Pocono Farms Weathervane November 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

182

LAKE

ROAD

•

TOBYHANNA,

P E N N S Y LVA N I A

12th Annual

18466

IN THIS ISSUE

TURKEY TROT

OUR COMMUNITY From Your B.O.D.

2

From the General Manager

3

B.O.D. Meeting Dates

3

Congratulations Katrina!

4

Public Safety

4

Neighborhood Watch

5

10:00 am Shotgun

Round by Round

6

Wedding Announcement

6

Lunch will be available from the halfway house during your round of golf!

Fun with Fitness

7

Lakeside Grill & Pub Hours

8

November 7, 2020

Enjoy a hot turkey sandwich on a roll with gravy, cranberry sauce, and stuffing on the side!

SIGN-UP DEADLINE: November 3, 2020

35 r $ 5 0 per $

per membe

non-membe

r

182 Lake Road, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania 18466

Includes choice of a non-alcoholic drink

Visit Our New Website poconofarms.com

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

Thomas Franchetti controller@poconofarms.com

Golf Pro 894-4435 ext. 110

Kyle Monahan golfshop@poconofarms.com

Greens Superintendent Jeff Lesoine 894-4435 jeffreyl3@poconofarms.com Chef 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 It’s sad that it’s already November and only one of our standing committees has enough members to meet. Last year 4 out of our 5 committees had the same problem, not enough members to form a quorum and meet. Volunteers on our standing committees are the backbone of this community. Committees are a place to get involved, work together and have your ideas heard; yet only our Golf Committee is currently meeting. While we do have a handful of members who have volunteered for some of our standing committees this year, (and we thank them), we need more members to join them in their efforts so that our standing committees can get back to work!

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please consider volunteering for one of our committees, it’s never too late to get involved! Applications can be found at the Administration Office, or on our website, www.poconofarms.com under the Resources tab, then Documents in the Resident section of the site.

Our committees needing volunteers are as follows: • • • •

A&B / Environmental / Crime Watch Communications / LRP (Long Range Planning) Finance Recreation / Tennis / Pool / Fitness

Committees generally run from August through July of the following year. As a Board, we often look to these committees to make recommendations, work on special projects etc. Members must submit an application each year, which sometimes people forget to do and assume because they were on a committee last year, they still are. Please consider volunteering today and help us keep Pocono Farms the beautiful, amenity-filled recreational community we all chose to live in.

PFCC A HOU R S ADMINISTRATION OFFICE MONDAY TO SATURDAY 8:30 am - 4:30 pm FITNESS CENTER MONDAY TO SUNDAY 5:00 am - 10:00 pm

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

COMPACTOR WEDNESDAY 8:00 am - 12:00 pm FRIDAY 8:00 am - 12:00 pm SUNDAY 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

HALFWAY HOUSE MONDAY 10:00 am - 4:00 pm TUESDAY TO FRIDAY 9:00 am - 4:00 pm SATURDAY & SUNDAY 8:00 am - 3:00 pm • Will close for the season Sunday, Nov. 8th

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

GOLF COURSE & PRO SHOP MONDAY 10:00 am - 6:00 pm TUESDAY TO FRIDAY 8:00 am - 6:00 pm SATURDAY & SUNDAY 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

NOVEMBER

2020

From T he Gener a l M a n ager

2020-21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS

BY DAVE TIMKO Now that the summer season has passed, most of us look forward to the chance to enjoy the crisp fall air. There was a lot of uncertainty as we entered this past summer season. None of us really knew what to expect. We relied on the most current data and guidelines issued by the CDC and the State.

From the first few days of the re-opening process, our marching orders were fairly simple. We were going to adhere to the guidelines and follow the protocols that were put into place. Although we pride ourselves on the wide variety of activities and events that we typically host throughout the summer months, we quickly realized that this past summer was going to be different. We scaled back and managed each event with one primary focus – that was to keep our members and staff safe!

ALL MEETING TIMES ARE 7PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED Friday, November 20th Friday, December 18th Friday, January 29th Friday, February 26th Work Session Friday, March 26th

Friday, April 30th Friday, May 21st Friday, June 18th Friday, July 16th Saturday, July 17th Annual Meeting 10am

Through the effort of many, we were able to do just that. In looking at the attendance numbers this past season, we had 14,000+ use the outdoor pool, we have realized over 12,000 rounds of golf, countless members and guests through the food & beverage operation, and many members visits through the Administrative /Member services department and the fitness center. All of this without any of the staff or members contacting COVID. It has taken a lot of extra effort from the staff for which I am very grateful. Every department has in some way contributed to this extraordinary success.

