Election Time!
October is Election Time in TLCA. Here are the candidates that have been endorsed by the Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors. Please take a moment to read their bios to gain insight into the candidates’ qualifications.
After spending several weekends staying with friends for many years in Tanglwood Lakes, we decided to purchase a home in November 2011 in one of the premier communities of the Poconos. I grew up in a small town just outside of New York City in Pearl River, NY. I graduated from Farleigh Dickinson University, cum laude. I have been in the insurance industry for 25 years, the last 21 as a licensed Insurance Adjuster and will be celebrating my 17th anniversary with my current employer in December 2020. My background as a disability insurance adjuster will be a good fit on the TLCA board as I have to make decisions daily using fair and objective measures, interpreting contracts, active listening, being compassionate and empathetic. At times, the objective factors are not there, yet the decision still needs to be made. The decision is not always favorable to the client, but as long as the rationale is communicated clearly, you still get a thank you. I was on the Focus Group of the Strategic Planning Committee in 2018. We shared our ideas and opinions on improving Tanglwood Lakes and keeping it one of the premier communities in the Poconos. In January 2019, I was voted onto the Board to serve a one-year term after the untimely passing of a Director. During 2019, I was active in discussions that impacted the community. I shared ideas to help continue to make the community a premier place to live. I enjoyed being on the Board so much, that I threw my name in the ring and was voted onto the 2020 Board by the TLCA family.
Grace Zoccali Lot 1036
2020 has been a challenging year for all of us in the community. Despite not being able to meet in person with the other Directors or Chairs, as part of the Communications Committee in 2020, I have been able to get a new website vendor who is refreshing the current TLCA website to make it more user friendly. The new vendor will also be less costly than the current vendor. One of my favorite things about our community is the gazebo and beach area. I would like to work on making that a better amenity for us if given the opportunity. I look forward to serving the Tanglwood family again in 2021.
My wife Joann and I have resided in Tanglwood Lakes on a full-time basis for the past five years. We have five children and one grandchild who enjoy visiting us here, and we all enjoy the amenities that are available at Tanglwood Lakes. I graduated from Norwich University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, and a Master of Education degree. I have worked for the Delaware Valley School District as a Health and Physical Education teacher for the past thirty years and am newly retired. I’ve coached several sports and have served on many committees throughout my career. In addition, I’ve been responsible for maintaining the budget and overseeing the bidding process for the Physical Education Department. I am a member of the Tafton Volunteer Fire company, holding the rank of Captain, and serving on the Bylaws and Equipment Committees. Prior to joining Tafton, I worked for twenty years as a part-time firefighter in Dunmore, PA. During that time, I served on the Dunmore Fireman’s Relief Association, holding the office of Vice President. I’m a certified First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor for the American Red Cross, having maintained my Instructor status for twenty-five years, and teach this program in schools as well as in the community. Prior to entering the teaching profession, I held the position of Athletic Director at the Jewish Community Center of Scranton, and Fitness and Wellness Director of the Greater Scranton Y.MC.A.
Mark Ossont Lot 310
I’ve served on the TLCA Board of Directors for the past 3 ½ years, with one year as Second Vice President and one year as First Vice President. I’ve served on the Public Works Committee for three years (two years as committee chair), the Buildings and Codes Committee (two years as chair) and the Strategic Planning Committee. Tanglwood Lakes continues to be a premier community, and it would be my honor to continue serving the community residents as a member of the TLCA Board of Directors.
My name is Bill Vaccaro and I am a candidate for the Tanglwood Lakes Board of Directors. I am originally from Massapeaqua, Long Island, where my wife, Janet, and I raised our family. I was employed for forty two years by NBC Universal as a Video Engineer. We purchased our home here in 2013, and after having retired at the end of 2019, we are now full time residents. Since then I have become involved as a member of the Budget and Finance Committee and the Marina Sub-Committee. Over the past thirty years, I have served as a member of the Vestry of my church on Long Island, and on the Executive Board of my local labor union, giving me the experience of working to build consensus. I have served on the Finance and By-Laws Committees, and was the chairman of the Election Committee for the past fifteen years. We initially chose to settle here in Tanglwood Lakes because we felt it is the best community on the lake. My son and daughter have also purchased homes here. I am running for the Board of Directors because I feel that I can contribute to making this an even better place to live. If elected, one issue that I would like to address is that of communication between the Board and the community, which I feel I could be improved. As a Board member, I will remain available to each and every resident to address your issues and concerns. Thank you for your consideration.
Bill Vaccaro My family and interests: I am married to Joanne, we have 6 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren all of whom make use of and love Tanglwood, especially the lake swimming. Our personal interests are going to auctions and garage sales along with taking in various historical sites and reading. Educational Background and/or Life Experiences: • John Jay College, New York University • New York Police Department—May 1961 to December 1984 - Police Officer, Community Affairs Specialist • Flood Company—December 1984 to December 2013 Special Training: • Mediation Conflict Resolution and Arbitration • Property and Building Management • Security Management and Office Management Present Boards: • Treasurer of the Bay Ridge 5th Avenue Business Improvement District (BID). Which was approved and signed by NY Mayor Bloomberg on July 27, 2006. • Vice President, Boy Scouts of America—Brooklyn Council • Secretary, Colonial Club (Business Club). • I served on the Tanglwood board from 2007 to 2009 and from 2010 to 2012 • In 2015 I was appointed to the Tanglwood board and served till year end
James F. Clark Cottonwood Ln. PAGE 8
I am currently serving as President of Tanglwood Community. As Director I previously chaired the Nominating Committee and Human Resources. While Director we completed and revised the Human Resources Guide and job descriptions. With my training and background I feel I am an asset not only to the TLCA Board of Directors but also to our community.
TANGLWOOD LAKES | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020
