Tanglwood Lakes - December 2022/January 2023

IN

President's Message 2

Community Manager’s Message 3

Tanglwood Family Halloween Party 5 Cyber Security - Be Safe 6

Saturday Happenings 6 Holiday House Decorating Contest 7 Canine Partners 7 TEAM (continued from page 1) 7

Around the Lake 8

Welcome Committee Coffee Social 9 Ruffed Grouse Safety Issue 9 Just In Time for Football Sundays 9 Code Enforcement Corner 9 From the Desk of Public Safety 9 Arbitration Report 9

Highlights from the October Community Meeting 10

Tanglwood Holiday Happenings 10

Calendar of Events 10

Tanglwood Lakes participates in the PA Ten Million Trees Partnership 11 Did You Know? 11 August Board Meeting Minutes 13

One of our more active groups in the Tanglwood Lakes Community is called TEAM. They are like Santa’s elves, working creatively and proficiently to enhance our environment like professional decorators on HGTV. Seasonally, they gather to decorate the area around the Chalet and the Community Center, inside and out. Fall brings out all the symbols of harvest, Thanksgiving, and Halloween. In recent years, TEAM, under the guidance of Judy Hildebrandt, has planted more spring and summer perennial and “deer-resistant” varieties. There is a specific weekly chore list for watering and tending once the warmer weather arrives.

Even though TEAM says the name is not an acronym as such, it is easy to put some words out that are very appropriate to their devotion and purpose. These could be: terrific, excellent, amazing, enthusiastic, talented, or awesome, members. TEAM is looking to recruit more volunteers to assist with watering, hauling boxes from the storage area, and planting. Young, old, male, female – all are appreciated.

Fill out the form on page 8 or call the Office to volunteer -- 570-857-1186.

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102 Tanglwood Drive, Greentown, PA 18426

www.tanglwood.org

• Main Office: 570-857-1186

Hours: The Chalet will be closed on Sundays & Mondays Tuesday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Saturday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m

Community Manager

Ralph E. Graf | 570-857-1186 | email: ralphtl@ptd.net

Public Safety

David Miller | 570-857-1186 | Vehicle Phone: 570-241-5022 email: safetyps@ptd.net

Maintenance Supervisor

Darrell Merkel | 570-857-0317 | email: mainttl@ptd.net

Administrative Assistant

Elisabeth Muller | 570-857-1186 | email: bethtl@ptd.net

Accounting

Regina Smith | 570-857-1186 | email: reginatl@ptd.net

PUBLISHED BY NIKI JONES AGENCY, INC.

39 Front St., Port Jervis, New York 12771 P: 845.856.1266 | E: ads@nikijones.com

“Tanglwood Lakes is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All advertising, including photographs are the property of Niki Jones Agency, Inc and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased rights of reproduction in Tanglwood Lakes and does not have the right to reproduce ads in any other place or publication without written permission from the publisher. Tanglwood Lakes reserves the rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisements. Tanglwood Lakes does not endorse or support any specific political candidate. The articles, notices, advertisements and any other printed material within this newspaper may or may not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the publisher or the Board of Directors and management, unless expressly and specifically stated therein.”

This will be my last communication to the community as the President of TLCA. Much has been accomplished over the last year including construction of the new maintenance building, installation of security gates at the beach property, paving 21 roads in the community, installing a fire pit area at the beach property and many entertainment and recreation activities throughout the year. I would like to thank all the volunteers for their support and their efforts to make our community a wonderful place we all love.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year. I will continue to support the new Board and will volunteer to keep our community moving forward.

Sandra LaPorte, TLCA Board President

The TLCA Semi-Annual Membership Meeting in October was held at the South Elementary School with approximately 75 members in attendance. The members of the Board of the Directors reported on activities for the committees that they are the identified contact for.

There was a discussion regarding Aqua removing fire hydrants in the community. There were questions from members that were concerned if new hydrants would be in installed in place of those that are scheduled for removal. The existing hydrants have never been operational due to the apparent lack of water pressure. We do have the benefit of housing a Tafton Fire Department Substation at our Community Center. There are members of our community that are volunteer members of the fire company.

The Chairman of the Environmental Committee discussed the third phase of sediment removal from Lake Tanglwood. It is anticipated that approximately 2,000 Cubic Yards of sediment will be removed from Lake Tanglwood. There is $150, 000.00 in the 2023 budget for this activity. Once the material is dewatered it will be spread on Lot 51 adjacent to the Canoe Storage Area on Indian Drive. The fourth and final phase will be scheduled in 2024. The maintenance staff will be repairing the canoe racks at this location and adding stone for improved access. The Chairman of the Environmental Committee commented on trees from the Pike County Conservation District that were part of a grant program. The trees were planted on the Nature Trail.

The Board of Directors approved the Paupack Hills Group as an Ad Hoc Committee.

The closing of Ruffed Grouse Drive from the maintenance complex to Tanglwood Drive was discussed. There are concerns regarding this section of the roadway. The subsurface material is causing a depression in the roadway that impacts travel and our snow plowing efforts. Water runoff from Wintergreen is another cause of concern creating serious erosion. The side of the hill is encroaching on the roadway. The Board approved engaging a Geo Tech Engineering Firm for the purpose of

addressing the above issues. Once we have the recommendations from the engineer the Board will discuss a course of action.

