S EPTEMBER 2020
182
LAKE
ROAD
•
TOBYHANNA,
18466
IN THIS ISSUE
2020 Pocono Farms
Golf Scholarship Awards
Gabriel Canuteson
P E N N S Y LVA N I A
OUR COMMUNITY From Your B.O.D.
2
From the General Manager
3
B.O.D. Meeting Dates
4
Neighborhood Watch
4
Public Safety
4
Letter to the Editor
5
Round by Round
6
Fun with Fitness
7
MacKenzie Piacenti
Pocono Farms Country Club Association awards $3,000.00 in scholarships to resident high school seniors! The Pocono Farms Country Club golf scholarship committee recently awarded two resident graduating seniors with a total of $3,000.00 in scholarship funds. The scholarship applicants were scored on their academic record, extracurricular involvement, community service, and their personal interview. Congratulations to MacKenzie Piacenti and Gabriel Canuteson, the recipients of this year’s scholarships! Pocono Farms Country Club Association has been awarding scholarships to deserving high school seniors since 2004 with a total of over $61,000.00 awarded during that time. Contributions to this fund are made through various golf outings held through out the season. Scholarships have also been awarded through funds set up to memorialize past members of the golf club. Golf is an integral part of the community at Pocono Farms. The golf scholarship committee and the golf members are proud to award these scholarships to these deserving high school seniors.
Visit Our New Website poconofarms.com
182 Lake Road, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania 18466
Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335
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P O C O N O FA R M S
COUNTRY CLUB ASSOCIATION INC. 182 Lake Road • Tobyhanna, PA 18466 www.poconofarms.com • admin@poconofarms.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President Vice-President Treasurer Secretary Director Director Director Director Director
Steve Bunker Frank Milano James Yando Wayne Meyers Richard McCormick Annette Doerr Steve Baker Peter Volpe James Ribardo
COMMITTEES: • A & B/Environmental / Crime Watch • Finance • Golf • Recreation / Fitness / Tennis / Pool • Communications/ Long Range Planning
Richard McCormick James Yando James Ribardo Steve Baker Wayne Meyers
DEPARTMENT HEADS General Manager 894-4435 ext. 100
David Timko dtimko@poconofarms.com
Asst. General Manager 894-4435 ext. 132
Katrina Weithman katrinaw@poconofarms.com
Controller 894-4435 ext. 103
Thomas Franchetti controller@poconofarms.com
Golf Pro 894-4435 ext. 110
Kyle Monahan golfshop@poconofarms.com
Greens Superintendent Jeff Lesoine 894-4435 jeffreyl3@poconofarms.com Chef 894-4435 ext. 130
Len Iorio pfkitchen@poconofarms.com
Recreation Director 894-4435 ext. 113
Nick Gallagher recdir@poconofarms.com
Public Safety & Compliance Director Artie Furman 894-4435 ext. 105 afurman@poconofarms.com Maintenance Dave Winters 894-4435 pfmaint@poconofarms.com Fitness 894-4435 ext. 116
Kristen Aylward fitness@poconofarms.com
Member Services 894-4435 ext. 106
Susan Nevarez admin@poconofarms.com
From You r Boa r d Of Dir ec tor s BY ANNETTE DOERR Covid-19 certainly has made 2020 a very trying year to-date. The inability to hold our Annual Meeting in July because of the Covid rules and restrictions on gatherings put forth by the Pennsylvania State Government, was certainly something none of us imagined could ever happen as we budgeted and planned for 2020. The one “normal” activity that did take place this summer was our annual election for the Board of Directors. We would like to extend a warm welcome Steve Baker on his recent election to the Board, and to congratulate Jim Yando and Wayne Meyers on starting their second 3-year term. The Board would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Brian Cavanaugh for agreeing to be re-appointed to the Board late last Fall, after the untimely and unexpected passing of Board Vice President, Neil Carlson. September is generally when we start organizing our committees (Finance, Long Range Planning / Communications, Recreation, and A&B / Environmental / Crime Watch). Now is the best time to volunteer for one! Committees run from August through July, but most get started in the Fall. Volunteers need to fill out an application each year, regardless of how long you’ve been on a committee. Volunteering for a committee is a great way to have your voice heard and be a part of what makes this community run. Get out and get involved, stop by the Administrative office for your application. I’m hopeful that at publication, some of the restrictions we’ve been running under will have been lightened somewhat. Regardless, please know that the Board, Management team and our entire staff at Pocono Farms has the safety of our members as their number one priority. As regulations change, we’ll be putting out new guidelines and doing our best to keep Pocono Farms as fully functioning as allowed by law. It certainly is frustrating for us all, but our staff and management has done a fantastic job adjusting and moving forward throughout the last several months.
