Priceless. Please take one! THE HEA LTH & WELLNES S I S S UE April & May 2016
a day of May 15th, 2016 • 11am-4pm At Trout Lake Retreats in Stroudsburg, PA
The Local Flair Day of Balance will be a day of health, wellness, beauty, and relaxation presented by area professionals and businesses. Join us for an afternoon of yoga, Tai Chi, knitting demonstrations, break-out sessions presented by doctors, attorneys, salon owners, and so much more! – presented by –
THE FIRST NAME MONROE COUNTY TRUSTS FOR ORAL SURGERY Dr. Thomas E. Helfst has built a practice – and reputation – centered around delivering quality healthcare in Monroe County since he opened Stroud Oral & Facial Surgery in 1993. More than two decades later, he continues helping his patients achieve their goals with a personalized approach to care in each facet of practice – from oral surgery to cosmetic procedures and more. Choosing a healthcare provider is an important decision, and that’s why we invite you to learn more about Dr. Helfst, and his extensive training, at drhelfst.com. Contact our office with questions, or would like to schedule an evaluation.
Dental Implants, Wisdom Teeth Removal with Anesthesia for Patient Comfort, Face Lifts, Eyelid Surgery, Rhinoplasty, Botox, Juvederm, and More
Stroud Oral
Facial Surgery
The Stroud Building • 209 Lifeline Road, Suite 202 • Stroudsburg, PA 18360
570-420-8180 • stroudoralandfacial.com ‘Like’ us on Facebook: Stroud Oral & Facial Surgery
CONTENTS
Publisher & Creative Director Ali Schratt publisher@localflair.com
contents 6.
Letter from the Publisher
8.
GO!
10.
Give: Midnight Madness at Skylanes
Ali Schratt
12.
Art: The Earth Speaks II
Sales
14.
Flair Finds
16.
Local Flavor: Healthy Bites
Distribution Coordinator Adam Schratt
Contributing Writers
publisher@localflair.com
On the Cover
Photo by Andrea Rimberg (sohointheburg.com)
17-40. Women in Balance 20.
Out & About: PMC Auxiliary Event
22.
Out & About: DEPG Event at Desaki
24.
Rustic Barnwood & Unexpected Delights
26.
Living in Harmony
60.
Parting Shot/#lovethepoconos
For a subscription send check or money order for $24.95 to the address below. (6 issues/1 year) Local Flair is published bi-monthly and distributed throughout the greater Pocono area. Local Flair reserves the right to refuse to sell space for any advertisement the staff deems inappropriate for the publication. Unsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by a selfaddressed stamped envelope. Letters to the Editor are welcome, but may be edited due to size limitations. Press releases must be received by the 15th of the prior month of publication. All contents of this magazine including without limitation to the design, advertisements, art, photos, and editorial content, as well as the selection coordination and arrangement thereof is the Copyright of Local Flair Magazine Limited. No portion of this magazine may be copied or reprinted without the express written consent of the publisher.
Mission
The mission of Local Flair magazine is to celebrate excellence in community businesses, services, and efforts by appealing to the tastes, sensibilities, and curiosities of its readers and advertisers alike. To this end, Local Flair strives to balance informative and inspirational editorial content with relevant and enlightening advertisement. –Ali Schratt, publisher
Contact Us
Local Flair Magazine 609 Main Street | Stroudsburg, PA 18360 Phone 570.424.9600 | Fax 570.424.9601
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Local Flair
For the ultimate thrill-seeker, Pocono Zip The thrill of snowtubing without the snow! Blue Spend the day in the trees climbing and balancing Racer is the best way to get your fix. Race Lightning is all-season tubing featuring the Magic in our aerial adventures ropes course! Choose from 5 your friends or family down the mountain Carpet Lift, two 400-foot lanes, and a private courses featuring 66 elements to conquer. on dual racing zip lines! group function area.
PoconoMountainAdventures.com Exit 309 I-80 • Route 209 in Bushkill, PA • Call for more information! 800-446-0231 For rates and hours, visit our website. Advance group reservations recommended.
LETTER
Letter from the
PUBLISHER Spring is here, and I couldn’t be more excited. This winter left me feeling so blah that I couldn’t wait to get it over with. Spring has always been a time for me to clean and make changes. As I write, I am in the middle of some major reorganization both personally and professionally. I pulled everything apart to put it back together again in a lean, mean and exactly the way I want it kind of way. I’m nervous for some of the change but excited for the new energy and experiences that will begin to take shape over the next year.. I will keep you posted! So, with change in mind, I wanted to do something different with our Health & Wellness Issue. I decided to create a contest for people to vote for their favorite “Women in Balance” around the Pocono Mountains. I was overwhelmed by the response and so excited to read about so many fantastic women, it was difficult to choose between all of the nominees! One thing every woman featured in the Women in Balance Series (sponsored by Pocono Medical Center and First Northern Bank and Trust Co.) have in common, is the feeling they are juggling – and not balancing at all. Thank goodness I am not alone! We all tend to give so much of ourselves and forget to recharge our batteries. Georgine Todd of Tannersville Physical Therapy, whose motto of “work hard and play hard”, inspired me to want to be like her when I grow up! She listed the places she’s been, plus the places and experiences that are still on her “bucket list,” and all I could think was, “can I come?” Seriously, reading through pages and pages of words these women live by, truly inspired me to look at things and make some adjustments in my own life. From balancing family, career, kids, charity and countless other things; the women in this feature represent everything I was hoping to share in Local Flair. They lead, they teach, they trust, and they support and help as many people as they possibly can. They gauge their success on their happiness and they are grateful for everything in their lives; specifically family, friends and their community, I feel honored to share their stories. I laughed, I cried and I learned a lot. Because I had such a hard time choosing which women to include in one small issue, we will include a “Woman in Balance” in every issue of Local Flair through 2016. Enjoy the issue and enjoy your Spring! Keep it local,
Ali
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Local Flair
Welcome,
SPRING with beautiful sparking gemstones
The 14 Kt Outlet’s
Local and All Natural Grilled Hot Dogs on
Fine Jewelry Designs
1232 W. Main Street • Stroudsburg • 570.517.7126 rootintootinhotdogs.com
570.421.5081 • www.the14ktoutlet.com 611 Main Street • Stroudsburg, Pa Professional Repair • Highest prices paid for your gold & silver!
Hot Buttered Buns, Soups, and Sides
There’s always more content online!
flairmag.com
Local Flair
7
Celebrate Earth this April & May! The
Earth Speaks II will be THE art show of shows for 2016! Happening on April 16th, all three downtown Stroudsburg galleries will be participating and over 100 artists from near and far will be presenting their work, each piece of art making a statement about Earth and its environment. Come take part of the excitement at Artspace Gallery, SOHO in the Burg, and Origins Gallery. For info, visit poconoarts.org
Vivre! Take a fantasy trip to a Paris at the Silvery Moon Guest House on April 10th, 10am-5pm. Sample café and pastries while strolling the “shops”, artist’s “garret” and designer couture atelier. You can even bring your poodle! There is no charge to come – there will be Arts & Crafts and food vendors. Visit silverymoonguesthouse.com for info. Eat! Kick off Pocono Mountains Restaurant Week at the App-
Off Kick-Off event at SOHO in the Burg on April 13th, 5:30-7:30, where 10 of your favorite restaurants will compete for the title of Best Appetizer! Three celebrity judges will choose their favorite app. There will also be a Fan Favorite and Best Pairing awarded that night! Each restaurant will be paired with a wine or beer from a Pocono Wine Trail Vineyard or an area brewery – and you’ll get to sample it all! Tickets are $10 at the door and proceeds will benefit The Bushkill Outreach and Monroe Farmers Market. For info, visit poconorestaurantweek.com or call 570-424-9600.
Sample from special menus at participating restaurants
during the official Pocono Mountains Restaurant Week. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new. Restaurant week is April 14-24. For more info, visit poconorestaurantweek.com
Support Women’s Resources of Monroe County in their mission to end sexual and domestic violence for all men, women and children in Monroe County at Martinis and Manicures on April 14th at The Chateau in Tannersville! Get a mini manicure from Shear Design Salon and Day Spa, Spa Kalahari, and Pure Day Spa. Enjoy the live fashion show by The Apple Tree and Dunkelberger’s and try the signature martini. Tickets are $10 or $20 for reserved seating and the first 150 to sign up will get a Swag Bag full of goodies. Doors open at 5pm! Help celebrate Earth at PEEC’s Earth Day Festival
on Saturday, April 16th, 2016 10am-4pm. There will be hands-on learning stations, interpretive hikes, conservation exhibits, crafts, food, music, and much more! Pre-registration is not required this time. $5 per car.
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Local Flair
Enjoy and celebrate Monroe County’s environmental efforts and successes at Monroe County Earth Day on April 23rd, 10am4pm. There will be live music, speakers, exhibitors, workshops, give & take, tire amnesty, e-cycling, children’s activities, food, and more! Sponsored by MCCD and Northampton Community College (NCC) Monroe campus, the event will take place at NCC’s beautiful, new Monroe campus on Rt. 715 in Tannersville. For info, visit mcearthday.org or call 570.629.3061 Reduce your environmental impact! Monroe County Conservation District is having a rain barrel sale at Northampton Community College on April 23rd, 11am-3pm. If you are interested in collecting rainwater for outdoor uses around the home, whether for watering plants, washing the car, or washing windows, roof runoff collected in rain barrels provides an ample supply of naturally soft water for a variety of outdoor uses, attend this event! Visit mcconservation.org or call 570-629-3061 for info. Rock! Richard Marx’s nearly three-decade-long career has had innumerable highlights, and you can see him at Mt. Airy Casino on April 30th 8pm-10pm. The Chicago native has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, starting with his self-titled debut which went to #8 and spawned four Top 5 singles, including the chart-topping “Hold on to the Nights,” with “Don’t Mean Nothing” earning him a Grammy nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. Event is for guests 21 years of age and older. Tickets are $65 in at the door or $55 in advance. For info, visit mountairycasino.com or call 877-682-4791. Get artsy on Mother’s Day art opening at The Wing and
a Prayer Chapel in Sciota on May 8th, 12-6pm. Yvonne Lucia’s “Re-Visioning Mary, Contemporary Icons of the Feminine Divine.” The works explore images of the sacred feminine symbolized in the figure of Mary, experienced both as a healing balm for ourselves and for our Mother Earth. For more info visit silverymoonguesthouse.com or call 570.801.7153. There is no charge to attend.
Relax at A Day of Balance at Trout Lake Retreat in Stroudsburg
on May 15th, 11am-4pm. A Day of Balance will be a day of health, wellness, beauty, and relaxation presented by area professionals and businesses. We are looking forward to an afternoon of yoga, Thai Chi, knitting demonstrations, break-out sessions presented by doctors, attorneys, salon owners, and so much more! For info and tickets, visit flairmag.com/wib or call 570.424.9600. Tickets are $30.
