November 2014
182
LA KE
R OAD
•
TOBY H AN NA,
P E NNS Y LVANIA
1 8 4 6 6
in this iss u e
Our Community
Pocono Farms 5K: Helping Women Survive the Trauma of Cancer, One Friend at a Time By: Deanna Amodie
On October 12, 2014 Pocono Farms Country Club held its first 5K event in support of the Breast Friends of Pennsylvania® organization. Breast Friends® is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for female cancer patients. Their organization teaches friends and family specific ways to offer support, helps them understand what their loved one is going through, and suggests resources for the woman and for those who care about her. A number of programs developed by Breast Friends have proven valuable in assisting and reassuring the patient, her family and friends. Breast Friends® believes that no woman should go through the cancer experience alone; unfortunately, it happens. They find that even women with friends and family nearby often fail to receive the kind of emotional, spiritual or physical support they really need. Their programs are designed to aid in making sure proper support is given and received. Every woman in America will be touched by breast or other women’s cancers in her lifetime. One in C ON T INU E D ON PAG E 7
Thoughts from the Manager
2
Board of Directors
4
Crime Watch Activity Report
5
Women’s Club News
5
In the Farms
5
Cars for Homes
6
BOD Meeting Schedule
9
Girl Scouts Raise Awareness of Breast Cancer
11
Sports 25th Denny Invitational
10
Round by Round
10
Football Sunday
11
Calendar of Events November Calendar
8
SAVE THE DATE 11/25 – Clubhouse Holiday Decorating 11/28 – Holiday Family Trivia Night 11/29 – Tree Lighting Festivities 12/6 – Holiday Party 12/14 – Brunch with Santa
POCONO FARMS COUNTRY CLUB
12/31 – New Year’s Eve Party
FROM
182 Lake Road, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania 18466
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Thoughts from the Manager By Dave Timko
Since early September, the department managers have been working on their spreadsheets in preparation for developing their 2015 budgets. The budget process requires a lot more than just putting numbers on a spreadsheet. It is a
long process where a lot of historical data and current trends need to be considered to present a reasonable budget to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors for their review and comments.
In early September, we had the actual revenue and expenses through August. We then require the managers to project, to the best of their knowledge, the anticipated revenue and expenses through the end of the year. This gives them a baseline of how we will look at year end and what we may have to do to positively affect those numbers. This projection is then used to start to formulate the 2015 budget. In developing the budget for the following year, all upcoming or renewal contracts are reviewed and sent out for competitive bids to ensure we are getting the best prices for the services we need. This includes everything from our property insurance, audits, equipment leases, utilities, and medical benefits, to name a few. Some markets are more competitive than others, and we do try to secure the best pricing.
182 Lake Road • Tobyhanna, PA 18466 www.poconofarms.com admin@poconofarms.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Frank Milano, President Mike Elbert, Vice President Steve Bunker, Treasurer Wayne Meyers, Secretary
Richard McCormick Collette Houston-Ong Brian Cavanaugh Peter Volpe Bill Weimer
BOARD LIAISONS A&B, Environmental, PublicWorks Rich McCormick Communications Collette Houston-Ong CrimeWatch Peter Volpe Elections/Nominations Wayne Meyers Finance Steve Bunker Golf Brian Cavanaugh House Rich McCormick Long Range Planning Bill Weimer Pool Bill Weimer Recreation Collette Houston-Ong Tennis Mike Elbert AD-HOCS Insurance Frank Milano Fitness Center Mike Elbert Community Garden Brian Cavanaugh Marketing Appointed as needed COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Collette Houston-Ong Linda Penett Linda Becht Marianne Stephen Sue Miller Peg Scott Sue Miller Ginny Day NEWSLETTER COORDINATOR Denise Wilson 894-4435 ext. 106 CAPFWeathervane2@yahoo.com
2
DEPARTMENT HEADS General Manager 894-4435 ext. 100
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
Greens Superintendent Adam Herman 894-4435 adamh@poconofarms.com Executive Chef 894-4435 ext. 130 pfchef@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 Artie Furman 894-4435 ext. 105 afurman@poconofarms.com Building Coordinator & Compliance Director 894-4435 ext. 104
