Fall 2013

WinonaGram FALL/ELECTION 2013

PUBLICATION OF WINONA LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

2013/2014 Election

ADMINISTRATION

M A K E YO U R VOTE COU NT

The 2013-2014 Board of Directors election is upon us. It is time for you as a homeowner to exercise your responsibility and select who will serve on our Board of Directors. The decision to run for the Board of Directors or Ombudsman was not taken lightly by any of the candidates, and as such, we should not take the decision to vote for granted! It is your responsibility as a homeowner to support those you feel are best qualified to govern our community W H O W ILL F ILL T H ESE E M P T Y SE ATS? as they become the voice for all of us.

In this edition of the WinonaGram you will find a short bio of each of the candidates who have chosen to run for one of the three available director seats and the Ombudsman seat. You should take the time to read each bio and educate yourself about your neighbors who are running for the Board.

Remember, the Winona Lakes Board of Directors is your voice in establishing policies and long range goals. Your voice can only be heard if you vote!

President’s Message

2

Message From Community Manager

3

May Meeting Minutes

4

June Meeting Minutes

5

EVENTS Upcoming Events

6-7

ELECTION Election Candidates

9-11

BUDGET 2013/14 Budget Property Tax Solution

13-15 15

Please carefully study the candidate bios and vote accordingly when you receive your ballot. Not only is it your right to vote, but it’s your responsibility as well!

Election Candidates Star t on Page 9

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the candidate bios represent the personal views of the individual candidates, may or may not be factual, and do not represent the opinion of WLPOA. Further, WLPOA cannot be held responsible for any false statements.

TECHNOLOGY Protecting Your Privacy Online

17

OFFICIAL NOTICE

2013/2014 Election Attention Members: The annual election meeting shall be on October 19, 2013 in the Winona Lakes Clubhouse. Please make every effort to attend. Ballots will be mailed out shortly to all Members in Good Standing, pursuant to the bylaws. Please be sure to read the enclosed instructions carefully. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the office: 570-588-9309. Thank you.

570-588-9309 112 SKI LODGE CIRCLE EAST STROUDSBURG, PA 18302

Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335

PAID

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

WinonaGram PUBLICATION OF WINONA LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

President’s Message

By Ken Anders

Winona Lakes

Property Owners Association

© Copyright 2013 112 Ski Lodge Circle East Stroudsburg, PA 18302 P: 570.588.9309 www.winonalakes.net

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Ken Anders

Vice-President

Tom Fels

Secretary

Jeff Reichl

Treasurer

Gregory Daniels

Director

Robert Fenlon

Director

Stephanie Przebieglec

Director

Oscar Woerlein

Director

John Kobiela

Director

Lou Seneca

Ombudsman

Stella Barcia

Well folks it’s election time again and I would like to ask a favor from you.

Please don’t listen to unsubstantiated lies and mistruths from people who have not attended one Board of Directors Meeting ; nor served or went to any Committee meetings. Please gather the facts for yourself and make your own educated decision. If you need any assistance ask the committed members who faithfully volunteer and serve our community.

If you have any questions regarding any issue please contact me direct via my email at kanders@ptd.net. In the meantime let me clarify some important issues: • Skiing – I would have loved to have this amenity but when I saw the cost to repair our clubhouse, roads, and antiquated equipment I could not in good conscience put it on the agenda. There was never a point in my two years on the Board that this was discussed. At a recent Board meeting, I recommended permanent closure of the ski slope. Our attorney has drafted the proper documents to proceed; the ski vote overwhelming fails each year and knowing this, why waste the money each year to send out ballots. Let’s stop using this as a political tactic and pull together to move forward.

• CPI- (Consumer Price Index) Our dues increase is determined by our Accounting firm who are Certified Public Accountants in accordance with our bylaws. We pay these professionals for this information and any individual who claims otherwise is not being forthcoming to the members. By the way, Bob Fenlon served on the Board for six years as a board member and two years as President with a super majority at his command. Now he tells you there has been a problem since 1982, where was he then? Get the truth and go to the office and verify for yourself!

• Roads- The Board has passed a motion to earmark $100,000 for roads and drainage. To date this progress has been delayed due to the “Reform” directors who boycott meetings and reject the recommendations of our Community Manager and Maintenance crew. When we can finally get through this red tape, you will see the Maintenance Crew out grading and laying more stone than ever.

Community Manager Gene Tick

• Collections – I am proud to say that our Collection Rate for the current and prior years are projected to be right on track. This is due to the diligent work of our office staff and Collections Attorney. This is impressive with the economy tanking, inflation climbing and so many communities falling below 65%.

PUBLISHER

• Judge of elections- The bylaws for elections are very specific and having another judge of elections would be a direct conflict of our current bylaws. Our attorney for the association was very clear on his opinion of the law.

MANAGEMENT

Niki Jones Agency, Inc.

Continued on Page 3

39 Front Street, Port Jervis, NY 12771 P: 845.856.1266 E: info@nikijones.com

Disclaimer: The comments, statements or written opinions expressed in WinonaGram are the sole responsibility of the signed individual/author and/or committee and are not edited. All letters to the editor and paid advertisements do not reflect the opinions or views of the Winona Lakes Property Owners Association.

WinonaGram 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 WinonaGram and does not have the right to reproduce ads in any other place or publication without written permission from the publisher. WinonaGram reserves the rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisement.

Now you can stay up to date on what’s going on in Winona Lakes. Subscribe to our mailing list at: http://winonalakes.net/mail_list.htm

PAGE 2

WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

ADMINISTRATION Message From The Community Manager

By Gene Tick The summer has come

back with our road grader not operating and needing

have been reviewing our equipment now so we do

and gone very quickly.

some lengthy work, our back hoe went down for the

not get caught by surprise when the time comes. So

When I came in, I had

equivalent of a month. We lost valuable time. We

many homeowners fail to realize that they should do

many projects and

have taken measures and continue to re-evaluate

the same for their home. Have you started the snow

plans which needed to

procedures to better prepare for situations like this.

blower to make sure it works properly? The generator?

be completed based on

I know that the road situation was an issue and I

Are you prepared to clean out the gutters and culvert

the season. It was mid-

appreciate your patience and understanding that

pipes after the leaves fall? Do not forget your car too.

February when I arrived

everything could not be fixed at once and everyone

Are you planning on new tires, snow tires (they even

and had to jump in on the

could not be first on the list.

make snow tires for front wheel drive.) If you need

winter work, look at the spring thaw and all the issues that come with that and at the same time gear up for the spring and summer.

Coming into a new position there are some obstacles.

As I have said from the beginning, with proper

new tires before the snow falls, it is a good time to get Road improvement plans are being put into place, this

them. Have your car checked out before the winter

also will not be an overnight fix but we have to start

comes, you do not want to be on the side of the road

somewhere. We are spending more time and material

in harsh weather.

on each road so that they will hold up better than in Understanding our seasonal changes and how

planning we can better manage what is ahead.

the past. We still have a long way to go.

