...BECAUSE I AM AN ADULT – P 6
COULD YOUR HOME BE MAKING YOU SICK – P 8
AUGUST 2017
FAIR WARNING– P 12
WALLY LAKE FEST– P 14
Since 1998
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august ‘17
contents
departments Ask the Vet
24
Behavioral Medicine
10
Book Review
20
Classic Cars
23
Events Calendar
25
Fair Warning
12
Film Review
20
Healthy Geezer
11
Living Green Money
connectionsmagazine AUGUST ’17
VOL. 19 NO. 8
5 18
OurTowns
4
Outdoor Ramblings
22
Pocono Secrets
21
Reflections of Prison
16
features
6 BE GREEN!
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...BECAUSE I AM AN ADULT You are your child’s first teacher. You teach them to talk and walk, what to eat, how to read and how to bully other children. Wait, what? Children will do what they are taught, and the most powerful parenting doesn’t come through a parent’s words; it comes through the behaviors of the parent.
COULD YOUR HOME BE MAKING YOU SICK? If you’re like us, you probably spend a lot of time at home, and while you keep the house clean and tidy, often it’s what you can’t see that can be the biggest problems.
WALLY LAKE FEST: THE PLACE FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Wally Lake Fest is an annual event celebrating beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack and the surrounding lake region. The last weekend in August promises endless fun for people of all ages with exciting activities and events scheduled throughout August 25th through the 27th.
Cover photo of GDS Fair & background photo of sunset on Lake Wallenpaupack courtesy of PMVB.
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ourtowns
wmh fundraiser
connections
[YOUR] NEPA MAGAZINE
The World’s Greatest Musical Impersonation Show
Jukebox Heroes Live By Allison Mowatt
president • publisher • editor in chief deborah bailey production manager meica drake account representative barry weiss editorial correction services sandi scull assignment writer allison mowatt contributing writers al hoff, Movie Review lucille norella, ArtScene fred cicetti, The Healthy Geezer charles curtin, Finance terry mooney, Reflections of a Prison Inmate arthur middleton, MD, FAPA, Behavioral Medicine michael krupa, Finance josh sheard, Finance terri schlichenmeyer, Book Review la guzda, Pocono Secrets arnie milidantri, Classic Cars bill deaton, Outdoor Ramblings
group of Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH) Auxiliary members dedicated to raising funds for the continued success and improvements for Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH) are excited about one of their biggest upcoming fundraisers.
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The Auxiliary concert committee presents “The World’s Greatest Musical Impersonation Show”, “Jukebox Heroes Live”, performed by the Mahoney Brothers on Sunday, September 17th at Woodloch Pines Night Club. The committee was formed over five years ago by member Katy Wood. The Auxiliary’s fundraising efforts helped with the helipad, the women’s imaging center, the mobile mammography unit, and the ER. This concert was arranged by committee chairpersons, Katy Wood and Linda Wlock, with the help of fourteen WMH Auxiliary members. “Proceeds from this year’s event will aid with the purchase of a Rauland Responder 5 Nurse Call System, for fast, direct communication to enhance patient care,” explained Chairperson Linda Wlock. The committee was exploring options for their 5th concert when a member who saw the Mahoney Brothers in another venue suggested they contact the group. “We knew this group would fulfill most requests from the audiences,” said Linda.
The Mahoney Brothers “Jukebox Heroes Live” is a musical impersonation show that recreates the flavor of legendary musical acts Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, and others. Through live note for note renditions of their classic hits, The Mahoney Brothers will take the audience on a journey. The Mahoney Brothers, Brian, Mike and Tim, began performing professionally in the late 1970’s. Their growing reputation led to performances on Broadway, working with Six Flags to produce and star in their own impersonation shows, and a series of casino impersonation shows such as “Dick Clark’s Golden Age of Television,” to name a few.
Over the last several years, aside from performing internationally, they recorded two critically acclaimed original country music CDs, performed for President and Senator Clinton, co-produced two half time shows for the NFL, and appeared in television shows throughout the USA including CMT, The Family Channel, and Entertainment Tonight. The Woodloch Pines Night Club is at 731 Welcome Lake Road in Hawley. The concert is from 4 to 6 p.m., with a cash bar. Tickets are $40 a person. There is open and limited seating. To order tickets, call (570) 647-6427, (570) 2268115 or (570) 226-9750, or email wmhaconcert@gmail.com.
pike county conservation district, Living Green cherry ridge veterinary clinic, Ask the Vet
connectionsmagazine 3305 Lake Ariel Highway Honesdale, PA 18431 570.647.0085 • Fax 570.647.0086 cmag@ptd.net • thinkconnections@yahoo.com www.connections-magazine.com
Connections Magazine is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All advertising, including photographs, is the property of Connections Magazine and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction only in Connections Magazine and does not have the right to reproduce the ads in any other place or publication. Connections Magazine reserves its rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisements. © COPYRIGHT 2006 CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE
About WMH Auxiliary Since 1921, the Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH) Auxiliary made raising money for the hospital’s enhancement its sole purpose. These efforts improve quality care for patients and allow staff to better assist them in a contemporary working environment. It is one of the strongest healthcare auxiliary organizations with over 200 local volunteers. Their purpose is to support the Wayne Memorial Health System and its subsidiaries. The Auxiliary also furthers public relations, provides volunteer services, and raises funds for the enhancement of healthcare. A periodic newsletter with information about the Auxiliary’s fundraising efforts throughout the community along with other activities during the year is available to the public through the hospital website www.wmh.org/wmh-auxiliary/.
WHAT A DILEMMA To laugh is to risk appearing a fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out for another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk rejection. To place your visions before the crowd is to risk ridicule. To love is to risk not being loved in return. **To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure. But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. We may avoid suffering and sorrow, but we cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love or know GOD. Chained by our own self-assurances, we are a slave. We have forfeited our freedom. Only the person who dares to take risk and to trust in their GOD will ever be made FREE.
How to Get Involved People interested in joining the Auxiliary can fill out a membership application form, which is available on the hospital website through the Auxiliary link as well as at The Other Shops in Honesdale and Hawley and the Gift Box in the hospital lobby.
In 1997,Rev. Edwin E. Bailey, father of the editor, gave this poem to his daughter 8 days before he had a stroke and 3 weeks before he died. The poem was adapted from works by Leo Buscaglia. Edwin hand wrote this on a scrap of paper and gave it to his daughter, Deborah, saying the words, “Someday you’ll understand these words and use them. God bless sweetheart.” **These words were used in making the decision to purchase Connections Magazine in 2002. CONNECTIONS COPYRIGHTED 2007
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education summer section
outdoor hot subsection stuff
Why Do Our Children Need More
OUTDOOR EDUCATION In Their Lives?
hild Advocate Richard Louv quoted a 4th grader in his book, Last Child in the Woods, as saying he “likes to play indoors better ‘cause that’s where all the electrical outlets are.” In this generation of social media and technology, many children aren’t getting outside the way they used to. The average child spends about seven minutes daily in unstructured outdoor play and 80% of children are more likely to be able to identify cartoon characters than a local species. Many learn about the world around them but do not immerse themselves in the outdoors where they would be able to make connections first hand. Those connections are crucial to creating new environmental stewards and starting a love of the great outdoors that will continue on into their adult years.
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Nature is a powerful tool. It has been proven to make us smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious so why wouldn’t we want our children to reap the benefits of an outdoor education? Spending time outdoors has been linked to improved concentration, increased creativity, improved memory, confidence building, and stress reduction, plus it has been found to reduce “mental fatigue” and make us more alert to our surroundings. Not only has nature been found to increase our mental health, but with the rise in childhood obesity rates, it is an easy and fun way to improve our physical health as well. The color green has been found to lead to lower rates of exertion and fewer mood disturbances, making exercise more enjoyable and less of a chore while the imagination sparked by an adventure in the woods tends to make kids want to explore and find new things to do. In recent years, the STEAM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Art and Mathematics) program has really taken off in many classrooms around the country as more focus is being placed on the sciences, but why not take that outside? We live in the perfect area, and many local organizations are thinking along the same lines. Places like Lacawac Sanctuary, PEEC (Pennsylvania Environmental Education Center), and the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River (a member of the National Park Service), as well as many state parks, such as Promised Land, have been expanding their environmental education programs on site in leaps and bounds. While other organizations such as the Audubon Society, Delaware Highlands Conservancy, and Wayne and Pike Conservation Districts do outreach programs. Schools are working with many of these groups to get the local children out and exploring the area they live in. By taking education out of the classroom and exposing children to nature first hand, we are fostering an appreciation
By Sarah Corcoran
of the great outdoors and inspiring the next generation to care for the environment, all while teaching them school based curriculum. There is a complete shift in a child’s eyes after an outdoor program. As an educator, I see it all the time. It’s one thing to learn about metamorphosis and another thing entirely to catch amphibians in a pond and see the process with your own eyes, or to learn about water quality issues while assessing the data through chemical testing and collecting macro-invertebrates to determine water health. The Poconos have long been known as a tourist retreat for those trying to leave the hustle and bustle of the city and escape into nature, while others get to enjoy it year round. The summer is a wonderful time to focus on outdoor education with your child. Summer camps are everywhere, and while many of them focus on the sciences in particular, they all have one thing in common: they happen outside. Day camps allow younger children to dip their toes in the water of outdoor awareness while resident camps have children experiencing our local splendors first hand. As Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” Education in the great outdoors takes us on an adventure and makes us all the better for it. Sources: American Journal of Public Health 9/04, Journal of Experimental Psych Vol. 40 No. 4 2014, Journal of Environmental Psych 9/05, Environmental Health & Preventative Medicine 0/09, Psychological Science 12/08, Journal of Affective Disorders 3/13, Last Child in the Woods Richard Louv Sarah Corcoran – Environmental Educator Lacawac Sanctuary Biological Field Station & Environmental Education Center 94 Sanctuary Road Lake Ariel, PA 18436 (w) 570.689.9494 (e) sarah.corcoran@lacawac.org (w) www.lacawac.org (o) www.facebook.com/lacawac www.facebook.com/HistoricWatresLodge www.twitter.com/LacawacSanct
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education
are you a hypocritical parent?
–By Dr. Sherrie Campbell, PhD
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are you a hypocritical parent?
education
ou are your child’s first teacher. You teach them to talk and walk, what to eat, how to read and how to bully other children. Wait, what? Children will do what they are taught, and the most powerful parenting doesn’t come through a parent’s words; it comes through the behaviors of the parent.
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Children observe how the adults around them behave, and they take on and repeat those behaviors, even when they have been instructed NOT to. Lead by example. If you don’t want them to hit, don’t hit. If you don’t want them to curse, don’t curse. If you don’t want them to quit, don’t quit. If you want them to be kind to others, be kind to others. Teach them to rise above adversity and animosity and to have a positive outlook when things are bleak. Don’t be a hypocrite. So, are you a hypocritical parent?
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Arguing/fighting:
If parents argue and fight with each other, with others and/or with their children, this is the exact behavior the children will repeat back to the parent and/or others. If handling conflict in this way is the norm for the parent and is justified to the child as ok because they are the adult, the message being sent is “the parent can have the tantrum; the child has to be the adult.” When a child is being attacked in any way, it immediately puts them on the defensive. Emotions are contagious so the child will take on the energy of the parent to defend themselves, and then get in trouble for it. If parents do not want their children to fight and argue, then the parents cannot show them this method of behavior as a viable option by using it themselves. They must demonstrate how to solve their problem without fighting about it.
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Appearance:
All parents, male and female, have a responsibility to dress like adults and model adult behavior, responsibility, elegance, and dignity if these are qualities they want to see in their children. If parents, especially women, are over-sexualized, they cannot expect their children to do, be, or think any differently about themselves. Likewise, boys should dress with pride. If they want to be perceived as a slob, then dressing like a slob is okay. Perception is reality. Have confidence in your appearance.
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Partying:
When the teens are getting grounded for drinking or smoking, this becomes confusing when they witness these same behaviors in their parents. If parents are partiers, the children will see drugs and/or alcohol as feasible options for coping with stress and/or for having fun.
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Procrastination/laziness:
Being a parent includes being a working part of the family when it comes to household duties, chores, and other upkeep issues. If parents are lazy on their time off and are not being a participating
member in the household, children will model this laziness and rebel in having to be responsible in and around the house as well. Parents must demonstrate there is time to rest/play when work (household chores) are done.
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Breaking commitments:
Most parents expect their kids to follow through on their commitments, and yet many parents back out on commitments made to children. When parents don’t keep promises to show up and take part in a child’s life, this teaches children they are not worthy. This lack of commitment can also be demotivating for children and could also elicit rebellion in important areas such as school, sports, chores, and friendships.
