MARCH 2019
Since 1998
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CONNECT MARCH 2019
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FEATURES HOW TO HIRE A REAL ESTATE ALL-STAR You wouldn’t walk into a courtroom without a skilled attorney by your side. 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. THE LONG & SHORT OF SHORT SALES They’re a fact of life... here’s what potential homeowners should know before making an offer. PREVENTABLE PROBLEMS THAT CAN KILL A HOME SALE Could your home sale be in jeopardy before it even hits the market? With buyers much more aware of potential issues and what to look for, it certainly could be! THE 5 HUGE BENEFITS OF FILING YOUR TAXES EARLY With nearly three out of four taxpayers receiving an income tax refund each year, around $2,800 on average according to the IRS, we can’t think of any reason you’d want to delay filing your taxes. HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR LIFESTYLE IN RETIREMENT You may have heard the rule of thumb that you need to replace about 80% of your preretirement income if you want to maintain your current lifestyle when you retire. But like many rules of thumb, that advice is much too general for most people, says Herbert Poole CFP® CRC®, Retirement Development Consultant for Wells Fargo Advisors.
COLUMNS 5
WORDS FROM THE TEAM
26 BOOK REVIEW
12 DISASTER BLASTER
28 POCONO SECRETS
14 MONEY
30 OUTDOOR RAMBLINGS
18 MAPLE TOUR
32 PETS
20 LIVING GREEN
34 BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
22 MRS. DOGOOD
36 AREA EVENTS
24 PRISON REFLECTIONS
44 MISTLETOE BALL
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CONNECTIONS Magazine
resident • publisher • editor in chief deborah bailey production manager meica drake account representatives barry weiss • dwight gregory editorial correction services kay marks assignment writer allison mowatt contributing writers terry mooney, Reflections of a Prison Inmate arthur middleton, MD, FAPA, Behavioral Medicine michael krupa, Finance josh sheard, Finance terri schlichenmeyer, Book Review la guzda, Pocono Secrets arnie milidantri, Classic Cars bill deaton, Outdoor Ramblings pike/wayne conservation partnership, Living Green
CONNECTIONS Magazine 3305 Lake Ariel Highway Honesdale, PA 18431 570.647.0085 • Fax 570.647.0086 cmag@ptd.net • thinkconnections@yahoo.com www.connections-magazine.com Connections Magazine is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All advertising, including photographs, is the property of Connections Magazine and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction only in Connections Magazine and does not have the right to reproduce the ads in any other place or publication. Connections Magazine reserves its rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisements.
WHAT A DILEMMA To laugh is to risk appearing a fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out for another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk rejection. To place your visions before the crowd is to risk ridicule. To love is to risk not being loved in return. **To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure. But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. We may avoid suffering and sorrow, but we cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love or know GOD. Chained by our own self-assurances, we are a slave. We have forfeited our freedom. Only the person who dares to take risks and to trust in their GOD will ever be made FREE.
© COPYRIGHT 2017 CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE
In 1997, Rev. Edwin E. Bailey, father of the editor, gave this poem to his daughter 8 days before he had a stroke and 3 weeks before he died. The poem was adapted from works by Leo Buscaglia. Edwin hand wrote this on a scrap of paper and gave it to his daughter, Deborah, saying the words, “Someday you’ll understand these words and use them. God bless sweetheart.” **These words were used in making the decision to purchase Connections Magazine in 2002. CONNECTIONS COPYRIGHTED 2007
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WORDS FROM THE TEAM
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May your troubles be less. And your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness come through your door. –Irish Blessing
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n March, there are only two kinds of people in the world, the Irish & those who wish they were Irish! We raise our green beer to all of you! This month, we go GREEN and you’ll see a lot of it on our pages. Like, when selling your home, you won’t need LUCK with the area’s all-star agents on page 8. Plus, increase your pot of GOLD with the 5 huge benefits of filing your taxes early on page 14. And, be sure to check out our events section for a RAINBOW of March and St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans! Cheers & Beers to a great day, CM Team 570.647.0085 cmag@ptd.net www.connections-magazine.com
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HIRE AN ALL-STAR
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.
W
“
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 tra-
ditional 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!
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ATTRACT MORE LOVE
Area Real Estate All-Stars
Jim Gelatt & Deb Gunnip
Bridget Gelderman
Davis R. Chant Realtors
Davis R. Chant Realtors
Since 1990, Jim has guided hundreds of clients in selling and buying their homes in the Lake Wallenpaupack area. Deb has always had a passion for Real Estate. She truly enjoys searching for properties and finding the perfect home for our clients. If you’re thinking of selling or buying, give US a call! Together, let’s make it happen!
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 cuttingedge technology to get homes sold!
e | jgelatt@chantre.com • dgunnip@chantre.com c | Jim 570.493.1916 • Deb 570.470.5365 w | www.ChantRE.com
e | bridget@geldermangroup.com c | 570.840.1314 o | 570.226.4518 w | www.sellingwallenpaupack.com
Stephanie Matolyak
Cindy Wildermuth
Davis R. Chant Realtors
Woodland Living Realty, LLC
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.
As a Realtor for over 20 years, Cindy recently established Woodland Living Realty, an independent brokerage, offering knowledgeable customized service. Cindy specializes in large rural acreages, and recreational opportunities with broad experience ranging from first-time homebuyers to real estate investments.
e | stephaniesfarm@yahoo.com c | 570.647.5353 o | 570.226.4518
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e | cindywildermuth@gmail.com c | 570.470.4055
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SHORT SALES
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What is a
SHORT SALE? Short sales are sales of real estate where proceeds from selling the property fall short of the balance of debts secured by a lien (hold) against the property. The property owner cannot afford to repay its full amount, so the lien holders agree to release their hold on the real estate and accept less than the amount owed on the debt. Any unpaid balance owed to the creditors is known as a deficiency. Short sale agreements do not necessarily release borrowers from their obligations to repay any deficiencies of the loans unless specifically agreed to between the parties. A short sale is often used as an alternative to foreclosure because it mitigates additional fees and costs to both the creditor and the borrower; however, both will often result in a negative credit report against the property owner.
Common mistakes to avoid:
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Don’t Assume You’ll Pay the List Price
Some agents use below-market sale prices strictly as bait. Banks will then request appraisals to determine price. The lender may decide that it’s more beneficial to pursue other avenues, such as foreclosure, or wait for a better offer.
2
Don’t Assume You Have Enough Documentation
A lender must still study credit history, length of time on the job, debt ratios and more. The most successful short-sale buyers submit a loan prequalification letter – or better yet, a loan pre-approval letter – with the offer.
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Don’t Assume You’ll Close in a Few Weeks
and foreclosures and limited staff trained to handle these. The process could take longer if two loans are secured to the property.
Don’t Assume That Inspections Are Not Required
4
Even though most short sale properties are sold “as is,” you must still determine what problems may exist with pests, the roof, the sewers, the septic tanks, the chimney or fireplace. As with other purchases, your offer should be contingent on the results of the inspection. While sellers are not obligated to fix problems, buyers must still know what they’re getting into.
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Don’t Assume that the Contract Will Not Change
With new law passing on a regular basis, the lender can reserve the right to change the terms.
It actually can take three to six months. Lenders may have a backlog of short sales
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TIPS FOR YOUR HOME
Preventable Problems that Can KILL a
HOME SALE { } Provided by Disaster Blaster
Could your home sale be in jeopardy before it even hits the market? With buyers much more aware of potential issues and what to look for, it certainly could be!
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The good news is many common issues that can derail a home sale are preventable! Here are a few things you may want to consider before putting your home on the market. As always, consult with your real estate agent to ensure your property is competitive and makes a great first impression.
Your home is overpriced The easiest way to stop potential buyers in their tracks is by overpricing it. Sit down with your real estate agent and consider their suggestions when determining the list price. They will be familiar with recent sales in the area and what would be competitive for your home. The perfect price should generate a lot of buyer attention and be comfortable for your own finances as well!
Your home doesn’t make a great first impression Let’s be honest, you’ll only have one chance to make a great first impression. You want to get the attention of potential buyers and make them begin to envision themselves living there. You can do this by cleaning through the house thoroughly, clearing clutter, staging furniture, and otherwise making your home inviting.
You haven’t been keeping up on maintenance When potential buyers conduct a walkthrough of the home, they’ll notice that chipping paint and creaky step. Worse still, they may begin to be concerned that the home hasn’t been properly taken care of. What may be viewed as a minor maintenance issue to you, could be viewed as the tip of a much larger iceberg to your buyers and their home inspector. Instead, take some time to work down that punch list and check off all of those little things you’ve been putting off.
