Connections Magazine - January 2017 Issue

RESOLUTIONS BEING KEPT – P 6

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: FOR REAL THIS TIME – P 8

JANUARY 2017

I'M NOT CRAZY...

YOU ARE – P 10

Since 1998

beauty spotlight

wellness

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january ’16

contents

departments Ask the Vet

20

Beauty Spotlight

12

Behavioral Medicine

10

Book Review

18

Classic Cars

19

Events Calendar

23

Film Review

18

Healthy Geezer

11

Living Green

15

Money

16

Outdoor Ramblings

22

Pocono Secrets

13

Reflections of Prison

14

connectionsmagazine JANUARY ’17

features

6

BE GREEN!

Please do your part by recycling your issue of Connections when finished or pass it along to your family and friends.

Just make sure they recycle it, too!

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VOL. 19 NO. 1

8 10

RESOLUTIONS BEING KEPT A helipad was built, adjacent houses came tumbling down to make way for 80 more parking spaces, new staff was hired and, most importantly, administrators say, lives were saved at Wayne Memorial Hospital in 2016 that might not have had the same chance one year ago. Phase One of the hospital’s Master Facility Plan, unveiled just one year ago, is now complete, and it is full steam ahead for Phase Two.

WEIGHT-LOSS SUCCESS: FOR REAL THIS TIME As health-seekers strategize their diet and fitness approach for the holiday gluttony season and those inevitable New Year’s resolutions just beyond, there are a few simple but key considerations that can make all the difference between a successful—and even profitable—weight-loss endeavor and a wellness endeavor that falls far short.

I’M NOT CRAZY... YOU ARE! The Miriam Webster Dictionary defines reality as: the true situation that exists: the real situation, something that actually exists or happens: a real event, occurrence, situation, etc. For most of us, the issue of reality is not ordinarily questioned.

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wellness

coolsculpting

connections

[YOUR] NEPA MAGAZINE president • publisher • editor in chief deborah bailey production manager meica drake account representative barry weiss editorial correction services sandi scull

Earns CoolSculpting Certification

assignment writers 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

ilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center announces that Dr. Marina Buckley has completed the CoolSculpting Certification program. The certification recognizes physicians and practices that have a comprehensive understanding of how the CoolSculpting technology and procedure work.

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“Completion of this program will build a solid foundation for you and your staff to ensure a successful CoolSculpting practice,” according to Coolsculpting.com. The MilfordMD CoolSculpting team has also completed advanced training at CoolSculpting University, putting them in the top 5% of practices offering CoolSculpting treatments.

The announcement comes on the heels of several successful “CoolEvents” at the Milford, PA, cosmetic practice. CoolEvents are open to the public and build awareness about CoolSculpting, the world’s number one non-invasive fat removal treatment.

These free events at MilfordMD, during which Dr. Marina Buckley introduces the technology, have been a resounding success.

“There’s a lot of demand for this fat-freezing approach to fat reduction,” Dr. Marina Buckley says.

“And we’re pleased to say, it does not disappoint.

Not only are patients happy with their results, but they’re coming in for other minimally invasive and noninvasive options—from skin tightening and cellulite reduction to facial rejuvenation.”

In addition to CoolSculpting, MilfordMD offers the spectrum of body sculpting options. This includes surgical approaches, such as Laser Lipo, to minimally invasive ProLipo and SmartLipo, to skin-tightening and cellulite-reducing options, such as Venus Freeze.

CoolSculpting is the only FDA-cleared non-invasive fat reduction treatment shown to safely target and eliminate fat cells through the use of controlled cooling. “CoolSculpting has changed the body sculpting demographic,” says MilfordMD Medical Director and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Richard Buckley.

“It’s not a surgical procedure; it’s done in the office, and patients typically can go back to work or activity the day of the procedure. So, younger, active, hardworking, and hard playing people who are bothered by unwanted fat but who don’t want surgery are coming in for CoolSculpting.”

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The fat reduction technology works by freezing only the fat cells targeted for removal. The frozen cells naturally crystalize, and the body eliminates them over time. “Those cells don’t come back. For patients who maintain their body weight, the fat is essentially gone forever,” Dr. Richard Buckley says.

Receiving word of MilfordMD’s CoolSculpting certification is important to not only the physicians and staff at MilfordMD, but also patients, Dr. Richard Buckley says. “We have high quality standards at MilfordMD,” he says. “When procedures become as popular as CoolSculpting has, there are many different types of providers who try to get a piece of the pie. The problem is not everybody is adequately trained or has experience in other types of body sculpting. It’s very important for patients that they seek out a physician who has experience in CoolSculpting, as well as other types of cosmetic surgery. They should ask to see patient results—even talk to patients at the practice who have had the procedure—before agreeing to let anyone perform CoolSculpting on them.”

“Our goal is to offer people who want to make small changes to their bodies, as well as those who have more extensive body sculpting in mind, the spectrum of cosmetic surgery options, in a safe environment, and under the care of experienced cosmetic physicians,” Dr. Richard Buckley says.

About MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center: The MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center offers state-of-the-art highly specialized procedures in laser and cosmetic surgery and aesthetic skin care. In addition to its AAAHC accredited surgical center and extensive laser surgery capabilities, MilfordMD offers physician designed skin care products for home use. Milford Pennsylvania’s MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center is sought out by patients from around the world for expertise and innovation in cosmetic treatments performed by Richard E. Buckley, M.D. and Marina Buckley, M.D. MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center is located at 303 W. Harford Street, Milford, PA 18337. Tel: (800) 664-1528. For real patient video testimonials, visit our MilfordMD YouTube channel.

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terri schlichenmeyer, Book Review la guzda, Pocono Secrets arnie milidantri, Classic Cars bill deaton, Outdoor Ramblings pike county conservation district, Living Green amy platko-williams, D.V.M, 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

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.

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

radon

wellness

January is National

Radon Action Month Submitted by Disaster Blaster

n an effort to increase public awareness, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January National Radon Action Month. But what is Radon and why is it so important that we know about it now?

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What is it?

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that occurs naturally from the breakdown of radioactive elements in the soil.

As this reaction occurs, radioactive Radon gas is able to enter your home through your foundation where it collects in the building and becomes a hazard.

Is it new?

As a result of the recent focus on the dangers of Radon, many homeowners mistakenly assume that this is a new issue, but in reality, it has always existed. As we learn more about things like Radon, it gives us an opportunity to make our environments safer and encourage overall wellness. This is why agencies like the EPA are encouraging awareness through things like the National Radon Action Month.

Is it common in our area?

Independent studies conducted by agencies such as the EPA have shown that Radon is particularly common in the Northeastern PA area. In fact, according to some estimates as many as 1 in every 2 1/2 homes (or 40%) are believed to have higher than acceptable Radon levels!

What are the health concerns?

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer (Second only to cigarette smoke), and the leading cause among non-smokers. Reducing the

Radon level reduces this risk.

How do I know if I have a Radon issue?

As Radon is undetectable without special equipment, the only way to know if you have a Radon issue in your home is by having testing performed.

While some home inspectors are able to perform testing, the State of Pennsylvania does require that all Radon Testers be licensed to perform this service.

We maintain a permalink to the Pennsylvania State Department of Environmental Protection’s list of licensed testers here: http://radonlist.disasterblaster.com

Can it be resolved?

If you discover that you have a Radon issue in your home (Or potential home), there’s no need to fret, it can be resolved by a qualified professional Radon Mitigation Company that has been licensed by the State of Pennsylvania to perform this work.

They should be able to inspect your property and design a Radon Mitigation System that will be able to reduce the Radon level in your home to within an acceptable range.

If you haven’t yet, take the opportunity this January to test for Radon!

You may be glad that you did!

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

wmh expansion

By Allison Mowatt

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Update

wmh expansion

wellness

helipad was built, adjacent houses came tumbling down to make way for 80 more parking spaces, new staff was hired and, most importantly, administrators say, lives were saved at Wayne Memorial Hospital in 2016 that might not have had the same chance one year ago. Phase One of the hospital’s Master Facility Plan, unveiled just one year ago, is now complete, and it is full steam ahead for Phase Two.

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“As promised, we opened a cardiac catheterization laboratory,” said CEO David Hoff, “and six months in, it’s already surpassed our five-year expectations for volume. We have treated more than 165 patients, including about 10% who were in the throes of a heart attack and needed immediate lifesaving treatment.”

Next up—Wayne Memorial will apply for a Level IV Trauma designation (now that its helipad is built) and break ground for a new patient tower expected to house 50 private rooms.

Wayne Memorial kicked off its master plan with these four projects — a helipad, more parking spaces, a cardiac cath lab and private patient rooms, according to Dirk Mumford, Chairman of the Board of Wayne Memorial Hospital & Wayne Memorial Health System. “While we realize that we can’t provide every potential clinical service, it’s our long term goal to be able to provide these specific services most needed by the majority of the community we serve.”

Each step of the plan is a direct response to community needs, confirmed Hoff, “and to our growth ability to become a regional medical center. In surveys and interviews, our community and its leaders told us their priorities for healthcare. That formed our blueprint— and we hope to make it all a reality by 2018.”

The hospital’s service area has been growing with its own expansion, mostly of outpatient services such as lab (blood draws) into new localities.

It now serves approximately 100,000 people across Wayne and Pike counties and the Upper Delaware Region of New York and another 8,000 more in the Greater Carbondale area in Lackawanna County and Forest City in Susquehanna County.

Behind the construction, Wayne Memorial administrators say, are significant community concerns. “The plan focuses on patient satisfaction and privacy, parking, technology, and infrastructure upgrades,” explained John Conte, Director of Facility Services and Real Estate. He hopes the hospital will break ground on the new patient tower, which will be built out from the current outpatient services entrance, sometime in the first six months of 2017. Three floors are planned, with private patient rooms on the first two floors and shell space for future expansion on the third floor.

Private, single-bed, patient rooms are a trend in hospitals now because they reduce the potential for infection, according to Lisa Champeau, Public Relations Manager for Wayne Memorial Health System.

She explained that the new floors will also incorporate new technology. The hospital is currently looking at advanced call bell systems, for example, that will expedite response time and reduce noise. Also, patient registration and changing areas will be improved for better patient privacy. Existing three and four south nursing units will most likely be utilized for different services

(as yet undecided), while other areas such as chemotherapy and wound care will be relocated to meet ongoing program needs and provide more convenience to patients.

In early 2017, in addition to the four main projects, WMH also expects to implement inpatient dialysis services and tele-neonatology for hi-risk infants born at WMH. Through tele-neonatology, staff will have 24/7 virtual contact with neonatology experts from Lehigh Valley Hospital. The hospital’s New Beginnings Birthing Suites, which offer delivery via an obstetrician or a certified nurse midwife, saw close to 500 births in 2016.

All the new and enhanced services are designed to offer care closer to home. When a person is sick or injured, minutes usually count—the faster to treatment, the higher the chance for a good outcome. That’s one reason WMH is applying for a Level IV trauma designation, which Hoff is very optimistic about. “We anticipate receiving this designation with the authorization and ability to treat more accident and injury victims more quickly by summer,” he said.

Although WMH is non-profit, the hospital pays hundreds of thousands of dollars in property taxes annually on most, if not all, of its properties except the main campus. “We are part of the community, too,” said Champeau. “We benefit from many of the same services such as police protection offered by the municipalities in which we are located. We are more than happy to support the community we serve medically.”

