DECEM BER 2 0 19
182
LAKE
ROAD
•
TOBYHANNA,
Holiday Party
December 7, 2019 | 6-11pm Appetizers - 6:00pm Buffet Dinner - 7:00pm
PENNSYLVANIA
18466
IN THIS ISSUE OUR COMMUNITY Notes from the Manager
2
From Your B.O.D.
3
Crime Watch
4
Public Safety
5
In the Farms
5
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
December Calendar
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SPORTS Fun with Fitness
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Round by Round
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Rockin’ Recreation
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Live Band & DJ Music! Childcare Available! LAKESIDE GRILL & PUB DECEMBER HOURS*
$
00
50
es Includ & Tax ity Gratu
See Page 6 For more details and holiday menu
MONDAY CLOSED TUESDAY CLOSED WEDNESDAY CLOSED THURSDAY 5pm - 10pm Kitchen closes at 10pm FRIDAY 5pm - 11pm Kitchen closes at 10pm SATURDAY 12pm - 11pm Kitchen closes at 10pm SUNDAY 12pm - 8pm
*hours subject to change RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED 570-894-4435 x132 Our menu can be viewed at www.poconofarms.com
T h e Nex t B oa rd of D i rec tors Meeti n g i s D EC EMB ER 20, 201 9 All meeting times are 7pm unless otherwise noted
182 Lake Road, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania 18466
Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335
PAID
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage
Not es from t he M a n ager BY DAVE TIMKO 182 Lake Road • Tobyhanna, PA 18466 www.poconofarms.com • admin@poconofarms.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Director Director Director Director Director
Steve Bunker Neil Carlson James Yando Wayne Meyers Richard McCormick Annette Doerr Frank Milano Peter Volpe James Ribardo
COMMITTEES: • A & B/Environmental / Crime Watch • Communications / Long Range Planning • Finance • Golf • Recreation / Fitness / Tennis / Pool
Richard McCormick Neil Carlson James Yando James Ribardo Annette Doerr
DEPARTMENT HEADS General Manager 894-4435 ext. 100
David Timko dtimko@poconofarms.com
Asst. General Manager 894-4435 ext. 132
Katrina Weithman katrinaw@poconofarms.com
Controller 894-4435 ext. 103
Thomas Franchetti controller@poconofarms.com
Golf Pro 894-4435 ext. 110
Kyle Monahan golfshop@poconofarms.com
Weather events at times cause all of us to look at how they affect our personal and professional lives. When extreme weather is forecasted, we should all take the necessary steps to ensure our safety and the safety of others. During extreme weather events, we will try to communicate as much information to our members as we can. Using email is the quickest and most efficient way for us to communicate. When these extreme events happen, we will make every attempt to communicate the office and facility hours to you or any changes in hours. At times, the weather does require us to make decisions to either open or close the offices, or close them early, or open them later. We make those decisions based on the best available information provided to us. Although we are cautious not to overreact, we need to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the staff. We need to make sure that they can make it home safely, or at times defer the opening of the offices so that they may get to work safely. Whether it is an extreme weather or snow event, the maintenance department will be on site clearing the roadways and plowing snow. Please understand that in either case, it does take time to get to 80+ cul-de-sacs, especially if the snow is heavy or if there is an abundance of it. We will get there. When it is really coming down quicker than we can plow it, we will make one pass through all of the cul-de-sacs to open the road up. We will obviously come back again to open up more and then usually a third time to push the snow back as far as we can in preparation for the next event. We understand that all of us have different work schedules and other commitments that require us to travel, even in inclement weather. We ask for your patience and cooperation during these times. Understand that the staff is out there and we will get to all of the Association owned roads in the most safe and efficient manner. We do rotate the starting point each and every snow fall so that you are not always the last to be plowed or always the first to be plowed. This has seemed to work well in the past. Wishing you an enjoyable Holiday Season with your family and friends. Have a Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
Greens Superintendent Jeff Lesoine 894-4435 jeffreyl3@poconofarms.com Chef 894-4435 ext. 130
Len Iorio pfkitchen@poconofarms.com
Activities Director 894-4435 ext. 113
Nick Gallagher recdir@poconofarms.com
Public Safety & Compliance Director Artie Furman 894-4435 ext. 105 afurman@poconofarms.com Maintenance Dave Winters 894-4435 pfmaint@poconofarms.com Fitness 894-4435 ext. 116
Kristen Aylward fitness@poconofarms.com
Communications 894-4435 ext. 106
Susan Nevarez admin@poconofarms.com
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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From You r Boa r d of Dir ec tor s BY ANNETTE DOERR I realized this morning that I am just about halfway through my 3-year board term. It got me thinking about some of the questions I have been asked over the past 18 months. Here are 4 questions I have recently been asked by fellow members of the community, and my answer to them. How much are you getting paid to be on the board? Zero. It seems to be a little-known fact that the Board of Directors of Pocono Farms Country Club serve as volunteers. We do not, nor have we ever been, paid to serve. Why did you want to be on the board? We bought a vacation home in this community back in 2003. We have seen The Farms go through growing pains and changes. I wanted to serve to help keep Pocono Farms the beautiful community we bought into way back when, and help it adapt to changing times, both economically and socially.
idea@poconofarms.com DO YOU HAVE A .... comment? question? suggestion? Send an email to a current board member. Responses will be sent directly to the sender and periodically published in the Weathervane.
