As many of you are aware, we are nearing the end of April for the 2020 year, which will close out our Fiscal Year, which runs from May 1st through April 30th. This post is a reminder of some changes coming, as well as somethings to be handled.

First and foremost, if you have not paid your dues to date, there are approximately 3 days left to bring yourself current. It truly does help the community to continue keeping the roads clear during snow/ice events, as well as continuing to update our roads. We are working hard to ensure that we don't have to raise dues, by cutting costs in other areas and promoting some more efficient procedures to alleviate high overhead. Please bring your 2019/2020 annual dues current.

Second, on, or around, May 1st, Berkheimer will be mailing out your new dues statement, which will include 2 different options to pay. As we've stated earlier in the month, you will have the option to pay your annual dues in a lump sum, or pay your annual dues in 4 quarterly payments. We ask that if you can afford to do so, please pay your dues in a lump sum, however, we understand that there is a financial burden that has hit some of our members, following this pandemic that we are in.

On another note, in the coming months, we will have volunteers out working along roadways, for various duties, such as cleaning the trash, cutting trees and brush that are a hindrance in the winter months to our contractor. Under no circumstances should these volunteers be harassed by anyone. This community seems to have a lot of people who think things should be done their way, yet lift no finger to help. These are volunteers, not paid employees. They are putting physical effort into trying to keep your community clean, safe and as trouble free as possible.

Speed, is a hot topic, no matter who you talk to in this community. With warmer weather, comes more outdoor activities, such as walking and children riding their bikes. Please keep this in mind while traveling our roads. These roads, overall, are not very wide and with some of our blind curves, hills, etc. it's very difficult to see beyond a certain point. Therefore, drive cautiously. If it takes you a whole 10 minutes to get out of, or into, this community to your home, because you went the speed limit, does that 10 minutes truly change your life much? Not really, but it could certainly mean a life or death situation for others.

As the media has had a ton to say, the long and short of it is that we're still under a pandemic with most states trying to mitigate the spread with social distancing rules, closures for non-essential business, etc. Governor Wolf has put out a guideline to re-opening Pennsylvania, which I encourage you all to read. To access Gov. Wolf's statement, please click Here.

In relation to PMLE 5,6,7 affairs, the board is still working toward the goals set forth at the beginning of the year, in relation to reducing overhead, cutting costs and moving toward a much more streamlined environment. As stated previously, we've adopted a payment system for dues going forward, we've streamlined quite a few of our process' to promote efficiency and reduce over-handling. We've reduced some overhead costs, to have more of our money put to more work we need done, which should pan out for the 2020/2021 year. We've adopted practices in which we no longer forecast or project our future projects based on hopeful/expected dues collection, which is highly inaccurate. We now make decisions based on real dollars, which is why we encourage all of our members to pay their dues.

As a last plea, please keep in mind that PMLE 5,6,7 Community Association runs, completes projects and keeps the roads passable if members pay their dues. It gets work done, if members volunteer. The Association keeps dues low, if we get help, such as committee volunteers and board members. Please think about volunteering your time to continue to improve our community.

If you are interested in running for the Board, please provide your "bio" to PMLE's email address located on this very site, or use the Member Contact form. We need Board volunteers, always. All interested members running for the board, must be members in good standing and your bio should be received by July 15th, 2020. If you are interested in joining a committee, please email us, talk to a person already on a committee or a board member, or even use the Member Contact form on this very site. We encourage more participation, in general. We all have the same, or at least, similar goals in this community.

Stay safe, stay healthy and try to stay positive.

Good evening to all of our PMLE 5, 6, 7 members/neighbors. We hope that this message receives you in good health, safe and maintaining your sanity during these troubling times. We have a lot of announcements to get to and provide to you.

With a lot of uncertainty around us, The PMLE 5, 6, 7 Board of Directors has been monitoring the state of affairs outside of our little sanctuary (the mountain), at the township, State and even National level, with little hope for improvement, in the short term. In fact, we believe that once some semblance of normalcy comes about, our “new normal” may be drastically changed going forward. It is for this reason that the Board of Directors has been working tirelessly to change how we do business and perform day to day functions, as well as evaluate our annual dues collection and policies. So, while we outline some things that don’t necessarily affect you, overall, there are others that may very well affect you.

