LOCAL POCONO MOUNTAINS
priceless, please take one GET OUTSIDE | JUNE & JULY 2011
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Local
6 Letter
8 10 Go
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Local Artist Ann Winter
Local Links
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Great Grub
Go Camping
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GIVE Monroe County Garden Club Annual Garden Tour
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Local Craft Dee Kropp
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Local Culture Buckhill Skytop Music Festival
Local Flavor
The Blakeslee Inn
22, 24, & 28 Pocono Outdoorsmen
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Northeast Site Contractors Landmasters by Bill Sopko Erb's Landscaping
Fresh from
the Farmhouse
31-35
54-56 Out & About
2011 Restaurant Week Winners are announced
Men's Style Dunkelberger's
46-52
Local Legend
Women's Style
Star Man
Dawn of New York
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Local News
at Pocono
Raceway
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Local Flair
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Letter
Cover Photo by Stephen Lippay with direction from Ali Schratt to "hunt down a newt and make him famous– Pocono style. Photo inspired by Murphy Schratt, Scarlett Schratt and Aidiana Rogers, my three favorite newt hunters.
Publisher & Creative Director Ali Schratt ali@localflair.com
Graphic Designer Cathryn Hahn cathryn@localflair.com
Editorial Assistant Chelsea McMahon chelsea@localflair.com
Photography Stephen Lippay photography@localflair.com
Distribution Coordinator Adam Schratt adam@localflair.com
Distribution Leslie Berger
Contributing Writers Eric Mark Paula Damiano Ali Schratt Chelsea McMahon Nina Catalano
Sales 570.839.8393 sales@flairmag.com For a subscription send check or money order for $24.95 to address above. (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 self-addressed 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.
I am staring out my backdoor and completely in love with what I see. Green, lush, lovely and finally spring. We moved to our home almost six years ago, and it really was just a pretty little house sitting on top of a mound of dirt- no joke. But now, it is amazing, especially this time of year. I wish I could say I had something to do with the magnificent transformation, but I would be lying. My husband, Adam, has made our home his priority, and believe me when I tell you, I am lucky for that. So, with this awesome dose of “FINALLY AFTER THE LONGEST WINTER IN POCONO HISTORY SPRING/SUMMER FEVER,”- this Get Outside issue of Local Flair is dedicated to the men who make our lives complete. It’s Father’s Day and summer, perfect to give our guys some kudos. When I started putting the issue together I found it interesting to see what a different perspective men have on life. For instance, when I was 8 or so, I distinctly remember playing fairies, while my husband's greatest memories are with his friends, fishing, cliff jumping, turtle catching and enjoying EVERYTHING there is to love about the outside. Exploring not in a soft, imaginative kind of way, but a “climb-trees-and-break–arms” kind of way. Interesting, right? Now, I am not saying that I have not had my share of turtle snags, but I’m giving this one up to the guys. Wait until you see the men in our fashion shoot on pages 30-35. Honestly, nothing beats a hardworking man who is not afraid of color, and thank you to Dunkelberger’s for Men for making that color possible. Links.
So, this is our small ode to some great men. Keep it local!
Ali
No portion of this magazine may be copied or reprinted without the express written consent of the publisher.
m iss io n 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 Local Flair Magazine • P.O. Box 36 • Cresco, PA 18326 • 570.839.8393
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GO! Preserve
our glorious, natural surroundings on June 4th, also known as National Trails Day from 9am - 12 noon at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (Dingmans Ferry). PEEC has put together a small group maintenance project, hoping to see the faces of some highly valued volunteers, snacks provided. For information and directions phone 570.828.2319.
Picture
a day in Hawley at the annual Arts and Crafts celebration, put together by the Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce, held in the Hawley community’s Bingham Park. Over 90 artists and crafters will be there with their creations for you and your family to enjoy. The event runs from 9am – 4pm on June 6th (admission is free). If you have any questions, call 570.226.3191.
Come
“gather ‘round the horn,” true blue grassers would say – to get you to the Pocono Mountains Bluegrass Festival, hosted annually at the Greene-Dreher Sterling Fairgrounds (Newfoundland). The event is scheduled to run from June 16-18 (rain or shine). On Thursday, preview the next generation of bluegrass legends. Friday night, witness a live field-picking competition at the campground, which will determine who gets free admission to the festival in 2012 and who makes an appearance on stage Saturday, 2011! For adult pricing information, call 610.573.0797. Children under 18 get in free when accompanied by an adult.
Summer’s here
- and the time is right – for dancin’ in the streets. Milford’s downtown will be a-swingin’ and swayin’ from June 17-19, filled with music, arts, and sweets. General admission rates are free. Sidewalk displays, craft exchange, and ice cream included. Call 570.296.8700 for more.
Find
your Roots and Rhythm, Music, and the Arts in Honesdale on June 18th. The town’s Main Street sidewalks and Central Park will present a wide array of musical talent and genre, food, and art for you and your family to enjoy. There is something for everyone – plus, admission is free. Call 570.253.5492 with questions.
Learn
how our ancestors got by on June 18th, from 10am – 4pm at the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm. The farm’s annual summer garden party will include a guided, historical tour focused on traditional Pennsylvania-German kitchen gardening. Also, taste some traditional foods, learn how to use herbs for baking, and how to plan and tend a home garden. For the little ones, there will be a watercolor painting workshop and a special area for them to do their thing while you do yours. Call 570.992.6161 for tickets and directions.
...there is real
beauty
from every vantage point
throughout the Pocono
mountains -StarMan
Tee off
to a great cause! The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, along with Monroe County’s CareerLink, and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau will be hosting a “four-person scramble” tournament on June 30th to raise scholarship funds for students entering post-secondary, hospitality programs. The general registration fee of $150 includes lunch, course and cart fees, raffles, awards, and dinner. The registration deadline is June 16th. Call either 570.620.2960 or 570.421.5791 to register.
Celebrate
our nation’s independence with our local community of residents, non-profit groups, businesses, and artists. Dansbury Park in East Stroudsburg will be running an all-day festival on July 4th, free of charge. There will be a varied selection of food, amusement rides for the children, live music, and of course, fireworks at sundown. For specific information, phone 570.421.8300.
Save
the dates, July 16 and 17th for the Audubon Art and Craft Festival at the Wallenpaupack School Complex, where exhibitors will be traveling from all ends of the continent to share, sell, and discuss their craft. From fine glass to woodwork, leather carving and design, the fiber arts, and fine metal crafts – all will be there. Admission is $4 per person; children under 12 are free. For more information call 484.256.4485.
Find
your taste for the refined from July 22-30th. Skytop and Buck Hill Falls have put together a week long repertoire of live chamber performances and jazz, against the beautiful backdrop of nature’s sounds. For more information including the schedule or ticket information, call 570.985.8555 or visit www.buckhillskytopfest.org.
Carroll & Carroll Booksellers Monday – Saturday • 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
740 Main Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570.420.1516
Vera Bradley Items • Green Mountain Coffees • Stonewall Kitchen Products
• Theo B. Price Country Store • Open Mon. – Sat. • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Closed Sunday Rt. 191 & 390 • Cresco, PA • 570.595.2501 • www.theobprice.com
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GO!
GO camping .......... .....