Stroll! On May 16th, 11am-4pm, come walk around in Downtown Stroudsburg and enjoy music, art, demonstrations, kids events and vendors selling their art and wares. For info, go to visitdowntownstroudsburg.com or email poconosoap@yahoo.com Think Spring! Spring migration has begun! Join PEEC for a wonderful Warbler Weekend with the birds May 20th-22nd. Enjoy guided hikes that teach how to identify birds by sight, sound and habitat. This program is great for beginners and experts alike. Includes two nights of lodging and meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. $205 / $155 commuter rate.
The
Mother’s Day
D E S T I N AT I O N
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
601 Main Street | Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570.476.7909 | josephinesonmain.com Local Flair
9
GIVE!
Midnight
Madness “There are no seven degrees of separation – cancer touches everyone,” says Billie Trauschke, Team Leader for The Greater Pocono Relay for Life’s “Team Hoey Awesome”. It’s true, not one of us can say that we don’t know someone whose life has been affected by cancer in some way. Trauschke and her husband Tom have a personal reason for hosting the first annual Moonlight Madness Fundraiser at Skylanes Bowling in East Stroudsburg, on April 16th from 10pm-2am. Tom was just re-diagnosed with thyroid cancer and is currently in treatment. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate,” says Billie.
Both Trauschkes’ are teachers – Billie teaches 5th grade at Middle Smithfield and Tom 5th grade at East Stroudsburg Elementary. Billie grew up bowling at Skylanes and has great memories of the All-Night Bowl events. “They would lock the doors and we would bowl all night long! I thought it would be great to try to do something similar. We will Rock N’ Bowl 10pm-2am while raising money and having fun while we do it.” Moonlight Madness is an adult-only event. Games are $5.00 and shoe rentals are free. There will be $5.00 wings, Margarita pizzas and burgers. There will also be a Red Pin Special (if you get a red head pin, bowl a strike, you win a prize) and raffles throughout the night. The Relay for Life benefits the American Cancer Society of Monroe County. Lisa Hoey, the Greater Pocono Area Relay for Life Manager, has been at the helm of the event for the past eight years. “The Cancer Society empowers people to choose the treatment best suited for their disease. We educate and help residents of Monroe County who are facing cancer to make good decisions,” explains Hoey. The Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem through research and ongoing patient support. There are many Relay for Life events benefitting the Greater Pocono Area Team, Hoey’s favorite, “The Luminaria Ceremony is a very emotional event which honors the lives lost to cancer and those who are fighting the disease. It is beautiful and something you will never forget.” For more information about Moonlight Madness, call 570.242.5033. To learn how you can get involved with the Relay for Life Greater Pocono Area, and to see other events, go to relayforLife.org/ GreaterPoconoPA
JOIN US! Saturday, April 16th, 2016 10pm-2am Skylanes Bowling Center, East Stroudsburg, PA
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Local Flair
Schisler Museum of Wildlife & Natural History
McMunn Planetarium East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania TM
Wildlife exhibits and planetarium shows for explorers of all ages!
AA-B2B_2016-AMERICAN_CANDLE-3.25x5.375.indd 2
3/4/16 3:06 PM
WHAT’S YOUR SPIN ON SPRING?
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Adults $6, Children (3-17) $4, Seniors 60+ $4 Children under 3, Members, and ESU students with current ID Free
RT 611 BARTONSVILLE,PA 18321 570.629.3388 www.american-candle.com
Warren E. ‘55 and Sandra Hoeffner Science and Technology Center Normal Street & Ransberry Avenue East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 570.422.2705
www.esu.edu/museum
ART
The Earth Speaks II
“Whispers of Green” by James Chesnick (SOHO in the Burg)
On April 16, 2016, the entire Pocono art community, along with artists from out of the area, will join together to express their feelings about the Earth and the environment in the first ever three-gallery art show and art walk in Downtown Stroudsburg. The Earth Speaks II will be the most important exhibition of the year. Scores of artists will present hundreds of pieces of art, each piece making a profound personal statement about what each sees as impacting our planet on an environmental level. Art has always been a powerful vehicle for raising consciousness, and this exhibit will bring to light the growing awareness of environmental crises which can no longer be ignored. The Earth Speaks show was the creation of Mark Lichty. Lichty is a former President of the Pocono Arts Council, a committed environmentalist and the Executive Producer of “Groundswell Rising,” a documentary focusing on fracking and the effect it has on our planet. Lichty produced the first “The Earth Speaks” last year, and it was very successful. Jack Swersie, local artist and promoter, was impressed by the show and decided he wanted to be part of any future show Lichty might produce.
When Swersie was researching for the project, he was most shocked by the numbers. According to beachapedia.org, 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are improperly tossed each year, worldwide. “We all share this Earth and it’s each of our responsibility to do our part to keep it clean,” says Swersie. ”I love Stroudsburg and decided that I would accumulate all the cigarette butts I needed for my project from the downtown streets. I spent two months discretely picking up butts and, I have to tell you, it was embarrassing when I thought what colleagues would think of me as I filled my bags with cigarette butts,” Swersie explained. He quickly realized, he was doing his part to help keep the streets free of this litter and eventually, his diorama was completed and aptly named “Ashtray, USA.” In addition to hundreds of pieces of environmental artwork, three of Swersie’s Ashtray USA pieces will be on display at The Earth Speaks II – one at each participating Downtown Gallery.
Last year, Swersie decided that he wanted to make a statement about the problem of cigarette butt litter to present at this year’s show. “You can’t walk up and down Main Street without seeing hundreds and hundreds of butts strewn about with reckless abandonment,” Swersie explained, “but it’s important to note that it’s NOT just Stroudsburg. It’s everywhere! It’s a worldwide problem that needs to be addressed on the local level first. Smokers who litter need to know that they can’t just throw their waste on the ground. Butts are not biodegradable. and it can take between ten and twenty years for them to disappear.” “Huffy Graveyard” by Laurinda Faye Rubin, 2015 Photography Award Winner
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Local Flair
“Ashtray USA” by Jack Swersie (ARTSPACE Gallery)
The Earth Speaks II
SCHEDULE April 16, 2016
The Pocono Arts Council and the ArtSpace Gallery, at 18 AA-B2B_2016-LIZTECH-3.565x5.75.indd North Seventh Street in Stroudsburg, PA, will be celebrating with poetry and music (from 3 to 5 pm) and an opening reception (from 5 to 8 pm). From 6:30 to 7 pm there will be a special Environmental and Climate Awareness message along with an awards presentation. And, on that note, this is the first time in the history of the Pocono Arts Council that a high school student will be presented with the ‘Best of Show’ award. Phone 570.476.4460 for more information.
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3/1/16 4:56 PM
SOHO in the ‘Burg located at 600 Main Street in Stroudsburg will also be participating in “The Earth Speaks II” festivities with an opening reception for their show, “Fifty Shades of Green – An Environmental Statement.” The gallery will be open all afternoon and their opening reception will be from 5 to 8 pm. Dozens of artists and their environmentally-focused work will be exhibited in this popular and spacious gallery. Phone 570.807.1623 for more information. As part of the April 16 environmental art walk, Origins Gallery, an enthusiastic and innovative gallery at 580 Main Street, will host an open house from 3 to 8 pm for their own “The Earth Speaks II” exhibition titled “A Voice For The Earth ll - Found Object Art.” Here, another dozen artists will present their original work, making additional statements about the environmental impact on our planet and beyond. Phone 570.507.7571 You can preview Jack Swersie’s work at AshtrayUSA.org. Go to VisitDowntownStroudsburg.com for a complete listing of Downtown Stroudsburg summer events.
Local Flair
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FLAIR FINDS
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Now that Spring is here, there are lots of great ways to get out, get moving, and get inspired. Here are a few of our favorite finds: 1. Crabtree & Evelyn Gardener’s Hand Therapy body products from Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitter, 2. Moonglow jewelry from Josephine’s Fleur-de-lis, 3. Specialty tea blends for the award-winning TV series, Downton Abbey®, available at Ready Set Run. 4. The latest brand name running shoes like these Nike Vomeros from Ready Set Run, 5. “My Saint, My Hero” bracelets from The Apple Tree, 6. Mace brand Nitebeams from Dunkelberger’s, 7. Oboz hiking boots from Dunkelberger’s, 8. Rolling ball massage stick from Ready Set Run
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Local Flair
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FLAVOR
Healthy Bites Most of our area restaurants offer healthy bites for the calorie, gluten, and organic-conscious consumers. Here are a few of our favorites!
