Fall 2013

EVENTSUpcoming Events 6-7

WinonaGramPUBLICATION OF WINONA LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

112 SKI LODGE CIRCLE EAST STROUDSBURG, PA 18302

570-588-9309

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID Newburgh, NY

12550 PERMIT NO. 335

FALL/ELECTION 2013

ADMINISTRATION

President’s Message 2

Message From Community Manager 3

May Meeting Minutes 4

June Meeting Minutes 5

BUDGET2013/14 Budget 13-15

Property Tax Solution 15

ELECTIONElection Candidates 9-11

TECHNOLOGYProtecting Your 17 Privacy Online

2013/2014 Election MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT

The 2013-2014 Board of Directors election is upon us. It is time for you as a homeowner to exercise your responsibility and select who will serve on our Board of Directors. The decision to run for the Board of Directors or Ombudsman was not taken lightly by any of the candidates, and as such, we should not take the decision to vote for granted! It is your responsibility as a homeowner to support those you feel are best qualified to govern our community as they become the voice for all of us.In this edition of the WinonaGram you will find a short bio of each of the candidates who have chosen to run for one of the three available director seats and the Ombudsman seat. You should take the time to read each bio and educate yourself about your neighbors who are running for the Board.

Remember, the Winona Lakes Board of Directors is your voice in establishing policies and long range goals. Your voice can only be heard if you vote!

Please carefully study the candidate bios and vote accordingly when you receive your ballot. Not only is it your right to vote, but it’s your responsibility as well!

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the candidate bios represent the personal views of the individual candidates, may or may not be factual, and do not represent the opinion of WLPOA. Further, WLPOA cannot be held responsible for any false statements.

OFFICIAL NOTICE

2013/2014 ElECTiONAttention Members:

The annual election meeting shall be on October 19, 2013 in the Winona Lakes Clubhouse. Please make every effort to attend. Ballots

will be mailed out shortly to all Members in Good Standing, pursuant to the bylaws. Please be sure to read the enclosed instructions carefully. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the office: 570-588-9309. Thank you.

WHO Will Fill THESE EMPTY SEATS?

Election Candidates Star t on Page 9

PUBLICATION OF WINONA LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

WinonaGram

Winona Lakes Property Owners Association

© Copyright 2013

112 Ski Lodge Circle

East Stroudsburg, PA 18302

P: 570.588.9309

www.winonalakes.net

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Ken Anders

Vice-President Tom Fels

Secretary Jeff Reichl

Treasurer Gregory Daniels

Director Robert Fenlon

Director Stephanie Przebieglec

Director Oscar Woerlein

Director John Kobiela

Director Lou Seneca

Ombudsman Stella Barcia

MANAGEMENT

Community Manager Gene Tick

PUBLISHER

Niki Jones Agency, Inc.

39 Front Street, Port Jervis, NY 12771

P: 845.856.1266

E: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The comments, statements or written opinions expressed in WinonaGram are the sole responsibility of the signed individual/author and/or committee and are not edited. All letters to the editor and paid advertisements do not reflect the opinions or views of the Winona Lakes Property Owners Association.

WinonaGram is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All advertising, including photographs are the property of Niki Jones Agency, Inc and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased rights of reproduction in WinonaGram and does not have the right to reproduce ads in any other place or publication without written permission from the publisher. WinonaGram reserves the rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisement.

Now you can stay up to date on what’s going on in Winona Lakes. Subscribe to our mailing list at:

http://winonalakes.net/mail_list.htm

WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013PAGE 2

President’s MessageBy Ken Anders

Well folks it’s election time again and I would like to ask a favor from you. Please don’t listen to unsubstantiated lies and mistruths from people who have not attended one Board of Directors Meeting ; nor served or went to any Committee meetings. Please gather the facts for yourself and make your own educated decision. If you need any assistance ask the committed members who faithfully volunteer and serve our community.

If you have any questions regarding any issue please contact me direct via my email at [email protected]. In the meantime let me clarify some important issues:

• Skiing – I would have loved to have this amenity but when I saw the cost to repair our clubhouse, roads, and antiquated equipment I could not in good conscience put it on the agenda. There was never a point in my two years on the Board that this was discussed. At a recent Board meeting, I recommended permanent closure of the ski slope. Our attorney has drafted the proper documents to proceed; the ski vote overwhelming fails each year and knowing this, why waste the money each year to send out ballots. Let’s stop using this as a political tactic and pull together to move forward.

• CPI- (Consumer Price Index) Our dues increase is determined by our Accounting firm who are Certified Public Accountants in accordance with our bylaws. We pay these professionals for this information and any individual who claims otherwise is not being forthcoming to the members. By the way, Bob Fenlon served on the Board for six years as a board member and two years as President with a super majority at his command. Now he tells you there has been a problem since 1982, where was he then? Get the truth and go to the office and verify for yourself!

• Roads- The Board has passed a motion to earmark $100,000 for roads and drainage. To date this progress has been delayed due to the “Reform” directors who boycott meetings and reject the recommendations of our Community Manager and Maintenance crew. When we can finally get through this red tape, you will see the Maintenance Crew out grading and laying more stone than ever.

• Collections – I am proud to say that our Collection Rate for the current and prior years are projected to be right on track. This is due to the diligent work of our office staff and Collections Attorney. This is impressive with the economy tanking, inflation climbing and so many communities falling below 65%.

• Judge of elections- The bylaws for elections are very specific and having another judge of elections would be a direct conflict of our current bylaws. Our attorney for the association was very clear on his opinion of the law.

Continued on Page 3

http://www.anthonyvalentinojr.com

ADMINISTRATION

WINONAGRAM | FALL 2013 PAGE 3

Message From The Community ManagerBy Gene Tick

The summer has come and gone very quickly. When I came in, I had many projects and plans which needed to be completed based on the season. It was mid-February when I arrived and had to jump in on the winter work, look at the

spring thaw and all the issues that come with that and at the same time gear up for the spring and summer. Coming into a new position there are some obstacles. As I have said from the beginning, with proper planning we can better manage what is ahead.

With the nice weather our crews were ready to get on the road work. Unfortunately some of our road machinery did not want to cooperate. We were set

President’s MessageCONTINUED

back with our road grader not operating and needing some lengthy work, our back hoe went down for the equivalent of a month. We lost valuable time. We have taken measures and continue to re-evaluate procedures to better prepare for situations like this. I know that the road situation was an issue and I appreciate your patience and understanding that everything could not be fixed at once and everyone could not be first on the list.

Road improvement plans are being put into place, this also will not be an overnight fix but we have to start somewhere. We are spending more time and material on each road so that they will hold up better than in the past. We still have a long way to go.

