White Haven Poconos Newsletter          May, 2012   The 2012 Annual Meeting The 2012 Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, May 26 at 10 a.m.  at the lake Pavilion.  The purpose of the meeting is to elect directors and discuss our development business.  The directors running are Joe Paskill, Mike Wilson, and Pete Daly.  If you are interested in serving as a director, please submit your letter of intention by May 12th to P.O. Box 36 White Haven, Pa 18661.  Directors are elected to serve a three year term. Current Board Members Bob Fraley       President                  570-510-3265 Frank Martino  Vice President Joe Quigley      Recording Secretary Joe Fazio         Treasurer                   570-401-6441 Rich Rogan      Beach Master            570-401-9946       Joe Paskill                                         856-217-3011 Rich Kresge     Mike Wilson Pete Daly         Webmaster                302-463-4335  Welcome New Members Dominic and Maria Pasone             1116 Promontory Drive Karen Horn                                    325 Ash Lane Jo Ann Aiton                                   211 Azalea Trail Kevin Flaherty                                 722 Aspen Road Gregory and Kathleen Martino        726-728 Aspen Road     Fish Stocking The lake was stocked with 600 trout on April 7th.  A fall stocking is planned as well. We are encouraging the catch and release method. Please be reminded if you would like to take fish home there is a 2 fish per day limit.      Wristbands Beginning June 1st, 2012, anyone using the beach or fishing at the lake will be required to display a wristband to identify themselves as an active member of WHP or the guest of an active member. This is an effort to prevent the unauthorized use of our facilities. Wristbands, five per family, will be distributed to members at the general meeting or be obtained from Janet Maulick at the beach entrance on weekends or any board member. Active members are those who have paid the current year’s dues and have no balance on past dues. Beach News                     Pavilion ReservationsTo reserve the pavilion, call Rich Rogan 401-9946 any time after the beach clean-up on May 12th.   Summer Lifeguards / Beach Care Takers Needed $10.00/Hour ·         Red Cross Certification Required ·         Other duties include emptying trash cans, bathroom cleaning, and floor sweeping·         If interested, call Rich Rogan @ 570-401-9946, or  email rrogan@pa.metrocast.net Beach Hours: The official opening is Memorial Day weekend.  The beach will be open weekends from Memorial Day through the second or third week in June.  The beach will open daily after the end of the school year subject to the availability of lifeguards. Upgrade projects The bath house floor and ladies changing room have been freshly painted. For 2012, the board is considering having the exterior of the bath house painted.  Annual Beach Clean Up Our Annual Beach Clean up Day is Saturday May 12th, 2012 starting at 10:00 A.M. There are number of projects which must be completed. We request that you and your family join us for the following tasks.-          Inspect and repair picnic tables – hammer, saw, screw gun and hardware-     Assemble 3 new picnic tables – hand tools-          Power wash picnic tables and pavilion – Power washer-          Inspect and repair playground equipment-          Tree removal – identify dead trees for future removal-          Leaf and Brush Removal – rakes, blowers and tarps-          Install new speed limit signs on entrance road – sledge hammer and hand tools-          Clean bath house – supplies provided by WHP-          Repair lifeguard standThe bigger the turn out the shorter the workday! Kids are welcome to participate. Any help is appreciated.  Hamburgers and hotdogs will be provided. Reservations for the season may be made after the annual Beach Clean up.Next year’s Beach Clean Up date is May 11, 2013. State of the Community The past year has been a very positive and productive year at WHP.   Many of the dilapidated signs have been removed and an effort is being made to replace the older signs at the beach and lake. We have made a smooth transition to a new treasurer. Kudos to Terri Quinn for all the work she has done and to Patty Kresge for volunteering to take over this task.The dam has been inspected.The beach has been professionally graded.A utility pole has been placed for an upgraded security camera system and plans are moving forward to complete the electrical hook-up.Beach tags/wristbands are planned for this year to ensure only dues paying members use our facilities. Weiss Road, the entrance road, is an ongoing issue that is complicated and has no easy and inexpensive solutions. Bear Creek Township is responsible for maintenance of the road. However, in discussions with the Bear Creek Supervisors, insufficient funding is available to correct all the road problems. To remedy this Bear Creek has applied for a Gaming Grant to secure financing for the repairs. We have also been told by the Bear Creek Supervisors that money has been budgeted for some repairs this year if the Gaming Grant is not received. The Board has contacted a real estate lawyer for consultation regarding possible options available to WHP. Thanks to all who have worked so hard on this problem. This is an incomplete list of new actions taken this year and does not even include the yearly tasks such as fish stocking, running the beach and pavilion, and holding a picnic. All of which take a lot of time and effort by those involved. Moving forward for the coming year, a new format and pricing is planned for the annual picnic in the hopes of encouraging better attendance.The bathhouse will have the floors painted.Work is to be continued to upgrade the signs in the community.The security camera upgrade is to be completed.Options for Weiss Road will continue to be explored. The Board of Directors works for you, the White Haven Poconos property owner, so please let us know your thoughts and ideas to make WHP an even better community than it already is. Please make plans to attend the general meeting Saturday, May 26 at 10am at the pavilion, contact us by e-mail at Info@whp-hoa.com, make comments on the www.whp-hoa.com Board Member page on our website or speak with us personally.  