Pocono Farms Weathervane

July 2014

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From Your Board of Directors

P E NNS Y LVANIA

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in this iss u e

BY BRIAN CAVANAUGH

One of the most anticipated and well attended weekends at Pocono Farms is about to begin. The July 4 weekend is upon us and after the extreme winter we all survived, it is welcomed with open arms.

As a child I always marveled and wondered at the display of fireworks that my parents took me to see. As I look at the expressions and excitement on the faces of the children on the beach at Pocono Farms, I see that this feeling is universal and transcends generations. This is a long held tradition at Pocono Farms and one that many come to enjoy. The fireworks this year are being held on Saturday, July 5th, with many other activities being held over the weekend. Please check the activities calendar for a schedule of events.

This weekend, along with many other activities and amenities,’ are the reason that my family and I, as well as many others, have come to enjoy and cherish their time here. There is literally something for everyone from the pool to the fitness center, golf, fishing, boating, gardening, the beach, dancing, cards, dining and so much more. When we have guests that attend events, they always have a great time. If there is something not offered that you like to do, tell us. We have a member comment session at every Board meeting and would be happy to hear from you.

One of the comments I often hear from people that live in other communities is “How can you offer so much for the dues that we pay?” Unfortunately, due to factors beyond our control, we may not be able to offer every thing we do now and maintain the current appearance that we desire and are accustom to. Management, as well as the Board, has tried to control expenses and balance the budget, but the Continued on Page 6

Our Community Thoughts from the Manager

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Crime Watch Activity Report

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In the Farms

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B.O.D. Meeting Schedule

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Getting to Know You Meet the Preus Family

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Calendar of Events July Calendar

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August Calendar

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Sports Round by Round

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Administration office hours for the july 4th weekend If you have paid your dues but have not had your Photo ID badges updated in the Administration Office, please note below our office hours. The Administration Office will be CLOSED on Friday, July 4th. This means if your badges haven’t been updated with the 2014 sticker, you will not be permitted to use the pool on Friday, July 4th as the staff will have no way of identifying you as a member in good standing.

As you will see, for your convenience, we will remain open until 7pm on Thursday, July 3rd.

The Office will be CLOSED Friday, July 4th The Office will re-open on Saturday, July 5th

POCONO FARMS COUNTRY CLUB FROM

182 Lake Road, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania 18466

SPECIAL DELIVERY

Thoughts from the Manager

SAVE THE DATE

By Dave Timko

In preparation of the annual meeting scheduled for July 19th at 10am, PFCCA hosted two specific events.

The first was a Community update and coffee break on June 7th. The topics of that discussion were: 1) 2) 3) 4)

COMMUNITY WIDE YARD SALE August 23rd & 24th Watch your email for details!

MEETING REMINDER Saturday, July 19th at 10 AM at Pocono Community Church Rt 611 Watch your mail for official notification and voting issues!

The reserve study A collections update Pocono Farms Realty Presentation of the four (4) proposed voting issues.

This one hour program was informative for those in attendance. It also gave the members a chance to ask questions on the information presented.

The second event was “Meet the Candidates” that was held on June 14th. This is the community members’ chance to meet the candidates and hear their responses to various questions posed to them by the elections’ and nominations’ committee.

Both of these events are typically held on a Saturday morning so that we can attempt to accommodate as much of the PFCCA membership as possible. We schedule these events prior to the annual meeting in an attempt to communicate as much information to the membership as we can. We trust that those that did attend take something away from the meeting so that they may make an informed decision on the voting issues, as well as, whom they choose to sit on the Board to guide the Association for the next three years along with the other Six (6) Directors.

Michael’s Carpet, Custom Kitchen, Bath & Window Treatments THE ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL OF YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENTS!

The ballots for the Board elections will have been mailed out prior to this Weathervane distribution.

Please follow the instructions closely to make sure that your vote counts.

The second mailing will be the announcement of the annual meeting along with the explanations of the four (4) voting issues that will be presented and voted on at the annual meeting. Please make sure you take a minute to become familiar with the issues.

With summer in full swing, it’s time to get out there and enjoy everything that Pocono Farms has to offer. Enjoy your summer!