With the nice weather our crews were ready to get

I am starting to plan for our winter months and I

perspective and how it affects you as a homeowner

hope you are too. Being prepared is key to some of

is key for everyone to be able to enjoy each season in

the hardships that come with the winter months. I

Winona Lakes.

on the road work. Unfortunately some of our road machinery did not want to cooperate. We were set

it effects our lives from a community manager’s

President’s Message

CONTINUED

This is a new bylaw and there has not been any voter tampering since its inception almost three years ago.

• Special Assessments- No Board can impose any special assessments. This is off the table and has never been discussed.

The only one way a special assessment can be passed and that is through a vote by the membership.

In my experience the people who make claims of incompetence and corruption are the ones usually guilty of it themselves. I feel that as an elected community leader, it is imperative that I provide the members of our community with accurate information and the truth.

Please vote carefully because the wrong people serving on the Board can set back the progress of the community instead of improving it. You can read the Board minutes which are available on our website www.winonalakes.net. The minutes are a document of the truth of what was voted on at any Board meeting. I feel the best candidates to help build a strong community are: Gregory Daniels, Tom Fels and Gregory Moore. I have had the pleasure of serving with them and find them to be experienced, honest and fair minded people.

Please vote! Your vote can make the difference.

WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

PAGE 3

ADMINISTRATION Winona Lakes Property Owners Association

Regular Meeting Minutes |

May 18, 2013

Call to order

c) Manager’s Report: Enclosed in board packet.

Ken Anders (President) called to order the regular meeting of the WLPOA at 10:05am on 18th of May 2013 in the Clubhouse.

d) Committee Reports:

Roll call Ken Anders (President) conducted a roll call. The following persons were present: Tom Fels (Vice President), Robert Fenlon (Director), John Kobiela (Director), Stephanie Przebieglec (Director), Lou Seneca (Director), Oscar Woerlein (Director), and Ken Anders (President). Absent: Greg Daniels (Treasurer), Jeff Reichl (Secretary). Guests: Gene Tick (Community Manager).

Approval of minutes from last meeting 1. Ken Anders moved to approve the regular Meeting minutes of 4/20/13 as amended. Seconded by Tom Fels.

Motion carried 6-0-1.

• Architectural Committee - New Home Construction permit: Robert Fenlon moved to allow a conditional approval for the Section 15, Lot 1 building permit provided that all required specifications are met and reviewed by the Community Manager. Required specifications are a completed new home building application, approved color scheme, and culvert with plan. Seconded by Stephanie Przebieglec. Motion carried 7-0-0.

Unfinished Business e) Code of Conduct: Tom Fels made a motion to table the Code of Conduct presented at this meeting. Seconded by Oscar Woerlein. Motion carried 6-0-1.

2. Closed session meeting minutes of 4/20/2013 postponed until closed session for further discussion.

f) Appropriation of Winterfest money: Robert Fenlon made a motion to return the appropriated funds ($10,000) for Winterfest in the 2012/2013 budget (line item: Recreation – winter) to Operating. Seconded by Lou Seneca. Motion carried 6-0-1.

Open issues

New Business

a) Attorney Report: No report.

g) Collections: Robert Fenlon moved that the Community Manager compile a report for the Board of Directors for the June 15, 2013 regular meeting regarding collections

b) Treasurer’s Report: No report.

(monies brought in and filing fees paid out broken down by month). Seconded by Stephanie Przebieglec. Motion carried 6-0-1. Robert Fenlon moved for the Community Manager to schedule a meeting with Attorney Hludzik within the next month (prior to next board meeting) to meet with the Board of Directors and discuss collections for WLPOA. Seconded by Stephanie Przebieglec. Motion carried 6-0-1. h) Budget: Robert Fenlon asked that the Board of Directors look at projected number of Members in Good Standing for the 2013/2014 fiscal year and adjust the number for the 2013/2014 budget if necessary. No motion made but noted for minutes. (Placed on agenda for June board meeting.) i) Workshops: Robert Fenlon moved to make all workshops held in the open area of the Clubhouse instead of in the Office. Seconded by Oscar Woerlein. Motion carried 6-0-1.

Robert Fenlon moved to instruct the Community Manager to draft a policy on Workshops. Seconded by Oscar Woerlein. Motion carried 5-0-2. j) Closed session: The board of directors went into closed session at 11:54am to discuss closed session minutes and an update on a driveway issue.

Adjournment Ken Anders moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:45pm.

Seconded by Tom Fels. Motion carried 7-0-0. Meeting was adjourned at 12:45pm.

Minutes submitted by: Janet M. Derrick/Administrative Assistant Approved: 6/15/2013

PAGE 4

WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

ADMINISTRATION Winona Lakes POA Board of Directors

Regular Meeting Minutes |

June 15, 2013

Call to order

Open issues

Ken Anders (President) called to order the regular meeting of the WLPOA at 10:00am on 15th of June 2013 in the Clubhouse.

a) Attorney Report:

Roll call

c) Manager’s Report: Enclosed in board packet.

Jeff Reichl (Secretary) conducted a roll call. The following persons were present: Ken Anders (President), Greg Daniels (Treasurer), Jeff Reichl (Secretary), Robert Fenlon (Director), Stephanie Przebieglec (Director), Lou Seneca (Director), and Oscar Woerlein (Director).

Absent: Tom Fels (Vice President), John Kobiela (Director). Guests: Gene Tick (Community Manager), Attorney Alan Young.

d) Committee Reports:

Approval of minutes from last meeting

f) Code of Conduct (CAI): Robert Fenlon moved to table the CAI Code of Conduct until the July BOD meeting and to direct the Community Manager to draft a policy for the first reading. Seconded by Lou Seneca.

Motion carried 6-1-0.

1. Lou Seneca moved to amend the Regular Meeting Minutes of 2/16/2013 to include Greg Daniels as being listed as present. Seconded by Greg Daniels. Motion carried 5-2-0.

2. Ken Anders moved to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of 5/18/2013 as written. Seconded by Stephanie Przebieglec. Motion carried. 5-0-2.

3. Lou Seneca moved to approve the Special Meeting Minutes of 6-1-2013 as written. Seconded by Greg Daniels. Motion carried. 4-0-3.

b) Treasurer’s Report:

Unfinished Business e) Stony Hollow Road washout (Section 18): Robert Fenlon moved to close the section of Stoney Hollow Road where the washout is for safety reasons until repairs are made. Seconded by Lou Seneca. Motion carried 7-0-0.

New Business g) Earmark funds from Capital: Jeff Reichl moved to earmark $100,000 from the Capital Account to be used towards repairing roads and drainage. Seconded by Robert Fenlon. Motion carried 7-0-0. h) Closed Session: Jeff Reichl made a motion to go into closed session regarding member complaints. Seconded

by Greg Daniels. Motion carried 7-0-0.

Committee Volunteers Needed With the new election, all Winona Lakes Committees will also open up to any members in good standing who would like to volunteer. More information and a list of the standing committees to choose from can be found below or you can visit the Winona Lakes website .

