December 2014
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From Your Board of Directors
P E NNS Y LVANIA
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in this iss u e
by MIKE ELBERT
As I write this, the weather has turned colder and the snow has begun to fall for the first time this year. We have seen another year go by more quickly than we would like, but now we look forward to the joy of the holiday season with its numerous events. As with the previous eleven months, our recreation director Joe has a number of great events planned for the youth of the community. Also, Katrina and her staff are hard at work planning for the Holiday party and New Year’s Eve party, which are both usually very well attended. Please take the time to look into what is going on in the community regularly, we do not think you will be disappointed. If you do not get the regular email “blasts” from the administration office publicizing community happenings, please stop by the office to sign up.
Our Community
In addition to the events being planned, the restaurant will continue to be open Thursday through Sunday. The staff continues to do a great job of offering quality food and drink specials each week so I encourage you to check out either those or the regular thirsty Thursday buffet offerings. Also, as the C O N T I N U E D O N PAG E 2
Board of Directors
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Crime Watch Activity Report
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Thoughts from the Manager
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Women’s Club News
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In the Farms
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BOD Meeting Schedule
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Budget 2015 Proposed Budget
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Calendar of Events December Calendar
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Sports 2015 Golf Winners
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Round by Round
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Recreation Pocono Farms Recreation Photos
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SAVE THE DATE 12/6 – Holiday Party 12/12 – A Tour of Italy Buffet 12/14 – Brunch with Santa 12/31 – New Year’s Eve Party
POCONO FARMS COUNTRY CLUB FROM
182 Lake Road, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania 18466
SPECIAL DELIVERY
From Your Board of Directors CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
weather turns cold and we have a little more time on our hands, the fitness center is doing great things to help fight that winter weight we all seem to battle each year. There are a number of classes available, as well as weight and cardio equipment,
all for a reasonable fee. You will soon see the annual dues statement in the mail. It is through the support of the community, and the timely payment of the dues, that our community is able to maintain and improve all of the amenities and services which
are offered. Our goal each year does not change, we want to provide a family friendly and amenity filled atmosphere which is enjoyable to our membership and attractive to those looking to move to the area. This is only possible with the continued support of each of our community members. Lastly, I wanted to again make everyone aware that our real estate office is fully operational. At your disposal is an experienced real estate professional who will help push the sale of your property in Pocono Farms or assist someone you know in purchasing property within the community. Your board of directors wishes you a very happy holiday season, and a happy and prosperous 2015.
Crime Watch Activity Report BY ED AALBUE
182 Lake Road • Tobyhanna, PA 18466 www.poconofarms.com admin@poconofarms.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Neil Carlson, President Mike Elbert, Vice President Collette Houston-Ong, Treasurer Wayne Meyers, Secretary Director, Frank Milano Director, Brian Cavanaugh Director, Rich McCormick Director, Steve Bunker Director, Bill Weimer
DEPARTMENT HEADS General Manager 894-4435 ext. 100
Committee Liaison Assignments: A & B/Environmental Rich McCormick Communications Mike Elbert Crime Watch Bill Weimer Elections/Nominations Wayne Meyers Finance Collette Ong Fitness Frank Milano Golf Frank Milano Long Range Planning Steve Bunker Pool Brian Cavanaugh Recreation/Tennis Brian Cavanaugh
Greens Superintendent Adam Herman 894-4435 adamh@poconofarms.com
Ad-Hocs Insurance Frank Milano Community Garden Brian Cavanaugh Marketing Appointed as needed COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE (Liaison: Mike Elbert) Peg Scott Linda Becht John McDonnell Marianne Stephen
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David Timko dtimko@poconofarms.com
Accounting/Office Manager Lorraine Daviduk 894-4435 ext. 103 ldaviduk@poconofarms.com Golf Pro 894-4435 ext. 110
Kyle Monahan golfshop@poconofarms.com
Executive Chef 894-4435 ext. 130
Dan Meirless dmeirless@poconofarms.com
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
MAINTENANCE 894-4435 ext. 160 (voicemail only)
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As of this writing, winter is slowly approaching the Poconos. Some snow birds have already left and others are preparing to leave also. We wish them a safe trip and a great winter. During this past month 18 drivers patrolled the community for 114 hours. As we have done in the past, 5 members of the crime watch volunteered to patrol the community on Halloween Eve (aka mischief night ) This is the nineteenth year that we have volunteered to do this. I want to thank the following members: Maris Dean, Joe Desberg, Eric Goins, Russ Kelly and Ed Aalbue. All reported a quiet night. Seniors Center Charity Mail Scam Many seniors have been receiving a solicitation letter from a place called The Seniors Center, which asks people to send money to keep the center from closing. They use scare tactics and try to convince the receivers that it’s urgent that they send them a check or cash right away or their local senior center will close. This is not from a Pennsylvania senior center or any other senior center. If you get this letter, do not send money. Do not call or write them. Tear up the letter and throw it away. Remember: Only donate to charities you know and trust. Call your local Better Business Bureau or the PA State Attorney General’s office to find about the legitimacy of a specific charity organization. Don’t give out personal or financial informationincluding your credit card or bank account number, unless you know the charity is reputable.
