17 minute read
Take Me to the Water
Take me to
Whether it is an attraction or a compulsion, the feeling of being
drawn to the water has been noted by observers of the human condition down through the ages. Many feel the attraction and passion deep within themselves but remain unaware of
what sparked it and why the lure of water is so irresistible.
the water
By Christine Fanning
Is water an evolutionary throwback? Is this a primal attraction organically imprinted in people? “‘Blue Mind,’ shows how being near, in, on or underwater can make you happier, healthier, more connected and better at what you do. It inspires peacefulness within and is derived from a mildly meditative state we fall into near water. It’s the antidote to ‘red mind’ which is the anxious, over-connected and over-stimulated state which describes modern life.”–Marine Biologist Wallace J. Nichols
As a neurocognitive therapist, Jody Doherty’s practice focuses on performing neuropsychological evaluations specifically with brain rehabilitation, helping people rewire their brains through tools including relaxation strategies. “Favorable mental health is all about experiencing positive emotions and feeling as though our lives have true meaning and direction. Even for someone who is a novice with meditation strategies, water offers the ideal setting for relaxing the mind. The synergistic effect of the sound of water crashing along a shore, sensing the breeze blow through our hair, the smell of the mist from the water, and experiencing a hot wooden dock or warm sand on our feet combined with the refreshing feeling of water on our skin is restorative. Water is the source of all life. It also causes us to embrace life,” she said.
The health benefits of retreating near water are numerous. Taking a break from technology and daily routine, beckons you outside for a gentle walk or vigorous hike. Publisher Paula Mackarey discovered as a very young child that water was the source of restoration for her. “We had countless drives to Canada throughout my childhood. Driving over bridges and peering below, whether our final destination was the Ottawa area or the Muskoka Lakes region would generate a physiological change within me. Even the sight of water created a passion and connection. The sight of the Thousand Islands or the Niagara River evoked pure excitement and intrigue. A few of my favorite things include the sound of a loon calling across an evening lake, the warm glow of cottage lights flickering along a shoreline, the classic smell of a roasting marshmallow, the rhythmic sway of the waves while floating on a dingy and the pleasant, enveloping touch of the warm sun drying off my water-drenched body. Somehow I think infection fighting minerals of nature, exercise and all that it encompasses is the best rejuvenating medicine.”
Rev. Andrew
Kurovsky, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Peckville, who is better known as Father Andy, agrees that water is symbolic of life. “We are born in water, just think what is said right before birth: ‘the water breaks’. There are many examples of water and its symbolism. In the Judeo-Christian tradition we are baptized with water; in the Bible it is noted that Moses raised his arm and struck the
rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. Water is the one thing that is needed to sustain life. We can survive for long periods of time without food but not water... Jesus makes the meaning of water very clear.” And perhaps this is why the lure of water is so compelling. Many people have to travel far to collect water for their families. From birth to the rest of our lives, we are fortunate to live in a place where water is available at our home taps and in our rivers and lakes for our health and our enjoyment.
Paula Mackarey and daughter Madeleine
Joe Peters, Lake Winola
Joe Peters has been a full-time
Lake Winola resident for the past 17 years. He was not a newcomer to Lake Winola, however. Generations of his family enjoyed spending time there and his father, former Scranton Mayor Eugene Peters, and mother, Peg Peters, brought
Joe and his siblings to the lake for many summer vacations.
Joe is currently the district attorney of Wyoming County in which Lake
Winola is located. He bought his first home on the lake in 2003 and later
moved to his permanent home where he is adjacent to many other family members. He now counts nine cousins who have transitioned to living on Lake Winola. “It is very much a family place; my son, Max, loves it equally and so we know we have at least three generations of ties to this lake.”
For Joe, living at the lake is like being on vacation every day. “When I walk onto my porch in the quiet early morning with a cup of coffee, I often think that people would spend weeks researching and seeking just the type of place I have the honor of living in full-time. Not to discount the offerings of the ocean, but a lake offers so many more ways to enjoy water. People commonly seek loca-
tions that offer the beauty and mystery of water, mountains, gentle breezes, the sounds of nature such as birds, frogs, the splashing of waves or the profound and often deafening sound of silence of a perfectly calm, still lake. Within the same day, you have all of this at the lake,” he said. Full time lake lovers particularly enjoy how the palette of colors transforms the landscape each season. “Each season provides a different type of vacation experience. The winter is just as beautiful as the snow and ice on the lake blends flawlessly into your home's landscape making boundaries blurred. Of course autumn is spectacular and I equally love the cooler temperatures of spring with new life just beginning to bloom.” While most people think of a beautiful, sunny day at a lake, Joe said that the intrigue and mystery of a lake storm is equally as awesome. The effect of a lake storm instantly changes it from calm and peaceful to dark and mysterious and somewhat dangerous, as crashing waves warn boaters to quickly seek land and shelter. Joe enjoys reminiscing about the generations of his family who have embraced all of the lake experiences. “My father still enjoys sitting on my porch, enjoying a sunset and recalling how his own mother, Selma, said three generations ago at the same Lake Winola shore, ‘When the sky is red, God is baking bread.’ Lakes are certainly fodder for contemplating the mystery of life and God’s creation,” Joe said.
