Connections Magazine - March 2020 Issue by Connections Magazine

MARCH 2020

Since 1998

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CONNECT MARCH 2020

FEATURES

6 THE ETIQUETTE OF THE

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION Apparel, body language and attitude are among the factors that can make a difference when buying or selling a home.

ZEROING IN ON ZILLOW Constant advances in technology make it easier for us to do the simplest tasks, from buying groceries to finding a destination ten minutes away. The housing market isn’t any different...

I NEED LIFE INSURANCE 10 DO FOR MY CHILD? Let’s face it: Thinking about the death of your child is almost more than you can bear. But you’ve seen those sweet baby-faced commercials urging you to buy life insurance for your child, and you wonder whether it’s a good idea. After all, you’d do anything for your kids.

SPENDING PACKAGE... 12 NEW The $1.4 trillion spending package enacted on December 20, 2019, included the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act...

COLUMNS 5

WORDS FROM THE TEAM

22 POCONO SECRETS

14 DISASTER BLASTER

24 OUTDOOR RAMBLINGS

16 LIVING GREEN

26 PETS

18 MRS. DOGOOD

28 BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE

20 BOOK REVIEW

30 AREA EVENTS

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CONNECTIONS Magazine

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

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

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

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

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WORDS FROM THE TEAM

“

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light. May good luck pursue you each morning and night! – Irish Blessing

”

ucky for you, you found our March real estate & money issue! It’s all about your home and your money. From what makes a difference when buying or selling a home: apparel, body language and attitude for the homeowner as well as the agent, to the elimination of the ‘stretch IRA’ affecting your pot of gold in retirement. Tap into a sweet tradition in North America dating back to the Native Americans; check out Living Green. Ever wondered about the source of the name of the town you’ve traveled through or lived in? See Pocono Secrets. Bring a little luck into the life of a shelter animal; take a look at Kona & Baron available for adoption at Dessin Animal Shelter. Plus, see tips for making your adoption successful. Cheers & green beers! The CM Team 570.647.0085 cmag@ptd.net

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REAL ESTATE

Americans today enjoy the freedoms of the dressed-down workplace and relaxed attire standards that have become accepted at schools, churches, stores, restaurants and other places where people meet, greet and congregate—even formally. Indeed, comfort, casual and convenience are in, and the suit and tie, it would appear, are out. Watchers of the new TLC cable program “Buying Naked” – in which nudist colony clients hunt for homes, and even meet with sellers, in the buff – may even get the idea that clothing itself is becoming optional in public places. But when it comes to real estate transactions, appropriate attire and making a good impression via body language and demeanor remain important, particularly for buyers, sellers and agents meeting in person during an open house, private showing or other event, say the experts. “We all judge each other based on first impressions, and certainly dress and attitude are seen first,” says Liz Recchia, owner/broker at We Sell Real Estate in Phoenix. “Standing with correct posture, speaking in clear sentences and dressing in an appropriate manner all assure the other party you are able and willing to fulfill your legal obligations.” Jake Russell, a realtor with Keller Williams in Waco, Texas, says he often sees many sellers dressing like they’re running errands during a property showing. “For most people, this real estate transaction will be the biggest they will ever make. My advice is to wear your very best clothes. People want to do business with great people, and buyers want to know that the home was well taken care of. Presenting yourself as having your life together leads buyers to believe the home is in great shape,” Russell says. “The way you dress and present yourself will also determine how a real estate agent treats you. If you and your house are sloppy, you may be put at the bottom of the agent’s list.” The good news for sellers and buyers is that they don’t necessarily have to invest in

a new business wardrobe or sign up for an Emily Post seminar prior to listing or shopping for a home. That’s because it’s less common nowadays for prospective purchasers to meet face-to-face with sellers and vice versa. “In my area, we don’t close at the same title company, and it’s common that the seller is not in attendance when homes are shown,” says Jake Breen, managing broker/realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties in Park City, Utah, who isn’t as strict in his advice to clients on proper attire. “Most of my clientele are actually dressed casually when they go out to home shop. But on the occasion we do meet a seller who is home, I recommend that, no matter the attire worn, they put on a smile, display positive body language and exude a good attitude that’s engaging and inviting,” Breen says. Keep in mind that overdressing can sometimes backfire, too, especially for buyers. Eric Grauberger, an agent with Team Denver Real Estate in Denver, had a buyer client clad in fancy garb and ample bling and pulled up at a home for sale in a flashy car. “The seller, who was home at the time, noticed the buyer candidate and later rejected his offer because she thought the buyer could afford much more,” says Grauberger. The bottom line? Buyers and sellers should follow the face-to-face meeting protocol golden rule: Treat the other party as you would want to be treated, says Recchia, and abide by common courtesy. That means dressing for success, being polite, making eye contact, avoiding rude comments, shaking hands, not speaking too loudly or softly, and, of course, saying “please” and “thank you.” CTW Features

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FEATURE STORY REAL ESTATE

Zeroing IN ON

By Allison Mowatt

onstant advances in technology make it easier for us to do the simplest tasks, from buying groceries to finding a destination ten minutes away. The housing market isn’t any different, and websites like Zillow make it possible for people to do all their “real estate homework” prior to speaking with a licensed real estate professional. Founded in 2005, Zillow is the leading online real estate marketplace on the Web and mobile apps, where users can easily find information on homes, townhouses, condos, and apartments. Zillow has data on millions of homes across the country, not just those currently for sale but also those not yet on the market, such as pre-foreclosures. In addition to giving value estimates of homes, the site offers value changes of each home in a given time frame, aerial views of the homes, and prices of comparable homes in the area. Research indicates Zillow’s website activity continues to grow each year with increased numbers of visitors. Over the past several years, Zillow launched new features such as mobile apps, an online advice service, real estate market reports, and a mortgage marketplace.

How do local realtors feel about sites like Zillow ? Bridget Gelderman, a Realtor at Davis R. Chant Realtors Hawley office, offers her insights and opinions:

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“Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia can be helpful in the initial search to locate homes and narrow down areas of interest; however, the information is often not always accurate on these websites. These websites do not play by the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics, and for consumers, this is a big deal. Zillow falls short with its valuations on homes. These “Zestimates” can be way off. For example, in Wayne County, the Zestimate Accuracy Star Rating is a “1” star out of 5 stars, 5 being the best. Basically, they are unable to compute Zestimate accuracy, yet they still put a Zestimate out there. Pike County is a “2” star rating. Trulia.com was recently acquired by Zillow. They highlight a wide range of features like school information, crime, and tips on their homepage. This site’s photo feed pulls very poor quality photos.” “The bottom line is while all these websites are helpful, go directly to a broker’s website to get additional information on the home or market and then use a realtor to navigate through the home buying or selling process. For most people, buying a home is the largest financial investment they will ever make. There are big decisions to be made, and emotions come into each and every one, both on the buyer side and the seller side. Having an expert help lead through the process is critical in securing the best deal with the least amount of headaches.”

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Bridget Points Out Other Key Factors: When you work with a realtor, their fiduciary responsibility is to look out for the customer’s best interests since they subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics. There are ever changing rules and regulations from changes on how to obtain a mortgage to zoning issues. The realtor assists with all these issues. There are pros and cons to each property, and a realtor can help direct the customer through the ins and outs of a community, township and any issues that could be possible within the construction of a home. They have a resource of experts that provides invaluable information before spending a life’s savings. When it comes to pricing and selling your home, a realtor has access to tax records and data that is current and can provide a customer with a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) of a recommended list price for a home based on what has happened in the market. -Realtors can help lead through negotiations and contracts. Once the excitement has settled from finding the right home, the real work begins. Navigating the negotiations and making sure the customers understand what they’re signing is a large part of a realtor’s job. They help throughout the entire process and keep all people involved on track for a smooth closing.

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To contact Bridget Gelderman at Davis R. Chant Realtors, call (570) 226-4518, email bgelderman@chantre.com, or visit www.chantre.com.

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Money

Do I Need

Life

Insurance for My Child?

et’s face it: Thinking about the death of your child is almost more than you can bear. But you’ve seen those sweet babyfaced commercials urging you to buy life insurance for your child, and you wonder whether it’s a good idea. After all, you’d do anything for your kids. So, what’s the right thing to do? Here’s the honest truth: Getting life insurance for your kids is not the best option for your family. We’ll explain all the choices without any emotional hype so you can make an informed decision.