Richard Savage rsavage@poconofarms.com
MAINTENANCE 894-4435 ext. 160 (voicemail only)
WEAT HERVA NE
N OV EMBER
When projecting our revenue, the only known amount is what is billed through the operation assessment. The other two main revenue streams – golf, and food and beverage, are a little more difficult due to not knowing exactly what the membership numbers will be in golf, how many rounds will be played, and what impact the weather may have on the rounds of golf or our outside food functions. Food and beverage is sometimes just as difficult to forecast. With all of our resident member and golf events, it leaves very few days available to sell for weddings and outside functions. However, we have done better over the past few years in booking this type of business. Once all of the budget preparation is complete, copies are forwarded to our Finance Committee and Board of Directors for their review. The managers also present their initial budgets in person to the committee and Board of Directors. This usually takes place in October. Between October and November, there are plenty of discussions and modifications made to deliver a budget that is ready to be accepted and subsequently posted. As everyone is aware, a budget is a guide. Monitoring a budget throughout the year is essential because many things can happen. Weather is one of those things. If we plan for a busy summer at the pool and at the snack bar, but, it is a cool summer and it not as busy, then we manage the payroll throughout the season, sending lifeguards home early as an example. The point of this article was to shed some light on the budget process and to affirm that there is a process of review and comment before delivering a budget to the community. 2014
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.
WEAT H ERVA NE
N OV EMBER
2014
3
From Your Board of Directors by WAYNE MEYERS
Greetings, everyone! As I begin my ninth year of service as a Board member, I can't help looking back at the past fifteen years as a resident of Pocono Farms. There have been many changes in my life over this time period, as I'm sure most people experience changes. Through them all, both good and bad, the Farms has been here to help celebrate and console. My latest changes are positive. My daughter has graduated high school and started college, along with a driver's license and a job. I think every parent understands how that feels. Congrats, Sara! Wildlife continues to abound literally outside my front door. Coming out the other night, we startled a large black bear sitting on my front porch hunting for scraps. We waited in the car until the bear sauntered off, following him with my headlights until we were sure he was several houses down. This time of year they are fattening up for hibernation, so please be careful with garbage and
use lighting. You don’t want to open your front door and let a bear inside.
What’s lacking are the members who attend just to keep abreast of what’s going on in the Farms.
The other day, I saw two coyotes crossing the street where they vanished into the woods. Like the black bears, they live close to us along with foxes and other cautious wildlife, usually choosing to remain unseen. Even after all these years, this Brooklyn boy still finds it exciting to see wild animals in their natural habitat, especially the ones who usually hide in the woods.
You are all members of this community, the same as the Board. The only difference is, we volunteered to run for the Board and were elected, and have a responsibility to serve. That doesn’t make your voice any less important, and during the member comment period at the beginning of each meeting or while discussing agenda items, you have an opportunity to voice your opinions or ideas to the Board. We take these comments very seriously, and will ensure they receive the proper attention and discussion. Even if you have nothing to say, by attending you will hear about what the Board discusses and debates, and learn more about how things work and why decisions turn out the way they do. I strongly suggest you try to attend a few Board meetings this year before the next annual meeting in July, so you learn first-hand, and can question first-hand, the voting issues presented. The Board puts a great deal of time and effort into determining these issues to strengthen our community or operate more efficiently. If you only attend the annual meeting, you may not realize all of the reasons behind the vote, relying on the summary on the ballot and Q&A at the meeting to decide.