Quench Café & Juice Bar
Quench is known for its healthy (and amazingly tasty) fresh fruit smoothies, wraps, and salads. No fillers used here. We recommend the Power Green Smoothie! 570.872.9292, quenchjuicecafe.com, Stroudsburg, PA
Café Duet
It’s hard to top the coffee served at Café Duet, but their food is just as good. A vocado, cucumber, sprouts, and hummus sandwich sprinkled with chili powder, smoked spanish paprika and sea salt on sliced multi-grain bread. 570.431.3442, cafeduetpa.com, Stroudsburg, PA
Rootin’ Tootin’ Hot Dogs
These organic, gluten free dogs have no nitrites or nitrates and come from the Stryker Farm located in Saylorsburg, PA. Pair it with an infused water or a fresh-squeeezed lemonade, and you’ve got comfort food covered. 570.517.7126. rootintootinhotdogs, Stroudsburg, PA
Beer House Café There are lots of great healthy, wholesome options at East Stroudsburg’s newest café on Crystal Street. These veggie quesadillas are made with black bean purée, avocado, peppers, and flaky tortillas. 570.420.7522, East Stroudsburg, PA
Cedar’s Mediterranean Grill Healthy and crunchy? Yep. Cedar’s in downtown Stroudsburg has it all with this super tasty, nicely seasoned falafel pita. 570.422.6399, Stroudsburg
Sweet Creams Café
Deciding what to order for lunch at Sweet Creams is always a tough decision, but their avocado melt baguette is a terrific option for healthy diners. It features layers of melted Swiss cheese, broccoli, tomato, carrots, fresh greens, cabbage, and ripe avocado. 570.421.7929, Stroudsburg, PA 16
Local Flair
PRESENTED BY
FEATURE
Mary Louise Parker, Esquire
Owner, Mary Louise Parker & Associates and Legal Choices, LLC Attorney Mary Louise Parker grew up in a neighborhood in Stroud Township not far from the Clearview Elementary School. Her father worked for Tobyhanna Army Depot, and her mother was a homemaker. She graduated from Stroudsburg High School and headed off to the University of Pennsylvania as an undergraduate and then went on to Temple Law School. John Parker and she were married shortly after their graduations from college and they lived in a lovely Victorian home on Thomas Street in Stroudsburg while raising their sons, Adam and Josh. Mary Louise and John now live in Sciota in Hamilton Township with their yellow labs named Mickey and Murphy. Parker has been practicing law in Monroe County since 1980. Her practice focuses in the area of family law – divorce and custody – and related matters. She is “an attorney for the family, not just a family law attorney.” Attorney Parker has also served Monroe County as a Child Custody Conciliator for more than ten years. Currently, in addition to her law practice, she is the owner of Legal Choices LLC which offers alternative dispute resolution methods for family law conflicts, including mediation and collaboration. How do you balance it all? For me, the key has always been to remember that I can’t balance it ALL at one time. It is a process of choosing, judging and deciding what is most important at a particular moment. I did put my career on hold while my sons were young, and I focused on parenting and family responsibilities. Now, the challenge is to continue to meet the demands of career and clients while accommodating the need for personal time – leisure and travel – and the desire to continue to volunteer in the community. What words do you live by? Choice – Respect – Resolution. Life is full of challenges; some challenges involve conflict. We all have choices in how we meet these challenges and resolve those conflicts. Whenever possible and appropriate, respect and resolution should be the foundation and guide-posts in determining how we rise up and deal with the challenges at hand. It is very important for me that I am able to look back with satisfaction – with my dignity and integrity preserved – knowing that I was true to myself in the way in which I resolved conflict. How do you measure success? I set goals and when I achieve them, I ask- am I proud of the outcome? Goals can only be achieved through hard work and sustained effort. I am proud of my academic and professional achievements. My husband and I have raised two sons who lead independent, fulfilling and happy lives. I am respected by my colleagues and served two years as the President of the Monroe County Bar Association. I have earned the thanks and gratitude of many clients for whom I have obtained fair, positive and long
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Local Flair
WOMEN IN BALANCE IS PRESENTED BY:
lasting results. I have obtained enough serenity and peace of mind that I can go home most nights, put my feet up and have a glass of wine and wind down with John in front of a fire. What advice would you give your younger self? I would have liked to have learned at an earlier age that each day really does present a new opportunity. Who are your role models? My role model is anyone who shows strength and conviction with kindness and respect. What is coming up for you this year? The Birth of Legal Choices, LLC. Throughout my legal career, it has become apparent that litigation is not well suited for the resolution of many, if not, most family law matters. Litigation turns spouses and parents into opponents who stake out their positions and gather the evidence necessary to prove that each is right and the other is wrong and at fault. One wins, and the other loses. Studies have shown that this win-lose method of conflict resolution in family law cases can lead to permanently fractured relationships with devastating results, especially to children. While the marriage may have been terminated by a divorce decree, in too many cases, the bitterness, anger and conflict remain – primarily as a result of the litigation process. Unfortunately, the parties may have chosen litigation because they were not aware of alternatives. With mediation, clients appear in a conference room rather than a courtroom.Through discussions with the Conciliator, parents are able to maintain more control over important decisions in their children’s lives. Legal Choices LLC was formed to offer methods of dispute resolution to divorce clients that are not based upon the traditional model of litigation. At this point in time, Legal Choices LLC is the only resource in Northeastern Pennsylvania to offer mediation and collaboration services in a serious and substantive way. What are the benefits you and your clients are reporting with the mediation and collaboration process you offer at Legal Choices LLC? The process is transparent so the parties and their attorneys agree to voluntarily disclose and exchange all relevant information. This increases the chances that the parties will make good decisions that will stand the test of time. The parties, with the assistance of their attorneys, identify common goals and agree to seek ways to achieve these goals. They agree to proceed in good faith and in a mutually respectful manner. In this way, the parties are able to maintain a relationship in the newly structured family that is the result of the divorce. Children are the most obvious beneficiaries of this process. However, in some cases, it may be a family owned business that has been nurtured by the spouses throughout their marriage and needs protection and preservation. It may be retirement assets upon which both parties thought they would rely in their later years that need to be preserved. Alternative dispute resolution methods maximize the opportunity to meet these goals. Spouses who have divorced collaboratively have reported that they like the privacy that the process affords and they liked the focus on the future as opposed to past injury and blame. There is a significant savings in time and money and the conflict level is substantially lower. Children and their interests are better protected and promoted and some clients believed that the process fostered more financially smart decisions.
You’ve got questions– we can answer them.
Experience has a local address. Be confident thatthat your are going the right Be confident yourfinances finances are going in theinright direction. You don’t have totogo Because direction. You don’t have go far. far. Because rightright here here in Stroudsburg, you’ll you’ll find afind Morgan Stanley office staffed in Stroudsburg, Morgan Stanley offices staffed with capable, experienced Financial with capable, experienced Financial Advisors.Advisors. Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors you sort Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors cancan helphelp you sort through the the complexity ofwealth wealth management and through complexity of management and investing. Call us today to set up an appointment. And investing. Call us today to set up an appointment, and find the experience you need. Right where you need it.
Legal Choices, LLC founded by local attorney Mary Louise Parker, Esquire, offers alternative dispute resolution services. Using Collaborative Law, the result is often less financial and emotional strain on parties involved. If you’re looking for peace of mind, as well as financial and emotional savings regarding family matters or divorce, contact Legal Mary Louise Parker, Esquire Choices LLC. We’re here to help. See our Q&A on page 0 for more insight about Legal Choices, and whether collaborative law is right for you and your circumstances. We look forward to speaking with you.
find the experience you need, right where you need it.
Lisa A. Cardwell Branch Manager
701 Main Street, Suite 501 Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-421-3100 800-445-2291 ww.morganstanleybranch.com/ stroudsburg
701 Main Street, Suite 501 Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-421-3100 www.morganstanleybranch.com/stroudsburg
©2013 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC588398 (12/12) CS 7338791 FAS008A 04/13
2013 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
Phone: 570-424-0460 900 Scott Street | Stroudsburg www.legalchoicesllc.com
CRC588407 (12/12) CS 7338896 FAS012B 04/13
Local Flair
19
FEATURE
Melisa Mersini
Financial Advisor, VP, Wealth Strategies & Management; Owner, Momento’s Melisa Mersini is Financial Advisor, Vice President at Wealth Strategies & Management. She lives with her family in Stroudsburg and has been a resident of Monroe County since 1994, after moving from South Carolina in 1993. Her husband, Nicola Mersini, is Chef and owner of Momento Pizzeria and Restaurant. Her two sons are Walker Wentzler, 19, and Coby Wentzler, 15. Walker is attending his first year at West Virginia University and studying Engineering. Coby is a freshman at Pleasant Valley High School. Tell us how you balance it all. I wish I could brag that “I got this” but in reality I am like every other professional woman. I have a drive to succeed and desire to be a good mom and wife and reflect this each week in juggling my schedule to fit in everything that means the most to my family and those things that make me really happy professionally. I even squeeze in the things that I don’t really like. Part of my action plan for 2016 was to get fit, so I set up 30 minute time sessions in my schedule for me. Thirty minutes is doable. I have a supportive husband and a supportive ex-husband and he and I work very closely together on a daily basis to manage everything for the boys. What is your life philosophy? What words do you “live by” and what motivates you to achieve success? I don’t know if I have specific mantras, but I tell my family all the time that the reason why we work so hard and such long hours is because I truly believe that anyone who has great desire and works hard will succeed. I am motivated by wanting a happy and stable life. Nicola, the kids, and I are similar in the fact that we all are very social and enjoy the company of others. As a family, we love to do fun things and enjoy good food and travel. I hope my children learn to be even better at this than I. How do you achieve goals and measure success? New Year’s resolutions, setting goals, and creating actions plans help keep me on track. I always have a new idea or get excited about some new thought, so the written plans help keep me focused. I measure solely on my happiness. I don’t have big personal items but I have a great life, great friends, healthy kids, and we are happy. What advice would you give your younger self? Just be you – don’t focus on the attributes of others, just improve on the ones that you already have. To get rid of the 10 extra pounds before it becomes the next 10. Get involved with charities earlier. Most young people believe it is something you do later in life – giving back should always be a priority. WOMEN IN BALANCE IS PRESENTED BY:
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Who are your role models? I have many for different reasons. I look up to Warren Buffett has an incredible ability to spot a great buy, Lisa Vanderpump designs and runs amazingly successful restaurants, Marcus Lemonis has a great sense of running a business. I am very inspired by Mohamed El Erian, Alliaz Chief Economic Advisor, his knowledge of the economy and way of analyzing the facts and delivery of information is calm and professional. Tell us about your position at WS&M. My business card reads Financial Advisor, Vice President. In a nutshell, I manage my client’s assets and provide planning services to individuals and families, pre-retirees and retirees, as well as specialize in assisting business owners with investing. As an owner of two businesses, my practice at WS&M and Momentos, I spend hours reading on the topics of business taxes, rules, laws, marketing, management, and success practices. I love sharing ideas and watching others become successful. This year, I will launch a women’s series designed to share information with other women business owners. Social media is an essential too for marketing your business and I hope to share all my knowledge with the ladies at my series. What is your favorite part of helping people with their financial planning/future? What is the most challenging part of your career? My favorite part of the financial planning process is doing the research to find suitable investments to buy for my clients. I don’t mind reading 10ks for corporations or literature about a strategy. I love finding an undervalued company that may help financially in the long run. The uncertainty of the market is always my challenge as well as helping clients keep their focus on the horizon versus the short run. Our firm spends countless hours evaluating the market through studying, reading, listening, and working hard. We strive to stay ahead of the trends and be positioned best for the current situation. Thomas Byrne, WS&M’s Director of Fixed Income and market analyst, is essential in the process for putting information in perspective. What makes you (WS&M) a prudent choice for people looking for a new Financial Advisor? Everyone is unique and we take that into consideration. It is important to have all options available when designing your plan. Being an independent financial advisor does not limit my investment strategy or services, allowing me to provide unbiased financial advice to my clients. What is coming up in the future at WS&M? We have recently opened a second location in Wilkes Barre, PA, and have the opportunity to grow these offices with like-minded independent advisors. We are all involved with local charities and have committed ourselves to stepping up our roles on the boards in order to help at a higher level. As of current date, I have been nominated as Chairperson of the YMCA and will took the helm in late February. Kevin Yurko, WS&M co-owner, is on the board of Pocono Alliance and fellow WS&M co-owner, David Dahan, is on the board of the Jewish Day School. We want to help make a difference. Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/ SIPC. Investment advice offered through Private Advisor Group, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial. Wealth Strategies & Management LLC is a separate entity from LPL Financial and Private Advisor Group.
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Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Private Advisor Group, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Private Advisor Group, LLC and Wealth Strategies & Management, LLC are separate entities from LPL Financial.
For real estate go straight to the
authority.