Champeau noted that community feedback for its Major Facilities Plan has been largely positive.

“We’re very grateful the community has supported us and our projects.”

The Plan is estimated to cost approximately $35 million when it’s finished, and the hospital is hoping to borrow much of the remaining funds. The helipad was built largely through fundraising efforts by the WMH Auxiliary. “We are very much committed to completing it,” said Hoff, “and we are exploring various options for funding that will keep Wayne Memorial viable for the future.”

Several years ago, WMH became a certified Primary Stroke Center, upgraded its state-of-the-art computerized tomography (CT) equipment, and expanded the emergency room to accommodate 28,000 patient visits a year. Wayne Memorial Health System also spun off its primary care, behavioral health, dental, and women’s health services when those services received an independent designation as a “federally qualified health center” (FQHC). This is now Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC), which since its inception in 2007, has grown to encompass more than 13 offices and 200 employees. Most recently, the area’s two largest primary care practices, Highland Physicians in Honesdale and Pinnacle Health Partners in Tafton, became part of WMCHC. For more information, visit www.wmh.org.

Mark Your Calendar for the Annual Mistletoe Ball The WMH Auxiliary is anticipating the 76th annual event, which is the group’s largest fundraiser for the hospital. The Mistletoe Ball takes place on January 21st at The Silver Birches on Route 507 on Lake Wallenpaupack.

Last year, proceeds went toward constructing the helipad and have also helped with the purchase of a mobile mammography van, which is scheduled to hit the road this year. In addition, the auxiliary raised funds for upgraded fetal monitoring systems.

“We confer with the hospital and determine where best to allocate funds,” said Martha Wilson, of the WMH Auxiliary.

This year, proceeds from the Ball will be dedicated to the cardiac rehabilitation department, specifically to upgrading its telemetry system and the purchase of new equipment. “The new cath lab’s been a huge success,” said Ms. Wilson. “It’s important for the rehabilitation lab to have the most upto-date equipment to better serve the growing need and to give patients the very best follow-up care.”

Ms. Wilson further states, “This event would not be successful if the community did not support it through attendance and/or through donations. It is a wonderful, fun evening with cocktails, dinner and lively dancing to the music of the Groove Train Band. We hold a raffle that night also for wonderful gift baskets that include overnight stays, art work, fine wine, and more. Again, our community is very generous with its donations. Our hope is to raise $30,000 dollars this year. The last two years we raised $28,000.

The on-going core of our Auxiliary has to be the Other Shops in Honesdale and Hawley that sell used clothing and goods and our Gift shop at the Hospital. The shops are run by volunteers and their commitment is extraordinary. We also have vendor sales throughout the year and most recently had a Bake Sale, featuring cookies made by our members, at the hospital which generally makes about $3000. On September 17th, we will host our 4th concert at Woodloch Pines. This year we will have the Mahoney Brothers performing tributes to famous singers.”

Tickets for the Mistletoe Ball are $85. Call (570) 226-9750 for more information or to make reservations.

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wellness

weight-loss success

As health seekers strategize their diet and fitness approach for the holiday gluttony season and those inevitable New Year’s resolutions just beyond, there are a few simple but key considerations that can make all the difference between a successful—and even profitable—weight-loss endeavor and a wellness endeavor that falls far short.

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In seeking expert advice, I connected with diet and fitness industry insider, Jimmy Fleming, co-founder of HealthyWage—a company that offers industry-leading corporate and team-based weight loss challenges and financially-induced diet contests for individuals. He offered some compelling insights and opinions on critical elements needed for the best chance of success with a weight-loss initiative. Here are Fleming’s top five ideas:

out specific goals and 1} Map timeframes You are far more likely to achieve your diet resolution if you spend a few minutes thinking it through.

Sit down at your desk and dedicate even just ten minutes of your life to strategizing your resolution. Put pen to paper or, better yet, send an email to a friend or family member and make a list of the things you’re going to do to change your weight. Simply stating that “I’m going to lose weight” is not nearly specific enough, but it makes a good headline at the top.

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Write down a date when you will achieve your first goal. This date should be in the near future—one month is a good bet.

Now, make a specific, realistic goal. Most experts agree that you’re most likely to succeed if you don’t starve yourself and plan on losing one to two pounds per week. In fact, setting a modest goal — say, one pound per week — can spare you a lot of hunger and stress. You might even forget you’re on a diet!

Suppose you choose 1.5 pounds per week and a one month goal date: your goal will be about six pounds.

Piece of cake (so to speak)! Put your goal and goal date on your calendar (e.g., “Weigh 150 pounds” as an entry for January 30).

Go back to your piece of paper, or email. Under your goal and goal date, write down the word “food.”

Ask yourself: what exactly is your eating plan? Are you going to follow a particular diet? If so, when are you going to start? Your answer should be “right now.” Don’t be afraid. This is going to be great! If your diet requires that you purchase something or register on a certain website, go do that right now! What

weight-loss success about exercise? What specific days and times will you commit to exercising? Who will you exercise with? If possible, call a friend now and set something up.

Review your resolution plan frequently as you work your way toward your goal. When your goal date comes, call a friend to either brag about your achievement or confess that you didn’t achieve it and tell them what’s going to be different for the next goal date. Now, sit down again (pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard) and set a new goal date and goal. Keep going!

2} Set up financial incentives

After you’ve written out your specific goals and dates, your best bet is to build a little structure into them. Enter: prizes and rewards. A significant amount of academic research shows that you are much more likely to achieve your resolution if you include a double financial incentive — i.e., money to lose if you fail and money to win if you succeed! The reason money works better than the natural motivators of vanity and health is that money can be tied to specific, measurable goals and deadlines. In other words, financial incentives help prevent procrastination by establishing a firm start date, and help prevent quitting by establishing a firm goal date. Financial incentives also make weight loss a lot more fun and exciting by transforming the process into a game.

There are fantastic tools and resources available online for setting up financial incentives. For example, HealthyWage allows participants to make various kinds of personal weight loss “bets” and win payouts up to $10,000. The double financial incentive is an incredible motivator and source of structure that most winners say is indispensable.

3} Do one thing at a time

Trying to stick to more than one resolution creates a willpower diffusion that is almost always a recipe for failure. Your weight loss resolution requires time, planning and lots of action items. The winding road from plump to sexy is made of many cobblestones that you have to lay down one at a time with lots of small, frequent decisions (e.g., “this morning, I am going to skip that second donut”). With all the good judgment and will power those little decisions require, you simply won’t have the time and energy for your other resolutions, too. You’re booked solid! If you think your weight loss resolution isn’t that big of a deal, you might be off track.

4} Tell everyone

Or, at least tell a few friends or family members about your endeavor. If you’re not willing to tell someone about your diet resolution, you might not be committed enough to succeed. When you tell other people about your plans, a magical thing happens.

You know that your supporters are waiting to hear news of your success, and you don’t want to let them down. Some researchers believe that the social element is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal.

Plus, it’s important to have support — i.e., people to brag to when you succeed; people to talk to when you feel like overeating. Talking is a great antidote to a desire to binge or eat things that could get in the way of your success. If you’re really determined to achieve your resolution, you should consider taking the social element even farther. Try writing a blog about your progress. Not only will your readers help keep you seriously accountable, but you may discover that being a great teacher is one of the best ways to learn and improve your own success.

5}

Seek fellowship

When you tell people about your diet resolution, be on the lookout for a dieting partner (or group of partners). When you work on your diet resolution

with a buddy or group of friends or family members, you are even more likely to accomplish your goals.

You get all the benefits of accountability plus the comfort and fun of knowing there’s someone waiting for you to exercise, compare food and restaurant experiences, and share the ups and downs of dieting.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Enlisting family and friends in the effort may help.”

One study shows that participants who do a weight loss program with friends are more than twice as likely to keep their weight off than those that try to do it on their own.

In addition to Fleming’s five slim down strategies above, there are other intelligent tactics that can help assure diet and fitness success. Here are a few others that can help you achieve weight-loss goals:

tech that can help foster 6} Tap your success Having the right equipment can make all the difference, and all gadgets aren’t created equal. Some can go above and beyond with features and benefits that can give you an edge. Take the Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, for example. The first thing I love about these is they’ll literally stay in your ears no matter what activity you are doing or how twisted the yoga pose. And, the fact that they are wireless and will connect to your music player via Bluetooth is super convenient and makes them more comfortable as well.

In terms of music, they provide immersive top-quality Dolby sound, so the audio output is fantastic. And the wearer can also control music playback, adjust the volume and take calls with just a quick tap on the earbuds, themselves.

But, even beyond all of these fab features, the Jabra Sport Pulse design is actually an all-in-one training solution with a built-in heart rate monitor, which measures your heart rate via your inner ear. They’re the only earbuds proven to deliver clinical-grade accuracy. The headphones also interface with a specialized Jabra Sport Life App that not only ensures you’re always training in the right heart rate zone, it also allows you to plan, monitor, and evaluate your performance. So, you’ll always know if you’re in the most optimal zone for your goals. In-ear coaching also gives you real-time feedback to keep you updated on your workout progress in real-time to help you optimize each workout session.

7} Burn bonus calories

A super cool device called the JBIT MedPro, invented by former NBA pro Jonathan Bender, can help users reach fitness goals even just by walking around their own home! Originally conceived by Bender due to the extreme knee pain he suffered while playing in the league for both the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks, the item is well-known for relieving chronic joint pain in the knees, hips, back, and shoulders. But whether or not you have such orthopedic concerns, this wearable device is also an effective way to integrate exercise into regular daily life. Because it generates added resistance with every step while walking or jogging, the result is a higher caloric burn that can lead to faster results even just from walking around the house.

The JBIT MedPro relieves pressure from the joints by acting as an “external hamstring.” It adapts to the body’s natural motion, taking pressure off the knees by evening out the load so to speak, making the legs work the way they’re supposed to work. And, because it delivers constant resistance, fitness benefits including strengthening of the core and lower extremity muscles.

It’s a nice addition to a fitness or weight-loss regime.

And, of course, it’s a tremendous source of relief anyone who suffers from chronic joint pain, nagging injuries, and even those who are in painful situations at work—like from sitting too long or those who have really physically demanding jobs.

wellness

8} Supplement smartly

Science and biotechnology have completely changed the weight loss equation. Innovative and noninvasive biotech is now benefiting dieters seeking to safely supplement their weight loss efforts with plantbased and stimulant-free fat binding products that are clinically tested to accelerate weight loss. For one, bmiSMART’s I-REMOVE Fat Binder product—the number one weight loss seller in Europe for the past five years—has been shown in clinical trials to result in up to three times more weight loss than would be achieved through sensibly dieting alone.

Relative to how this fat binding biotech works, IREMOVE contains Litramine—a patented fiber complex made from prickly pear cactus that’s manufactured using a proprietary technology. This allows the ingredients to bind to fat molecules from ingested food and makes them too large to be absorbed, so the body absorbs fewer calories from fat. It’s taken right after a healthy, calorie-controlled meal and doesn’t require a time-consuming or highly restrictive meal plan. With this solution, you’ll also avoid caffeine and other stimulants that jack up metabolism and energy levels only to cause the dreaded crash-and-burn an hour or so later.