A Parent's Guide to
Summer Camps
Learning is Fun Camp Sum Fun | June 11-14 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | $125
A fun approach to addition and subtraction for grades 1-3. For more information, contact Sylvan Learning Center at 570.629.6600
Write On! | July 18-20 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | $125
A writing styles camp for grades 4-8. For more information, contact Sylvan Learning Center at 570.629.6600
Performing Arts Theatre Arts Camp | June 18-28, July 2-9, 16-23, Aug 6 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Meets every Saturday from 10:30 - 4:30. For more information, contact Accent Model & Talent at 610.966.4321
Acting Intensive Camp | 12:15 - 3:15
Two day intensive with NY director and acting coach. For more information, contact Accent Model & Talent at 610.966.4321
Modeling, Commercial and Personal Development Camp | July 11 - Aug 5 For more information, contact Accent Model & Talent at 610.966.4321
The Great Outdoors MCEEC Kettle Creek for Kids | Mid June to Mid August
Various camps offered for ages 4-14. Themes include Kettle Creek for Kids, Forest Fields and Me, World Around Us, and Cycles of Life, and Kettle Creek Adventure Camp. For more information, call 570.629.3061 or visit www.mcconservation.org
Athletic Sports Training Camp | for Boys & Girls ages 8-16
Overall and specific sport camps offered for the young athletes. For more info, visit www.international-sports.com
Traditional Camping Camp Kresge campkresge.com • Camp Netimus campnetimus.com Camp Cayuga campcayuga.com • Camp Lindenmere camplindenmere.com
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o
e s!
Pai nt i
mi
ng
t he G h t i w n
A Paint-it-Yourself Pot tery Studio Non-Toxic • Food Safe
www.pokeanosepot tery.com Hours:
Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday Noon – 5 p.m.
Extraordinary jewelry
|
art
|
craft
RedRun Rte. 940 in Pocono Pines • Near Intersection with Rte. 423 570.643.9075 • www.RedRunGallery.com
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Give!
A View from the
Monroe County Garden Tour June 25th, 2011 • 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
The Monroe County Garden Club was formed in 1927, and has been a member of the National Garden Club and the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania, since 1930. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the community. MCGC is involved in many community beautification activities including monthly garden projects at the Pleasant Valley Nursing Home, The PATH House and more. They have recently renovated the Stroud Mansion Garden and established a garden at the AWSOM Animal Shelter. Proceeds from ticket sales of the Garden Tour will provide scholarships to local high school students that are pursuing an education in Horticulture, Floriculture or landscaping.
Garden in Cresco
Garden in Cresco
Garden in Cresco
Garden in Henryville
Garden in Tannersville
Garden in Cresco
Garden in Cresco
"Our garden is actually 2 1/2 gardens with a quiet spot covered with 85 year old pines. The 2nd called "the wild lawn" has multiple plantings and an antique gazebo that over- looks Paradise Creek." - Hilleststad To prevent the polluting of Granberry Creek 2 native-planted rain gardens were built to capture storm runoff from the roof and allow it to infiltrate slowly into the ground, cleaning and purifing the water in the process. Seating in the sunny garden and shady rear garden invites you to stay a while. -Barrett-Paradise Friendly Library
"Our garden in the woods was created with the help of our son, a landscape contractor. Without his help and insistence this wooded garden would not have been possible. A love of living beauty, in his memory.”
Jody Reinhardt says that after a decade of hauling bags of top soil and rocks, “I can now say I’m a flower gardener." I love for others to be able to spend time in my gardens. - Jody Reinhardt ( Garden in above photos )
Tickets are $8.00 for Garden Club members and $10.00 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased the day of the sale at Theo B. Price Lumber on Route 390 in Mountainhome, or Werkheiser Garden Center on Route 611 in Tannersville. Phone Sheila Bortree for more information, 570.629.0279. 6
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Eye Associates
of Monroe County Dr. Anthony S. Diecidue • Dr. John J. Glasner
20% off your entire purchase of sunglasses during June! * 208 Main Street • Stroudsburg, PA • 570.476.1114
www.eyeassociatesonline.net
*Excludes Fendi and Lacoste.
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Culture
Audrey Babcock as Carmen.
Buckhill Skytop
MUSIC FESTIVAL Immerse yourself in the splendor, imagination and variety of all kinds of music -- this summer from July 22 to July 30 at the second annual Buck Hill Skytop Music Festival. Experience opera, Broadway, jazz, cabaret and chamber music – all performed by world-class artists. This year’s festival includes:
Carmen
Georges Bizet's celebrated opera Carmen, in a concise and highly dramatic Jewel Box production, featuring award-winning seductive mezzo-soprano Audrey Babcock, and conducted by Festival Artistic Director Maestro Peter Mark.
Dance
Ashley Bouder as the Swan Queen with New York Ballet. Photo by Costas
Info July 22-30 2011
buckhillskytopfest.org
Locations Buck Hill Falls, PA Tennis Tea | 570.595.7511
Skytop Lodge
New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Ashley Bouder joins the festival this season to lead a special program featuring the Salvatore LaRussa Dance Theatre, students from the Rock Center for Dance Education, and Broadway dance star Matthew Dibble.
Opera
Maestro Peter Mark and Metropolitan Opera star mezzo Victoria Livengood return this season to conduct a series of masterclasses for emerging and full career artists, offering guests a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the preparation and discipline required to produce dynamic operatic voices, culminating in a Toast of the Festival Closing Night Gala.
Cabaret
Award-winning cabaret artists Mark Janas and Julie Reyburn join the festival this season to present workshops, sessions and cabarets in a variety of entertaining contemporary vocal arts styles.
Chamber Music
Seasoned instrumental soloists come together in a variety of formations to explore and perform a selection of the world’s most exciting chamber music for your enjoyment. 6
Skytop, PA | 570.595.7401
Pocono Mountain East High Swiftwater, PA | 570.839.7121
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You're invited to contact the reservations desk for more details.
A bed and breakfast sanctuary where mind, body, and spirit flourish in a relaxing woodland setting. 570.476.0203 • SantoshaOnTheRidge.com RR 21 Box 6154, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
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Artist
Ann Winner... F a c es a nd F lo w e r s By Paula Damiano
Photos By Stephen Lippay
Artist Ann Winner has painted many subjects, but her two favorite themes are portraits and nature – especially flowers. This Pocono painter took classes at Kutztown University and studied privately with artist Patty Griffin. Ann has tried her hand at numerous artistic mediums, including wood carving and pottery. She’s been painting for about 10 years now, and happily admits that she has always been interested in art. A paint-spattered palette adorns the door of her home studio in Henryville, PA. Once inside, you are immediately greeted by an oversized painting of rosy-colored hollyhocks. Ann says her inspiration for the piece came from hollyhocks she found sprouting out of a front stoop in Philadelphia. She worked from a photo she snapped that day. Another painting nearby features large red lilies. A large vertical canvas portrays a woodland walk. The painting, done in vivid yellows with red accents, beckons you to venture down the path. Ann created this piece as a birthday present for her mom, who’d clipped a photo with the same theme from a newspaper years ago and kept it on her dressing table. Ann’s younger sister is immortalized in a four-screen portrait with Andy Warhol overtones. Her dining room is decorated by a giant close-up of a woman’s red lips – she calls it the kissy-face painting. Another interesting painting features a woman with black curly tendrils floating against an aqua-blue background. This piece is titled Fancy Lady Swimming. Ann’s work has a modern yet playful feeling. Her use of vibrant colors gives her canvasses a wonderful excitement and electricity. Ann has exhibited several times at the Buck Hill Falls Art Festival, and is hoping to enter the Skytop Lodge Art Show this year. You can also see her work on display at local businesses, including The Frogtown Inn in Canadensis, where Ann’s husband is the chef. (Look for Ann behind the bar some nights as well.) A proud supporter of local causes, Ann has donated a canvas of large orange birds-of-paradise to the upcoming Everything is Coming Up Roses event. The art auction will benefit the new Dale & Frances Hughes Cancer Center. Get out your checkbooks and bid, bid, bid! 6 Ann especially loves doing commissioned work, and enjoys planning a custom piece with the client. You can also see examples of her paintings on Facebook under Arts of Ann Michelle Winner. Look for her work this July at The Gallery @ Local Flair in Mountainhome.
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The Queen’s Treasures American Girl Compatible Doll Clothes & Furniture Tea Party Essentials Fine China Home Decor
nurture
pretend
fantasize
Visit us at www.thequeenstreasures.com or at our showroom.
