Pocono Farms Weathervane

12
182 Lake Road, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania 18466 SPECIAL DELIVERY FROM POCONO FARMS COUNTRY CLUB 182 LAKE ROAD TOBYHANNA, PENNSYLVANIA 18466 May 2014 IN THIS ISSuE Our Community Thoughts from the Manager 2 Women’s Club News 2 Crime Watch Activity Report 3 Staff Spotlight 3 In the Farms 4 2014 Election Candidates 4 Getting to Know You Meet Ed Aalbue 8 Calendar of Events May Calendar 10 Pocono Farms Events 11 Sports Round by Round 7 Swim Team Registration 7 SAVE THE DATE Memorial Weekend Festivities May 24th Clam Bake on the beach May 25th Women’s Club Tricky Tray - June 20th FreedomFest BBQ on the Beach - July 4th July 4th Festivities & Fireworks - July 5th 2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION CANDIDATES INSIDE PAGE 4 From Your Board of Directors BY PETE VOLPE May brings us to a great anticipation that the summer season has arrived once more at Pocono Farms. Our summertime amenities are already open in the case of tennis, golf, and bocce and we are eagerly awaiting the first day that the pool complex and lakeside beach are staffed. May signals the move to the outdoors for all members and the lengthening days of summer. Our lake will be stocked and the golf course ready for championship play. The swim team is ready to enjoy another memorable season and the kids’ camp is gearing up for a great summer. The Clubhouse staff and restaurant are ready and willing to make our summertime holidays a success and a place for all of our members to enjoy each other’s company as well as good food and drink. Just a reminder that all members in good standing have a restaurant credit to enjoy as part of being paid up on their annual assessments. Contact the Administration office for details. Continued on Page 2

description

May 2014

Transcript of Pocono Farms Weathervane

Page 1: Pocono Farms Weathervane

182 Lake Road, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania 18466SPECIAL

DELIVERYFROM

POCONO FARMSCOUNTRY CLUB

1 8 2 L A K E R O A D • T O B Y H A N N A , P E N N S Y L V A N I A 1 8 4 6 6

May 2014

I N T H I S I S S u E

Our CommunityThoughts from the Manager 2

Women’s Club News 2

Crime Watch Activity Report 3

Staff Spotlight 3

In the Farms 4

2014 Election Candidates 4

Getting to Know YouMeet Ed Aalbue 8

Calendar of EventsMay Calendar 10

Pocono Farms Events 11

SportsRound by Round 7

Swim Team Registration 7

SAVE THE DATE Memorial Weekend Festivities May 24th

Clam Bake on the beach May 25th

Women’s Club Tricky Tray - June 20th

FreedomFest BBQ on the Beach - July 4th

July 4th Festivities & Fireworks - July 5th

2014 Board of directors election candidates inside PaGe 4

from Your Board of directorsBy Pete VolPe

May brings us to a great anticipation that the summer season has arrived once more at Pocono Farms. Our summertime amenities are already open in the case of tennis, golf, and bocce and we are eagerly awaiting the first day that the pool complex and lakeside beach are staffed. May signals the move to the outdoors for all members and the lengthening days of summer. Our lake will be stocked and the golf course ready for championship play. The swim team is ready to enjoy another memorable season and the kids’ camp is gearing up for a great summer.

The Clubhouse staff and restaurant are ready and willing to make our summertime holidays a success and a place for all of our members to enjoy each other’s company as well as good food and drink. Just a reminder that all members in good standing have a restaurant credit to enjoy as part of being paid up on their annual assessments. Contact the Administration office for details.

Continued on Page 2

Page 2: Pocono Farms Weathervane

W E A T H E R V A N E M A Y 2 0 1 42

BoARD oF DIReCtoRS Frank Milano, President Richard McCormick Mike elbert, Vice President Collette Houston-ong Steve Bunker, treasurer Brian Cavanaugh Wayne Meyers, Secretary Peter Volpe Bill Weimer

BoARD lIAISoNS A&B, environmental, PublicWorks Rich McCormick Communications Collette Houston-ong CrimeWatch Peter Volpe elections/Nominations Wayne Meyers Finance Steve Bunker Golf Brian Cavanaugh House Rich McCormick long Range Planning Bill Weimer Pool Bill Weimer Recreation Collette Houston-ong tennis Mike elbert

AD-HoCS Insurance Frank Milano Fitness Center Mike elbert Community Garden Brian Cavanaugh Marketing Appointed as needed

CoMMUNICAtIoNS CoMMIttee Collette Houston-ong linda Penett linda Becht Marianne Stephen Sue Miller Peg Scott Sue Miller Ginny Day

NeWSletteR CooRDINAtoR Denise Wilson 894-4435 ext. 106 [email protected]

DePARtMeNt HeADS General Manager David timko 894-4435 ext. 100 [email protected]

Accounting/Office Manager Lorraine Daviduk 894-4435 ext. 103 [email protected]

Golf Pro Kyle Monahan 894-4435 ext. 110 [email protected]

Greens Superintendent Adam Herman 894-4435 [email protected]

executive Chef Chef Michael 894-4435 ext. 130 [email protected]