What I also find exciting is greater participation with our committees and community. Attendance at our many awesome events continues to increase, but what is needed are more volunteers to help attend our committees and meetings. It’s important to understand the value our members offer coming from all walks of life with a variety of talents and experience. All of you have so much to offer I hope you will consider helping out even if it’s by simply attending a committee meeting instead of actually joining the committee itself. The Board has consolidated some committees, with membership approval at the previous annual meeting for the required bylaw changes. The purpose of this was to enable attention to some committees that were not active due to lack of interest. By merging these committees into more popular committees, it allows those volunteers to also offer suggestions toward the previously dormant committee. Hopefully this will help, as we feel all committees offer valuable insight to the Board toward improvements and better operations. If you feel something needs improvement or lacks attention, consider attending a meeting to voice your ideas and concerns. Which leads me to the next area I’d love to see greater involvement with, the monthly Board meetings. Typically held Friday evenings at 7:00 (please confirm on the Community Calendar or call the office), these meetings are when the Board of Directors assemble to discuss important community issues. Over the past eight years serving the Farms as a Board member, attendance was sparse unless something was going on where people were unhappy, or they required the Board’s approval for a variance. There is nothing wrong with this, of course, we welcome these visits.
Last but not least, I urge you to attend the annual meeting in July. We vote on important issues that impact you as a member. You are all members, and should exercise your right to place your educated vote along with the others. If you cannot attend meetings, or volunteer, but still wish to participate in some way, please don’t hesitate to write a letter to the Weathervane, or Pocono Farms office, or make an appointment to speak with our Manager. If you address a letter to the Board we will read it and possibly act upon it. We take every communication seriously. Let us hear your voices and in turn, hear ours. Understand our decisions, even if you don’t agree. Help us understand why you don’t agree. Communication is of key importance and your Board is committed to operate transparently with as much member participation and interaction as possible. Please don’t hide like the bears and coyotes—let us see and hear from you!
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS
shop local 4
WEAT HERVA NE
N OV EMBER
2014
Crime Watch Activity Report
In the Farms
BY RUSS KELLY
By the time you’re reading this, we will all be getting prepared for the coming winter season. In September, we had 19 volunteer drivers spending 108 hours cruising the streets of Pocono Farms. Fortunately, we had no unusual activity reports to call in to 911 or our Public Safety officer. Hopefully, our continuing patrols are partially responsible for the current level of reportable incidents. In October, a number of our volunteers will start to move toward the warmer climates for the winter. We really could use a few more volunteers this winter to help keep up the coverage we have now. Along with our regular patrols, several members volunteer to patrol on Halloween eve. The past few years things have been quiet on “mischief ” night. Along with patrols, many parents and the administration have created various activities which may have satisfied the enthusiasm the kids have for the holiday. Hopefully, this year will have continued the tranquility of the past few years. We ask again for those of you, that have a few hours a month to contribute to the community, to contact Ed Aalbue at 570-894-8071 or Russ Kelly at 570-894-4034, or contact the office and they will contact one of us.
Women’s Club News by pat torregrossa
The monthly meeting of the Pocono Farms Women's Club was held on Wednesday, October 8th. This group meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Clubhouse from April to December. January thru March we choose a local restaurant outside the community. We are dedicated to supporting the Pocono Farms community and the community at large. During the year our fundraisers provided much needed support to groups like the Pocono Mtn. Ecumenical Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Women's Resources, Pocono Mountain Public Library and Pocono Mtn. Regional EMT to name a few. Below is the list of contributions made for 2014. •
Coolbaugh Township - $200
•
Pocono Mountain Regional EMS - $200
•
VNA Hospice of Monroe County - $100
•
Pocono Area Transitional Housing - $200
•
Women’s Resources - $100
•
The Angel’s Closet - $100
•
Monroe County Meals on Wheels - $200
•
Pocono Mountain Public Library - $100
•
Family Promise of Monroe County - $100
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.