Visit us in our new location!
914 North Ninth Street (Route 611) | Stroudsburg, PA | 570.424.7333 Open Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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Craft by Chelsea McMahon
the
Gifted thrifter I couldn’t believe it when Dee Kropp, owner and proprietor of Second Story High-End Thrift told me that the store had been open for three years in November. If I had ever set foot in this place before, I thought, I would not have shopped anywhere else! The shop is bright and alive with color. The abundance of sun that comes into the shop brightly showcases the wide selection of clothing, from the items that are current in style, and the myriad of period-specific classics, dresses, jackets, accessories, and array of shoes. A huge dressing room, of course, to move and experience the real feel of the clothes in action. Dee has been working with fabric as long as she can recall. It only makes sense that she would end up in this business, as she’s been a seamstress and fiber expert from the beginning. Dee was shown the basics of clothing construction by her mom. They started with easy patterns like straight-lined skirts, and naturally progressed to harder projects and designs. She laughs, while remembering when the girl next door put a sewing needle through her finger for the first time and she was jealous because it was such a rite of passage to them.
Above: Scarf made by Dee Kropp Below: Second Story High-End Thrift Boutique in East Stroudsburg features all gently-used second-hand merchandise
With her heart firmly set in the pursuit of the fine arts, Dee enrolled in the Parsons School of Design fashion program (one of the most noted and prestigious design schools in the nation). However funny it may sound to us now, there was one special day when Parsons’ administrative staff asked Dee (in her favorite pair of jeans) as a student of fashion at Parsons, to leave. For many years, Dee utilized the arts and artistic methods to work with children in day cares. She proudly displays the work of a former student, a beautiful piece of origami, above the shop’s checkout counter. After teaching, Dee got married and the house fortunately had some space to call a studio for Dee to play around in, when her daughter was still very small. As she started to become reacquainted with her own sense of creativity, she realized she was interested in learning some new trades. She had always wanted to learn about weaving, but happened to come across a paper-making class with Eileen Cortesky, which turned out to be a positive and reinforcing experience for Dee as a whole.
“What I loved most about paper-making was the forgive-ability of the medium, how you could just throw it back into the blender and create something new out of a different mess." - Dee Kropp So, finally Second-Story Thrift came about as an answer to all interests combined. Dee had always loved to shop vintage and create new from old. Now she gets to take regular trips to other places and seek merchandise. She gets to decorate and hand paint the display furniture (also for sale). And she carries the neatest (hand-painted) handbags - with a common theme of famous paintings, Kandinsky and Kahlo - to name a few. Dee designs and crafts highly unique accessories and pieces of decor out of recycled fabric and materials. The tags of her scarves explain how they came to be, for instance: “I was once a pair of pants, a skirt, and a dress.” And her delightful wall art pieces such as “Jujubi,” a little, colorful butterfly constructed formed from a regular wire garment hanger. Last but not least on the subject of the handmade items available at Second-Story Thrift, there is a line of jewelry made by a group of women in Kenya, which through the Alice Visionary Foundation and Delaware Water Gap’s Presbyterian Church on the Mountain, is exclusively sold to benefit the many orphans living in Kenya today. 6 There are many, many reasons to visit Second-Story Thrift. The shop is located at 756 Milford Road n East Stroudsburg. Call 570.420.9948 for directions and hours.
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Wall Art by Dee Kropp Bugs, Insects and Ballerina Cats made of all found materials. The base is a catfood can. Love it!
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Pocono Outdoorsmen
Photography by Stephen Lippay
NORTHEAST SITE CONTRACTORS On the Web
nesitecontractors.com
Founded in 2005.
Headquarters Oak Grove Drive, East Stroudsburg President Brian Winot
Products & Services
Full-service site contracting, extensive experience in commercial development and residential paving
Employees 25-30 in summer Phone (570) 420-2831
Local Projects
Turkey Hill of Tannersville, Walgreens of Stroud Township, and Big Daddy's Family Barbeque in Bartonsville
DIG IT?
Written by Eric Mark
Northeast Site Contractors, an East Stroudsburg-based contracting firm founded in 2005, will have more than a dozen trucks on the road and up to 30 workers at sites across the region this summer. The recent challenging economic climate, in which the building industry went from boom to bust but quick, did not wreck Northeast Site, according to company president and co-founder, Brian Winot, a local resident since 1980.
“Actually we have been pretty stable,” Winot said. “We founded our business on customer service,” he added. “We have a number of repeat customers, such as Sanofi, the Tobyhanna Army Depot, various Townships and gated communities throughout the region” Northeast Site Contractors is a full-service site contracting company capable of handling any commercial construction projects on its own, start to finish, Winot said. Northeast Site also works with Primrose Landscaping, which Winot described as a “partner company.” A few of the most visible local construction projects Northeast Site completed are the Turkey Hill convenience store and gas station, off a heavily traveled section of Route 611 in Tannersville, Walgreens of Stroud Township, also on Route 611, and Rite Aid of East Stroudsburg on North Courtland Street, and Big Daddy’s Family BBQ in Bartonsville. “Walgreens for example, we demolished a former commercial structure, excavated 25 feet below the new proposed building to remove waste dumped there in the 50’s, replaced that with stable material, installed storm water piping up to 20’ deep the length of nearby Rosemont Ave, removed and replaced an active traffic signal at the intersection of Route 611 and Chipperfield Drive, widened 611 to add a turning lane, placed all the stone and asphalt paving, and finished the project by contracting Primrose Landscaping to install extensive landscape plantings and irrigation” Winot said. In addition to commercial projects, Northeast Site maintains a driveway paving crew that does a brisk business in paving private driveways---the only residential work the company performs. Northeast Site, like many of its competitors and partners, has been forced to streamline operations by the sharp spike in oil and gas prices recently, Winot said. “It alters the way we do business,” he said. “We have almost doubled our daily fuel costs.” Company drivers now share rides when possible and leave trucks parked at or near job sites to conserve fuel, he added. Winot is cautiously optimistic that the local building and construction industry will continue to bounce back, though he says it might never again reach its peak level of a few years ago.
From left to right: Keith Winot, Chief Estimator/Project Manager; Brian Winot, President; Phil Coventry, Vice President of Operations
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“I don't think we can get back to the building boom of 2005,” he said. “Things can improve … the tide is changing, state and local governments are beginning to see that responsible commercial development is critical to expand tax base and avoid raising municipal and school taxes.” 6
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Pocono Outdoorsmen Photography by Stephen Lippay Written by Ali Schratt
It's
all details. in the
A landscape that enhances your lifestyle, isn’t that what we all want? Summer evenings roasting marshmallows with the kids and mature gardens that fill your world with color all season long. Bill Sopko of Landmasters is committed to making sure all of your landscape dreams come true. In 2010, Landmasters was the recipient of the Pocono Builders Award of Excellence for Residential Landscaping as well as the 2010 Belgard Hardscapes Paving Stone Award for Residential Driveways, accomplishments that qualify Landmasters to handle even the most challenging projects. Currently, Landmasters is involved in a historic home renovation in Stroudsburg, where they are rebuilding the original fieldstone walls of a circa 1780 spring house. In addition to the walls, they are installing antique bluestone patios throughout the property, using reclaimed bluestone from sidewalks in the historic northeast cities of Hawley and Port Jervis, New York. Weighing in at 1500 pounds each, and 5’ x 6’ in size, the slabs are massive. The hand chiseled edges and time worn appearance create an unparalled feeling of warmth and timelessness. Landmasters also recently completed another custom bluestone job at a horse farm in Cherry Valley. They removed a wooden porch and replaced it with 14’ long curved bluestone steps cut from single pieces of bluestone. Landmasters definitely has a flair for the unique. Creating solid master plans for properties allows each clients’ project to come in on time and on budget. Custom bluestone and natural stonework, creating unique one-of-a-kind outdoor kitchens and making steps, tables and benches out of stone and boulders are just a few of the benchmarks of the company. And although pretty is important, Landmasters does not shy away from correcting severe and extremely challenging grading, drainage and site conditions. As a lifelong resident of the Pocono Mountains, Sopko was excited last year to receive a phone call from a high school classmate asking Landmasters to quote their project. Needless to say, the landscape is gorgeous and the clients were extremely pleased with their total backyard makeover. Driveways paved with unique stone and carefully manicured lawns are two of Landmasters' specialties.
