February 2019
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LA KE
R OAD
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TOBY H AN NA,
P E NNS Y LVANIA
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THE NEXT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING IS MARCH 22, 2019 All meeting times are 7pm unless otherwise noted
LAKESIDE GRILL & PUB FEBRUARY HOURS MONDAY
CLOSED
TUESDAY
CLOSED
WEDNESDAY
CLOSED
THURSDAY
5pm - 10pm
FRIDAY
5pm - 11pm
SATURDAY SUNDAY
12pm - 11pm 12pm - 7pm
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY FEBRUARY 3RD OPEN 12PM - 10PM RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED 570-894-4435 x132 Our menu can be viewed at www.poconofarms.com
IN THIS ISSUE O U R COMM U NIT Y Notes from the Manager From Your B.O.D. Public Safety In the Farms
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CA LENDA R OF E V ENTS February Calendar
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SPORTS Fun with Fitness Rockin’ Recreation Round by Round
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Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335
182 Lake Road, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania 18466
PAID
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage
Notes from the Manager BY DAVE TIMKO
Dear Member,
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Director Director Director Director Director
Steve Bunker Neil Carlson Collette Houston-Ong Wayne Meyers Richard McCormick Annette Doerr Frank Milano Peter Volpe James Yando
COMMITTEE LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS: • A & B/Environmental / Crime Watch James Yando • Communications / Long Range Planning Annette Doerr • Finance Collette Houston-Ong • Golf Neil Carlson • Recreation / Fitness / Tennis / Pool Richard McCormick
This note is meant as a follow up to the letter enclosed with the annual dues billing regarding costs for garbage services within Pocono Farms. As you are aware, the fees paid to County Waste for garbage services at Pocono Farms did increase in July of 2018 by $3,000.00 a month for a total payment of $18,000.00+ per month. Based on preliminary conversations with the hauler at that time, it was anticipated that the fees would increase at least another $1,500.00 per month or more in 2019. In response to that, the Board of Directors did its due diligence and sent out an RFP (Request for Proposal) soliciting others to bid on the services. The Board understands that very few haulers can accommodate large communities such as ours. That being said, the Board did receive three quotes back from the three large haulers in our area. Unfortunately there was not much good news once the bids were opened. The following lists the submissions for the three year term specified within the RFP: 2019 2020 2021 County Waste
$313,500.00/year $320,100.00/year $326,700.00/year
$26,125.00/month $26,675.00/month $27,225.00/month DEPARTMENT HEADS General Manager David Timko 894-4435 ext. 100 dtimko@poconofarms.com Waste Management $342,540.00/year $354,526.00/year $366,936.00/year Controller Thomas Franchetti 894-4435 ext. 103 controller@poconofarms.com $28,545.00/month $29,544.00/month $30,578.00/month Golf Pro Kyle Monahan 894-4435 ext. 110 golfshop@poconofarms.com Greens Superintendent Jeff Lesoine JP Mascaro $419,640.00/year $425,208.00/year $430,284.00/year 894-4435 jeffreyl3@poconofarms.com Chef pfchef@poconofarms.com $34,970.00/month $35,434.00/month $35,857.00/month 894-4435 ext. 130 Food & Beverage Director Katrina Weithman The board did not anticipate this much of an increase based on the low bid and what had 894-4435 ext. 132 katrinaw@poconofarms.com been paid the last six months in 2018. This would be an $8,000.00 increase per month Activities Director Nick Gallagher 894-4435 ext. 113 recdir@poconofarms.com over what we are currently paying. The 2018 year end expense for trash will be about Public Safety & $210,000.00. That is about $18,000.00 more than was budgeted for 2018. Anticipating Compliance Director Artie Furman the potential for another increase in 2019, the board allocated $232,000.00 for trash 894-4435 ext. 105 afurman@poconofarms.com Maintenance Dave Winters services in 2019. Based on what was budgeted and the low bid of $313,000.00, the 894-4435 pfmaint@poconofarms.com Association has a shortfall of $81,500.00, or about $56.00 per home. Fitness Kristen Aylward 894-4435 ext. 116 fitness@poconofarms.com The Board is currently Communications Susan Nevarez reviewing its options for 894-4435 ext. 106 admin@poconofarms.com Pocono Farms Realty Lex Colon trash service to Pocono 894-0300 lex.colon.realtor@gmail.com
182 Lake Road • Tobyhanna, PA 18466 www.poconofarms.com • admin@poconofarms.com
Host Your Event in Your Community’s Picturesque Lakeside Banquet Facility With seating for 20 to 120 people
Farms. This review will include all options that may include: Negotiations with County Waste for a longer term deal, review of the type of services provided, and should services be limited. There is a little bit of time to work through this and the Board will update you as to the latest status as it becomes available.