You’ve been ignoring needed repairs Do you have a mold issue in your attic or asbestos pipe wrap in the basement? These are things you may have been planning to have professionally addressed but just haven’t had the opportunity to. Unfortunately, these repair issues are often recognized by home inspectors and can scare off potential buyers. Avoid having these issues crop up during your sale by addressing them now. It’s important to have any indoor environmental issues such as mold and asbestos properly addressed by qualified individuals to ensure this work is performed properly and the home is safe. Covering up issues such as this can result in a much larger issue later on.
Your home has radon Have you tested your home for radon? Due to a number of education campaigns launched by the DEP and EPA over the last few years, home buyers are increasingly aware of the risks of radon in homes and are having homes tested prior to purchase. Recognized as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, many potential buyers are, understandably, concerned about this invisible and odorless hazard. Instead of waiting for your buyers to discover radon, by conducting testing now, you are able to proactively address potential radon issues! By addressing these preventable issues before your buyers find them, the whole process will move along much smoother and with fewer potential issues! From everyone at Disaster Blaster, we hope you have a smooth home sale and a quick closing!
About Disaster Blaster Disaster Blaster is an indoor environmental firm serving the Northeastern PA Area. We have been providing our local area with unparalleled mold remediation, water damage mitigation, asbestos abatement, and radon mitigation services for decades, and are proud to have been recently named The World’s Greatest Indoor Environmental Firm. For more about Disaster Blaster, as well as more helpful tips, please visit our website at: www.disasterblaster.com or call our office at (570) 963-1123.
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Benefits FILING TAXES
The
5 Huge
of Filing Your Taxes Early Provided by Jonathan “Josh” Sheard, Sage Investments, LLC
With nearly three out of four taxpayers receiving an income tax refund each year, around $2,800 on average according to the IRS, we can’t think of any reason you’d want to delay filing your taxes.
But, as awesome as it is to have more cash in your pocket, that’s not the only benefit of early filing. Here are a few more reasons to get your act together early this tax season:
1
Early filers average larger refunds
IRS data shows that taxpayers who file by late-February get significantly larger refunds than those who file later—around $300 on average. Obviously, if you know you’re getting a refund, you’re more likely to file sooner, and that could be part of the reason early filers enjoy larger refunds. But another reason is that the sooner you start on your taxes, the more opportunity you have to make sure you’re claiming all the deductions you’re eligible for. The IRS reports that 66% of taxpayers choose to claim the standard deduction on their tax forms. Millions of taxpayers could get larger refunds by itemizing their deductions, which takes more time and requires more documentation than claiming the standard deduction. According to the Government Accountability Office, it’s a shortcut that could cost taxpayers $1 billion each year. Don’t put yourself in a position where you have to cut corners in order to meet the tax-
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filing deadline. Start working with a tax pro early so you have time to get the job done right.
2
Early filers can protect their refunds from identity thieves
Filing early may not eliminate the threat of identity theft, but it can protect your refund. If thieves file a return using your Social Security number before you do, the IRS will kick out your return since their records show you’ve already been paid. It can take months to clear up the mess with the IRS and finally receive your refund. Remember that even though you may feel like you’re in a race to get your forms filed, don’t rush through the process. That’s how mistakes get made. And when it comes to taxes, those mistakes come with dollar signs!
3
Early filers eliminate tax deadline stress
Any time you face an unpleasant task, it’s best to get it out of the way as soon as possible. Income taxes are no different. You must fill out the forms and you have to file them, so just grit your teeth and get it
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over with. Give yourself a fake deadline— well ahead of the April deadline—to get your taxes taken care of. Once your return is filed, give yourself a small reward for being so efficient and responsible. Then relax while everyone else stresses out about getting their taxes done on time.
4
Early filers with a tax bill have time to make a plan
When you’re facing an income tax bill instead of a refund, it’s natural to put off filing as long as possible. But if you go ahead and fill out your tax forms and file them, you’ll know exactly how much you must pay—and you won’t have to pay in full until the April filing deadline. The more time you have to come up with the money, the less likely you are to bust your budget or drain your emergency fund. So, don’t spend the first part of the year with your head in the sand. Get the facts about what you owe, make your plan, and get that tax bill out of the way.
5
Early filers face less competition for access to their tax professional.
By mid-March of the 2018 tax season, nearly 78 million people had already filed their income taxes. That left the remaining 68 million people just one month to file theirs by the deadline. If you were one of
those procrastinators, you found out the hard way that it’s tough to get on a good tax pro’s schedule during crunch time. In fact, if you haven’t set an appointment with a pro by the middle of March, you’ll probably have to file an extension. On top of that, most tax pros will charge more to complete your taxes as the filing deadline approaches. The best way to avoid all that hassle is to get an appointment with your advisor as soon as possible. © Lampo Licensing, LLC. All rights reserved.
Josh is a Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider for this area. He specializes in retirement income strategies, investments strategies, as well as additional financial strategies. His focus is on lifelong financial guidance and his commitment is to place clients first and provide unmatched customer service. He would be glad to answer any questions regarding the content of this article as well as any others. Call today at 570-729-1020 or email Josh at sage@cfiemail.com. You can also visit www.sageinvestments.net. Jonathan Sheard offers securities and advisory services through Centaurus Financial, Inc. member FINRA and SIPA and a registered investment advisor. This is not an offer to sell securities, which may be done only after proper delivery of a prospectus and client suitability is reviewed and determined. Information relating to securities is intended for use by individuals residing in PA, NY, AR, VA, FL, NC, GA, CT. Sage Investments, Dave Ramsey and Centaurus Financial Inc are not affiliated.
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Money
H ow t o M a i n t a i n Yo u r Lifestyle in
Retirement Y
ou may have heard the rule of thumb that you need to replace about 80% of your preretirement income if you want to maintain your current lifestyle when you retire. But like many rules of thumb, that advice is much too general for most people, says Herbert Poole CFP® CRC®, Retirement Development Consultant for Wells Fargo Advisors. To help ensure you can actually live as comfortably in retirement as you do now, Poole says you need to identify what your desired lifestyle costs. Next, you’ll need a saving and investing strategy that matches your income needs. Here are the key questions for you and your financial advisor to consider:
What’s my ideal retirement age? This is both a financial and a quality-oflife question, says Poole. Financially speaking, you need to determine when you’ll have amassed enough savings and investments to stop working. You want to be able to comfortably live on withdrawals from your accounts — without running out of money. On the nonfinancial front, think about what you really want to do during retirement (Travel? Start an encore business?). “Ask yourself: ‘At what age could I retire and still be healthy enough to do these things?’” Poole suggests. As you get closer to your actual retirement age, you can home in on when you can afford to leave work. “Depending on your situation, working just a year or two more than you planned could
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make a big difference in how much money you have available to live on later,” notes Poole.1
How much money do I need to support my current standard of living? This is perhaps the most important question to explore. “However, you’d be surprised by how many people answer this question by saying to their financial advisors: ‘I have no idea. Just tell me what kind of lifestyle I can afford,’” says Poole. You’re much better off estimating your target retirement budget early, so you can help ensure you’re saving and investing enough, says Poole. Your financial advisor can offer help estimating costs for items like health and long-term care for different parts of the country.2 During this process, Poole says it’s also a good idea to separate your necessary costs (mortgage/rent, utilities, food, transportation, etc.) from your discretionary expenses (fine dining, vacations, and more). That way, you know where you can cut costs if your estimated retirement income ends up being different than you planned.
What are my retirement income sources? You may have a tax-deferred retirement plan through your job, personal and/or Roth
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IRAs, rental property income, and more. Once you identify all your potential income streams, you can make some smart decisions — including increasing your investment contributions now — that could help boost your income when you retire. For example, your financial advisor can help you determine whether it would be wise to add more income-producing options, such as annuities or real estate, or to consider more tax-advantaged investments.
How can I plan for the unexpected? To avoid a financial snag that significantly affects your retirement income, Poole suggests having both contingency funds and contingency plans. For contingency funds, you could earmark money for your grandkids but hang on to the funds in case of an emergency. This could be as simple as leaving money to your grandchildren in your estate plan, rather than putting the money in trust in their names. Contingency plans might include paying for expensive home repairs like a roof replacement before retirement. You might also prioritize which assets (vacation home vs. business rental, for example) you would sell in a financial emergency.
