffee and pastry shop (open 7 a.m.; 570-646-6636) is located inside this classic Pocono Mountain vacation lodge. So you need to cross over its threshold and pass through the venerable lobby and rustic sitting room by the fireplace to get a cup o’ joe. The pace is nowhere near as hectic as at Wawa and Dunkin’ Donuts. Here the coffee is a bit on the robust side as it is freshly ground, perfect for perking up oneself in the morning. Obligatory lattes and cappuccinos vie for your attention along with wonders contained in the pastry case whether they be muffins, scones, canolis, chocolate cakes, or luscious mini-pies among others. And since you probably haven’t yet purchased one, there’s a full complement of papers available to go with your cup o’ joe. Perhaps a little bit later in your morning and heading east on 940 and just up the road from Mountaintop Lodge on the right, you may want to visit Hanna’s Farm Market (570-856-3290) at the corner of 940 and Stoney Hollow Road. Open since this past April, Hanna sources as much as possible from local farmers and growers including Watergap Coffee Co. from Delaware Water Gap.
Here’s the really neat thing about this brand o’ joe: it comes in a full pound bag, something that’s not all that common any more. Now, Hanna doesn’t brew coffee, at least not yet, but she has baked goods that you can partner up with a mid-day or afternoon cup o’ Watergap joe brewed at home. There’s also raw milk and sMOOgurt from Klein Farms in Easton. By the way, the chunky peanut butter is a real find!
Beyond coffee and milk, Hanna’s features seasonal plants and flowers, home décor items, homemade natural bath products, peanut butter, salsa and dipping oils, cheese, yogurt, eggs, fresh grass fed meats, salmon, halibut, hanging baskets, and garden accessories among other enticing items.
Hanna’s Farm Market in Pocono Pines
You could say that Hanna’s has cornered the market, at least at 940 and Stoney Hollow Road.
PAGE 21 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
Community People VILLAGE PEOPLE
Gettis Golf Lecture Bob Gettis is no ordinary golfer. In fact, Gettis designs the unusual but challenging nine-hole course for Locust Lake Village’s annual Ice Golf event held in the middle of the winter at a frozen Pines Lake.
He also is a director at large of the Golf Collectors Society, a global organization with 1,400 members in 15 countries dedicated to “preserving the treasures and traditions of golf.” Recently, Gettis gave a presentation on the history of golf and collecting the game’s memorabilia at the Clymer Library in Pocono Pines.
Attired in knickers, argyle socks, a long-sleeve blue button-down shirt accented with a tie, topped off by a classic golfing fedora and standing by a golf bag containing hickory clubs, Gettis took his audience on a round through the history of golf. “There are many theories as to when golf started,” he began, “but the Scots take the most credit dating back to the fifteenth century.”
“It started with nine holes, and they played a course twice for 18 holes,” Gettis said. “In fact, there are many courses today with only nine holes.” The game as played today came together at Scotland’s historic St. Andrew’s course in the 1700s. By 1760, golfers were teeing off on 22 holes.
“Soon they found four holes to be too short,” Gettis said. “So they took them away and wound up with 18 holes.” He noted that golf become popular in the United States in the early 1900s. Interestingly enough, he pointed out that the layout of the course at St. Andrew’s remains the same today as it was in the 1700s. In 2004, Gettis had the pleasure of playing St. Andrew’s.
Back in the early days of the game just like today, you needed a ball (as well as a club) to play a round. In the 1400s pioneer golfers actually shaped wood into round balls. Eventually, the production process evolved to a leather ball that was stuffed with goose or duck feathers, and called a featherie. “They could make only three or four golf balls a day,” Gettis commented.
If a person could find one of those “featheries” today, it goes for thousands of dollars, he added.
Bob Gettis makes a point during his recent presentation at the Clymer Library in Pocono Pines on the history of golf and collecting golf memorabilia.
In 1902, the Goodrich Rubber Company debuted the rubber core ball.
Gettis then focused on clubs noting that they were of the wooden shaft variety, although irons were used for plays in shorter grass or a tough lie.
Before the introduction of the tee, sand bags were part of a golfer’s on-course gear. “They found that they could hit the ball easier on a mound,” he explained. “So they carried bags of sand, and would put the ball on a bag.”
