Pocono Farms Weathervane - July 2021

JU LY 2021

182

LAKE

ROAD

•

TOBYHANNA,

P E N N S Y LVA N I A

18466

IN THIS ISSUE OUR COMMUNITY

Join us for a fun weekend filled with many exciting activities including: Bike parade • Inflatables Magic show • Coin toss Live Music • And so much more!

From Your B.O.D.

2

From the General Manager

3

B.O.D. Meeting Dates

3

Lakeside Grill & Pub Hours

3

Public Safety

4

Neighborhood Watch

4

B.O.D. 2021 Candidates

6

2021 Golf Schedule

9

Round by Round

10

Fun with Fitness

11

Also included: A full firework show over the lake on July 3rd at dusk!

SEE BACK FOR MORE DETAILS

Visit Our New Website poconofarms.com

182 Lake Road, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania 18466

Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335

PAID

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

P O C O N O FA R M S

COUNTRY CLUB ASSOCIATION INC. 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 Frank Milano James Yando Wayne Meyers Richard McCormick Annette Doerr Steve Baker Peter Volpe James Ribardo

COMMITTEES: • A & B/Environmental / Crime Watch • Finance • Golf • Recreation / Fitness / Tennis / Pool • Communications/ Long Range Planning

Richard McCormick James Yando James Ribardo Steve Baker Wayne Meyers

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

Milt Kwasnik controller@poconofarms.com

Golf Pro 894-4435 ext. 110

Kyle Monahan golfshop@poconofarms.com

Greens Superintendent Jeff Lesoine 894-4435 jeffreyl3@poconofarms.com Chef 894-4435 ext. 130 pfkitchen@poconofarms.com Recreation Director 894-4435 ext. 113

Owen Morgan 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 Director 894-4435 ext. 116

Krissie Aylward fitness@poconofarms.com

Member Services 894-4435 ext. 106

Susan Nevarez admin@poconofarms.com

From You r Boa r d Of Dir ec tor s

BY ANNETTE DOERR As a community we’ve been through a lot over the past year. We continue to thrive, despite the challenges that were thrown at us. We’ve made significant improvements in both the Lakeside Pub and Grill and on our golf course. We also have several projects planned for down the road, including a revamp of our playground area.

Investing in 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.)

Although staffing remains a struggle in some areas, our management team is doing a phenomenal job keeping things moving forward. If you’re looking for employment, call Member Services to see if we have openings that may fit your skill set.

Our committees have been stagnant over the past few years, hopefully now that we’re allowed to meet in person, we can get them back up and running. Our committees are where the work gets done and the changes get made. I urge you to get involved.

As Ghandi said, “be the change you wish to see in the world.” Committee applications can be filled out on our website or picked up in the Member Services Office and run August through July.

On a personal note, this month wraps up my term as a Board of Director for Pocono Farms. It has been my honor to serve this community. It’s a beautiful thing when there are more residents running for open positions on the board, than the number of open positions themselves.

It shows people care about the community we live in, and that’s 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 want to live in.

Tree Removal Tree Trimming Land Clearing Landscaping

Tree Removal

Light Excavation

Tree Trimming

Stump Grinding

Land Clearing Chipping

Landscaping Bucket Truck Services Light Excavation Stump Grinding Chipping Bucket Truck Services

I look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting later this month.

Pocono Farms Realty Lex Colon 894-0300 lex.colon.realtor@gmail.com Website/Communications Kathleen Nealon 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.

2

W E AT H E RVA N E

J U LY

2021

From T he Gener a l M a n ager

2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS

BY DAVE TIMKO At the May 21st Board of Directors meeting, the Board approved amendments to Chapter 234 of the Administrative Code, as it relates to Short Term Rentals. (STR’s).

Due to the increased volume in short term rentals, it became apparent to review the current policies and make the necessary amendments to the administrative code in managing the short term rentals going forward.

Most of the amendments to the code focused around further defining the processes that the owners of the units must follow. In addition, short term rentals were for the most part, unregulated initially. Because of the popularity of short term rentals, and their potential impact in the communities and counties in which they operate, it became apparent that there needed to be some structure and regulations that needed to be implemented. Coolbaugh Township was pro-active in developing, adopting, and implementing their short term rental ordinance. This took effect in November of 2020. As with any ordinance, it takes time once it is adopted to work through the registration and enforcement of the ordinance. Monroe County had previously adopted a resolution that requires a short term rental to pay a 3% occupancy tax on the rentals of each unit. The State of PA also requires a 6% sales tax that must be paid to the State.