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To learn more about Landmasters by William Sopko go to www.LandmastersLandscaping.com or phone 570.620.7060.
Experience. Reputation. Dedication. Frank A. Bucci, Jr. MD has performed over 25,000 eye surgeries including bladeless LASIK, cataract and Multi-Lx Elite (a pre- cataract lens implant surgery with the potential to eliminate bifocals or reading glasses). Dr. Bucci is an internationally acclaimed eye surgeon who was voted by peers as one of the top 50 opthalmologists in the United States as published in Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today.
BucciVision.com • 1-877-DR-BUCCI Wilkes-Barre • Hazleton • Pittston • Old Forge • Scranton Stroudsburg • Mt. Pocono • Brodheadsville
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Pocono Outdoorsmen Photography by Stephen Lippay Written by Ali Schratt
The Perfect Backyard
Makeover Dan Erb, owner of Erb’s Landscaping (with offices in Mountainhome and Pocono Pines), started mowing lawns when most kids his age were busy on skateboards. And although his backyard was mainly sans-grass and comprised of rock, fern and frequented by deer, he kept the business going throughout high school. Erb has lived in the Pocono Mountains for 24 years and opened the doors to Erb’s Landscaping in 1999. The company specializes in the complete landscape makeover to smaller yard redesigns like that of Mike and Laurie Dymond of Stroudsburg. The couple recently downsized and moved from Cherry Valley to their new home on Wallace Street in Stroudsburg. The Dymonds were not used to having such a small area but wanted their landscape to not only to feel spacious (even though it is spacially challenged at 40’ x 40’), but they also wanted a setting of serenity. “After moving from a property made of acres, to one measured by feet, we knew the job would be a challenge," Erb admitted. After a complete reconfigure, plus hot-tub, pergola, patio and sitting wall, the place is serene, just what the Dymonds ordered. The Dymonds wanted privacy so Erb’s added some arborvitae and a double knock-out rose in a drift, which will give the space a great color and textural contrast throughout the summer. True, the space is small, but there is enough lawn that it still feels like a backyard. Additionally, the ladnscape is irrigated with both drip lines in the beds and water-saver heads throughout the lawn, beautiful and effective! Erb’s Landscaping has the ability to render every landcape design 3- dimensionally before any stone is turned. So basically, what you see is what you get. In 2010 Erb’s Landscaping was named “New Member of the Year” by the Pocono Builder’s Association. The company holds ICPI, NCMA, and Cast Lighting Certifications. When their trucks are done for the summer, Erb’s moves right in to snow patrol and can handle all jobs – both large and small. 6 For more information about Erb’s Landscaping visit them at www.ErbsLandscaping.com.
A beautifully sculpted pathway welcomes entrants into this backyard in Stroudsburg
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Need some relief? Kick back and enjoy the summer sun in your expertly designed backyard. Using the latest technology we will work with you to design the retreat you’ve been dreaming about. Whether your backyard needs an entire makeover or just a few updates, Erb’s Landscaping is equipped to take on any challenge. From paver and lighting projects to lawn sprinklers and irrigation systems, let us make your backyard dreams come true. Dan Erb, Owner Landscape Design & Landscape Construction Commercial & Residential • Fully Insured Fully Certified Credentials, TYPE, NCMA, & CAST
Let us take you down the path to the
landscape of your dreams...
getstarted@erbslandscaping.com | www.erbslandscaping.com
Route 191 • Paradise Plaza Cresco PA, 18326 Phone 570.839.8901
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The Landscape of Your
Flagstone Terraces • Patios • Paths
Stone Walls • Planting • Lawns
570.656.7008 • 570.595.7644 Serving PA, NJ, NY & CT
With Budget in Mind
Water Features • Arbors • Fences
Gates • Pergolas • Gazebos
isopko@sunlink.net www.sopkolandscape.com
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Harne ssing the S Th e g reen initia feedb tive at Po ack, a cono
un
n R energ d sets a h aceway d igh st r y prac andar ives positi tices v d for in The By Er busin e P ic M a o c e ono M s rk Photo ounta s graph ins y by T ob ia s H ib b s
The flag is not the only thing that is green at Pocono Raceway these days. The Long Pond race track, which hosts more than 100,000 spectators at each of two major NASCAR stock car races each summer, is now the largest freestanding sports facility in the world that is 100% solarpowered. The Raceway switched from electric to solar power last summer. It was a green deal in more ways than one. Raceway management expects the switch to solar power to save them much money in the long-term; the positive impact on the environment has already been felt, said Brandon Igdalsky, Pocono Raceway president.
The plan The Raceway management team explored ways to cut costs for power after the deregulation of electrical rates two years ago left Pocono Raceway, along with other PPL Electric customers, facing a big increase in their electric bills, Igdalsky said. “We were looking at an increase of 30% to 40%,” he said. “We looked at geothermal and wind power. Our first choice was to put a couple of windmills up in the backstretch. … That would have looked interesting on TV.” The Raceway brass was surprised to learn there is not enough steady, reliable wind, even on the open plains of the Pocono Plateau, to sustain a wind-driven power supply on the scale the racetrack required. Another complication was strictly for the birds: “You can't have a wind turbine within a half-mile of a bald eagle's nest,” Igdalsky said. That regulation---designed to prevent birds from getting caught and killed in powerful windmill blades---put the final kibosh on the idea of wind power at the racetrack.
At that point The Raceway turned to the sun Once they decided to go with solar power, the next question became: Where to put the large cluster of solar panels and equipment needed to power the racetrack, as well as the raceway office and surrounding buildings?
They left that up to the big boss Dr. Joseph Mattioli, widely known as Doc, the owner of Pocono Raceway and Igdalsky's grandfather, came up with the answer. A three-megawatt “solar farm”---large enough to be seen from outer space, according to Raceway officials---now occupies parts of five former parking lots near the race track, off Long Pond Road in Tunkhannock Township. “That was his idea,” Igdalsky said, referring to his grandfather, Mattioli. Three inverters---which convert energy from DC to AC --- keep the sprawling array of solar panels running. The level of power generated by the solar operation can be viewed in real time at Pocono Raceway's Web site: www.poconoraceway.com
The grass turned greener The raceway's switch to solar power saved 137,000 trees between last July, when it went online, and early May, Igdalsky said, adding that the solar operation should offload 3,100 tons of CO2 annually. The switch did not come cheap. The project cost $16 million, according to Igdalsky. He hopes to recoup that investment within six-to-eight years, depending on the status of the state's Renewable Energy Credit program, also known as REC.
Part of that recouping will come from PPL Electric: The solar power generated actually causes the raceway's electric meters to run backwards, meaning the track gets paid for “juice” it supplies to the electrical power grid. “We received the first annual check (from PPL) in January,” Igdalsky said. There is a backup plan for days when the sun don't shine: On cloudy or rainy days, the raceway reverts to old-fashioned electrical energy. The system will automatically switch over to electricity if the sun does not cooperate on a given day, so no pro-active measures are required from Raceway staff, Igdalsky said. Construction of the solar operation took about four months last year and involved multiple contractors, sizable work crews and loads of equipment, according to Igdalsky. Continued to page 40
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(Continued from page 39)
Green is busting out all over Solar power is the largest but not the only part of Pocono Raceway's green initiative.