1. The PMLE 5, 6, 7 Board of Directors have been discussing the hardships that our neighbors have been hit with, in relation to health issues/complications, loss of income, or even the rising cost of goods. We want to remind you that in addition to being your elected Board Members, many of us are close friends, direct neighbors and in some cases, like family. Which is why we worked hard to enact a plan of action to help alleviate that burden and relieve some further stress that you may be experiencing. To do that, the Board of Directors has opted to include an additional payment system for our dues collection. We, as friends and/or neighbors, do not want to see any of our members struggle. In May of 2020, your annual dues bill will contain 2 ways to pay your bill. You’ll have the option to pay your entire annual dues bill, as in previous years, or via 4 quarterly payments. As we near the date of our mailings, additional information will be posted on the PMLE 5,6,7 website.
   1. Pay In Full. As in previous years, you’ll be able to pay your dues bill in full. Nothing ultimately changes with this option, in fact, if you can afford it, we would appreciate you utilizing this option, as we still have to keep this HoA afloat.
   2. Quarterly Payments. New for the 2020/2021 year, we’re offering the means for all members, to pay their annual dues via 4 equal quarterly payments. Included with the first statement, you will now see a series of payment “coupons” for the quarterly payments. If a member opts to use this method, in order to be enrolled, you MUST make your first installment by the date on your bill from Berkheimer, June 1st. If you miss this payment, you will be subject to being billed the full annual dues amount, including the appropriate penalties/fees.
   3. How to Pay.
      1. Mail. As in previous years, you can pay your entire annual dues bill, or quarterly payment by mailing your check/money order directly to Berkheimer’s address on the bill.
      2. Phone. Your bill will also include a phone number that you can call to pay your bill over the phone, may include applicable fees.
      3. Electronic. You will also be able to pay your bill online, directly on Berkheimer’s website, HERE. You have 2 options to pay which is either an ACH Transaction (Checking/Savings Account) or via Credit/Debit Card. Please keep in mind to read the website’s information, as fees may apply.
2. Due to the turbulent times we are experiencing, road work, for the 2020/2021 year is being scaled back. We are doing this, for many reasons, which include variables such as finances and the unknown status of our business partners and/or contractors. However, we have a short list of roads that are in dire need of work, essentially are smaller projects that we can accommodate and plan to initiate. Therefore, the following road work will commence through the month of April/May:
   1. Hillside Ct. For those that live on Hillside Ct., please be advised that your road will be re-surfaced and proper drainage installed. The road will remain a gravel/stone road.
   2. View Ct./Crest Rd. (Cul-de-sac). For those that live on View Ct./Crest Rd., please be advised that your road will be resurfaced and proper drainage installed. The road will remain a gravel/stone road.
   3. Ledgeway Dr. (Dead End). For those that live at the end/top of Ledgeway Dr., please be advised that your road will be re-surfaced, removing/hammering large rocks and proper drainage installed. The road will remain a gravel/stone road.
   4. Potholes. We are fully aware that potholes have crept up through the winter. We are trying to get a company in to give us a quote, however, if we cannot do that, we are looking into getting some community volunteers together to put in cold patch, or stone, at the very least.
3. The Board of Directors has adopted a digital only process in handling resale certifications. This process was put into place to protect our Board Members from unnecessary exposure and from taking unnecessary risks, all while expediting and streamlining the process for our realtor partners. This isn’t the only process to be evaluated, or changed, however, it’s the first being implemented at this time.
4. The PMLE 5, 6, 7 Board of Directors, understands that information needs to be relayed to you, our members, typically via the quarterly Board of Directors meetings. However, with the current state of affairs, social distancing and stay at home orders, we are at a standstill. We are trying to work this out and do not have a solution to date, but we know that our biggest meeting is in September, especially with voting to be carried out. We are looking at a couple of options for member engagement, which may include online/digital voting, online meetings that include member interaction via live streaming, etc. As we have more information, we will certainly include you keeping you in the loop. However, please note that these suggestions/ideas are in their infancy stage to see what we can do, without spending any money. We are creating these plans, because, quite frankly, we don’t know how long this will last.