Caroline Salvino, Associate Broker _____________________________________ Caroline was born and raised in Northeast Pennsylvania. She knows the landscape, the communities, and she understands what people look for in a lifestyle home. With $14 million in sales in 2015, Caroline specializes in luxury properties throughout the Poconos. For experience that can achieve real results, call Caroline.
www.PoconosLuxuryRE.com | Direct: 570.977.1777 Classic Properties | Office: 570.595.3705 | 1124 Route 390 | Mountainhome, PA 18342 Local Flair
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FEATURE
Christine Wilkins
General Manager/Executive VP for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Christine Wilkins moved to the Poconos from Oxford, England when she was five years old. Her father was in the Air force and she was born on Plattsburgh Airforce Base. She graduated from Stroudsburg High School in 1988. She and her husband Thomas R. Wilkins have a son, Benjamin Cole Wilkins, 6 years old. They also have several grown stepchildren. Christine Wilkins is the General Manager/Executive VP for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates. She is also a Stroud Township Supervisor (The Township’s first Woman Supervisor) where she helps oversee the general operations of the Township along with the other two Supervisors. Tell us how you balance it all? By taking each moment one step at a time. Even if 10 things are happening at once, I prioritize what needs my attention first. It’s important for all of us to balance personal lives and professional careers. Family is my priority. What is your life philosophy? Always remain positive and never give up. Anything is possible if you try. Find your purpose in life; what it is that motivates you. Live your life with intention and go for it! Always be the best you can be. How do you achieve goals and measure success? I set goals, both short term and long term. I focus on what I want to do or achieve. Once you have a focus, it helps you build a plan to get to the result you desire. I always plan both personally and professionally. The true measure of success comes from within you. It’s living the best you can with what you have in the moment and being grateful and thankful for everything. What is coming up for you in the future? Expanding the services that we offer at the new BHG Business Campus. We’re taking our “lifestyle” brand – Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and truly developing a “lifestyle” office. We are expanding education and our philanthropy efforts. Personally, I want to plan international travel for our family to learn more about the world. What would you tell your younger self? Love yourself, you’re worthy. It’s all going to be okay. Don’t doubt yourself and don’t settle, because you have a lot more courage than you realize. Follow your dreams, you can do it – your instincts are real. Who are your role models? I contribute my success in the real estate field to my mentors. The first, Charles A. Poalillo, Sr. who helped raise me as a child and instilled the work ethic that I have today. Barbara Samet (now deceased), a well-known community leader and former owner of Pocono Real Estate Academy, showed me her strength as a woman in the business world early in my career. As a woman, I now look to our Better Homes and Gardens RE Corporate Leader, CEO Sherry Chris who is a very strong, powerful and passionate business woman. Lastly, my husband and business partner, Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates. Tom believes in me which gives me the courage and confidence to go out and work harder to reach my full potential, personally and as a team. For more information about Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates, visit wilkinsandassociates.bhgre.com 22
Local Flair
Suzanne Igdalsky
Mother, Wife, Friend, and Owner of Sunshine Therapeutic Services Suzanne has lived in the Pocono Mountains for 15 years. She obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Indiana University of PA in Speech Pathology/Audiology. She and her husband Brandon have twin 11 year-old girls, Madison and Mackenzie, who are their pride and joy. In 2000, Suzanne found her mission at Woods Services where she was working in the Early Intervention program. With children under the age of three who experience a delay in development or a disability. Now, early intervention is the heart of the work Suzanne’s company, Sunshine Therapeutic Services, which performs throughout Monroe, Pike and Carbon Counties. Tell us how you balance it all. I rely on my faith. It’s tough for moms because we have so much to balance. Balance requires sacrifices. You do the best you can to do what is most important to you. What is your life philosophy? What words do you “live by” and what motivates you to achieve success? Treat others the way you would want to be treated and BE KIND! Try to think about what somebody else might be going through and don’t judge. Have compassion! It’s much easier to walk away from any situation if you handle it with kindness and patience. How do you achieve goals and measure success? You have to have goals, whether you note them mentally or on paper… and then you work, work hard! Success is measured by fulfillment and accomplished work. Every milestone met by a child and his/her family is a measurement of success! What is coming up for you in the future? (Work and personal) Sunshine Therapeutic Services is ready to expand staff to meet the needs of families in our community. Our staff will continue to receive ongoing training in order to continue providing quality services. Personally, our family will continue to work hard to achieve personal and professional growth. What would you tell your younger self? I would tell my younger self to do the best you can and work hard! Challenge yourself and be active in your school and community. Make the right impression. Who are your role models? My parents taught me kindness and compassion, and they are the true example of people who live their lives doing for others. They are always there for me, and are a constant reminder of what is important in life: your relationships with other people. This defines success for me. I also don’t know what I would do without my husband, Brandon. He encouraged me to start my company, holding my hand through every step of the process. He gave and still gives me business and personal advice on how to run this agency successfully. I am blessed! Learn more about Sunshine Therapeutic services at SunshineTherapy.com WOMEN IN BALANCE IS PRESENTED BY:
Mother’s Day. Father’s Day...
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Local Flair
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FEATURE
Georgine Todd
Owner, Tannersville Physical Therapy & Wellness Center
Georgine Todd was born in Lebanon, PA, better known as Amish Country. At age 11 she started working at her family’s corner grocery store and meat market. Her family had a “customers come first” and “work hard and you will prosper” policy, which meant long hours of stocking shelves, delivering groceries, and washing dishes. Georgine remembers, “my grandfather got the biggest kick out of teasing me when I thought I was finished; he would find more pans in the freezer – not funny. I did so many dishes my hands peeled. So, I deposited ten dollars a week into a savings account for college, that was my escape from the hard physical labor to a career and a new adventure.” For as long as she can remember, she wanted to be a forest ranger. She loved the outdoors, and still does. She was an excellent Girl Scout and loved camping. Camping started with family trips to the beach and Florida. Six of them crammed into the station wagon pulling the camper shaped like an aluminum bread box. Every summer they explored another park. After high school, she graduated from ESU, formerly East Stroudsburg State College, in the Parks and Recreation program. She was required to do hours in a nursing home as part of a Therapeutic Practical, and she didn’t expect to like it. The elderly she met had some fascinating stories and they liked sharing them, sometimes too much, the experience changed Georgine and she graduated with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation. Ten years later, she was back in school, this time for Physical Therapy. She completed her Master’s Degree at MCP Hahnemann University in Philadelphia. Her goal – to hang a shingle on the wall with her name on it – Open for Business. Fast forward 15 years later, she is still working with people and has two growing outpatient physical therapy clinics. “I feel like I was always meant to do physical therapy” says Georgine, “each person that comes into my office has a different set of problems and I love the challenge of trying to motivate and educate them about their body and the way it functions. For me, the pleasure is unraveling the mystery to the root of their problem and then seeing it solved, like a good book.
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How do you balance it all? I may make it look so easy, and the office flows really well, but physical therapy is hard work! You are always thinking and guarding each patient for safety. And then there is the manual work to loosen the tissues and align their structure, so that they can perform the exercise – WOW, it is draining sometimes. That’s why, ask anyone, I am always planning my next vacation. Not once or twice a year, but every other month, even if it is just for the weekend. My motto is “Work hard, play hard.” And I do. I recently returned from a long weekend in Puerto Rico, where some awesome friends and I went into the jungle on a rock climbing, rappelling, and caving adventure. Yes, all of that in one day. Talk about adrenaline junkies! My parents shake their head when I tell them of my adventures; climbing Machu Picu, scuba diving with reef sharks, skiing and snowmobiling in the Rockies, riding a motorcycle, piloting planes, and I am not done yet. What is your life philosophy? What words do you “live by” and what motivates you to achieve success? One of my goals in life is to visit every island in the Caribbean. I love to try new foods, new places, see new sights and try new things. My bucket list includes bungee jumping from a bridge, herding cattle on a dude ranch, scuba diving with a whale shark and riding a camel to a pyramid. Sounds crazy right? Well maybe, but this is what brings balance to my life. If I never get to do those things, it will be OK. My success comes from my work, and my ability to help people get better and stay better. I have surrounded myself with outstanding staff who all share in my policy on customer satisfaction and together we give outstanding compassionate care with excellent treatment results. The staff, too, derives pleasure from seeing people get better and succeed in their goals. What is coming up for you in the future? The future is not about getting any bigger or making more money, it is about imparting my experience onto others. I work closely with my staff to teach the art of healing. Each office offers shadowing and internship experiences to students who are entering the field. So much to DO! What words do you live by? Jane Goodall sought adventure when she entered the African jungle to study the monkeys. Her quote “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” My suggestion, do what resonates inside you. You can get pleasure from your work, but always balance it with play.
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Georgine Todd, PT Owner
T REAT MENT S Stretching &Strengthening, Myofascial Release, Massage Therapy, Nutritional Counseling, Yoga, Graston, Trigger Point Dry Needling Local Flair
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FEATURE
Teri Farda, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist; Co-owner, Farda Landscaping Teri Farda is a lifelong resident of the Poconos. As she understands it, her family has been in the area since the Revolutionary war, and to her, that is a lovely feeling of connection. As things grow and change in the Poconos, she remains grateful to have these roots. Teri loves to go to Church each Sunday with her cousins, she loves that she can’t run to the store or go to a restaurant without meeting someone that she went to high school with, worked with, or is related to! In the anonymity of today’s world with internet banking and shopping, Teri enjoys the decades long relationships with her local bank, stores and other small businesses. She thinks there is really something wonderful about the connection. Teri started dating her husband, Anthony, at Chestnut Grove Resort in Swiftwater when she was 16, and the rest is history! They have four children, ages 13-32. Teri loves her work, but It took her until she was forty-something to have her “aha” moment. Her original education was in another field entirely. Her desire to go to massage school came after recognizing the amazing health benefits that she had gained from receiving regular massage. The massage therapist they had been going to for years, Sandy, became like family. Her practice was truly an inspiration for Teri and they trade massage now! “I can honestly say that except for laundering all of the linens, I enjoy every minute of my work. What could be nicer than helping someone feel better? They arrive stressed or in discomfort, and melt out the door… It is very rewarding. Giving massage is also very meditative for me, a nice benefit. My clients are typically ‘regulars’,” Teri explains and she has really enjoyed building a relationship with them over the years. How do you balance it all? I don’t think that I do, I can only try my best. One day at a time. One foot in front of the other. My amazing husband is a tremendous support, a true partner in all that we do. I can always count on him.
What is your life philosophy? Gratitude for all that I have. Remembering that I have so much, that takes me a long way. It is essential to me to always act with integrity in all that I do. Service to others is important to me, and brings me joy. I have a very strong faith and that carries me in my daily life. How do you achieve goals and measure success? Something that I have learned as I have gotten older, is that the weight of procrastination hanging over your head is much worse, than just tackling the task. How do you measure success? I need to be able to say that I have given it my very best. Sure, awards or accolades can be affirming, but knowing that I have given it my best means the most to me, and no one has to know but me! What is coming up for you in the future? Personally; we are making a major shift and downsizing! Needing less. Coming up professionally, always researching and seeking continuing education. More tools for my toolbox of techniques in my practice to better serve my clients. I know I said we are downsizing, but I can’t give up my books, of which I have zillions. I like turning a page, just can’t get on board with the electronic thing. What would you say to your younger self? Everything really does work out as it should. Not to say that there aren’t joys and tragedies in everyone’s life. I wasted too much time worrying about things that were beyond my control. I have not perfected the worry free thing yet, but I rely on my Faith much more. I really practice it. Who are your role models? My parents especially. Their marriage and how they honored it, really shaped my own. They modeled the importance of hard work and being true to each other. They modeled how to be the person that everyone could rely on. My husband, I admire him for so many reasons, I could not list them all. I am a very lucky gal. Rather than the famous folks, I most admire my family and friends for their philanthropy, and service to others. I see it in my tiny Church on the Mountain and in our community, and that is a BEAUTIFUL THING! Phone Teri to schedule a massage at 570.807.8666.
