Connections Magazine - January 2020 Issue by Connections Magazine

JANUARY 2020

Since 1998

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CONNECT JANUARY 2020

FEATURES

6 RESOLVE TO BE A HEALTHIER YOU

While traveling more, losing weight and quitting bad habits are annually among some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, the turn of the calendar does represent a perfect opportunity to better yourself in multiple ways.

ONLY 8% OF AMERICANS... When patients want to get rid of stubborn, unwanted fat, it’s about more than just sucking out the fat. It’s about creating a desired look that typically goes beyond simply removing the fat.

WATCHING 10 EAGLE Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy for eagle-watching all winter long, including our popular series of Eagle Watch bus tours in January and February.

YOU TESTED YOUR HOME FOR 12 HAVE RADON? In 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?

COLUMNS 5

WORDS FROM THE TEAM

20 BOOK REVIEW

11 BIG GAME GUIDE

22 POCONO SECRETS

12 DISASTER BLASTER

24 OUTDOOR RAMBLINGS

14 LIVING GREEN

26 PETS

16 MRS. DOGOOD

28 BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE

18 MONEY

30 AREA EVENTS

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CONNECTIONS Magazine

president • publisher • editor in chief deborah bailey production manager meica drake account representatives barry weiss editorial correction services kay marks contributing writers terry mooney, Reflections of a Prison Inmate arthur middleton, MD, FAPA, Behavioral Medicine michael krupa, Finance josh sheard, Finance terri schlichenmeyer, Book Review la guzda, Pocono Secrets arnie milidantri, Classic Cars bill deaton, Outdoor Ramblings pike/wayne conservation partnership, Living Green disaster blaster, Home Tips mrs. dogood, Letters

CONNECTIONS Magazine 3305 Lake Ariel Highway Honesdale, PA 18431 570.647.0085 • Fax 570.647.0086 cmag@ptd.net • thinkconnections@yahoo.com www.connections-magazine.com Connections Magazine is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All advertising, including photographs, is the property of Connections Magazine and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction only in Connections Magazine and does not have the right to reproduce the ads in any other place or publication. Connections Magazine reserves its rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisements.

WHAT A DILEMMA To laugh is to risk appearing a fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out for another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk rejection. To place your visions before the crowd is to risk ridicule. To love is to risk not being loved in return. **To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure. But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. We may avoid suffering and sorrow, but we cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love or know GOD. Chained by our own self-assurances, we are a slave. We have forfeited our freedom. Only the person who dares to take risks and to trust in their GOD will ever be made FREE.

In 1997, Rev. Edwin E. Bailey, father of the editor, gave this poem to his daughter 8 days before he had a stroke and 3 weeks before he died. The poem was adapted from works by Leo Buscaglia. Edwin hand wrote this on a scrap of paper and gave it to his daughter, Deborah, saying the words, “Someday you’ll understand these words and use them. God bless sweetheart.” **These words were used in making the decision to purchase Connections Magazine in 2002. CONNECTIONS COPYRIGHTED 2007

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WORDS FROM THE TEAM

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What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet! – Anne Frank

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heers to 2020! Baby, it’s cold outside! Grab your favorite beverage, a cozy blanket, and enjoy the pages of our January issue! Be kind to yourself and check out Pocono Secrets on page 22 and, in the words of LA Guzda... “Live a life with great purpose, and you will be amazed at what is returned!” Here’s to an extraordinary 2020! The CM Team 570.647.0085 cmag@ptd.net

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HEALTHIER YOU A Healthy Snacking Resolution

he impact of taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle – from committing to eating well, sleeping better, drinking cleaner water or boosting your nutrient intake – can be far-reaching, but also overwhelming. Gradually incorporating the health-focused habits you hope to make permanent fixtures in your life can help ensure the process isn’t overly taxing, and some products can help ease the transition as well. Find more tips to help keep you on the right path toward reaching your wellness goals at eLivingtoday.com.

New Year, Cleaner Water When adopting healthfocused resolutions like staying hydrated, it’s also an opportunity to commit to drinking cleaner water. The easy-to-install PUR Advanced Faucet Filtration System makes it simple to wash fruits and vegetables, fill reusable water bottles before work or a fitness class and meal-prep with healthier and great-tasting water. The filtration system is certified to reduce more than 70 contaminants, including 99% of lead – more than any other brand, according to NSF. Learn more at PUR.com.

Download Wellness this Year To help achieve your health goals in the new year, consider downloading the free Nature’s Pharmacy app. It cross-tabulates 57 health priorities, such as increasing good cholesterol, preventing cardiovascular disease, and easing insomnia, along with desired outcomes like improving energy levels or reducing wrinkles with 74 fruits and vegetables. By selecting a concern or desired outcome, the app, which is available on iOS and Android devices, generates a selection of produce that can aid in reaching those goals. For more information, visit limoneira.com. Source: Family Features

Strive to snack better in the new year with an option like Stryve Sliced Beef Biltong, which is a tasty meat snack with zero sugar and no artificial ingredients. Packed with protein, it is made with only air-dried beef and spices, meaning you don’t have to give up goodness to stick to your clean eating resolutions. Paleo and keto-friendly, the beef biltong is available in seven flavors and comes in resealable packs so you can satisfy cravings wherever they strike. Learn more at Styrve.com.

A Simple Vitamin Solution If you’re tired of swallowing multivitamins, consider an option like Vitamin Booster+ to help make your morning ritual more enjoyable. Simply dissolve one drink stick in water to get 100% of your daily essential vitamins along with 610 mg of electrolytes. Containing real fruit juice and only 15 calories per serving, this vitamin-dense drink is ideal for the whole family and is available in single-serve lemon-lime flavor sticks for an on-the-go boost. Find more information at drinknutrient.com.

A Sleep Apnea Solution For those who suffer from sleep apnea, one of the best ways to get the sleep you need is the DreamPort Sleep Solution, which is small, lightweight, headgear-free and easy-to-use. You can say goodbye to bulky headgear and uncomfortable straps as nothing constricts your movement or gets in the way. Plus, it fits the shape of your nose for zero leaks to provide a better night’s sleep and more energetic days. Visit bleepsleep.com for more details.

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When patients want to get rid of stubborn, unwanted fat, it’s about more than just sucking out the fat. It’s about creating a desired look that typically goes beyond simply removing the fat. It’s that time of year when the champagne corks are flying, Ryan Seacrest is counting down the Times Square ball drop, “Auld Lang Syne” is being sung in drunken merriment, and people are swearing this is the year they will actually achieve their New Year’s resolution. According to Inc.com, about 60% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions but only about 8% of us are actually successful in achieving them. In 2019, sticking to a healthy diet, exercising more and losing weight were the top 3 resolutions. If reducing fat and getting shapely curves and contours are on your New Year’s resolution, why not opt for a method that has a much higher success rate? Often confused with laser liposuction, Laser LipoSculpture goes beyond simply sucking out fat. It relies on the surgeon’s artistic ability to remove fat & tighten skin to create beautiful contours. It is a method that celebrities like Amber Rose, Cardi B, Chrissy Tiegen, Kathy Griffin, Jamie Lee Curtis and Heidi Montag have all used successfully to eliminate unwanted fat –