Am I regularly monitoring my progress toward retirement?
retirement, or perhaps you’re already in the middle of retirement and planning to live to age 100. Wherever you are in the process, it makes sense to talk with your financial planner at least once a year — or whenever you face a significant life change. After all, the financial markets and your investments are constantly changing. You change over time, too. You may decide to retire to a state with a different cost of living or change your mind about how much risk you want to take with your investments. All of those factors could affect your retirement lifestyle and how much income you need to live well in retirement. This advertisement was written by Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network and provided to you by Michael J Krupa, Financial Advisor at Krupa Wealth Management, Honesdale, PA 570-253-0121 Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. Krupa Wealth Management is a separate entity from WFAFN. © 2018 Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC. All rights reserved. 1–https://communications.wellsfargoadvisors.com/ lifescapes/a-changing-definition-of-retirement-age/ 2–https://communications.wellsfargoadvisors.com/lifesc apes/health-care-and-your-retirement/
Maybe you have 20 years left before
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MAPLE TOUR
NEPA Maple Producers 2019 Self-Guided
MAPLE TOUR Saturday, March 16th & Sunday, March 17th 10 AM to 4 PM Tour 9 area “Sugar Bushes”. Follow the maple syrup making process from the tree to the table. Along the way, pick up some locally produced pure maple products!
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SEEDS
Enters Its Second Decade, Welcomes New Executive Director
SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support) celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2018, and kicked off the new year by selecting Sandy Long as its new executive director. 20 | CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE |
SEEDS, a non-profit environmental education organization based in Honesdale, PA serves the northeastern region of PA, promoting sustainable energy and sustainable living. “Sandy will be an excellent ambassador for sustainability in our community,” noted outgoing executive director Jocelyn Cramer. “It was important to select someone who would continue to work closely with our commissioners, county agencies, non-profit organizations, local businesses and community members, as SEEDS has done for so many years. All of us at SEEDS are excited about this new chapter!” Sandy brings to SEEDS a passion for sustainability supported by action, and a background as an award-winning writer, photographer and artist who focuses pen and lens on environmental, cultural and community issues. “We are excited about starting our second decade with Sandy, whom we chose from a
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Seeds
large field of impressive applicants," said SEEDS chair, Katharine Dodge. She has been working closely with Jocelyn, who so capably managed SEEDS for six years, to provide a seamless transition. With her considerable talents and life experiences, Sandy will bring new energy and ideas that will help SEEDS grow and flourish!” Sandy is co-founder of Heron’s Eye Communications (www.HeronsEye.com) a Pike County-based firm which was a 2008 recipient of a PA Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. Following a career in higher education administration, Long freelanced for publications in the Upper Delaware River region and worked as a staff photojournalist and columnist for The River Reporter. She was selected as the first Artist-in-Residence at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and also served as the Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s Artist-in-Residence at Lemons Brook Farm in Bethel, New York. Her artwork has been featured in regional galleries and exhibitions. Long’s early experiences in nature have inspired her efforts as an advocate for the preservation of wild places and natural resources. She continues to share her passion through community involvement and by holding the natural world as the primary inspiration for her work. Long earned her B.A. in English with a minor in communications, from Wilkes University. She was a founding member of the Upper Delaware BioBlitz and has served on Lacawac Sanctuary’s PR Committee and as a board member of the Black Bear Conservatory of Music, as well as regional arts grants and scholarship committees. She enjoys leading poetry and photography workshops that raise awareness of the natural wonders of the region. Her personal interests include reading, hiking, yoga, kayaking, gardening, guitar, piano and animal welfare. Her work can be viewed at www.SandyLongPhotos.com or www.insta-
gram.com/heronseye" (@heronseye) or www.facebook.com/heronseye. “I have had the privilege to work with many dedicated community members, organizations, government agencies and local businesses involved with the conservation of our region’s natural resources and the creation of a sustainable future for all who co-exist here," said Sandy. "Growing the possibilities for sustainability with a results-based organization like SEEDS is of great value to the future of this truly special place.”
NEPA Green Fair This spring, SEEDS is partnering with The Greenhouse Project of Scranton to present the 2019 NEPA Green Fair & 5K Run/ Walk on Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Nay Aug Park, in Scranton. The Green Fair is the region's largest event celebrating clean water, local food, and a healthy environment. This free, family friendly event will include educational programs and sustainability demonstrations, eco-vendors, live music, local food, children’s activities, hikes, yoga, and more to help educate and inspire action to protect our environment and health. For more information about SEEDS, visit www.SeedsGroup.net, email Sandy@SeedsGroup.net or call (570) 245 – 1256. Visit nepagreenfair.com for information about the NEPA Green Fair.
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MRS. DOGOOD
THE YELLOW SCHOOL BUS By The Reverend Mrs. Silence DoGood
Dear Editor, I want to thank my congregation for supporting our successful fundraising concert at The First Church of God’s Love. The selections of Bach and Mahler were chosen by my husband Dr. William A. DoGood, organist and choir master. The proceeds allowed the church to purchase the recently discovered old yellow school bus in which The Reverend Mr. Silas Patriot DoGood, my father-in-law, founded the church. It will become our classroom for Sunday school. My father-in-law loved telling the story of how he started his ministry. He was living with his Aunt Mary in Halo, PA having been called to begin his preaching after finishing only two years of his four year college. During that time, working as a farmhand, he changed his name from Claudio Maria Estrucci to The Reverend Mr. Silas Patriot DoGood. One night after dinner, he and Aunt Mary were sitting on her front porch talking about the past. She told him that in addition to running the garage, which was next to her house, she and her deceased husband Silas owned three school buses. He had a contract with the local school district and hired housewives to drive the buses. The business was very successful. However, when his health declined he sold the two newer buses and kept the old one next to the garage for parts. From his wicker chair, Mary’s young nephew looked at the shuttered garage with its single bay and its single fuel pump. In the evening light he also saw an old slightly rusting yellow school bus parked in the overgrown shrubs next to the garage. He asked if it still ran. It didn’t. Her husband had sold the engine to the owner of the two other buses when one of their engines had too many miles on it to repair. “That old bus will become my church.” For the next three weeks Silas worked and prayed. He fixed the two flat tires. Aunt Mary’s neighbor brought over his tractor and moved the bus, placing it parallel to the road. Silas repaired the rust, repainted the bus school bus yellow, cleaned the seats and made a sign. “This Sunday. 9:00 AM. HERE in the Church Bus: THE ROAD TO HEAVEN, Part One by The Reverend Mr. Silas DoGood.
The Reverend and Aunt Mary stood by the front door of the bus as greeters. Aunt Mary had invited her closest friends to come hear her nephew preach. “It may be a mortal sin if I attend a non-denominational church.” “What will my minister say?” “What would my neighbors think?” That Sunday at 8:55 AM a couple pulled up in a black chauffeured limousine. Without introducing themselves, they entered the bus and sat down. Aunt Mary was careful to sit away from them. The only other person was Mr. Oliver wearing his oversized; old grey suit and ascot. Silas’s sermon was brilliant. He had worked on his series of sermons for over a year. At the end of the service the angelic couple said in unison: “This is the first church that praises God’s love.” Saying nothing more they got off the bus and drove away. Silas knew something miraculous had just happened. He told Aunt Mary that from then on his church would be known as The First Church of God’s Love. Aunt Mary passed away and Silas moved his growing congregation from the bus to the Unity Grange Hall and then finally to our new church at One Paradise Lane. Decades passed, and the US post office decided to turn the old abandoned garage into the Halo post office having outgrown its limited space in the general store. The records of what happened to the old bus were uncovered. It was sold to Camp Mirror Lake which was using it to store swimming equipment. I purchased it from them. The Sunday school bus will be a permanent and secure facility located next to our church. The classroom style structure will be heated, air conditioned and have a bathroom. Amen.
The Reverend Mrs. Silence DoGood Senior Pastor Executive Director President Chairman Choir Master (part-time) The First Church of God’s Love
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Prison Reflections
“Dancing with the Devil” By Terry Mooney
Part II
T
his father of four young children is incarcerated for the second time but not for using drugs. He takes the Vivitrol shot provided by our county to inhibit the craving of heroin and alcohol. Another lesson learned the hard way, he now knows about guilt by association. Truly committed to a life of recovery, he vows to be there for his children forever.
