As I approach the end of my second term and have to take a mandatory year off the board, as stated in the by-laws, I am filled with happiness and concern.

I’m happy because I get to spend time with my family and friends but I’m concerned because I hear that some people are waiting for me to go off the board so they can get on and make “changes” once they’ve gotten control. These people feel that once they’ve gotten the majority vote it will be easy to make these changes.

In my experience as a board member, I find that when prospective board members want to make “changes”, it’s usually a change that benefits them like changes to our Rules and Regulations or By-laws, which could put our residents in dangerous situations or could be a liability to the association and to the individual board members as well.

You’re probably wondering why these people want to wait until my year off to run for the board. I’ve been accused by some of being the “puppet master” on the board, having board members “under my spell” or influencing them to make changes that I want and once I’m gone the “spell” will be broken. Frankly, that assumption is insulting to the other board members and me. We are freethinking individuals with our own thoughts and minds who come together to make decisions for the safety and betterment of the community. We don’t always agree at first so we do research and get advice from our Attorneys, Insurance agent and Accountant so we can make responsible decisions. And regardless of whether or not I’m on the board for that year, I have faith in the other members that I work with that they will continue to make the right decisions and they will stand strong against anyone with personal agendas or motives.

So before you vote in 2011, look over the resumes of the prospective board members. See if they’ve had any previous board history and what they did during their time on the board. See what their “platforms” are and if you’re unfamiliar with the candidates, ask questions about them and hopefully I’ll see you again in 2012.

Respectfully,
Elizabeth (Nona) Drakeford,
President MPPOA Bd. of Directors
Director of Security

Our very loved and very missed Jack Russell was accidentally let out by one of our guests on 7/13. She may be pregnant so we are very concerned about her health. If you have found her, please send us an email at davidbradham162@yahoo.com or give us a call at 570-722-8267 and speak with David Bradham or Laura Johnson. Thank you.

Submitted by: David Bradham
Phone: 570-722-8267
Email: davidbradham162@yahoo.com

I am writing in response to the author of “passes” who is looking for answers as to why she and her husband were not allowed in the pool without their badges and were not allowed to use their membership card. I’ve been sitting poolside almost every weekend since Memorial Day and people have been and are still being turned away because they don’t have their pool badges or because they just have a membership card. This is the Association policy, derived from our Rules and Regulations, which state:

The Board has received a couple of complaints from residents who say that they speak for other residents as well as themselves. I understand that it’s not always possible to attend the monthly board meetings and I have no problem with residents passing along information to other residents just as long as the information being passed is factual and not based on personality issues with board members or employees, personal feelings, speculation or misinformation.

If you’ve heard something that concerns you, if you have questions, or if you need specific information, please contact Cathy or Manda at the office and they will direct you to the board member who can best address your concerns.

Elizabeth (Nona) Drakeford,
President MPPOA Bd. Of Directors

Submitted by: Nona Drakeford
Phone: 570-722-9220
Email: mppoa@ptd.net

Mt. Pocahontas is a very nice community development that is growing all the time. My family and I have been here for 5 years now and we're very impressed with snow removal and plowing during the winter months. The community fee we pay for snow removel and access to the pool, and community center is well worth the expense. Having said that I believe that we can keep those fees low by taking more responsibility for our property and surrounding properties - self government. From time to time I notice beer cans, fast food containers, and other trash just lying on the side of the road or in adjacent vacant lots in and around the development. If we don't govern ourselves and refrain from littering (and allowing our children to litter) eventually the Mt. Pocahontas government will have to address the issue and hire someone to do it - which means an increase in community dues. Self Government makes way more sense then having to pay someone to pick up after us.

Submitted by: Ron Spirito
Email: rspirito@comcast.net

As I’ve been at the clubhouse and doing rounds, I’ve noticed a large number of children at the playground without adult supervision. Because of the close proximity to the Towamensing Trails border, our development has been frequented by non-members either using our playground and walking their dogs in our fields. As I’ve previously stated in past newsletter and website items, many of the children who live here either invite friends from other developments with or without their parent’s knowledge, or the friends simply come here because they’ve been here before as the guest of a resident.