Gettis also displayed a photo history of the golf tee featuring a sand mold which was used to form a small mound of sand upon which to place the ball.
Even though titanium, graphite, carbon composites, and stainless steel are as much a part of the game today as the time-honored golf bag, the Golf Collectors Society plays a classic round called Hickory Golf. Attired in classic duffer duds, the society uses only hickory shafted clubs for their go at the links.
“The era of the wood shaft ended in the late 1930s,” Gettis pointed out.
LLV resident Bob Gettis explains the evolution of the golf club during his recent presentation on the history of golf and the game’s memorabilia at the Clymer Library in Pocono Pines.
He went on to say that collectors keep their eyes open at golf trade shows and swap meets as well as in other places for that classic find.
Continued on Page 24
Gene Gunning, a collector of golf memorabilia from Newfoundland, Pa., shows Bob Gettis two of his glasses from his Masters collection, while Bob engages Gene in a discussion of the history of golf balls.
PAGE 22 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
VILLAGE PEOPLE
Joann Yakscoe Loves LLV When Joann Yakscoe first came up to Locust Lake Village (LLV) in the early ‘70s with her family from their home in Roseland, N.J., they came as campers.
Recently I dealt with a medical issue that sidelined me for a little while.
“We came up on weekends,” recalled Yakscoe, on a recent Sunday afternoon. “Me, mom and dad and my sister Joyce and an Army tent. There were open areas for camping near what is now the recyclables area on Martha’s Lane and at the end of Lake Lane near the mailboxes. That Army tent was huge. It was like a home away from home.”
During my initial recuperation at home it was very uplifting to receive a visit from Terry Jones. She brought a beautiful bouquet along with a card from my “Friends and neighbors in Locust Lake Village.”
She remembers that as many as 40 people would set up camp either with tents or campers.
Thank you everyone for that recognition and thoughtfulness and thank you, Terry, for bringing it over.
For a seven-year-old she said it was “awesome.”
“We made blueberry pancakes on a Coleman stove and many other meals over an open fire with our camping neighbors,” Yakscoe went on to say. “Camping was very enjoyable, along with swimming, fishing, hiking, riding our bikes and playing tennis.” “There are a lot of hidden trails around here,” she continued. “As kids, we would find little trails. They were truly adventures for us.”
It was inevitable that Joann’s family would relocate to LLV. At first they rented a home while their home was among the very first in LLV being built near East Lake. Move-in day was in 1971. Her father, Ronald Steinfels, became LLV manager and ran security. She and her sister graduated Pocono Central Catholic High School (now Monsignor McHugh High School) in Cresco. They would ride their bikes to their part-time jobs at the Distelfink Bakery on Route 940 in Pocono Lake just west of LLV.
During that time she recalls that there were a number of activities at LLV including block parties and friendly competitions with surrounding communities, in particular softball and tennis tournaments with Arrowhead Lake and Lake Naomi. There also was a movie night held in a tent at Pines Lake.
“Mom was an Italian cook,” Yakscoe said, “and she would cook for many of those bock parties held at East Lake. We always had kids’ games and plenty of food.” Back then if you were in need of a volleyball and horse shoes, you could rent it from the lifeguards as long as you had a community badge, she said. “There even were rowboats for rent at East Lake,” Yakscoe said. “It was more fun here than lying on a beach and swimming down the shore.”
During the winter when it regularly snowed in the Poconos, the LLV Ski Hill was open for business, and ski equipment rentals were available at The Chalet.
A THANK YOU TO MY VILLAGE FRIENDS
I also want to thank those who sent individual cards, made phone calls, and stopped in to visit. It was all sincerely appreciated. Helen Leonard Joann Yakscoe has fond memories of LLV.
“There are more people jogging, riding bikes, playing tennis and taking advantage of all the other amenities LLV has to offer,” Yakscoe pointed out.
“People are safety conscious, and conscious of other people,” she said. “People care and respect property and look out for each other.” Yakscoe added that LLV’s volunteers “are awesome, especially those who do the flowers and landscaping.”
Most impressive to her is that it is safe enough in LLV to pursue those types of activities. However, there is a challenge.
