Connections Magazine - March 2017 Issue

HOW TO SAVE FOR THE FUTURE... – P 5

HOW TO HIRE A REAL ESTATE ALL-STAR – P 6

MARCH 2017

3 THINGS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT... MONEY– P 8

Since 1998

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march ‘17

contents

departments Ask the Vet

20

Behavioral Medicine

22

Book Review

16

Classic Cars

19

Events Calendar

22

Film Review

16

Healthy Geezer

23

Laser Vision

21

Living Green

15

OurTowns

28

Outdoor Ramblings

18

Pocono Secrets

17

Reflections of Prison

14

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connectionsmagazine MARCH ’17

VOL. 19 NO. 3

features

5 6 8 10 12

HOW TO SAVE FOR THE FUTURE WHEN YOU’RE WORRIED...

Saving for the future isn’t easy, especially when credit card payments and high utility costs start hitting after the holidays. Sometimes, the idea of saving money can feel downright daunting.

HOW TO HIRE A REAL ESTATE ALL-STAR Why enter into what could be the biggest financial transaction of your life without the right real estate representation? An experienced, market-savvy agent can help you buy or sell a home quicker and at a preferred price.

3 THINGS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HERSELF & HER MONEY If you’re a woman, chances are good that in the years ahead, it will be you and you alone who is responsible for managing your money.

TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY ON YOUR REMODEL When planning a home remodel, the scariest thing to most people is the potential for busting the budget. This is a legitimate concern, as little things can add up quickly.

DON’T GET CAUGHT ON THE LAZY RIVER My family and I recently had the chance to visit one of the new indoor water parks here in the Poconos. It was quite the experience! The resort has pools, water slides, a lazy river, and even a swim-up cocktail bar.

Subscribe Today!

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connections

[YOUR] NEPA MAGAZINE president • publisher • editor in chief deborah bailey production manager meica drake account representative barry weiss editorial correction services sandi scull assignment writer allison mowatt contributing writers al hoff, Movie Review lucille norella, ArtScene fred cicetti, The Healthy Geezer charles curtin, Finance terry mooney, Reflections of a Prison Inmate arthur middleton, MD, FAPA, Behavioral Medicine michael krupa, Finance josh sheard, Finance terri schlichenmeyer, Book Review la guzda, Pocono Secrets arnie milidantri, Classic Cars bill deaton, Outdoor Ramblings pike county conservation district, Living Green cherry ridge veterinary clinic, Ask the Vet

connectionsmagazine 3305 Lake Ariel Highway Honesdale, PA 18431 570.647.0085 • Fax 570.647.0086 cmag@ptd.net • thinkconnections@yahoo.com www.connections-magazine.com

Connections Magazine is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All advertising, including photographs, is the property of Connections Magazine and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction only in Connections Magazine and does not have the right to reproduce the ads in any other place or publication. Connections Magazine reserves its rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisements. © COPYRIGHT 2006 CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE

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

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saving

money

How to Save for the Future When You’re Worried About Today Provided by Jonathan “Josh” Sheard, Sage Investments, LLC

aving for the future isn’t easy, especially when credit card payments and high utility costs start hitting after the holidays. Sometimes, the idea of saving money can feel downright daunting.

S $

We understand. Life isn’t always easy.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t change your future for the better. This year (and the next one) will be what you make of it.

That may mean moving away from a paycheck-to-paycheck mentality and moving toward a saver mentality.

Even if it’s a struggle to find the money to pay for your family’s wants and needs right now, you can always cut back and ramp up your income. The momentary pain of living on less will be nothing compared to the thrill of paying for your next car with cash, watching your emergency fund grow, or kicking your retirement up a few notches.

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The money class that will change your life!

Your ability to save for the future is only limited by your determination. So, believe in yourself and don’t listen to that negative voice in your head. And don’t wait until you’re making more money or until life slows down. Do it now. Today is always the best time to start.

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Why Is It Hard to Save Money?

We all know we need to save for the future, but most people don’t save like they know they should. Why? Because we have competing goals. The goal to save isn’t a high enough priority to delay the purchase of that pizza, DVD player, smartphone, or

couch. So, we consume all our dollars away or, worse yet, go into debt to buy all this stuff.

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Make Saving for the Future a Priority You’ll only save money when it becomes an emotional priority. That’s where you have to begin.

Too often, people make excuses like: “We just don’t make enough to save any money!” Don’t believe the lie. You do make enough to save money. But you must be willing to quit spending on momentary pleasures. It doesn’t matter what you make—you can save money. It just has to become a big enough priority to you.

$

Make a Zero-Based Budget Without a budget, a priority won’t do you much good. You need to give your priority a plan by giving every dollar a name.

That means if you make $3,000 a month, you need to figure out exactly how you’re going to spend $3,000 before the month begins. Divide it however you want between giving, saving, and spending. Use pen and paper or an online budgeting tool like EveryDollar to stay organized.

When you find extra money in your budget (because you cut back on restaurants or gadgets for example), don’t just hope it drifts into your 401(k) or car fund.

Put it where it needs to go. If you don’t give it a home, you’ll blow it and end up scratching your head over that missing

$100 you thought you had. Be intentional by budgeting before the month begins.

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Make It Visual Visual aids are a great way to pay off debt, but they’re also a great way to stay motivated to meet your savings goals. You can be as creative or as plain Jane as you want about this. The idea is just to keep your progress in front of you.

That might mean printing out a simple savings thermometer and coloring it in every month. Or it might mean letting your kids put a jelly bean in a jar for every $20 you save toward your Disney trip (and eating one, too). When you make your progress visual, it will feel real and give you the motivation you need to skip the coffee shop or work an extra shift. © 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.

Josh 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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real estate

all-star agents

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all-star agents

You wouldn’t walk into a courtroom without a skilled attorney by your side. hy enter into what could be the biggest financial transaction of your life without the right real estate representation? An experienced, market-savvy agent can help you buy or sell a home quicker and at a preferred price.

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In many areas, highly competitive seller’s markets – low housing inventory and appreciating home prices coupled with continued low interest rates – mean that house hunters and sellers alike need expert guidance, an all-star agent who can be counted on to knock one out of the park.

“Buyers are looking for an agent they can trust, someone who knows the neighborhoods intimately, but who also has the relationships and the proactive nature to find homes that aren’t yet listed on the market,” says Mark Kitching, associate partner with Partners Trust, Los Angeles.

For sellers in the most competitive markets, an agent with extensive knowledge of contracts who knows how to attract and handle multiple offers is especially valuable.

“They need a full-time agent with experience in a tough seller’s market,” says J.P. Piccinini, broker/owner of JP and Associates Realtors, Plano, Texas.

More than half (53%) of buyers polled about what they value most when choosing an agent said they wanted someone who could help them locate the right home; and, 12% said they wanted an agent who could help them negotiate and close a sale, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2015 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

The qualities buyers value: agents who are responsive, knowledgeable, and have a flexible schedule.

“An agent should be able to answer their phone and get back to clients in less than an hour,” says Mark Ferguson, agent with Pro Realty, Greeley, Colorado.

“Knowledge of great lenders, inspectors, and title companies is important.”

Sellers want agents who do more than the traditional 3 Ps, says Riccardo

“

Ravasini, Keller Williams, New York: put a listing into the MLS database, put up a sign, and pray.

“Sellers want someone who will creatively market their unit, including promoting the listing to nearby residents and to targeted media outlets, and who will leverage his or her own network of interested buyers and investors,” says Ravasini.

When offers shower down in a bidding war, a broker’s negotiation skills are key, says Patrick Beringer, RE/MAX Metro Realty, Seattle. While many consumers think it’s a smart move to negotiate a lower commission rate for an agent, Beringer says, “If an agent is so eager to cut their commission just to get your business, how effectively will he or she negotiate on your behalf?”

Choose an agent carefully. The right one can swing your sales price 5 to 10% higher; the wrong one can lead to no sale at all, says L.A. agent Mark Kitching. A poor agent is a costly mistake for both buyer and seller, he points out. “A seller can be sued by a buyer for poor guidance and failure to disclose things that the agent left out. A buyer can be left with a home that’s a bad investment,” Kitching says.

Ask family and friends for referrals to agents with whom they were satisfied.

Attend local open houses and meet with agents. Search online and read agent reviews. And be prepared to ask plenty of questions.

“Ask how long they’ve been in the business, how many deals they do a year, what areas they specialize in, what kind of negotiator they are and if they have time in their schedule to devote to your needs,” suggests Kitching. “If you’re a seller, ask what strategy they would implement to sell your house and why.”

An agent should be able to answer their phone and get back to clients in less than an hour!

”

real estate

LOCAL REAL ESTATE

ALL-STARS: Jim Gelatt Davis R. Chant Realtors Jim has been working as one of the top salespeople for Chants Lake Wallenpaupack office for over 20 years. Working as a full-time agent, he is more than willing to accommodate your needs in looking for that perfect property or home of your dreams. If you are thinking of moving to another area and want to sell, Jim can find you the buyer to make your transition smooth and enjoyable.

e | jgelatt@chantre.com c | 570.493.1916 o | 800.754.5860 w | www.chantRE.com

Bridget Gelderman Davis R. Chant Realtors Bridget Gelderman, Realtor in Pike & Wayne Counties, PA is known for her innovative use of technology, social media and video in real estate. She uses cutting-edge technology to get homes sold!

e | bridget@geldermangroup.com c | 570.840.1314 o | 570.226.4518 w | www.sellingwallenpaupack.com

Stephanie Matolyak Davis R. Chant Realtors Enthusiastic and very service oriented, Stephanie continues being a top agent as referrals keep rolling in!

Establishing good relationships and cultivating a deep understanding of what her clients need results in a high level of sales.

e | stephaniesfarm@yahoo.com c | 570.647.5353 o | 570.226.4518

Paul & Tim Meagher RE/MAX Wayne & RE/MAX Best A local father and son family-owned business that has helped thousands of families buy and sell real estate in Wayne & Pike Counties for over 30 years. Honesty, integrity, aggressive & innovative marketing. Supporting our community and 100% client satisfaction are the core values of our company. Our motto is "To treat everyone we work with as a member of our family." These principles help us to continue to be the top-selling real estate team in Wayne County year after year!

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money

what women should know

3

Things Every Woman Should Know...

About Herself & Her Money

‘It’s a Relationship That’s Not Going Away,’ Advises Female Financial Expert

your thinking in many ways, from destroying your confidence in your judgment to writing off all similar investments as ‘bad.’’’ Take time to reflect on the experiences you’ve had with investing, the decisions you made, and the conclusions you made as a result. What stories do you tell yourself because of these experiences?

f you’re a woman, chances are good that in the years ahead, it will be you and you alone who is responsible for managing your money.

I

That could be a problem: Even among the very affluent, many women admit they know little to nothing about bigger-picture money concerns such as financial planning and investment management, according to a recent survey.

“A lot of women cede those responsibilities to their husbands or partners because they say they don’t have the time, interest, or opportunity to learn,” says Luna Jaffe, Certified Financial Planner™, psychotherapist, and author of the new “Wild Money: A Creative Journey to Financial Wisdom” and its companion workbook, “Wild Money: A Financial Field Guide and Journal,” (www.lunajaffe.com).

“Things are changing- more women are choosing not to marry or have been devastated by divorce or death of a loved one. They recognize they can’t ignore money anymore, but don’t know where to turn or who to trust.”

But even women with a net worth of at least $1 million concede they aren’t especially knowledgeable about money management. In the Women & Wealth Study sponsored by GenSpring Family Offices, only a third said they know a lot about financial planning, and 30% said the same for investment management.

Part of the problem is that financial education is maleoriented, catering to how men’s brains are wired and what appeals to them, Jaffe says.

“When we approach it creatively and from a more emotion-based perspective, women are not only drawn to learning about it, they have no trouble getting it,” Jaffe says.

She offers these three things every woman should know about their relationship to money: Your investment decisions are influenced by your emotional baggage. We all bring baggage into our relationships, and it’s no different with money, Jaffe says. When you’re not aware of the baggage operating quietly in the background, you may think you’re making smart decisions when you’re actually simply reacting to past experiences. And those might not have been even your own experiences! “Whether you or a loved one suffered the consequences of a bad financial investment, it can color

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Understand the emotional response with which you receive money, whether a paycheck, a gift or an inheritance. It’s important to receive money with grace – to savor it, to be grateful for it, to be at peace with it. But depending on the circumstances by which it arrives, and lingering emotions from past experiences, we sometimes receive money with anger, guilt, resentment, greed, entitlement or any of a host of other negative emotions. This can lead to self-destructive actions. Jaffe shares a story about receiving a small inheritance from her father at a time when she had no money. She loaned the whole sum to a friend, who promptly vanished. “I was still grieving his death, and I received money that represented his legacy, yet it was only a tiny fraction of his estate – his second wife got everything else. Deep inside, I felt ripped off. Perhaps I thought by loaning my inheritance, I could wash the confusion and grief out of the money making it clean and safe to use.”