ALL MEETING TIMES ARE 7PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED Friday, July 16th Saturday, July 17th Annual Meeting 10am

As mentioned earlier, PFCCA focused on the processes, including having the owners provide PFCCA with proof of registration with the Township and County. The amendment also focused on the fines and penalties associated with not registering the tenants, ensuring the tenants follow the rules and guidelines that owners must follow, and what needs to be done to participate in the STR program.

The reality is that STR’s are a permitted use within the community, the township, and the county. It is the responsibility of each of those entities to manage the processes to ensure a better harmony between the STR owners, their tenants, and the resident members of the community. By pro-actively reviewing and amending policies regarding the STR program, it is believed that this can be achieved. The amended policy can be found in the administrative code Section 234 – Short Term Rentals. A copy was sent to each short term rental owner.

W E AT H E RVA N E

J U LY

2021

3

Neighbor hood Watch

P u blic Sa fet y

BY EDWARD KELLY

BY ARTIE FURMAN How fast the year is going. Summer is here and all the things that come with it. This month I will talk about only two things, high grass and fireworks. First high grass. We have sent dozens and dozens and…..well you get it, high grass letters. Your lawn should not look like a hay field. Remember that it is not just the front lawn, but the side, rear and sand mound that must be mowed. The rules say your lawns are to be kept at 4in in height. Give or take up to your ankle, not up to your shins or knees.

The second thing is fireworks. They simply are not allowed within Pocono Farms. Also, they are not allowed in Coolbaugh Township.

Pennsylvania is strict on fireworks; the law reads as follows. The use of fireworks weather consumer or display shall be strictly prohibited at any location within 200 feet of and occupied structure. An occupied structure is defined as any place where one may take shelter. House, shed, vehicle.

Already this year we have written fines for fireworks, please do not make us have to write more. Please have a safe and happy summer.

As always should you have questions or concerns feel free to contact us, we are only a phone call away.

the Poconos esults Matter!

Did you ever sit down with your spouse or friend and say, “I have an old sofa I want to get rid of, but I don't want to pay someone to take it away. I know there's a few secluded places in Pocono Farms that I can dump it!” No, I haven't had that conversation either. But obviously, someone did, because we saw a large sofa dumped off hunter, in an area where there are no homes near by. While our group is called “crime watch”, we don't often run into what normally would be considered crime, but we do see almost every day a crime of littering. When anything is dumped along our roads, someone will have to be paid to pick it up. Whether it's our Maintenance Department, or the public works people from Coolbaugh Township.

When the dumper is caught, they are fined, but most dumpers aren't found, so the cost just becomes the cost of running the community. Add a few more dollars to our dues, that will take care of it.

This is a single instance that happened recently, but there are many times we have reported mattresses, furniture, construction debris,door and window frames, old televisions and numerous items that would take up a page to note. But add a few dollars to our dues, we'll take care of it. We can only hope that if you spot someone dumping, you jot down a plate number and any description you can pass on to our code official or someone at the main office. If no one bothered to pick up what is dumped every week, you would soon think you lived in an unmanaged community.

But isn't it great to feel like “normal” is almost back? Masks are optional, gathering at the pool and beach is okay again. Dinner at the restaurant with friends and family can go on without worrying that someone is vulnerable to the hovering virus that had taken over our lives. We can even recognize everyone, now that the masks are off. No more concern about wondering who that mask man was that you just said hello to.

Another snowbird flew back to us, and joined the patrol in May. The group spent 130 hours on the road in may. Hopefully we can keep up this pace through the summer. But we have room for a few more drivers, all hours are not scheduled. If you'd like to try it for a while, call Russ Kelly at 570-8944034, or call the office for more information.

of the Poconos ofthe thePoconos Poconos ssa Team Experience andResults Results Matter!

Experience and Matter!

Experience and Results Matter!

Keith Torregrossa KeithTorregrossa Torregrossa Team Team Keith Team

CLASSIFIED ADS Looking to sell an old couch, coffee table, tv, etc. within our community? You can do so on our website!

By logging on to your account at poconofarms.com You can place a classified ad for our community to see! For more information, please contact Katie at 570-894-4435 ext 201 or webcomcord@poconofarms.com.

