OCTOBER 2020
182
LAKE
ROAD
•
TOBYHANNA,
Fall
HARVEST FESTIVAL October 17, 2020 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Join us on our lawn and enjoy that crisp fall weather!
P E N N S Y LVA N I A
18466
IN THIS ISSUE OUR COMMUNITY From Your B.O.D.
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From the General Manager
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B.O.D. Meeting Dates
3
Fall & Halloween Fun in the Time of COVID
4
Public Safety
4
Neighborhood Watch
5
Round by Round
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Fun with Fitness
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Our events will include: Live Entertainment by Tom Graham from 12pm-3pm & Christian Porter from 3pm-6pm Family Pumpkin Patch Awesome Food & Beer Specials from the Lakeside Grill & Pub And Much More! Check our website and Facebook as this event draws closer for the schedule of events!
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
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 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
From You r Boa r d Of Dir ec tor s BY ANNETTE DOERR On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’d like to take a few minutes to bring the Community up to date on an important action that the board has taken over the last few months. I think everyone can agree that the amount of fireworks this summer was unprecedented. Whether this was due to community members being excited to have something different to do during the pandemic, or out-of-towners in Short-Term Rentals not playing by the rules, our Compliance Officer wrote a record number of fines for fireworks over the first few weeks of July. What we did learn was our fine structure wasn’t sufficient to deter most people from illegally setting off fireworks despite being fined. At our July meeting, we had the first reading of our new fine structure. At our August meeting, we had the second reading and adopted them. The fine for fireworks now is $500 per incidence. Once word got out about the new fine structure, the illegal use of fireworks significantly dropped. We will continue, catch and fine those not abiding by our by-laws. All Short-Term Rental registrants also receive very clear information that they will be fined if they blow off fireworks within our community. Bottom line, fireworks within Pocono Farms are illegal and will not be tolerated. At the same time, we also raised nuisance fines. As I mentioned in my article in August, our Public Safety team works closely with Pocono Mountain Regional Police, and I outlined when the police should be called. If you missed that information, back issues of the Weathervane should be available on the website. We’re actively taking measures to keep Pocono Farms the beautiful amenity-filled community we live in, and our new fine structure is an example of one way we’re doing it. I’m hoping that by the time this is published in October, Governor Wolf will have relaxed some of the restrictions we’ve been dealing with since the Pandemic started, and our lives are slowly getting back to normal. Regardless, our Management Team, Staff, and the Board of Directors will keep plugging away and dealing with whatever changes come our way. If you have something you’d like Management and/or the Board of Directors to look into, send an email to idea@poconofarms.com. Stay safe!
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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W E AT H E RVA N E
OCTOBER
2020
From T he Gener a l M a n ager
2020-21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS
BY DAVE TIMKO On August 18, 2020, the Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance No. 141-2020 to the code of the Township entitled “short term rentals”. This ordinance will provide for the licensing and regulation of short term rentals, defining certain terms used, establishing application and license procedures, establishing standards for short term rentals, providing for inspections, providing for enforcement responsibility, establishing and
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
COMPACTOR WEDNESDAY 8:00 am - 12:00 pm FRIDAY 8:00 am - 12:00 pm SUNDAY 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
providing for violations and penalties, declaring violations to be a public nuisance, and providing appeal procedures. As I mentioned in last month’s article, we (PFCCA, Inc.) look forward to working in partnership with the township as they implement their ordinance. The Township will be working through their fee structure and application process in the very near future. As this information becomes available to us, we will share it, specifically with the short-term rental owners. As it relates to Pocono Farms, we will be revisiting our policies, procedures, and tenant registration processes as well. One of the primary changes that will be required, which mirrors the township ordinance, will be that the owner of the rental unit will need to provide a contact person that is available to respond to tenant and neighborhood questions, complaints, or concerns, or authorize an agent/ person, and that is able to take remedial action and respond to any violation.