Pocono Farms Realty Lex Colon 894-0300 lex.colon.realtor@gmail.com Website/Communications Kathleen Nealon Coordinator webcomcord@poconofarms.com 894-4435 ext. 201
The official publication of the Pocono Farms Country Club Association, Inc. PUBLISHED BY NIKI JONES AGENCY, INC. 39 Front Street, Port Jervis, New York 12771 P: 845.856.1266 E: info@nikijones.com Articles appearing in The Weathervane are presented as a community service. They do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher or of the Pocono Farms Country Club Association, Inc. The publisher and the PFCCA disclaim any liability for any advertisements published herein, in no way endorse or guarantee these ads and reserve the right to reject any ads submitted. Position of advertising in the newspaper is not guaranteed.
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SEPT EMBER
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From T he Gener a l M a n ager
2020-21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS
BY DAVE TIMKO We are all dealing with the “new normal� in various ways. We all have experienced events that have been cancelled or postponed. There has been more of our membership that are at home more often. Our compliance director has had more observations made to him during this time. There are a few items of concern that have been identified and have consistently been brought up to management by our members. In turn, the management team has brought these
PFCC A HOU R S ADMINISTRATION OFFICE MONDAY TO SATURDAY 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
FITNESS CENTER MONDAY TO SUNDAY 5:00 am - 10:00 pm
COMPACTOR WEDNESDAY 8:00 am - 12:00 pm FRIDAY 8:00 am - 12:00 pm SUNDAY 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
GOLF COURSE & PRO SHOP MONDAY 10:00 am - 6:00 pm TUESDAY TO FRIDAY 8:00 am - 6:00 pm SATURDAY & SUNDAY 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
HALFWAY HOUSE MONDAY 10:00 am - 6:00 pm TUESDAY TO FRIDAY 9:00 am - 6:00 pm SATURDAY & SUNDAY 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
POOL & BEACH MONDAY - SUNDAY 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
concerns to the board for discussion, review, and potential action. One of those concerns is fireworks, or the lighting off of fireworks within the Pocono Farms community. To be clear, fireworks are prohibited within Pocono Farms and always have been. While the board and management realize that fireworks shows, including ours, have been postponed due to the pandemic, it is not an excuse to set them off within the community or on any association owned property. The Board approved in a motion at the July 17th monthly meeting to increase the fine for lighting off fireworks within the community to $500.00 per occurrence. The second item of concern is noise/disturbing the peace/nuisance to neighbors. While I am sure all of us can appreciate music, being respectful of your neighbors should also be valued. Most members that have voiced this concern understand that it is summer and others do have their windows open and sometimes you do hear music. However, excessively loud music is the concern along with playing loud music after hours. Not only is this a violation, it is also a lack of concern for our neighbors.
up days, it is there as a service for you so that you have an option of getting rid of it. There are times when our staff reports to work and will find a sink, a toilet, bags of nonhousehold trash in front of the gates. There are 12 additional staff hours each week on the previously listed days for you to take advantage of the additional services.
ALL MEETING TIMES ARE 7PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED Friday, September 25th Friday, October 30th Friday, November 20th Friday, December 18th Friday, January 29th Friday, February 26th Work Session
Friday, March 26th Friday, April 30th Friday, May 21st Friday, June 18th Friday, July 16th Saturday, July 17th Annual Meeting 10am
The board also agreed in a motion at the July 17th monthly meeting to assess a fine of $500.00 to anyone who dumps, or attempts to dump, non-household trash at the maintenance yard or compactor area. The compliance process and fine structure are not meant to be a revenue stream. The community rules are meant to be followed and are more about being in compliance of those rules, respectful and courteous of your neighbors, and enjoying the community lifestyle that Pocono Farms strives to offer.