“There’s a lot of fun to growing up here,” she said recounting her days as a kid. “The challenge is to get kids off their video games, I-Pads, I-Phones and texting and get them out to enjoy the outdoors and nature. There are adventures waiting for them out there.”
While she no longer lives in the house she grew up in at LLV, Yakscoe still considers it coming home whenever she visits her daughter and her fiancé, which is quite often. But she and her husband Frank still like to pick blueberries when they are in season. “I love it here,” Yakscoe said. Just like in the old days.
“I learned to ski here,” Yakscoe said when a tow rope was the only way to the top of the hill. “My husband Frank and I taught our girls to ski.”
While she was a Girl Scout leader for ten years, Frank was a “Girl Scout Dad,” often helping out Joann as a volunteer with his daughters Girl Scout troop. Yakscoe also was a member of the Tobyhanna Township Volunteer Ambulance Corp as a first responder. Today she works for the State of Pennsylvania and is a part-time tennis instructor. She senses that LLV is returning to the spirit of its earlier days.
PAGE 23 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
ANGLERS CLUB UPDATE
bag as an additional prize for the contest.
Fish Stories By Joe McCusker The Anglers Club 25th Anniversary Party was held on Saturday, July 16 from 7- 11 p.m. at the LLV Chalet. The food was great and everyone had a fun time listening and dancing along with the DJ music and talking about club history. Thanks to everyone that made the event a success. The Family Fishing Contest was held on Saturday, Aug. 13 at Pines Lake from 9 - 11 a.m.—the weather could not have been any better. Seventeen families registered for the contest. Results: First place - The Chiolan Family with a 4 pound 5 oz. largemouth bass; second place - The Osisek Family with a 3 pound 12 oz. largemouth bass; third place - The Chorney Family with a 3 pound 5 oz. largemouth bass.
There were other very nice fish caught and weighed in. All fish were released unharmed. Every family that registered for the contest won a prize. Thanks to Tom and Anne Rafter for coordinating the contest and obtaining all of the prizes and to Dave Chorney for donating a tackle (continued from page 22)
Gettis Golf Lecture For example, in the Modern Classic Era from 1940 to the 1960s, clubs manufactured by MacGregor were among those preferred by golfers. “A friend of mine found one of those clubs at a yard sale,” Gettis continued. “He bought it for 25 cents, then later sold it for $250.” One day his brother Mike bought a box of 20 or so old books on eBay. He found a book autographed by the legendary Bobby Jones. “That book is worth $1,300,” Gettis said. Another friend made a surprising find in a trash can. “He saw this stick sticking out of a barrel,” Gettis recounted. “It turned out to be a Scottish golf club that doubled as a walking stick, and it’s worth $500.”
Gettis also gave his audience a brief photo tour of famous golfers who were club professionals in Pennsylvania that included: Byron Nelson at Reading CC (1937-39), Ben Hogan at Hershey CC (1941-51), Art Wahl at Pocono Manor East, and Leo Diegel at Philmont CC (1934-45). Because no photo tour would be complete without Latrobe’s favorite son, a shot of Arnold Palmer also appeared. Gettis began playing golf as a young duffer in the backyard of his parents’ home in Levittown, Pa. At 16 he made his high school team at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia. When asked which course he considers his favorite, he paused a moment and replied, “Whew! St. Andrew’s, but Pebble Beach is a unique experience.” Regardless of the course or the equipment, Gettis added, “Everyone brings his own talent and feel to the game.”
Nevertheless, Bob and the Golf Collectors Society keep breaking par in their ongoing efforts to preserve the rich heritage of a sport that can at times be more of a science than a game but keeps drawing you back.
