January 2013 - Towamensing Trails

TRAILS TROPICS
Towamensing Trails Property Owners Association
Update From The President
Well, fellow property
owners, we survived
Hurricane Sandy. Some
fared better than others.
Many trees came out of
the ground and fell either
onto roads or onto power
lines. Maintenance
was right on to it,
removing trees
blocking roads.
Those that were on
power lines, we had
to wait for PPL to do
their thing.
Winter is coming
very soon, so if you
have trees on your
property that will come
down over roads when
packed with ice or snow,
please cut them back.
Also, trees blocking stop
signs must be trimmed
back . All this is for the
safety of all of our property owners and our
maintenance equipment
when plowing and
cindering roads.
Halloween Party held at
TLTC was a great success.
There were 44 children
that attended and all had a
great time. Each child
was given a pumpkin,
which they painted and
took home along with a
bucket of candy. Nice
December 2012
January 2013
Special points of interest:
By: Dolores Cosgrove
job, Linda and Activities
Committee!!
Remember to sign up
your child or children for
the Christmas Party on
December 01 , 2012, at
10am. Please be on time,
we don’t want the
children to miss
seeing Santa Claus.
The TTPOA Board
of Directors want to
wish everyone Merry
Christmas & Happy
Holidays to all. We
also wish you all a
very safe and Happy
New Year!!
New Trash Compactor Hours
Effective January 1, 2013 we will have new hours for our
Trash Disposal:
•Sunday...7:00AM-7:00PM
•Thursday...11:00AM-7:00PM
•Monday...7:00AM-3:00PM
•Friday...7:00AM-3:00PM
•Tuesday...11:00AM-7:00PM
•Saturday...7:00AM-7:00PM
•Wednesday...7:00AM-3:00PM

If you have an emergency
please call 911. If you also
want TTPOA Security’s
assistance, you must call
Security directly
@570-722-9563 or
1-800-916-7501

Office hours are Monday
thru Friday 9am to 5pm.
Saturday 9am to 3pm.
Closed on Sunday

Please see calendar for office
closings, meeting dates and
times.

Without written
authorization from the
deeded property owner
vehicle/trash passes will not
be given out.

Before beginning any work
outside your home please
contact the office to
inquire if a permit is
needed.

The New Rules of Conduct
and the New ACC Rules will
be available for pick up after
January 01, 2013.

