DECEMBER 2019
Since 1998
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CONNECT DECEMBER 2019
FEATURES
6 COUNTRY SIDEWALKS
Shoppers flock to the area for holiday browsing in these historic towns. The sidewalks shine brightly, welcoming residents and visitors to explore and experience all they have to offer. There are many unique boutiques and novelty shops along luminescent corners specializing in the perfect gift.
16 COLD WEATHER PET SAFETY
Your pup may be excited to be able to play in the snow again, but with “the fun white stuff”, comes cold temperatures and even Polar Vortex conditions! We know you and your dog are eager to get out there and have some fun, but how cold is too cold for your pet?
HOLIDAY SAFETY 30 PET Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course, you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible.
COLUMNS 5
WORDS FROM THE TEAM
24 BOOK REVIEW
15 COOKIE CORNER
26 POCONO SECRETS
16 DISASTER BLASTER
28 OUTDOOR RAMBLINGS
18 LIVING GREEN
30 PETS
20 MRS. DOGOOD
32 BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
22 MONEY
34 AREA EVENTS
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CONNECTIONS Magazine
president • publisher • editor in chief deborah bailey production manager meica drake account representatives barry weiss • dwight gregory editorial correction services kay marks contributing writers 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 pike/wayne conservation partnership, Living Green disaster blaster, Home Tips mrs. dogood, Letters
CONNECTIONS Magazine 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.
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 risks and to trust in their GOD will ever be made FREE.
© COPYRIGHT 2017 CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE
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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WORDS FROM THE TEAM
“
‘Tis the Season to be nice... not naughty!
Ho!
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Ho! Ho!!... Happy Holidays! It’s time to jingle and jangle through our December pages for all the Good Stuff happening on our Country Sidewalks. Festivals, tree lightings, open houses and so much more await you and your family. One fun event CM has sponsored for years and where we would love to see you is the 25th Annual Ornament Hunt on December 7th at 10 a.m. in Central Park, Honesdale. Children can “hunt” for ornaments for a chance to win prizes. Now that is Good Stuff! This year we challenge you to add a little Good Stuff to your holiday giving and give of yourself to those less fortunate and in need of a kind word, a smile or a helping hand. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or local animal shelter, donate a gift to a toy drive or buy a food item for a local food pantry. We can all do something “nice” during this time of year. Wishing you lots of Good Stuff in your home and under your tree! Thanks for being a part of our ‘family’. Here’s to 2020! The CM Team 570.647.0085 cmag@ptd.net
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tart off your holiday season on December 7 by celebrating at Bethany’s “Christmas in the Village.” Saturday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m., you will find tours, open houses plus holiday experiences and activities at numerous venues. As you stroll around town, be sure to enjoy the hospitality of our popular bed and breakfasts—E. Kellogg and James Manning House; sample some holiday treats and, at James Manning House, join in the festivities by singing carols led by Honesdale High School’s Chamber Choir. Down the road and across the street, Mrs. Claus will visit Bethany Library to help children write their letters to Santa, and Bethany Historical Society will offer tours of the historic “fireproof” borough building
and a display of Christmas trains. Around the village be sure to look for Victorian Strollers. Next door, Bethany United Methodist Church will be open for tours, and visitors experience the advent season in a family friendly activity. Bethany Village, the senior living facility and personal care home in the borough, hosts a tricky tray and Christmas tree lighting. Seasonal food and beverages will be available at most locations, and there will be many other surprises. Bethany is located three miles north of downtown Honesdale on Route 670. For information call (570) 253-5573 or the library at (570) 253-4349.
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here is plenty to do throughout December for people of all ages, from holiday open houses to train rides. Shop till you drop and then head to these businesses for festive fun. • 25th Annual Ornament Hunt: December 7th at 10 a.m. in Central Park. Children can “hunt” for ornaments for a chance to win prizes. No child goes home empty handed.
Delaware Region. You’ll find a selection of unique handcrafted gifts for friends & family. • Annual Chorus and Band Holiday Concert: On December 17th at 7 p.m., the Honesdale High School Chorus and Band will perform holiday favorites in the high school auditorium on Terrace Street. • Honesdale High School Annual Light Show will take place in mid-December. Don’t miss the spectacular light show timed to holiday tunes playing on the radio. The show runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Annual Holiday Open House at Highlights for Children: December 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., complete with music, crafts, refreshments, free gifts, and more fun for the whole family. • Holiday Craft Fair: December 7th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ladore Lodge, Ladore Pavilion and Carousel & Staff Lounge Building in Waymart. Enjoy handmade items, baked goods, maple products, homemade soaps, jewelry, refreshments, and more. The best place to find that oneof-a-kind gift! • 8th Annual Holiday Artisans’ Market: On December 8th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cooperage, showcasing the work of many talented artisans of the Upper
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• Luminaries on Main: On Christmas Eve, enjoy 300 luminaries lining historic Main Street. • Throughout the month, Santa Express train rides on the Stourbridge Line will be available. Join the fun as Santa Ho Ho Ho’s his way through the train visiting all the good boys and girls and posing for pictures and giving the children a special gift. Call (570) 470-2697 or visit www.thestourbridgeline.net. For more information about these and more December events, visit www.visithonesdalepa.com.
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troll along the streets and alleys and step into antique stores, unique restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, a historic theater, and specialty shops. There are also historic architectural structures including Grey Towers, the former home of America’s first forester Gifford Pinchot; and The Columns Museum, where the Pike County Historical Society is with historical artifacts and memorabilia including the famous “Lincoln Flag.” Both buildings are open to the public. • Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony: The free event is held December 7th on the lawn of the Community House at the corner of Broad and Harford Streets. The beloved event features free hot cocoa and cookies for children of all ages. Enjoy a performance by the Dingman Delaware Middle School Chorus beginning at 4:30 p.m. The ceremonial countdown and lighting will be at 5:15 p.m. As part of the countdown, Santa Claus will arrive on top of the Milford Fire Department’s Engine 33 with a very cool team of reindeer on motorcyles. Come out for a great evening with friends and family and enjoy extended shopping hours, open house celebrations & dining throughout town.
• Craft Store Holiday Open House: On December 6th, the Pike County Developmental Center hosts an open house from noon to 2 p.m. Find hand-crafted gifts for all occasions. Enjoy complimentary refreshments. The center is at 107 West Ann Street. For more details, call (570) 296-6319.
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• Girls’ Night Out: December 5th from 5 to 8 p.m., Enjoy a night out in Milford hosted by Milford Presents. You can enjoy extended business hours, product sampling & promotional offers. For more information, visit www.milfordpa.us. • “A Christmas Carol” at Grey Towers: Four shows of the dramatic reading on December 7th & 8th. For more information on Grey Towers, visit www.greytowers.org. • Holiday Tours & Photography Exhibit at Grey Towers National Historic Site: Beginning December 9th through the 22nd. Guided holiday tours of all three floors of the beautifully decorated mansion are available at 1 and 3 p.m. Each floor is decorated with a different theme or era. In addition to the guided holiday tours, visitors can enjoy the photography show with pieces representing nature, forests and Grey Towers, by members of the Pike Imaging Council. • Holidays Around the World: December 14th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Milford Theatre. Croatian-born singer Astrid Kuljanic and musicians of the Transatlantic Exploration Company will delight the audience with an array of music and song of the Balkan region and Western Europe, American jazz standards, Brazilian sambas, and more, including a holiday-related repertoire. Presented by Kindred Spirts Arts Programs. Tickets at the door $20, $15 in advance.