Richard McCormick Collette Houston-Ong Brian Cavanaugh Peter Volpe Bill Weimer

BOARD LIAISONS A&B, Environmental, PublicWorks Communications CrimeWatch Elections/Nominations Finance Golf House Long Range Planning Pool Recreation Tennis

Rich McCormick Collette Houston-Ong Peter Volpe Wayne Meyers Steve Bunker Brian Cavanaugh Rich McCormick Bill Weimer Bill Weimer Collette Houston-Ong Mike Elbert

AD-HOCS Insurance Fitness Center Community Garden Marketing

Frank Milano Mike Elbert Brian Cavanaugh Appointed as needed

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Collette Houston-Ong Linda Penett Linda Becht Marianne Stephen Sue Miller Peg Scott Sue Miller Ginny Day NEWSLETTER COORDINATOR Denise Wilson 894-4435 ext. 106 CAPFWeathervane2@yahoo.com

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DEPARTMENT HEADS General Manager 894-4435 ext. 100

David Timko dtimko@poconofarms.com

Accounting/Office Manager Lorraine Daviduk 894-4435 ext. 103 ldaviduk@poconofarms.com Golf Pro 894-4435 ext. 110

Kyle Monahan golfshop@poconofarms.com

Greens Superintendent Adam Herman 894-4435 adamh@poconofarms.com Executive Chef 894-4435 ext. 130

Chef Michael pfchef@poconofarms.com

Food & Beverage Director 894-4435 ext. 132

Katrina Weithman katrinaw@poconofarms.com

Activities Director 894-4435 ext. 113

Joe Sprovkin recdir@poconofarms.com

Director of Security 894-4435 ext. 105

Artie Furman afurman@poconofarms.com

Building Coordinator & Compliance Director 894-4435 ext. 104

Richard Savage rsavage@poconofarms.com

MAINTENANCE 894-4435 ext. 160 (voicemail only)

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FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL 570-646-1502 580 SR 940, SUITE 101, POCONO LAKE, PA MONDAY-FRIDAY 9-5 SATURDAY 10-4 SUNDAY by appt only www.michcarp.com

182 Lake Road • Tobyhanna, PA 18466 www.poconofarms.com admin@poconofarms.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Frank Milano, President Mike Elbert, Vice President Steve Bunker, Treasurer Wayne Meyers, Secretary

SUMMER SPECI AL !

50% O FF RETAIL KITCHENS!!!

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CUSTOM INSTALLATION : KITCHENS & BATHS, COUNTER TOPS, BACKSPLASHES , HARDWOOD, TILE, LAMINATE, VINYL, CARPET, WINDOW TREATMENTS & AWNINGS

Crime Watch Activity Report

BY ED AALBUE - MAY 2014

Summer has finally arrived in the Poconos.

The Memorial Day weekend was a success and everyone is looking forward to a summer full of fun. Make sure you get out and enjoy. During this month, our patrol drivers drove around the community for 82 hours. Our patrols show that we care about our community and our presence out there will keep crime at a minimum. One item noted was many members have not cut their grass.

To keep the community looking good, cut the grass and keep the property clean.

E-Mail Tracker Programs—very interesting! The man that sent this information is a computer tech. He spends a lot of time clearing the junk off computers for people and listens to complaints about speed. All forwards are not bad, just some.

Be sure you read the very last paragraph. By now, I suspect everyone is familiar with snopes.com and/ or truthorfiction.com for determining whether information received via email is just that: true/ false or fact/fiction. Both are excellent sites.

Advice from snopes.com VERY IMPORTANT! 1) Any time you see an email that says “forward this on to ‘10’ (or however many) of your friends” ,”sign this petition”, or “you’ll get bad luck” or “you’ll see something funny on your screen after you send it” or whatever--- it almost always has an email tracker program attached that tracks the cookies and emails of those folks you forward to. The host sender is getting a copy each time it gets forwarded and then is able to get lists of ‘active’ email addresses to use in SPAM emails or sell to other Spammers. Even when you get emails

that demand you send the email on if you’re not ashamed of God/Jesus--- that is email tracking, and they are playing on our conscience. These people don’t care how they get your email addresses – just as long as they get them. Also, emails that talk about a missing child or a child with an incurable disease “how would you feel if that was your child” --- email tracking. Ignore them and do not participate!

2) Almost all emails that ask you to add your name and forward on to others are similar to that mass letter years ago that asked people to send business cards to the little kid in Florida who wanted to break the Guinness Book of Records for most cards. All it was, and all any of this type of email is, is a way to get names and ‘cookie’ tracking information for telemarketers and spammers --to validate active email accounts for their own profitable purposes.

