Pocono Farms Weathervane - April 2023

From Your Board Of Directors

BY RICH MCCORMICK

Although the winter has been mild, we cannot seem to see the end. We have had months of above average temperatures and minimal snow fall. At some point, spring will start to show up in the Poconos with tree and flowers beginning to bloom and grass turning green.

The good news is that we have completed the installation of the playground at the lake and the pool contractors continued to work through January and February. All this leading to a promising spring and summer at PFCCA. We are looking forward to seeing our community friends beginning to venture out in the warmer weather and seeing our community residents utilizing our amenities and enjoying the beauty of PFCCA.

As a board, we are working with our management team to ensure that we are ready for our spring and summer activities at the lake and our new pool complex. The updated pool complex will afford our members a fantastic way to beat the summer heat, with the zero (beach) entrance and the splash pad for our younger residents. Both were updated based on the comments of our residents at board meetings and in the long range planning survey from a few years ago. We have continued to review the long-range planning survey to ensure that when undertaking projects, we incorporate your input.

Although the pool project was not planned, but a result of damage, I truly believe we have constructed a pool that will meet all our needs for long time future. I want to thank the board for making the hard decision to close the pool in 2022 and taking the time to plan and construct a pool that will again be our summer home for many of our residents. I look forward to seeing you all at the pool and lake this summer.

182 Lake Road • Tobyhanna, PA 18466 www.poconofarms.com • admin@poconofarms.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

President Annette Doerr

Vice-President Jim Ribardo

Treasurer Bill Weimer Jr

Secretary Steve Baker

Director Renee McClure

Director Rich McCormick

Director Collette Ong

Director Pete Volpe Director Jim Yando

COMMITTEES:

• A & B, Environmental, Crime Watch Rich McCormick

• Finance Bill Weimer Jr

• Golf Jim Ribardo

• Recreation, Tennis, Steve Baker/ Pool, Fitness Peter Volpe

• Communications/ Long Range Planning Renee McClure

DEPARTMENT HEADS

General Manager Dave Timko 894-4435 ext. 100 dtimko@poconofarms.com

Asst. General Manager Katrina Weithman 894-4435 ext. 132 katrinaw@poconofarms.com

Controller Milt Kwasnik 894-4435 ext. 103 controller@poconofarms.com

Golf Pro Kyle Monahan 894-4435 ext. 110 golfshop@poconofarms.com

Greens Superintendent Jeff Lesoine 894-4435 jeffreyl3@poconofarms.com

Chef Tom Mack 894-4435 ext. 130 pfkitchen@poconofarms.com

Recreation/Fitness Krissie Aylward Director fitrecdirector@poconofarms.com 894-4435 ext. 113

Public Safety & Compliance Director Artie Furman 894-4435 ext. 105 afurman@poconofarms.com

Maintenance Dave Winters 894-4435 pfmaint@poconofarms.com

Member Services Susan Nevarez 894-4435 ext. 106 admin@poconofarms.com

Pocono Farms Realty Lex Colon 894-0300 lex.colon.realtor@gmail.com

Website/Communications Brendan Balara Coordinator webcomcord@poconofarms.com 894-4435 ext. 201

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.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS

From The General Manager

BY DAVE TIMKO, CMCA, AMS, General Manager – PFCCA, Inc.

Phil the groundhog said six more weeks of winter!! Considering the winter that we have had so far, 6 more weeks cannot be that bad.

As the weather warms up, we will start to clean up the common areas in preparation for the spring. As the snow on the ground starts to melt, it unveils garbage and trash that was disposed of along the roads within the PFCCA community. As many of you are aware, each spring we work in partnership with Penn Dot (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) along with many community volunteers to clean up the main roads within Pocono Farms. This is typically scheduled around Earth Day, which is near the middle of April. Watch your emails for more information about signing up to participate in this one-day event.

With a little less than average snow fall this winter, we are anticipating a potential earlier start to the golf season. We usually attempt to open our course in mid-April, weather depending. Whenever our Superintendent tells us that we can open the course full time without causing any damage, we will do so. Coming off a good year in 2022 where we witnessed the golf membership end at 233 members and rounds of golf up by 1,500 over the course of the 2022 season, we are excited to pick up on that trend in 2023.

April 28, 2023

May 19, 2023

June 16, 2023

July 14, 2023

REMINDER:

Please Keep Your Dogs

Also: No dogs or animals are allowed on the golf course, beach, docks, lake area, pool area, grassy area along and behind the beach and Clubhouse.

JOB OPENING

Part Time Facility

Custodian/Maintenance Staff

Needed immediately for the Clubhouse/Community and Fitness Center. Please see the full job description on our website at www.poconofarms.com/hiring-facility or pick up an application at our Member Services office.