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Friday December 13th – Sunday December 15th Hawley Winterfest has been planning all year to welcome visitors and neighbors to this favorite seasonal event in our region. Driving through town on a chilly December day brings happy anticipation where you can almost hear the clip-clop of the majestic horse & carriage as it strides through the historic town. Listen closely for the train whistle of The Stourbridge Line as it will be gliding down the tracks along the scenic Lackawaxen River taking Hawley Winterfest passengers for a ride in its decorated coaches. During Hawley Winterfest, you will smell the crocks of delicious homemade hot soup served at the Hawley Library, and taste tempting cookies with steamy cups of hot chocolate as you navigate the festive sidewalks. Hawley will be alive with activity for all ages to enjoy in this epic event celebrating over 20 years of tradition. Guests will love the cheery music and entertainment, including a free performance of an original holiday show at the marquee building, The Ritz. Churches will open their doors and offer craft activities, hand bell concerts, the infamous Cookie Walk and the poignant story of Christmas via a live presentation of the Road to Bethlehem.
Everyone is invited to park their car and hop on the free shuttle to travel in comfort from one end of town to the other. Pop into the Artisan Fair for unique crafts and one-of-a-kind gifts, visit the small shops for store specials and give away gifts, watch demonstrations, and be sure to grab a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus in a Victorian setting. Don’t forget to bring your pet too for fun photos at various locations. Purchase a ticket for the Holiday House Tour of Lakeville featuring unique properties and showcasing lake lifestyles. Wake up early for a morning yoga stretch and a cup of hot coffee and feel energized all day. For after hours events, grab a Beer Tour card and sample some seasonal sips at 12 participating establishments. Buy a ticket to hear world renown harpist Erin Hill from New York City perform a special concert “Christmas Harp” with her amazing quartet. This event is hosted by volunteers and business owners of the Downtown Hawley Partnership. Come home to Hawley whether for the first time or the next time. Hawley Winterfest looks forward to welcoming you! To learn more and purchase advance sale tickets please visit: www.hawleywinterfest.com.
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ne of the many great holiday events in Stroudsburg is Quiet Valley’s Annual Old Time Christmas, taking place on December 7, 8 and December 14, 15 with candlelit tours leaving every 15 minutes beginning at 3:00 p.m., with the last group going out at 7:00 p.m. More than any other holiday, Christmas celebrations center on the traditions of our families and our heritage. Begin a new tradition with your family this year during an outing to Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, where the Christmas customs of the past are brought to life. From the softly glowing lantern light to complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, Old Time Christmas is sure to become a favorite holiday pastime for many years to come. Gather around a bonfire while you wait for your visit to the 1800s to begin. Guides in period clothing will lead guests on their journey into the past beginning with this year’s Victorian skit. Glimpse an 1890s Christmas as the family reminiscences and makes new holiday memories. Before you leave, take a peek at their Christmas Putz, a homemade nativity and village scene that was a custom the Moravians began and was soon enthusiastically adopted by the Pennsylvania Germans. Afterwards it’s on to the living nativity located in the barnyard which includes the Quiet Valley farm animals and offers a look at the foundation of this special celebration, including a soloist and scripture readings. Then off to a simple log cabin where visitors experience the rustic Christmas of the early 1800s. At the one room schoolhouse, it is a jolly time as the school marm
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leads both the musicians and guests in singing their favorite seasonal carols. There is plenty of nervous excitement in the cellar kitchen as folks await a visit from the Belschnikel, a traditional Pennsylvania German character who made his rounds during the Christmas season. He is the one who really knows if you were naughty or nice. The final stop is in the Engel Education Building for complimentary refreshments which adds a final festive touch to the visit. As you leave, be sure to stop in the holiday gift shop which is stocked with heritage crafts handmade by Quiet Valley artisans. It is the place to find unique gifts at reasonable prices. All funds raised support the mission of the non-profit farm museum. Those looking for a truly meaningful way to start their Christmas season will discover it at this very special event. Old Time Christmas is held annually the first two full weekends of December. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12, with those under three admitted free. You will be outside part of the time, so remember to dress warmly. No pets or smoking please. Groups of 12 or more with reservations, receive a discounted price any of the four days, when going out between 2:30pm through 3:30pm. Perfect for scout troops, church groups and large families that want to go together. It takes about an hour and a half to two hours to see all of Old Time Christmas. For more information contact Quiet Valley at 570-992-6161, farm@quietvalley.org, or visit the website at www.quietvalley.org.
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SUGAR COOKIES: 1 1/2 cups butter, softened 2 cups white sugar 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt
JAM BARS: 1 cup margarine or butter softened 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla 2 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder Jar of your favorite jam
KOLACHKI: 1/2 pound cream cheese (at room temperature) 1/2 pound butter (at room temperature) 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 pound finely ground walnuts 1 large egg 1 cup granulated sugar water
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight). Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.
Combine all ingredients, except for jam, to make the dough, divide into eight balls. Shape each ball into strips 8 x 1-1/2 inches on an ungreased cookie sheet. Make a slight indentation down the center of the strip. Fill the indent with jam--any flavor you like! Use about 1 tsp of jam per strip. Bake at 350 for about 10 to 12 minutes until the edges brown. Cool slightly. Drizzle with powdered sugar icing, which is made with powdered sugar, milk and vanilla.
Preheat oven to 375o F. Mix butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add flour, and mix again until smooth. Roll dough into 3 balls. Refrigerate dough to keep it from drying out. Roll out 1 ball at a time and flour lightly. Roll dough out in flour or granulated sugar so it doesn’t stick. Cut dough into squares or circles using cookie or biscuit cutter. Make the filling by mixing together the walnuts, egg, and sugar and adding just enough water to obtain a sticky consistency. Add about a teaspoon of filling to each piece of cut dough. Roll squares into logs. Fold circles over and seal with fork. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
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COLD WEATHER TIPS
Cold Weather
Pet Safety Provided by Disaster Blaster
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Your pup may be excited to be able to play in the snow again, but with “the fun white stuff”, comes cold temperatures and even Polar Vortex conditions! We know you and your dog are eager to get out there and have some fun, but how cold is too cold for your pet?
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Does your dog have a thick coat? It’s impossible to answer this question without first considering your dog’s coat. Some dogs, like Huskies or Malamutes have thick coats that help keep them warmer, while other breeds such as Chihuahuas and Greyhounds have very thin coats and will get cold much more quickly. Even dogs with thick coats can get cold when the temperatures drop or if they’re outside for extended periods of time. For this reason, it is important to always keep an eye on your dog and bring it inside whenever it’s showing signs of being cold.
Does your dog need a coat or sweater? While most dogs will be fine to go outside for short periods of time, it’s important to consider their natural ability to keep warm. Do they have thin or short hair? Do they have a lean body (such as a Greyhound)? Is your dog still a puppy? Is your dog a senior? All these things need to be taken into consideration to determine if your dog is going to need a coat or a sweater. Puppies, older dogs, and dogs with thin coats or lean bodies will generally need a coat or sweater to stay warm in the winter. Even if you think your dog will be fine, however, pay close attention to its comfort level and consider getting it a coat or sweater if it shows signs of getting cold quickly.
safety of de-icers being used, or temperatures are particularly frigid, boots may be a good idea.