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
How could you raise our dues? First-off, we had no dues increase in 2019 yet that question still comes up from time to time. Let me be clear, sometimes dues increases are necessary; rising costs, contract renewal at a higher rate, etc. happen despite our best planning, budgeting, and negotiating. Remember, these increases affect each and every member of the Board too, and they are not undertaken lightly. Our department managers submit their proposed budget each October, which we then spend countless hours (of our own time) reviewing, looking for ways to save. Sometimes we can trim the budgets and still provide the service that we, as community members, deserve, but sometimes it is out of our hands. We truly realize that every dollar counts (because it does for us too), and we do our very best to stabilize our association dues; but sometimes it is out of our hands and an increase may be the only way. What “perks” do you get for being on the board if you are not getting paid? Perks… well, I pay the same amount you do to play golf, I pay the same as you do when we visit the Lakeside Grill and Pub. The only perk that I can think of is spending 12 Friday nights per year and 1 Saturday with my fellow Board Members, working hard to keep Pocono Farms running smoothly, but again, you can do that too by attending the monthly Board Meetings. We have a great team in place between my fellow Board of Directors and our staff. Whether you stop in to the office, sit down at the restaurant, attend an event, or (in warmer weather) head out to the pool or golf course, one thing is for certain. Each and every person you meet that works for Pocono Farms is here to help you, whether they are a paid employee or a Board Member. We live here because we love it, and we work hard year-round to keep Pocono Farms the beautiful amenity-filled community that you live in. Want your voice heard? Join a committee, show up to a meeting, get involved! Have a suggestion? Email us at idea@ poconofarms.com! Hope to see you at the next meeting! From all of us on the Board, we would like to wish you a very happy and healthy holiday season!
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2019/2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS ALL MEETING TIMES ARE 7PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED Friday - December 20, 2019
Thursday - May 21, 2020
Friday - January 24, 2020
Friday - June 26, 2020
Friday - February 28, 2020
Friday - July 17, 2020
(work session) Friday - March 27, 2020
ANNUAL MEETING Saturday - July 18, 2020
Friday - April 24, 2020
- 10 AM
Cr i m e Watch Ac t i v it y R eport BY ED KELLY Those of us who are older say “Where has the year gone?” while the children talk about how long the wait for the holidays has been. December is a month of family gatherings, presents, and unfortunately, snow tires. I think most of us are a little nicer to each other in December than the rest of the year. December will bring out the opportunists who see a chance to pick up some unearned gifts off front porches of homes unattended during working hours. With the advent of ordering from the internet, packages are delivered quickly and more than likely dropped on your front porch without concern of what happens after the delivery has been made. You cannot blame the delivery service, they are doing their job. If you are lucky, you have a neighbor or someone close to check when an expected package is due, otherwise you have to hope that an occasional crime watch drive-by will discourage any possible theft. Unfortunately, there are never enough cars on the road to help with this. Have you been getting a lot of calls from “PPL” (Pennsylvania Power & Light) concerning overpayment rebates or 30% reduction in your electric rate programs? I never respond by dialing 1, or whatever is being asked, but I was curious if PPL does have any call up programs. As expected, PPL said they never do phone promotions. These calls are most likely other power providers trying to get you to contract with them, but you are never sure if a scammer is at work here. In October the patrol logged a total of eighty-six hours. We could always use more help, why not try it for a month or two, you might enjoy it. Call Russ Kelly at 570-8944034 or the Administration Office at 570-894-4435. Have a safe, happy, healthy holiday season and do not forget to give a wave to the volunteers that continue to drive the Farms, no matter what the season!
Host Your Event in Your Community’s Picturesque Lakeside Banquet Facility Let us assist you in planning your next special event Baptism • Bar / Bat Mitzvah • Confirmation Family Reunion • First Communion Quinceanera • Rehearsal Dinner Shower • Sweet 16 • Wedding
With seating for 20 to 120 people Contact Katrina: 570-894-4435 ext. 132 katrinaw@poconofarms.com
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 4
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IN THE FARMS ADMINISTRATION 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: $1,377 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 REFUSE COLLECTION: Curbside pick-up of household trash and recycling is done on Tuesdays beginning at 6:00am. County Waste picks 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 Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Christmas. When those holidays fall on a Tuesday, garbage collection will be on Wednesday. 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 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.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS
SHOP LOCAL! WEAT HERVANE
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Share Your Pocono Farms Photos With Us!
If you’d like to see your photos published in the Weathervane or on Pocono Farms Facebook page, please email Admin@poconofarms.com
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.