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Values:
When children get the message from their parents, “You can be whatever you want to be as long as we agree with it,” this mixed-message interferes with the child’s desires for personal growth. Parents who encourage independence and self-expression need to do that without, then, preferring their child’s preferences to be the same as theirs—from political beliefs, extra-curricular interests, religious beliefs, sexual preferences, passions, or big picture view-points. Parents are to be guideposts on these real-life matters, but they need to trust that experience is the greatest teacher. Many parents believe that certain behaviors are exclusive to them because they are the adults. Think about how your actions influence your children and remember that children do what parents do, not what parents say. I’ve seen an amazing amount of anger and resentment occur in children when they are corrected or get in trouble for doing the things the parents are doing, or act the way the parents act. So, my advice is: Let your children inspire you to be person you want them to be. It’s not too late; you can change, learn and grow together! Sherrie Campbell, PhD is a veteran, licensed Psychologist with two decades of clinical training and experience providing counseling and psychotherapy services to residents of Yorba Linda, Irvine, Anaheim, Fullerton, and Brea, California. In her private practice, she currently specializes in psychotherapy with adults and teenagers, including marriage and family therapy, grief counseling, childhood trauma, sexual issues, personality disorders, and illness. She has helped individuals manage their highest high and survive their lowest low—from winning the lottery to the death of a child. Her interactive sessions are as unique and impacting as her new book, Loving Yourself : The Mastery of Being Your Own Person. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2003 and has regularly contributes to numerous publications, including Intent.com, Beliefnet.com, DrLaura.com and Hitched.com. She is also an inspirational speaker, avid writer and proud mother. She can be reached at Sherriecampbellphd.com. Loving Yourself: The Mastery of Being Your Own Person is available on Amazon.com and other fine booksellers.
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7
wellness
air quality
Submitted by Disaster Blaster If you’re like us, you probably spend a lot of time at home, and while you keep the house clean and tidy, often it’s what you can’t see that can be the biggest problems.
This is particularly true of indoor air quality, so here, we would like to address some common hazards that can affect the quality of your indoor air and where they may be lurking. A better question to ask yourself may be: “How clean is your air?”
Heating and Cooling Systems (HVAC) HVAC Systems are designed to circulate air through the home, and in the process can accumulate debris and moisture in the system. Over time, this can create a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and viruses that can then be introduced back into the living spaces. This all boils down to a potential for contaminants being circulated through your home that could trigger allergies, asthmatic reactions, and even result in illness. What to look for: Maybe you or a family member hasn’t been feeling well, or has had repeated or chronic bouts of illness. Have you noticed dust collecting around registers? These are all signs of a system that could be circulating mold, bacteria, or viruses through your home. How to resolve it: Having your ductwork cleaned by a professional service can resolve issues caused by a dirty HVAC System and dramatically
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improve the indoor air quality. Ductwork should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years (or as needed), so feel free to mark your calendars. If you have dogs or cats living in the home or have recently had to deal with a rodent or insect infestation, you may need to have the ductwork cleaned closer to the three-year mark.
Indoor Leaks Though many homeowners believe that a water issue needs to be big to cause big problems, leaks of any kind, regardless of how small, can lead to a mold problem in your home. Moisture issues, such as roof leaks, leaky pipes, and condensation can result in significant mold contamination within wall and ceiling cavities, attic spaces, and under flooring. Leaks within these cavities often go unnoticed, causing more damage than may be evident on the surface of walls or ceilings. What to look for: Signs of water damage and leaks can be hard to notice if hidden in wall cavities or in areas other than living spaces, such as
air quality attics and basements. It’s always recommended to conduct a regular walkthrough of your home looking for any small leaks under sinks, slow drips from connections, or moisture condensing on pipes. Bathroom exhaust fans that are vented into the attic should be rerouted to the exterior by a professional. The moisture in the air from these fans is enough to cause mold to grow in your attic over time. Any signs of water damage or staining should be investigated and addressed immediately. Be alert to musty or unpleasant odors. Often a water leak within a wall or ceiling cavity will not be visible, and the first sign of a problem may be the odor. How to resolve it: When you do discover a leak, prompt and professional mitigation and drying is necessary to prevent further damage and potential (or worsened) mold contamination. The longer mold is permitted to grow and flourish, the more likely it is to spread to adjoining or nearby areas or to other parts of the house. Moisture wants to wick from wet areas to dry so if it is not addressed, it will become a larger problem. Professional Indoor Environmental companies have specialized equipment and training allowing them to properly locate and address hidden moisture.
Radon Issues While a relatively new health concern, education campaigns on the part of the Pennsylvania DEP and others have attempted to shine a light on the effects of this radioactive gas. Radon is a gas that enters the home through the foundation and is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. If you are a smoker and are also regularly exposed to radon gas at home or work, your chance of developing lung cancer is multiplied drastically. What to look for: Being an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas, special testing must be performed to determine the Radon level in a property. Many home inspectors are properly licensed to conduct this testing, and home tests are also available. How to resolve it: Homeowners that discover higher than acceptable levels in their homes can have Radon Mitigation Systems installed by properly licensed professionals that reduce the level inside the home by venting it above the roof line. These mitigation systems are usually inexpensive especially when compared to the medical expenses and other concerns associated with lung cancer.
Asbestos Building Materials Though once considered a miracle product due to its strength, durability, and resistance to heat and flame, we soon learned that this naturally occurring mineral also caused serious health
wellness
issues. While not commonly used today, many building materials containing asbestos are still found in older homes. Though Asbestos containing materials are considered relatively safe when in excellent repair, this often isn’t the case. Asbestos containing materials in poor condition, or that have suffered water or condensation damage, can release fibers into the air, representing a serious health hazard. What to look for: Asbestos was included in a number of building components over the years, making it difficult to outline every product that may contain asbestos here. Common asbestos containing materials include, but are not limited to, pipe wrap insulation, heat resistant concrete and compounds, floor tile, siding, and some roofing materials. When conducting an inspection of your property, be particularly watchful for materials that you believe may contain asbestos that are showing signs of damage, fraying, crumbling, or wear & tear. These are materials that have the potential and likelihood of releasing fibers into the air. It is these unseen, microscopic fibers that are the primary hazard. How to resolve it: Due to the health concerns that asbestos represents, it is recommended not to attempt to resolve asbestos issues yourself. Asbestos Abatement services are available from firms that have been properly licensed by The State of Pennsylvania and who have met various training and regulatory requirements.
The Vacuum Cleaner What if we told you that the trusty vacuum cleaner you’ve been using to clean the carpet and between the cushions of the sofa might be throwing much of that dust back into the air? Unfortunately, this is more common than many homeowners realize. What to look for: When selecting a vacuum cleaner, you may know to look for something with a HEPA Filter, which traps more than 99 percent of dust in the machine and prevents it from getting into the air, but not all HEPA Filters are the same. Some vacuum cleaners market “HEPA-like” filters or make claims about the efficiency of the filter without specifically advertising it as a HEPA Filter. Filters should be labeled as HEPA Filters, and should warrant an efficiency rating of above 99%. While there are many things that can impact your home’s indoor air quality, they are things that can be resolved. After all, it’s your home, and you should feel comfortable and healthy there. We hope you found this information helpful. If there’s something that YOU want to hear about, please e-mail us at news@disasterblaster.com.
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wellness
behavioral medicine
Opioid Use Disorder... An Epidemic of Misuse By Arthur Middleton, M.D., FAPA
Do not bite at the bait of pleasure till you know there is no hook beneath it. ~Thomas Jefferson he Cambridge English Dictionary defines epidemic as: “the appearance of a particular disease in a large number of people at the same time.” Ordinarily we would consider an epidemic to be an infectious disease. Today, this term is being applied to the misuse of “opioids.” The medical community has come to grips with the fact that these medications were being prescribed generously in the 1990s, focusing on treating pain but not considering how addicting these medications could be. Clearly, overprescribing these medications continues to be a factor, but not the only one.
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Opioids are prescribed medications for the treatment of pain. They are identified as “controlled medications.” The prescriber must have a DEA license issued by the Drug Enforcement Agency. These medications can be abused by the individual or diverted; sold or used by others for whom the medication was not prescribed. Pharmacies pay special attention to the quantity of controlled medications prescribed. Opioids include medications like morphine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Trade names such as OxyContin and Percocet are names that are probably familiar to many. Heroin is also an opioid drug, but it is illegal and highly addictive. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain medication that is “50 to 100 times” more potent than morphine. It is also a medication which can be made illegally and can be lethal, especially when combined with other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the prescription of opiates, intended to treat pain, when misused “may open the door to heroin use,” which can be injected, snorted, or smoked. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) lists Substance Use Disorders which are consistent with The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) noting that individuals with this disorder often have “other health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.” Opioid Use Disorder includes the misuse of prescription drugs in addition to illegally obtained opiates or heroin. Opioid medications can cause a feeling of “euphoria” or a “high” in some individuals, which
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tragically can lead to intravenous drug abuse in an effort to replicate the “high.” According to SAMHSA, “in 2014 an estimated 1.9 million people had an opioid use disorder related to prescription pain relievers and an estimated 586,000 had an opioid use disorder related to heroin use.” Drug abuse and dependency can occur simultaneously in individuals with mental illness. This is referred to as “dual diagnosis” or “comorbidity.” While this is not an uncommon finding, it is important to note that it does not mean that all individuals who misuse drugs are necessarily mentally ill. The following fictional clinical vignette is presented to highlight the issues associated with a substance abuse disorder. JT is a 49-year-old married father of two teenaged sons. He is a college graduate and for many years worked as a manager of a hardware store. Currently, he has not been able to hold on to a full-time job. He is estranged from his wife and sons and is living in the basement of his parents’ home. JT was recently released from jail having been incarcerated for stealing money from his last employer to purchase heroin. His parents have made it clear to him that he can only stay in their home if he agrees to enter a drug treatment program and to remain drug free. JT has agreed to this but doesn’t know if he can keep this commitment. The desire to return to drugs is so strong that it consumes his thoughts during the day. But it wasn’t always this way. Several years ago, he was doing well, managing the hardware store and optimistic about his future. He had savings and had plans to purchase his own hardware store. Things changed when he was involved in an automobile accident. He had a serious back injury which required multiple surgeries. The pain was severe and his doctor prescribed OxyContin or oxycodone to treat this. JT took the medication as directed, but soon began taking more than the prescribed dose. He lied his doctor; telling him that he had knocked the medication into the toilet by accident. His doctor cautiously prescribed a limited amount. JT quickly used it, acknowledging to himself that he enjoyed the “high” that he got from the medication in
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addition to pain relief. When his doctor refused to prescribe additional OxyContin, he went to another doctor who did. In addition, JT obtained opioid pain medication from a friend who thought that he was doing JT a favor, as he no longer needed the medication. JT eventually began buying the medication from a dealer and depleted his savings. When he lost his job because he was believed to be “high” at work, his wife insisted that he seek treatment. JT went to one Narcotics Anonymous meeting but did not return. He was arrested for stealing from his employer and jailed. Sadly, this was a pattern that was to repeat itself and ultimately led to estrangement from his wife and sons. After giving serious thoughts to taking his life, JT went to a local emergency room and was admitted for treatment. He was treated for a depressive disorder with Celexa or citalopram. He was also started on the medication Suboxone or buprenorphine for treatment of Opiate Use Disorder. JT has begun to slowly repair his life. He is living “one day at a time,” and begins each day with a commitment to remain drug free. The fictional clinical vignette is a simple presentation of an often far more complicated scenario which affects not only the individual but friends, family and co-workers who are witness to the destruction of a life because of opioid abuse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse in a June 2017 update reported on the Opioid Crisis. As reported in this update, “in 2015, more than 33,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.” Also, as noted in this update, “every day more than 90 Americans die after overdosing on opioids.” There is also an “economic burden” as it is estimated that “prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion dollars a year.” This includes the “costs of healthcare as well as lost productivity, addiction treatment and criminal justice involvement.” In a New York Times article by Julie Bosman titled: Inside a Killer Drug Epidemic: A Look at America’s
medical history Opioid Crisis (January 6, 2017), the author writes about opioid addiction as “America’s 50 state epidemic.” The author cites 2015 statistics which attributes deaths from heroin alone surpassing gun homicides. The article describes the tragedy and conflicts that are associated with opioid abuse. This includes lying, impulse control loss and a steady decline in functioning as the desire and drive to take drugs surpasses everything. A sad commentary noted in the article is the sparsity of clinicians to provide treatment for opioid abusers, especially in rural communities. In a desert community of central Utah, where options for drug treatment were scarce, the author writes that “the main detox center is the county jail.” There are medications to treat opioid abuse. Dolophine or methadone and Suboxone or buprenorphine are medications which are classified as “opioid agonists.” These are medications which must be taken daily and will suppress the craving for opioids, allowing the individual to lead a normal and productive life. Methadone is obtainable in Methadone Clinics which provide addiction treatment. However, Suboxone can be prescribed by a private doctor who must have a separate DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) license to prescribe it. Often these doctors are associated with a treatment team to also provide counseling and drug testing (urine) which is critical to successful treatment. Narcan or naloxone is an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved medication for treatment of opioid overdose. It can be administered intranasally (into the nose), intramuscular (into the muscle), subcutaneous (under the skin) or intravenous (into the vein). In many states, Narcan is available in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription. To further highlight the focus on opioid abuse, there is an injectable opioid antagonist; a medication that will block the effects of an opioid if it is taken. Vivitrol or naltrexone is available as an injection, given once a month. It is heavily advertised, which underscores the seriousness of the opioid crisis that we are currently facing in the United States. Recognizing that substance abuse and incarceration are often linked, a New York Times article by Sam Quinones titled: Addicts Need Help. Jails Could Have the Answer (June 16, 2017) highlights some of the statistics that are now common with the opioid crisis. The author writes about the Kenton County Detention Center in northern Kentucky and cites a statistic that “drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death among Americans under 50.” Another statistic highlighted by the author; “only one in 10 addicted to drugs get the treatment they need,” according to a surgeon general’s report. With these depressing statistics, the author highlights the efforts of a Kenton County jail which decided to focus on providing substance abuse treatment to inmates. In addition to G.E.D. classes, the inmates
received training on overdose-resuscitation, 12-step meetings, and “instruction on criminal-addictive thinking.” Inmates who have been treated and accept help in re-entering society, are offered a Vivitrol or naltrexone shot prior to release in order to block the effects of opiates for one month. The author concludes that this approach to recovery is not a “magical cure-all” for the opioid epidemic, but it is an approach for a population “that has lost all hope.” In summary, the “Opioid Crisis” is real. Opioids are highly addictive and as noted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “every day, more than 90 Americans die after overdosing on opioids.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have estimated that the ‘economic burden of prescription opioid abuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion dollars a year.” The misuse of opioids involves taking more medication than was prescribed as well as diverting; selling or giving away prescribed medications. For those who cannot obtain prescribed opioids, a cheaper alternative is heroin, which is an illegal opioid. There are several medications available to reduce opioid craving as well as an opioid antagonist, Narcan, or naloxone, which blocks the lethal effects of an opioid overdose. This medication is available without prescription in a number of states and has saved lives following an overdose. If you are misusing opioids or have a family member with an Opioid Use Disorder, please see your healthcare provider. Treatment is available. Sustained recovery is possible. The following references are provided for the informed consumer: National Institutes on Drug Abuse: Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-over-counter-medications National Institute on Drug Abuse: Signs of Pain Medicine Abuse and Addiction https://easyread.drugabuse.gov/content/signspain-medicine-abuse-and-addiction SAMHSA: Opioid Overdose Prevention – Safety Advice for Patients & Family Members http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA164742/SafetyAdviceforPatientsAndFamilyMember s.pdf Dr. Middleton is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, and a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He received his undergraduate training at New York University and an MD degree from Rutgers Medical School. Dr. Middleton completed his psychiatric residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital & Medical Center, in NYC. He is on the honorary medical staff (retired) of Hackensack University Medical Center in NJ, where he is also Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine. Dr. Middleton has been on the voluntary teaching faculty of Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Brown Medical School. He is currently a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Middleton is retired as an Associate in the Department of Psychiatry in the Geisinger Health System formerly practicing at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Dr. Middleton lives in Dingmans Ferry, PA, and Manhattan, NY.