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Know your Comfort Zone for risk and stay within it. Investment comes with risks; you can assume a lot for potentially greater returns, or less for lower returns.

Understanding your Comfort Zone and staying within it will help you stay committed to your financial plan.

Would your best friend describe you as a risk taker? If you got $100,000 with instructions to invest it all in just ONE of these options – stocks, a savings account, a mutual fund portfolio of stocks and bonds, or your best friend’s start-up – which would you choose?

Knowing whether you’re very conservative, happy with a little growth, comfortable with some ups and downs, or in for adventure will help you avoid taking financial advice that makes you uncomfortable.

3

About Luna Jaffe Luna Jaffe is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Accredited Asset Management Specialist with more than ten years of financial advising experience. She holds a master’s degree in Depth Psychology and a bachelor’s in Bilingual Education. Jaffe is a popular speaker whose creative compassionate approach to financial guidance differs sharply from male-oriented approaches. Securities and advisory services offered through KMS Financial Services, Inc.

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money

remodeling

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remodeling

hen planning a home remodel, the scariest thing to most people is the potential for busting the budget.

This is a legitimate concern, as little things can add up quickly.

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But, much as they can add up to increase the cost of a remodel, they can also add up to big savings!

And who doesn’t want to save money on their home remodel?

1}

Planning a cushion:

Before we get into tips for saving money on your remodel, it’s important to discuss the likelihood that something additional may come up during your project. Home construction can be unpredictable, and things like wall cavities can hide various defects and code issues. In order to account for the unexpected, setting aside a cushion is important with any home remodel.

20% of the project cost is generally recommended, and hopefully you won’t need it.

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Does the space need to be bigger or more efficient?

We’ve all been there. If only we had a bigger kitchen, a larger bathroom, more space… But is your current space maximized? Take into consideration that the home addition that is necessary to give you more space will generally be significantly more expensive than a remodel designed to maximize the space that you already have. Things like custom cabinetry designed to make better use of your existing space, or organization options intended to maximize function may provide you with what you want at a fraction of the cost!

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Does the exterior need to be changed?

If you’re getting rid of an exterior door or window, you’ll likely need to replace siding, but do you have to replace all of it?

With wood siding, you often can locate a mill or supply company that is able to match the existing siding. Getting paint that matches then allows you to only replace the section of siding that was affected by the project.

In the case of vinyl siding, which will fade and discolor over time, you’re unlikely to ever match the color that it is now. While an option, replacing all of the siding is costly and depending on the condition of the rest of the siding, may be unnecessary. Other options that you may want to explore, where feasible, are façades such as stone. Even if you need to replace a somewhat larger section for uniformity or personal preference, it may still be cheaper than residing the entire home.

4}

Minimize wasted time for your contractors:

We certainly understand that you would like the project to be completed as quickly as possible so that you can start using your new space, but hurrying things along can also result in additional unforeseen cost. While your electricians and

framers may be finished in one area, scheduling your drywallers prematurely may create some complications if they catch up to the electricians or framers. It’s best to handle each project in stages, ensuring that you’re ready for the next step before scheduling this work. A properly scheduled project may even result in savings for the contractor, allowing you to negotiate a reduced project cost!

Similarly, if you’re responsible for purchasing materials, choose options that will reduce labor costs whenever possible. Things like moldings that have already been primed can significantly reduce labor costs as it will mean that your contractor will only need to paint these items, saving them a step. The additional cost for factory-primed molding is much less than the cost to have this primed by your contractor.

5}

Leverage your contractor’s contacts

If you’re taking the responsibility of getting certain materials, ask your contractor who they use.

These vendors may offer you a discount or give you the heads-up that a product is soon to be discontinued or discounted.

6}

Check overstocks, clearance, and remnants

Shopping overstocks and clearance materials is a great way of saving some money on material costs, particularly with flooring. Floor tile is regularly replaced with newer styles and patterns, forcing the store to offer deep discounts on current stock to make room. If you’re shopping for carpet for a single room, you may want to look at remnants or the end pieces left over on a roll of carpeting. People are often surprised by how large some remnants are, and this is a great way to save some money on your carpet.

7}

Is there anything that you can do?

Sweat equity is a great way of saving some money on a home remodel, but be sure to run this by your contractor before you get your hands dirty.

While you certainly don’t want to do anything that will complicate, delay the project, or potentially increase costs, your contractor may have some recommendations of things that you can do. Perhaps tearing out cabinets or drywall before the remodel begins, or painting after the work is completed.

Safety note: Always use proper safety equipment when performing any construction tasks, and leave things like plumbing and electrical to the experts.

8}

Forget the deliveries

If you have a larger vehicle such as a pickup truck or a trailer, you may want to consider picking up materials rather than having them delivered. The delivery cost savings is sure to add up quickly, and you can still opt for large items like drywall to be delivered if needed.

9}

Avoid “peak” construction season

If you’re hoping for a discounted interior remodel cost, try to schedule your project for when your contractor is less busy, for example during the win-

money

ter months. Not only will you keep your contractor busy when they normally are not (which they will appreciate), but they are more likely to offer you a discount on their work!

10}

Don’t move the toilet or sink

Moving plumbing such as toilets, sinks, and showers can significantly increase the cost of a remodel. If possible, keeping these items in the same location can save you additional expense that you may be able to avoid. Your contractor should be able to inspect your plumbing to determine its condition and age and make recommendations as to whether replacement will be necessary.

11}

Plan with stock sizes in mind (custom doors/ windows vs. stock items) Custom windows and doors are much more expensive than stock items, making this a great opportunity to reduce cost if possible. Often, custom items become necessary for no other reason than a final design that requires an unusual size.

Keeping stock sizes in mind during the design stage will allow you to not only plan for the use of more readily available (and cheaper) materials, but will also avoid the delays that often occur when waiting for custom items to be manufactured and delivered.

12}

Buy building supplies at auction

This is a great opportunity to save a significant amount of money on your materials, but it is not without risk. Will those cabinets fit in your new kitchen? Is that going to be enough floor tile?

Whenever considering building materials at auction, always double and triple measure to be sure before placing your bid. If you’re still unsure, call your contractor to confirm before committing to the purchase.

13}

Make decisions early and communicate

Communication is key during any home project.

Selecting materials early and committing to design plans on time will allow your contractor to plan one step ahead. Waiting until the last minute, or worse, being late with selections can create delays in the project and could increase costs.

Some decisions, such as the location of recessed lighting, are very labor intensive and costly to change after drywall has been hung for instance.

Making these design decisions early will allow your contractor to plan for this work and the entire project proceed.

While these are some of the most common ways of saving money on your remodel, there are many others. Don’t hesitate to ask your contractor what recommendations he may have for ways that you can save money on your project!

If there’s something that YOU want to hear about, please e-mail us at news@disasterblaster.com!

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money

investing

Don’t Get Caught on the

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

y family and I recently had the chance to visit one of the new indoor water parks here in the Poconos. It was quite the experience!

The resort has pools, water slides, a lazy river, and even a swim-up cocktail bar. I was overwhelmed with all of the sounds and water flying from all different directions, but my kids had an amazing time. I think one of them said it was “better than Christmas.”

M

My older son and I spent much of the day in the wave pool. I am not exaggerating when I say that we jumped over waves for five straight hours. After our epic swim, I was exhausted. I felt like I had just run a marathon. Muscles I never knew existed- ached. My son, on the other hand, was raring to go. We had a little something to eat and then went to explore the rest of the lodge.

Since the park is specifically designed for children, we discovered a number of non-water related activities. The most popular was a treasure hunt. The hunt involves a magic wand, which is waved at various objects throughout the building to un-lock clues to the location of an ancient treasure.

My son eagerly ran up and down the stairs hunting

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down leads. I could barely keep up with him, my legs hurting from the day’s pounding.

Eventually, the great prize was revealed, and I was mercifully allowed to sit down and relax for a bit.

For current investors, the art of finding an investment paying an attractive rate of interest is like finding a hidden treasure. Rates are so low that it is hard not to get dispirited by the lack of alternatives. The days of going to your local bank and buying a certificate of deposit (CD) paying 4% to 5% are gone. You have to scrounge, claw, and search for investments paying any semblance of a consistent payout.

You can find a gem or two, but it might not be in the place you normally expect.

The following investments are a bit obscure, but they are prized for above average return and could be that treasure for your portfolio.

Investors hungry for higher yields have recently been investing heavily in preferred stocks. These instruments are essentially a hybrid between a common stock and a corporate bond. The stock has first priority over the company’s assets, like a bond, but possesses no voting rights like a common stock. Preferred stocks normally pay out a higher dividend than a government backed bond or CD coupon, but on the flip side, their potential appreciation in price is limited to a few dollars up or down.

Their distributions are predictable and provide a steady stream of income. Most preferred stocks have a final redemption date or a call provision allowing the issuing company to redeem the stock at some point in the future.

The website www.dividendyieldhunter.com is a great resource for anyone interested in preferred stocks. It provides a great list of the various offerings and their respective coupons.

Primarily issued by financial institutions like banks, floating rate notes are a debt instrument (i.e., bond) whose interest rate is variable. This means that the note does not have a set interest rate until maturity. Floating rate notes usually reset their underlying interest rate every month or two. Floating rate notes become quite popular in times where an interest rate increase from the Federal Reserve is expected because the note’s rate reset will be at the higher rate. Just like today!

Floating rate notes do have certain negatives. The most apparent is

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that notes are not “high quality,” meaning their credit rating is below that of a federally backed bond, so when interest rates do move up or down the underlying price of a floating rate note will adjust as well. When stepping into the floating rate arena, my recommendation is utilizing a floating rate mutual fund or exchange traded fund (ETF) comprised of a basket of numerous floating rate notes. A good choice would be the T Rowe Price Institutional Floating Rate Fund (RPIFX) which has solid performance and low expenses.

Exchange Traded Debt or so-called “Baby Bonds” are rarer than preferred stock or floating rate notes, but they could be an income-generating investment for your portfolio. The bonds are traded on a stock exchange, instead of bond markets. They are called “Baby Bonds” because they are often issued in smaller denominations ($25 per bond) than typical corporate debt. The debt has a lower priority than any of the corporation’s secured debt. Their maturities are usually over ten years, so their coupon or interest rate is higher than many other debt instruments. However, since the maturities are so long, when interest rates rise, the price of current baby bonds will fall. This should not matter if you intend to hold the bond until maturity, but this could be a concern if you desire to sell it during its term.

The above described alternatives are an excellent way to diversify your investment portfolio with yield bearing investments. Yet, with their increased return potential, they also come with added risk. As such, they are not intended to take the place of traditional fixed-income investments in highly-rated government and corporate bonds. If you want to discover which investments are right for your portfolio, 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.

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13

reflections

from inside

“Out of the Mouths of Babes” Reflections of a Prison Inmate

By Terry Mooney

uring the hiring process for the job of Facility Tailor, I noticed that this woman is exceptionally bright-eyed and upbeat, exuding a high level of positive energy.

She’s had a long, sad road to the Pike County Correctional Facility, but hopefully, the return trip to her former life will be much shorter and happier.

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My Story I was born on Long Island. One of four children, two older brothers and a younger sister, my father was a drug addict and never worked. My mom picked up the slack and worked multiple jobs in the medical field, supporting the whole family. I think she always had hoped that he would clean up. After all, he was her high school sweetheart. But eventually, we had to leave. I was six years old.

We moved to the Poconos to be with our grandparents.

Everything was really normal as I remember. My aunts, uncles, and cousins were very family-oriented. We were poor but my mom hid it from us. She instilled in us that as long as we had each other, we had everything. She found time to make our Christmas and birthday presents, even our Halloween costumes.

When I was about thirteen, she met a new boyfriend who delivered pizza for a living. A crack head, he would beat her up.

We children were raised to respect our elders but we couldn’t accept this abuse from him. So we all began to fight with him and try to defend her. He verbally attacked us, saying things like we were spawned from the devil. She stayed with him for years.

My family is equally comfortable with love and anger. We’re either really affectionate, or really hateful. It got to the point that I had so much anger that I started taking it out on myself, banging my wrists on hard surfaces, or snapping rubber bands against my skin. Then I graduated to cutting myself, anything to inflict pain. I knew something was wrong with me but I didn’t know who to turn to. My real dad didn’t want to see me, and my mom’s boyfriend made me think they were fighting because of me, so I really began to hate myself.

In spite of it all, I was really good in school. I was a B average student, socially friendly but guarded. I did not date. We did our homework and had curfews. Mom met the parents of kids we spent time with. But if we had a problem, we weren’t supposed to talk about it. Eventually, I developed an inability to express my issues and resolve them.

