S EPTEMBER 2021
182
LAKE
ROAD
•
TOBYHANNA,
P E N N S Y LVA N I A
18466
IN THIS ISSUE OUR COMMUNITY As we near the 20th anniversary of 9/11, let us pause to reflect on those
From Your B.O.D.
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who’s lives were lost. We will never forget.
From the General Manager
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As a community PFCCA is a founding member of the Flight 93
B.O.D. Meeting Dates
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Memorial in Shanksville PA. Established in 2009, the Friends of Flight 93
Public Safety
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National Memorial is the official non-profit supporting partner of
Neighborhood Watch
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Scholarships Awarded
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The Friends focus on awareness, education, volunteer support, preservation
Letter to the Editor
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and stewardship. The name of Pocono Farms Country Club appears at the
Denny Invitational Pig Roast
Flight 93 National Memorial.
site on the Founders Registry. We have donated over $5,000 in the past 10 years during our annual campaign for the construction of the permanent memorial and the ongoing needs of the site.
& Golf Tournament
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2021 Golf Schedule
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Round by Round
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Fun with Fitness
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Mountains of Hope Cancer Awareness Event
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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, Tennis, Pool, Fitness • Communications/ Long Range Planning
Rich McCormick Jim Yando Jim Ribardo Steve Baker Renee McClure
From You r Boa r d Of Dir ec tor s BY ANNETTE DOERR On behalf of the Board of Directors, we’d like to thank the homeowners who attended the 2021 annual meeting in July. Although once again we did not have enough homeowners to fulfil a quorum, and no voting issues could be undertaken, we did proceed with our informational presentation along with a question-and-answer session. Thank you to those of you who took time out of your busy schedules to attend, and to those who shared some concerns or had questions. We would like to extend a warm welcome Renee McClure on her recent election to the Board and congratulate Rich McCormick on starting his second term. I too look forward to beginning my second term as a Board of Director. A heartfelt thank you to Pete Volpe, who came off the board following his 6th consecutive year. Well done Pete, and thank you for your service to our community - it was a pleasure to serve with you. As we get closer to cooler weather, I would like to remind you that now is the time to volunteer for a Pocono Farms committee. Committees run from August through July, and members needs to fill out an application each year. For the past 2 years, we haven’t had enough volunteers to meet on 4 of our 5 standing committees. Volunteering for a committee is a great way to have your voice heard and be a part of what makes this community run. Get out and get involved, stop by the Member Services office for your application. Many great things are happening here at the Farms, and we look forward to working with community members to keep Pocono Farms the wonderful amenity-filled community we all love to live in.
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
Tom Mack 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
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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2021
From T he Gener a l M a n ager
2021-22 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS
BY DAVE TIMKO The Annual Meeting of the PFCCA community was scheduled and held on July 17th at the Clear Run Campus off of Route 611. As the quorum count was not met, no official business could be conducted. This included no votes could be taken on the two voting issues that were to be presented at the Annual Meeting. The Board President – Steve Bunker, and the Board Treasurer – Jim Yando, highlighted some the talking points within their respective annual reports that are typically presented at the annual meeting to those in attendance. The Board and Management also fielded some questions from the members present. One of those questions focused around short term rentals and their use of the amenities, specifically the outdoor pool. Short term rentals have always been a permitted use within the Pocono Farms Community and Coolbaugh Township. Due to the popularity of STR’s (short term rentals), it has caused both entities to review their current wording and amend some on the existing rules/ regulations to address their growing popularity. Both have done so with Pocono Farms amending its Administrative Code and its requirements in order to rent a home as an STR. This included providing Pocono Farms with their Coolbaugh Township registration and inspection number, along with their Monroe County number showing proof that the unit owner registered the unit in the County so that the County can collect its 3% occupancy tax. Coolbaugh Township also requires a registration and inspection of the home in order to rent a home within the Township. The township enacted an
ordinance in November of 2020. This inspection/ ordinance reviews the amount of bedrooms and parking spaces permitted among other items, before it will assign an inspection number to the unit. STR’s were for the most part unregulated in the beginning. That is no longer the case. They are beginning to be more regulated by the communities, townships, counties, and States in which they can operate. Not necessarily to prohibit their use, but to ensure that it is a managed process. At some point it may be cost prohibitive to operate these units as they once were. Each community collects a tenant registration fee. Other fees associated with a unit being an STR are: Initial township inspection and registration, then a yearly fee going forward A 3% occupancy tax paid to the County
4,750 or 63.8% were members
ALL MEETING TIMES ARE 7PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
1,592 or 21.3% were short term renters 1,102 or 14.9% were members using their blue amenities cards for guests As with anything that changes in our world, we (PFCCA) along with the other entities, will continue to monitor STR’s and their impact to the communities and townships in which they operate and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a fair and equitable balance between all.