The biotech in I-REMOVE leverages a physiological process shown to radically increase weight-loss by reducing the amount of dietary fat absorbed but without the jitters and other unwanted side effects.

9} Leverage killer kitchenware

No matter how hard or long one works out, all can be lost based on how meals are planned and prepared in the kitchen. One weight-wise appliance that can be a true savior is the T-fal ActiFry. This super versatile, time-saving kitchen gadget allows you to prepare a wide assortment of dishes hands-free and healthfully by using little to no oil. So, the word “fry” in the product name is a little misleading because it actually uses unique hot air circulation technology and stirring paddle to make tasty low fat meals ranging from meats and chicken to seafood or even vegetables and side dishes.

Aside from the fact that you can cook so many things without any oil, I also love this appliance because I’m a super busy mom and it cooks things fast. Because food is always cooked at precisely 338°, there’s no preheating necessary, and meals are cooked very quickly and evenly since the paddle keeps the ingredients moving and stirring as the hot air circulates all around it. Clean up is also a breeze as the pan, lid, paddle, and filter are removable and dishwasher safe. Most importantly, the ActiFry is designed to be safe and family-friendly. My kids use it all the time to make everything from chicken nuggets and chicken wings to much healthier french fries.

With a little bit of planning, some monetary motivation, the right gadgets and gear, and some innovative biotech, hopefully the next diet you embark upon will actually lead to healthy lifestyle changes and choices that result in sustained weight management for the long-term.

Branding and consumer product trends pundit, Merilee Kern, MBA, is a wellness industry veteran, health advocate, and influential media voice. Her ground-breaking, award-winning “Kids Making Healthy Choices” Smartphone APP for children, parents/caregivers and educators (iTunes) is based on her award-winning, illustrated fictional children’s book, “Making Healthy Choices – A Story to Inspire Fit, WeightWise Kids” (Amazon). She may be reached online at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList. ***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost or otherwise arranged to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

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9

wellness

behavioral medicine

I’m Not Crazy...

You Are

By Arthur Middleton, M.D., FAPA

“Reality exists in the human mind, and nowhere else.” ~George Orwell, 1984 he Miriam Webster Dictionary defines reality as: the true situation that exists: the real situation, something that actually exists or happens: a real event, occurrence, situation, etc. For most of us, the issue of reality is not ordinarily questioned.

We go about our daily lives, dealing with issues associated with work and family, never even considering that what we see and believe is not, in fact, real. We have become used to seeing movies that quite literally challenge reality; using special effects that are so real that it is simply amazing that it is created by theatrical special effects. We are still able to marvel at the ability to “suspend” reality without even considering that we accept the difference between reality and fantasy.

T

Every day we are exposed to news reports on television or streaming live events on our mobile tablets and smartphones. We instantly evaluate if the events we are seeing are real, as well as the accuracy of the reports. When we share the experience with others, there may be a question with regard to whether the reports are true, but we do not consider that anyone who challenges this is “mentally ill.”

The reporter’s dialogue may lead to skepticism, but we still agree on the reality of the situation.

Each and every day, clinicians treat patients and sometimes, sadly, must help them to accept a diagnosis for a medical condition that is serious or even terminal. Sometimes patients will not accept the reality of the situation; insisting that the diagnosis is not accurate. This failure to accept the reality of the situation is defined as denial, which is a defense mechanism that we use when we are initially overwhelmed by the consequences of the situation. But more often than not, over the course of time, we begin to process the situation and come to grips with reality and move on.

To be in sync with reality is critical, and in most instances, its absence is obvious. However, there are circumstances where this is not necessarily the case.

The following fictional clinical vignette is presented to highlight the clinical presentation of an illness in which reality is at issue.

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JT is a 30 y/o warehouse worker. He is single and lives alone in the basement of his parents’ home. He has an older brother who is married and works as an electrician. JT’s parents are retired. While they never anticipated that JT would still be in their home at the age of 30, they recognized that their son needed support as he had difficulty maintaining employment and supporting himself independently.

While JT did have friends from high school, he was generally a loner. He enjoyed going to movies and playing video games. His parents got used to seeing their son “dress the part” when he played games involving military battles. He would dress in a military uniform and spend hours at his computer. While he spent his time alone, he was known to his neighbors as friendly and helpful. He would volunteer to shovel the sidewalk of an elderly neighbor when it snowed and would carry packages for older customers at work.

Feeling that he needed company, his parents encouraged him to get a pet. JT had never owned a dog but was immediately attracted to a Golden Retriever that he saw at a local shelter. The dog was estimated to be three years old and had been abandoned by the previous owner. In short order, it was clear that there was mutual affection between the dog and JT. He named his dog Merlin and clearly enjoyed spending time with him. His parents were delighted at the change that they saw in their son.

He became more outgoing and was more animated.

Sadly, the change that they saw took an abrupt turn when JT came home to find that his dog had died. His parents were horrified to discover that Merlin had ingested a poison that was in an old rodent trap that had long been forgotten in the basement. JT accepted this explanation but did not share with his parents that he believed that his dog had been intentionally poisoned by someone at work. JT did not know who it was but became guarded and suspicious while working in the warehouse. He rarely spoke to his co-workers and over the course of several weeks began to show deterioration in his daily hygiene to the extent that he had a noticeable body odor.

His supervisor was aware of the change in JT and asked if there was anything that he could do to [ www.connections-magazine.com ]

help. JT would not speak to him. A few weeks later, JT was fired owing to his refusal to follow directions and increased irritability at work. JT spent his waking hours pacing in the basement, refusing to leave.

His parents knew that JT needed professional help but didn’t know how they could get him to leave the basement without his becoming angry. They thought about calling the police, but it was JT’s older brother who was able to convince JT to leave the basement and accompany him to see a mental health professional.

JT saw a psychiatrist and with some difficulty shared with the doctor that he thought that his dog had been intentionally poisoned by co-workers and also admitted that he had been hearing “noises.” He wasn’t sure but thought that he was being “spied on,” for reasons that he did not understand. JT denied having any thoughts of harming himself or others and did not wish to be hospitalized. He did agree to a family meeting, however.

His doctor told JT and his family that JT had a thought disorder; a delusion that was probably part of the clinical presentation of a Schizoaffective Disorder. His doctor recommended medication; an antipsychotic, Risperdal or risperidone. With the support and guidance of his parents JT took the medication and improved. The “noises” in his head resolved. JT was able to find work again in another warehouse. He goes to a mental health clinic and sees a therapist as well as a psychiatrist who continues to monitor him on medication. JT still has a nagging suspicion that his dog was poisoned, but does not share this with others, only his therapist.

His parents are hopeful that he will continue in treatment.

The fictional clinical vignette highlights the symptoms of a delusion, which is a “false fixed belief.”

While delusions are typically part of the spectrum of symptoms seen in Schizoaffective disorder, including hallucinations as well as social isolation, delusions are also seen in individuals who never seek psychiatric help. These are individuals who are classified as having a “delusional disorder,” and, according to the Psychiatric Textbook: Kaplan & Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry, is estimated to occur at the rate of one to three cases per 100,000

osteoarthritis persons. These are persons who have “non-bizarre” delusions “that are not attributable to a psychiatric disorder.”

Hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia are symptoms that are also seen in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

For adults who are caregivers, it can be unsettling to be confronted by a parent who believes that you are a stranger who wants to do harm to them. It is also important to recognize that delusional thinking is such that there is no insight on the part of the patient. They are functioning with the belief that something is real, when it is not.

In a New York Times article by Pam Belluck titled: Hallucinations in Hospital Pose Risk to Elderly (June 20, 2010), the author writes about hospital delirium, “affecting about one-third of patients over 70,” according to the American Geriatrics Society. As a result of a variety of factors, which includes infections, medications, and surgery, as examples, in an elderly and often frail population, these patients may experience delusions, agitated behavior, and sometimes hallucinations. While the author notes that patients with dementia are at “greater risk for delirium, it is also noted that all patients who develop delirium do not necessarily have dementia. The article highlights the importance of treating as well as preventing delirium.

In another New York Times article

by Michael Hedrick titled: Living with Schizophrenia: My Father’s Perfect Family (September 22, 1916), the author writes about his personal experience with mental illness; Schizophrenia. As the author describes, his psychiatric illness was preceded by drug abuse. He subsequently developed “paranoia and delusions,” which was followed by psychiatric hospitalization. The author writes about the importance of family which helped him recover. At the same time, he shares with the reader that he still has a “demon on my shoulder, my constant friend and enemy that sits with me at every moment of my day, from waking up with coffee on my porch to dinners out.”

While delusions are frequently associated with the mental disorder, Schizophrenia, other causes of a delusional disorder include drugs of abuse, such as amphetamines, alcohol, marijuana (Cannabis), and heroin, as examples. There are also other medical conditions that may lead to the development of delusional disorders such as Huntington’s disease, brain tumors, endocrinological disorders; hypo- (underactive) or hyper (overactive) thyroid as examples.

Depending on the context of delusional thinking, if it is not associated with a medical condition, it is not likely to come to the attention of a health professional unless it is associated with unusual behavior. The

treatment of a delusion is dependent on the circumstance. It is not uncommon for a delusional disorder to come to light after a psychosocial stressor, such as the death of a loved one.

The approach to treatment is dependent on a correct diagnosis.

Psychotherapy is effective, after a trusting therapeutic relationship is established. Many patients can be treated as outpatients, but psychiatric hospitalization may become necessary if there is concern about self-harm or harm to others. Antipsychotic medications such as Haldol or haloperidol, Risperdal or risperidone and Zyprexa or olanzapine are examples of antipsychotic medications which can be used. But these medications are not always effective in the treatment of delusional thinking. This is why continued therapy is important.

In summary, a delusion is a “false fixed belief.” Typical delusional disorders involve “non-bizarre delusions of at least one month’s duration.” In many instances, delusional thinking is not associated with psychiatric disorders. Delusional thinking can occur in the elderly as a result of metabolic abnormalities, such as an underactive or hyperactive thyroid, as an example.

In these instances, the treatment involves resolution of the medical abnormality. In patients with Schizophrenia, the treatment is generally with an antipsychotic. As is the case in all areas of medicine, it is necessary to have an accurate diagnosis in order to treat a disorder properly.

The following references are provided for the informed consumer: MHA/Mental Health America: Paranoia and Delusional Disorders http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/paranoia-and-delusional-disorders National Institutes of Health / National Institute of Drug Abuse: Commonly Abused Drugs Charts https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/commonly-abused-drugs-charts National Institutes of Health / Medline Plus: Schizoaffective Disorder https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000930.htm 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 doctor said I need to reduce my reliance on pain relievers to manage my osteoarthritis pain because of the risk of side effects. Is there another option?

s we age, many of us develop chronic health ailments, such as osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis. In fact, 27 million Americans suffer every day from the discomfort and stiffness caused by OA, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A

You get osteoarthritis when cartilage— the cushioning tissue within the joints— wears down. This produces stiffness and pain. The disease affects both men and women. By age 65, more than 50% of us have osteoarthritis in at least one joint.

You can get osteoarthritis in any joint, but it usually strikes those that support weight. Common signs of osteoarthritis include joint pain, swelling, and tenderness. However, only a third of people whose x-rays show osteoarthritis report any symptoms.