Why People Buy Life Insurance for Kids If buying life insurance for kids is such a bad idea, why do so many people do it? For one, advertisers do a great job of pulling at your heartstrings to make you think it’s the best thing since home delivery for your groceries. But there are some other myths people believe about life insurance for kids. This is what you’ll hear:

Myth #1: It provides a savings vehicle for my child’s education. You’ve probably seen this as a feature of whole life insurance for children. The idea is that the monthly premium will build up savings for college. Sounds great, right? Not so fast. First, the fees will eat away at your return. And the return isn’t great—about as much as a traditional CD (Certificate of Deposit) you’d get at a bank. Not only that, but you’ll also have to pay fees to get your money when it’s time to pay tuition. In what world is this a good idea? Not the real world—that’s for sure.

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Myth #2: It guarantees my child can get more life insurance later. Some parents and grandparents want to make sure their kids can get good life insurance even if the kids develop a medical problem early on. The truth is, most people in their 20s and 30s have no problem getting a good term life insurance policy, so there’s really no need to buy life insurance for your kids. If you do buy life insurance for your kids and they want to carry their policy into adulthood, they can only get a limited amount added to it. And in many cases, that amount is too small to provide for their family long-term.

Myth #3: It covers funeral expenses and other costs. Yes, life insurance would cover funeral expenses, but the likelihood of actually needing it is so slim that you’re better off putting the monthly premium payments into a savings account. Then you retain control of that money and can use it for other reasons, like if your child needs their tonsils taken out. And that type of emergency is much more likely to happen!

Alternatives to Children’s Life Insurance If you don’t buy life insurance for your child, how do you pay for burial expenses if the unthinkable happens? We’ve got an easy fix. Instead of paying premiums, you can put that money in an emergency fund. If you stash away three to six months of living expenses, you can cover the cost of a funeral—or any other emer-

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gency that might pop up along the way. If you don’t have that money stashed away yet, you can get a rider for your children on your term life policy (or your spouse’s). A rider is an add-on to a basic policy. Think of it like adding bells and whistles to your car. This kind of rider is pretty cheap—around $50-60 a year—and it covers all your kids, no matter how many you have, until they are no longer member of your household (that’s what Dave did for years).

How to Invest in Your Child’s Financial Future As a parent, you want to set your child up for success—especially when it comes to money. So if you were thinking about getting life insurance for your kids as a way to start them out on the right financial foot, here are some better ideas than opting for a life insurance gimmick: • Open a college fund. Basically, there are two kinds of college funds: a 529 plan and an ESA (Education Savings Account). There are pros and cons to both, but either one would be a much better choice than a whole life insurance policy. As a plus, you get some tax benefits! • Open an IRA. An Individual Retirement Arrangement is a great way to get your kids started out right. You don’t have to fork over a whole lot of cash to open one, and you can add to it a little at a time. You can even offer to match any money your child puts in it, showing them the value of an employer match! • Open a custodial account. You might have heard of the UGMA (Uniform Gift to Minors Act) and the UTMA (Uniform Transfer to Minors Act). Fancy words, simple concept: Think of a savings and investing account that minors can’t touch until they become adults. But there are lots of rules with these accounts (for instance, this money counts against your child’s financial aid), so know what you’re getting into first.

Do You Need Life Insurance for Your Child? The reason you buy life insurance is simple: It replaces your income if you pass away and helps your family take care of their financial needs when they can no longer rely on your income. But since you don’t depend on your child’s paycheck (they depend on yours!), there’s no need to buy a policy for your kids. It’s easier and cheaper to get a rider on your own term life policy. Here’s the deal: You love your children and want to start them out on the path to success but getting a life policy on them is the wrong road. The best insurance move for your family is for you and your spouse to get term life insurance. That way, if the unthinkable happens and one of you passes away, you know the policy will replace your income and put your kids in the best spot possible. © Lampo Licensing, LLC. All rights reserved.

Josh specializes in retirement income strategies, investments strategies, as well as additional financial strategies. His focus is on lifelong financial guidance and his commitment is to place clients first and provide unmatched customer service. He would be glad to answer any questions regarding the content of this article as well as any others. Call today at 570729-1020 or email Josh at sage@cfiemail.com. You can also visit www.sageinvestments.net. Jonathan Sheard offers securities and advisory services through Centaurus Financial, Inc. member FINRA and SIPA and a registered investment advisor. This is not an offer to sell securities, which may be done only after proper delivery of a prospectus and client suitability is reviewed and determined. Information relating to securities is intended for use by individuals residing in PA, NY, AR, VA, FL, NC, GA, CT. Sage Investments and Centaurus Financial Inc are not affiliated.

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MONEY

New Spending Package Includes Sweeping Retirement Plan Changes (SECURE Act) Provided courtesy of Michael J Krupa, Krupa Wealth Management

he $1.4 trillion spending package enacted on December 20, 2019, included the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, which had overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives in the spring of 2019, but then subsequently stalled in the Senate. The SECURE Act represents the most sweeping set of changes to retirement legislation in more than a decade. While many of the provisions offer enhanced opportunities for individuals and small business owners, there is one notable drawback for investors with significant assets in traditional IRAs and retirement plans. These individuals will likely want to revisit their estate-planning strategies to prevent their heirs from potentially facing unexpectedly high tax bills. All provisions take effect on or after January 1, 2020, unless otherwise noted.

Elimination of the "stretch IRA" Perhaps the change requiring the most urgent attention is the elimination of longstanding provisions allowing non-spouse beneficiaries who inherit traditional IRA and retirement plan assets to spread distributions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and therefore the tax obligations associated with them â&#x20AC;&#x201D; over their lifetimes. This ability to spread out taxable dis-

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tributions after the death of an IRA owner or retirement plan participant, over what was potentially such a long period of time, was often referred to as the "stretch IRA" rule. The new law, however, generally requires any beneficiary who is more than 10 years younger than the account owner to liquidate the account within 10 years of the account owner's death unless the beneficiary is a spouse, a disabled or chronically ill individual, or a minor child. This shorter maximum distribution period could result in unanticipated tax bills for beneficiaries who stand to inherit high-value traditional IRAs. This is also true for IRA trust beneficiaries, which may affect estate plans that intended to use trusts to manage inherited IRA assets. In addition to possibly reevaluating beneficiary choices, traditional IRA owners may want to revisit how IRA dollars fit into their overall estate planning strategy. For example, it may make sense to consider the possible implications of converting traditional IRA funds to Roth IRAs, which can be inherited income tax free. Although Roth IRA conversions are taxable events, investors who spread out a series of conversions over the next several years may benefit from the lower income tax rates that are set to expire in 2026.

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Benefits to individuals

Benefits to employers

On the plus side, the SECURE Act includes several provisions designed to benefit American workers and retirees. • People who choose to work beyond traditional retirement age will be able to contribute to traditional IRAs beyond age 701⁄2. Previous laws prevented such contributions. • Retirees will no longer have to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and retirement plans by April 1 following the year in which they turn 701⁄2. The new law generally requires RMDs to begin by April 1 following the year in which they turn age 72. • Part-time workers age 21 and older who log at least 500 hours in three consecutive years generally must be allowed to participate in company retirement plans offering a qualified cash or deferred arrangement. The previous requirement was 1,000 hours and one year of service. (The new rule applies to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2021.) • Workers will begin to receive annual statements from their employers estimating how much their retirement plan assets are worth, expressed as monthly income received over a lifetime. This should help workers better gauge progress toward meeting their retirement-income goals. • New laws make it easier for employers to offer lifetime income annuities within retirement plans. Such products can help workers plan for a predictable stream of income in retirement. In addition, lifetime income investments or annuities held within a plan that discontinues such investments can be directly transferred to another retirement plan, avoiding potential surrender charges and fees that may otherwise apply. • Individuals can now take penalty-free early withdrawals of up to $5,000 from their qualified plans and IRAs due to the birth or adoption of a child. (Regular income taxes will still apply, so new parents may want to proceed with caution.) • Taxpayers with high medical bills may be able to deduct unreimbursed expenses that exceed 7.5% (in 2019 and 2020) of their adjusted gross income. In addition, individuals may withdraw money from their qualified retirement plans and IRAs penalty-free to cover expenses that exceed this threshold (although regular income taxes will apply). The threshold returns to 10% in 2021. • 529 account assets can now be used to pay for student loan repayments ($10,000 lifetime maximum) and costs associated with registered apprenticeships.