My Story My grades began to slide, but I kept up basketball and football. I just loved sports. My mom was always at the games, even if she came by herself. Always supportive, she threw me my first baseball, and taught me how to catch with a mitt. As a quarterback, everybody looked up to me. I was cool. One of the older guys I hung out with in the community asked if I wanted to try weed, that he knew just where to get it. Next thing, I’m in my old house and there’s my first stepfather. He was my friend’s connection! His daughter, me and a few friends sat in my old room and smoked weed for the first time. How bizarre. At about seventeen, I met the future mother of my children. It was love at first sight. At this point, nothing mattered to me but her and cocaine, in that order. We were inseparable. Living in my car was a choice we made so it would be just the two of us. I’d always wanted to be a daddy, so about a year into it, we had our first child. We got a really tiny apartment, but we knew that our cocaine use was becoming a big problem. At age eighteen, deciding to leave the area, just the three of us, we thought it would break us from the drug connections. In reality, drugs are accessible everywhere, and eventually we made new contacts. When we couldn’t get cocaine where we’d moved, oxycontin and methamphetamine, which is like cocaine only stronger, were easy to get. Then came infidelity. Then came heroin. Our second baby was still an infant when the drugs took over. I really loved my kids, and the comfort of using heroin eased the pain and heart stopping fear of being a grown up without having been a child. Fear coupled with having to repeatedly win back the “love” who I thought was my soulmate made my addiction even worse. Dancing with the devil, heroin always wins. I’d managed to keep a job and provide for my family, now totaling four children, until both of our habits began to soak up the majority of my earnings, and we lost our house. Forced to move back to this area and in with my mother, everyone we used to know were now full blown heroin addicts. We fell right in with them. Incarcerated at the Pike County Correctional Facility in 2017, they offered us an opportunity to receive Vivitrol, a shot if taken every thirty days inhibits the craving for heroin and alcohol. I decided to give it a try, and made a commitment to get it on schedule every month. As a result, I’ve been clean for almost two years. Now back in jail for a second time, it was not for drugs but for guilt by association with the mother of my children who is not in recovery, who I must avoid if any of us are to survive unless and until she chooses a sober path. My mother has always been there for me, in spite of her own life struggles. And she’s been there for my children. I am diligently working on my GED while incarcerated, and I have taken the programs offered here more seriously than ever. I am committed to the Smart Recovery program being offered inside and outside, wanting to share sobriety with others suffering from this scourge of drugs. Death in a bag or the love of family, I choose the latter, whatever it takes.
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Book Review ONE PLUS ONE IS TWO.
and Isabella likes Darren, Anastasia’s college-age son. So it’s not like she doesn’t It’s simple: all you have to do is add or have people who love her, right? count, easy-peasy, a trick you probably But when you’re eleven years old, there’s learned shortly after you could talk. One a lot to figure out. Other kids can be jerks at plus one is two but as you grow up, you’ll school, and do dumb things. Adults can do notice that math can get funny and, in the equally stupid things by making decisions case of the new book “Blended” by Sharon without asking the kids who are impacted. M. Draper, one plus one might suddenly Racial issues occur, even when they defibecome more. nitely shouldn’t. And when bad things hapEleven-year-old Isabella Badia Thornton pen to good kids, it’s nice to know who you has two homes. can always count on. It’s not like she’s rich or anything. It’s It can be assumed true, though, that one that author Sharon M. house is like a manDraper was a little sion and the other is girl, once upon a really small, but the time. Can we assume first one is her Dad’s she remembers it house and the second keenly? Because in belongs to her Mom. “Blended,” she taps Isabella has a bedperfectly into the room in each home emotions and the figbecause her parents uring-it-out period got divorced when that almost-teenagers she was a little kid, endure today. and it’s been a mess In getting inside the ever since. head of a pre-teen What she doesn’t girl, Draper presents a like: the “slicing in great young character half every seven that happens to hate days” thing when her drama. Still, Isabella parents exchange cusis a typical kid with tody at the mall. Ugh. bashful boy-crazy What she loves: her moments and fiercetall, funny, cocoagirl classmate conskinned dad who flicts, but her forthbought her a baby rightness and willinggrand because Isabella ness to ask for help is obsessed with playcould be a boon for ing piano; and her By Sharon M. Draper any “blended” child beautiful, blonde Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer in similar situations. mother, who noticed Parents might also Isabella’s talent back when Izzy was almost appreciate that many of Draper’s characters still a baby. Isabella would never choose are not assigned a race, which subtly puts between parents but sometimes, standing the emphasis of much of the plot on the with one foot in two homes, between two action rather than on the color of skin. races, is really, really hard.
“Blended ”
Her friends are super-understanding and her parents’ friends are cool. Her BFFs, Heather and Imani, let Isabella vent. Her Mom’s boyfriend, John Mark, has sunburned skin, tats, and a big truck and he makes Mom happy. Anastasia, Isabella’s Dad’s “lady friend” is elegant and sweet
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Meant purely for young readers age 9-to12, this middle-grade book is fun, profanity-free, and relevant now. Give it to the girl who needs a sharp story; for her, “Blended” is a good one.
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Healthy
When HEALTH is a
Lifestyle T
here are several great gyms located in the area: YMCA, Koles, Lake Region Fitness and Woodloch Sports Complex. They all offer something special. But recently, The Woodloch Sports Complex added cycling with the Les Mills program.
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Nicole Marrero and Jill Miller - cycle instructors.
Les Mills is a fourtime Olympic athlete representing New Zealand who won a gold medal for discus in 1966. He and his wife opened their first gym in 1968, focusing on highenergy aerobics. Motivation driven by the beat of great music helped build their suc-
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important to keep cess. They revise their your body moving. workouts every three Dancing around the months and introduce house can burn calonew programs regularries. Even a good belly ly. Les Mills Senior laugh can increase was not the only famiyour blood flow by ly member to represent 20%. his country in sport. His In addition to movewife Colleen, daughter ment, be mindful of what goes Donna and his son Phillip all wore the silver fern as national ath- Carla Mohan into your mouth. CSA’s and farmer markets still offer locally sourced letes of New Zealand. produce throughout the colder months. The Les Mills name has since become a And please, be extra mindful of packagbrand synonymous with health. They are ing. Styrofoam and plastics can emit committed to health as a lifestyle. Fightunwanted chemicals into your food and ing Globesity is a philosophy that serves will not breakdown in our ever-expandglobal sustainability starting with your ing landfills. Remember to bring your own health, fitness and wellbeing. Simown bags when shopping. Stop using ply put, fit body first – fit planet next. plastic straws. Biodegradable options are Like an overweight individual, we are, now readily available. as a race, simply consuming far more If you are looking for a gym, find the than we can healthily maintain. And we one that’s right for you. For me, The have started to discover the inconvenient Woodloch Sports Complex is ideal – truth - that in a globalized world some of cycling, pool, hot tub, steam, cleanliness the resulting woes - atmospheric destrucand a staff that is so darn friendly. But tion and global warming, affect us all. We don’t take my word for it. Throughout face a huge challenge to create global the month of March, enjoy a one-time, sustainability, starting with our own one-day adult pass (value $12.50) to health, fitness and well-being. experience the sports complex and all Keeping an active body is important. that they offer for yourself. 570-685-8143 We live in an outdoor paradise perfect www.WoodlochSportsComplex.com. Tell for hiking, running, kayaking, tennis, them a little birdie whispered a Pocono golf, biking, climbing and so much more. Secret in your ear. Enjoy! And, although the colder months offer just as many great outdoor activities – Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PoconoSecrets skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiVisit www.LAGuzda.com or www.PoconoSecrets.com ing, sledding, ice fishing and more, a for past articles. Do you have a Pocono Secret to large percent of us tend to hunker share? Send an email to: PoconoSecrets@aol.com indoors, often with comfort foods. It’s www.connections-magazine.com
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Outdoor Ramblings
Staying
Firewise During Spring Clean-Up By Bill Deaton | williamjdeaton@yahoo.com
A
Photo: This home suffered exterior damage from a neighbor’s uncontrolled burn pit that spread to adjacent woods. Photo by Bill Deaton.
