Issuu

On-line at www.locustlakevillage.org

SPRING 2022

Ice Golf 2022 - Chilling! Bob Gettis, Ice Golf Architect Once again this year we planned the Ice Golf Event for Presidents Day weekend and chose Sunday February 20 so that we didn’t conflict with the Board meeting and The Anglers Club ice fishing tournament. Mother Nature was very kind because although it was chilly, winds were low and the sun shone! The course was in excellent condition with just the right blend of frozen beach, snow and frozen Pines lake. Nine holes were set up on the beach with 3 holes being played on and from the lake.

Continued on Page 13

Inside Highlights Manager’s Report

See page 4

The Rec Room

See page 7

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PAGE 2 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2022

About the Village

Table of Contents

Chair’s Message by Al Markin Despite the cold stormy Winter season, your Board of Directors is anticipating a busy Spring. Our maintenance department has been preparing beaches and lake areas properly for our Spring and Summer seasons. Our recreation department has been busy putting together a wide array of weekday and weekend events as well. LLV has become a very busy community lately, and we thank our security team for keeping us safe and secure. We urge all of you to address any questions to our office staff at (570) 646-3616. They are available business hours, and they remain knowledgeable regarding LLV policies as well as our calendar of events.

About the Village

Your Board of Directors was very displeasured that most small ski hills failed safety inspections in 2021. We were unable to operate our lift equipment during our winter season. We created a ski hill maintenance committee, hoping we will be totally compliant for our next winter season. With Covid restrictions lessening this season, the LLV Board re-entertained our Chalet parking lot project. We are hoping that there are vendors qualified and prepared to bid on our specifications. We are very concerned about the cost of materials lately, but we will evaluate all proposals regardless.

I would like to remind everyone that our community manager, Judy Kennedy has continued working tirelessly keeping LLV operating in a smooth and professional manner. If you have any questions or concerns, her email is llvmgr@ptd.net .

Chairman’s Message

Manager’s Report

LLV Security Ranger’s Corner

From the Roads Committee Chair

The Rec Room

Locust Lake Village Ski Hill 2022

Living with Pennsylvania Black Bears

Houses of Worship

Local Wildlife

Ice Golfing 2022 Chilling!

Locust Lake Anglers Club

Your LLV Board of Directors wishes all of you a Happy and Healthy Spring Season!

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Bob Gettis

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PAGE 3 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2022

570-517-6251

Manager’s Report by Judy Kennedy

SPRING OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday 9:30 am - 3:30 pm Sunday - Closed

PUBLISHER:

Niki Jones Agency, Inc. 39 Front St., Port Jer vis, NY 12771 P: 845.856.1268 E: njones@nikijones.com

Community Mgr. Judy Kennedy 570-843-7322 llvmgr@ptd.net

Office Administrator Mary Marucci Office: 570-843-7329 llvpoa@ptd.net

Office Staff Linda Buscavage Gail Mowry Office: 570-646-3616 llvpoa@ptd.net

Having experienced freezing temperatures just a few weeks ago, it is hard to believe that spring is just around the corner. With the arrival of spring, the back gate will finally be able to be completed and the start of new projects may begin. The Board of Directors is revisiting the expansion of the chalet parking lot along with the relocation of the mailboxes. This winter season has proved

to be a difficult one with our ski lift equipment not passing this year’s inspection. Although we had the earliest possible inspection date, which is determined by the state, the problem with the sheave wheels did not come up during last year’s inspection nor this year’s first inspection, it was only identified upon the reinspection on January 10th. Therefore, a lift engineer has been scheduled

to inspect the equipment and updates will be provided to the membership. In addition, the Board has created a Ski Hill Maintenance Committee and appointed Mike Wolfe as Chairperson of that committee. Mike has the knowledge and experience needed to chair this committee and we thank him for all of his assistance and volunteerism. All information about this committee can be found on the LLV website at: https://locustlakevillage.org/ resources/committees/shmc/ Over the winter season, homeowners were able to enjoy ice fishing, ice golf, recreational events, and a visit from Santa!!! Many thanks to all the volunteers, clubs, and committees for their continued volunteerism! If you are interested in volunteering your time or would like to serve on a committee or club, please contact the administration office at 570-646-3616. The maintenance and security departments worked together around the clock to ensure that roadway safety was addressed during the winter season. Their combined efforts are greatly appreciated with many compliments received from homeowners. With the onset of warm temperatures comes the

Editor Judy Kennedy 570-843-7322 llvmgr@ptd.net

Ranger Staff Regina Williams Security Chief Office: 570.843-7326 24/7 dispatch: 570.646.3532 Fire & Police: 911

Accounting Kathleen Benner Office: 570-843-7324 kathllv@ptd.net

Recreation Charles Simon Office: 570-843-7328 llvrec@ptd.net

Maintenance Andrew Trutone

PAGE 4 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2022

appropriate time to clean up your property and clean out your swales. Also, please remember that exterior modifications to your home and/or property do require the necessary permits prior to beginning the project. Therefore, make sure to contact the administration office before scheduling any work. In order to continue being included in the fun activity announcements and all other community updates, please make sure that if your contact information changes, the administration office is notified. The administration department is now fully staffed and are doing an exceptional job assisting the needs and concerns of the village.