Experience and Results Matter! Keith Torregrossa
Of The Poconos 1111 North Fifth Street Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 (570) 421-2345 Office (570) 424-1521 Direct remaxmtp@ptd.net
Contact Katrina 570-894-4435 ext. 132 • katrinaw@poconofarms.com
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Let us assist you in planning next event your next special event Let us your assist youspecial in planning Baptism ~ Baptism Quinceanera Bar / Bat Mitzvah Rehearsal Dinner Mitzvah Bar / Bat Confirmation Shower Confirmation Family Reunion Sweet 16 First Communion Wedding Reunion Family First Communion Quinceañera WEAT HERVA NE Rehearsal Dinner Shower Sweet 16
120 Ivy Way
FEBRU A RY
Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.
2019
From Your Board of Directors BY NEIL CARLSON
As we get well into the winter season and as of this writing, the winter has been calm. Good news is there are no issues with the ducks on the beach and I have not seen a mosquito in weeks. That said, we continue to plan events within our community for all during the winter season. Our events continue to attract new members and it is very nice to see more new members involved in our community. The number of events continues to increase with tremendous success. These events are a great way to get out and meet some of those in the community that have not gone south. We continue to invest in the marketing of the community along with improvements across all of the amenities. The goal of the Board and our management team is to be prepared and to create a successful 2019. We have recognized positive results of our financials. I would like remind everyone that members who pay their dues in full receive a seventy-five-dollar food credit card for the newly updated Lakeside Grill & Pub. This card, when presented at the Lakeside Grill and Pub,
will be applied to your food purchase. Alcohol, tax and gratuity are not included on the card. I am confident that you will find our menu extremely affordable, and with our creative Chef, the food continues to be excellent. If you would like to open a house charge to use at the Lakeside Grill & Pub stop by the Administration office and fill out the form. Your house charge would also be available to use at the Pro Shop, pool snack shop, and halfway house.
improvements in the overall experience of our community members, as well as efficiencies that improve our financial picture. All of this has been led and executed by our General Manager, Dave Timko, who has done an excellent job in 2018.
The Board established four key initiatives; one of them being Team Development, which continues to get better and better. It is easy to criticize the staff and/or Board however, when you see someone on the PFCCA We all look forward to team doing something great, continuing our winter season why not take the time and and have begun the process of recognize them for a job planning our summer events. well done. We continue to implement better costing to run Pocono Again, I thank all of those who support the Board. I Farms more efficiently. would like to encourage We have put in effect our those of you who have not marketing plan for 2019. experienced a Board meeting In addition, we continue to join us to voice your to generate large events opinions at any one of our for the 2019 season further monthly meetings. reducing subsidization for the restaurant. We continue to recognize our Assistant General Manager, Katrina Weithman, along with our Chef on a job well done.
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.
2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING SCHEDULE ALL MEETING TIMES ARE 7PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
Friday - Feb. 22, 2019 Work Session Friday - Mar. 22, 2019 Friday - Apr. 26, 2019 Thursday - May 23, 2019
Friday - June 28, 2019 Friday - July 19, 2019
Saturday July 20, 2019 • 10am Annual Meeting
As a Board, we continue to develop changes within our organization, policy, and staff. This has shown very positive
Are you receiving our e-mail blasts? If not please check the following: 1. Make sure we are not going to your spam or junk folder 2. Make sure we are an approved recipient on your list (just add us to your address book ~ webmaster@poconofarms.com) If you are still not receiving e-mails let us know at admin@poconofarms.com or call the office: 570-894-4435 or drop us a line at: Pocono Farms Country Club 182 Lake Rd., Tobyhanna, PA 18466 WEAT H ERVA NE
FEBRU A RY
2019
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Public Safety BY A. FURMAN, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Hello everyone. I cannot believe it is February already. Up through last month we were for the most part, unscathed by winter (which does not break my heart). As of this writing I can only hope it has held true. We are in north east PA though, so we may have a foot of the stuff (I hope not). Since we are bound to get the white and slippery stuff,(how many cars have we seen in ditches this year so far) remember to take proper steps to ensure you make it to Thirsty Thursday safely. Leave a little earlier than normal, let your windows defrost, slow down, and remember going from a dry road to a wet one, stopping distances are doubled. On snow and ice they are 10 times greater. Do not rush, take your time. Remember the 14th is Valentine’s Day or you will be reminded in ways that would have made the Spanish Inquisition envious. As always, should you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me, or just stop by, my door is always open.