I met the love of my life when we were both ten, completely falling for him. I loved everything about him, but he just wanted to be friends. Our whole adolescent/teenage experience was fun and we were really good friends. At first, he did not know I was crazy for him; he thought I was gay. In those days, girls that were close friends held hands and showed affection.

For eight years, we flirted and talked about one day becoming girlfriend and boyfriend. One night when he was with his buddies, they decided to rob a fast food place. He was the lookout.

Someone called the police and they all scattered. Hiding in the bushes, the police found him. He was arrested.

While I worked my way up in the grocery business, we wrote to each other the entire eight months he was incarcerated, and I had a good position when he was released. We were inseparable, even though the “love of my life” had fallen way short of my dreams and became a criminal like my father. I thought I could save him. Turns out I couldn’t even save myself.

We went through the honeymoon phase. Eight months later, our son was born. It was wonderful. We were the cutest little family. He was a good dad, getting up at night to feed and change him. Two years later, the second baby was born and we began fighting and arguing, breaking everything in the house. He

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started staying out all hours of the night and partying. Growing up in broken homes, we’d promised each other that our kids would not. At times, we would be ready to leave, but neither of us would.

The third baby on the way, he involved himself in another attempted robbery. Eight more months in prison, I had the baby without him. My mom was livid. She’d wanted a better life for me than hers had been. But I don’t think it dawned on her that my life was just like hers because I’d never learned any other way.

Once he was out of prison, I allowed him to see the boys because no matter what went on between him and me, he was a wonderful father. And they loved him. Eventually, we got back together. At this point, I was the bread winner, and he was the stay at home mom. I loved being pregnant. I loved knowing that I was bringing another human being into this world that I could love. Our children were so beautiful and wonderful; I could have just kept on having them. Needless to say, here comes baby number four. This was the last one because I had complications.

The pain was so unbearable this time that I actually took the Percocet they sent me home with. And I liked it a little too much.

My life has always been chaotic, lots of kids, noise and commotion. At first, taking opiates made me speed up and gave me false energy. He wasn’t pulling his weight at all, so I was taking care of the household, and also working sixty to seventy hours a week. Moving up in the company, I had to conduct meetings that I did not feel experienced enough to do. Taking the pills gave me an illusion of self-confidence. Eventually, they became necessary just for “normal” functioning, requiring more and more of them to do the job.

Growing up with very little, I wanted my kids to have more than we did. As a child, I was embarrassed at how people looked down at us. With the pills clouding my judgment coupled with an obsession with giving my kids what others had, I began stealing. As crazy as it sounds, I still worked full time. I didn’t steal from the store where I was manager, never. I felt that would be wrong. I stole from other stores.

One day, I filled up my cart and started walking out to the parking lot, spotting another shopper watching me. I could tell he was undercover security because the items in his cart made no sense. Against my nagging intuition, I walked out anyway. I was arrested. Turns out they’d been watching me on other days and had video, so I got charged with that, too.

Of course, I lost my management job. Then the father of my children committed another crime and was sent to federal prison. I’ve been sentenced to state prison. Thankfully, my mother has temporary custody of the boys who are now thirteen, eleven, nine and eight. My thirteen-year-old recently explained to me that they are upset because I need to be good and be allowed to come home. Out of the mouths of babes!

My plan upon release is to continue the recovery process that proves to my family that I will not go down this road again. I feel very different now than I did before. I think the stealing was part of never feeling good enough as a person and as a mother.

I know now that all the boys want is for me to love them, and to be with them. And I know that they love me for who I am, not what I give them. They are teaching me again what I’d learned as a child, that as long as we have each other, we have everything.

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subsection

You Can $ave

section

By Jocelyn Cramer

RE L MONEY What Are You Waiting For?

he middle class is shrinking in our country. The cost of homes, college, and household expenses have increased faster than wages.

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HOW ARE YOU MANAGING? SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support) of Northeastern PA has worked since its founding in 2008 to help home owners save money on energy costs.

We have offered dozens of free forums in the past eight years. Some workshops specifically designed to help families save money included Home Energy Efficiency Tricks and Tips, Winterizing Your Home, and Edible Back Yards.

Our mission includes promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living to improve the health of our environment and our local economy. There is an environmental cost to our energy choices. Every time we turn on a light switch, it has an impact on our planet. In recent years, local electric utilities increased the size of their transmission towers. The extra capacity was not necessarily needed for additional homes and businesses on the grid, but rather because each home and business requires much more energy than ever before.

(175 – 198 foot poles replaced the existing 85 foot tall steel lattices in our area in recent years) How many cell phones and chargers are in your home?

Tablet? Laptops? TV’s? How many of them are always plugged in?

Yet despite the struggles we all face meeting our expenses and saving for our futures, SEEDS still finds that many people who know how to improve the energy efficiency of their homes are just not doing it. And research supports this. The number one reason that people don’t make energy efficiency upgrades is because they don’t believe it will result in significant savings. What if you rethink this and start saving money today?

In previous years, SEEDS has written about passive house building standards. These standards, common in Europe, result in a home that uses 80% less energy than conventional construction. These standards simply use

super insulation, triple pane windows, energy efficiency appliances, passive solar (positioning the home for maximum heat and light). as well as a high efficiency air exchange units since the building’s envelope is so tight.

That’s it. Building to these standards is currently more expensive, but costs are coming down as demand has increased.

Imagine if you are building a home, you’re in your 20’s or 30’s, and you will spend 80% less on energy costs for the rest of your life? Energy costs will most likely continue to increase over time. Any energy efficiency measures provide a hedge against rising energy costs.

Most of us won’t be building a home any time soon. So, let me ask you, why haven’t you made the energy efficiency upgrades you know about? What can you do? If you’re unsure, check out our top 15 suggestions on our website at seedsgroup.net/resources/home-energy-efficiency-checklist.

The best news is that since we created this list, LED bulbs have increased in varieties and decreased over 65% in cost! So, it is no longer wise to wait for older CFLs or incandescent bulbs to fail. Replace them now and see immediate savings! Make sure you take your old CFL bulbs to an approved recycling site to properly dispose of the mercury they contain.

A testimonial from one of the home owners who volunteered in SEEDS’ free energy assessment program one year, had this to say…

“After learning of the FREE home energy assessment provided by the local SEEDS team, we scheduled an assessment of our residence and gladly welcomed two trained assessors and their mentor to our home.

(Seeds volunteers Nick Hindley and Pete Snyder walk students around the perimeter of a home during training week.)

“They asked to see our entire home inside and out, from roof, to attic, to basement. They examined all walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, and even got down to inspect all areas where walls and floors met. They asked if they could take photos of any and all “trouble spots” where they initially felt we may be losing energy; i.e… dollars! At the end, we all sat down again to discuss their initial findings.

“As promised, we received a report, including all photos taken, that outlined in detail how they felt we could “tighten up” our home, make it MUCH Greener, thereby continuously saving us money. Some of the recommendations we were able to take care of ourselves, including

replacing nearly all our incandescent light bulbs with more efficient bulbs. We hired a contractor to remedy most of the other recommendations. While fortunately not too extensive, they did include a LOT of caulking, inside and out, from the basement to the attic, as well as some minor construction repairs and corrections.

We noticed an immediate decrease in the amount of oil consumed that winter. We went to the trouble of checking previous records of degree days, oil consumption, etc., comparing past years, and definitely found that all of the caulking, etc. paid for itself in one year!! That included materials and labor. We also noticed an immediate reduction in our PPL bills one month over the same month the previous year…month after month.

Undoubtedly, without the SEEDS assessment and very complete report, we would not have made the energy saving changes to our home that have provided us both with financial savings and much more comfort during the colder months. All you have to do is call and set up an appointment.” - Bob and Jet Mermell SEEDS encouraged a local small business to switch all outdoor lights to LED floods, and they saw their electricity bill amount drop in half!

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Think how this would help our local economy if every family and business could save 10 – 20 percent of their energy costs. Make those energy efficiency upgrades now.

Swap all bulbs for LEDs. Patch air breeches. Improve the weatherstripping on your doors. Don’t know how? Do a quick google search and find lots of great tutorial videos on YouTube. Insert outlet and light switch gaskets on all your exterior walls. Caulk windows. Re-caulk if you haven’t in several years. Check where utility wires enter your home, and seal any gaps. Dust all your existing light fixtures, LED bulbs, and refrigerator coils. All these tips are not expensive. Then you can start tracking real savings. Let us know what you did and what kind of energy savings you saw. Share tips you have tried with us.

Seeing is believing, and it just might encourage someone else to give it a try, too!

You can learn more about SEEDS by visiting our website atwww.seedsgroup.net. Sign up for our free monthly e-newsletter with lots more tips, updates on our free forums, and sustainable initiatives in our area.

Jocelyn Cramer is the Executive Director of SEEDS of Northeastern PA, located on the second floor of The Cooperage at 1030 Main Street. Phone: (570) 2451256.

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entertainment

book/film reviews

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE

“The Book of Heroes”

By Crispin Boyer

“The Book of Heroines”

By Stephanie Warren Drimmer Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer ho would you say you look up to? Is it a teacher who really inspires you? A coach who helps you reach for the stars? Maybe you admire your Mom or your Dad, who’ve guided you through life; or a sibling or grandparent who makes you proud.

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Whoever it is you look up to, you know that that person makes you want to be your best, and in “The Book of Heroines” by Stephanie Warren Drimmer and “The Book of Heroes” by Crispin Boyer, you’ll find even more inspiration.

What do you think of when you hear the words “hero” or “heroine”?

You might think of someone in a cape and tights, able to walk on the side of buildings or beat up bad guys. Those are great comic-book examples, but real heroes and heroines are humans (and animals!) who do brave, smart, strong, or compassionate things.

Let’s say, for example, that you’re in need of a leader to follow. You might like Eleanor Roosevelt, who “changed the role of the first lady forever” through thoughtful deeds and actions. Or how about Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, New Jersey, who saved lives and fought crime in his city, and beyond?

If sports are more your thing, you’ll find many inspirational stories. Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson both fought against racism in their respective sports (track and baseball). Surya Bonaly broke figure skating records with her feats on the ice, and “she did it on her own terms.” Pat Tillman was a football player and a soldier.

Or maybe you’d like some exciting footsteps to follow. Open a book and find Mavis Batey, who was a secret code-buster during World War II. Robert Gould Shaw led a charge of Black Union soldiers during the Civil War. Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane were both gun-totin’ women of the West. Witold Pilecki was captured on purpose during World War II so he could spy inside Nazi prisons.

And if they don’t inspire you, keep looking. You’ll find plenty of ordinary, everyday heroes and heroines here and in real life.

We all need someone to emulate, someone who makes us want to be better and do better. In “The Book of Heroes” and “The Book of Heroines,” your child will find uplifting (and unique) footprints to follow.

Here, he’ll read a variety of mini-biographies of people from the pages of history and mythology, actors and their characters, comic books and people who do super-heroic things, writers and readers, warriors, spies, animals, and others who will pique her interest. Each page is awash in color and just-right detail (these books are, after all, from the National Geographic, folks), as authors Stephanie Warren Drimmer and Crispin Boyer give your child plenty to choose from.

It may, in fact, be hard for kids to pick who to read about next.

The LEGO Movie was a delightful surprise, an original story that found a lot of organic humor in the very essence of those tiny toy blocks we all thought we knew. But this follow-up, directed by Chris McKay, is something of a bust. It’s enjoyable enough for a rainy afternoon, but it’s trying awfully hard to be edgy while doubling down on some of Hollywood’s most common tropes. It’s a movie about superheroes (Batman and many more), not Legos. While ostensibly everything in the film is constructed from LEGOs, it mostly looks like any other digitally animated action film; it is noticeably less … LEGO-y.

The film is presented as a parody of superhero movies that plays out a lot like an actioner — so many frantic chase scenes! (This film opens with a send-up of Deadpool, itself a send-up.) There is hugging. And like so many other animated comedies, LEGO Batman can’t decide if it’s for the kids or adults. In the end, it delivered more jokes to adults (especially those old enough to remember the 1980s).

The film also makes a joke about how many Batman movies already exist, and now here’s another, made from plastic, to add to that sagging pile. out of 4

20TH CENTURY WOMEN Five years ago, Mike Mills made Beginners, a film loosely based on his dad’s latein-life decision to come out as gay. Now the women in his life, particularly his mother, get the inspired-by treatment in this ensemble dramedy. It’s 1979, and in Santa Barbara, Calif., single mom Dorothea (Annette Bening) presides over a large Victorian boarding house; like most of its inhabitants, the house has good bones, but without some TLC is in danger of falling apart. There are her teenage son, Jamie (Lucas Jade Zumann); resident handyman William (Billy Crudup); punkish photographer Abbie (Greta Gerwig); and Jamie’s buddy, Julie (Elle Fanning), who sleeps over a lot.