The Pool and Lake
dates for 2013 Summer
season : The Pool and Lake
will be open for weekends
only starting May 25, 2012
until June 15, 2013 when
both the Lake and Pool will
open full time.
December 2012
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1 ACC and Lake
Preservation
2 Office Closed
3
4 Trash Closed
5
6 Trash Closed
7
8 BOD Meeting
10am
9 Office Closed
10
11 Trash Closed
Publication
12
13 Trash Closed
Quilting
14
15 Civil Penalty
Closed Meeting
16 Office Closed
17
18 Trash Closed
19
20 Trash Closed
21
22 Advisory
23 Office Closed
24 Office Closes at 25 Trash Closed
3pm
Office Closed
26
27 Trash Closed
Quilting
28 BOD Meeting
29
30 Office Closed
31 Office Closes at
At 3pm
***Board of Directors Meeting Are Subject To Cancellation***
January 2013
Sun
6 Office Closed
13 Office Closed
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1 Office Closed
2
3
4 CERT/Firewise
10am
5 ACC and Lake
Preservation
7 2013
Assessments
Due
8
9
10 Quilting
11
12 BOD Meeting
14
15 Publications
Meeting
16
10am
17
19 Civil Penalty
Closed Meeting
20 Office Closed
21
22
23
24 Quilting
27 Office Closed
28
29
30
31
Page 2
18
25
26 Advisory
December 2012
Committee Updates
Firewise Committee Report: At our November meeting we set the dates for the 2013 meetings.
Discussions have begun for our 2013 Adventure Day. Please consider joining our Committee, applications available on line or in the office.
Our next meeting will be January 4, 2013 following the 10:00 CERT meeting.
Publications Committee Report: We are now beginning work on the Feb/March 2013 issue. Deadline for articles is January 4, 2013.
We welcome articles from our residents, please forward to the office.
New members are always welcome. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 10:00 AM in the Teepee.
Wishing all a very Blessed Christmas and healthy New Year.
C.E.R.T. Committee: We participated in offering hot soup and coffee to those without electricity following hurricane Sandy.
Like most committees we could use more participants……. we play a very important role in our community during times of emergency.
Treasurers Report October 2012
Income
$25,332.86
Expenses
Administrative
Community Wide
Security
Maintenance
Recreation
Trash Removal
Restricted Funds
$14,890.23
$26,972.19
$28,516.01
$31,897.11
$1,418.41
$7,420.86
$4,695.37
Total Expenses
$115,810.18
Cash Assets
Bank
Mauch Chunk Activities
Lake Preservation
Mauch Chunk Operating
Mauch Chunk Money Market
1st Northern Money Market
Union Bank Operating
Union Bank Membership
$887.19
$1,260.11
$35,017.82
$217,972.81
$215,615.11
$412,826.43
$23,095.39
ESSA CD
First NorthernCD
CDARS Reserve
CDARS Operating
$102,893.96
$19,747.24
$1,238,895.58
$400,310.79
Total
$2,668,522.43
News from State Representative Doyle Heffley
My first term as a state representative has been fast-paced with a lot of
progress made on legislation to curb government waste and spending, protect our children and improve the business climate in an effort to bring
more jobs to Pennsylvania. The most rewarding experience over the past
two years has been the opportunity to address the questions and concerns of
all Carbon County residents at my district offices.”
Doyle supported a new property tax reform law that requires school districts to ask for voter approval more often before increasing
property taxes over the rate of inflation.
Doyle introduced legislation that would dedicate revenue earned from
casino table games to property tax relief.
Doyle is the prime sponsor of a bill that would give voters an opportunity
to voice their opinion on new plans to replace the outdated system of
school property taxes.
Doyle joined a landmark lawsuit to ensure Carbon County schools get their
fair share of state funding.
Doyle voted in favor of legislation to promote better treatment of and education about Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. This is important
to our region because Carbon County is situated in the bull’s eye of high
risk areas for contracting Lyme disease.
Save The Date
December 1st: Children's Christmas Party
December 24th: Office Closes at 3:00pm
December 25th: Office Closed
December 31st: Office Closes at 3:00pm
January 1st: Office Closed
January 7th: Assessments Due Date
Liabilities - none outstanding at
this time
Trails Tropics
Page 3
Pearl Harbor – “A Day Which Will Live in Infamy”
Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hawaii, was attacked by Japanese torpedo and bomber planes on December 7,
1941, at 7:55 a.m. Hawaii time. The sneak attack sparked outrage in the American populace, news
media, government and the world. On December 8, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the
American Congress, and the nation, to detail the attack. In that address, the President asked
Congress to pass a ‘declaration of war’. Congress obliged, voted and passed the US Declaration of War
on Japan the same day. That marked America’s formal entry into WorldWar II.
The attack took place on a sunny Sunday morning. A minimal contingent of soldiers was on duty at the
time. Most offices on the base were closed and many servicemen were on leave for the weekend. The
incoming Japanese attack planes were detected by radar and
reported, but were mistaken for an incoming group of
American planes due from the mainland that morning.
Today the battle-scarred, submerged remains of the battleship
USS Arizona rest on the silt of Pearl Harbor, just as they
settled on December 7, 1941. The ship was one of many
casualties from the deadly attack by the Japanese that day. President Roosevelt called it "a date which will live in infamy."
USS Arizona under attack
When the Snows Arrive
Winter is here and unless we are fortunate to have a winter like last year with little snow, we need to remember some important issues and safeguards. It is a good idea to make your property look occupied. If you are
one of our “snowbirds” or just are not able to come up on a regular basis, it is a good idea to have a neighbor or
friend check on your house and leave tire marks in your driveway and footprints to your door.
Remember you, or the person who plows for you, cannot plow snow onto the road. Our maintenance department will be out doing their best to get and keep all our roads open starting with the
main roads first. In order to keep your driveway from getting plowed back in after you have
Eric
shoveled or plowed, a suggestion might be to clear 20 to 30 feet on the side of your driveway in
the direction that the plow comes from. By doing this, there should not be any snow pushed in
front of the driveway.
Ice is always an issue as temperature affects how well the products deposited on the roads will work and without the traffic flow the busy state and township roads receive, it takes longer for these products to do their job. Please drive according to the road conditions and in a safe and courteous manner. Keep in mind the warning “If you don’t have to go out,
don’t”.
Page 4
December 2012
9 Ways to Help Wildlife-Proof Your Home
An opossum, raccoon or other critter could damage your property and threaten your health and safety
if it seeks shelter in your home. The list below could be considered for your fall/winter to-do list to
keep local wildlife from moving in.
Inspect your home’s exterior for openings animals could use as entry points. These might include
vents, damaged shingles, and holes in siding and gaps where different building materials meet. Large
holes should be permanently repaired or covered with a chew-resistant solid material or screen, such
as ½-inch hardware cloth. Fill smaller gaps or cracks with caulk, mortar, expandable foam or steel wool.