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liposuction. In the United States, liposuction or more commonly known as “lipo” is the second most sought after cosmetic surgical procedure. It utilizes a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body that don’t tend to respond as easily to diet and exercise. To get his patients the best results, cosmetic surgeon and medical director of MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Center in Milford, PA, Dr. Richard Buckley prefers to utilize a version of liposuction called Laser LipoSculpture that goes beyond simply sucking out the fat. “Patients often ask how many pounds of fat will be removed with Laser LipoSculpture but what they truly desire is a particular look in and out of their clothing,” says Dr. Buckley. “That look isn’t achieved only with fat removal but with contours and is a function of creating evenness, symmetry and pleasing proportions. Much as a sculptor of stone uses fine tools to release the being from the rock, so too do cosmetic surgeons use fine tools to bring out the best in our patients.” Often laser liposuction and liposculpture are used interchangeably, but do not be misled. Laser liposuction only melts unwanted fat away with a very small, precise laser fiber. Combining laser liposuction and body sculpting techniques, Laser LipoSculpture relies on the doctor’s artistic ability to sculpt curves by removing fat and tightening the skin. As Dr. Buckley says, “It is not about sucking, injecting, squirting, etc… it is always about the artistry. Done well, most things are not as simple as they seem, and body sculpting and rejuvenation are two of those things. LipoSculpture requires skillful hands and an artistic eye in the pursuit of perfection.”

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LASER LIPOSUCTION When most people think of liposuction, they typically only think of the major problematic areas such as abdomen, thighs, love handles. With Laser LipoSculpture patients can go beyond areas of bulk fat removal to some of the finer areas of the body such as the face, jowls, neck, elbows, knees and ankles (“cankles def: thick or stout ankles”) where precise, artistic sculpting can yield amazing results. In fact, Laser LipoSculpture is ideal for a wide variety of problem areas such as saddle bags, tummy rolls in the abdomen, inner and outer thighs, double chin, knees, calves, arms, hips, and buttocks. “When it comes to Laser LipoSculpture, pretty much any part of the body is fair game. But a key point for those interested in cosmetic improvement is to be seen by a cosmetic medical doctor who understands aging, including volume changes, and specializes in improving contours and skin quality. Some areas of excess fat may require only laser liposuction treatment, such as the face, whereas other areas of fat accumulation such as around the ankles may require only minimal fat removal by sculpting to achieve outstanding results,” says Dr. Buckley. While there really is no area of the body Laser LipoSculpture can’t treat, the upper arms are a favorite treatment for women, according to Dr. Buckley. From small fat accumulations that just won’t respond to exercise to the ever frustrating “batwings” that say hello when waving good-bye, arms tend to respond well to Laser LipoSculpture alone if there is not a lot of loose skin. For patients who have a significant amount of loose skin, especially in those who have lost a large amount of weight, Dr. Buckley trims off the excess skin in an in-office procedure known as brachioplasty. Not only does while-awake laser liposuction treatment differ vastly from so called noninvasive treatments, it also provides a much better solution for patients who want or need more fat removal and body sculpting than popular treatments such as EmSculpt and CoolSculpting. While EmSculpt creates some change in muscle, it does not remove fat

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deposits or provide detailed contour change. CoolSculpting does kill about 20-25% of the fat cells per treatment in the treated area, but since the treatment utilizes a one-size-fits-all applicator, there is no ability to artistically sculpt the body to the patient’s desired results. “Using safe, local tumescent anesthesia or ‘while awake’ anesthesia on the localized treatment areas, in our AAAHC nationally accredited surgical center at MilfordMD, we typically make no incisions and place no drains during Laser LipoSculpture. “Our patients return to their normal activities quickly”, states Dr. Buckley. “We do have them wear compression garments after the procedure to enhance the results and limit bruising. While we do recommend taking a day off work after the procedure, many of our patients have returned to work the following day.” Make a resolution that is easy to keep. Reduce fat and sculpt gorgeous contours with Laser LipoSculpture. “I love treating my patients with Laser LipoSculpture because it is a hand-crafted art form that allows me to put my 30 years of experience and eye for perfection to work to create beautiful results and happiness for my patients,” says Dr. Buckley.

Clients often ask how many pounds will be removed with Laser LipoSculpture, but what they truly desire is a particular look in & out of clothing. That look is achieved with fat removal AND artistic contour enhancement. It requires a true level of artistry to create symmetry and pleasing proportions.

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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 nationally 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 Board Certified Physicians, 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. For real patient video testimonials, follow MilfordMD on Instagram and Facebook, and visit our MilfordMD YouTube channel.

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EAGLE WATCHING

Delaware Highlands Conservancy Announces 2020 Bus Tours

Eagle Watching J

oin the Delaware Highlands Conservancy for eagle-watching all winter long, including our popular series of Eagle Watch bus tours in January and February.

BUS TOURS Join the conservancy on a guided eagle-viewing bus tour, scheduled on weekends throughout January and February. Learn from an expert guide and take a scenic drive on a heated bus throughout the Upper Delaware River region to look for and learn about bald eagles and their habitat. Seats on trips are limited, and reservations are required, so reserve your space today for the following 2020 winter trips (Fee: $15 for conservancy members, $25 for non-members). Get tickets online at www.DelawareHighlands.org/events or call 570-226-3164/845-583-1010. • January 11th • January 18th • February 1st • February 8th The trips commence at the Upper Delaware Visitor Center in Lackawaxen, PA (located inside the Zane Grey Museum, 135 Scenic Drive) and

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run from 10am-2pm. Dress warmly in layers and wear waterproof boots. Bring binoculars, camera, and snacks. Snow dates for the trips are the Sundays immediately following. Check www.DelawareHighlands.org for the most up-todate information and any additional trips. Refunds are not given in the event of cancelled reservations.

EAGLE WATCHING ON YOUR OWN The Upper Delaware Visitor Center in Lackawaxen, PA is generously provided by the National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and staffed by conservancy volunteers. It is a center of information for visitors looking to learn more about viewing and protecting eagles. Visitors can pick up information about the bald eagle in the Upper Delaware River region, get maps and directions to eagle viewing locations, watch a short film, and view interpretive exhibits. The visitor center is staffed on Saturdays and Sundays in January and February, beginning January 4th, and open to visitors from 10am-4pm. Photo by Stephen Davis.

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TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

Have you tested your home for

Radon? Provided by Disaster Blaster

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In 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 radon? Radon occurs naturally from the breakdown of radioactive elements in the soil. This gas then enters homes through the foundation, often collecting in dangerous levels. Being colorless, odorless, and tasteless, radon gas could be in your home without your ever knowing!

Is radon a new issue? While radon may seem like a new issue, the truth is it’s been around forever. Recently, through education efforts put in place by the EPA and others, such as the National Radon Action Month, homeowners are more aware of this hazard than they once were. As we learn more about things like radon, it gives us an opportunity to make our environments safer and encourage overall wellness.

Is radon common in our area? Independent studies conducted by agencies such as the EPA have shown 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! Given the potential for radon issues in northeastern PA, we recommend that all homes be tested to determine if the radon level is below the action level of 4.0 pCi/L.

What are the health concerns? The second leading cause of lung cancer (second only to cigarette smoke), and the leading cause among non-smokers, long term radon exposure is considered to be extremely serious. For this reason, it is recommended that residents reduce the radon level as much as possible.