Sensing she is losing touch with her son, Dorothea recruits Abbie and Julie to help forge new connections. (Spoiler alert: Everybody here needs new and improved connections.) That’s the set-up for a shaggy tale about family (actual and created), growing up, friendship, love, claiming the right to be angry/sad/happy/bored, and the million messy ways people support each other. In the lazier, hazier days before tech, there’s simply a lot of hanging out. Fortunately, these are people you’d want to chill with, especially Bening’s Dorothea, who is imperfectly marvelous. It’s a warm, wise, and funny movie that is heartwarming without being sappy. out of 4

All of these ran previously in the Pittsburgh City Paper.

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sanctuaries & retreats

The Lodge at Woodloch

did you know?

The Highlights Foundation

Sanctuary, Retreat, and Wellness

By LA Guzda

The Sanctuary Heal is a new retreat center in Callicoon, NY, part of our Pocono/Catskill mountain sisterhood.

The Sanctuary is under the direction of Gil Gauthereau. Originally from France, Gil arrived in the States eleven years ago. Six years ago, he began his own quest for spiritual awakening by traveling through India and Nepal and studying with Mother Theresa’s Sisters of Charity. The Sanctuary Heal offers The Sanctuary Heal alternative healing opportunities. http://www.thesanctuaryheal.com/ the

here is a reason there are so many camps in our surrounding area, but natural beauty and peacefulness is not just for kids. This area boasts a number of sanctuaries and retreats. They offer a variety of interests and specialties.

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The Himalayan Institute

Here are some of my favorites: The Lodge at Woodloch is a nationally-recognized award-winning destination spa resort that features treatments, classes, activities, and speakers whose intention is to rejuvenate and alleviate stress. www.thelodgeatwood-loch.com/ The Highlights Foundation is a retreat center in Boyds Mills that offers an idyllic setting to foster creativity in writers. The serenity of the location combined with modern conveniences and fresh, farm-style meals make this a distinctive experience. www.highlightsfoundation.org/about-us/ The Himalayan Institute in Bethany is an education center as well as a retreat facility. The Institute itself is dedicated to education and humanitarian efforts. They also offer excursions unlike any other.

Because of their humanitarian efforts, they support communities around the world. You can visit these locations, contribute with hands-on activities, and have an authentic cultural exchange. https://www.himalayaninstitute.org/

I have been living in this area for fourteen years, but I first visited over forty years ago (yes, when I was very young). And from the start, there was something magical about this area that spoke to my creative spirit. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that there are so many camps, retreats, sanctuaries, and wellness offerings. There is an energy that permeates the very air we breathe. I bought a kayak so that I can put-in on the Delaware in the afternoon, long past the rentals, and experience the river as did those one hundred or even two hundred years ago.

I love the untouched, unchanged natural setting that boasts eagles, otters, eels. Yes, there have been some developments, but not as much as other areas so close to New York and Philadelphia metros. We are fortunate to be the caretakers and hosts to others visiting our pristine corner of the world. How lovely to simply walk out your door to enjoy what others pay a fair amount to experience. Does it speak to you? Does it inspire you? If not, I suggest you go back inside and come out again…

Follow us on Instagram @PoconoSecrets and on Facebook @PocoPike Visit www.LAGuzda.com or www.PoconoSecrets.com for past articles.

Do you have a Pocono Secret to share? Send an email to: PoconoSecrets@aol.com.

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lifestyle

outdoor ramblings

Early spring in the Poconos means a lot of things to a lot of people.

The pond ice starts to melt, the daffodils and crocus pop up, migrating birds begin to return, and the newborn animals emerge from their dens…among them, the bears.

Typically, every March, biologists and conservation officers from the Pennsylvania Game Commission go on the hunt for bear cubs. Each year, they track female bears that have radio collars to find their dens and examine their litters.

Last spring, I was fortunate enough to accompany members of the PGC on one such den check.

While the numbers for new cubs in Pike County was low in 2016, we should see an increase in little bears this year.

The amount of wildlife biology that is carried on by the Game Commission is probably something many outdoorsmen of the Keystone State don’t fully understand. For the non-woodsy folks, what goes on behind the scenes at the PGC is probably something that’s given little thought.

However, for people like myself who frequently ponder what exactly my hunting license fees are

funding, getting to experience something like this first-hand helps quell thoughts that paying for the privilege of being an outdoorsman in Pennsylvania is all for naught.

While on the surface the study of bears yields valuable information about the animals that, in turn might be used to help set hunting policies, once you look beyond the initial numbers and statistics studies such as these produce, you can learn much about the habitat where the bears live. From there, you can see how man’s interaction with the environment has negatively or positively affected that habitat. Deciphering that information could lead to policies that affect things such as land management, wetlands protection, road construction, and even tourism.

Of the nine to ten females in Pike County that have radio collars, just four had cubs that were born during that winter. The others are all bears that had yearlings. So right off the bat, we can learn a little about the mating cycle of our local bears.

The bear that was tracked on this particular day was initially collared in 2007, according to local WCO Bob Johnson. He informed me that when she was first collared, a tooth was removed and sent for study that determined her age then to be about six years old. That made her about fifteen.

Think about that. 107 bears were taken in the 2016 fall hunting season. In November 2015, close to 105 bears were checked in at the Shohola Game Commission station during the first three days of bear season. 79 were checked in during that same period during the 2014 hunt. While the numbers fluctuate from season to season, on average they remain in that window for close to a decade. Given the numbers of bears harvested

and the fact that this sow had remained unscathed for so many years signals that the local habitat is certainly capable of providing enough area for bears to remain undiscovered even through periods of heavy hunting.

Ideally, once located, the sow is tranquilized; she’s given a health check, too; and the cubs are counted, checked for gender, weighed, get some blood drawn, and then each is given an ear tag.

This particular bear had just one cub this year, a down year for her, according to WCO Mark Kropa. He recalled that she has had three to four cubs every two years since they started tracking her. One year she lost her entire litter and then had three more the following winter that put her into a different cycle, but if she followed her previous pattern before that and started mating at two years like most sows, he estimates she may have had two litters of 2-4 bears before they ever tracked her. That means that roughly in the course of her life she’s produced around 25 bears.

Any bears this sow produced since she was collared were tagged, and given the time and opportunity, I’d be interested in finding out how many bears harvested in Pike County each year have ear tags that can be traced to a Pike County cub litter from a previous year. The locations of the dens are recorded so one could even figure out what a harvested bear’s range roughly was from the time it was born.

I used to think I knew a lot about bears and their habitat, but this past week’s junket with the Game Commission only made me realize that while I thought I possessed a “More than working knowledge of Ursus Americanus,” in fact, there’s a lot more I can learn about our American Black Bears. williamjdeaton@yahoo.com

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classic cars

lifestyle

1929

White Ford

Roadster

By Arnie Milidantri

s a certified car enthusiast, one of my life’s small pleasures is attending a car show on a bright and sunny day surrounded by great cars and terrific car people. It doesn’t matter if I’m showing a car, reminiscing about cars I owned, or dreaming of cars I would like to own, a day at a car show or cruise is a great outing! On my most recent outing, I came upon a beautiful White 1929 Model A Ford Roadster street rod that stopped me in my tracks. The car is owned by Don and Karen Greenlee, and it not only turn heads as is flows by, but it instantly attracts crowds when parked. For those of us who always wanted that cool roadster to cruise the streets and malt shops of our teen years, this little white roadster is beyond our wildest dreams.

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Background

Featured Car

Ford’s Model T’s manufactured in the early 1920’s were plain, versatile, far outsold other new cars, and provided millions of working Americans the advantages of personal mobility. During the mid-20’s, other car manufacturers began to embrace Ford’s quick assembly-line production, causing Ford’s market share to drop. In response to the competition that offered more stylish, sophisticated cars at low prices and enticements such as buying on credit, Henry Ford decided to replace the Model T with a new car that would attract as much attention as the “Tin Lizzie” once had.

The much-anticipated 1928 Ford Model A, dubbed “Henry’s Lady,” was chic, sporty, and possessed mechanical features that the Model T lacked. The Model A was the first Ford to use the standard set of driver controls with conventional clutch and brake pedals, throttle, and gearshift. Previous Ford models used controls that had become uncommon to drivers of other makes. The Model A’s fuel tank was located in the cowl, between the engine compartment’s fire wall and the dash panel. It had a visual fuel gauge, and the fuel flowed to the carburetor by gravity. A rear view mirror was optional, and the Model A was the first car to have safety glass in the windshield.

The engine was a water-cooled L-head 4-cylinder with a displacement of 201 cu in providing 40 hp coupled to a three-speed, sliding-gear transmission.

Ford’s Model A averaged between 25 and 30 mpg and had a top speed of around 65 mph. The new fourwheel manual braking system and hydraulic shock absorbers greatly improved the car’s overall safety and handling. It had a 103.5 in wheelbase with a final drive ratio of 3.77:1. Depending upon the body style chosen (20 were offered including roadsters, pick-ups, sedans etc.), the prices ranged from $385.00 for a Roadster to $1,400.00 for the top-of-the-line Town Car. The Model T may have mobilized Americans, but the Model A got them to their destinations faster, safer, and in comfort. It was the second huge success for the Ford Motor Company (almost 5,000,000 Model A’s were produced between 1928-31 model years).

Because of the large numbers manufactured and the availability of parts, Model A Fords were and still are among the most popular cars for restoration and the body style is used or copied in highly modified Street Rods.

The beautiful White 1929 Ford Roadster featured is a totally new meticulously designed, engineered, and professional built street-rod owned by Don and Karen Greenlee. As unique as the car is, the story behind the build is even better. Don and Karen were married on July 23, 1966, and the car highlighted in the photo album was a 1929 Model A Ford Roadster street rod built by Don. The car was sold soon after the wedding.

Don continued to be active in the car hobby, building several cars throughout their marriage so it seemed logical that when they were looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary last year, they would gift themselves a luxury 1929 Ford roadster. “It was a mutual gift we could both enjoy,” said Karen (good insight why they have been married fifty years).

A special present requires special skills and handling. Don, an experienced builder in his own right, commissioned the build of their car to Precision Hot Rods & Fabrication located in Macedonia, Ohio. This was the first car he would not do hands-on and his choice had to be right. Don has known the shop’s coowner, Danny Tessar, since he was a teenager. The challenge was to build the car in less than two years before the big golden anniversary date.

Remember, everything on this car is “new”! Danny and his crew at Precision built a 1932 Ford Deuce-style chassis from scratch fitted with a Heidts independent suspension on the front and rear rather than your typical solid-axle setups. The key design goal according to Don was, “To have a professional create a very roadworthy, comfortable riding, safe car.” In support of that goal, a drive train, starting with an ATK HighPerformance Ford 302 Engine equipped with custom headers/exhaust, coupled to a GearStar Level 2 AOD transmission, and linked to a Ford posi rear, provides the roadworthiness needed; add Viking adjustable coilovers for stability/comfort and Wilwood disc brakes at the four corners for safety.

The car’s body merged to the car’s great mechanicals is an all steel Brookville 1929 Model A roadster body.

Precision creatively performed a few modifications including the now flush fit doors, reshaped cowl, and the laid back windshield. Also adding to the car’s “sleek” look are a Pete Hagan hood and filled 1929 radiator shell. The car’s custom, one-of-a-kind interior was created by John Miller at Sullivan’s Upholstery in

New London, Ohio. The passenger compartment and bench seat are covered with two-tone silver vinyl, while the floor received a marine-grade carpet.

Finishing the interior is a custom dash featuring a set of Classic Instrument gauges in a Lokar insert, Vintage Air/heat (for the comfort aspect!), a Billet Specialties steering wheel, and a Lokar shifter.

The final jewelry, that perfectly complements the car’s great white paint job, is a set of polished-lip/gunmetal-centered Billet Specialties 17- and 20-inch Bonnevilles, as well as a few splashes of chrome and stainless. The car is an outstanding example of the iconic roadster street rod. The car’s classic lines, stance, and sound make for one “Great Golden Anniversary Gift”!

This past Thanksgiving, Donald and Karen not only gave each other their “golden gift,” courtesy of Precision Hot Rods, they immediately jumped in and drove straight to the annual Turkey Run at the Daytona International Speedway Beach for its car show premier and received rave reviews from the crowds. As Donald summed it up, “The trip gave us the opportunity to enjoy driving a great roadster, in perfect Florida weather. It was a wonderful experience to receive positive feedback from spectators about how much they like the car’s simple lines and clean look.”

Owners Don Greenlee has been a car enthusiast all his life and is a self-taught car builder/restorer. He worked most of his pre-retirement years in the insurance industry in the Ohio area before retiring to sunny Florida (a much more roadster friendly place).