Treatments for osteoarthritis include exercise, joint care, dieting, medicines, and surgery. For pain relief, doctors usually start with acetaminophen, the medicine in Tylenol, because the side effects are minimal if taken according to instructions. If acetaminophen does not relieve pain, then non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen and naproxen may be used. Opioids (narcotics) are prescribed, too.

An alternative to drugs is a “medical food.”

The term medical food, as defined in the Orphan Drug Act is “a food which is formulated to be consumed or administered enterally (through digestion) under the supervision of a physician and which is intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition for which distinctive nutritional requirements, based on recognized scientific principles, are established by medical evaluation.”

Medical foods are not required to undergo premarket review or approval

by FDA. They are exempted from the labeling requirements for health

claims and nutrient content claims under the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990.

Manufacturers of medical foods must comply with all applicable FDA requirements for foods. The labeling of medical foods must contain: a statement of identity; an accurate statement of the net quantity of contents; the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor; a complete list of ingredients.

Prescription medical foods can be a safer option for managing the underlying cause of a disease such as OA. Like pharmaceuticals, medical foods require physician supervision. However, unlike synthetic prescription drugs, they use highlypurified, concentrated natural ingredients found in foods such as green tea, dark chocolate, fruits, and vegetables.

Long-term use of NSAIDs and opioids can have dangerous side effects; especially, for those who also suffer from kidney, stomach, or heart conditions. Prescription opioid use – and resulting deaths – have quadrupled over the last twenty years.

Opioids carry additional risks for older adults such as heart problems, addiction, falls, and other accidents caused by extreme drowsiness.

Your doctor can work with you to create a personalized plan for managing OA that may include positive lifestyle changes, such as proper diet, exercise, and rest; and a prescription medical food. Limbrel (www.limbrel.com), for example, is a prescription medical food available and indicated for the long-term dietary management of chronic joint discomfort caused by OA. Physicians use prescription medical foods to treat a variety of conditions in dermatology, obstetrics/gynecology, orthopedics, pain management, podiatry, rheumatology, and vascular health.

Some of the other medical foods are Axona for Alzheimer’s disease, Banatrol Plus for diarrhea, Deplin for depression, Fosteum for osteoporosis, Metanx for diabetic neuropathy, and Theramine for myalgia.

Talk with your doctor for more information about prescription medical foods and to find out if they are right for you.

All Rights Reserved © 2016 by Fred Cicetti

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11

winter fun

winter lights festival

9th Annual Winter Lights Festival Celebrating the Arts-January 20-22, 2017

A Hot Time for Wintertime he economic goal of the Festival is to attract tourism in the dead of winter to Milford, Pa. Weather being the key to a winter event, last year we created a number of indoor events during our Opening Weekend so there will always be something happening. In addition to free ice skating on our village green, the majority of the entertainment, ice events, and dining is within three blocks of the only traffic light in town.

T

The following is a rundown of our non-stop events and entertainment to celebrate our 9th season. The rink will remain open to include free evening Torch Light skating through Sunday, January 31. Daytime skating will continue until Mother Nature welcomes Spring.

Friday, January 20 It’s fitting the Annual Milford Historical Society’s Dinner & a movie will kick-off the Festival with two Winter Films: “Eight Below,” a true story about a survivalist & his sled dogs, and a special feature, so check the schedule.

The evening begins at 7 PM. To take off the chill Hot Cocoa and Cookies: $5 Donation.

8:30 – 10:00 PM: Across the street at the Good Shepherd Church, the first of two theatrical events.

Sunday, January 22 2:00 – 3:00 PM: Weather Date & Second Ice Show Presentation.

3:15 – 5:15 PM: Short Break – Ice Resurfacing & PUBLIC ICE SKATING.

Winter Lights Frozen Feet Theater and accompanying activities:

3:30 – 4:30 PM: The Good Shepherd Parish Hall: Children & Families: The return of BOND STREET THEATRE’s comedy musical, comedy antics and interactive Story Telling.

10:45 – 11:45 AM: Milford Library Children’s Theater: a free dramatic reading of Myths & Legends.

5:15 – 9:00 PM: Torch Light Skating.

Saturday, January 21

11:30 – 2:00 PM: Our Annual Mac ‘N Chile Contest at the Dimmick Inn: $5 Tasting Ballot per person.

2:00 – 3:00 PM: The 9th Winter Lights Festival Ice Show featuring: • Warm Up with ZUMBA DANCING. • Short works to popular music we call “Ice Pops.”

• Awarding 1st, 2nd & 3rd place plaques to winners of the Mac N’ Chile Contest and thanking those sponsors who make the show possible.

• Main Presentation, MERLIN AWAKENS: His eternal struggle with wisdom & truth vs. the love of Morgan Le Fey, her enchantments, dragons and the most dangerous, to be loved by the “Dark Side,” with an Original Score, mixing Medieval instruments within an electronic format, similar to the Alan Parsons Project”.

3:15 – 5:00 PM: Shortly after ice resurfacing, the rink officially opens: FREE SKATING for all ages as we continue to attract locals and tourists throughout the weeks and weekends that follow.

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5:15 – 9:00 PM: Torch Light Skating on our Village Green surrounded by Victorian Houses as ‘20s music takes us back to horse drawn sleights circling the rink.

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Winter Lights Stories, Ancient Magical Mystical Tales of Hopes & Dreams, Honor, Betrayal, The Bubble & Boil of Once & Future Kings, Revealing Who we, Are, Waere, and Can Be

shopping local

Why Big Box can never replace…

Shopping Local

By LA Guzda

t was a Sunday and I needed a special thank you gift for a friend. I drove to Honesdale to one of my favorite stores, Milkweed. Although most local shops are closed on Sundays, I instinctively knew Milkweed would be open. Why? Because they are more than a store; it’s a lifestyle and a reflection of who they are. And, in a tourist destination, how can you not be open on a Sunday?

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Milkweed’s owner, Bill Anton, has impeccable taste, which is evident throughout the store offerings. I was looking for space themed socks. And wouldn’t you know? Bill recommended the grooviest “Space Dyed Socklings” – no two pair alike. They were soft, cushy, and the perfect gift for my friend.

They have recently renovated two rooms upstairs.

One is filled with goodies all at 40% off! They cleverly lined the stairway with the gift wrapping papers they offer. The papers are retro, classic, and unique, and are now easily displayed as you make your way up the stairs in this classic historic building.

As I left and began making my way to my car, I notice the Velvet Maple across the street. For some reason, I had thought they were located in Callicoon, but I was wrong and here they were, so I entered. We had connected on Instagram, and I loved the postings

did you know?

of their inventory. I was not disappointed. Groovy is the best way I can describe it. I love these old buildings being given a new life with quality and unique items. I would liken it to Basin and Main.

Basin and Main is a creative pop-up store that offers a great selection but also provides events and entertainment. Cool stuff you would normally have to drive to Brooklyn for is available in your own backyard.

Wallflower is another great “go-to” store for unique and interesting gifts and clothing. I’m sure there are many more stores worth mentioning, but I haven’t had the privilege to enjoy them yet.

As I was leaving The Velvet Maple to cross the street to my car, I passed Bloom. I had seen the signs advertising jewelry for $5.00. I have to confess that I thought to myself, how good could it be? Something made me stop and go in since I was walking right past the front door. I couldn’t have been more surprised.

The sweet space is tastefully decorated and chock full of beautiful jewelry, scarves and gifts. I was greeted by Katie Corey who manages the store. She is a bright, beautiful spirit who greeted me warmly. She asked if I had been there before and if was I familiar with The Portable Playhouse. What?

The Portable Playhouse is a non-profit organization that was created by Katie’s mom, Marianne Corey, over ten years ago. They have another store in Forest City, and all proceeds go to supporting an arts / beading program for women and children in hospitals and cancer out-patient facilities all along the eastern United States from Massachusetts to Florida. They have been

nationally recognized for their contributions. And, here in a little corner store in Honesdale, open on a Sunday, is a noble business. I am so glad that I walked into that store that Sunday. Now, I know the first place to go when I need a gift for someone special.

You can learn more about The Portable Playhouse by visiting www.ThePortablePlayhouse.org. You can donate or volunteer.

We are so fortunate to have some pretty amazing local offerings. If you are able to spend a little more or you enjoy finding interesting and unique items – support these local shops. Most feature local artists and businesses. My space socks were manufactured locally, and they are out of this world!

I invite you to continue adding #PoconoSecrets to your beautiful images on social media.

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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13

reflections

from inside

“Mommy Was Right!”

Part I Reflections of a Prison Inmate

By Terry Mooney

he following story is told by a young man who has lived in America for most of his life, enjoying the freedom and abundance that most of us do, especially compared with the very poor Central American country in which he was born.

He is well spoken and easy going, and is quick to help other detainees.

T

My Story I was born in El Salvador in Central America. I remember the chocolate milks they used to sell called Chocó milk. I loved it. Every time we went to the city, about twice a month, that was the first thing I would ask for. It came in a small black and yellow milk carton. My mom let me have it all the time. Where we lived, it was rural, so we could only get it in the city called San Salvador.

A lot of times my mom would take me shopping for clothing and shoes. It was better quality than what they sold in our town. I remember we bought my first bicycle in the city. It was a Mongoose, black and gray with four wheels. I rode it until I could take off the other two wheels, then I fell off and broke my arm, which never completely healed.

Around the time I was born, El Salvador was at the tail end of a civil war. The military would come with these big guns and it was very frightening for us kids. Then we had a huge earthquake and our house was destroyed. My mom said we have to go; we have nothing left. I liked it there, and didn’t want to leave but my mom insisted that we had to go.

So, my mom, my aunt and my brother two years older than me, boarded a bus to Guatemala where we spent a week or so.

There were little yellow taxis in the shape of a beetle driving around the streets. That was where I first ate corn flakes and I went crazy for it. That’s all I wanted to eat. My brother loved it too. We were staying at a friend of our mom’s. It was the first time I played Nintendo 64. My brother and I got in trouble there. We took candy from a store and my mom found out and gave us a good little beating. But it taught us. It made me realize that at no age is it okay to steal. When she asked us why we took it we said that we were embarrassed to ask for it because she’d already bought us so much. When we saw all of the products in the store, we didn’t think they’d miss it. But she was ashamed of us and that made us feel worse than the beating.

We were just passing by Guatemala on our way to America.

Next stop Mexico. We took a bus for hours and hours and stayed in Chiapas which is near the border. It was a couple of day’s layover and we caught another bus the rest of the way to the border of Texas. Because of the earthquake, Immigration was allowing El Salvadorans into the country. They put us on a Greyhound bus. I remember how new and modern the bus station was and even the bus had a television.

Eventually, we made it to New York City. It was cold. At Port Authority my mom bought us jackets. From there, we went to our aunt that lived there. We’d never experienced this kind of cold. We took the number 7 train to Flushing, Queens, and there was snow! My brother and I started grabbing it and playing with it and our fingers were freezing.

My mother met this guy and it became serious. Since my father had left before I was born, she’d been single for a lot of years. I understand that he was an alcoholic and that’s tough but after all these years, I don’t know where he is and there’s not the bond I have with my mother.