RESPECT THE FEET. The all NEW
ProGrid 4 from Saucony
The Raceway has partnered with PepsiCo, which supplies Pepsi soft drinks on race days, to collect recyclables during races as part of the PepsiCo Dream Machine program. Recycling bins and kiosks with the Dream Machine label are strewn throughout the track's grandstand and the infield. PepsiCo donates money to the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities, based on the amount of cans and bottles collected during races. Race fans who recycle through the Dream Machine program rather than toss cans and bottles in the trash can earn points that can be redeemed for awards at www.greenopolis.com Pocono Raceway also participates in the NASCAR Clean Air Tree Planting Program. Ten trees will be planted for every green flag that drops during each of the two annual Sprint Cup races at Pocono. Note that the start of a race is not the only time a green flag gets waved in NASCAR. A green flag also is used after a “caution” period to let drivers know the track is clear and they can resume position for racing. Pocono Raceway also accepts cans and bottles for recycling--even from the general public, according to Igdalsky. “If it has a recycling triangle on it, we will accept it,” he said.
Positive feedback Stroudsburg
639 Main Street • 570.424.6431
Bethlehem
565 Main Street • 610.866.8300
www.aardvarksportsshop.com
Pocono Raceway's switch to solar power gets the thumbs-up from NASCAR drivers, NASCAR brass and fellow track owners, Igdalsky said. “The comments from the drivers have all been positive,” he said, adding that many Sprint Cup drivers and their teams make a point to run their operations as “green” as the high-octane nature of their profession allows. The Raceway's green efforts have been honored by Penn Futures, as well as the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. The driving and racing fans who flock to Pocono also appreciate the track's green initiative, Igdalsky said. He noted that includes not just the huge crowds who flood the racetrack twice a year for Sprint Cup races, but also much smaller groups such as car clubs and driving schools who use the track almost every day between April and November. “They are the best,” Igdalsky said. “I try to put this into terms they will appreciate: The (solar power operation) saves the equivalent of 106,000 propane barbecues.” 6 The 2011 Pocono 500 Sprint Cup race will be held on June 12 at Pocono Raceway.
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2010 Award of Excellence Pocono Builders Association
Creating distinctive homes throughout the Poconos. Custom Homes Remodeling Historic Restoration Commercial Construction
Visit our Portfolio Online at www.rwbuff.com 745 Main Street Stroudsburg, PA Phone (570) 476-5437 PA 006754
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Fresh from the
Farmhouse by Wendy Schroff, The Farmhouse Kitchen
Most of us have no idea where our food comes from. If you could do just one simple thing to improve your overall well-being it should be to make seasonal farm-fresh produce the center of your diet. I can hear what you’re about to say, “Who has time to grow and care for their own garden anymore?!” That’s a reasonable argument for which I offer this truly terrific solution: Your local farmers’ market. Next to growing and maintaining your very own backyard garden, your local farmers’ markets and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture – shares of farm products) are your best source for fresh and mostly organic produce. Shopping at your local farmers’ market is not only a terrific way to help get more of the daily servings of vegetables you need, but it also supports your local community and its economy. I love to seek out new farmers markets all of the time and I know you will too. I suggest asking plenty of questions to find out the best way for storing and preparing the fruits and vegetables you are purchasing. The farmers are always eager to answer your questions and help in any way they can. We are fortunate to have some wonderful local farmers' markets in the area. Here are just a few:
Monroe County Farmers Market Ann Street | Stroudsburg May - November Saturdays 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
East Stroudsburg Farmers Market Kistler & Penn Streets | East Stroudsburg April - October Wednesdays 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Josie Porter CSA, Stroudsburg Trailhead CSA, Reeders Journey's End CSA, Newfoundland The Henry Farm CSA, Cresco
Wednesday Evening Farmers Market Main Street (Btwn 8th & 9th) | Stroudsburg June - October Wednesdays 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
{featured recipe}
Simply Divine Summer Salad Green of your choice (I suggest a Boston, Romaine mix) 1 pint prepared strawberries, sliced 2 crisp apples sliced 1 cup green grapes sliced in half Your favorite cheese, harder or softer to taste, cut in small chunks (swiss, provolone or cheddar work well) Toasted sunflower seeds Top with Strawberry Vinaigrette (Recipe on right)
Strawberry Vinaigrette: 6 tblsp. fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup honey 2 tblsp. cider vinegar (If you can find strawberry vinegar, it's wonderful!) 2 tblsp. olive oil 1 - 1 1/2 cups chopped strawberries Salt and pepper to taste Blend in blender for about 30 seconds To learn more about The Farmhouse Kitchen, go to www.farmhousekitchenpa.com
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Flavor Story by Nina Catalano | Photos by Stephen Lippay
It’s been nearly 20 years since my first restaurant job at my best friend’s family pizzeria; the archaic years before the food network soared to popularity, before anyone owned a wok, understood “good fats,” or had ever heard of EVOO. The only chef on television was Julia Child back then, warning Americans that our fear of food would doubtless be the end of us, and in doing so, she paved the way for a generation of celebrity chefs. In the last two decades Americans, including Executive Chef Chris Mullin at the Blakeslee Inn, were seduced by the rattle and clang of steaming pots; the sizzle and snap of saute pans, delicious and intoxicating. The convenient microwave oven reached the pinnacle of popularity in the 1980’s with time-starved parents and America’s workforce. Steadily, this gastronomic atrocity has been slowly and surely replaced by an appetite for flavor and texture, piquant and savory. Finally, we are taking a more European approach to food, and as a culture we’ll likely be healthier for it. The dining room at the Blakeslee Inn is serene, warm and welcoming. A counterpoint to the buzz and clamor of the well oiled machine working tirelessly behind the swinging door. It was that hum in the kitchen, the tireless whirring rhythm, that first drew Chris Mullin to the culinary arts. Every night, a chef and his or her staff execute a syncopated tango behind what is known as the line, skillfully grilling, frying and basting with grace, and with what Mullin considers one of the most important aspects of working under such conditions; a sense of humor. We tune in to see one of Mullin’s favorites, Mario Batali, do his dance on television every week. We travel around the world with Anthony Bordain, spellbound and behind the scenes. Focusing on fresh, seasonal and local items, Mullin changes his menu frequently, 3 to 4 times a year, bringing a modern infusion to classically prepared dishes. Using the fundamentals of his French culinary schooling as a foundation, he enriches his cuisine with Italian and Asian influences and creates dishes that are both exotic
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and familiar in a single bite. From a zesty scallop, his favorite protein, to a spring vegetable risotto with pork medallions finished with the sweet kiss of a berry sorbet, Mullin’s works have an effortless feel to them, succulent and full-bodied without being heavy or rich. His vision for the Inn is elegant and uncomplicated, like his menu. Traditionally a place for reserved special occasions, Mullin aims to increase accessibility and create an atmosphere where guests feel comfortable stopping in for dinner without the trappings of a celebration, for a simply wholesome and delicious meal. Although difficult at times to pull him away from the kitchen, part of his concept of accessibility includes a more personal approach to dining out, meeting the guests and getting their feedback directly. He pulls his inspiration for new menu items from the market and the season, yes, but also from the clientele. If you miss him at the restaurant, you can usually find him golfing on his days off, and maybe if you’re lucky, he’ll invite you over to grill, not only is it his occupation, but believe it or not, grilling is one of this guy’s favorite pastimes, as well as eating out. At your restaurant Mullin will likely order a seafood dish, so be sure its expertly prepared, and be sure to have options, because what he won’t order is the same thing twice. Not surprisingly, he prefers salad in the summers and soup in colder months, unless something unique catches his eye. Mullin is a young guy, with lots of charisma and ideas, and most importantly, a Chef that truly has a love for food and creating it. Its that passion that you taste most boldly in his creations, each dish its own magnum opus. Stop in and see him — and best of all, eat. The Blakeslee Inn is open for dinner Thursday through Sunday from 5PM to 9PM, and also for Brunch on Sunday, from 11AM to 2PM. Reservations accepted, but not required, www.blakesleeinn.com or call 570-6461100. If you are looking for something light and casual, try the Panini Cafe’s lighter menu, available Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9. Save a seat for me, and room for dessert. 6
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Style
Summ e r 2 0 11
Photography by Tobias Hibbs Art Direction by Dawn Notaro
Styling by the team at Dawn of New York
Horseback riding is such a natural thing to do while you're in the Poconos. With all this outdoor beauty, being a part of nature, sitting in the saddle is a great way to discover the real Poconos. Dawn of New York Boutique eloquently expresses the gentle and majestic nature of horses by pairing 5 local women with feminine frocks to pay homage to equestrian splendor thru the latest style and fashions.