The SECURE Act also provides assistance to employers striving to provide quality retirement savings opportunities to their workers. Among the changes are the following: • The tax credit that small businesses can take for starting a new retirement plan has increased. The new rule allows employers to take a credit equal to the greater of (1) $500 or (2) the lesser of (a) $250 times the number of non-highly compensated eligible employees or (b) $5,000. The credit applies for up to three years. The previous maximum credit amount allowed was 50% of startup costs up to a maximum of $1,000 (i.e., a maximum credit of $500). • A new tax credit of up to $500 is available for employers that launch a SIMPLE IRA or 401(k) plan with automatic enrollment. The credit applies for three years. • With regards to the new mandate to permit certain part-timers to participate in retirement plans, employers may exclude such employees for nondiscrimination testing purposes. • Employers now have easier access to join multiple employer plans (MEPs) regardless of industry, geographic location, or affiliation. "Open MEPs", as they have become known, offer economies of scale, allowing small employers access to the types of pricing models and other benefits typically reserved for large organizations. (Previously, groups of small businesses had to be affiliated somehow in order to join an MEP.) The legislation also provides that the failure of one employer in an MEP to meet plan requirements will not cause others to fail, and that plan assets in the failed plan will be transferred to another. (This rule is effective for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2021.) • Auto-enrollment safe harbor plans may automatically increase participant contributions until they reach 15% of salary. The previous ceiling was 10%.

The SECURE Act may have the largest impact on retirement planning since the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

This information, developed by an independent third party, has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. This information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Investments mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. The material is general in nature. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. does not provide advice on tax, legal or mortgage issues. These matters should be discussed with the appropriate professional. Content prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc.

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TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

What if your insurance company wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t confirm

Coverage? Provided by Disaster Blaster

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When you experience damage to your home, you want it to be properly mitigated and repaired as quickly as possible. Perhaps even more important, however â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you want to make sure your insurance company is paying for it!

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And that can cause a bit of frustration, as insurance companies can sometimes drag their feet when confirming coverage or outlining what specific coverages are applicable to your claim. This can create significant delays and a tremendous amount of unease and confusion for homeowners and business owners. So what happens when your insurance company won’t confirm coverage, and what are your options and responsibilities? Let’s take a look.

You are obligated to mitigate timely Your insurance company will likely stress you’re obligated under your policy to act as quickly as possible to address the damage that occurred. This is important, as further damage may be your responsibility. This is why emergency work, such as water damage mitigation and boardup services, is regularly approved and performed without an estimate being prepared beforehand. However, we completely understand your concern if you want to confirm coverage first. It’s perfectly reasonable for a homeowner to feel uncomfortable writing a blank check, not knowing if their insurance company will ultimately pay for the work being performed. While we can often contact the insurance company to verify coverage and receive approval for the emergency service work, sometimes the company is unable to do so right away.

Your insurance company should confirm coverage quickly When you experience an insurance claim, your insurance company’s primary job is to confirm coverage and pay for the work being performed. Most companies and adjusters strive to do just that and fully understand your hesitation to proceed with costly work without first knowing the work is covered by your policy. Once coverage is confirmed, the work should be able to progress without fear of an unexpected out-of-pocket cost. Qualified

mitigation and restoration contractors will be able to work with your company to seek the necessary approvals and provide any required documentation in order to facilitate the process.

What if your insurance company doesn’t confirm coverage? While uncommon, sometimes things fall through the cracks, and the insurance company fails to make a timely coverage determination. Sometimes they may even require an inspection by a field adjuster before coverage can be confirmed. Your company will expect you to proceed with the mitigation services in the meantime and without knowing if the work is covered. This can be a scary thought for a homeowner or business owner, and that’s completely understandable. As a result, we strongly recommend actively following up with your adjuster for a coverage decision.

What can you do if your insurance company isn’t making a coverage determination? If you don’t feel you’re getting anywhere with your insurance company and your mitigation company has been unable to confirm coverage with them, there are a few steps you can take. 1) Contact your local insurance agent to see if they can help. 2) Escalate your concerns to your adjuster’s supervisor. 3) Request assistance from your state’s Department of Insurance. 4) Hire a public adjuster to represent you. We hope this information was helpful in answering some common concerns about insurance coverage. If we can ever be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our offices. About Disaster Blaster Disaster Blaster is an indoor environmental firm serving the Northeastern PA Area. We have been providing our local area with unparalleled water damage mitigation, mold remediation, asbestos abatement, radon mitigation, basement waterproofing, and fire / smoke restoration services for decades, and are proud to have been named The World’s Greatest Indoor Environmental Firm. For more about Disaster Blaster, as well as more helpful tips, please visit our website at: www.disasterblaster.com or call our office at (570) 963-1123.

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Tapping the Sweetest

TREE! By Kelley Stewart ~ Forest Specialist, Wayne Conservation District

Maple syrup has a long tradition in North America dating back to the Native Americans who first discovered the sweet sap of the sugar maple. Boiled sap was reduced to syrup and then to a granulated sugar making it easy to store and transport. As European colonists began to settle North America, Native Americans shared their knowledge of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sugaringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with them. 16 | CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE |

Through the years, new technology has advanced the processing of turning sap into syrup, but regardless of the equipment, the product remains the same.

DID YOU KNOW? The sugar maple, Acer saccharum, is a unique native tree to Northeastern America including Pennsylvania. Other species of maple trees may be used to produce syrup, but the sugar maple offers the highest sugar content in the sap (up to 5%), making it the best tree to tap. Maple season occurs in early spring when cold nights dip below freezing, and day temperatures are above freez-

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Maple Syrup

ing, causing sap to flow in the tree. It takes, on average, 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of pure maple syrup! Evaporators boil tree sap until the sugar content is around 67%. Pure maple syrup is 100% natural, unrefined sugar containing mineral nutrients and vitamins from the sap of the maple tree. Typical syrup products marketed for pancakes and waffles contain NO maple syrup. Common commercial ingredients may include corn syrup, brown rice syrup, artificial flavor, brown sugar, caramel color and preservatives. For a healthier option, you can swap maple syrup for sugar in your favorite recipe by using 3/4 cup of maple syrup to 1 cup of sugar. You can buy maple syrup locally! Visit a local sugarhouse to see maple

syrup produced from the tap to the table! The Northeastern PA Maple Producers Association holds an annual open house the third weekend in March. Sugar makers open their doors to share their love of maple syrup and enjoy teaching families about the process. See producers tapping trees, collecting sap and boiling. Tasting of syrup and favorite maple infused recipes makes for a fun day. Be sure to stop at one of the pancake breakfasts along the way! For more information about the free Open House, please visit the Wayne Conservation District Website at www.wayneconservation.org or follow the Northeastern PA Maple Producers Association on Facebook.

Kelley Stewart is the Forest Specialist for Wayne Conservation District located in Honesdale. Kelley provides technical assistance to timber industry professionals, support for the Northeastern PA Maple Producers, and landowner assistance. For more information about the district, please contact Kelley by phone at (570)2530930, email: kstewart@waynecountypa.gov.