The Treasurer advised the members that there will be a 3% increase in assessment for 2013.

The assessment breakdown is as follows:

Developed Property with a house $1,662.00

Buildable Property $1,346.00

Unbuildable Lot $627.00

Docks On Lake Wallenpaupack $1,225.00

The President of the Board announced that we received the necessary votes to extend the Protective Covenants in perpetuity. The Board thanked all the members that supported the passage of this important vote. The covenants provide the authority for the community to operate as a Planned Residential Community.

The covenants were set to expire in 2043. The TLCA attorney will be filing the amendment to the covenants at the courthouse. The threshold for passage of this new covenant was that 67% of the member’s had to vote in favor of amending the covenants.

The election results for the four positions on the Board were announced. The newly elected Directors will take office at the January Board of Director’s Reorganization Meeting. The new Board will elect the corporate officers for 2023 as follows: President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, and Treasurer.

The following members were elected to the Board of Directors:

Josephine Mills

Carol Mainardi

Bob Packer

Jeff Skulsky

The community over the past twelve months had approximately 130 new property owners. I have received questions regarding members interested in being involved with the community and what committees

may be available. The By-laws identify ten standing committees as follows: Arbitration, Budget/Finance, Building Code, By Laws/Legal, Entertainment/Recreation, Environmental, Nominating, Personnel, Public Safety and Public Works. If you are interested in being considered for a committee, please forward an email to the office and the information will be passed on to the Committee Chairperson for review by the Board of Directors. This coming January the Board will be reorganizing and reviewing committee assignments. All new members are encouraged to contact the Chalet to be placed on our email blast list.

I want to thank all our dock slip renters for the removal of their watercrafts prior to the October 15, 2022 deadline.

As we approach the winter season, please be mindful to keep all vehicles off the roadway to not impede our snow plowing efforts. We will be sending out Email blasts related to weather and other conditions that may have an impact on our members. The maintenance staff and equipment are prepared for the season, we have a shed full of salt and cinders for our roadway treatment.

Wishing all our members traveling south for the winter a safe journey. To all the members not traveling south, our staff will continue to be available to assist as needed. I wish all members and staff a healthy and safe holiday season. Thank you all for your support over this past year.

Respectfully, Ralph E Graf, Community Manager

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TANGLWOOD FAMILY HALLOWEEN

PARTY

With a playlist of typical Halloween music such as Ghostbusters provided by DJ Mitch, the family Halloween party saw an assortment of scary, creepy, and unique costumes with a special visit from the Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington, and his main squeeze, Sally. The afternoon had fun games like the Limbo, Pass the Pumpkin, and Create a Mummy as well as hot dogs, juice, water, and of course a candy-filled goodie bag. Thanks to the Entertainment & Recreation Committee and to TEAM for the décor.

Cyber Security - Be Safe

Along with the advantages of online communications and transactions comes the threat of Cyber Crime. A recent newsletter from The Dime Bank provided some very important tips regarding the possibility of falling victim to internet crime.

Source: thedimebank.com

In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and The Dime Bank are reminding consumers of practical steps to help safeguard their sensitive data and mitigate losses in the event of a data breach or compromise.

User connectivity to the Internet is at an alltime high, with 45% of respondents citing that they are always online, but nearly two-thirds (62%) of users lack access to cybersecurity knowledge, according to the National Cybersecurity Alliance. Out of more than 1,700 incidents of cybercrime that were disclosed by participants, 36% were phishing attacks that led to a loss of money or data, while 24% reported falling victim to identity theft.

“Cyberattacks and threats are constantly evolving, underscoring the need to stay vigilant and take proactive measures to guard against cyberattacks,” said ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey. “Consumers can take comfort knowing that community banks take the protection of their customers’ data very seriously, adhere to some of the strictest data privacy laws of any sector, and provide strong education to

help reinforce a culture of cybersecurity.”

How to Reduce Your Risk

While there is no foolproof way to avoid online identity theft, you can minimize your risk by:

• Limiting disclosed informationNever respond to requests for personal information such as your banking ID, account number, username or password, even if they appear to originate from your bank, government agencies or companies with which you have a relationship.

• Taking advantage of security features - Enable the strongest multifactor authentication (MFA) offered by your bank, and enable it through a trusted mobile device, an authenticator app, or a secure token.

• Performing a system purge. Check your app permissions and use the “rule of least privilege” to delete what you don’t need or no longer use. Ensure all software on internet-connected devices is current.

• Shredding documents with personal or sensitive information and changing passwords regularly.

How to Respond to a Data Breach

Monitor account activity for transaction irregularities and report discrepancies to your own bank fraud department

immediately. In the unfortunate event of an account compromise, to minimize your risk:

• Consider a security freeze on your credit report to restrict access to your credit file.

• Set up a fraud alert, which directs banks to verify your identity before opening a new account, issuing an additional card, or increasing the credit limit on an existing account.

• Report stolen finances or identities and other cybercrime to the Internet Crime

Complaint Center and to your local law enforcement and state attorney general.

Learn more about how to protect your digital life during Cybersecurity Awareness Month by visiting the Stay Safe Online website ( staysafeonline.org ) .

