Pocono Farms Weathervane

February 2017

182

LA KE

R OAD

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TOBY H AN NA,

Valentine’s

Prime Rib Dinner Special Saturday, February 11th Taking Reservations from 5pm-9pm Entertainment Information to follow Appetizers Shrimp cocktail with zesty citrus cocktail sauce $9.95 Dozen steamed clams in garlic and herb broth $8.95 Loaded baked potato skins with cheddar cheese & bacon and a side of sour cream $7.95 Dinner begins with your choice of tomato basil bisque or mixed green salad Choose your dinner entree $21.95

P E NNS Y LVANIA

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IN THIS ISSUE O U R COMM U NIT Y Thoughts from the Manager

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From Your Board of Directors 3 Crime Watch

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In the Farms

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Recreation News

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Calling All Residents...

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Public Safety

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Ideas Wanted

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CA LENDA R OF E V ENTS BOD Meeting Schedule

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February Calendar

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SPORTS Fit Tips

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12 oz. Prime rib of beef au jus One pound of snow crab legs with drawn butter Herb roasted half chicken with pan au jus All entrees include mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables Finish your meal with a tray of cupid’s treats to include chocolate covered strawberries, cannoli and more!

Contact Katrina 570.894.4435 x 132 or katrinaw@poconofarms.com Reservations Required by 2/7/17 All prices are subject to tax and gratuity

SAVE THE DATE Seafood Buffet Friday, February 3rd

Super Bowl Festivities Sunday, February 5th

Valentine’s Day Prime Rib Dinner Saturday, February 11th

Mardi Gras Family POCONO FARMS COUNTRY CLUB

Celebration Saturday, February 18th

FROM

182 Lake Road, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania 18466

SPECIAL DELIVERY

Thoughts from the Manager

BY DAVE TIMKO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Director Director Director Director Director

As each year comes to a close and we start a new year, it is normal to reflect on where we have been, what we have accomplished, and look forward to what’s ahead. What is sometimes forgotten is where we may have fallen short. This is probably the one item we should spend more time on. It is easier to bask in the glory of success than it is to acknowledge your shortfalls. The one area that I feel that we have fallen short this past year is communication. We talk a lot about it, but somehow we were distracted and I feel we can and should get better with communicating with the residents/membership.

Neil Carlson Harry Hamill Collette Houston-Ong Rick McCormick Brian Cavanaugh Frank DeBrincat Frank Milano Peter Volpe Steve Bunker

COMMITTEE LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS: A & B/Environmental Rich McCormick Communications Steve Bunker Crime Watch Peter Volpe Elections/Nominations Rich McCormick Finance Collette Ong Fitness Frank Milano Golf Harry Hamill Long Range Planning Frank DeBrincat Pool Peter Volpe Recreation/Tennis Brian Cavanaugh AD-HOCS Community Garden New Member Welcoming Committee

Brian Cavanaugh Steve Bunker

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

The consensus from the membership at Pocono Farms is that they would like more communication. That being said, in an effort to communicate more with our membership, the Board and Management are planning to mail the Weathervane to all members in good standing, with a scheduled start in late spring (April/May). Although the Weathervane has been historically more of an event and activity publication, our efforts will be to add a little more content from a Board and Management perspective. This will provide the membership a little more transparency from the Board and Management. (As a note, please make sure that the Administration office has your correct mailing address).

I believe that once we get into the flow of the three items above, it will set the groundwork for a lot more communication and a lot more inclusion for all.

There are still some openings on a few committees that are critical in supporting the community and the Board of Directors. It does not take much time, usually an hour a month.

If you have an interest in giving a little back to your community, we could use your talents.

Stop by the Administration office to pick up an application. Or stop by my office and I can guide you to a committee that may suit you the best.

Here’s to a prosperous 2017!!

TO ADVERTISE CALL OR EMAIL POCONOFARMS@NIKIJONES.COM

Within the Weathervane, we will have a standing article labeled “Dues at Work” along with a section for idea@poconofarms.com. The dues Greens Superintendent Adam Herman at work section will feature information on how 894-4435 adamh@poconofarms.com your dues are spent. As an example, it might Chef pfchef@poconofarms.com feature a purchase of a new plow truck, or a 894-4435 ext. 130 road paving project within the community. The Food & Beverage Director Katrina Weithman idea@poconofarms.com is a means by which the 894-4435 ext. 132 katrinaw@poconofarms.com community members may communicate with the Activities Director Joe Sprovkin Board. Although the explanation may not always 894-4435 ext. 113 recdir@poconofarms.com be what you would like to hear, a board member Director of Security Artie Furman will be assigned to answer your questions or 894-4435 ext. 105 afurman@poconofarms.com respond to your comment. Some of these we Building Coordinator will reproduce in the Weathervane as others may & Compliance Director have the same idea or comment.