I’ve seen parents drop off kids and drive away. Parents, what are you thinking? The office, Security, and Maintenance are not babysitters. Who is to make a decision if your child gets hurt and needs emergency medical treatment in your absence? As the grandmother of two who baby-sits often, I had to get written permission from the parents authorizing me to get emergency medical treatment for my grandchildren.

I’ve also noticed that last year during the pool season, some residents “not in good standing”, which means, those whose association dues, penalties and fines have not been paid, have been guests of members in good standing, a practice that is in violation of our Rules and Regulations, which states:

ARTICLE IV, GUEST POLICY
Control must be exercised in the use of the facilities:
1. Each guest must have a badge that has been issued to a member in good standing.
2. A member who has had privileges suspended for violation of the By-Laws or Rules and Regulations may not, during such suspension, be the guest of another member.
3. A member or a member of their family must accompany all guests and invitees.

Since this has been a concern of the board and to relieve association liability, I’ve contacted our attorney who gave me a few suggestions. One suggestion is to pass a rule stating children under a certain age must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian when on the playground or common areas. Another option previously discussed was to hire an adult to monitor the playground and common areas, check for badges and enforce the guest policy. The salary for this employee would be taken from the Activities account, which is separately funded. There are other options, which I will discuss with the board at a later time.

In the meantime, parents, please know with whom your children are spending time. Remember that you are responsible for damages caused by your children or their guests. And most of all, please let us try to work together to have a safe, fun, and uneventful summer.

Nona Drakeford,
Director of Security

Submitted by: Nona Drakeford
Phone: 570-722-9220
Email: mppoa@ptd.net

I ran for the Board in 2009 with the hope of contributing something to our community.
I never realized how much time was spent by these individuals to keep up with the day to day operations of Mt. Pocahontas. It is enlightening to see how the different personalities can come together for one purpose.

That’s why it’s frustrating when we try so hard to do the right thing and others try to stir up trouble in the community by gossiping, spreading misinformation and making false accusations.

Maybe you are wondering why some of the Board members have been at the clubhouse everyday for the past few weeks. The answer is that there have been threats of gang fights and to avoid injury to the children in the community and property damage, we have been making our presence known.

Repairs to the property, playground equipment, security cameras and the clubhouse can be costly, will take away funds from other areas and ultimately raise the assessments.

I didn’t run for the Board to be a babysitter. The Board members are all volunteers and have personal lives.

Remember, this is your community, so take pride in it and have a safe and enjoyable Summer.

Respectfully,
Marsha Latterman, Secretary
MPPOA Bd. of Directors

Does anyone know if anywhere in the community or near the community there is a book club for adults? I am an avid reader and am looking to see if there is a group that meets to discuss books wheather it is weekly or monthly. Also I am looking for a mommy and me group for toddlers like 12 - 24 month olds to get together on the weekends. Any info on either of these two things would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

Submitted by: Miriam Cuddy
Phone: 570-722-8724
Email: mimireds@aol.com

As summer and nice weather approaches, just a reminder that there is a fireworks ban in Mt. Pocahontas. The Rules and Regulations state:

"Fireworks of any and all types, including sparklers, smoke bombs, etc., are prohibited within the boundaries of Mt. Pocahontas. This rule is enacted due to the high probability of resulting brush fires. Violators will be subject to a $25.00 fine".

Keeping the above rule in mind and also remembering the injuries that can happen from even the simplest of fireworks, let's have a safe, enjoyable and injury-free summer.

Submitted by: Nona Drakeford, Director of Security
Phone: 570-722-9220
Email: mppoa@ptd.net

Over the Holidays the Board of Directors made and approved revisions to the Mt. Pocahontas Rules and Regulations. These new changes are now in effect.

One of the changes made was a change to our Guest Policy, which now reads “A member or a member of their family over 16 years of age must accompany all guests and invitees”. This change was made in an attempt to curb some of the vandalism at the playground by having an older more mature family member supervise their guests on our common areas.

