Pocono Farms Weathervane November 2019

NOVEM BER 2 0 19

182

LAKE

ROAD

•

TOBYHANNA,

PENNSYLVANIA

18466

IN THIS ISSUE

2019 Family

HALLOWEEN PARTY November 3, 2019 | 1-4pm

OUR COMMUNITY Notes from the Manager

2

Letter from the Board

2

From Your B.O.D.

3

Crime Watch

4

Public Safety

5

Letter to the Editor

5

In the Farms

5

Play Around Glacier Lake

6

$12 Adults • $8 Kids 12 & Under | Banquet Room

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Buffet - 1:00-2:30pm Show - 1:30-4:00pm

SPORTS

• Costume Contest • Prizes • Candy Giveaways • Dance Party

November Calendar

7

Fun with Fitness

9

Round by Round

10

Rockin’ Recreation

10

LAKESIDE GRILL & PUB NOVEMBER HOURS*

• Fire Magic & Special Effects • Sword Swallowing • Music Videos

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

• Limbo

closed thursday, november 28, 2019 for thanksgiving

*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 NOVEMB ER 2 2 , 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

Greens Superintendent Jeff Lesoine 894-4435 jeffreyl3@poconofarms.com Chef Len Lorio 894-4435 ext. 130

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

At the September meeting of the Board of Directors, the topic of litter throughout the community was brought up by a member attending the meeting and was discussed openly.

Personally, I do not understand how anyone can litter. I realize we live in a disposable society and fast food and drinks are commonplace. But when you are done, to throw it outside along the roads is unacceptable, in my opinion. I still remember growing up as a child watching the commercial with the Native American and the tear running down his cheek. What an impactful commercial!

Well, what was decided at the conclusion of this board conversation was to resurrect the community’s “Adopt a Spot” program. It is a very simple program by which volunteers throughout the community agree to police a spot or section of road at their convenience. You should have seen the flyer about this program by now. If you would like more information about this program, or to sign up, you may contact our Administration Office and they will assist you.

As an association, we are typically made aware of larger items that are deposited within the community. Fortunately for Pocono Farms, Coolbaugh Township Department of Public Works and their administrative staff have been wonderful to work with in disposing of these larger items thrown about on the township roads within the Pocono Farms Community. At times when these items are made known to us, our maintenance staff is permitted to take them to their large containers to dispose of. Of course the DPW will remove them as well. We are very fortunate to have this working relationship.

Another issue we are made aware of is when someone has dumped multiple bags of trash within Pocono Farms. In this regards, we partner with the Monroe County Waste Authority who has a lot more enforcement powers than we do at the present time. I know that recently they were able to locate an address in one of the bags that were dumped and found someone’s contact information. They levied a $1,700.00 fine on that person. In these cases, we have found that most people do not reside within Pocono Farms but for some reason feel it necessary to dispose of their trash here.

It is frustrating to see litter and bulk items thrown out within our community. However, with concerned members of the community helping out, our partnership with the Township, and the Waste Authority, we can make a positive impact on how the community presents itself.

Our staff does periodically go out on litter patrol. They will also respond to items that are reported to the Administration Office. Depending on when it was reported, it may take a day or two to get to it, but we will.

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

Let t er from t he Boa r d Dear Member, Each year, a fair amount of our members leave Tobyhanna and head south for the warmer temperatures during winter. Some go for a month or two and others go up to 4 or 5 months. We like to remind those that do to notify the administration office of your departure and return dates. We ask this of you so that we may forward any correspondence to you to keep you informed of what is happening around Pocono Farms in your absence and things to look forward to upon your return.

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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In addition, as an added service as part of our trash negotiations with County Waste, they will work with us to suspend the garbage services for those members who are away for longer than 30 days. They WILL NOT pull your cans. You would simply inform the administration office of your departure and return dates. They (County Waste) will place those dates in their computer system, and it’s done.

We appreciate your cooperation.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors Dave Timko - CMCA, AMS General Manager Pocono Farms Country Club Assoc., Inc.