The Board approved in a motion at the July 17th monthly meeting to increase the fine to $500.00 per occurrence for the violation of this rule. The final concern is the compactor located at the maintenance yard. This compactor is for household garbage only. It is not for construction debris, sheetrock, bulk items, plug in appliances, or other non-household items hidden in plastic bags. This additional service of the compactor is provided for our members on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. If you generate additional household trash between the normal pick
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2020
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Neighbor hood Watch
P u blic Sa fet y
BY ED KELLY
BY ARTIE FURMAN September. I cannot help but think of the old Earth Wind and Fire song of the same name and the first line, “Do You Remember”. Since I am as old as Yoda and looking back through the centuries, I remember many Septembers but none like 2020. We have been busy with compliances and trying to get those who are not in it, to get in it. Everything from fences too high or built without permits. Pools put up and trees cut down. Garbage dumped and fireworks set off. Loud music till the wee hours and people on the golf course who are not golfing. Pets at the amenities and people trying to use the amenities who do not live here. Sometimes it seems like it happens all at once. But no matter which one or how many, we keep moving forward. Busy with permits. Many of you have had projects. Painting, landscaping, siding, roofing and so much more. They all seem to say the same thing, I have the time so why not do it now. I agree. If you have the time, do it now. We have been working on some rule changes that will go into effect as you read this. Changing some verbiage and increasing some fines where appropriate, trying to plan and make proper changes and taking the proper steps getting there. Because of what we are all going through I am asked frequently in general conversation what I think. What will happen or where do I think we will end up. To really give an adequate answer I look to the past to try and guess the future. I am drawn the phrase of the classic Dickens novel, A Tale of Two Cities. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair” If you think about it, that just about sums it all up. Although my door is not open now, I am still here for you all. I pray you stay safe and keep vigilante.
In the midst of ninety degree weather, September seems to be a long way from now. In September, we generally think about the kids going back to school, and want to remind everyone to keep that in mind when riding through the streets of the farms. We ask our drivers to try to be near the bus drop off sites to add another layer of safety for our kids that will be walking home. But at this date, we don’t know if school will begin as usual, or if it will start at all for a while. We are living in a perilous time, that. Few have ever experienced before. But, we adapt, and do our best to continue as best we can. Several years ago, the crime watch committee tried to institute a call your neighbor system, that people would volunteer to call those that were alone or ailing. Unfortunately, legal issues prevented us from doing this as a community function. While we may not have been able to do this as a community function, we can do this as a good neighbor. At a time that so many of us are staying at home as much as possible, we should all think about calling someone if only to break the monotony of being alone, or unable to spend time with friends. Many of us keep in touch on line, but that doesn't replace of hearing a friend or neighbor's voice. I read in the Pocono Record the other day about the police problems in dealing with gangs in the area. Specifically, Pocono Farms East and Pocono Country Place were mentioned. So far, we have been fortunate not to have this problem here, but we should be aware how near it is to the community. We hope our security team, as well as the crime watch volunteers play a part in maintaining a relatively secure community. But the real security begins with the residents. If you see something that looks suspicious, contact the office or the security officer. Often, people will stop one of our volunteers to tell them a concern. It seems many of our residents are reluctant to call the office, but they will tell one of our volunteers. We can assure them, that we will forward the concern, but they shouldn't feel reluctant to call the office. We're all in this together. In July, crime watch patrols chalked up about 126 hours. We would like to be able to log in that many hours and more on a
of the Poconos Experience andofResults Matter! the Poconos the Poconos of the Poconos Keith Torregrossa Team of the Poconos Experience and Results Matter! Experience Matter! and Results Matter! Experienceand and Results Results Matter! regular basis. But we can Experience Keith Torregrossa Team KeithTorregrossa TorregrossaTeam Team Keith Torregrossa only do that if more of our Keith Team residents would volunteer a few hours a month. Keith Torregrossa The virus has given Renata Linda Dross Tara Tall Mavrogiorgos Broker/Owner Transaction some the opportunity to Buyer’s Agent Buyer’s Agent Coordinator Keith Torregrossa Renata Keith Torregrossa Renata Tara Tall Linda Dross Linda Dross Keith Torregrossa Tara Tall spend more time driving. Cheryl Ehrhart Linda Dross Mavrogiorgos Broker/Owner Tara Tall Broker/Owner Mavrogiorgos Buyer’s Agent Transaction Coordinator Transaction Listing Agent Buyer’s Agent Buyer’s Agent Buyer’s Agent Transaction Buyer’s Agent Buyer’s Agent Coordinator Hopefully, the virus will 421-2345 Office 424-1521Coordinator Direct Keith(570) Torregrossa Cheryl Ehrhart (570) Linda Dross Tara Tall soon be a memory, so Listing (570) Office (570) 424-1521 Direct Agent 421-2345 Buyer’s Agent Transaction (570) 421-2345 (570) 424-1521 Direct (570) 421-2345Office Office (570) 424-1521 Buyer’s Agent Direct think about volunteering. Coordinator Call Russ Kelly at 570894-4034, or the office if you are interested.
