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Unlock Your HAPPILY EVER AFTER bob kelly is both a Luxury Marketing Institute and Million Dollar Guild member. The Top Selling Agent in Monroe County the Last 3 Years!
What is your happily ever after? Whether you’re in the market to upgrade to your dream home or you’re ready to sell and move on to new adventures, whatever step is next in your life, Bob Kelly is the choice for you! As the area’s top producing Realtor, year in and year out, you can trust you’ll receive the most extensive targeted marketing to attract buyers both locally and nationally to sell your home quick. “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
637 Main Street 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.
CONTENTS
Publisher & Creative Director Ali Schratt publisher@localflair.com
Project Coordinator Juliet Dunham juliet@localflair.com
Graphic Designer Cathryn Hahn cathryn@localflair.com
Distribution Coordinator Adam Schratt
Contributing Writers Juliet Dunham, Amy Gouger, and Ali Schratt
Sales
publisher@localflair.com
On the Cover
Photo by Ashley Hall facebook.com/ashleyhallphoto
Contents 6. Letter from the Publisher 8. GO! 10. Give: Cabin of Friends 12. Craft: Darlene Farris-Labar 14. Q&A with Tom & Christine Wilkins 16. Artist: Vinzon Lee 18. Artist: Jill Swersie 20-21. Working From Home 22. A Modern Classic 26. Cooking Up Perfection 30. Listing: Skytop Splendor 32. Bringing the Outdoors In 36. RW Buff: Building a Dream 38. Out & About: Mady’s Snow Day 40. Insuring the Poconos’ Future 42. Out & About: Community Fundraiser 44. Out & About: Buck Hill Skytop Music Fest 46. Out & About: Harvest Dinner 48. Out & About: Butterfly Release & Garlic Festival 50. Flair Finds 54. Listing: The Great Outdoors 56. WS&M’s Finance Column 58. Parting Shot
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 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. 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
PO Box 297 | Mountain Springs Drive | Reeders, PA 18352 Phone 570.629.1120 | www.MSLResort.com Photo by DeLorenzo Photography
LETTER
From the
PUBLISHER I love designing the home issue of Local Flair. I get to explore some amazing Pocono homes and I also get to talk with the area’s leading real estate agents and get the low-down on our region. Although many think the Pocono Mountains are not completely out of the woods yet, they do say that the market is definitely on the rise. Buyers are searching for new listings, finding great values on fantastic homes. Second homeowners are gobbling up lake-front and mountain retreats. It is no secret that people love the lifestyle the Pocono Mountains offer. From our award winning golf courses to the pristine sanctuary of our natural areas, there truly is something here for everyone. One homeowner is Mark Biedlingmaier who built his dream retirement home nestled in the woods of Dingmans Ferry, built by RW Buff. You can read about his project on page 36.
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In this issue we also feature the photography of Vinzon Lee and the 3D sculpture by Darlene LaBar, which can be viewed at Peter’s Valley and then the Philadelphia Flower Show. We visited Ellen Kerz Interiors and Red Run gallery for some great Flair Finds for your home. As usual we went “Out and About” to cover some fantastic area events! Enjoy this issue and as always… Keep it local!
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Local Flair
Ali
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Local Flair
7
9/14/15 4:53 PM
GO!