On a more personal note, we, as in the Board of Directors, hope that you can see we are here to work with you, make the right decisions to keep you, as well as ourselves, safe and healthy during this time, without adding undue, or unnecessary stress. We encourage you to use our website as much as possible for all informational needs. We will continually keep you updated right here, as the situation progresses, new information becomes available, etc.

At this time, we’d also like to thank some of our neighbors, personally, for their efforts to maintain our community. Special thank you goes out to Rob M. for brush and tree work that he’s done, as well as to Jennifer B and Tenley for picking up trash on a walk and to the neighbor we won’t name, who is filling potholes to help out the community. Its neighbors like this that keep our community costs low, while working to maintain our community’s natural beauty.

As always we welcome community involvement, by means of volunteering or running for a board seat. If any of these interest you, or now with the stay at home orders in place you can devote more time, please reach out to any board member asking your questions, or offering your assistance. If you want to join the PMLE 5, 6, 7 Board, please create a small bio about yourself and send it via email to any board member. This bio will go out with our voting materials, for all members to see. If you want to volunteer for a committee, please reach out to any committee member or board member to be signed up.

Finally, we end this long post, with the prospect that all of our PMLE 5, 6, 7 family/friends/neighbors stay healthy and well, stay safe and do our parts as best as we can to keep the community moving forward, while being neighborly and maintaining our sanity. Remember, if you need any assistance, please reach out to fellow neighbors and where appropriate, your board.
 
Sincerely,

PMLE 5, 6, 7 Board of Directors
Kim W., Renee W. John B., Jay S. and Bob S.

Good morning PMLE. As the days progress, new, developing and changing information seems to be coming out at a faster pace. We'll add updates here as we feel they are necessary, but I can assure you, with everything going on it won't be as regular as it is right now. Hopefully, the title of this post put a smile on your face, as it was intended.

So, as you are all probably aware by now, Governor Wolf has made a lot of statements, held a lot of pressers, and well, provided us much to ponder and abide by. To date, his stance on things is as follows:

1. School is closed indefinitely. Children will be cyber schooled, until further notice.
2. Any out of state residents who have secondary homes in PA, are demanded to get to their second homes, self quarantine for 14 days, as a service to those around them.
3. Most counties, within PA, are to essentially shelter in place. Meaning stay home, social distancing.
4. All non-essential business has been closed down.
5. You may leave your home for a limited set of circumstances, which this link, expertly provides. Governor Wolf

PMLE would like to remind everyone that if you are traveling, especially out of state to the surrounding areas (NJ and NY are struggling with COVID-19), you are taking unnecessary risks, essentially putting yourself, your family and possibly your neighbors at risk. Please follow the guidelines set forth by the state of Pennsylvania as closely as possible, they are in place for our safety, as well as yours.

On a more personal note, I understand how trying this time is. I wish I had words to offer you that would ease your burden or set your mind at ease. Sadly, I do not. I can say that we, as in humans and neighbors, are in this together. Let's be reminded that some of us are struggling with health issues, financial issues and just the agitation with being cooped up. Some others are dealing with stress from their jobs, because they still work, whether as a part of the health care industry, first responders or in a factory/plant that makes essential health care items. There has been a large amount of pressure put on all of us during this time, including our children. I put this message out to remind all of us that while we may not be friends, we can be friendly. While we may not have dinner together, we can offer you a meal if you need it. Essentially, we need to be a little more understanding that we're all dealing with something. We need to be a little less irritable.

I hope that every single member of PMLE is currently safe, as well as their families, no matter previous transgressions or whether we talk/know each other or not. I implore you to please jump onto PMLE's Facebook page and request help if you need any. You don't have to do it publicly, but you can message any one of the members on that page, and someone will help, if they can. For your sanity, please, take a walk, do some gardening or just have a seat outside and get some fresh air. We all need to stay mentally well, while trying to maintain physical wellness.

Last, but certainly not least, below I've provided some links that you should check, often, to stay up to date with the latest news. There are also phone numbers, should you need them.

Links to Websites/Information:
Governor Wolf Main Site: Link
Centers for Disease Control: Link
FEMA: Link
White House: Link
Delaware Township: Link
Lehman Township: Link

Important Phone Numbers:
Wild Acres Security: 570-828-9052
Pocono Ranchlands Security: 570-828-8228
NPS (National Park Service): 570-426-2457
State Trooper Barracks: 570-226-5718
Emergency: Dial 911

Good afternoon PMLE 5,6,7. This post comes to you hoping that you are doing well, have the necessary supplies you may need to get through these troubling times and can still maintain a sense of humor through it all.