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MRS. DOGOOD

DOCTOR By The Reverend Mrs. Silence DoGood Dear Editor, Day. Day. Day. Day. Day. Day. Day. Day. Day. Day. Day. Day. And then something strange happens. The strange thing happened to me when my best friend Alice Bright Light told me she had a dream. She dreamt that my deceased father-inlaw came to her and told her that I should no longer be the senior pastor of the church that he founded and that I should become a medical doctor. Alice is a full blooded Chippewa Indian and an excellent evidentiary medium. I was troubled. I believe in Alice’s powers. I believe that Alice had the dream. I believe that my father-in-law The Reverend Mr. Silas Patriot DoGood visited her. Why would he say that? My whole world was turned upside down. He brought me into his church and trained me to be a leader in it. The church has grown under my leadership and is now the largest church in the county. Alice knew I was in turmoil. She suggested we hold a séance and invite The Reverend Silas DoGood to appear. She suggested we hold it in the yellow school bus which is now our Sunday school classroom. The Reverend Silas DoGood founded his church in that bus and used it for years. He stood in the bus’s aisle and preached his sermons there. We held the séance. And he did appear. At the séance he said I should take his former title of pastor which I had historically declined to take out of respect for him. It wasn’t that he wanted me to quit the church; he simply wanted me to use his title. I have subsequently decided to keep my title of senior pastor which I prefer. He also suggested I get a Doctor of Theology degree since my Master’s Degree is in Art History. I had mistakenly thought he wanted me to become a medical doctor. Good thing we held the séance. I tell my congregation that I practice an over the stove ministry. While I am preparing food to nourish my family, I am also thinking of ways to spiritually nourish my congregation. It is a meditation. My husband and my two children know not to disturb me while I am in my kitchen cooking. Meals are made up of many ingredients. A

happy and rewarding life also has many ingredients. I think about the recipes that people can use to lead fulfilling lives. My ingredients for a fulfilling life come from many sources. Some come from nature. I am a very good spectator. I look and I see. I discover the fauna and flora around me. In the lives found in the woods, the valley, and the waters I can find universal principles. When I point these out to my congregation, they can be a source of nourishment to them. Another source of my ingredients for a fulfilling life comes from art. When I look at the creativity of men and women over the course of our history, I see insights into who we are and who we can become. Often art begins in our subconscious levels and then is brought into consciousness. When this happens, our deepest humanity transforms into sculpture, music, paintings, architecture, literature and more. The mission of my church is to help my congregation overcome the fear of living and the fear of dying. In my experience and in my observed experience of others, I have seen fear can limit us. Only when we root out fear can we experience the deepest flow of our humanity. The power to capture life is in each of us. To live in it. To explore it. And to share it. I have come to realize that my religiosity is not dependent on old books as a Doctor of Theology would instruct. Instead my religiosity is dependent on a book yet to be written. I will continue on my current path of exploration and not follow Reverend Silas DoGood’s advice to get a doctorate. 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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Book Review THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE DAYS.

ask for help and don’t stop speaking or asking until you find that “right person.” Learn to recognize stress and know that even That’s the amount of time we all had last just a little anxiety can grow until you can’t year: 52 weeks of 24/7, but your friend had a deal anymore. Watch for addictive behavior, 2019 that seemed to last forever. He is, in fact, including addiction to electronics. Become still struggling and you want to help but how? educated about the mythology of teen suicide, What can you say or do to get him through? know who’s at particular risk, self-assess now Start by reading “Beneath the Surface” by Kristi and then, and recognize the warning signs that Hugstad and tackle today first. scream for a professional. “I was a teenager Finally, remember: once, too! there is absolutely No doubt you’ve zero shame in acceptheard that from at ing therapy or help. least one adult in As illustrated by A Teen’s Guide to Reaching Out your lifetime and you the story of her huscan’t argue with it. When You or Your Friend is in Crisis” band’s suicide, author What you can say, Kristi Hugstad shows though, is that things how easy it is to miss are different. Being a a crisis brewing. So teen today is hard: how can we best arm with social media, our teens and make smart phones, and them equipped to inescapable peer handle such unimagpressure around, you inable things? and your friends “Beneath the Surmight encounter face” could be a good problems that are too start. overwhelming to deal Beginning with with alone and it honesty and careful might seem like words about that nobody’s listening, which can seem which is scary. That’s insurmountable, and when serious help always keeping one might be needed – finger on suicide as help from “the right the hub, Hugstad lists person” – to make possible warning things better. signs related to the First, though, know most common, most this: what’s happendangerous actions. ing isn’t anybody’s That info’s backed up fault. A depressed by short, bullet-pointperson didn’t ask to ed chapters that are be like that, someone easily browsed but who’s bulimic didn’t packed tight with look for it, nobody takeaways, which is a By Kristi Hugstad who’s addicted wants good thing for busy Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer to be addicted – furteens. Another value: thermore, bad things the advice on advocan happen to anyone at any time. And if you cating for self or friends is straightforward and believe you’re depressed/addicted/bulimic unembellished. because your brain doesn’t work right, well, it’s This is one of those books you hope you a fact that areas of the human brain mature at never need. It’s good to have around in these different times. tumultuous times, though, and it’s sure to be a The second thing to know is that you are not conversation starter. For teens, families, teachalone. If bullying or cyberbullying is an issue, ers, and allies, “Beneath the Surface” could be say something! If you’re cutting, show somejust the thing this year. one. If it seems like the pain won’t ever stop,

“Beneath the Surface:

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The Lenape

Local

Native By LA Guzda

Influence

ave you ever wondered about the source of the name of a town you’ve traveled through or live in? The Pocono area was once rich in Native American culture. Much of the influence has disappeared, although there is the Pocono Indian Museum located at 7005 Milford Road in Bushkill that I would recommend. It’s small but captures some of the history of the Lenape and local Delaware Gap Indian tribes. They offer a very sweet gift shop. Check it out. The Lenape, also called the Lenni Lenape, and the Delaware, are an indigenous people of the Northeastern Woodlands of the United States. They are also called Delaware Indians, and their historical territory included present-day New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania along the Delaware

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River watershed, New York City, western Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley. Delaware is a native name representing the most historic of the Algonkian tribes. It is derived from the governor of the English colony at Jamestown, Lord De la Warre. The original name of the Delaware River was Lenapewihittuck, “River of the Lenape” and Kit-hanne, “great stream” which evolved into Kittatinny. Shawnee is derived from Shawun, “south”, Schawanachen, “south wind”. The wandering Shawnee tribe connects them to the entire region east of the Mississippi. Lackawaxen means, “where the two rivers meet.” Paupack, papeek is a “pond”. Wallenpaupack translates to “deep still water.” Tunkhannock is what the Delaware called a “small stream”

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Mauch Chunk is derived from Machk, “a bear” and Wach-tschu “a hill or mountain”, translates to “at the bear mountain.” Pocono refers to “Stream” or “Place Between Mountains”. Other daily words in our vocabulary from the Algonquin include chipmunk, "chitmunk" from the Odawa word jidmoonh meaning "red squirrel", caribou from the word qalipu meaning "snow shoveler", and hickory from pocohiquara meaning "milky drink made with hickory nuts". Today hickory can refer to the tree, the finished wood, the nuts, or even the flavor. Raccoon comes from the word arahkun. Some of the most beautiful native words come to us as stories… The Shoshone "Ladies Fancy Shawl Dance" Butterfly Legend Many, many years ago when the Earth was still quite new, there was a beautiful butterfly who lost her mate in battle. To show her grief, she took off her beautiful wings and wrapped herself in a drab cocoon. In her sadness, she could not eat, and she could not sleep, and her relatives kept coming to her lodge to see if she was okay. Of course she wasn't, but she didn't

want to be a burden on her people, so she packed up her wings and her medicine bundle and took off on a long journey. She wandered about for many days and months, until finally she had gone all around the world. On her journey she kept her eyes downcast and stepped on each stone she came to as she crossed fields and creeks and streams. Finally, one day as she was looking down, she happened to notice the stone beneath her feet, and it was so beautiful that it healed her sorrow. She then cast aside her cocoon, shook the dust from her wings, and donned them once more. She was so happy she began to dance to give thanks for another chance to begin her life anew. Then she went home and told The People about her long journey and how it had healed her. To this day, The People dance this dance as an expression of renewal, and to give thanks for new seasons, new life, and new beginnings. Happy Spring! Don your wings and get out there and dance! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PoconoSecrets Visit www.LAGuzda.com or www.PoconoSecrets.com for past articles.

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Outdoor Ramblings

Spaces

Green

for Spring Fun

By Bill Deaton | williamjdeaton@yahoo.com

rying to plan for outdoor adventures during March in Northeastern Pennsylvania is a bit of a crap shoot. The six springs I spent managing the recreation department of a local resort taught me March is a fickle monster. Plan for snowshoeing and you get 65-degree days. Plan for kayaking and there will be ice on the pond. That’s all well and good if you are a seasoned veteran, but if your trekking typically involves children in tow, planning for family fun can be a chore. My kids love being outdoors, but packing a parka that you will have to tote two miles into a trip or underdressing them for the voyage only to have the weather take a turn for the worse doesn’t do anyone any good. We like to get the kids out but always want some added insurance that things will go smoothly. Consequently, our local parks and playgrounds tend to be our go-to destinations.