wellness
The Healthy
Gee z er
By Fred Cicetti
Q.
My grandson asked me to participate in a family tree about our medical conditions. He wants to ask me questions about my health, but I’m a pretty private person. I don’t know about this. What do you think?
I respect your reluctance to discuss personal matters with your grandson. However, the information you have to share with him would benefit your entire family and future generations. Perhaps your grandson could submit questions in writing and you could answer them in the same way. That might help avoid uncomfortable moments.
A.
A medical family tree or family health history (also known as a medical genealogy) is like the ones genealogists prepare, but it also includes all the maladies suffered by members of the family. A medical tree can reveal patterns and help everyone in a family choose medical tests, diagnose diseases, prevent medical problems, and assess health risks. Many of the causes of our illnesses are inherited from our ancestors. Almost a third of known diseases have genetic links. These include colon cancer, heart disease, alcoholism, and high blood pressure. Family gatherings are an opportunity to get started on a medical genealogy. If you want to prepare one, you should write down your questions in advance. You should ask enough questions and the right questions to make a medical genealogy useful to members of the families and their doctors. The following is important information about each family member— living and dead—that should be included in a health history. Frame your questions to elicit this data. 1. Birth and death dates. 2. Cause of death. 3. All medical conditions with dates and outcomes. Include anything outside the norm, not just serious
diseases. Don’t forget problems such as allergies, vision, and hearing difficulties. 4. Birth defects. 5. Mental health problems. 6. Lifestyle description. This would include information about smoking, drinking, diet, obesity, and exercise. 7. Racial and ethnic background. Some medical conditions are more common in certain groups of people. If you want to prepare a medical genealogy, an extremely helpful resource is “My Family Health Portrait,” an online tool provided by the U.S. Surgeon General. You can find it at: http://www.hhs.gov/familyhistory/portrait/index.html The tool guides you through a series of screens that helps you compile information for each of your family members. Then you get a graphic printout with the information organized in a diagram or a chart. The tool allows users to return and update information. I used the online tool to do my own family tree. It was a simple process that produced a valuable report. If you want something more basic, you can get a free five-generation ancestor chart at: http://www.familytreemagazine.com/forms/download.html# This chart is designed for a standard genealogy, but it’s a good basic document to create your own medical family tree. The information in a medical tree provides indications, not guarantees that family members will inherit problems from their ancestors. How you take care of yourself is a major influence on your health. (My next column will be about genetic testing.) All Rights Reserved © 2017 by Fred Cicetti
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11
section
subsection
Wayne County Fair August 4 through 12 Granger Smith featuring Earl Dibbles Jr coming to Honesdale
Greene Dreher Sterling Fair
e’s a country music trailblazer with sold out national tours across the country, 6.5 million social media followers, 100 million YouTube views and is setting the country music world on fire!
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August 25 through September 3
His “YEE, YEE NATION” national tour is drawing huge crowds wherever he plays, and on Saturday, August 12 he is coming to the Wayne County Fair. Featured during the concert will be Earl Dibbles Jr, Granger’s country boy Altera-ego character with a hit weekly TV segment called “Dip ‘Em and Pick ‘Em on CBS Sports Network’s “Inside College Football,” in which he has appeared for the past three seasons. Granger has even been recognized by Variety for being the brainchild behind Earl Dibbles Jr. and named one of their annual and lauded 10 Comics to Watch for in 2016. Earl Dibbles Jr has hit songs including “Merica” and “Country Boy Song,” on YouTube. It’s great fun, a great show and one night only! It’s become an annual phenomenon for the Wayne County Fair to feature a country music artist on his or her way to the top. Granger Smith featuring Earl Dibbles Jr. concert will be another spectacular event that you can say you saw him at the Wayne County Fair first! Concert tickets are on sale at tickets.waynecountyfair.com or GrangerSmith.com under Tour Dates/August 12. Grandstand seats are $25.00 per person and Trackside-stage area are $30.00 per person. There are no reserved seats for the concert and ticket prices do not include the $10 admission to the fairgrounds. The 155th annual Wayne County Fair, August 4-12 is located on Route 191 North, Honesdale PA is where Farm meets Fun! For a complete schedule of events go to WayneCountyFair.com.
his year, GDS Fair is bringing special entertainment to mark the important milestone. Audra McLaughlin, a top six finalist from season 6 of NBC’s “The Voice,” is performing at the fairgrounds on Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.
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NBC’s “The Voice’s” Audra McLaughlin as Headlining Musical Act for Centennial Celebration
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McLaughlin, a Delaware County native, is a 25-year-old country singer and songwriter. She has been singing since age eight, but gained international recognition when she joined Blake Shelton’s Team on “The Voice.” GDS Fair will run from Aug. 25 through Sep. 3 and will also feature Dave Martin’s championship rodeos, Bullride Mania, as entertainment. As usual, dozens of other rides, food vendors, activities, exhibits and performances will be available for people of all ages to enjoy. This year, Skelly’s Amusements, who will once again be providing the amusement rides, will introduce its Gondola Ferris Wheel, complete with an LED light show. Tickets for the fair can be bought at the gate or online, and include admission to exhibits, all musical shows, most arena events, and all rides. Mega
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passes are available for $45, week passes are available for $30, and regular admission to the fair is $6 Monday – Thursday and $8 Friday – Sunday. For a full schedule of events, information about participating in any livestock events and to purchase tickets, please contact the fair office at (570)-676-4047 or online at http://gdsfair.com. You can also find us on Facebook at Greene-Dreher Sterling Fair for the latest announcements and updates. About Greene-Dreher Sterling Fair The GDS Fair began in 1917. A school teacher, Ella Nevin, saw the fair as an opportunity to display her students’ handiwork. The goal of the GDS fair was to promote the agricultural lifestyle and to educate the community about the farm life and skills that can be utilized in everyday living. Since 1917 the GDS Fair has expanded greatly by adding live entertainment, thousands of exhibitions, amusement rides, games, and fun activities for the whole family. For More information about the GDS Fair, please visit http://gdsfair.com.
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13
summer
wally lake fest
The Place for Outdoor Adventure ally Lake Fest is an annual event celebrating beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack and the surrounding lake region. The last weekend in August promises endless fun for people of all ages with exciting activities and events scheduled throughout August 25th through the 27th.
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Since Wally Lake Fest honors the “big” lake’s natural scenic beauty and the many recreational opportunities it provides from boating to biking, there will be an abundance of outdoor adventures residents and visitors can participate in. The great thing about these activities is people don’t have to be athletes to take part in them because there is something for everyone with all skill levels. The most important thing is to have a blast while doing them. Some of these fun outdoor adventures happen right on the lake or beach, while others venture farther out into the lake’s surrounding area. Whether bike riding or enjoying sailboat rides, outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to three days of enjoying all that Wally Lake Fest has to offer. There will be a Motorcycle “Ride for the Lake” with a 41 mile ride around the lake, Stand Up Paddleboard and Kayak Demos with on and in-water trials, Wallypalooza with live music ON the lake on top of a floating stage, Sailboat Rides, a Sailboat Regatta Race featuring the Paupack Sailing Club, a Boat,
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Watercraft and Outdoor Show, an Open Market Fair, a Boat Parade, a Tour De Towpath Bike Ride, and much more! To make it possible for people to get the most out of their Wally Lake Fest experience, multiple free shuttle buses will run throughout the weekend, making a variety of stops. Due to the strong demand last year – more buses have been added this year. So park your car once and take the free shuttle around to the many different activities. Wally Lake Fest is proudly hosted by the Downtown Hawley Partnership and presented by Lighthouse Harbor Marina. For more detailed information, pick up a Wally Lake Fest brochure at the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center and other area businesses. The brochure lists the complete schedule of events for the entire weekend. Additional details and daily updates are posted on the website, http://www.wallylakefest.com, and the Facebook page, so be sure to check it out at http://www.facebook.com/wallylakefest.
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15
reflections
from inside
Part I
“Tip of the Iceberg” Reflections of a Prison Inmate By Terry Mooney
his is a story told by a woman with a sweet smile and positive outlook on life. She is a successful business woman, struggling with a dependence on alcohol as a coping mechanism in her personal life. She attends every program available to her here at the Pike County Correctional Facility.
