Pocono Farms Weathervane - March 2021

MARCH 2021

182

LAKE

ROAD

•

TOBYHANNA,

P E N N S Y LVA N I A

18466

IN THIS ISSUE OUR COMMUNITY

Wednesday, March 17th 6:00-10:00 PM LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

From Your B.O.D.

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From the General Manager

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B.O.D. Meeting Dates

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Lakeside Grill & Pub Hours

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Public Safety

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Neighborhood Watch

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Letter to the Editor

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B.O.D Candidate Application

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Golf Scholarship Application

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Round by Round

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Fun with Fitness

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Community Reminder

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By Joe O’Malley | 6:30-9:30 PM

Food & Drink Specials!

To make reservations, please contact Nick at recdir@poconofarms.com or 570-894-4435 ext. 131 by 3/14/21 This event is subject to all federal, state and local restrictions, guidelines and COVID mitigation efforts

SEE PAGE 6 FOR MENU!

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

Len Iorio pfkitchen@poconofarms.com

Recreation Director 894-4435 ext. 113

Nick Gallagher recdir@poconofarms.com

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

From You r Boa r d Of Dir ec tor s

BY ANNETTE DOERR We’ve almost made it through the Tobyhanna winter! The days are getting longer and a little bit warmer, and soon enough we’ll be ready to enjoy Spring! Although Covid took a toll on some of the enjoyment of 2020, and we have no idea what the Spring/ Summer/Fall of 2021 will bring, our staff is ready, willing and able to help you get involved this year.

Our Fitness Director Krissie and Golf Professional Kyle combined their forces and developed a fitness class perfect for golfers to help improve their physical fitness prior to the season opening. While our new Fit Fore Golf program started last month, there are still 3 sessions left for March, and they’re available via Zoom and/or on a drop-in basis at the Fitness Center. The class will focus on golf swing basics, and incorporate different techniques and exercises to help get you ready for the start of the season, which hopefully is soon!

I point this out, realizing that most of our community are not golf members, but maybe 2021 will be the year that you finally muster up the courage and give our fabulous course a shot (pun intended!). I also point this out, to remind you that you live in an amazing amenity-filled community. It’s your choice whether you take advantage of what Pocono Farms has to offer, but if you don’t you’re really missing out.

Whether you’re looking to relax at the pool this summer, join one of our many leagues (golf, darts, bowling, bocce etc.) or looking for a fun, safe activity for your children (summer camp, swim team, Mommy and Me, etc.) Pocono Farms has everything you need right in your own community.

Get involved. Join a league. Try the restaurant. Join a committee. Hit the links, (you do not have to be a golf member to golf here, we have very affordable “Resident Non-Member” rates).

We have amazing amenities at Pocono Farms that you should have learned about prior to purchasing your home here. If you didn’t, our friendly and welcoming staff is always happy to help you with your questions. Have an idea? Email us at idea@ poconofarms.com.

Maintenance Dave Winters 894-4435 pfmaint@poconofarms.com Fitness 894-4435 ext. 116

Kristen Aylward fitness@poconofarms.com

Member Services 894-4435 ext. 106

Susan Nevarez admin@poconofarms.com

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.

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From T he Gener a l M a n ager

2021

BY DAVE TIMKO As if the COVID restrictions were not enough, Mother Nature decided to start February off with a ridiculous amount of snow. The amounts varied depending on where the measurement were taken, but regardless it was significant.

Some of the Association owned cul de sacs are small and it is difficult to push a normal amount of snowfall let alone 24” to 30+”. After a multiday snow event like we experienced, it takes a while to get it all cleaned up as well. During the actual event, Sunday /31 through Wednesday 2/3, our staff logged 283.5 man hours in the plow equipment. We used 7 pieces of equipment during the storm ( 4 plow trucks, 2 plow trucks with cinder/salt spreaders, and our mid-size loader).

Due to the amount of snow that we received, we needed to seek additional resources from one of our outside contractors.

This contractor supplied an operator and a 966 loader. This large piece of equipment was onsite within the cul de sacs and community property Wednesday through Friday (2/3/21 – 2/5/21) to push the large mounds of snow back in the event we received more snow. ( as of the writing of this article, we are expected to get another 3” to 5” on Super Bowl Sunday).

out to that regard along with a link describing ice damning and what you can do to minimize the potential damage. It may be best to seek a professional’s assistance to remedy this situation if it were to happen to your home.

