Pocono Farms Weathervane - July 2023

MEMBER SERVICES OFFICE

MONDAY - SATURDAY 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

FITNESS CENTER

MONDAY - SUNDAY 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

COMPACTOR

WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY • 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

SUNDAY • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

POCONO FARMS REALTY

SUNDAY & MONDAY • CLOSED

TUESDAY - SATURDAY • 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM

From Your Board of Directors

BY ANNETTE DOERR

Chances are that by now you have seen the improvements we have made in our community over this past year for yourselves. In June we held Grand Opening ceremonies for both our new pool facility as well as our new playground. Investing in and improving the assets of Pocono Farms aids in keeping your home’s value higher than if you lived in a non-amenity filled association. (You can view the home valuation study we had done a few years ago, on our website.) Both the pool and the new playground were large, complex projects, and both of will continue to serve our members for years to come. Get out and enjoy them - just make sure you take along your 2023-stamped resident badge, to help our staff identify who is a resident.

Since it is summer, please remember that both the township as well as our administrative code 111-3 strictly prohibits fireworks. You will incur an automatic fine of $500 for each incident.

As we head toward our Annual Meeting later this month, I would be remiss if I did not wholeheartedly thank the four residents that are running for three open positions on the Board of Directors. It is a beautiful thing when there are more candidates than the number of available positions themselves. It shows that our residents care about our wonderful community, and that is exactly what we need! I wish everyone good luck in the election, I urge you to get your ballots in before the due date to make sure that your vote counts. We need to keep Pocono Farms the wonderful, safe, amenity-filled community we all choose to live in.

I look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting on July 15th.

admin@poconofarms.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Annette Doerr

Vice-President

Jim Ribardo

Treasurer

Bill Weimer Jr

Secretary

Steve Baker Director

James Yando Director

Richard McCormick

Director

Collette Ong Director

Renee McClure

Director

Pete Volpe

COMMITTEES

A & B, Environmental, Crime Watch

Rich McCormick

Finance

Bill Weimer Jr

Golf

Jim Ribardo

Recreation, Tennis, Pool, Fitness

Steve Baker/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 Director

Krissie Aylward 894-4435 ext. 113 fitrecdirector@poconofarms.com

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 Coordinator

Brendan Balara 894-4435 ext. 201 webcomcord@poconofarms.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS

All meetings start at 7:00pm in the community room below the clubhouse unless otherwise noted!

2023

July 14, 2023

ANNUAL MEETING

Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 10:00am

From the General Manager

BY DAVE TIMKO, CMCA, AMS, GENERAL MANAGER – PFCCA, INC.

This year’s Annual Meeting will be held on July 15th at 10:00AM at the Mount Airy Resort & Conference Center. The Annual Meeting serves a few purposes. First, it provides the Board with an opportunity to update the community members in attendance with a status report on the performance of the community within the past year. This includes a message from the President and a financial update from the board Treasurer. Second, the announcement of the directors to fill the three positions for the next term (three years) is announced, based on the results that the members submitted to the outside party – Judge of Elections. Third, any voting issues are presented and voted on by those members in attendance. Lastly, it provides the board with an opportunity to address any issues/challenges facing the community.

This year, there are four members of the community running for the three open positions. Ballots were sent to each member, at the address we have on file at our Member Services Office, on or about June 14th. These ballots are sent to a thirdparty Judge of Elections to compile the results. PFCCA, Inc. is then presented with those results in a sealed envelope. The results are then announced at the Annual Meeting.

There will not be an annual dues increase presented or voted on at the Annual Meeting. The board discussed its options, as they do every year, on whether a dues increase should be presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting. At this time, due to better collections, better food and beverage performance, golf membership/ operations and an increase in member participation at the association sponsored events, the board feels that a dues increase presented at the Annual Meeting is not necessary.

In closing, we have a great schedule of events and activities planned for our members this summer. We hope to see you out and enjoying all that Pocono Farms has to offer.

• As a reminder, please have your 2023 ID Badge with current year amenity sticker with you when you are frequenting the amenities. Our staff checking to ensure that you have your badge with you only affirms that our members are the ones using the amenities. Please do not be offended by our staff inquiring to see your badge. We are not a gated community nor open to the public and it is our way of securing the amenities for our members and their guests. This includes the Lakeside Grill & Pub as our liquor license prohibits the public sale of alcohol. Thank you for understanding.

Neighborhood Watch

BY RUSS KELLY Public Safety

Here we are in the midst of summer, more concerned about the lack of rain than worried about Covid as we were a few years ago. As I am writing now, things are dry, and the forecasts are projecting beautiful weather. But if you are a gardener or farmer, you would really like to see a little rain occasionally. There was not much snow this past winter, does this mean a dry spell? Hopefully by the time this edition gets to you, nature will catch up and get us back to normal. Now if you are golfer, rain is okay in small amounts, and mainly at night. A few wet holes occasionally can be lived with, but the guy that has his Scotts lawn, it cannot be wet enough.