There are literally dozens of municipal parks throughout the area, and we’ve been to plenty of them. Among our favorite romps are: • Bingham Park in Hawley. Two playground areas and swings plus multiple sports fields and courts for pick-up games or kicking around balls. • Paupack Twp Park in Lakeville. Two trails and a pond to explore plus a playground, sports field, and courts. It’s also at the end of its own road so traffic is minimal. • Central Park in Honesdale. Playground and picnic tables, but kids can run amok in the park playing hide-and-go seek. • Firefly Park in Matamoras. Lots of playground equipment, sand pit, bridges, tunnels, and things to climb on. In summer there’s a splash pad. • Carlton Drake Memorial Park in Newfoundland. Ample fields, playground, trails and creek.

There are plenty of family friendly trails and natural attractions in the area, but many may not have ideal conditions for a visit. Our local parks make a great alternative. There’s lots to keep kids busy, and with the car close by, it’s convenient if the weather goes foul or you need a spot to stash the coats and sweatshirts if the mercury climbs. Photo: Bingham Park Playground. (Wayne Co. Conservation Distict) www.connections-magazine.com

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Pets

Welcome a 4-Legged Family Member with Care

Tips for a successful, lifelong pet adoption Family Features | Photo courtesy of Getty Images

ringing home a new pet can be exciting and heartwarming. Before you get caught up in the excitement of adopting a pet, however, it’s important to do a bit of homework and have conversations to ensure you’re choosing a lifelong fit for your family. When considering adopting, keep in mind that pets can provide as many benefits to you as you do them, such as helping to reduce stress, providing companionship, getting the daily recommended amount of physical activity and more. As you take your options into account, remember these guidelines from the experts at PetSmart Charities to prepare for a successful homecoming for your newest family member.

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Life Stages If you prefer a lower energy pet, seek a senior (age 7 or above) who may move a little slower. For higher energy, look for young puppies and kittens or active breeds such as Labradors, hounds, American terriers (commonly known as pit bulls) and mixed breeds. For first-time pet owners, a healthy adult dog or cat can help teach new pet parents the joys of having a pet and may not require as much attention as a puppy or kitten. Families with young children might consider a family-friendly breed or mixed breed such as a hound. Older kids may benefit from additional responsibilities such as walking the dog or cleaning the litter box.

Living Environment In addition to the type and age of pet you adopt, you’ll need to consider the space you have available to welcome your furry friend. If you live in a home, consider fencing your yard for more relaxed playtime. If you live in an apartment, discuss any restrictions with your landlord and find out where the closest dog parks are to ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise.

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Dogs need a place to call their own where they’re contained overnight and while you’re not home until they can be safely left to roam. Get a crate so your new pet can have an ‘apartment’ within your home. You should always have more litter boxes than you do cats; for example, if you have one cat make sure you have at least two litter boxes. Litter boxes need to be scooped daily and completely changed weekly.

Veterinary Care Most adoptions come with a free veterinary check-up within the first week. Visit the veterinarian to have your pet’s vaccine records reviewed and ensure you know the best options for food, exercise and preventative care. You can prevent many common diseases by keeping your pet at a healthy weight, current on flea, tick and heartworm prevention, fully vaccinated and on a high-quality diet. Preventing diseases costs less money than treating them, so discuss any concerns you have with your veterinarian.

Kona 5 years old and is a very lovable boy. He is a Pitbull/Labrador retriever mix. He would be good with certain dogs, but is not good with cats.

Financial Considerations Most pets come with annual veterinary bills between $200-500 and food bills between $200-400. Adopting a pet can provide cost savings, however, as fees at shelters and adoption events are typically lower than breeders, and many of these pets are already spayed or neutered. To ensure your pet is covered in case of emergencies, consider options like pet insurance or opening a designated savings account and depositing 5% of your pay each pay period. If you take out an insurance policy as soon as you adopt your pet, he or she will not have any “pre-existing” conditions excluded from your insurance plan.

Baron 2 years old and he is good with everything and is very playful. He is a very lovable cat who would love to sit on your lap.

Find more tips for a successful pet adoption and locate upcoming adoption events in your community at petsmartcharities.org.

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

BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE

When Medications Really

Don’t Work By Arthur Middleton, M.D., FAPA

A miracle drug is any drug that will do what the label says it will do. ~ Eric Hodgins

n a New York Times article by Richard A. Friedman, M.D. (A Dry Pipeline for Psychiatric Drugs – August 19, 2013), the author cites data with regard to the use of psychiatric drugs in the United States population. According to a report from Medco Health Solutions, Inc., it is estimated that one-infive adults is taking at least one medication to treat a psychological and behavioral disorder. The medications are antidepressants, antipsychotics, attention deficit disorder drugs, and anti-anxiety medications. The N.Y. Times author references a report from the National Institute of Mental Health; The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America. This report gives the details of mental disorders that are experienced by the American population numbering 57.5 million people. While this article goes on to describe the author’s opinion about the lack of innovation in the development of new psychiatric drugs, it also points to another issue; that many of the medications that are prescribed to treat psychiatric disorders such as Schizo-phrenia, Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder often have significant side effects and may not work as effectively as they are expected to. According to the National Institute of Health, Major Depressive Disorder is the leading cause of disability in the United States affecting 14.8 million American adults, or 6.7 percent of the population in the United States (age 18 or older in any given year). Focusing exclusively on Major Depressive Disorder, as cited in a psychiatric text; Treatment Resistant Depression (J.F. Greden, M.D., M.B. Riba, M.D., M.G. McInnia, M.D.), the authors’ note that while Major Depressive Disor-

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der affects as many as 300 million individuals worldwide at some point in their lifetimes, it is estimated that 30% to 40% of this population will be resistant to the medication. This is identified as Treatment Resistant Depression or TRD, and it affects 4% to 5% of the U.S. population treated for depression. Considering there is no laboratory test to determine to what extent a clinical depression exists to begin with, how is Treatment Resistant Depression identified and is there a course of treatment for TRD? The following fictional clinical vignette is presented to highlight the issues involved in identification of Treatment Resistant Depression and treatment strategies that may be considered. JT is a 45-year-old married father of two children, ages 8 and 13. JT is a plumber. He has worked in this line of work since he was a teenager as his business was started by his father. His father, now in his late sixties, is looking forward to retiring and turning the business over to his son. However, JT has had a long struggle with depression, which has made it difficult for his father to retire. JT first experienced depression at the age of 18 following the death of his mother. It was an unexpected death; his mother was hit by a car when the family was in the parking lot of a shopping mall. While his two older brothers were able to recover and move on, JT never got over tragedy of this event. He went to his primary care doctor, who referred him to a therapist. JT did improve with therapy, which he continued for several years. At that time, he did not require medication. He attended college and was planning to study to become an architect but was reluctant to go into debt, and his father, struggling to keep his plumbing business afloat, could