So this guy was nice and we moved to a good neighborhood on Long Island and we started going to school. I was scared because I didn’t speak the language. My mom told me I would eventually learn it but that I had to go anyway. They taught me numbers and the computer and English. I found English very confusing, like I learned that cents meant pennies

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but then someone would say “that doesn’t make sense” and to me I wondered if it didn’t mean that it doesn’t make pennies?

So the new guy with my mom was Salvadoran descent but grew up in America and introduced us to everything American. I remember he took us to Great Adventure in New Jersey to go on the rides and see the safari. He enjoyed music like the Police and the Scorpions and George Michael and the Back Street Boys and we would listen in his car on the way to somewhere fun. To this day, when I pass I-495 on Long Island I think of him. He even took us to Chuck E Cheese. He wasn’t the type of guy to scream at us; everything we did was okay in his eyes.

I don’t know what happened between him and my mother but a couple of years later, she decided to break up with him and we moved back to Queens. My brother and I really missed him. So we started in a new school. I loved History and Science, but not Math. I remember I had a teacher who had a hamster in the classroom that we could play with once we learned our lessons. Her husband was from Sweden so she always went to Sweden and would tell us to absorb all the knowledge we could and not become garbage, pronounced garbaaage.

Eventually our mother met Miguel who also was Salvadoran. I remember he had a Honda Accord and was a mechanic. He also took us out to eat junk food. We moved in with him and eventually my mother had our little brother. It was very hot one summer and there was a blackout and we couldn’t get food. He drove us to Jamaica, Queens to a Greek restaurant. Their chicken burgers were no joke. A lot of tomato, lettuce, French fries. We could eat all we wanted. To this day, I have not seen burgers that size. He started buying us video games, and at this store called Game Stop that had these walkie talkies that he bought my brother and me. We’d go to the park and pretend we were spies and hide behind trees and see if we were covered or clear.

After the Swedish teacher, I moved on to sixth grade and had another teacher that was something else. I remember I came into her class and I said, Ms. Lustig I do not have a pencil or pen. Can I borrow yours? And she replied, “cut your finger and write with your blood.” Basically, she was very old school and played no games. Her message was that I had to come to class prepared. Then she taught us how to write in cursive. “From now on everything you write has to be in cursive.” I said oh no and she said she would tell my parents if I refused.

She read us a book, something about two hound dogs and a red fern, about a man who loves his dogs and one gets killed and it would make her cry. The other kids would laugh when she cried. So at the parent teacher conference she told my parents that the other kids laughed when she cried over the book and she said karma’s gonna get these kids some day when they have their own kids. My mom later reinforced that in me. I’ll never forget it because I didn’t want that to happen to me.

So still in the sixth grade, I met this girl named Ashley. We ate Lunchables and drank Capri Sun together in her room when her parents were not there. One day her dad came home early and we heard the car. She wanted to hide me in the closet but I said no I’d seen this in the movies so I jumped out the window and landed on his car, making a small dent.

Luckily, he blamed the neighbor. I was falling in love.

(To be continued)

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subsection

section

Starting Off the

New Year t h g i R H

By Brian Oram

appy New Year, I would like to propose we make one additional commitment this year. This commitment is to care about the water we drink as we try to remember how we impact or influence the quality and quantity of the water resources.

Although it is the beginning of a new year (wishing you GOOD Luck in 2017!), for the water cycle, the new year started in October. This is the time of the year when the aquifer begins to recharge. Many people are unaware that the aquifer must recharge; it is not infinite. In Pennsylvania and the Northeastern United States, we are blessed with having abundant water resources, but something we should not take for granted.

In 2016, we had an interesting election year that brought up many concerns. Also in the news came a reminder of the limitedness of the water. A number of regions of Pennsylvania were put on a drought advisory, and many small streams, springs, and even a few shallow wells dried up, i.e., no water. With 2016 in the rearview mirror, I would like to suggest a few small steps to help move us forward in a positive direction.

These steps are as follows:

1

Learn about how and where you get your drinking water – Does your water come from a city or public water supply source or a private well?

If the water is from a private well- When did you have the water tested? For parts of Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, it is not uncommon for about 40 to 50% of private wells to have a problem that may make the user or a guest sick.

2

If you are on a city water source- Have you ever looked at the Annual Confidence Report about the quality of your drinking water? The most common problem with community water sources is elevated levels of trace metals like lead and chlorine by-products like Trihalomethanes, i.e., suspected carcinogens.

For information on water testing, please visit water-research.net.

3

Are you using your water wisely?

There are ways to use our drinking water resources more efficiently. A website titled, wateruseitwisely.com, offers over 100 tips on how to best use water.

My favorite tip is “Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save up to 4 gallons a minute. That’s up to 200 gallons a week for a family of four.” There are over 4 million households in Pennsylvania; this one lifestyle change could save 41.6 billion gallons of water.

This is only one change!

4

Our surface water and groundwater are connected, and “we all live downstream.” This phrase means that how we use the groundwater resources directly impacts the surface water resources and that we all are interconnected.

Therefore, when using cleaning products, chemicals, or managing a waste, we all live downstream from someone else. For example, the biggest source of man influenced global oil

5

pollution is not massive spills or leaks. Only 8% of man influenced oil pollution comes from pipelines and major releases. The biggest sources are the small leaks from our boats, cars, and other means of transportation and the improper disposal of waste oil by individuals.

Know Your H2O? – it is important to know how you can influence the quality of the water resources, but it is also important to know the historic hazards in your community that may be contributing to a problem. With this in mind, it is important to learn about the historic hazards in your community and surrounding your home.

The Keystone Clean Water Team offers neighborhood or community hazard survey reports for communities within the Unities States. The 501c3 offers a few free reports each month. To get more information about this program, please visit – knowyourh2o.us.

The best way to start off the New Year is not with a significant lifestyle change, but with baby steps. Make a few basic commitments and make small changes that will help you and your family save and conserve water, check the quality of your drinking water, learn about the hazards in your community, and perhaps implement one item each month that will save and conserve water. It is important to remember that the less water you use, the more money stays in your pocket.

6

A few short phrases we should try to remember.

We ALL Live Downstream!

Groundwater and Surface Water are Connected!

We are Part of the Water Cycle – Not just an Observer!

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15

money

long term care insurance

NO

LIFETIME WARRANTY

Charles Curtin, JD, LLM, CTFA – Trust Officer, The Honesdale National Bank

happily drive a relatively beat up 2007 Honda Civic. “Old Blue,” as I like to call it, travels nearly 100 miles a day, back and forth from Clarks Summit to Honesdale. The odometer reads approximately 150,000 miles. Over the last year, both the radio and air conditioning stopped working, but other than that, the car still runs like a dream (knock on wood). I admit that the scorching heat last summer made driving a smidge uncomfortable. I would cruise with all the windows down, intently listening to the various sounds of the wind, because I no longer had Jumping Jeff Walker or Terry Gross to keep me company. I believe “Old Blue” can run forever. I intend to drive it into the ground.

I

Newer cars made in the last twenty years were built to last. American, European, and Japanese car companies have done a tremendous job in increasing the overall quality of their product. “Old Blue” is a testament to engineering genius –this is especially true for the way I drive.

Due to advancements in medicine, technology, and diet, humans, like cars, are currently built better and run longer than our forefathers.

According to a study by Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation published in the journal Lancet, life expectancy for both men and women has

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increased by about six years over the past two decades.

Longer life expectancies have resulted in an explosion of health care industries related to the elderly. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services predicts that seven in ten people over age 65 will need some “long term care” services during their life. Long term care is not just nursing home stays. It includes home health, private nursing, in-home, and other health assistance.

Paying for and receiving long term care is expensive.

The cost of a nursing home can exceed $10,000 per month! The associated expenses of health care can be devastating, a lifetime of savings wiped out in a matter of months.

Despite the gloom and doom, there are a few things that can be done to prepare oneself for long term care.

None are free, but they are better than not doing anything and paying through the nose when the time comes. If you have enough assets ($300,000 to $500,000) that you would like to protect and potentially pass on to your heirs, it would be wise to consider a few of the below options. These options are not a magic antidote – they have benefits and drawbacks.

Long term care (LTC) insurance was, for decades, the most commonly considered long term care payment option. It is intended to provide reimbursement, up to the policy amount, for the costs of a nursing home, assisted living, or other facility, which would not otherwise be covered by health insurance or Medicare. In certain policies, LTC insurance cover home and live-in nursing home care. The cost of an LTC policy is determined on a variety of factors, including age, health, and the selected benefits. In general, LTC insurance is beneficial if the policy is purchased inexpensively, (less than 5% of total income) and its terms provide a wealth of services.

The primary drawbacks of LTC insurance are cost and utilization. Nursing and assisted living care costs have skyrocketed over the last decade. In turn, LTC insurance premiums have also risen dramatically. LTC insurance premiums usually go up every year, and it has been rumored that some policies have seen 40% year over year increases. In addition, people are paying for insurance that they might not ever need.

Unfortunately, no one has a crystal ball. Traditional LTC insurance policies do not have a cash value, meaning the premium payments are lost if the policy lapses or not used. It is hard to rationalize paying so much money for potentially nothing in return.

As a supplement to the traditional LTC insurance policies described above, insurance carriers are now offering whole or variable life insurance policies with long term care riders. These so-called “hybrid” policies offer a death benefit and build-up in the policy’s cash value. However, in the event the insured needs long term care, he or she can draw from some or all of the death benefit to pay for

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care. These policies have recently become much more common because consumers do not like the “use it or lose it” nature of traditional LTC insurance. Yet, they are costly and often allow only a portion (50%) of the death benefit to be used for long term care.

Because drastic increases in the cost of LTC insurance, financial companies are in the process of creating new affordable long term care products outside of insurance to fill in the gaps. A fixed annuity with a long term care benefit rider is the most popular.

An LTC annuity works like a traditional fixed annuity in that it provides the customer a “guaranteed” interest rate of return and principal protection. The money is locked in the annuity for a specific number of years or for life and only allows limited annual withdrawals without penalty. Typically, the interest rate is quite low, so the annuity is not used as an investment vehicle. The real value to the LTC annuity is the long term benefit rider, which gives the annuitant additional tax-free payouts if he or she requires long term care during the annuity period. The payouts (depending on the annuity contract) could be worth two to three times more than the annuity’s purchase amount. So, in essence, in exchange for locking money up with the annuity company, the purchaser will receive the annuity’s small income stream and the protection of their principal. Plus, if and when the purchaser requires long term care, the annuity’s principal investment amount and an additional two to three times more than the principal investment amount (depending on the annuity terms) will be availabletax-free- to pay for the LTC costs.

LTC annuities are less expensive than LTC insurance, and the principal investment amount is protected in the event the long term benefit rider is not utilized. It is advised that the terms of these annuities be closely scrutinized as many do not provide in-home care and have other restrictions. They often do not provide as much in care as initially thought.

The long term care options each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Before diving head first into an investment, contact your local financial advisor 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.

save in 2017

money

How to Save for Your Rainy-Day Fund

$10,000 –Provided by Jonathan “Josh” Sheard, Sage Investments, LLC our parents always told you to set money aside for a rainy day.

This advice is by no means earth-shattering.