We encourage any women in our community to join us for good food, good fellowship and programs that are enjoyable and knowledgeable. If any of our members does not get a call for the meeting, please call Patricia Torregrossa (570)894-8752
WEAT H ERVA NE
N OV EMBER
2014
5
Cars for Homes By Richie Savage, PFCCA A&B Compliance Director
Have you ever given some thought about donating your car, boat, truck, RV or motorcycle to help humanity? Not only remove that eye sore from your property and stop the never ending complaints from your neighbors but help local individuals build a better life at the same time. The entire process is also deductible on your taxes. Here is how it works. Habitat for Humanity has implemented a program that processes vehicle donations, including title transfer, towing and reporting, at no cost to you. The vehicles are then sent to a network of auto auctions, recyclers, and salvage yards where they are sold and the funds received are sent back to Monroe County Habitat for Humanity to be distributed to local affiliates to help build homes in Monroe County. Your simple gift actually does last forever. If you think you would like to consider donating your vehicle, contact the Monroe County Habitat for Humanity at 1800-422-4828, extension 6750 or go to your computer and enter PlannedGiving@habitat.org. I wish all of you a Happy and Safe Holiday Season.
6
WEAT HERVA NE
N OV EMBER
2014
Pocono Farms 5K continued from page 1
eight women will be diagnosed, and the other seven will know her. Their goal is to reach the seven in order to help the one. The event, hosted by the Pocono Farms Fitness and Recreation Departments, Joe Sprovkin and Deanna Amodie are proud to announce that we had 107 registrants participate in the race and over $2,900 was raised for Breast Friends of PA. Our Overall Male Winner was Kirt Joseph of Tobyhanna at 20:09 and Overall Female Winner Jenise McDonnell of Long Pond at 29:50. Awards were also given to the first to complete the race by age group. Congratulations to all of our Winners!
Pocono Farms a nd Breast Friends are grateful a nd wa nt to tha nk all of those w ho participated to support such a wonderful org a niz ation. It was a wonderful su nn y day for such a n a m a zing event. Tha nk you!
WEAT H ERVA NE
N OV EMBER
2014
7
Pocono Farms Events
Page 1 of 1
November Sun
Mon
Sun
Tue
Mon
Tue
Pocono Farms Wed November 2014 Wed
Thu
Fri
Thu
Fri
Sat 1
Sat
•5:00 PM to 10:00 PM - Private Party
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
•10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Dumpster Hours •12:00 PM - Football Sunday's
•10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Dumpster Hours •12:00 PM - Football Sunday's
•10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Dumpster Hours •12:00 PM - Football Sunday's
•1:00 PM - Mahjong
•1:00 PM - Mahjong
•1:00 PM - Mahjong
•10:00 AM to 2:00 PM •1:00 PM - Mahjong Dumpster Hours •11:00 AM to 8:00 PM - NYC Bus Trip - Radio City Christmas Spectacular •12:00 PM - Football Sunday's
•10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Mommy & Me •3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - After School Program
•10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Mommy & Me •3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - After School Program
•10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Mommy & Me •3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - After School Program
•8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Dumpster Hours •6:00 PM - A&B/Environmental Committee Meeting •7:00 PM - Bowling League
•8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Dumpster Hours •10:15 AM - Fitness Committee Meeting •12:00 PM - Women's Club Luncheon •7:00 PM - Bowling League
•8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Dumpster Hours •7:00 PM - Finance Committee Meeting •7:00 PM - Bowling League
•10:30 AM to 12:00 PM •8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Mommy & Me Dumpster Hours •11:00 AM - Holiday Decorating in the Clubhouse •3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - After School Program