Although it may seem inconvenient at times for our members, its what we must do for now to continue to do our part in ensuring everyone’s safety. We do appreciate the understanding and patience of all of our members are we migrate through these times.

Looking ahead, we are not sure what we will be able to do as far as Holiday parties or Brunch with Santa, but whatever it is, we will do our best to continue to do it safely and within the guidelines permitted.

Enjoy the remainder of the Fall season!!

$$$ SUPPORT YOUR AREA BUSINESSES

SHOP LOCAL W E AT H E RVA N E

NOVEMBER

2020

3

P u blic Sa fet y

BY ARTIE FURMAN

November. The nights will soon be freezing fast and too soon will be the snows of December, memories of summers warmth have past, and to the frigid chills we must surrender.

Alas another November is upon us and with it brings the change of the seasons. The snowbirds are starting to head to warmer climates (one of these days I am going with them) and we are left to brave the chilly days ahead. Thanksgiving and all the tasty goodness one can cook (or if you are lucky enough you can be the patron and not the chef) for me of course it will add to my waistline. I guess a cheat day will not be too bad.

Permits are starting to slow down a bit and for the most part things are going well.

Which is a good thing. Remember that before you know it that dreaded four letter word (snow) will be here and all the problems that come with it for your car. So here is a quick checklist - staring with wipers. If you have streaks on your windshield, then it will only get worse with snow and ice. Change your wiper fluid over to the winter mix, it does help! If your battery is sluggish starting your car now, then be prepared to call AAA when the cold hits. Make sure your tires have enough tread. Simple way to check is to take a penny and use that as your tire gauge. If your penny only goes to the top of Lincolns hair - you need tires. To the top of his forehead - you will need tires soon. If your halfway down his forehead or down to the bridge of his nose - you’re fine.

As always if you have any questions or concerns, I am only a phone call away! Please stay safe and we will get thru these trying times together.

Congr at u l at ions K at r i n a !!!

Pictured above is PFCCA, Inc General Manager Dave Timko and Assistant GM/Food & Beverage Director Katrina Weithman. In March of this year, Katrina reached her “10” year anniversary with Pocono Farms Country Club.

During the past 10 years, Katrina has significantly improved the Food & Beverage operations and offerings at Pocono Farms. Her tireless effort and attention to detail is evident in and around the Lakeside Grill & Pub also throughout Pocono Farms.

of the Poconos Experience andof Results Matter! the Poconos the Poconos of the Poconos of the Poconos Keith Torregrossa Team Experience and Results Matter!

Please join me in Experience and Results Matter!

Experience and Results Matter!

Experience and Results Matter! congratulating Katrina on Keith Torregrossa Team KeithTorregrossa TorregrossaTeam Team Keith Torregrossa her 10 years of service and Keith Team all that she has accomplished in making Pocono Farms a better place for its members and guests!

Keith Torregrossa Broker/Owner Keith Torregrossa Keith Torregrossa Keith Torregrossa Broker/Owner Broker/Owner Listing Agent

Renata Mavrogiorgos Buyer’s Agent

Renata Renata Cheryl Ehrhart Mavrogiorgos Mavrogiorgos Buyer’s Agent Buyer’s Buyer’s Agent Agent

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

Keith(570) Torregrossa CherylOffice Ehrhart (570) Linda Dross 421-2345 424-1521 Direct Tara Tall Office (570) 424-1521 Direct Listing (570) Agent 421-2345 Buyer’s Agent (570) Transaction (570) 421-2345 Office (570) 424-1521 Direct (570) 421-2345 Office 424-1521 Direct Buyer’s Agent Coordinator

TO ADVERTISE (570) 421-2345 Office (570) 424-1521 Direct in POCONO FARMS WEATHERVANE SOLD MORE THEN LISTING PRICE CALL PRICE Sales are strong, Summer sales strong, 105 Blackfoot FARMS HOME SALES Sales are are strong, CRYSTAL call toLane find out what your home is worth!

FARMS HOME SALES call to find out what your home  Total callHomes to findSold out what your homeisisworth! worth!

AT I1111 have Buyers inFifth the area looking for different property  Total Homes Sold North Street Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 101 as of December 6, 2019 1111 North Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 types…

HaveStreet-Stroudsburg, you had any thoughts of selling?

1111 North Pa. 18360 101 as ofFifth December 6, 2019 remaxmtp@ptd.net  Average List Price 845.456.1218 remaxmtp@ptd.net Each Office Independently Owned and Operated 4

W E AT H E RVA N E

 Average List Price $136,528 remaxmtp@ptd.net EachFifth Office Independently Owned and Operated 1111 North Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 105 Blackfoot Lane Each Office Independently Owned and Operated  $136,528 Average Sold Price remaxmtp@ptd.net $126,535  Average Sold Price

Buyers inIndependently theonarea looking for different property Each Owned and Operated $126,535 the Market N O V E M IBhave E RAverage 2 Office 0 Days 2 0 types…

Have you had any thoughts of selling?