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But here’s something that is: 47% of Americans surveyed by the Federal Reserve Board say they don’t have the cash to cover a $400 emergency. That’s not okay! A healthy emergency fund should be able to cover three to six months of expenses.

So let’s talk about how to fix that.

Here are five simple ways people like you save money every day. Try them all, and you could have an extra $10,000 at the end of the year!

Embrace Change: $500 a year This savings hack goes out to all our cash envelope users!

Every time Angela O. gets a one- or fivedollar bill back as change, she sets it aside for bigger savings goals. “When I do spend money, I end up saving money, too,” Angela says.

Chelsea T. offers this advice: “Whenever you get cash from anything—a friend or coworker chipping in for gas, receiving money from selling odd and end items—put it in savings.”

Using this technique to stockpile $10 a week could net an easy $520 saved at the end of a year!

Check for Insurance Discounts: $1,000 a year Here’s another pain-free way to save your hard-earned cash: Ask an independent agent to review your insurance policies.

An independent insurance agent is a great money-saver because they’re not limited to a single provider’s options. With access to a whole network of insurers, an independent agent casts a wider net to find you the best deals on the coverage that’s right for you.

If you think such a simple change won’t make a difference, think again. Ryan H. gave an independent insurance agent a try and saved $86 a month on even better coverage.

“We just gave our family a $1,000-a-year raise,” Ryan says.

Bring Back the Swap: $1,500 a year Did you ever trade your PB&J for a pudding cup as a kid? Then you, my friend, know the joy of bartering!

So why not use it to your advantage today? These ideas can get you started: • Connie H. finds trade opportunities on Facebook. Simply search for your city’s name with any (or all) of the following keywords: free, trade, or swap.

• When your kids outgrow their toys or clothes, Tisha M. suggests arranging a

swap with other moms you know.

• When Lynn S. isn’t borrowing books from the library, she uses Paperback Swap to keep her reading habit from breaking the bank.

So how much could an old-school swap save you in a year? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, American households spend more than $3,000 a year on clothing, toys, books, and household furnishings and equipment. If you use the power of trade to cut just half of those expenses, you could see a $1,500 boost in savings!

Do a Written Budget: $3,000 a year You might be wondering how a budget is going to help you save more without a big fat raise to go with it.

Take it from Lisa G. “In my early days, I used to go to the grocery store and box stores without shopping lists,” Lisa admits. “I had no idea how much money I was blowing until I decided to budget! I was able to save an extra $250 a month!”

That means Lisa’s adding an extra $3,000 to her rainy-day fund!

Not sure where to start? Kathy W. is a cost accountant and says the key is finding ways to cut expenses that work for you. “I would focus on keeping a log of all our expenses for a month,” Kathy says. “Take an honest look at your wants and see what you are willing to give up (or reduce the cost of).

You can’t gain something without giving up something.”

Make Work Days No-Spend Days: $4,000 a year Gerald P. designates three no-spend days each week—and is working his way up to five. “Most of my no-spend days are work days,” he says.

Jennifer S. tried a no-spend week recently to save for a new roof. “We made it a challenge and not a chore,” she says. So did it work? “At the end of the week, we had an extra $250-plus saved.”

Let’s say you spend $15 a day during the work week on coffee, lunch, and snacks.

Brew coffee at home and brown-bag it on just three of those days, and you’d have an extra $45 a week—or $2,300 a year. Bump it up to five days a week, and your annual savings skyrocket to $3,900! You Can Do It! Building a rainy-day fund doesn’t happen overnight. But every dollar saved gets you closer to peace of mind.

And small steps do matter. According to the Urban Institute, a cushion of just $250–749 can reduce the impact of income loss, enabling you to keep the lights on and cover your rent or mortgage. Imagine the difference $10,000 would make! © Lampo Licensing, LLC. All rights reserved.

Josh is a Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider for this area. He specializes in retirement income strategies, investments strategies, as well as additional financial strategies. His focus is on lifelong financial guidance and his commitment is to place clients first and provide unmatched customer service. He would be glad to answer any questions regarding the content of this article as well as any others. Call today at 570-729-1020 or email Josh at sage@cfiemail.com. You can also visit www.sageinvestments.net.

Jonathan Sheard offers securities and advisory services through Centaurus Financial, Inc. member FINRA and SIPA and a registered investment advisor. This is not an offer to sell securities, which may be done only after proper delivery of a prospectus and client suitability is reviewed and determined. Information relating to securities is intended for use by individuals residing in PA, NY, AR, VA, FL, NC, GA, CT. Sage Investments, Dave Ramsey and Centaurus Financial Inc are not affiliated.

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17

entertainment

book/film reviews

MOANA

“Little Shaq: Star of the Week”

By Shaquille O’Neal Illustrated by Theodore Taylor III Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer

eing a responsible kid has its rewards. First, there’s the feelgood; you did well, and you can be proud of yourself. That leads to the second benefit: adults see your responsibility, and you’ll have earned their trust. And in the new book, “Little Shaq: Star of the Week” by Shaquille O’Neal, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III, there are other bonuses, too.

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It was Friday, and Little Shaq was excited but not because it was almost the weekend. He was excited because it was Walter’s last day as their class’s Star of the Week, and Little Shaq was sure he’d be chosen next. Part of the job was taking care of Flopsy, the class rabbit, but that wasn’t what Little Shaq looked most forward to. He thought Show and Tell was the best part of being Star of the Week.

For months, Little Shaq had been saving things to “show.”

When Mrs. Terpenny announced his name, Little Shaq was happy but nervous, too; his first important task was to take Flopsy home, and that was a big responsibility. But when Little Shaq noticed a poster about a Pet Fair in the neighborhood, he had an idea: maybe, if he did a good job with Flopsy, his parents would finally let him get a pet.

For a while, Little Shaq had been asking for a kitten of his own; all his friends had dogs or cats, and he loved animals. But then his mother pointed out that he needed to be reminded to do his chores and make his bed. How could he be responsible for a pet when he was so irresponsible with everything else?

It was a long week for Little Shaq, and it started when his brother, Tater, lost Flopsy. Then Little Shaq lost his voice, taking attendance. He was in charge of afternoon snacks and that got messed up, too. How could he ever show the adults in his life that he was a responsible kid after all?

Take out the garbage. Put away your toys. Clean up the table. Make your bed.

The list of chores is already a long one for your child so, go ahead, add another: read “Little Shaq: Star of the Week.” That’s a task he probably won’t mind.

In this latest series book, author Shaquille O’Neal turns his attention to another lesson for children to gently learn: work hard, and you may get what you want. Fortunately, kids won’t find this story to be too preachy or unreachy; O’Neal’s main character admits how hard it is to be responsible and how, sometimes, it’s no fun. Even so, there’s a happy ending to this story with its illustrations by Theodore Taylor III, and kids are set up nicely for the next installment.

Though there are some big words inside this book, I think early elementary schoolers should be able to tackle it and slightly older kids will enjoy it, too. At the end of a long, hard day, “Little Shaq: Star of the Week” will make a great reward.

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The latest animated feature from Disney begins with a brief backstory about the mythical creation of the South Pacific Islands. Then we move to a lush island where happy people fish, farm, and get tattoos. One resident, tweener Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho), is a bit gloomy; she longs to be a sailor, but her people are landlubbers. But the sea chooses her for a quest (these things happen), and soon she’s sailing with her sidekick chicken hoping to: (1) find the demi-god Maui (Dwayne Johnson); (2) sail across the sea with him; and (3) restore a sacred stone stolen from a god, thereby righting disorder in the world.

Moana, co-directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, is a standard Disney film, albeit with some self-aware trappings — meta-jokes about “princess movies”; a you-can’t-miss-it female-empowerment angle; and Johnson’s slightly snarky delivery. Moana is given plucky (traditionally male) things to do, and there is thankfully no love interest. But she is still a princess of sorts, and there are songs. If you like these Broadway-style inspirational belters, you got ’em here, including some worked on by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film is digitally animated, and much of it is spectacular: The tropical water and the light are especially well rendered and gorgeous. out of 4

ARRIVAL If you’re looking for the action of Denis Villeneuve’s last film Sicario, you won’t find it in this alien-contact think-piece. It’s a quieter sci-fi thriller, more akin to 2001: A Space Odyssey or The Day the Earth Stood Still, in which the nature of humans, not space men, is explored.

After alien vessels land at twelve spots around the globe, the U.S. Army conscripts a renowned linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) and tasks her with finding a way to communicate with the aliens. The aliens — giant squid-like creatures — are open to a dialogue, allowing Banks to enter the spaceship and begin the slow, unsexy work of developing a method of communication. It all rests on the creation of a shared language: You can’t just ask a seemingly simply question like, “what is your purpose on Earth?” if the other party doesn’t even comprehend the concept of an interrogative.

Villeneuve employs a measured and sober style, slowly revealing the stories of the aliens and Banks. The film doesn’t offer any easy solution, but it reminds us that we are capable of at least trying to bridge seemingly insurmountable chasms. But it takes thoughtfulness and persistence and can’t be as immediately satisfying as blowing something up. out of 4

All of these ran previously in the Pittsburgh City Paper.

classic cars

Morgan Plus 4

lifestyle

1963

Roadster

By Arnie Milidantri

inter is upon us, and those special cars we love to see are tucked away for their long winter’s nap! Many car enthusiasts, suffering car withdrawal caused by not being able to attend local car shows or cruises in Northeastern Pennsylvania, are left to their memories of car shows past, magazine articles, and TV car reality shows to get them through winter.

Throughout the show season, I’m always on the lookout for unique cars to add to my list of future car articles. The January featured car is a red 1963 Morgan +4 Roadster owned by Dick Furst. The car is a beautifully restored, rare import that’s not easily recognizable, but definitely admired. The Morgan’s unique style and sound turn heads wherever it goes. So what is a Morgan +4?

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Background After World War II, Morgan had re-introduced their 4/4 model fitted with a 1267 cc standard engine. This continued in production until 1950 when it was replaced by the larger Plus 4, announced at the 1950 Earl’s Court Motor Show.

The Morgan Motor Company manufactured The Morgan +4 for almost twenty years from 19501969.

A total of only 4,500 cars were produced during this time, making this car relatively rare.

The Morgan +4 differentiated itself from its counterparts of the era by using bigger engines and was longer and sportier than Morgan’s 1950 4/4 model. At its introduction, the +4 was fitted with a 2088 cc engine that was used in the Standard Vanguard, installed on a strengthened 4/4 chassis with a 4 in lengthened wheelbase.

Hydraulic drum brakes were fitted for the first time on a Morgan.

In 1953, a higher performance version was introduced with the 1991 cc I4 engine as used in the Triumph TR2. The radiator grille was now surrounded by a cowl that blended into the bonnet. Front disc brakes became an option in 1959 and were standardized in 1960. From 1962, the engine was the Triumph TR4 unit, which increased displacement to 2138 cc.

In 1955, the less powerful 4/4 model reappeared in phase II form. The 96 in (2,438 mm) wheelbase of the Plus 4 was adopted by the 4/4 when it reappeared in 1955, after which the two cars were for most purposes the same length and width.

The Plus 4 was revived in 1985 and filled the gap between the 4/4 and the Plus 8 until 2000; it was again revived in 2005.

One of the interesting quirks of the Plus 4 was that the engine cowling fitted so closely to the engine that there was no room for an air filter.