lthough there might be snow on the ground as March begins, as the days grow longer and warmer most of us get the itch to get cracking on our yard work. If you don’t tackle that task by the end of the month then certainly, you’ll be at it in April. Whether it’s your home or a cabin, chances favor, in Northeastern Pennsylvania, your structure has adjacent or nearby woods. The choice method to get rid of the leaves and downed branches from the last two seasons is usually fire. Locally, when crews respond to a wildfire the cause, more often than not, is debris burning. Before you put a match to that pile of leaves and brush consider a few things: • Check to see if burning is even allowed. You may need a permit, or a burn ban may be in effect. • Burn only vegetation. Household trash, plastic, building materials, and tires are not good to burn, and it may be illegal to burn them. • Don’t burn when it is windy or if the vegetation is very dry. • Burn away from power and communication lines, overhanging vegetation, and away from structures, vehicles, and adjacent woods. If your debris pile is 10’ high, you’ll need 3x that vertical clearance and have at least 10’ cleared of flammable material around your pile. • Feed your fire to keep it manageable. If using a burn barrel, make sure it is in good condition with a screen and allows for ventilation. • Keep a garden hose and shovel handy. When it’s time to extinguish the fire, wet it thoroughly and turn over the ashes. Repeat several times until the debris is cold and wet. Burning debris may not be your thing, but it doesn’t mean other people won’t do it. A fire can easily spread from your neighbor’s property to yours. Keeping your home safe is something you should do. • Keep an area of 30’ around your home clear of leaf litter and other flammable materials such as propane tanks, lawn mowers, and lawn furniture, especially in fire season. • Consider using fire resistant materials in your landscaping. Remove all leaf litter 5’ away from your structures. • Prune dead tree branches 6-10’ off the ground, remove dead trees and bushes, and clear branches that overhang your structures. • Keep woodpiles and outdoor fire pits a safe distance from your house or cabin. • Clean gutters, roofs, patios, and decks free of flammable material. Cabins or decks on pilings collect leaf litter underneath too, so keep those areas free of debris. • Place screens on chimneys to keep embers from exiting. By all means, clean-up your yard, roast some marshmallows at fishing camp, or kick back around your own fire pit in your backyard. But use care and caution when fire is involved. www.connections-magazine.com
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Pets
Part I
Heartworms H
eartworms are large worms reaching 6-14 inches (15-36 cm) long. They are primarily located in the right ventricle of the heart and adjacent blood vessels.The typical clinical signs of heartworm infection are fatigue, coughing, and poor physical condition.
Canine Heartworm Disease What causes heartworm disease? Heartworm disease or dirofilariasis is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs. It is caused by a blood-borne parasite called Dirofilaria immitis. Heartworms are found in the heart and adjacent large blood vessels of infected dogs. The female worm is 6 to 14 inches long (15 to 36 cm) and 1/8 inch wide (5 mm). The male is about half the size of the female. One dog may have as many as 300 worms. How do heartworms get into the heart? Adult heartworms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected
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dogs. They have been found in other areas of the body, but this is unusual. They live up to five years, and during this time, the female produces millions of offspring called microfilaria. These microfilariae live mainly in the small vessels of the bloodstream. The immature heartworms cannot complete their life cycle in the dog. The mosquito is required for some stages of the heartworm life cycle. The microfilariae are not infective (cannot grow to adulthood) in the dog, although they do cause problems. As many as 30 species of mosquitoes can transmit heartworms. The female mosquito bites the infected dog and ingests the microfilariae during a blood meal. The microfilariae develop further for 10 to 30 days in the mosquito and then enter the mouthparts of the mosquito. The microfilariae are now called infective larvae because at this stage of development, they will grow to adulthood when they enter a dog. The mosquito usually bites the dog where the
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hair coat is thinnest. However, having long hair does not prevent a dog from getting heartworms. When fully developed, the infective larvae enter the bloodstream and move to the heart and adjacent vessels where they grow to maturity in two to three months and start reproducing, thereby completing the full life cycle. What do heartworms do to the dog? Adult heartworms cause disease by clogging the heart and major blood vessels leading from the heart. They interfere with the valve action in the heart. By clogging the main blood vessels, the blood supply to other organs of the body is reduced, particularly blood flow to the lungs, liver and kidneys, leading to malfunction of these organs. Most dogs infected with heartworms do not show any signs of disease for as long as two years. Unfortunately, by the time clinical signs are seen, the disease is well advanced. The signs of heartworm disease depend on the number of adult worms present, the location of the worms, the length of time the worms have been present, and the degree of damage to the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys from the adult worms and the microfilariae. The most obvious signs are a soft, dry cough, shortness of breath, weakness, nervousness, listlessness, and loss of stamina. All of these signs are most noticeable following exercise, when some dogs may even faint. Listening to the chest with a stethoscope will often reveal abnormal lung and heart sounds. In advanced cases, congestive heart failure may be apparent, and the abdomen and legs will swell from fluid accumulation. There may also be evidence of weight loss, poor condition, and anemia. Severely infected dogs may die suddenly during exercise or excitement. Check back next month for more on Heartworms.
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Big Tiger 1 yr old long haired cat who has a very sweet personality once she warms up to you.
Duke 1 yr old goofy Pit bull mix. He would do best in a home with children 12+. He does very well with cats and is good with other dogs as well.
Available for adoption at Dessin Animal Shelter! Call 570-253-4037. | CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE | 33
BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
What is Gender
Dysphoria? By Arthur Middleton, M.D., FAPA
One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human being!
W
– Franklin Thomas
atching an old movie is an interesting experience. Remember the term, technicolor? The colors, while intense, do not seem natural. The actors are generally predictable with regard to what we expect men and women to be like. If there is a love interest, the viewer has no question in regard to what is expected as far as the depictions of attraction. There is never any question as to what defines their characters as being male or female. However, cutting to the present time, our society has become more accepting of diversity and for some, more complicated with regard to the issue of gender and how sexual identity is experienced. Some might recall the character “Pat” on Saturday Night Live many years ago. The fictitious character Pat was portrayed in sketches that played on the inability of others to figure out the gender and sexual orientation of the character. The joke was whether the character was Pat or Patricia. The Miriam Webster Dictionary defines gender as the state of being male or female. This definition is understood as referring to an individual’s sexual anatomy, which should make the identification of who is male or female uncomplicated. If we extend
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this definition to include the “sense” of being a male or a female, it leads to the experience of being one sex anatomically but feeling like the other. Our society has reached the point where the issue of gender and sexual identity are seen on cable TV and the news media. Following the president’s State of the Union Address, a newspaper headlined, “Obama uses ‘lesbian,’ ‘bisexual,’ ‘transgender’ in State of the Union for the first time ever.” While this is noteworthy, it is likely that some may be unfamiliar with the term “transgender.” There is general familiarity with the term “gay,” which reflects same sex attraction and has largely replaced the term “homosexual.” Transgender is applied to those individuals who feel that they are in the wrong body with regard to sexual assignment. How they deal with it is quite different depending on life’s circumstances. The following fictional vignette is presented to highlight this experience. JT is a 27 y/o single woman. She is completing her graduate studies in psychology at a university and plans to become a therapist. Her interest in psychology stems from her experience as a child coming to grips with her sexual orientation and ultimately her sexual identity. JT is an only child. Her mother is a nurse and her father is a
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teacher. JT credits her survival, as she often describes it, to her parents’ ability to understand her challenges while growing up. As a young child, JT began to feel that she was different. While she had questions about why she felt this way early on, she felt that she should keep these thoughts to herself. While the feelings that she had were initially confusing, over time she recognized that she felt more comfortable with girls. There was no sexual attraction involved at that time. JT did well in school, but by the beginning of high school, she began to experience difficulties. JT told her mother that she was unhappy, but didn’t know why. She didn’t understand her feelings but began to recognize that she was feeling a physical attraction to girls. JT did not feel that she could tell her parents or even her closest friends. She became irritable with episodes of crying and her grades began to fall. Her mother, working as a nurse for a primary care doctor, spoke to the physician and expressed her concerns about her daughter. Following recommendations made by the physician, JT was encouraged to see a child psychiatrist. She did so, but never divulged the true reasons for her unhappiness. While it was limited, during the course of her treatment with the psychiatrist, and following discussions and approval of her parents, JT was tried on low doses of several antidepressants, which included Prozac or fluoxetine, and Zoloft or sertraline. These medications were not successful. By the age of 17, JT was no longer seeing a psychiatrist, but she had concluded that she was gay and told her parents. As is often the case, her parents had anticipated this some time ago. JT eventually learned that she was not alone and was able to socialize with other young women who also identified themselves as gay. After entering college, JT began dating women and eventually she fell in love. She and her girlfriend lived together, and the parents of both young women were supportive. JT still had
episodes of depression despite the support of her parents and girlfriend. JT completed college and began her studies in graduate school. As time progressed, JT began to view herself as a man trapped in a woman’s body. As a psychology student, she had researched this issue and recognized that it was in the spectrum of being transgender. JT found a therapist who specialized in the treatment of Gender Dysphoria, which is a diagnosis given to those individuals who are transgendered and experience distress as a result of their gender identification. JT shared this information with her girlfriend. JT recognizes that whether or not she decides to make the physical transition to have a body that will be more physically male, she does have a better understanding of why she was conflicted. She continues in therapy and has slowly transformed her appearance, with respect to clothing, to be more masculine. She is going to consider hormone treatment, but at this point has ruled out surgery. She and her girlfriend remain together. Visit CM’s website for more on dysphoria.