By now, I assume everyone at least has looked at the new pool. What a great asset this is for the community. While the cost was significant, after the gulp we all took when the estimates came in, the results have been rewarding. For those of us that have been here for many years, the pool has been a big part of the community. So many children have learned to swim and competed with the swim team. New friends and competition with other communities made the kids see the importance of working as a team and appreciate all the effort that each kid put into his or her effort to excel.

Crime Watch Patrol has become a Neighborhood Watch Patrol. Several years ago, we went through a period of break-ins and mischief predominately by teenagers or young men. Most of these problems were taken care of by the cooperation of our security officer and local police. The police always said these problems occurred periodically, but seldom lasted for any length of time. It has been a long time since this was a problem. We were always told, by using a crime watch system, the police have always had fewer reports of crime than in the non-participant communities. So, we do our best to keep an eye out for anything unusual, not just reporting garbage drops or high grass. But all of us should not feel reluctant to call our security officer if something does not look right. He will investigate it; it is part of the job.

In May, the patrol logged about 144 hours, many of those by drivers taking multiple turns. So, while we are putting in a lot of hours, more drivers could relieve 570-894-4435, they can get you going in the right direction, or leave a message for

BY ARTIE FURMAN - CMCA, AMS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

July has arrived and so has summer! July has always been a busy month for us, and I see no reason why that should change. New construction is happening around the Farms. Not as much as in the past few years, but a few new homes have gone up. I am sure a few more homes will be built before the end of the year. Tree and building permits are comparable with past years. High grass citations are up. Remember everyone, it is grass, it will grow regardless of if you are here or not. Please be mindful of that and plan to have it taken care of in your absence.

Now for the main topic of July’s article. What is the major thing we do not want to happen this month? That’s right, you guessed it. Fireworks! Now come part two of this game. We have written three citations for fireworks up to the beginning of June. Were they written to residents of Pocono Farms or to short-term renters? (Airbnb, Vrbo, and similar entities). All three citations went to residents. Please, I cannot implore you enough, do not set off fireworks. Besides the automatic fine of $500.00, we here in Coolbaugh Township are on a burn ban. That includes firepits. Burn bans are put in place when weather conditions are extremely dry. I have mentioned in past articles, but this is my third large scale HOA I have been employed at. In my combined 17 years working at HOA’s, 12 being at Pocono Farms, I have seen five fires that have resulted because of fireworks. Forget the fine, I assure you, you do not want that on your conscious. As always, should you have questions or concerns, we are only a phone call away.

Lighting of fireworks within PFCCA is PROHIBITED.

An automatic fine of $500 will be administered.

Code Chapter 111-3

ELECTIONS

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION CANDIDATES

Meet the candidates who have decided to run for the 2023 Board of Director’s election. Each year you, as a Pocono Farms homeowner, have the opportunity and the responsibility to select those of your fellow members who will serve youon our Board of Directors. You have a voice in your Association and its future through our Board of Directors. Take this opportunity to inform yourself, and then vote for the candidates who you believe will be the best people to work with OUR other Board members to guide our Association towards the future.

Inna Piscitello

OCCUPATION: Administrative Coordinator

COMMITTEES, CLUBS, VOLUNTEER WORK & OTHER ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATED IN: I have been actively involved in various committees, clubs and volunteer work throughout my career. At Rockefeller University, I am a member of the IAS and Women’s Committee, where we focus on organizing seminars and talks to promote scientific collaboration across departments. I am an active member of the working parent’s group, where we discuss ways to support balance.

SKILLS, TALENTS, OR SPECIALIZED TRAINING: I possess a range of skills and specialized training. My extensive background in finance. I have skills in budgeting, financial management and fiscal responsibility. I possess skills as a Fraud Investigator and have a keen eye for detail and deep understanding of the importance of compliance and regulations.

MOTIVATION FOR SEEKING SEAT ON THE BOARD: I am motivated to seek a seat on the Board of Directors because I believe in

the importance of preserving and caring for our community.

BOARD INFLUENCE & DIRECTION / GOVERNANCE OF COMMUNITY: As a Board Member, I would like to focus on improving community engagement and communication. I believe that transparency is essential for building trust and ensuring that the community’s needs are being met. Additionally, I would like to advocate for environmentally responsible practices and support initiatives that promote sustainability.

WHY SHOULD THE MEMBERSHIP ELECT ME: Based on my skills, and passion for the community, I believe I would be an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors. My extensive experience in leadership positions, as well as my knowledge of community development and planning would allow me to make informed decisions and provide valuable insight to The Board.