Food & Beverage Director Katrina Weithman 894-4435 ext. 132 [email protected]

Activities Director Joe Sprovkin 894-4435 ext. 113 [email protected]

Director of Security Artie Furman 894-4435 ext. 105 [email protected]

Building Coordinator & Compliance Director Richard Savage 894-4435 ext. 104 [email protected]

MAINteNANCe 894-4435 ext. 160 (voicemail only)

182 Lake Road • Tobyhanna, PA [email protected]

from Your Board of directorsCoNtINUeD FRoM PAGe 1

The Board is now fully engaged in keeping the Association on budget and solvent as the Farms moves into its busiest season of serving its members. As the current Board has attempted to carry out its fiscal responsibilities with the help of the Finance Committee, a complete Reserve Study has been done of our amenities and property that are association owned. Town Hall Meetings have been held and Weathervane articles have been written to communicate with the members on issues that directly affect the 2014 budget and operational management of the Farms. The future of the Farms and its fiscal health lie in the involvement of members in good standing who have paid their operational assessments. The Farms, like any household, has expenses that must be paid on time and in full. Deflating on one part of the budget has a direct affect upon other areas of the budget. We have attempted to treat all amenities as equals and expect that the revenue form them will make them self- sufficient. That being said, sometimes one amenity does not make its budget or goes over.

Because the Association is a business owned by every member of the Farms, it is critical that the members join committees, give management and the Board input, and pay their dues in full. Attendance at the Annual Meeting (July 19 at 10 AM) is an important aspect of control for our members and allows them to directly help focus the future of the Farms. Please add this date to your calendars and be willing to help keep the Farms moving forward in a positive and productive manner.

Enjoy our amenities and have a warm, sunny summer season!

thoughts from the ManagerBy DAVe tIMKo

Women’s club newsBy DARleNe SCHUltz

The April luncheon meeting found the ladies returning to the club restaurant, now that we believe winter has departed. Lori Cerato, an attorney specializing in Elder Law, presented a highly informative program with time allotted for questions and responses. Vice-President Joan Schipper announced the date for the annual Tricky Tray Fundraiser is Friday, June 20th. Ladies will be soliciting donations for the event from local businesses as well as welcoming themed baskets from club members. As a reminder, luncheon meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month. Please contact Darlene Schultz, 570-894-4911, for additional information.

During the month of April, PFCCA hosts the interviews for the Golf Scholarship awards. The Golf Scholarship Fund was started years ago as a way to give something back to deserving high school seniors. Funding of the Golf Scholarship is made through various golf events held throughout the year. Since 2004, over $39,000.00 has been awarded. After an application is submitted, each candidate is invited to participate in an interview hosted by the selection committee. The selection committee is made up of the Golf Chairman, the President of the Board, and one non-golf member of the community. The interview is meant for each student to have the opportunity to tell the committee about themselves, what they may like to study in college, who they look up to, where they may volunteer, and what school they would like to attend.

Although I am not an official interviewer, I have sat in on the past 5 years of interviews. One observation that I can make is that there are impressive students within our community, each one possessing their own uniqueness. This year, there were nine deserving candidates. Each of the nine displayed their own likes, interests, and hobbies. At the end of the day, two students were chosen to receive the PFCCA Golf Scholarship award, and one was chosen to receive the Bob Stephen Memorial scholarship. The winners will be acknowledged at the dinner portion of the Ice Breaker Scramble scheduled for May 10th. If these nine students are a representation of the youth in our community, we are very fortunate. I would like to thank all nine candidates and wish them nothing but the best in the next step of their academic pursuits. I would also like to thank those who continue to fund the scholarship through their participation in the various golf events.

Page 3: Pocono Farms Weathervane

W E A T H E R V A N E M A Y 2 0 1 4 3

tHe oFFICIAl PUBlICAtIoN oF tHePoCoNo FARMS CoUNtRy ClUB ASSoCIAtIoN, INC.

PUBlISHeD By NIKI JoNeS AGeNCy, INC.

39 Front Street Port Jervis, New york 12771

P: 845.856.1266 e: [email protected]

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.

crime Watch activity reportBy eD AAlBUe

Spring is here with winter trying to hold on. When you read this article all things should be ‘summer’. This winter was a tough one. A number of our patrols were cancelled due to the snow and ice. Soon our snow birds will return and we will have 17 patrols driving around the community. During the month of March, we had 12 volunteer drivers patrolling the community for 84 hours. Again, we could use more drivers. Call the office and we will call you back.

During our patrols, the drivers reported that when parents pick up their children at the bus stop, they are parking too close to the stop (corner) which causes a problem for the bus driver when he/she has to turn into the street. Just park a little distance from the bus stop and it will be safer for the children.

At our March crime watch committee meeting, we discussed how we, the crime watch patrol drivers, could reach out to our community members who may need help during extreme weather events.