3) ALSO: Email petitions are not acceptable to government or any other organization. To be acceptable, petitions must have a “signed signature” and full address of the person signing the petition, so this is a waste of time and you are just helping the email trackers. Share this with family and friends.

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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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Getting to Know You

By Marianne Stephen

Meet the Preus Family: Eric and Marilou This gregarious couple just moved here last November. They have survived the harsh winter, attended many of the events offered by the Farms and have made new friends. They came with the attitude of wanting to be a part of the community and have gotten off to a great start.

Eric grew up in Sharon, Mass. and has one older brother. There was a big lake in Sharon that Eric swam in the summer and skated in the winter.

Much to his mother’s chagrin, he and his brother walked to school across the lake in the winter.

Sharon’s claim to fame is that the bell in the square was forged by Paul Revere from ore taken out of what became Lake Massapoag..

Marilou grew up in Quincy, Mass and also has one older brother. Marilou says that her grandfather, who lived with them, was her idol. He was always there for her and a truly amazing man. In addition to everything else he did, her grandfather was an artist, Eric and Marilou have some of his paintings that are waiting for the appropriate place to hang in their new home. Marilou’s home was right on the ocean and she spent every day she could at the ocean and truly loved it. It is hard to believe, but after eight years of swimming lessons, she still

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could not swim and cannot do so even today. After high school, Eric became a machinist but soon moved on to Sullivan Tire, which started a career path that he is still on today. He moved from the mechanical side to sales and stayed with Sullivan for twenty years. He left Sullivan to join Oliver Rubber Company that deals with retread products for large commercial truck tires. Although he explained it a few times, I am still a little unclear about this whole process. What I did learn, however, is that truck tires are very expensive and a semi can have up to 18 tires and to keep expenses down, companies will take tires and have them retreaded. Ask Eric about the whole process.

Marilou worked for the local hospital as an Administrative Assistant for a number of years and also worked for a photographer, which she found to be fun. She also at one point had a landscaping business with her father.

Both Eric and Marilou were previously married and Eric has four children and Marilou has one son. Yes, they became “The Brady Bunch”.

They met at “Parents without Partners “. Two weekends a month, their chapter held dances in order for the adults to meet and get to know one another. The other two weekends were devoted to family activities and included field trips with the children. They met at a dance and Marilou reluctantly accepted Eric’s invitation to go out as she was nervous about the fact that Eric had four children aged 10 and under. As fate would have it, Marilou fell instantly in love on their first date over ice cream in Howard Johnson’s after they had seen a movie. They had a small intimate wedding with all the children present. One mistake they might have made was taking the children on their honeymoon, as it appears that each of the children suffered from some type of illness while away. The

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family easily merged as the children had gotten to know one another on the many family weekends.

Their five children are Eric Jr., Joseph, Lisa, Karen and Ryan. Eric and Marilou currently have six grandchildren and one on the way.

Finances were limited in the early days of their marriage and Marilou recalls how they would buy a pizza occasionally and in order to feed all seven of them they would cut the pie into sixteen pieces so the kids would feel they were having more. A big treat that was even rarer was to go to Kentucky Fried Chicken. Eric said he put money in the freezer so that they could have a family vacation each year.

Marilou became a crossing guard and worked up through the ranks to eventually become a Special Police Officer which she did for fourteen years. She had her own beat and worked primarily with the kids. She was in the traffic division and frequently worked the private detail when road projects were being done. This involved ten to twelve hour shifts outside regardless of weather. This was tough duty but covering the dances at school was the fun part of private detail work. Marilou commented on how much impact the crossing guard has on children’s life and how the kids would give her gifts and draw her pictures in appreciation. Eric added that when they go back to Mass. even today, she is still remembered and the “forty year olds”

...continued

2014 Board of directors meeting schedule all meeting times are 7pm unless otherwise noted

Friday, July 18th They do find golf balls in their yard and Eric just placed a basket at the edge of their property where he puts found balls.

reflect on the role she played in their lives. After the children were grown and left the house, Eric told his company that he wouldn’t mind moving south (hoping to be able to play golf for a longer season). Well, they did offer to move him to St Louis, Missouri. It was not exactly what he was looking for but they took it and spent eleven happy years there. They said the people were warm and friendly. I am sure much of that had to do with their warm and open personalities. They said they would put lawn chairs in the driveway and sit and have a drink. People would just come along with their coolers and chairs and join them and spontaneous parties were started. So don’t be surprised if you see them sitting in the driveway.