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not afford to pay for the continued cost of his son’s education. JT dropped out of college and decided to join his father in the plumbing business. He and his wife, a school teacher, had two children and began to grow the business. Over the last ten years, he had several episodes of depression that required medication. At the age of 35, JT was first treated with an antidepressant that was prescribed by his primary care doctor. JT was finding it difficult to go to work as he began to recall the details of his mother’s death. He was unable to finish large projects that often involved working with contractors building homes. His primary care doctor prescribed Prozac or fluoxetine, which seemed to be effective initially. However, after he began to experience a return of the symptoms he associated with depression, the Prozac dosage was increased and again he seemed to do well only later to slip into another depression. Over the course of time, JT was treated with a number of antidepressants owing to his insistence that the medication stopped working. Eventually he was treated with all of the SSRIs or selective serotonin inhibitors; citalopram or Celexa, escitalopram or Lexapro, fluoxetine or Prozac, paroxetine or Paxil and sertraline or Zoloft. JT could not work a full day, which made it increasingly difficult for his father. JT’s marriage was suffering as well. His wife was frustrated by his failure to respond to the medication and began to wonder aloud if her husband was really trying to get better. JT’s primary care doctor had also prescribed additional antidepressants, including nortiptyline or Pamelor, which is a tricyclic antidepressant. This class of antidepressants is no longer a first line treatment as it is an older medication with many side effects; dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation, which made it impossible for JT to do his work. Other antidepressant medications included Effexor or venlafaxine, which works by increasing two chemicals in the brain; serotonin and norepinephrine and Wellbutrin or bupropion, which works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine. JT had always been resistant to seeing a psychiatrist because he felt that if he did so, it would mean that he was “crazy.” His primary care doctor and family convinced him that this line of thinking was not in his best interest. JT did see a psychiatrist who carefully reviewed the long list of medications that had been prescribed in the past. His psychiatrist wanted to make sure that the medications had been prescribed at appropriate dosages. It was explained to JT that

his inability to experience remission after multiple treatment courses in addition to evidence that he had not regained functional performance satisfied clinical criteria for Treatment Resistant Depression. At the time that JT was seen by his psychiatrist, he had been maintained on Celexa or citalopram at 40 mg a daily. His psychiatrist explained to JT that there were several medications that could be added to augment the effects of the citalopram or Celexa. His psychiatrist discussed adding a second antidepressant, Wellbutrin or bupropion. In addition, a vitamin, omega-3, 1000 mg daily was also added. To JT’s surprise, he began to feel better. He began to see a therapist in addition to taking his prescribed antidepressant medications. While he is dealing with the side effects of the medication, JT believes that the benefit outweighs the side effects, and he is working in therapy and with his psychiatrist to maximize his treatment. His father has largely retired from the plumbing business. JT found a young plumber who is interested in partnering in the business, and JT feels that he is on the verge of reaching a balance in his home life and his business. Visit CM’s website for more on Medications. The following references are provided for the informed consumer: U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services: Treatment Options When Your SSRI Antidepressant Is Not Working Well http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/search-for-guides-reviewsand-reports/?pageaction=displayproduct&productID=1591 NIH: National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): Omega-3 Supplements: An Introduction http://nccam.nih.gov/health/omega3/introduction.htm U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Therapies for Treatment Resistant Depression: A Review of the Research http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/search-for-guidesreviews-and-reports/?pageaction=displayproduct&productID=1011

Dr. Middleton is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, and a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He received his undergraduate training at New York University and an MD degree from Rutgers Medical School. Dr. Middleton completed his psychiatric residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital & Medical Center, in NYC. He is on the honorary medical staff (retired) of Hackensack University Medical Center in NJ, where he is also Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine. Dr. Middleton has been on the voluntary teaching faculty of Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Brown Medical School. He is currently a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Middleton is retired as an Associate in the Department of Psychiatry in the Geisinger Health System formerly practicing at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Dr. Middleton lives in Dingmans Ferry, PA, and Manhattan, NY.

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EVENTS

Y O U

ENTERTAINMENT

ARTS

RECREATION

a+r+e MAR ’20

THE AREA’S GOOD STUFF

C O N N E C T E D

Ongoing Events DAILY Art-a-Pelago D.J. Harvey Agency and The Bodhi Tree Art School & Studio, Honesdale. One art gallery in two locations (Paros-Anafi). Open on Second Saturdays 6–9 p.m. & regular business hours of each location. Info: waynecountyartsalliance.org. DAILY Public Art Displays Nature’s Grace, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale & Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce, Hawley. Wayne County Arts Alliance artists display their work.

WEDNESDAYS Pike County Workforce Development Agency 10 a.m.–Noon. Milford Branch Library, Milford. A workforce professional will be available to help you apply for jobs or refine your resume. No appointment necessary. Free. Info: 570-296-2909. WEDNESDAYS Story Time 10:30–11:30 a.m. Pleasant Mount Public Library, Pleasant Mount. Bring your young children & grandchildren to the library for a fun-filled story time. Included will be crafts, games, songs &, of course, a story. Info: 570-448-2573 or www.waynelibraries.org.

DAILY Public Art Display REMAX Wayne, Honesdale. Art displays of local artists all year long. Info: 570-253-9566.

THURSDAYS Pike County Workforce Development Agency 10 a.m.–Noon. Newfoundland Public Library, Newfoundland. A workforce professional will be available to help you apply for jobs or refine your resume. No appointment necessary. Free. Info: 570-296-2909.

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.

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.

TUESDAYS Pike County Workforce Development Agency 10 a.m.–Noon. Dingman Township Branch Library, Dingman Twp. A workforce professional will be available to help you apply for jobs or refine your resume. No appointment necessary. Free. Info: 570-296-2909.

FRIDAYS Pike County Workforce Development Agency 1–3 p.m. Hawley Public Library, Hawley. A workforce professional will be available to help you apply for jobs or refine your resume. No appointment necessary. Free. Info: 570-296-2909.

TUESDAYS Bingo American Legion Post 311, Hawley. Doors open 10:30 a.m., games begin at Noon. Info: legionpost311@gmail.com.

FRIDAYS Live Music 8 p.m.–Midnight. The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Hawley. Great drink specials, delicious food & live music. Info: 570-226-4388 or silverbirchesresortpa.com.

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.

FRIDAYS Live Music at Tannery Room 8–11 p.m. Glass-wine. bar. kitchen. at Ledges Hotel, Hawley. Info: 570-226-1337 or ledgeshotel.com.

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EVENTS SATURDAYS Madrigal Choir 3–5 p.m. Farm Arts Collective invites male & female singers to participate in Madrigal Choir, an ensemble that is learning ancient 15th Century choral music. No experience necessary. Madrigal Choir will perform this summer in Farm Arts Collective’s performance events. Info: Tannis, 917-566-7698 or www.farmartscollective.org. THROUGH MAR. 6 Sharon Cosgrove: A Change Of Vision Hope Horn Gallery, The University of Scranton. Cosgrove explores classic themes of time, nature, balance & stillness through elaborate color relationships & complex patterns & forms. Her paint-

tration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. MAR. 1 Chili & Wings Cookoff Noon–4 p.m. The Waterfront at Silver Birches, Hawley. Try out the best chili & wings in the Poconos. There will be beer tasting at The Dock & live music in the pub. Benefits the Victims Intervention Program. Anyone is welcome to participate. Info: 570-226-4388. MAR. 1, 6–8 “Carrie: the Musical” 8 p.m. Fri. & Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts, University of Scranton. Presented by the University Players. Fees

SATURDAYS Drop-in Family Story Time 11 a.m.–Noon. Wayne County Public Library, Honesdale. Join Miss Melanie for a story, followed by a fun craft for the whole family to enjoy. Info: 570-253-1220 or www.waynelibraries.org. ings present imagery derived from personal archives & objects collected on journeys both near & far. Info: 570-941-4214. THROUGH MAR. 14 Dark Beauty Alliance Gallery, Narrowsburg, NY. Daria Dorosh & John Tomlinson exhibition. Tues.–Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Info: 845-252-7576 or rocky@delawarevalleyartsalliance.org. THROUGH MAR. 14 Pulling Prints Loft Gallery, Narrowsburg, NY. Showcases printmaking in all its artistic forms: woodcuts, mono prints, etching, aquatint, silkscreen/serigraphs, lithography, linocuts, and even solar based prints, from 55 printmakers new & established. Curated by Judith Bodeman. Tues.–Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Info: 845-252-7576 or rocky@delawarevalleyartsalliance.org. THROUGH APR. 30 “WINTER” The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. Multi-artist, multi-media installation. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com.