How cold is too cold? Just like us, dogs get cold too. While temperatures above 45F are generally okay for most dogs, you still need to pay attention to determine if your dog is comfortable. Signs of being cold, such as shivering, whining, or acting anxious, are important indicators that it’s just too cold for your pet. Below 45F, cold-averse dog breeds, such as Greyhounds and Whippets, will generally start to get cold. These breeds are very sensitive to cold and often need coats or sweaters during colder weather. Below 32F, small or thin-haired breeds, puppies, and senior dogs are likely going to need a sweater or coat to stay warm. Below 20F, your dog is very likely to be cold, and it’s very important for all dog owners to be watchful for signs that your dog is uncomfortable or wants to go inside. It’s also extremely important to limit time outside for your dog’s own safety. While every dog and dog breed is different, these guidelines should help you determine what temperatures may be unsafe for your dog. Always pay close attention to your dog when it’s outside, and bring it inside if it is ever showing signs of being cold or uncomfortable. We hope this helps, and we hope you and your furry friends have a wonderful winter season!
Does your dog need boots? Cold sidewalks, particularly stone walkways, can get very cold during the winter and be uncomfortable for your dog to walk on. While your dog’s paws should be okay for short periods, you do need to watch for extreme temperatures, such as those during a Polar Vortex. Additionally, some de-icers can actually burn your dog’s paws and even poison it if ingested! While pet-friendly de-icers exist, we know you often don’t have control over what may be used in your community. In cases where there is a concern about the
About Disaster Blaster Disaster Blaster is an indoor environmental firm serving the Northeastern PA Area. We have been providing our local area with unparalleled water damage mitigation, mold remediation, radon mitigation, asbestos abatement, basement waterproofing, and fire / smoke restoration services for decades, and are proud to have been named The World’s Greatest Indoor Environmental Firm. For more about Disaster Blaster, as well as more helpful tips, please visit our website at: www.disasterblaster.com or call our office at (570) 963-1123.
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Wintertime
ADVENTURES Big & Small By Steph Sherman, Pocono Environmental Education Center’s Director of Educaiton
Winter is the time for cozy sweaters, warm mugs of hot chocolate, and curling up inside with a good book. It’s also a great time for unique adventures outdoors, too. Many people think of the classic weekend trip to the ski resorts, bundling up and spending the day sliding down the snow via tubes, skis or board. That’s just one avenue to explore for the winter. There are plenty of other events, from outdoor festivals to exploring the beautiful preserved forests of our area. 18 | CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE |
If festivals spark your winter spirit, Milford’s Annual Tree Lighting kicks off the season on December 7th at 4:30pm. December 13th through 15th will be a popular weekend as Hawley features their Winterfest with historic home tours, carols by Virgin Consort, ice-carving and much more. While you’re in the area, stop by the Hawley Silk Mill on that Saturday or Sunday for the Winterfest Artisan Fair, all of it free to attend! On your way home Saturday the 14th, also check out the Ugly Sweater Party hosted by The Dock on Wallenpaupack, but make sure you come prepared to be the best of the worst sweaters. From December 7th to 15th, take a trip back in time while visiting Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm. They will be hosting their 29th Annual Old Time Christmas with lantern-lit tours, hot chocolate and cookies. If a walking tour is a bit too much, the Stourbridge Line
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Wintertime
from Hawley is offering scenic tours of the winter wonderland all the way up to Glen Eyre station by Lackawaxen and opportunities to see Santa before the holidays for the little ones. Once you’ve had your fill of holiday festivities, please don’t let that stop you from exploring! Pocono Environmental Education Center is offering classes like Winter Ecology Hikes, snowshoe and cross country skiing lessons for $5 or less per person throughout the winter, and is always open for hiking. Same can be said for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area with plenty of frozen waterfalls to see. If you’re closer to Promised Land State Park, they welcome you to borrow snowshoes, head out sledding, or even explore for otters and eagles during the winter months! If you’re feeling really ambitious, bring a camera or participate in the Christmas Bird Count through the NEPA Audubon Society or PEEC to help our feathered
friends. There are plenty of ways to make our backyards a winter destination this year, whether it is fine dining and festivals or exploring the outdoors on slopes or hiking trails. Don’t let the snow shut you inside for the season; the long nights only mean more time for winter lights. And there’s no cold a good warm jacket and a cup of hot cocoa can’t cure! Keep adventuring! Stephanie Sherman, Director of Education at Pocono Environmental Education Center, a non-profit park partner located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Founded in 1972 with the mission of advancing appreciation for nature through hands-on experiences in a national park, PEEC offers a wide variety of school, camps, scouts and public programs to welcome all ages! For more information contact us a www.peec.org, call 570828-2319 or email at peec@peec.org.
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MRS. DOGOOD
CLOGGED By The Reverend Mrs. Silence DoGood
Dear Editor, Most of us have heard about clogged arteries. If one watches television for any amount of time, one will be shown a commercial which diagrams an artery with bits of plaque attaching to the arterial walls. We are told that plaque, which is comprised of cholesterol, fats and other such substances, will build up against the walls of the artery, making it narrower. This reduces the flow of blood, which lessons the amount of oxygen and other nutrients to our vital organs. It can also block the flow all together. The narrowing of the artery can result in serious health problems or even death. This disease is known as atherosclerosis. Plaque is bad. Cholesterol is bad. The commercial then tells us about a medication which can help those with this condition. Last Sunday I gave a sermon which I called “Clogged Memories.” The point I made was bad memories can clog our emotions. Bad memories build up. They can block the flow of affection. This can result in serious relationship problems such as anger, fighting and non-communication. Built-up bad memories can even result in the termination of a relationship, namely separation or divorce. I came to this topic because of my own marriage. I love my husband Willie very much, but as with most marriages, we sometimes have differing opinions on important matters. Because of a dream she had, I wanted my best friend Alice Bright Light, an evidentiary medium, to hold a séance inviting my deceased father-in-law to join us. My father-in-law was the Reverend Mr. Silas Patriot DoGood who founded The First Church of God’s Love where I am the senior pastor. In that dream he told Alice I should no longer be the senior pastor at the church and that I should become a doctor. Because I loved him in life, I wanted to know what he wanted me to do and why. Alice has proven herself to be an excellent medium. When I told Willie I wanted Alice to invite his deceased father to join Alice and me in a séance, he was furious. I listened carefully to his words and also read between the lines. He clearly told me not to do it. He was very angry. But because
it was very important to me, I did it anyway. And because I didn’t do what he wanted, I created a very bad memory in Willie’s mind. A hurtful memory which could affect our relationship. We held the séance, and the Reverend Mr. Silas Patriot DoGood appeared. He told me to take the title of pastor of the church, not senior pastor. He also told me to get a doctorate in theology. When I told Willie I had spoken to his father, he turned silently away from me and went into our library. He needed to be away from me, and I needed to think about what to do next. I began to be mindful of the effect bad memories have on us. I began to realize if one has too many bad memories, they will affect one’s emotions. Bad memories will block the flow of emotions between people who otherwise love each other, just like plaque will block the flow of life’s nourishing blood. But unlike the quick fix of medicine for plaque, I had to cure the hurt I had caused Willie. Doctors say you can help keep your arteries clear by: eating a healthy diet; exercising 30 minutes five times a week; not smoking and limiting alcohol to one drink per day. But how do you sustain love between two people who sometimes hurt each other? I sat in our parlor and thought of my life with Willie. I remembered many wonderful moments of our time together. I felt the goodness. I got up and walked into our library. He saw me enter. Without saying a word I took his hand in mine and looked into his eyes. He gave me a slight smile. Amen.