•10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Mommy & Me •12:30 PM to 4:00 PM Women's Bridge Club •3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - After School Program •5:00 PM - Communications Committee Meeting •6:00 PM - Thirsty Thursday •7:00 PM - Recreation/Tennis Committee Meeting
•10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Mommy & Me •12:30 PM to 4:00 PM Women's Bridge Club •3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - After School Program •6:00 PM - Thirsty Thursday
•10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Mommy & Me •12:30 PM to 4:00 PM Women's Bridge Club •3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - After School Program •6:00 PM - Thirsty Thursday
•8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Dumpster Hours •1:00 PM - Mahjong •6:00 PM to 10:00 PM - Date Night Babysitting
•8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Dumpster Hours •9:00 AM - Crime Watch Committee Meeting •1:00 PM - Mahjong •7:00 PM - Golf Committee Meeting •Parents Night Out 6pm - 10pm •8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Dumpster Hours •1:00 PM - Mahjong •7:00 PM - Board of Directors Meeting •7:00 PM - Spirit Art Event for Both Kids & Adults
•8:00 AM to 12:00 PM •3:00 PM - Tree Lighting Dumpster Hours Festivities •1:00 PM - Mahjong •5:00 PM - Private Party •8:00 PM - Holiday Family Trivia Night
30
•10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Dumpster Hours •12:00 PM - Football Sunday's
8
WEAT HERVA NE
N OV EMBER
•7:00 PM - Wine Dinner
2014
Football Sunday in the Grill Room
2014/15 Board of directors meeting schedule all meeting times are 7pm unless otherwise noted
EVERY SUNDAY Wings - 65¢ per wing Clams - 65¢ per clam Bowl of Chili - $3.95 Nachos Grande - $5.95 Tortillas topped with cheddar, onion, tomatoes, Jalapenos, black olives, served with sour cream and salsa. Add chili or chicken $1.00
Beginning at Noon
BEER SPECIALS!
Friday, November 21 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
RAFFLES, GAMES & PRIZES!
NOVEMBER 9TH
1:00pm 4:25pm
Pittsburgh Steelers @ NY Jets NY Giants @ Seattle Sea Hawks
NOVEMBER 16TH
1:00pm
Philadelphia Eagles @ Green Bay Packers San Francisco 49ers @ NY Giants
NOVEMBER 23RD
1:00pm
NY Jets @ Buffalo Bills Tennessee Titans @ Philadelphia Eagles
NOVEMBER 30th
1:00pm
NY Giants @ Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints @ Pittsburgh Steelers
WEEKLY SPECIALS WILL BE ANNOUNCED VIA EMAIL AND OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
Thirsty Thursdays
6:00—8:00pm
Each Thursday we have a different beer special! Ask your bartender or server for details
November 6th Soup, Salad and Wings $10
Three seasonal soups, BBQ, Buffalo and Teriyaki wings served with tossed salad and fresh baked bread.
November 13th Live Action Pasta Station $10
An array of toppings freshly prepared with your choice of pasta and sauce accompanied by baby field greens and garlic bread.
November 20th Thanksgiving at the Farms $12
Roasted turkey with stuffing and gravy, served with mashed potatoes, corn and cranberry sauce, tossed salad and fresh baked bread.
November 27th Happy Thanksgiving! To reserve a table contact Katrina 570-894-4435, ext 132 - katrinaw@poconofarms.com
WEAT H ERVA NE
N OV EMBER
2014
9
Round by Round BY RODGER SPEAR
Golf Committee Overvie w As the golf season comes to a close and the leaves start to show their magnificent fall colors and begin to fall we can reflect back on another great season at Pocono Farms. After an extremely brutal winter which produced substantial damage to parts of our golf course, our superintendent, Adam Herman, and his staff did a magnificent job bringing this golf course back to the high standards to which we have grown accustomed. Our new golf professional, Kyle Monahan, has in his short time here, made significant and positive changes to our golf experience.
25th Denny Invitational Denny Outing Committee
The 25th annual Denny Invitational Pig Roast and Golf Tournament was held on the last day of summer. Kyle Monahan read the rules to 139 golfers and then announced that he was leaving to be with his wife Ashley. Matt Monti took over for the rest of the day and did a great job officiating the tournament in his absence. It was great to see John Antola back on his feet serving up the traditional “Uncle Bud’s Blazin’ Bloodies to everyone along the course.”
