Pocono Farms Weathervane

April 2016

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in this iss u e

Our Community From Your Board of Directors 2 Thoughts from the Manager

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Women’s Club News

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In the Farms

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Recycling Schedule

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Calendar of Events Pocono Farms Events

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April Calendar

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Sports Round by Round

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Golf News: Tee Time

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Annual Pro Vi Program

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2016 Board of directors meeting schedule all meeting times are 7pm unless otherwise noted

Friday, April 22, 2016 Friday, May 20, 2016 Friday, June 17, 2016 Friday, July 15, 2016 Saturday, July 16, 2016 - 10am Annual Meeting

POCONO FARMS COUNTRY CLUB FROM

182 Lake Road, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania 18466

SPECIAL DELIVERY

From Your Board of Directors

by HARRY HAMILL

As I write this update on March 4th for the April Weathervane, our winter has not been that bad, yet after enjoying Pocono Farms for over 30 years, I know winter is not over as we have had April snowstorms in prior years.

Your management team and Board continue to prepare for our peak season, focused on our 4 strategic priorities:

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Neil Carlson, President Mike Elbert, Vice President Collette Houston-Ong, Treasurer Rich McCormick, Secretary Director, Brian Cavanaugh Director, Frank DeBrincat Director, Harry Hamill Director, Peter Volpe Director, Bill Weimer Committee Liaison Assignments: A & B/Environmental Rich McCormick Communications Mike Elbert Crime Watch Bill Weimer Elections/Nominations Rich McCormick Finance Collette Ong Fitness Mike Elbert Golf Frank DeBrincat Long Range Planning Harry Hamill Pool Bill Weimer Recreation/Tennis Brian Cavanaugh Ad-Hocs POS System Upgrade Community Garden Marketing New Member Welcoming Committee

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Increased participation by our residents, utilization of amenities and community events

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Aggressive collections of delinquent dues

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Staff development-provide the staff assistance in developing themselves and the community

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Better marketing-for the engagement of our present and future residents, and the market of lifestyle of Pocono Farms

As a “retired finance person”, I have to comment on the serious issue of our bad debt situation from our annual dues. The good news is that our bad debt exposure has decreased from (22.2%) in 2013, to (20.4%) in 2015. Still not acceptable, but an improvement. This improvement is a result of the efforts of your management team at the direction of the Board, and the influx of new families to Pocono Farms who are now members in good standing.

In 2014 and 2015 we have had (135) homes sold in Pocono Farms. This is almost 10% new homeowners to Pocono Farms. If you have new neighbors, please reach out to them, introduce yourself and make them feel welcomed here in Pocono Farms.

Mike Elbert Brian Cavanaugh Appointed as needed Frank DeBrincat and Mike Elbert

We all remember the first people that welcomed us to Pocono Farms and how that made us feel, let’s do the same for all our new neighbors. A Welcoming Committee of volunteers has been formed and is actively reaching out to our new members also.

DEPARTMENT HEADS General Manager 894-4435 ext. 100

David Timko dtimko@poconofarms.com

Accounting/Office Manager 894-4435 ext. 103

Lorraine Daviduk ldaviduk@poconofarms.com

Golf Pro 894-4435 ext. 110

Kyle Monahan golfshop@poconofarms.com

Greens Superintendent Adam Herman 894-4435 adamh@poconofarms.com

We have listened to your suggestions from last year’s Annual Meeting and have been diligently preparing alternatives for your voting consideration. I remember a few people indicating, “if the Board wants to recommend a dues increase, give us something in return”.

We hear you. We are working on the concepts, developing the supporting financial analysis, vetting the pros and cons of any proposal. Any voting issue proposals will be presented at upcoming coffee updates and, of course, the voting matter information will be sent to all members well in advance of the Annual Meeting for your consideration.

Some of the suggestions from the Annual Meeting do not require a general membership vote and we are Chef pfchef@poconofarms.com 894-4435 ext. 130 also working on policy changes using the same process previously described for a voting issue-- concept, Food & Beverage Director 894-4435 ext. 132

Katrina Weithman katrinaw@poconofarms.com

Activities Director 894-4435 ext. 113

Joe Sprovkin recdir@poconofarms.com

Director of Security 894-4435 ext. 105

Artie Furman afurman@poconofarms.com

Building Coordinator & Compliance Director 894-4435 ext. 104

Richard Savage rsavage@poconofarms.com

development of rationale and vetting.