Generations of Love
for Lakes John and Karel Zubris, North Lake
“My mother and father used to take us to Harvey’s Lake when we were kids. My parents had many dates at Sandy Beach,
their favorite haunt, so it was nostalgic for us to swim there,” said Karel Gosciewski Zubris.
“I’m always drawn to lakes and the ambience they offer.
My husband always wanted a little fishing cabin, so when we had the opportunity to buy one at North Lake, we made the investment and have been using it every since. We also launch our boat at Harvey’s Lake and enjoy Sylvan and Wallenpaupack. Our son Jason studies environmental science at Penn State College of Agriculture so his work on sustainable aquatic life and water safety was no doubt influenced by our generations of lake passion.”
Karel’s mother- in-law, Veronica Masonis Zubris, above left, and her mother, Madlyn Lapsansky Gosciewski, right, circa 1940s, both at Harvey’s Lake
Dr. Richard and Kathy Emanuelson, Elk Lake
Kathy and Richard Emanuelson grew up
in the Buffalo area. The fact that the couple today enjoys being active and outdoors is logical when you consider how they met. As young professionals in their 20s (he was a medical resident and she was a pharmacist) they were both playing on the same softball team in Buffalo as a way to make new friends. Rick played third base and Kathy was shortstop. She jokes that she
“made a good catch” but that is a mutual statement. They were actually the second married couple that resulted from that same softball team.
The couple settled in the area and their careers and family flourished.
As residents of Glenburn Township the Emanuelsons had good friends who grew up on Elk Lake and were dividing up their property. Kathy and Rick acquired some acreage and built their peaceful retreat which was designed to be a place that their adult children and grandchildren
would look forward to visiting. It worked.
“We are so fond of our little piece of heaven that we enjoy year ’round. From the whitecaps on the lake in the fall and spring, the snow and ice covered water in the winter, to the beautiful stars highly visible at night to the wealth of summer beauty, each season brings something different.” Richard, a retired oncologist and Kathy, a retired pharmacist, moved full time to the lake house a few years ago. They moved before Rick retired and as Kathy says, it was only a three minute longer distance (28 minutes vs 31 minutes) for Rick to commute to his office (Hematology & Oncology Associates of Northeastern Pennsylvania) thanks to the Casey Highway. “Water has always attracted me,” Kathy said. “We would ‘cottage’ on the shores of Lake Erie – economical for families to pack lots of kids into a summer cottage for weeks of good, clean and affordable summer fun.
The Emanuelsons’ three children, whose careers include accounting, physician assistant and environmental engineering come home as often as they can. The Emanuelsons enjoy morning “coffee/kayak” excursions on their lake. Waterskiing, evening cocktail cruises, relaxed fishing (“We’re not very successful but it’s fun,” Kathy said) and walking with neighbors are just a few ways the couple enjoy their lakefront retreat. Apart from the lake, they golf and ski. “In addition to how relaxing a lake can be, it also makes you reflect on your blessings. The lake increases our gratitude. Listening to nature is a loving thing; it brings your gratitude forward. Whether our dinner guests have the fortune of watching eagles fly over, or if we witness bass eggs hatching,
the entertainment is an added, complimentary amenity. We are always cognizant of the fact that we are ‘sharing’ the lake and surrounding nature with the animals and other living creatures also.”
The Emanuelsons built their house to accommodate crowds of family and friends and easy entertainment. Bunk rooms and futons, a kitchen with abundant counter space, make it a breeze to accommodate groups, sometimes up to 20 at a time. A wise woman once told Kathy, “Go into the lake every day.” While she strives to do so she understands more why this should be a goal. “Lakes make you go outside. The call of the loons, the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, the living creatures, it is all natural and healthy living. Appreciating the perfection of nature is good for your body, soul and spirit. Lake living brings generation after generation together to enjoy aspects of nature that never go out of style.”
Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack,
enjoyed by thousands today, did not exist until construction of the dam and hydroelectric power station in
1926. In the early 1900s, engineers recognized the value of placing a dam across Wallenpaupack Creek. The 1,280-foot-long dam, powerhouse and flow line carry lake water to the hydroelectric station. Water from the bottom of the lake travels up the flow line, a large pipe that spans 3.5 miles. The water powers turbines at the station, generating enough energy to sustain approximately 35,000 homes. Construction of the dam also created Lake Wallenpaupack. Encompassing 5,700 acres, it is one of the largest man-made lakes in Pennsylvania. Lake Wallenpaupack has 52 miles of shoreline. H
Water is Healing
Susan M. Biancarelli, M.D., Newton Lake
Dr. Susan
Biancarelli began her deep love affair with lakes somewhere around her high school years. “We would come to Newton Lake as kids, and I fell in love with waterskiing and all the fun that lakes offered. It made summers so much more enjoyable with wholesome lake fun.”
Susie and her family have been permanent lake residents for the past 18 years. “When I wake up in the morning, even in the winter, there is just such an awesome, special type of beauty not found elsewhere. And the year round activities that the lake provides, for example ice skating and snowmobiling in the winter make life so much more fun. ”
As a doctor, (internal medicine providing primary care for adults) Susie admits that her days are busy and stressful but the lake is a very welcome and healthy retreat at the end of every day. Her favorite aspects? “I love to have my morning coffee and meditate often during a kayak excursion at 6 a.m. Not a soul is on the lake and it is a beautiful morning experience.” Susie loves to entertain her friends at the lake. She always wanted the experience she enjoyed for her two sons, now 18 and 20 years old, both of whom are expert water skiers.
Susie says that there may be a medical reason why we are so attracted to water. “The fact that 66% of our bodies are water may have something to do with the draw. Water is healing.”
Basking in Nature
Jackie Greenwood Lake Sheridan Kerekes,
Jackie Kerekes of The Training
Loft in Clarks Summit has a fondness for nature and water. Cherishing every moment spent at Lake Sheridan, the ocean and the natural environment, Jackie was always been motivated to stay active and fit herself before she began helping others along their fitness and wellness journey.
“Maintaining a healthy weight and fitness level in our chaotic and stressful environment is no simple feat. There is a mental component that I’ve always thought was vital to sustaining longterm lifestyle goals. One of the first steps is “clearing your mind, breathing better and when possible, reaping the benefits of basking in nature,” said Jackie.
Geneva on the Lake
The Finger Lakes
wine region is one of the most popular vacation destinations among NEPA residents. There is no better time to book a getaway to this romantic region. Geneva on the Lake Boutique Resort Hotel is located in Geneva, New York, the heart of wine
country. Offering suites for couples or family getaways, it is a gorgeous lakefront resort considered by many to be a special haven of comfort and hospitality. Guests can enjoy summer with brunches, a live concert and special lodging packages. Outdoor dining is offered on the terrace, with heaters to stay warm and live performances each evening. Stroll their historic gardens, relax by the pool with a glass of wine, or take in the sunrise over Seneca Lake. Borrow a bike and explore charming downtown Geneva or enjoy the trails around the property.
Call 315-789-7190.
Book your getaway today! H
Country Inns and B&Bs
KEUKA LAKESIDE INN Hammondsport’s exclusive lakefront accommodations on the shores of Keuka Lake. This Inn offers 17 comfortable rooms and spectacular views with an on-site boat launch and docking available. Find us on Facebook and at 24 Water St., Hammondsport, NY 14840. (607) 569-2600, www.keukalakesideinn.com
KOOB !WON
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Hampton Inn Penn Yan &
Seasons on Scenic Keuka Lake
The Hampton Inn
Penn Yan offers comfortable, modern lodging in the heart of the Finger
Lakes Region. After a restful night’s sleep, guests can walk out onto a patio overlooking the scenic Keuka Lake and enjoy a complimentary breakfast. Nearby activities include Corning Museum of Glass, wine trails and boating on Keuka Lake. The facility also offers meeting and banquet space with catering for up to 300 people.
Carrie Mann, Director of Sales, Hampton Inn Penn Yan & Seasons on Keuka Lake
has been in the industry for 22 years now, specifically working in sales for 18 of those years. “One of the best aspects of Keuka Lake during any season is our wineries; we are right in the heart of wine country. Short summer getaways for the whole family can include boating, kayaking, hiking or just relaxing by the water. The Finger Lakes aren’t such a hidden gem anymore; people are realizing all that we have to offer. Early settlers dubbed Keuka Lake as ‘the Crooked Lake’ because of its unique ‘Y’ shape. Its natural beauty quickly earned it the nickname ‘Lady of the Lakes.’ Keuka Lake is absolutely beautiful all year round! From the summer sunsets over the water, to the brilliant and colorful fall trees surrounding the lake, to the completely frozen landscape of the winter, to the wake of spring that brings it all back again – the views from our backyard are all amazing. We will hold all types of conferences, meetings and events. We have the great space and an incredible team that will take care of any type of event. This is the perfect location for any type of event, business or social, nestled right on the shore of Keuka Lake.” Contact 315-536-8202. H