So, if you lose a ball on Hole #8, you might find it in the basket. He did confess, however, that if you lose a Pro V1, it might not make the basket. Their property is beautiful. Both of them like yard work and we were sitting in their screened in porch and the yard is like an oasis.

Please welcome Eric and Marilou to our community. We are lucky to have to have couple like them who want to not only live here but to truly be a part of Pocono Farms.

Saturday, July 19th - 10am Annual Meeting As approved at the 7/31/13 Reorganizational Meeting

In the Farms PFCCA Office Hours Monday - Saturday 8:30am - 12:30pm & 1:00pm - 4:30pm

ID Badge Picture Hours:

8:30am - 12:00pm & 1:00pm - 4:00pm Capital Improvement Fees on transfer of property: House: $1,252 Lot: $626

The one thing they did not like about the Mid West was the tornadoes and their descriptions were quite frightening. It is worth asking them about it.

Building Regulations: Permits are required from the township and from PFCCA. Please check with the office (894-4435) as to your specific needs.

Michelin bought Oliver Rubber about nine years ago and last year Michelin offered Eric a job to work directly for Michelin. The job required that they move to Pennsylvania, which they were happy to do, as it would put them closer to their children.

His job now is as Franchise Business Manager and it is his responsibility to help the franchises be more profitable and to ensure they are following Michelin principles. He is still working with large commercial tires so don’t ask him about a deal on automobile tires.

• Building permit required from respective township and PFCCA before construction begins • Construction permitted from 7am - 7pm Monday- Saturday – excluding major holidays • Resale certificates are required. Fee is $200.00

They started looking for homes in the Bethlehem area and saw the house they bought on the Internet. It offered all the things they were looking for. Both of them are happy with the tranquility of Pocono Farms.

County Waste will only pick up household trash and recycling. If you have any other items to discard, please call them at 570-382-3304 to set up arrangements.

Refuse Collection: Curbside pickup on household trash and recycling is done on Monday’s and Tuesday’s beginning at 6:00am

by County Waste 570-382-3304. Please refer to the pickup list on our website www.poconofarms.com to determine your pickup day. Major holidays that will affect your collection day are: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. When those holidays fall on a Monday or Tuesday, garbage collection will shift by one day.

Animals: Dogs must be leashed or on owner’s property at all times.

Wildlife, such as deer and black bear, are common at Pocono Farms. We ask that you NOT FEED any wild animals.

Both Eric and Marilou are golfers and are happy to be living on the golf course even though they are in what might be considered a landing area.

Emergencies: For ALL emergencies including medical or fire please contact 911 first, then contact Public Safety at 570-894-4435 x105.

Weathervane DEADLINE NOTICE In order to produce a better newspaper for the Community, a Weathervane submission deadline has been established. All articles, announcements, classified ads, etc. must be submitted to the Newsletter Coordinator on or before the 5th of each month for publication in the next issue of The Weathervane.

Submissions made after this date will not be considered until the following month. Your cooperation is appreciated. Publication of articles is subject to the approval of the Communication Committee.

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From Your Board of Directors CONT. FROM PAGE 1

cost of goods and services continues to increase. We are also contending with a 20% delinquency rate on our collections due to the past recession and economic hardships placed upon members. This has forced the Board to reluctantly ask for a modest increase in our dues just to maintain the standards that we now have without cutting any services. We ask for your support with this issue.

Another long held tradition is taking place this month and, unfortunately, it is not nearly as well attended as the fireworks. The Annual Meeting is set for July 19, at 10AM. It is at this meeting that all Members in good standing have the right to participate in the democratic process of voting on the issues that will become the blueprint for the vision of the future of Pocono Farms. The process of choosing the issues to be voted upon begins in January and sometimes sooner.

All issues are always considered with the best interest of Pocono Farms. There are many factors that may trigger a voting issue to be raised, some are financial, some are legal, and some are from the suggestions of members who get involved.

On the ballot this year are four voting issues that I will not go into detail on, but I will ask that you to please read the issues sent to you. I feel it is important that we all take an interest in our community.

One way to get involved on a meaningful level is to join a committee or run for the Board. Involvement on any level, at the Annual Meeting or activities and events, is paramount to the success of Pocono Farms. Please let your voice be heard.

Pocono Farms Events Gentlemen’s night out CIGAR DINNER SATURDAY, JULY 12TH $67 pp Golf / Food / Event • $55 pp Food / Event Only (includes tax & gratuity)

4:30 PM - 9 Holes of Golf • 6:30 PM Dinner & Cigar Event Outdoor Event - Evening hosted by Famous Smoke Shop Cigar aficionado will explain about the cigars & answer questions CASH BAR - A variety of Scotch’s and Cordial’s will be available!