The Reverend Mrs. Silence DoGood Senior Pastor Executive Director President Chairman Choir Master (part-time) The First Church of God’s Love
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Money
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Tr u t h s A l l I nv e s t o r s S h o u l d K n ow A b o u t
R
isk, and the role it plays in a portfolio, can be one of the most difficult concepts for investors to grasp. To help clear things up, we outline four important risk-related insights every investor should know.
1} Risk has many faces
When people talk about risk, they’re usually referring to investment risk: The idea that you could purchase stock at $50 a share and it could potentially be worth $25 a year later. This kind of risk is relatively easy to understand, and it’s measureable based on the ups and downs in an investment’s price. The more volatile the price has been, the more risky the investment is considered to be. Unfortunately, investment risk is only one of the risks investors can face. There are plenty of others that aren’t as easy to understand or measure. These include: Market risk. This is the risk that the entire market will decline and pull your investment down with it. Remember what happened to stocks during the Great Recession? That’s an example of market risk. Inflation risk. Inflation is the overall increase in prices in an economy. There’s a risk that an investment’s return won’t be enough to overcome inflation’s impact. For example, if inflation runs 2% a year and your investment returns only 1%, you lose “purchasing power.” As a result, your investment buys less at the end of the year than at the beginning. Opportunity risk. Some investors believe you can avoid risk by investing conserva-
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Risk
tively. Opportunity risk is the possibility of missing out on the chance to earn better returns because you aren’t being more aggressive. There are many more types of risks, too, including some specific to certain investment categories. For example, bond investors face default risk—the risk that the issuer will fail to make interest payments or repay the bond’s par value at maturity.
is usually linked 2} Risk with expected return This is possibly the most important thing to understand about risk. Risk and return generally go hand-in-hand: If you put money into a low-risk investment, you should probably expect lower returns. If you choose a higher-risk investment, you’re seeking higher potential returns. Of course, things don’t always work out that way. A high-risk investment may not get better returns. (In fact, you could lose your entire investment.) But many investors continue to include riskier investments in their portfolios, often for higher return potential.
should determine 3} You your risk tolerance Your risk tolerance is how much risk you can comfortably live with in your portfolio. Determining your risk tolerance can be challenging. There are tools, including questionnaires,* that can help. One indicator that you’ve exceeded your investment
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risk tolerance: when your investments’ performance keeps you awake at night—especially when there’s market volatility. It’s okay to have a relatively low risk tolerance. However, focusing on lower-risk strategies may mean you need to adjust your objectives (for example, having $750,000 at retirement instead of $1 million). Or, you may need to lengthen your time horizon, which is how long you have until you tap into your investments. For example, you may decide to work until age 68 instead of 65 so you have more time to invest.
4} Help is available
Because risk is complicated—and only one aspect of investing—look to your financial advisor for help with building your portfolio. Your financial advisor will take the time to get to know you, including your risk tolerance, before recommending an investment plan.
*https://www.wellsfargo.com/investing/retirement/tools /risk-tolerance-quiz/ All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. This article was written by Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network and provided courtesy of Michael J Krupa, FA, Krupa Wealth Management, in Honedale, PA 18431, 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 Management is a separate entity from WFAFN. © 2019 Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Book Review SOMEDAY, THIS WORLD WILL BE YOURS.
the middle of racism and discrimination and she naturally didn’t understand it. But that was the way things were, until she got involved with the National Association for You and other kids like you will be in the Advancement of Colored People charge of ensuring that the water’s clean, the (NAACP), and she learned that with just one air’s breathable, the land is healthy, and people are safe. Yeah, you might think you’re just small, quiet action, change would come. Helen Keller learned to communicate as a kid now, but as you’ll see in “Kid Activists” a child and later inspired others with her by Robin Stevenson, illustrated by Allison social justice efforts. Six-year-old Ruby Steinfeld, every Bridges was instrugood change-maker mental in integrating had to start someschools in Louisiana. where. And Autumn Peltier What do you still works to ensure do when you see that the world’s something that you water is safe to drink think is wrong or and use. unfair? A lot of On the nationkids whine and do al stage, protests are nothing else, but if nothing new. Your you’re the kind of child has likely person who takes grown up with them the issue to an adult on the nightly news, and tries to change and has perhaps parthings, you’re in ticipated in a march good company: for or rally herself. In much of history, “Kid Activists,” everyday people author Robin Stevenhave stood up for son shows children what they think is that small starts like right. theirs can make big Before that change. happened, though, In addition to every one of those the relevance of the people was a kid. tales here – sixteen Take Dolores tales that show kids Fernandez, for how activists were instance. once just like them – Little Dolores this book offers a was born in a tiny By Robin Stevenson wide range of divertown in New MexiIllustrations by Allison Steinfeld sity, both economico, the granddaughReviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer cally and racially, in ter of immigrants. the profiles presentWhen she was a kid, ed and in the names that will be familiar and her parents split, but she kept in close touch new to the age group for which this book is with her father, who was a labor organizer intended. The stories also illustrate a wide and a politician. As a teenager, she noticed variety of early influences and backgrounds, discrimination in her high school, and she proving to kids that where they come from started paying attention to the world outside isn’t important when fixing something that is. of school. These, and other injustices, Add artwork by Allison Steinfeld and spurred her to become an activist as an adult. you’ve got a magnet that will attract young No doubt you’ve heard about Rosa leaders and make them want to read. Give Parks and her refusal to move to a different your 8-to-12-year-old “Kid Activists” today, seat on a bus back in 1955. Of course, Mrs. and it could make a world of difference. Parks was a child once, growing up right in
“Kid Activists”
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Chocolate
MOKA By LA Guzda
Origins
W
hat’s better than a wine or craft beer tasting? CHOCOLATE! That’s right! Nestled in the picturesque hills of Bethany is the sweetest little tasting room – Moka Origins. And if chocolate wasn’t enough, add deliciously roasted coffee, hand-selected for the highest quality beans grown by a special group of boutique, ethically sourced, farms. Moka Origins is a partnership with the Himalayan Institute (HI). At the helm of this partnership is Jeff Abella. Like many people, Jeff and his wife Chelsea found the Himalayan Institute through travel and yoga training. But it is the institute’s humanitarian efforts that magnetized them
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to move from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania. HI serves several communities in India. About the same time that Jeff arrived, Cameroon was identified as a climate of need. Jeff took the lead in helping to create a public library system (which now totals 6), then added vocational training – construction and carpentry, a public health center along with public health education. All of HI’s humanitarian efforts strongly support women’s empowerment. As part of their health education, they began growing herbal plants for medicinal purpose – Farm to Pharmacy. Beyond herbs, they began to experiment with nutritionally dense growing. In 2009 the Dali
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Llama’s Tibetan government partnered with the HI team to devise methods of sustainability that could be used in Tibetan refugee settlements in southern India. An outreach program was also created in Puebla, Mexico with a focus on nutrition. Mexico has an extremely high rate of obesity. Creating high output gardens allow every person to maximize their garden space with a healthy and abundant food supply. All their knowledge and experience were being shared and helping to help others to help themselves… and others. Through their farmer outreach in coffee producing economies, they began to build a network of growers and importers dedicated to high value and compensation. The same for growers of specialty fine cocoa. (They are members of the Fine Chocolate Institute Association). So, it was only natural that in 2016 they began planning for
coffee roasting and chocolate making here in northeast PA. In 2017 they opened The Barn located on the Himalayan Institute’s vast and beautiful property, and Moka Origins was born. They are open for tours and tastings on Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring the family, bring your friends, you are going to LOVE this experience. Learn more about their humanitarian efforts as well as creating the finest tasting coffee you’ll find anywhere (my favorite is Uganda) and some of the world’s best chocolate. They like to call this Conscious Candy. You’re not buying a chocolate bar; you’re buying Chocolate Art!
