Many people often miss the boat when it comes to exercising their right to vote. Presidential elections get all the glory, but how important is it to vote in off-years and also in the Primaries? Very! Take your local school board elections, for instance: Members of your school board determine where your property tax dollars are spent, the quality of the education provided to children, AND how much your school district collects from you in taxes!

Election of these people affects homeowners' single biggest yearly/montly expense. Not kind of, sort of, maybe...school board elections affect your pocketbook directly, and in a big way. Here in Monroe and Pike Counties in the Poconos, it is critical that you vote every year, twice a year, in both the Primary and General Elections to be sure you are represented by common-sense, fiscally responsible, accountable members who will provide the highest quality education that the homeowners who pay the bill can afford. 

This year the municipal primary election here is May 21, 2013, and school board elections are the highlight of the ballot in every municipality. Mark your calendar and get out to vote! And if you cannot get to the polls that day, plan ahead and vote by absentee ballot before May 17. 

Monroe County, PA has an excellent summary of polling locations and ballot information here.

Find election information for Pike County, PA here.

Your vote really counts in these local races. Make it happen! :)

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Did you know that there are two separate 2007 property tax rebates available for senior citizens and permanently disabled Pennsylvanians? Each has different guidelines for eligibility, so please check the forms carefully to see if you qualify. You should file now - deadline is June 30, 2008 for all of them. You will need your paid tax receipts too.

1.) State Rebate

Pennsylvania Property Tax / Rent Rebate Form

Other related forms and Schedules for the PA Rebate

Whether you are a senior looking for information for yourself or a caring relative of a senior who needs assistance, Monroe County in the Poconos has resources for you.

The Monroe County Agency on Aging has published a booklet entitled "28 Benefits for Older Monroe County Residents." Ranging from discounts to tax rebates and programs to help low income seniors, this document in full of good stuff. Would you like to take classes at East Stroudsburg University for FREE? Ride local transit buses for FREE? Looking for energy assistance, or nursing care? All that and more is spelled out HERE.        

Need more info? Check out all of the other services available from the MCAAA.

Robinwood Village is a small townhouse community in Chestnuthill Township, Saylorsburg, PA, 18353, the heart of what is known as Monroe County's West End and just off of Route 715 between Reeders and the 209 intersection in Brodheadsville. It is made up of 49 units set on an idyllic country parcel, with scenic views of the mountains in the distance as is typical of beautiful Saylorsburg.

Maintenance fees in the Village are $200 per month and include a small lake, a pool and other recreation facilities, trash collection and the security of gated access. Homes are priced in the low $200,000 range and range from 1200 to 1600 square feet.

For information on homes available in Robinwood Village or other communities in the Pocono Mountains, please contact me directly.

Labar Village is a gated, over 55 community in Stroudsburg that was developed in the mid-1980's. It offers potential residents choices in both price and style, as it is comprised of 127 townhouse units and 63 condominiums. Each style offers options, providing a nice selection to a prospective buyer.

The townhouses range in price from about $150,000 to $200,000 with models from 900 sq. ft. to 1400 sq. ft., with and without garages. Some units have decks and others have screened porches or sunrooms.

The condos vary from under $100,000 to $170,000 or so for everything from an efficiency style unit around 460 sq. ft. to a two-story 1600 sq. ft. unit. A balcony or screened/enclosed porch are often included. There are garages in the lower level which are included with some of the units, and there are also storage facilities available.

Amenities in this ideal retirement location include beautiful, park-like grounds, recreational activities, snow removal, lawn maintenance, trash collection, shuttle bus service to take residents on their errands, and an on-site restaurant. All units have panic buttons to summon help should it be needed, and the gated community entrance enhances peace of mind for residents.

Expenses at the Village are affordable, with the total for real estate taxes and Association/Condo Fees in the $5,000 to $8,000 range.

The location of the community is ideal for the active senior, as it is only a minute or two to Route 80, Stroudsburg's Downtown, and only a little further to all of the other shopping and recreational offerings the Poconos is known for.

Please click on the 'Comment' link directly under this article and post any questions you have about this community so I can share my response with all of my readers.

If you are interested in learning about specific offerings available in LaBar Village or other Pocono areas, please email me.