Additional resources are available through the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Saturday Happenings –The

Wood Chipper

We love our trees, bushes, and green environment here in Tanglwood Lakes…. however, the twigs, branches, and downed or pruned limbs sometimes need attention. This year our Public Works Committee, with the approval of the Board, responded to a request to engage a woodchipper to assist in our yard waste cleanup efforts. The local firm, Blue Ox Tree Service, familiar to many, was booked for this project. A set of guidelines was issued and the day was supervised effectively by our Public Safety Officers. The flow of cars and trucks continued throughout the day and the success of the project was announced. A twice-a-year event was mentioned for the future.

Canine Partners Tanglwood Lakes Holiday House Decorating Contest

The Wallenpaupack Vets for Vets was pleased to sponsor a service dog provided by Canine Partners for Life to a military veteran’s son in need of assistance. The donation of $3,000.00 from Wallenpaupack Vets for Vets met the required amount of money for the service dog to be provided to this young man.

Wallenpaupack Vets for Vets is a non-profit organization providing help to out local veterans. If you would like to donate, please send a check to the Chalet and make it out to Wallenpaupack Vets for Vets.

Thank you!

Again this year The Entertainment & Recreation Committee is sponsoring the Holiday Decorating Contest. This is for outdoor displays.

Here are the details -- How to Enter:

Call the Chalet and submit your Tanglwood address and phone number to sign up as a contestant before Dec. 12, 2022 (570-857-1186, or info@tanglwood.org)

Judging will take place between Dec. 17 and Dec .19 (weather permitting)

• Winning Entries will be announced by Dec. 28

• Be Traditional! Be artistic! Be spectacular!

• And join in lighting up Tanglwood!

We live in quite a large and varied state complete with many holiday traditions. Many of these traditions harken back not only to the Old World in Germany (think Pennsylvania Dutch), but to other parts of the world as well.

In Pennsylvania Dutch homes, Christmas trees may be hung upside-down from the ceiling of the home. This custom is thought to have originated in the eighteenth century to deter mice and other creatures from climbing into the trees and eating the edible ornaments of the day, such as dried fruits and ‘snitz’, or dried apple garland.

The Moravians are famous for their Moravian stars - you can see a huge star if you take a drive into Bethlehem PA - and Christmas pyramids (the ornate wooden candle-lit decorations that delight children and adults alike). These decorative items were brought into the United States in the eighteenth century. The Moravian stars have many points and are proudly displayed in windows or over porches; Christmas pyramids may be decorated with cookies, candies and fruit.

Polish families share thin wafer cookies, oplatki, that are often decorated with Biblical scenes. The cookie is passed from person to person, and as a piece of the cookie is broken off, well-wishes are exchanged among those present.

Another cookie that is popular with Italians during Christmas is the pizzelle, a waffle-like embossed cookie flavored with anise and embellished with snowflake-like designs.

If you hail from coal country, you may be familiar with a holiday drink called bolio. This strong beverage is thought to have come from Lithuanian immigrants and is made of honey, oranges, lemons, raisins, cinnamon, caraway, water and grain alcohol. Cia tau (Here’s to you)!

There are plenty of on-going events occurring in Pike and Wayne counties:

The Art Factory of White Mills continues to provide our area with art and photography workshops / classes as well as a gallery and gift shop. On a cold winter day, it might be a good idea to channel your creativity by taking a print-making course, alcohol ink or watercolor workshops, acrylic pours or acrylic painting classes, or improve your photography skills.

The Art Factory is located at 736 Texas Palmyra Highway in White Mills; the phone # is 570 251 1181; you can learn more about them at theartfactoryofwhitemills.com.

From now until January 7th, take a ride out to Nay Aug Park and enjoy the drive-through Holiday Light Spectacular from 5:00 – 10:00 pm daily. The park is located at 500 Arthur Avenue in Scranton. This event is free, but donations are gladly accepted. Enter at the Mulberry Street entrance, and drive, walk or take a ride on horsedrawn carriage or tractor-pulled hay wagon through over one hundred light displays. Light refreshments are available at the concession stand. To learn more about this family-friendly event, call 1 800 WELCOME or go to visitnepa.org.

Another on-going light display is the Peckville Christmas House , 1130 Marion Street, in Peckville PA. This home has gained national recognition for its amazing decorations. Take

the kids and drive around the home or get out and walk through the many light displays. For more information, send them an email at peckvillechristmashouse@gmail.com or find them on Facebook!

You may not think about shopping at a farmers’ market during the winter but think again! The Cooperage (1030 Main Street, Honesdale) hosts their farmers market every Saturday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. The market provides a warm and friendly atmosphere for farmers and the community to mingle; various programs are also available such as live musical performances, the Artisan’s Holiday Market on December 4th, and children’s programs like the Romping Radishes. Go to thecooperageproject.org or call 570 253 2020 to find out more.

Closer to home, Hawley’s Farmers Market will take place every Friday at the Hawley Hub, 318 Main Avenue in Hawley, from 1:00 – 4:00. Produce and products change throughout the season so be sure to stop in often and see what’s new. Call 570 226 1644 or go to their website at hawleyfarmersmarket.weebly.com to see for yourself!

Many of our area’s restaurants host special events for Christmas and New Year’s, but they also provide live music and dining specials throughout the winter months.

The Fairview Café in Tafton offers steak nights every Thursday; fairviewcafe.net / 570 390 7860.