Install hardware cloth around decks and open foundations that sit

less than two feet off the ground. Attach screening to the deck, and then bury the

screen, bending it into an “L” shape at the bottom then cover.

Cover your chimney with a chimney cap.

Top window wells with grates or plastic covers.

Trim tree branches that overhang rooflines.

Repair or replace damaged fascia boards.

Repair or replace damaged windows or doors in your home and out buildings.

Eliminate food sources.

Keep gutters clean and remove debris piles. Store material such as firewood off the

ground; stack to minimize openings.
Before repairing or sealing possible entries, make sure an animal hasn’t already made itself at home. Inspect chimney flues and attics for clues such as droppings. Stuff holes loosely with paper or sprinkle powder outside openings, and then return after a few
days of calm weather. If the paper and powder are undisturbed, make any necessary repairs. If there are signs of activity, call a
professional to have the animal safely removed.
Update From The Office
When coming to the office for your
2013 updated items, please
remember to bring all of your
Badges and your Property Owner ID
Cards or valid Photo ID along with
your vehicle registration and your
vehicle passes. There is nothing
worse than having to wait in line and
finally getting to the window and
being told that you need these items.
Please be patient with us and know
Trails Tropics
that we are working as fast as we
but are due and payable at the same
can. These policies are put into place
time as your Annual
for the Security of the
Assessments. We can not
Community and not to
update your items until all
torture you. You may
fees are paid.
pick up your updated
If you have any questions
Rules of Conduct, ACC
regarding the updating
Rules and Regulations
after January 01, 2013. “The Office Staff” on Halloween. process please feel free to
contact us here at the
In addition Rental Fees
office.
were billed separately
Page 5
Who is Amelia Earhart ?
Amelia Earhart saw her first plane at age 10. She thought it was a “thing of rusty wire and wood and looked not at all
interesting.” However, a decade later she and a friend were watching from a clearing as a plane dove at them. She stood
her ground and did not scamper. She felt the little red airplane said something to her.
She took her first flying lesson in 1921 and in six months saved enough money to buy her own
plane. She called the bright yellow plane “Canary” and used it to set
her first woman’s record by rising to an altitude of 14,000 ft.
In 1928 she was asked “how would you like to be the first woman to fly
the Atlantic?” She promptly replied “yes” and joined pilot Bill Stultz
and pilot/mechanic Louis Gordon, leaving Newfoundland in a Fokker
F7 on June 17, 1928 and arriving in Burry Port, Wales about 21 hours
later. Upon returning to the US, they were greeted with a ticker-tape parade in NY and a reception held by President Calvin Coolidge. On May 20, 1932, she took off on her first solo
flight from Newfoundland to Paris.
Finally, in 1937 she was ready for a monumental challenge – being the first woman to fly
around the world. She and her navigator Fred Noonan set off from Miami and began the
29,000 mile journey making several stops along the way. On July 2, the pair took off from
Howland, a small spot in the Pacific and were never heard from again. On July 19, the US
government abandoned all search efforts.
January 11 has been designated as Amelia Earhart day.
Smokey Wants Us to Have a “Firewise” Christmas
Hoping by now you have had the’ chimney sweep’ check your chimney and
all is ready for the winter fires.
When choosing your Christmas tree make sure it is fresh (no dry or easily
pulled out needles). Make sure once the tree is in place it is watered on a regular basis until removed from the house.
Are your Christmas lights in good working order with no bare wires? Please
check before decorating the house.
Make sure your driveway is plowed and cleared well of snow allowing plenty
of room for emergency vehicles.
Smokey says, “Have a very blessed
and safe Firewise Christmas.”
Page 6
December 2012
2012 Autumn Community Clean-up
We had some first timers as well as some veterans that volunteered.
All were cheerful as we met at the Pavilion for instructions and
donuts. Then we were on our way. The trash we collected in plastic bags
would later be picked up by our maintenance department.
Those taking part were Ray Kadingo, Lindsay and Patrick Martin,
Julie Foley, Jeanne and Arch Jamieson, Jennifer Peabody, Dan and Fabio
Sunday, Carla and Joe Benckert, Barbara Conroy and Tyler and Cindy Schick.
Thank you to Ray Kadingo and Carla Benckert for their passion in having a
clean community and doing the leg work in organizing this event.
However, Folks, only 14 people volunteered from a community
with hundreds!!!! It was reported by Delroy and Dan of maintenance that 28 bags of trash, one tire, one 5
gallon plastic bucket and some other discarded items were collected this year