TO ADVERTISE CALL 845.456.1218 4
WEAT HERVA NE
FEBRU A RY
2019
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
If you’d like to see your photos published in the Weathervane or on Pocono Farms Facebook page, please email Admin@poconofarms.com
Capital Improvement Fees on transfer of property: House: $1,377 Lot: $689 BUILDING REGULATIONS: Permits are required from the township and from PFCCA. Please check with the office (570-894-4435) 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 $300.00. Resale and other related documents can be obtained at www.homewisedocs.com
Share Your Pocono Farms Photos With Us! We’d love to publish pictures of our neighbors in Pocono Farms! Whether it’s a community event, your family and friends enjoying our beautiful amenities, or your seasonal photos around the Farms. Let’s spread the good news! All images must be high resolution (300 dpi) jpegs for print and include the name of each person in the picture.
REFUSE COLLECTION: Curbside pick-up of household trash and recycling is done on Mondays and Tuesdays beginning at 6:00am by County Waste. 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.
idea@poconofarms.com Our community needs a means by which the membership can freely and easily communicate with the Board of Directors. The Board has created an email address that residents may use to submit comments, questions, and suggestions. Valid emails, must include the full name and Pocono Farms address of the sender. Which will then be forwarded to a current board member. Responses 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.
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 1st 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.
idea@poconofarms.com SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS
SHOP LOCAL! WEAT H ERVA NE
FEBRU A RY
2019
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Thirsty Thursday Feature Available in addition to our weekend Sweetheart Dinner Menu Chicken Picatta
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WEAT HERVA NE
$11.95
FEBRU A RY
2019
February 2019 For additional information log into our website and click on an individual event www.poconofarms.com Sun
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Fun With Fitness BY KRISSIE AYLWARD, PFCCA FITNESS DIRECTOR
THIRSTY THURSDAYS
Love is in the air and our Cupid Shuffle has begun!
6:00—8:00pm
February Thirsty Thursday Features.... ...will be served to you piping hot from the kitchen! ...as many portions as you like! ... let us do the walking!
FEBRUARY 7th Roast Half Chicken $9.95 Tender and juicy slow roasted chicken on the bone. Served with pappardale noodles, buttered green beans and chef’s selection of soup.
This year I am adding a twist to our Cupid Shuffle. I feel that our mindset is key to our success in all areas of our lives. We can be dedicated to our fitness routine and our clean eating, but the minute our mindset shifts into the negative, all of our hard work can go down the drain. I do not want that for any of us. So I plan to create journaling prompts for those who wish to shift their mindset and I also am creating a healthy eating plan that will help anyone who struggles with what to eat or how to keep your eating fun! By this time most people lose sight of the resolutions they have set and have gotten caught up in the old habits they tried to break. It only takes 21 days to create a new habit and we have 28 days in February! So let’s work together to be successful, have fun and shift into the positive. Not a fitness member? No problem! We have reduced our rates for NEW NEVER BEEN members and we have reduced rate options for our current valued members. Just stop into the fitness center or give me a call and I’ll be happy to discuss your options with you. As always thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I appreciate all of it.
FEBRUARY 14th Chicken Picatta $11.95 Thinly pounded chicken breasts, pan sauteed in a lemon, garlic and caper sauce. Served over angel hair pasta, adorned with sundried tomatoes. Includes a house salad.
FEBRUARY 21st Spaghetti & Meatballs $9.95 Old world style house made meatballs served over spaghetti and dressed with marinara sauce; sprinkled with parmesan cheese. Accompanied with toasted garlic bread and Caesar salad.
FEBRUARY 28th Roast Beef $9.95 Thinly sliced roast beef served over toast points with mashed potatoes and ladled gravy with a side of seasoned peas. Includes a house side salad.