Another change made was to our Motor Vehicle Rules, which now reads “Snow must not be shoveled or plowed onto any roadway during or after a snowstorm. Fines of $25.00 will be issued for creating a roadway hazard. Nor is it allowed for any vehicle to be parked in such a way that any part of the vehicle extends past the driveway. Violators of this rule will be subject to a $25.00 fine”. This is to help ensure the safety of our motorists and makes it easier for Maintenance to plow our roads.

A few changes were also made to our Pet Policy. One addition, taken from our Covenants now reads “No animals, livestock or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on any lot, except that a dog, cat or other household pet may be kept provided they are not kept, bred or maintained for any commercial purpose”. Another item addresses “barking dogs” and the addition of the most requested rule was the “pooper scooper” rule, which reads “It shall also be the duty of the pet owner or custodian to pick up and remove in it’s entirety, any excrement from said animal from MPPOA roads, amenities and other member’s private property. Violators of pet regulations shall be subject to a $25.00 fine.

The revision also advises residents that when doing any outside burning only leaves and twigs are to be burned, no household garbage. This is in compliance with the Penn Forest Township Ordinance.

There are also some “zero tolerance” clauses added to some of our other rules such as the fireworks ban and no dumping rule. This means that citations will be issued without a warning letter being sent first. This also applies to our ATV ban.

A complete copy of the revised Rules and Regulations will be in upcoming issue of the Smoke Signals due out shortly and I ask that you keep this copy nearby as a reference. The revised copy is also on this website under the Homeowner’s Assoc. section. Copies may also be picked up at the Mt. Pocahontas office.

Respectfully,
Elizabeth (Nona) Drakeford,
MPPOA Director of Security

Carbon County has supplied a form for residents who have special medical needs. The completion of this form is completely voluntary and is maintained only at the 9-1-1 Center.

In the event of a 9-1-1 call from someone who has signed up for Housewatch, a red indicator will let the 9-1-1 operator know that a special needs person is at that location and they will inform the emergency service responders on a need to know basis.

This form is available on this website on the Homeowner's Association page and is listed as Housewatch. Once you complete the form it needs to be mailed to the address listed on the form.

Elizabeth (Nona) Drakeford,
Pres. MPPOA Bd. of Directors

As I stated in my previous article about the hiring of Eye in the Sky Enforcement to patrol Mt. Pocahontas and do code enforcement, I mentioned that the Board was increasing the fine amounts for infractions of the MPPOA Rules and Regulations. On May 27, 2010 the Board approved the revisions. A copy of the revised Rules and Regulations are posted on this website and copies may be obtained at the MPPOA office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm or Saturday, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Another change taking place is that security will issue a citation without the traditional warning letter first. This is a customary practice with enforcement agencies and the Association’s attorney also recommended this practice. After a citation is given, a letter will be sent advising the recipient how many days they have to either remit payment or request in writing an appeal hearing before the Grievance/Arbitration Committee.

With the recent changes, I advise all property owners to either get a copy of the revised MPPOA Rules and Regulations from the office or check the website for the revised copy.

A list of the fines is below.

MPPOA FINES

ARTICLE VI – MOTOR VEHICLE RULES

1. Speeding over 15 mph limit (fines doubled for every 5 miles over the posted limit)
a. 16-21 - $25.00; 22-27 - $50.00; 28-33 - $100.00

2. Violation of MPPOA and Township signs
a. $50.00 – first offense; $75.00 – second offense; $100.00 – third offense

3. Noise complaints
a. $50.00 – first offense; $75.00 – second offense; $100.00 – third offense

4. Camping or travel trailer violations
a. $100.00 – first offense; $150.00 – second offense; $250.00 – third offense

5. Unregistered vehicle per vehicle
a. $50.00 – first offense; $75.00 – second offense; $100.00 – third offense

6. On street parking per vehicle
a. $35.00 – first offense; $50.00 – second offense; $75.00 – third offense
Tractor trailers
b. $300.00 – first offense; $500.00 – second offense; $1000.00 – third offense

7. Recreational Vehicle Ban (ATV, dirtbike, golf cart, go-cart, etc.)
a. $300.00 – first offense; $500.00 – second offense; $1000.00 – third offense