I am starting to plan for our winter months and I hope you are too. Being prepared is key to some of the hardships that come with the winter months. I

have been reviewing our equipment now so we do not get caught by surprise when the time comes. So many homeowners fail to realize that they should do the same for their home. Have you started the snow blower to make sure it works properly? The generator? Are you prepared to clean out the gutters and culvert pipes after the leaves fall? Do not forget your car too. Are you planning on new tires, snow tires (they even make snow tires for front wheel drive.) If you need new tires before the snow falls, it is a good time to get them. Have your car checked out before the winter comes, you do not want to be on the side of the road in harsh weather.

Understanding our seasonal changes and how it effects our lives from a community manager’s perspective and how it affects you as a homeowner is key for everyone to be able to enjoy each season in Winona Lakes.

This is a new bylaw and there has not been any voter tampering since its inception almost three years ago.

• Special Assessments- No Board can impose any special assessments. This is off the table and has never been discussed.

The only one way a special assessment can be passed and that is through a vote by the membership.

In my experience the people who make claims of incompetence and corruption are the ones usually guilty of it themselves. I feel that as an elected community leader, it is imperative that I provide the members of our community with accurate information and the truth.

Please vote carefully because the wrong people serving on the Board can set back the progress of the community instead of improving it. You can read the Board minutes which are available on our website www.winonalakes.net. The minutes are a document of the truth of what was voted on at any Board meeting. I feel the best candidates to help build a strong community are: Gregory Daniels, Tom Fels and Gregory Moore. I have had the pleasure of serving with them and find them to be experienced, honest and fair minded people.

Please vote! Your vote can make the difference.

http://www.countrywidellc.com

ADMINISTRATION


Winona Lakes Property Owners Association

Regular Meeting Minutes | May 18, 2013

Call to order

Ken Anders (President) called to order the regular meeting of the WLPOA at 10:05am on 18th of May 2013 in the Clubhouse.

Roll call

Ken Anders (President) conducted a roll call. The following persons were present: Tom Fels (Vice President), Robert Fenlon (Director), John Kobiela (Director), Stephanie Przebieglec (Director), Lou Seneca (Director), Oscar Woerlein (Director), and Ken Anders (President). Absent: Greg Daniels (Treasurer), Jeff Reichl (Secretary). Guests: Gene Tick (Community Manager).

Approval of minutes from last meeting

1. Ken Anders moved to approve the regular Meeting minutes of 4/20/13 as amended. Seconded by Tom Fels. Motion carried 6-0-1.

2. Closed session meeting minutes of 4/20/2013 postponed until closed session for further discussion.

Open issues

a) Attorney Report: No report.

b) Treasurer’s Report: No report.

c) Manager’s Report: Enclosed in board packet.

d) Committee Reports:

• Architectural Committee - New Home Construction permit: Robert Fenlon moved to allow a conditional approval for the Section 15, Lot 1 building permit provided that all required specifications are met and reviewed by the Community Manager. Required specifications are a completed new home building application, approved color scheme, and culvert with plan. Seconded by Stephanie Przebieglec. Motion carried 7-0-0.

Unfinished Business

e) Code of Conduct: Tom Fels made a motion to table the Code of Conduct presented at this meeting. Seconded by Oscar Woerlein. Motion carried 6-0-1.

f) Appropriation of Winterfest money: Robert Fenlon made a motion to return the appropriated funds ($10,000) for Winterfest in the 2012/2013 budget (line item: Recreation – winter) to Operating. Seconded by Lou Seneca. Motion carried 6-0-1.

New Business

g) Collections: Robert Fenlon moved that the Community Manager compile a report for the Board of Directors for the June 15, 2013 regular meeting regarding collections

(monies brought in and filing fees paid out broken down by month). Seconded by Stephanie Przebieglec. Motion carried 6-0-1. Robert Fenlon moved for the Community Manager to schedule a meeting with Attorney Hludzik within the next month (prior to next board meeting) to meet with the Board of Directors and discuss collections for WLPOA. Seconded by Stephanie Przebieglec. Motion carried 6-0-1.

h) Budget: Robert Fenlon asked that the Board of Directors look at projected number of Members in Good Standing for the 2013/2014 fiscal year and adjust the number for the 2013/2014 budget if necessary. No motion made but noted for minutes. (Placed on agenda for June board meeting.)

i) Workshops: Robert Fenlon moved to make all workshops held in the open area of the Clubhouse instead of in the Office. Seconded by Oscar Woerlein. Motion carried 6-0-1. Robert Fenlon moved to instruct the Community Manager to draft a policy on Workshops. Seconded by Oscar Woerlein. Motion carried 5-0-2.

j) Closed session: The board of directors went into closed session at 11:54am to discuss closed session minutes and an update on a driveway issue.

Adjournment

Ken Anders moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:45pm. Seconded by Tom Fels. Motion carried 7-0-0. Meeting was adjourned at 12:45pm.

Minutes submitted by: Janet M. Derrick/Administrative Assistant

Approved: 6/15/2013

ADMINISTRATION

COMMUNiTY MAPS

FOR SAlEColor Map (Large) - $15.00

Black & White Map (Large) - $12.00Black & White (18 x 24) - $8.00


Winona Lakes POA Board of Directors

Regular Meeting Minutes | June 15, 2013

No coupons or discounts accepted

Call to order

Ken Anders (President) called to order the regular meeting of the WLPOA at 10:00am on 15th of June 2013 in the Clubhouse.

Roll call

Jeff Reichl (Secretary) conducted a roll call. The following persons were present: Ken Anders (President), Greg Daniels (Treasurer), Jeff Reichl (Secretary), Robert Fenlon (Director), Stephanie Przebieglec (Director), Lou Seneca (Director), and Oscar Woerlein (Director). Absent: Tom Fels (Vice President), John Kobiela (Director). Guests: Gene Tick (Community Manager), Attorney Alan Young.

Approval of minutes from last meeting

1. Lou Seneca moved to amend the Regular Meeting Minutes of 2/16/2013 to include Greg Daniels as being listed as present. Seconded by Greg Daniels. Motion carried 5-2-0.

2. Ken Anders moved to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of 5/18/2013 as written. Seconded by Stephanie Przebieglec. Motion carried. 5-0-2.

3. Lou Seneca moved to approve the Special Meeting Minutes of 6-1-2013 as written. Seconded by Greg Daniels. Motion carried. 4-0-3.

Open issues

a) Attorney Report:

b) Treasurer’s Report:

c) Manager’s Report: Enclosed in board packet.

d) Committee Reports:

Unfinished Business

e) Stony Hollow Road washout (Section 18): Robert Fenlon moved to close the section of Stoney Hollow Road where the washout is for safety reasons until repairs are made. Seconded by Lou Seneca. Motion carried 7-0-0.

f) Code of Conduct (CAI): Robert Fenlon moved to table the CAI Code of Conduct until the July BOD meeting and to direct the Community Manager to draft a policy for the first reading. Seconded by Lou Seneca. Motion carried 6-1-0.