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Thoughts from the Manager By Dave Timko
As the Holidays draw near, we still have a month of operations until we close the books on another year at Pocono Farms. December is always an exciting month for us as we gear up for the holiday parties we host for our members, guest, and children. There is a level of excitement and buzz around the Farms during this time, especially during the Brunch with Santa. Seeing the joy and enthusiasm in the kids’ expressions is priceless. From an operation standpoint, we get to close the books on one year and look forward to another with much anticipated optimism that each new year brings. The Board, Finance Committee, and Management have been working together for the past 2-1/2 months to put together a balanced budget for 2015. What really comes to light when developing our budget, or when we actually are within that budget year, is that we (PFCCA) do not have an expense problem, we have a revenue problem. This is specifically true as we continue to battle our bad debt, or those that do not pay their Association dues. Although the bad debt number is still higher than we would like, it has not increased as much as it has in the past. The indications seem to show that we “may” have reached the pinnacle. This would be great news for all of us. With each percent that the bad debt drops, would provide about $20,000.00 back into operations. At some point as the bad debt lessens, PFCCA would potentially have a surplus. This surplus could then be transferred into the replacement reserve account. That is what we are working
towards. We have been able to control some of the expenses the past few years, at least those we directly control such as some vendor contracts that are on renewing cycles. Others, such as utilities, insurances, taxes, and fuel, we cannot. Now that the PFCCA Realty office is fully functional, our focus will be to promote and market Pocono Farms to those that desire to live in an amenity filled community and will pay their share to maintain those amenities. Lex is the only person/agent working for us at the present time to keep our costs down. As she continues to build business, we may add more staff to accommodate the anticipated growing need. Within the next few months, we will be putting together our management summary and review of 2014. This will list our successes and challenges we faced in 2014. We will also list our goals for 2015. Each year presents the Board, committees, and management with various challenges that usually require lengthy conversations and dialogue with the end result being to do what is best for Pocono Farms. Some may not agree with everything that the Board and management does or how we manage, but what I feel we can all agree on, is that we want Pocono Farms to operate efficiently now, while still planning for the future. This requires some decisions that are not always popular ones, but in the best interest of the community in the long term.
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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Wishing everyone a safe and healthy holiday season, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Women’s Club News by pat torregrossa
The Pocono Farms Women’s Club met on November 12th at the Clubhouse for their monthly luncheon. Our Thanksgiving lunch consisted of a Roast Turkey dinner along with a choice of Philly Cheese Steak hoagie or Pasta Primavera. The Roast Turkey won the choice by the majority of members. The Holiday theme continued on the tables with fall centerpieces and fall leaves. Our hostesses were June Centoze and Frances Kelly. We are looking forward to a Ladies & Gents Night Out in January (more info to follow). Our Holiday Luncheon in December will be hosted by the current PF Women’s Club Board and feature hors d’oeuvres and punch, along with a Baked Ham or Chicken Francaise dinner. We will also have a Chinese Auction, please remember to bring a wrapped $10.00 gift if interested in participating. Our speaker for the November lunch was our Library Director, Ann Shincovich from the Pocono Mountain Public Library. She took us through a Power Point presentation from the Library in Mt. Pocono Municipal Building (1975) to the present new building located on Route 611 where the Coolbaugh Municipal Building is. It’s a great building with wonderful programs for young and old alike. Please call (570)894-8860 for more information. The Women’s Club will be meeting outside the clubhouse for January-March. Members are encouraged to bring a guest. January’s meeting will be at the Pourhouse in Mountainhome. If you want to join this fun group call (570)894-8752. WEAT H ERVA NE