We hope everyone is staying safe and keeping warm. Spring is right around the corner!!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS ALL MEETING TIMES ARE 7PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Friday, March 26th Friday, April 30th Friday, May 21st Friday, June 18th Friday, July 16th

Saturday, July 17th Annual Meeting 10am

The Township also assisted in some areas where the cul de sacs meet the township road which we greatly appreciate.

Katie – our Website & Communication Coordinator, sent out a notice regarding ice damning on rooftops.

It is not uncommon to have snow on your roof.

However, when there is a large amount of snow, ice damning does happen.

Ice damning can cause significant damage to your home. We felt it might be beneficial to send a note

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P u blic Sa fet y

BY ARTIE FURMAN Alas March is here, and it could not have come soon enough for me. Good riddance to February I say, my back still hurts from the 30” snowfall we had at the beginning of the month and the subsequent snows after that. I know I am whining a bit, but I bet you all hated the shoveling too. This month’s article is to look ahead and to help prepare you for those soon to be spring projects. I already have had to correct some missteps by a few new homeowners. It is the permit process. It is a very simple process if you follow the rules. If you do not it can be a quite difficult. I had two instances where no permits were applied for to us or too the township. So, let us hope this will help you all not to make those same mistakes.

The easiest way to assure that it does not happen to you is to simply ask Member Services or myself if a permit is needed. A safe rule of thumb is to think everything need a permit. Better to be safe than sorry. Some examples of things that require a permit are Painting, Roofing, Siding, Driveway, Decks, Garages, Additions, Sheds, Dumpsters, Tree removal. Every one of those except two (dumpster and tree) require a township permit as well. Again, it is best to ask and avoid problems. As always if you have any questions or concerns I am only a phone call away.

Neighbor hood Watch

BY EDWARD KELLY Seeing the March edition headline, I’m reminded of the advertisement that calls out to everyone that Wednesday is ”hump” day.

news, and who knows, we might be able to sneak in a round of golf before the end of the month.

Most of our recent calls are about the garbage bags and furniture dumped at various locations throughout the farms. We The crime watch volunteers, did report a car that had I know that March can though few in number, run off the road and was bring on snow storms and have continued to ride the in a ditch on lake road in some rough weather, but roads despite snow, ice January. We have always it also means we’re almost and wind. Fortunately, we found the police respond at the end of the season, haven’t encountered any very quickly to these sunshine and flowers are serious situations, unlike situations. And are usually in our near future. Many Tobyhanna, which had very helpful in getting of us have had at least our several shootings late in help to free the cars from first vaccine shot, and we’re January. This grey haired a ditch or field. We also beginning to think about group may be brave when have to commend our the possibility of normal life facing weather conditions, maintenance crew that resuming before too long. but shootings etc; are out have responded quickly to So March is full of good of our realm. picking up bags etc; tossed on our roadsides. Most of you are probably unaware how many times this occurs weekly.

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

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and it would be a shame to watch it come to an end as many of us are getting a little long in the tooth. Call

One item that always comes in is the placement of for sale signs, political signs and contractor signs displayed on a residents property. One of the tenets of the association restricts the size and type of signs that may be displayed. If there is any question, contact our code official for a clarification.

In January, the road warriors logged in over one hundred hours. Many are doing multiple shifts do to lack of volunteers and a few snowbirds still in the sunshine. It is important if we are going to keep this group going that more of you try to find a few hours a month to help out. This group has been going on for thirty years or more

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the office, or Russ Kelly at 570-894-4034 if you would like to be part of this group.

L et t er to t he Editor

Pocono Farms Country Club Association, Inc. 182 Lake Road, Tobyhanna, PA 18466 570-894-4435 • 570-894-3529 fax Website: www.poconofarms.com • Email: admin@poconofarms.com

This month we are including a new section to our Weathervane! This section is for anyone in our community who might have a question regarding history of the farms, whereabouts of certain amenities, or even a suggestion to improve our community!

For more information, please email Katie at webcomcord@poconofarms.com!

Below is an email we received recently from a new resident - Heather Waibel!

Heather emailed us asking this question – “What is the name of the lake here? Google maps calls it “Echo Lake” and the road we turn off to get to our house is called “Echo Lake Road,” but when we moved in, we were told it was called “Glacier Lake” and the restaurant here is called “Glacier Lake Bar and Grill.”