Throughout Don and Karen’s marriage, he has built several cars including a 1928 Ford pickup for their 20th wedding anniversary. In addition to their great “new” 1929 Ford roadster featured in this article, they also have a Sunflower Yellow 1929 Ford coupe and a Sandy Beige 1947 Lincoln Continental (completely restored by Don over a twelve year period) as part of their collection.

Don and Karen are active participants in local central Florida car shows and cruises and believe cars should be driven, including the 1929 Roadster. No “trailer queens” in this collection. Blessed with a great marriage, a great car, and great Florida weather, “Life is good”!

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19

E M A I L U S Y O U R Q U E S T I O N S AT C M A G @ P T D . N E T

ASK THE VET:

lifestyle

your pets

Secondhand Smoke Affects Pets, Too he effects of secondhand smoke on people are welldocumented. Exposure to tobacco smoke causes a variety of serious health problems, including stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not surprisingly, secondhand smoke also increases the risk of health problems for your pet.

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Dogs That Live with Smokers Are at Increased Risk of Nasal and Lung Cancers Breathing in tobacco smoke can increase the chance that your dog will develop lung or nasal cancers. Nasal cancer is more common in long-nosed dogs, including collies, greyhounds, Afghan hounds, dachshunds, and borzois.

Because more carcinogens can accumulate in their long noses, fewer carcinogens reach their lungs. In contrast, shorternosed dogs that live with smokers are more likely to develop lung cancer because their noses do not filter the carcinogens as effectively.

Unfortunately, the long-term survival rate for nasal cancer is low. Dogs that receive radiation treatment, the recommended treatment for nasal cancer, usually live an average eight to nineteen months, according to the National Canine Cancer Foundation.

Exposure to smoke also increases the risk that your dog will develop asthma, bronchitis, or other respiratory problems.

Breathing in Carcinogens Isn’t the Only Problem If you have ever been in the home of a long-time smoker, you may have noticed that the walls were coated with a yellow, sticky residue from the tobacco smoke.

Unfortunately, carcinogens do not just coat the walls, but also fall on your pets’

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fur. Since cats clean their fur by licking it, they are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma in their mouths.

The risk of developing the cancer increases if cats have lived in the environment for five years or longer. Cats exposed to secondhand smoke are also 2-1/2 times more likely to develop malignant lymphoma than cats that live in smoke-free homes.

Secondhand Smoke and Birds Don’t Mix Dogs and cats aren’t the only pets that experience health problems when they live with tobacco smoke. Birds are particularly sensitive to smoke, chemicals, and other pollutants. When they are exposed to secondhand smoke, they are more likely to develop pneumonia, lung cancer, heart problems, skin and eye irritation, coughing, and sinusitis.

Smoke Isn’t the Only Problem Your cat is unlikely to think an ashtray full of cigarette butts looks tasty, but your dog might decide that they make a good snack. Eating butts can lead to nicotine poisoning, a condition that can cause death if your pet ingests enough nicotine.

Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include: • Vomiting • Seizures • Tremors • Abnormal heart rate • Weakness • Incoordination • Drooling Your pet can also develop nicotine poisoning if it drinks water that contains cigarette or cigar butts, or eats nicotine gum or patches.

Preventing Exposure The best way to prevent these serious health problems is to quit smoking and maintain a smoke-free environment for your pet. Although confining smoking to an outdoor area can help, your pet will be

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still be exposed to nicotine and carcinogens on your clothing, hair, and body.

Vaping is touted as a better solution to smoking, but the e-cigarettes still produce chemicals that can be toxic.

We are here to help your pet stay strong and healthy. Give us a call if it’s time for your pet’s annual exam, or if you are concerned about a possible health problem.

Sources: Science Daily: Secondhand Smoke is a Threat to Pets, 09/03/07 – https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070831123420.htm PetMD: Risks of Second Hand Smoke for Dogs and Cats, 06/23/14 – http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/drcoates/2014/june/risks-second-hand-smoke-dogs-andcats-31821 American Journal of Epidemiology: Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Risk of Malignant Lymphoma in Pet Cats, 04/17/02 – http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/156/3/268.full Association for Pet Obesity Prevention: 2014 Obesity Facts and Risks – http://www.petobesityprevention.org/ pet-obesity-fact-risks/ American Journal of Veterinary Research: Urinary Biomarkers to Assess Exposure of Cats to Environmental Tobacco Smoke, 04/07 – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/17397288 Healthy Pets: How Cigarettes and Smoking Impact Your Pet’s Health, 09/17/09 – http://healthypets.mercola.com/ sites/healthypets/archive/2009/09/17/how-cigarettes-andsmoking-impact-your-pets-health.aspx Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Health Effects of Secondhand Smoke, 02/17/16 – http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2009/09/17/h ow-cigarettes-and-smoking-impact-your-pets-health.aspx National Canine Cancer Foundation: Nasosinal Tumors – http://wearethecure.org/learn-more-about-canince-cancer/canine-cancer-library/nasosinal-tumors/

Column Provided by Cherry Ridge Veterinary Clinic in Honesdale.

Send your questions to Pet Column, c/o Connections Magazine, 3305 Lake Ariel Highway, Honesdale, Pa. 18431 or e-mail them to cmag@ptd.net and type 'Ask the Vet' in the subject line.

laser vision

wellness

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU

By Dr. Frank A. Bucci, Jr.

What to look for when choosing your eye surgeon and surgery center espite numerous advertising campaigns, whether they tout low pricing, combined experience or convenient locations, you owe it to yourself to base the decision on fact and logic. There are significant differences in the caliber of surgeon and surgical technology you’ll receive.

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Bucci Laser Vision knows that the choice of refractive surgeons may seem endless and that there are so many factors to consider when selecting your surgeon.

We’d like to offer the following facts in order to assist you with one of the most important decisions you have to make in your life.

An OPHTHALMOLOGIST is either a medical doctor (M.D.) or an osteopathic physician (D.O.) who is qualified and specially trained to diagnose and treat all eye and visual system problems, both medically and surgically, as well as diagnose general diseases of the body. An ophthalmologist receives a minimum of twelve years of post-high school education, which typically includes four years of college, four years of medical school, one or more years of general clinical training, and a minimum of three years of residency (hospital-based training) in ophthalmology.

A fellowship-trained corneal specialist has completed a residency and continues expanding his knowledge and experience. “Fellows” are capable of acting as attending physicians or consultant physicians in the field in which they were trained, such as Ophthalmology. After completing a fellowship in the relevant sub-specialty, the physician is permitted to practice without direct supervision by other physicians in that sub-specialty. Frank A. Bucci, Jr., MD had the privilege to fellowship-train with one of the leading surgeons in the world, Dr. Richard S. Lindstrom.

Dr. Bucci is an internationally recognized expert in refractive and cataract surgery. He has performed over 9,000 refractive and 28,000 microsurgical eye procedures. In addition to having over 87 articles published in medical publications and industry journals, he was also voted as one of the Top 50 Ophthalmologists in the U.S. by his peers (‘07 Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today). He has also gained recognition and frequently lectures on the appropriate patient selection and multifocal lens implant technique, which has deemed him the #1 Multifocal surgeon in PA., Top 10 in the USA. This procedure often enables Dr. Bucci to eliminate patients’ needs for bifocals or reading glasses.

The participation in clinical trials is also recognition of a skilled surgeon and staff. Industry leaders call upon the best surgeons with the most outstanding results in order to carry out their studies, which have been, or are in the process of, receiving FDA ( Food and Drug Administration) approval. Dr. Bucci and his staff contribute valuable research to numerous ongoing clinical trials.

Lastly, a complete and thorough eye exam, health history, in addition to discussing your lifestyle and visual goals should be conducted by your surgeon and his/her staff. Dr. Bucci is the founder and sole surgeon at Bucci Laser Vision.

He not only conducts all surgical consults and procedures but will share in your care by co managing with your existing Optometrist as well.

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21

wellness

behavioral medicine

Depression...

So SAD

By Arthur Middleton, M.D., FAPA

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. ~Maori Proverb he experience of feeling sad and depressed at various times in our lives is not alien to most of us. While many episodes of depression are a natural response to some events, the fact that a significant number of people are taking medications to treat depression and anxiety is a reflection of the degree of distress that occurs. Many individuals hope that taking a pill will solve the problem. It is not that simple.

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In a recent HealthDay news report from the National Institutes of Health / U.S. National Library of Medicine (December 12, 2016), it was reported that “one in six U.S. adults takes a psychiatric medicine to cope with conditions such as depression, anxiety and insomnia.” The report stated further that many of these medications are written by primary care physicians and not psychiatrists. While it is important for primary care physicians to recognize that depression is treatable, and they do, it is also important for patients to recognize that all symptoms of depression do not necessarily require treatment with medications. Feeling sad and depressed is not pleasant, and the possibility that a medication might quickly alleviate the discomfort is compelling. As the report notes, “among the 10 leading psychiatric medications were six antidepressants Zoloft (sertraline), Celexa (citalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), Desyrel (trazodone), Lexapro (escitalopram) and Cymbalta (duloxetine).”

The report concludes with the observation that treatment for depression can be improved by implementing mental health screening at annual checkups.

The importance of treating mental health disorders and the consequences of not having proper access is highlighted in the news, almost daily. At the same time, the public has also become more aware of the extent of mental disorders and its impact on society.

The news reports stress the importance of funding for treatment. Chief among the list of mental health disorders is depression for which appropriate treatment can be effective. The following fictional clinical vignette highlights the spectrum of depression.

JT, 48, is married and the father of two teenaged boys. He works as a computer technician. His wife is a software technician. JT has always regarded himself as introverted and a true computer geek. He spends his day, often alone, working on computers in his workstation, which is part of a large software company. He has worked for this company nearly twenty years.

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While his wife is more outgoing, JT is not. He is friendly to co-workers but does not spend lunch with his computer team, preferring to spend his time eating a sandwich while still working at his desk. While he does not generally share this information, for as long as he can remember, he has dealt with seasonal mood swings; beginning to feel depressed when winter approache, and gradually feeling better when spring arrives.

His family is used to this and has become accustomed to JT’s explanation that he is “bipolar.”

He has never seen a psychiatrist, but his primary care doctor has prescribed numerous medications, over several years, which includes a variety of antidepressants such as Zoloft or sertraline, Prozac or fluoxetine, and Celexa or citalopram, as well as mood stabilizers, such as Depakote or valproate. JT has found it difficult to describe what he experiences but does acknowledge feeling “out of sorts,” especially during the winter. During the winter months, he spends more time alone in his office. He often has “dark thoughts,” which include taking his life, but he has never shared this with anyone. His father has been treated for a depressive disorder with medication but no longer takes it, feeling that he has learned to cope with his occasional feelings of sadness.

JT has read about depression and “winter blues,” but has minimized this, feeling that it is not a real disorder. While his family doctor has prescribed antidepressants, he has also encouraged JT to see a psychiatrist, which he has resisted. JT has regarded this seasonal experience as something he simply had to deal with. But it was his father who insisted that his son see a psychiatrist, fearing that he was not getting a proper diagnosis necessary for effective treatment.

His father also wondered if his son was really bipolar.

JT finally relented and did see a psychiatrist referred by his primary care doctor.

When meeting with the psychiatrist, he described how he was feeling and how long he had been dealing with feelings of sadness, further describing the experience of low energy, social withdrawal, and weight gain every winter. JT also admitted that he had thought about suicide, but never had any serious intent or plan. The psychiatrist determined that JT did meet the full diagnostic criteria for a major

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depressive order. The antidepressant Wellbutrin XL or bupropion was prescribed. The psychiatrist explained to JT that it was his opinion that he had Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and further explained that this is a real mental health disorder.

In addition to taking medication, JT was advised that other therapies for this disorder included light therapy, as well as CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy. JT opted for CBT and was referred to a therapist who used “behavioral activation.”

This particular therapy focused on activities that are “pleasurable” to the patient in order to help to improve coping skills during the winter months. JT has emerged from his shell of social isolation and has become more engaged with his co-workers. He realized that it was easy to get somewhat lost in his computer work and was pleasantly surprised to learn that his co-workers want very much to work with him and enjoy his company.

The fictional clinical vignette highlights the features of Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is part of the depressive spectrum that affects a sizeable portion of the U.S. population. A proper diagnosis of SAD requires that the individual has experienced at least two years of seasonal depression and meets the full criteria for major depression. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) lists the symptoms of Major Depression, which includes: feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day, having difficulty concentrating, having frequent thoughts of death or suicide, having problems with sleep and losing interest in activities that were once enjoyed. There are also “risk factors” for SAD that include being female, as women are diagnosed with SAD four times more often than men, according to the NIMH. Having a family history of depression or having depression is also a risk factor for SAD. Also, according to the NIMH, as a function of living far from the equator, “1 percent of those who live in Florida and 9 percent of those who live in New England or Alaska suffer from SAD.” In a New York Times article titled: Why IS Spring Being So Passive Aggressive? by Marisa Meltzer (April 17, 2015), the author writes about “winter blues,” describing the experience of an individual who lives in Buffalo. The author also includes the clinical reflections of a psychiatrist, who has written

losing weight about “winter blues,” who estimates that “5% of Adult Americans have the full-blown syndrome (of SAD).” The author includes the observations and experiences of other psychiatrists who have diagnosed SAD in some of their patients and employed antidepressants, light therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy as effective treatment.