Once we are confident that we will not have to spread any more cinders, we will send our maintenance staff out in the cul-de-sacs with our blowers and equipment to blow off the roadways and clear them of most cinders. We usually will wait until there is a day with a light drizzle or rain so as to not stir up as much dust.

As winter draws to a close and we begin to experience warmer temperatures, more members will be looking forward to the summer season. At this point, we are still on schedule to re-open the pool for Memorial Weekend. We will be putting out a separate document explaining where we are at in the process and what else needs to be completed to accomplish this goal.

Have a GREAT Spring!!!

Neighborhood Watch

BY RUSS KELLY

President’s Message

Public Safety

Do you have what

BY ARTIE FURMAN - CMCA, AMS

A long sigh of relief as April rolls in. No matter the temperature or state of the sky, April means winter is officially over and things will all look brighter again. Some of the snowbirds start to make their way back to Pocono Farms in April along with the real songbirds. Daffodils are up, green shoots are working their way to the sun and even the grass looks greener. No more washing the salt off the car, no more changing plans because the road looks too slippery and no more hoping your all-weather tires are still okay. Now it is time to get the lawn mower in shape and struggle putting new line in the trimmers. I never did get good at that.

by Steve Melnick, BMLC Board President

With the long hard winter finally past us, it is great to see the spring colors and freshly mulched and planted common areas throughout Blue Mountain Lake. Most of our storm damage repair work has been completed and our 2018 Capital projects have started.

Our Management team has been working hard on our Capital Plan projects. The clubhouse, pump house and pole barn buildings all had new roofs installed. Other completed Capital Plan projects include the lake-side landscaping project, a new landscape design to the right of the guard booth (required due to storm damage), resurfacing of Pool #1, new fencing around the Daffodil Basin and lighting upgrades to the club house, mail pod, gazebo and maintenance buildings.

Our recently established Amenity/Event Committee has been hard at work. They are in the process of reviewing the possibility of adding a community gym to our amenities. The pool party last year was so well received, the BMLC will be throwing two pool parties this year.

The snow covered up some of the mess left during the winter. Now it is time to take care of it. There were times this past winter that drivers did not know if a house was being remodeled or if people moved out and left unwanted items on the lawn. A few places seem to be in a never-ending construction project. But most of us just have to clean up the yard a bit, fertilize and seed.

it takes to be a BMLC Board Member?

with our code official, all the colors used were approved. Earth tones can sometimes be a wider range than we realize. I was surprised to learn that parking overnight on township roads during the snow season was not a violation of township laws. I cannot get all the New Jersey things out of my mind. Most calls are concerning garbage cans being put out too early or being left out for too long. There never seems to be a week that we do not find bags, furniture or other household items dumped along our roads. We work with the township doing removals or trash pickup. We are spending time and money with our maintenance crew that should not be necessary. Fines are stiff when the dumper is found.

A new event for 2018 will be “Music by the Lake.” This will be a four-event series of live music at the Gazebo on select Saturday nights in June, July, August and September. Anyone interested in joining this committee should contact the BMLC office. They are always in need of new ideas and volunteer help.

I look forward to a great summer season at Blue Mountain Lake!

The strength of our community comes from our membership. I encourage all members to get involved. Run for a Board seat, join a committee or bring suggestions to your Board and management team.

Together, we will continue to enjoy living in one of the most desirable communities in the Poconos.

A few calls came in about the color of some newer houses. After checking

If you’re considering running for the BMLC Board of Directors, take a few moments to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I have the time?

The seasons come and the seasons go, one day there is sun and the next there is snow. Mother Nature fills us with all her charms, here in our quaint little hamlet called Pocono Farms. It certainly has been an interesting year so far.

As a BMLC board member, you will need to devote at least several hours of your time each month to Association business. In addition to regular board meetings, you will need to be active in email discussions and occasional special meetings. During special projects, you may need to spend a little extra time on Association business. Some board members may also spend a little more time than others if they work with a committee. Some committees include: Design Review, Finance, Safety, and Events just to name a few! You don’t have to participate in every committee, but should pick one that you want to be involved in.

2. Can I make tough decisions when it’s required?

In February, our drivers rode for 122 hours. Again, this is the case because many of the drivers take multiple days. We always have room for more, so give it a try! Pocono Farms is pretty in the Spring and when you are riding around you get to see more of the Farms than you normally would. If you are interested or for more information, call the office at 570-894-4435 or leave a message for Russ Kelly at 570-894-4034.

I have added three new members to the Public Safety staff. The first is Bigfoot. He has started his patrols of the new playground; he is going to be checking for ID badges and making sure everyone behaves on the new equipment. The second is The Creature from the Black Lagoon. I have posted him at the beach to assist with the upcoming season’s water activities and to make sure everyone listens to the Lifeguards. Last but not least, is the third staff member all the way from Scotland (those travel Visas were a nightmare).