Architectural, Land Use , & Planning By-Laws Communications Election Emergency Response Ethics Finance Maintenance/Roads Management Recreation

Community M aps for Sa le

Color Map (Large) - $15.00 Black & White Map (Large) - $12.00 Black & White (18 x 24) - $8.00

Adjournment Lou Seneca moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:41pm.

Seconded by Oscar Woerlein. Motion carried 6-0-0.

Meeting was adjourned at 12:41pm.

Minutes submitted by: Janet M. Derrick/Administrative Assistant Approved: 7/20/2013

No coupons or discounts accepted WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

PAGE 5

Community Events: Oct. 26th, 2013 Halloween Party Wear your cutest, creepiest, or scariest costume to win prizes at our Spooktacular Halloween event.

Event details at bottom of page.

Dec. 14th, 2013 Holiday Party Bring your cameras and your Holiday Spirit and join us for our annual Holiday Party. Take pictures with Santa Claus and his helpers.

Please look for updated details.

Dec. 31st, 2013 New Year’s Eve Bash Details for this event will be announced.

UPCOMING EVENTS Out & About...

Events Outside the Community: Fright Nights October 4th – 27th Recurring weekly on Friday and Saturday Country Junction “World’s Largest General Store” (Lehighton) For more information, call (610) 377-5050 or visit www.countryjunction.com Hawley Harvest Hoedown October 5th 10am – 4pm Downtown Hawley For more information, visit www.visithawleypa.com Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Days October 5th & 6th Recurring on October 12th & 13th, October 19th & 20th Downtown Jim Thorpe For more information, call (570) 325-5810 or visit www.jimthorpe.org/fallfoliage The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival October 5th – October 27th Recurring weekly on Saturday and Sunday Country Junction “World’s Largest General Store” (Lehighton) For more information, call (610) 377-5050 or visit www.countryjunction.com

5th Annual Fall Classic Car Show October 6th - Bingham Park (Hawley) For more information, call (570) 226-3191 or visit www.lakeregioncc.com Autumn Timber Festival October 12th & 13th 11am – 6pm Shawnee Mountain For more information, call (570) 421-7231 Quiet Valley’s 39th Annual Harvest Festival October 12th & 13th 10am – 5pm Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm For more information, call (570) 992-6161 Annual Black Bear Film Festival October 18th – 20th Milford Theater For more information, visit www.blackbearfilm.com Pocono Mountain Elvis Festival October 25th – 27th Fernwood Resort For more information, visit www.poconomountainelvisfestival.com Lights Out – Just You, the Building, and the Darkness October 3rd – 24th Recurring weekly on Thursdays from 7pm – 10pm For more information, visit www.hotelofhorror.com Hotel of Horror October 4th – 27th Recurring weekly on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday For specific times, visit www.hotelofhorror.com Harvest Lake Stroll October 13th 12noon – 4pm Skytop Lodge For more information, visit www.skytop.com

Halloween Bash Saturday, Oct. 26 5-11pm Best Costume Contests for children & adults DJ • Food • Prizes $7.00 (13 & older) - $8.00 guests $3.00 (children 4-12) - $4.00 guests Children under 3 - FREE Signup and paid by October 23 A Winona Lakes Event For more information call 570-588-9309

PAGE 6

WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

EVENTS Rocky Horror Picture Show Movie & Pre-party October 25th Pre-show activities begin at 10pm Sherman Theater For more information, visit www.shermantheater.com Cemetery Walk October 27th Beginning at 1pm Grey Towers National Historic Landmark For more information, visit www.greytowers.org 7th Annual Classic R&B Weekend November 8th – 10th Fernwood Hotel & Convention Center For more information, visit www.thesessomsgroup.com Great Brew Classic Beer Festival November 23rd & 24th 12noon – 4pm Split Rock Resort & Golf Club For more information, visit www.splitrockresort.com

Attention Winona Seniors & Retirees Winona Seniors and Retirees (50 years old+) … or anyone interested in joining the current members of THE YOUNG & THE REST OF US: Join us in spending a few pleasant hours on the first Wednesday of each month, sipping coffee and teas, indulging in the finest baked goods the area has to offer and discussing the latest news pertaining to the health and welfare of those gathered.

Discussion on how to help serve the needs of the many organizations in Monroe County, service families around the world and whatever is on the current calendar keeps the mind busy.

Of course, we have to decide on where we go for our monthly lunch, who gets our reservation for the anniversary party in July and the holiday party in December and trips we plan for members and those who care to join us.

You will be welcomed at the clubhouse on October 2nd at noon, introduce yourself and see if you like who we are. If October is not convenient, any first Wednesday the doors are open to you.

WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

Art on the Mountain November 16th & 17th Shawnee Mountain For more information, visit www.shawneemt.com/s_artonthemountain.html Hawley Winterfest December 6th – 8th - Downtown Hawley For more information, visit www.hawleywinterfest.com 2013 Jim Thorpe Olde Time Christmas Celebration December 7th – 22nd Recurring weekly on Saturday and Sunday Downtown Jim Thorpe For more information, visit www.jimthorpeoldetimechristmas.com Quiet Valley’s 23rd Annual Old Time Christmas December 7th – 15th Recurring weekly on Saturday and Sunday 3pm – 7pm For more information, call (570) 992-6161 25th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration December 8th 10am – 8pm Stroudsmoor Country Inn Free admission

Owner-Member Photo ID Cards

WINONA LAKES 2013 BOARD MEETINGS (Meetings are held on the 3rd Saturday of every month)

September 21st -10:00am October 19th Board Meeting - 9:00am WLPOA Annual Election Meeting - 12 noon

The Indoor Pool is open EVERYDAY!

Winter Hours: 10 am – 4 pm

Photo ID cards are free to members; Replacement cards are $10 each.

Four (4) guest passes are allotted to each voting member per lot owned, free of charge. Replacement guest passes are $3 each.

Tenant Photo ID Cards

Property owners are required to register tenants as per the Tenant Rental Policy adopted by the Board of Directors on May 18, 2012. Tenant Photo ID cards will be issued as long as the tenant has been registered and the property owner has surrendered over his/her rights to the amenities.

Tenant Photo IDs are limited to six (6) per household and cost $10 each. Tenants do not receive guest passes.

PAGE 7

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PAGE 8

WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

ELECTION 2013/2014 CANDIDATES FOR THE 2013/2014 ELECTION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gregory Daniels Dear Member, I am a true Homeowners for reform member. I originally became a board member in 2002 and served one term, and then another in 2010.

During my tenures, I served as Treasurer and Secretary and stressed the collection of past dues, road repairs, and the closure of the ski slope. I have at one time served as Secretary for the East Stroudsburg Youth Association, webmaster for the East Stroudsburg Soccer Club and as a member of my local churches school board. I am also employed as a Chief Financial Officer for a small New Jersey community bank.

I have valued experience in directing small businesses and organizations and very involved in our community.

Tom Fels Hello, my name is Tom Fels and I am running for the WLPOA Board of Directors position for a second term.