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In the Farms 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 $200.00 Refuse Collection: Curbside pickup on household trash and recycling is done on Monday’s and Tuesday’s beginning at 6:00am by County Waste 570-382-3304. Please refer to the pickup list on our website www.poconofarms.com to determine your pickup day. Major holidays that will affect your collection day are: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. When those holidays fall on a Monday or Tuesday, garbage collection will shift by one day. County Waste will only pick up household trash and recycling. If you have any other items to discard, please call them at 570-382-3304 to set up arrangements. 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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Pocono Farms Events
2014/15 Board of directors meeting schedule
friday, Dec. 12th
a tour of italy buffet
all meeting times are 7pm unless otherwise noted
Friday, December 19 Friday, January 23 Friday, February 27 – work session Friday, March 27 Thursday, April 23 Thursday, May 21 Friday, June 26 Friday, July 17 Saturday, July 18 annual meeting at 10am
Adults: $20.95 Kids 12 & under: $10.95 PLUS TAX & GRATUITY Baby Field Greens Bruschetta • Antipasto Display Eggplant Rollatini • Chicken Saltimbocca Cheese Ravioli Alfredo Penne Pasta • Shrimp Scampi Bolognese Lasagna • Miniature Cannoli To make your reservation contact Katrina at 894-4435 x 132 or e-mail katrinaw@poconofarms.com Reservation/Cancellation Deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 10th
Thirsty Thursdays
SATURDAY, JA N. 17 TH
6:00—8:00pm
4pm - 9pm
CHILI & WING COOKOFF
Each Thursday we have a different beer special! Ask your bartender or server for details
December 4th Mexican Night $10
$5 IN ADVANCE $7 AT THE DOOR Includes chili & wing tasting and Live Entertainment by T-ZONE DUO Beginning at 5:30 PM
Build your own taco bar with soft or hard tacos, chicken, beef, refried beans served with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, black olives, yellow rice and a tossed salad.
December 11th Kielbasa $10
Beer, Wine & Drink Specials | Cash Bar CONTESTANTS: Those wishing to enter the Cook-off contest: sign up in the Administration Office no later than Thursday, Jan. 16th. There is no cost to enter. Don’t forget to name your chili & wing sauce. It will add to the tasting experience for the judges! Hottest & Best Overall prizes will be awarded! Joe is looking for FOUR judges. If you are interested contact Joe Sprovkin at 570-894-4435 x113 or recdir@poconofarms.com. If you would like to attend, advance sign-up with payment is required no later than Wednesday, Jan. 14th. Sign up in the Administration Office ONLY.
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Polish Kielbasa, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut and mixed vegetables with fresh baked bread and tossed salad.
December 18th Roasted Chicken $12
Slow herb roasted bone-in chicken served with roasted red potatoes and seasonal vegetables, fresh baked bread and cream of mushroom soup.
December 25th Merry Christmas! To reserve a table contact Katrina 570-894-4435, ext 132 - katrinaw@poconofarms.com
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Pocono Farms Events
Monday, Dec. 29th 1pm-3pm ScHOOL CLOSED Join us in the community room for fun and games: Wii • Crafts • Board Games Outdoor Activities (weather permitting) For more information call the Recreation Department at 894-4435 x113 or recdir@poconofarms.com
December Sun
Mon
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•Admin. Office CLOSED •Admin. Office CLOSED
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2015 Golf W inners
Round by Round BY KYLE MONAHAN
A note from the Pro Shop…. As I look outside and see the leaves falling down from the trees, and have the dreaded morning delays due to the brisk air, I am forced to accept the fact that that my first season at the Farms is coming to an end. I never would have imagined being so happy and looking so forward to coming to “work” each and every day. I feel so fortunate to have been given this opportunity and to meet all of you! I can honestly say that we had an incredible summer. For the most part, the weather cooperated, which allowed us to do what we do best… golf! I can only hope that you had as much fun participating in the events here at the Farms as I had in planning them! We certainly had some good laughs! When I took this job, I had heard wonderful things about the members, however, I never expected to meet the characters that I’ve met while here! I would like to personally thank each and every one of you that continues to