We are looking for responsible candidates to join our recreation crew for the summer. Duties will include lifeguarding as well as assisting and running other recreation events. If you are interested, please contact Charles at llvrec@ptd.net or 570-843-7328 for more details. I look forward to seeing everyone out enjoying the warmer weather and at upcoming recreational events!

Feel free to contact me either via email at llvmgr@ptd.net or 570-843-7322.

LLV SECURITY

Rangers’ Corner Joe D’Alto, Security Chairman

Hello Spring!

Thankfully, we are nearing the end of a long hard winter. We had to deal with below freezing temperatures, ice, and snow storms. Sometimes we don’t realize the burden it puts on our ranger staff. In addition to their regular duties, they have to deal with fallen trees, downed power lines, icy road conditions, assisting residents who have fallen, cars sliding into snow banks, and blocking off roads that might be dangerous. Sometimes we take these actions for granted, but these are the things that make the village such a safe and wonderful place to reside. Now that the spring is nearing, they will be busy patrolling the lakes and assisting in the many activities the village provides. I would personally like to thank Regina and her staff for all the hard work they do day in and day out to keep our community safe. On the down side, the speeding, failure to stop at the stop signs, and reckless driving continue to be a problem. In the near future, we will be discussing adding electronic signage, reflective stop signs on Lake and Stag, and a few other things to increase safety. Our main concern is the safety of our residents and the many people who vacation here. We can all help by observing speed limits, full stop at stop signs, and being respectful to other drivers. Remember, after a tragedy happens, it’s too late! That being said, let’s all get ready for the spring and summer, and all the wonderful things the village and the Poconos have to offer!

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PAGE 5 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2022

To Advertise in Locust Lake Villager Call 845 856-1268

From the Roads Committee Chair by Stephen Pace, Road Committee Chair To the Residents of Locust Lake Village:

Hello again. Here is the latest update on roads. At our February meeting, we discussed the following issues; drainage plan, feedback on attendance of a drop-in session, getting bids, coating of Mountain View.

We are addressing our drainage issues in two ways: 1) as problems occur, we are remedying them. 2) We had an Engineering study performed in 2018. It evaluated existing drainage and proposed new drainage to help remove runoff waters from the community. The plan was accepted and was starting to be enacted. It was given a Project number, #2803. For some reason, it was never completed. At our committee meeting, it was reintroduced, discussed, and placed in the hands of our Maintenance department to complete. Our Maintenance Manager will evaluate all existing swales, pertaining to this project (#2803), and they will be cleaned/restored as necessary and then the new/proposed swales will be added. We had our Community Manager; Maintenance Manager and one other Maintenance person attend a virtual training presentation. This was a suggestion given to us by a Resident. The presentation was a virtual drop in given on 2/3/2022.

To Advertise in Locust Lake Villager Call 845-456-1268

We have received some pricing from contractors, but we need to follow our financial rules and also need more information from these contractors. Hopefully we are in time to get our targeted roads completed this summer. The March meeting was cancelled due to weather conditions.

PAGE 6 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2022

Locust Lake Village Ski Hill 2022 Reflections on Winter Weather is always a concern when planning recreation events as it is one of the largest variables that we cannot control. This winter was, unfortunately, a testament to that rule. Several of our events had to be canceled or rescheduled because of the ice or snow, however, that did not mean that we didn’t do anything over winter in the Village. Santa visited the Anglers’ traditional Christmas party to a capacity crowd at the Chalet, and then he made a second trip to our Village, stopping at our pavilion to bring out seasonal cheer. We had carolers out in our Village and we rang in the New Year with a party at the Chalet.

We had wings with the Eagles and their (shortlived) post season and hosted a Night at the Races where our villagers gathered at the Chalet to watch horse races and wager on the races for a prize. We even filled the Chalet with our family Bingo night.

We’ve had a few opportunities for our Villagers to showcase their talents with karaoke and Paint & Sips, and we’ve done our best to keep everyone fed with our Wednesday luncheons and monthly all-you-can-eat breakfasts. We also took advantage of the weather as the Anglers held their ice fishing clinic and contest, and Bob Gettis taught everyone about ice golf. However, none of this would have happened if not for the amazing volunteers that we have who are willing to give their time and energy to make the Village more enjoyable for all.