There is a neurobiological mechanism to explain why people get depressed. There are “neurotransmitters” or chemicals in the brain which function abnormally and are believed to cause depression. The chemicals in the brain that have been identified are Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine, as well as Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA and Glutamate.

While the actual causes of SAD are unknown, according to the NIMH, individuals who suffer from SAD may have trouble with a chemical in their brains, the neurotransmitter Serotonin.

Additionally, a chemical that is produced in our bodies, Melatonin, may be increased in individuals with SAD. This leads to feelings of lethargy.

There is also the hypothesis that individuals with SAD may produce less Vitamin D. The mention of SAD will frequently be associated with light therapy, which has been part of the traditional treatment of this disorder. This involves using a “light box” that the individual sits in front of, generally in the morning, on a daily basis, during the winter months. Antidepressants continue to be used, often successfully, to treat the symptoms of depression. Wellbutrin XL or bupropion, is an antidepressant which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of SAD. While the exact mechanism of action for this medication is not known, it is believed to be associated with norepinephrine and dopamine, which are chemicals in the brain.

It is important to recognize that depression is a significant and commonly experienced illness. It is a spectrum disease, ranging from mild symptoms to severe at the other end of the spectrum, which may be associated with suicidal thoughts and behavior.

SAD is one of several types of depression. According to the NIMH, this includes Major Depression, which is associated with severe symptoms of depression that involve disturbances of sleep and the ability to work. Persistent depressive disorder, is described as a depressed mood “that lasts for at least two years.” Psychotic depression describes depression with delusional thinking or psychosis; a break with reality. Postpartum depression is a serious depressive disorder that occurs after a woman gives birth, affecting 1015% of women who give birth. And finally, Bipolar disorder is included in this list as individuals with this disorder experience depression as well as high moods.

It is also important to recognize that men often experience depression differ-

ently from women. While some women may experience feelings of sadness and worthlessness, men may experience depression with irritability, anger, and sometimes abusive behavior.

Men may begin to drink and use drugs as a solution to feeling depressed. As cited by the NIMH, while more women attempt suicide, more men die in the United States as a result of suicide.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide remains the tenth leading cause of death across all ages.

For all types of depression, antidepressants and talk therapy remain the mainstays of treatment. As technology allows for more innovative ways to treat depression, there are mobile apps that are available. However, it is important to note that the FDA does not regard these apps as medical devices and therefore does not regulate them. ECT or Electroconvulsive Therapy and RTMS or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation continues to be available to treat severe forms of depression.

In summary, Seasonal Depressive Disorder or SAD is one of several depressive disorders, which are treatable. If you, a friend, or family member are experiencing feelings of sadness that is not remitting, you are encouraged to contact your medical provider.

The following references are provided for the informed consumer: National Institute of Mental Health: Seasonal Affective Disorder https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/seasonal-affective-disorder/index.shtml U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Depression: FDA-Approved Medications May Help http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUp dates/ucm095980.htm National Institute of Mental Health: Depression: What You Need To Know https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/d epression-what-you-need-to-know/index.shtml 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.

What is the best diet for losing weight?

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he subtext of this question is, “What’s an easy fix?”

There are no shortcuts that work consistently and healthfully. The answer is simple: The best diet for losing weight gives you fewer calories than you burn. Facing an energy shortage, your body will reach into fat for stored calories and you will drop pounds.

Federal guidelines say that men and active women need about 2,500 calories daily. Other women and inactive men need only about 2,000 calories daily. It is recommended that you consume 300 to 500 fewer calories to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week.

Exercise is important to weight loss because it burns calories. You should exercise vigorously for a half-hour most days. Walking quickly works. You can do your half-hour all at once or break it up into shorter sessions.

Any senior will tell you that it’s more difficult to lose weight as you get older.

One reason is that metabolism—the process that converts food into energy—is slowed by aging. Another reason is that muscle burns up more calories than fat does. As you get older, muscle decreases and fat constitutes to more of your weight.

So, seniors get a double whammy that leads to weight gain. And older women get a triple whammy because of their gender. Women usually have less muscle than men and tend to be smaller than men. A smaller body requires fewer calories.

If you are considering a diet/exercise program, you should consult your doctor first. Before you begin, it would be helpful to find out how much fat you have to lose. What’s important is not weight, but the amount of fat you are carrying. The body mass index (BMI) is a measure of fat that is based upon height and weight.

If you want to calculate your BMI, you divide your weight in pounds by height in inches squared and then multiply by a conversion factor of 703.

Here’s an example: Weight = 175 lbs, Height = 6’1” (73”) Calculation: [175 ÷ (73)2] x 703 = 23.1

A BMI between 19 and 25 is normal.

Overweight is 25 to 29.9. Obese is 30 or higher.

If you don’t like math, you can use a simple BMI calculator at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm Here are a dozen tips for losing weight that I collected from a variety of reputable sources. track of the food you eat; this 1} Keep prevents overeating. cut back too much because 2} Don’t your body will begin conserving energy and make it difficult to reduce. exercises to develop muscle so 3} Begin your body will burn more calories. fads. Eat a balanced diet or 4} Avoid you may deny yourself important nutrients. weight is difficult so don’t be 5} Losing tempted by reduction plans that make it sound easy. know what’s fattening without 6} You checking a book. If it tastes heavenly, avoid it as much as possible. water. It has no calories and 7} Drink will help you with your hunger. because you’re hungry, not 8} Eat because you’re bored. Take a walk instead. slowly and savor your food so 9} Eat you don’t feel deprived later. skip meals or you will 10} Don’t become ravenous and then overeat.

11}

Alcoholic drinks are loaded with non-filling calories. They also dissolve your inhibitions and make you eat more. Be careful.

11}

Seconds? Ain’t gonna happen.

All Rights Reserved © 2017 by Fred Cicetti

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23

get connected

area events

a+r+e Y O U

Ongoing

C O N N E C T E D

Events

DAILY Public Art Displays Nature’s Grace, Dime Bank & Wayne Bank, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Harvey Insurance, Honesdale. & Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce, Hawley. Wayne County Arts Alliance artists display their work monthly.

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

Info: 570-253-9566.

WEEKLY Table Tennis in Honesdale Lakeside Elementary School, Honesdale. Join a group of table tennis enthusiasts who play weekly.

Info: John Babyak, 570-253-4379 or jbabyak1@ptd.net.

MONDAYS Kundalini Yoga 5:30–6:30 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Ages 16 & up. Experience the gifts that Kundalini yoga has to offer as you explore breath, movement & mantra. Bring a yoga mat & blanket.

Registration & info: 570-996-1500.

MONDAYS & FRIDAYS Chair Yoga 10–11:15 a.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Ages 18 & up. All the benefits of yoga for anyone who may feel challenged by a traditional yoga class. Free.

Registration & info: 570-996-1500.

TUESDAYS Bingo American Legion Post 311, Hawley.

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

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.

ARTS, RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT

MARCH ’17

levels. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a mat, towel or blanket, & water. Series of 6 or per class.

Registration & info: 570-996-1500.

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

Info: www.pcpl.org or Facebook.

Registration: 570-296-8211.

THURSDAYS Writers’ Group 7–8:30 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Ages 18 & up. Ongoing group.

Come read your work or listen & be inspired. Learn the craft of writing as you write toward a goal of publication.

All genres & levels of writing welcome.

Free admission. Info: 570-833-5246.

THURSDAYS 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.

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.

TUESDAYS Nia 5:30–6:30 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Ages 16 & up. Combination of yoga, martial arts & dance, for your health, wellness & fitness.

Registration & info: 570-996-1500.

SATURDAYS 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.

WEDNESDAYS (EXC. MAR. 8) Simply Yoga 10–11:15 a.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Ages 16 & up. Suitable for all

SATURDAYS Live Music at Barley Creek 8–11 p.m. Barley Creek Brewing Company, Tannersville. The Pocono

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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: 570-226-2124 or silverbirchesresortpa.com.

THROUGH MAR. 26 America in a Trance: Photography by Niko J. Kallianiotis Mahady Gallery, Marywood University, Scranton. Exhibition of photographs includes new & old works from his travels across the Keystone state, an ongoing observation of the fading American dream so typified in the NE Pa. landscape but widespread across the US. Info: 570-348-6278 or www.marywood.edu/galleries.

March 1– March 9 MAR. 1 Supper Club: An Interactive Meal 6–9 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale.

Attendees meet & prepare dinner, a side dish or salad & dessert with a lesson & some hands-on participation.

Featuring Sunday sauce, with homemade pasta made on the premises that night, salad & cannolis for dessert.

BYOB. Donation-based event. Space limited. Reservations & info: 570-2532020 or thecooperageproject.org.

MAR. 2 WXPN Welcomes: Beth Hart 8 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

Dubbed “the ultimate female rock star.”

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

MAR. 3 Post-Festival Film Discussion 1 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock.

Discussion of the content & significance of some of the film festival movies facilitated by Ronnie Harvey, film buff extraordinaire. Free admission. No need to register.

Info: 570-996-1500 or www.dietrichtheater.com.

MAR. 3 Sounds Like Teen Spirit 7–9 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale.

Presented by The Cooperage Project.

Open mic night for school-aged students to perform stand-up comedy,

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poetry, song, juggle or play keyboards.

Donation-based event.

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

MAR. 3 SYD + Moon$hot present 5 To The Stix — Sherman Showcase 7 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

Featuring Remi LeBeau, Fair Enough, Mo The Goon, Sonny, Paydro, RBE, Kenrock, Obscurity, & Stick Shift.

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

MAR. 3 Hypnotist 9 p.m. The Waterfront at Silver Birches Resort, Hawley. Hosted by Adam Lucidi with headliner hypnotist Brian Eslick. Reservations suggested but walk-ins welcome. Info: 570-226-4388 or silverbirchesresortpa.com.

MAR. 3–5 Performance: “Miss Julie” McDade Center for Literary & Performing Arts, The University of Scranton.

August Strindberg work presented by The Univ. of Scranton Players. Fees vary. Info: 570-941-4318 or uofsplayers@gmail.com.

MAR. 4 Sugar Shack Scramble 9 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Hike through the woods to the “Two Saps” Sugar Shack & enjoy hot cocoa & pancakes with fresh maple syrup. Spaces limited.

Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org.

MAR. 4 Public Maple Sugaring Day 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Meesing Sugarbush, Marshalls Creek. Kettle Creek Environmental Ed. Center tour of the Sugarbush with stops to learn facts & history of maple syrup. After the tour, taste some of the syrup on freshly made pancakes. Info: 570-629-3061 or www.mcconservation.org.

MAR. 4 Food for Thought: Bringing Money Down to Earth 10:30–11:30 a.m. Wayne County Public Library, Honesdale. How slow money can benefit the region's farmers, small businesses & artisan food entrepreneurs, restaurateurs & retail & wholesale purveyors of local and sustainable food. Info & registration: Elizabeth, 570-253-1220 or ewilson@waynelibraries.org.

area events MAR. 4 After School Players Performance 11 a.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock.

“Third Class” performed by the Dietrich After School Players. A tale of real life lessons learned outside the classroom. Registration & info: 570-996-1500.

MAR. 4 Main Street Farmers’ Market 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Delicious food, locally grown produce, maple syrup, fresh baked bread & locally roasted coffee. Anthill Farm Kitchen cooks farm-to-table food.

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

MAR. 4 Romping Radishes 11 a.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. A healthy living class for kids. Topic: Dancing, with a special visit from the Catskill Dance Co. Program geared toward kids K–2, but all ages welcome.

Donation-based event.

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

MAR. 5 Chili & Wing Cookoff Noon–4 p.m. The Waterfront at Silver Birches Resort, Hawley. Restaurants & individuals face off. Proceeds benefit the Chamber of the Northern Poconos.

Beer tasting on the deck at The Dock on Wallenpaupack. Live music with Gone Crazy Duo in the pub.

Info & entry forms: 570-226-4388 or info@silverbirchesresortpa.com.

MAR. 5 Active Adventures: Healthy Hikes 1–3 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. A guided hike on a PEEC trail to get outside, explore nature & meet new people. Free.

Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org.

MAR. 5 Sullivan’s March: Our Heritage 3 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock.

Ed McMullen, historian & re-enactor, tells the tale of this important part of our history & heritage & how to travel the trail in person. Free admission.