Linda Dross ra Tall Transaction yer’s Agent Keith Torregrossa Keith Torregrossa Cheryl EhrhartTara TallTara Tall Coordinator Listing Agent Broker/Owner

Linda Dross Linda Dross Buyer’s Agent Transaction Coordinator Buyer’s Agent Transaction Buyer’s Agent Coordinator

Keith Torregrossa Cheryl Ehrhart Office Listing (570) Agent 421-2345 Buyer’s Agent

Linda Dross

(570) 424-1521 Direct Transaction 0) 424-1521 Direct Office (570) (570) 421-2345 424-1521 Direct Buyer’s Agent Tara Tall

Coordinator

(570) 421-2345 Office (570) 424-1521 Direct

JUST LISTED Sales are strong,

105 Blackfoot call toLane find out what your home is worth!

I1111 have North Buyers inFifth the area looking for different property Street - Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 types… Have remaxmtp@ptd.net you had any thoughts of selling?

ng, Office Independently Owned and Operated NorthEach Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 105 Blackfoot Lane home is1111 worth!

remaxmtp@ptd.net

inIndependently the area looking for different property udsburg,I4have Pa. Buyers 18360 Each Office Owned and Operated W E AT H E RVA N E types… Have you had any thoughts of selling? d.net d Operated 1111 North Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360

J U LY

2021

W E AT H E RVA N E

J U LY

2021

5

2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION CANDIDATES Meet the candidates who have decided to run for the 2021 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 you on 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.

RENEE McCLURE

SATURDAY, JULY 17TH AT 10:00 AM

Pocono Farms Member for 16 years

OCCUPATION: Manager, Community and customer Management. Role is to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, community leaders, elected officials, major associations to strengthen the company’s reputation as a good corporate citizen.

COMMITTEES, CLUBS, VOLUNTEER WORK & OTHER ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATED IN: I have extensive participation on various community boards, chambers, and non-profit organizations to maintain ongoing communications with community leaders and stakeholders. Over the years, I have participated or provided leadership to organizations, held various roles on both the local and national level as president for non-profits. Chaired and co-chaired many internal and external committees. Sit on several boards at the executive team level. Participate on golf committee in a leadership planning role.

SKILLS, TALENTS, SPECIALIZED TRAINING: I have coordinated many community related events. Utilize my expertise to identified opportunities to strengthen branding, and community related programs. Worked with various event organizers to ensure the delivery of events sponsored by company. Project leader for several corporate wide strategic initiatives. Lead teams to deliver the best desired results for project. Have a strong fiscal background as a member of non-profit finance committee and current chair of an audit committee. Strong leadership, technical, business, and communications skills required to deliver successful outcomes for projects and programs.

MOTIVATION FOR SEEKING SEAT ON THE BOARD: My motivation is to make a difference in the community in which I live. To be able to serve our community by sharing my expertise to further strengthen the grow of the farm is extremely important. As a long standing member of the fitness center, and a golfer I recognize the importance of such amenities because this has enable me to develop friendships, support each other goals and support the programs of the farm. This is what builds strong communities of support and helps to drive progress forward.

BOARD INFLUENCE & DIRECTION / GOVERNANCE OF COMMUNITY: My goal would be to implement on business plans and infrastructure with the ability to translate plans into specific operational changes which would benefit the continuous growth of the farm.

There are many great amenities within the farm, and being a part of the team to help enhance, improve operations and increase community participation through positive experiences is important to the success and future growth of the farm.

WHY SHOULD MEMBERS ELECT ME: I believe in leading and fostering collaboration among diverse groups of people. I will work to identify and support various opportunities by engaging in creative ways to help develop, maintain and strength relationships while balancing limited budgeting dollars. I will listen to understand, assess, communicate and implement the needs of the community to leverage and strengthen the ongoing development of the farm.

HUGH DORAN

Pocono Farms Member for 33 years

When I am elected to serve on the PFCC Board, I will put forth effort to generate involvement by the homeowners in our Community, especially encouraging them to attend the monthly Board meetings. As homeowners, we must bring our voices to the meetings because only then will our choices impact our Board's actions.

Without our presence, our Board is left to make decisions without our influence. When the Board determines the Community's needs and then makes decisions on moving forward with projects, the Community should at that point be informed and be permitted the opportunity to contribute input into the necessity of such decisions. These are our funds that are being spent on projects.