OCCUPATION: Retired

COMMITTEES, CLUBS, VOLUNTEER WORK & OTHER ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATED IN: Board of Directors 15 Years. Treasurer 2 years, President 3 years, Golf Committee Chairman 2 years, Liaison to Finance, House, Fitness, Crimewatch and Golf Committees, Member ad hoc committees for building Fitness Center.

SKILLS, TALENTS, OR SPECIALIZED TRAINING: VP National Property Insurance Co., Executive VP Insurance Brokerage. Negotiated on a daily basis with CFOs and CEOs of Fortune 1000 companies. These skills transfer to running of a community association.

MOTIVATION FOR SEEKING SEAT ON THE BOARD: Improvement in improving financial position as well as asset improvement needs to continue. I wish to be part of that.

BOARD INFLUENCE & DIRECTION / GOVERNANCE OF COMMUNITY: Maintain financial strength.

WHY SHOULD THE MEMBERSHIP ELECT ME: I have a good understanding of guiding the community in the direction the majority of our members desire.

Pocono Farms Member for 7 years

Pocono Farms Member for 39 years

Frank Milano

Steve Baker

ELECTIONS

ANNUAL MEETING REMINDER

SATURDAY, JULY 15 AT 10:00AM

Pocono Farms Member for 10 years

OCCUPATION: E.S.H. Operations Supervisor

COMMITTEES, CLUBS, VOLUNTEER WORK & OTHER ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATED IN: Board of Directors (Currently), Assistant Fire Chief – Coolbaugh Township VFC, Tobyhanna Little League – Coach, Pocono Mountain Thunder Football Program – Coach, Coolbaugh Township Planning Commission, Cub Scout Pack 89. Pocono Farms Country Club – Finance, Recreation, LRP and A&B Committees.

SKILLS, TALENTS, OR SPECIALIZED TRAINING: Previous Board of Directors term. Familiar with the strengths and successes of community and have ideas for future success. Work with large scale budgets and familiar with the processes of operations.

Steve Bunker

OCCUPATION:

Executive Vice President – United Envelope

COMMITTEES, CLUBS, VOLUNTEER WORK & OTHER ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATED IN: Pocono Farms Golf Committee and Board of Directors, Member of Most Holy Trinity Church, Secretary/Treasurer of EMA (Trade Association).

SKILLS, TALENTS, OR SPECIALIZED TRAINING: Have been involved in management with budget and P&L responsibilities for 30 years. Served on PFCCA Board as treasurer and president. That experience I am confident will benefit the community.

MOTIVATION FOR SEEKING SEAT ON THE BOARD: To help and continue to keep PFCC moving in a positive direction, professionally and financially.

BOARD INFLUENCE & DIRECTION / GOVERNANCE OF COMMUNITY: Short and long term planning, financial security, continued modernization of amenities.

WHY SHOULD THE MEMBERSHIP ELECT ME: My commitment to keeping PFCC a fantastic place to raise a family. The commitment I have already shown serving on the Board of Directors and many committees in previous years.

MOTIVATION FOR SEEKING SEAT ON THE BOARD: I have children and grandchildren that live in Pocono Farms. I want to do everything possible for our community to be a great place to live for them.

BOARD INFLUENCE & DIRECTION / GOVERNANCE OF COMMUNITY: I hope to help continue to make our community safe. Also help the community to continue to offer programs and amenities for people of all ages. All while doing so in a financially responsible way.

WHY SHOULD THE MEMBERSHIP ELECT ME: I have the experience to help develop a vision for our community that will result in a wonderful place to live for all our members.

Pocono Farms Member for 27 years

Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd Saturday 29th

Round By Round

BY ORRY GRASSI, GOLF COMMITTEE DIVOTS,

BALL MARKS & SAND

A new season of golf has just begun. The Golf Pro, the staff and maintenance greenkeepers worked extremely hard to get the golf course in fantastic shape. What we need right now is the help of all those who utilize the golf course.

Every golf cart has a mixture of sand and seed in an easy-to-use container on the outside of the carts on the driver and passenger sides. These are for divots.

Every tee box has a mixture of sand and seeds. Fixing ball marks should be done with a divot tool. The angle of the tool helps to make it easier to fix. Replacing the divot made after you swing is better than using the mix. When you do need to use the mixture, it is best not to overfill the divot.

Sand is another matter. Once you are in the sand and get the rakes provided, you should rake all footprints and other marks that you made in the sand. You then use the back or smooth part so as not to destroy the grass on the edges of the trap (pushed to the center of the bunker).

We should all keep all four wheels of the carts on the paths. Sharp turns damage turf, so please avoid them and muddy areas. If all guests and member follow these simple guidelines, it will make it better for all who play, watch or keep the course great.