894-4435 ext. 104 Golf Pro 894-4435 ext. 110

Kyle Monahan golfshop@poconofarms.com

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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In addition, we would like to host more Community Updates and Coffee Breaks. These are just informal gatherings where the dialogue is open and the members get a chance to meet some of the staff or hear the latest update as to what projects may be going on, how the property is performing, and things to look forward to. Please keep a look out for the future announcements of these updates and gatherings.

WEAT HERVA NE

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845-754-2356

2017

From Your Board of Directors

BY HARRY HAMILL

The Board hopes that your holiday season was enjoyable and filled with great memories.

As I write this article the first week of January 2017, I just wanted to reflect briefly on the 2016 accomplishments and disappointments, and briefly outline what the Board will be working on in 2017.

While our overall operations improved financially in 2016 due to tight expense control, revenue generation will be the focus of the management team again in 2017.

We engaged a nationally recognized community management company in 2016 to bring best in class operating methods, back office systems, personnel practices and fresh ideas to Pocono Farms. The results of this effort were disappointing, and as a result we mutually agreed to terminate this engagement at the end of 2016.

There were no on-site management changes as a result of this contract termination. In 2017, our on-site management will still seek out best in class practices and ideas using their industry contacts and professional community management association memberships.

We received feedback in 2016 that the Weathervane was not reaching all our members only being available on-line and on-site in our community buildings. Therefore, the Board has authorized management to reinstate mailing the Weathervane to our community members in 2017.

(Mailings had been stopped in prior year’s to reduce costs) A key source of information, feedback and great ideas comes from our members. Many of our standing committees including Finance, Fitness, Long-Range Planning, and Election/ Nominations, do not have enough volunteers to even form a committee. As 2017 begins, please reconsider joining a committee this month. We need your input and ideas. Committees normally meet once per month for an hour or two, and the meetings can be telephonic, as new conference

call equipment has been obtained. The Board had passed a motion for the committees to have their meetings on Fridays to Sundays in an effort to give our working parents and weekend residents the ability to volunteer their time and talents.

We have seen many of our new members at the community events and activities. In 2016, there were 121 re-sale certificates issued by the office which is the second year in a row with over 100 certificates being issued. This trend line is likely to continue in 2017. If you have new neighbors, please introduce yourself and invite them to the Clubhouse with you for an event. The Welcoming Committee is doing a great job of reaching out to folks, but your efforts are needed in 2017 to make our new members welcome.

The Board is still focused on the following near-term areas and will spend time in 2017 reviewing a longer term strategy to be prepared by management on the direction of Pocono Farms and the opportunities and challenges to attain this Strategy.

• Increased participation by our residents, utilization of amenities and community events (Newer events such as the Winery Tour and Murder Mystery were sold out, while other events had room to accommodate more participation.

Management will be working on new activities and events in 2017 to increase member interest and participation) • Aggressive collections of delinquent dues (2016 showed additional improvement in collections of delinquent dues through the efforts of our management team and the additional sale of homes, some of which were delinquent) • Staff development to provide the staff assistance in developing themselves and the community (management and staff will identify and attend professional seminars and meetings in 2017 to obtain creative new ideas to improve our community)

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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.

• Better marketing-for the engagement of our present and future residents, and to market the lifestyle at Pocono Farms (management is developing a longer term focused strategy, which will include a marketing plan for Pocono Farms, in 2017. Outside consultants might be engaged to facilitate the development of this strategy, with input being sought from the community as this project moves forward.)

Just a parting thought as winter really starts to set in. With some of our residents away for the winter, and our weekend residents not being able to make it up every week due to weather conditions, keep an eye out for anything that just doesn’t look right.

If you see something, please report it.

Have a great winter, stay warm and safe, Harry

2017

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Crime Watch Activity Report

IN THE FARMS

BY RUSS KELLY

The holidays are behind us and hopefully all good memories remain.

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

The volunteers were out there in November and early December even though most were busy with Thanksgiving and preparing for Christmas. They patrolled 84 hours in spite of the busy season.

Capital Improvement Fees on transfer of property: House: $1,302 Lot: $651 BUILDING REGULATIONS: Permits are required from the township and from PFCCA. Please check with the office (570-894-4435) as to your specific needs.

A recent e-mail from one of the volunteers spoke of a scam from someone posing as an AT&T representative saying they were doing a line check. They would ask you to hit 9-0-# so they could complete the check. It turns out by hitting this combination you would be opening your line for anyone’s use. The sender said both GTE and Verizon confirmed action. So keep on your toes, they’re always out there trying.

• 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 $300.00.

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 570-382-3304. 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 570382-3304 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 570894-4435 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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If you’ve been reading the paper and keeping up with the news, there was a constant theme about all of the ways to detect the various scams that pop up during the Christmas season. For those of you that are out of the house working every day, it must be worrisome, if you’ve done a lot of on line shopping and are expecting packages to be delivered while you’re not home. It seems every few days you hear about packages being taken off someone’s porch.