The Dock at Silver Birches has Monday pizza, pasta and parmesan nights, Friday shrimp nights, Sunday chicken wing nights and more; silverbirchesresortpa.com / 570 226 4388.

The Hawley Silk Mill hosts, among other things, open mic nights and Donut Sundays at Cocoon, and during Hawley’s Winterfest, be sure to check out the Artisan’s Market in the mill’s atrium; 570 390 4440 / hawleysilkmill.com.

Hawley’s Winterfest will take place from December 9th to December 11th this year. There will be live music, light displays, crafts and other activities for children, a beer tour for adults, a parade, a walking tour of the historic downtown area, and many vendors and artisans selling their wares (you might even be able to get some Christmas shopping done!) On Friday night, get in the spirit of the holiday season and enjoy a choral performance at the United Methodist Church. Go to visithawleypa.com or call 570 226 4064 to learn more.

If you enjoy being outdoors during the cold months of winter, consider spending the day at Promised Land State Park . You can snow-shoe and hike or do some cross-country skiing at the park (these activities are permitted on all trails of the park, but Bruce Lake and Conservation Island provide the best trails). Ice skating is also permitted – but be sure to go to their website for the winter report before stepping out on the ice! Information on Promised Land State Park can be found at dcnr.pa.gov, or call 570 676 6010.

No matter what or how you celebrate, have a happy and healthy holiday season!

TLCA Committees

Welcome Committee Coffee Social

The semi-annual Coffee Social, hosted by our Welcome Committee, was true to its title as the new resident attendees quickly gravitated towards the brewing coffee as they entered the Community Center. Committee Chair, Joann Dedominicis, along with committee members Rose Kucharski and Marie Sheard invited new owners to the gathering in a friendly, neighborly setting to find out more about what the Tanglwood Community has to offer. They elaborated on some of the groups such as TEAM, Tanglwoolies, and the local Tafton Auxiliary and their ongoing activities. Representing our Board of Directors, Treasurer Bill Vaccaro talked about the design of the Committees and the interaction with the elected Board members. He also mentioned our financial stability and secure future planning status. Each participant was given an attractive zippered canvas tote bag that included

flyers about area attractions, hiking maps, and particulars concerning our website and email list.

As our new members enjoyed their coffee and sweets, a Q & A session brought up questions about the percentage of full-time residents, more details about the recently passed Covenant vote, the clubhouse at PPH, and the role of our Safety Officers. If you are a new resident and didn’t get your gift bag, you can pick one up at our Chalet office.

Just in Time for Football Sundays

Since a fire destroyed the Paupack Hills Clubhouse in January of 2022, there’s been something missing in Tanglwood Lakes. Many of our residents had been accustomed to dining at the restaurant, playing trivia on Wednesday evenings, or simply meeting with friends and families over the weekend.

Ruffed Grouse Safety Issue

Following concerns and action required for a number of years, the Public Works Committee has found it necessary to temporarily close off the entrance to Ruffed Grouse where it intersects with Tanglwood Drive. Through our Maintenance crew and outside sources, various ‘fixes’ have been designed and implemented and most recently, it was determined that TLCA would hire a geo-tech engineering firm to further assess the subsurface, soil, and water drainage in that area. For the safety of our residents the Public Works Committee recommended to the Board that this roadway have limited access. Once the geo-tech assessment is concluded, an engineering firm will be consulted as per the advised remedy.

A fire of such magnitude is devastating to the owners, the staff, and the community. With a positive approach, plans were quickly devised for how to survive, get the golf season started, and try to recuperate. Early on a scaleddown version of “On the Green Bar & Grille” was on the drawing board for the end of the maintenance building. As often happens with construction projects, many obstacles delayed progress. But slowly and surely the many inspections, licenses, permits, and documentations were accomplished and the interior transformed into a cozy, inviting area.

On the Green Mini had a soft opening on October 7 with an overflow crowd happy to be back, reuniting with old friends and wishing the establishment congratulations. They are planning to be open Monday and Tuesday (bar only) and Wednesday through Sunday offering a light menu of salads, wraps, soups, beverages, large screen tv, and best of all, the family is back together again.

Code Enforcement Corner

This fall, from the beginning of September to the end of October, 50 permits were approved. It’s nice to see members keeping their properties in tip-top shape and getting the necessary permits to do the work.

Here is the run-down:

16 winter storage permits

11 tree permits

6 minor repair permits

5 landscaping permits

5 driveway permits

4 roof permits

2 painting permits

1 fire pit permit

Reminder: if you plan on doing any work outside your home, chances are you will need to get a permit. If you are storing boats, golf carts. etc., please remember to get your winter storage permit (no fee). If you have any questions, you can email the Code Enforcement Officer at georgestl@ptd.net, or call the office at 570 857 1186.

From the Desk of Public Safety

From the beginning of September to the end of August, a total of 5,600 miles were logged. Three citations were given during those months: one for discharging fireworks, one for failure to comply and one for illegal lodging.

For the safety of all, please remember to give our maintenance crew a wide berth while they are plowing our streets, and please do not park your vehicle on any road, especially during the winter months. Our maintenance crew will not be able to plow the roads if cars are parked there, and emergency vehicles will not be able to make their way on our roadways.

Arbitration Report

Name of Committee: Arbitration.