8. Roadway hazard
b. $50.00 – first offense; $75.00 – second offense; $100.00 – third offense

ARTICLE VII – RULES FOR PETS
1. No license - $25.00
2. Not on a leash - $25.00
3. Pets on common areas - $25.00
4. Causing injury or damage - $50.00
5. Keeping livestock, poultry, breeding animals for sale - $50.00
6. Noise - $50.00
7. Pooper scooper violation - $25.00 first offense; $50.00 second offense; $100.00 third offense

ARTICLE VIII – FIREARMS
1. Hunting within MPPOA community - $250.00
2. Carrying loaded firearm, bow and arrow, etc. within Mt. Pocahontas - $250.00
3. Discharging weapon - $250.00
4. Fireworks violation - $100.00

ARTICLE IX – HEALTH AND SANITATION
1. Dumping - $100.00 first offense; $250.00 second offense; $500.00 third offense.

ARTICLE X – OUTSIDE BURNING
1. Burn violations - $100.00

ARTICLE XI – PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY - $50.00 to $100.00

To reduce the likelihood that your property will attract bears, the Pennsylvania Game Commission provides the following recommendations:
Play it smart. Do not feed wildlife. Food placed outside for wildlife, such as corn for squirrels, may attract bears. Reconsider putting squash, pumpkins, corn stalks or other Halloween or holiday decorations outside that also may attract bears. Even bird feeders can become "bear magnets." Audubon Pennsylvania offered tips for how to safely feed birds for those in prime bear areas, including: restrict feeding season to when bears den, which is primarily from late November through late March; avoid foods that are particularly attractive for bears, such as sunflower seeds, hummingbird nectar mixes or suet; bring feeders inside at night; or suspend feeders from high crosswires.
Keep it clean. Don't put out garbage until pick-up day; don't throw table scraps out back for animals to eat; don't add fruit or vegetable wastes to your compost pile; and clean your barbecue grill regularly. If you feed pets outdoors, consider placing food dishes inside overnight. Encourage your neighbors to do the same. Keep your distance. If a bear shows up in your backyard, stay calm. From a safe distance, shout at it like you would to chase an unwanted dog. Eliminate temptation. Bears that visit your area are often drawn there. Neighbors need to work together to reduce an area's appeal to bears. Promptly report road-killed deer to ensure their quick removal. If your dog is barking, or cat is clawing at the door to get in, try to determine what has alarmed your pet. But do it cautiously, using outside lights to full advantage and from a safe position, such as a porch or an upstairs window. All unrecognizable outside noises and disturbances should be checked, but don't do it on foot with a flashlight. Black bears blend in too well with nighttime surroundings providing the chance for a close encounter.

Nona Drakeford,
MPPOA Director of Security

Submitted by: Nona Drakeford
Phone: 570-722-9220
Email: mppoa@ptd.net

I should probably add to that, “and do you know with whom?” I’ve been doing security for over 2 years and at each monthly board meeting as well as countless newsletter items and website postings, I’ve stressed the need for parental supervision and involvement with their children to help curb the various acts of vandalism and violence that has come to my attention over the past 2 years.

After speaking with a few of the parents I found that some were aware, some weren’t aware that their children had guests. That raised many concerns for me so I discussed a change to our Rules and Regulations Guest Policy and Swimming Pool Rules with the board. According to the Mt. Pocahontas Rules and Regulations Swimming Pool Rules, “Any child under 12 years of age must be with a parent or responsible adult, who will have full responsibility for the child’s safety”. Our Guest Policy says, “A member or a member of their family must accompany all guests and invitees”. But how can a 12-year old control another child or children to prevent acts of vandalism or be responsible for that child or children in case of an emergency? Aside from that, I’ve also stressed to parents here that when their child has invited others to the play area, they are responsible for any damages caused by their child as well as their guest(s).

I’ve had to report damage to our playground, which is only two years old. Maintenance had repaired some of the damage and put up weight restriction signs, much to the upset of some parents. You have to realize that the signs were put up to protect the children at play and to relieve the association of liability. You also have to realize that with a weight restriction of 100 lbs. for example, when you have more than one child on a piece of equipment at one time, the weight doubles, triples, etc. This has caused much damage to the equipment.