Value for our Annual Membership dues was a clear message to the Board; we are working on this concern.

Hopefully our spring will arrive early; I am looking forward to leaves on the trees, flowers in bloom in front of the Clubhouse and the laughter of children echoing from the pool and beach.

MAINTENANCE 894-4435 ext. 160 (voicemail only) POCONO FARMS REALTY - Lex Colon 894-0300 lex.colon.realtor@gmail.com

182 Lake Road • Tobyhanna, PA 18466 www.poconofarms.com admin@poconofarms.com

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Thoughts from the Manager

By Dave Timko

Now that winter is behind us, (hopefully), we look forward to Spring and all that comes with gearing up for our busy season. After a milder than normal winter, we are focusing our efforts on getting outdoor amenities open.

One of the amenities is the golf course. As I write this article (3/5/16), we anticipate having the course opened by the end of the month – Saturday 3/19. This would be about a month earlier than normal. Getting the course open sets the tone for the entire summer season. It allows us to start to generate operating income earlier than budgeted.

There is other ancillary revenue that comes from opening the golf course. The Clubhouse and Halfway house operations also benefit from the course opening.

If the weather stays warmer, and as time permits, the maintenance staff will then start to get the other amenities cleaned up in preparation for the summer season. They include: the bocce court, sand volleyball, shuffleboard, the tennis courts, and the children’s playground near the lake. As a reminder, if you want to fish in the lake, a valid PA fishing license is required for those ages 16 and up along with a current year PFCCA amenity

sticker. Your dues pays for the treatment of the lake and the stocking of the fish we put in the lake every year. Also, as there are trout in the lake, a valid trout stamp is required. The fishing license and trout stamp can be purchased at the sporting goods section at Walmart. The outdoor pool will be on schedule to open for Memorial Weekend.

On paper, we will have a longer than normal outdoor pool season as there were very few snow days this year which means the schools will release in early June.

As a reminder, once your dues are paid in full, please remember to stop by the Administration office to have your ID’s updated with the current year sticker. As the weather gets warmer and more members are out and about, you will be asked by our Public Safety patrol to show your ID while you are using the amenities. This is done not to harass you, but to ensure that you, as the member of Pocono Farms that pays to maintain these amenities, are actually the ones using them. Your amenities and facilities are not open to the public.

Please view our website and Weathervane to stay updated on all of the events and programs being offered at Pocono Farms by our Recreation/ Activities department. Hope to see you soon!!

The official publication of the Pocono Farms Country Club AssocIation, Inc. PUBLISHED BY NIKI JONES AGENCY, INC.

39 Front Street Port Jervis, New York 12771 P: 845.856.1266 E: info@nikijones.com Articles appearing in The Weathervane are presented as a community service. They do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher or of the Pocono Farms Country Club Association, Inc. The publisher and the PFCCA disclaim any liability for any advertisements published herein, in no way endorse or guarantee these ads and reserve the right to reject any ads submitted. Position of advertising in the newspaper is not guaranteed.

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Women’s Club News

In the Farms

To the women of Pocono Farms, please join us for great conversation, community and information. Our luncheons at the Pocono Farms Clubhouse start back in April 2016. We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at noon. We enjoy a three course meal with beverages, tax and tip for $17.00. Our membership is $15.00. Also we try to have a speaker each month and for April it is a Representative from St. Luke’s Hospital in Bartonsville.

PFCCA Office Hours Monday - Saturday 8:30am - 12:30pm & 1:00pm - 4:30pm

ID Badge Picture Hours:

8:30am - 12:00pm & 1:00pm - 4:00pm Capital Improvement Fees on transfer of property: House: $1,252 Lot: $626 Building Regulations: Permits are required from the township and from PFCCA. Please check with the office (894-4435) as to your specific needs.

• Building permit required from respective township and PFCCA before construction begins • Construction permitted from 7am - 7pm Monday- Saturday – excluding major holidays • Resale certificates are required. Fee is $250.00.

Resale and other related documents can be obtained at www.homewisedocs.com Refuse Collection: Curbside pick-up on household trash and recycling is done on Mondays and Tuesdays beginning at 6:00am by County Waste 570382-3304. Please refer to the pickup list on our website www.poconofarms.com to determine your pickup day. County Waste will only pick up household trash and accepted recycling. If you have any other items to discard, please call them at 570-382-3304 to set up arrangements.