WEAT HERVANE

NOVEMBER

2019

From You r Boa r d of Dir ec tor s

BY ANNETTE DOERR As we roll into the month of November, I would like to take this time to wish our Snowbirds a safe and warm winter, as many of them will be taking flight towards warmer climates in the next few weeks. As a reminder, make sure you advise the Administration Office you will be out of town. A “Snowbird Change of Address Form” is available on our website where it can be filled out and submitted online. If you prefer old-school style, you are welcome to pick up the form in the Administration Office and return it to the office once the form is filled out with your winter home information. Doing so ensures that any mailings Pocono Farms puts out will get to you on a timely basis. For those of us staying put and getting ready for another “Snowbyhanna” winter, November is generally the last chance you will have to make sure your yard is clean and tidy before the snow starts to fly.

Having your lawn mowed and your leaves cleaned up is not just part of being a responsible homeowner, it is part of the rules and regulations to live in Pocono Farms.

Our Administrative Code, available online, states; Lawns shall be mowed to a height of no more than 4 inches and weeds must be controlled. Violations shall result in weekly fines. For more information on this particular code violation, you can read more in Chapter 106 – Rules and Regulations, Section F.

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

The Administrative Code is a wealth of information. I highly recommend you take the time to bookmark it on our website (www.poconofarms.com), and at least scan through it. It is an amazingly thorough document that contains pretty much everything you need to know about living in Pocono Farms. Although the Administrative Code gives management the ability to fine non-compliant homeowners, believe me when I say no one involved enjoys doing so. We would much rather you do your fair share as a homeowner in our community and keep your property within the standards you agreed to when you moved here, however long ago that was.

Keeping properties neat and well-maintained helps keep our community beautiful, it also helps decrease the rodent population and can help increase all of our property values.

Maintaining your lawn properly prior to winter will also help your lawn come back healthier next spring, after the snow melts! If you need help with your fall clean up, check out the ads in the Weathervane, we have several landscapers that help support this paper by placing ads for their businesses. You can also ask a neighbor if they could recommend someone reliable and affordable. Mow that lawn and rake those leaves before that beautiful green grass is covered in white for the next few months!

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

WEAT HERVANE

NOVEMBER

2019

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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:

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$10 OFF CHIMNEY REPAIRS & CLEANING WITH THIS AD

Cr i m e Watch Ac t i v it y R eport

BY RUSS KELLY Here we go the realization that all the colorful surroundings are gone for another year, and we look ahead into the months of cold days and snow. Out come the snow tires, the snow blower takes the place of the lawn mower in the garage, and we check to see if we have enough ice melt for the coming months.

You cannot help but notice the grin on those who are about to move on to the sunshine states.

Most of those I know start the trek south in October and are finished by the end of December.

While we did not get many serious calls from our drivers this month, one call-in spotted a bicycle taken from a deck, and was able to get it back to the owner. Lately, it appears a new favorite dumping place for old mattresses is along the power lines off Algonquin. I would hope that any of our residents seeing something like this would get a plate number and pass it on to our Code Official, Administration Office, or even a crime watch driver. Both the township and the county take dumping seriously and deliver hefty fines when notified.

My most memorable call this month was from a driver who reported a beeping noise coming from a home on one of the cul-de-sacs. Thinking it may be a burglar alarm; we were deciding whether we should call 911 or notify the police on the non-emergency number. As he got closer to the home, he said it did not seem to be coming from the house, but possibly the mail box.

I remembered a few years back we had a rash of mail box explosions caused by what appeared to be a science class experiment. No one got hurt, but the mail boxes took a beating. Finally, he said, no, it’s coming from the garbage can. Well, that took the police call off the list. There was no question; we were not going to dive into the can to solve this mystery. I have not heard any reports of a garbage can explosion, so I guess it was an old thermostat or smoke alarm calling for a battery change. Who said nothing exciting happens on crime watch.

In September, the volunteers drove 98 hours. As we lose drivers for the winter, we really could use more volunteers. You would be surprised how much of the Farms you have not seen before. A couple of hours a month, even for just the winter months would be a big help. Call Russ Kelly at 570-894-4034 or contact the Administration Office if you are interested.