I wanted to make this post to recognize what is going on around us, as well as to provide a few reminders and, well, quite possibly, add some levity to your lives.

As you probably already know, Governor Wolf has enacted a shut down of all Non-Essential/Life Saving business', including schools. The orders consist of people not leaving their homes unless for specific tasks. To read the full extent, please click HERE. This link will take you to the press announcement Governor Wolf has made.

PMLE 5,6,7 recommends following Governor Wolf's instructions as much as possible, where applicable. Do not take unnecessary risks, if not required. We understand that we do have many older community members, and have many neighbors that would lend a hand, where possible. If you need assistance, not medical related, we ask that you please make friends with community members or even go on the PMLE 5,6,7 Facebook page and ask. Many people are willing and able to help out neighbors in need.

With quarantine, comes boredom, cabin fever and general non-sense, from adults and kids alike. The Board of PMLE 5,6,7 works hard to take care of the necessary day to day running of things, fielding complaints, questions, handling realtor requests, balancing accounts, paying bills, etc, but policing the community is all of our jobs. We're typically good about "see something, say something", so let's try to follow that premise. At the end of this post, I'll provide some phone numbers that you should probably have handy in case of any issues.

General Reminders:

1. PMLE 5,6,7 Board Meeting is cancelled for April. Depending on the state of affairs in Pennsylvania and America, in general, we'll re-visit rescheduling the meeting. Just know that at this time, it's not being addressed, as we all have bigger issues to worry about.
   
2. Adults and Kids, need avenues to blow off steam, rather than blow up on, or at each other. We all make mistakes, we all are pent up in our homes and dealing with the stress, agitation associated with this pandemic just the same. Therefore, during these trying times, let's try to live and let live a little.
   
3. Food and Water should be stocked for at least a 2 week period. This isn't just during this pandemic, but that's a general rule of thumb, per FEMA. Disaster can strike anywhere, at any time. So be prepared as much as possible.
   
4. Gasoline, Diesel, Kerosene, Home Heating Oil, etc. should be stocked up to keep your house warm and your machinery operational for your normal uses. Please keep Gas/Diesel on hand for your machinery that you may want to use, so that you are limiting your exposure. Ensure you have enough Propane, Kerosene, Home Heating Oil, Wood, Coal and/or pellets for home heating.
   
5. There are currently more people at home during the days/evenings, with most being home and off of work due to the current circumstances. Please keep that in mind.
   
6. Keep your belongings locked up accordingly. Sheds, homes, equipment, etc. More people home, can equate to more shenanigans.
   
7. See something, say something. Post on the Facebook page, call a neighbor, call the police, etc. We are a community and don't have to love, nor like each other, but that doesn't mean we wish other people's belongings stolen or vandalized.
   
8. Stay safe and limit your exposure as much as possible.
   

Important Numbers:
Wild Acres Security: 570-828-9052
National Park Service (NPS) Emergency: 570-426-2457
State Trooper Barracks: 570-226-5718

Important Information Food/Pantry:
For a pretty comprehensive list of Food Pantry's that are helping community's, please go to this Facebook page link: Click Here

On a final note, please stay safe, please ask for help/assistance if you need any and remember to laugh a little. This is a time we could use a ton of laughter.

As many of you are aware, COVID-19, otherwise known as Coronavirus, is rapidly gaining momentum. Countries across the globe are working hard to tackle this issue. Responses are quite vast, in how each country, state, province, etc. has decided to handle it. Pennsylvania is no different. While President Trump issued a National Emergency on COVID-19, as well as declared it a Pandemic, many states are ramping up efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as well. In fact, Governor Wolf declared that all PA Schools are to be closed through March 30th, 2020, as of today's news. That is subject to change, based on spread, increases in cases, etc.

That being said, the Delaware Township building is off use to extracurricular activities, or outside organizations. PMLE 5,6,7 utilizes those building to hold it's quarterly meetings and is affected by this news. However, in lieu of current national spread of COVID-19, the possibility of transmittal, and the age differences of our community members, we agree with this course of action and are canceling our April 18th, Quarterly BoD meeting.