Fit and Fun

BY KRISSIE AYLWARD, PFCCA FITNESS DIRECTOR

“It takes a village to raise a child” is a quote I am reminded of as we make our way through yet another holiday weekend. However, I would like to change it to, “It takes a community to raise a Recreation Director.”

I am grateful for the suggestions that community members have shared with me over these big holiday weekends. It is a learning lesson and some of the past events just do not work anymore for various reasons. However, you have all been so supportive and offered

Pickleball 101 is picking up momentum and we invite you to join in the fun on Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings. We will be having a Pickleball Tournament to end the season so get practicing!

Bocce is in its first few weeks, and I must give props to Ashlyn for taking the reins on that. She is doing an amazing job and has earned her “Bocce Boss” title! The Garden View Room, which is located on the bottom

I f y o u h a v e a l w a y s s e c r e t l y w a n t e d t o b e a r o c k s t a r , y o u w i l l l o v e o u r R i p s t i x D a n c e W o r k o u t T h i s c l a s s g e t s y o u s q u a t t i n g ,

l u n g i n g & s w e a t i n g t o a h i g h - e n e r g y b e a t ! A l l w h i l e d r u m m i n g a l o n g u s i n g R i p s t i x W o r k i n g o u t & s t a y i n g f i t s h o u l d n o t f e e l l i k e a c h o r e W i t h R i p s t i x D a n c e W o r k o u t , y o u a r e h a v i n g s o m u c h f u n t h a t y o u d o n o t e v e n k n o w h o w h a r d y o u a r e w o r k i n g ! W e k n o w t h a t t h e c l a s s c a n s o u n d i n t i m i d a t i n g , b u t r e s t a s s u r e d , t h i s d a n c e / f i t n e s s p a r t y m o v e s a t y o u r p a c e . I f y o u h a v e n o t w o r k e d o u t i n a w h i l e o r i f y o u a r e j u s t g e t t i n g i n t o f i t n e s s , R i p s t i x D a n c e W o r k o u t i s a g r e a t o p t i o n & s t a r t i n g p o i n t . I t w o r k s t h e e n t i r e b o d y & i s e a s i l y m o d i f i a b l e I t i s a l s o a g r e a t s t r e s s r e l i e f

CLASSES WILL BE HELD EVERY WEDNESDAY IN THE FITNESS CENTER CLASSROOM

AT 8:30AM

MUST BE A FTINESS MEMBER OR A CLASS CARD HOLDER TO ATTEND THIS FITNESS CLASS

And The Survey Says……….

BY KATRINA WEITHMAN, AGM

As Richard Dawson would announce in the big money round of the famed game show, Family Feud, “And the survey says”, PFCCA is announcing the same catch phrase. In 2022 we conducted a survey that was mailed to each resident and available online for the residents to fill out and return. The goal of the survey was to take the pulse of the community after many properties changed hands during the COVID boom. The questions were agreed upon between the Recreation, Communications and Long-Range Planning committees in collaboration with the management team. Below are a few findings from the survey:

220 homes responded, which is up 7% from the survey that was done in 2010.

40% of those were residents who owned their home for more than 10 years.

The most prevalent comments were about the pool and playground needing upgrades and refurbishment. At the time of the survey, plans for both the playground and pool upgrades were already scheduled. We are pleased to announce that we have now completed both projects and their grand openings were held in June! We encourage all residents to visit these beautiful locations with your family and friends!

The dog park was also an item that received multiple comments and interest. That project is slated to begin in 2024.

In terms of recreation, most wanted to see a variety of trips and varied entertainment offerings. This result has proved problematic. The recreation director is planning trips that include sporting events, Broadway shows and amusement parks but with ticket costs and gas prices for the buses, they are a bit cost prohibitive and we are cancelling more trips than are taking place. However, we will continue to look for new and interesting trip experiences to offer the community and hopefully bus prices will return to

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a more manageable cost.

Another request received through the survey was for new live entertainment. Booking these entertainers also costs more for the community, which occasionally requires us to charge an admittance fee. Unfortunately, the need to charge this fee, when most of our events are free, has not been well received.

In conclusion the results were extremely positive, and most residents enjoy their community and chose to move to this area to live in a “resort community”. The comments have proved helpful as the Board of Directors and Management plan for a successful future at the Farms!

MEET NEW FAMILIES IN THE POCONO FARMS COMMUNITY!

DISCUSS KIDS CAMP ACTIVITIIES FOR JULY & AUGUST

LEARN MORE ABOUT UPCOMING CHILDREN REC EVENTS!

ENJOY LIGHT REFRESHMENTS!

Pool Hours

Starting June 10 7 Days a Week 11:00AM – 7:00PM

Pool Snack

YOGA & WATER AEROBICS