How do I know if I have a radon issue? Specialized testing is necessary to determine if you have a radon issue because radon is undetectable to any of our senses. Pennsylvania does require that all radon testers be licensed to perform this service, and many home inspectors do carry this licensing. Radon test kits are also available for homeowners to test their homes themselves. For the month of January, we are also offering a 20% discount on radon test kits purchased through our website at www.disasterblaster.com. Use the coupon code “ConnectionsMagazine” at checkout.

Can it be resolved? High radon levels can be dramatically reduced with the installation of a radon mitigation system. As with testing, Pennsylvania requires all radon mitigation companies be licensed to install radon reduction systems. A qualified radon mitigation company (such as Disaster Blaster) can design and install a system that will meet the needs of your home. If you haven’t yet, take the opportunity this January to test for radon! You may be glad that you did!

About Disaster Blaster Disaster Blaster is an indoor environmental firm serving the Northeastern PA Area. We have been providing our local area with unparalleled radon mitigation, water damage mitigation, mold remediation, asbestos abatement, basement waterproofing, and fire / smoke restoration services for decades, and are proud to have been named The World’s Greatest Indoor Environmental Firm. For more about Disaster Blaster, as well as more helpful tips, please visit our website at: www.disasterblaster.com or call our office at (570) 963-1123.

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BREAKING the Ice

Colleen Campion, Watershed Specialist, Wayne Conservation District

There are many treasured recreational pastimes that can only be gifted to us by the frigid temperatures of the winter months. However, winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harsh conditions can be very unforgiving if you are not properly prepared. This is particularly true if you are heading out on the ice.

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Take a partner with you. Let others know where you are going and when to expect you back. Layer your clothing and avoid cotton as it is not a good insulator. Make sure you have a pair of waterproof boots. Wearing them loosely will make them easier to kick off should you fall through the ice and need to tread water. Bring a coil of rope, extra dry clothes, and matches stored in a waterproof container (a 35mm film canister works well). No one should be out on frozen waters without a pair of ice awls in the event you need to self-rescue after breaking through thin ice. You can make your own or you can purchase them for around $20 at a local sporting goods store. Having these few pieces of equipment can make all the difference in an emergency situation. Ensure the ice thickness is appropriate for the activity you are doing. Four inches of clear, solid ice should support the weight of one person. Avoid dark, porous ice or ice with multiple pressure

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Breaking Ice

cracks. Ice may not be the same thickness across all areas. When you tread on thin ice, you may hear it begin to crack under your feet, giving you a few precious moments to get down flat and spread out your bodyweight. Should you break through, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t panic. After turning around to face the direction you came from, place your cheek on the ice, forcing you into a horizontal position. Kick your feet furiously behind you and use ice awls to pull your body up onto the ice. Then, roll or crawl in that direction, distributing your weight until you are back on a solid surface. Two factors that can cost you dearly in an ice emergency are being underpre-

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pared and panicking. You are less likely to panic if you know you are well-equipped to effectively manage a crisis situation. So if time outside is going to help you fight off the winter blues, understand that knowledge is the thin line separating adventure and recklessness. Colleen Campion specializes in the conservation of watersheds in Wayne County, through monitoring, planning, and education. The Wayne Conservation District is a division of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, working to preserve and care for the unique natural resources of NEPA.

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MRS. DOGOOD

CHILDREN By The Reverend Mrs. Silence DoGood

Dear Editor, When I look at my two children, I see the world. If my two children can’t get along with each other, is it any wonder strangers can’t? Is it any wonder nations fight? Sarah with an H is fifteen. Toby is thirteen. How old are the nations? How old are the tribes within nations? How old are the cultures, the religions, the traditions that cause people to fight? But I am making this much too complicated. I simply want to focus on my children. I should say Willie’s and my children. When the two kids don’t get along, it drives Willie and me to distraction. Yes, they are very different from each other, but that shouldn’t be an excuse for bad behavior. If being different from the next fellow allows thoughtless behavior, we would never be safe. Someone would always be out to get us. As I said, Sarah with an H is fifteen. She is in the last year of high school and struggles with her grades. She is a large girl and tries to diet but she usually fails. She has her excuse memorized for her overeating and her sugar habit. She uses it often. “I feel squirrely and need something that makes me feel good about myself. No one loves me. Leave me alone.” Even though we rarely bring desserts into the house, she uses her allowance to avoid the doctor’s advice by buying “goodies.” When the boy she asked to the senior dance didn’t accept her invitation, sugar became her solace. Toby is thirteen. He is in the sixth grade and is on the honor roll. He is strikingly handsome with ocean-deep blue eyes, black wavy hair, and an athletic physique. He is very much like his father in that he is shy socially. But if a topic of discussion interests him, he can become quite animated and joins in. But this doesn’t happen often. Last year he was discovered by US International, a world-wide modeling agency. He recently shot print ads for an app that helps you find your pet. Willie and I were nervous about him modeling in sophisticated NYC, but with either Willie or me joining him there, it seems to be working well. We are saving his earnings for college.

Willie and I tried many approaches to have our children get along. These included screaming, threatening, time outs and finally not letting them use phones, lap tops or computers. All to no avail. But then we devised a scheme which up until now seems to be working. We cancelled their allowance but pay them to do a job each week which doubles the amount they were receiving. They have been hired to clean the yellow school bus which is our Sunday school classroom. Their grandfather the Reverend Mr. Silas Patriot DoGood founded The First Church of God’s Love in the yellow school bus many years ago. When he moved his church to the Unity grange hall, the bus was sold and soon forgotten. After his death I made it my mission to find the bus and bring it to the church’s campus to be used as our Sunday school classroom. I found it, and we hold classes in it every Sunday. So at 2:00 pm every Sunday the kids clean the bus. They have to organize their own tasks. Working together seems to be the answer. They clean everything: the bathroom, the desks, the blackboards, the floor, the windows, the steps outside and even the plantings around the bus. I inspect. If it isn’t perfect they don’t get paid. I didn’t tell the kids that my best friend Alice Bright Light and I held a séance in the bus and that their deceased reverend grandfather appeared. He told me to earn a doctorate in theology since my education is in art. I haven’t made my decision yet. The children tell me that even after cleaning the blackboards with water the word “Doctor” reappears. I know why, so I still pay them. Amen.