It is not my intention to distance the homeowners and the Board by encouraging the involvement of the homeowners. Decisions have, until now, been permitted to be made solely by the Board without the knowledge of the Community. I want to promote unity between homeowners and the Board such that projects are not commenced without the homeowners first being consulted and provided the opportunity to contribute their input. Our Board's priority is to at all times first do what is in our Community's best interests as well as to build both social and financial long-term value for Pocono Farms Country Club.

Our Homeowners deserve the opportunity to have their voices heard and the Board may enjoy benefitting from the many talents residing within our own Community.

6

W E AT H E RVA N E

J U LY

2021

ANNETTE DOERR

Pocono Farms Member for 18 years

OCCUPATION: Freelance Writer / Social Media Manager COMMITTEES, CLUBS, VOLUNTEER WORK & OTHER ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATED IN: I’m currently finishing my first term as Board of Director. I’ve served as the Board liaison for the Long Range Planning / Communications committee. I’ve also previously served on the ad hoc Banquet Room Committee.

SKILLS, TALENTS, SPECIALIZED TRAINING: Communications, marketing, digital marketing.

MOTIVATION FOR SEEKING SEAT ON THE BOARD: After completing 3 years on the Board, I feel like I’m just getting started. I’ve worked hard to increase communication with the community. I frequently write the Letter from the Board in the Weathervane to help inform the community of current issues and information.

BOARD INFLUENCE & DIRECTION / GOVERNANCE OF COMMUNITY: Communications, compliance, long range planning.

WHY SHOULD MEMBERS ELECT ME: I’m working hard to keep Pocono Farms the beautiful, safe, amenity filled community we love to live in. I feel my background brings a unique perspective to the Board, which has been well-received over the past 3 years.

RICH McCORMICK

Pocono Farms Member for 16 years

OCCUPATION: Trade Compliance/Transportation-Business Development Manager COMMITTEES, CLUBS, VOLUNTEER WORK & OTHER ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATED IN: Board Member for 9 years, A&B Committee, Jr. Golf, Golf Member, Swim Team.

SKILLS, TALENTS, SPECIALIZED TRAINING: Board Member, P&L ownership, Legal, Budgeting and Project Manager MOTIVATION FOR SEEKING SEAT ON THE BOARD: To continue to grow the participation of PFCCA Members in activities and amenities.

BOARD INFLUENCE & DIRECTION / GOVERNANCE OF COMMUNITY: Fiscal responsibility, Improve Amentities and Member Participation.

WHY SHOULD MEMBERS ELECT ME: I am a proud member of PFCCA and look forward to continue moving our community forward while being fiscally responsible.

W E AT H E RVA N E

J U LY

2021

7

TO ADVERTISE Cr i m e Watch Ac t i v it yinR eport Gouldsboro Chimney BY RUSS K ELLY POCONO FARMS & Furnace Cleaning This time of year is the most colorful. WeWEATHERVANE get to see every day what people drive miles to look at for a day or so. Even if you do not venture far from the Farms, the streets here are a picture with all of the colors on each side as you drive by. I understand why CALL years ago the early residents put together the rules, concerning the restrictions on tree removal. I am sure many of them came from845.456.1218 cities or suburbs where trees were all (570)676-5253 removed to make room for the maximum amount of homes that could be built in the

• Stainless Steel Liners & Caps

• Masonry Chimneys Rebuilt & Repaired

• Woodstove & Fireplace Inserts Installed • Wooden Chase Chimneys Rebuilt & Repaired • Fireplaces, Wood & Coal Stoves

• Gas or Oil Chimney & Furnace Cleaning • Animals & Any Other Blockages Removed CALL TODAY:

$10 OFF CHIMNEY REPAIRS & CLEANING WITH THIS AD

subdivision.

To keep the idea of tree preservation alive, our drivers are encouraged to report tree removal when not accompanied by a permit from our code official. As homes being built in the Farms were getting larger than the original homes, tree preservation became more difficult. So, if it becomes necessary to remove a tree, make sure you speak with the code official and follow the rules that are meant to maintain the quality of living we all came here to experience.

One of our volunteers was going to speak with Dave Timko about including some of the basic rules that we agree to follow when another mailing is sent out to all residents.

Garbage cans left out for more than a day after pick up is a common item. Some people may be away and have not made arrangements with a friend or neighbor to “pull in their trash can”. Others are here full time, and still drive by the cans when returning home, leaving the cans at the end of their driveway. There also seems to be many more cars without plates being reported. Our code official is working on getting our residents to comply with this rule.