While the by-laws state that the meetings must be held, I'm sure that you all can understand that under the current circumstances, we have much more pressing issues to worry about. We are willing to negotiate with the Township to try and re-schedule the meeting, once this immediate threat is contained.

We do, however, also want our members to understand the gravity of what's happening. Ensuring that they are as safe as possible, and as comfortable as possible. We are providing a few links below so that our members can stay up to date on the latest news, situations, risks, etc.  Delaware Township, has posted an article with comprehensive CDC/National response, which we'll be sharing as a link as well. We encourage you all to review it. We also encourage you all to prepare yourselves for self-quarantine (if needed/applicable), self-reliance, etc.

Immediate Basic Needs & Reminders:

1. Ensure that you have at least 2 weeks of food and water on hand. This doesn't just apply to COVID-19, but is a general rule of thumb, for any disaster that can happen in the Pocono area.
2. Ensure that you have some fuel on hand for  your machinery, generators, etc. in case of a power outage, tree clearing, etc.
3. Ensure that you have enough propane, oil or other fuel required for heating, if needed.
4. Ensure that you have all of your medications/prescriptions filled, if applicable.
5. Have, on hand, a battery powered radio, with fresh batteries, to listen to news events.
6. No school in PA, sometimes means that kids get bored and mischief ensues. This isn't always the case, but can/does happen. Ensure you lock your items up and stay vigilant. Dial 911 as needed.
7. If you have the capability, check on your neighbors.

Pertinent Links:

1. CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/
2. Delaware Township - https://delawaretownshippa.gov/
3. World Health Organization (WHO) - https://www.who.int/
4. White House Press Briefings - https://www.whitehouse.gov/
   

Sincerely,
R. Simonson
PMLE 5,6,7 Board of Directors

That we're going to have an early Spring. While this should be great news, we all know that Mother Nature, here in the Poconos, can do as she pleases. For right now, the weather is warming up, we've got some rain in the forecast, and we're gearing up for another year.

With that said, we have a Spring clean up event that we're hoping to see a lot of faces at. In previous years, we've seen relatively low numbers, but we're hoping that changes this year. Additional details will be provided on that, via our website (here) as well as at our next quarterly board meeting. Stay tuned.

As a reminder to all of our neighbors, winter can and usually does hit us hard when we least expect it. A couple of reminders while we try to wait out the cold, snow and ice.

First and foremost, your personal well being and safety are paramount. Therefore, be prepared. As seen in previous winters, the power can go out and stay out for days. If, possibly ensure you have an alternate source of heating, as the cold is the first hurdle. If you have a generator, please use it safely. Have some water and food supplies on hand.

In regards to the community we'd like to remind you that:

1. There are slick spots at any given time within the community. Please use a speed conducive to the conditions.
2. Bring your garbage cans in as soon as possible after your garbage collection day. The plow contractor has to maneuver around them, which, in turn, decreases the width of our roads due to snow build up.
3. Keep your vehicles, safely, in your drive ways. The roads are meant for traversing, not parking.
4. Before any major weather, such as snow or ice, ensure you have your trees and brush cut back from the road, so that they don't overhang and impede our contractor. This is as much for the contractor's safety as yours. The narrower the roads, the less passable our roads become.
5. If you don't think you can make it up any of the hills to get home, then please, park your car, in the mailbox parking lot, as tucked away as possible. Do not park in the middle of the parking lot, please.
6. If you need assistance, reach out to your neighbor, as many people in this community are willing to lend a hand if asked. If it is an emergency, please contact 911.
7. Last but not least, please remember that the board and the committee members that work to keep PMLE 5,6,7 running, are doing so, as volunteers. They are doing it to keep the HoA dues and fee's down, for all of our benefits, as well as keeping the HoA alive, so that we don't have to hire an HoA management company.
   

Poconos in the winter. Often times a beautiful sight, however, can also be harsh. That being said, with the first, official day of Winter on December 21st, there are some standard safeguards we ask all of our neighbors to adhere to, for your safety and our plow contractors, as well as cost efficiency.