TO ADVERTISE CALL CRYSTAL AT

845-456-1218 SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS

SHOP LOCAL! 4

WEAT HERVANE

NOVEMBER

2019

P u blic Sa fet y

IN THE FARMS

BY ARTIE FURM AN November is here and all that comes with it. Some good, Thanksgiving, yum! Some not, falling leaves, raking, and snow YUCK!!! Alas, no matter what is going on outside we must deal with it; although I would prefer applying sunscreen than shoveling. Below are a few of those things we should do to prepare our vehicles for the inevitable nasty weather we get. I have written about this in the past but a refresher cannot hurt.

Your tires. If you are slipping and spinning on wet roads, what do you think will happen in sleet and snow?

Your wipers. If you see streaks in the rain, it is not going to be any better in the snow.

Wiper fluid. During the summer months the normal blue fluid is fine. The special formula fluid for winter actually helps cut through the snow and ice that builds on your windshield.

It is always good to keep a blanket and a few snacks in the car in case you get stuck.

Remember that terrible storm a few years back? People were stranded everywhere.

Lastly your gas tank. For the reason stated in #4 I try not to fall below a half tank in the colder months.

I hope those few tips are completely unnecessary and we never drop below 50 all winter.

Unfortunately, I do not think this will be the case. This is why I am thinking of writing my article next month from the Florida Keys. I like that idea! Until that does happen, should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me or just stop by, my door is always open.

L et t er to t he Editor To all my friends at Pocono Farms, Unfortunately, it is time for me to say goodbye to all of you. In the 14 years that I have lived here I have met an amazing group of people. You were all there in happy times and surrounded me when I needed you the most. You all know how I love this community and it breaks my heart to leave, but it is time for me to move on and live closer to Jill and Tom. I am moving into a 55+, very active community in Connecticut which I am sure I will become involved in, but you people will be a hard act to follow. I would like to thank Dave Timko for always listening when I got “ideas” about what could be done to “upgrade”. Thank you to Katrina, Michael, Jamie, and Krissie for always providing me with great service, laughs, and sharing your life stories. Susan, Krissie, Samantha, and Maria for always giving me a “Good Morning” and a smile and help whenever I had a question. I just want to say to any newcomers to this community - get involved. There are so many wonderful things to do here and get to know the people that live here - They are the greatest assets! For those of you I did not get to see before I left, I am leaving you hugs.

I love you all, my friends and neighbors, and I will miss you immensely! I will definitely visit often and do not forget you can visit me too!

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 Years 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.

Love and hugs xoxoxo Linda Becht

2019/2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS

ALL MEETING TIMES ARE 7PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED Friday - November 22, 2019

Thursday - May 21, 2020

Friday - December 20, 2019

Friday - June 26, 2020

Friday - January 24, 2020

Friday - July 17, 2020

Friday - February 28, 2020

ANNUAL MEETING

(work session) Friday - March 27, 2020

Saturday - July 18, 2020 - 10 AM

Friday - April 24, 2020

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Pl ay A round Gl acier L a k e The tagline “Play around Glacier Lake” promoted Pocono Farms Country Club upon its opening in 1970. It remains a selling point – and then some – in 2019. Not only can you play golf on the surrounding course designed by Art Wall,

Steve Wachowski

Jr., but you can also fish in Glacier Lake. It is a fiveacre body of water located within the Pocono Farms community, which includes approximately 1,400 homes. “The lake is enjoyed both by community and golf members,” Tom Sirolly, a Pocono Farms member of 35 years, said.

“Fishing isn’t a huge component of the golf community. There are some members who fish. It’s more a big part of the residential community. It’s significant enough that those who enjoy fishing, especially bass fishing, seem to like it.” One of those individuals, Steve Wachowski, is Pocono Farms’ self-proclaimed bass guy. The 40-year member never flounders when dissecting the art of fishing at the club.

“If you ever catch a bass, it’s very exciting. It’s not easy. It’s a lot like getting a birdie out on the golf course, as far as I’m concerned,” Wachowski, 72, of Tobyhanna, Pa., said. “If I would get home too late for golf, then I would just go down to the lake. There are a lot of places off the edges where you could fish, especially toward the evening when golf has slowed down. It’s just exciting. It gives you a quick surge of adrenaline, like when you get a birdie or knock in an eagle.” Bass, which is stocked annually at Pocono Farms, joins perch, pickerel, trout and crappies as Glacier Lake inhabitants. Catch and release is the edict.