I’ve also been informed of instances of fighting, bullying and recently, an incident of underage drinking at our clubhouse where a minor resident and a minor from another development were involved. The minor from the other development also caused damage to the fence in our pool area, which was caught on our surveillance cameras.

So Parents, please, before you send your child to the play area so you can have some “me time”, know what your children will be doing and with whom.

Elizabeth (Nona) Drakeford,
MPPOA Director of Security

Submitted by: Nona Drakeford
Phone: 570-722-9220
Email: mppoa@ptd.net

From time to time residents will approach me with other resident’s ideas, like the “wrap-around” parking lot or the addition to the clubhouse from where liquor would be sold. Or rumors that the ATV ban is being repealed or the idea that Maintenance should plow property owners’ driveways when they’re not plowing roads in the winter.

First of all, let me say, the ATV ban is not being repealed nor is Maintenance going to be plowing property owners’ driveways. Why? It’s a matter of liability.

Some people think that being a Board member means you have the sole authority to make changes. Some think there are “perks” to being a Board member. Well, those of us who are on the Board know there is nothing further from the truth. If there is one thing our Attorneys have drummed into our heads is that the Board has a fiduciary obligation to enforce our governing documents or the Association could face liability and Directors could face individual liability if we fail in that respect. We also have to do our research, so we consult with our Attorney, our Accountant and our Insurance Agent before we proceed with a questionable task.

In regard to the ATV ban, this was not something that the Board put into effect overnight. The decision was two years in the making. In 2007 we started receiving complaints from residents who couldn’t walk down their roads because of speeding ATVs, dirtbikes, etc. Drivers in the development were almost having head-on collisions with ATVs, dirtbikes, golfcarts, go-carts, etc. who were flying through stop signs, and many times were driven by inexperienced, reckless young people. The field at the basketball court previously designated as the place to ride the ATVs became an unsafe area for our children playing basketball, football, or just sitting on the grass. Our Insurance Agent advised us that if we cannot provide a safe place for the ATVs, etc. to ride, the Association runs the risk of being sued. The "swamp” area was not an option as the low-hanging branches present a safety hazard and the “trails” are actually Mt. Pocahontas roads upon which the 15 MPH speed limit applies. The Insurance Agent also advised us that we face a liability by “mixing the activities” of children playing basketball and football at the field where ATVs, etc. were riding. We also consulted with other developments like Valley View Estates, Indian Mtn. Lakes, Jonas Mtn. Estates, and Stone Ridge Estates, who had previously banned ATVs, etc. for liability reasons and to the other developments, our considering the ban was a “no brainer”.

Petitions for and against an ATV ban were started in 2007 and with the assistance of our Attorney, the question was put out for a membership vote in 2008. The votes were 250 in favor of the ban and 117 against. The ban of ATVs, dirtbikes, golfcarts, etc., went into effect on February 28, 2009.

As far as Maintenance plowing homeowners’ driveways, as soon as I heard that idea I contacted our Insurance Agent who advised me that the liabilities would increase because Maintenance would be plowing tighter, smaller areas with the chance of doing damage to property and parked cars. There would also be the increased risk of residents or their guests filing claims for slip and fall injuries.

The bottom line is this, when our liabilities increase and we have to pay Attorneys and insurance claims, it comes out of the pockets of each property owner whose assessments will sharply increase because our insurance premiums will go up.

So next time you’re approached by someone with an idea like these or if you have an idea yourself, ask “will this be a benefit or a liability for myself and Mt. Pocahontas”.