• Please, do NOT park on the roads. Keep them clear so that our contractor can keep clear.
• Please, do NOT shovel, plow or snow blow your driveway snow onto our roads. If the contractor has to come back through and plow this, it's an extra charge. If we get charged for it, we'll have to assess that monies to the culprit(s). It's just easier to not do it, saving everyone aggravation.
• Please, wear light clothing and utilize a flashlight if you are out walking the dog, or just generally walking on our roads.
• If you need a hand, please reach out to a neighbor. We want everyone to be safe.
• On garbage day, please bring your cans in that afternoon, or evening. Otherwise, you take the risk of them being hit, plowed in, etc.
• Plowing needs. If you need plowing, we have some people who can be contracted for plowing your driveways:
  • John Bachetti - 845-674-6570 (Call for Price)

With Winter, there's potential for us to lose power. If anyone remembers the March 2018 storm, we had a lot going on, including the loss of power. We had terrible road conditions, in which most were stuck in their homes, trees down, power lines down, etc. We had a great group of neighbors who all chipped in, to get each other fuel, food, water, and general supplies. They also helped cut trees and clear roads. While we hope that would continue in the future, we can't rely on it. Be safe this winter and we'll see everyone after the thaw!

I am reminded that this community runs, not solely because dues are paid, but because of the fact that we rely on individuals to give their time and effort to keeping the community running, clean and safe. There are problems associated with that, which give our volunteers a bad experience, and that just shouldn't be so.

First and foremost, no volunteer in this community should be harassed by any member. Volunteers, are out there doing what you won't, whether it be because of time, other commitments, previous bad experiences or general laziness. All too often we're quick to jump on someone's back because we think we know a better way. Well, we have gaps that could be filled, to keep this community running. Help provide an opinion, positive feedback, etc.

Second, a few people can't "care" for the many. It's just not feasible. Without volunteers to get the job done, we don't exist, or have to raise dues to astronomical proportions to ensure we're getting our roadways cleaned, brush and tree work done and various other jobs. This community is your home as well. No one else moved here to clean up after you, cut your brush and trees, etc. We are a community, therefore should work together toward common goals, in our neighborhood.

This community, has seen some pretty big problems, in which, as a community we've tackled. The March storm of 2017 saw neighbors band together to gather things like fuel and groceries, cut trees to help clear roads, help plow and shovel each other out, etc. Shouldn't we strive to make this a more common occurrence for the betterment of our community?

The board of directors manages the community, but we don't oversee it. We are open to suggestions for improvements, things that you would like to see happen, be done, etc. We welcome participation, constructive criticism and advice. This is home, for all of us.

So, please, if you can spare a little time, have ideas/advice or even want to be a part of the discussion that takes place, we encourage you to sign up for our committees or our board. We need more proactive members to get us through the election cycles and our day to day problems.

As with any community that is run and cared for by volunteers, there are gaps that should be filled. We are always looking for volunteers to step outside and help out with the day to day maintenance on committees.

However, not only does PMLE 5,6,7 need volunteers for committees, but we are always looking for board positions. PMLE 5,6,7 Board has a lot of tasks that require time. We understand that time is precious for all of us, and with more hands, some of these tasks can be knocked down, a little more efficiently.

If you are interested in volunteering for the board please submit your intent, with some information about yourself, as well as information/skills that you think would be an asset for the board. Submit this information, in writing to any board member, or via email. We need any, and all, submissions by January 5th, 2020.

If you are interested in volunteering for a committee, which I've outlined below, please reach out to any board member, or send us an email noting that you would like to sign up for any, or all, of the committees below:

1. Brush and Tree Committee
2. Clean up Committee
3. Grievance Committee
4. Lake Committee
5. Parking Lot Committee
6. Road Committee
7. Snow & Ice Committee

Fall is steadily moving into the Poconos and with cooler weather, we typically have the brush and tree volunteers out checking for trouble spots. Essentially, we are trying to avoid low limbs overhanging the roads, brush growing to the roads edge needs to be cut back a little so that the plowing contractor has some shoulder to work with, etc.

The work that goes into this community is often at the hands of volunteers. Often nameless, faceless people who do it to help keep costs low, which in turn keeps our dues down. As always, we don't get many volunteers. It's usually the same men/women volunteering year after year. It would be nice to break that cycle and get some new faces out there. If you can use a weed whacker, a pair of loppers, a chainsaw or a pole saw, and can spare a couple of hours in the fall, please contact the board to sign up.