New Business

g) Earmark funds from Capital: Jeff Reichl moved to earmark $100,000 from the Capital Account to be used towards repairing roads and drainage. Seconded by Robert Fenlon. Motion carried 7-0-0.

h) Closed Session: Jeff Reichl made a motion to go into closed session regarding member complaints. Seconded by Greg Daniels. Motion carried 7-0-0.

Adjournment

Lou Seneca moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:41pm. Seconded by Oscar Woerlein. Motion carried 6-0-0. Meeting was adjourned at 12:41pm.

Minutes submitted by: Janet M. Derrick/Administrative Assistant Approved: 7/20/2013

COMMiTTEE VOlUNTEERS

NEEdEd With the new election, al l Winona

Lakes Committees wil l also open up to any members in good standing

who would l ike to volunteer. More information and a l ist of the standing

committees to choose from can be found below or you can visit the

Winona Lakes website .

Architectural, Land Use, & Planning

By-Laws

Communications

Election

Emergency Response

Ethics

Finance

Maintenance/Roads

Management

Recreation

http://www.nikijones.com

http://www.lazarofffetzko.com

http://www.bigagrill.com

UPCOMING EVENTSOut & About...Events Outside the Community:

FRIGHT NIGHTS October 4th – 27th Recurring weekly on Friday and Saturday Country Junction “World’s Largest General Store” (Lehighton) For more information, call (610) 377-5050 or visit www.countryjunction.com

HAWLEy HARvEST HOEDOWN October 5th 10am – 4pm Downtown Hawley For more information, visit www.visithawleypa.com

JIM THORPE FALL FOLIAGE DAyS October 5th & 6th Recurring on October 12th & 13th, October 19th & 20th Downtown Jim Thorpe For more information, call (570) 325-5810 or visit www.jimthorpe.org/fallfoliage

THE GREAT POCONO PUMPkIN FESTIvAL October 5th – October 27th Recurring weekly on Saturday and Sunday Country Junction “World’s Largest General Store” (Lehighton) For more information, call (610) 377-5050 or visit www.countryjunction.com

5TH ANNUAL FALL CLASSIC CAR SHOW October 6th - Bingham Park (Hawley) For more information, call (570) 226-3191 or visit www.lakeregioncc.com

AUTUMN TIMBER FESTIvAL October 12th & 13th 11am – 6pm Shawnee Mountain For more information, call (570) 421-7231

QUIET vALLEy’S 39TH ANNUAL HARvEST FESTIvAL October 12th & 13th 10am – 5pm Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm For more information, call (570) 992-6161

ANNUAL BLACk BEAR FILM FESTIvAL October 18th – 20th Milford Theater For more information, visit www.blackbearfilm.com Pocono Mountain Elvis Festival October 25th – 27th Fernwood Resort For more information, visit www.poconomountainelvisfestival.com

LIGHTS OUT – JUST yOU, THE BUILDING, AND THE DARkNESS October 3rd – 24th Recurring weekly on Thursdays from 7pm – 10pm For more information, visit www.hotelofhorror.com

HOTEL OF HORROR October 4th – 27th Recurring weekly on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday For specific times, visit www.hotelofhorror.com

HARvEST LAkE STROLL October 13th 12noon – 4pm Skytop Lodge For more information, visit www.skytop.com

Halloween BashSaturday, Oct. 26

5-11pmBest Costume

Contests for children & adults

DJ • Food • Prizes

$7.00 (13 & older) - $8.00 guests $3.00 (children 4-12) - $4.00 guests

Children under 3 - FREE

Signup and paid by October 23

A Winona Lakes Event For more information call 570-588-9309


Community Events:OCT. 26TH, 2013 HAllOWEEN PARTY

Wear your cutest, creepiest, or scariest costume to win prizes at our Spooktacular Halloween event. Event details at bottom of page.

dEC. 14TH, 2013 HOlidAY PARTY

Bring your cameras and your Holiday Spirit and join us for our annual Holiday Party. Take pictures with Santa Claus and his helpers. Please look for updated details.

dEC. 31ST, 2013 NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH

Details for this event will be announced.

http://www.pauljudge.com

EVENTS

ROCky HORROR PICTURE SHOW MOvIE & PRE-PARTy October 25th Pre-show activities begin at 10pm Sherman Theater For more information, visit www.shermantheater.com

CEMETERy WALk October 27th Beginning at 1pm Grey Towers National Historic Landmark For more information, visit www.greytowers.org

7TH ANNUAL CLASSIC R&B WEEkEND November 8th – 10th Fernwood Hotel & Convention Center For more information, visit www.thesessomsgroup.com

GREAT BREW CLASSIC BEER FESTIvAL November 23rd & 24th 12noon – 4pm Split Rock Resort & Golf Club For more information, visit www.splitrockresort.com

ART ON THE MOUNTAIN November 16th & 17th Shawnee Mountain For more information, visit www.shawneemt.com/s_artonthemountain.html

HAWLEy WINTERFEST December 6th – 8th - Downtown Hawley For more information, visit www.hawleywinterfest.com

2013 JIM THORPE OLDE TIME CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION December 7th – 22nd Recurring weekly on Saturday and Sunday Downtown Jim Thorpe For more information, visit www.jimthorpeoldetimechristmas.com

QUIET vALLEy’S 23RD ANNUAL OLD TIME CHRISTMAS December 7th – 15th Recurring weekly on Saturday and Sunday 3pm – 7pm For more information, call (570) 992-6161

25TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION December 8th 10am – 8pm Stroudsmoor Country Inn Free admission

The Indoor Pool is open

EVERYDAY!

Winter Hours: 10 am – 4 pm

WINONA LAKES 2013 BOARD MEETINGS

(Meetings are held on the 3rd Saturday of every month)

September 21st -10:00am

October 19th Board Meeting - 9:00am

WLPOA Annual Election Meeting - 12 noon


Owner-Member Photo ID Cards

Photo ID cards are free to members; Replacement cards are $10 each.

Four (4) guest passes are allotted to each voting member per lot owned,

free of charge. Replacement guest passes are $3 each.

Tenant Photo ID CardsProperty owners are

required to register tenants as per the Tenant Rental Policy adopted by the Board of Directors on May 18, 2012. Tenant Photo ID cards

will be issued as long as the tenant has been registered and the

property owner has surrendered over his/her rights to the amenities.

Tenant Photo IDs are limited to six (6) per household

and cost $10 each. Tenants do not receive guest passes.

Attention Winona Seniors & RetireesWinona Seniors and Retirees (50 years old+) … or anyone interested in joining the current members of THE YOUNG & THE REST OF US:

Join us in spending a few pleasant hours on the first Wednesday of each month, sipping coffee and teas, indulging in the finest baked goods the area has to offer and discussing the latest news pertaining to the health and welfare of those gathered.

Discussion on how to help serve the needs of the many organizations in Monroe County, service families around the world and whatever is on the current calendar keeps the mind busy.

Of course, we have to decide on where we go for our monthly lunch, who gets our reservation for the anniversary party in July and the holiday party in December and trips we plan for members and those who care to join us.