(570) 421-2345 Office (570) 424-1521 Direct
SOLD MORE THEN PRICE SOLD MORE THENLISTING LISTING PRICE PRICE PRICE
Summer sales are strong,
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Summer sales sales are strong, 105 Blackfoot FARMS HOME SALES Summer are FARMS SALES call toLane find out HOME what yourstrong, home is worth! call to find out what your home is is worth! Total Homes Sold call to find out what your home worth! Total Homes Sold I1111 have Buyers in the area looking for different property North Fifth Street Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 101 as of December 6, 2019 1111 North Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 101 as of December 6, 2019 types… Have you had any thoughts of selling? 1111 North Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 remaxmtp@ptd.net Average List Price remaxmtp@ptd.net Average List Price Each Office Independently Owned and Operated $136,528 remaxmtp@ptd.net Each Office Independently Owned and Operated 1111 North Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 105 Blackfoot Lane $136,528 Average Sold Price Owned and Operated Each Office Independently remaxmtp@ptd.net Average Sold Price $126,535 have Buyers in the looking for different property S E P T E MI B E R 2 0 2Independently 0 onarea Each Office Owned and Operated Average Days the Market $126,535 types… Have you had any thoughts of selling? 89 days Average Days on the Market 89 days 1111 North Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360
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L et t er to t he Editor
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To those homeowners who did not or could not vote, I emphasize for all of us that we must vote! All 1600 of us have the power to tell the Board what we want changed.
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Come to the monthly Board Meetings and vote your concerns and ideas for our Community. We elect the Board members. They work for us as we are the members of the Pocono Farms Country Club Association, Inc.
To keep removal built in t became speak w of living
Without your voices and ideas, nothing can change. We are the Homeowners. We have the power to make changes but only when we use our voting powers.
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Come out and be heard! Your voice is of tremendous importance to our Community.
NOTICE All trash cans must be placed curbside no later than 6:00 AM Tuesday morning and removed no later than 6:00 PM on the day after pick up. County Waste will not make a return trip if your cans are not placed curbside by 6:00 AM
Again, I thank all of you who voted for me in our recent election. If you have questions or comments, please do not hesitate to call me. My phone number is 570-894-2457. I would love to hear from you.
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Respectfully yours, Hugh Doran
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W E AT H E RVA N E
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Mailbox Renovations
Beech & Pine Before (left) and After
Locust & Red Maple Before (left) and After
R ound by R ound BY DON STORMS As the newest member on golf committee and resident for one year at Pocono Farms, I have been greatly impressed with golf course. The amenities and activities available are amazing. Everyone from staff at club house, Jeff’s staff, employees, and residents have been gracious and welcoming. Covid-19 restrictions from March have been difficult for all of us. Isolation from family and friends has affected all of us negatively, but we are coming out of it. Since we have gone green, we have seen pool and lake beach open. The Lakeside Grill has opened. Going for first dinner on June 16, and seeing Mike and Jamie, it felt like we are coming out of restrictions. However, we must still remember, we have a new normal. Face covering, social distancing, and hand sanitizer is required or recommended. The golf course opening on May 1st was the start. We congratulate Jeff and his staff for their work on maintaining the course during this time. The numbers show increase rounds play by residents. If you have not played yet, we encourage you to come out with your son or daughter. Each homeowner has received 2 discounted round vouchers in yearly packet. The range is open to hit a few balls to warm up and clubs may be available for your child. Call the pro shop today for more information! Finally thanks to Kyle, Kim, and everyone working at club house! They are there to assist all members and resident who come out for a round of golf. For me I enjoy course scenery, fresh air, and exercise. See you there!
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F un w it h Fitness BY KRISSIE AYLWARD, PFCCA FITNESS DIRECTOR We made it! The summer season is wrapping up and once again it was a success. The weather for water aerobics was fantastic and we had some of our biggest classes ever! Yoga on the Beach had perfect weather as well. I am always glad to see new faces at our summer classes and of course appreciate your cooperation when we must switch things up because of weather or instructor changes. As we enter the Fall season and the weather begins to change our outdoor classes will come to an end. I encourage you to join the many classes that we have in the fitness center. Chair Yoga and Golden Hearts are great classes to replace water aerobics and Yoga on the Beach. Dance Craze once called Zumba is fantastic to get your “feel good� on dance yourself happy. TRX classes always fill up so if you are interested in those you must sign up ahead of time so I can hold your spot. Our stretch and tone class is the perfect compliment to any workout. I encourage you to come in and spend some time stretching your body, decompressing and relaxing. We are living in an ever-changing world and our stress levels and anxiety can be heightened without notice. Staying fit and active is important. Watch for new classes to be added into our line up over the coming months as well. As always stay safe and healthy. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me.
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