I am married to my wonderful wife, Sandra and blessed with four great children, Samantha, Ann Marie, Pamela and Shaun. I have been a Board member for the past three years and have served on the Finance

Committee, Roads and Maintenance Committee and Recreation Committee. While on the Finance Committee we worked on balancing the budget, this was accomplished by working closely with the Finance Committee and without any special assessment to the membership.

As an operations manager, I oversee fifty employees and direct a fleet of ten plus service vehicles. I understand the complexities and realities of making the necessary decisions to stay afloat in these tough economic times. There is no money tree. We are continually challenged to meet our operating and capital expenses. It’s called running a business and that is how we must approach the operation of the Association.

Our highest priorities must be our financial stability and roads. I strongly support the concept of revitalizing our parks and common grounds and was completed over the last three years. These community assets enhance the quality of life and provide enjoyment for our families as well as contribute to our property values. Looking back and seeing our parks, lakes, tennis and basketball courts completely refurbished without any increased monetary burden to the membership, shows where there is a will there is a way.

I am asking for your support and consideration when voting to allow me to continue working on making this a better place for all of us and our families to live.

stated commitment to bring an end to the improper special assessments, to balance the budget and to end the mismanagement and corruption.

My top priorities moving forward will be: • Our roads and infrastructure. A real long term plan without Special Assessments.

• Protecting our bylaw amendments which empower the membership and enhance our rights.

• Bringing forth for a membership vote, a reduction and reset of our annual dues to the proper amount. Past boards have deliberately taken higher than allowed CPI increases since 1982, our dues are now approximately $77.00 higher than they should be in accordance with our Bylaws.

• Continuing to oppose and with the support of our Owner Members, end the last 18 months of corruption, bylaw violations and incompetence of the current regime. We will reinstall honesty,

Thanks, Tom Fels Robert Fenlon My name is Bob Fenlon, and I am asking for your support in my reelection to the WLPOA Board of Directors. I am one of the founding members of the Winona Lakes Home Owners for Reform. Six years have passed since you first elected me on my

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WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

PAGE 9

ELECTION 2012-2013 transparency, and integrity. There is more to be done and better days lie ahead. I want to thank all of the Owner Members who have stood with our organization and encouraged us through some very difficult times. It has been our honor and very rewarding experience.

We have come a long way, thanks to your support. With your continued support, I’m ready to finish what we started.

Bob Fenlon Janet Foster Hi, my name is Janet Foster, and I am asking for your support in my election effort to the WLPOA Board of Directors. I am a member of the Winona Lakes Home Owners for Reform. I have lived in Winona Lakes for over 25 years.

I have watched our community over these 25 years go from despair to greatness and back to despair as it was five years ago. The desperate financial condition was a result of the proskiing agenda. I am a skier, have been all my life, but when an amenity drains the community financially who does that benefit? The few that consistently insist on opening the slopes or the membership that consistently votes to close it. The current board majority continues to try to open skiing; the funds are simply not there unless of course you want another special assessment (which by the way is illegal unless voted on by the community).

Many in the past have asked “what happened to all the money that was saved from closing the ski slopes the last couple of years”. What a perfect misdirection of the facts. Simply put, it is smoke and mirrors by many people, including several board members. It’s not that there was money saved, the money wasn’t there to begin with. There was no special assessment to the membership to fund the skiing that was saved, money that would have come out of your pocket.

Sure, you have never heard of me. I have been a fly on the wall for many years watching and waiting to see what happens next, but honestly, I have had enough, and I’m sure many of you feel the same, and now is the time for me to come forward and do the right thing. We need to stay on a course, as dictated by the votes of the membership for the common good of our community and not deviate as the current board majority apparently is. We need a new face on the Board, someone that will focus on our PAGE 10

infrastructure and roads not self-serving agendas gone wild. We need honesty and ethical behavior not nefarious behavior and never ending disrespect for our bylaws.

The current board majority is more concerned with serving themselves and their friends, not the membership as a whole who elected them.

I believe in transparency because it promotes trust and honest behavior. The last two years have been a huge step backwards in all aspects of financial responsibility. A perfect example is our collection of delinquent accounts, it is in shambles. We all know these collections are important in keeping our community solvent, it is not something that should be taken lightly. I am about the change we need. Winona Lakes is our home, yours and mine.

Janet Foster Gregory Moore My name is Gregory Moore and I have been a resident of Winona Lakes since January of 2001. I have been married to my wife, Belinda for 37 years and I have five children, twenty grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

I am a retired law enforcement officer from New York. I also retired from C & S Wholesale Grocers as a Security Consultant.

I briefly served on the Board of Directors filling a vacancy from April 2012 to October 2012. I enjoyed my time on the board helping to resolve any problems or issues that came up during that time. I was also a member of the Ethics Committee in Winona Lakes Property Owners Association.

I am running for the board because I feel that I can be an asset to this community; and that I have the desire to help to resolve any issues that may arise in this community.

Respectfully Submitted, Gregory Moore Steven Potestio Hi, my name is Steve Potestio, and I am asking for your support in my election effort to the WLPOA Board of Directors. I am a member of the Winona Lakes Home Owners for Reform.

I am married to my wonderful wife and partner in life, Amanda who is a Special Education teacher and we have two beautiful children, Olivia and Julia. I am a Cyber Intelligence Specialist for a major financial institution.

My primary title and job function is Global Manager for Mobile Application security. I also help proactively manage and mitigate Mortgage fraud in the form of fraudulent “clone” websites, targeting people looking to refinance their mortgages.

I am deeply concerned with the current state of affairs, despite overwhelming votes by the member to close skiing; there is still the selfish agenda to open it. We need to fix our roads! I am in favor of the permanent closure of skiing and will make that a priority as we need to put this issue to rest once and for all. Every election and vote in the last year and a half has been marred with voting irregularities or outright election tampering. Recently the majority faction went as far to vote against hiring an impartial attorney to act as a Judge of Elections. WHY? With a court ordered re-vote three years ago, what would be wrong with an abundance of caution?

I hope to be able to use my talents and business experience to bring about progress and change for the better. I promise to be an ethical and honest advocate for transparency. Thank you for reading this, I hope to be honored with the opportunity to promote solutions and answers to our challenges.

Steve Potestio Anthony Valentino Dear Members (Shareholders), I am running for the Winona Lakes Board of Directors for one reason and one reason only; to bring our community back from the lowest level in our history. The leadership of the present board is an WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

embarrassment! Everything that goes wrong is always somebody else’s fault.

Here are just a few examples: • The Ballot envelope missing from last October’s election- “Printer’s Fault” • WinonaGram being cut from 6 issues to 4 “The Interim Community Manager’s Fault” (Who was hired as a personal favor)

Lakes Members with a voice that they have been lacking. In the past the Ombudsman was just a person who didn’t even attend meetings or be involved in the Community.

Community Bylaws are in place in all communities for our homes and quality of life.

With these Bylaws in place our elected Board Members are supposed to follow these rules.