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My Story I grew up in my grandfather’s cabin on top of a mountain in New Jersey. He was a single father, raising my mother and two uncles. A WWII veteran and a swimmer in the Navy, they called them Frog Men. He did a lot of work on the Rhine River, rescuing soldiers whose ships had been blown up. He also dismantled mines. After the war, he met my grandmother when she was only sixteen. He was twice her age. It was for each their first marriage, but they both drank very heavily. It was very turbulent, even violent at times. My grandmother left one day and never came back. My mother was twelve at the time, and she gave most of the care to her two younger brothers. A building inspector for New York City, my grandfather didn’t always make it home at night. In the winter, there was no running water, but there was heat from a coal stove. It was really rustic. Originally meant to be a summer retreat, they lived there full time. My mother ended up pregnant at eighteen and had my older sister. Two children later, my father was in and out of jail, mostly due to alcoholism. Before I was born, my mother and my older sister even had to live in a tent with him because he couldn’t keep a job. When my mother started working as a waitress, we moved into the cabin with Gramps. She had already divorced my father, raising us on her own for some time until she met my step-father. With him we moved into another house, this time with running water but no heat. Again, we lived in what was considered a summer retreat. We always slept on a ton of blankets, rolling ourselves up in them to keep warm. My step-father had just started what would become a very successful swimming pool company, with five kids to support, we three and his two. He was so good to us and treated us as his own children. We consider him our real dad to this day. My sisters and I were bullied because we were considered the “lower end” of town. My heart was in my throat at all times; I could hear the blood thumping in my ears, never knowing when I would get cornered and terrorized with them on their bicycles. In the third grade, two boys pushed me into a garage, punched my face, and forced me on the floor so they could molest me. Immediately, I developed a tick where I would jerk my head. I still have it to this day. I spent a lot of my time daydreaming. I dreamed of being back at Gramp’s, swimming in the lake after school, swinging on the rope swing, and playing in the woods on the old Indian foot paths and wagon trails. My grades were so-so; I wasn’t really into studying. One of the taller girls, though, I made it onto the basketball team. I did pretty well at that, and later I played field hockey and cross country. But still no one wanted to be my friend. The turning point was when some boy was throwing green beans at me in the lunch room. He wouldn’t stop. I completely exploded. I beat him up, punching him. The pent up fury from all those years of taking it, being intimidated and ridiculed and terrorized, I took it out on him. After that, everybody liked me. Go figure. I had more friends than I cared to have. This led me to
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start partying, drinking. This was the ’80s, and our favorite drink was the “Kamikaze.” The thing was we didn’t know what went into one, so we put everything, mixing all kinds of liquor. It made us sick, but we would do it again. Eventually, we got caught coming home drunk and got grounded. We were good kids, and if we were grounded, we stayed home. At about fourteen, kids from other parts of town gravitated to the lower end of town to party with us because no one would judge them like they would in the “better” neighborhood. We were no longer the dirt bags from the wrong side of town, but now the cool people. I started dating an older boy who was just graduating from high school. We drank together, but also did a lot of outdoor activities. When my family moved to another town, that was the end of the relationship. After high school, I got a job at the local bank, and started college. I got an Associate’s Degree and met a hard working boy who did deliveries into Pennsylvania, so we started coming to this area, eventually moving here. Young and dumb, I moved out of a really nice house that my parents eventually bought to an old Victorian that we rented. We did so much exploring of the area like the old railroad tracks, finding old bottles and electrical glass insulators from telephone poles known as “Hemmingways.” Some of them are very valuable! I became a bank supervisor up here at the age of twentythree. We got married after being together for about three years and it lasted six months. He ended up drinking every night on the way home from his New Jersey job while I was attending night school for my job. He’d come home drunk and eventually became violent. I left him and got my own place, but I stayed up here. And I took the dog. Still in my early twenties, I didn’t date, preferring to hang out with my middle-aged female co-workers who were into self-help and cooking. We did projects like gardening and sewing, and I learned a lot from them. The rest of the time, I invited my camping friends from my old life to come up and we enjoyed the outdoors together. I became a weekend warrior, drinking before, during, and after hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, all of it. Feeling crippled on Monday, physically from the activities and drained from all of the drinking, and then feeling human by Thursday afternoon, I was ready to start all over again on Friday night. I met my second husband at a local barbeque. He was from Queens, New York, and spent weekends in his parents’ summer home while he was restoring one he bought for himself with the plan of moving here full time. He worked as a Teamster with his father. To me, this appeared like a tight family structure and a stability that I wanted in a relationship. He came across as a really solid, dependable man, and I fell in love with him. On our first date, he took me to dinner. Afterward, we stopped at his friend’s house to introduce me. We were there maybe twenty minutes when his friend took two little blue pills out of his pocket and handed them to my date who immediately swallowed them. I was horrified. I’d never seen anyone do drugs before my eyes. Coupled with the alcohol, now he was in really bad shape. But I liked him so much that I looked past it, too naïve to know that it was just the tip of the iceberg. (To be continued.)
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17
money
investment perspective
PERSPECTIVE A TOTALLY DIFFERENT INVESTMENT Charles Curtin, JD, LLM, CTFA – Trust Officer, The Honesdale National Bank
ometimes the minutia of life gets the better of me. To my wife’s chagrin, I like to overlook the obvious and fixate on the small stuff. For example, I recently became preoccupied with ensuring that I wear my watch every day. Mind you, the watch had been languishing in my dresser for years. I proceeded to faithfully strap it to my wrist every morning for weeks. What I failed to realize is that the battery died. I looked down one day and saw the watch stuck at 2:30. Well, I guess the old thing is at least right twice a day.
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In my experience, tunnel vision always helps completing the task at hand, but it is detrimental to just about everything else. I find this maxim holds true in my professional endeavors as well. I notice my customers are frequently laser focused on a few particulars of their investments, like appreciation or “how much money/income am I making today,” as opposed to other more true indicators of success. One such indicator is called “total return,” and in my opinion a superior measure of investment performance. In fact, I believe the adoption of a true total return investment strategy for investment portfolios could be particularly valuable to retirees who are looking to maintain their current lifestyle.
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Total return is the amount any one investment or an investment portfolio earns over a specific period when all the funds earned are reinvested. Total return measures price appreciation, dividends, and interest in one ratio. A simple illustration helps show total return. Take a stock bought for $100 on January 1st. As of December 31st of the same year, the stock had paid a $5 dividend during the period and increased in share value to $105. The stock’s annual total return would be 10%, or in other words, the combined dividend and share appreciation. For the past decade, interest rates have been historically low. Investors no longer can generate large amounts of income solely from their fixed-income holdings (like bonds or certificates of deposit (CD)). A 1% CD provides a measly return. Retirees expecting to live off of their portfolio’s income cannot simply allocate a portion of the portfolio to high rated bonds and CDs and forget about it. Due to the interest rate rut, many people have been hunting for income in riskier places. This phenomenon has, in some cases, led to large losses. For instance, investors in so-called Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs), energy partnerships that typically own interest in pipelines, storage tanks, and other energy infrastructure and promising between a 5% to 10% income stream, underwent enormous price losses when the energy market went south in 2015 (32% loss as a market sector). Many MLP investors believed that they were in safe investments offering tremendous interest. They were wrong. While alternative investments, like MLPs, can be a valuable addition to a successful portfolio, they should not replace the portfolio’s fixed-income backbone due to their underlying risk and price volatility. Adopting a total return philosophy can hopefully steer investors away from taking excessive risk when searching for portfolio yield. Since total return takes into account both appreciation and income, it is a worthwhile strategy for current retirees expecting to withdraw a set amount (like 4%) of their portfolio each year. A total return approach utilizes both income and strategic sales of appreciated assets to help cover the expenses of retirement. Many retirees abhor the idea of “digging into the principal” of their investments to pay for living, but if done in a measured manner, a total return portfolio will provide the right amount of growth and income. The composition of a total [ www.connections-magazine.com ]
return portfolio should look similar to most other investment portfolios – a diverse mixture of growth assets (stocks) and income assets (bonds and cash). When selecting the particular investments, the portfolio’s annual income needs must be kept in mind. If the portfolio is projected to earn 2% in interest and dividends and the anticipated withdrawal rate is 4%, the portfolio will therefore need to earn 2% in appreciation to cover the costs. As long as the income needs of the investor are met, the portfolio should be indifferent as to where the 4% is derived (i.e., income or principal). Further, when examining stocks or stock mutual funds for the portfolio, it is advised to consider a mixture of high dividend payers and growth stocks in order to balance both yield and appreciation. The total return portfolio is not the perfect antidote to low rates. Like any investment, it does have a few disadvantages. First, if you are the type to invest and forget, the total return portfolio is not for you. The portfolio requires regular adjustments (i.e., buying and selling) to create the necessary income stream. Next, the total return portfolio produces taxes. Assets sold at a gain will be subject to capital gains tax on your personal income tax return. Finally, despite what we have seen over the past several years, the stock market does have down years. Be aware that the portfolio will lose money on occasion. However, the markets have withstood the test of time and have always moved upwards. A long term perspective and patience is key. The old paradigm of living off your interest and dividends in your golden years is (for most) no longer viable. A change of perspective is necessary. The adoption of a total return approach could be the right alternative. If you need help in creating a total return portfolio, contact a local advisor in your area because as I like to say, “Local advice is often the best advice.” The Honesdale National Bank and its employees do not render legal, tax, or accounting advice. Accordingly, you and your attorneys and accountants are ultimately responsible for determining the legal, tax, and accounting consequences of any suggestions offered herein. Furthermore, all decisions regarding financial, tax, and estate planning will ultimately rest with you and your legal, tax, and accounting advisors. Any description pertaining to federal taxation contained herein is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used by you or any other person, for the purpose of avoiding any penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. This disclosure is made in accordance with the rules of Treasury Department.
net worth
money
Tips to Help Boost Your
Net Worth alculating your net worth is a matter of math — add up your cash, investments, property values, life insurance, financial interests in your business, and other assets such as rare collectibles and jewelry. From that total, subtract all debts, including mortgage balance and the amount owed on credit cards and loans. While the calculation itself is simple, its importance goes far beyond.
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Jim McKown, Financial Planning Manager in Wells Fargo Advisors’ High Net Worth Planning department, points out that knowing your actual net worth is important not only for your future but also for family and loved ones as it relates to your estate plan and how it affects their future. So assuming you have all the numbers for the calculation, how do you know what it really means? McKown says an important first step is to work with your Financial Advisor to determine your current situation. Having a clear picture of your net worth now, as well as where it may be in the future, is the starting point before making other decisions, such as beginning a gifting program or establishing a trust fund.
1}
Analyze your spending
If your goal for the coming year is to improve your overall financial condition, increasing your net worth comes down to two basic choices. “You either save more or spend less,” says McKown, noting that “for many people the latter is the more viable option.” “The starting point for reducing spending is to determine exactly where you are spending your money and then establish a budget.” Noting that maintaining a household is more expensive today than as recently as twenty years ago, McKown points out that the advances in technology — cell phones, computers, cable TVs, Internet access — add a considerable amount to the average household’s expenses. He recommends that individuals ask themselves if they need everything they have. Extra spending is especially common among those who are just getting started in their careers and have more disposable income than they’re used to, but McKown’s tips apply to everyone. Shop around to see if you can bundle Internet and TV into one less-expensive package. Consider making more meals at home instead of going out to eat. Analyze plans for
your next vacation to make sure you’re making the best use of your money. “Many of us don’t think about where we are spending our money, so understanding that and then setting a budget is a great way to reduce expenditures.” The first step in establishing a viable budget is to determine fixed costs, such as mortgage, insurance, utilities, and any other regular obligations. Then look at variable costs, such as leisure travel, entertainment, and even splurges, like a new vehicle. “Once you examine these categories carefully, you can get a clear picture of how to start reducing costs.”
your 2} Decrease debts Once you’ve decreased those variable costs, you can look into ways to decrease the fixed costs as well as get rid of or lower other debts you may have. For many people, the bulk of those come in the form of loans on your assets. Interest rates continue to be at historic lows. While many homeowners have taken advantage of these rates to refinance their mortgage and free up some monthly cash or pay down their home faster, it may be worth checking to see where you locked in compared to where rates are currently. Your mortgage isn’t the only place you should try to reduce your interest rate. Consider looking at the rate on any auto loans and refinance if it makes sense. Even unsecured debt, such as what you owe on credit cards, may be able to be reduced through consolidation or refinanced at a lower rate through a personal loan. Talk with a banker to figure out what makes the most sense for your situation.
your 3} Boost assets Once you’ve worked on cutting your spending and debt, you may have more money to put toward increasing your
assets. Owning a home and building equity has traditionally been one of the most common stepping stones to increasing net worth. Usually, a home is one of the most valuable assets in someone’s portfolio, if not the most valuable asset. But, cautions McKown, in today’s mobile society, where employees are changing jobs and cities frequently, it’s more difficult to build equity. “Buying a home should never replace saving for retirement. Many of us saw our parents realize sizeable increases in the values of their homes, which may have even outpaced the increase in their investments,” McKown says. “Historically, however, homes have kept up with inflation but have not outpaced it.” Saving for retirement is something you can do regardless of where you live, and with tax-deferred accounts, the savings may grow even faster. Try to max out your retirement contributions, at least up to any company match. If you put a savings plan into your budget, you’ll be less likely to try to access the money, allowing it to grow over time and thus boosting your net worth. “Resist the temptation during or after a move to spend your 401(k) or IRA funds,” McKown says. McKown concludes with this advice: Before you can determine where you want to go and what you want to do, know where you stand at the present time. And the starting point for this understanding is to know your net worth. This article is sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network and provided to you by Michael J Krupa, Krupa Wealth Management, Honesdale PA 570-253-0121. Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. Krupa Wealth Mangement is a separate entity from WFAFN. ©2015 Wells Fargo Financial Network, LLC. All rights reserved.
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entertainment
book/film reviews
BABY DRIVER
“Jabari Jumps” By Gaia Cornwall Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer
ou can do it. Yes, you can. You just need to take a deep breath and then blow it out. Find the courage inside yourself. Think of something else and do it. Don’t be scared. As you’ll see in “Jabari Jumps” by Gaia Cornwall , good things come to those who get brave and take the leap.