March 1–March 9 MAR. 1 Drawing Class Noon–2 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. With Bozena Janiszweski. Pre-regis-

vary. Info: 570-941-4353 or players@scranton.edu. MAR. 2–30 Art Exhibit: Scenes from Chincoteague Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, Stroudsburg. Explore the island of Chincoteague through the works of Nancy Tully & Tim Weaver. Mixed media show depicts the beauty of the island. Opening reception Mar. 7, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Info: 570-629-3061 or www.mcconservation.org. MAR. 4 Ancient Thunder: Stories from Greek Mythology 3:30 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Free for kids & families, especially grades K–8. A traveling production of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, bringing educational productions to schools, assemblies & community spaces. Enjoy their rambunctious retelling of classic Greek myths, including Midas’ golden touch, Persephone’s journey to the underworld, Athena & Arachne, & more, followed by a lively post-performance discussion to round out the hour. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 4 “Dinner, Alcohol Ink & Sip” 5–8 p.m. Holy Crepes, Milford. Dinner & workshop with Agnes Lippi-Johnson. BYOB. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. MAR. 5 “Coffee, Dessert, Paint & Sip” 1:30–3:30 p.m. Grandma Goldsack's Bakery, Lords

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EVENTS Valley. Enjoy coffee, a Danish or muffin, then a “Paint & Sip” with Barbara DeMauro. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. MAR. 6 Sounds Like Teen Spirit 7–9 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project. An opportunity to showcase the talent of our community’s youth. School-aged students are encouraged to share their performing art on stage: guitar, rap, stand-up comedy, poetry, singing, juggling or keyboards. All ages invited to watch & enjoy. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 7 Ladore Spring Yard Sale 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Ladore Camp Pavilion, Waymart. Calling all bargain hunters. Info: 570-488-6129. MAR. 7 Public Maple Sugaring Day 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Meesing Outdoor Site, East Stroudsburg. 43rd Public Maple Sugaring Day features a tour of the Sugarbush with stops to learn about Native American & early pioneer methods of making maple syrup, the evaporator process & identifying & tapping a maple tree. After the tour, everyone gets a chance to taste some of MCEEC’s syrup on freshly made pancakes. Registration & info: 570-629-3061. MAR. 7 Comic Gesture Drawing 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. With Arielle Sekula. Pad, pencils & eraser required. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. MAR. 7 7th Annual Pittston City St. Patrick’s Parade Noon–3 p.m. Pittston. Leprechaun Loop 1 mile run/walk, 11 a.m. Info: pittstonstpatricksparade.org. MAR. 7 2020 Winter Salon Series: Kevin Graham 2 p.m. Krause Recital Hall, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Narrowsburg, NY. Narrowsburg, NYbased multi-instrumentalist whose improvised musical style is widely influenced by many styles. Looping live with his six-string ukulele, electric guitar, fretless bass, vocals & various percussive instruments, Graham performs a mix of eclectic musical motifs & melodies with improvised rhythms and solos. Info: 845-252-7576 or delawarevalleyartsalliance.org. MAR. 7 The Breaks with Pete Mancini & The Hillside Airmen 7:30 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project. Featuring two

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MAR. 7 Boy Scout Troop 1 Corned Beef Dinner 4:30–7 p.m. Catholic Family Community Center, Honesdale. Dine in or drive-through take-out. Get pre-sale tickets from Troop 1 scouts, Vicky at HNB Corporate Center, Jen Rodriguez at RE/MAX Wayne, or Dirlam Bros. Info: Facebook. bands: The Breaks, & Pete Mancini & The Hillside Airmen. Alternative rock band The Breaks is on a mission to revive classic, melody-driven rock music amidst a world of four-chord monotony. Mancini’s songs have received glowing reviews & radio airplay around the world, & continue to win over hearts & minds wherever they are heard. BYOB. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 7 & 8 Sugar Shack Scramble 9 a.m.–Noon. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Join a hike through the woods out to the “Two Saps” Sugar Shack & enjoy hot cocoa & pancakes with fresh maple syrup. Sign up for a 9 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. start time. Spaces are limited. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. MAR. 8 Pottery Workshop (Part 1) Noon–2 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. With Bozena Janiszweski. Part 2 is on Mar. 22 & includes use of a kiln. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. MAR. 8 Community Dinner 1–3 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Free entry. Presented by The Cooperage Project. Free

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EVENTS Community Dinner is directly supported by businesses & individuals of our community. Casual, open to anyone, & kid-friendly. The meal is prepared & served by a team of volunteers & there will be an array of board games out for entertainment. Sit down with a stranger & leave with a friend. Donations accepted & go directly to support programming at The Cooperage. Info & donations: 570-253-2020 or info@thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 8 Ecozone Discovery Room! 1–4 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Explore the indoor discovery room & enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability & the local environment. No registration required. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org.

Alliance. Poetry & music have been intertwined for thousands of years. In antiquity, poems were often sung. Rhythm is what makes music as well as poetry. Explore the rhythm & rhyme of words with & without music with a variety of talented musicians, poets, songwriters & singers. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 13 Comedy Night 8–10 p.m. The Waterfront at Silver Birches, Hawley. Hosted by Alan Massenburg from Sirius XM’s Sway in the Morning Show, featuring Dennis Rooney & headliner Chris Roach. Info & reservations: 570-226-4388. MAR. 13–15 St. Patrick’s Day 5–11:30 p.m. Glass Restaurant, Hawley. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish-style specials & live

MAR. 14 Maple Sugaring Scout Day 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Meesing Outdoor Site, East Stroudsburg. Scouts & their families are invited to attend. Programs can be scheduled between 9 a.m.–2 p.m. & are open to any level of scouts & their families. Includes MCEEC syrup on freshly made pancakes. P r e r e g i s t r a t i o n r e qu i r e d by M a r. 11. Info & registration: 570-629-3061.

March 10–March 19 MAR. 11 Kettle Creek for Kids in the Sugarbush 1–2:30 p.m. Meesing Outdoor Site, East Stroudsburg. Little ones are invited to take a tour of the sugarbush to learn all about the maple sugaring process. They’ll learn the history of maple sugaring & see how it’s made today. Dress appropriately for the weather, including shoes appropriate for trail walking. Program is for young children ages 3–6. Parents must attend with their child. Preregistration required & limited to 25 participants. Info & registration: 570-629-3061. MAR. 11 “Dinner, Paint & Sip” 5–8 p.m. Holy Crepes, Milford. Dinner & workshop with Barbara DeMauro. BYOB. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. MAR. 13 Rhythm & Rhyme of Poetry 7–9 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project & Authors

music by Lighten Up from 8–11 p.m. Reservations suggested: 570-226-1337. Info: LedgesHotel.com. MAR. 13–15 St. Patrick’s Day Specials 5:30–9:30 p.m. Kol Steakhouse, Hotel Anthracite, Carbondale. Enjoy Irish-style specials like Colcannon soup & corned beef & cabbage. A la carte menu. Reservations suggested: 570-536-6020. Info: HotelAnthracite.com. MAR. 14 Romping Radishes: Eat the Rainbow 11 a.m.–Noon. The Cooperage, Honesdale. The best diet is a rainbow diet — talk about how food fuels us. A hands-on learning program focused on physical, social & mental health & wellness for children. Geared to students preschool–2, but all children are welcome. Parents/ guardians must stay with their children for duration of the class. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 14, 21 Main Street Farmers Market 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Strives to provide the greater Honesdale community with access to superb local agricultur-

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EVENTS al products. A vibrant & friendly gathering of local producers & enthusiastic consumers, connecting through a mutual appreciation for each other & for the regional foodscape. Free entry. Info: 570-2532020. MAR. 14 St. Patrick’s Parade 11:45 a.m. Downtown Scranton. Mass in St. Peter’s Cathedral at 10 a.m. Brian P. Kelley memorial footrace at 11 a.m. Info: stpatparade.com or scrantonstpatrickparade@gmail.com. MAR. 14 Wacky Science Adventures 1–3 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Put on your lab coats & prepare to conduct some crazy experiments. Create your very own slime, oobleck, & attempt to launch a rocket into space. All ages welcome. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. MAR. 14 “St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with the Tara Minstrels” 5–9 p.m. Failte Steak House, Dingmans Ferry. Live Irish traditional music & Irish fare. Info: 570-828-6505. MAR. 14 Second Saturday Honesdale 6–9 p.m. Downtown Honesdale. Local businesses teaming up & joining together with engaged community members to build a day filled with music, art, comedy, movies, food, drink, games & community support. Info on Facebook: 2ndSatHonesdale. MAR. 14 Hans Grüver’s Funk Fusion 7:30 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Free event presented by The Cooperage Project. Enjoy a night of live music on Second Saturday. Nate Zaur’s latest band plays their latest music, a mixture of improvisational funk & experimental jazz. Hans Grüver consists of Nate (organ/keyboards), Matt Vashlishan (sax & EWI), Jon Ventre (Bass), Tyler Dempsey (drums), Justin Padro (percussion). BYOB. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 15 Oil Painting Class Noon–2 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. With Bozena Janiszweski. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. MAR. 15 St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2 p.m. Downtown Wilkes-Barre. Wilkes-Barre City’s 40th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Info: www.wilkes-barre.city or Facebook/ WilkesBarreCity.