MokaOrigins.com Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PoconoSecrets Visit www.LAGuzda.com or www.PoconoSecrets.com for past articles.
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Outdoor Ramblings
Winter is for the
Birds By Bill Deaton | williamjdeaton@yahoo.com
W
hile it might sound like a great idea to a human to just hunker down through the chilly months next to a cozy fireplace, only a handful of species den up for the winter. True, bears, skunks, squirrels, and a few others settle in for a long winter’s nap, but by and large most animals are out and about. If you want to observe wildlife, winter might actually be the best time to do it, especially for the novice. If there is snow on the ground, game is easy to track, and the defoliated forest makes finding birds all that simpler. Each December the Audubon Society holds its Christmas Bird Count around the middle of the month. The idea being birders from all around the country head out to record the type and number of feathered friends found in one specific area. 2019 marks the 120th year the Society endeavors to do this. In Wayne County, the CBC is held in White Mills and is done under the auspices of the Northeast Pennsylvania Audubon Society. In 2018 ten people participated in the local count and identified 38 species of birds over a 36.50 man hours. In some cases, just one bird of a certain type was found and in some cases, there were a lot. Among the birds spotted: • 11 Bald Eagles • 4 Black Ducks • 1 Barred Owl • 126 Common Mergansers • 1 Common Raven • 222 Mallards • 56 American Crows This year the CBC in White Mills will be held on December 14. It’s a rain or shine event, so warm, waterproof clothing is a must. Binoculars or a spotting scope and something to record what you find are good things to have as well. If you want to join in on the count this year, contact Barbara at 570-253-2364. If you can’t make it to the count but still want to enjoy some winter birding, pick up a good quality field guide and head on out to the woods, a marsh, the lakeshore, or a river. January and February are good times to see the winter bald eagles, and a few bird feeders in your yard can attract a menagerie of winged visitors.
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Pets
Pet Holiday Safety H
olly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course, you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible.
And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants, and dangerous decorations: O Christmas Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water— which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration, and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
No Feasting for the Furries By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
Toy Joy Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Choose gifts that are safe. Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallow the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods, or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn, and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy, or the interactive cat dancer— and tons of play sessions together.
Forget the Mistletoe & Holly Tinsel-less Town Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their
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Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems, and many varieties of lilies can cause
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kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-asjolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
Leave the Leftovers Fatty, spicy, and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.
That Holiday Glow Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface, and if you leave the room, put the candle out!
Fiona
Wired Up Keep wires, batteries, and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock, and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth.
2 year old short haired cat who is housetrained, good with cats, dogs, and children. Fiona has a very sweet gentle personality.
House Rules If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
Put the Meds Away Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
Careful with Cocktails If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill, and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
A Room of Their Own Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case, or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
New Year's Noise
Herman 1 year old shepherd mix who would do best with teens + and no other pets. Herman has a very playful and active personality.
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.
Available for adoption at Dessin Animal Shelter! Call 570-253-4037.
This pet safety article is from the ASPCA website. www.connections-magazine.com
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BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
Fear That
Overwhelms To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.
T
–Bertrand Russell
he experience of fear that is debilitating is not an everyday occurrence. We may avoid situations we might recognize as dangerous, crossing a busy intersection as an example. Or we might avoid a large dog that seems threatening. But recognizing the possible consequences of these circumstances does not necessarily cause fear. Rather, the individual exercises judgment to avoid a situation without emotional distress. The Oxford Dictionary defines fear as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.” For some, the experience of fear is a daily phenomenon, often frustrating the individual, as well as causing emotional distress that interferes with daily living. Quite often, these individuals seek treatment in a variety of health settings, which include mental health providers in addition to primary care physicians. A “phobia” describes the fear that some individuals have in regard to an object or situation that actually does not pose a real danger. The anxiety it provokes in these individuals is out of proportion to the perceived threat. Many are familiar with common phobias. Claustrophobia is a fear of enclosed spaces. Agoraphobia describes a fear of open spaces. It can occur after the individual experiences a sudden onset of debilitating anxiety, in a specific setting, such as a store or an elevator. This can be followed by the recurrent fear of a particular setting, which is subsequently avoided. In this instance, however, the individual can sometimes understand how the fear came to be attached to the particular setting. What if the fear is unexplainable and severe? The following fictional vignette is
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presented to highlight the features of a particular kind of phobia. JT is a 32-year-old man. He is single and has few friends. He does not socialize. He works as a computer programmer. This is the first job he has been able to maintain. Previous efforts to obtain work were not successful. If he was able to make it to an interview, he did poorly; unable to maintain good eye contact, appearing distressed, sweating profusely, and clearly eager for the interview to end. His current job, however, was obtained purely because of his computer skills. He dropped out of high school during his last year because he was lonely, unhappy, and unable to enjoy the social setting the school provided. His parents thought he was simply shy and introverted. Despite the fact that he had dropped out of high school, he was able to complete his studies at home through an internet home study program. After he obtained a high school diploma he was able to take on-line college courses, focusing on computer programming, to which he demonstrated a unique affinity. His current job was obtained entirely online. He submitted his credentials and was interviewed though a webcam on his computer at home. He was given the opportunity to do his work from home, and therefore, never had to leave the house. He continued to live at home with his parents. The company he worked for was in another state. However, the situation changed when his company informed him that it was relocating to his state and it would be expected that he become part of the office team that would service a number of large companies in the area. This would mean that he would have to work with his colleagues and spend his time with others in an office setting.
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The very thought of this resulted in fear. How would JT do this? He remembered being in high school and having the constant feeling of embarrassment when around his classmates. He was so anxious that he could not have lunch in the cafeteria. He never told his parents that he couldn’t use the public restroom at the school. His behavior was perceived as “weird” by his classmates and he was shunned. He had no friends at school. The very thought of reliving this experience led to another behavior that he confronted previously. At one point in time, he had a problem with alcohol; he could only go to a social function if he drank. Previous job experiences had been associated with drinking to decrease his anxiety. JT found that the experience of talking in a group setting was simply overwhelming. Ironically, he felt he had to drink before going to an AA meeting. JT felt he had essentially lost his job because he knew he could not go to an office setting. With fear and trepidation, he sat at his computer webcam and met with his supervisor to tender his resignation. To his surprise, however, his supervisor was quite supportive and would not accept his resignation. His supervisor suggested he seek medical help, recognizing he had a competent worker that he did not want to lose. JT was able to find a psychiatrist, with the help of the Human Resources Department of his company. It was with great anxiety that he met with the psychiatrist. To his surprise, however, his psychiatrist had little difficulty in identifying the symptoms that JT had, explaining to him that he had Social Anxiety Disorder or Social Phobia. His psychiatrist explained that individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder, or SAD, often used alcohol to self-medicate the anxiety and that loneliness and social isolation were functions of this disorder. His doctor began a medication; paroxetine or Paxil, which is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved antidepressant medication to treat SAD. In addition, JT began to see a therapist who used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT to work with JT to increase his understanding of the connection between his thoughts and the experience of anxiety.