Info: 570-996-1500 or www.dietrichtheater.com.

MAR. 4 “A Taste of Summer in the Winter” Chicken Barbecue Bethany United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, Bethany. Pick-up from Noon–4 p.m. Purchase tickets from church members, Motion Physical Therapy, Dirlam Bros. Lumber Co., & Stanton Office Equipment. If roads are unsafe, pick-up takes place Mar. 5, 9 a.m.–Noon. Info: 570-253-6682.

MAR. 5 RiverFolk Concert: Connor Garvey 3 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Presented by RiverFolk Concerts. Awardwinning singer-songwriter with the amiable presence of an entertainer, the lyrical depth of a poet & the enchantment of a storyteller. Donation-based event. Reservations & info: Jill, 845-252-6783 or riverfolkconcerts@frontier.com.

MAR. 4 Ecozone Discovery Room!

1–4 p.m. Explore the indoor discovery room & enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability & the local environment. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org.

MAR. 5 Performance Music: “In Recital” 3 p.m. Featuring Frederick Hohman, organist. Houlihan-McLean Center, The University of Scranton. Free. Info: 570-941-7624 or music@scranton.edu.

MAR. 4 Dionne Warwick 8 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre.

One of the most celebrated female vocalists of all time, & the second mostcharted female singer of all time, behind only Aretha Franklin.

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

MAR. 4 Rubix Kube 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. Male & female dynamic duo leads are able to transform into the voice & character of any ’80s icon.

Madonna, Michael Jackson, Cher, Prince, Devo, Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, & more appear right before your eyes.

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

MAR. 4–30 Art Opening: Penny Ross Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, Bartonsville. Opening reception: Mar. 4, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Info: 570-629-3061 or www.mcconservation.org.

get connected

MAR. 8 Free Music Event: The Parting Glass Band 6 p.m. Pike County Public Library, Milford. Local Irish folk trio performs songs from Ireland. Free & familyfriendly. Light refreshments served.

Info: 570-296-8211.

MAR. 8 Open Mic Night 7–10 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale.

Presented by The Cooperage Project.

Hosted by Right Side Up. Come to perform or come to listen & watch.

Donation-based event. BYOB. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org.

MAR. 8 Performance Music: “General Recital” 7:30 p.m. Houlihan-McLean Center, The University of Scranton. Featuring The Univ. of Scranton Performance Music student musicians. Free. Info: 570-941-7624 or music@scranton.edu.

Big Lake Trail Hike MAR. 11 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Lacawac Sanctuary, Lake Ariel. Explore Lacawac’s longest trail on a guided hike & learn the natural & cultural history of Lacawac & Lk. Wallenpaupack. Dress warm. All ages welcome. Free.

Registration appreciated.

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

March 10–March 19 MAR. 10 Warrior Writers 7–9 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Ages 18 & up. Writing workshop supports artistic exploration & expression & provides a safe space to share experiences in the military culture.

Open to all veterans & service members. Free. Registration & info: 570-996-1500.

MAR. 10 Fine Wine, Fine Art 7–9 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Immerse yourself in an evening inspired by Impressionist artists. Bring your own snacks & wine. Ages 21 & older only; ID required. Reservations & info: 570-996-1500.

MAR. 10 Dimitris Dekavallas 7:30 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale.

Enjoy the sweet sounds of the international award-winning classical guitarist. Donation-based event.

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

MAR. 10 Low Lily — Sherman Showcase 7:30 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.

MAR. 10 Candlebox Acoustic 8 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

With special guests Melissa Krahnke & Jackson Vee. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.

MAR. 10 Kathleen Madigan 8 p.m. The Theater at Lackawanna College, Scranton. She remains the only comedian in the history of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” to go unchallenged by any other comedian — meaning no comedian would say they were funnier than her. Info: 570-961-7864 or www.lackawanna.edu.

MAR. 10 Kilmaine Saints 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. JT St Patty’s Parade Weekend Concert Series. Explosive Celtic rock band formed on good whiskey & bad intentions — equal parts Irish swagger, Scottish pride & whiskey.

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

MAR. 11 Maple Sugaring Scout Day Meesing Sugarbush, Marshalls Creek.

Programs for scouts & their families can be scheduled between 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Includes KCEEC syrup on freshly made pancakes.

Pre-registration required by Mar. 8. Info: 570-629-3061 or www.mcconservation.org.

MAR. 11 Food for Thought: Eat Local: Stay Cool & Healthy in a Thriving Community 10:30–11:30 a.m. Wayne County Public Library, Honesdale. How does eating food from local farms help you, your family, our community and the earth?

Info & registration: Elizabeth, 570-253-1220 or ewilson@waynelibraries.org.

MAR. 11 Saint Patrick’s Parade 11:45 a.m. Scranton. The second largest parade in the country. Parade Day Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral begins at 10 a.m.

Brian P. Kelly memorial 2-mile footrace starts at 11 a.m. Info: stpatparade.com.

MAR. 11 “Off the Shelf” 2 p.m. Local actors read passages from One Grand Bookstore’s bookshelves.

Delaware Arts Center, Narrowsburg, NY. Part of DVAA Salon Series.

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

MAR. 11

Second Saturday Honesdale 6–9 p.m. Downtown Honesdale.

Festivaltown happening filled with music, art, comedy & community support. Info on Facebook.

MAR. 11 FurrBall 2017 6 p.m. The Inn at Woodloch, Hawley.

Fine dining, dancing, basket raffles, music & live auction. Tickets available at Cat’s Pajamas, Dessin Animal Shelter & HNB Lake Wallenpaupack branch.

Info: Jan Grote, 570-576-0738 or dessinfurrball@gmail.com.

MAR. 11 Burning Bridget Cleary 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. JT St Patty’s Parade Weekend Concert Series. Known for their capti-

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get connected vating sound & engaging stage presence, it is one of the hottest acts on the Celtic & folk music circuits.

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

MAR. 11 Martina McBride 8 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Extending her “Love Unleashed Tour,” & joined by special guest Lauren Alaina. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.

MAR. 11 Granger Smith 8 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

With special guest Earl Dibbles Jr. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.

MAR. 12 St. Patrick’s Day Parade 1 p.m. Jim Thorpe. 20th annual parade.

Info: www.jimthorpe.org.

MAR. 12 Active Adventures: Introduction to Orienteering 1–3 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Learn to use a map & compass on the orienteering course. Space limited. Free.

Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org.

MAR. 12 Amadeus — National Theatre Live on Screen 2 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock.

Peter Shaffer’s iconic play, with live orchestral accompaniment by Southbank Sinfonia. “Amadeus” was adapted into an Academy Award–winning film. Registration & info: 570-996-1500.

MAR. 13 Garrison Keillor 7:30 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, WilkesBarre. Renowned author, storyteller and radio personality, best known for hosting live radio variety show, “A Prairie Home Companion.”

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

MAR. 14 Adult Coloring Night 5:30 p.m. Wayne County Public Library, Honesdale. Spend an evening coloring away the stress & tension & return to childhood days of relaxation.

Supplies furnished. Snacks provided.

Info: Elizabeth, 570-253-1220 or ewilson@waynelibraries.org.

area events

MAR. 15 Dirty Dancing — Dietrich Film Favorites 1 & 7 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Starring Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey & Jerry Orbach. Free.

Info: 570-996-1500 or www.dietrichtheater.com.

MAR. 15 Wayne Highlands Quilt Guild 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Chamber of Commerce, Honesdale. Welcoming quilters all ages & skill levels. Make new friends who share your passion for quilting. Show & Tell & refreshments.

Info: Deb, 570-224-4914 or debszoo@gmail.com.

MAR. 15 Acoustic Bluegrass Jam 7–9 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale.

Presented by The Cooperage Project.

Guitar-strummin’, banjo-pickin’, closeharmony singin’ open jam led by Ron Penska & Buckshot Jenkins. All levels of players welcome. Donation-based event. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org.

MAR. 15 & 16 STOMP 7:30 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, WilkesBarre. Eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments — matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps — to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.

MAR. 16 Game Night 6–9 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale.

Board games, brain games, card games & more. This month highlighting the game Pandemic. Learn to play & check out the new version in time for the tournament this spring. All ages welcome. Bring your own game to share & teach or choose from the collection.

Donation-based event.

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

MAR. 17 Cormeal & Yarn 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. A double-bill not to be missed.

Both bands challenge the recipe of bluegrass & live performance, as they both feature strong songwriting & musicianship while demonstrating their

Wally Wine Fest @ the Waterfront at Silver Birches Resort MAR. 18 & 19 Noon–6 p.m. The Waterfront at Silver Birches, Hawley. 100 domestic & international wines to sample & buy. Ticket includes commemorative wine glass, sample tickets, antipasto table & live entertainment.

Info: 570-226-4388.

ability to stylistically ride the fence & bring it back home without missing a step. Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com.

MAR. 18 Introduction to Fly Fishing 9 a.m.–Noon. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, Bartonsville.

Equipment, casting, strategy, fly-tying, basic trout stream macro-invertebrate entomology & local fishing areas covered & demonstrated. Pre-registration requir-ed by Mar. 17.

Info: 570-629-3061 or www.mcconservation.org.

MAR. 18 Active Adventures: Intro to Mindfulness 10:30 a.m.–Noon. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry.

Explore different techniques to being more present day to day. Find yourself more focused, less stressed, & improve the quality of communication & relationships. Free. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org.

MAR. 18 Food for Thought: Basics of Home Canning 10:30–11:30 a.m. Wayne County Public Library, Honesdale. Discuss the differences in canning & safe canning. Bring your pressure cooker dial gauge to be tested. Info & registration: Elizabeth, 570-253-1220 or ewilson@waynelibraries.org.

MAR. 18 Main Street Farmers’ Market 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. See description at Mar. 4.

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

MAR. 18 Romping Radishes 11 a.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. A healthy living class for kids. Topic: Growing Things. Program geared toward kids K–2, but all ages welcome.

Donation-based event.

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

MAR. 18 “Wickepedia Edit-a-Thon” 11 a.m. Delaware Arts Center, Narrowsburg, NY. DVAA Salon Series.

Participants create & update Wikipedia pages about female artists. No experience necessary. Bring a laptop, power cord & ideas for entries. Free.

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

MAR. 18 Leprechaun Lore 11 a.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock.

Leprechaun expert Hal Pratt shares years of research to show you what leprechauns look like, how they dress, where they live, how to catch one, & what to do if you do catch one. Suitable for anyone, of any age, wise enough to believe. Free. Info: 570-996-1500 or www.dietrichtheater.com.

26 spread the word... full issues available online [ www.connections-magazine.com ] 26 spread the word... full issues available online [ www.connections-magazine.com ]

MAR. 18 Mountain Ride 8–10 p.m. Hawley Silk Mill, Hawley.

Hailing from the new generation of bluegrassers, they bring a unique flair to the traditional, & a progressive twist to the original. Info: 570-588-8077 or harmonypresents.com.

MAR. 18 Peace Frog — Timeless Salute to the Doors 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. Dark & spooky, mystical & hypnotic, the band recreates the magic & intensity of a Doors concert experience. Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com.

MAR. 19 Active Adventures: Little Eco Explorers: Foxes 10–11:30 a.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry.

Hands-on program for young children with a story, craft & activity focusing on foxes. Call for details.

Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org.

MAR. 19 Ecozone Discovery Room!

1–4 p.m. Explore the indoor discovery room & enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability & the local environment. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org.

MAR. 19 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade 1:30–3 p.m. Stroudsburg to E. Stroudsburg. 40th annual Pocono IrishAmerican Club Annual Parade. Info: www.poconoirishamericanclub.com.

MAR. 19 St. Patrick’s Parade 1:30–4:30 p.m. Allentown. Mass, 9:15 a.m., Immaculate Conception Church.

Parade Breakfast, 10 a.m. West End St. Pat’s 5K Race, 12:15 p.m.

Info: allentownstpatricksparade.com.

MAR. 19 Wilkes University presents Frankie Ballard and LOCASH 7 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Ballard is an American country music singer-songwriter & guitarist. LOCASH is an American country pop duo composed of Chris Lucas & Preston Brust.

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

MAR. 19 & 26 Hedda Gabler — National Theatre Live on Screen 2 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock.

A modern production of Ibsen’s masterpiece. Registration & info: 570-996-1500.

March 20–March 31 MAR. 20–APR. 21 Where Do Ideas Come From?

Sculpture by Lisa Fedon Hope Horn Gallery, The University of Scranton. Working in steel & bronze for 35 years, her recent collaborative piece “Gratitude Map USA” incorporates

area events meaningful objects from people across the country, within a wire framework based on a map of the U.S. Public reception Mar. 24, 6–8 p.m.

Info: 570-941-4214.