The Reverend Mrs. Silence DoGood Senior Pastor Executive Director President Chairman Choir Master (part-time) The First Church of God’s Love

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Debt

What to Do i f Yo u ’r e D ro w n i n g i n

hen you’re drowning in debt, it often feels like the world is caving in around you. Your thoughts are swirling and just won’t stop. You’re not sleeping, and you’re worried if your next paycheck will be enough to provide for your family. And then the questions fueled by endless worry begin: How will I make ends meet? How in the world will I cover my mortgage/rent this month? Will these debt collectors call my boss (how embarrassing)? You’re not alone. In fact, 78% of Americans today are living paycheck to paycheck. That means you’re not the only person who’s ever been in debt. In fact, Dave knows what drowning in debt feels like all too well. But he decided enough was enough. And so can you. Choose— right this moment—to start changing the way you interact with money. Did you know that personal finance is 80% behavior and only 20% head knowledge? That means with a plan—and a lot of hard work—you can be standing on solid ground in no time. And who knows? You could even become an everyday millionaire. We believe in you! What to Do When You’re Drowning in Debt

1} Get on a budget

Doing a budget is one of the most important steps you can take when you’re drowning in debt. A budget is the very thing that will show you where your money is going and why you feel like you’re drowning. But you don’t have feel that way any longer—and a budget will help! When you’re making your zero-based budget, you might be tempted to account for all of your extra expenses first. But first, you need to make sure your basic needs are met. We call these the Four Walls, and they are: • Food • Utilities • Shelter • Transportation

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Debt

Now, after you’ve budgeted for groceries, water, electricity, your rent or mortgage, and gas to get you to work (in that order), you can start assigning any leftover dollars to other pressing needs. Do you have student loans or a car payment? Are those hospital bills piling up? Or maybe your dad’s birthday is coming up and you at least need to send a card. Whether it’s $50 or $500, all expenses must go in the budget. Need to go to the doctor this month? Yup—make sure to put that in there too. Remember: Income minus expenses should equal zero!

back on the 2} Cut “extras.” Now that every dollar has been accounted for, it’s time to see where you can cut back. Take an inventory of any automatic payments that routinely come out of your bank account. Maybe you have a $7 subscription to the clean beard club. We’re not knocking beards—especially clean beards—but these kinds of expenses add up quickly. Plus, that free gift they offered you when you signed up is probably long gone, leaving you with a subscription you keep forgetting to cancel every single month—and more beard oil than you know what to do with. Don’t get us wrong, we love a good mail day just like the next person. But whether you’re drowning in student loan debt or drowning in credit card debt (or just plain debt), you’ve got to make some pretty big changes. You guessed it: We’re talking about cutting back on these nonessential items and getting your “want-itis” under control. Here are some tips: • Make coffee at home (skip the $5 lattes until you’re no longer drowning in debt). • Cut back on your grocery bill by cutting coupons and going without the kids so you’re not tempted to overspend on Oreos. Psst: Left overs are your friend.

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• Don’t even step foot in a restaurant unless you’re working there. • Sell everything that’s not nailed down.

3} Pause all investing

Really? Yep. Saving for your future when you’re living paycheck to paycheck (or worse) isn’t the best idea. At least not yet. If you’re still trying to pay off credit cards, an upside-down car loan, or a huge pile of student loan debt, it’s time to press pause on your future investments . . . temporarily. This temporary pause frees up extra cash you can use to pay down your debt. Don’t worry, you’ll come back to this once you’re debt-free.

Don’t take on any new debt

None. We know it’s hard (and maybe not what you’ve been used to), but trust us—taking on debt robs you and your family of a secure financial future. Your choices right now can and will impact future generations of your family tree. So don’t take on even another penny of debt. Get out your favorite scissors and do some plastic surgery (or as Dave calls it, a plasectomy). The best part? No medical experience required. Yup—we’re talking about cutting up those credit cards. You may feel your heart start to race and your hands begin to sweat. But let us remind you: Having a credit card for emergencies seems like a good idea until your next “emergency” looks like your next afternoon coffee run. When you cut up those cards, you’re choosing to put an end to the merciless cycle of debt for good.

Increase your income

Now that you’re on a budget and you’ve decided to stop taking on any new debt altogether, it’s time to figure out how you can increase your income. Take a second job or pursue a side hustle that will give you the extra

income you need (as quickly as possible) to throw at your debt. Whether that’s working at your local coffee shop, mowing lawns, or driving for a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft, you’ve got to bring in more cash. We get it. No one wants to work around the clock. But in order to see that mountain of debt turn into a valley, you’ve got to start doing something different. Remember: This isn’t forever. You won’t be skipping out on time with family and friends for the long haul. But in order to get on the right track, you’ve got to start making sacrifices now.

Start working the debt 6} snowball Now that you’ve got some extra money coming in each month, it’s time to start paying off your debt with something we call the debt snowball method: • List your debts from smallest to largest—no matter the interest rate. • Attack the smallest debt with everything you have. Did you sell the couch? Great— throw your earnings on this debt. Keep putting anything extra you make toward this debt until it’s gone. • Once that debt has been paid, take the minimum payment (plus that money from your second job) and throw it at the next largest debt while paying minimum payments on the rest. • Keep this snowball rolling until you’re debt-free!

the comparison 7} Stop trap Comparison is one of the worst things you could do while you’re getting out of debt, and social media is one of the biggest culprits. If you’re scrolling through your news feed and see your friend (whom you haven’t talked to in years) on a European vacation with her mom,

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Book Review YOU’RE STUCK BETWEEN SEASONS.

make a tool storage unit. And because this is a book, there’s interesting reading inside “The Double DanFootball is over, baseball hasn’t started. gerous Book for Boys.” Read about American Halloween’s done, it’s not yet Thanksgiving, coins, Greek legends and mythology, and try and Christmas is a lifetime away. Can this a bit of poetry, just because. Learn about card time of year possibly be any more boring? games, and dangerous adventure stories that You need excitement. You need adventure! actually happened, and that boys like you You need “The Double Dangerous Book for will love. Boys” by Conn, Arthur & Cameron Iggulden. Does this book look familiar to you? So, what are It may; similar you going to do this books by author weekend once Conn Iggulden were you’ve run out of released thirteen fun? How about years ago, and you making more fun might’ve enjoyed with the things in one yourself. But, this book? Learning Iggulden says “I to pick locks, for thought… I’d covexample, might be a ered everything in good time and it the first book, but surely could be usethere’s nothing like ful someday. It’s one raising boys for surof the first few prising you.” things you’ll find. And thus, “The Or let’s say you Double Dangerous have to stay indoors. Book for Boys” is all With this book, you new and made mostcan help around the ly of the kind of house by learning material you the Japanese art of might’ve found in Kintsugi, which boys’ magazines fifty involves fixing broyears ago: things to ken items to make make and do, games them look better to play, and reading than new. Or learn that will teach critihow to cast things in cal thinking and resin, which is a difrespect for the past. ferent way of saving So far, so good… them forever. Be a until you reach the smartypants by very last chapter, knowing a few which contains By Conn, Arthur & Cameron Iggulden basics about the law information on what Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer and politics. Or isn’t in this book. make some cash by That includes things being the best kidsitter on the block with that parents might think are astoundingly recipes to try, plus your newly-invented inappropriate, and really dumb ideas that are board game, balloon swords, a paper box, a described enough that they may just as well jumping paper frog, and a paper airplane. have been included. Heavy sigh. If you can go outside, there’s plenty to Truly, as much fun as this book is, pardo with this book. Know the rules for Ultients will want to think hard before giving it mate Frisbee, for one. If you live in an area to the wrong kid. Read the last chapter of that has snow, make an igloo that you can “The Double Dangerous Book for Boys” first actually sleep in tonight. Impress others with and see if, with it, you’re courting a season of your knowledge of wild birds. Make some disaster. rubber band guns, or head for the garage and

“The Double Dangerous Book for Boys”