The contact person must provide a 24 hour emergency contact number and be able to come to and be present at the short term rental within (2) two hours following notification to address any issue that is not capable of being addressed by telephone. (Township ordinance 324-7)
ALL MEETING TIMES ARE 7PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED Friday, October 30th Friday, November 20th Friday, December 18th Friday, January 29th Friday, February 26th Work Session
These changes, along with others, are not meant to be a move towards prohibition of short-term rentals. They are meant to be implemented so that there is a balance between the benefits of STR’s and those full-time resident members that choose to call Pocono Farms their full-time home.
Friday, March 26th Friday, April 30th Friday, May 21st Friday, June 18th Friday, July 16th Saturday, July 17th Annual Meeting 10am
The implementation of these changes will not be overnight. However, to not address them is irresponsible and not in the best interest of Pocono Farms. Through communication and development of a consistent policy for all, we believe that there is a mutual benefit for everyone.
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
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
W E AT H E RVA N E
OCTOBER
2020
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P u blic Sa fet y BY ARTIE FURMAN
October is here and there is a chill in the air. Ghosts and ghouls are about, so you better take care. The trees full of color because the weather is turning and when Autumn chills come, warmer days we’ll be yearning. Not long after the snowflakes will fall, as some guy in a sleigh yells “Dash away all!” As you can see by my little poetic quips, the days surely are a changing, but some things here in the Farms remain the same. One of those things are signs - what you can and cannot post on your property. You are allowed a sign if you have an alarm system from whomever your provider is. It can be no larger than 12 x 12 inches. If you are having work done on your property, a sign is permitted to post the permits on. What cannot be put up is a sign like the following: Wyld Stallyns Landscaping, Ted Theodore Logan and Bill S. Preston Esquire proprietors. We simply do not allow contractor advertising signs here in the Farms. So as much as John Wick Extermination Services would be exciting to see, I am afraid Mr. Wick simply cannot place his sign on your lawn. You get the idea. Should you have any questions on what you can or cannot post, please contact me. I will be happy to help you with any questions about your property you may have! Please all of you stay safe and vigilante in these trying times.
Fa ll & H a llow een F un I n T he T i m e of COV ID BY KATRINA WEITHMAN, AGM While this year’s fall festivities may look a little different, rest assured that we at Pocono Farms Country Club are dedicated to keeping the community safe while providing a little fun for all ages! Join us on the lawn as we host Harvest Fest on Saturday October 17th from 12:00pm-6:00pm. The event will be socially distanced and held outdoors. We will have a selection of fall beers and hearty German food available to purchase. Enjoy the sounds of live entertainment all day! We will also be taking advance sign up and payments for the pumpkin picking and carving. The pumpkins will only be touched by those who have purchased it and all tools will be individually wrapped and not shared. That evening in the Lakeside Grill and Pub we will have a selection of German plated features. For those who wish to join us, we ask that you please follow the CDC masking guidelines as well as hand sanitation. For our youngest members we will be having a Halloween costume parade on Saturday October 31st at 3:00pm. Those wishing to participate are asked to sign up in advance with Nick Gallagher (recdir@poconofarms.com). We will meet at the bandstand on the beach and parade up through the circle in the front of the clubhouse. Those participating will receive an individually packed bag of candy! The nut free candy will be packed in a sanitized environment and the bag will be sealed and handed out to the children by a gloved and masked adult outside the clubhouse to ensure the safety of all!
of the Poconos Experience and Results Matter! Keith Torregrossa Team of the Poconos the Poconos ofthe the Poconos of Poconos Experience and Results Matter! Experience Matter! Experience and Results Matter! Experienceand and Results Results Matter!
The Lakeside Grill & Pub will continue our full time hours through Sunday November 1st with indoor and outdoor seating as well as to go food service.