OCTOBER 29, 2015
Lizzie’s Circle 3rd Annual Orange & Black Ball
Mountain Springs Lake Resort This highly anticipated event returns to Mountain Springs Lake Resort, raising money for Lizzie’s Circle, a 501c3 charity that supports families battling childhood cancers. This year’s ball is black tie- costumes optional! Fabulous dinner, DJ for dancing, and a silent auction guarantees a great night. visit lizziescircle.com for info. OCTOBER 31, 2015, 8AM-1PM OCTOBER 2-4
Hawley Harvest Hoedown
Shopping and displays all day, music all night! Enjoy bluegrass, folk, and country music at the second annual Harvest Hoedown. Buy tickets early- there’s a discount in your future. Tickets are $16, $20, and $25. Visit hawleyharvesthoedown.com or call 570.226.4064. OCTOBER 10 & 11, 10AM-5PM
Quiet Valley Harvest Festival
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm This favorite fall event features heritage craft demonstrations, lots of delicious foods, folk entertainment, storytelling, pony rides, wagon rides, and much more. Held rain or shine, admission is $10, kids 3-12 are just $5! Free parking, too! quietvalley.org or 570.992.6161 OCTOBER 10 & 11
Last Fllng Pumpkin Sling
Pocono Raceway, Long Pond It’s the 5th annual Last Fling Pumpkin Sling, where brain meets brawn and grownups and kids compete together having built the best catapults and trebuchets around! Who can sling a 2-4 pound pumpkin the furthest? No pets permitted. pumpkinsling.com or call 908.339.8920 OCTOBER 10 & 11, 11AM-5PM
Autumn Timber Festival
Shawnee Mountain Ski Resort Peak foliage with a mountain twist- lumberjack competitions, blacksmithing demos, chainsaw sculptures, dog and pony shows, live music, craft vendors, children’s activities, and food galore! shawneemt.com or 570.421.7231 OCTOBER 16-18
Black Bear Film Festival
The Historic Milford Theatre, Milford, PA This annual film fest supports and promotes innovative and independent films, allowing for freedom of expression, education, diversity, and cultural enhancement in NEPA. Viewings, panel discussion, guest speakers and more make this three days for any film lover! For info, visit blackbearfilm.com or call 570.409.0909 OCTOBER 17 & 18, 11AM-5PM
Pocono Food Truck Festival
Shawnee Mountain Ski Resort The Poconos’ Food Truck Festival is back! In addition to the best food trucks from PA, NJ, and NY, enjoy live bands, Monster Truck Shows, chairlift rides, and live entertainment. Visit shawneemt. com OCTOBER 25, 2015
Women’s Resources 5K- Run to End Violence
Join Women’s Resources of Monroe County as they raise money and awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. The 5K Run/Walk is held at Pleasant Valley High School (track and road race) with a start time of 9am. Online registration closes Friday, October 23rd, race-day registration begins at 8am at the course. Visit wrmonroe.org or call 570.421.4200 for info.
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Local Flair
Apple Fest at Monroe Farmers Market
Courthouse Square, Stroudsburg, PA See old-fashioned cider pressing, eat delicious apple-themed foods of all kinds, and stick around for the apple pie bake-off. There will be trick-or-treating for the kids, contests and games, and more on this final day of the outdoor season! See monroefarmersmarket. com for contest details and entry info, and more AppleFest details. NOVEMBER 1
Canvas Paint Party
Murphy’s Loft, Blakeslee, PA Artist and educator Jennifer Amazon leads participants through creating their very own work of art! This 21 and over event includes all painting supplies, instruction, an appetizer and drink! For more info: 570.497.6457 or 570.646.2813 NOVEMBER 4, 1PM
Public Bog Walk
Monroe County Environmental Education Center This guided walk begins at 1pm. Participants will learn about the formation of the bog, its plant and animal life, and the role of the local preserve committee. Proper footwear required. The walk is $6 for non members, and $4 for EE or Nature Conservancy members. Call 570.629.3060 or visit mcconcervation.org NOVEMBER 8
River Ramble Fall Classic
River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware This favorite local road race is a 5k, a10k, or a 2 mile fun walk on McDade Trail. Participants begin at Smithfield Beach and circle back to the start. Registration is limited to 500 participants and SELLS OUT every year. Register by October 10 and receive an event hoodie. Register at readysetrunpoconos.com 570.424.6431 NOVEMBER 14, 10AM
Build an Ecosystem in a Jar
Monroe County Environmental Education Center The Earth is one giant ecosystem in which nutrients cycle through plants, animals, the atmosphere, land, and water. This workshop condenses an ecosystem down to the size of a glass jar. If we balance our ecosystem right, it can stay healthy without interference. Cost: $5/non-members, $3/children under 12. EE Center members FREE. For info, call 570.629.3060 or visit mcconcervation.org
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Local Flair
9
GIVE
P
erched on the summit of Camelback Mountain, elevation 2132 feet, the Cattell Cabin transports visitors back to the Poconos of the early 1900s. The structure, commissioned by Philadelphia attorney Henry S. Cattell in 1906, was constructed by local craftsmen and served Cattell as a hunting cabin until his death. “My greatgrandfather Oscar Peechatka built the cabin with three other guys, one was his son Earl,” details Betty Kruk, Friends of Big Pocono board member and lifelong Monroe County resident. “It’s really cool to see the area where they slept, their names carved in the beams, and the original fireplace.” Over the 107 years since its 1908 completion, the cabin has served many purposes: hunting retreat for Cattell and his Quaker pals, open shelter for weary hikers, homebase for Park Ranger “Pocono Pete,” and field trip destination for local schools. Since 2008, “Friends of Big Pocono” has been dedicated to the rehabilitation of the building. The group has successfully replaced entry beams, planned a lighting installation, refurbished the fireplace, and removed decades’ worth of sheetrock and vinyl flooring from the interior of the stone dwelling. Their efforts also focus on preservation of the land and education of visitors to Big Pocono State Park. FOBP also raises funds to add amenities to the park, including water fountains, benches, bike racks, and the wayside signs that educate visitors about local wildlife, flora, and fauna. FOBP sponsors trail clean ups and seasonal festivals at the park, as well as educational programs such as star gazing and butterfly watching. Their long-term wish list includes upgrading the vista at the end of the entrance road and building a gazebo to take full advantage of the spectacular view, attracting more visitors and events to the top of the mountain.