compared to 40 volunteers who picked up litter to fill 250 bags a few years
ago. Why is this? Where are the volunteers? We live in a great community
with an array of natural beauty, yes, there will always be those that willingly
throw trash on the roadside…..shame on them..….but the rest of us that appreciate a beautiful, neat, well cared for environment, let’s not be afraid of a
little exercise once or twice a year to maintain that beauty.
We know that there are property owners who pick up litter
periodically who have not been able to participate in the spring and fall litter
cleanup projects. We need to get these property owners to identify the
roadways they periodically clean up so the area can be charted. Then, for the
spring and fall cleanup projects, we can have the volunteers concentrate their effort on the other roadways.
Inauguration Day 2013
January 20, 2013 the President and Vice President will be sworn in exactly noon in the U.S. Capitol. After the swearing in there will be 4 ruffles (on drums) and 4 flourishes (on bugle), followed by the Presidential Anthem Hail to the Chief for the President and the Vice Presidential
Anthem Hail Columbia. Following the swearing in there will be a parade along Pennsylvania Avenue watched by the President and Vice President at the viewing stand in front of the White House. Massive security will be present as the parade not only disrupts traffic and daily life in
Washington DC but also brings out protests and demonstrations. (a true testament to the freedoms we enjoy in the United States of America)
Inaugurations began with the first President George Washington on April 30, 1789 for his first term, March 4, 1793 for his second term and
continued as March 4 until FDR who was inaugurated January 20, 1937. It has continued as January 20 since 1937.
Inauguration day is not a public holiday but is a federal holiday for federal employees in Washington DC and the surrounding area. This year
being on a Sunday most federal employees will lose a day off!
The entire ceremony and parade are televised so all Americans can watch it in the comfort and warmth of their homes.
Trails Tropics
Page 7
Exterior Maintenance….Who is Responsible?
At a recent POA meeting it was brought to the Board’s attention that there are many trees overhanging and encroaching in our
roadways. Our maintenance department reported that trees, when bogged down with snow and ice, present a great problem. Our
roads are made impassable and there is the possibility of limbs breaking off and crashing into the roadways causing danger to
vehicles and humans. Remember the ice storm of 2005, and more recently Hurricane Sandy?
However, after writing all that, just where does the responsibility lie in the maintenance of encroaching trees? You guessed it…..it
is the responsibility of the homeowner. I will quote from our Covenants:
Exterior Maintenance…..In the event the Owner of any Lot or Living Unit shall fail to promptly
provide for exterior maintenance as to buildings or grounds, the Developer or the Association may,
but shall not be obligated to do so, provide exterior maintenance as follows, but not limited to:
paint, repair, replace and care for roofs, gutters, downspouts, exterior building surfaces, trees,
shrubs, grass, walks and other exterior improvements, removal of accumulated rubbish debris,
abandoned derelict or incomplete structures and materials and abandoned vehicles.
Assessment of Costs….The cost of such exterior maintenance shall be assessed against the Lot or Living Unit upon which such
maintenance is done and shall be added to and become a part of the annual assessment or charge to which such Lot or Living Unit is subject.
Access at Reasonable Hours…..For the purpose solely of performing the exterior maintenance authorized by this ,the Developer or the
Association through its respective duly authorized agents or employees, shall have the right, after reasonable notice to the Owner, to enter
upon any Lot or exterior of the Living Unit at reasonable hours on any day.
It’s time, folks, to get out there and take inventory of the condition of the trees along the roads around your property. We need to
take the necessary action in trimming and/or removing etc. If there are trees over 4” in diameter that need to be taken down a
permit from the ACC is required and can be obtained by filling out the necessary form(s) at the Teepee.
Let’s be pro-active and do whatever we can to avoid future problems.
Hurricane Sandy; soup and coffee
Hurricane Sandy has come and gone. Some of us suffered little…….others suffered greatly. So what part does soup and coffee
play in an article about a hurricane? Let me tell you…………….
October 31 we found that there were folks in our community without electricity, and had been for a couple
of days. In some areas residents were literally locked in as huge trees had fallen across their driveways. Those
living in the ‘Tall Trees’ area on the far side of the lake were particularly hard hit with downed trees and