The Annual Fish Fry was also held on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 4 - 7 p.m. at The Chalet. More than 80 people attended. We definitely could not have pulled it off without the help and assistance from all of the volunteers that made the event a success: Tom and Marcia Rezner; the Petro Family; Paul and Lydia Lewis; Bob and Diane Wolek; Tom and Anne Rafter; Jim and Cheri Finnegan; the Chorney Family; Pat Swezey, Ed Van Curen, Luke Krause, and Joe McCusker. Special thanks to those who brought specialty dishes that greatly added to the variety of food available for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to the following for their cash donations to the Anglers Club during the Family Contest and Fish Fry: Pat Swezey, Geoff Hutton, and Bob Hoephner. Special thanks to Dave Chorney for donating all the corn-on-the-cob for the Fish Fry. An auction benefit dinner to support Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors hosted by Bill and Eileen Binns and LLV Recreation was held on Saturday, Aug. 27 at The Chalet. The Anglers Club participated in the auction with a basket filled with six fishing items and outdoor gear, and was well received. Special thanks to the following who gave cash donations to the Anglers Club specifically for Wounded Warrior Pennsylvania: Betty McCusker $10 and Jim Finnegan $5.
Special thanks to the following for their cash donations to the Anglers Club: Bill O’Mahoney - $50; Mike Fassano - $20; Vince and Carol Borzillo - $30; Pat Swezey - $10; Geoff and Barbara Hutton - $10; Bob Hoephner - $10; and Dennis and Henrietta Cook - $5. The September Anglers Club Fishing Contest was held on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 4-7 p.m. followed by a weigh party in the Pines Lake beach parking lot from 7-9 p.m. Twenty club members registered for the contest along with six club spectators.
Results: First place - Bill Mullen with a 3 pound 6 oz. largemouth bass; second place - Sue Petro with a 3 pound 4 oz. largemouth bass; third place - Bob Wolek with a 2 pound 14 oz. largemouth bass. The top finishers won a prize. There were other nice fish caught and weighed in. All fish were released unharmed and everyone had a great time fishing. Special thanks to Cheryl Dowd, Sue Petro, Diane Wolek, Karen Chorney, and Anne Rafter for bringing snacks, salads, and desserts (which made the eating even better), and to Tom Rezner, Anne Rafter, and Diane Wolek for cooking and serving the hamburgers and hot dogs. It was a great way to end the summer. The lake surveys were performed by AEC in midSeptember; additional details to follow.
Any questions regarding club membership status or the Anglers Club, contact Tom Rafter at: traft60@aol. com (215-624-7865); Bob Wolek at: bobalu2@ptd. net (201-370-2992); or Joe McCusker at: jgcmmc4@ comcast.net (215-389-6209).
Please be mindful of the three- trout daily limit within LLV during the “extended” season and the catch and release of all largemouth bass.
UPCOMING EVENTS: The next Anglers Club meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 26 at The Chalet at 10 a.m. On Sunday, Dec. 4 we will decorate The Chalet from 12 - 2 p.m. for Christmas. The annual Kids Christmas Party is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 10 at The Chalet from 12- 2 p.m. Volunteers should arrive around 10 a.m. to coordinate the event. Looking ahead to 2017, the Ice Fishing Clinic will take place Saturday, Jan. 14 at East Lake from 12 - 2 p.m. and the Ice Fishing Contest is scheduled for Locust Lake on Sunday, Feb. 19 from 9 – 11 a.m. at Locust Lake.
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Summer Redux
Archers Dinner Dance
He gave the Archers’ committee that put the event together a lot of credit.
“This was a big undertaking,” Dowd said referring to the shopping, food preparation, and decorating of The Chalet. “It was an excellent event.”
Hot dogs and hamburgers are a bases-loaded hit with Archers director Tom Dowd, center, and friends.
Looking ahead to the 2017 season, and paraphrasing the Brooklyn saying “Wait ‘til next year,’ he added, “Yeah. We’ll do it again next year.”
Just like at the start of a ballgame, the crowd rises to join in the singing of the National Anthem at the Archers annual dinner/dance held at The Chalet.
PAGE 24 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
Archery Update By Bob Gettis On August 27th Andy Gross, Locust Lake Village Security Chief, conducted an archery hunting certification for several Locust Lake property owners and members of the Locust Lake Archery Club at the club’s archery range. A variety of bow hunters qualified with recurve, compound and cross bows. This certification combined with a proper hunting license allows for hunting in specific areas in Locust Lake Village referred to as the D-map areas.
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Following the archery hunting qualification, the Archery Club had a members 3D shoot. The Club had 13 participants. Four recurve and nine compound bow shooters were registered in the shoot.