You will be welcomed at the clubhouse on October 2nd at noon, introduce yourself and see if you like who we are. If October is not convenient, any first Wednesday the doors are open to you.


Call your AAA Travel agent at 421-2500 or visit AAA North Penn, 1527 North Ninth St., Stroudsburg today!

Offer valid for arrivals most nights Sept. 29 – Oct. 2, Oct. 18 – Nov. 2, Nov. 11-23 and Dec. 12-22, 2013.

The perfect recipe for a great vacation: FREE Dining

©Disney GS2013-10577

For more information about this offer, dining plan details, and participating restaurants visit wdwoffer.com/AAA.

Great benefits** are available when you book a AAA Vacations® package to Walt Disney World® Resort:• Exclusive! AAA Vacations®

Diamond Savings Card• Exclusive! Disney’s Story Time Experience• And more!**some restrictions apply

Get a FREE Disney Dining Plan* when you purchase a 6-night/7-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package at select Disney Moderate, Disney Deluxe, or Disney Deluxe Villa Resort hotels! Or, purchase a 6-night/7-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package at a Disney Value Resort and receive a Free Quick Service Dining Plan!*

* The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Excludes Disney’s All Star Movies Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, 3-Bedroom Villas and campsites. Advance reservations re-quired. Excludes gratuities and alcoholic beverages. Children ages 3–9 must order from children’s menu if available. Some Table-Service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.

Book by Sept. 15, 2013!


ELECTION 2013/2014

570

Fully Insured Free

Full Star Enterprises, Inc. 570-223-2950 570-807-3081

Firewood – Split & Delivered Tree Removal Septic Installation & Repair Retaining Walls Paver Driveways & Walkways Drainage Work

Fully Insured Free Estimates

www.fullstarenterprises.com

CANDIDATES FOR THE 2013/2014 ELECTION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gregory Daniels Dear Member, I am a true Homeowners for reform member. I originally became a board member in 2002 and served one term, and then another in 2010. During my tenures, I served as Treasurer and Secretary and stressed the collection of past dues, road repairs, and the closure of the ski slope. I have at one time served as Secretary for the East Stroudsburg Youth Association, webmaster for the East Stroudsburg Soccer Club and as a member of my local churches school board. I am also employed as a Chief Financial Officer for a small New Jersey community bank. I have valued experience in directing small businesses and organizations and very involved in our community.

Tom Fels Hello, my name is Tom Fels and I am running for the WLPOA Board of Directors position for a second term. I am married to my wonderful wife, Sandra and blessed with four great children, Samantha, Ann Marie, Pamela and Shaun. I have been a Board member for the past three years and have served on the Finance

Committee, Roads and Maintenance Committee and Recreation Committee. While on the Finance Committee we worked on balancing the budget, this was accomplished by working closely with the Finance Committee and without any special assessment to the membership.

As an operations manager, I oversee fifty employees and direct a fleet of ten plus service vehicles. I understand the complexities and realities of making the necessary decisions to stay afloat in these tough economic times. There is no money tree. We are continually challenged to meet our operating and capital expenses. It’s called running a business and that is how we must approach the operation of the Association.

Our highest priorities must be our financial stability and roads. I strongly support the concept of revitalizing our parks and common grounds and was completed over the last three years. These community assets enhance the quality of life and provide enjoyment for our families as well as contribute to our property values. Looking back and seeing our parks, lakes, tennis and basketball courts completely refurbished without any increased monetary burden to the membership, shows where there is a will there is a way.

I am asking for your support and consideration when voting to allow me to continue working on making this a better place for all of us and our families to live.

Thanks, Tom Fels

Robert Fenlon My name is Bob Fenlon, and I am asking for your support in my reelection to the WLPOA Board of Directors. I am one of the founding members of the Winona Lakes Home Owners for Reform. Six years have passed since you first elected me on my

stated commitment to bring an end to the improper special assessments, to balance the budget and to end the mismanagement and corruption. My top priorities moving forward will be:

• Our roads and infrastructure. A real long term plan without Special Assessments.

• Protecting our bylaw amendments which empower the membership and enhance our rights.

• Bringing forth for a membership vote, a reduction and reset of our annual dues to the proper amount. Past boards have deliberately taken higher than allowed CPI increases since 1982, our dues are now approximately $77.00 higher than they should be in accordance with our Bylaws.

• Continuing to oppose and with the support of our Owner Members, end the last 18 months of corruption, bylaw violations and incompetence of the current regime. We will reinstall honesty,

http://www.fullstarenterprises.com


ELECTION 2012-2013transparency, and integrity. There is more to be done and better days lie ahead. I want to thank all of the Owner Members who have stood with our organization and encouraged us through some very difficult times. It has been our honor and very rewarding experience.

We have come a long way, thanks to your support. With your continued support, I’m ready to finish what we started.

Bob Fenlon

Janet Foster Hi, my name is Janet Foster, and I am asking for your support in my election effort to the WLPOA Board of Directors. I am a member of the Winona Lakes Home Owners for Reform. I have lived in Winona Lakes for over 25 years.

I have watched our community over these 25 years go from despair to greatness and back to despair as it was five years ago. The desperate financial condition was a result of the pro-skiing agenda. I am a skier, have been all my life, but when an amenity drains the community financially who does that benefit? The few that consistently insist on opening the slopes or the membership that consistently votes to close it. The current board majority continues to try to open skiing; the funds are simply not there unless of course you want another special assessment (which by the way is illegal unless voted on by the community).

Many in the past have asked “what happened to all the money that was saved from closing the ski slopes the last couple of years”. What a perfect misdirection of the facts. Simply put, it is smoke and mirrors by many people, including several board members. It’s not that there was money saved, the money wasn’t there to begin with. There was no special assessment to the membership to fund the skiing that was saved, money that would have come out of your pocket.

Sure, you have never heard of me. I have been a fly on the wall for many years watching and waiting to see what happens next, but honestly, I have had enough, and I’m sure many of you feel the same, and now is the time for me to come forward and do the right thing. We need to stay on a course, as dictated by the votes of the membership for the common good of our community and not deviate as the current board majority apparently is. We need a new face on the Board, someone that will focus on our

infrastructure and roads not self-serving agendas gone wild. We need honesty and ethical behavior not nefarious behavior and never ending disrespect for our bylaws.

The current board majority is more concerned with serving themselves and their friends, not the membership as a whole who elected them.

I believe in transparency because it promotes trust and honest behavior. The last two years have been a huge step backwards in all aspects of financial responsibility. A perfect example is our collection of delinquent accounts, it is in shambles. We all know these collections are important in keeping our community solvent, it is not something that should be taken lightly. I am about the change we need. Winona Lakes is our home, yours and mine.