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Kindness

The Power of

Kindness By LA Guzda

ow that the holidays are over, I can’t help but reflect upon the incredible generosity of our community. The Holiday Toy Drive is a cooperative effort of The Zipper Junction Project©, Wayne County Ford and Bold Gold Media. The amount of work and contributions of so many serve over 800 families. It is important to point out that it is a small group of dedicated volunteers, led by Jim Zumpone, who distribute and collect the many boxes. Then comes the daunting task of organizing and distribution -which is no small feat. The Shook Brothers and the good folks at IGA are another example of extreme generosity and community support. They give so much to so many! And, they offer one of the finest selections of local food, especially honey, maple syrup, noodles and more. Jeff Shook and I both serve on the Growing Lackawaxen Board of Directors, and not only does he donate items, he is very generous with

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his time and hard work. The Kiesendahls and the Woodloch family are also in the gracious and generous category. They are committed to their community as well as their staff and guests. Not only do they donate and contribute to a plethora of causes, many of the family and staff serve on local boards. When I first was introduced to Woodloch, I was amazed at how quickly and abundantly staff members would rally to help those in need. And these are often people who make a little more then minimum wage. That’s really giving! And let’s not forget the Skier family. You will find the staff collecting for several causes as well as picking up garbage to keep our roads clean. You may have noticed the large cow, “Moo”, on the side of the building. This is part of an art installation throughout the town to celebrate Hawley. Also, coming in the spring will be Harmony in the Woods. Henry and his team at AMSkier under-

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stand the value of art and music. Their contribution of culture is a beautiful gift. I’m sure there are so many more of these angels out there. I invite you to share their stories by tagging @PoconoSecrets. For this new year, I challenge all of us to be kinder. Let’s not focus on our differences but on those things that unite us. This year let us let love, grace, kindness, forgiveness, understanding, respect, cooperation, collaboration, harmony and a reverence for life be the underlying motivation for all our thoughts and feelings. Let’s elevate our collective community consciousness. We all deserve great happiness, and there is more than enough to go around.

Live a life with great purpose, and you will be amazed at what is returned. Here’s to an extraordinary 2020! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PoconoSecrets Visit www.LAGuzda.com or www.PoconoSecrets.com for past articles.

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Outdoor Ramblings

Winter Fun & Festivals on the

Slopes By Bill Deaton | williamjdeaton@yahoo.com

ndoubtedly skiing and snowboarding are popular Pocono pastimes, but there’s more to do at our local mountains than just glide down the hill and catch a chairlift back up. There’s plenty of opportunities to save some cash in the process. From winter carnivals to special days for kids and college students, there are lots of events and deals to be found through the winter. Elk Mountain: Union Dale 570-679-4400 | www.elkskier.com • 1/10 Winterfest-Discount Tix from Ski Corner, Dickson City & Top of the Slope, Wilkes-Barre • 1/24 Winterfest-Discount Tix from Ski Shack, Moosic & Buckman’s, Lehigh Valley locations Montage Mountain: Scranton 1-888-SKI-SWIM www.montagemountainresorts.com • 1/18 Kids’ Carnival-Games, Character Appearances • 1/25 Polar Plunge -- Splashin’ with Compassion • 1/26 THON Day – 10% of ticket sales go to Penn State University’s THON • 2/15 Fireworks & Torchlight Parade • 2/22 Open Youth Racing Day (6-20) Race Fee $15 or $25 for Race and Lift • 2/23 Adult Open Racing Day (21+) Race Fee $15 or $30 for Race and Lift Salami Slalom Race • 3/1 • 3/7 Mountain Festival – Pond Skimming, Gin Blossoms Concert • College Specials Every Sunday (night) & Thursday (all day) $25 lifts and rentals w/ID (except 1/19 & 2/23)

Jack Frost/Big Boulder: Blakeslee 570-443-8425 | www.jfbb.com • 1/10 WMMR Day (JF) • 1/11 After Hours Rail Jam (JF-evening) • 1/18 Pizza and Demos on the Snow (BB) • 1/19 Mighty Mites (kids 13 & under) Park Day (BB) • 1/25 Women’s Park Clinic (BB) Subaru Winter Fest (JF demos, • 2/1 games, givewaways) • 2/2 Subaru Winter Fest (JF demos, games, giveaways) • 2/16 Fireworks & Torchlight Parade (BB) • 2/29 Ski For The Cure (JF) WMMR Cardboard Classic Race (JF) • 3/1 Ski-Big Bear: Lackawaxen 570-226-8585 | www.ski-bigbear.com • 1/2 Lake Region Ski Club Thursday Kickoff $12 lifts, $12 rentals for Wallenpaupack, Wayne Highlands, and Delaware Valley School District Residents. Lake Region Ski Club Sunday Kick• 1/5 off $25 lifts, $18 rentals for Wallenpaupack, Wayne Highlands, and Delaware Valley School District Residents. • 1/26 Winter Carnival (Races, Scavenger Hunt, S’mores, Cornhole) • Every Thursday – $18 lifts, $15 rentals for Wallenpaupack, Wayne Highlands, and Delaware Valley School District Residents • Every Sunday – (except 1/19 & 2/16) $35 lifts, $22 rentals for Wallenpaupack, Wayne Highlands, and Delaware Valley School District Residents. • Every Friday – Family Nights $18 tix, $15 rentals, Free lessons for residents of Western Wayne, Wallenpaupack, Wayne Highlands, Delaware Valley, Eldred, Port Jervis, & Sullivan West School Districts.

Continued on page 36.

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Pets

Top 5 Pet New Year’s Resolutions

made this their #1 pet resolution for this year. Most of those respondents have a goal of two walks per day! They cited exercise, maintaining their pack leader status, and bonding as their motivation for walking Fido more often.

Bonding Activities:

he New Year is upon us. It’s time to reflect upon the past year and determine what we want to achieve, change, or do better in the new year. This applies to all aspects of our lives - including our pets.

Here are five pet New Year’s resolutions you may want to implement. More Walks: Whether it’s a stroll around the neighborhood or a brisk walk through some hiking trails, a whopping 56% of pet parents surveyed

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More car rides, doggie bakery visits, beach outings, and family vacations are among the activities that respondents said they are resolved to doing more of with their four-legged family members. Getting out and spending some quality time with their pets to make that bond even stronger is at the top of pet parents’ minds this year!

Nail Trims & Teeth Brushing: Tied at #3 are these two often neglected hygiene “must dos.” Pet parents understand that keeping on top of your pet’s nail trims and choppers can prevent many serious health issues. Did you know that ideally your pet’s nails should be short

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enough so they don’t click on the floor, and their teeth should brushed daily?

Training: We all can’t have a Lassie, but a good number of pet parents recognize their pet needs some better training to curb some not-sofavorable behavior. From teaching better recall (getting your dog to come when called), to getting Rover not to jump on guests, or training your cat to stay off kitchen counters...pet parents are ready to put on their dog (or cat) whisperer hat!

Pepe & Snippy Two senior Chihuahuas that were surrendered recently. They are good with other mellow, calm and older dogs, and cats, please no young children. We would love to see them homed together.

Healthier Eating: Pet parents are definitely on board with feeding their pets better quality foods this year. They’ve been doing their homework and want to do all they can to ensure their furry friends live a long and healthy life. So, look out glutenfree, grain-free, dairy-free, soy-free, raw food, and probiotics - pet parents are coming to get you in 2018!