Visible from the clubhouse, Glacier Lake illuminates No. 3 green and stretches along the left side of No. 4 –an inlet bisecting fairway and green. “On certain days when playing golf, fishermen are seen both on the shore and in small boats,” Sirolly, 66, of Tobyhanna, Pa., said. “Depending on how the round opened, there is often the impulse to grab the rod and leave the clubs behind.” “Some of the wise guys will try to hit a golf ball at you. They’re just practicing their water ball I guess,” Wachowski, a former marketing representative for Miller Holding Company, added. “But it is a camaraderie out here.” Fishing enhances the Pocono Farms fellowship. Two docks on the property allow for shoreline excursions. Members and residents can also fish via boat (non-gas motors only).

“We have ice fishermen go out during the winter. At night, sometimes you’ll see guys going out for catfish and such,” Artie Furman, Pocono Farms director of public safety of seven years, said. The club itself doesn’t conduct specific fishing events. Pocono Farms, however, does host an annual derby during Memorial Day weekend. Approximately 25-35 individuals attend. “We break it up into three age groups: 5-8, 9-12, 13-16. They fish throughout the lake,” Furman, 67, of Reeders, Pa., said. “Each division has two winners: longest fish and heaviest fish. We always give out prizes from Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitters [in Stroudsburg, Pa.]. It’s age appropriate. For toddlers, we have a little plastic wading pool that they’ll fish in to catch Styrofoam fish. It’s been well-received.”

Those seeking tips or hints can consult with Wachowski, who knows the waters as well as the greens.

“People ask me, ‘Steve, how do you catch a fish?’ They just can’t seem to do it,” Wachowski said. “There’s a feel to it, like there is in putting. You got to grit it out. You have to pick a square and go left to right. Fish are hanging around the edges and under trees. You need to know a little bit about fishing. You don’t throw [your line] in the deep water. Fishing was just another aspect to think about, and it was easy thinking.” Wachowski never thinks twice about Plan B when golf isn’t an option at Pocono Farms “[In the evenings when I returned from work], I’d go by the golf course and see if anybody was around, maybe hit a few balls,” Wachowski said. “If it was too late to go out or get a quick nine in, I ‘d turn my golf cart, head over to the lake and catch a bass or two.” Wachowski recalls the days when he and others spotted former head professional Ted Johnson casting a line in Glacier Lake. Former NASCAR drivers such as Bobby Allison also fished – and golfed – at Pocono Farms when the Miller Genuine Draft 500 came to nearby Pocono Raceway in the early 1990s. Another note of historical interest. According to lure lore, during the late 19th century, Glacier Lake played a role in the area’s ice harvesting industry. A 60,000-ton ice harvesting facility existed on Mill Pond Lake in Tobyhanna – two miles north of Pocono Farms. Train lines transported large blocks of ice both east to New York and south to Philadelphia, Pa. Play around Glacier Lake. Fish on Glacier Lake. Either way, the Pocono Farms experience will continue to harvest smiles. “It rarely gets much better then enjoying a sunny day with a group of energetic friends on the course or on a boat,” Sirolly said. “The ceremonial recounting afterward – in both sports the shared stories of ‘the one that got away.’ The fish grows longer and the putt gets shorter with each spirited telling.”

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WEAT HERVANE

NOVEMBER

2019

– Tony Regina

NEED ACCESS TO THE WEBSITE? VISIT poconofarms.com Click on RESIDENT LOGIN and FORGOT PASSWORD Your Log-in & Password will be emailed to you

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If you’d like to see your photos published in the Weathervane or on Pocono Farms Facebook page, please email Admin@poconofarms.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.

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WEAT HERVANE

NOVEMBER

2019

F un w it h Fitness

BY KRISSIE AYLWARD, PFCCA FITNESS DIRECTOR I cannot believe that it is November already!!! The word November brings so many thoughts to my mind, but the one that sticks out the most is THANKS. A month to give thanks to those who have done good, changed a life, helped a friend, gone out of their way, donated time or money to a cause they believe in, shown support for a coworker who may be struggling, or made a newbie feel at home and part of the “team”.