A few years ago, our restaurant located inside the Clubhouse was named “Glacier Lake Bar and Grill”.

In 2017, it was changed to “Lakeside Grill & Pub”.

After doing some digging of our own, we contacted Coolbaugh Township to see if they had any history behind the name of our lake. We received a response saying, “The lake is called Echo Lake and Echo Lake Rd is named from this Lake. It is a glacier formed lake and is fed by natural springs. Pocono Farms started to use the name Glacier Lake at some point but is officially named Echo Lake.”

In the near future, you will see a few things around our community, including documents and website information being changed to the lake’s official name, “Echo Lake”. Thanks again to Heather for reaching out to us with your question!

BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S CANDIDATE APPLICATION The Nominating and Elections Committee request from all board candidates, a completed 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 separatesheet 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 amember 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 23, 2021.

Name:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Pocono Farms Address:_____________________________________________________________________________ Permanent Address:_______________________________________________________________________________ (If seasonal or weekend member)

Primary Phone Number:____________________________________________________________________________ Email Address:____________________________________________________________________________________

CANDIDATE PROFILE How many years have you been a member of the farms? _____________ What is your occupation?___________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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 the direction and governance of this community? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Why should the membership elect you to the Board of Directors? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

NOTE: Applications must be submitted to the Nominating/Elections Committee, c/o the Association Office by April 23, 2021, or postmarked no later than April 22, 2021.

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

Date: _________________________________ Signature: ________________________________________________________

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2

Blue Mountain Lake Club

President’s Message R ound by R ound

by Steve Melnick, BMLC Board President

BY BOB DOERR

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 With a little cooperation from Mother Nature, the 2021 golf season should be soon underway! The Golf Committee in conjunction with Lake. Most of our storm damage repair work has been completed and our 2018 the Board of Directors and our professional staff are working on Capital projects have started. several course improvements. These include the continuation of the Our Management team has been working hard on our Capital Plan projects. tree removal / trimming program, the bunker replacement program, The clubhouse, pump house and pole barn buildings all had new roofs installed. hole #17 cart path replacement, tee box leveling, and more.

Other completed Capital Plan projects include the lake-side landscaping You can read more about the details of these projects in the project, a new landscape design to the right of the guard booth (required due to Golf Gazette which can be found on the PFCC website. Also, storm damage), resurfacing of Pool #1, new fencing around the Daffodil Baon the website is more detailed information explaining the bunker sin and lighting upgrades to the club house, mail pod, gazebo and maintenance liner system. buildings.

A few years ago, the Board of Directors funded a study to identify Our recently established Amenity/Event Committee has been hard at work. the increased value of home properties due to the presence of our They are in the process of reviewing the possibility of adding a community gym golf course. The analysis determined that all home values in PFCC to our amenities. The pool party last year was so well received, the BMLC will were increased considerably compared to similar private communities be throwing two pool parties this year. without a golf course. Just like your home needs maintenance and A new event for 2018 will be “Music by the Lake.” This will be a four-event upkeep our golf course helps to keep your property values ahead of those in other communities, and these improvements will benefit us all series of live music at the Gazebo on select Saturday nights in June, July, August whether or not you currently play golf. and September. Anyone interested in joining this committee should contact the BMLC office. They are always in need of new ideas and volunteer help.

While the Covid-19 pandemic has put a damper on the ‘normal way I look forward to a great summer season at Blue Mountain Lake! of life’ golf is one outdoor activity that allows you to get outside, exercise, socialize safely and prevent boredom. Our fall membership The strength of our community comes from our membership. I encourage all program brought in 36 new members (20 more than in 2019). I hope members to get involved. Run for a Board seat, join a committee or bring sugthat these folks join this year, and the trend continues. Don’t forget that gestions to your Board and management team. all households in good standing receive golf vouchers. If you’re not a Together, we will continue to enjoy living in one of the most desirable comgolfer get out there and give it a try. Our golf professionals would be munities in the Poconos. glad to help/assist. Even if you just borrow a few clubs, buy a bucket of balls and try out your swing on the driving range, give it a try!

A special thanks to Jim Ribardo for his work on the course: Jim spent many volunteer hours clearing and trimming low brush all over the course.