Also, please send an e-mail to info@whp-hoa.com and we will add your e-mail address to our database. When updates are made to the website, you will automatically be alerted. Letter from the President THANKS, it's a word we don't hear enough of these days, so I appreciate the opportunity to express a sincere Thank You to all who have helped make my position as board president a worthwhile and rewarding experience.  WHPOA is the heart and soul of our community.  Our organization of responsible owners is a very special group that has many unique individuals included in its membership.  The unselfish efforts of some have greatly contributed to the vitality and strength of our community and its resources.  The litany of positive results that individual efforts from our membership have accomplished are sometimes easily recognizable and sometimes hardly noticed.  The fact is that WHPOA has greatly benefited from the voluntary work and actions of these concerned and dedicated residents. White Haven Pocono is your home's home.  Many of us have seen it transform from a vacation retreat to a year round residential development.  We now have many families with children and retirees as full time residents.  This transition has created some challenges and has produced rewards.  Your board of directors has never let you down with their unselfish dedication to serving you and your community.  I'm proud to be involved with such a group who freely volunteer their time and efforts for the good of their community. The WHPOA board usually meets on the second Saturday of each month.  We endeavor to keep these meetings relevant but slightly informal.  The agenda of our meetings deal with past issues and new business.  I invite any member who has a worthwhile concern or positive input to attend.  We all benefit from the insight provided. I hope that every member will have the opportunity to attend the annual meeting and WHP Day at the beach as these activities help to add vitality to our community.  Again, Thanks to all who have donated their time and efforts for the good of us all.   Sincerely, Bob Fraley    Swimming Lessons If anyone is interested in swimming lessons  please contact us at info@whp-hoa.com   WHPHOA is looking for a certified diver to perform inspections on the control valve in the lake. If you are certified and are willing to help, please contact a board member.  Outstanding Dues Please be advised that all property owners and renters are responsible to have their dues paid up to date. It has been brought to the board's attention that the list of outstanding past due members is growing. We are requesting all delinquent payments be submitted with this year's dues payment. Our fiscal year starts June 1st and any member not in good standing will be denied access to WHP Association amenities. Furthermore, members that remain in arrears after June 1st may be turned over to a collection agency and processed for legal action if need be. Remember, the annual dues are a requirement of your property deed whether you use the facilities of White Haven Poconos or not! Thank you in advance for your timely payment.    Please mail your Association dues to our PO Box 36 White Haven, Pa 18661   White Haven Poconos Website  Remember to access the White Haven Poconos Association website to look for updates and current information about association activities. The website is intended to enable the Board of Directors to communicate information - electronically- to the association membership. Information such as the meeting minutes (after they have been approved by the board), board member names, information about our community and a page for the members to use to advertise for things such as items for sale and announcements will be posted on the website. Remember, the website is yours to use. To contact the webmaster (a current board member) send an e-mail with your comments, questions or concerns to info@whp-hoa.com. The website is www.whp-hoa.com  Snow and Road Maintenance As many of you know, our roads are maintained and snow removal is done by Bear Creek Township. The number to reach the Bear Creek Municipal Building is 825-9077. Special Notes We are sorry to note the passing of Walter Maulick, Zolton Czukrasz, Maureen Valdur, Marlin Dwyer, Dee Cardigan, and Anne Boroski.  We would like to extend sincere sympathy to their families. If you would like to have births or deaths acknowledged in the newsletter, please submit them to: WHP Owners Assoc., P.O. Box 36, White Haven, PA  18661 or contact Gerri Rogan at 436-5477.  Recycling News There will be recycling of old TVs and other electronics again this year in Luzerne County. Drop off dates are:  Saturday August 4th  9 A.M. – 3 P.M. at the Butler Township fire hall. Saturday August 11th  9 A.M. – 3 P.M. at the Hanover Jr. /Sr. High School. Tire collection will be in October.For additional information call 1-800-821-7654.Or log on to www.luzernecounty.org  Recycling centers that are open year round: Weatherly:  Located on the White Haven - Weatherly Road on the left before entering the town.  They recycle plastics numbers 1 and 2, glass, aluminum cans and newspaper. Bear Creek: Township Salt Shed at the Recreation Complex.  They recycle glass, plastic, cans, cardboard, magazines, newspapers motor oil, motor filters and anti freeze.  Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Mount Pocono:  Located on Route 115 Mount Pocono on the left.  They recycle plastics numbers 1 and 2, glass, aluminum cans and newspaper.   