To reserve a table call Katrina at 570-894-4435 x132 or e-mail katrinaw@poconofarms.com
WEAT H ERVA NE
FEBRU A RY
2019
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Rockin’ Recreation Round by Round
BY NICK GALLAGHER
As I write this article the last week of December 2018, I hope that we have a mild winter and an early opening to the 2019 golf season. Jeff Lesoine and his team have buttoned up the course and are constantly monitoring conditions. Hopefully the course will be as lush in 2019 as it was in 2018 without the record setting rainfall we had in Northeastern PA. A couple of thoughts come to mind for the next few months for those of us that do not head south for the winter: •
Stay limber for the start of golf season. Check in with Krissie Aylward at the Fitness Center for some help keeping your swing nice and loose.
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I came across a free golf tip website—Revolution Golf--- that has some interesting tips on all aspects of golf from some of the premier teaching pros in the US. www.revolutiongolf.com
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We all want to improve our golf game, so please give some thought to taking some lessons early in the season from our own Pros, Kyle Monahan and Kim Kleinle. Some key pointers from these folks early in the season could reduce your stress levels in 2019 when playing this game.
To start out the month Pocono Farms will hold a Super Bowl LIII party on February 3rd with brand new raffle prizes and a chance to be a beer pong champion during the Super Bowl. As for our family event this month, recreation will hold a Frosty February Festival inside and outside the Lakeside Grill & Pub. The Frosty February Festival will include many wintery activities such as family trivia, so you can test your metal strength against other families in the community, as well as a karaoke machine, to show everyone that you really can sing in a different place other than your shower. Our dart league on Sundays in the Lakeside Grill & Pub will continue as usual. Please contact me if you have any trip or event ideas you would like to see here at Pocono Farms and I will do my best to get them implemented into our community. Super Bowl Party Beer Pong Tournament- February 3rd Frosty February Festival- February 23rd 3:00-9:00 Quote of the Month: To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold -Aristotle
While our golf members remained relatively constant at 186 between the end of 2018 versus 2017, the 2018 rainfall contributed to an operating loss. Increased annual golf memberships and resident participation at our golf course would significantly reduce this operating loss. I ask every golf member this winter to speak to family and friends about joining golf on an annual basis. If we all bring in one new member, that would significantly reduce this operating loss. I also encourage both long-time residents and all of our new residents to come over to the Pro Shop when we re-open and speak with Kyle and Kim about trying golf at Pocono Farms again or even for the first time. There have been significant improvements made to the course “playability” for all skill levels the past few years. Stay warm and flexible this winter, and hope spring comes in March this year!
Gouldsboro Chimney & Furnace Cleaning • Stainless Steel Liners & Caps • Woodstove & Fireplace Inserts Installed • Wooden Chase Chimneys Rebuilt & Repaired • Fireplaces, Wood & Coal Stoves
• Masonry Chimneys Rebuilt & Repaired • Gas or Oil Chimney & Furnace Cleaning • Animals & Any Other Blockages Removed CALL TODAY:
(570)676-5253
$10 OFF CHIMNEY REPAIRS & CLEANING WITH THIS AD 10
WEAT HERVA NE
FEBRU A RY
2019
NEED ACCESS TO THE WEBSITE? VISIT
poconofarms.com Click on RESIDENT LOGIN and FORGOT PASSWORD Your Log-in & Password will be emailed to you
TO ADVERTISE CALL
845.456.1218
OR EMAIL POCONOFARMS@NIKIJONES.COM
COMPLIANCE CORNER Please be aware of the following PFCCA code violations that are subject to fines.
· · · · ·
Erecting a fence without a permit Re-painting home without a permit Tenants not registered with the Administration Office Discharging of firearms, air guns or BB guns in PF Unleashed dogs Please see the Administrative Code to learn more about prohibited activities in Pocono Farms.
These Codes are in place to keep our valuable community safe, clean and family friendly.
WEAT H ERVA NE
FEBRU A RY
COMPLIANCE CORNER
2019
Please be aware of the following PFCCA code violations that are subject to fines.
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NEED ACCESS TO THE WEBSITE? VISIT poconofarms.com
Click on RESIDENT LOGIN and FORGOT PASSWORD Your Log-in & Password will be emailed to you
SEPTIC TANK CLEANING Septic Tank Cleaning Certified Septic Inspections Sewer Rooter Service High Pressure Line Jetting Drainfield Cleaning Pump Repair Service & Sales koberlein.com
570-839-0828