Spring Ahead! As the Village thaws, we look ahead to take advantage of the outdoors for many of our events and start to gear up for our busy, busy summer. However, our summer activities do not mean that we sit back and take it easy during spring. We are looking to bring out many of our “traditional” events, as well as looking to try out some new ones as well.

breakfasts, but also making them a little more special for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

It’s hard to believe the ski hill and I are so close in age, 70 years. As with all moving things, maintenance is critical. I have spent many hours walking Pines Lake (2 miles) almost daily, maintaining my health by regular doctor visits and routine tests. I even had a doctor very arrogantly 2021 Big Bass LakeViews ask why I was having a stressSpring test. By all accounts, I defied my age. I walked 2 miles around Pines Lake and the following day went to Camelback Ski Resort to teach skiing. After carrying about 20 pounds of equipment up the hill to the ski instructor room, I noticed I was short of breath, but otherwise felt fine and greeted old friends in the ski instructor room. It was 45 minutes later that I told them to call an ambulance, and couldn’t believe I was having a heart attack. Ultimately I’m the 6% that survived the “widow maker” but the heart damage has altered my life somewhat, the damage allows me to continue skiing, but double diamonds are no longer optional. My favorite place to ski is here in the village. It was disheartening when the “T” bar didn’t pass the last inspection after the corrections were made from the first inspection but the comparison to my body and all the maintenance performed over the years only shows how unpredictable life can be. I’m grateful to our maintenance staff and all the volunteers that came forward to correct the situation and look forward to next year. -Dee

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We will be hosting our Earth Day clean up, and looking to have a Kentucky Derby party, so get your best hat ready to show off. We will have an instructor come out to teach line dances before the evening turns into a line dance party. We are also ther SerGames planning a O Highland vices: Day for the SVillage eptic Dtoescompete ig n, in all manner and We are looking to continue our Inof stagames llation, tests. Summer be our Paint & Sips through the spring Remight pair, and busiest season, but that does and continue our monthly Ma tena nce a lot not mean thatin there isn’t PA #018328 NOF/PSMA 0505649438 to do in the spring!

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Don’t Hurt Them... They Have Babies That Need Them and Only Coming Closer to Residential Areas to Get Away From Coyotes. Are You Seeing Foxes Suddenly? This is Fox Pup Season!

People are seeing adult foxes near their homes and becoming alarmed. What they don’t realize is that foxes are coming in close to people to raise their families because coyotes are in the further out areas. If a coyote finds a fox den, it may dig up the den and kill all the young. Foxes know this so they choose what they believe to be the lesser of two evils and come in closer to humans and away from the coyotes to have their litters. Please be kind and “rent” out your space to momma fox. You will be glad you did.

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Foxes may have a den under your shed, porch, barn or in the back yard in a hill. The family will likely be moved in a few weeks to a new place. When the pups are older (July, August) they will start to be seen less and less. By September, the fox family will be gone, and everything will be back to normal. Red foxes will not live in a den year-round. They only den to raise their families. Out of a litter of 6, it is likely that only two or three foxes will live to see September.

People are often alarmed, thinking their family pets and children are being stalked or will be attacked. Not so. Foxes do not want to kill or eat your child, cat or dog. They eat primarily mice, rats, rabbits, and woodchucks. They may certainly watch your pets with concern, bark at them and may even chase your cat back into your yard or up a tree if it goes near the den. Of course, thankfully, many cat owners realize the many risks of allowing their cats to roam free, and that cats kill young wildlife, so hopefully, they keep their cats supervised when outdoors. Your 16-pound kitty will be able to hold his or her own against a fox, and in fact, foxes and cats often develop friendships and play. Remember, it is the nature, and the fox belongs there.

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Please allow the mother fox to raise her pups in peace. Do not hire someone to “relocate the family” this will not work! The most that will happen is that one or two pups will be caught (and surely killed by the hired person) and the mother will get scared and move her family. Most states have laws that state captured wildlife must be killed. Be patient, enjoy the fox family. it is a lot of fun to watch the pups scampering and tumbling with each other. In fact, it is a lot better entertainment than most TV shows on these days. Enjoy the breath of fresh air and the beauty in your back yard- it may be a once in a lifetime event for you. Many people are afraid they can’t let their animals out to go potty now. keep in mind that before you realize the family was there, you let your pets out and everything was OK.

Red foxes are Not nocturnal! Momma works very hard to feed her family. She will work all day and night catching rodents, snatching roadkill, and bringing it back to her growing babies. Foxes also eat a great deal of grasses and insects too. They are omnivores.

If you really can’t have a fox family in your yard, you may place an object such as a punch balloon, chair, or a bucket near the den, but not too close as to scare momma away from grabbing her pups and moving them away from the scary object. About 10 feet from the den should be enough to concern her. Think about this though, momma felt safe enough in your yard to have her pups there. Where else will she be able to move those pups where they will be safe? (Sharing from Wildlife Rehabilitation) PAGE 8 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2022

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Living with Pennsylvania Black Bears Pennsylvania’s bear population has been increasing for decades, and at the same time, many people have moved into the areas where bears reside. As a result, bears and people are coming into contact more than ever. Most of these encounters occur when bears learn that there is easy-to-obtain food where people live. Learning about bears and being aware of their habits is important for people who live in bear country, which includes most of the state.