electrical wires. There were also those on Lindsey Mews and Bishop Circle suffering some of the
same problems.
As a caring gesture the CERT team offered Hot Soup, Coffee
and buttered rolls to those stuck in cold, damp houses. By
evening power was restored to those on Lindsey Mews.
However, there is much work to be done in cleaning up after
Sandy. Having watched the news on TV our problems seem
small compared to the massive clean up needed in New Jersey and New York.
Page 8
December 2012
Happy 30th Anniversary TLTC!
&
The Halloween party was once again a great success, thank you
to Brian and Sue Denham And all the volunteers that made it
happen!!
Philadelphia Walk for Cancer Awareness
By: Dolores Cosgrove
Janice's Bosom Buddies with the one and only, basketball legend,
Charles Barkley. While we were walking on City Line Avenue in
Philadelphia, PA we saw Charles at a gas station buying Gatorade.
He just got done working out at the gym and kindly stopped to get a
picture with us! The other picture is Janice's Bosom Buddies at Closing Ceremonies at The Navy Yard in South Philly. After walking for 3 days and a total of 60 miles...the Bosom
Buddies are still smiling.
The other picture is of my lovely family ..... Dani, Chelsea, Eileen, and Terry...Eileen made that sign for Terry to
have at the finish line! I am so proud of all the girls!!!!!
Little Ghosts ‘N Goblins
44 children attended the annual Halloween party sponsored by the Activities Committee. Each child
was given a large pumpkin to paint and take home.
The Prize of a $5 gift certificate to Wal-Mart was awarded to the best costume in each age group.
Juice & water were provided by the Activities committee and a few parents brought snacks (cookies, brownies,
etc.). Music was provided by Linda Pavel and when the children left, they were given a Halloween bucket filled with candy.
Lobster, Fudge, Windbells and Tornadoes
Submitted By: Mary O’Brien
What a vacation to Maine Joe and Mary O’Brien of Deer Park had! A mid-September return to Maine was beautiful as well as interesting!
The excitement started as soon as we hit route 84 in New York. We started hearing warnings from the radio about a tornado about to touch
down – seek shelter! It was not a “test”, but an actual warning and then a watch. The tornado touched down in Brooklyn. The announcer talked
about cars on the highway being overturned and stranded – we had no clue how close we were so we just kept going! An Interesting start to the
journey.
We had beautiful weather the entire time; Maine is very similar in many ways to the Poconos. One big difference …. Lobster was $4.95 a pound.
A lobster dinner in a nice restaurant right on the bay was $20 for three lobsters! However, go figure – the cost of fudge was $15.00 a pound. Ate
more lobster than fudge!
We went in search of a wind bell – sturdier than a wind chime and sounds like a buoy. We found where they make them and took a side trip to
the factory while on the way to the Penobscot Lighthouse. Here we were about 500 miles from home in a remote section of Maine, walked into
the showroom and imagine this – the “special” was a Pocono Mountain wind bell. Of course we bought one!
Glad to be back in the Poconos. Still looking for a $20 lobster dinner!
Trails Tropics
Page 9
Page 10
December 2012
Little Creek Tree Farm
Providing Choose and Cut your own trees for
Over 25 years, 1000’s of trees to choose from
Located just minutes from Albrightsville.
Take Rt. 534 East and go 1 mile past the
Jonas Hotel, turn right onto Barry S RD and
Travel 1/2 mile turn right into the driveway
Prices start at just $15– none more than $50.
Have a cathedral ceiling we have trees to fill
That space. Open Weekends Only 11/24 thru 12/23
Questions? Call Barry at 570-629-1423
Trails Tropics
Page 11
Towamensing Trails Property Owners
Association
PO BOX 100
Albrightsville, PA 18210
Phone: 570-722-0302
Fax: 570-722-2061
E-mail: [email protected]
We’re on the web:
www.towamensing.com
For all Emergencies Call 911
Local Emergency Departments
Towamensing Trails Security
Fire Dept.'s Penn Forest Township
Fire Company #1 (Route 903)
Fire Company #2 (Route 534)
Albrightsville ( Route 534)
570-325-8114
570-722-0555
570-722-8325
Borough & Township services
Carbon County Court House
Penn Forest Township Building
570-325-3611
570-325-2768
Medical
Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital
Palmerton Hospital
Pocono Medical Center
Geisinger Wyoming Valley
US Veterans Hospital
610-377-1300
610-826-3141
570-421-4000
570-808-7300
570-824-3521
570-722-9563
1-800-916-7501(When Connected hit 0.)
Towamensing Trails Office
570-722-0302
Monday thru Friday 9am to 5pm
Saturday 9am to 3pm
Closed Sunday
Towamensing Trails Website:
www.towamensing.com
Towamensing Trails E-mail:
[email protected]
Trails Lake and Tennis Club
570-722-8582
Police Department (non-emergency)
Carbon County Sheriff
Fern Ridge State Police
570-325-2821
570-646-2271
Postal Service
Albrightsville Pine Point Plaza
570-722-9493