Name of Chair: Camari Gaines

Board Member Contact: Bob Russo Date Report: 10/5/2022

Attachments: None

Committee Members: Camari Gaines, Chair, Kirby Ehret, Rose Kucharski, Janet Sellitti

Purpose/Mission Charge of Committee: This committee shall be responsible for the review of any penalty or assessments imposed against a member, which the member believes to be improper under TLCA rules and regulations.

Activities during the last 6 months: Two hearings: Rule 215 – upheld / Rule 219 - reversed

Accomplishments during the last 6 months: N/A

Obstacles/Barriers/Factors: N/A

Future Goals/Expectations: Hearing all arbitration cases submitted in writing from members in good standing following TLCA guidelines. The committee will continue to remind the membership of our rules and regulations through regular articles in our newsletter or announcements on our website or through email reminders.

Report Prepared by: Camari Gaines, Chairperson

Highlights from the October Community Meeting

The Tanglwood Lakes semi-annual membership meeting was held on October 15, 2022 at the Wallenpaupack South Elementary School. The setting proved advantageous for the size of the group with a sufficient amount of tables and chairs, good lighting, check-in desk, refreshments, and a mic and speakers for the Directors’ table.

The meeting was prefaced by the anticipated announcement that the ongoing Covenant vote had finally received the required number of “Yes” votes on the amendment to make them permanent, followed by applause and cheering for the outcome.

After the Call to Order by President Sandra LaPorte, Treasurer Bill Vaccaro presented some details of the 2023 Operating, Reserve, and New Capital Budgets. A printout was provided for members to follow along. He first announced that TLCA had received a ‘clean audit’ with no disagreements and that our financial position is solid with adequate reserves. Treasurer Vaccaro also stated that our collection rate for assessments was high but there may be some that are considered uncollectible. The report also listed positive savings to our expenses through the Preferred Supplier Program, reduced maintenance costs, and pro-active cost savings through outsourcing, digital phone system, security cameras and gates at our beach property. He stated that our Capital Reserve, which projects future costs on all the common assets going forward for 25-30 years+, is healthy. Additionally, the Capital Improvement Fund which is sourced by resales and property transfers has planned expenses.

Using all the projected and anticipated costs for the community for the 2023 year, the Budget & Finance Committee has recommended a 3% increase in the annual assessment. The greater portion of our Operating Budget consists of payroll, insurance, taxes, fuel, and utilities. The increase moves the annual assessment for homes from $1614 to $1662 ($4 per month), for buildable lots from $1307 to $1346, and unbuildable lots from $609 to $627. A breakdown listing titled, “Where

does your assessment $ go?” covers specifics of operations, amenities, and capital expenses to further explain how the budget is put together.

Following the 2023 Budget presentation, President LaPorte introduced the various Directors representing the committees who then gave their semi-annual reports. All of these reports are available on our website Committees Page (www. tanglwood.org). Some particulars include updates and plans for the future such as:

COMMITTEE REPORTS & UPDATES: Arbitration – Reported on recent hearings brought before this committee.

Building Code – Continued to stress the importance of referring to our Rules & Regulations Document, obtaining the proper permits, and calling the Office with any questions about their planned work.

By-Laws & Legal – Reported their intent to review our governing documents for any need for revisions as well as overseeing the legal and related issues concerning Paupack Hills golf course property.

Communications & Marketing –investigating all that is involved in issuing a print copy of a Tanglwood Resident Directory as was last published in 2017.

Entertainment & Recreation – Continue to provide activities for our members in the coming months including the Fall Social, holiday kids’ parties, holiday decorating contest, Cookie Exchange, Spring Art Show, and announced that the basketball court at the playground will become a multipurpose court with fencing.

Environmental Management Committee Added to the Briarwood Trail improvements with the acquisition and planting of 26 free trees at the Tanglwood Drive culvert buffer area and continuing to oversee the Princeton Hydro project sediment removal for Lake Tanglwood.

Nominating Committee – Reported that the new procedure for the election process developed a timeline to assure the various components were implemented accordingly and found

that in review they anticipate a need for streamlining in the future, all of which led up to the announcement at the meeting of the election results.

Public Safety – Continue to address safety issues in the community. Lately, installed street light at the entrance on rt. 507 across from the Chalet and added hi-res cameras to the firepit patio area. This committee is recruiting members.

Public Works – Currently addressing the condition of Ruffed Grouse and the need to make it a dead-end road. Successfully held a Woodchipper Day and reviewed the broad list of maintenance accomplishments and plans that fall under this committee’s responsibility.

Welcome Committee – Continue their outreach to new residents and hold a Spring and Fall Welcome Coffee. Following the reports was the opportunity for Members’ questions and concerns. Some of the topics were: driveway paving, E. coli conditions closing the beach, Pocono Lakefront possible pollution, inquiry on the fire hydrants and their capability, a question on area association’s dues, the amount of deer currently in the community, need for mowing the sides of the roads, access to certain docks near the porta-potty and possible turnaround, compliment that the porta-potty is clean, compliment on the signs at Briarwood Trail, a compliment that this Board has made much progress and offered congratulations, a request for a burn barrel supervised by fire company, request to have meetings on Zoom, and a comment on Lake Tanglwood and the ‘86 Agreement.

At this time the results of the Election were announced:

CONGRATULATIONS

3 yr. term Josephine Mills, Carol Mainardi, Bob Packer 1 yr. term – Jeff Skulsky

Tanglwood Holiday Happenings

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Greet Santa as he and his elves travel through Tanglwood courtesy of Tafton Fire Company on Saturday morning, December 3 followed by a gathering at the Community Center with photo opportunities.