Hopefully, next winter will not be like this last one. If anyone is interested, we would like to talk

Hello, my name is Joe Sprovkin and I have been the Recreation Director here at Pocono Farms since August 2013. Since I joined the team I’ve had the opportunity to plan many enjoyable events for all ages. Some of the fun activities have been a full-day Sands Casino trip, dart league, teen nights, trip to Shawnee Playhouse, trivia nights and numerous holiday children’s events. If you missed out, no problem – there are more to come! Upcoming activities are a women’s painting night, Mohegan Sun Casino trip, Rail Riders trip, and much more for the anticipated summer weather. Please contact me or visit the administration office for details. I would love to get to know the members better and I am sure you would like to know a little more about me. My recreation background comes from my degree in Recreation & Leisure Management from East Stroudsburg University. Before Pocono Farms, I worked at Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, Great Wolf Lodge, and Skytop Lodge to name a few. I’m in this field because I love sports, recreational activities, and the social interaction with all age levels.

I played rugby and coached women’s rugby at ESU. In high school I was on the soccer and golf team and was a kid’s camp counselor during the summertime. I grew up in Bridgewater, New Jersey, but after college I ended up staying in the Poconos. Some leisurely activities I enjoy are golfing, fishing, hunting or just spending time at my childhood lake house. If you haven’t tried it yet, my homemade beef jerky is delicious and I hope to start brewing my own beer next. Last thing to note, is that I recently got engaged in December to my best friend and love of my life. (Yes – she made me write that) Now that you know more about me, please stop by for a chat, sign up for an event, or feel free to leave any suggestions/ideas.

staff spotlightJoe SPRoVKIN, ReCReAtIoN DIReCtoR

to you. Call the office, leave you name and number and we will call you back. Summer will be here soon, so get out and enjoy.

Page 4: Pocono Farms Weathervane

W E A T H E R V A N E M A Y 2 0 1 44

ELECTIONS2014 Board of directors election candidatesMeet the candidates who have decided to run for the 2014 Board of Director’s election. Each year you, as a Pocono Farms homeowner, have the opportunity and the responsibility to select those of your fellow members who will serve you on our Board of Directors. You have a voice in your Association and its future through our Board of Directors. Take this opportunity to inform yourself, and then vote for the candidates who you believe will be the best people to work with OUR other Board members to guide our Association towards the future.

M eet t h ec a n di dat e s

SATURDAY, JUNE 14TH

IN THE FITNESS CENTER COMMUNITY ROOM AT 11:00 AM

Stop by and meet the members running for your Board of Directors.

IN tHe FARMSPFCCA oFFICe HoURS Monday - Saturday 8:30am - 12:30pm & 1:00pm - 4:30pm ID Badge Picture Hours: 8:30am - 12:00pm & 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Capital Improvement Fees on transfer of property: House: $1,252 lot: $626

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

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

ReFUSe ColleCtIoN: Curbside pickup on household trash and recycling is done on Monday’s and tuesday’s beginning at 6:00am by County Waste 570-382-3304. Please refer to the pickup list on our website www.poconofarms.com to determine your pickup day. Major holidays that will affect your collection day are: New years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, labor Day, thanksgiving and Christmas. When those holidays fall on a Monday or tuesday, garbage collection will shift by one day.

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

ANIMAlS: Dogs must be leashed or on owner’s property at all times. Wildlife, such as deer and black bear, are common at Pocono Farms. We ask that you Not FeeD any wild animals.

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

Weathervane DeADlINe NotICe In order to produce a better newspaper for the Community, a Weathervane submission deadline has been established. All articles, announcements, classified ads, etc. must be submitted to the Newsletter Coordinator on or before the 5th of each month for publication in the next issue of the Weathervane. Submissions made after this date will not be considered until the following month. your cooperation is appreciated. Publication of articles is subject to the approval of the Communication Committee.

neil carlson

How many years have you been a member of the Farms? 28 years

What is your occupation? Director of Solar Sales, East-Unirac Inc.

Please describe committees, clubs, volunteer work and other activities in which you have participated. St. Ann’s Golf Committee, Vice Chairman of the PFCCA Golf Committee, President of PFCCA Board of Directors

Describe any skills, talents, or specialized training, which as a Board Member, you feel will be beneficial to the community. I have built and executed multiple business plans with several different markets. I understand how to get things accomplished in the short term and prioritizing short term initiatives that drive long term strategic vision. As Board president for the prior 3 years we have year on year delivered a cash neutral budget, while adding several diversified programs within the community to attract a greater level of participation in our community activities. It is imperative that we continue to make sound investments that will sustain the long-term growth of our Community.

What is your motivation for seeking a seat on the Board of Directors? In addition to having been a board member and active in St. Ann’s Church, being involved in the community has given me ample interaction with the residence of Pocono Farms. I am confident that I understand the needs of our Community. We have excellent amenities; while the level of participation has increased, they are used by a minority of our members. If elected again to the Board I will continue to work diligently to ensure a healthy balance of our current programs while developing programs and activities for our younger families and the different diversity that we have within our Community.

If elected, in what areas do you hope to influence the Board concerning the direction and governance of this community? I have had the pleasure of initially spending weekends in Pocono Farms for many years. As a now full time resident, I have seen the transition from a 2nd home community to a full time community of young families. I feel very strongly that the future of PFCCA is our children and for many our grandchildren. As a Board Member I will be fully committed to establish programs that attract more of our residents towards our current and future amenities. In short, I will strive to create a greater sense of Community.