89 days  Average Days on the Market

89 days 1111 North Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360

Neighbor hood Watch

BY ED KELLY By this date there are more leaves on the ground than on the trees. Halloween is behind us, the early snow birds have flown to the sunshine climes, and the election is here. Many of us now will be starting to prepare for the holiday season. Although the past summer wasn't completely lost, so many of our usual • Stainless Steel Liners & Caps activities were canceled • Woodstove & Fireplace Inserts Installed or pared down, i hope by • Wooden Chase Chimneys theRebuilt spring of next year we & Repaired don't have to &spend much • Fireplaces, Wood Coal Stoves of our time preparing for the summer virus.

Our drivers have been seeing a lot of activity with new houses being built and new families moving into the farms. Also, short time rentals seem to have been more evident this year. A number of our drivers have been stopped by residents complaining about the crowds and noise coming out of these properties.

• Masonry Chimneys Rebuilt & Repaired These complaints are • Gas or Oil Chimney & Furnace Cleaning forwarded to our code • Animals & Any Other Blockages Removed official and he contacts owners of(570)676-5253 the property.

CALL TODAY: I saw recently that the township has adopted

Gouldsboro Chimney & Furnace Cleaning

$10 OFF CHIMNEY REPAIRS & CLEANING WITH THIS AD

regulations concerning the registration, fees and density of these short term rentals. I assume that the noise and density problems were not just a pocono farms concern.

I'm sure our code official will with the BY work RUSSclosely KELLY township in any future problem We This timeresidences. of year is the most colorful. We get to see every day what people drive miles do advise residents when to look at for a day or so. Even if you do not venture far from the Farms, the streets they stop a driver with such are a picture with the all of the colors on each side as you drive by. I understand why ahere complaint to contact years ago early residents put together the rules, concerning the restrictions on tree office or inthe extreme cases to call the police. removal. I am sure many of them came from cities or suburbs where trees were all removed to make room for the maximum amount of homes that could be built in the Some of the items we turn subdivision. into the code official turn

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

out to be violations being To keep the idea of tree preservation alive, our drivers are encouraged to report tree done by new residents. I removal when not by a permit from our code official. As homes being don't remember if i accompanied read all built in the Farms were getting larger than the original homes, tree preservation the regulations that i was provided with at closing,So, if it becomes necessary to remove a tree, make sure you became more difficult. but wewith are still to and follow the rules that are meant to maintain the quality speak therequired code official adhere to them.

Recently of living we all came here to experience. clothes lines, hanging things dry on fenceswas going to speak with Dave Timko about including some of One ofto our volunteers or decks were some of the basic rules that we agree to follow when another mailing is sent out to all residents. the things that had to be Garbage cans left outout for more than a day after pick up is a common item. Some addressed.

It turned people may be away and that new residents were 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 unaware of the tenet.

Installation of fencing hasthe cans at the end of their driveway. There also seems to be returning home, leaving been brought up a few many more cars without plates being reported. Our code official is working on getting times. In a few cases a our residents to comply with this rule.

Tree Removal variance was approved to Tree Trimming erect a fence. you are In August, our If drivers logged 98 hours of driving. Now with winter coming, a few thinking about fencing, Land Clearing of our drivers “fly south” and we could use help keeping the patrol as active as check with the code official, Landscaping A couple of hours a month can be helpful to Removal your community. Give Tree itpossible. will prevent a possible Light Excavation Russ Kelly a call at 570-894-4034 or call the Administration Office and they will get violation.

Tree Trimming Stump Grinding you in the right direction.

Land Clearing During the month of Chipping September, drivers Landscaping Bucket Truck Services patrolled for 104 hours.

Light Excavation With snow birds leaving, Stump Grinding and no new volunteers coming forth, it will be Chipping difficult to maintain that Bucket Truck Services much coverage through BY winter LINDAand BECHT the early spring. Why not try for a Friday, August 23rd the banquet room was filled with more than 125 people who came few hours, you may enjoy to listen and Kelly dancea to the it.

Give Russ call at music of The Yesterday Band. It has been three years since they have all played music together, but they were better than ever! The music from the 570-894-4034, or contact the 70’soffice. played all night so the dance floor was never empty. I personally was hoarse the next day from singing along.

L et t er to t he Editor OH WHAT A NIGHT!