The Annual Cookie Exchange

Friday, December 9, 2022

7:00pm at the Community Center

Join in this fun-filled enjoyable Tanglwood holiday tradition

What to bring: One dozen homemade cookies separately plated for tasting, 20 bags with 3 each for sharing, and one item for the food pantry.

RSVP: to Office – 570-857-1186 or info@tanglwood.org

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

December 2022 & January 2023

MEETINGS:

• TLCA Board: 3rd Saturday of the Month, 9 am, Community Center No Meeting in December

• Public Safety Committee: Friday before the Board meeting, 1 pm, Community Center

• Environmental Management Committee: 1st Tuesday of the Month, 10am, at the Chalet

• Budget & Finance: Wednesday before Board meeting, 10:30am, at the Chalet

• Public Works & Code Enforcement: 2nd Saturday of the month, 9 am and 10 am at the Community Center

ACTIVITIES:

• Bridge: Tuesday, 9 am, Community Ctr.

• Tanglwoolies: Wednesday, 10:00 am Community Center

• Tai Chi: Monday & Wednesday, 1:30 pm, Community Center

• Mahjong: Thursday, 6:30 pm, Community Center

• Men’s Cards: Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Community Center

• Food Pantry Collection: Loaves & Fishes - 1st Friday of the Month

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

• Dec. 3 - Santa Comes to Tanglwood

• Dec. 4 - Volunteer Party

• Dec. 9 - Annual Cookie Exchange

• Dec. 12 - Last day to Sign up for the Holiday Decorating Contest

• Dec. 17 - 19 - Judging for Decorating Contest

• January 21, 2023 - Board Reorganization Meeting - Seating of newly elected Directors

Tanglwood Lakes participates in the PA Ten Million Trees Partnership

Working with the Pike County Conservation District, our Environmental Committee was able obtain and plant 26 trees made available through the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership.

In 2018 a goal was set to plant ten million trees across Pennsylvania. The goal launched a movement that has involved collaborating with national, regional, state and local agencies, conservation organizations, outdoor enthusiasts, businesses, and citizens (www.tenmilliontrees.org).

A few years ago, Tanglwood had to repair the retaining wall along the culvert pipe running under Tanglwood Drive near the playground. This project resulted in a disturbance of the natural terrain due to the heavy equipment used at the site. The Environmental Committee designated this area and the slope along Kleinhans Creek to secure the bank and enhance the riparian buffer. Along with the 26 trees consisting of Serviceberry, Paw paw, and willow, Pike County lent their expertise and labor. Our Maintenance Crew assisted with their post hole digger in preparing the soil and the Environmental Committee members planted, staked, and topped the poles with bird netting. It was an enjoyable, productive project. Next Spring the plan is to obtain additional trees for the Briarwood area and eventually for the canoe rack road frontage area on Indian Drive.

To Advertise in Tanglwood Lakes

Call Linda at 845 456-1268

Did You Know?

Within northeast Pennsylvania and especially here in Tanglwood, the wildlife population can become unbalanced due to humans wanting to feed deer.

Supplemental feeding actually causes more harm than good. It leads to increased disease, habitat destruction, increased vehicle collisions, alterations of deer behavioral patterns and eroding of the habitat for other native wildlife. This unnatural domestication upsets the balance of nature and leads to complications from over-grazing and depletion of our forests. Feeding can cause more deer to survive than the natural habitat can support and diminishing the capacity of the area. A study from 1944 reported, “feeding serves to concentrate deer in small areas year after year where animals do serious and possibly irreparable damage to native forage species, which in turn further reduces the carrying capacity of the range and makes

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

deer increasingly dependent upon supplements.” This lack of undergrowth is highly evident in Tanglwood and can lead to erosion and diversity reduction in birds, plants, and other native wildlife.

Supplemental feeding lowers the quality of the herd as their instinctive behaviors become distorted. Supplemental feeding alters the normal avoidance behavior of deer towards humans. Animals conditioned to human food sources lose their natural wariness and may become aggressive toward people either in protection of, or in seeking, human food.

In conclusion: Deer are animals of the wild and humans feeding them is counterproductive and very harmful.

Source: Pennsylvania Game Commission, www.pgc.state.pa.us

Best wishes for a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year!

AUGUST 20, 2022 BOARD

MEETING MINUTES

The meeting was called to order by President Sandra LaPorte at 9:00 am. Also present at the meeting were 1st Vice President Mark Ossont, 2nd Vice President Robert Burns, Treasurer Bill Vaccaro, Vinny Budd, Bob Russo and Grace Zoccali. Community Manager Ralph Graf and Administrative Assistant Elisabeth Muller were also present. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by: Bill Vaccaro

Second by: Mark Ossont

To approve the minutes of the July 2022 Board meeting minutes and the July 2022 executive session minutes. The motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report, Bill Vaccaro August, 2022

Account balances as of July 31, 2022

Dime Bank TOTAL OPERATING CAP. RSV. CIF OTHER Operating $ 62,268 $ 62,268 Money Market $101,469 $101,469 Contractors $ 20,889 $ 20,889

Total All Dime Accounts: $184,626

PNC $149,377 $149,377

NBT $143,643 $143,643

HNB $100,000 $100,000

FIDELITY INVEST. $1,380,359 $1,380,359

TOTAL $1,958,005 $407,380 $1,380,359 $149,377 $20,889

Chalet Mortgage Balance a/o 7/31: $231,097 Receipts for 2022:

Homes 92% $ 991,017

Lots 76% $ 155,019

Docks 100% $ 119,998

Cash Disbursements to date: $ 533,813

Spending for Operations in July was $91,734. Large expenditures included: $7,585 for Lake Maintenance, $6,365 for Professional fees, $2,616 for Beach Maintenance, $2,214 for Dock Maintenance, $2,102 for Kubota Tires.