The following references are provided for the informed consumer: Medline Plus (U.S. National Library of Medicine/ National Institutes of Health): Gender Dysphoria http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001527.htm The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health http://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/ Gay and Lesbian Medical Association: 10 Things Transgender Persons should Discuss with their Healthcare Provider – http://www.glma.org/index.cfm?fuseaction= Page.viewPage&pageID=692
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Dr. Middleton is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, and a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Middleton is retired as an Associate in the Department of Psychiatry in the Geisinger Health System formerly practicing at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
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EVENTS
Y O U
ENTERTAINMENT
ARTS
RECREATION
a+r+e MAR ’19 THE AREA’S GOOD STUFF
C O N N E C T E D
THURSDAYS
Ongoing Events DAILY
Art-a-Pelago Black & Brass Coffee Co., The Bodhi Tree Art School & Studio, & D.J. Harvey Agency, Honesdale. One art gallery in three locations (Thasos-Anafi-Paros). Info: waynecountyartsalliance.org. DAILY
Public Art Displays Nature’s Grace, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale & Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce, Hawley. Wayne County Arts Alliance artists display their work. DAILY
Public Art Display REMAX Wayne, Honesdale. Art displays of local artists all year long. Info: 570-253-9566. WEEKLY
Table Tennis in Honesdale Lakeside Elementary School, Honesdale. Join a group of table tennis enthusiasts who play weekly. Info: John Babyak, 570-253-4379 or jbabyak1@ptd.net. TUESDAYS
Bingo American Legion Post 311, Hawley. Doors open 10:30 a.m., games begin at noon. Info: legionpost311@gmail.com.
Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance 10 a.m.–Noon. Newfoundland Library, Newfoundland. Serves as an intermediary to identify, create & provide educational opportunities. They can help you apply for jobs or refine your resume. No appointment necessary. Free. Info: 570-676-4518. THURSDAYS
Thursday Night with John Curtin 6–9 p.m. Glass-wine. bar. kitchen. at Ledges Hotel, Hawley. Classic guitar playing & musical stylings. Info: 570-226-1337 or ledgeshotel.com. THURSDAYS
Live Music with Eric Rudy 6 p.m. Kol Steakhouse, Hotel Anthracite, Carbondale. Info: 570-536-6020. THURSDAYS
Pub-O-Lympics 8 p.m. The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Hawley. A combination of trivia & physical challenges. Compete with your team to win a gold medal, gift certificate & bragging rights. Info: 570-226-4388. FRIDAYS
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. FRIDAYS
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.
Live Music at Tannery Room 8–11 p.m. Glass-wine.bar.kitchen. at Ledges Hotel, Hawley. Info: 570-226-1337 or ledgeshotel.com. SATURDAYS
WEDNESDAYS
Story Time 10:30–11:30 a.m. Pleasant Mount Public Library, Pleasant Mount. Bring your young children & grandchildren to the library for a fun-filled story time. Included will be crafts, games, songs &, of course, a story. Info: 570-448-2573 or www.waynelibraries.org.
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Drop-in Family Story Time 11 a.m.–Noon. Wayne County Public Library, Honesdale. Join Miss Melanie for a story, followed by a fun craft for the whole family to enjoy. Info: 570-253-1220 or www.waynelibraries.org.
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EVENTS SATURDAYS
MAR. 2
FREE Tastings and Demos Noon–2 p.m. Mill Market, in the Hawley Silk Mill, Hawley. Info: 570-390-4440.
Snowshoe and Secrets of the D&H Rail-Trail 10 a.m. Franks Place, Simpson. Info: 570-282-0159.
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.
March 1– March 9 MAR. 1
Sip & Paint Wine Bottles 6:30–8 p.m. Three Hammers Winery, Hawley. Info: 570-949-4688.
MAR. 2
Main Street Farmers’ Market 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. A vibrant & friendly gathering of exemplary local producers & enthusiastic consumers, connecting through a mutual appreciation for each other & for our regional foodscape. Enjoy farm-to-table eats from Anthill Farm Kitchen, locally grown produce & other artisanal goods. Free entry. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org.
MAR. 2 Romping Radishes 11 a.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Geared to students K–2, but all children are welcome. Featuring Indoor Olympics: Cabin Fever Edition. Put your excess energy to good use in a family olympics. Get ready for relay races, games, flag-making & cheering on your teammates. Parents/guardians must stay with their children for duration of the class. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org MAR. 1
First Friday 6:30–9 p.m. Calder Cafe, Equinunk Historical Society, Equinunk. Featuring the acoustic music of local performers, the free evening includes sing-alongs & light refreshments at modest cost to help keep the heat and lights on. If you like, put your name on the roster to perform. Info: 570-224-4466. MAR. 1–29
Exhibit: Elaine Madere, “Nature's Beauty” 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, Stroudsburg. Watercolor & acrylic paintings inspired by the natural beauty of the Poconos, especially in the Lake Naomi area. Paintings which capture the landscapes & florals from her travels are also included. Opening reception Mar. 2, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Info: 570-629-3061.
MAR. 2
Jambalaya: A Guided Class 3–5 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Led by Travis Head. Learn to cook a variety of jambalaya from scratch in a guided class. This class will be hands on & participants will get to try a variety of different types of jambalaya. BYOB. Reservation required: 570-253-2020 or info@thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 3
Monthly Breakfast Buffet 8 a.m.–Noon. Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Company, Mount Cobb. All you can eat plus homemade omelets & waffles made to order. Info: 570-689-2829. MAR. 3
Greene-Dreher Vol Fire Assoc All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet 8:30–11:30 a.m. Greene Dreher Volunteer Fire Association, Newfoundland. Eggs, pota-
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EVENTS toes, sausage, bacon, ham, corned beef hash, pancakes, sausage gravy over biscuits, toast, homemade French toast & all drinks. Children under 4 free. Info: 570-676-4207 or gdvfa23@yahoo.com. MAR. 3
Chili & Wing Cookoff Noon–4 p.m. The Waterfront at Silver Birches, Hawley. Try the best chili & wings in the Poconos. Beer tasting at The Dock & live music in the pub. Proceeds benefit the Victims Intervention Program. Anyone is welcome to participate. Info: 570-226-4388 or SilverBirchesResortPa.com. MAR. 3
March Music Circle at the Himalayan Institute 3–6 p.m. Himalayan Institute, Honesdale. Mixing group play with instruction & informal conversation, the Acoustic Music Circle Project is a monthly gathering of amateur & perhaps some professional musicians. People of all ages from the community coming together to share & learn folk music acoustically with no amplification, all cultures & styles are welcomed. Info: 800-822-4547. MAR. 3
RiverFolk Concert: Cliff Eberhardt with Louise Mosrie 5 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Presented by RiverFolk Concerts. Eberhardt has been a fixture on the acoustic singer-songwriter scene for several decades. Mosrie is an expressive & soulful southern folk-Americana singer-songwriter whose thoughtful, refined compositions are highlighted by her warm, crystalline voice. BYOB. Reservations & info: 845-252-6783 or riverfolkconcerts@frontier.com. MAR. 4
Annual Soup Luncheon 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Hemlock Grove United Methodist Church, Greentown. The GreeneDreher Historical Society opens their 2019 events schedule. A brief business meeting follows the luncheon. New members & guests are welcome. Info: 570-676-4354. MAR. 4
Marywood Jazz Ambassadors present “Hybrid” 7 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. An ensemble assembled to explore the styles laid out by legendary African-American composers. Hybrid explores Funk, New Orleans 2nd Line, & Soul Jazz, performing works by Sly and the Family Stone, The
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MAR. 7 The 100 Best Foods for Health & Longevity 6:30 p.m. Lake Region IGA, Hawley. Free class explains all about these 100 foods that will keep you healthy plus you’ll go home with tons of recipes that will get you started on a healthy lifestyle plan. Space limited. Yo u M U ST R SV P to Diane Ambrose at dambrose@ motivationsforwellness.com or call or text 570-504-4138. Rebirth Brass Band, Trombone Shorty, and famous jazz brothers Nat and Cannonball Adderley. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 5
Flower Show Bus Trip Avery Transportation, Beach Lake. Bus trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show. Sponsored by the Women’s Club of Honesdale. Pickup in Beach Lake at Avery’s garage, in Honesdale & in Hamlin. Info & times: Joan, 570 253-3625. MAR. 5
DIY Sausage Making 6–9 p.m. Here & Now Brewing Company, Honesdale. Learn something new in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Local culinary artist & head chef Benjamin Cooper demonstrates the fundamentals of making great sausage from scratch & share his favorite recipes for both fresh & cased sausages. Space limited. Reservations: 570-253-2020 or info@thecooperageproject.org.