Recycle Your Aluminum Cans Please recycle your aluminum cans at the lake. There is a recycling can by the pavilion with a can crusher above it. Please do not throw other trash there.  A great deal of time and energy is expended sorting out trash from the cans that are recycled.  Please crush the cans. We use the money we get for the cans to stock the lake with fish.  Thank you for your cooperation! Burn Ordinance There is a burning ordinance in Bear Creek Township.  Burning is only allowed in an enclosed area such as a burn barrel or fire pit.  You should not burn Styrofoam, plastics or building supplies such as plywood and laminates.  Burning such items causes toxic fumes.  Please be considerate of your neighbors.  When in doubt, you can go to the Bear Creek township website at www.bearcreektownship.org .    Common Courtesy Please remember, as the nicer weather approaches many people have their windows and doors open.  It is common courtesy to keep radios and barking dogs at a lower level.  You may enjoy blasting ROCK 107 or KRZ but you neighbors may not share your taste in music or volume level.  Bear Creek has ordinances about barking dogs and dogs running loose. To contact the Dog Warden call 836-2181.   Security Two security cameras are located at the entrance to our development. The system captures the license plate numbers of all vehicles entering and exiting the development. Please continue to be vigilant about policing our neighborhood. Keep an eye on your neighbor’s houses. Drive the long way home and watch for suspicious activities.  If you see any suspicious activities, please contact any board member or the state police.    Newsletter If you have any information you would like included in the next Newsletter please contact Gerri Rogan at 436-5477 or submit them to: WHP Owners Assoc., P.O. Box 36, White Haven, PA  18661 or contact Gerri Rogan at 436-5477.    BUS STOPS ARE AT STREET CORNERS.  PLEASE SLOW DOWN.  THERE ARE CHILDREN WALKING ALONG THE ROADS EARLY IN THE MORNING (6:20-7:30 AM) IN THE DARK TO GET TO THEIR BUS STOPS.  IN THE WINTER THE ROADS ARE DARK, SNOWY AND NARROW.  WATCH OUT FOR THE KIDS! No unregistered vehicles such as ATV’s or dirt bikes are allowed down by the Lake or on White Haven Poconos’ roads.   There has been a large amount of garbage dumping on the entrance road.  Please take your garbage with you or get a garbage service.  If you see some one speeding talk to you neighbor or contact a board member with the license number!  Remember to clean out septic systems every three years as recommended by Bear Creek Township.  Please be aware the dumpster and trash cans at the lake are not for household trash. Anybody caught breaking WHPHOA rules will lose association privileges for the year.  Bear Creek Township Phone Numbers Fire Department, Ambulance, Police                      911 Chairperson            Gary M. Zingaretti               823-8963 Vice Chairperson     Joseph Masi              Road master             Ruth Ann Koval           472-9015 Supervisor              Jeffrey Popple Supervisor              James Smith Secretary/Treas.      Paula Weihbrecht       822-2260 Tax Collector          Berkheimer               824-2400 Tax Collector         Marge Kresge          472-3573 District Magistrate  Michael Dotzel         825-8671 Township roads Anthony Fazzi (foreman) 825-9077 Bear Creak Garage                                  826-2386 Dog Warden                                           836-2181 Waste Management                                 800-222-2028 J.P. Mascaro                                           800-243-7575 State Police, Non-Emergency                  697-2000 BUI, Code Enforcement                         878-1576 Frank Egenski, Sewage Enforcement      779-5377 Metrocast Cable Service                         800-633-8578  Bear Creek Ambulance is now responding to emergencies in White Haven Poconos.    WHITE HAVEN POCONOS ANNUAL PICNIC Saturday, July 21 Noon to 10 PM The White Haven Poconos Picnic and Community Day 2012 will be held Saturday July 21 from 12 noon to 10:00 p.m. Planned activities include music and a DJ as well as the annual horseshoe tournament and raffles. All members of the White Haven Poconos Home Owners Association and friends are welcome to participate in the day’s events.  For those wishing to partake in food and drink; hamburgers, hotdogs, and soda will be available for $5 per adult over 12 years old. If this menu does not tickle your palate, we encourage you to bring additional food and beverages for your group.  You do not need to purchase a food ticket to participate in the day’s activities. So be sure to come out, meet your neighbors, and have a good time at the lake!  Volunteers will be needed to help with the grilling and anyone who wishes to plan and run additional activities is encouraged to do so.  Please contact Joe or Jennifer Paskill at 443-2347 or 856-464-1425.   We are also asking for contributions to the BASKETS of CHEER. Please drop off a bottle of cheer at the Rogan’s, 516 Ash Lane by Thursday, July 19.  Please bring a desert donation for to share with the community.  Picnic tables cannot be reserved until Friday night, July 20, after 5:00 PM.  It is very difficult to estimate the food needed when reservations are late or tickets are sold that day. So save money and help us by getting your reservations in before the deadline. Tickets will not be sold after 2:00 PM on picnic day.     PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM WITH YOUR PAID RESERVATION BY JULY 7 to:WHP Owner’s Association, PO Box 36, White Haven, PA 18661   NAME: ____________________________________             ________ # of ADULTS @ $5.00                                          $___________                        ________ # of  CHILDREN 6-12 years                                  free            ________ # of  CHILDREN 5 and under                                free             TOTAL AMOUNT DUE                                                          $____________