These Bylaws protect our membership.

I have been an active member with the community since 2008 to the present. I have been on several committees ex: Recreation, Bylaws, Ethics, Communications and Emergency Response. If elected that will all change as I will be the voice of the membership and you can depend on me to pursue every complaint that comes to me.I ask you for your vote so I can represent you as your Ombudsman.

Connie Rogers

• Website taking 7 months for an un-necessary redesign: “No Answer” • The Ski Ballot missing return postage: “Printer’s Fault” • Committees in disarray: “No Answer” • Bylaws being broken: “No Answer” • Members Complaints being ignored: “No Answer” • No accountability on where the $5,000.00 Recreation Budget was spent on.

These are just within the last year that cost us thousands of dollars due to the incompetence of the present board of directors. A true leader will take full responsibility, however our President (CEO) likes to push the blame on everyone except himself!

People who know me know I’m like a bulldog I never give up! And I always speak up when I see things are not being done the correct way, I will promise that I will represent all of the members.

I am very active in the community just Google my name, I am always available to listen to your concerns or suggestions you can reach me at: 570-871-7764 In closing I am asking for your support to help me turn this mess around and to hold the board accountable. Or if you are happy with the way things are being done then please don’t vote for me. However don’t complain when the By-Laws are changed to increase our dues for the Board’s “Pet Projects” or about the way our Community is run, and yours as well as my property values continue to plummet.

Thank you for your vote and your support!

Anthony Valentino Jr. OMBUDSMAN Connie Rogers Hi, My name is Connie Rogers NO PHOTO I lived here in Winona Lakes since SU BMIT TED 2005. I am running for the office of Ombudsman because I feel I can provide Winona WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

WINONA LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 2013-2014 BUDGET FINAL

03000 03001 03008 03030 03050 03070 03110 03120 03130 03140 03150 03155 03160 03165 03170

OPERATING INCOME: Current Year Membership Dues Road Maintenance Dues Less Xfers and Bad Debt Bad Debt Depreciation Building Permits Resale Certificate Income Fine Schedule Income Snack Bar Income Miscellaneous Income Late Fees & Interest Fees (cy) NSF Charge Payment Plan Fee Renter ID Fee Pool Income/Guest Amenity Events/Special Project Income Clubhouse Rental Income TOTAL OPERATING INCOME

04000 04001 04002 04003 04004 04005 04006 04007 04008 04010 04020 04023 04025 04027

2013-2014 Budget FINAL $981,692 $4,219 -$232,548 $1,500 $6,000 $1,000 $2,500 $1,000 $40,000 $100 $5,500 $3,500 $100 $3,000 $2,000 $819,563

WLPOA Judgments Barton, John & Doris

$

Amount of Judgment 5,209.66

Browne, Lorraine

$

2,875.18

Business Vacation Concepts

$

9,202.38

Candal, Manuel

$

2,411.18

Capria, George, Jr.

$

12,711.30

Capria, George, Jr.

$

12,900.87

Chamberlain, Robert

$

3,252.28

Delamarter, Ted

$

3,142.85

Despotovich, Dean

$

7,799.37

D'Errico, Mark

$

3,223.31

2004 Dover Harbor, LP

$

2,369.10

2004 Dover Harbor, LP

$

2,369.10

Ezeuko, Patrick

$

1,762.27

Falcone, Paul P.

$

1,426.47

Felle, John

$

2,560.66

First Security Land Trust

$

2,889.90

Fortois, Robert and Debra

$

1,623.66

Name

UTILITIES: Electric-Clubhouse Electric-Clubhouse Well Pump Electric-Clubhouse Parking Lot Electric-Mailbox Area Electric-Maintenance Building Electric-Section 18 Electric-Old Maint Building Electric-Ski Lift Electric-Creek Well Pump Telephone Lines Clubhouse Heat/Gas Water/Sewer Internet/Website Svc Cable / HD Service

$22,260 $287 $589 $789 $3,634 $211 $339 $399 $206 $4,000 $7,000 $300 $1,320 $148

Fucci, Stephen & Black, Jodi

$

4,392.13

Gannon, William Jr. & Debra

$

1,540.94

General Land Acquisition, Inc.

$

12,030.51

General Land Acquisition, Inc.

$

5,839.88

General Land Acquisition, Inc.

$

4,827.28

TOTAL UTILITIES

$41,482

Gill-Bey, Karen

$

6,884.36

Goldstein, Harold

$

2,942.68

$

1,782.48

$

1,306.80

$

2,975.69

$

2,423.18

$

7,379.25

$

10,193.68

$

2,574.16

$

4,900.73

$

1,185.75

$

3,795.11

$

8,995.38

ADMINSTRATIVE: LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Hammonds, Shalana 05000WINONA Payroll Taxes $30,000 05001 Payroll Expenses $2,000 2013-2014 BUDGET FINAL Hettman, Louise & Patrick 05010 Administrative Salaries $100,744 Addition of Architectual & Bldg employee Holley, Fred & Fisher, 2013-2014 05011 Maintenance Salaries $140,000 Margie Budget FINAL 05013 Pool Salaries $26,000 Huck, Brian & Nona 05014 Kitchen Salaries $7,500 05020 Workman's Compensation $9,500 Jordan, Shirley & Peter ( 05030 Employee Benefits $22,500 Jordan, Shirley & Peter ( old ) $ 7,379.25 05031 Employee Contribution old ) -$2,100 Jordan, Shirley & Peter ( 05041 General Legal Services $37,000 Jordan, Shirley & Peter ( new) $ 10,193.68 05050 Accounting Fees $26,000 new) Joemmanbaks, Raoul 05055 Election Costs & Related Exp $7,000 Joemmanbaks, Raoul $ 2,574.16 05060 Bank Service/Ck Scanning Chgs $0 Joemmanbaks, Raoul 05065 Bank & Credit Card Fees $6,000 Raoul Joemmanbaks, $ 4,900.73 Killingsworth, Mark W. 05070 Loan Interest Expense $8,300 Killingsworth, Mark W. ET AL. $ 1,185.75 05080 Insurance-General $60,677 ET AL. Lahey, Michael 05130 Real Estate Taxes $7,000 Lahey, Michael $ 3,795.11 05141 Contributions $1,000 Lahey, Michael 05150 Occupational Tax $27,089 Lahey, Michael $ 8,995.38

TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

AMENITIES: Indoor Pool R&M Outdoor Pool R&M

Lassell, Michael & Karen Continued $ $ 2,705.37 Lombardo, John $ $ 2,497.19 Lui, Qi $ $ 6,913.42 Lui, Qi $ $ 1,730.22 Luna, Xenia $

Continued Page 14 Lassell,onMichael & Karen

$516,210

Lombardo, John Lui, Qi

$3,000 Lui, Qi $3,000

on 2,705.37 Page 14

2,497.19 6,913.42 PAGE 13 1,730.22 1,156.85

old ) Jordan, Shirley & Peter ( new)

$

10,193.68

Joemmanbaks, Raoul

$

2,574.16

$ WLPOA Killingsworth, Mark W. $ ET AL. Judgments Joemmanbaks, Raoul

4,900.73 1,185.75

Lahey, Michael

$

3,795.11

Lahey, Michael

$

8,995.38

Lassell, Michael & Karen

$

2,705.37

Lombardo, John

$

2,497.19

Lui, Qi

$

6,913.42

Lui, Qi

$

1,730.22

Luna, Xenia

$

1,156.85

Maddalena, Edward & Mary Anne

$

3,583.64

McCloskey, Joseph

$

2,040.00

Medvedskaya, Svetlana

$

3,596.17

Mitchell, Matthew & Tita

$

2,447.68

Muschette, Audley M.