When he was ready, JT began group therapy, which helped him to begin to work on the types of social skills that would help him to become less isolative. Finally, his therapist was able to use “Systematic Desensitization” therapy, also called “exposure therapy,” to help him to deal with the kind of situations that he would encounter at work that typically contributed to his fears and anxiety. In this instance, he had the opportunity to work with a therapist who had the skills and the ability to actually expose JT to real-life situations that he would encounter at work. With the help and support of a very understanding supervisor, JT has been able to work in an office setting. As a computer programmer, he actually works in a cubicle but sits with his co-workers in the staff lunch room. JT continues in therapy and remains on the antidepressant, paroxetine or Paxil. JT excelled at work and was given a promotion. Although it has been a slow process, JT is now dating and can actually go to a movie. Visit our website for more on Fear That Overwhelms. The following references are provided for the informed consumer: National Institute of Mental Health: Brain Imaging Predicts Success in Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder http://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2013/ brain-imaging-predicts-psychotherapy-success-inpatients-with-social-anxiety-disorder.shtml Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder): Always Embarrassed http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/ social-phobia-social-anxiety-disorder-alwaysembarrassed/index.shtml National Institute of Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/ anxiety-disorders/index.shtml
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Dr. Middleton is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, and a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. 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, PA.
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EVENTS
Y O U
ENTERTAINMENT
ARTS
RECREATION
a+r+e DEC ’19
THE AREA’S GOOD STUFF
C O N N E C T E D
Plenty of parking. Info: 570-253-5467.
Ongoing Events
WEDNESDAYS DAILY
Art-a-Pelago D.J. Harvey Agency and The Bodhi Tree Art School & Studio, Honesdale. One art gallery in two locations (Paros-Anafi). Open on Second Saturdays 6–9 p.m. & regular business hours of each location. Info: waynecountyartsalliance.org. DAILY
Public Art Displays Nature’s Grace, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale & Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce, Hawley. Wayne County Arts Alliance artists display their work.
Pike County Workforce Development Agency 10 a.m.–Noon. Milford Branch Library, Milford. A workforce professional will be available to help you apply for jobs or refine your resume. No appointment necessary. Free. Info: 570-296-2909. WEDNESDAYS
Story Time 10:30–11:30 a.m. Pleasant Mount Public Library, Pleasant Mount. Bring your young children & grandchildren to the library for a fun-filled story time. Included will be crafts, games, songs &, of course, a story. Info: 570-448-2573 or www.waynelibraries.org.
DAILY
Public Art Display REMAX Wayne, Honesdale. Art displays of local artists all year long. Info: 570-253-9566. 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. TUESDAYS
Pike County Workforce Development Agency 10 a.m.–Noon. Dingman Township Branch Library, Dingman Twp. A workforce professional will be available to help you apply for jobs or refine your resume. No appointment necessary. Free. Info: 570-296-2909. TUESDAYS
Bingo American Legion Post 311, Hawley. Doors open 10:30 a.m., games begin at Noon. Info: legionpost311@gmail.com. TUESDAYS
Bingo Texas #4 Fire Company, Honesdale. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Games start at 6:30 p.m.
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WEDNESDAYS
Bog Walk 1–3:30 p.m. Tannersville Bog, E. Stroudsburg. Environmental Educators explain the Bog’s formation, its interesting plant & animal life & more. Wear appropriate footwear. Pre-registration required & limited. Registration & info: 570-629-3061. THURSDAYS
Pike County Workforce Development Agency 10 a.m.–Noon. Newfoundland Public Library, Newfoundland. A workforce professional will be available to help you apply for jobs or refine your resume. No appointment necessary. Free. Info: 570-296-2909. THURSDAYS
Live Music with John Curtin 6 p.m. Glass-wine. bar. kitchen. at Ledges Hotel, Hawley. Classic guitar playing & musical stylings. Info: 570-226-1337 or ledgeshotel.com. THURSDAYS
Live Music 6–9 p.m. Kol Steakhouse, Hotel Anthracite, Carbondale. Info: 570-536-6020.
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EVENTS THURSDAYS
Pub-O-Lympics 8 p.m. The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Hawley. A combination of trivia & physical challenges. Compete with your team to win a gold medal, gift certificate & bragging rights. Info: 570-226-4388. FRIDAYS
Pike County Workforce Development Agency 1–3 p.m. Hawley Public Library, Hawley. A workforce professional will be available to help you apply for jobs or refine your resume. No appointment necessary. Free. Info: 570-296-2909.
ance events. Info: Tannis, 917-566-7698 or www.farmartscollective.org. THROUGH DEC. 2
Art Exhibit: Nancy Hopping, “Living with Wildlife” Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, Stroudsburg. Award-winning wildlife photography. Nancy captures the beauty of Pocono wildlife & captures what she sees & feels in her photography. Opening reception Nov. 2, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Info: 570-629-3061 or www.mcconservation.org. THROUGH DEC. 23
DVAA’s 15th Annual “Art in Sixes” Alliance Gallery, Narrowsburg,
NY.
SATURDAYS (EXC. DEC. 28) Main Street Farmers Market 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Strives to provide the greater Honesdale community with access to superb local agricultural products. A vibrant & friendly gathering of local producers & enthusiastic consumers, connecting through a mutual appreciation for each other & for the regional foodscape. Free entry. Info: 570-253-2020. FRIDAYS
Live Music 8 p.m.–Midnight. The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Hawley. Great drink specials, delicious food & live music. Info: 570-226-4388 or silverbirchesresortpa.com.
Delaware Valley Arts Alliance’s annual small works show, with artwork can be no larger than 6 inches in any direction, available for sale. Opening reception held Nov. 16, 1–5 p.m. Info: 845-252-7576.
December 1– December 9
FRIDAYS
Live Music at Tannery Room 8–11 p.m. Glass-wine. bar. kitchen. at Ledges Hotel, Hawley. Info: 570-226-1337 or ledgeshotel.com. SATURDAYS
Drop-in Family Story Time 11 a.m.–Noon. Wayne County Public Library, Honesdale. Join Miss Melanie for a story, followed by a fun craft for the whole family to enjoy. Info: 570-253-1220 or www.waynelibraries.org. SATURDAYS
Madrigal Choir 3–5 p.m. Farm Arts Collective invites male & female singers to participate in Madrigal Choir, an ensemble that is learning ancient 15th Century choral music. No experience necessary. Madrigal Choir will perform this summer in Farm Arts Collective’s perform-
DEC. 1, 7, 8, 21, 22
Santa Express 11 a.m., 1, 3, 5 p.m. Departs Honesdale. Get your camera ready as Santa Ho-Hos his way through the train greeting children. Enjoy the panoramic scenery as you ride the rails through Wayne Cty.’s Winter Wonderland. Kids receive a present from Santa, a holiday size souvenir ticket & candy cane for riding. Reservations suggested. 1-hr. trip. Info: 570-470-2697 or info@thestourbridgeline.net. DEC. 1
Holiday Bows and Boughs 1–4 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Create your own holiday decorations using natural materials. Evergreen boughs & materials provided for you to make wreaths, swags & table decor.