“What could be nicer than helping someone feel better? They arrive stressed or in discomfort, and melt out the door… It is very rewarding.” - Teri Farda, LMT
WOMEN IN BALANCE IS PRESENTED BY:
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PUT YOUR MASSAGE THERAPY NEEDS INTO THE HANDS OF
Teri Farda LMT ,
Massage therapy can provide an integrative approach to health and wellness when placed in the hands of a skilled professional. Teri Farda, LMT, is a licensed massage therapist, has completed her third level of Healing Touch instruction, and is an avid researcher of ancient traditional health care methods, a skill set which combines to provide her clients with a holistic approach to their overall well-being.
Discover the health benefits of MASSAGE THERAPY for yourself! Contact Teri Farda:
(570) 807-8666 tfarda@ptd.net
Local Flair
27
FEATURE
Kelli Mercurio & Vivian Vega Schoch Organizers, Breast Friends of Pennsylvania Left: Kelly Mercurio, Right: Vivian Vega Schoch Photo by Lori Prashker-Thomas
surround yourself with. What is your life philosophy? KM: Let love be your highest goal and two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.I believe we are here to love and encourage each other, supporting each other whenever possible. I try to incorporate that belief into my work and in my personal life as well.
Kelly Mercurio moved to Stroudsburg with her husband John, in 1999 from Wilkes-Barre, they have 2 sons and one daughter. Kelly attended college at Lycoming and Marywood University and she is a Licensed Social Worker, and worked as Mobile Therapist with children until this past September. She enjoyed working with children and families for over 16 years, but she has shifted focus from mental health/special needs to focusing her energy on working with women and families impacted by cancer through Breast Friends of PA. Vivian Vega Schoch lives in Albrightsville and has lived in the area since 1997, when she moved from Brooklyn NY. She is a graduate of Baruch College, she has one daughter. In 2008 she married a “local boy” Shawn Schoch and has two stepdaughters. Vivian works with special needs children and is also a wellness advocate with DoTerra. She and her husband believe in a natural approach to health and enjoy sharing that with friends and family. Her passion, though, is the non-profit, Breast Friends of PA. The partners brought an affiliate of the nonprofit organization “Breast Friends” to the Pocono area in January of 2012. After being diagnosed with breast cancer (Kelly) in 2010, they wanted to provide support to others. Both Kelly and Vivian shared this goal. The mission of the organization, “to help women through the trauma of cancer, one friend at a time,” resonates with their personal stories and they are constantly reminded how rewarding it has been to turn a painful situation into something good. Tell us how you balance it all. Kelly Mercurio (KM): I try to spend quiet time each morning before I start my day. I have learned that in the process of caring for others, I also need to care for myself . When I was going through treatment, I learned that I could not do everything on my own. Balance comes from knowing when you can give help to others, and recognizing when you need to accept help yourself. Vivian Vega Schoch (VVS): I don’t think I balance, it is more of a juggling act, and it is not always pretty. I am a high energy person, so I get up and just get to work. I get as much done in one day as possible. I figure that I can sleep when I’m dead. Knowing the importance of all these things and how they interconnect makes it possible to accomplish it all. The family and friends ground you, the job sustains you, the essential oils keep us healthy and going, but being Co director of Breast Friends is what I was meant to do- Knowing the importance of all these things and how they interconnect makes it possible to accomplish it all. Doing what you were meant to do may just be the balance in life. But without my family I could not do any of it. So I would say that true balance is found in their love and support, it’s in the people you
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VVS: I don’t have one. I am a woman in a constant state of evolution. Adapting to the changes in life or circumstance. I am who my family needs me to me at the moment they need it. I am the friend that will move heaven and earth to be there for you when you need it. I’m always looking to learn and try something new, but always striving to be happy in everyday while making sure those around me are happy too and have what they need. How do you achieve goals and measure success? KM: Everyday, I just try to be a little better than I was yesterday. I try to push myself outside my comfort zone and grow personally and professionally. I look at each experience as win or learn, never lose. Every experience teaches us something. I have tried to use my experiences over the years to help others. WIth a sibling who battled bipolar disorder throughout her life, I worked as a counselor/therapist to support children with mental health needs. With my love for the elderly and my father in law who had Alzheimer’s, I worked in a nursing home and later ran a Caregiver’s Support Group for those impacted by the disease. After being diagnosed with breast cancer and having been a caregiver to both parents who had lung cancer, my work has now shifted toward those in the cancer community. Using what you have experienced and learned to help others, that for me that is success. VVS: I set my goals, then I work at them until they are met. I don’t give up. Failure is not an option for me. I keep a list on my bathroom mirror so that I am reminded everyday and night of what I want to achieve and why. I share my dreams and goals with my inner circle so that they can understand why I am doing what I’m doing and support me. My success is measured by the women and people whose lives I touch, by the woman my daughter Krista is, by the laughter at the dinner table when we gather, by how many people I am able to help. If I can spend an hour with someone and when they walk away they feel better than when they arrived, then I have succeeded. What is coming up for you in the future? KM: Vivian and I are working to grow Breast Friends here in PA. We are bringing one of the co-founders of the organization here in April to hold a workshop, called “Thriving Beyond Cancer.” I am excited about continuing to provide support to women and families, as well as educating others about survivorship and advocacy. On a personal note, I enjoy writing and am hoping to a attend workshop over the summer. VVS: Growing Breast Friends Of PA so that there are more services and Programs for women battling cancer. Fund raising to meet the needs of those we service. Sharing a more natural approach to health with others. Being a doTERRA Wellness Advocate has helped my family physically and emotionally using essential oils allows us to have a more natural life. Creating financial independence so that I can do more and give more. I want to make more memories
traveling with my family and friends. I want to split my time between here and a warmer climate and open up another Breast Friends in another state. Helping to start support groups for women battling cancer in other areas. I plan to be the best me that I can be and just enjoy my journey and look forward to filling the pages in the book that is my life. What would you tell your younger self? KM: Be gentle with yourself and enjoy every minute. Each experience will refine you into who you are to become.
Outdoor
LIVING with style
VVS: Don’t rush to grow up. One day you will wake up and wish you could have the carefree life of a child. Buckle up – it is going to be a bumpy ride with hills, turns, and roadblocks, and the destination is truly unknown. Who you think you want to be is not who you will become. Life has plans for you. Life isn’t fair it is just life. Never forget where you came from. Let the past keep you grounded and humble. You can do anything if you don’t give up. You come from a line of strong women. Strong women create strong women. Who are your role models? KM: My grandmother, who I called Tootie. She was a woman of great faith, who lived simply and was content with life. She was my safe place. She made me want to be that for others. My parents. We were all diagnosed with cancer within a year of each other. My parents lived with my husband, sons and myself before they passed away. My father and I were in treatment at the same time. Dad taught me about loyalty and integrity; Mom taught me about quiet perseverance. In his weakest, most vulnerable moments Dad showed me great strength. And finally, my husband. I fell in love with his generous heart and his funloving spirit. I am a better person because he is in my life. VVS: My Grandmother, she was strong, fearless and instilled a sense of family and values. My mother, she was the first woman in her family to attend college and many of us followed her. Education was important to her and she made sure her children had that opportunity. My father Charles, he is an amazing man. He is everything a little girl dreams of, loving, supportive, strong yet gentle at the same time. He made us believe we could do anything. My daughter Krista is an amazing young lady who excels at everything she puts her mind to. She makes me want to be more and do more. My husband, Shawn inspires me. He is one of the most loving and compassionate men I have ever met. He has a great capacity for forgiveness and love. He teaches me everyday to just let things go. The women that we service, their strength and determination. How they stand tall in the face of this dreadful disease cancer. They are the inspiration that keeps me going and advocating for them. Visit BreastFriends.org to find out more about Breast Friends of PA and the services they offer.
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FEATURE
Sue Scarborough
Executive Assistant, Pocono Family YMCA Sue Scarborough grew up in Delaware and moved to the Poconos in 1981 when her husband was released from active duty with the Army and offered a job at Picatinny Arsenal. She has lived here long enough to see the many changes that have taken place over the last 35 years. She lives in Stroud Township with her husband, Duane of almost 45 years. They have one son, Kris, who also works at the Y as the membership and marketing director. They have lived in Texas, Oklahoma and Germany. Sue is the Executive Assistant at the Pocono Family YMCA and has been there for 22 years. Sue also owns the West End Dojo which is a karate school. She is a 5th degree black belt in Koei-Kan Karate and also teaches qigong and is a Reiki Master. In all these positions, Sue enjoys helping people to live healthy lifestyles and to reach their full potential. She believes it is satisfying to watch a shy unsure child gain confidence and self esteem through their karate training or an active older adult notice improvement in their health after exercising. Tell us how you balance it all. I can only keep things in balance with support from my family and friends. My family has been very supportive through the years with my son and husband helping to teach classes when I first opened the dojo. I also have Brad Hildabrant, a great friend who helps me teach classes. Taking time to re-energize is important, so I take classes myself and spend a few minutes each day with prayer, meditation, and just getting ready to face the day. What is your life philosophy? What words do you “live by” and what motivates you to achieve success? I believe we are all here to help and care for each other. I believe the old saying that “God never gives us more than we can handle.” One of my students once gave me a poster with a cat hanging from a branch with that saying on it. But it also had under it “I just wish he didn’t trust me so much.” Yes, there are days when I think I am in over my head, but a quick prayer and things work out. I don’t worry about achieving success, to me getting through a day without hurting anyone and making a positive impact on someone is a success. What is coming up for you in the future? I don’t see many changes for the future. I did talk about retiring this past year, but I don’t think I am quite ready for that. There are still a lot of challenges the Y is facing and I want to be there to help. And as far as my karate school, as long as I can remain healthy, I believe I have something to offer my students. What would you tell your younger self? I would tell myself to not take yourself so seriously and don’t try to always be in control of everything. One of the best lessons I learned was to let things play themselves out. Things that are supposed to happen will, maybe not as quickly as we want, but if it is meant to be, it will be. Who are your role models? Two of my major role models were my mother and my karate teacher. My mother taught me faith in God and in people. She was the ultimate “caregiver”. She lived with a lot of pain for many years but she always took care of others first. My karate instructor, O’Sensei Brian Frost taught me patience, perseverance, and how to be optimistic. Even when he was going through chemotherapy he would come to the dojo with a chemo pump on and teach class. They both gave me a never give up attitude and always put others first. Both of their funerals were a testament to how many people they touched during their lives.
“Taking time to re-energize is important so I take classes myself and spend a few minutes each day with prayer, meditation, and just getting ready to face the day.” - Sue Scarborough
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Open 7 Days A Week In Eagle Valley Mall • East Stroudsburg 570-421-7680 • skylanesbowling.com Come Rock ‘N Bowl with us! Fri. & Sat. & Sun.