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MAR. 17 St. Patrick’s Day 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Settlers Inn Restaurant, Hawley. Celebrate the luck of the Irish. Enjoy Irish-style specials & live music by The Blarney Boys from 6–9 p.m. Reservations suggested: 570-226-2993. Info: TheSettlersInn.com. MAR. 15 Alcohol Ink Workshop 2–4 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. With Agnes Lippi-Johnson. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. MAR. 16 Wayne Highlands Quilt Guild 6–8 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, Hawley. Welcoming quilters of all ages & skill levels. Make new friends who share your passion for quilting. Show & Tell & refreshments, & sometimes more. Info: Deb, 570-224-4914 or debszoo@gmail.com. MAR. 16 Marywood Jazz Ambassadors 8 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project & Marywood Jazz Ambassadors. Enjoy a lively jazz performance by Marywood University’s Jazz Ambassadors. Members of the ensemble all have futures in music, with their sights on degrees in Music Education, Music Therapy & Performance. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 17 “St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with the Tara Minstrels” 5–9 p.m. Failte Steak House, Dingmans Ferry. Live Irish traditional music & Irish fare. Info: 570-828-6505.

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EVENTS MAR. 18 “Dinner, Paint & Sip” 5–8 p.m. Holy Crepes, Milford. Dinner & workshop with Arielle Sekula. BYOB. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. MAR. 18 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. MAR. 19 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.

March 20–March 31 MAR. 21 Intro to Fly Fishing 9 a.m.–Noon. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, Stroudsburg. Equipment, casting, strategy, fly-tying, basic trout stream macro-invertebrate entomology, & local fishing will be covered & demonstrated. Pre-registration required by Mar. 20: 570-629-3061. MAR. 21 “Paint & Sip” 2–4 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. With Barbara DeMauro. BYOB. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. MAR. 21 Woodcock Walk 6:30–8 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. Free. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. MAR. 21–APR. 25 Camille Laoang Exhibition Alliance Gallery, Narrowsburg, NY. Tues.–Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Info: 845-2527576 or rocky@delawarevalleyartsalliance.org. MAR. 21–APR. 25 Kevin Gref & Elizabeth Harms Exhibition Loft Gallery, Narrowsburg, NY. Tues.–Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Info: 845-252-7576 or rocky@delawarevalleyartsalliance.org. MAR. 22 Ecozone Discovery Room! 1–4 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Explore the indoor discovery room & enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability & the local environment. No registration required. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. MAR. 22 Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade 1:30 p.m. Downtown Stroudsburg. Parade marches from Stroudsburg to East Stroudsburg. Info: piacparade@gmail.com. MAR. 22 River Vibes: The Black Feathers 3 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project & River Vibes. The ability to write songs that are both modern & ancient is a rare thing. Americana, Folk & Acoustic Indie Rock sensibilities coexist comfortably in the musical world of Ray Hughes & Sian Chandler, with Hughes’ guitar work buoying the kind of harmonies often only heard in family bands. BYOB. Info: 845-252-6783 or rivervibes@thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 24 College Financial Planning Night 6 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. Presented by The Cooperage Project & College Coaching Pros. Free & informational College Financial

MAR. 21 Salamanders, Frogs & More! 1–3 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Amphibians are stirring in the woods. Explore nearby breeding pools for salamanders, frogs & egg masses. PEEC provides nets & collection jars for gentle, up-close study. Wear boots & clothes that can get muddy or wet. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. www.connections-magazine.com

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EVENTS Planning Workshop for parents of high school students, covering FAFSA & CSS profile forms, maximizing the amount of financial aid, reducing outof-pocket costs for college & much more. All parents of college-bound students are welcome. Seating limited. Registration strongly recommended: 570-878-3222 or theteam@collegecoachingpros.com. MAR. 25 Chefs Do Dinner 5:30–9:30 p.m. Best Western Inn at Hunt's Landing, Matamoras. Benefit for Center For Developmental Disabilities. Cocktail attire. Appetizers, dinner & desserts by a wide variety of local chefs & establishments. Raffles & 50/50. Seating limited to first 300 reservations. Info: 570-294-3992 or www.CDDKIDS.org. MAR. 27 To Beer, or Not to Beer? Cooking Class 7–9 p.m. Boiler Room at the Hawley Silk Mill, Hawley. Learn to cook with beer & enjoy a 4course meal, hosted by the talented Chef Kate Woehrle & featuring Ronnie Passaro, owner & head brewer from Hopping Eagle Brewery. Reservations: 570-226-1337. Or purchase tickets at HawleySilkMill.com. MAR. 28 BSA Scouts Badge Festival 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Full day. Bears work on completing the Bear Necessities while Webelos work on their Castaway badge. Scouts work towards their Backpacker merit badge. Payment required at registration. Space limited. Overnight accommodations with meals available. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. MAR. 28 “Wet-on-Wet” Oil Painting Class 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. The Art Factory of White Mills, White Mills. With Rick Weber. Pre-registration required. Info: TheArtFactoryofWhiteMills.com. MAR. 28 Romping Radishes: Casting Fish Prints 11 a.m.–Noon. The Cooperage, Honesdale. Just in time for spring, you’ll practice casting & press fish prints. A hands-on learning program focused on physical, social & mental health & wellness for children. Geared to students preschool–2, but all children are welcome. Parents/ guardians must stay with their children for duration of the class. Info: 570-253-2020 or thecooperageproject.org. MAR. 28 Main Street Farmers Market 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. See description at Mar. 14. Info: 570-253-2020. MAR. 28 2020 Winter Salon Series: “Life in the Past Lane” 2 p.m. Krause Recital Hall, Delaware Valley Arts

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Alliance, Narrowsburg, NY. Jonathan Charles Fox & his sidekick Dharma the Wonder Dog regale audiences with a selection of stories culled from his colorful life on planet Earth. While some of his tales might seem out of this world, each is guaranteed to be new, true, unscripted & unrehearsed, & will engage audiences with his unique blend of humor, pathos & “self-serving ingratiating joie de vivre.” Info: 845-252-7576 or delawarevalleyartsalliance.org. MAR. 29 Bridge the Gap: Intro to Tent Camping 10 a.m.–Noon. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Learn everything you need to know about camping, from basic shelters to common knots, & even how to build a fire from scratch. It’ll be great practice for any future family vacations. Free. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. MAR. 29 Salamanders, Frogs, & More! 1–3 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. Amphibians are stirring in the woods. Explore nearby breeding pools for salamanders, frogs & egg masses. PEEC provides nets & collection jars for gentle, up-close study. Wear boots & clothes that can get muddy or wet. Info: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org. MAR. 29 Monthly Live Irish Traditional Music with the Tara Minstrels 3–7 p.m. Failte Steak House, Dingmans Ferry. Info: 570-828-6505.

On the Horizon APR. 2 Stage Door Cabaret 7:30–9 p.m. The Cooperage Project, Honesdale. For mature audiences. Presenting “Hindsight 2020,” a look back at show tunes from before 1980. Six local musicians entertain you with songs from Gershwin to Sondheim: the first 50 years of Broadway. BYOB. Reservations & info: 570-253-2020 or info@thecooperageproject.org. APR. 5 Creative Differences 2 p.m. Artists’ Market Community Center, Shohola. Artists & art lovers forcefully & respectfully offer their opinions on the most pressing issues in the world of art. Offer your opinion, or just sit & listen. Complimentary refreshments provided. “If you stare at a landscape with a friend, do you see the same view?” Do our individual personal experiences disconnect us from a common reality? Info: 845-557-8713 or artistsmarket114@gmail.com.

Connections Magazine - March 2020 Issue

Articles inside

BOOK REVIEW

OUTDOOR RAMBLINGS

DISASTER BLASTER

LIVING GREEN

WORDS FROM THE TEAM