Kay la K e r n A student at Stroudsburg High School. Kayla loves Sports especially softball and plans to continue playing thru college. As an MVC champion she rewards herself with treats at local ice cream shops and the “great $5 accessories at Dawn of New York�. Kayla is wearing a Magnificent Mocha Couture Evening Gown with pearl, sequins and silk rosette details, the train extends over 5 feet easily cascading the horse. Her pearl necklace is a two piece detachable interchangeable DNY Collection available in White shown, Ivory or Silver. All items are available at Dawn of New York 542 Main Street in Stroudsburg 570.421.5560 DawnofNewYork.com
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S ta c i B a r k alo w
CFO of Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau and Pocono Socialista. Staci is a 2011 Leadership class member and on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Monroe County. Check out her blog for the opportunity to get out and enjoy everything the Pocono Mountains have to offer. Staci loves to dress up and Dawn of New York helps her indulge her inner fashionista with a dichotomy of outfits. Whether Staci is dancing the night away in this fabulous lace covered and pearl trimmed romantic bustier ($59)and the seasons hot short shorts ($39) or in a more relaxed vibe with a silk lace blouse ($84) and DNY Collection earrings and bracelet, she is the epitome of style.
All items are available at Dawn of New York 542 Main Street in Stroudsburg 570.421.5560 DawnofNewYork.com
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Con n ie Robert s Currently the co-chair of the United Way of Monroe County’s 2011 campaign and hosts the Pocono Landscape Challenge TV Show. Connie is looking forward to co-producing the 6th annual Bizzy Awards this fall. An accomplished Equestrian and world class Medallion Winner in 1984, these days Connie tries to find as much time as possible to spend with her husband and two sons. Connie sports a relaxed white chiffon Peasant blouse ($45) with Silver jewled details available in White, Fuscia and turquoise with lt denim capris ($47), her silver rhinestone and white feather dream catcher earrings are from the DNY Collection. All items are available at Dawn of New York 542 Main Street in Stroudsburg 570.421.5560 DawnofNewYork.com
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542 Main Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570 421 5560 www.dawnofnewyork.com www.dawnstyle.com
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Cr isten Elm ore
Cristen resides in Tannersville where she enjoys writing lyrics and poetry. Cristen is a runway, print and spokes model and voice over actress. This multimedia artist displays her art and voice as the singing vocalist of a local band, Liquid Purr. Cristen loves being transformed into the posh upscale feeling of high fashion couture and glamour when she wears Couture DNY, this lace and gem embellished gown mixes old world style with modern sophistication. Cristen loves the DNY variety showing a more laid back fairy shift dress ($139), available in blue (shown) and blush with rossete embellished details and chiffon overlay sure to turn heads accessorized with fabulous ($1) bangles. Purr...fect. All items are available at Dawn of New York 542 Main Street in Stroudsburg 570.421.5560 DawnofNewYork.com
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We Buy, Trade & Sell all Types of Furniture, Antiques, & New Items!
Stop in and see our extensive art gallery and our large selection of oriental carpets! All types of old vases, lamps and chandeliers. Large assortment of new and used jewelry and used books. Open 7 Days, 10 – 8 • 570.487.1791 Park Center, Commerce Blvd. Dickson City, PA (next to Chuck E. Cheese) Local Flair
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Jod ey Mutchler
All items are available at Dawn of New York 542 Main Street in Stroudsburg 570.421.5560 DawnofNewYork.com
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The Restaurant Week 2011 Kickoff Party at Liquid Martini Bar in Stroudsburg resulted April 26th, 2011
From left to right, attendees featured are: 1.Chef Lyman Winner of the Frogtown Inn & Chef Linda Boesz, Executive Chef at Liquid Martini Bar 2. Chef Gracie and Manager Kim Stephens, of Basso Restaurant 3. Steve & Lilli Ertle 4. Bob & Judy Gibson of Woodfield Manor Chophouse 5. Shane Izykowski 6. Ron & Mona Siwiec 7. Staci Barkalow & Chritine Scrafano 8. Bill Pipolo Sr., Owner of Basso with Joe Pipolo 9. Full House 10. Monica & Jason Startari 11. Chef Chris Mullin of The Blakeslee Inn 12. Sal Lombardo, Ronell Martz & Tara Probst 13. The Crew from Louie's Prime 14. Joy Warren, Owner of the Frogtown Inn with Karen Struckle, Owner of The Casino Theater
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It tastes even better. Voted
• Best Atmosphere • Best Steak By LOCAL
6 ©
Directions
Take Route 314 East off 611 in Swiftwater. Bear left at Y intersection. Woodfield Manor is 1.3 miles on right. Near Mt. Airy Resort
Magazine
Open 7 Days a Week • Seating begins at 4:00 p.m. Reservations Recommended • Phone: 570.895.4460 • www.poconosteaks.com Local Flair
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The
Restaurant Week 2011 winners are... 1
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The Restaurant Week 2011 Kickoff Party at Liquid Martini Bar in Stroudsburg, April 26th, 2011
From left to right, attendees featured are: 1. Frank Angelo, Bill Van Gilder, Rebecca Van Gilder, Sean Naughton, Sarah Naughton 2. Cathryn Hahn, Adam Schratt & Matt Hahn 3. Dawn Notaro, Frances Warnagiris of Freshmade Burgers & Fries 4. Julie Wynne & Beth Haser 5. Chef Mark Reinhardt of Sand Spring Modern Cuisine and Steve Warren, Owner of The Frogtown Inn & 6 Acres Restaurant 6. Guests 7. Gillien Moore, Lisa Green, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Inn at Pocono Manor, Alicia Quinn and Staci Barkalow of the PMVB 56
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Best Appetizer: Liquid Martini Bar Best Soup: Sand Spring Modern Cuisine Best Salad Bar: J.R.s Green Scene Best Breakfast: Van Gilder's Jubilee Best Brunch: The Blakeslee Inn Best Sandwich: Van Gilder's Jubilee Best Burger: The Casino Theater Best Wings: Van Gilder's Jubilee Best Ribs: Big Daddy's Family BBQ Best Prime Rib: Van Gilder's Jubilee Best Steak: Woodfield Manor Chophouse Best Chicken: Antonio's Grill Best Seafood: Antonio's Grill Best Italian: Basso Best Dessert: The Frogtown Inn & 6 Acres Restaurant Best Cocktails: Liquid Martini Bar Best Beer: Barley Creek Best Happy Hour: Van Gilder's Jubilee Most Creative Menu: Sand Spring Modern Cuisine Best Food Preparation: The Blakeslee Inn Best Deal: The Casino Theatre Best Restaurant Atmosphere: The Woodfield Manor Chophouse Best Bar Atmosphere: Liquid Martini Bar Best Overall Service: The Frogtown Inn & 6 Acres Restaurant Best Fine Dining: The Frogtown Inn & 6 Acres Restaurant Best Outdoor Dining: Liquid Martini Bar Best Family Dining: Van Gilder's Jubilee
And congrats to these lucky voters, winners of fabulous prize packages! Sand Spring Berkshire pig party
Mary Buckman
Casino Theatre's Dinner & Movie Party
Loree Guthrie
The Blakeslee Inn and Pocono Limousine's Night Out
Chuck Ventre
Introducing the Pocono Mountains newest premier neighborhood! From the moment you turn on to Keswick Drive, you will be delighted with all that Keswick Pointe offers you as our newest resident. When you move into your Keswick Pointe home or townhome, you will quickly appreciate and embrace the convenience, quality, value, energy efficiency and lifestyle differences that separate Keswick Pointe from the average neighborhood.