Local Flair
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FEATURE
Wendy Stuart Kaplan Clothing Engineer
Wendy Stuart Kaplan discovered Milford PA 15 years ago. Right after 9/11, she had met Richard Snyder who owned an amazing llama farm in Milford. He invited Wendy, her husband and daughter to visit. Wendy was instantly drawn to the beauty of the area. She sat on the porch of his farmhouse and imagined owning a home there. Eight months later, the house across from him had just put a for sale sign up – that was Saturday morning and by Sunday afternoon her bid was accepted and the house was hers. It was part of the balance. Although she travels for work to NYC and beyond, three days a week or more, she is in Milford and Milford is her heart. Wendy works with major designers and manufactures to make their clothes fit real people, not just young models on the runway. As an average American size 8, she is a Fit Model. Her job entails helping designers achieve the perfect fit for their clothes. She often calls herself a “clothing engineer.” She works with companies like Eileen Fisher, Nina Mclemore and Michael Kors Outerwear, as well as private labels for stores like Neiman Marcus, Dillard’s and Walmart. Wendy loves knowing that she is helping to create clothes that make women feel good when they wear them. She specifically addresses the needs of baby boomers. They don’t want to look like their daughters when they dress but they do want to feel hip, sophisticated and gorgeous. In addition to fashion Wendy also works in TV – infomercials, pilots, film and a lot of hosting are her forte. Wendy created a travel/ ecotourism platform called “Model With a Mission.” Two weeks out of every year she traves globally to tell the stories of endangered wildlife and people. Her most recent shoot was traveling to Ethiopia to the Omo Valley to depict life among four different tribes and show their sense of fashion and beauty. Last year, she wrote her memoir; “She’s The Last Model Standing”. It is her story of coming to NYC to pursue her dream of becoming a model and everything that happened along the way. How do you balance it all? I have a daughter who just graduated college, a husband who is a painter and photographer, two English Angora rabbits, a cockatoo, and a chihuahua. I work over 40 hours a week, and in Milford I volunteer for everything I can. That includes the Upper Delaware GLBT, where I’m a board member, support person, and Pride March Coordinator. I volunteer at the Milford Enhancement Committee Welcome Party, and The Advisory Board of Blackbear. I donate time or whatever I can to many of our other organizations. That includes a scholarship program at GAIT, contributions to Safe Haven, Pike County Humane Society and our wonderful museum; the Columns. My mother always said “charity begins at home” and Milford is my home. What is your philosophy? Words you live by? My philosophy is is very clear. Go for your dreams. Never give up. and give back as much as you can whenever you can. If I do that, I will be in balance. And if I’m in balance, then I can balance everything in my life. If I’m in balance I can affect and touch the people I meet – whether on the other side of the world, or here in the Poconos. Because giving back has no boundaries. It has no borders. And the personal rewards? They’re huge! How do you measure success? The measure of success for me is being able to see that I have positively affected someone’s life; that is my motivation. What is coming up for you both professionally and personally? I’m working on my film short about Ethiopia tribal beauty. Everyday working with my fashion companies so that their great fitting clothes will lead to great sales. I’m looking forward to the Upper Delaware GLBT event The Ally Prom at The Best Western, with this year’s theme “Old Hollywood.” (I love dressing up in costume). More book signings and readings as they are an inspiration to people who hear about this girl from the Bronx who had big dreams. What would you tell your younger self? I would tell my younger self, “stop worrying about what if and just go for what you want in this life.” Why did it take me so long to realize that? Who are your role models? My role models are not typical because most people have never heard of them. But these are my role models: A girlfriend who had a terrible head injury and had overcome so many obstacles to be a brilliant writer and performer. A man in the desert in Northern India who organized the farmers in his town to plant seed for over 6,000 endangered migratory cranes who would have otherwise died from exhaustion on their travels. Two women who run an elephant sanctuary in Thailand – they have protected over 84 Asian elephants, while creating jobs for the people who live in that village. The many people I’ve met in Milford who get out there every day and make a difference. For more information about Wendy Stuart Kaplan visit her website wendystuarttv.com WOMEN IN BALANCE IS PRESENTED BY:
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APP OFF
kickoff
Find your Comfort & Joy Shop from beautifully appointed furniture, gifts, jewelry, home accents, antiques, gourmet foods, fine chocolates, and more... then stay for lunch or dessert!
Pocono Mountains Restaurant Week is April 14th – 24th, and to kick off the festivities, join us for a the first ever App-Off Kick-Off event. Several area chefs will compete, and one will be victorious in preparing our panel of judges’ favorite appetizer! WHERE: SOHO in the Burg Art Gallery (600 Main Street, Stroudsburg) WHEN: Wednesday, April 13th, 5:30-7:30 For advance tickets and more info, visit poconorestaurantweek.com
Benefitting Women’s Resources of Monroe County, Inc. Free Appetizers • Spring Fashion Show Featured Martini • Mini Manicures Designer Gift Raffles • Gift Certificate Raffles
Thursday, April 14 | doors open at 5 The Chateau, Tannersville $10 at the door | $20 reserved seating Call 570.424.2093 x.19 for reserved seating & mini manis! www.wrmonroe.org
2404 Route 611 • Scotrun, PA 570.730.4567 • ComfortandJoyGifts.com
IMPRESS YOURSELF !
You can paint like a master with a little help from your friends, experienced instruction and some liquid courage! In the unique setting of a 19th century one-room schoolhouse, Vino and VanGogh classes are a great way to experience the fun and fellowship of being an artist, even if you’re a beginner, and even if it is only for one evening! Owner/artist Lizzy Tilley provides the materials, guidance, and encouragement for you to create your masterpiece! Call or email to make an appointment.
STARRY NIGHT SCHOOL AT THE SILVERY MOON GUESTHOUSE
6257 Route 209, Stroudsburg, PA • 570-801-7153
silverymoonguesthouse.com • vinoandvincentvangogh.com
Local Flair
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FEATURE
Kelly Randis Author and Survivor
Kelly Randis was 12 years old when she moved from Long Island, New York to the Poconos. In retrospect, her family was likely uprooted because her father was both physically and sexually abusive. The isolation of the area kept them in his control for a while. She called social services on him when she was in high school, which ultimately led to his incarceration and sentencing in 2006. After graduating with Honors from Penn State University, Kelly eventually left her position as Community Educator for Women’s Resources of Monroe County to fulfill a lifelong calling to pen a novel on her experiences. She had devoured books on the subject while in high school and noticed that there were virtually no novels that explained to young adults going through the judicial system what to expect when they had to testify against their abuser. So she wrote one, and titled it Spilled Milk: Based On A True Story. Her first-born daughter was 3 months old when the novel was published, She remembers the baby strapped to her chest in a baby carrier and her husband, her high school sweetheart, looking over her shoulder as she announced on Facebook that friends and family, many of whom never even knew about her past, could purchase her book. Kelly awoke the next morning to an overnight bestseller. She has fans worldwide including Australia, Europe, South Asia, United Kingdom, and more. What started as a therapeutic outlet for her turned into a bestselling novel and career. She now speaks locally and internationally to advocate for child abuse, sexual abuse, and policy changes in sectors that cater to abused children. By sharing her story she has allowed others to find their own voices about their trauma, even if they’re only willing to share it via private message on social media. What is your life philosophy? What words do you “live by” and what motivates you to achieve success? “Never Make Plans” is my philosophy. Goals are fantastic to have, I highly recommend them and I have many, but plans are always sidetracked. I never could have imagined that there was a “reason” I had to endure the life I did as a child. It’s overwhelming to know that something so terrible can morph into something so positive. I didn’t want to be a victim anymore, but a survivor. I wanted to prove to my abuser that his actions did not ruin my life. The messages I receive from men are the most heartbreaking; they are the lost souls in childhood sexual abuse stories because social stigmas pressure them even more to not come forward because “they’re men.” That alone fuels my mission to bring awareness to these subjects in any way I can.
WOMEN IN BALANCE IS PRESENTED BY:
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Local Flair
How do you achieve goals and measure success? I have watched a military Sergeant cry in front of me with her facial expressions as she held my hand, without shedding a tear, because she was too ashamed to talk about what had happened to her. I received an email from a NYC cop who had an unresolved child abuse case that had bothered him so deeply, and my story gave him the answers he was seeking. I have mentored and consulted with countless victims under the age of 18 who were at the same terrifying crossroads I once was. My success is measured on the faces of every person I cross paths with who has read or heard my story. Even more of a measurement of success, for me, is watching my girls grow up. It hurts me now more than ever, as a mom, to think about my childhood. I kiss and coddle them more than I probably should because of this, but I never want them to feel like their presence in my life is anything less than completely beautiful. What is coming up for you in the future? April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) so it is extremely busy for me. I was invited back to the Pentagon as an honorary guest (I was their guest speaker at their sexual assault awareness month event last year), which is really exciting. I will be speaking in Ohio at a Blue Ribbon Award Ceremony, as well as for the National Guard. Spilled Milk is being adapted to Audible, it is now required reading across the nation in several high schools and colleges, and I was just invited to co-lead a Child Abuse and Domestic Violence course at Penn State Berks for their upcoming fall semester. Probably the most exciting announcement (I have yet to make public, until now!) is that this year Spilled Milk will begin the process of being adapted into a screenplay. The idea that something I wrote has caused such a stir among the professionals, survivors, and general public that they want to take it to the big screen is so much more than I ever could have imagined. It’s has truly been such a crazy ride! What would you tell your younger self? Find pleasure in the calm. I spent so many years in fight or flight mode that it takes me a long time to “unwind.” I like to stay busy but when I do get those moments, I really appreciate the calm now (especially being a mom!) Who are your role models? Anyone who does what they say they’re going to do. I’ve had to learn the hard way that actions speak louder than words. I admire people who tell me their lifelong dreams or ambitions, but I admire those even more who sit down and actually make it happen. My husband gets this terrified look on his face when I tell him I’m planning something that seems a bit crazy or out there, because he knows I’m going to do exactly that. I’m the perfect example that things don’t need to happen right away. It took me more than 14 years to come forward, but eventually you should put to action what your heart is telling you to do. Read an excerpt from Kelly’s book at flairmag.com/krandis
a day of May 15th, 2016 • 11am-4pm At Trout Lake Retreats in Stroudsburg, PA
The Local Flair Day of Balance will be a day of health, wellness, beauty, and relaxation presented by area professionals and businesses. Join us for an afternoon of yoga, Tai Chi, knitting demonstrations, break-out sessions presented by doctors, attorneys, salon owners, and so much more! – presented by –
FEATURE
Sonia Wolbert
Mortgage Lender, East Stroudsburg Borough Council Member Sonia Wolbert has lived in East Stroudsburg for nearly all of her adult life and graduated from Pocono Mountain High School, when there was only one Pocono Mountain High School. She and her husband Mike, purchased their first home in 1997. They only planned to stay for a few years but, 20 years later they are still in town. Sonia was elected to East Stroudsburg Borough Council and has been serving the residents for nearly 14 years. She is a Sales Manager for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and has been in the Real Estate industry for 17 years. Sonia and Mike have three children and they are swimming family. Mike has coached the YMCA swim team for nearly 25 years and their children have excelled in the program, putting up the fastest times Monroe County has ever seen. The two oldest have been recognized as top 10 Y swimmers in the USA. Sonia spends most every weekend poolside, supporting her husband, children and the entire YMCA team. Tell us how you balance it all. Honestly… I don’t know if you would call it balance. As a working mother who is involved in the community, I think I never feel like I am doing enough for anyone. I truly believe this is how most women feel. We are so hard on ourselves a lot of the time but I love every minute of the chaos! Life is for living, so I intend to do as much as I can. I am lucky to have a husband who is completely involved in all aspects of our family life. When it comes down to it we are truly a team. He doesn’t expect me to do anything that he wouldn’t do so when it comes to getting things done around the house or for the kids, we both do what we have to do to get it all done. He also challenges me to get outside my comfort zone. I can truly say that without him I would not be who I am today. What is your life philosophy? Anything is possible!