Some owners stretched cheesecloth over the carburetor as a field-expedient.

Featured Car This month’s featured car is a beautifully restored 1963 Morgan +4 Roadster owned by Dick Furst of Lake Ariel, PA. The greatness of some cars is sometimes dwarfed by a great ownership story. This is one of those times. Dick and his wife, Agnes, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2016, and Agnes bought this Morgan for Dick because he had owned a 1963 Morgan +4 before they were married and had to sell it in order to get married. I told you it was a great story! Congratulations and I wish you both many more years of health, happiness, and fun together!

Dick’s personal research on his Morgan +4 from the Morgan Company provided the following from Archivist Martyn Webb: I have checked the factory records which show that chassis number 5031 is a Plus 4, 4-seater which was dispatched from the factory on 2nd February 1962 (not a 1963 car as you stated) to Lew Spencer Imports, the Morgan dealer in Los Angeles, California. I can confirm that the original engine fitted was serial number 82265. This is a Triumph TR3 engine, with a capacity of 1991 c.c. (83 m.m. bore, 92 m.m. stroke) delivering 100 b.h.p. @ 5,000 r.p.m. and 117.5 lb.ft. of torque @ 3,000 r.p.m. The Morgan Plus 4 used this engine from February 1956 to January 1963.

Dick’s further investigation reveals information from a dealer in Arizona: The Morgan Plus 4 used the Triumph TR3 engine in 1963. The TR3 engine was originally 1991cc, but Triumph increased the displacement to 2138cc in 1962. The engine in this 1963 Morgan was rebuilt, and it almost certainly would have received new liners and pistons

making it 2138cc or larger. It has been common practice since the early 1970’s to rebuild the engine with kits that increase the bore to 87mm and 89mm making the engine 2138cc or larger.

This car was owned by a local gentleman until his death a few years ago. I believe he was an early principal of Phillips Oil, and his widow said he loved the car more than her. There are tons of receipts with the car, and it shows his length of ownership. From what I recall, the engine and transmission were rebuilt and the paint and interior were freshened with very few miles since. When I bought the car, the front suspension was quite worn, which was odd as nearly everything else was redone. We rebuilt the front suspension and did some other repair work.

Dick’s +4 is an outstanding preserved piece of automobile history that has been meticulously restored and is being thoroughly enjoyed!

Owner Dick Furst, the lucky car owner, is a retired Long Island, New York, Title Insurance businessman who has been a fulltime resident of Lake Ariel, PA since 2000. He is a true car enthusiast and enjoys the car hobby. In addition to the great 1963 Morgan +4, Dick has a beautiful original 1967 Springtime Yellow Mustang. Dick is an active participant in a number of local car shows and cruises and is looking forward to having a great 2017 season with the Morgan. He shouldn’t be hard to find; just look for the guy in shorts, smiling and sitting next to a terrific 1963 Red Morgan +4. Stop and say hi; you could learn about a unique car! He is quick with a smile, a supporter of local charity events, and eager to share his knowledge and love of Morgan cars.

Dick is a lucky man with a very special wife and one of the car hobby’s characters!

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19

EMAIL US YOUR QUESTIONS FOR DR. PLATKO AT CMAG@PTD.NET

ASK THE VET:

lifestyle

pet resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions for Pet Owners s you look to the year ahead and set new goals, make a commitment to a few resolutions that will benefit both you and your pet!

A 1

Go for more walks and explore the outdoors together.

Hikes and walks are great exercise for both you and your pet, and the change in environment can be stimulating for your dog who craves new things to see and smell. Commit to more time outdoors and take steps towards a healthier 2016.

2

Cut out the table scraps.

Break the habit of giving your pet people food. The sugary, fatty, salty foods that we eat can be detrimental to our pet’s health, even when given in small portions. If those pouty, begging eyes are simply too much to resist, offer a small treat made especially for pets that includes essential nutrients to keep her healthy, instead of sneaking a juicy bite of steak trimmings to your dog or cat under the table at mealtime.

3

Update your contact information.

More than 8 million animals end up in shelters every year, and less than 20 percent of dogs and less than 2 percent of cats get reclaimed by their owners. In the unfortunate event your pet gets lost this year, make sure you’ve taken the proper

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steps to update his tags with your current contact information, and your pet’s microchip with your current phone number, address, and veterinarian’s contact information.

4

Spay or neuter your pet.

According to the ASPCA, nearly 3 million pets are euthanized each year due to overcrowding in our nation’s shelters. Take the responsible steps towards spaying or neutering your dog or cat.

Remember, the cost of spaying or neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for a year!

5

7

Make time for play time.

Cats love to play and need aerobic activity to thrive. Whether you use lasers for your cat to chase or prefer catnip toys, crinkly balls, and climbable structures, your kitty will appreciate the variety and opportunity to exercise her feline instincts.

Socialize more.

Keep your pet stimulated and socialized by going on doggy play dates or visiting your local dog park. Bring Fido’s favorite ball to give him some good exercise, and make sure you have plenty of water for each of you on hand.

Before you go, make sure your pet is up-to-date on his vaccinations.

Beware: Although dog parks are fun ways to socialize your pet and make new like-minded friends of your own, they do come with risks.

6

ing his food and following the recommended feeding guidelines on the bag or can. Choose an age-appropriate formula for optimum health. For example, if your dog is more than six years of age, consider switching to a mature diet that contains the essential vitamins and nutrients to ensure his health well into his senior years.

8

Stay up-to-date on health.

Ensure your pet’s health and comfort by staying up-to-date on vaccines and scheduling annual wellness checkups at your family veterinarian.

Article courtesy of VetMd.

Help your pet maintain a healthy weight.

Obesity in pets can lead to diabetes, damage to joints, bones, and ligaments, heart disease and increased blood pressure, difficulty breathing, digestive disorders and more.

Avoid overfeeding your pet by just eyeballing your pet’s meal portions.

Instead, get into the habit of measur-

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–Amy Platko-Williams, D.V.M Dr. Platko is one of the four full time veterarians at the Cherry Ridge Veterinary Clinic in Honesdale.

Send your questions to Dr. Platko, 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.

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21

lifestyle

outdoor ramblings

Ice and snow. These are the things that make up winter.

To some, they are reasons to hide inside and wait for the spring. To others, they provide a means for outdoor recreation. Whether you trek outside in every season or prefer to wait ‘til warmer times, without them, things would be very different in our area. Our lakes and bogs and the ridges and valleys of our entire area owe their existence to the mile-thick sheets of glacial ice that once covered Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Unless one is discussing climate change or paleontology, one doesn’t usually give the Ice Age much thought. You could spend your entire life hiking and paddling around the Poconos and never realize the impact glaciers had on the area.

Our waterfalls, our rocky trails, and our berryfilled bogs are all directly tied to the Wisconsinan Glacier that ended approximately 11,000 years ago.

Indirectly, many of our lakes, rivers, and promontory vistas are also related to the last period of glaciation.

The vast majority of glacial rock found in Northeastern Pennsylvania is till, Olean Till to be specific, basically a mishmash of rock, sand, and gravel churned up by the glacier as it advanced and then was deposited as the ice melted. In and around the Promised Land State Park area, evidence of this is fairly easy to find. Boulders called “glacial erratics” dot the landscape in the Bruce Lake Natural Area north of the park. In many cases, it is composed of the same sedimentary sandstone found throughout the region, giving indication that perhaps it wasn’t moved very far, but every once in a while, the keen observer can find larger rocks that have little relation to our local bluestone. Bruce Lake itself, like nearby Lake Lacawac, is a glacial lake originally formed when the meltwater settled into deeper depressions. Where the depressions were not so deep, water gradually gave way to leaf litter and other debris and then eventually plants, soil, and trees to form our bogs.

Boulder Field in Hickory Run State Park is one of the most significant geological features of the area. While its formation is glacially influenced, it is not an outwash of rock, a glacial deposit, or

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stones left at the terminal end of the glacial ice.

The last glacier never reached that part of Carbon County, although previous glaciers did as evidence of those can be found farther south in the state. Instead, where the park is now was where the ice and snow would form seasonally and then melt. The ground was most likely permafrost, and water would make its way into the exposed local bedrock on the ridgetops, freeze, and then fracture the rock. The permafrost created heaves that lifted the rock upwards and when the glaciers receded, the permafrost thawed. When that happened, it is largely believed that a slow moving landslide churned its way down the ridges and settled to form the field. That’s the abbreviated version.

This freeze-fracture-fall phenomenon continued northerly over the next several millennia as the ice melted, and evidence of this can be found in smaller scales throughout the region. Debris fields of this sort exist along the Tusten Mountain trail in the Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River and in various places east of the lake in Prompton State Park. It’s a part of the erosion process that is still going on today. Even though the permafrost is long gone, water still collects in the cracks and fissures of these cliffsides, and every year can widen the gaps. Eventually, gravity will take its toll on these prominences as well.

So, as you trek the trails of the Keystone State this winter, even though the endless winter of the ice age has long passed, pause on those snowy paths and ponder those forces that formed our area and are still at play, even if just a fraction of their former selves. williamjdeaton@yahoo.com

a+r+e Y O U

C O N N E C T E D

December 29–December 31

area events

ARTS, RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT

JANUARY ’17

Ongoing Events

Wade Preston

DEC. 29

DAILY

Sherman Winter Jam featuring Pink Talking Fish 7:30 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. Hybrid Tribute Fusion Act: the music of Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads & Phish. With special guests: Liquid Sunshine, Schmidtwood Flow, Lorg, Ian Kirk. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.

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.

DEC. 29

Public Art Display REMAX Wayne, Honesdale. Art displays of local artists all year long.

Info: 570-253-9566.

A Boy Named John — Sherman Showcase 7:30 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. With Mother Goose, Kayla Avitabile. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.

DEC. 29 & 30

Kids Kabaret!

7 p.m. Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee On Delaware. Children’s show. A talented cast of children entertains audiences with singing & dancing.

Info: 570-421-5093 or www.TheShawneePlayhouse.com.

DEC. 30

The Holiday Reunion Concert 7 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Bands performing: Underground Saints, The Five Percent, Bret Alexander, Aaron Fink & the Fury, Death Valley Dreams, Tony Halchak Band. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.

Honesdale. Delicious food, locally grown produce, maple syrup, fresh baked bread & locally roasted coffee.

Anthill Farm Kitchen cooks farm-totable food. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org.

SATURDAYS

JAN. 8

Bingo American Legion Post 311, Hawley.

Doors open 10:30 a.m., games begin at Noon. Info: legionpost311@qmail.com.

Glassworks Demonstration 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. B. Madigan, Hawley.

See glass stretched & made into beautiful items, including watching the glass worked, learning how glass is made & what creates the colors.

Info: 570-561-3629.

TUESDAYS

SATURDAYS

RiverFolk Concert: Evie Laden and Keith Terry 3–5 p.m. Presented by RiverFolk Concerts.

Innovative musicians/ dancers with a quirky neo-trad soul.

Co-bill with Red Tail Ring, blending the loving attention of revivalist fervor with the playful creativity of starting from scratch. Reservations & info: Jill, 845-252-6783 or riverfolkconcerts@frontier.com.

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

Bingo Texas #4 Fire Company, Honesdale.