The Bear Facts

Ursus americanus is the black bear›s scientific name; it means «American bear.» Although three species of bears inhabit North America, only the black bear is found in Pennsylvania. A population estimate in 2015 showed approximately 20,000 bears living in the commonwealth. Black bears appear heavy, but are surprisingly agile; they can run up to 35 miles per hour, climb trees and swim well. They may live up to 25 years in the wild.

Black bears are intelligent and curious. Studies show that bears can see colors, recognize human forms, and notice even the slightest movement. Bears usually rely on their acute sense of smell and, to a lesser degree, hearing, to locate food and danger. Despite their common name, black bears are not always black. They may be cinnamon or, even rarer, blond. Many bears have a white blaze or “V” on their chest. Adults usually weigh around 200 pounds, with males being heavier than females, often more than twice as much. Some weigh up to 600 or more pounds and rare individuals up to 900. Males are called boars; females, sows. Black bears measure about three feet high when on all fours or about five to seven feet tall when standing upright.

Bear Signs and Sounds

Black bear tracks are distinctive. The hind footprint resembles a human’s. Bears have five toes. The front foot is shorter than the rear, which is long and narrow. Claw marks may or may not be visible. Bears use trails, just like people do. Look for tracks in soft earth or around mud puddles, and for claw marks on smooth-bark trees or rotten logs that have been ripped apart for insects. It’s also easy to recognize a black bear’s sizeable droppings of partly digested berries, vegetation, corn or animal hair.

Adult black bears make a variety of sounds that include woofing, growling and jaw-popping. Sows communicate with their cubs by using low grunts or huffs. Cubs whimper, chuckle and bawl.

Bears and Winter

Bears are usually dormant in winter, remaining in their dens, which can be rock caverns; excavated holes beneath shrubs, trees or dead falls; in hollow trees; or nests built on the ground. A hibernating bear’s heart rate and breathing slow, and its body temperature drops slightly. During this time they do not eat, drink or pass body wastes. A hibernating bear relies on stored fat to make it through the winter, however, they may emerge if disturbed. PAGE 9 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2022

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Mating and Breeding In Pennsylvania, bears mate primarily from early June to mid-July. Males are very aggressive towards each other at this time. Sows give birth in January to litters of one to five. The newborn cubs are blind, toothless, and covered with short, fine hair that seems to inadequately cover their pink skin. Cubs begin nursing immediately after birth, and are groomed and cared for daily by the sow. Nurtured with the sow’s rich milk, they grow from as light as 10 ounces at birth to as much as 10 pounds by the time they leave the den in early April. Males do not help rear young.

Houses of Worship

Most cubs stay with the sow for a little more than a year. They watch her every move and learn by imitating her. Cubs are playful, regularly romping and wrestling with their littermates. The sows are very protective of cubs, sending them up trees if danger threatens. Adult males occasionally kill cubs. The family group disbands when the cubs are about a year and a half old and the sow is again ready to breed.

Feeding Habits

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Bears may be on the move at any time, but are most active at dusk and dawn. Bears are omnivorous, eating almost anything, from berries, corn, acorns, beechnuts and even grass, to table scraps, carrion, honey and insects. During late summer and fall, black bears fatten up for winter hibernation. At this time they may actively feed for up to 20 hours a day, ingesting up to 20,000 calories.

St. Maximillian Kolbe RC 570-646-6424 5112 Pocono Crest Rd., Pocono Pines, PA Stmaxkolbepoconos.org St. Mark RC Church 570-472-3061 1052 Bear Lake Rd, Thornhurst, PA Churchofstelizabethstmark.org Thornhurst United Methodist Church 570-842-1434 342 Old River Road, Thornhurst, PA Facebook: Thornhurst Umc Congregation B’nai Harim Reformed 570-355-5350 5349 Pocono Crest Blvd, Pocono Pines, PA Bnaiharimpoconos.org Community Bible Church of Pocono Lake 570-646-8995 899 Route 940, Pocono Lake, PA Poconolakechurch.org Faith Lutheran Church of Blakeslee 570-646-0309 Route 940 & Robyn Lane, Blakeslee, PA Email: faithlut@epix.net FB: Faith Lutheran Church, Blakeslee PA Mt. Pocono United Methodist Church 570-839-9902 12 Church St., Mt. Pocono, PA Email: mtpumc@ptd.net Sundays: 8:15am w/communion 9:30am contemporary 11am traditional Pocono Lake United Methodist Church 570-646-2650 1188 PA-940, Pocono Lake, PA Email: plpumc@epix.net Sundays 8:15am

Intentionally feeding bears is against the law in Pennsylvania. It is also against the law to put out any feed, for any wildlife, that is causing bears to congregate or habituate to an area.

If You Live In Bear Country

If you live in bear country, you may need to make some accommodations to coexist peacefully with these large animals. Make sure you don’t encourage bears to become problem bears by letting potential food sources attract them into residential areas.