Reserve Spending: $14,600 for Lake Tanglwood, $2,000 Chalet mortgage, $1,125 Kubota loan.

New Capital Spending: $9,390 for Maint. Building Propane Furnace.

Motion by: Grace Zoccali

Second by: Mark Ossont

To approve the August 2022 Treasurer’s Report. The motion passed unanimously.

Community Manager’s Report, Ralph Graf:

The Budget & Finance Committee has been working with committee chairs and the staff to address the 2023 budget. I want to acknowledge our staff, the committee and all those who worked on the draft budget.

The paving of the 21 roads that were identified by the Public Works Committee is now complete. The paving contractor will be returning in September to address the new maintenance garage and a driveway access to said building. I have requested pricing on a road grader to address the ditches on the side of the road.

The initial report from the Engineer from RKR Hess indicates that we may be able to address the issues regarding the spillway with a maintenance application. The engineer will be preparing a contract for his oversight, planning, and permitting for the Board to review. The initial estimate from the Hess Engineers is to allocate $100,000.00 for repairs and $10,000.00 for engineer oversight. There may have to be an adjustment based on a further review of the Wing Wall to the right side of the spillway. The engineer is evaluating a fix to the pipe connected to the gate valve. The pipe runs approximately 168 ft in the lake and under property owned by PPH.

The sediment that was removed from Lake Tanglwood will be spread on [Lot 51], the adjoining property. The removal schedule is following the Labor Day Holiday. The Environmental Committee is considering recommending additional sediment removal in the 2023 budget. The removal will be an additional 1100 cubic yards of sediment. Based on the draft grading there is capacity for 3,280 cubic yards of sediment on lot 51. There are approximately 2000 cubic yards currently in the geo tubes. The Environmental Committee has been in discussions with our Lake Manager and the sediment removal contractor to identify the next step in the removal process. Once the sediment is spread on lot 51, a review of the use of said property needs to be addressed - reforest /amenity expansion etc.

The video contractor installed video to capture the newly installed Fire Pit that is

viewable on the safety phone.

There is a request from several area realtors to be able to have access to the beach property using a fob. The Board may want to consider selling fobs to brokers who make a request at $25.00 per fob. The realtors are currently calling safety for access. The sale can be limited per agency.

There has been a concern expressed by the Chair of the Arbitration Committee with respect to addressing member v member complaints. There have been two recent issues regarding this type of complaint. I prepared a recommendation addressing this matter for your consideration that is attached to my report.

I spoke with Brandon from Blue Ox. He will provide a chipper for branches at a cost of $800.00 for the day. His staff will be working the machines that can be placed at the leaf dump. The machine can accommodate logs up to 12 inches in diameter. The chipped material can be available for member use. There is funding in the maintenance outsourcing budget to pay for this service that I feel the members will appreciate. The chipping can be done on a Saturday from 9am to 4pm. Public Safety will be assigned to maintain control.

The maintenance staff installed the protective aluminum strips on the docks to protect the walkway from further damage due to the boats hitting up against the walkway.

The new LED lights have been installed at the marina. David Miller addressed several issues related to an unannounced inspection by the Department of Health at the beach property. The issues were related to signage and the distance the swim platform needed to be from the perimeter of swim lines.

I contacted the trash hauler as the invoices for the per pull cost and removal were not consistent with the current contract. The representative said that it was apparently a billing error, and it will be corrected with a refund related to the error.

I have enclosed in your packet a prior proposal from Kiley regarding a feasibility study for a pool. In addition, there is an estimate for the construction of the pool, pool house and accessories that go with this type of application. The cost estimates are from 2016 and would naturally have to be readjusted, especially with supply chain issues.

I want to address several questions that have been raised regarding Public Safety and TLCA property adjacent to the POA bus stop parking lot off Rt 507.

There are three separate applications regarding Safety in community associations: Public Safety/Safety Services, TLCA/ Woodloch Pines Security, Hideout, Act 235 Certification, Lethal weapons training Night Watchman’s Act, arrest authority on property from dusk to dawn, Armed Officers [Hemlock Farms]

There was a legal proceeding regarding the ability of the owner of Pine Crest Marina to access his boat storage facility off Rt 507. The issue was access through an old logging road that TLCA owned, .73 of an acre. The case went before Judge Kamen in Pike County, an agreement was reached where Pine Crest would pay $45,000.00 to purchase the property and the agreement was read into the record by the judge. The filing was an Easement by Prescription.

There is nothing further to report regarding Tanglwood beach access. We continue to issue key fobs to provide access to the property.

Ralph E Graf, Community Manager

Motion by: Mark Ossont

Second by: Bill Vaccaro

To approve the Community Manager’s report. The motion passed unanimously.