A big thanks to Bob, Brian, George (coming in from Florida just to play) Fred, Martin, Joe, and Tony for entertaining all of us, for free, and they definitely succeeded! Thank you to Katrina and her fabulous staff for all their hard work at serving us dinner and Tobyhanna,the PA band will consider doing this again - what a fun night!! beverages. Hopefully • Tree & Stump Removal • Tree Planting, Landscape Design • Backhoe Service

• Water Mainline Replacement • Clean Ups • Door & Window Replacement • Roofing, Deck, Siding

Proudly Serving the Poconos Since 2003 570-336-7299 • www.jegarden.com W E AT H E RVA N E

NOVEMBER

• SNOW REMOVAL • SEASONED FIREWOOD

Fully Insured/Free Estimates

2020

License #PA041576

SUPPORT 5 YOUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS

R ound by R ound

BY RODGER SPEAR What a bizarre and unusual year! The golf season is drawing to a close and as we look back on our shortened season, a multitude of words/phrases come to mind that influenced our lives and the golf season in general.

Words and phrases such as Red, Yellow, Green, Face masks, Social distancing, Six feet apart, Single golf carts, No sand trap rakes(and no raking), Noodles in cups, No divot mix, Don’t remove the flag stick, 25% to 50% seating, limiting the size of gatherings, and outside dining.

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT John and Donna Basile are proud to announce the marriage of their daughter Jamie to Oliver LaRocco on Saturday September 26th, 2020! Jamie and Oliver met at Pocono Farms and have been dating since they were young teenagers.

Both Jamie and Oliver were lifeguards and swim team members at the Farms.

Each received the Galen Happaney Spirit for leadership as well. From all of us at Pocono Farms, we wish them many years of love and happiness!

6

Despite all this we have finished the golf season on a high note! Revenue and golf rounds are up and we continue to gain new members. The golf course is in great shape and many thanks to our golf superintendent and his staff for all their hard work and professionalism. Our PGA Pro, his Assistant PGA/LPGA Pro, and their staff have done a great job readjusting and coordinating play in tournaments. And last but not least, the Administration staff and Board of Directors continue to support the golf experience at Pocono Farms.

We are not sure what next year will bring however, I believe we are poised to deal with what ever comes to us.

W E AT H E RVA N E

NOVEMBER

2020

F un w it h Fitness

BY KRISSIE AYLWARD, PFCCA FITNESS DIRECTOR Gobble Gobble!!! It is that time of year where the weather is beginning to get cold and we are dragging our heavy winter coats out of the closet and our boots out of the attic!

Snow shovels begin appearing on porch steps with salt and cinders needing to be stomped off our shoes.

At the fitness center, we have lockers that you may use to keep your boots and coats in while you workout or attend a class! I encourage you to change your footwear before you enter the fitness center to protect our equipment and keep it in peak running condition. The salt and cinders are very damaging to the belts on the treadmills and leave a mess on the floors. In the classroom, the salt can create a slippery surface and we do not want anyone to get injured.

As far as coats are concerned, with the CDC guidelines and social distancing that we have in effect the hanging of coats in the classroom will be prohibited. There is coat rack in the gym that can be utilized and allows for proper distancing.

With that said, I would strongly encourage you to bring a change of shoes and keep your belongings in the locker rooms during the winter months. I appreciate your cooperation in helping keep the fitness center clean and safe for all of us!

Oh, and if all the gobbling has got you wobbling give me a call!! I will be happy to chat with you about ways to join the gym or participate in classes to help shed those holiday pounds.

As always thank you for your support and kind words I appreciate all of it!

Have a safe holiday season!

Krissie

To Advertise in the Weathervane Call Crystal at 845-456-1218 W E AT H E RVA N E

NOVEMBER

2020

7

LAKESIDE GRILL & PUB ~ HOURS FOR NOVEMBER ~ Located at: 182 Lake Road Tobyhanna, PA 18466 Please note on Thursday, November 26th we will be closed for Thanksgiving Day

Monday - Closed Tuesday - Closed Wednesday - Closed Thursday - 5pm-10pm Friday - 5pm-10pm Saturday - 12pm-10pm Sunday - 12pm-8pm

SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS: • SANTA BRUNCH Sunday, Dec. 6th & Dec. 13th a third date will be added if the amount of reservations require

• HOLIDAY SONGS & STORIES With Regina Sayles Friday, Dec. 18th An evening of music, dinner and drinks with one of the Poconos most popular performers

• UGLY SWEATER TRIVIA Saturday, Dec. 26th

Please kindly make a reservation by calling 570-894-4435 or emailing katrinaw@poconofarms.com

All events will be limited capacity so watch your emails and check the website for reservation details to be sure to register early!