Black bears will eat human food, garbage, bird feed, pet foods, fruits from trees or gardens, and livestock feed. They also raid cornfields and beehives. Once bears find easily accessible food sources, whether on a farm or in a housing development, they will keep coming back as long as food is available. With every returning trip they slowly lose their fear of people, which can lead to bolder attempts at accessing food, and as time spent near people increases, so does the risk of being struck by a vehicle or becoming a more serious nuisance. The best way to get rid of these unwanted visitors is to remove or secure food sources. A persistent bear may damage property, increase the risk of human injury, or become an unwanted visitor in other parts of the neighborhood. And, all too often, fed bears become dead bears.

Perhaps the best way to keep bears from being attracted to your home is to keep them from finding food there in the first place. Don’t put out your trash until the morning of collection day. Be sure garbage cans are cleaned regularly, with hot water and chlorine bleach. Clean the outdoor grill after every use, and properly dispose of grill grease. Don’t dump the grease out back. If you feed birds during summer (and if you’re living in bear country, you shouldn’t be), you may want to bring all bird feeders, including hummingbird feeders, in at night. Keep the area around your gardens and fruit trees clean, and avoid putting food scraps in compost piles. Store trash, bird seed and pet food inside a building, garage or secure shed, and keep the door closed. If you have pets, bring their food pans inside at night. Bears generally steer clear of chained or penned dogs. Unleashed dogs that approach bears, however, may be injured or killed. If you have a dog in bear country, don’t let it roam far from the house, leash it whenever you hike in the woods, and keep it in the house or in a kennel at night. It’s also a good practice in bear country to take a quick look outside before letting a dog out into the yard, especially at night. Beehives attract bears, especially right after the bruins come out of hibernation in the spring and during the peak honey production period of late summer and fall. Electric fences are the best way to protect bees, honey and equipment. Contact the appropriate Game Commission region office for information about fencing. Electric fencing can also be used to protect fruit trees and gardens. Black bears are also attracted to corn, especially in the milk stage. Bears can devastate cornfields. Contact the appropriate Game Commission region office if bears are causing extensive damage; game wardens may be able to help.

Placing food out for bears, even if intended for other wildlife, can be particularly troublesome. Because the food is predictably available, bears may visit the area more frequently, speeding up the habituation process. Bears that frequent these areas are often tempted by other food sources in the neighborhood, too, where they can become a significant nuisance. They may raid bird feeders, clean out dog dishes, kill domestic animals, or rifle through garbage containers. Moreover, feeding congregates bears, which significantly increases the risk of spreading disease since bear are otherwise mostly solitary animals. Mange, which is a debilitating condition of the skin and fur that can lead to death, is an example of a disease spread by close-animal contact at feeders. If you come across a bear on your property, there are two possible courses of action. The first is to make loud noises or shout at the bear from a distance – like you’d react to a dog getting into your trash. The second option is to leave the bear alone, and clean up the bear’s mess after it leaves. Follow PAGE 10 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2022

President’s Message

Do you have what it takes to be a BMLC Board Member? If you’re considering running for the BMLC Board of Directors, To Advertise take a few moments to ask yourself the following questions: 1. Do I have the time? in As a BMLC board member, you will need to devote at least several hours of your time each month to Association business. In Lake addition to regular board Locust meetings, you will need to be active in email discussions and occasional special meetings. During special projects, you may need to spend a little extra time on Villager Association business. Some board members may also spend a little more time than others if they work with a committee. Some committees include: Design Call Review, Finance, Safety, and Events just to name a few! You don’t have to participate in every committee, but should pick one that you want to be involved in. 845-456-1268