support our club by playing in as many events as possible. It is with your support that I am able to continue to plan what I hope are fun and exciting events for all of you! With that being said, the 2015 season will be here before we know it! We have a great calendar of events coming up. We will have a few new tournaments added to our scorecard and fun events to help kick off some of the weekends. So, please make sure that you are registered to receive all emails regarding club activities, as well as, become a fan of the Pocono Farms Facebook page. If you don’t have access to either of these give us a call here at the Pro Shop and we will be happy to fill you in on upcoming events. If you are new to the Farms or if you did not participate in the events this summer, I would encourage you to give them a try next season. They are a blast to play in, you get to meet new friends, and if you obtain enough points, you can participate in our version of the Ryder Cup. Thank you members of Pocono Farms, and my hard working staff for a great season! I am looking very forward to the 2015 season and hope that you are too. With no hesitation, I am proud to call Pocono Farms home. Fondly, Your Friend and PGA Golf Professional, Kyle Monahan
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Ice Breaker Championship Flight 1st Place 63 John Hitchcock, Sharon Spear, Larry Reiner, Patrick Mitchell 2nd Place 64 Scott Denny, Michael Gaudette, Judy Miles, Don Cain 3rd Place 67 Rodger Spear, Greg Shields, Jodi Gaudette, Marilyn Fritz 1st Flight 1st Place 69 Frank Scheller, George Litz, Carolyn Debrincat, Clytie Miller 2nd Place 70 Jackie Bunker, Jim Ribardo, Rich Brescher, Fred Wright 3rd Place 71 Frank Milano, Jim Sturtevant, Karen Nissen, Janet Drygas 9- Hole Shoot Out Chris Masters Parent/Child Michael & Timmy Gaudette Member/Guest Over All Winner Orry Grassi – John Moody 1st Flight Winners Patrick Mitchell – Kevin Mitchell 2nd Flight Winners Rodger Spear – Bob Gealey 3rd Flight Winners Orry Grassi – John Moody 4th Flight Winners Jeff Bunker – Alex DelRosario 5th Flight Winners Jeff Jones – Jeff Jones Sr 6th Flight Winners Carol McDonnell – Larry Martin Handicap Tournament Kathy Rehill Member/Member Don Cain- Bob Granza Club Championship Championship Flight Don Cain 1st Flight Mark Zabrisky 2nd Flight Frank Milano 3rd Flight Fred Wright 4th Flight Ray Briggs Ladies Championship Flight A.J. Oravec Ladies 1st Flight Joann Shields Ladies 2nd Flight Karren Nissen Ladies 3rd Flight Barb bragger Luau 1st Steve Bunker, Mike Gaudette, Jodi Gaudette, Tim Gaudette 2nd Joe Iorio, John Iorio, Joe Iorio, Pop Iorio First Flight 1st Bobby Banks, Tom Banks, John Banks, Matt Banks 2nd John Snyder & Guests Second Flight 1st Ken Callahan, Pattie Butler, Marilyn Fritz, Tom Sirolly 2nd Michael DeBrincat, Renae, Kevin Norton, Nick Tanacredi Glow Ball Gary Mann, Laura Mann, Tim Holland, Laurie Holland Senior Championship Championship Flight Tim Holand 1st Flight Rich Bonk 2nd Flight Frank DeBrincat 3rd Flight Fred Wright 4th Flight Dennis Goc Ladies Championship Flight A.J. Oravec Ladies 1st Flight Carolyn DeBrincat Ryder Cup Red Team – Matt Monti, Tim Holland, Frank DeBrincat, Jackie Bunker, A.J. Oravec, Jim Ribardo, Greg Shields, Steve Bunker, Pattie Butler, Rich Brescher, Rodger Spear, Ed Ryan Fall Fling Championship Flight Dave Dottle – Cory Calvert 1st Flight Bill Rizzo – Greg Shields 2nd Flight Frank DeBrincat – Carolyn DeBrincat Most Honest Gayle Grassi – Margret Petrakis Turkey Bash Championship Flight Ray Briggs, Mark Pascoe, Joe Prutzman, Mike Zepatocki 1st Flight Bob McGuire, John Romeo, Chuck Boyle Jr., Chuck Boyle Sr. Most Honest Carol McDonnell, Marilyn Fritz, George Howard, Patter Tierny
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Recreation & Events BY joe sprovkin & marianne stephen
There was a good turnout for the Teen Haunted Hangout on Friday, October 24th. The gang enjoyed dancing, glow in the dark face painting and the costumes were quite unique. Oktoberfest participants also enjoyed horse drawn hay rides around the community.
Wanda the Wacky Witch was a hit at the Kids’ Halloween Party held on Sunday, October 26th.
Oktoberfest 2014 kicked off the fall season with pumpkin picking and carving.
The Pocono Farms Bowling League, held on Wednesday evenings at Summit Lanes, is now in full swing. Substitutes are always welcome. If interested, contact Joe Sprovkin at 570-894-4435 x 113.
Trunk-or-Treat held on October 30th brought the kid out in everyone. Zombies young and old came to share in the festivities!
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Wishing Everyone A Safe And Happy Holiday Season!
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