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EVENTS MAR. 6
Spring Paint & Sip 5:30–9 p.m. Laurel’s Hometown Cafe, Honesdale. Dinner at 5:30, painting at 6. Dinner, dessert & all non-alcoholic beverages included, as is everything you will need to create your own masterpiece, & instructions by a talented artist. BYOB; corkscrew & wine glasses are provided. Info: 570-280-6338.
Chapel (Grace Ridge Church), Honesdale. Boy Scout Troop 1 invites you to their dinner. Dine in or take out. Info or tickets: Vicky, 570-253-3362 x 1457. MAR. 9
Soup Supper 5–7 p.m. Lake Ariel Fire Hall-Lake Station, Lake Ariel. Support the Lake Ariel Fire Dept. & enjoy a great meal. Info: 570-698-5340.
MAR. 8
Sip & Bead Wire Wrapped Pendant 6:30–8 p.m. Three Hammers Winery, Hawley. Info: 570-949-4688.
MAR. 9
Second Saturday Honesdale 6–9 p.m. Downtown Honesdale. Festivaltown happening filled with music, art, com-
MAR. 9 Saint Patrick’s Parade Downtown Scranton. The second largest parade in the country, celebrating the day when everyone is Irish. Parade Day Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral begins at 10 a.m. Brian P. Kelly memorial 2-mile footrace starts 11 a.m. Parade steps off at 11:45 a.m. Info: stpatparade.com or scrantonstpatrickparade@gmail.com. MAR. 8
Comedy Night 9 p.m. The Waterfront at Silver Birches, Hawley. Hosted by Joel Richardson, featuring Paul Spartz & headliner Joey Kola. Cash bar. Munchie menu available. Info: 570-226-4388 or SilverBirchesResortPa.com. MAR. 9
Ladore’s Indoor Yard Sale 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Ladore Lodge and Conference Center, Waymart. Check out all the great deals. Info: 570-488-6129. MAR. 9
St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Scranton Cultural Center, Scranton. Come to the grand ballroom for cold drinks, good food & great fun. Featuring music by Old Friends Celtic Band as well as some very special guests from along the parade route. Admission is free & families are welcome. Food & drinks for purchase. Info: 570-344-1111. MAR. 9
Corned Beef Dinner 4:30–7 p.m. First Presbyterian Church
edy & community support. Info on Facebook. MAR. 9
Josh Sudigala & David Cavage 7:30 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Free & open to the public. Step out for Second Saturday in Honesdale with two great musical guests. Sudigala, a young master guitarist/ singer/ songwriter hailing from Scranton, is on the cutting edge of today’s bluegrass movement with roots in traditional bluegrass. Cavage, banjo/vocals, hails from the Carbondale area & is widely known as a master of the 5-string banjo, high lonesome lead & harmony singing. BYOB. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 9–10
Jim Thorpe Irish Fest 11 a.m. Downtown Jim Thorpe. Strolling musicians, drums & bagpipes, competitions, brunches & a Kilt Party. Enjoy Celtic performances at the Mauch Chunk Opera House. Purchase a Pot-of-Gold Passport to unlock special discounts at participating shops, restaurants & pubs. Info: www.jimthorpe.org.
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EVENTS MAR. 11–15
March 10– March 19 MAR. 10
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Downtown Wilkes-Barre. 3.1-mile Renal Race to raise awareness & funds for kidney cancer research starts 10 a.m. Parade begins 2 p.m. Enjoy the melodious sounds of pipe & drum bands, Irish step dancers, floats & much more to celebrate the legacy & tradition of Irish culture. Info: Info: 570-208-4149 or wilkes-barre.city/special-events. MAR. 10
Woodloch’s Employee Crisis Fund Show 5–8 p.m. Woodloch Resort, Hawley. See your friends, family & co-workers take the spotlight on the big stage. Catch singers, dancers, variety acts, comedians & skits, & more. Proceeds benefit the Employee Run Crisis Fund. Raffles, bake sales, 50/50s & so much more. Info: 800-966-3562.
Scholastic Book Fair Lakeside Elementary School, Honesdale. Honesdale PTA’s annual book fair, this year our theme is Dino-Mite Book Fair. A reading event with a wonderful selection of engaging & affordable books for every reading level. Info: www.honesdalepta.com. MAR. 13
Bunny Bucket 5:30–9 p.m. Laurel’s Hometown Cafe, Honesdale. Dinner at 5:30, painting at 6. Dinner, dessert & all non-alcoholic beverages included, as is everything you will need to create your own masterpiece, & instructions by a talented artist. BYOB; corkscrew & wine glasses are provided. Info: 570-280-6338. MAR. 13
Brian McKnight 9–11 p.m. Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts, Lakeville. An artist who has gained international & domestic recognition, earning himself a spot in contemporary music history. Guests of the resort receive complimentary tickets. Info: 800-987-2050.
Seed Starting and Garden Planning 6–8 p.m. PennState Extension Building, Honesdale. Join Master Gardener Jessie Caccavale to get a jump on spring planting & understanding best practices for seed starting. Be prepared to get your hands dirty. In lieu of a fee, all participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to the workshop. All donations will be given to local food pantries. Info: 570-253-5970 x 4110.
MAR. 10
MAR. 14
Singing Harmony By Ear Workshop 3–5 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Led by Gathering Sparks. In this workshop you’ll learn how to listen for harmonies & find parts on your own, using exercises & songs to build confidence & give you a road map to find your harmonic way. Designed for all singers, though you should be able to sing the scale & be fairly comfortable singing in a group. Reservations & info: 570-253-2020 or info@thecooperageproject.org.
Trivia Night 5:30–7:30 p.m. Wayne County Public Library, Honesdale. Get rid of those winter blues with a night of trivia competition. Gather a team of 4–6 adults to compete for prizes & for a fun time. Registration & info: Elizabeth, ewilson@waynelibraries.org or 570-253-1220.
MAR. 10
MAR. 15 Night of a Thousand Reading Stars 5–8:30 p.m. Lakeside Elementary School, Honesdale. Students & families from all local schools & pre-schools are invited to attend this family event. Stories begin at 6:30 p.m. & end at 8 p.m. Spring book fair in the gym plus 30+ raffle baskets & several grand prize items to purchase chances on. Concession stand in the cafeteria. Admission free. Info: www.honesdalepta.com. 40 | CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE |
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EVENTS MAR. 15
St. Patrick’s Day 5–10 p.m. Glass–Wine.Bar.Kitchen., Ledges Hotel, Hawley. Enjoy Irish style specials & live music by Kevin Campion. Reservations suggested: 570-226-1337. MAR. 15
MAR. 16 A Night at the Oscars The Waterfront at Silver Birches Resort, Hawley. Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s 78th annual Mistletoe Ball. Live music & dancing with DJ Jumping Jeff Walker from WKRZ & a “fabulous basket raffle” with donations from many local vendors. Dress like one of your favorite stars & maybe win a prize. Benefits Wayne Memorial Hospital. Reservations: 570-226-9750.
MAR. 14
Pints for Polio and Trivia Fun! 5:30–9 p.m. Wallenpaupack Brewing Company, Hawley. Pints For Polio & Trivia with Adam Owens from WDNH. Admission gets you entered to win one of the vast array of prizes. Teams may also enter to play trivia. Grand prize for winning team. Contact Andy at 570-470-9042 to register your team ahead of time. Info: 570-390-7933. MAR. 14
Author Talk “The Stillness of the Living Forest: A Year of Listening and Learning” 6:30–8:30 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Author talk & reading by John Harvey about his recent publication, The Stillness of the Living Forest: A Year of Listening and Learning. It started with a personal commitment to sit an hour a week for a full year at the same spot in the forest to connect with nature & to observe the flow of natural life through the four seasons. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org.