About TripsWithPets.com TripsWithPets.com is the #1 online resource for pet travel. Named best pet travel site by Consumer Reports, TripsWithPets.com’s mission is to offer resources that ensure pets are welcome, happy, and safe while traveling. The website features a directory of pet friendly hotels and accommodations across the United States and Canada, as well as airline & car rental pet policies; pet friendly restaurants, beaches, and events; a user-friendly route search option; pet travel tips; pet travel supplies; and other pet travel resources. About the Author Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of TripsWithPets.com. She founded the pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet travel. Her popular web site features pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the US and Canada, along with other helpful pet travel resources. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their travels.

April A young adult. She is very sweet and cuddly and gets along with everyone she meets.

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Available for adoption at Dessin Animal Shelter! Call 570-253-4037. | CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE | 27

BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE

When the Season Brings

Sadness By Arthur Middleton, M.D., FAPA

Are the days of winter sunshine just as sad for you, too? When it is misty, in the evenings, and I am out walking by myself, it seems to me that the rain is falling through my heart and causing it to crumble in ruins.

~ Gustave Flaubert

he way we feel is central to our ability to function. Our ability to succeed is as much dependent on our physical health as it is related to our emotions. It is perhaps easier to focus on our physical state because it is easier to understand; feeling pain such as a headache, for example. The Miriam-Webster Dictionary defines mood as, “a conscious state of mind or predominant emotion.” One’s mood is frequently affected by external events; financial issues, worrying about a job interview, or anxiety about a test that one is preparing to take. In these instances, our emotional state is understandable, and we know why we feel this way. But what about circumstances in which our mood does not appear to be affected by the usual external stressors, but by the season itself? Is this possible, and how is it experienced? Depending on where one lives, seasonal weather changes can be dramatic. Waking up when it’s dark and traveling to work, also when it is dark, then traveling home in less light under cold and unwelcoming skies, for some, is associated with feelings of depression and anxiety. It can be confusing to friends and family members who try to understand why this occurs. The term Winter Blues has been used to describe this experience in some individuals. The phenomenon of Winter Blues has been studied by researchers at the NIH (National Institutes of Health). In a January 2013 newsletter, a distinction is made between Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder. Winter Blues,

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which is not a medical diagnosis, is observed to occur in some individuals who react to a specific event(s), such as the holidays when they remember the loss of loved ones, resulting in a transient depression. This condition is not serious, however, and is often mild with respect to the degree of depression. It is self-limited, generally resolving without psychiatric or medical intervention. This is contrasted with another disorder, which is clearly related to a change in seasons. The following fictional clinical vignette is presented to highlight the key features of this disorder. JT is a 35-year-old married female. She works as an office manager for a primary care physician. She has been employed in this position for six months. JT enjoys her job and is well liked by her co-workers and her employer. During the course of the time that she has worked in this setting, JT has excelled in her work. She enjoys working with patients and has been key to the smooth functioning of a busy practice. But JT has been dreading the beginning of the change in the season. Her husband is familiar with the change that occurs in his wife’s mood when the days shorten. Each year has been unique. But every year, without question, the winter months are associated with a general sense of sadness that his wife experiences. He thought it was the result of the loss of her mother, after an extended illness, in January several years ago. During the winter season, JT has experienced sadness that she could not easily shake. She was aware of the symptoms of depression, and at one point did see her family doctor who prescribed several different medica-

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tions. But she could not understand why she was sad for a period of time during the winter, only to begin to feel better when the summer months occurred. She saw a therapist who suggested that she might even have bipolar disorder. This was followed by several trials of mood stabilizers that only made her feel worse. JT always felt better when these medications were discontinued. She was hired for her current job during the summer months when her spirits were good, and she was determined to get through the year without getting depressed, feeling that the joy that she had with her new job would overcome her winter sadness. But with the shortening of daylight hours, JT began to feel a deepening of her mood. Despite her efforts to cover this feeling, her sadness was obvious to her co-workers and her employer. JT knew she was depressed but did not want to be on an antidepressant again. As she shared with her husband, this simply did not make sense to her. Why should she get depressed to such an extent in the winter, every year? JT began to think that maybe she had bipolar disorder after all. JT began to miss work, and when she finally came in, it was obvious she was feeling miserable. One evening when she was working late, her employer asked to speak with her. He told her that he recognized that she was depressed and asked if he could do anything to help. Though he was a physician, he was also her employer and told her he did not want to treat her as a patient, but he did make a referral to a psychiatrist. JT followed through and expected to be placed on an antidepressant, which she anticipated would be associated with intolerable side effects. However, she was surprised when the psychiatrist explained to her that it appeared that she was suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). As the psychiatrist elaborated, SAD is a real disorder, occurring during the months of the fall and winter, associated with less exposure to sunlight during the day. While her psychiatrist explained to JT that treatment would typically involve an option to start an antidepressant, she was quite surprised when he also advised her that another treatment option was light therapy. Her doctor gave her information on SAD, which described how brain biochemistry is altered, for some, with less exposure to sunlight during winter months, resulting in symptoms of depression. Her doctor prescribed light therapy. JT began treatment with a special fluorescent

light that produced a very bright light (10,000 lux) that provided the necessary light to replace the daylight that she was missing as a result of the shortened days. For the next several weeks, JT began her day by sitting in front of a light box for thirty minutes before going to work. To her surprise, she began to feel better. JT shared her experience with her co-workers who were delighted with her recovery. JT has read more about SAD and better understands this condition. In her particular case, she did not need to take an antidepressant and has been able to deal with her seasonal depression. She shared her experience with her employer, and he has become more vigilant in trying to identify patients in his practice who may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is a condition he now recognizes may be more common that he realized. Visit CM’s website for more on Saddness.

The following references are provided for the informed consumer: • National Institutes of Health: Beat The Winter Blues – Shedding Light on Seasonal Sadness http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/issue/Jan2013/Feature1 • American Psychiatric Association: Seasonal Affective Disorder http://www.psychiatry.org/seasonal-affective-disorder • MedlinePlus-National Institutes of Health: Seasonal Affective Disorder http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/ 001532.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.

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EVENTS

ENTERTAINMENT

RECREATION

ARTS

a+r+e JAN ’20 Y O U

C O N N E C T E D

Ongoing

Events

open 10:30 a.m., games begin at noon. Info: legionpost311@gmail.com.

DAILY Art-a-Pelago D.J. Harvey Agency and The Bodhi Tree Art School & Studio, Honesdale. One art gallery in two locations (Paros-Anafi). Open on Second Saturdays 6–9 p.m. & regular business hours of each location. Info: waynecountyartsalliance.org. DAILY Public Art Displays Nature’s Grace, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale & Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce, Hawley. Wayne County Arts Alliance artists display their work. DAILY Public Art Display REMAX Wayne, Honesdale. Art displays of local artists all year long. Info: 570-253-9566. WEEKLY Table Tennis in Honesdale Lakeside Elementary School, Honesdale. Join a group of table tennis enthusiasts who play weekly. Info: John Babyak, 570-253-4379 or jbabyak1@ptd.net. TUESDAYS Pike County Workforce Development Agency 10 a.m.–Noon. Dingman Township Branch Library, Dingman Twp. A workforce professional will be available to help you apply for jobs or refine your resume. No appointment necessary. Free. Info: 570-296-2909. TUESDAYS Bingo American Legion Post 311, Hawley. Doors

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THE AREA’S GOOD STUFF

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 Pike County Workforce Development Agency 10 a.m.–Noon. Milford Branch Library, Milford. A workforce professional will be available to help you apply for jobs or refine your resume. No appointment necessary. Free. Info: 570-296-2909. WEDNESDAYS Story Time 10:30–11:30 a.m. Pleasant Mount Public Library, Pleasant Mount. Bring your young children & grandchildren to the library for a fun-filled story time. Included will be crafts, games, songs &, of course, a story. Info: 570-448-2573 or www.waynelibraries.org. WEDNESDAYS Bog Walk 1–3:30 p.m. Tannersville Bog, E. Stroudsburg. Environmental educators explain the bog’s formation, its interesting plant & animal life & more. Wear appropriate footwear. Pre-registration required & limited. Registration & info: 570-629-3061. THURSDAYS Pike County Workforce Development Agency 10 a.m.–Noon. Newfoundland Public Library, Newfoundland. A workforce professional will be available to help you apply for jobs or refine your resume. No appointment necessary. Free.