September 24, 2021 October 22, 2021 November 19, 2021 December 17, 2021 January 21, 2022 February 25, 2022 work session
March 25, 2022 April 22, 2022 May 20, 2022 June 17, 2022 July 15, 2022 Annual Meeting July 16, 2022 - 10am
I would also like to welcome Renee McClure as a first time Board member, and to Annette Doerr and Rich McCormick who were re-elected to their second term on the Board of Directors. I would also like to thank Pete Volpe who fulfilled his elected two terms on the Board. Enjoy the Fall season!!
And a 6% sales tax collected by the State. These fees and taxes are not meant to abolish STR’s. They are meant to manage the processes associated with STR’s operating within their jurisdictions. All STR’s are not bad. The communities and townships want to make sure that if you choose to use your home as an STR, that the owners are held accountable for their renters and that the renters are aware and comply with, the rules and regulations of the community. Some statistics: Over the 4th of July weekend, 21 fireworks citations were issued by our Public Safety and Compliance department. 17 were issued to owners/ members, 4 were issued to short term renters. As of June 20th, 7,444 people have used the outdoor pool.
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Neighbor hood Watch
P u blic Sa fet y
BY EDWARD KELLY
BY ARTIE FURMAN September is here, changing leaves are near and the summers almost done. Fall is approaching and soon Winters cold encroaching to do away with all our fun. The seasons change so fast anymore, seems like there isn’t enough time to get things done. But alas you all were very busy this year. We have handed out over 130 permits so far with many more on the way, so many of you have been hard at work on those projects. This month we will talk about that very thing, projects. I want to do this, am I allowed? That is an excellent question, and I am glad you asked because it eliminates confusion. Quite a few times this year as we patrol the community, we see things that look different. I always go back to my permits to see if any were issued. Sadly, sometimes they were not. This is where that confusion comes in. “I went to the Township and got a permit”. That is the proper thing to do, but you never applied for one of our permits. It is always better to ask first, especially since many times the result is a fine. Occasionally, people do not get our permits or Township permits. If you think our penalties are harsh, you have no idea. I have seen them make people tear stuff down because they did not do it properly. No one wants that. Lastly, I want to ask for your help. I want you to help me, help you. If I do not know about something, I cannot correct it. Do not think other people have called, most of the time they do not. This is the non- emergency number for the Monroe County Control Center 570-992-9911. This is the same place, the same dispatchers who if you dialed 911 for an emergency, would answer the phone and help you. If at 4 in the morning someone is Chimneys & Repaired loud racing, you Rebuilt dial the non•playing Stainless Steel Linersmusic & Caps or drag• Masonry number. If someone isChimney breaking into •emergency Woodstove & Fireplace Inserts Installed • Gas or Oil & Furnace Cleaning or a neighbor’s• Animals then &you dialBlockages 911. Removed •your Woodenhome, Chase Chimneys Any Other
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Every conversation this month starts with “Where did the summer go?” While three months in the winter can seem so long, the three months of summer seem to fly by. Most of us become very busy in the summer, but not so in the winter. This year, after the constrictions of the virus last summer, we got out and tried to get two years’ worth of activity wrapped into one. But here we are, September still came quickly, and it's time to get our football jerseys out, make sure we're getting the final lawn feeding done, and think about servicing the snow blower before the end of October. Happily, this year, we are getting the kids ready for school again. The school buses will be moving through the farms and stopping at various locations along the way. We all must start thinking about the safety of kids getting to and from the bus stops daily. Keeping an eye out for that late kid running along the street trying to get to the stop before it leaves, probably not paying attention to the cars moving along the street. Now, we must remember to stop when the bus stops for kids getting on or off the bus. Unfortunately, this was a problem with some drivers in the past. In fact, one of our volunteers used to pull behind a bus and block the road until the bus started up again. We encourage our drivers that are on patrol during the drop off hours to be near the bus stops if possible. Parents will have to go over some of the safety rules with their kids again this year. We have always urged kids to travel in groups if possible and report any attempts of someone trying to get them in to their vehicle. It has been a while since we had a report of a child’s attempted pick up, but it has happened, and we must make sure our kids are made aware of this. For those parents that park near the bus stops, please remember to stay back far enough from the intersection to allow cars, or the bus to make the turn safely. I expect one of our security officers will be out reminding people to keep their distance from the intersection. While we all hate to see summer go, we are fortunate to live in an area that is surrounded by trees and the beauty of the changing colors we experience in the fall. People take vacations to come up here to see what we can see every day. It is a nice timeRUSS to be Kdriving BY ELLY around the farms. This would be a good time to try driving with the crime watch patrol this year. Not only do you get to see the beauty of the season, but This year is this the most colorful. Weyou get hoped to see every day be. what miles you time help of keeping community what it would In people July, 11 drive volunteers to look at for dayhours. or so. In Even you do notyears venture from been the Farms, the streets patrolled for a120 theifseventeen thatfarI have part of crime watch, here are anever picture with all of the colors You on each side of as the you community, drive by. I understand we have had fewer volunteers. are part so give upwhy a few years the early put together the the rules, concerning restrictions on tree hoursago a month andresidents at least give it a try. Call office, or Russthe Kelly at 570-894-4034 removal. I am sure many of them came from cities or suburbs where trees were all if you’re interested. removed to make room for the maximum amount of homes that could be built in the subdivision.