Got a few empty hours a month? Give Ed Aalbue a call at 570-894-8071 or Russ Kelly at 570-894-4034.

Recreation News

BY J. SPROVKIN, RECREATION DIRECTOR

Happy New Year!

The end of year festivities were a huge success during the holiday season. We started December with a fun day of making ornaments, decorating, and lighting the tree outside the Clubhouse Grill Room. Santa Brunch, as always, was a lot of fun with a good showing and some new faces!

Our 12 week bowling league was a lot of fun this year and is about to wrap up in a couple weeks.

I am looking forward for the upcoming 12 week dart season that begins January 15th and goes to April 2nd. The Holiday and New Year’s Eve parties were well attended with a lot of great food and entertainment.

The most successful event for December was the Ugly Sweater Trivia Night. We had a full house with 22 teams in attendance!

If anyone is interested in joining the Pocono Farms adult softball team, please email me. We are still working on the details but our goal is to play 2-3 times this summer on Sundays against other comparable teams.

Thank you to everyone for your continuous support! I hope everyone has a great 2017! If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to call or email me.

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2017

Calling All Residents Interested in Serving on the PFCCA Board of Directors!

Did You Know?

• The PFCCA Board of Directors is made up of nine (9) PFCCA members

• Each year three (3) seats expire leaving openings for new members to run for and fill

• After the expiration of a director’s first three (3) year term, he/she may seek a second term

through the normal election process.

• All directors may not succeed themselves at the expiration of two (2) consecutive elected terms.

All interested parties should read and fill out the below Board of Director’s Candidate Application and return it to the Administration Office no later than April 14, 2017 (or postmarked no later than April 13, 2017). Applications can also be obtained in the Administration office or can be filled out online at http:// www.poconofarms.com/ under e-forms. (You must log in first to access the e-forms). All accepted candidate profiles along with a picture will be published in the May, June and July issues of the Weathervane and will be posted on the website.

This year’s Annual Meeting will take place on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 10:00 am.

Public Safety

BY A. FURMAN

I recently had someone ask me about the use of snow blowers here in the Farms.

They were under the assumption that gas operated snow blowers were not permitted, only electric ones. I asked why they would think that and the answer was their neighbor had told them so.

So this article is to set the record straight with everyone. ANY type of normal snow removal apparatus is allowed: shovel, ice chopper, snow blower, plow; just about anything short of a flame thrower can be used.

The resident was under the assumption that because of the noise, they would get a fine from the Farms. Nothing could be further from the truth. People have to be understanding with one another. While I understand that on a day off a neighbor may want to sleep late, but here in the Poconos we get snow. Sometimes we get a lot of it. People still need to go to work. People with kidney ailments have to have dialysis, and some still need blood transfusions, and others need chemo treatments. These things far outweigh those of us who want to catch an extra hour or two of sleep. I understand that sometimes we are all inconvenienced, but as I said before, we all need to be a little more understanding.

If you have any questions about any rule or regulation here in Pocono Farms, please ask me. I am only a phone call away, or feel free to stop by and see me in person. My door is always open. If I do not know the answer right away, I promise I will find out the correct answer and get back to you.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 845-754-2356

OR EMAIL POCONOFARMS@NIKIJONES.COM

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Our community needs a means by which the membership can freely and easily communicate with the Board of Directors.

If you would like to make a comment or suggestion, provide constructive criticism or make a request, you can email your Board of Directors at:

idea@poconofarms.com

Valid e-mail, must include the full name and Pocono Farms address of the sender, which will then be forwarded to a current Board member. Response to emails will be sent directly to the sender and periodically published in the Weathervane or included in regular email blasts. Publication of submitted questions and answers will help you and your fellow community members stay current with what is happening within the community. Two-way communication is vital to a healthy and inclusive community. We hope you find that this is a helpful means to stay in touch with your Board of Directors.

2016-17 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING SCHEDULE ALL MEETING TIMES ARE 7PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED • F riday , F ebrurary 24, 2017 ( work session ) • F riday , M arch 24, 2017 • F riday , A pril 21, 2017 • F riday , M ay 19, 2017 • T hursday , J une 22, 2017 • F riday , J uly 14, 2017 • S aturday , J uly 15, 2017 (10 am

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annual meeting )

Pocono Farms Events

TO ADVERTISE CALL 845-754-2356

OR EMAIL POCONOFARMS@NIKIJONES.COM

February Sun

Mon

Tue

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Fit Tips Welcome to the club!!! I’m excited to show you the two new additions to our fitness center, a Matrix Rower and a Matrix Stepper. Both machines are super easy to operate and have all the bells and whistles to make your workout FUN!!! Come on in and check them out. We have some AWESOME ideas in the planning stages for spring. An Open House is being planned for the end of March; details will be in the March Weather Vane. I’m also planning some classes on the beach when the weather gets better and possibly a 5K in the fall. I want to thank all of you that have stopped in my office and offered your kind words.