continued from BMLC page 10 by Steve Melnick, Board President

up by sure winter you eliminate bearthe in the firstcolors place. You may need to talk to With themaking long hard finallywhatever past us, itattracted is greatthe to see spring your neighbors, well. and freshly mulchedasand planted common areas throughout Blue Mountain bearsof areour regularly feeding at a site,work encourage yourcompleted neighborsand or community Lake.IfMost storm damage repair has been our 2018 to clean up and close the area. Capital projects have started. Our Management team has hard on Plan Feeding bears is against the been law. Itworking is also against theour lawCapital to put out anyprojects. feed, for any wildlife, that is causing bears to congregate habituate to an area.all had new roofs installed. The clubhouse, pump house andorpole barn buildings Other completed Capital Plan projects include the lake-side landscaping Camping and Hiking in Bear project, a new landscape design to the right of Country the guard booth (required due to black bears areof generally andfencing avoid contact important to remember stormAlthough damage), resurfacing Pool #1,shy new aroundwith the humans, Daffodilit’s Bathat bears must be respected for their size and strength. Do not deliberately approach a bear or sin and lighting upgrades to the club house, mail pod, gazebo and maintenance attempt to entice one closer. Keep your distance. Do everything you can to prevent close encounters buildings. and conflicts with bears. Giving a bear food will encourage it to approach other, unsuspecting people, Our recently established Amenity/Event Committee has been hard at work. which could then lead to an unpleasant or possibly dangerous encounter, and could lead to the bear Theyhaving are into the of reviewing the possibility of adding a community gym beprocess destroyed. 2. Can I make tough decisions when it’s required? to our amenities. The pool party last year was so well received, the BMLC will Keep your camp clean and odor free. Wipe tables and clean eating utensils thoroughly after Theevery primary role of the BMLC board is to protect, enhance and maintain the be throwing two pool parties this year. meal. Burn all grease off grills and camp stoves. Association. This doesn’t just mean approving the budget, but also developing A new event for 2018 will be “Music by the Lake.” This will be a four-event andexample, enforcing your food in safe or bear-proof places: in your car trunk or hard-sided camper, for or policies. Board members are required to step outside their immeseriesStore of live music at the Gazebo on select Saturday nights in June, July, August suspended from a tree branch. Never have food in your tent. diate circle of family and neighbors and make decisions based on the greater and September. Anyone interested in joining this committee should contact the good of the community. Not every member is going to like the decisions that the Dispose of They garbage Use the camp receptacles provided, help. or store trash in your vehicle. BMLC office. areproperly. always in need of new ideas andifvolunteer board makes. You may have to make some tough and unpopular decisions. But, Pack out your garbage if you must, but never leave your garbage behind. I look forward to a great summer season at Blue Mountain Lake! you and the rest of the board have the best interest of the entire community in If you hike atofdawn or dusk, or where hearing is impaired (roar of fast The strength our community comes from or ourvisibility membership. I encourage all moving water, mind when you vote on every issue. thick to vegetation), reduce your surprising bear by talking or making members get involved. Run forchances a Boardofseat, join a acommittee or bring sug- noise. 3. Can I do all this and have fun too? Leave home and or keep them on a leash. gestions todogs youratBoard management team. It isn’t all about policies and tough decisions. Our community is only as good Together, we will continue to enjoy living in one of the most desirable comWhat To Do If You Meet A Bear as we make it, and establishing and maintaining a sense of community is a part munities in the Poconos. a BMLC board member’s responsibilities. Planning and attending functions Bear attacks are extremely rare, especially considering how often people encounterofthem. In most cases, a bear will detect you first and leave the area long before you’ll ever such see it.as social events, the annual membership meeting, and having a presence in the community are as important as any policy decisions you make. However, if you do meet a bear before it’s had time to leave, here are some suggestions. Every bear encounter is different. Being a BMLC board member can be frustrating at times, but it may also be one ofitthe most rewarding ways you’ll find to volunteer your time. If you’re Alert the bear — If you see a bear, make some noise to alert the bear of your presence, giving interested ample time and space to turn and leave. Avoid being caught up in the excitement of seeing a bearin running for the board or would like more details about your board member’s responsibilities, please do not hesitate to contact your Community and inadvertently letting the bear get too close before surprising it. Manager or a current board member. Get back — If you have a close encounter, back away slowly while facing the bear so you always • Candidate Packets will be available at the Office, on our website, know where the bear is and how its reacting. Wild bears rarely attack people. Slowly backing away and via email (by request) starting August 15, 2018. diffuses the situation and gives the bear room to flee.

Annual Meeting: Saturday, November 10, 2018; 1:00pm Clubhouse Stay calm — encountering a bear can be startling, but try to remain calm. While moving•away, avoid sudden movements and talk to help the bear keep track of your retreat. Don’t turn and run or attempt to climb a tree. Running may prompt the bear to give chase, and climbing a tree could be interpreted as a threat to any cubs that are present since cubs often climb trees when startled. Move toward your camper, house or vehicle if nearby.

Pay attention — Bears will use all of their senses to figure out what you are.

If they recognize you as a person, some may stand upright or move closer in their efforts to detect odors in the air currents. Don’t consider this a sign of aggression. Once a bear identifies you, it will usually leave. If it begins to slowly approach you, face the bear, wave your arms wildly and shout while continuing to back away. The idea is to intimidate the bear into retreating. Swing a stick, your backpack or whatever is handy if the bear gets close. If suddenly surprised, some bears may feel threatened and give warning signs that they are uncomfortable. They may clack their jaws together or sway their head; those are signs for you to leave. Some bears have been known to charge to within a few feet when threatened. If this occurs, wave your arms wildly and shout at the bear.

Fight back — Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear attacks, fight back. Bears have been driven away when people have fought back with rocks, sticks, binoculars and even their bare hands.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is responsible for managing, conserving and protecting all wildlife, and is committed to doing everything possible to keep bear conflicts to a minimum. Regulating harvest to stabilize or reduce bear numbers in problem areas and prohibiting the feeding of bears are measures taken to help alleviate conflicts with bears. If you are having a problem with a bear and have no success using these suggestions, or have been threatened by a bear, please contact the appropriate Game Commission region office. PAGE 11 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2022

Local Wildlife To Advertise in Locust Lake Villager Call 845-456-1268 or email publications@nikijones.com

LLV human inhabitants share the Village with a wide array of wildlife. None of the animal species are naturally hostile to humans, but carelessness and lack of knowledge can result in unintended conflict. Except for songbirds, no animals should be fed. Even bird feeders can attract bears and must be carefully managed. Be a good neighbor and learn about our other Village inhabitants, below or go to the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Wildlife in Pennsylvania site.