Major Holidays that will affect your collection days are: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Christmas. When those holidays fall on a Monday or Tuesday, garbage collection will shift by one day.

Animals: Dogs must be leashed or on owner’s property at all times. Wildlife, such as deer and black bear, are common at Pocono Farms. We ask that you NOT FEED any wild animals.

Emergencies: For ALL emergencies including medical or fire please contact 911 first, then contact Public Safety at 570-894-4435 x105.

Weathervane DEADLINE NOTICE In order to produce a better newspaper for the Community, a Weathervane submission deadline has been established. All articles, announcements, classified ads, etc. must be submitted to the Newsletter Coordinator on or before the 5th of each month for publication in the next issue of The Weathervane.

Submissions made after this date will not be considered until the following month.

Your cooperation is appreciated.

Publication of articles is subject to the approval of the Communication Committee.

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TO ADVERTISE CALL 845-754-2356

Coolbaugh Tow nship

Recycling Center Schedule

The Coolbaugh Township Drop Off and Recycling Site will be open on the following days in 2016 from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Site is closed from noon - 12:30 pm for lunch.

Friday, April 1st Saturday, April 2nd Friday, June 3rd Saturday, June 4th Friday, August 5th Saturday, August 6th Friday, October 7th Saturday, October 8th Recycling cards for Township resident may be picked up at the Municipal Office, 5520 Municipal Drive, Tobyhanna, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

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Pocono Farms Events

Thirsty Thursdays

6:00—8:00pm

Each Thursday we have a different beer special!

Ask your bartender or server for details

APRIL 7th Lasagna $9.95

Variety of beef and vegetable served with Caesar salad, garlic bread and Pasta Fagioli soup.

APRIL 14th Roasted Lemon & Onion Chicken $10.95

Served with mashed sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, house salad and rolls.

APRIL 21st Roast Pork Loin with Espagnole Sauce $10.95

With southern style macaroni & cheese, roasted brussel sprouts, Caesar salad, house salad and rolls.

APRIL 28th Carved Top Round $12.95

With demi-glaze, roasted red potatoes, mixed vegetables, house salad and rolls.

To reserve a table contact Katrina 570-894-4435, ext 132 katrinaw@poconofarms.com

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Contact Dennis Mooney VP Company Recruiter dmooney@wilkins1.com www.BHGwilkins.com Positions open all offices

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Pocono Farms Events

Save the date: • 4/6 Mohegan Sun Bus Trip • 4/16 Medieval Times Bus Trip • 4/23 Community Clean up • 5/5 Cinco de Mayo • 5/7 Kentucky Derby

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• 5/8 Mother’s day Buffet

• 5/27 Memorial Day Festivities

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        

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GOLF NEWS: Tee Time!

Round by Round

BY TIM HOLLAND

Each year, the Golf Scholarship fund is supported through various golf outings held @ Pocono Farms during the year.

The largest contributor is the Denny Pig Roast held in September.

The Fund was set up years ago to help deserving high school seniors off-set some of the costs associated with their first year of college. Since its inception, over 30 students have seen some type of award through this scholarship program.

Each year the number of applicants varies. We have seen as few as 3 to as many as 10 apply in any one year. And just to be clear, just because it is called the Golf Scholarship, does not mean it is exclusively for golfers’ children or relatives of our golfing members. It is an award given by the golf community in recognition of a high school senior’s academic performance, school activities, and community activities. Many nongolf affiliated students have won over the years.

by ANDREA (A.J.) ORAVEC

As I sat to write this article, I peered out the window to see a snow covered fairway. Even though the temperature was 10 degrees, I reminded myself that spring is around the corner. Soon, the fairways will be visited by our enthusiastic members and their guests. Our golf leagues will begin their new season of fun and competitive play.

For the 2016 season, the Pocono Farms Ladies Golf League will begin play on Tuesday, May 3rd at 10:30am. This 9 and 18 hole Tuesday League schedule is complete with many exciting and fun filled events such as our “opening scramble and luncheon” which is scheduled for May 31st. The League is scheduled to host the Northeast Pennsylvania Women’s Golf Association ABCD Tournament on June 14th. Our Solheim Cup is appropriately set for the holiday spirited July 5th. Moreover the league also raises money by participating in the “Play For Pink” charitable tournament. This worthwhile benefit is open to both men and women and is scheduled for July 12th.