I greatly appreciate all your support.

BY KRISTEN AYLWARD, FITNESS DIRECTOR

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2017

CA LLING A LL GOLFERS!!

MOMMY & ME A Pre-School Program

Open to all Moms & Dads. The program offers a snack, activities, and a fine motor skill craft. The program is designed to have children interact with other children and become prepared for pre-school.

Bring your children to the Community Room (entrance at the lakeside door)

NEW THIS YEAR

We are working with Miss Krissie (our Fitness Director) to create children’s fitness programs/activities

Tuesday & Thursday 10:30 AM In the Community Room Enjoy Playtime! Arts & Crafts!

COME JOIN US! Questions: Contact Joe Sprovkin 570-894-4435 x113 or recdir@poconofarms.com

THIRSTY THURSDAYS

6:00—8:00pm

The 2017 golf season is just around the corner. Take advantage of our early enrollment incentive.

Any single or couple membership that is paid in full by March 1st, 2017, will receive prepaid cart vouchers. Single memberships will receive 3 prepaid cart vouchers and couples will receive 5 prepaid cart vouchers. Membership applications can be found online at poconofarmsgolf.com, Facebook, or through Clubster. You may also pick up an application at the Admin office.

If you have any questions about the 2017 golf membership, please call our PGA Head Golf Professional Kyle Monahan at 570-894-4435, ext 110.

DRINK OF THE MONTH:

Cupid-Tini Ask your server for available flavors

FEBRUARY 2nd - Groundhog Day $11.95

Fresh baked PA Dutch bread, roasted mushroom soup, mixed greens salad with apple cider vinaigrette, roasted Pennsylvania pork, winter vegetables with rosemary butter and garlic mashed potatoes.

FEBRUARY 9TH - Italian Night $9.95 Beef lasagna, stuffed shells, manicotti with mixed vegetables and Caesar salad.

FEBRUARY 16TH - President’s Weekend Warm Up $10.95

Carters green salad with peanut balsamic vinaigrette, Kennedy clam chowder, chicken Nixon-blackened chicken topped with BBQ sauce, bacon and cheddar. Includes Buchanan twice baked potato and Madison vegetables.

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NE W A D -HOC COMMIT TEE The Board of Directors are looking for applicants to fill positions on an Ad-Hoc committee with the primary purpose of researching and assisting with the development of ideas and/or concepts for the Grill room and Banquet area. The Board is looking towards the future and are interested in having like-minded members show interest in this committee.

As with all Ad-Hoc committees, they are designated with a specific one-time purpose, and once the purpose(s) are satisfied and presented to the Board, the committee’s obligations are complete.

If you have some time to donate or find this Ad-Hoc committee of interest, please fill out an application and drop it off at the Administration Office. The Board needs a minimum of three (3) and no more than seven (7) to form the committee.

Thank you for your anticipated interest!

Ad-Hoc Grill and Banquet Facility Committee

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Pocono Farms Glacier Lake Grill Room Clubhouse Hours

February 2017

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 5pm - 10pm

Friday

5pm - 11pm

Saturday

3pm – 11pm

Sunday

12pm - 6pm

Phone: 570-894-4435 ext. 132

Check out our menu at www.poconofarms.com Watch your e-mail for our weekly specials!

Sunday, Feb. 5th OPEN 12:00pm - 10:00pm

Mark your calendar

Friday February 3rd – Seafood Buffet Sunday, February 5th - Super Bowl Festivities

Saturday February 11th– Valentines Day Prime Rib Dinner

Saturday February 18th– Mardi Gras Family Celebration

The grill room will be closed for repairs & maintenance beginning Monday February 20th & will reopen Thursday March 9th at 5:00pm

* Hours subject to change WEAT H ERVA NE

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Serving the Pocono Farms Country Club Association EXCLUSIVELY Broker: Marjorie Chapman License #RM422472

Want to know what similar homes sell for? Call or text us for a free Comparative Market Analysis?

(570) 580-4550 (Call or Text)

Website: www.PoconoFarmsRealty.Com Email: Lex.Colon.Realtor@Gmail.Com

● Homes Sales and Listings ●

Let us help you sell or rent your home!

Contact us today for an appointment with one of our experienced staff

Lots Sales and Listings ● Rentals Listings ● Property Management

Sold

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Rented and Professionally Managed

2016—by the Numbers 90%

Percentage of homes we listed in 2016 and converted into closed sales the same year.

Percentage of 2016 rental listings that converted into occupied, rented homes.

100%