MUSIC, MAGIC & DANCE with the Great Dubini, Wilfredo and live Dee-Jays! 7 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Part variety show, part dance party — this event features exciting performances by NYC magician & entertainer, The Great Dubini, & NYC comedian & musical character, Wilfredo, followed by three Dee-Jays spinning funk, soul, rock & roll, and more. For adults 21+ only. BYOB. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 16
Main Street Farmers’ Market 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. See description at Mar. 2. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 16
Romping Radishes 11 a.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Geared to students K–2, but all children are welcome. Join a Shamrockin’ Celebration: wear green & get ready to dance a jig. Explore Ireland without leaving Honesdale. Parents/guardians must stay with their children for duration of the class. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 16
St. Patrick’s Day Party with Kluster Phunk & Static in the Attic 6 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Music starts at 7 p.m. Kluster Phunk, a band based in Wilkes Barre, hosts. Tickets can be purchased in person at Player’s Row in Hawley. Members of both bands will have tickets, too, & online at facebook.com/klusterphunk. Info: klusterphunkbooking@gmail.com. MAR. 16–17
Jim Thorpe Irish Fest 11 a.m. Downtown Jim Thorpe. See description at Mar. 9. Info: www.jimthorpe.org. MAR. 17
62nd Allentown St. Patrick’s Day Parade 1:30–4:30 p.m. Allentown. Ten pipe bands, 8 divisions & over 2,000 marchers from organizations, schools, companies & community groups throughout the greater
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EVENTS Lehigh Valley Area. Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, 9:15 a.m. West End St. Pat’s 5K Race, 12:15–12:45 p.m. Info: allentownstpatricksparade.com.
MAR. 21
MAR. 17
MAR. 21
RiverFolk Concert: The Slambovian Underground 5 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Presented by RiverFolk Concerts. Their melodic avant-folk rock casts a spell that charms from the first note, with thought-provoking lyrics & styles ranging from dusty Americana ballads to huge Pink Floydesque cinematic anthems. BYOB. Reservations & info: 845-252-6783 or riverfolkconcerts@frontier.com.
Game Night 6–9 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project. Play from a selection of games or bring your own game to share & teach. All ages welcome. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org.
MAR. 17
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 5:30–9:30 p.m. The Settlers Inn, Hawley. Irish style specials & live music by the Blarney Boys. Reservations: 570-226-2993. MAR. 18
Wayne Highlands Quilt Guild 6:30 p.m. Honesdale Community Church, 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.
March 20– March 31
4th Annual Fire & Ice Event! 5:30–7:30 p.m. Wallenpaupack Brewing Co., Hawley. Info: 570-390-7933.
MAR. 22
Wayne Highlands Wrestling Program Fundraiser 5–10 p.m. 6th and River, Honesdale. Fundraiser supports members of the Honesdale HS & Middle School wrestling teams who will train & compete in Italy this coming summer. Unlimited beer, cocktails & appetizers while watching the NCAA Wrestling Championships. Tickets: 570-8920557 or 570-780-4479, or from coaches & members of both wrestling teams. MAR. 23
Spring into Action for your Health! 10–11 a.m. Hawley Public Library, Hawley. Free monthly class on healthy living. You’ll not only learn about healthy living, you’ll meet awesome people, have fun & feel great about yourself. You must RSVP to Hawley Public Library at 570-226-4620 or Diane at dambrose@motivationsforwellness.com.
MAR. 20
MAR. 24
Acoustic Bluegrass Jam 7–9 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project. Led by Ron Penska. All levels of players are welcome. All instruments are welcome, too, but leave your amps at home — this jam is entirely acoustic. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org.
Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade 1:30 p.m. Stroudsburg/East Stroudsburg. Enjoy marching units, bands, non-profit groups, politicians & local businesses marching between two boroughs to celebrate the life & good works of St. Patrick of Ireland. Info: piacparade@gmail.com.
MAR. 22 Sports Factory Kids Night Out 6–9 p.m. The Sports Factory of NEPA, White Mills. Nerf Wars Open Gym for ages 6–13. Date night for parents, great night for kids. 42,000 square feet of sports fun with Nerf Wars (bring your Nerf gun & eye protection), dodge ball on the turf, games, races contests, ninja warriors obstacle course & bounce house fun for the little ones. And pizza. Info: 570-352-3801. 42 | CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE |
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EVENTS MAR. 27
“Let’s Make Arrangements” — Still Life Workshop 5–6:30 p.m. Wayne County Public Library, Honesdale. Join Debby Pollak & look at still lifes made by artists throughout history. Then make your own art about apples, pears, shoes, flowers, lamps, chairs, cups & saucers & more, using a variety of drawing materials & paints. Info: 570-253-1220. MAR. 28
MAR. 23 2019 Murder Mystery & Silent Auction 6–10 p.m. Silver Birches, Hawley. Hosted by Wayne/Pike Penn State Alumni Association. You are invited to a murder in Devil’s Gulch, a quiet, unassuming little town that appears to be cursed since the fire. Attend this costume party only if you dare. Purchase tickets from Art’s for Him & Her, Too, the Lake Region branch of The Dime Bank, any board member or by calling Casey at 570-352-6870. Proceeds benefit the Wayne-Pike Penn State Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Info: 570-226-4388.
MAR. 26
NEPA Red Ribbon Alliance HIV/LGBT + Community Summit 6–9 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Presented by NEPA Red Ribbon Alliance. Free & open to the public. First community summit to discuss the needs of the HIV/ LGBT+ community in NEPA, in order to build & create partnerships & a “211” information website for the community & provide outreach for prevention & education. Light refreshments provided. RSVP by Mar. 19 to Neparedribbon@gmail.com.
Unique Pathways Program Series 5:30 p.m. Hawley Public Library, Hawley. How do you go from editing “Can This Marriage Be Saved” at Ladies’ Home Journal to hiring 50 Kalashnikov-armed mujahideen to ride shotgun on your humanitarian aid trucks in war-torn Afghanistan? Jan Goodwin gave up the glamour & the big bucks to spend four years starting & running Save the Children in Afghanistan. Info: 570-226-4620 or www.waynelibraries.org. MAR. 28
Shakespeare on Film: A Midsummer Night’s Dream 7 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Introduced with a brief background & orientation by Dr. Robert Dugan. Followed by an opportunity for discussion. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 30
Main Street Farmers’ Market 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. See description at Mar. 2. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 30
Romping Radishes 11 a.m. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Geared to students K–2, but all children are welcome. Topic: Stone Soup, “Bring what you’ve got & put it in the pot.” Bring a veggie or two & bring this classic tale to life. Parents/guardians must stay with their children for duration of the class. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 30
Bad Liars Performs at the Jeremy Hiller Scholarship Fundraiser 7–11 p.m. Seelyville Fire Company, Honesdale. Tickets available for presale & at the door. BYOB & a snack to share. Raffles, 50/50 & Chinese Auctions as well as other special raffles available. T-shirts to commemorate the scholarship & Jeremy’s memory will also be available for sale. Info: 570-253-1425.
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MISTLETOE BALL
TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE! RESCHEDULED DATE OF MARCH 16th
A Night at the
OSCARS! The 78th Annual Mistletoe Ball The Mistletoe hey’re Ball will feature rolling out live music and the red cardancing with disc pet—literally—at jockey Jumping the Wayne MemorJeff Walker from ial Hospital AuxilWKRZ and a “fabiary’s annual ulous basket rafMistletoe Ball. The fle” with donatheme for the tions from many March 16th event local vendors, at Silver Birches in including Apple Tafton will be A Day Spa, Black & Night at the Oscars. Brass Coffee, Rus“Come experitic Farmworks, ence old and new Mistletoe Committee, left to right: Wallenpaupack Hollywood,” says Gary Mesko, Joan Buehl, Marianne McConeghy, Martha Wilson, Brewing, VIP Kids co-chair Nancy Carol Sturm, Danielle Hedgelon, Melissa Richard, Kaylee Racht Club and Wayne Moro, “dress like and Michelle Corrigan. Missing from picture is Nancy Moro. County Ford. one of your favorite With more than 200 members, the Wayne stars, and maybe you’ll win a prize.” Moro, Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is one of the who is considering going as Marilyn Monroe, strongest in the state of Pennsylvania. Anyone notes that the evening is fun and meaningful. It’s the auxiliary’s biggest fundraiser of the year can join, says Mistletoe co-chair Danielle Hedgelon. “Come to the Mistletoe Ball and to help its community hospital. find out how much fun we can be while help“The proceeds this year will go towards a fund to purchase the resources—such as equip- ing our community hospital at the same time.” Tickets are $85 per person. Call (570) 226ment and information systems-- needed to 9750 to reserve your spot. Visit wmh.org to recruit physicians and other medical talent. find out more about the WMH Auxiliary. We’re building a state-of-the-art patient tower, and we want to assure it’s equipped and staffed as well as possible.”
T
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