Why should the membership elect you to the Board of Directors? As a young family resident I understand the direction we need to take our Community. As the demographics of PFCCA have changed over the past years, we cannot continue to do the same things and expect different results. I have the ability of getting things done. I work well with others and I am passionate about the success of Pocono Farms.

Page 5: Pocono Farms Weathervane

W E A T H E R V A N E M A Y 2 0 1 4 5

Peter a. VolPeHow many years have you been a member of the Farms? 24 years

What is your occupation? I am retired from both the New York City Police Dept. and Pocono Mountain School District.

Please describe committees, clubs, volunteer work and other activities in which you have participated. Three times in the past, I have had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors and at times served as the Association’s Vice President. I have been on the Crime Watch, Pool Committee, Recreation Committee and House Committee. I have also served as the Vice President for the school union. I am currently the Commander of AMVET Post 248.

Describe any skills, talents, or specialized training, which as a Board Member, you feel will be beneficial to the community. I am a people person who listens to what people are really saying. I have a good feel for what is really happening with our Community. I have been involved in many of the activities of Pocono Farms for the last twenty-four years. I have a good sense of our history and feel for what should be done now.

What is your motivation for seeking a seat on the Board of Directors? I am motivated by a sense of giving back to the Community that I love to live in. Betty Ann and I are fortunate that our daughter Jaclyn has been enjoying the Pocono Farms’ experience for her entire life.

If elected, in what areas do you hope to influence the Board concerning the direction and governance of this community? I would encourage future Boards to maximize the return on our amenities while using the fiscal prudence needed in these challenging economic times. We must adapt our policies to the changing needs of a changing population.

Why should the membership elect you to the Board of Directors? I am an open-minded, objective person who comes in with no agenda except to keep Pocono Farms moving forward in the direction that will benefit all of us.

richard MccorMickHow many years have you been a member of the Farms? 9 years

What is your occupation? Customs Compliance specialist (Customs Broker)

Please describe committees, clubs, volunteer work and other activities in which you have participated. Over the past 5 years I have been active in the A&B and Pool Committees and have been the board liaison to the A&B and House Committees. My family and I have been active with the Recreation department, either assisting and/or participating in the majority of events offered at Pocono Farms (to include Community Clean Up Day, volunteering to assist with holiday events and being an active board member for the past 3 years).

Describe any skills, talents, or specialized training, which as a Board Member, you feel will be beneficial to the community. Over my career and time as a board member, my background with legal, financial and project management have provided me the ability to look at the future and develop plans of action. Along with my fellow board members, I will look at the present state of Pocono Farms; determine strategies to move Pocono Farms forward and to insure its financial health. My decision making skills are based on factual information, budgets, cost and cost improvement plans, will assist in developing a plan for the future of Pocono Farms.

What is your motivation for seeking a seat on the Board of Directors? The past three years Pocono Farms has been challenged with many issues and the board has provided leadership and developed strategies to move Pocono Farms forward. As many of these strategies and/or initiatives are still in development or in progress, I will like the opportunity to assist in their completion. As a board member you are trusted with the health and well being of Pocono Farms, although it is a challenge both for the community and the board members, it is rewarding knowing that you are part of something that provides a feel of home and style of life that we enjoy at Pocono Farms.

If elected, in what areas do you hope to influence the Board concerning the direction and governance of this community? We have been challenged with a collections issue and foreclosure issue in Pocono Farms. My fellow board members and I must continue to be creative in developing new revenue streams to assist in decreasing the impact of the collections and foreclosure issues. Work to develop sound fiscally responsible budgets as we have over the past 3 years, monitor expenditures, without sacrificing the lifestyle at Pocono Farms. Insure that monies spent will assist in the increase in present and/or development of new revenue streams. Work with management to increase the visibility of Pocono Farms Realty to provide a service to our residents, while bringing in a new revenue stream.

Why should the membership elect you to the Board of Directors? My family and I have chosen Pocono Farms as our home, and look forward to enjoying our lives here as our children grow. I will devote my time and effort to continue to improve Pocono Farms financial and community health for the present and future. I am dedicated to improving the quality of life in our community through developing a plan for the future to enhance all community member experiences with our amenities and functions offered at Pocono Farms. I look forward to tackling the challenges and providing leadership if provided the opportunity to serve Pocono Farms.

Page 6: Pocono Farms Weathervane

W E A T H E R V A N E M A Y 2 0 1 46

DART LEAgUE CHAmpioNSThis year’s Dart League Champions were: Jim Ribardo, Chris Norton and Brian Cavanaugh. Thank you to all who participated! We look forward to seeing you again next season.

Brian caVanauGhHow many years have you been a member of the Farms? 21 years

What is your occupation? I am the owner of B. Cavanaugh Mechanical Co., a heating and air conditioning contracting company.

Please describe committees, clubs, volunteer work and other activities in which you have participated. I was the chairperson and a member of the Long Range Planning Committee. Two major tasks were accomplished with this committee. The construction of the Fitness Center and the refurbishment of the swimming pool. I was involved with the planning and construction of the community garden. I was the liaison for the garden committee, liaison for the fitness center and am currently the liaison for the golf committee. I was also a volunteer for the swim team for many years.