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Jabari loved to swim. He was really good at it, too. He’d gone to all his swimming lessons and he passed every test. He was so good at swimming that he was ready to jump off the diving board. He even told his dad about it. The diving board was “high and maybe a little scary…” There were a lot of rungs to climb to get to the top - Jabari could tell that from the side of the pool. Other kids on top of the diving board looked tiny from below as they sprang up and splashed down into the water. It was a long, long way to dive, but Jabari thought it looked like fun – and besides, he was a “great jumper.” As he stood by the ladder, he looked up. Way up. Then he turned around and looked at the other kids in line. They’d been standing there awhile; maybe they should go first. In fact, maybe a “tiny rest” was a good idea before tackling such a huge thing. And oh, Jabari forgot to do his stretches before swimming – that’s very important. Maybe tomorrow would be better for diving off the board. But then Daddy said something that Jabari never thought about. Daddy knew exactly what Jabari was thinking, and he had some helpful advice. There were many ways to dive off a board and into a pool. You can jump feet-first or with your arms above your head, backwards or forwards, straight or flipping head over feet, but there was only one way to get to the top to do it. And so Jabari did… More than three out of five Americans don’t know how to swim. In the African American community, that number is considerably higher. “Jabari Jumps” may help fix that. It’s okay to love swimming, according to author Gaia Cornwall’s energetic little main character. It’s okay to get all wet and take swim lessons It’s actually fun, and Cornwall ’s illustrations make it seem so. But, as your child will see, it’s also okay to be scared of doing something you’ve never done before. In this, Cornwall makes it clear to even the smallest youngster that Jabari’s faux-bravery is wavering even as he brags about his big plans in the pool. There’s plenty of reassurance here, though; Jabari’s father is a great supporting character, understanding and calm with no belittling. In the end, well, I’m sure you know where this book goes. Kids might, too, and it’s a joyous finale that will leave young readers with a smile and maybe an urge to learn to swim. If that’s what you want to foster in your child, then give him “Jabari Jumps.” Do it.
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Sometimes a movie might only need fast cars, great tunes, funny gangsters, and a boy meeting a girl. Baby Driver, from writer-director Edgar Wright, is a joyful riff on genre fare from a devoted scholar. Viewers won’t be taxed by the plot: A nice guy is the driver for a gang, but then walking away isn’t so easy. Baby (Ansel Elgort) is a great getaway driver, even if is always listening to music on ear buds; he’s the odd man out in the gang’s rotation of motor-mouths. Baby Driver is an homage to kicky heist films, but at its real heart, it’s a valentine to all the sentimental musicheads out there. Baby is about fifteen minutes too long, and the ending is just OK when ideally it should be as punchy as the bravado opening. But think of Baby Driver as a mix tape: Of course, it has to start strong, and then develop a good groove among disparate elements — an oddball lead, romance, Kevin Spacey being scary, a car chase, a discussion about Dolly Parton, a shootout. Even when all that works, it can be hard to nail down just the right jam for the end. Still a great mix, though. out of 4
DESPICABLE ME 3 Those pill-shaped minions and their amusingly grumpy leader Gru will just never be as fresh and funny as they were in their 2010 debut Despicable Me The gang is back in Eric Guillon’s animated comedy, and it’s … OK. Gru (voiced by Steve Carrell) is no longer a bad guy. But through some plot-jiggering, he and his wife Kristen Wiig) pursue a washed-up 1980s TV star, Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker), who has stolen a giant pink gem. Conveniently, Gru learns he has a long-lost brother, Dru (also Carrell), who wants to learn cool spy-like villain behavior. So Gru trains Dru, and our three heroes work to steal the diamond back from Bratt, a.k.a. commit a crime for good. Bratt is a silly-fun foil, if you’re old enough to appreciate all the 1980s pop-culture jokes woven through his mullet, and to get the laughs about how child stars can wind up as grotesque parodies of themselves. Meanwhile, the minions are oddly sidelined. After Gru renounces villainy, they walk out in protest, so their various antics occur outside of the main story. Given their over-exposure, less is certainly more, but fans will miss the dynamic push-pull of the minions with Gru. out of 4
All of these ran previously in the Pittsburgh City Paper.
delaware valley arts alliance
Delaware Valley Arts Alliance
Passing a Bright Torch By LA Guzda
ision. Warmth. Inclusive. These are the words that come to mind when I think of Elaine Giguere. I first met Elaine in 2003 and immediately felt her kindness and competence.
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Elaine has served as the Executive Director of the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) since 1978. In her forty plus years of service to the arts in the Upper Delaware region, her contributions are numerous and impressive. In addition to purchasing the historic Arlington in 1981, which serves as home to DVAA and a centerpiece of Narrowsburg, NY, Main Street; the DVAA not only provides year-round gallery exhibits and events but provides educational programming and serves as the Arts Council for Sullivan County, which awards grants and scholarships throughout the area. DVAA and Elaine
did you know?
were prominent in the renovation of the Tusten Theater. DVAA is integral in fostering artists especially through some of the popular “pop-up” events like Art in Sixes.” Elaine has helped shape the vision of DVAA, but she did not do it alone. Rocky Pincotti, Gallery Director; Bizzy Coy, Program Director; Jeffrey Allison, Board President; and many others, have greatly contributed in elevating DVAA’s offerings and expanded reach. Ariel Shanberg has been appointed the new Executive Director. Young, enthusiastic, and experienced, Ariel previously served the Center for Photography at Woodstock as an Arts Administration Intern in 1999. In the fall of 2003, he was appointed Executive Director. He brings a commitment to DVAA’s artistic mission and creative offerings, working with the staff and Board to ensure its historic and continued excellence. The power of the arts to strengthen and enrich our lives is of such great value that it is essential in building vibrant communities. The Arts offer a language that transcends boundaries. We are so fortunate to have an organization like DVAA; as well as other groups like The Cooperage, The Art Factory, The Dorflinger Glassworker Museum, and Pocono Arts. They all stand to provide access to the arts but also to foster artistic talent. Follow us on Instagram @PoconoSecrets and on Facebook @PocoPike Visit www.LAGuzda.com or www.PoconoSecrets.com for past articles. Do you have a Pocono Secret to share? Send an email to: PoconoSecrets@aol.com
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lifestyle
outdoor ramblings
Tucked up in along the northeast part of the Wayne-Pike border is State Game Lands #316, home to a network of trails and Cobey Pond. It’s not a very large body of water, but the loop trail around its edge is about a mile long, flat, wide, and generally an easy trek. A mile-long approach to the loop travels gradually uphill over a Game Commission access road. It’s wide enough for a vehicle, so hikers won’t have to worry about getting whacked by errant limbs or stuck by picker bushes along the way to the lake.
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Getting There The trailhead is not difficult to find, but it’s a bit out-of-the way. It’s on Masthope Plank Road, about 9 miles upriver from the intersection of PA-590 in Lackawaxen if you are driving there from the south, or about a mile down the Plank Road from the intersection of Welcome Lake Road, if you are coming in from the north. There’s a sign board close to the access road, and a parking lot is located across and the road to the east. Another large parking area lies uphill and will make the approach to the pond much quicker, but why do that if the point of all this is to hike? Watch for Ruffed Grouse along the way to the lake. They’ll probably take flight while you’re just a step or two away from them. While they are more abundant farther off the main trail, it’s not uncommon to have one fly out of the brush even in the well-traveled areas. The pond area has several distractions so hikers may want to budget some extra time to explore the rocky outcrops, pick berries, and lounge on the overly large dock on the lake. Snakes and snapping turtles are frequently found near the water, so leave them be and be wary if venturing off the path. The property once belonged to the infamous smuggler, Rik Luytjes. It was confiscated after he was found guilty and sentenced to 8 1/2 years in a federal penitentiary in 1988. The dock appears large enough to tie up a small float plane, and local legends say Luytjes sometimes landed there, but documented proof of that is hard to find. He did have a large house uphill from the lake, but it was razed when the land was confiscated. Trails lead off from the lake in many places. Here and there, it appears that excavating may have been done, and probably was. In addition to having a house on Lake Wallenpaupack where he had some of his money stashed, Luytjes allegedly had several
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caches of cash hidden near Cobey Pond. While nothing was ever found there, who knows? There might be a few millions still buried somewhere out there. Going back even farther in time, the grounds were home to a fish hatchery. Other side trails lead off the main trail up and downstream along Masthope Creek. In some ways, the hike along the stream is just as good as the trek up to the pond. A mile-long stretch heads downstream. It’s very picturesque, especially in late fall or winter when ice forms on the creek rocks. The main roads, as well as these side trails, also open to cycling and equestrian activities, so hikers should be on the lookout for horseback riders and the occasional mountain biker. Caution should also be taken here in warmer months as rattlesnakes do inhabit the rocks and can be found sunning near the dock and in the upper parking lot. Ticks can also become a nuisance, especially in the spring. These are small trade-offs, though. There are plenty of song birds, game birds, and woodpeckers throughout the area to observe. Eagles and osprey sometimes make the short flight over from the river, and waterfowl come and go throughout the year except in the coldest of months when the pond is frozen. As one of its featured area hikes, the National Park Service suggests an hour to complete the 3-mile trek, but budget an extra two more hours if you really want to explore the area or search out wildlife or dare a jump off the dock into the tannic waters of the pond. There are wading spots in the creek too, if the lake seems too ominous, and you really need a cool-off on a summer day. It is an area reserved for hunting, so wear blaze orange when the season requires and be mindful of hunters as well as other hikers. Have fun and take some time to enjoy the area. williamjdeaton@yahoo.com
classic cars
lifestyle
1956
Oldsmobile
Holiday 88
4-Door Hardtop Sedan
By Arnie Milidantri
ummer is in full swing, a wonderful time to enjoy July’s great celebrations, community parades, great family picnics, and a great time to view those wonderful cars of old. Years ago, one of the main events of summer would be attending the local town or county fairs, which would include some sort of race track for either motorcycles or modified race cars. One of these races would likely include stripped down speedsters roaring around a dirt track, teetering on the edge of control to the thrill and excitement of the crowd. I spotted one of these homemade speedsters at a local cruise sponsored by the Scranton, PA, Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club in May.
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As we enter the peak of summer, the “heat is on!” One of my fondest summer memories as a kid was us piling into our family sedan along with my parents, brothers, cousins, aunts and uncles, and heading to our favorite state park for the day. We would picnic, swim, and play ‘till dark, then pile into our 50’s sedan and sleep on the way home. So when I come across one of those great family cars, I can’t help but smile and remember a much simpler time. I was fortunate to spend an hour reminiscing with Jerry Peet, the owner of an original 1956 Oldsmobile Holiday 88 4-door Holiday Hardtop Sedan. Jerry’s beautiful red and white Olds is an outstanding example of a piece of our automobile history. The car turns heads no matter where it goes and is one of the car show favorites.