Janet Foster

Gregory Moore My name is Gregory Moore and I have been a resident of Winona Lakes since January of 2001. I have been married to my wife, Belinda for 37 years and I have five children, twenty grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

I am a retired law enforcement officer from New York. I also retired from C & S Wholesale Grocers as a Security Consultant. I briefly served on the Board of Directors filling a vacancy from April 2012 to October 2012. I enjoyed my time on the board helping to resolve any problems or issues that came up during that time. I was also a member of the Ethics Committee in Winona Lakes Property Owners Association.

I am running for the board because I feel that I can be an asset to this community; and that I have the desire to help to resolve any issues that may arise in this community.

Respectfully Submitted, Gregory Moore

Steven Potestio Hi, my name is Steve Potestio, and I am asking for your support in my election effort to the WLPOA Board of Directors. I am a member of the Winona Lakes Home Owners for Reform.

I am married to my wonderful wife and partner in life, Amanda who is a Special Education teacher and we have two beautiful children, Olivia and Julia. I am a Cyber Intelligence Specialist for a major financial institution.

My primary title and job function is Global Manager for Mobile Application security. I also help proactively manage and mitigate Mortgage fraud in the form of fraudulent “clone” websites, targeting people looking to refinance their mortgages.

I am deeply concerned with the current state of affairs, despite overwhelming votes by the member to close skiing; there is still the selfish agenda to open it. We need to fix our roads! I am in favor of the permanent closure of skiing and will make that a priority as we need to put this issue to rest once and for all. Every election and vote in the last year and a half has been marred with voting irregularities or outright election tampering. Recently the majority faction went as far to vote against hiring an impartial attorney to act as a Judge of Elections. WHY? With a court ordered re-vote three years ago, what would be wrong with an abundance of caution?

I hope to be able to use my talents and business experience to bring about progress and change for the better. I promise to be an ethical and honest advocate for transparency. Thank you for reading this, I hope to be honored with the opportunity to promote solutions and answers to our challenges.

Steve Potestio

Anthony Valentino Dear Members (Shareholders), I am running for the Winona Lakes Board of Directors for one reason and one reason only; to bring our community back from the lowest level in our history. The leadership of the present board is an


embarrassment! Everything that goes wrong is always somebody else’s fault.

Here are just a few examples:

• The Ballot envelope missing from last October’s election- “Printer’s Fault”

• WinonaGram being cut from 6 issues to 4 “The Interim Community Manager’s Fault” (Who was hired as a personal favor)

• Website taking 7 months for an un-necessary redesign: “No Answer”

• The Ski Ballot missing return postage: “Printer’s Fault”

• Committees in disarray: “No Answer”

• Bylaws being broken: “No Answer”

• Members Complaints being ignored: “No Answer”

• No accountability on where the $5,000.00 Recreation Budget was spent on.

These are just within the last year that cost us thousands of dollars due to the incompetence of the present board of directors. A true leader will take full responsibility, however our President (CEO) likes to push the blame on everyone except himself!

People who know me know I’m like a bulldog I never give up! And I always speak up when I see things are not being done the correct way, I will promise that I will represent all of the members. I am very active in the community just Google my name, I am always available to listen to your concerns or suggestions you can reach me at: 570-871-7764

In closing I am asking for your support to help me turn this mess around and to hold the board accountable. Or if you are happy with the way things are being done then please don’t vote for me. However don’t complain when the By-Laws are changed to increase our dues for the Board’s “Pet Projects” or about the way our Community is run, and yours as well as my property values continue to plummet.

Thank you for your vote and your support! Anthony Valentino Jr.

OMBUDSMAN

Connie Rogers Hi, My name is Connie Rogers I lived here in Winona Lakes since 2005. I am running for the office of Ombudsman because I feel I can provide Winona

Lakes Members with a voice that they have been lacking. In the past the Ombudsman was just a person who didn’t even attend meetings or be involved in the Community.

Community Bylaws are in place in all communities for our homes and quality of life. With these Bylaws in place our elected Board Members are supposed to follow these rules. These Bylaws protect our membership.

I have been an active member with the community since 2008 to the present. I have been on several committees ex: Recreation, Bylaws, Ethics, Communications and Emergency Response. If elected that will all change as I will be the voice of the membership and you can depend on me to pursue every complaint that comes to me.I ask you for your vote so I can represent you as your Ombudsman.

Connie Rogers

NO PHOTOSUBMiTTEd

http://www.crawlspacerepair.net


http://www.ecoamericanpumpinc.com


2013-2014 Budget FINAL

OPERATING INCOME:03000 Current Year Membership Dues $981,69203001 Road Maintenance Dues $4,21903008 Less Xfers and Bad Debt -$232,548

Bad DebtDepreciation

03030 Building Permits $1,50003050 Resale Certificate Income $6,00003070 Fine Schedule Income $1,00003110 Snack Bar Income $2,50003120 Miscellaneous Income $1,00003130 Late Fees & Interest Fees (cy) $40,00003140 NSF Charge $10003150 Payment Plan Fee $5,50003155 Renter ID Fee $3,50003160 Pool Income/Guest Amenity $10003165 Events/Special Project Income $3,00003170 Clubhouse Rental Income $2,000 TOTAL OPERATING INCOME $819,563

UTILITIES:

04000 Electric-Clubhouse $22,26004001 Electric-Clubhouse Well Pump $28704002 Electric-Clubhouse Parking Lot $58904003 Electric-Mailbox Area $78904004 Electric-Maintenance Building $3,63404005 Electric-Section 18 $21104006 Electric-Old Maint Building $33904007 Electric-Ski Lift $39904008 Electric-Creek Well Pump $20604010 Telephone Lines $4,00004020 Clubhouse Heat/Gas $7,00004023 Water/Sewer $30004025 Internet/Website Svc $1,32004027 Cable / HD Service $148 TOTAL UTILITIES $41,482

ADMINSTRATIVE:05000 Payroll Taxes $30,00005001 Payroll Expenses $2,00005010 Administrative Salaries $100,744

Addition of Architectual & Bldg employee05011 Maintenance Salaries $140,00005013 Pool Salaries $26,000

WINONA LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.2013-2014 BUDGET FINAL



05014 Kitchen Salaries $7,50005020 Workman's Compensation $9,50005030 Employee Benefits $22,50005031 Employee Contribution -$2,10005041 General Legal Services $37,00005050 Accounting Fees $26,00005055 Election Costs & Related Exp $7,00005060 Bank Service/Ck Scanning Chgs $005065 Bank & Credit Card Fees $6,00005070 Loan Interest Expense $8,30005080 Insurance-General $60,67705130 Real Estate Taxes $7,00005141 Contributions $1,00005150 Occupational Tax $27,089 TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE $516,210

AMENITIES:

Indoor Pool R&M $3,000 Outdoor Pool R&M $3,00006020 Food/Beverage $4,00006022 Kitchen Supplies $1,60006030 Events/Special Project Expense $5,00006050 Common Grounds Expense $7,50006115 Recreation Uniforms $250 TOTAL AMENITIES $24,350