For those who may not have had a chance to golf this year, there is still Keith Torregrossa TorregrossaTeam Team Keith plenty of time! Call our Pro Shop at 570-8944435 ext. 111 to inquire Keith Torregrossa Renata Linda Dross about the many great Fall Tara Tall Mavrogiorgos Broker/Owner Transaction Buyer’s Agent events we have planned Buyer’s Agent Coordinator that include the Fall Fling, Keith Torregrossa Renata Keith Torregrossa Renata Tara Tall Linda Dross Linda Dross Keith Torregrossa Tara Tall Cheryl Ehrhart Linda Dross Mavrogiorgos Broker/Owner Tara Tall Par 3 tournament and Broker/Owner Mavrogiorgos Buyer’s Agent Transaction Coordinator Transaction Listing Agent Buyer’s Agent Buyer’s Agent Buyer’s Agent Transaction Buyer’s Agent Buyer’s Agent Coordinator (570) 421-2345 Office (570) 424-1521 Direct Turkey Bash. Coordinator Keith Torregrossa Cheryl Ehrhart Linda Dross Tara Tall (570) Office (570) 424-1521 Direct Agent 421-2345 Buyer’s Agent Transaction Fall in the Pocono’s is Listing (570) 421-2345 (570) 424-1521 Direct (570) 421-2345Office Office (570) 424-1521 Buyer’s Agent Direct Coordinator certainly the most beautiful time of year. After an uncertain year, we hope that you get a chance to step outside and enjoy the crisp air while enjoying the many activities and amenities your community has to offer. We also wish SOLD MORE THEN PRICE safe travels and good SOLD MORE THENLISTING LISTING PRICE PRICE PRICE health to our snow bird Pocono Farms sales are strong, Summer sales are strong, 105 Blackfoot Summer are FARMS HOME SALES residents who will begin to FARMS HOME SALES call toLane find outsales what yourstrong, home is worth! call to find out what your home is is worth! head south. Total Homes Sold call to find out what your home worth! Total Homes Sold I1111 have Buyers in the area looking for different property North Fifth Street Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 101 as of December 6, 2019 1111 North Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 101 as of December 6, 2019 types… Have you had any thoughts of selling? 1111 North Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 remaxmtp@ptd.net Average List Price remaxmtp@ptd.net Average List Price Each Office Independently Owned and Operated $136,528 remaxmtp@ptd.net Each Office Independently Owned and Operated 1111 North Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 105 Blackfoot Lane $136,528 Average Sold Price Owned and Operated Each Office Independently remaxmtp@ptd.net $126,535 Average Sold Price have Buyers in theonarea looking for different property W E AT H E RVA N E O C T O BI E R 2 0 2 0Independently Each Office Owned and Operated Average Days the Market $126,535 types… Have you had any thoughts of selling? 89 days
KeithTorregrossa Torregrossa Team Keith Team
(570) 421-2345 Office (570) 424-1521 Direct
4
Average Days on the Market 89 days 1111 North Fifth Street-Stroudsburg,
Pa. 18360
Gouldsboro Chimney & Furnace Cleaning
Neighbor hood Watch
• Stainless Steel Liners & Caps • Woodstove & Fireplace Inserts Installed • Wooden Chase Chimneys their properties. During Rebuilt & Repaired the month of august, • Fireplaces, Wood & Coal Stoves
BY ED KELLY Many of us go into October and wonder if this will be the month that the news about the virus will be so good, we can start thinking about the coming months with more anticipation of normal times than worrying about our future. Normally our thoughts are
about the beautiful colors that surround us here at the farms, or how much candy we should buy for the Halloween crowd. As a golfer, you start to count how many weeks are left in the season and will I get my share in this year. We hope for the best and keep
Tree Removal Tree Trimming Land Clearing Landscaping
Tree Removal
Light Excavation
Tree Trimming
Stump Grinding
Land Clearing Chipping
Landscaping Bucket Truck Services
Cr i
doing all we can to stay positive. Through it all, the crime watch volunteers go drivers patrolled for about out week after week and 110 hours. Several of the $10 OFF REPAIRS keep their eyes out for drivers are CHIMNEY taking multiple any problem that may pop up. Most of the reports from our drivers are free of any excitement, and generally speak of unkempt properties, trash or garbage dropped at the side of the road or unregistered cars sitting in driveways. Today, a driver told me a resident asked if he knew anyone that she could contact to cut her grass. Later, the driver spotted a car with a mower sticking out the back, and told the man of the request, and he said he would take care of it. You never know what may happen on your patrol.