Describe any skills, talents, or specialized training, which as a Board Member, you feel will be beneficial to the community. As an owner of a small business I have to be dependable, flexible and innovative and must think outside the box. I believe my experience, as well as my technical and mechanical background will serve Pocono Farms well during this challenging time.

What is your motivation for seeking a seat on the Board of Directors? Having the privilege to serve on the Board of Directors for the past three years has been an educational and eye opening experience. Both the board and Management have made progress in advancing the quality of life in Pocono Farms but also understand that there is still much more that can be done. I would like to continue on the board to complete some of the projects that we began and introduce any others that may enhance our living experience at the Farms. My motivation for seeking a seat on the Board of Directors is desired to help Pocono Farms be the premier community in the Pocono area. We have made many positive changes over the past few years but we have certainly not reached our full potential.

If elected, in what areas do you hope to influence the Board concerning the direction and governance of this community? I would hope to represent all members of the community, regardless of demographics and try to influence more member participation in events held at Pocono Farms. Through outings and events backed and initiated by Management and the Board of Directors this can be done. Membership participation, whether in amenity usage, fitness center, golf or social events is a key to a strong and growing community. Maintaining and enhancing our current amenities, as well as marketing, is a key element to making Pocono Farms successful.

Why should the membership elect you to the Board of Directors? As a member for 21 years I have a passion for the place I call home. The people, the community and all of the things that I moved here for still exist. I would like to help preserve and enhance that experience so others, in the future, may enjoy what we have now.

Page 7: Pocono Farms Weathervane

W E A T H E R V A N E M A Y 2 0 1 4 7

round by roundBy ADAM HeRMAN

Spring is finally here and no one is happier than me! If I can summarize this winter in one word I would choose “NIGHTMARE”!! In my 15 years of being at Pocono Farms Country Club I have never seen a year with so much snow and worse of all such cold temperatures. The golf course wintered much better than I thought it would. The tees, fairways, and the rough suffered minimal damage and should pretty much come back on their own. Any persistent areas we will repair through seeding or sodding. The greens however have suffered some damage. The extremely low temps (some days of -11 degrees F) did most of the damage to the poa plants. The bentgrass made it through the winter just fine. Bentgrass is much more tolerant to low temperatures. When we came out of the winter in 2009 and 2010 with severe injuries we were able to germinate a lot of bentgrass into those areas which in turn has left us in a much better position today. Even though we have a lot of bentgrass in our greens, we still maintain a lot of poa. This poa is what took the negative hit. With the incorporation of all the bentgrass we will be able to manage recovery much better. Instead of having very large sections of the green needing to be completely regrown, we need to just grow bentgrass between the surviving turf that made it through. By the time this article comes out we have already aerified the greens. When we aerified this Spring we spaced out our tine holes a little further apart. I did this to not so much relieve compaction, but to concentrate more on recovery. The more aggressive we are right now the more potential to harm the recovering poa. During the aerification we did a deep “verti-cut” to make a nice seed bed. We topdressed just enough to fill those grooves leaving most of the holes open. The more sand we put down the more the green needs to be brushed. As I said earlier we cannot be very aggressive right now if we want to promote recovery to the existing turf. Through the first half of May I just need everyone to be patient. The more we baby the greens right now will make conditions during the heart of the season much better. You’ll find the greens may be bumpy until the poa matches up better with the bentgrass. The poa is growing at a much slower rate than the bentgrass which will cause uneven conditions since we have a large blend of the two grasses. Also, leaving the turf a little higher will cause less stress. As the temperatures warm up and stay more consistent recovery will accelerate. I assure you we are doing everything we can to get conditions back to what you expect from Pocono Farms. Fortunately, we are starting out much better this year than we have in 2009 and 2010 and the recovery will be much quicker.

Pocono farms sport eventsSATURDAY, mAY 10 ICE BREAKER INVITATIONAL 1:00PM Shotgun A B C D Scramble $45 per person - Dinner only: $25 p/p Includes golf, prizes, food Sign-up in golf shop and golf shop will make pairings. Sign-up deadline is May 8th. 570-894-4435 x111

SUNDAY, mAY 25 9-HOLE SHOOTOUT 3:00PM - #1 Tee$20 per cowboy or cowgirl Single elimination with handicap. Reward: last person standing is the new sheriff!

SUNDAY, JUNE 8TH SCRANTON / WILKES-BARRE RAIL RIDERS GAME Rail Riders vs. Toledo Mud HensBus leaves promptly at 11:00AM$25 per person includes bus transportation and ticket to game Pre-game autographs! Kids run the bases after the game! Sign-up in the Administration office. Payment due at time of sign-up. Deadline for sign-up: May 19th. Contact Joe Sprovkin at 570-894-4435 x113 or email at [email protected].

Page 8: Pocono Farms Weathervane

W E A T H E R V A N E M A Y 2 0 1 48

Getting to know YouBy MARIANNe StePHeN

Meet Ed Aalbue

Ed is a long time resident of Pocono Farms and a very active community member.