OFFICE:

07000 Advertising $55007010 Dues, Subscriptions & Seminars $4,00007020 Office Equipment Lease $4,00007021 Office / Computer Equip Repair $1,50007040 Postage $7,00007050 Printing $7,80007060 Travel Expense $50007070 Office Supplies $6,00007071 Office / Computer Equipment $2,00007080 Miscellaneous Expenses $0 TOTAL OFFICE $33,350

MAINTENANCE:

08000 Maintenance/Clubhouse Supplies $7,00008010 Equipment Rental $1,00008015 Maint Heat - Propane Exp $4,000

Continued on Page 14

WLPOAJudgments


Name Amount of Judgment

Barton, John & Doris $ 5,209.66

Browne, Lorraine $ 2,875.18

Business Vacation Concepts $ 9,202.38

Candal, Manuel $ 2,411.18

Capria, George, Jr. $ 12,711.30

Capria, George, Jr. $ 12,900.87

Chamberlain, Robert $ 3,252.28

Delamarter, Ted $ 3,142.85

Despotovich, Dean $ 7,799.37

D'Errico, Mark $ 3,223.31

2004 Dover Harbor, LP $ 2,369.10

2004 Dover Harbor, LP $ 2,369.10

Ezeuko, Patrick $ 1,762.27

Falcone, Paul P. $ 1,426.47

Felle, John $ 2,560.66

First Security Land Trust $ 2,889.90

Fortois, Robert and Debra $ 1,623.66

Fucci, Stephen & Black, Jodi $ 4,392.13

Gannon, William Jr. & Debra $ 1,540.94

General Land Acquisition, Inc. $ 12,030.51



Gill-Bey, Karen $ 6,884.36

Goldstein, Harold $ 2,942.68

Hammonds, Shalana $ 1,782.48

Hettman, Louise & Patrick $ 1,306.80

Holley, Fred & Fisher, Margie $ 2,975.69

Huck, Brian & Nona $ 2,423.18

Jordan, Shirley & Peter ( old ) $ 7,379.25

Jordan, Shirley & Peter ( new) $ 10,193.68

Joemmanbaks, Raoul $ 2,574.16


Killingsworth, Mark W. ET AL. $ 1,185.75

Lahey, Michael $ 3,795.11


Lassell, Michael & Karen $ 2,705.37

Lombardo, John $ 2,497.19

Lui, Qi $ 6,913.42

Lui, Qi $ 1,730.22

Luna, Xenia $ 1,156.85

Maddalena, Edward & Mary Anne $ 3,583.64

McCloskey, Joseph $ 2,040.00

Medvedskaya, Svetlana $ 3,596.17

Mitchell, Matthew & Tita $ 2,447.68

Muschette, Audley M. $ 1,725.32

Nesbeth, Donald $ 4,129.89

Nir, David $ 6,255.88

NRLL East, LLC $ 8,147.69

Ostaficiuk, Konstantin $ 3,435.55

Ourco, Inc. $ 1,754.26

Ourco, Inc. $ 4,148.81

Palumbo, Daniel & Carla $ 4,376.63

Parke, Warren & Johanna $ 5,271.41

Quattrone, Kenneth & Belinda $ 3,411.53

Richards, Charles $ 9,439.07

Richards, Webster $ 5,488.18

Riffas, Alexander & Greene, Belinda $ 1,212.87

Rivera, Octavio $ 3,903.65


Rivera, Carlos & Nancy $ 2,680.55










Lui, Qi $ 6,913.42

Lui, Qi $ 1,730.22








Nir, David $ 6,255.88



Ourco, Inc. $ 1,754.26

Ourco, Inc. $ 4,148.81













08020 Vehicle Leases $8,50008030 Salt and Cinders $36,00008040 Road Materials/Repairs $26,00008045 Signs $1,50008050 Maint Fuel - Gas & Diesel Exp $22,50008070 Plumbing Repair & Maint $1,50008080 Equipment - Repair & Maint $16,69608090 Vehicle - Repair & Maint $30,00008100 Facility - Repair & Maint $5,00008105 Cleaning Expense $8,50008110 Vehicle - Inspections $1,05008115 Maint Uniform Expense $1,50008120 Licenses $50008130 Registrations $1,30008200 Sewer Repair & Maint $725

Backhoe Lease $18,000 TOTAL MAINTENANCE $191,271

CONTRACTURAL SERVICES:

09000 Pest Control $1,00009010 Office Printer - Copies only $2,20009020 HVAC $2,00009040 B-Safe $1,50009050 Security System $2,00009055 Security - Constable Svc $009060 TOPS $1,70009070 Trash Removal $2,500 TOTAL CONTRACTURAL SERVICES $12,900 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES $819,563

*OPERATING NET INCOME/(LOSS)* $0

*OPERATING NET INCOME/(LOSS) AFTER AUDITORS AJE*



05014 Kitchen Salaries $7,50005020 Workman's Compensation $9,50005030 Employee Benefits $22,50005031 Employee Contribution -$2,10005041 General Legal Services $37,00005050 Accounting Fees $26,00005055 Election Costs & Related Exp $7,00005060 Bank Service/Ck Scanning Chgs $005065 Bank & Credit Card Fees $6,00005070 Loan Interest Expense $8,30005080 Insurance-General $60,67705130 Real Estate Taxes $7,00005141 Contributions $1,00005150 Occupational Tax $27,089 TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE $516,210

AMENITIES:

Indoor Pool R&M $3,000 Outdoor Pool R&M $3,00006020 Food/Beverage $4,00006022 Kitchen Supplies $1,60006030 Events/Special Project Expense $5,00006050 Common Grounds Expense $7,50006115 Recreation Uniforms $250 TOTAL AMENITIES $24,350

OFFICE:

07000 Advertising $55007010 Dues, Subscriptions & Seminars $4,00007020 Office Equipment Lease $4,00007021 Office / Computer Equip Repair $1,50007040 Postage $7,00007050 Printing $7,80007060 Travel Expense $50007070 Office Supplies $6,00007071 Office / Computer Equipment $2,00007080 Miscellaneous Expenses $0 TOTAL OFFICE $33,350

MAINTENANCE:

08000 Maintenance/Clubhouse Supplies $7,00008010 Equipment Rental $1,00008015 Maint Heat - Propane Exp $4,000


OPERATING INCOME:03000 Current Year Membership Dues $981,69203001 Road Maintenance Dues $4,21903008 Less Xfers and Bad Debt -$232,548

Bad DebtDepreciation

03030 Building Permits $1,50003050 Resale Certificate Income $6,00003070 Fine Schedule Income $1,00003110 Snack Bar Income $2,50003120 Miscellaneous Income $1,00003130 Late Fees & Interest Fees (cy) $40,00003140 NSF Charge $10003150 Payment Plan Fee $5,50003155 Renter ID Fee $3,50003160 Pool Income/Guest Amenity $10003165 Events/Special Project Income $3,00003170 Clubhouse Rental Income $2,000 TOTAL OPERATING INCOME $819,563