Background The Oldsmobile 88 was a full size (big) car that was manufactured by General Motors’ Oldsmobile division from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 to 1974, the 88 was Oldsmobile’s top-selling line. The 88 series served as the image leader for Oldsmobile, starting in the early years (1949–51). It was one of the best performing automobiles, thanks to its relatively small size, light weight, and advanced overhead-valve high-compression V8 engine. Equipped with these large, high performance V8 engines, (originally designed for the larger and more luxurious 98 series), the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 is widely considered by some to be the first muscle car. Oldsmobile manufactured ten generations of the Olds 88 as listed below: 1 First generation (1949–1953) 2 Second generation (1954–1956) 3 Third generation (1957–1958) 4 Fourth generation (1959–1960) 5 Fifth generation (1961–1964) 6 Sixth generation (1965–1970) 7 Seventh generation (1971–1976) 8 Eighth generation (1977–1985) 9 Ninth generation (1986–1991) 10 Tenth generation (1992–1999) The Rocket 88 cars transformed the Oldsmobile image from a stuffy conservative car to a performer that became the one to beat on the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) circuit. It established an impressive record, winning six of the nine NASCAR late-model division races in 1949, 10 of 19 in 1950, 20 of 41 in 1952, and was considered the first real “King” of NASCAR. This led to increased sales to the public, fueled by the demand for new fast cars in the expanding post-World War II mar-
ketplace. The Olds 88 was viewed as the car to have by many ex-military personnel who had operated powerful military equipment. The 88’s great success inspired the popular 1950s slogan, “Make a date with a Rocket 88,” and the song, “Rocket 88,” that is often considered the first rock and roll record. Starting with the trunk-lid emblem of the 1950 model, Oldsmobile would adopt the rocket as its logo, and the 88 name would remain in the Olds lineup until the late 1990’s, almost until the end of Oldsmobile itself. Each year contributed new features or styling changes, starting with the 1949 model that was equipped with an ignition key and a starter push-button to engage the starter. The 1950 model styling changes included the replacement of a two-piece windshield with a one-piece unit and the addition of the Holiday hardtop coupe to the line. A threespeed manual transmission with column shift was offered as a “delete for credit” option to the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, and the 1950 model won the 1950 grueling Carrera Pan-Americana race. The 1951 Olds 88 was now the entry-level Olds, which meant that all Oldsmobiles were powered by Rocket V8’s. New this year was the more upscale Super 88 line on the new GM B-body with restyled rear body panels, a more luxurious interior, a new I-beam frame along with optional hydraulic power windows and seats. The 1954 Oldsmobiles were completely restyled with a new longer and lower body and wrap-around windshields and rear windows. The Rocket V8 increased from 303 to 324 cubic inches with 88’s powered by a two-barrel, 170 horsepower unit while Super 88’s came with a 185 horsepower version with four-barrel carburetor. An optional safety padded dash was available for $17. The 1955 models received a facelift with new bold oval grillwork, taillights, jazzier two tone paint options, and body-side chrome. The 324-cubic-inch Rocket V8 horsepower increased to 185 for 88s and 202 for Super 88s. Olds introduced a new mid-year model, a pillarless 4-door hardtop body, dubbed the Holiday sedan, in both the 88 and Super 88 series. The 4-door Oldsmobile 88 Holiday, along with other General motors models (the 4-door 98 Holiday, Buick Century Riviera, and Special Riviera) were the first 4-door hardtops ever produced. Air conditioning was introduced as an option. For 1956, the year of our featured car, new styling highlights included a split grille in front and revised taillights and deck along with revised side chroming. The 324 Rocket V8 horsepower increased to 230 for 88’s and 240 for Super 88’s. A new 4-speed Jetaway Hydra-Matic was introduced this year to replace the original Hydra-Matic transmission that Olds had used since 1940. The new Jetaway
Hydra-Matic retained the four forward speeds and fluid coupling unit, but added a new “Park” position to the shift quadrant and no longer required band adjustment as a specified routine maintenance. Inside, an oval speedometer replaced the round unit and a new foot-operated parking brake replaced the previous T-handle unit. The 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Hard Top Sedan had a MSRP of $2,671.00, a curb weight of 3,797 lbs, and had a production run of 52,239 cars.
Featured Car The featured car is a 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Hard Top Sedan that was purchased new by a woman in Wisconsin who drove the car for many years and 90,000 miles. The car was stored for many years and was finally sent to auction as an original “barn find” around 2004. The car was purchased by a restoration shop and was restored back to original. It was then purchased by a dealer in Niagara Falls, NY and put up for sale. Jerry Peet saw the car in the Annual National Hershey, PA Antique Car show car corral and shortly after purchased it from the dealer in 2007. He is the second individual to own the Olds. The car’s restored body and mechanicals continue to serve Jerry well His car is no trailer queen; he and his wife, Ann, and friends love touring the countryside of northern PA. He has driven his Olds close to 20,000 miles in the past ten years (current mileage is 112,000). It’s a great way to spend time together and enjoy good times.
The Owner This bright red and white 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Hard Top Sedan is owned by Jerry Peet of Lake Ariel, PA. Jerry is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania and a retired heavy equipment operator. He has been a lifelong car enthusiast who enjoys tinkering with his cars. His 130 foot walk from his back door to his pole-barn is one of his life’s well-earned pleasures. Not only does he get to spend time with his 1956 Olds, he also gets to play with his other cars in his collection: a 1978 MGB, a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette, and his most current in progress project, a 1950 F1 Ford. Jerry is a regular at many of the northeast PA cruises/shows. He personally runs a show for residents of the Julia Ribaudo Extended Care Center in Lake Ariel, PA each year. This year’s show is set for August 10th at the Center from 10 AM to 2 PM. The residents love the cars and pick the winners. It’s a great day for the residents and the car owners alike! So if you happen to be a local show/cruise and see a beautiful red and white 1956 Olds Holiday, stop by, say hi to Jerry and share a memory of a much different time!
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E M A I L U S Y O U R Q U E S T I O N S AT C M A G @ P T D . N E T
ASK THE VET:
lifestyle
pets
Obesity In Cats – Part I Source: Vetstreet.com
y some estimates, more than half of cats are overweight and 25% of cats are obese. As with their human counterparts, cats typically get fat because they eat too much and exercise too little. Obesity-related health problems include heart disease, ruptured ligaments, respiratory compromise, tiredness, diabetes, greater susceptibility to certain types of liver disease, and osteoarthritis. If you’ve got a fat cat, ask your veterinarian about a diet and exercise program tailored to your pet.
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Overview Everyone knows the definition of obesity — at least they think they know it when they see it. But it’s defined a little more narrowly than you might think: It’s when you (or your cat in this case) is storing extra fat. Weight, per se, is not so much the issue, which is why any evaluation of obesity depends to a large extent on the animal’s individual characteristics. Obesity is usually caused by excessive food intake and insufficient exercise. According to some estimates, more than 50% of cats are overweight and 25% of cats are obese. Obesity is more common in older, less active felines and in spayed female felines whose weight is not well-managed. Cats that are fed bottomless bowls of food are more likely to be obese than others.
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Obesity-related health problems abound. These include but are not limited to heart disease, a reduced life span, ruptured cruciate ligaments, labored or difficult breathing, fatigue/exercise intolerance, greater risk for heat stroke/heat exhaustion, greater susceptibility to fatty liver disease, diabetes, and osteoarthritis.
Symptoms and Identification Identification of feline obesity is generally undertaken by implementing a charting method called body condition scoring, which results in a score between 1 and 5 or 1 and 9, depending on the specific chart applied. In both cases, the idea is the same: 1 represents a too-thin cat, 5 or 9 is a morbidly obese one. 3 and 5 are considered ideal, while any cat scoring greater than 4 or 7 is considered overweight or obese. The idea behind determining a BCS in cats has to do with identifying what’s ideal for each individual animal. Weight, after all, is not the overriding issue. How much extra weight a cat is carrying will vary widely even among members of the same breed. The average domestic shorthaired cat should weigh 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kg), though some individual and breed variation is to be expected. Here’s how to tell if your cat is fat: • If you put a hand on either side of your cat and firmly stroke his sides, you should be able to feel the ribs. This indicates that your cat is probably a proper weight. If you can’t
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feel the ribs, your cat is overweight. (If you can see the ribs, your cat is underweight.) • If you stand above your cat and look down at him or her, your cat’s waistline should be detectable as a slight indentation just behind the ribs. • A swinging pouch between your cat’s hind legs is a sign that your cat is overweight. • Your cat’s anal area should look clean. Some obese cats have trouble grooming this area. • A greasy patch, matting of fur, or flaking of skin down the midline of a cat’s lower back can also indicate obesity. His inability to reach this area (a part of normal grooming) due to his obesity is a sure sign that things need to change. • If a cat snores or wheezes, it could be a sign of obesity.
Column Provided by Cherry Ridge Veterinary Clinic in Honesdale. Send your questions to Pet Column, c/o Connections Magazine, 3305 Lake Ariel Highway, Honesdale, Pa. 18431 or e-mail them to cmag@ptd.net and type 'Ask the Vet' in the subject line.
a+r+e Y O U
C O N N E C T E D
Ongoing Events DAILY
Public Art Displays Nature’s Grace, Dime Bank & Wayne Bank, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Harvey Insurance, Honesdale. & Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce, Hawley. Wayne County Arts Alliance artists display their work monthly. DAILY
Public Art Display REMAX Wayne, Honesdale. Art displays of local artists all year long. Info: 570-253-9566. DAILY
Kids Art Display Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, Bartonsville. Artwork created by students from all over Monroe County is featured in a month-long exhibit. Info: 570-629-3061 or www.mcconservation.org. WEEKLY
Table Tennis in Honesdale Lakeside Elementary School, Honesdale. Join a group of table tennis enthusiasts who play weekly. Info: John Babyak, 570-253-4379 or jbabyak1@ptd.net. MONDAYS & FRIDAYS
Chair Yoga 10–11:15 a.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Ages 18 & up. All the benefits of yoga for anyone who may feel challenged by a traditional yoga class. Free. Registration & info: 570-996-1500. MONDAYS
Kundalini Yoga 5:30–6:30 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Ages 16 & up. Experience the gifts that Kundalini yoga has to offer as you explore breath, movement & mantra. Bring a yoga mat & blanket. Registration & info: 570-996-1500. TUESDAYS
area events
ARTS, RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT
AUG ’17
WEDNESDAYS
Simply Yoga 10–11:15 a.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Ages 16 & up. Suitable for all levels. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a mat, towel or blanket, & water. Series of 6 or per class. Registration & info: 570-996-1500. WEDNESDAYS
Lego Club 4:30–5:30 p.m. Pike County Public Library, Milford. Create, share ideas, make new friends. Free & open to the public, registration requested. Info: www.pcpl.org or Facebook. Registration: 570-296-8211. Jazz on the Deck The Settlers Inn, Hawley. Cool music & great food. Info: 570-226-2993 or desk@thesettlersinn.com. THURSDAYS
Writers’ Group 7–8:30 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Ages 18 & up. Ongoing group. Come read your work or listen & be inspired. Learn the craft of writing as you write toward a goal of publication. All genres & levels of writing welcome. Free admission. Info: 570-833-5246. THURSDAYS
Pub-O-Lympics 8 p.m. The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Hawley. Hilarious combination of trivia & physical challenges. Compete with teams to win a gift certificate, gold medal & bragging rights. Info: 570-226-2124. Hawley Farmer’s Market 2–6 p.m. Bingham Park, Hawley. Meat, poultry, eggs, baked goods, fresh produce, plants, candy & crafts. Penn State info table & master gardeners to answer your garden questions. Info: 570-226-1644.
Wayne County Farmers’ Market 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Willow Ave. (next to Dave’s Foodtown), Honesdale. & eggs, homemade baked goods, handmade crafts & more, all locally grown or produced.Info: 570-488-5435. SATURDAYS
FREE Tastings and Demos Noon–2 p.m. Mill Market, in the Hawley Silk Mill, Hawley. Info: 570-390-4440.
FRIDAYS
Live Music 8 p.m.–Midnight. The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Hawley. Great drink specials, delicious food & live music. Info: 570226-2124 or silverbirchesresortpa.com. SATURDAYS
Monroe Farmers Market 8 a.m.–Noon. Courthouse Square, Downtown Stroudsburg. Produce, plants, flowers, eggs, raw natural honey, fresh baked breads & pastries,
AUG. 3
Dweezil Zappa: 50 Years Of Frank 8 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. Performing his father Frank’s music under the banner of the Cease and Desist tour, also known as “Dweezil Zappa Plays Whatever the Frank He Wants.” Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org. AUG. 3
Whiskerman — Free Show 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. Lush instrumentation with profound lyricism & delivery for a sound that is soulful, mythical & raw. Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com.
Live Music at Barley Creek 8–11 p.m. Barley Creek Brewing Company, Tannersville. The Pocono Mountains’ Original Brewpub. Great food & handcrafted beer brewed onsite. Free brewery tours daily at 12:30 p.m. No cover charge. Info: 570-629-9399.
AUG. 3–5, 10, 11, 17, 19, 24, 25
SATURDAYS
AUG 3–6, 10–13
Live Music 9 p.m.–1 a.m. The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Hawley. Great drink specials, delicious food & live music. Info: 570-226-2124 or silverbirchesresortpa.com. SUNDAYS
Milford Farmers Market 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The Columns Museum, Milford. Farm food, music, education, fun. Rain or shine. Info: www.milfordfarmersmarket.org. Summer Fest — 23 Films in 21 Days! Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. The best foreign, independent & art films released in past few months. Info: 570-996-1500 or www.dietrichtheater.com.
August 1– August 9
FRIDAYS
TUESDAYS
Nia 5:30–6:30 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Ages 16 & up. Combination of yoga, martial arts & dance, for your health, wellness & fitness. Registration & info: 570-996-1500.
SATURDAYS
THROUGH AUG. 3
FRIDAYS
Live Music Friday 8–11 p.m. Glass — wine. bar. kitchen. at Ledges Hotel, Hawley. No cover charge. Info: info@ledgeshotel.com or 570-226-1337.
TUESDAYS
jams, jellies, syrups & more. Live music, free parking. Info: 917-716-6489 or www.monroefarmersmarket.com.
SATURDAYS
WEDNESDAYS
Bingo American Legion Post 311, Hawley. Doors open 10:30 a.m., games begin at Noon. Info: legionpost311@qmail.com. Bingo Texas #4 Fire Company, Honesdale. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Games start at 6:30 p.m. Plenty of parking. Info: 570253-5467.
get connected
AUG. 2
Paterson 1 & 7:30 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. Starring Adam Driver & Golshifteh Farahani. Rated R. Info: 570826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org. AUG. 3
Dweezil Zappa Guitar Master Class 3 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. Prior to his performance, learn techniques from the son of Frank Zappa. His music camp, Dweezilla, has the motto “Learn And Destroy,” referring to destroying the boundaries that confine music creativity. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.