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EVENTS You can also bring your own supplies & decorations. PEEC brings the music, drinks & snacks, Preregistration required. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. DEC. 3
“Paint & Sip” with Barbara DeMauro 5–7 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Create a warm winter memory. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. DEC. 4
Dinner & Wet-on-Wet Painting with Rick Weber 5–8 p.m. Holy Crepes, Milford. Enjoy a crepe dinner & a painting workshop with Rick Weber. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. DEC. 5
Live Music with Kevin Campion 6–9 p.m. Kol Steakhouse, Hotel Anthracite, Carbondale. Info: 570-536-6020. DEC. 6
Drawing with Bozena Janiszewski 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Learn to draw, or improve your skills. Just bring yourself & be prepared to have a good time. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. DEC. 6
The Pike County Developmental Center Craft Store Holiday Open House Noon–2 p.m. at Pike County Developmental Center, Milford. Hand-crafted gifts for all occasions. Complimentary desserts & refreshments served. Proceeds benefit PCDC participants. Info: 570-296-6319 or pcdc14@gmail.com. DEC. 6
Live Music with Dustin Douglas 8–11 p.m. Tannery Room at Glass, Ledges Hotel, Hawley. Info: 570-226-1337. DEC. 6
Live Music Magnetic Attraction 8–11:59 p.m. The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Hawley. Live music in the Pub. Info: 570-226-4388 DEC. 6, 7, 8
Candlelight Christmas 6–9:30 p.m. The Settlers Inn Restaurant, Hawley. Holiday punch, syllabub, passed hors d’oeuvres, horse & carriage ride, farmto-table feast, handcrafted holiday desserts & musical performances. Prix fixe menu. Reservations required: 570-226-2993.
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DEC. 6 Sounds Like Teen Spirit 7–9 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. An opportunity to showcase the talent of our community’s youth. School-aged students are encouraged to share their performing art on stage: guitar, rap, stand-up comedy, poetry, singing, juggling or keyboards. All ages invited to watch & enjoy. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. DEC. 7
Ornament Hunt 10–11 a.m. Central Park, Honesdale. For K4th. No child goes home empty-handed. Info: visithonesdalepa.com or 570-253-5492. DEC. 7
DIY Birdfeeders 10 a.m.–Noon. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Spend the morning putting together your own unique & custom bird feeder from a variety of recycled materials, just in time for winter. PEEC provides everything you need, but you are welcome to bring your own supplies. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. DEC. 7
LTVFD Ladies Auxiliary Holiday Craft Fair 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Lackawaxen Fire House, Lackawaxen. Lots of vendors, hourly door prizes. Food available. Large parking lot. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be there from 1–2
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EVENTS p.m. Bring your cameras & take a photo with them. Info: 570 685-7330. DEC. 7
Craft Fair Saturday 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Ladore Lodge and Conference Center, Waymart. Annual Holiday Craft Fair at the PARC Pavilion. The best place to find that one-of-a-kind gift. Info: 570-488-6129. DEC. 7
Santa Train 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Hotel Anthracite, Carbondale. After you greet Santa at the train station, the last stop of the Santa Train, come to the hotel for pictures with Santa & holi-
DEC. 7–JAN. 31
Art Exhibit: Photo Contest Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, Stroudsburg. Winners of the Monroe County Natural Resources Photo Contest will be revealed & the top 12 photos will be available on a 2020 calendar. Proceeds from calendar sales benefit environmental education programs at Kettle Creek. Opening reception Dec. 7, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Info: 570-629-3061 or www.mcconservation.org. DEC. 8
Winter Ecology Hike 10 a.m.–Noon. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Learn how different plants & animals survive the win-
DEC. 8 Eighth Annual Holiday Artisans’ Market 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Showcases the work of many talented artisans of the Upper Delaware Region. You’ll find a selection of unique handcrafted gifts for friends & family. Free entry. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. day activities. No charge. Food & drink specials. Info: 570-536-6020.
ter. Join a hike & experience PEEC in the wintertime. All ages welcome. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org.
DEC. 7
Wet-on-Wet Painting with Rick Weber 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Learn this technique of painting with oils & go home with a completed landscape. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. DEC. 7
Ecozone Discovery Room! 1–4 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Explore the indoor discovery room & enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability & the local environment. No registration required. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. DEC. 7
Performance Music: “52nd Annual Noel Night” 8 p.m. (prelude begins at 7 p.m.) HoulihanMcLean Center, The University of Scranton. Concert featuring The University of Scranton Singers and Chamber Ensembles. Free. Info: 570-941-7624 or music@scranton.edu.
December 10–December 19 DEC. 11
Dinner & “Paint & Sip” with Barbara DeMauro at “Holy Crepes” 5–8 p.m. Holy Crepes, Milford. Enjoy a crepe dinner, then paint a “family snow globe.” Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. DEC. 11
Brian Shankar Adler’s Fourth Dimension 7 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project. Percussionist & composer Adler presents music from his new album, “Fourth Dimension,” in which he & his group of fearless improvisers invoke an inner world & musical language where surreal landscapes & symmetrical structures are created using textless mantras, disintegrating drones, mind-bending polyrhythms, & encrypted messages. BYOB. Reservations: info@thecooperageproject.org or 570-253-2020.
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EVENTS DEC. 12
DEC. 13
Live Music with Marc Von Em 6–9 p.m. Kol Steakhouse, Hotel Anthracite, Carbondale. Info: 570-536-6020.
Live Music Gary Dillon 8–11:59 p.m. The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Hawley. Info: 570-226-4388.
DEC. 12
DEC. 14
Open House Holiday Party 6–11 p.m. Hotel Anthracite, Carbondale. Celebrate the holidays with area businesses & friends. Reservations & info: 570-536-6020.
Holidays Around the Globe: Astrid Kuljanic 5:30 p.m. Milford Theatre, Milford. Croatianborn singer & musicians of the Transatlantic Exploration Company delight the audience with an array of music & song of the Balkan region & W. Europe, American jazz standards, Brazilian sambas, & more, including a holiday-related repertoire. Info: 570-409-1269 or www.kindredspiritsarts.org.
DEC. 12
Shakespeare on Film: Measure For Measure 7 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. One of Shakespeare’s dark comedies, the main themes include justice, “morality & mercy in Vienna,” & the dichotomy between corruption & purity. Introduced with a brief background & orientation by Dr. Robert Dugan. Followed by an opportunity for discussion. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. DEC. 13
Oil Painting with Bozena Janiszewski 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Oil painting workshop. All skill levels welcome. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. DEC. 13
River Vibes: Christine Lavin 7:30 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project and River Vibes. Singer-songwriter-guitarist & promoter of contemporary folk music. BYOB. Info: info@thecooperageproject.org or 570-253-2020. DEC. 13
Live Music with Greg Kondrat Duo 8–11 p.m. Tannery Room at Glass, Ledges Hotel, Hawley. Info: 570-226-1337.