Ed was born and raised in Brooklyn and lived there with his wife Kay until he moved to Pocono Farms after retirement. He was one of four children, having a sister, Margaret, a younger brother, Raymond, and an identical twin brother, Richard who was born one minute before Ed (good twin stories later in the article). His father worked for the Brooklyn Naval Yard for 30 years and his mother was a NYC court stenographer.

After high school, Ed worked for Equitable for a few years (where he met Kay) before joining the Navy. After boot camp he attended Aviation Electronics Technician School that resulted in him being stationed in Lakehurst, NJ and he was able to continue to date Kay and see his family as well. His job was very interesting, as he became a Navy blimp crewman as part of the Early Warning Program spotting airplanes as they entered and left the United States in the 1950’s. I was fascinated, as my exposure to blimps is limited to the Goodyear blimp. Apparently the Navy blimps were much larger and held up to 22 crewmen as opposed to the Goodyear that holds about three. The Navy blimps were two stories with the cockpit and equipment below and the bunks, galley and tables for eating above as they were out for 2 -3 days at a time. I asked Ed about the Hindenburg crash that had occurred at Lakehurst and how

it affected him. He said that they were shown the films of the crash as soon as they arrived. He explained that the gas on the new blimps was helium and that was non-combustible and he and the others never thought about it after that.

When he left the Navy, he got a job with the New York Telephone Company (now Verizon) and he remained there for the next 33 years. He started as a frame man and he retired as a transmission engineer. He credits the training he received in the Navy for the job and the career he enjoyed for so many years.

After leaving the Navy, he and Kay married and made their home in Brooklyn. They were overjoyed when their son Edward was born and eight years later, John joined their family. Kay was a stay at home Mom for years while the boys were young but became the secretary for a local funeral home and enjoyed that job for 15 years before she retired (five years after Ed). A young couple, Pat and Dennis, moved next door to them and Kay, the mother of two boys, became very attached to Pat and her family. As Ed describes it, they became a second family for them. They had three children and now four grandchildren and Ed participates in all the activities in their lives.

Growing up with an identical twin was lots of fun and the boys took great joy in fooling people. In addition to fooling teachers (switched seats in different classrooms and nuns did not notice)

when they were young, they continued to do so as adults. Ed claims as among their victims, Tony Basile and Pete Volpe, Not only were they Pocono Farm residents, but also both had worked with Richard as a NYC cop in Brooklyn. I understand there were other residents fooled as well. Ed’s eyes twinkled as he talked about it. Ed and Richard started their working lives on an identical path as well. They both worked at Equitable, signed up for the Navy at the same time and both worked at NY Telephone after leaving the Navy. Ed remained with the telephone company while Richard left after five years to become a cop. Unfortunately, Richard passed away last year.

Ed and Kay’s early family vacations included camping (till they got flooded out one year) and then the Jersey Shore. In 1981 Kay saw an ad in the Catholic newspaper for a rental home in Pocono Farms and they decided to give it a try and really liked it here. After a few years, they decided to buy a home and bought a small home on Lost Meadow Lane. They enjoyed coming up on weekends and for vacation and especially liked spending time at the pool.

Ed and Kay had to endure the greatest tragedy a parent can bear when their son Edward, at the age of 21, died while mountain climbing at Mt Washington on January 1, 1983. Edward always loved the outdoors and outdoor activities. He had joined the Mountain Climbing Club while a student at Syracuse University and was climbing with the group that day. Several members got separated and Edward and two others went back to look for them when he slipped and fell to his death. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Ed as this is a grief that never goes away.

When Ed and Kay were both retired, they moved full time to Pocono Farms, a decision they never regretted. Kay wanted a larger home for full time living so they rented the small ranch and moved to a larger home where Ed remains today. They both became active members of the community as soon as they moved here. Kay became involved with the Women’s Club and served as its President as one time.

Page 9: Pocono Farms Weathervane

W E A T H E R V A N E M A Y 2 0 1 4 9

...continued2014 BoARD of DiRECToRSmEETiNg SCHEDULEALL MEETING TIMES ARE 7PM uNLESS oTHERWISE NoTED

Wednesday, May 21st

Friday, June 27th

Friday, July 18th

Saturday, July 19th - 10am Annual Meeting

As approved at the 7/31/13

Reorganizational Meeting

Sadly, after 50 years of marriage, Kay passed away six years ago and Ed now lives in the house with their son John and his dog, Smoky.

Ed was part of the original group that formed the Crime Watch Committee that remains in effect today and will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year. Ed is President of the group and he and other volunteers patrol our community in an effort to keep us safe. We are appreciative of the visible presence they provide with the Crime Watch sign on their cars. They provide eyes for the police and report open doors, broken windows etc. They are always looking for volunteers so if you interested in giving a few hours a month please let the Administration Office know. Thank you Ed for your many years of service. Ed writes an article for the Weathervane every month and in addition to reporting on the activity of the club, he frequently gives tips for additional safety for all of us. Please look for it each month and take note when he includes tips.