BY RUS
• Masonry Chimneys Rebuilt & Repaired • Gas or Oil Chimney & Furnace Cleaning • Animals & Any Other Blockages Removed
shifts. There are open times for (570)676-5253 new drivers, so CALL TODAY: if you'd like to give it a try call Russ Kelly at 570-894&4034 CLEANING WITH the THISoffice. AD or contact
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But one can't help worrying about the state of the economy and how those that have not been able to get back to work, may be driven to do things they would never have thought to do before. It is important that neighbors look out for each other. The more eyes the better in maintaining a secure community. Lately, drivers have been stopped by residents who complain about the noise or uncontrolled parties at some of the short term rental properties. We encourage them to call in the problem to the office and to the local police when it gets out of hand, or runs late into the night. The non-emergency number for the police is 570-992-9911, a number that should be kept handy. My experience with this number has found the police to be responsive. Also, don't be afraid to contact the office, the administration can contact property owners and pressure them to monitor
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Light Excavation Stump Grinding Chipping
Tobyhanna, PA
Bucket Truck Services
• 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 4
W E AT H E RVA N E
OCTOBER
• SNOW REMOVAL • SEASONED FIREWOOD
Fully Insured/Free Estimates
2020
License #PA041576
WEATHER VAN 5
R ound by R ound BY DON STORMS As the newest member of golf committee and resident for one year at Pocono Farms, I have been greatly impressed with the golf course. The amenities and activities available are amazing. Everyone from staff at club house, Jeff’s staff, employees, and residents have been gracious and welcoming. Covid-19 restrictions from March have been difficult for all of us. Isolation from family and friends has affected all of us negatively, but we are coming out of it. Since going green, we have seen our amenities flourish even in light of Covid-19. I was excited to see Jaime and Mike over at Lakeside Grill & Pub when it first reopened. It was also great to see the Pool & Beach keeping busy throughout this summer as well. However, we must still remember, we have a new normal. Face covering, social distancing, and hand sanitizer is required or recommended. The golf course opening on May 1st was the start. We congratulate Jeff and his staff for their work on maintaining the course during this time. The numbers show increase rounds play by residents. If you have not played yet, we encourage you to come out with your son or daughter before the season is over. Also to keep in mind, each homeowner has received 2 discounted round vouchers in yearly packet! The range is open to hit a few balls to warm up and clubs may be available for your child. Call the Pro Shop today for more information! Finally thanks to Kyle, Kim, and people working at the Pro Shop. They are there to assist all members and resident who come out for a round of golf. For me I enjoy course scenery, fresh air, and exercise. See you there!
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W E AT H E RVA N E
OCTOBER
2020
F un w it h Fitness BY KRISSIE AYLWARD, PFCCA FITNESS DIRECTOR
October brings the cooler weather and the comfort foods. It’s important that we stay active so we can enjoy the holiday season without the added pounds. Walking outside is a fantastic option.
Take the time to breathe in the fresh fall air and enjoy the bright vibrant colors as the leaves begin to change. Be grateful for all you have and focus on the positive. Speaking of being grateful, I know that water aerobics has long been over, but I wanted to express how grateful I am for the group of ladies that extended their appreciation to me at the end of the season. Water aerobics is not an easy class to teach. Bringing a full workout into the water is something I find extremely challenging. Your body works very differently in the water and many of us can do things in the water that we are unable to do in the classroom.
The water is a great tool and if used properly can offer a productive workout. For those with arthritis, joint issues, back problems and hip problems the water can offer great relief and be a form of therapy. I try to incorporate all that into my workouts to accommodate each participant. Being presented with this beautiful bouquet of fall colored roses and a card with a bonus inside was a gift I was not expecting.
The words that came with it humbled me as a person and as your fitness director. I will continue to do my best to keep everyone who visits the fitness center safe and healthy. I will continue to do my best to get us through this time as we navigate into the Fall and winter months.
but I am confident that together we will keep this ship sailing!!
Thank you all for your patience, kind words and understanding. Just As always if you have any questions please call like you this is a whole me or email me. new world for me too,
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W E AT H E RVA N E
OCTOBER
2020
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