In addition to the Tuesday 9 and 18 hole League, the women of Pocono Farms can join the Thursday afternoon 9 hole League. This fun filled League was started several years ago. The 5 o’clock tee time provides a great opportunity for working women to come out to play with a fun loving group of women.

Lastly, it is important to note, membership in either of these Pocono Farms Ladies Golf Leagues entitles the member to play in all of the Northeast Pennsylvania Women’s Golf Association’s open days and tournaments which are held at some of the area’s finest Golf Clubs. If you would like more information about the leagues, the NEPWGA, or are interested in becoming a member of the Pocono Farms Ladies League, please pick up an application at the Golf Shop or Administration office.

One of the most rewarding experiences is to sit through the interview process with the scholarship candidates. Each applicant is given a 15 minute interview to informally sit with the President of the Association, the Chairman of the golf committee, and a non-golfing member of the community. During this 15 minutes, the applicants are given a series of questions to answer and to just have a conversation with the interviewers to get to know the students a little better.

There are (2) $1,500.00 awards given each year. After sitting through the interview process, it is very difficult to choose a winner. One thing that is confirmed through the process is that we do have a group of talented young adults in our community.

I would like to wish those that have applied this year good luck during the process and the best of luck in your future endeavors.

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Fitness Tips

By Caty Davalos, Fitness Director

Annual Pro V1 Loyalty Promotion

by KYLE MONAHAN, PGA HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL POCONO FARMS COUNTRY CLUB

Dear Members: Titleist has announced their Annual Pro V1 Loyalty Promotion for 2016. This is perfect timing as spring is right around the corner and our course will be open before you know it. It's a great time for you to stock up with Pro V's at the

BEST PRICE OF THE SEASON!

The golf balls are reduced from the normal retail of $62 per dozen to $50 per dozen. Four dozen for $150 brings the cost down to below the golf shop cost. The Titleist Loyalty Program ends Sunday, April 17th. Each year there are many of you that miss this great buy and once it's gone, it's gone until next year.

Without question the BEST BUY OF THE YEAR FOR TITLEIST PRO-V1 GOLF BALLS. Thank you all for your continued support in the Pro Shop.

Option #1: Play Numbers available: Low (1-4), High (5-8)

The snow is pretty much melted, the sun is shining more, and the weather is getting warmer…spring is in the air! For those of you who may be panicking that you slacked on those New Year’s Resolutions…STOP! It’s not too late to reconnect with your resolutions and put the pedal to the metal with your fitness goals. The keyword there is “goals”, so take a few minutes today and start writing them down. First, pick a timeframe and an end goal.

Make sure it is realistic and attainable, and it doesn’t have to be a weight goal. For example your goal can be to fit into your favorite pants again or to increase your overall health. Second, set smaller goals that can be weekly or monthly.

For example, I want to make it to the gym twice this week, then three times the following week, etc. Lastly, you can’t have goals without rewards. To me the reward is more important than the goal itself because it motivates you to accomplish the goal and it gives you discipline.

Your reward should be a treat that you normally wouldn’t do and that you won’t do without completing your goal. For example, your goal was to go to the gym 20 times that month and congratulations you did it, so now treat yourself to your favorite ice cream sundae, a mani-pedi, or a large extra cheese pizza pie! Make sure to save your biggest reward for when you reach your end goal, in which I personally think you deserve a vacation!

To help encourage you to reconnect with your fitness and overall health goals I will be doing a “Spring into a New and Healthier YOU” special.

So come in, sign up, and get going!

Option #2: Double Digit Play Number (00, 1 - 99). Please note there is a small upcharge for double digit #'s.

ALL golf balls must be personalized (name, initials, nickname, company, etc..). This offer does not apply to logo orders. Personalization only. Orders should be sent directly to Kyle Monahan at the golf shop using the email golfshop@poconofarms.com or calling the golf shop directly at 570-894-4435 EX 111.

When you order I will need to know the following: •

Your name.

•

Your personalization to imprint on the golf balls. (Name, Initials, etc. Up to 3 lines of 17 characters per line including spaces.)

•

Ball Type: Pro V1 or Pro V1x.

•

Color Ink to Imprint: Black, Blue, Pink, Green or Red.

•

Quantity: ? + 1 free dozen.

•

Standard Play Numbers: 1 to 4 or 5 to 8.

•

Or: All the same number. (1 to 9)

•

Or: Double Digit Play #: 00 to 99 (upcharge applies) WEAT H ERVA NE

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