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It was the first time to do a 3D shoot for some of our members. Prizes were awarded in the ranking order of scores.
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The 3D shoot required archers to shoot at targets from different settings, elevations and various distances. Bear, deer, raccoon, turkey and a wolverine were seen roaming in the 3D area! Â A barbecue was enjoyed by all participants, their families and the new members who joined the Club at this event.
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The Locust Lake Archery Club will be accepting new members in 2017. Membership is $25 per year, and is open to all Locust Lake property owners in good standing. For more information, contact club secretary Bob Gettis at rbgettis@comcast.net. Applications are available at the office and on the Locust Lake Village website.
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PAGE 25 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
CERTIFIED AGING-IN-PLACE
New Directors Say Thank You
The Locust Lake Village Election Committee awaits the final tabulation by committee chair Harry D’Onofrio of this year’s balloting for three open positions on the village’s board of directors. The committee (clockwise from left) consisted of: Rob Houston, Steve Geffen, Alma D’Onofrio, Bill and Eileen Binns, Geri Williams, and Joan King. Not pictured: Fran Odyniec.
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New POA Board Members Seated Wade Burchell, John Laughner, and Carl Piazza complete the nine-person board.
During the POA members comments portion at the end of the meeting, constructive comments were given to the new board members and the board in general. “Board members should know the LLV Rules and Regulations,” offered resident Ike Wade. Resident Helen Leonard stated, “There should be no personal agendas. Don’t give in to power struggles.” Outgoing and former board member Dee Kasarda advised, “Become more involved with Chief Ranger Andy Gross and his staff.”
After their first meeting, the new board members shared some initial impressions. “I’m a little overwhelmed, but eager,” said Laura Laspee. “I can’t wait to get my feet running on the ground.” Al Markin said, “I take the village very seriously and will make every effort to be available to the community.” Carl Piazza said, “I’m honored to be elected and to serve the village. And I’m very proud of the existing board and members of the Property Owners Association.” Their comments on challenges that lie ahead of them:
Markin: “My main concern is to work as a group to keep harmony between the board and the village.” Piazza: “The board needs to work as a team to keep our village in great financial shape.”
Laspee: “We need to solve problems as a board to maintain the quality of life in the village.”
Photo by Scott Beadenkopf New Locust Lake Village Property Owners Association board members, from left, Laura Laspee, Al Markin, and Carl Piazza chat with Vince Moderski, the association’s treasurer, after sitting on the board during their first meeting as board members.
To all LLV property owners,
At this time I would again like to thank you for all the support I received during the 2016 Board of Directors election. I am currently planning to show my presence at all the upcoming committee meetings so I can meet more residents, and learn more about the needs of our village.
I encourage our residents to volunteer and participate in our village events, our committees, and our village clubs. As I stated in my qualifications, I am a full time resident, and I am available to discuss any vital concerns that might arrive. Thanks again, Al Markin, Vice Chairman
I wish to thank every resident of Locust Lake Village who voted for me at the 2016 election of Board of Directors.
My goal is to bring new energy and positive thinking to the challenges that the community faces and I would ask everyone to work together with me and the rest of the Board to help keep Locust Lake Village the best place to live on top of the mountain. We must all volunteer our time even if it is just an hour a month to help keep Locust Lake Village a Gold Star Community. I made a promise to everyone in the community when I agreed to run for a position on the board and I have started to serve my promise by becoming a member in the Village Life committee. I look forward to all of the positive impacts our volunteering will have on our community as we do this together.
Thank you again, Laura Laspee
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the association for entrusting in me to help steer the board according to your concerns and visions to help keep this village all that it is, simply awesome! What strikes me the most about LLV is we have all this wonderful environment within our village at such a low cost as an association: there is no assessment and the dues are very low compared to neighboring villages.
My decisions on the board will be to support keeping the dues low, finding alternative ways to fund new development and projects, deflecting projects or items that oppose the rustic mountain look and feel of the village, and increasing the number of volunteers who make this community a great place to be part of.
I am looking forward to hearing what is on your minds as we move forward because that is what is most important in how we shape our community. Sincerely, Carl Piazza
PAGE 26 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | FALL 2016
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