See you on the course.

Summer 2018

Do you have what it takes to be a BMLC Board Member?

Pocono Farms Country Club

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

1. Do I have the time?

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 Student Name:____________________________________________________ meetings, you will need to be active in email discussions and occasional special Name of Parent/Guardian:___________________________________________ meetings. During special projects, you may need to spend a little extra time on Pocono Farms Address:_____________________________________________ 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 particPrimary Address:__________________________________________________ ipate in every committee, but should pick one that you want to be involved in. _________________________________________________

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

Primary Phone #:__________________________________________________ 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 Alternate Phone #:_________________________________________________ and enforcing policies. Board members are required to step outside their immeSchool Graduating From:___________________________________________ diate circle of family and neighbors and make decisions based on the greater Date of Graduation:________________________________________________ good of the community. Not every member is going to like the decisions that the GPA_____________________________________________________________ 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 College Choice (Top 3): (1)_______________________________________ mind when you vote on every issue.

(2)_______________________________________ 3. Can I do all this and have fun too?

(3) ______________________________________ 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 QUALIFICATIONS: of a BMLC board member’s responsibilities. Planning and attending functions • Be a high school senior • Be a resident of Pocono Farms Country Club Association such as social events, the annual membership meeting, and having a presence in • Have a grade point average minimum of 2.75 • Homeowner must be a member in good standing with the Association (no past due the community are as important as any policy decisions you make. balance) or be on a payment plan for the current year’s dues.

Being a BMLC board member can be frustrating at times, but it may also IN ADDITION TO YOUR APPLICATION YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: be one of the most rewarding ways you’ll find to volunteer your time. If you’re • A description of community activities, volunteer work, and/or school activities that you interested in running for the board or would like more details about your board participate in • A description of your employment history member’s responsibilities, please do not hesitate to contact your Community • A copy of your transcript must be attached to this application • A brief narrative on how you feel you qualify for the scholarship award Manager or a current board member.

Please return this application to the PFCCA Administration Office • Candidate Packets will be available at the Office, on our website, by 4:30 p.m. on April 30, 2021.

All interview dates TBD. You will be notified of the time of your interview. and via email (by request) starting August 15, 2018.

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

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F un w it h Fitness

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS

BY KRISSIE AYLWARD, PFCCA FITNESS DIRECTOR

SHOP LOCAL!

Are you feeling lucky?? I sure am!! A new Life Fitness IC5 cycling bike was delivered in January and now to new ellipticals are due to be delivered at some point this month!

Our group fitness classes are continuing to thrive despite the CDC mask up orders and we will continue to offer the Zoom option to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety.

As I look around at other communities and places of employment, I see the effects that this virus has taken. Loss of revenue, loss of employment, loss of activities, and ultimately the closing of doors.

I feel extremely lucky to be part of a community that cares about its staff and their wellbeing. I feel extremely lucky to be the director of a fitness center filled with members who follow the guidelines and keep everyone’s safety in mind. I feel extremely lucky to be a part of the Pocono Farms Country Club staff where working together to keep all areas of the community safe has been our number one priority.

So, as we head into March, “May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door, and happiness be with you now and bless you evermore!”

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.

of the Poconos Experience and Results Matter!

Keith Torregrossa of theTeam Poconos

of the Poconos ofthe thePoconos Poconos Experience and Results Matter!

Experience andResults Results Matter!

Experience and Matter!

Experience and Results Matter!

Keith Torregrossa Team Keith Torregrossa KeithTorregrossa Torregrossa Team Team Keith Team Keith Torregrossa Broker/Owner

Melanie Melnick Listing Specialist Keith Torregrossa Melanie Melnick Keith Torregrossa Cheryl Specialist Ehrhart Broker/Owner Listing Agent Buyer’s Agent KeithListing Torregrossa Melanie

Tara Tall Buyer’s Agent

Linda Dross Transaction Coordinator

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

Transaction (570) 421-2345 Office (570) Direct Buyer’s Agent Linda Dross Tara424-1521 Tall Coordinator

Keith Torregrossa Broker/Owner MelnickEhrhart Cheryl Listing (570) Agent 421-2345 ListingOffice Buyer’s Agent

Linda Dross

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

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

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W E AT H E RVA N E

Each Office Independently and Operated Sales Owned are strong,

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7

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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. 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.