MAR. 21 Tuesdays with Nellie — Mystery Book Club 5:30 p.m. Wayne County Public Library, Honesdale. Solve a mystery each month with Annelle Snyder.

Registration & info: Elizabeth, 570-253-1220 or ewilson@waynelibraries.org.

MAR. 21 Latin American Film Festival: “Nise: Heart of Madness” 7 p.m. Brennan Hall, The University of Scranton. Brazil, 2015. Free.

Info: 570-941-7778 or yamile.silva@scranton.edu.

MAR. 23 Spring 2017 Film Festival Preview Day 1 & 6 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. New pre-event for the Dietrich’s Spring 2017 Film Festival. See all the movie trailers of the 21 films featured in the festival. Free admission.

Discounted concession.

Info: 570-996-1500 or www.dietrichtheater.com.

MAR. 23 Danielle Nicole 7:30 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. Free Concert Series. New Orleans-flavored blues-soul.

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

MAR. 23 One Woman Sex & the City: A Parody of Love, Friendship & Shoes 8 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Comedian Kerry Ipema takes audiences through a laughter-infused, onewoman version of all six seasons of the beloved, smash-hit show. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.

MAR. 24 Mystery Birding Field Trip Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, Bartonsville. Meet at the EE Center at 8:30 a.m. & return 5:30 p.m.

Destinations & target species not revealed until day of the trip. Cost includes bus transportation. Pack a lunch & binoculars & dress for the weather. Pre-registration & payment required by Mar. 17.

Info: 570-629-3061 or www.mcconservation.org.

MAR. 24 Gallery Lecture: “Where Do Ideas Come From?”

5–6 p.m. Brennan Hall, The University of Scranton. Lisa Fedon, exhibiting artist. Info: 570-941-4214.

MAR. 24 Odd Squad Live!

6:30 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, WilkesBarre. Based on the series about a spy organization run by kids that investi-

gates anything strange, weird & especially odd. Embedded in each episode is a math lesson aimed at kids 4–8; “Odd is the problem, math is the solution.” Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.

MAR. 24 Open Mic Night — Ben Keiser 7 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock.

Musicians, poets, comedians & performers of all types are invited to share their talents on the stage. Featured artist: Ben Keiser, an avid pianist & vocalist. Free admission. Seating limited.

Info: 570-996-1500 or www.dietrichtheater.com.

MAR. 24 Fine Wine, Fine Art 7–9 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. See description at Mar. 10.

Reservations & info: 570-996-1500.

MAR. 24 Performance Music: “In Recital” 7:30 p.m. Houlihan-McLean Center, The University of Scranton. Featuring David Whitwell, bass trombone, & Carl Bolleia, piano & organ. Free. Info: 570-941-7624 or music@scranton.edu.

MAR. 24 Twiddle 8 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

Fresh multi-genre approach conjures up jazz, classical & bluegrass, but above all, masterfully blends reggae & funk. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.

MAR. 24 Runaway Home 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. Upbeat touring Acoustic/ Americana group with strong folk, along with new-grass & country styles entwined in their music.

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

MAR. 25 Think Like a Writer Workshop 7:30 a.m. Leahy Hall, The University of Scranton. For college students & educators. Fees vary. Info: 570-941-6206 or info@scranton.edu.

MAR. 25 Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic 10 a.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Film reveals just how dangerous the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can be, causing six different types of cancers. Free admission. Professional Q & A panel follows. Appropriate for teens & adults. This film could save your life, or that of someone you love.

Info: 570-996-1500 or www.dietrichtheater.com.

MAR. 25 Active Adventures: Healthy Hikes 1–3 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. A guided hike on a PEEC trail to get outside, explore nature & meet new people. Free.

Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org.

get connected Lula Wiles

MAR. 24 8–10 p.m. Hawley Silk Mill, Hawley. Rooted in traditional folk music, but also modern songcraft, they span from heartbreak-drenched acoustic ballads to honky-tonk swagger to contemporary grit, anchored by rich vocal harmonies. Info: 570-588-8077 or harmonypresents.com.

MAR. 25 Hoot Hike 6:30 p.m. Lacawac Sanctuary, Lake Ariel.

Live owl talk followed by evening hike in search of the nocturnal birds. Finish with a campfire & s’mores. Registration required: www.wildlandspa.org/lacawachoothike. Info: 570-689-9494 or info@lacawac.org.

MAR. 25 Woodcock Walk 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry.

Ages 10+. Take a walk to see the mysterious woodcock & its spectacular springtime mating display. Bring a flashlight for better searching.

Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org.

MAR. 25 3PM — Sherman Showcase 7:30 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. With AUX JAK, University Drive.

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

MAR. 25 Red Hot Chilli Pipers 8 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Bagpipes with attitude. Drums with a Scottish accent. A blazing rock band & show so hot, it carries its own health warning. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.

selves recorded in the studio but never performed for an audience.

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

MAR. 26 40 Story Radio Tower 6:30 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. A totally unique brand of theater makes for a fantastic evening of original work put before a live audience & recorded live for download on iTunes. Also featuring musical guest the Day Rubies. Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com.

MAR. 29 “India: Ancient, Culture, Democracy” 5:30 p.m. DeNaples Center, The University of Scranton. The Jay Nathan, Ph.D. Visiting Scholar Lecture Series.

Panel discussion. Free.

Info: 570-941-7816 or kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

MAR. 29 42nd Street 7:30 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, WilkesBarre. Quintessential backstage musical comedy classic, the song & dance fable of Broadway that includes some of the greatest songs ever written. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.

MAR. 25 Dancin’ Machine (Retro Dance Party) 8 p.m. Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe. The hottest & most authentic Dance Band in the country. Recapture the days of Boogie Fever & do The Hustle to all of the top Disco hits of the ’70s. Info: 570-325-0249 or mauchchunkoperahouse.com.

MAR. 30 Stage Door Cabaret 7:30 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale.

90 minutes of show tunes, no intermission. 4 singers & 1 pianist perform a variety of selections. Laugh, clap & cry along with songs from the past 7 decades of Broadway. BYOB. Donationbased event. Space limited. Reservations & info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org.

MAR. 25 Turkuaz 9 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

“Powerfunk” outfit whose modern take on the classic funk sound has established them as leaders in the current funk revolution. With special guests Organ Freeman. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.

MAR. 31 Violence Free Zone Workshop 2 p.m. DeNaples Center, The University of Scranton. Jane Kopas Women’s Center workshop discussing forms of gender violence, rape culture, how to intervene & information on resources.

Free. Registration required. Info: 570-941-6194 or jkwc@scranton.edu.

MAR. 26 Rain 6:30 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, WilkesBarre. Performing the full range of The Beatles’ discography live onstage, including the most complex & challenging songs that The Beatles them-

MAR. 31 Alexis P. Suter Ministers of Sound 8 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Gospel & blues from a bass baritone whose raw vocal power is unequaled by any other female blues singer currently. With special guests Dustin

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get connected Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen.

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

MAR. 31 Morgan James 8 p.m. The Theater at Lackawanna College, Scranton. Soul singer, songwriter & Broadway chanteuse can make you fall in love at first listen, elicit tears, or bring you back to a different era altogether. Info: 570-9617864 or www.lackawanna.edu.

MAR. 31 Blue October 8 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

Texas-based band known for its shimmering melodies & heart-string pulling lyrics. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.

MAR. 31–APR. 29 “Mixed Media Ceramics” Alliance Gallery, Delaware Arts Center, Narrowsburg, NY. Artist Ellen Silberlicht. Gallery hours: Tues.–Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Opening reception: Mar. 31, 7–9 p.m.

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

April 1–April 8 APR. 1 Bindlestiff Family Cirkus 7 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Unique hybrid of Vaudeville, Circus, Burlesque & Sideshow.

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

APR. 1 Stann Smith — Sherman Showcase 7:30 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. The Sober Poet.

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

APR. 1 Last In Line 8 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

Featuring original Dio LAST IN LINE lineup. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.

APR. 4 Design a Painted Silk Scarf 7–9 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Ages 16–adult. Learn this fun & easy technique for creating a handpainted, decorative silk scarf. All materials provided.

No experience required. Registration & info: 570-996-1500.

APR. 6 Dance Theatre of Wilkes-Barre 7 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre.

“10 Years of Excellence — A Celebration of the Dance Theatre of Wilkes-Barre,” featuring ten local “celebrity” couples dancing for charity, with special guest MC, Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.

area events

APR. 7 Story Pirates 10 a.m. F.M. Kirby Center, WilkesBarre. Grades K–5. Interactive stage show that turns local students’ original stories into wild sketch comedy musicals. Info: 570-826-1100 or www.kirbycenter.org.

APR. 7 Spring 2017 Film Festival Gala 5:30 p.m. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. Enjoy food, two films, beer, wine, desserts & good fun. Space limited.

Reservations & info: 570-996-1500.

APR. 7 Maverick MMA 7 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

Scott Heckman vs. Steve McCabe & Rick Nuno vs. Steve Jones.

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

APR. 7 The Elovators — Sherman Showcase 7 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

With Elephants Dancing, Collective Man, Grant Williams.

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

APR. 8 Historic Lodge and Grounds Tour 10 a.m.–Noon. Lacawac Sanctuary, Lake Ariel. Guided tour. Learn about the Connell & Watres families & what it was like to live at Lacawac in the early 20th century. Wear comfortable hiking shoes. All ages welcome. Free.

Registration appreciated.

Info: 570-689-9494 or info@lacawac.org.

APR. 8 Crossx Up 3 Video Game Tournament Noon. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

Featured games: Super Smash Bros (Wii U), Super Smash Bros Melee, Project M & more. Info: 570-420-2808 or www.shermantheater.com.

APR. 8 Billy Currington 8 p.m. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg.

“Stay Up ’Til The Sun Tour” with special guest Jillian Jacqueline.

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

APR. 8 SHAWN KLUSH as ELVIS! 8 p.m. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre.

The ultimate Elvis tribute artist, also featuring the Sweet Inspirations, Elvis’ own background singers.

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

APR. 9 Main Street Expo: A Fashion Fundraiser 1:30 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale.

Curated by Velvet Maple Lifestyle Shoppe. Spring into fashion with a red carpet entry & fancy eats. Local models walk the runway sporting Wayne Cty. wares for all shapes, sizes & ages. Cash bar. Reservations & info: 570-253-2020 or info@thecooperageproject.org.

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1st Annual

Wally Wine Fest at The Waterfront at Silver Birches ilver Birches is excited to announce its first annual spring Wally Wine Fest at The Waterfront at Silver Birches on March 18th & 19th. There will be 90 domestic and international wines from European countries, Australia, New Zealand, South America, South Africa and of course form the USA. $20 tickets in advance or $25 tickets at the door will include a commemorative wine glass, 15 sample tickets, antipasto table and live entertainment. There will also be a series of speakers offering insight into the world of wine. Doors open at 12pm and the event runs until 6pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Every wine will be available for tasting and for sale, ranging from $10$65 a bottle. Discounted tickets for designated drivers for $10 are also available.

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Vendors will also be on site which will add a festive atmosphere to the Waterfront room. A VIP ticket will also be available for $50 in advance OR at the door. The VIP tickets includes everything a regular admission ticket includes plus, an early arrival (an hour early at 11am), an extra $10 in tasting/food tickets, access to both the premium seminar ($25 value) and the educational seminar ($10 value). We are only selling a max of 45 VIP tickets for each day.

The VIP ticket is a value of $75 for a ticket price of $50.

“Expect to see good wines from all over the world. It’s a chance to try wines, poured by knowledgeable professionals and figure out what wines you truly enjoy. Wine is completely subjective, and events like this one give people an opportunity to develop their palate and find new and interesting wines. These are all reasonably priced bottles as well, which makes it an affordable dabble into the wine world. This event will give you a chance to learn more about the wine regions, different grape varietals and the wine making process.”- Claude Briere, Sommelier, the resident wine expert for Settlers Hospitality.

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Mark your calendars for this new and fun event for the lake region.

March 18th & 19th, 12pm-6pm. The resort has a special Wine Fest Lodging Special. $99 Room Rate at Silver Birches Resort on Sunday March 19th includes two tickets ($50 Value) to our Wally Wine Fest on March 19th. Not valid on houses or cottages.

Must mention Wally Wine Fest special when booking.

“We are excited to take on this challenge and bring great wine to the lake region for a weekend event that will become our yearly tradition.”- Justin Genzlinger, Owner of Silver Birches and Settlers Hospitality.

For more information, check out SilverBirchesResortPA.com or call 570.226.4388. Tickets will be available in advance or at the door.

About The Waterfront at Silver Birches The Waterfront at Silver Birches has been a landmark for the Pocono Mountains for weddings, banquets, private functions and community events for the last 20 years. Previously under the name Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Banquet Center, the facility was updated in 2015, rebranded in 2016 and is the premier location for events overlooking Lake Wallenpaupack.