Welcome home to Keswick Pointe ... you have arrived. Keswick Pointe in Blakeslee, Pa. is conveniently located 1/2 mile north of I-80 exit 284 — just a short drive from major metropolitan areas and only 90 minutes from New York City and Philadelphia. Convenience
Keswick Pointe luxury homes and townhomes feature quality craftsmanship, quality building materials, and new technologies — combining to produce a high-quality, energy-efficient and healthy home — at a great value! Keswick Pointe homes feature many of the best products and brands available including: Anderson®, Kohler®, Aristocraft®, Heat n Glo®, Moen®, Elkay®, Jeld Wen®, Bilco®, Schlage®, Benjamin Moore®, GE Profile®, Shaw®, Trane®, Dal-Tile®, Glen Gary®, Creative Closets®,, Owens® Cultured Stone® and more. Quality & Value
Keswick Pointe homes are independently certified by Energy Star® and the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Certification. In addition to being environmentally correct these initiatives will result in improved energy costs to the homeowner for years to come. Energy Efficiency
Your Hosts • The Pipolo Family • Dinner Menu Available Wednesday - Saturday • 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Late Night Menu Available Wednesday - Saturday •10 p.m. - 12 a.m. Live Entertainment Friday & Saturday
Enjoy Dining & Cocktails On Our Outdoor Italian Garden Patio Voted Best Italian Food in Northeast PA!
Make Your Reservations Early Check out our new website for all things new including menus.
570.595.0500 • www.BassoItaliana.com Route 390 • Mountainhome
Keswick Pointe is a Planned Residential Development (PRD) implementing the best management practices insuring proper planning, storm water management, resource management, hydrology, open space and more. Keswick Pointe’s neighborhood covenants go well beyond municipal and state planning codes — making it the kind of neighborhood that visitors drive through, admire, and comment upon with envy. Lifestyle Differences
Visit our model home today! Luxury Homes – from the mid 300’s Townhomes – from the upper 200’s
KeswickPointe.com • 570-646-4646 facebook.com/KeswickPointe Visit our blog at PoconoMountainsLiving.com
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local
LEGEND Jake Seip
Local Flair: How long have you been a Pocono resident? STAR MAN: I was born at home in a property known as Montenesoua Villa in Paradise Township, just south of the village of Mount Pocono, over three quarters of a century ago. I went to school in Mount Pocono from 1st to 6th grade, Tannersville for 7th, Stroudsburg from 8th-9th , and graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy in 1951; Lafayette College Class of 1955 and Harvard Business School Class of 1957. LF: What has been the most dramatic change? Over 75 years, the population has grown exponentially, including the school systems. As an example, when I was in 6th grade in Mt. Pocono, there were 7 students ( 6 girls and me- STARMAN ), now there are over 10,000 students in the Pocono Mountain School District, which is one of just four area districts. LF: What do you consider to be the biggest challenge the Poconos are facing? In my opinion, the biggest challenge for the area is for Monroe County and the 50 or so municipalities, to provide for orderly growth. I believe a stronger county government with fewer municipal governments, accomplished through consolidation, could more easily provide orderly growth. Orderly growth, in my opinion, can be more easily accomplished if central sewage expansion is undertaken by a single, comprehensive sewage authority, at the county level without regard to municipal boundaries. Sewer line construction and sewer plant expansion at the state and federal levels, should be more readily available. Easily obtaining state sewerage grants should be a top priority for each of our state representatives. LF: What has been your personal, favorite accomplishment for the area? Explain. My personal, favorite accomplishment for the Poconos is the significant increase in medical facilities and in-turn, quality medical care from Geisinger in Mount Pocono to Pocono Medical Center in Stroudsburg. There is no longer a need to go to one of the big cities for competent, state-ofthe-art medical care. LF: What do you consider your most important accomplishment from an economic standpoint? Explain. Upon reflection, I feel the most important economic accomplishment, throughout my 50 years of commercial real estate experience has been, doing my small part to bring Geisinger Medical Center to Mount Pocono. LF: What is your favorite Pocono spot? The view from “The Knob” in Mount Pocono. LF: What is your favorite season? Explain why. Autumn, because there is a real beauty from every vantage point throughout the entire Pocono Mountains. LF: What is your favorite Pocono Restaurant? So many, but for lunch, there are only two places to go; The Bagel Shop in Mount Pocono and Ray’s Mountainhome Deli. For dinner, Neville’s Bloomin’ Onion, and The Forks- both in Mountainhome; Basso in Cresco; The Tavern at Skytop Lodge; Bailey’s in Mount Pocono; Smuggler’s Cove in Tannersville; Thai Thani in Stroudsburg, Napolitano’s in Newfoundland, Big Daddy's, Russell's in Scranton, and Carl Luger's Steakhouse in Scranton. LF: What is your favorite local charity and why? My favorite not for profit community service organization is Geisinger Medical Center. I feel Geisinger, with a very low profile, has brought ”big city” medical care to the village of Mount Pocono and the northern part of Monroe County. We are very fortunate to have them; not everyone is able to travel to Stroudsburg. LF: The Poconos In the Future… I believe the jewel of the future in the Poconos is the new proposed campus of Northampton Community College. Please, in 10 years look back on this interview, and remember only one thing that I have said: “Northampton Community College will be the greatest thing that ever happened to Monroe County.”
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LF Guide Events Buck Hill Art Show Buck Hill Great Tastes of NEPA Split Rock Resort www.splitrockresort.com
Beauty, Health & Wellness
Poke-A-Nose Pottery Bartonsville 570.688.0044 www.pokeanosepottery.com The Casino Theatre Mount Pocono 570.839.7831 www.casinotheatre.net
Services
Eye Associates of Monroe County Stroudsburg 570.476.1114 www.eyeassociatesonline.net
Classic Properties Real Estate Mountainhome 570.595.3705
Hair Excellence Stroudsburg 570.424.6015 www.hair-excellence.com
570.595.Dreher Insurance Agency, Inc. Stroudsburg 570.421.6141 www.dreherinsurance.com
Hazzouri Cosmetic, Implant & Family Dentistry Scranton 570.342.9136 www.hazzouridental.com
East Stroudsburg Veterinary Hospital East Stroudsburg 570.421.0931 www.esvh.com
Mt. Pocono Dental Mount Pocono 570.839.2101 www.mtpoconodental.co Pocono Eye Associates East Stroudsburg • 570.421.8842 Tobyhanna • 570.895.4550 Brodheadsville • 570.992.4000 www.poconoeye.com Pocono Medical Associates East Stroudsburg 570.421.3872 www.mamcdoc.com
ESSA Bank & Trust 14 locations throughout the Poconos 570.421.0531 www.essabank.com Pocono Limousine Service Mt. Pocono 570.839.2111 www.poconolimousine.com Wyoming Seminary School Kingston 570.718.6600 www.wyomingseminary.org
For the Home
Pocono Medical Center East Stroudsburg 570.421.4000 www.pmchealthsystem.org
Erb’s Landscaping Cresco 570.839.8901 www.erbslandscaping.com
Pure Day Spa Stroudsburg 570.420.1818 www.puredayspainc.com
Farda Landscaping & Excavation East Stroudsburg 570.421.5376 www.fardalandscaping.com
RMAPA Allentown 610.820.6818
Forest Hall Antiques Milford 570.296.4299 www.ForestHallAniques.com
Shear Design Salon & Day Spa Stroudsburg 570.424.5118 www.sheardesignspa.com Stroud Oral & Facial Surgery Stroudsburg 570.420.8180
Ian Sopko Landscape Mountainhome 570.656.7008 iansopkolandscape.com Keswick Pointe KesickPointe.com 570.476.4747
Terrery Dental Bartonsville 570.629.1300 www.terrerydental.com
Landmasters Buck Hill Falls 570.595.7570
Grace Park Senior Living Stroudsburg 570.424.8166
Monument Contracting Pocono Pines 570.807.6460 www.monumentcontracting.com
Diakon Pocono Lutheran Village East Stroudsburg 570.426.4000
Entertainment Accents Model & Dance Center Bethlehem 1610.866.4321 Mount Airy Casino Resort Mount Pocono 877.682.4791 www.mountairycasino.com
GreatTast e
NE Site Contractors East Stroudsburg 570.420.2831 www.nesitecontractors.com Penn Furniture Scranton 570.346.6591 www.pennfurnitureonline.com RW Buff Stroudsburg 570.476.5347 www.rwbuff.com’
Traditional New York Style Steak House featuring Prime Aged Steaks, Terrific Seafood & Outstanding Service. We offer on or off-premise catering for all your special occasions and events.