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EVENTS Info: 570-296-2909. THURSDAYS Pub-O-Lympics 8 p.m. The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Hawley. A combination of trivia & physical challenges. Compete with your team to win a gold medal, gift certificate & bragging rights. Info: 570-226-4388. FRIDAYS Pike County Workforce Development Agency 1–3 p.m. Hawley Public Library, Hawley. A workforce professional will be available

THROUGH DEC. 2 Art Exhibit: Nancy Hopping, “Living with Wildlife” Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, Stroudsburg. Award-winning wildlife photography. Nancy captures the beauty of Pocono wildlife & captures what she sees & feels in her photography. Opening reception Nov. 2, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Info: 570-629-3061 or www.mcconservation.org. THROUGH JAN. 31 Art Exhibit: Photo Contest Kettle Creek Environmental Education

JAN. 4 Romping Radishes: Mr. Yuck’s Laboratory 11 a.m.–Noon. The Cooperage, Honesdale. A look at how fun safe cleaning alternatives can be for kids. A hands-on learning program focused on physical, social & mental health & wellness for children. Geared to students K–2, but all children are welcome. Parents/ guardians must stay with their children for duration of the class. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. to help you apply for jobs or refine your resume. No appointment necessary. Free. Info: 570-296-2909. SATURDAYS Drop-in Family Story Time 11 a.m.–Noon. Wayne County Public Library, Honesdale. Join Miss Melanie for a story, followed by a fun craft for the whole family to enjoy. Info: 570-253-1220 or www.waynelibraries.org. SATURDAYS Madrigal Choir 3–5 p.m. Farm Arts Collective invites male & female singers to participate in Madrigal Choir, an ensemble that is learning ancient 15th Century choral music. No experience necessary. Madrigal Choir will perform this summer in Farm Arts Collective’s performance events. Info: Tannis, 917-566-7698 or www.farmartscollective.org.

Center, Stroudsburg. Winners of the Monroe County Natural Resources Photo Contest will be revealed & the top 12 photos will be available on a 2020 calendar. Proceeds from calendar sales benefit environmental education programs at Kettle Creek. Info: 570-629-3061 or www.mcconservation.org.

January 1–January 9 JAN. 1–APR. 30 “WINTER” The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Multi-artist, multi-media installation. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. JAN. 4 Beginner’s Photography Class for DSLR Camera with Bill Brown 10 a.m.–Noon. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Award-winning pho-

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EVENTS tographer shows you how to understand your DSLR. Learn what all the buttons do & how to get off AUTO mode to bring your photos to the next level. A DSLR camera is required. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. JAN. 4 Main Street Farmers Market 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Strives to provide the greater Honesdale community with access to superb local agricultural products. A vibrant & friendly gathering of local producers & enthusiastic consumers, connecting through a mutual appreciation for each other & for the regional foodscape. Free entry. Info: 570-253-2020. JAN. 4 Tabletop Refractive Photography with Bill Brown 1–3 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Learn techniques for photographing water drop refractions from an award-winning photographer. You will be amazed. A DSLR camera with a macro lens is required. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. JAN. 5 Drawing with Bozena Janiszweski Noon–2 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Learn the basics of drawing &/or improve your abilities. All skill levels welcome. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. JAN. 5 Creative Differences 2 p.m. Artists’ Market Community Center, Shohola. Artists & art lovers forcefully & respectfully offer their opinions on the most pressing issues in the world of art. Offer your opinion, or just sit & listen. Complimentary refreshments provided. “Should the goal of an artist be an imitation of nature, or something as genuine as nature itself?” Is it impossible to improve upon nature? Can something an artist imagines ever be as genuine as nature? Info: 845-557-8713 or artistsmarket114@gmail.com.

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JAN. 11 Second Saturday Honesdale 6–9 p.m. Downtown Honesdale. Local businesses teaming up & joining together with engaged community members to build a day filled with music, art, comedy, movies, food, drink, games & community support. Info on Facebook: 2ndSatHonesdale.

JAN. 5 Acrylic Pour Workshop with Agnes Lippi-Johnson 2–4 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Learn how to do “Acrylic Pours.” You will make a number of pieces, using a number of different techniques. This workshop is totally “handson” & can get messy. Do not wear your “Sunday best.” Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. JAN. 8 “Dinner, Paint & Sip” at Holy Crepes with Arielle Sekula 5–8 p.m. Holy Crepes, Milford. Enjoy a crepe dinner, then a “Paint & Sip” with the artist (BYOB). Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com.

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EVENTS JAN. 8 Open Mic n’ Band Night 7 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Hosted by Nick Bedo. Come to perform or come to listen & watch. New Open Mic format includes a performance by the band Kali Ma and the Garland of Arms to close out the night. Their music defies genre while adhering to a recognizable pop structure. BYOB. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. JAN. 9 “Coffee, Dessert, Paint & Sip” with Barbara DeMauro 1:30–3:30 p.m. Grandma Goldsack's Bakery, Lords Valley. Enjoy coffee, a Danish or muffin, then a “Paint & Sip” with the

JAN. 11 O&Co 7:30 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project. Folk rock & blues band from NE Pa., formed by local musician Owen Walsh. The band actively performs throughout the tri-state area & records new music. Their latest work, “Change by Owen Walsh”, is available on all music platforms. BYOB. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. JAN. 12 & 26 Pottery Workshop with Bozena Janiszweski Noon–2 p.m. The Art Factory of White

JAN. 18 Mistletoe Ball 6–11 p.m. Silver Birches Resort, Tafton. The Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary kicks off the hospital’s centennial with a “Roaring Twenties” theme at its annual ball. All are encouraged to don the dress of the times. Break out your flapper dress & best Charleston moves for a buffet dinner, music & dancing. Benefits the hospital’s current fundraising campaign, The Second Century Fund. Tickets: Joan, 570-226-9750. artist. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com.

January 10–January 19 JAN. 11 Oil & Water Abstract Photo Class with Bill Brown 10 a.m.–Noon. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. DSLR camera with macro or close up filters required. Preregistration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. JAN. 11 Intro to Stained Glass Workshop with Bill Brown 1–3 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com.