Our membership has grown to some degree however, as with most golf clubs these days membership has and will continue to be a challenge.
The Scranton boys – Shane Falls, Dave Price, Chris Masters, and Dan Kasmala – won the day with a 13 under, 59.
The golf committee has in its advisory capacity, been assisting the administration, maintenance and professional staff with changes to policies and procedures, tournaments, handicapping, course improvement and communication. Furthermore, this committee has been tasked with advising your board of directors regarding golf fees and various other charges. After much review and discussion the committee has recommended that for 2015 all single golf membership categories will increase by $75 and all couple golf memberships will increase by $125. Also, you all will recall that membership dues have not increased since 2012. Calendar year 2011 and 2010 were $100 less than 2012 and our golf membership dues actually decreased prior to 2010. Simply put the golf membership rates can not adequately support golf operations without an increase.
Chef Dan Meirless prepared an excellent meal including two roasted pigs, side dishes and dessert. Katrina and her staff did a great job keeping everyone well hydrated and nourished. At the end of the evening, Bob Denny was awarded the prestigious honor of the green jacket for hosting this event for the last 25 years. The tournament raised over $7,200 for the PFCCA golf scholarship fund, given annually to college bound students from our community. The scholarship money comes from a variety of activities held during the tournament including hole sponsorships by local businesses and community members, raffles, and auctions. Additional thanks to Adam Herman, Greens Superintendant, Denise Wilson, Communications, Lorraine Daviduk, Accounting/Office Manager and all the volunteers who helped make this tournament a success. See you again next year. Congratulations to Kyle and his wife Ashley on the birth of their second child, Tiegon.
The committee has also recommended a social membership which will hopefully generate additional revenue and interest in our restaurant and golf facilities. It has been a busy year and we as a committee are looking forward to the challenges of the next golf season.
10
WEAT HERVA NE
N OV EMBER
2014
Girl Scouts Raise Awareness of Breast Cancer Pom Poms, sequin, ribbon, feathers, and other assorted craft supplies made their way on to bras as the Ladies Golf League of Pocono Farms volunteered their time this summer to help Girl Scout Troop 34 raise awareness of breast cancer by decorating bras. Based on the enthusiasm of the group, a second bra party was hosted by Marilyn Soebel. Over 50 bras were decorated. The bras made for festive decorations at the annual breast cancer tournament, Play for Pink on August 12. It was so great to see all the bras on display. Thanks to Judy Miles for helping facilitate the bra decorating. The Girl Scout Troop, located in Ridgewood, NJ plans to use all the bras they collect to create what they hope will be a mile long string to display at the Avon Breast Cancer walk this October 18 in New York City. It will take approximately 1600 bras to achieve this goal. They are extremely close to reaching this goal. The bras will be an attempt to raise morale among the walkers who will reach the bra display after completing day one of the walk - 26 miles. The Avon Walk will have over 3,000 participants and will cover over 39 miles around Manhattan. The girls are planning to volunteer at the walk, and camp in the pink tents among the walkers, where they will experience first hand the powerful energy of such an inspirational group of people. I am walking with my cousin, Lisa, a new part time resident of the farms along with 3 of my friends to celebrate my 5 years as a breast cancer survivor as well. I am so grateful for all the support I have been shown by the Pocono farms community and will be smiling as I pass by the bras‌ Girl Scout Troop 34 earned their Silver Award this past June by using breast cancer as their topic. Please take some time to visit their facebook page, Crafty Cups where you can check out some beautifully decorated bras and follow them on their inspiring journey. For more information on the Avon walk, visit avonwalk.org. WEAT H ERVA NE
N OV EMBER
2014
11
12
WEAT HERVA NE
N OV EMBER
2014