BLACK BEAR

The only bear in Pennsylvania, the black bear, is not as aggressive as the brown (grizzly) bear of the west, but at up to 700 pounds, should be respected. Black bears are omnivorous and will patrol a large area to find enough nuts and plant matter, insects, small mammals, and carrion. Never leave anything edible, including trash, outside, on decks or in cars. Read more...

38 — Lake News, September 2019

Penguins Hockey begins 26th Season in Wilkes-Barre by Seth Isenberg When the leaves begin to turn, and football begins to dominate weekend sports, - it’s nearly hockey season again here in Northeast PA. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins renewed their lease at the Mohegan Sun Arena, so fans are lining up to purchase season tickets, or ticket package plans for some of the 38 home games here starting Saturday, October 12. This season’s schedule has most home games on Friday and Saturday nights, with seven Wednesdays, two Sundays and one Tuesday. As a bonus, there are also two pre-season games to attend, September 28 vs. Hershey at 7, and 29 vs. Lehigh Valley at 3:05. This season, the team will play two home and two away games versus the San Antonio Rampage and the Texas Stars, with the rest of the schedule primary against rivals in our own division.

New this year is head coach and WBS Penguins General Manager Mike Vellucci, who brings his winning ways here after winning the Calder Cup with Charlotte last season. There’s great expectations this year, with a top coach and a very strong lineup of talented young hockey players.

Pennsylvania Game Commission. Living with Pennsylvania Black Bears. https://www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/WildlifeSpecies/ BlackBear/Pages/LivingwithBlackBears.aspx Living with Pennsylvania Black Bears is a clear description of the signs and habits of Pennsylvania black bears and a guide for living and hiking in bear country.

• Short videos and longer webinars, reference and research are

available on the PGC Black Bear page. https://www.pgc.pa.gov/ Wildlife/WildlifeSpecies/BlackBear/Pages/default.aspx

• On The Trail of Pennsylvania Black Bears (1991) (1:41:48)

Feature length film with plenty of moms with cubs. A little dated. https://youtu.be/wY8LhHRsMr0

• Kilham, Benjamin. Out on a Limb: What Black Bears Have Taught Me About Intelligence and Intuition. Chelsea Green Publishing, White River Junction, VT. 2013.

WHITE-TAILED DEER

Kara Sincavage Owner & Realtor pocprop.com Land Sales • Vacation Rentals • Residential & Commerical buyinpoconos.com / sellinpoconos.com bacteriablockers.com / rentalsinpoconos.com

Kara Sincavage—570-807-4451

570-606-4111

526 Route 115, Blakeslee PA 18610 William Sincavage - Broker of Record 570-656-1099

The graceful four-legged animals hanging out at LLV eating your flowers are white-tailed deer. In our area their numbers are kept in check only by hunting and food availability. Only a few are taken by coyotes. The LLV Deer Management Program (DMAP) keeps their population down to a level that our vegetation can support. Before DMAP, the deer scoured the forest floor so thoroughly that all seedling trees would be eaten, preventing the natural replacement of fallen trees. Read more…

• White-tailed Deer – Hunting, diseases, management, and videos: https://www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/WildlifeSpecies/WhitetailedDeer/Pages/default.aspx

WILD TURKEY

Wild turkeys are the same species as the bird we eat on Thanksgiving. Read more…

• Pennsylvania Game Commission. Wild Turkey Wildlife Note.

https://www.pgc.pa.gov/Education/WildlifeNotesIndex/Pages/ WildTurkey.aspx

PAGE 12 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2022

Continued from page 1

Ice Golf 2022 - Chilling! Bob Gettis, Ice Golf Architect Mary Gettis logged in 98 golfers of all ages, ice golf experience and balance ability!

Steve Pace and Jim Thornton were on course Marshals and kept the play moving and more than 1 group played the course twice. One trooper gave his tee shot a little extra on #9 and did a tumble but was able to brush it off. Thankfully, no injuries reported. Tom Travia’s (a participant in the Ice Golf Inaugural) tee shot on number 7 was reported to travel just past the 7th pin and all the way to Ellis Island! Tom, time to switch to decaf! We reenacted a scene from Ancient Winter Golf again this year as pictured (right) and thank Andrew and the Maintenance Team for plowing the fairways and setting up the fire pit.

We really appreciate the turnout in what has become a tradition in Locust Lake Village. Next year will be our 10th Year and we are already planning for a challenging and fun day of Ice Golf. We’ll plan on seeing you there!