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Local Flair
By Juliet Dunham “We want groups to be able to come up and see indigenous plants and animals and learn about the park and the cabin. And our park’s selling point is the view- on a clear day you can see to New York’s Catskill Mountains!” explains Betty. “I’m really excited about our Fall Festival,” gushes Kruk. “There is live music every hour by Joe O’Malley, Joe Franzo, and Jay Keiper. There is food, there are tours, we will sell our Friends of Big Pocono t-shirts and decals, and this year we’ll have displays courtesy of the Pocono/ Jackson Townships Historical Society and local car enthusiasts, too. We’ll have trail walks, tours of the Cabin, and dogs are welcome. We’re a dog-friendly park!” Getting involved in the efforts of Friends of Big Pocono is easy. The Fall Festival on Saturday, October 10th is open to everyone, and the Mountain Laurel Festival will be held in late Spring 2016. “People can make tax-deductible donations,” states Kruk, “but they can also just come to our board meetings. We love input. This isn’t our park, it belongs to the whole community.” The group meets every other month on the second Thursday of the month. Information about donating to the 501c3 organization, attending meetings, or upcoming events can be found on their website www.friendsofbigpocono.org and their Facebook Page “Friends of Big Pocono.”
Friends of Big Pocono Fall Festival Saturday, October 10th, 10am-3pm At Big Pocono State Park, Tannersville, PA (Top of Camelback Mountain) Phone: 570.894.8336
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Local Flair
11
Craft
Are They Real? One Professor’s Art Challenges Perception
I
n the next 24 hours, one to five plant and/or animals species will vanish into ecological history leaving only images for future generations to view. For Darlene Farris-Labar, an associate art professor at East Stroudsburg University, pictures are not enough and she is working to preserve plant species through joining of ecology, art, and technology to ensure that future generations can hold these geometric wonders in their hands. Darlene reasons that “there is so much beauty within the natural world. I am greatly fascinated by how nature has engineered its endless forms and colors. Each life form possess a specific role and function that is meant to keep the natural environment thriving.” 3D printing is her method of choice to generate awareness about the importance of each plant species to the ecosystem and preserve them for future generations. Darlene Farris-Labar spent half of summer of 2014 teaching herself about the software programs associated with 3D printing. Nowadays, Darlene uses several design programs to make her 3D art, because each program is stronger in certain areas and can help solve specific technical issues in the design process. She favors the program called 3D Rhino, because she “enjoys using design programs that allow the creative process to flow without having to deal with many technical glitches that can be defeating to both spontaneous creativity and valuable time.” After the design is created and refined, Darlene prints the image with a Stratasys Dimensions Elite 3D printer. A white form emerges from the printer. For the last year, Darlene painted each of her flowers by hand with acrylic paint. She has even used nail polish, because of large number of flower shades. That said, she recently started using Adobe Photoshop to add texture and color during the design process. She says, “when I illustrate the flowers in 3D, I become an explorer that leads me to experience the flowers with a greater perspective. The process of designing the flowers is incredibly enlightening for me. I venture into new worlds that further expand my knowledge and appreciation of the planet. I always feel a bit wiser at the completion of each work.” The result of her effort is an even more lifelike piece of art. Like the flowers they represent, Darlene’s 3D flowers are fairly fragile. The sharper bends and petal tips can be broken off when handled roughly. That has not stopped a select few of the 3D printed flowers from traveling around the world. In 2015, Darlene’s 3D printed flowers represented the world of 3D printing at a traveling, international exhibit called the 3D Print Show. Her work is frequently showcased in the Pocono area, too! For more information about upcoming shows, including one in conjunction with the Pocono Environmental Education center and a display at the Philadelphia Flower Show, visit Darlene’s website, darlenefarris.com
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Local Flair
By Amy Gouger
“There is so much beauty within the natural world. I am greatly fascinated by how nature has engineered its endless forms and colors.”