Cr i m e Watch Ac t i v it y R eport
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.
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L et t erS Eto P T Et Mhe B E R Editor 2021
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OH WHAT A NIGHT!
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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.
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.
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2021
Broker/Owner
Experience and Results Matter! Transaction
Melnick Listing Specialist
Buyer’s Agent
Keith Torregrossa Team
Coordinator
(570) 421-2345 Office (570) 424-1521 Direct
of the Poconos ofthe thePoconos Poconos Experience andResults Results Matter! Experience and Matter! Experience and Results Matter! Keith Torregrossa Team KeithTorregrossa Torregrossa Team Keith Team Linda Dross
Keith Torregrossa Broker/Owner
Tara Tall Buyer’s Agent
Transaction Coordinator
(570) 421-2345 Office (570) 424-1521 Direct Keith Torregrossa Keith Torregrossa Cheryl TaraEhrhart Tall Linda Dross Linda Dross Sophia Gambill Listing Agent Broker/Owner
Buyer’s Agent Agent Buyer’s
Keith Torregrossa Cheryl Ehrhart Office Listing (570) Agent 421-2345 Buyer’s Agent
Tara Tall Buyer’s Agent
Coordinator Buyer’s Agent Transaction Transaction
Coordinator
Linda Dross
Tara Tall (570) 424-1521 Direct Transaction (570) 421-2345 Office (570) 424-1521 Direct Buyer’s Agent
Coordinator
Sales are strong, call to find out what your home is worth! (570) 421-2345
Office (570) 424-1521 Direct 1111 North Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 remaxmtp@ptd.net Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
Sales are strong,
105 Blackfoot areyour strong, call toLane findSales out what home is worth!
callNorth to find out what homeproperty isPa. worth! I1111 have Buyers inFifth the area looking for different Street - your Stroudsburg, 18360 types… Have remaxmtp@ptd.net you had any thoughts of selling?
Schol a r ships Awa r ded
1111 North Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 remaxmtp@ptd.net
Office Independently Owned and Operated At our Member-Member Memorial Dinner held on 7/23/21, the Pocono Farms Country1111 NorthEach Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 105 Blackfoot Lane Club Golf Scholarship committee awarded 4 Pocono Farms graduating seniors with a remaxmtp@ptd.net total of $5,500 in scholarship funds. The scholarship applicants were scored on their Office Independently Owned and Operatedproperty I haveEach Buyers in the area looking for different Each Office Independently Owned and Operated academic record, extracurricular involvement, community service, and their personal types… Have you had any thoughts of selling? interview. Of all the applicants, Nikayla Phillips, Brianna Joseph, and Tyler Mui received the highest scores and were each awarded a scholarship. Emily Lesh was also awarded the Neil P. Carlson Memorial Scholarship.
1111 North Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 remaxmtp@ptd.net
Pocono Farms Country Club Association has been awarding scholarships to deserving high school seniors since 2004 with a total of over $66,500 awarded during that time. Contributions to this fund are made by individual members through various golf outings held throughout the golf season, along with personal donations made. Scholarships have also been awarded through funds set up memorializing past golf members of the Club that gave so much of their time and effort to the Club.
Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
From Left to Right: Golf Scholarship winners, Brianna Joseph and Tyler Mui, who were awarded the Pocono Farms Golf Scholarship. Not pictured are: Nikayla Phillips, Pocono Farms Golf Scholarship winner and Emily Lesh – who was awarded the Neil P. Carlson Memorial Scholarship.