DEC. 14
Romping Radishes: Tree Science 11 a.m.–Noon. The Cooperage, Honesdale. How do trees sleep? Take a look at trees in winter with Sierra Club. A hands-on learning program focused on physical, social & mental health & wellness for children. Geared to students K–2, but all children are welcome. Parents/ guardians must stay with their children for duration of the class. Info: 570-2532020 or thecooperageproject.org. DEC. 14
Second Saturday Honesdale 6–9 p.m. Downtown Honesdale. Local businesses teaming up & joining together with engaged community members to build a day filled with music, art, comedy, movies, food, drink, games & community support. Info on Facebook: 2ndSatHonesdale. DEC. 14
Film Screening: The Chronicles of Narnia 6 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project. Based on the fantasy novel for children by C. S. Lewis, the film follows the story of four English siblings who find adventure in a magical world called Narnia as they join the fight against
DEC. 12 “Coffee & Paint” with Barbara DeMauro 1:30–3:30 p.m. Grandma Goldsack’s Bakery, Hawley. Enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee, a croissant or muffin & create a painting for the winter. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. 38 | CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE |
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EVENTS DEC. 14 & 15
Winterfest Artisan Fair 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Hawley Silk Mill, Hawley. Art on the Edge hosts the juried arts fair at the Hawley Silk Mill as part of Hawley Winterfest. Info: 570-390-4440. DEC. 15
DEC. 14 & 15 Santa Winterfest Flyer Departs Hawley 11 a.m., 1, 3, 5 p.m. Join Santa on the train as he greets the children, poses for pictures & gives a present to each child. 45-minute round trip along the Lackawaxen River. Reservations suggested. Info: 570-470-2697 or info@thestourbridgeline.net. an evil white witch. This is a free event. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. DEC. 14
Slippery Stairs with Macro Dose & Sunwatchers 8 p.m. Tusten Theatre, Narrowsburg, NY. Double-bill with music artists Slippery Stairs & visual artist Macro Dose followed by indie band Sunwatchers. Slippery Stairs is a live electronic project that marries the innocent joy of New Age melodies to the driving beats of techno with an element of grit from their gothic roots. Sunwatchers blurs the lines between avant-jazz, punk, psychedelia, Ethno-jazz & desert blues, to create joyous, chaotic, mystical elegies with a modern sound. Info: 845-252-7576.
Christmas Bird Count Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, Stroudsburg. Join the KCEEC & the Pocono Avian Research Center for this event. All birders will be assigned segments of the count circle, & you may be teamed up with other birders to cover your area of the county. At the end of the day (5 p.m.), will meet for the Tally Rally, warm beverages & pizza. Preregistration required. Free. Info: 570-629-3061 or www.mcconservation.org. DEC. 15
Breakfast with Santa 10 a.m.–Noon. The Waterfront at Silver Birches, Hawley. Enjoy breakfast with Santa & gingerbread house decorating during Hawley Winterfest. Reservations & info: 570-226-4388. DEC. 15
Performance Music: “Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Concert” 7:30 p.m. Houlihan-McLean Center, The University of Scranton. Featuring Ken McGraw with Brass and Ivory. Admission: one new unwrapped toy, new toiletry items or a monetary donation. Info: 570-941-7624 or music@scranton.edu. DEC. 16
Wayne Highlands Quilt Guild 6–8 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, Honesdale. Welcoming quilters of all ages & skill levels. Make new friends who share your passion for quilting. Show & Tell & refreshments, & sometimes more. Info: Deb, 570-224-4914 or debszoo@gmail.com.
December 20–December 31 DEC. 20 & 27
DEC. 14
John Curtin’s Rocking XMas 8–11 p.m. Tannery Room at Glass, Ledges Hotel, Hawley. Info: 570-226-1337. DEC. 14
Ugly Sweater Party 8–11:59 p.m. The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Hawley. A fun night with live music & prizes for the best of the worst ugly sweaters. No cover. Info: 570-226-4388.
Pottery with Bozena Janiszweski 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Design & build your own “slab” house on Dec. 20 & glaze the final piece on Dec. 27. All houses will be kiln fired. You will need to arrange to pick up your finished piece at another time as the kiln is off-site. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com.
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EVENTS DEC. 21, 22 Santa Express 11 a.m., 1, 3, 5 p.m. See description at Dec. 1. Info: 570-470-2697 or info@thestourbridgeline.net. DEC. 25 Community Christmas Day Breakfast 8 a.m. Fresh Food Company, DeNaples Center, The University of Scranton. Doors open at 8 a.m. Free. No reservations necessary. Info: 570-941-7401 or info@scranton.edu. DEC. 27 Vacation Nature Camp: Snow Survival 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Grades 3–7 only. Animals survive, can your camper? Learn the secrets to winter shelters & fire-building. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. DEC. 27 “Paint & Just Relax” with Bozena Janiszweski 4–6 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of creating with paint in a 2-hour workshop. You will feel calmer & more relaxed. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. DEC, 27, 28, 29 Winter Wonderland Limited Noon. Departs Honesdale. Special trip toward Glen Eyre. See nature’s winter beauty by rail on a 2.5-hour extended trip with incredible scenery. Reservations suggested. Info: 570470-2697 or info@thestourbridgeline.net. DEC, 27, 28, 29 Pocono Winter Wonderland Express 3 p.m. Departs Honesdale. Take in the winter beauty of the Northern Pocono Mtns. on a 1.5hour 20-mile round trip from Honesdale to Hawley. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles and other wildlife along the river. Railcars are heated & restrooms available on the train. Reservations suggested. Info: 570-470-2697 or info@thestourbridgeline.net. DEC, 27, 28, 29 Winter Wonderland Express 12:45 p.m. Departs Hawley. 1-hour scenic excursion from Hawley to the former Erie Railroad Glen Eyre Station in historic restored coaches. Reservations suggested. Info: 570-470-2697 or info@thestourbridgeline.net.
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DEC. 28 “Holiday Me-Time — Paint & Sip” with Arielle Sekula 5–7 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Spend the evening relaxing, creating & definitely unwinding. Bring friends, family or both or make new friends when you come alone. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. DEC. 30 Vacation Nature Camp: Winter Wings 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Grades 3–7 only. Wildlife still abounds in winter. Learn way to care for them even in the cold. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. DEC. 31–JAN. 1 New Year’s Eve Bash 8:30 p.m.–1 a.m. The Waterfront at Silver Birches, Hawley. Ring in the New Year with a decadent buffet, music & dancing, champagne & a balloon drop at midnight. Reservations required: 570-226-4388.
On the Horizon JAN. 4 Romping Radishes: Mr. Yuck’s Laboratory 11 a.m.–Noon. The Cooperage, Honesdale. A look at how fun safe cleaning alternatives can be for kids. A hands-on learning program focused on physical, social & mental health & wellness for children. Geared to students K–2, but all children are welcome. Parents/ guardians must stay with their children for duration of the class. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. JAN. 4 Beginner’s Photography Class for DSLR Camera with Bill Brown 10 a.m.–Noon. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Award-winning photographer shows you how to understand your DSLR. Learn what all the buttons do & how to get off AUTO mode to bring your photos to the next level. A DSLR camera is required. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. JAN. 4 Tabletop Refractive Photography with Bill Brown 1–3 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Learn techniques for photographing water drop refractions from an award-winning photographer. A DSLR camera with a macro lens required. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com.
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