$

1,725.32

Nesbeth, Donald

$

4,129.89

Nir, David

$

6,255.88

NRLL East, LLC

$

8,147.69

Ostaficiuk, Konstantin

$

3,435.55

Ourco, Inc.

$

1,754.26

Ourco, Inc.

$

4,148.81

Palumbo, Daniel & Carla

$

4,376.63

Parke, Warren & Johanna

$

5,271.41

Quattrone, Kenneth & Belinda

$

3,411.53

Richards, Charles

$

9,439.07

Richards, Webster

$

5,488.18

Riffas, Alexander & Greene, Belinda

$

1,212.87

Rivera, Octavio

$

3,903.65

Rivera, Octavio

$

9,685.15

Rivera, Carlos & Nancy

$

2,680.55

Schiavone, Elaine

$

1,156.77

Shortino, John

$

2,411.18

Simpson, Robert G.

$

2,575.12

Smith, Christopher

$

4,681.90

Sokolovski, Aco & Denise

$

1,168.77

Thompson, Richard & Butts, Mary Kathryn

$

2,284.11

Walsh, Anthony B.

$

1,180.36

Estate of Jessee Wanner

$

2,861.36

Estate of Jessee Wanner

$

8,579.23

Weakland, Richard

$

5,825.91

Willis, Harry & Diane

$

3,843.89

Williams, Roger

$

1,186.69

Wynne, Eugene & Veronica

$

1,228.25

Zigman, Robert

$

3,091.75

Continued

05055 Election Costs & Related Exp $7,000 05060 Bank Service/Ck Scanning Chgs $0 05065 Bank & Credit Card Fees $6,000 LAKES 05070WINONA Loan Interest ExpensePROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. $8,300 05080 Insurance-General $60,677 2013-2014 BUDGET FINAL 05130 Real Estate Taxes $7,000 05141 Contributions $1,000 2013-2014 05150 Occupational Tax $27,089 Continued from Page 13 Budget FINAL OPERATING INCOME: TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE $516,210 03000 Current Year Membership Dues $981,692 03001 Road Maintenance Dues $4,219 AMENITIES: 03008 Less Xfers Bad Debt -$232,548 Indoor Pooland R&M $3,000 Bad DebtPool R&M Outdoor $3,000 Depreciation 06020 Food/Beverage $4,000 03030 Building Permits $1,500 06022 Kitchen Supplies $1,600 03050 Resale Certificate Income $6,000 06030 Events/Special Project Expense $5,000 03070 Fine Schedule Income $1,000 06050 Common Grounds Expense $7,500 03110 Snack Bar Income $2,500 06115 Recreation Uniforms $250 03120 Miscellaneous Income $1,000 03130 Late FeesAMENITIES & Interest Fees (cy) $40,000 TOTAL $24,350 03140 NSF Charge $100 03150 Payment Plan Fee $5,500 OFFICE: 03155 Renter ID Fee $3,500 07000 Advertising $550 03160 Pool Income/Guest Amenity $100 07010 Dues, Subscriptions & Seminars $4,000 03165 Events/Special Project $3,000 07020 Office Equipment LeaseIncome $4,000 03170 Clubhouse Rental Equip IncomeRepair $2,000 07021 Office / Computer $1,500 07040 Postage $7,000 TOTAL $819,563 07050 Printing OPERATING INCOME $7,800 07060 Travel Expense $500 UTILITIES: 07070 Office Supplies $6,000 04000 Electric-Clubhouse $22,260 07071 Office / Computer Equipment $2,000 04001 Electric-Clubhouse Well Pump $287 07080 Miscellaneous Expenses $0 04002 Electric-Clubhouse Parking Lot $589 LAKES 04003WINONA Electric-Mailbox AreaPROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. $789 TOTAL OFFICE $33,350 04004 Electric-Maintenance Building $3,634 2013-2014 BUDGET FINAL 04005 Electric-Section 18 $211 MAINTENANCE: 04006 Electric-Old Maint Building $339 08000 Maintenance/Clubhouse Supplies $7,000 2013-2014 04007 Electric-Ski Lift $399 08010 Equipment Rental $1,000 Budget FINAL 04008 Electric-Creek Well Pump $206 08015 Maint Heat - Propane Exp $4,000 04010 Telephone Lines $4,000 08020 Vehicle Leases $8,500 04020 Clubhouse Heat/Gas $7,000 08030 Salt and Cinders $36,000 04023 Water/Sewer $300 08040 Road Materials/Repairs $26,000 04025 Internet/Website Svc $1,320 08045 Signs $1,500 04027 Cable HD -Service $148 08050 Maint /Fuel Gas & Diesel Exp $22,500 08070 Plumbing Repair & Maint $1,500 TOTAL UTILITIES $41,482 08080 Equipment - Repair & Maint $16,696 08090 Vehicle - Repair & Maint $30,000 ADMINSTRATIVE: 08100 Facility - Repair & Maint $5,000 05000 Payroll Taxes $30,000 08105 Cleaning Expense $8,500 05001 Payroll $2,000 08110 VehicleExpenses - Inspections $1,050 05010 Administrative $100,744 08115 Maint Uniform Salaries Expense $1,500 Addition 08120 Licenses of Architectual & Bldg employee $500 05011 Maintenance $140,000 08130 Registrations Salaries $1,300 05013 Pool $26,000 08200 SewerSalaries Repair & Maint $725 Backhoe Lease $18,000 TOTAL MAINTENANCE 09000 09010 09020 09040 09050 09055 09060 09070

CONTRACTURAL SERVICES: Pest Control Office Printer - Copies only HVAC B-Safe Security System Security - Constable Svc TOPS Trash Removal TOTAL CONTRACTURAL SERVICES

PAGE 14

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES *OPERATING NET INCOME/(LOSS)*

$191,271 $1,000 $2,200 $2,000 $1,500 $2,000 $0 $1,700 $2,500 $12,900 Continued on Page 15 $819,563

WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

$0

09000 Pest Control $1,000 09010 Office Printer - Copies only $2,200 09020 HVAC $2,000 09040WINONA B-Safe LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. $1,500 09050 Security System $2,000 2013-2014 BUDGET FINAL 09055 Security - Constable Svc $0 09060 TOPS $1,700 2013-2014 09070 Trash Removal $2,500 Continued from Page 14 Budget FINAL TOTALLeases CONTRACTURAL SERVICES $12,900 08020 Vehicle $8,500 08030 Salt and Cinders $36,000 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES $819,563 08040 Road Materials/Repairs $26,000 08045 Signs $1,500 *OPERATING INCOME/(LOSS)* $0 08050 Maint Fuel - GasNET & Diesel Exp $22,500 08070 Plumbing Repair & Maint $1,500 08080 Equipment - Repair & Maint $16,696 08090 Vehicle - Repair & Maint $30,000 08100 Facility - Repair & Maint $5,000 *OPERATING 08105 Cleaning ExpenseNET INCOME/(LOSS) AFTER AUDITORS AJE* $8,500 08110 Vehicle - Inspections $1,050 08115 Maint Uniform Expense $1,500 08120 Licenses $500 08130 Registrations $1,300 08200 Sewer Repair & Maint $725 Backhoe Lease $18,000 solution that makes sense for Pennsylvania

Req uest Roa d Repa irs On-line The Roads and Maintenance Committee in cooperation with the Communications Committee has created an on-line form for members to report road problems in Winona Lakes. Members now have an easy way to report maintenance problems such as potholes, downed signs and shoulder washouts.

The request form can be accessed at: http://www.winonalakes.net

HB 76 and SB 76, the Property Tax Independence Act A

TOTAL There is no “Holy Grail” MAINTENANCE of property tax reform. Any property tax reform measure will involve shifting the tax levy from one type of tax to another – there’s no CONTRACTURAL SERVICES: free 09000 ride. But there ways to fund our schools and Pest are Control to ensure education our children 09010a better Office Printerfor - Copies only that are fairer and moreHVAC effective than property taxes.

09020

THE PLAN AND HOW IT IS FUNDED

$191,271

$1,000 After many months of work and negotiation by key $2,200 legislators and in cooperation with the $2,000 09040 B-Safe $1,500 Many Pennsylvanians their homes and a lifetime’s Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations, 09050 Securitylose System $2,000 a plan to eliminate and replace school property work09055 to sheriffSecurity ’s sales each year because they can - Constable Svc $0 and local school nuisance taxes has been $1,700 formally no longer to pay their property taxes. Senior 09060afford TOPS citizens on fixed incomes are increasingly forced to introduced in both the Pennsylvania House of 09070 Trash Removal $2,500 sell their homes because of unrelenting increases in Representatives as HB 76 and in the Pennsylvania their tax burden.

Senate as SB 76.

TOTAL CONTRACTURAL SERVICES $12,900 Young families cannot afford to purchase a home crafted by TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES The Property Tax Independence Act was$819,563 because the per-month property tax escrow is members of the Pennsylvania General simply too high. Multigenerational family farms *OPERATING NET INCOME/(LOSS)* $0 are being sold piece by piece to pay property taxes, Assembly in full collaboration with the 76 member devastating Pennsylvania agriculture. School districts groups of the nonpartisan grassroots in areas of the state with limited population and no commercial tax base are in distress and are unable Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations. The to afford to give their children a quality education.

Property Independence Act belongs to the people; *OPERATING NETstate INCOME/(LOSS) AFTERTax AUDITORS AJE* Job losses, outmigration, and abysmal economic it is unique in that it is OUR legislation in a state that performance caused by burdensome property taxes does not allow for citizen initiatives. The Property Tax are devastating Pennsylvania’s economy. A sensible, Independence Act has many lawmaker proponents broad-based, statewide and state-administered from both parties and enthusiastic grassroots property tax replacement funding source is needed supporters from across the entire political spectrum. eliminate an antiquated and regressive property tax We as taxpayer activists have accomplished what the system, to end these educational inequities, to return home ownership to the homeowner instead of allowing politicians in both Washington and Harrisburg have been unable to do: work across party lines to reach a the government to effectively own our homes, and to sensible and effective solution to a critical problem. restore Pennsylvania’s economic vitality.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Our current system of school funding is crumbling. This decay has been occurring for many years and continues to escalate.

Home foreclosures and tax sales are occurring at an expanding rate and the home market is at a standstill. The opportunity to fund education from a statewide source is rapidly vanishing as relentlessly rising property taxes outpace available revenue. This will have major implications for school districts statewide. It can no longer be ignored or diminished.

Replacement of the school property tax must be accomplished now. 2 WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

The Property Tax Independence Act will eliminate all school property taxes across the Commonwealth and will replace those taxes with funding from a single state source. The most important provision of The Property Tax Independence Act is that it is tax revenue neutral.

To provide absolute fairness, the legislation has been carefully crafted to ensure that the tax swap provision of the plan does not raise one dollar more Continued on Page 16

PAGE 15

HB 76 and SB 76, the Property Tax Independence Act Continued from Page 15 than is already collected by the school property tax mechanism. The Property Tax Independence Act utilizes a modernized school funding plan based on 21st century economic realities.

- The sales tax is also the most desirable revenue source because, unlike the property tax that has no relationship to family income, it is directly tied to a person’s ability to pay.

- The Property Tax Independence Act will ABOLISH the school property tax on all homesteads, farmsteads, and businesses.

- While the sales tax is The Property Tax Independence Act’s primary revenue source, small increases in other taxes are blended into the total to spread the cost of education over the broadest possible base.

- School property tax elimination will be accomplished via a two year phase-out of school property taxes. In the first year after enactment, school property taxes will be frozen at their current level; in the second year they will be completely eliminated except for a small portion that will be retained in each school district to retire the individual district’s outstanding long-term debt, typically 10% of the original school tax bill.

- The Property Tax Independence Act utilizes our current sales tax mechanism to fund schools, restoring the original intent of the tax. The “The PA Education Sales Tax” was enacted in 1953 for this specific purpose and virtually 100% of the revenue from the sales tax is still dedicated to education funding.

- The sales tax provides a predictable and stable funding source that automatically increases revenue in sync with economic growth. This is in clear contrast to the school property tax which is not based on economic growth and is subject to much variation, forcing annual increases in the tax to increase revenue.

- The Property Tax Independence Act moderately broadens the base of the state sales tax to include more services and purchases at a new 7% rate. Items to be added to the taxable base include candy and gum, newspapers and magazines, dry cleaning and laundry services, haircuts, and spectator sports admissions.

Food items not included on the WIC list and individual clothing and footwear items with a value greater than $50 will also be subject to the expanded sales tax.

Generally, food items exempt from the sales tax will be fresh meats, produce, and dairy, along with many packaged and canned foods that are in their natural form, without added sugar or other adulterants.

The complete list of newly taxed items and services is at www.ptcc.us/pdf/newly-taxed_items_and_ services_020312.pdf as a PDF document.

While there are those who might object on an instinctive level to a sales tax on the last two items mentioned, consider this: If you spend eight thousand dollars annually on individual items of clothing over $50 and

non-WIC food purchases combined, the total sales tax would be $560. If this is less than your school property tax bill you still will realize a substantial reduction in your overall tax burden. Items that will continue to be exempt from the sales tax include food stamp purchases, all utilities, home heating fuels, health, hospital, and dental services, prescription drugs, home health care, tuition, day care, charitable organizations, and businessto-business transactions.