As I enter into my third year here at PFCCA, I am always so thankful for the support of both our fitness members and the staff I work with. I am continually trying new things and you all accept the changes and keep your encouraging words coming. The fitness world is ever changing and being able to bring new ideas, classes and equipment to you to make our fitness center the best it can be is so much fun for me! Not all my ideas work out as well as I imagine, and that is okay too. It is about growing and evolving with the hope that our facility will continue to attract new faces.

As you all gather around the table for holiday dinners, tailgate parties, or what have you, think about all you have to be thankful for. Whether it is your health, the roof over your head, the delicious smell of your favorite pie baking in the oven, the contagious laughter of your children or grandchildren, or the comfort of your old beat up recliner after a hard day; let a smile cross your face and thankfulness fill your mind.

Often times we get caught up in the harshness of the world and these small things go by the wayside. I wish you all a beautiful holiday season and hope to see some new faces in the Fitness Center as we try adding a couple new classes to our lineup and the option for personal training sessions.

As always I appreciate your continued support and encouragement.

Krissie “Be the change you wish to see in the world” –Ghandi

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R ound by R ound

ROCK I N’ R ECR E AT ION

BY JEFF LESOINE

BY NICK GALLAGHER November is here and we are in the middle of our beautiful fall season enjoying the last bit of color before all that snow comes. Luckily the Recreation Department is here to keep life colorful and entertaining. Our trip this month will take place in a different time, so to speak.

We will be taking a trip to Medieval Times to witness a test of who is the mightiest knight, during a 4 course meal, surrounded by fellow companions. This trip is a great night for the whole family, so save the date for Friday, November 8th. You do not want to miss out on a show like this. The Lakeside Grill and Pub will be hosting another fabulous Prime Rib Night on November 16th.

If you are looking to a night filled with good friends and even better food then contact Katrina to make a reservation. Lastly in the month of November, Pocono Farms will officially kick off the holiday season with our Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Show off your newest holiday sweater and help decorate our trees outside and enjoy a nice warm beverage as we bring in the holiday spirit. To finish off the rest of the night Pocono Farms will be hosting a Holiday Trivia Night at 7:30pm with musical guest Christian Porter. Contact Katrina for reservations, spots fill up fast!

PFCCA Gives Back For our 9th consecutive year, Pocono Farms Country Club has donated to the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA. Every year during our football season we collect for the construction of the Flight 93 memorial.

Our community is a founding member of the memorial fund. The site is now near completion. This year our 50/50 winner was Tommy Stultz. Thank you to all who contributed to remember those who were lost.

As the end of the 2019 golf season winds down, there is still a lot to do to prepare the golf course for the winter. 2019 was a good season overall compared to 2018. There was definitely less rainfall in July, August, and September of 2019 than there was during the same period in 2018. This has lead to more member rounds being played this year when compared to the same period last year. For the month of September of 2019, we were up 200 member rounds over last September. That places the member rounds for the year up by 620 over last year.

From a course condition perspective, it was a good year as well. Although there was less rain the last three months, our full course irrigation system allowed us to water as necessary to create the great conditions our members and guests expect.

We all know that the winter season in Tobyhanna can be brutal. Rain, snow, wind, freeze and thaw cycles, all play havoc on the golf course turf. Each year we take pro-active steps to minimize potential turf damage due to the winter conditions. Some of these are: Extra drains are placed within the greens to allow melting snow and water to drain subsurface before it freezes. Removing certain areas of the collars to allow the water to drain off the greens instead of backing up and freezing is also a pro-active step.

We also top dress our greens and place dark, permeable covers on them that absorb heat from the sun and permit some of the ice that builds up to melt and run off the greens. The covers also prevent the wind that constantly blows across the greens during the winter months from causing wind damage to the sensitive turf.

At times of heavy snowfall accumulation and build up, we will even shovel off the greens so that the turf does not suffocate. Some snow cover is good. Too much snow cover for too long is not good.

At the end of the day, we wait. We wait to see how difficult Mother Nature will be and hope she is nice to us. We wait until spring to pull back the covers and see what conditions she has left us with.

I hope you had a chance to play this year and experience some of the best conditions in the Northeast. If not, there is always next year. We hope to see you out there!

TO ADVERTISE CALL 845.456.1218 10

WEAT HERVANE

NOVEMBER

2019

WEAT HERVANE

NOVEMBER

2019

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