What words do you “live by” and what motivates you to achieve success? Making a difference in people’s lives. How do you achieve goals and measure success? Hard Work. Success can be measured in so many ways but, I choose to measure it by knowing that I had an impact. Simple things like my kids coming to talk to me about what is going on in their lives. Or, when the kids and parents who are part of the swim team are appreciative of the hard work we do to make the season great. Having good friends and a family that is there for me no matter what and seeing the smiles at the closing table after closing a mortgage. Success is measured by watching my children grow and care for the world and make the right decisions to meet their goals to also live successful lives. What is coming up for you in the future? The biggest thing coming is that my oldest will graduate from High School this Spring and head off to college this fall. I remember her tiny fingers wrapped around mine late at night when we were the only ones awake, and it seems like yesterday. Letting go isn’t easy but I never thought I would be such an emotional basketcase! But I am so proud and excited for her. Her brother will follow shortly and then our home will get much quieter with just Sydney at home who is so excited to get her Mommy and Daddy to herself. At work, we are excited that the Real Estate market is picking up and people are buying homes, so we are looking to grow! In the community, we are working on a comprehensive plan that will be the blueprint for East Stroudsburg’s future. There are so many opportunities for the borough and I am excited that so many people feel the same way. There is real synergy happening and good things are coming! What would you tell your younger self? Tell people what you think. It took me a while to come into my own and if I had to do it all over again, I would hope that I would feel more comfortable speaking up. If you don’t speak up, you miss opportunities. Be tactful but don’t keep your mouth shut because everyone can make a difference. Be present! Stop wishing today away or worrying about yesterday – that is one I still work on. Who are your role models? My Mom. She has had a challenging life and had many curve balls thrown her way. She was a single mother who raised two strong women who made good choices. I honestly don’t know how she did it all – but she did. Even though we came from limited means, she always made me feel that anything was possible. Sometimes she tells me she isn’t sure where I came from and how I can do all that I do. She doesn’t give herself enough credit.
“Success can be measured in so many ways but, I choose to measure it by knowing that I had an impact.” - Sonia Wolbert WOMEN IN BALANCE IS PRESENTED BY:
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Local Flair
NON-STOP LIVE MUSIC BY... KIR Project by Kirk McLeod from Seven Nations, Dale & Darcy Band, Two Pipers Piping, Poor Man’s Gambit, The Irish Lads and Halligan ENTERTAINMENT & FAMILY FUN Working sheep dog demos, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, Celtic craft & food vendors, Celtic farm petting zoo. blacksmithing, sawmill and pottery demos and fun for the kids!
DISCOUNT TICKETS & INFO! GO TO WWW.SHAWNEEMT.COM
Local Flair
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FEATURE
Virginia Romagno
Renee Demund
Virginia Romagno and her husband Rob and their three children moved to the Pocono Mountains after the attacks on the World Trade Center. They currently live in Stroud Township with their family. Some of their family that remained in NY accused them of running away, and maybe that was true at first, but they were running to something as well – The American Dream. They didn’t live in a house in New York – they couldn’t afford it. But here, in the Poconos, they moved into their dream cottage and they’ll never leave.
Renee Demund is a true local at heart, living in the Poconos since she was five. She currently resides in Stroudsburg with her partner and amazing four yearold daughter. She is a mama, educator, and business owner/ photographer. Photography has been her greatest love since she was a child. Renee explained that she is “truly humbled by the fact that she gets to provide for her family with her art.” Whether it’s frolicking in sunflower fields, tiptoeing through creeks, gazing at sunsets, or getting cozy in her studio, being able to get people comfortable in front of her lens is her true passion. She works not only to snap photos and capture clients’ memories, but to create *experiences* that make them leave feeling wonderful.
Owner, Special Lady’s Specialties; President, Monroe Farmers Market
Virginia Romagno started her business, Special Lady’s Specialities, five years ago when she realized that she loved canning. It turned out she had a knack for putting jam flavors together. After using her family as guinea pigs for sampling the jams, they urged her to start a business. They started very small with a few flavors at first and to her surprise, people loved them. Special Lady’s now carries around 13 flavors. Some are on the menu all year round and some are seasonal. Every year they are growing their loyal customer base. Not only do they sell at Monroe Farmers Market, but they also ship products around the country. Virginia never dreamed she would become a business owner. The business name is a memorial to her mother, who is the “Special Lady.” She passed away four years ago at the age of 91. She was a genteel English Lady who loved her tea with jam and an English muffin. Her picture is prominently displayed at the market so she is always with them. Virginia calls herself a “reluctant entrepreneur.” She believes there are gentle hands constantly prodding her forward. In addition to being President of Monroe Farmers Market in Stroudsburg, Virginia has made it her mission to collect and distribute food to local pantries and soup kitchens personally, and through the market.
How do you balance it all? Jamming is very cathartic. There is something so calming about going through the process and something so fulfilling when I look at that jar and know that someone will have it on their family’s table. That is the highest honor. My jams are always made fresh, so I am jamming all the time, especially during our peak season. I also watch my grandsons a few days a week, I’m preparing my youngest son for college and I am now President of the Monroe Farmers Market, so my life is full – wonderfully full. I manage by taking everything one step at a time and I’m lucky I have the full support of my husband, who is my best friend and my calming voice of reason. How do you measure success? I measure my success by my happiness. If I love doing it then I will proceed, and if I don’t love doing it, then I stop. I don’t know what is coming in my future but I am enjoying the ride. Whatever it is will be a wonderful surprise. Who are your role models? My role models would be my mother and my daughter. Both of these women are strong and even when life gets them down, they still stay up. Someday, I hope to grow up to be just like them! What would you say to your younger self? I would say, “Just keep plugging along because you will not believe what is waiting for you!” What words do you live by? What is your philosophy? I feel that all things happen when they are supposed to happen. I believe that there is a plan for each one of us. My faith is very important to me. Without faith, there were times I would have severely floundered. For more about Monroe Farmers Market, visit monroefarmersmarket.com
WOMEN IN BALANCE IS PRESENTED BY:
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Local Flair
Adjunct Professor, Northampton Community College; Photographer
Tell us how you balance it all. I take one day at a time and try to remember to breathe. I set daily goals of what I want to accomplish in the day, but I don’t beat myself up if I only accomplish 1/3 of those goals. Life happens, and while hard work is vital to success, it’s important to remember to be kind to yourself when you get thrown a curveball. What is your life philosophy? What words do you “live by” and what motivates you to achieve success? If you’re bored, then you’re boring. Turn off the TV, turn off the internet, go outside, experience, get it done. And don’t forget to look your loved ones in the eye and tell them you love them. Often. How do you achieve goals and measure success? The biggest goals are achieved by taking the most terrifying steps into unknown territories. Success is measured by how high you rise from the ashes of failure. What is coming up for you in the future? (Work and personal) I am opening a photo studio in the Courthouse Square in Stroudsburg. I am absolutely thrilled about the new move so that I can be an active member of the downtown community. Not to mention having daily access to Café Duet’s amazing coffee! What would you tell your younger self? Love your body, know your worth, call your grandmother. Who are your role models? Fearless human beings who follow their dreams and stay true to themselves no matter how weird people may think they are: David Bowie, John Cameron Mitchell, and my homebirth midwife, Dhyana Heller. For more information about Renee Dee Photography, visit reneedeephotography.com
Brewery, Eatery, Family Fun!
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570-629-9399
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244 Lake Harmony Rd | Lake Harmony, PA 18624
570.722.3990 For Reservations www.dinelakeharmonypa.com
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FEATURE
Pam Makosky
Sanofi Pasteur and The United Way of Monroe County What is your life philosophy? What words do you “live by” and what motivates you to achieve success? My overall philosophy is to have fun, no matter what it is I am doing. If you can smile and have fun, success is always in reach. How do you achieve goals and measure success? Success for me is measured with how I feel about each decision, action or goal on the INSIDE, and setting realistic expectations. The saying, “the end justifies the means” doesn’t cut it for me. If something doesn’t feel right but the result is what you wanted, was it worth that feeling? For me, that answer is no. Keeping a saying that someone always reminds me about, “whatever is meant to be, will be” keeps everything in focus.
Pam Makosky has lived in the Poconos forever. Well, 49 years, to be exact. She was born at Pocono Medical Center and growing up, lived in both Mountainhome and Stroudsburg; graduating from Stroudsburg High School in 1984. Although she didn’t know it at the time, she met the love of her life, Frank Makosky, and they dated for a short time before both work (him) and school (her) divided them. By chance, 25 years later, they found each other again; although this time, they didn’t let anything get in our way. They have been happily married 5 years and together have 3 beautiful girls; Megan, 22; Abby 17; and Mackenzie, 4. Pam works at Sanofi Pasteur. She truly loves that Sanofi Pasteur protects human lives – especially those of children. Pam has been with Sanofi Pasteur for nearly 28 years and she still feels the same pride she had when she first started. Every function of their organization directly impacts Public Health and the leadership is always appreciative and acknowledges each employees’ connection to the parents, grandparents and children who receive their vaccines.
Tell us how you balance it all. Balancing does not come easy – with a family, full-time job, volunteering for our Monroe County United Way, Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser and several other organizations, not to mention being head cheerleader for our girls in all of their endeavors – balancing can be a struggle. I try to always take that extra deep breath and no matter what I am doing at the time, I always keep the next task in my sights. Family time to me is very important in keeping myself balanced and, in turn, my family. Dinner together at the table to discuss our days is part of it all. I don’t always succeed and sometimes, I just want to throw my hands in the air and say, “I give up”, but for me knowing what I do at home, at work and as a volunteer are very important to others, as well as myself, make me who I am.
What is coming up for you in the future? Personally, I have three big milestones coming up: high school graduation for one daughter, starting kindergarten for another, and to top it all off, I’m turning 50 this year. Phew, can’t believe I put that down. Professionally, I am looking to spread my wings at Sanofi Pasteur and take on some new responsibilities. What would you tell your younger self? Keep an open mind – sometimes things are different than what they appear and if you open your mind, the possibilities can be endless. Also, never settle! Who are your role models? I have two – my mother and my grandmother. First and foremost, my mother, Cookie Neipert. Without her guidance and demonstration that I could do whatever I put my mind to, I really don’t know where I would be. She has always encouraged me and is proud of everything I have done. My grandmother, Mary Jane Smith (96 years young) is as inspiring today as she was when I was growing up. She helped raise her brothers and sisters, being the 3rd oldest of 10, when her parents passed away and is today, a nearly 20 year survivor of breast cancer. Her nature and always finding the good in everyone and everything is a trait that I hope I can pass on to my children and grandchildren.