Mills, White Mills. Create your work on Jan. 12 & glaze the final piece on Jan. 26. All pieces will be kiln fired. You will need to arrange to pick up your finished piece at another time as the kiln is off-site. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. JAN. 15 “Dinner, Paint & Sip” at Holy Crepes with Barbara DeMauro 5–8 p.m. Holy Crepes, Milford. Enjoy a crepe dinner, then a “Paint & Sip” with the artist (BYOB). Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. JAN. 17 Comedy Night 8–10 p.m. Hotel Anthracite, Carbondale.

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EVENTS Hosted by Dan Madden & 2 headliners Mark DeMayo & KC Arora. Reservations: 570-536-6020. JAN. 18 Wet-on-Wet Painting with Rick Weber 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. JAN. 18 Main Street Farmers Market 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. See description at Jan. 4. Info: 570-253-2020. JAN. 18 Romping Radishes: Secret Life of Spiders 11 a.m.–Noon. The Cooperage, Honesdale. What makes spiders so creepy? Learn how to give them a chance with entomologist Devan George. A hands-on learning program focused on physical, social & mental health & wellness for children. Geared to students preschool–2, but all children are welcome. Parents/ guardians must stay with their children for duration of the class. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. JAN. 18 “Paint & Sip” with Barbara DeMauro 2–4 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Create a warm winter memory. Pre-registration required. BYOB. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. JAN. 19 Oil Painting Class with Bozena Janiszewski Noon–2 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. JAN. 19 Alcohol Ink with Agnes Lippi-Johnson 2–4 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com.

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JAN. 25 Tabletop Refractive Photography with Bill Brown 10 a.m.–Noon. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Learn techniques for photographing water drop refractions from an award-winning photographer. You will be amazed. A DSLR camera with a macro lens is required. Preregistration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com.

JAN. 19 River Vibes: Carla Ulbrich 3 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project & River Vibes. Ulbrich is a comical singersongwriter & guitarist whose biggest musical influences were Sesame Street, camp songs & cat food commercials. She has a love of the absurdities of ordinary life, a somewhat twisted viewpoint, & a way with words. BYOB. Info: 570-253-2020 or rivervibes@thecooperageproject.org. JAN. 19 Jazz Supper Club 5:30–9:30 p.m. The Settlers Inn Restaurant, Hawley. Music 6–9 p.m. Live music by Nancy & Spencer Reed & a prix fixe seasonal menu. Reservations: 570-226-2993. Info: TheSettlersInn.com

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EVENTS

January 20–January 31 JAN. 20 Wayne Highlands Quilt Guild 6–8 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, Hawley. Welcoming quilters of all ages & skill levels. Make new friends who share your passion for quilting. Show & Tell & refreshments, & sometimes more. Info: Deb, 570-224-4914 or debszoo@gmail.com. JAN. 22 “Dinner, Alcohol Ink & Sip” with Agnes Lippi-Johnson 5–8 p.m. Holy Crepes, Milford. Enjoy a crepe dinner & a workshop with Agnes Lippi-Johnson. Pre-registration required. BYOB. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. JAN. 23 Matt Nakoa 7:30 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project. Nakoa’s music ranges from eclectic pop to a simple acoustic palette. Reservations: 570-253-2020 or info@thecooperageproject.org. JAN. 24 River Vibes: The Sea The Sea 7:30 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project & River Vibes. Upstate NY–based indie folk-pop duo. BYOB. Info: 845-252-6783 or rivervibes@thecooperageproject.org. JAN. 25 How to Photo Art for Presentation with Bill Brown 1–3 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com.

On the Horizon FEB. 1 Main Street Farmers Market 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. See description at Jan. 4. Info: 570-253-2020.

FEB. 1 Romping Radishes: Engineered for Winter Avians 11 a.m.–Noon. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Make a wooden bird feeder & make winter window viewing more colorful. A hands-on learning program focused on physical, social & mental health & wellness for children. Geared to students preschool–2, but all children are welcome. Parents/ guardians must stay with their children for duration of the class. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. FEB. 2 Drawing with Bozena Janiszweski Noon–2 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. All skill levels welcome. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. FEB. 2 Creative Differences 2 p.m. Artists’ Market Community Center, Shohola. Artists & art lovers forcefully & respectfully offer their opinions on the most pressing issues in the world of art. Offer your opinion, or just sit & listen. Complimentary refreshments provided. “Is the appeal of the Mona Lisa divergence or familiarity?” Is the near universal appeal of this work based on how it is different or how it is familiar? Info: 845-557-8713 or artistsmarket114@gmail.com. FEB. 2 Acrylic Pour Workshop with Agnes Lippi-Johnson 2–4 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. FEB. 8 Cabin Fever Dance Party 7–11 p.m. Adults only (18+). IDs checked at door. Presented by The Cooperage Project. Free all-out dance party for Second Saturday Honesdale. Dress to impress or dress as you wish; this event is all about having some fun with friends & getting out of the house this winter. BYOB. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org.

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Debt

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that doesn’t give you permission to plan a fancy vacation too. Nope. Europe will still be there when you’re completely debt-free. When you’re in debt and going after your debt with gazelle intensity,* it’s hard not to compare your financial situation with other people’s situations. But here’s the truth: You don’t actually know their financial situation. We don’t know if your friend put her fancy vacation on a credit card. But we do know that once you’re out of debt, you’ll be able to plan these trips of your own. Listen: The Joneses are broke. If you’re falling into the comparison trap, it might be time to take a much-needed break from social media. *Gazelle intensity means working as hard as you can to free yourself from debt. Proverbs 6:5 (NKJV) says, “Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.” Like the gazelle flees from a cheetah, free yourself from debt.

(or keep) working 8} Start the Baby Steps Have you heard of the Baby Steps? These seven steps are the proven (and practical) way to help you change your life. And now that you’re standing on more stable ground, you’ll want to follow these steps all the way to building wealth and giving. Baby Step 1: Save $1,000 for your starter emergency fund. Baby Step 2: Pay off all debt (except the house) using the debt snowball.

Slopes

Josh 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 570729-1020 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 and Centaurus Financial Inc are not affiliated.

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Camelback: Tannersville 570-629-1661 | www.skicamelback.com • 2/1 Telemark Ski Festival & Ski Patrol Open House • 2/15 Polar Plunge --Freezin’ for a Reason Shawnee: East Stroudsburg 570-421-7231 | www.shawneemt.com • 1/12 World Snow Day – Snowboard Demos • 2/2 Scout Sunday • 2/3-7 Take Your Son/Daughter to the Snow (Free Youth Ticket w/ Purchase of Adult Ticket)

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Baby Step 3: Save 3–6 months of expenses in a fully funded emergency fund. Baby Step 4: Invest 15% of your household income in retirement. Baby Step 5: Save for your children's college fund. Baby Step 6: Pay off your home early. Baby Step 7: Build wealth and give. It may feel like you’re drowning in debt right now. But like we said earlier, it doesn’t have to be this way. Once you’ve had it with debt (and we hope you have), you can climb your way out of it. And remember: You’re not alone in this.

• 2/23 Winter Festival • 3/14 Scout Weekend • 3/20 Military Appreciation Weekend • 3/22 Little Big Air Competition for Suicide Prevention • 3/22 Costume Carnival By no means is this a comprehensive list of ski areas or events. It’s just a sample of some of what’s going on in the region. Resorts are always adding things, and special deals exist through retailers and other partners. Winter is short. Get out and enjoy the snow!