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13
Feature
Q&A
with Tom and Christine Wilkins
of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins and Associates
For over 27 years Wilkins Associates (turned Better Homes and Gardens Wilkins & Associates in 2008), has been serving the Pocono Mountains real estate market. They recently relocated from Park Avenue in Stroudsburg to a new corporate campus on Route 209 in Stroudsburg. We caught up with Tom and Christine Wilkins get a tour of their new space. LF: Wow… this is such a big and beautiful space. How did this come to fruition? Christine Wilkins (CW): One day I was driving by and I thought this place would be perfect for our plans. I urged Tom to stop in and take a look. Tom Wilkins (TW): The place had been a chiropractor, but sat empty for three years. When I stopped in the owner was here with a listing agent getting ready to put it on the market. I told him I wanted it and we figured the details out from there. LF: What made you decide it was time to leave your offices in downtown Stroudsburg? CW: There is no comparison to the old space! We were on top of each other over there. This space allows us to rent conference and meeting space as well as three-day suites to anyone who needs an office daily, weekly or monthly. With over 29,000 cars driving by a day, this new Business Campus provides so much more opportunity for us to grow. LF: Let’s talk about growth. How are you feeling about the current real estate market in the Pocono Mountains? TW: The market is good. Of course we still have some time before we are out of the current foreclosure mess- we may have one more round coming our way, but we are very optimistic. People are getting great deals on fantastic homes, vacation and second home sales are inching back up with more people are paying cash, which is a good sign. CW: The luxury market is also on the rise.
LF: What are your plans for Wilkins & Associates Better Homes and Gardens for the next year? TW: We are planning to add another dozen agents by years end, bringing us to 90+. What we are really focused on is our Distinctive Collection. This is Christine’s baby. CW: The distinctive Collection is luxury property listed at $250K and up. The homes in the collection are put through a strict verification process at corporate and once approved the homes will receive marketing opportunities above and beyond what we could offer on our own. Every property has a video made and several will be picked as listings in the Wall Street Journal. We recently had a property featured on The Robb Report. The high-end market is growing and people move to the Pocono Mountains to live the lifestyle and the Distinctive Collection is designed to help the discerning customer buy (or sell) their high-end home. We currently have 20-25 listings valued from $250,000 to $1.7 Million and they are all spectacular properties. Along with the Bushkill office on Route 209, the Mount Pocono office on Route 611 and our new Milford office at the Historic Water Wheel. All locations are open 7 days a week and together, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates has close to 80 full time REALTORS® ready to better serve you.
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Local Flair
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15
Artist
16
Local Flair
Vinzon Lee
Looking Back Through His Lens By Amy Gouger
At the tender age of 14, Vinzon Lee’s father gave him his first camera—a Brownie. Lee’s Father probably did not realize it would spark a 50-year love affair with looking through a camera lens. Lee’s fascination for photography grew even more after he sustained a compound fracture in a motorcycle accident. During the forced downtime, he created a dark room and started developing his pictures. The chance to turn his hobby into a career came several years later.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Lee moved to New York City after marrying his girlfriend, who had spent two years in the United States. In 1971, Lee decided to follow his passion for photography. He enrolled at New York Institute of Photography, where he spent two years learning his trade. Afterward, he worked in various photography labs in the big city. He favored Hasselback and Nikon film cameras until 1998 when he started using digital cameras. When asked, Lee says his favorite camera is Nikon. A cross-state drive sparked another big change.
thousands of pictures in both digital and film. He snapped hundreds of portraits and preserved the memories of hundreds of weddings. Galleries throughout the region have featured his work. He photographed celebrities and sport stars and has contributed photos to magazines. In 2013, Lee closed up shop and retired from his photography business. Looking back, Lee says all of his photo-shoots “were memorable.” He has not put down his camera yet. Today, he focuses on taking landscape photography, spending time with his family, traveling the world in pursuit of the perfect composition, and enjoying the best of the Pocono Mountains. On Lee’s website, he describes his current aim for each of his back composition as the desire to “remove extraneous color, exposing the clarity of underlying relationships. Complementary contrast of texture, space, rhythm and shapes play against each other, creating a delicate tension within these often serene landscapes.” When looking at his photographs, Lee invites the viewer “to pause, to see and experience a small moment of beauty.” Interested in Vinzon’s photos? Galleries throughout the Poconos have featured his work and images of his work are available on his website, where interested parties can order prints ranging from 11 x 14 to 20 x 24 in size.