Annie JR. Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee On Delaware. The plucky little orphan determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago. Info: 570-421-5093 or www.TheShawneePlayhouse.com. Oklahoma! Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee On Delaware. Info: 570-421-5093 or www.TheShawneePlayhouse.com. AUG 4
What’s in the Pond? at Quiet Valley 10 a.m.–Noon. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, Stroudsburg. Explore the pond at Quiet Valley using nets & buckets to search out the many different creatures that live in the water. Dress to walk outside & possibly get wet, muddy feet. Children under 12 free. Info & pre-registration: 570-629-3061. AUG. 4
Summer Fest Post-Festival Discussion 1 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Facilitated by Ronnie Harvey, film buff extraordinaire. No need to register; just show up. Info: 570-996-1500 or www.dietrichtheater.com. AUG. 4
First Friday Scranton 6–9 p.m. Scranton. Artwalk featuring over 25 venues, local, regional & nationally recognized artists, live music & more. Admission & trolley between venues free. Info & monthly map: www.firstfridayscranton.com. AUG. 4
Exhibit & Reception: Barbara Zweig, Mixed Media Paintings 7–9 p.m. Alliance Gallery, Delaware Arts Center, Narrwsburg, NY. Free. Exhibit runs through Aug. 26. Gallery hours: Tues.–Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Info: 845-252-7576 or delawarevalleyartsalliance.org.
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get connected AUG. 4
Exhibit & Reception: Dorian Yurchuk Paintings 7–9 p.m. Loft Gallery, Delaware Arts Center, Narrowsburg, NY. Free. Exhibit runs through Aug. 26. Gallery hours: Tues.–Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Info: 845-252-7576 or delawarevalleyartsalliance.org. AUG. 4
Exhibit & Reception: “Art in Bloom” 7–9 p.m. Krause Recital Hall, Delaware Arts Center, Narrowsburg, NY. Free. Runs through Aug. 6. Gallery hours: Tues.–Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Info: 845-252-7576 or delawarevalleyartsalliance.org. AUG. 4
Shemekia Copeland 8 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. Her wide-open vision of contemporary blues, roots & soul music showcases the evolution of a passionate artist with a modern musical & lyrical approach. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.
area events
Playwright Series. Presented by Worthington Players. Some content may not be suitable for children. Info: 570-421-5093 or www.TheShawneePlayhouse.com. AUG. 4, 11, 12, 18, 25, 26
101 Dalmatians — Kids Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee On Delaware. Fur-raising adventure featuring Cruella De Vil & 101 of the most adorable heroes to set their paws onstage. Certain to charm & delight all audiences. Info: 570-421-5093 or www.TheShawneePlayhouse.com. AUG. 5
Sssnakes Alive! Program 10–11:30 a.m. Josie Porter Farm, Stroudsburg. Learn about the fascinating but often maligned creatures. Designed for all ages, program includes live snakes. Info: 570-629-3061 or www.mcconservation.org. AUG. 5
The MANOPAUSE Boys The Ritz Co. Playhouse, Hawley. 50 is the New Funny. Musical comedy. Performed by the Playwright and NY professional cast. Info: 570-226-9752 or www.ritzplayhouse.com.
Watershed Walk 10 am.–1 p.m. Lacawac Sanctuary, Lake Ariel. Hike & learn about the unique watershed surrounding Lk. Lacawac. Intro to orienteering, compass & topographic map use, geocaching & GPS. Bring water & a snack, wear comfortable shoes. Registration appreciated. Free. Info: 570-689-9494 or info@lacawac.org.
AUG. 4 & 5
AUG. 5
The PA Burlesque Festival 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. Adults-only show. In its 8th year, the PABF brings the very best in Burlesque from across the USA & far beyond. Join hostess Madame Corsetiere for two electrifying nights of excitement, fun & unabashed sex appeal. Tickets: www.paburlesque.com 570-807-8891. Info: mauchchunkoperahouse.com.
Art Opening Reception: Terry Kloiber — “Expressions of Nature” 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, Stroudsburg. Just as nature utilizes many combinations of shapes, textures & colors, so do Kloiber’s artistic renderings. Exhibit runs through Aug. 31.
AUG. 4, 5
AUG. 4–6
13th Annual Scranton Jazz Festival Radisson Hotel & numerous downtown Scranton venues. Headline acts: jazz icon Stanley Clarke and “The Stanley Clarke Band,” & Jazz guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarreli. Featuring great Jazz, food & spirits. Info: 570-575-5282 or scrantonjazzfestival.org. AUG. 4, 11
Friday Night Shorts 9 p.m. Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee On Delaware. “Epiphany on the Cross Bronx Expressway” & “The Eighth Dwarf” by Stephen Loomis. One Act Winners of the 2016 Shawnee Original
AUG. 5
2nd Classical Music Celebration in Milford, Pa. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 p.m. Milford. Free performances at various venues around the historic district, with a Gala Presentation at the Milford Theatre at 7:15 p.m. with performances by all the participants, a special appearance by Hanna Q Dance Co., & a semi-orchestral grand finale featuring beloved music of Edward Grieg. Info: 570-409-1269 or www.kindredspiritsarts.org. AUG. 5
Wildflower Music Festival: Catch a Wave 6 p.m. Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, White Mills. Recreates the look & sound of a live Beach Boys con-
155th Annual Wayne County Fair AUG. 4–12 Wayne County Fair Grounds, Honesdale. Granger Smith featuring Earl Dibbles, Jr., Aug. 12. Jake Worthington, Aug. 9. Enjoy games, rides, food, exhibits, farm animals, thrill shows, demolition derby, Wild about Dinosaurs, live entertainment & livestock. Info: 570-253-5486 or www.waynecountyfair.com.
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cert circa 1964 to 1969, replicating the unique harmonic California sound. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Picnics & beverages permitted. Info: 570-253-1185 or www.dorflinger.org. AUG. 5
Nature at Night 7:30–9 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Take a walk in the woods to listen for owls, look at stars, & enjoy the music of the night. Enjoy fun activities that test your night vision. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. AUG. 5
AUG. 8
Social Distortion 7:30 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. Hard rockabilly/punk cut with melodic, road-tested lyrics. With special guest Jade Jackson. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com. AUG. 9
The Witness 1 & 7:30 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. Not Rated. Documentary narrated by William Genovese investigates the 1964 murder of his sister Kitty Genovese. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.
Gene Ween Does Billy Joel 8 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. Backed by a 7-piece band, Gene tears through the hits, & only the hits, from the man from Oyster Bay. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.
AUG. 9
AUG. 5
AUG. 9
Hashgrinder — Sherman Showcase 8 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. With Putrid Liquid, Skuz, Greive. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.
Open Electric Jam 7–10 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Take the stage & perform. A drum set is available. BYOB. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org.
AUG. 5 & 6
13th Annual Festival of Wood 10 a.m. Grey Towers National Historic Site, Milford. A celebration of our natural & cultural heritage of wood at the home of Gifford Pinchot, Father of American Forestry. Handmade crafts, music, arts, programs, children’s activities, educational exhibits. Rain or shine. Info: 570-296-9630 or www.fs.usda.gov/greytowers. AUG. 6
40 STORY RADIO TOWER with Swearingen & Kelli 6:30 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. Fantastic evening of throwback-style radio show entertainment put before a live audience & recorded live for download on Itunes. With musical guest Swearingen & Kelli. Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com. AUG. 7–12
18th Carbon County Fair Carbon County Fairgrounds, Palmerton. Entertainment & food. Demolition Derby, Garden Tractor Pull, fireworks, livestock shows. Info: 610-826-1862 or ccllfa@ptd.net or www.carboncountyfair.com. AUG. 7–12
51st Annual Tioga County Fair Whitneyville, Tioga County. Georgette Jones (Aug. 10), Big Tiny Young, Penny Eckman, Michael Blaine, Penn Dixie Band, Greenwood Valley Boys, Cowanesque Valley Boys, Reese Ranch Rodeo, S.T.O.R.M. Tough Trucks, baking contest, rides, fireworks. Info: 570-537-3196 or tiogacountyfair.com. AUG. 8
Herbs 5:30 p.m. Wayne County Public Library, Honesdale. The freshly harvested herbs were planted in May — now Phyllis Terwilliger speaks about their uses & how to cook with them. Info & registration: Elizabeth, 570-253-1220 or ewilson@waynelibraries.org.
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Travel the U.S. with Food: Midwest Wayne County Public Library, Honesdale. Culinary Book Club 2017: share recipes, food tastings. Info & registration: Elizabeth, 570-253-1220 or ewilson@waynelibraries.org.
August 10–August 19 AUG. 10
TajMo: The Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ Band 8 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. Blues titans share the stage with one band for an exciting evening of music, performing songs from their long-anticipated collaborative album TajMo. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org. AUG. 10–13
Oklahoma! Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee On Delaware. Info: 570-421-5093 or www.TheShawneePlayhouse.com. AUG. 10, 11, 17, 19
Annie JR. Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee On Delaware. See description at Aug. 3. Info: 570-421-5093 or www.TheShawneePlayhouse.com. AUG. 11
Amberwood — Sherman Showcase 7 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. With City In The Clouds, Nameless Children, The Hovelists. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com. AUG. 11
Warrior Writers 7–9 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Ages 18 & up. Writing workshop supports artistic exploration & expression & provides a safe space to share experiences in the military culture. Open to all veterans & service members. Free. Registration & info: 570-996-1500. AUG. 11
Friday Night Shorts 9 p.m. Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee On Delaware. See description at Aug. 4. Info: 570-421-5093 or www.TheShawneePlayhouse.com.
area events AUG. 11, 12, 18
101 Dalmatians — Kids Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee On Delaware. See description at Aug. 4. Info: 570-421-5093 or www.TheShawneePlayhouse.com. AUG. 11–13
Willie Wonka Kids The Music Box Dinner Playhouse, Swoyersville. Young Players performance. Info: 570-283-2195 or www.musicbox.org. AUG. 11–13
Mindfuless Retreat Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Weekend retreat shows you the benefits & power to living in the present moment. Learn the benefits of incorporating a short meditation session into your daily life. Bring a yoga mat & a journal. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. AUG. 11, 12, 13
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story 8 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. Rock ’n’ roll musical is the story of the legendary singer & songwriter. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com. AUG. 11–13, 18–20
Bye Bye Birdie: Young Performers Edition The Ritz Co. Playhouse, Hawley. Ritz Bitz Players: Ritz Theatre Junior Actors Production of the musical comedy. Children 5 & under free. Info: 570-226-9752 or www.ritzplayhouse.com. AUG. 12
Pastel Painting Workshop 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Ages 16 & up. For beginning & experienced pastel painters. Accomplished pastel painter helps you produce a still life painting. Call for a supplies list: 570-996-1500. AUG. 12
Second Saturday Honesdale 6–9 p.m. Downtown Honesdale. Festivaltown happening filled with music, art, comedy & community support. Info on Facebook. AUG. 12
Wildflower Music Festival: The Cab Calloway Orchestra 6 p.m. Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, White Mills. Calloway’s grandson Christopher with a smashing, energetic performance as vocalist & leader of his own great jazz orchestra, performing fabulous ’30s jazz. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Picnics & beverages permitted. Info: 570-253-1185 or www.dorflinger.org. AUG. 12
Duke Ellington Orchestra 7 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. The orchestra has been performing worldwide for the past 88 years under the guidance of three generations of the Ellington family & the big band tradition continues this summer. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org. AUG. 12
Charley Roy — Sherman Showcase 7:30 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. With Konscious Kel, Omari
Nikolis, Jhad Wrote That. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.
5th Annual Canal Festival
AUG. 12
Tribute to Frank Sinatra (by Tony Sands) 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. Tony Sands captivates his audiences with the mannerisms, illusion & romance that have made him a must-see in Atlantic City & Vegas for more than 20 years. Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com.
AUG. 19 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Delaware & Hudson Canal Park at Lock 31, Rte. 6 between White Mills & Hawley. Wayne County Historical Society’s festival is a step back in time with music, crafts, food, period demonstrations & archaeology dig canal store. Info: 570-253-3240 or www.waynehistorypa.org.
AUG. 12 & 13
Sweet Corn & BBQ Festival 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, Shawnee on Delaware. Over 25 vendors. Non-stop entertainment; programs for kids. Fresh locally grown corn, tomatoes & produce available for sale at the Farmers Basket produce tent. Info: 570-421-7231 or www.shawneemt.com. AUG. 13
Naturally Beautiful Beading 10 a.m.–Noon. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Learn to identify different stones such as jasper, agate, or turquoise & how to color enhance the stones. Instructions given on how to create a bracelet & earrings, or a necklace to take home. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org.
get connected
AUG. 16
AUG. 18
Wayne Highlands Quilt Guild 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Chamber of Commerce, Honesdale. Welcoming quilters all ages & skill levels. Show & Tell & refreshments. Info: Deb, 570-224-4914 or debszoo@gmail.com.