Ed was always active in the community when he was back in Brooklyn with involvement with the Church and Boy Scouts for example. That generous giving of his time continued when he moved here. In addition to Crime Watch Ed belonged to other committees and served a term on the Board of directors. As anyone who has served as a Board member knows, that is a very time consuming and not fully appreciated role and it was especially difficult at the time he served, as we did not have the Management Company. In spite of the difficulty of the position, he would encourage folks to run today, as the Board is our keystone to ongoing growth and improvement.

Outside of Pocono Farms, Ed works with the local food pantry unloading trucks of donated food (by

the way, he is turning 80 this year and still does this) and is a Eucharistic Minister at St Anne’s church. He still finds time for golf occasionally and plays Bocce on the Friday Pocono Farms Bocce League. He never played bocce before the league started but has grown to love the game.

Ed attends all the events that Pocono Farms restaurant offers. In addition to enjoying the food and company, he feels it is important for all residents to participate in what is offered. He and Kay made lots of good friends over the years and that is one of the things that he likes best about our community. Although the community has grown significantly since he first arrived, he feels that the friendliness of the people has not changed.

Want to find Ed? Try going to Thirsty Thursday at the club and you will see him sitting in the same seat every week at the same large round table. He is accompanied by his “harem” of eight or so women. For a long time, he was the only male but Tony Martino has joined him recently. Lucky men! Ed says he welcomes other men to join them (not sure he means it).

Pocono Farms is lucky to have residents like Ed and it was a pleasure for me to spend some time and get to know him a little better.

Page 10: Pocono Farms Weathervane

W E A T H E R V A N E M A Y 2 0 1 41 0

Pocono farms events

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

3 •4PM -Kentucky Derby atthe Farms•7PM - Cinco de MayoCelebration

4•10AM-2PM - Dumpster Hours•2PM - Private Party

5•1PM - Mahjong

6 •10:30AM-12PM - Mommy & Me•4PM-6PM - After School Club

7 •8AM-12PM - Dumpster Hours•6PM - A&B CommitteeMeeting

8•9AM-12PM - Men’s Card Game•10:30AM-12PM - Mommy & Me•12:30PM-4PM - Women’s Bridge Club•4PM-6PM - After School Club•6PM-8PM - Thirsty Thursday

9 •8AM-12PM - Dumpster Hours•9AM - Crime WatchCommittee Meeting•1PM - Mahjong•7PM - Golf CommitteeMeeting•7PM-11:30PM - PrivateParty

10•Ice Breaker Invitational•5PM-8PM - Private Party

11•10AM-2PM - Dumpster Hours•11AM - Mother’s DayBuffet

12•1PM - Mahjong•5PM - CommunicationsCommittee Meeting

13•10:30AM-12PM - Mommy & Me•4PM-6PM - After School Club

14•8AM-12PM - Dumpster Hours•10:15AM - Ad Hoc FitnessCenter Committee Meeting•12PM - Pool CommitteeMeeting•12PM - Women’s ClubLuncheon•6:30PM - Finance CommitteeMeeting

15•9AM-12PM - Men’s Card Game•10:30AM-12PM - Mommy & Me•12:30PM-4PM - Women’s Bridge Club•4PM-6PM - After School Club•6PM-8PM - Thirsty Thursday

16•AGA John Moore Outing•8AM-12PM - Dumpster Hours•1PM - Mahjong

17•Private Party

18•10AM-2PM - Dumpster Hours•2PM - Private Party

19•1PM - Mahjong

20•10:30AM-12PM - Mommy & Me•4PM-6PM - After School Club

21•8AM-12PM - Dumpster Hours•7PM - Board of DirectorsMeeting

22•9AM-12PM - Men’s Card Game•10:30AM-12PM - Mommy & Me•12:30PM-4PM - Women’s Bridge Club•4PM-6PM - After School Club•6PM-8PM - Thirsty Thursday

23•8AM-12PM - Dumpster Hours•1PM - Mahjong

24•National Scramble•12PM - Memorial Day BBQ& Festivities

25•9-Hole Shoot Out•10AM-2PM - Dumpster Hours•6:30PM - Clambake on theBeach

26•1PM - Mahjong

May

27•NEPWGA Open Day•10:30AM-12PM - Mommy & Me•4PM-6PM - After School Club

28•8AM-12PM - Dumpster Hours•6PM - Meet your NeighborsNight

2 •8AM-12PM - Dumpster Hours•1PM - Mahjong

1•9AM-12PM - Men’s Card Game•10:30AM-12PM -Mommy & Me•12:30PM-4PM -Women’s Bridge Club•4PM-6PM - After School Club•6PM-8PM - Thirsty Thursday•7PM - Recreation Committee Meeting

29•9 AM to 12 PM - Men’s Card Game•10:30 AM to 12 PM - Mommy & Me•12:30 PM to 4 PM - Women’s Bridge Club•4 PM to 6 PM - After School Club

30•VFW Outing•8 AM to 12 PM - Dumpster Hours•1 PM - Mahjong

31•2 PM - Edwards/ClarkWedding•8 PM to 1 AM - PrivateParty

•6PM Prime Rib Night

•Spirit Art Event

Page 11: Pocono Farms Weathervane

W E A T H E R V A N E M A Y 2 0 1 4 1 1

Pocono farms events

thirstYthursdaYs6:00—8:00pmEach Thursday we have a different beer special! Ask your bartender or server for details

To reserve a table contact Katrina 570-894-4435, ext 132 - [email protected]

May 1st - Salad Bar Night $9 A variety of mixed greens and traditional salad bar toppings. Also including cheese, diced ham, turkey, chicken and tuna salad, carrot salad, pasta salad & more!