The primary role of the BMLC board is to protect, enhance and maintain the Association. This doesn’t just mean approving the budget, but also developing and enforcing policies. Board members are required to step outside their immediate circle of family and neighbors and make decisions based on the greater good of the community. Not every member is going to like the decisions that the board makes. You may have to make some tough and unpopular decisions. But, you and the rest of the board have the best interest of the entire community in mind when you vote on every issue.

Nessie’s cousin, Glacier Lake Gertrude, just call her Gerdie. With all the kayaks, paddle boards, rowboats and paddle boats on our waterway, Gerdie will be making sure that things go smoothly on the lake.

3. Can I do all this and have fun too?

It isn’t all about policies and tough decisions. Our community is only as good as we make it, and establishing and maintaining a sense of community is a part of a BMLC board member’s responsibilities. Planning and attending functions such as social events, the annual membership meeting, and having a presence in the community are as important as any policy decisions you make.

Being a BMLC board member can be frustrating at times, but it may also be one of the most rewarding ways you’ll find to volunteer your time. If you’re interested in running for the board or would like more details about your board member’s responsibilities, please do not hesitate to contact your Community Manager or a current board member.

Not too long ago, we had our first ever Sharknado on Glacier Lake, (I’m gonna need a bigger boat). Now I truly appreciate all the help from the residents with sharks falling from the sky. However, we still must follow the rules, no fishing from the golf course. I have had reports of Zombies on the Golf Course. Remember, the same rules apply for your Zombies just like your dogs. They are not supposed to be on the Golf Course whether they are leashed or not.

• Candidate Packets will be available at the Office, on our website, and via email (by request) starting August 15, 2018.

Happy April 1st Everyone. On a serious note, should you have questions or concerns we are just a phone call away.

• Annual Meeting: Saturday, November 10, 2018; 1:00pm Clubhouse

BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S CANDIDATE APPLICATION

The Elections and Nominating Committee request from all board candidates, acompleted candidate profile – see form below which can be obtained in the Weathervane, on the website or picked up at the Member Services Office. You may submit a separate sheet of paper with your responses. Your information will be published in upcoming issues of the Weathervane and on the website.

Please be aware that one very important requirement for candidacy is the attendance. You will be required to attend monthly Board Meetings, General Membership Meeting and assigned Committee Meetings. As stated in the By-Laws (Section 5.7) “Any Director who is absent from either a total of four (4) regular meetings or three (3) regular meetings in succession, of a twelve month period, commencing with the organizational meeting, shall be deemed to have resigned…”

This year, there are three seats available on the Board of Directors, each for a three (3) year term. Board candidates must be 21 years of age, an owner of record and be a member in good standing.

All applications for nomination must be submitted to the Elections and Nominating Committee, c/o the Association Office, one week prior to the April meeting of the Board of Directors. Deadline for applications is April 21, 2023.

Name: Pocono Farms Address

Permanent Address: (If seasonal or weekend member)

Primary Phone Number

Email Address

How many years have you been a member of Pocono Farms?

What is your occupation?

Candidate Profile

Please describe committees, clubs, volunteer work and other activities in which you have participated.

Describe any skills, talents, or specialized training, which as a Board Member, you feel will be beneficial to the community,

What is your motivation for seeking a seat on the Board of Directors?

If elected, in what areas do you hope to influence the Board concerning direction and governance of this community?

Why should the membership elect you to the Board of Directors?

Note: Applications must be submitted to the Elections/Nominating Committee, c/o the Association Office by April 21, 2023 or postmarked no later than April 20, 2023.

CERTIFICATION: I ___________________________, if elected, will bear my full share of the work of the Board and intend to serve a full term.

Date: ________________________________ Signature: _______________________________________________________________________

P A R E N T M E E T & G R E E T

Ladies Night Ladies Night

Dance the night away while DJ Joe O’Malley spins the hits!

Food Specials - Drink Specials Gift Baskets - 50/50

$5.00 entry fee: due at event upon entering All proceeds from the evening will benefit the PFCCA Swim Team!

PLEASE MAKE YOUR RESERVATION WITH KATRINA KatrinaW@PoconoFarms com 570 894 4435 ext 131

S A T U R D A Y , A P R I L 1 5 T H

: 0 0 P M - 3 : 0 0 P M J O I N

ENJOY ARTWORK DONE BY YOUR POCONO FARMS NEIGHBORS & RECONNECT AFTER A LONG WINTER!