Motion by: Bill Vaccaro Second by: Robert Burns

To approve the addition of Bob Packer to the Entertainment and Recreation Committee. The motion passed unanimously.

Motion by: Vinny Budd

Second by: Robert Burns

To approve the addition of MaryAnn Parkhurst to the Environmental Management Committee. The motion passed unanimously.

The use of key fobs by realtors was discussed.

Motion by: Bob Russo

Second by: Mark Ossont

To require realtors to pick up and return key fobs to the office in order to show the beach property to prospective buyers. The motion passed unanimously.

Hosting Wally Ice Fest discussed. Liability issues cited as well as there being no benefit to TLCA.

Motion by: Vinny Budd

Second by: Bill Vaccaro

To decline hosting Wally Ice Fest in TLCA. The motion passed unanimously.

The Public Works Committee recommends hiring a private contractor to bring a

woodchipper into the community for one day in October at the leaf dump area in TLCA to provide a service for TLCA members. The cost will be $800.00 for the day, which is covered by the committee’s budget. Members must bring their branches to the maintenance area (branches, etc., will not be picked up by TLCA). Members may also access the chipped material to use as mulch.

Motion by: Mark Ossont

Second by: Vinny Budd

To approve Blue Ox Tree Service to bring a woodchipper into the community on October 1, 2022, from 9 am to 4 pm for $800.00. This will be a service provided to TLCA members. The motion passed unanimously. The arbitration procedure was discussed.

Camari Gaines, Chair, Arbitration Committee: The committee hears violations witnessed by Public Safety. We should not be hearing member versus member complaints.

Ralph Graf: The bylaws don’t encompass the arbitration committee handling member versus member complaints. The committee only deals with violations of the Rules and Regulations.

Vinny Budd: We should make a change to the Policy & Procedural manual to allow the Community Manager to handle member disputes.

Ralph Graf: The “Homeowners must be in good standing with TLCA” requirement should be removed from the Request for Arbitration form.

Rosemary Kucharski, Nominating Committee: We are thirty-one votes away from making the Restrictive Covenants permanent. Out of 250 ballots mailed out, only 73 have come back. This is a very disappointing response.

Tina Budd, Communications and Marketing Committee: The Archives page on the website has been completed.

Director Grace Zoccali: I want to remind everyone that the Facebook page is not a TLCA-endorsed page. There is a lot of misinformation on that page. I encourage anyone who has questions to call the chalet.

CaroleAnn Gagnon, Entertainment & Recreation Committee: The Gazebo and Yard Sales were very successful. We would like to have another yard sale in the fall. We’d also like to have an ice cream social and a movie night. Mitch has purchased casino equipment so we’re looking into having a casino night.

Vinny Budd, Environmental Management Committee: Improvements have been completed on Briarwood Trail. Work continues on Lake Tanglwood, and we received a second assessment form the engineer regarding the dam. We are working with the 10,000 Tree Program to plant and maintain trees at the Indian Drive boat rack and lot 51 areas.

Vinny Budd, Paupack Hills Liaison Group: The snack bar will be inspected at the end of August and may be ready by Labor Day weekend. Nothing further regarding the insurance. Polise is looking into prospective buyers.

Mark Ossont, Public Works Committee: Work will be done this year on the canoe racks and canoe rack area. We’re looking into guidelines to follow to keep everyone safe if we bring a woodchipper into the community. We had 21 roads in TLCA paved this year – the most we’ve done since I can remember. We are aware of the problems on Ruffed Grouse and we are trying to come up with a solution.

Grace Zoccali, Ad-hoc Beach Committee: We are working on improving lighting down at the beach, and once that is done, the committee will dissolve as we’ve done everything we’ve set out to do.

Motion by: Grace Zoccali Second by: Mark Ossont To adjourn the meeting at 10:06 am. The motion passed unanimously.

Public portion:

B Packer, lot 208: I want to address a safety concern involving unlicensed and under-age golf cart drivers. A lot of these kids drive up and down Yacht Club, going to and from the beach. I’d like the Board to consider a change in the rules so that the result of driving without a license or under-age results in an immediate loss of tags.

B Russo: That’s a major problem. We have two Safety guys driving around in here on the weekends, and they can’t be everywhere at once. Putting public safety on Yacht Club Drive in the summer is a good idea.

R Graf: The Board has the authority to change the fines because it’s a rule. Public safety can stop golf carts.

C Gaines, lot 913: Fireworks are still a big problem in TLCA. They often seem to come from the playground. Would it be possible to install cameras at the playground?

B Russo: The cameras require internet connections, electricity, etc. We might be able to install motion sensor cameras, but proximity might be a problem. You have to be very close for the camera to pick anything up.

C Gitlin, lot 672: Sound travels in here. There were fireworks set off on Tanglwood Drive – was that ever addressed?

R Graf: There was no witness to that incident.

B Russo: Everyone has cameras on their phones. If you see something, you might want to take a video on your phone.

Motion by: Robert Burns Second by: Bob Russo

To include the Pickleball Club as part of the Recreation Committee. The motion passed unanimously.

Motion by: Grace Zoccali

Second by: Robert Burns

To adjourn the public portion of the meeting at 10:17 am. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted, Elisabeth Muller, Admin. Asst.