• Every Thursday •
TASTE OF ITALY Open Sunday thru Thursday 4 – 9:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday 4 – 10:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays
www.dinelakeharmonypa.com
Gift cards available... always in good taste. 134 Lake Harmony Rd., Lake Harmony, PA 18624
570.722.3990 For Reservations
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LF Guide Sawmill Furniture Marshalls Creek 570.223.9989 www.sawmillfurniture.com Pocono Farmstand Tannersville 570.629.4344
Shopping 2 Charming Shops Marshalls Creek 570.223.0717 American Candle Factory Bartonsville 570.629.3388 www.american-candle.com 14kt Outlet Fine Jewelry Designs Stroudsburg 570.421.5081 www.the14ktoutlet.com Aardvark Sports Shop Stroudsburg • 570.424.6431 Bethlehem • 610.866.8300 www.aardvarksportsshop.com The Apple Tree Stroudsburg 570.421.2798 www.theappletreeonmain.com Corona Butcher Scotrun 570.688.1132 Dawn of New York Stroudsburg 570.421.5560 www.dawnofnewyork.com The Dressing Room East Stroudsburg 570.420.0994 Dunkelberger’s for Men & Women Stroudsburg 570.421.7950 www.dunkelbergers.com The Gallery @ Liztech East Stroudsburg 570.424.3177 www.liztech.com James Diamond Mount Pocono 570.839.8384 www.moneyforgold.com Kitchen Chemistry Stroudsburg 570.730.4944 www.kitchen-chemistry.com Pabrique Shawnee-on-Delaware 410.804.1696 Ray Price Volvo East Stroudsburg 888.883.7631 www.raypricevolvo.com Red Run Gallery Pocono Pines 570.643.9075 www.redrungallery.com Second Story High-End Thrift East Stroudsburg 570.420.9948 The Stonehedge Gallery Cresco 570.595.2560 Theo B. Price, Inc.
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Cresco 570.595.2501 www.theobprice.com USA Discount Stores Dickson City 570.487.1791
Dining 5 Guys Burgers & Fries Stroudsburg 570.421.9804 Antonio’s Grille Brodheadsville 570.992.2616 Barley Creek Brewing Company Tannersville 570.629.9399 www.barleycreek.com Basso Cucina Italiana Cresco 570.595.0500 www.bassoitaliana.com Blakeslee Inn & Restaurant Blakeslee 570.646.1100 www.blakesleeinn.com Boulder View Tavern Lake Harmony 570.722.9696 Fairway Grille at Buck Hill Falls 570.595.3535 www.buckhillfalls.com The French Manor Inn South Sterling 570.676.3244 www.thefrenchmanor.com The Frogtown Inn & 6 Acres Restaurant Canadensis 570.595.6282 www.thefrogtowninn.com Liquid Stroudsburg 570.420.0100 www.liquidmartinibar.com Louie’s Prime Steak House Lake Harmony 570.722.3990 www.lakeharmonydining.com Napolitano’s Restaurant South Sterling 570.676.4744 Sand Spring Modern Cuisine Cresco 570.595.3015 www.sandspringdining.com Stroudsmoor Country Inn Stroudsburg 570.426.6431 Van Gilder’s Jubilee Restauran Pocono Pines 570.646.2377 www.breakfastking.com Woodfield Manor Chophouse Cresco 570.895.4460 www.poconosteaks.com
Tempting Food
& Trendy Drinks
TAPAS . DRINKS . DINING OUTDOOR SEATING . LIVE ENTERTAINMENT WEEKNIGHTS visit our website for calendar of events 570-420-0100 . liquidmartinbar.com Tuesday - Saturday from 4pm . 907 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
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Local News
The Queen's Treasures 2011Run with
The Queen’s Treasures is now BIGGER and BETTER and they are celebrating their expansion at the wonderful new location at 914 N. Ninth Street in Stroudsburg (across from Edible Arrangements). www.thequeenstreasures.com
the Rotary
In the heart of the Pocono Mountains and featuring a variety of terrain, this 5K distance run on the grounds of Skytop Lodge is a picture perfect place to fire up your conquering spirit. The Top 3 men and Top 3 Women finishers receive awards. Each entrant will receive a t-shirt, goodie bag, and prize drawing entry with their $20.00 registration.
Accents Model & Talent Studio Accents Model and Talent Studio celebrated the opening of their new location in Nazareth on May 7th. World class dancers and performers were on hand to wow the crowd. Since 2003, Accents has helped students achieve their dreams in acting, dancing, and modeling. Accents Theatre Arts Program teaches students acting techniques and skills and also prepares them for auditions and acting careers with a solid resumĂŠ and photo portfolio. Their acting instructors are members of SAG and AFTRA, as well as current acting coaches, directors and working actors. For information, visit their website at www.accentsmodelandtalentcenter.com
Saturday, June 25th at 8:00 a.m. Skytop Lodge 1 Skytop Ldg, Skytop, PA Register online at www.Active.com Keyword: Skytop or Event ID: 1952956
For more info contact Nathan Sauers, Race Coordinator, or Emily Sauers, Race Director at 570.269.4333 or email nathan.sauers@gmail.com
Grace Park presents A free summer concert series this June and July. All are welcomed to come and listen to live music by...
Joey and the T-Birds June 17th, 7pm - 9pm
Trinity Centennial Band
July 15th, 7pm - 9pm
Shows will be held at At 1170 West Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA 18360
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Girl’s Getaway Pick your pleasure! Choose from two spa packages with lunch and an afternoon at the pool.
Fun & affordable!
Stroudsmoor Inn, Stroudsburg PA | 570.424.9061 | sheardesignspa.com
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Parting Shot
I'd rather have
roses
on my table than diamonds on my neck. — Emma Goldman
These floral photos taken at Pocono Farmstand & Nursery by Ali Schratt Do you consider yourself an amateur photographer? We are looking for food photos for the Harvest Issue issue of Local Flair. Please email your photos to publisher@flairmag.com by June 30th.
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A beautiful
smile
is your
best accessory. Smile Enhancement Procedures Beautiful Bonding Zoom2 Bleaching Lumineer Veneers DaVinci Porcelain Veneers Permanent Dental Implants General Family Dentistry
COSMETIC, IMPLANT & FAMILY DENTISTRY
570.342.9136
www.hazzouridental.com
The name that keeps NEPA smiling, since 1949. Hazzouri Cosmetic, Implant and Family Dentistry is at the forefront of dental care, offering patients breakthroughs in cosmetic and implant procedures, all in an effort to give you the beautiful, dazzling smile you’ve always wanted.
Dr. Albert A. Hazzouri, Jr., Dr. Louis A. Genello, and Dr. Corey B. Chmil 600 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503