UTILITIES:

04000 Electric-Clubhouse $22,26004001 Electric-Clubhouse Well Pump $28704002 Electric-Clubhouse Parking Lot $58904003 Electric-Mailbox Area $78904004 Electric-Maintenance Building $3,63404005 Electric-Section 18 $21104006 Electric-Old Maint Building $33904007 Electric-Ski Lift $39904008 Electric-Creek Well Pump $20604010 Telephone Lines $4,00004020 Clubhouse Heat/Gas $7,00004023 Water/Sewer $30004025 Internet/Website Svc $1,32004027 Cable / HD Service $148 TOTAL UTILITIES $41,482

ADMINSTRATIVE:05000 Payroll Taxes $30,00005001 Payroll Expenses $2,00005010 Administrative Salaries $100,744

Addition of Architectual & Bldg employee05011 Maintenance Salaries $140,00005013 Pool Salaries $26,000


Continued from Page 13











Lui, Qi $ 6,913.42

Lui, Qi $ 1,730.22








Nir, David $ 6,255.88



Ourco, Inc. $ 1,754.26

Ourco, Inc. $ 4,148.81










Schiavone, Elaine $ 1,156.77

Shortino, John $ 2,411.18

Simpson, Robert G. $ 2,575.12

Smith, Christopher $ 4,681.90

Sokolovski, Aco & Denise $ 1,168.77

Thompson, Richard & Butts, Mary Kathryn $ 2,284.11

Walsh, Anthony B. $ 1,180.36

Estate of Jessee Wanner $ 2,861.36

Estate of Jessee Wanner $ 8,579.23

Weakland, Richard $ 5,825.91

Willis, Harry & Diane $ 3,843.89

Williams, Roger $ 1,186.69

Wynne, Eugene & Veronica $ 1,228.25

Zigman, Robert $ 3,091.75

WLPOAJudgmentsContinued



















There is no “Holy Grail” of property tax reform. Any property tax reform measure will involve shifting the tax levy from one type of tax to another – there’s no free ride. But there are ways to fund our schools and to ensure a better education for our children that are fairer and more effective than property taxes.

Many Pennsylvanians lose their homes and a lifetime’s work to sheriff ’s sales each year because they can no longer afford to pay their property taxes. Senior citizens on fixed incomes are increasingly forced to sell their homes because of unrelenting increases in their tax burden.

Young families cannot afford to purchase a home because the per-month property tax escrow is simply too high. Multigenerational family farms are being sold piece by piece to pay property taxes, devastating Pennsylvania agriculture. School districts in areas of the state with limited population and no commercial tax base are in distress and are unable to afford to give their children a quality education. Job losses, outmigration, and abysmal state economic performance caused by burdensome property taxes are devastating Pennsylvania’s economy. A sensible, broad-based, statewide and state-administered property tax replacement funding source is needed eliminate an antiquated and regressive property tax system, to end these educational inequities, to return home ownership to the homeowner instead of allowing the government to effectively own our homes, and to restore Pennsylvania’s economic vitality.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Our current system of school funding is crumbling. This decay has been occurring for many years and continues to escalate. Home foreclosures and tax sales are occurring at an expanding rate and the home market is at a standstill. The opportunity to fund education from a statewide source is rapidly vanishing as relentlessly rising property taxes outpace available revenue. This will have major implications for school districts statewide. It can no longer be ignored or diminished. Replacement of the school property tax must be accomplished now. 2

HB 76 and SB 76, the Property Tax Independence Act

A solution that makes sense for Pennsylvania

THE PLAN AND HOW IT IS FUNDED

After many months of work and negotiation by key legislators and in cooperation with the

Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations, a plan to eliminate and replace school property and local school nuisance taxes has been formally introduced in both the Pennsylvania House of Representatives as HB 76 and in the Pennsylvania Senate as SB 76.

The Property Tax Independence Act was crafted by members of the Pennsylvania General

Assembly in full collaboration with the 76 member groups of the nonpartisan grassroots

Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations. The Property Tax Independence Act belongs to the people; it is unique in that it is OUR legislation in a state that does not allow for citizen initiatives. The Property Tax Independence Act has many lawmaker proponents from both parties and enthusiastic grassroots supporters from across the entire political spectrum. We as taxpayer activists have accomplished what the politicians in both Washington and Harrisburg have been unable to do: work across party lines to reach a sensible and effective solution to a critical problem.

The Property Tax Independence Act will eliminate all school property taxes across the Commonwealth and will replace those taxes with funding from a single state source. The most important provision of The Property Tax Independence Act is that it is tax revenue neutral.

To provide absolute fairness, the legislation has been carefully crafted to ensure that the tax swap provision of the plan does not raise one dollar more


REqUEST ROAd REPAiRS ON-liNE

The Roads and Maintenance Committee

in cooperation with the Communications Committee has created an on-l ine form

for members to report road problems in Winona Lakes. Members now have an

easy way to report maintenance problems such as potholes, downed signs and

shoulder washouts.

The request form can be accessed at: http://www.winonalakes.net


Winona LakesCLASSIFIEDS

Lot for Sale Winona Lakes Lot 16 – Sect. 6

Located on Mountain Court. Approximately 2 acres of land Selling price $800 (plus any closing

fees) For more information please contact: Irene (845) 353-1882

Lot for Sale Winona Lakes, Lake front Lot 79 – Sect. 3

For more information please contact: Mary Albano (973) 777-3190

Lot for Sale Winona Lakes. Lot 60 – Sect. 13 $3,500

For more information please contact: (201) 420-0566 or (201) 377-5667

email: [email protected]

Lot for Sale Winona Lakes. Lot 7 – Sect. 2

For more information please contact: (917) 747-9454

Lot for Sale Winona Lakes. Lot 721 – Section 7

Intersection of Alpine Drive and Clubhouse Drive. Best offer. For more information please

contact: (718) 356-7211

Beautiful and private .50 acre lot for sale

Located in Winona Lakes, lot #10 on Valley View Circle (also known as Clubhouse Dr.).

This is the 2nd lot up the hill after 1st house on left side of road. Level, nicely wooded, has no

neighbors behind and none in front for a real private setting. Would be a great spot for that

dream house. Taxes and HOA paid up to date. A steal @ $5,500. If interested, call

Dan at 917-415-7552.

Winona Lakes is not responsible for typographical errors in the Classified Ads.

HB 76 and SB 76, the Property Tax Independence Act


than is already collected by the school property tax mechanism. The Property Tax Independence Act utilizes a modernized school funding plan based on 21st century economic realities.

- The Property Tax Independence Act will ABOLISH the school property tax on all homesteads, farmsteads, and businesses.

- School property tax elimination will be accomplished via a two year phase-out of school property taxes. In the first year after enactment, school property taxes will be frozen at their current level; in the second year they will be completely eliminated except for a small portion that will be retained in each school district to retire the individual district’s outstanding long-term debt, typically 10% of the original school tax bill.