“My overall philosophy is to have fun, no matter what it is I am doing. If you can smile and have fun, success is always in reach. - Pam Makosky
WOMEN IN BALANCE IS PRESENTED BY:
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Local Flair
Check out our locally-made yarn bowls!
You can learn... and we can help! Classes available for knitting, crocheting, beading
Oh My Gauze! | AMMA | Side Stitch URU | Cut Loose | Comfy USA | Habitat | Art of Cloth 114 Washington St. | East Stroudsburg | 570.420.0994
114 Washington Street • Suite 100 East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 570.424.7770 • fax: 570.424.8778 mtnknitspearls@yahoo.com
Call to sign up for a class today! Visit mtnknitspearls.com for info.
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VISIT OR CALL TODAY esu.edu/busaccelerator • 570-422-7953 Michael Gildea, Director, Business Accelerator and Entrepreneurship
OUT & ABOUT
Pocono Medical Center Auxiliary’s Dine & Wine Glass Painting
The Auxiliary of Pocono Medical Center recently hosted a fun night out called “Dine and Wine Glass Painting.” There were over 70 people in attendance to enjoy dinner and paint wine glasses. The guided painting instruction was provided by Bloom located in Bangor. This event is one of many fun and fabulous happenings organized by the Auxiliary of Pocono Medical Center. During the year the Auxiliary sponsors a variety of events that raise money for the Pocono Health Foundation to directly benefit the hospital and the community. Their signature events are the Auxiliary Auction in April and the Auxiliary Gala in the Fall. If you are interested in learning more about being a part of the Auxiliary of Pocono Medical Center, please visit poconohealthsystem.org/auxiliary.
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When Every Second Counts Trust The First Name In Cardiac Care.
When chest pain happens, every second counts, so there’s no time to second guess. Pocono Medical Center is recognized by US News & World Report as one of the top cardiovascular centers in all of Pennsylvania. Our ESSA Heart and Vascular Institute features a remarkable team of experts delivering accurate diagnoses and fast treatment for life-saving results. PMC is the region’s exclusive home to some of the world’s most advanced technology. In fact, we’ve been recognized for excellence by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and accredited for chest pain by the Society for Cardiovascular Patient Care. With credentials like these, it’s no wonder so many people put their trust in us.
206 East Brown Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 570-421-4000 PoconoMedicalCenter.org
OUT & ABOUT
DEPG Event at Desaki
Developer James DePetris, CEO of Legend Properties Inc. Commercial Real Estate of Plymouth Meeting hosted a DEPG Development Open house at Desaki on February 25. He spoke in eager anticipation of breaking ground in May of 2017 for the Smithfield Gateway retail and upscale residence hub on Route 209. In addition, he showcased several projects in the Poconos including Summit Square, Bartonsville Plaza and Dingmans Plaza. James DePetris is proud of the accomplishments and very grateful to the agencies that worked with DEPG.
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“WE’VE DESIGNED & COMPLETELY INSTALLED DOZENS OF TOTAL KITCHEN & BATH MAKEOVERS.
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FEATURE
Photos by Bob Weidner, Client-designed with expert guidance by June & John Schnaitman and Installed by Chris Schnaitman of the Complete Kitchen & Bath Design Center at Schnaitman’s Flooring America.
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Local Flair
Rustic Barn Wood and Unexpected Delights
Imagine arriving home from vacation, refreshed and ready to take on all that life brings, only to find 80% of your home destroyed by water damage from a frozen pipe that had burst during your absence. Where would you start if you had to replace your entire kitchen and all of your flooring? This is the true tale of a young Stroudsburg couple. Fortunately, Andre and Mary had a clear vision of what they wished their home could be. After all, they had recently completed a round of minor DIY updates. They had already done some dreaming; and already ruled out some of their high-end, designer-styled fantasies… until now. The pair met with insurance reps, talked with their mortgage company, consulted with general contractors, leaned on family and friends for support, and shopped the usual assortment of home improvement stores. Then after participating in a run club event in downtown Stroudsburg, they decided to enter Schnaitman’s Flooring America and Complete Kitchen & Bath Design Center. “We had run past their store so many times and, finally, we decided to take a look inside. We really wanted to upgrade our home,” said Andre. “Others said we could never afford what we were hoping to accomplish. But John and June were different. They stood out from the very start. Their store had so many beautiful choices—not just flooring, but kitchens and baths, too. The project started as a kitchen redesign with a reconfigured island that would allow generous space for seating, entertaining and food prep. New flooring would have to hold up to the rigors of rough housing with a large black lab and a large lab mix. Overall, the space should convey an industrial, retro look. “John and June were warm, helpful and completely re-assuring. They offered recommendations, design support and project expertise that really helped to bring our vision alive,” said Andre. “Their level of expertise is truly impressive. Facing so many obstacles along the way, their professionalism was very comforting to us.” The couple was so fond of the barn wood floor recommended for the kitchen that they ended up using it throughout their home. “This floor was on our long-term wish list,” said Andre. “It has turned out to be our biggest delight. Friends and even the many professionals we have had over during this process, have all commented on how amazing and uncommon it is.” Mary’s keen eye for design, Andre’s willingness to perform much of the work, and the choice of the perfect project partner in the Schnaitman’s has given this couple a total home makeover that is a labor of love, hard work and good taste. Schnaitman’s Flooring America was voted the Pocono’s Best Flooring Store. The two-story showroom displays fashion-forward carpet, hardwood, laminate, custom tile, area rugs, luxury vinyl tile and more. See more Kitchen & Bath Design Center project photos, customer reviews, and project visualization tools at schnaitmansflooringamerica.com.
Local Flair
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FEATURE
LIVING IN
HARMONY Nestled in the amenity-filled community of Split Rock, this 7,000 square foot Montana Mountain Masterpiece is a true stunner. Steps away from the 27 Hole Split Rock Golf Course and Country Club, beautiful Lake Harmony for water skiing, beach, indoor water park – 170 Wolf Hollow Lane is the perfect family retreat. Owners Henry and Beth Westendarp spent many years in Frederick, Maryland before making the decision to move up north once their son finished school. Since Beth had spent summers in Lake Harmony as a child, the community was their first choice when trying to decide where to build their dream home. Now that their son is living and working in NYC, they are ready to downsize, but they won’t leave the community. “When we decided to build our new home, we went all in and included everything we 48
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could dream of,” says the couple. With four bedrooms, including a 20’ x 20’ master suite with “wrap-around” shower and separate his and hers areas, 3 full, all-marble baths – the house is ready for a family to come in and take over. The house was designed by Architect William Haberschack and the open floor plan and 24’ ceilings allow for spectacular views of the pristine nature that surrounds the house on all sides. Henry adds, “we lived in Fort Lauderdale for many years, and we loved the way the breeze would flow throughout the house, so we had that in mind when we included extra windows throughout.” Eclectic design details including copper and brass sinks, Arts and Craft style custom cabinetry and accent lighting define the Frank Lloyd Wright-style mountain house feeling the Westendarps were hoping to emulate in their home.
Some great news for anyone who has security at the top of their list when considering a new home – Henry designed with a “bunker-mentality.” There is a large generator which can power the entire house in case of an outage. At two acres, the lot is double most of the others in the community and although Split Rock has a community water supply, Henry put a well on the property. The house was built to look down on the road for extra security and with over 1,700 square feet of storage – there’s plenty of room for everything your family needs. To schedule a showing call Bob Kelly, Keller Williams Real Estate at 570.242.4400 or visit PoconosHomeSales.com for more information.
“When we decided to build our new home, we went all in and included everything we could dream of.�
Local Flair
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FEATURE
Photos: Top left: Elsie Gonzalez-Roche, Top right: Grace Henwood, Middle left: Kim Watson, Middle right: Yolanda Ramirez-Goldsack, Bottom left: Maureen Tatu, Bottom center: Susan Owens Crowley, Bottom right: Mitzi Campbell
We asked our Facebook fans to share their best flower and garden photos with us and these are our favorites! Share your Pocono Mountains nature photos with us to be considered for the Summer ‘Get Outside’ issue. Post them on our Facebook page or Instagram with #LovethePoconos. We will publish our favorites and one lucky winner may even make the cover! #lovethepoconos is sponsored by
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Local Flair
dream Realize Your
Your dream landscape can be a reality with Farda Landscaping’s 0% interest financing!*
Photos by Susie Forrester Photography
Since 1977, Farda Landscaping has provided landscape and excavation services, as well as custom stonework design and installation. There is a certified arborist on staff to handle all manner of tree work, from pruning to removal of large trees. Farda’s expert landscape designers are available for projects of every scale, from the largest of excavations through the most delicate of hand plantings!
Winner of Best Residential Landscape 2014 Pocono Builders Awards
Call to schedule your project! (570) 421-5376
Visit fardalandscaping.com or Facebook for the most current specials and discounts. * Four year term available for well-qualified customers. Financing based on credit approval and offer may vary by credit score.
License #PA004060
This home is available for purchase. Stunning executive home in East View Estates. Call Bob for more information.
Unlock your happily ever after.
Change is Good. #1 selling agent in the Poconos with over $50,000,000 sold the last 3 years! Over $4,500,000 sold & under contract already in 2016! No fancy gimmicks such as ‘I will buy your home if I can’t sell it’, ‘I will sell your home for free.’ When it sounds too good to be true it is! Bob’s and his team’s targeted marketing sells homes and gets them closed. No add-on fees! Many agents charge third party closing fees, transaction management fees & marketing fees! Your commission should cover these! Bob does NOT charge add-on fees!
Bob gets results when others can’t. See what customers are saying:
“We highly recommend Bob Kelly if you are looking to sell or purchase a home. We hired Bob to sell our home mid-January 2016 after being on the market with another Realtor for 9 months. To our amazement, he sold our home in 6 weeks! Bob is professional, honest and a very hard worker. His marketing techniques just blew us away. So listen everyone – if you are looking to sell or looking to buy a home, call the ‘Best’ in the area. His name is ‘Bob Kelly.’ He has made our dream come true and he can make yours too.” -Former Client “I have worked with many realtors in many regions, and Bob is among the very best and the most impressive that I know when he listed and sold our house recently. He provided valuable advice on renovations & upgrades that buyers would be looking for. Bob has a low key and relaxed manner, but do not let that fool you. He is probably one of the hardest working realtors out there. Finally, Bob is very detailed oriented, always very patient, and (without saying) very knowledgeable. You will be in good hands when you hire Bob.” -Former Client
Bob Kelly, Your Professional Realtor Kelly Realty Group Keller Williams Real Estate
404 Park Avenue • Stroudsburg, PA 18360 Cell Direct 570-242-4400 • Office Direct 570-213-4884 • Office 570-421-2890 Email bob@kellyrealtygroup.com • www.PoconosHomeSales.com Statistical data source: Pocono Mountain Association of Realtors data for Monroe County, resale homes, for 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 transactions and sales sides.