PAGE 13 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2022

Locust Lake Anglers Club The Kid’s Christmas Party was held on Saturday, December 11th from 11:00AM - 1:00PM at the LLV Chalet. There were 45 kids that attended the party and approximately 70 adults. There were arts and crafts tables with various Christmas themes set up to keep the kids busy before Santa’s arrival. Santa Claus was escorted to the Chalet by LLV Security. A line was formed and the kids one at a time received an early Christmas gift from Santa Claus and were able to have photos taken with him. There were light snacks and refreshments available for all of the kids. Special thanks to all of the volunteers for coordinating and executing the event which was a wonderful time for all off the kids: Paul & Lydia Lewis, Tom & Marcia Rezner, Dee Kasarda, Rita Videtto, Nancy Easterday, Pat Foley, Bill & Christen Eisemann, Mike & Sue Petro, and Tom & Anne Rafter. An Ice Fishing Clinic was held on Saturday, January 15th at East Lake from 12:00 - 2:00 PM. There were 14 people in attendance at the clinic. Discussions and demonstrations started in the East Lake parking lot. Ice fishing safety, ice thickness, tip ups, baits, jigging rods & reels, and lures were demonstrated. A few folks than ventured out onto the ice and demonstrated the ice augers and drilled a few sample holes for ice fishing. The clinic ended around 1:15PM due to the extremely cold weather conditions. An Ice Fishing Contest was held on Saturday, February 19th at East Lake from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. There were 49 people that registered for the contest along with 12 spectators. First place - Ryan Piotrowski with a .15 oz. chain pickerel / Second place - Keith Wolfinger with a .14 oz. rainbow trout / Third place Mike Fassano with a .12 oz. brook trout. The top three finishers won a prize. Please be mindful of the 4 trout daily limit within LLV during the regular season along with the catch and release of all largemouth bass and the enhanced panfish regulations within LLV. Thank you. Save the Date Kid’s Trout Fishing Contest scheduled for Saturday, May 28th from 9:00 11:00 AM at East Lake.

PAGE 14 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2022

SAY HELLO TO OUR NEW AGENT TO RE/MAX PROPERTY SPECIALISTS

Donna Slagle Cell: 570.831.5982

Bartholomew Fiore Cell: 570.460.8860

Kimberly Ball / The Jeff Rickert Team Cell: 570.350.9200

Jeremiah Noll Cell: 570.971.2509

Brittany Berkheimer Cell: 570.657.5323

Listed $345,000 Pending in 2 Days!

$345,000; 131 Wagner Way MLS #PM-92549

Listed $147,000 SOLD $165,000 5 DAYS

$165,000; 126 Black Oak Ter MLS #PM-82136

Listed $164,500 Pending in 6 Days!

$240,000; 1526 Lake Ln MLS #PM-89412

Listed $139,900 SOLD $145,000 14 DAYS

$145,000; 131 Tommys Ln MLS #PM-81017

Listed $299,000 SOLD $306,000 13 DAYS

$306,000; 272 White Pine Dr MLS $PM-80841

Listed $139,900 SOLD $145,000 5 DAYS

SOLD 5 Days $125,000; 205 Tommys Ln MLS #PM-81901

$425,000; 126 L C Larsen MLS #PM-93818

$135,000; 1751 Stag Run MLS #PM-71761

$145,000; 124 Beech Ln MLS #PM-80210

Listed $189,500 SOLD $195,000 6 DAYS

$250,000; 1164 Ranger Tl MLS #PM-89006

$195,000; 2523 Hawk View Ct MLS #PM-79895

$164,500; 105 Marthas Ln MLS #PM-93095

$14,900; 801 Elk Run Rd MLS #PM-83552 $15,900; 306 Tommy Ln MLS #PM-43633 $11,000; 420 Ridge Rd MLS #PM-83549 SOLD $10,200; 509 Ridge Rd MLS #PM-43628 SOLD $14,900; 1613 Stag Run MLS #PM-83550 SOLD $10,000; 112 Fawn Rd SOLD MLS #PM-43632 $14,900; 525 Beech Ln MLS #PM-83553 $14,900; 301 Laurel Hill Rd MLS #PM-83554 $30,000; 2009 Ridge Rd MLS #PM-87754 SOLD $21,900; 313 Selig Rd MLS #PM-88566

$149,000; 1376 Elk Run Rd MLS #PM-81917

As You Can See WE Are Low On Inventory Please Call If YOU are Looking To Sell! Heather Rickert Cell: 215.850.9640

Jeff Rickert Cell: 267.456.8844

"Our PASSION for Real Estate became our PROFESSION!" PAGE 15 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | SPRING 2022

Century 21 Select Group

wishes all of our Locust Lake Village neighbors a fun-packed

g n i r Sp

EXPERIENCE ANd RESuLTS CouNT List with the professionals who have been selling homes in Locust Lake Village since 1970!

5119 Pocono Crest Road Pocono Pines, PA 18350

Century 21 Select Group Pocono Lake Office We are happy, but sad as well, that Dorothy Gallagher has retired after 45 years serving Locust Lake Village.

Sales & Rentals Agents:

Jeff Kalinock and Evan Spiker

WEBSITE: www.c21poconolake.com EMAIL: info@c21poconolake.com

PhoNE:

570 646-8844

FAX:

570 646-9277

ToLL FREE:

1 800 588-2808