Song Stories with Kelley McRae Duo 8 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Singer/ songwriter McRae teamed up with guitarist Castelain six years ago & traversed the country in a VW camper van to find inspiration along the way. Info: 570-409-1269 or www.kindredspiritsarts.org.
AUG. 16
Acoustic Bluegrass Jam 7–9 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project. Guitar-strummin’, banjo-pickin’, closeharmony singin’ open jam led by Ron Penska & Buckshot Jenkins. All levels of players welcome. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. AUG. 17
AUG. 13, 20
Obsession — National Theatre Live on Stage 2 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Jude Law stars in new stage adaptation of Luchino Visconti’s 1943 film. Registration & info: 570-996-1500. AUG. 15
Essential Oils 101 6 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Learn the basics of essential oils & how they can enhance everyday living. Registration strongly encouraged: 570-253-2020 or info@thecooperageproject.org. AUG. 16
Annie — Dietrich Film Favorites Series 1 & 7 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. 1982 hit movie musical starring Albert Finney, Carol Burnett & Tim Curry. Free admission. Info: 570-996-1500 or www.dietrichtheater.com. AUG. 16
The Death of Louis XIV 1 & 7:30 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. French historical drama portrays King of France Louis XIV in his final days. Not rated. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org. AUG. 16
Josie Porter Farm “Macroinvertabrates of Cherry Creek” 4–6 p.m. Josie Porter Farm, Stroudsburg. Wear shorts & shoes you can get wet as you wade into Cherry Creek & search for the fascinating insects that live under the water & tell us about water quality. Pre-registration suggested. Children under 12 free. Info: 570-629-3061 or www.mcconservation.org.
AUG. 18, 19
Kirby Kidz 6 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. “Annie Kids” with actors ages 5–11 & “Singing in the Rain Jr.” with actors 10–18. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.
Game Night 6–9 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Board games, brain games, card games, more. Bring your own game or choose from the collection. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org.
AUG. 18–20
AUG. 17
AUG. 18–20, 24, 25–27, 31, SEP 1–3
Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband (Free Show!) 7:30 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. 5th generation fiddler, accomplished electric guitar, acoustic guitar & mandolin player Shupe recorded, arranged & tweaked the band’s newest creation in his personal studio. Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com.
One More For My Baby Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee On Delaware. Latest Frank Sinatra revue fashioned by David Grapes has aging Sinatra impersonator Jack DeCarlo struggling with his personal life & determined to find his own voice within the body of an impersonator. Features 32 classic Sinatra tunes. Info: 570-421-5093 or www.TheShawneePlayhouse.com.
AUG. 17–20
Pittston Tomato Festival Delicious food, live entertainment, parade, 5K run, games, rides, arts & crafts, bingo & home-grown Pittston tomatoes. Tomato Fights on Aug. 19, 1:30 p.m. Info: 570-655-1424 or www.pittstontomatofestival.com. AUG. 18
Third Friday Wilkes-Barre 5–8 p.m. Downtown Wilkes-Barre. Enjoy original artwork & music, & meet artists, musicians & friends in a casual, family friendly atmosphere at participating galleries & businesses. Info: thirdfridaywb@gmail.com or www.thirdfridaywb.com. AUG. 18
The Funeral Portrait & Marina City — Sherman Showcase 7 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. With Awake At Last, WeThePeople, Enda Vera. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.
Hairspray Jr. The Music Box Dinner Playhouse, Swoyersville. Teen student production. Info: 570-283-2195 or www.musicbox.org.
AUG. 19
Tie-Dye Day! 10 a.m.–Noon. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Fun morning of tie-dyeing with a variety of colors available & help coming up with some creative designs. Bring whatever you’d like to dye or purchase a shirt in the bookstore beforehand. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. AUG. 19
Guided Nature Walk 2–4 pm. Delaware Highlands Conservancy NY office, Swan Lake, NY. Walk on the woodland trail & learn about what you see. Free & open to public, but prior registration required. Info & registration: 570-226-3164 ext. 6 or info@delawarehighlands.org. AUG. 19
Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime 5 p.m. Pocono Mountain Carnival Grounds, Mount Pocono. Channels the spirit of Sublime with a fury not felt for some time. With special guests Kluster Phunk, South of the Peak.
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get connected Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com. AUG. 19
Song Stories with Kelley McRae Duo 5:30 p.m. Grey Towers N.H.S., Milford. Singer/songwriter McRae teamed up with guitarist Castelain six years ago & traversed the country in a VW camper van to find inspiration along the way. Info: 570-409-1269 or www.kindredspiritsarts.org. AUG. 19
Back to the Garden 1969 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. Gary Adamson has gathered a group of seasoned players who bring to life the music & spirit of the Woodstock era & remind us of the astounding breadth & depth of the music of the Woodstock generation. Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com. AUG. 19
The Everly Brothers Experience — Dinner & a Show 8 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. Dinner 6:15 p.m. Featuring the Zmed brothers. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.
August 20–August 31
area events
with guitarist Castelain six years ago & traversed the country in a VW camper van to find inspiration along the way. Info: 570-409-1269 or www.kindredspiritsarts.org. AUG. 20–26
Annual West End Fair Noon. Gilbert, Monroe County. Live entertainment: Stephanie Grace, Dion Pride, Katie Rubino & more. The Fabulous Wallendas, Monster Truck Show, music, amusements, museum, food. Info: 610-681-4293 or secwefa@ptd.net or www.thewestendfair.com. AUG. 21–26
160th Harford Fair Harford Fair Grounds, Harford. Johnny Rocket’s Cycle Circus, Rhinestone Roper Show, truck pull, tractor pull, horse pull, chainsaw carving, demos. Info: 570-434-4300 or hfair@nep.net or www.harfordfair.com. AUG. 23
A Quiet Passion 1 & 7:30 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. Cynthia Nixon as Emily Dickinson personifies the wit, intellectual independence & pathos of the poet. Rated PG-13. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org. AUG. 23
AUG. 20
Frog Frolic 1–3 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Fun afternoon at the ponds & streams as you gently catch & release the hopping amphibians. Wear boots & plan on getting a little wet & muddy. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org.
Gathering of Singers/Songwriters 7:30 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Evening of live folk music brings together some of the greatest folk talent this region has to offer, including Tom Flannery, Abi & Timothy Zieger & Lorne Clarke. Free admission, donations accepted. Reservations & info: 570-996-1500.
AUG. 20
AUG. 24
bigSOUND 4 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Afternoon of recorded world music from different eras throughout history. Today featuring Igor Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring,” first performed in 1914. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. AUG. 20
Song Stories with Kelley McRae Duo 4:30 p.m. Hawley Silk Mill, Hawley. Singer/songwriter McRae teamed up
Unique Pathways Program Series 5:30 p.m. Hawley Public Library, Hawley. Film Archivist Art Wehrhahn had an extraordinary career of more than four decades as the Film Vault Manager at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. Art talks about the evolution of film over his career. Free. Info: 570-226-4620. AUG. 24
Shakespeare on Film: Antony & Cleopatra (Part 2) 7 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Introduced with a brief background & orientation. Followed by impressions & sharing. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. AUG. 24, 25
Annie JR. Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee On Delaware. See description at Aug. 3. Info: 570-421-5093 or www.TheShawneePlayhouse.com.
7th Annual Wally Lake Fest AUG. 25-27 In and around Lake Wallenpaupack. Music & entertainment around the lake & in downtown Hawley. Food specials, craft fairs. Shuttle service available. Info: wallylakefest.com.
AUG. 24, 25–27, 31
One More For My Baby Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee On Delaware. See description at Aug. 18. Info: 570-421-5093 or www.TheShawneePlayhouse.com. AUG. 25
SUMMER’S END FEST: Day One — Railroad Earth & moe. 6 p.m. Pocono Mountain Carnival Grounds, Mount Pocono. With special guests Appalachian Gypsy Tribe, Trouble City All Stars.
Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.
info@thecooperageproject.org.
AUG. 25
The Pocono State Craft Festival 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, Stroudsburg. Over 30 years offering one of the area’s largest varieties of art & craft demos, the best regionally based musicians & the very best the Poconos have to offer. Info: 570-476-4460 or poconocrafts.com.
Open Mic Night — Angelo Maruzzelli 7 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Musicians, poets, comedians & performers of all types & ages invited to share their talents. Featured artist Maruzzelli is a member of the local band LondonForce. Free admission. Seating limited. Info: 570-996-1500 or www.dietrichtheater.com. AUG. 25
Poor Man’s Gambit with Haley Richardson 7:30 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Haley & Dylan Richardson hit the stage as part of a trio with fiddler Corey Purcell. These young Irish musicians are not to be missed. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org.
AUG. 26 & 27
AUG. 27
Butterfly Walk 10 a.m.–Noon. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Learn about the wonderful world of butterflies on a search through the fields & around the ponds for butterflies & dragonflies. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. AUG. 27
Greta Van Fleet 8 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. Hard-rocking Michigan quartet. With Goodbye June. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.
SUMMER’S END FEST: Day Two 11 a.m. Pocono Mountain Carnival Grounds, Mount Pocono. Box Of Rain, Launch Pad, Boris Garcia, Albert Savage, Deadsounds, Northeast Corners, Jeff Conley, Tom Carpenter, and Keith Kenny. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.
AUG. 25, 26
AUG. 27
101 Dalmatians — Kids Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee On Delaware. See description at Aug. 4. Info: 570-421-5093 or www.TheShawneePlayhouse.com.
Afternoon Paddle 2–4 p.m. Lacawac Sanctuary, Lake Ariel. Scenic canoe paddle on Lk. Lacawac. Boats, paddles & lifejackets provided. Personal life jackets may be used. All ages welcome. Reservations required; spaces are limited. Info: 570-689-9494 or info@lacawac.org.
AUG. 25
AUG. 25, 26, 27
Bermuda Avenue Triangle Milford Theater, Milford. Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Tonylou Productions presents The Lakeside Players in an outrageous comedy: two elderly widows & a gigolo prove you’re never too old to fall in love — or lust. Info: 570-226-6207. AUG. 25–27
Pull the Other One The Ritz Co. Playhouse, Hawley. Comedy by Norman Robbins. Info: 570226-9752 or www.ritzplayhouse.com. AUG. 25–SEPT. 3
100th Greene Dreher Sterling Fair Greene Dreher Sterling Fair Grounds, Newfoundland. Old-fashioned country fair with all-new entertainment, kids’ activities, live bands, pie eating contests, demolition derby, exhibits. Info: 570-676-4047 or www.gdsfair.com. AUG. 26
T-Mac & Friends — Sherman Showcase 6 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.
AUG. 27
Hickory Project & Friends Concert 3 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Afternoon of bluegrass & folk music in a Cornstock Pre-Festival Concert. Free admission, donations welcome. Tickets available at door while they last. Reservations & info: 570-996-1500. AUG. 30–SEPT. 4
Wyoming County Community Fair Meshoppen, Wyoming County. Brothers Osborne (Sept. 2). World of Wonders, Wild World of Animals, wood carver, truck & tractor pulls, petting zoo, rides, baking contests, helicopter rides, entertainment. Info: www.wyomingcountyfair.com. AUG. 30–SEPT. 4
166th Annual Sullivan County Fair Sullivan County Fairgrounds, Forksville. Theme: “Country Scenes and Blue Ribbon Dreams.” 4-H Exhibitions, contests, Demolition Derby, tractor & 4x4 pulls, rides, livestock judging, music, food. Info: 570-924-3843 or www.sullivancountyfair.com.
AUG. 26
Golden Oldies Dance 7 p.m. The Central Volunteer Fire Dept., Lackawaxen. Dance to the music of the good ol’ days with DJ Denis: The Platters, Elvis, Bill Haley and the Comets, Ray Charles, Gladys Knight & more. Prize for best costume. BYOB & snacks. Info: Ann Marie, 570-470-3312. AUG. 26
A Contra Dance 7:15–10 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Live music by Laura Cartright & Craig Gehrig, with caller Laurie B. Info: 570-253-2020 or
28 spread the word... full issues available online [ www.connections-magazine.com ] 28 spread the word... full issues available online [ www.connections-magazine.com ]
On the Horizon SEPT. 9
The Cooperage on Tap 3–6 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Honesdale’s first craft beer festival with a lineup of breweries brewing beer or growing hops in the N. Pocono region. Non-taster tickets available. Sample bites from local restaurants & businesses. Live music by Mountain Wave. Tickets go on sale Aug. 15. Info: 570-253-2020 or info@thecooperageproject.org.