In August, our drivers logged 98 hours of driving. Now with winter coming, a few of our drivers “fly south” and we could use help keeping the patrol as active as possible. A couple of hours a month can be helpful to your community. Give Russ Kelly a call at 570-894-4034 or call the Administration Office and they will get you in the right direction.

8

L et t er toJ UtL Yhe 2 0 Editor 21

W E AT H E RVA N E

OH WHAT A NIGHT!

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS

COMMUNITY REMINDER HOUSEHOLD TRASH & RECYCLING Household trash and recycling cans are picked up every Tuesday. Cans need to be out at the end of your driveway, 3 feet apart, with the handles facing your home by 6:00AM.

SHOP LOCAL!

Cans must be brought in by 6:00PM. At times due to weather and delays beyond County Waste’s control, the “normal” pick up time and route may vary. To avoid having your cans missed, please have them out by 6:00AM. If you cannot have your cans out by 6:00AM for pick up, our compactor, located at The Maintenance Yard off Kilmer Drive, is open Wednesday & Friday from 8:00AM – 12:00PM and Sunday from 10:00AM – 2:00PM where you can bring your household trash and recycling.

W E AT H E RVA N E

J U LY

2021

9

R ound by R ound

BY JOHN ANTOLA Happy 4th of July! Summer is finally here. As I’m writing this on Memorial Day Weekend we are putting the final touches on our greenside bunker project.

I’m sure you agree they look great! A special thanks to the BOD for supporting this much needed work.

Hopefully we can continue with work on the fairway

bunkers in the near future.

A job well done to Jeff and Kyle on the final designs of the improved bunkers.

When we opened the bunkers for play on the

front nine I noticed new rakes were placed in the bunkers. After discussing the placement of the rakes with several members I realized I stumbled upon the Great Rake Debate - “In or Out”. While we have no official position on the placement of rakes, nor is there an official USGA Ruling on where rakes should be placed, I don’t mind the rakes in the bunkers. There is no penalty if your ball moves when you move the rake.

Just place the ball as close to its original position without penalty. Leaving the rake in the bunker makes it easier to find and helps the grounds crew when mowing. In or out, a ball coming to rest on a rake rarely affects the outcome of a match or your round. So why not leave the rakes In? Wherever you find the rake, just smooth your footprints and don’t forget to knock the sand off your shoes before walking on the green.

On a lighter note it was great to see all the new faces at the Icebreaker Tournament. Welcome to all new members. Please take advantage of the numerous events planned for the summer. Few are serious, but all are fun. For those fortunate enough to be available weekdays, the ladies play on Tuesdays and Wednesday mornings and the men get together Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Just call the Pro Shop to let them know you would like to play. All are welcome.

Again Happy 4th of July.

Have a safe Holiday and summer. See you on 7!

10

W E AT H E RVA N E

J U LY

2021

F un w it h Fitness

BY KRISSIE AYLWA RD, PFCCA FITNESS DIRECTOR

Sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy! It feels so good to back in front of you all teaching classes. Being in the pool soaking up the sun while having fun, pushing you on the soccer field during our 8:30 am bootcamp class, and of course being my crazy self, dancing to the beat of my own drum in the classroom every Wednesday and Thursday for TRX class. If you are not having fun when you are working out, then you are doing something wrong. Maybe your routine has become mundane. Maybe you need to switch it up. A new workout, new scenery, a different instructor, new faces, whatever it may be find the fun in your fitness.

Did you know that laughing burns calories? 15 minutes of laughter burns between 10 and 40 calories a day!! Smiling uses 16 – 23 facial muscles, the biggest being the zygomaticus major, which is located around the mouth.

Smiling releases endorphins, which are the “feel good” hormones, hence relieving stress, anxiety and even pain. So, turn that frown upside down!

Smiling and laughing is not only good for the state of mind but also for your heart. You can trick your mind into thinking you are happy just by cracking a smile. Relieving that stress and tension brings the heart rate down therefore lowering blood pressure. Next time you are in that heated argument, or your workout is taking its toll, SMILE! I look forward to seeing your smiles and hearing you laugh as always thank you for your continued support, I appreciate all of you!

“Smile, someone thinks it’s beautiful.”

W E AT H E RVA N E

J U LY

2021

11