May 8th - BBQ Beef Brisket $12 With mixed vegetables, roasted potatoes, cornbread, and tossed salad.

May 15th - Fried Chicken $10 Served with country mashed potatoes, gravy, seasonal vegetables, and tossed salad and biscuits.

May 22nd - Build Your Own B.L.T. $9 Bacon, lettuce and tomato with mayo and assorted breads served with waffle fries and tossed mixed greens.

May 29th - Chicken Marsala $11 With mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables served with tossed salad and fresh baked bread.

Classic Rock & Roll from the 60s and 70s will return again to Pocono Farms this summer. The Yesterday band will be adding several new songs to their 2014 playlist including hits from the Beatles, Eagles, Neil Diamond, Elton John, Jimmy Buffet and many more. Formed in 2012, Yesterday, consisting of Bob Penett on rhythm guitar, George Byrne on lead guitar, and Fred Rimmer on keyboards, first performed at the opening of our Community Garden hosted by Suanne and Brian Cavanaugh. Since then the band has done shows at the Garden View Patio, the Banquet Room and Memory Town, which drew a crowd of over 100 people mostly from Pocono Farms. The group has a deep musical background. Fred played throughout New York City, including the Biltmore Hotel and the World’s Fair. Along the way he was signed to a record label. Bob was a successful solo guitarist who sang throughout the Jersey Shore and northeast. George has worked with Aerosmith, the Grateful Dead, Linda Ronstadt, Marshall Tucker, Bob Seger, and Kenny Loggins, as a technician. He is currently performing with the Doo-Points as well as a solo artist in southwest Florida.

“liVe froM Pocono farMs”fRiDAY, mAY 30 SPIRITED ART 6:30-9:30PM - In the Clubhouse $35 per person Enjoy an evening of painting, sipping, laughing, eating. Cost includes a canvas, paint lesson and all painting supplies! Cocktail service and our regular menu will be available throughout the evening. We need a minimum of 8 people. Sign-up in the Administration office. Payment due at time of sign-up. Deadline: Wednesday, May 28th.

fRi-SUN, mAY 23-25 MEMORIAL WEEKEND FESTIVITIES FRIDAY - MAY 23 6:00PM Family pool partySATuRDAY - MAY 24 10:00AM Fish stocking 11:00AM Flag ceremony 11:30AM Fishing derby 12:00PM BBQ and outdoor activities 5:00PM Outdoor movie 6:00PM Prime rib night SuNDAY - MAY 25 12:00PM Family fun and games 3:00PM 9 hole shootut 6:30PM Clam bake on the beach, music by Pocono Duo!No outside alcohol is permitted to be brought onto PFCCA, Inc. property within the boundaries of our Association established liquor license. This includes the beach area and the area between the Clubhouse and the lake.

fRiDAY, JUNE 20 WOMEN’S CLUB TRICKY TRAY FUNDRAISER Doors open 5PM - Raffle starts 7PM Admission: $5.00 - Ticket Sheets $3.00 each Family fun, prizes and more fun! Make your table reservations with Katrina at 894-4435 x132 or [email protected].

SATURDAY, mAY 24 PRIME RIB NIGHT Saturday only - 6-10PM $18.50 plus tax & gratuity. Reservations required 12oz. slow roasted prime rib au jus with choice of lobster bisque or tossed house salad. Served with whipped potatoes or seasoned baby baked potatoes, sauteed mixed vegetables and a chocolate drizzled cannoli. Add-on butter poached lump crab meat for $8.95 or 1/3lb. cluster of snow crab for $7.95 (limited availability). Contact Katrina at 894-4435 x132 or email at [email protected].

Page 12: Pocono Farms Weathervane

W E A T H E R V A N E M A Y 2 0 1 41 2

Weekend and evening appointments always available.www.wilkins1.com | www.facebook.com/BHGWilkins | find us on linkedin.com

570.421.8950 STROUDSBURG OFFICE

570.588.3440 BUSHKILL OFFICE

570.839.4174 MT. POCONO OFFICE

570.296.6946 MILFORD OFFICE

List and Sell your home with us!BUYERS! We have the largest inventory of homes in the Poconos.

Sellers• Weekend listing appointments are always

available• Nobody sells more homes than we do• We’ll get you the highest price in the

shortest amount of time• We advertise everyday, everywhere and

especially online with the biggest and best home selling Internet sites

• Ask about our global home warranties

Buyers• We offer our Independent Family of Home

buying Services – One Stop Shopping when you purchase your home through Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Wilkins and Associates

• We can show you any home listed in the MLS• Open seven days a week

Bringing families home to the Poconos since 1988