Bar checks will be issued by individual participant, not by group

MENU Fresh baked bread and butter Grilled romaine stuffed with bleu cheese and balsamic vinaigrette Grilled flank steak with smokey tomato and psinach demi glace served with roasted fingerling potatoes and sauteed mixed vegetables Apple cognac crumb cake Coffee, tea and soft drinks Also included: Sampler pack of 3 top shelf cigars Reservations required by July 6th. Payment expected at time of reservation Contact Katrina at 570-894-4435 x132 or katrinaw@poconofarms.com Or you can sign up at the Pro Shop Cancellations made after 7/6/14 will NOT receive a refund

See you at the annual meeting and have a great summer.

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Thirsty Thursdays

6:00—8:00pm

SAVE THE DATE BREAST FRIENDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 5K WALK /RUN

Each Thursday we have a different beer special! Ask your bartender or server for details

Sunday, October 12th • 11 AM

July 3rd - Chicken Francaise $11

Watch for flyers and emails for more information

With rice pilaf and maple and honey glazed carrots with Caesar salad and fresh baked bread.

www.BreastFriends.org

July 10th - BBQ Beef Brisket $12

With mixed vegetables, roasted red potatoes, biscuits and tossed mixed greens and fresh baked bread.

July 17th - Stuffed Shells & Manicotti $10 Served with Caesar salad and cheesy garlic bread.

July 24th - Red Wine Pork Loin $11

With smashed red potatoes, mixed vegetables served with mixed greens and fresh baked bread.

July 31st - Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken $11

Served with steamed rice with fresh herbs, mixed vegetables and Caesar salad and fresh baked bread.

To reserve a table contact Katrina 570-894-4435, ext 132 - katrinaw@poconofarms.com

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Pocono Farms Events

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Pocono Farms Events

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HANDICAP TOURNAMENT JULY 12TH & 13TH

Round by Round

$15 PER PERSON

2013 WINNER: Ed Ryan

BY frank de brincat

2013 RUNNER UP: Tom Sirolly

It’s that time of year again!

This years format: Stableford - Red, White and Blue Tee Division Points awarded as follows: Winners of each flight goes into a shootout for overall winner

The season is in full swing. The course is shaping up. Adam and his crew are doing a great job keeping the course to the quality standards we have taken for granted over the years. As Mother Nature tests Adam’s skills this year, he has won the battle.

The new Red and White tees are now open. The new White tee on 17 will be completed in the very near future. The drainage project on 7 Fairway will be completed soon, and the traps will be sifted of rocks as soon as we have some dry weather to enable the sifters to work efficiently.

NET BOGEY 1 NET PAR 2 NET BIRDIE 4 NET EAGLE 8

We have a large field signed up for Member/Guest. The Handicap tournament will be July 12/13. Member/Member will be here July 25-27. The club championships will be held in August. Please check in the Pro Shop for details.

Please sign up in the Pro Shop by July 10th!

SAVE THE DATE

Also check the calendar for the Luau this year on Saturday August 16. This year we will be using the tournament to raise some funds for the swim team to help them cover some of their costs. It’s a fun day on the golf course and at the pool afterwards. The only skill you need that day is the skill to have FUN.

ANNUAL MEMBER / MEMBER TOURNAMENT July 25th, 26th, & 27th Watch your mail and email for more details!

Kyle has many more great events planned.

All those that participated in the Fun Night had a great time with the new format for points. Where else, but Fun Night, would you purposely aim for trees and cart paths to score points. Can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.

We had one demo day with Cobra and Mizuno here to show their new equipment and analyze golf swings. There may be another one in the near future if schedules permit.

J u nior golf w ill be sta rting u p Announcements on the dates to come soon.

This is a great way to have your children learn and appreciate the game of golf with professional instruction and competition.

All residents are encouraged to have their children try this out and take advantage of the largest amenity in our community.

Never break your putter and your driver in the same round or you're dead. ~ Tommy Bolt The older I get, the better I used to be. ~ Lee Trevino

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Weekend and evening appointments always available.

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570.421.8950 STROUDSBURG OFFICE

570.588.3440 BUSHKILL OFFICE

570.839.4174 MT. POCONO OFFICE

570.296.6946 MILFORD OFFICE