- While the sales tax is The Property Tax Independence Act’s primary revenue source, small increases in other taxes are blended into the total to spread the cost of education over the broadest possible base. As part of the funding mechanism, the Property Tax Independence Act finance package also includes a modest increase in the state income tax from 3.07% to 4.34%.

W inona Lakes

CLASSIFIEDS Lot f or Sale

Winona Lakes Lot 16 – Sect. 6 Located on Mountain Court. Approximately 2 acres of land Selling price $800 (plus any closing fees) For more information please contact: Irene (845) 353-1882

Lot f or Sale

Winona Lakes, Lake front Lot 79 – Sect. 3 For more information please contact: Mary Albano (973) 777-3190

Lot f or Sale

Winona Lakes. Lot 60 – Sect. 13 $3,500 For more information please contact: (201) 420-0566 or (201) 377-5667 email: amanigbas@gmail.com

Lot f or Sale

Winona Lakes. Lot 7 – Sect. 2 For more information please contact: (917) 747-9454

Lot f or Sale

Winona Lakes. Lot 721 – Section 7 Intersection of Alpine Drive and Clubhouse Drive. Best offer. For more information please contact: (718) 356-7211

Beautiful and pr ivate .50 acre lot f or sale

Located in Winona Lakes, lot #10 on Valley View Circle (also known as Clubhouse Dr.).

This is the 2nd lot up the hill after 1st house on left side of road. Level, nicely wooded, has no neighbors behind and none in front for a real private setting. Would be a great spot for that dream house. Taxes and HOA paid up to date. A steal @ $5,500. If interested, call Dan at 917-415-7552.

Winona Lakes is not responsible for typographical errors in the Classified Ads.

PAGE 16

WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

TECHNOLOGY Protecting Your Pr ivacy Online By: Anthony Valentino There’s been so much talk lately about what the NSA (National Security Agency) can and can’t see and hear about our phone records, email, web browsing and other online activities. But what can you do to protect your online privacy? What can anybody out there see?

How do you protect yourself and your information?

Let’s take a look at how you can protect yourself online, and not just from the government. First and foremost, you need to realize that there’s really no such thing as real online privacy. You should always keep in mind that anything you put online or send in an email is pretty will be out there for prying and even non-prying eyes. Your emails are stored (Blueridge Verizon Google Etc.) with your service provider, and/or employer, as are histories of your web browsing. Your social media use is widely available, however “private” you make your profiles. So, be aware of what you’re saying, where your saying it, and keep track of what’s out there. Keep in mind nothing you do online is really “private” or secret.

For fun Google your name or any unique usernames you use. Go to your Facebook profile page and choose the “View as public” option to see what the “public” can see of you on your Facebook page.

Be careful when browsing the Web. Be careful where you go online, and especially where you enter any personal information, including your name, phone number, and email address.. Now, mind you, there are plenty of decent sites out there you don’t have to spend hours researching. But if there’s a site asking for

personal info, or some site you’re using to shop online, you should be a little more careful. . · Make Sure SSL Certificate Is Trustworthy Before Making Purchases. You should not transmit personal info, especially credit card and banking info thru sites that aren’t secured using and SSL certificate... Look for an https at the beginning for the website URL. Make sure online accounts are optimized for privacy.

Privacy 101 would teach creating strong passwords on day one. Basically when creating passwords, keep the following in mind: •

Length—Experts recommend passwords of at least 8 characters or more. Those 8 characters, by the way should be “password,” which is one of the most common of passwords!

•

Complexity—Vary those password characters. Use upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbol combinations in your passwords.

•

Variation—Change your passwords on a regular basis. Experts recommend changing important passwords every 3 months.

•

Variety—don’t use the same password for all of your accounts. If a criminal gets your password and username, and more info on you, they might try that password on different accounts. If you’ve got that same password in use everywhere, you’re not going to like the results if that info is stolen and used against you.

Most of us use some form of social media. You have to protect yourself on social media too. Make sure you’re aware and using the optimum privacy settings for sites like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, America Online, Google +, and others. Some tips: •

Use strong password strategies, and change your passwords regularly.

•

Be careful with apps and add-ons.

•

Keep your browser current.

•

Be careful when accessing content through social media.

•

Watch for direct message spam on Twitter, a rampant problem.

•

Watch out for Facebook “like” scams.

•

Keep your anti-virus current.

Protect your wireless internet connection. At this point, most of us have wireless internet connections in our homes, and at least now and again connect WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

to wireless networks outside of the home network.

At home, make sure your connection is strongly password protected. Use WPA encryption if at all possible to protect your privacy, data, and access to your computer. When out and about, only connect to wireless networks you trust.

Now, let’s spend some time on specifically protecting your identity and data. Some tips: •

Consider encryption—Gizmodo.com explains it well: “Private data encryption…encodes the information on a hard drive, memory stick, cloud locker, or other storage medium so that without the proper "key" (that hopefully only the sender and intended recipient have access to), all the data appears as gibberish (same as trying to read Mandarin).”

•

Surf the web smartly and safely—Top search engine Google logs your search data. If you’re logged into Google on multiple devices, you’ll see your recent searches. Gizmodo recommends a search site like DuckDuckGo which doesn’t log search data.

•

Clear your browser history and cookies regularly-Be sure you know how to do this with whatever browser you use. Also, keep your browser current.

•

Run routine virus scans--These can be set to run automatically, so do that and save yourself some hassle and grief.

•

Don't download email attachments from people you don't know--Be careful with ALL email attachments, especially if the attachment is a .exe file. There are a lot of email scams and spammers out there. People still fall for Nigerian email scams! Be careful when clicking links within emails as well. Phishers can get into your email addresses via links you click.

•

Be smart about what you share online--Be very careful about the information you share online. No matter how private the site, there's still likely that the information can be seen, found and used. Plus, don't put anything out there that can be used against you!

Don’t forget to protect your computer as well. Use anti-virus software, and an internet firewall. If you’re a Windows user, make sure you keep your Windows Security Updates current, and set them to update automatically.

All experts say that the key to protecting yourself online is common sense. Most of the advice makes sense. Think about the information you’ve got out there, and what you’re putting out there. Use decent passwords. Think about the sites your visiting. Don’t give sensitive information out to sites or people you don’t know or trust.

Good luck, and be careful out there!

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wlpoa bbq & talent show

247 Fox Run Lane, Suite 102 East Stroudsburg, PA 18302 Quality childcare you can trust!

For Infants to School Age Children Located next to Mignosi’s Foodtown M-F: 5 am–8 pm Sat: 8 am – 5 pm Curriculum receives recognition through the National Council for Private Schools. http://www.the-road-to-excellence.com PAGE 18

WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013

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For more infomation contact us at:

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“Protecting our environment one tank at a time”

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WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013