- The Property Tax Independence Act utilizes our current sales tax mechanism to fund schools, restoring the original intent of the tax. The “The PA Education Sales Tax” was enacted in 1953 for this specific purpose and virtually 100% of the revenue from the sales tax is still dedicated to education funding.

- The sales tax provides a predictable and stable funding source that automatically increases revenue in sync with economic growth. This is in clear contrast to the school property tax which is not based on economic growth and is subject to much variation, forcing annual increases in the tax to increase revenue.

- The sales tax is also the most desirable revenue source because, unlike the property tax that has no relationship to family income, it is directly tied to a person’s ability to pay.

- While the sales tax is The Property Tax Independence Act’s primary revenue source, small increases in other taxes are blended into the total to spread the cost of education over the broadest possible base.

- The Property Tax Independence Act moderately broadens the base of the state sales tax to include more services and purchases at a new 7% rate. Items to be added to the taxable base include candy and gum, newspapers and magazines, dry cleaning and laundry services, haircuts, and spectator sports admissions. Food items not included on the WIC list and individual clothing and footwear items with a value greater than $50 will also be subject to the expanded sales tax. Generally, food items exempt from the sales tax will be fresh meats, produce, and dairy, along with many packaged and canned foods that are in their natural form, without added sugar or other adulterants. The complete list of newly taxed items and services is at www.ptcc.us/pdf/newly-taxed_items_and_services_020312.pdf as a PDF document.

While there are those who might object on an instinctive level to a sales tax on the last two items mentioned, consider this: If you spend eight thousand dollars annually on individual items of clothing over $50 and

non-WIC food purchases combined, the total sales tax would be $560. If this is less than your school property tax bill you still will realize a substantial reduction in your overall tax burden. Items that will continue to be exempt from the sales tax include food stamp purchases, all utilities, home heating fuels, health, hospital, and dental services, prescription drugs, home health care, tuition, day care, charitable organizations, and business-to-business transactions.

- While the sales tax is The Property Tax Independence Act’s primary revenue source, small increases in other taxes are blended into the total to spread the cost of education over the broadest possible base. As part of the funding mechanism, the Property Tax Independence Act finance package also includes a modest increase in the state income tax from 3.07% to 4.34%.


TECHNOLOGY

There’s been so much talk lately about what the NSA (National Security Agency) can and can’t see and hear about our phone records, email, web browsing and other online activities. But what can you do to protect your online privacy? What can anybody out there see? How do you protect yourself and your information?

Let’s take a look at how you can protect yourself online, and not just from the government. First and foremost, you need to realize that there’s really no such thing as real online privacy. You should always keep in mind that anything you put online or send in an email is pretty will be out there for prying and even non-prying eyes. Your emails are stored (Blueridge Verizon Google Etc.) with your service provider, and/or employer, as are histories of your web browsing. Your social media use is widely available, however “private” you make your profiles. So, be aware of what you’re saying, where your saying it, and keep track of what’s out there. Keep in mind nothing you do online is really “private” or secret. For fun Google your name or any unique usernames you use. Go to your Facebook profile page and choose the “View as public” option to see what the “public” can see of you on your Facebook page.

Be careful when browsing the Web. Be careful where you go online, and especially where you enter any personal information, including your name, phone number, and email address.. Now, mind you, there are plenty of decent sites out there you don’t have to spend hours researching. But if there’s a site asking for

Protecting Your Privacy OnlineBy: Anthony Valentino

personal info, or some site you’re using to shop online, you should be a little more careful. .

· Make Sure SSL Certificate Is Trustworthy Before Making Purchases. You should not transmit personal info, especially credit card and banking info thru sites that aren’t secured using and SSL certificate... Look for an https at the beginning for the website URL.

Make sure online accounts are optimized for privacy. Privacy 101 would teach creating strong passwords on day one. Basically when creating passwords, keep the following in mind:

• Length—Experts recommend passwords of at least 8 characters or more. Those 8 characters, by the way should be “password,” which is one of the most common of passwords!

• Complexity—Vary those password characters. Use upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbol combinations in your passwords.

• Variation—Change your passwords on a regular basis. Experts recommend changing important passwords every 3 months.

• Variety—don’t use the same password for all of your accounts. If a criminal gets your password and username, and more info on you, they might try that password on different accounts. If you’ve got that same password in use everywhere, you’re not going to like the results if that info is stolen and used against you.

Most of us use some form of social media. You have to protect yourself on social media too. Make sure you’re aware and using the optimum privacy settings for sites like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, America Online, Google +, and others. Some tips:

• Use strong password strategies, and change your passwords regularly.

• Be careful with apps and add-ons.

• Keep your browser current.

• Be careful when accessing content through social media.

• Watch for direct message spam on Twitter, a rampant problem.

• Watch out for Facebook “like” scams.

• Keep your anti-virus current.

Protect your wireless internet connection. At this point, most of us have wireless internet connections in our homes, and at least now and again connect

to wireless networks outside of the home network. At home, make sure your connection is strongly password protected. Use WPA encryption if at all possible to protect your privacy, data, and access to your computer. When out and about, only connect to wireless networks you trust.

Now, let’s spend some time on specifically protecting your identity and data. Some tips:

• Consider encryption—Gizmodo.com explains it well: “Private data encryption…encodes the information on a hard drive, memory stick, cloud locker, or other storage medium so that without the proper "key" (that hopefully only the sender and intended recipient have access to), all the data appears as gibberish (same as trying to read Mandarin).”

• Surf the web smartly and safely—Top search engine Google logs your search data. If you’re logged into Google on multiple devices, you’ll see your recent searches. Gizmodo recommends a search site like DuckDuckGo which doesn’t log search data.

• Clear your browser history and cookies regularly--Be sure you know how to do this with whatever browser you use. Also, keep your browser current.

• Run routine virus scans--These can be set to run automatically, so do that and save yourself some hassle and grief.

• Don't download email attachments from people you don't know--Be careful with ALL email attachments, especially if the attachment is a .exe file. There are a lot of email scams and spammers out there. People still fall for Nigerian email scams! Be careful when clicking links within emails as well. Phishers can get into your email addresses via links you click.

• Be smart about what you share online--Be very careful about the information you share online. No matter how private the site, there's still likely that the information can be seen, found and used. Plus, don't put anything out there that can be used against you!

Don’t forget to protect your computer as well. Use anti-virus software, and an internet firewall. If you’re a Windows user, make sure you keep your Windows Security Updates current, and set them to update automatically.

All experts say that the key to protecting yourself online is common sense. Most of the advice makes sense. Think about the information you’ve got out there, and what you’re putting out there. Use decent passwords. Think about the sites your visiting. Don’t give sensitive information out to sites or people you don’t know or trust.

Good luck, and be careful out there!


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Documents

Fall 2013