Doors open 5:30 p.m. Games start at 6:30 p.m. Plenty of parking.

Info: 570-253-5467.

WEDNESDAYS

DEC. 31

THURSDAYS

DEC. 31

The Glimmer Twins — New Year’s Eve Start Me Up Classic Rolling Stones Show 9:30 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. Their special attraction is their ability to capture the raw energy of the most electrifying performances throughout The Stones’ career & deliver a classic experience to their audience. Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com.

SATURDAYS

FREE Tastings and Demos 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Mill Market, in the Hawley Silk Mill, Hawley.

Info: info@MillMarketPA.com or 570-390-4440.

Lego Club 4:30–5:30 p.m. Pike County Public Library, Milford. Create, share ideas, make new friends. Free, open to public, registration requested.

Info: www.pcpl.org or Facebook.

Registration: 570-296-8211.

New Year’s Eve Bash 8:30 p.m.–1 a.m. The Waterfront at Silver Birches, Hawley. Decadent Buffet, DJ music & dancing, complimentary champagne & balloon drop at midnight. Reservations required.

Info: 570-226-4388 or silverbirchesresortpa.com.

JAN. 7 6 & 8:30 p.m. Hawley Silk Mill, Hawley. Of the Broadway show “Movin’ Out!”, preeminent boogie pianist on the West Coast & Billy Joel’s back-up, he delivers an impeccable show with your favorite tunes & some original compositions. Info: 570-588-8077 or harmonypresents.com.

DAILY

WXPN Welcomes: Rusted Root 8 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

Transcends age, generations, cultures & musical styles. With special guest Albert Savage. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.

DEC. 30

get connected

Trivia Thursdays 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.

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.

FRIDAYS

Live Music 8 p.m.–Midnight. The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Hawley. Great drink specials, delicious food & live music.

Info: 570-226-2124 or silverbirchesresortpa.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.

SATURDAYS

Live Music 9 p.m.–1 a.m. The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Hawley. Great drink specials, delicious food & live music. Info: 570226-2124 or silverbirchesresortpa.com.

January 1– January 9 JAN. 1

Ladies Auxiliary “All You Can Eat” Breakfast 8–11:30 a.m. VFW HogencampSchupper Post 531, Honesdale. Kids 5 & under free. Info: 570-253-5373.

JAN. 7

Vintage Costume Jewelry Show 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Sparta Avenue Stage, Sparta, NJ. Vintage dazzling necklaces, brooches, rings, bracelets & earrings available. Open to public; no fee.

Handicapped-accessible.

Info: Joyce Simmons, 201-213-2146 or simmonsjo@yahoo.com.

JAN. 7

Main Street Farmers’ Market 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Cooperage,

JAN. 8

MAMMA MIA! 8 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre.

The ultimate feel-good show and Broadway smash hit that combines ABBA’s greatest hits with an enchanting tale of love, laughter & friendship.

Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.

January 10–January 19 JAN. 12

Doktor Kaboom LIVE WIRE! The Electricity Tour 10 a.m. F.M. Kirby Center, WilkesBarre. Grades 3–8. Explores the fundamentals of electrical energy & the history of humanity’s adventures into its potential. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.

JAN. 13

The Ballroom Thieves 8–10 p.m. Hawley Silk Mill, Hawley.

Months of pent up energy was transmuted into a heftier, expanded sound, & self-examination, in their new album, “Deadeye.” Harmony-driven Americana, Indie & Pop. Info: 570-588-8077 or harmonypresents.com.

JAN. 13

New West Guitar Group 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim

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get connected Thorpe. Fresh, cutting-edge guitar ensemble. combines the acoustic & electric guitar to create their signature sound, performing popular covers & original music, firmly rooted in classic jazz. Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com.

JAN. 14

Film: “Out in the Night” 2 p.m. Krause Recital Hall, Delaware Arts Center, Narrowsburg, NY. Documentary directed by blair doroshwalther. Part of the DVAA Salon Series.

Info: 845-252-7576 or delawarevalleyartsalliance.org.

JAN. 14

91.9 WXPN Welcomes Loudon Wainwright III, with Jessy Tomsko 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. Wainwright, with an illustrious career, is joined by Tomsko, a singer/songwriter from NY known for her versatile vocals & catchy yet genuine & confessional style.

Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com.

JAN. 17

Comedy Night 9 p.m. The Waterfront at Silver Birches Resort, Hawley. Hosted by Mike Sicoli & featuring Matt Burke & headliner Christ Monty. Reservations suggested but walk-ins welcome.

Info: 570-226-4388.

JAN. 19

Free Range Folk 7:30 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. Americana/bluegrassinspired rock family band with instrumentation that ranges from electric guitar, horns & drums to banjo, mandolin & musical saw. Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com.

January 20–January 31 JAN. 20

Larry & Teresa 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. A potent, infectious blend of Americana style & timeless soul, offered with a relaxed generosity that can only come from rich experience.

Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com.

JAN. 21

New Year’s Hike/Snow Shoe 10 a.m.–Noon. Lacawac Sanctuary, Lake Ariel. Free hike on Lake Lacawac/ Partners Ridge Trails. Dress warm & wear winter hiking boots or snow

area events

shoes. All ages welcome. Registration appreciated. Info & registration: 570-689-9494 or info@lacawac.org.

JAN. 21

Main Street Farmers’ Market 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. See description at Jan. 7.

Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org.

JAN. 21

Wayne County Heroin Prevention Task Force 2nd Annual Spaghetti Dinner & Raffles 3 p.m. Beach Lake Fire Hall, Beach Lake. 50/50 raffle at 6 p.m., gun & fun raffles & other great prizes drawn at 7 p.m. Tickets & raffle tickets available through WCHPTF board members or at the door. Snow date Jan. 28.

Info: Facebook.

JAN. 21

Us & Floyd — The Pink Floyd Experience 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. Performing accurate recreations of the timeless music of Pink Floyd, the band covers songs from the vast catalog of albums.

Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com.

JAN. 28

JAN. 29

Paupack Plunge 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Tanglwood Lodge, Hawley. Weather permitting. Benefits local dive & rescue teams. Info & registration: www.paupackplunge.com or Lighthouse Harbor, 570-857-0220.

Sherman Winter Craftfest 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. Over 67 vendor spaces available to the public. Free admission.

Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.

JAN. 28

JAN. 29

Pocono Winter Beerfest 1 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

Over 100 selections of the best beers in the country, with a new layout ensuring more food, vendors, brewers & space than ever before.

Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.

ARK-FEST Winter 2017 Benefit Concert 2–8 p.m. Leonard Theater, Scranton.

Live entertainment, an interactive DJ, vendors, basket raffles, food, beverages.

Entertainment includes Taylor Swift Tribute (Elizabeth Scarborough from South Carolina), Fuzzpipe, The Chatter, & Dashboard Mary. For all ages. Info: Facebook event page!

JAN. 28

Concert: Jazz Pianist Joe Vincent Tranchina 2 p.m. Delaware Arts Center, Narrowsburg, NY. Solo concert on a 1913 Mason & Hamlin grand piano. Part of the DVAA Salon Series.

Info: 845-252-7576 or delawarevalleyartsalliance.org.

JAN. 28

Man About a Horse 8–10 p.m. Hawley Silk Mill, Hawley.

With their blend of heartfelt originals, unique versions of popular tunes, and traditional bluegrass, they make acoustic music that cuts across generational lines. Info: 570-588-8077 or harmonypresents.com.

Snowflake Gala 6–11 p.m. Fiorelli Catering, Peckville.

Eynon-Archbald Lions Club hosts international food-tasting stations, dancing, open bar, raffle baskets & silent auction. Live entertainment by The Luongo Brothers & photography by Angela Ceccarelli. Proceeds benefit “Leader Dogs for the Blind,” training service dogs to assist the visually impaired. Info & tickets: Linda Phillips-Kline, 570-430-8432, lphil30_@hotmail.com, or Kathy Pezak, 973-919-6592, jkpezak@gmail.com.

JAN. 21

JAN. 28

JAN. 21

An Evening At The Hop featuring Joey & The T-Birds 8 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

Dinner: 6:15 p.m. Listen to all your favorite songs from the ’50s & ’60s.

Enjoy a dinner & show experience or the performance only. Portion of the proceeds benefits the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.

Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.

JAN. 27

Kashmir (the Led Zeppelin Show) 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. The most authentic representation on the modern national touring scene brings audiences & fans back to the days when the mighty Led Zeppelin ruled the musical landscape.

Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com.

WMH Auxiliary 76th Annual Mistletoe Ball:

“You Gotta Have Heart” JAN. 21 Silver Birches Resort, Hawley. Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s elegant & fun dinner-dance. Cocktails at 5:30 p.m.

Dinner at 6 p.m. Live music from the Groove Train Band at 8 p.m. Proceeds benefit enhanced cardiac care services at WMH, with new equipment & upgraded systems.

Tickets & info: 570-226-9750.

John Cleese and the Holy Grail 7:30 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, WilkesBarre. John Cleese live on stage for conversation & Q&A after a screening of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”

Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.

JAN. 28

91.9 WXPN Wecomes Donna The Buffalo 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. Feel-good, groove-oriented, danceable & often socially conscious music that began with roots in old-time fiddle music & evolved into a soulful electric Americana mix infused with elements of cajun/zydeco, rock, folk, reggae & country. Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com.

JAN. 28

Flux Capacitor — Sherman Showcase 8:20 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. High-Energy, Face-Melting, Psychedelic Flunk. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.

JAN. 28–29

Wally Ice Fest Community-based effort to bring people out to enjoy the winter season on Lake Wallenpaupack. Events include the Ice Tee Golf tournament, the Ice Fest Pond Hockey Tournament, & the Paupack Plunge. Many local businesses, restaurants & bars will be offering special deals throughout the weekend.

Info: www.wallyicefest.com or Facebook.

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February 1–February 8 FEB. 1

Elvis Lives 7:30 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, WilkesBarre. Unforgettable multimedia & live musical journey across Elvis’s life.

High-energy show features Ultimate winners, Bill Cherry, Dean Z & Jay Dupuis, as the principal cast.

Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.

FEB. 3

God Save the Queen 8:00 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, WilkesBarre. With the true original sound & amazing look-a-like/sound-a-like of Pablo Padín as Freddie Mercury, this band brings some of the greatest moments in rock history vividly back to life. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.

FEB. 4

Backyard Birds with the Audubon Society 9 a.m.–Noon. Lacawac Sanctuary, Lake Ariel. Build a feeder & give the returning birds something to eat. Then join a guided hike on the Maurice Broun trail.

Dress warm & wear winter hiking boots or snow shoes. Bring binoculars.

Registration appreciated.

Info & registration: 570-689-9494 or info@lacawac.org FEB. 4

Main Street Farmers’ Market 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. See description at Jan. 7.

Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org.

FEB. 4

Exhibit & Reception: “Visual Duets” Alliance Gallery, Delaware Arts Center, Narrowsburg, NY. Gallery hours: Tues.–Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Exhibit runs through Mar. 25.

Info: 845-252-7576 or delawarevalleyartsalliance.org.

FEB. 4

World Series Of Beer Pong — Qualifying Tournament 4 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

Win entry into the $50,000 main event in Las Vegas, NV. All applicants must be 21+. Or, try the free to enter Party Game Championships. Free admission to the public. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.