To Advertise Call 845-456-1218
Tobyhanna, PA
• Tree & Stump Removal • Tree Planting, Landscape Design • Backhoe Service
• Water Mainline Replacement • Clean Ups • Door & Window Replacement
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• ROOFING, DECK & SIDING
Fully Insured/Free Estimates
2021
License #PA041576
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L et t er to t he Editor To my Fellow Homeowners: As you know, on July 17, 2021, we had our yearly meeting. Which out of 1600 homeowners, we had in attendance between 52 to 65 owners that showed up. In my opinion, we as homeowners have a problem. I understand we all have things to do, but this is one day a year, and it concerns all of us. At this meeting we have the right to bring up any problem or ideas that can help our community. I felt that for some reason we as homeowners have NO say in what is going on in our community. Well, you are wrong. We all have to get involved. Some homeowners rent their homes, which is their right, but they still own their home, and we still pay for our yearly dues, and I am trying to say is come out and be heard. If you are concerned with the way that things are going, come to our monthly Board Meeting and speak out to what is bothering you. The Board works for us – we don’t work for them. Without your voice and faces we would not have a community. Please come out and let your voice be heard. Sincerely, Hugh Doran
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R ound by R ound BY DON STORMS Summer is almost over, and our golf department is having such a great year here at Pocono Farms Country Club! Membership numbers are continually increasing which is always a great sight to see. Everyone agrees that the Bunker project was fantastic, with other improvements to follow. Do not forget to please place rakes outside the bunkers on the less steep slope. Also keep in mind to place the rake parallel to the bunker. It is better to access from lower side and after smoothing bunker impressions, knock off the sand from your shoes. Remember that the Fall Aerification will be done on Monday, August 16 to keep greens in great condition. Come enjoy the course with the $25 golf vouchers that all residents received in their 2021 packet! Now is the perfect time to use it and play the course. After you have tried the course, consider membership for balance of 2021 and full time in 2022! As a new member, I do enjoy attending member events. The leagues are also always fun and competitive! We have a few great events coming up, including Member Appreciation, Fall Fling and Par 3. Have a good rest of the summer and I hope to see you on the course!
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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F un w it h Fitness BY KRISSIE AYLWA RD, PFCCA FITNESS DIRECTOR
September is upon us which means cooler weather, comfort foods, and back to school for many. Our summer season over at the fitness center was record breaking! Most water aerobics classes had 25 or more participants, chair yoga tipped the scale at 12 members filling the classroom again, Yoga on the Beach is always a success with record numbers as well. Although I’m sad to see the summer weather go, I am excited to see all your faces back inside, filling the fitness center and classroom. The class schedule will change for the Fall and Winter months so please look for the weekly updates. New Moon and Full Moon yoga will make a reappearance and be held on the evenings those moons fall. The schedule will also be posted thru the New Year. To all our Snowbirds, I wish you safe travels as you head back South. As always thank you for your support I am grateful for each of you Krissie “I can smell Autumn dancing in the breeze. The sweet smell of pumpkin and crisp sunbuvrnt leaves.” — Unknown
To Advertise in the Weathervane Call 845-456-1218
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COCKTAIL HOUR WITH LIVE MUSIC @ 6:00PM
1 ANNUAL MOUNTAINS OF st
CANCER AWARENESS PRESENTATIONS @ 7:00PM DINNER SERVICE @ 7:00PM DJ-DANCING & ENJOYMENT TILL 11:00PM CANCER EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS SILENT AUCTION
OCTOBER 9, 2021 CANCER AWARENESS EVENT
BASKET RAFFLES MEMORIAL LUMINARIES WINE PULL 50/50
BECOME A SPONSOR Diamond: Platinum: Cost: $5000 or more, includes 8 tickets to the Cost: $2,500 - $4,999, includes 4 tickets to event. the event or a business display table Gold: Silver: Cost: $1,500 - $2,499, includes 2 tickets to Cost: $1,000 - $1,499 the event. Bronze: Booster: Cost: $500 - $999 Cost: $250 - $499 Contributor: Cost: Less than $249 Sponsorship of Gold, Platinum or Diamond includes tickets to the event. If the Sponsor is unable to use the tickets they can be donated to cancer survivors. Seating is limited, RSVP early. We will make Sponsor Display Tables available upon request. Mail checks to:
Mom and Kids Against Cancer Collette Houston Ong P.O. Box 693 Tobyhanna, PA 18466
Monetary donations can be made directly to the LVHN Pocono Foundation at: 570-476-3530 or via the following URL: https://give.lvhn.org/mountainsofhope
IN-KIND DONATIONS Accepting Donations of any kind for the Silent Auction, dollar value must be greater than $150.00. We welcome Basket Raffle and Gift Bag items of any kind.
100% of the PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT: Lehigh Valley Health NetworkPocono Foundation & Cancer Clinical Trials at the Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center $100 PER PERSON RESERVATION DEADLINE: Friday, October 1, 2021 Please email or call: Katrina Weithman @ katrinaw@poconofarms.com or (570) 894-4435 For questions regarding Moms and Kids Against Cancer or the 1st Annual Mountains of Hope Cancer Awareness Gala please contact: collette.houston.ong@gmail.com