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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
December 2019 SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
For additional information log into our website and click on an individual event
www.poconofarms.com
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F un w it h Fitness BY KRISSIE AYLWARD, PFCCA FITNESS DIRECTOR December is already here! Where the heck did this year go? Last I checked we were enjoying the sunshine. Speaking of which, we had a FANTASTIC year over at the fitness center. We were able to gain new faces with our new yearly member rate special as well as introduce new classes using the fun new fitness equipment! I was able to reach several goals I had set back in January, which makes me so excited for 2020! Goals are simply dreams that we put a timeline on and work to make happen. If you do not write them down, they just remain dreams floating around in your head. Making a plan to achieve your goals is also super important and I would love to help you achieve your 2020 goals. Whether it be to eat better, shed some weight, or simply just remain constant in your fitness journey, I am here to help YOU! I am adding a TRX circuit class to our line up and will continue to teach Butts and Guts as well as adding a simple yoga class to our line-up after the New Year. Focusing on yourself, and your health, is one of the greatest gifts you can give not only yourself, but the people you love. We all want you around for a good long while, and being active for just 20 minutes a day is a great way to start! I will also be offering personal training sessions to our members after the New Year. I just have to work out the details, so please stay tuned for email blasts and the January Weathervane for more exciting Fun with Fitness news. Need help setting your goals? Stop in and see me! Have questions about rates? Stop in and see me! I look forward to seeing you real soon and as always I am grateful for all your continued support. Have a blessed holiday season and let’s ring in 2020 together!
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ROCK I N’ R ECR E AT ION BY NICK GALLAGHER Well the holiday season is officially here as we scramble around to gather presents for our family and friends. Pocono Farms is right in your back door and has gifts for you this season with our holiday events coming up! First off, we have gifts for the adults of the community with our Holiday Party on December 7, 2019 from 6:00pm-11:00pm. The Holiday Party will feature live music by Brad Roccanova & his Big Band along with a wonderful menu and décor, and as a bonus gift for those of us who have younger children, PFCCA has the option of childcare for the evening in the Garden View Room. Contact Katrina to make a reservation ASAP! If you would like to take advantage of the childcare, make sure to let Katrina know when making reservations. Next up is our gift to the kids, Brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 11:00am. This event will include a lovely family brunch with a special guest who will be wearing a big red coat. If interested, please contact Katrina to make a reservation for Brunch with Santa. Do not forget to contact our Recreation Director, Nick, to record the children’s gift drop information. For our last event of the month, we have a gift for all in the community. Pocono Farms will be hosting a Chillin’ Holiday Hangout which will include many outside winter activities (weather permitting), campfire to stay warm, and inside winter movies with crafts. The Lakeside Grill & Pub will also have food and drink specials to spice up our Holiday Hangout. On behalf of the Pocono Farms Recreation Department and management staff, I would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Want to stay even more up-to-date with Pocono Farms events and news? GO LIKE and FOLLOW our Facebook page at POCONO FARMS COUNTRY CLUB ASSOCIATION INC.
R ound by R ound BY JEFF JONES As we round out 2019, I would like to thank everyone for a great year. With the season starting off with a lot of rain, Jeff Lesoine and his grounds crew did an outstanding job getting the course playable and ready for summer. As the year went on, Mother Nature finally gave us a break from the rain and the golf course became recognized as the best conditioned course in the Northeast which stuck with us all year — well done! With a course like this it is easy to understand why our member rounds exceeded 2018’s number. This was yet another great achievement for this year. As summer got into full swing, you may have noticed our junior golfers out practicing on the course, getting lessons on the range, or attending golf camp. We had a great mix of kids this season, from new beginners to five and six year players. Some great matches were played throughout the season that were a joy to watch. To anyone out there that might know a child that might be interested in golf, stop by the pro shop and get signed up for next year. As for the older players preparing for the next level, they should look back at what they were a part of and be proud. As beginners they listened and learned, every year getting better and better. As seasoned veterans, they were able to lead and inspire the younger generation, teaching them things like basic fundamentals and how to be a good teammate. Congratulations to those moving on and good luck at the next level. As winter moves in, I hope everyone has a happy holiday season. See you again in 2020 for another great year!
TO ADVERTISE CALL 845.456.1218 10
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Pocono Farms Realty
Located below the Lakeside Grill & Pub ● 182 Lake Rd, Tobyhanna, PA 18466 Call 570-580-4550 to schedule your listing appointment. Pocono Farms Realty is the ONLY Exclusive Realtor of Pocono Farms Country Club Association.
3152 Laurel View Ln $125,000 3BR/2BA/1,498SqFt.
1271 Kilmer Rd $199,000 2BR/4BA/2,784SqFt.
316 Panther Rd
104 Douglas Fir Ln
1822 Owasco Terrace
303 Ruger Ln
$112,000 3BR/2BA/1,284SqFt.
$239,000 4BR/3BA/2,314SqFt.
$92,000 3BR/1BA/1,016SqFt.
● Homes Sales and Listings ● Lots Sales and Listings ● Professional Property Management
$270,000 4BR/3BA/2,555SqFt.
● Rental Listings
Call or Text: 518-504-7589
Website: www.PoconoFarmsRealty.Com Email: PoconoFarmsRealty@Gmail.Com Lead Realtor: Lex Colon
Broker: James H. Ott #RM423546
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