POCONO FARMS COUNTRY CLUB

Round By Round

The Superintendents Perspective

BY JEFFREY LESOINE, GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT

Our new golf season is quickly approaching. Hopefully by the time you are reading this article, the golf course will be open, and the season will already be underway! As much as many other people and I would love for that to be the case, sometimes the end of winter can be the worst. Just a couple years ago, here at The Farms we saw over sixty inches of snow in just March! With any luck, the rest of our winter will remain mild like just like the first couple months. Even if the end of winter is not as mild as it started out, the golf course will be as ready as possible for what mother nature has in store. Every year, the grounds crew and I take many steps to get the course ready for winter. Green drains are put in and sod cut outs around the greens are removed to increase drainage and winter runoff during the freeze/thaw cycles. This is done to decrease the chance of winter damage. The greens are then covered with topdressing and finally tarped for extra winter protection. Sometimes no matter how much we prepare for the elements, mother nature may have other plans.

This season on the golf course, we have several small projects to work on as well as normal maintenance. Some of those projects include moving/repairing existing drainage, tree cutting and trimming along with other small course improvements. We are always trying to make the course more playable and have better conditions for the members.

I am sure our members and staff are all very excited for winter to be over and the start of a new golf season. Last season we had great weather, great membership and a terrific member participation. Hopefully, this season is even better! With the start of the new golf season, now is a great time to set up some in season lessons with our PGA golf pro Kyle Monahan. Get your swing ready for the peak of the season! Or maybe you are in line for a hot new set of golf clubs! Even if your clubs and game are already on par, staying in shape will also help your golf game. Regular exercise can greatly improve your game. I am sure Kyle along with Krissie Aylward (Our Fitness & Recreation Director) can show you some great exercises to strengthen your swing or improve your range of motion.

Whichever you may choose, new clubs, lessons, fitness or maybe just doing your own thing, Pocono Farms has plenty to offer. It is always nice to see all the familiar faces and some new ones. Every new season is like starting fresh, and no two seasons are ever alike. New challenges bring new greatness! I am sure this season will be no different. I hope everyone had a great winter and has an even better golf season!

Dart League

The PFCCA Dart League season concluded on Sunday March 19th. After a great season, the league players gathered for a buffet lunch and a day of playoff excitement!

After an undefeated season The Dart Fellas Team, consisting of Dean Barone, Mike Elbert and Frank Milano, took home the championship trophy! Thank you to all who participated, we look forward to another great season in Winter of 2024!!

St. Patrick’s Day

THANK YOU

to everyone who attended our annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, we hope you all had a wonderful night!

Golf Scholarship Application

TO QUALIFY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP YOU MUST:

• Be a High School Senior

• Be a resident of Pocono Farms Country Club Association

• Have a Grade point average minimum of 2.75

• A copy of your transcript must be attached to this applicatioin

• Homeowner must be a member in good standing with the Association (no past due balance)

• Or be on a payment plan for current year’s dues.

PLEASE ATTACH A SHORT DESCRIPTION ON HOW YOU FEEL YOU QUALIFY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD:

• Include a description of your Community Activities and/or volunteer work

• School Activities

• Employment History

Please have this application, along with all of the required information, turned into the PFCCA, Inc. Member Services office by 4:30 p.m. on April 21, 2023. Date of the interviews will be Saturday May 6th, 2023. Applicants will be notified as to the time of day for their interview.

Fit & Fun

BY KRISSIE AYLWARD, PFCCA REC & FITNESS DIRECTOR

Is it Spring yet?

I am getting antsy to be outside and enjoy the sunshine especially after the weather March brought us. Speaking of outside, our new playground is looking fantastic, and I cannot wait to see it full of kids. Safety, of course, is our number one priority. I have been busy creating a safety checklist to ensure the equipment is always safe for your kids to use. The ground cover has been a topic of conversation, so I thought I might touch on that a bit as well. Playground mulch is very different than the kind of mulch you would use around your home. Playground mulch is special and so much more than just wood chips. The playground mulch is made from a specially ground natural product that is designed to offer fall protection to your children. It is non-toxic and produced from virgin material This means you will not find any staples, screws or nails in the product. Not only is it naturally attractive, but it helps to prevent weeds and bugs from making a home. A quick raking or the occasional topping off is all that is required to maintain a safe surface for your play structure. With a safety checklist put in place and the help of the Pocono Farms maintenance staff, the depth of the mulch under the higher climbing pieces will be maintained for the safety of your children. Accidents do happen, so please be mindful to keep an eye on your children and follow the rules of the playground. Happy playing!!

I would like to invite all parents to join me for our Parent Meet and Greet! This event will take place on Sunday, April 16th at 1 pm in the Garden View room, downstairs in the Member Services building. I would love to hear any ideas that you may have to get children involved in our community and I cannot wait to share some ideas I have as well.

On April 22nd we have our Annual Clean Up day to help keep The Farms litter free! Look for more information on this upcoming event in your emails.

As always, thank you for all your emails, ideas, kind words and encouragement. I look forward to fun filled summer!

APRIL FITNESS CLASS SCHEDULE

DID YOU KNOW?

You

Pilates Pilates

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P l e a s e b r i n g y o u r o w n m a t a n d

a w a t e r b o t t l e !

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