Respectfully Submitted:
Elizabeth (Nona) Drakeford,
Pres. MPPOA Bd. of Directors,
Director of Security

Regarding Fire Mtn. Taekwondo Academy

It has recently come to the attention of the Board of Directors that an article in the Summer 2009 issue of the Smoke Signals newsletter titled “Taekwondo in Mt. Pocahontas” may have given the reader the impression that the classes offered by the Fire Mountain Taekwondo Academy are an MPPOA sponsored activity or amenity. Please be advised that there is no “Mt. Pocahontas Taekwondo Club” as stated in the article and the classes offered are neither an MPPOA sponsored activity nor amenity. Any questions or concerns regarding classes, instructors, liability, etc. should be addressed with the Fire Mountain Taekwondo Academy. The Board apologizes for any confusion this article may have caused.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth (Nona) Drakeford,
President MPPOA Bd. of Directors

Now that school is back in session, I would like to remind all residents and their visitors to please observe and obey all posted speed limit and pedestrian signs. Remember, 15 m.p.h. inside our development and 35 m.p.h. on Old Stage and Meckesville Roads.
And to the parents of children who walk to the bus stop each day, please instruct your children to WALK ON EITHER SIDE OF THE ROAD, NOT IN THE MIDDLE, especially in the Mtn. View section. When driving up the steep hills on Hiawatha and Minisink, it is virtually impossible to see children in the road until you’re almost upon them.
Also, with the pleasant Fall weather, our children will be playing outside and sometimes they run out into the road. So please pay attention and obey all speed limits, not only during school hours but also after school. We want our children safe.

Elizabeth (Nona) Drakeford,
Pres. MPPOA Bd. Of Directors
MPPOA Director of Security/Crime Watch

Submitted by: Nona Drakeford
Phone: 570-722-9220
Email: mppoa@ptd.net

Our club house has a very special ingredient that many residents do not know about. It is Tae Kwon Do Classes that are held at MPPOA club house on Monday evenings at 7pm and on Saturday mornings at 9am! The Chief instructor is Master Nancy Olivieri. The Tae Kwon Do Classes she instructs are of the Fire Mountain Tae Kwon Do Academy.
Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art form. Taekwondo translates to "the art of kicking and punching." Students develop their body, mind and spirit as a result of their martial arts training journey. Training for children, teens and adults are given at MPPOA clubhouse. There is a four month intro/discount program for new students. One can drop in for 2 free intro classes! What are you waiting for! Have an awesome time and have loads of fun! You can contact Master Nancy Olivieri at: 570-421-3708 or on her cell phone: 610-368-1837

Submitted by: Christine Miller
Email: chrism@enter.net

As the weather has been getting nicer, I've already stopped one golf-cart, one dirtbike and one ATV on our roads after the ban went into effect on February 28th 2009. Please be advised that since warning letters (the ATV ban notification letters)were mailed out with the 2009 assessments in December 2008 as well as the letter having been posted on the website well in advance of the ban, there will be zero tolerance for violators and citations starting at $50.00 are being issued. Also be advised that fines will be doubled for repeat offenses up to $1000.00. Only those who use their ATVs for utilitarian use as determined by the Board of Directors and received waivers are exempt from the ban.

Nona Drakeford,
Director of Security

Submitted by: Nona Drakeford
Phone: 570-722-9220
Email: mppoa@ptd.net

Notification of the ATV ban will be posted throughout the development and letters to all registered ATV owners will be sent out in the upcoming weeks. The notification reads as follows:

To All Mt. Pocahontas Property Owners and Owners of ATVs:

After much discussion and input from our insurance companies and property owners who by a majority vote this July voted to ban ATVs, and with safety being our number one priority, on September 13, 2008, the Mt. Pocahontas Bd. of Directors made the decision to ban ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, go-carts, and golf carts from our roads and common areas effective midnight February 28, 2009.
This decision was also made due to the overwhelming safety issues, complaints from our residents, and the fact that the Board cannot provide a safe area in which to ride these off road vehicles. Riding in the “swamp” area is not an option as those properties belong to Mt. Pocahontas property owners thus making riding there trespassing.
For those residents who use their ATVs for “utilitarian use” (business, humanitarian use, etc.) an exemption may be made to allow their use while stopping violators. This exemption will be determined by designated board members to clear the ATV use requirements and submit the findings to the rest of the board for their approval.
Violators of this ban after the effective date will be subject to fines up to $1000.00.

Respectfully,
The MPPOA Bd. of Directors

Enclosed with the letter will be locations of off-site trails or you can contact the office for maps and locations.

Nona Drakeford,
MPPOA Director of Security

Submitted by: Nona Drakeford
Phone: 5707229220
Email: mppoa@ptd.net