Lee and his wife fell in love with the lush landscapes and picturesque scenery of the Pocono Mountains during a drive from Chicago to Brooklyn. They bought a piece of land and flirted with the Poconos for half a decade. In the early 80s, the flirtation became serious and the Lee family put down permanent roots in Pleasant Valley School District. In 1998,Lee opened a photography business in the Pocono Mountains and stopped commuting out of state for work. For nearly two decades, Lee owned and operated a photography business in the Pocono Mountains. The company specialized in fine art, fashion, commercial, weddings, and portrait photography. Lee has taken
To see more of Vinzon’s work, visit vinzonlee.com
Local Flair
17
Feature
see the farmers market
Through an Artist’s Eyes By Amy Gouger
Every Saturday from May until October, Monroe County Courthouse Square visitors are greeted by happy produce vendors, brightly colored fruits, raw milk and a blonde-haired woman standing in front of an easel. Jill Swersie, the blonde lady in front of the easel, is a painter with an interest in the en Plein Air style of painting. En Plein Air is roughly translated as “in the open air.” En Plein Air painters, like Jill, embrace painting outdoors, often standing or sitting in front of an easel and painting what they see in front of them. For Jill and her fellow market artists, the stands, produce and people are the subjects of their Saturday morning painting session. While for the average person, the repetition might seem boring. The challenges of painting the Monroe County Farmers Market En Plein Air keep Jill and her fellow painters coming back week after week. The market poses an interesting set of difficulties for painters. For example, the subjects at the market are more mobile than the scenic subjects of traditional En Plein Air painters. Even, the produce may be there one minute and on its way home for someone’s supper the next. When Jill sees something she wants to capture on her canvas, she has to quickly sketch or paint an outline of her subject before the person moves out of sight. Her depiction of the “Boy on the Bike” is an excellent example of this challenge. The boy stopped, surveyed the market and then started moving out of range. Jill captures the instant the bike is stationary in her composition and she had minutes to commit the pose to paper. After that, Jill painted from memory. Although that particular instance was extremely short, it demonstrates the difficulty artists face in en Plein air of the local market. Painting people is a challenge of its own. The freeness of her model’s body language is one of the things Jill loves about painting people and relishes capturing their body language. Body language also one of the most important aspects of a people painting. The subject’s body language tells the story to the viewer. Even the slightest shift of a shoulder can change the meaning of what the subject’s body is saying. Jill’s favorite example is her painting of the three ladies on the park bench. The trio are eating pastries and drinking coffee. The trio was talking animatedly. Hands were moving. Voices were carrying. Jill tried to capture all of their conversation, and she relished the challenge of making these ladies’ conversation appear on paper on paper. Jill’s work has been featured at galleries in Milford, New York City, Scranton, Skytop, and Aspen, Colorado. Interested in seeing or evening taking one of the farmers market paintings home? Jill’s and her fellow painters will display their paintings on September 26 and possibly a second date in October at the farmers market.
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Local Flair
Outdoor Season
Saturdays 8am-Noon thru October 31st Courthouse Square (7th & Monroe Streets)
AppleFest
The grand finale to our outdoor season! Saturday, October 31st, 8am-1pm Held in Courthouse Square. See website for info.
Winter Market
Eat fresh all winter long! Saturdays 10am-1pm, Nov. 7th-March 28th The Newberry Building/Soho in the Burg
www.monroefarmersmarket.com Local Flair
19
Feature
WORKING
from home
A taste of something different at Mountain Creek Grill
M
ountain Creek Grill owners Jacqui and Anthony Calicchio have called the Pocono Mountains home for 18 years, moving here from New Jersey and raising their family in Bartonsville. “I wanted my children to be able to ride their bikes and play on a large lawnthat’s how I envisioned family life,” explains Jacqui. Her and her husband’s dedication to family and love of the Pocono Mountains is the inspiration for their new business venture. “We wanted a restaurant for the whole family that also incorporates local vendors. It’s really important to us to give something beautiful and innovative to the community and partner with other local businesses.”
“We really wanted to bring something different and innovative to the Poconos.”
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Local Flair
Entering the large restaurant, the Calicchios’ commitment to the beautiful Pocono landscape is evident. Chic light fixtures partner with a rugged canoe, country elegance is embodied in paint selections, and rustic hardwood flooring is met with hand-crafted, custom seating. “Gosha from the European Needle paid a lot of attention to the details we wanted and she brought forth these incredible booths. Then we had a local contractor from Kunkletown refinish the tables to help tie everything together,” details Jacqui. “We really loved working with local vendors like Freidman Electric and Giant Flooring and are passionate about continuing to do so.” Art adorning the wall was crafted by local artist Ryan Ruck and a large metal tree sculpture is planned for the next installation of decor. But Jacqui knows it isn’t all about atmosphere. “We strive for perfection. We want a consistent product coming out of the kitchen, and if it’s not perfect, we want our customers to feel comfortable telling us,” she passionately articulates. “The food is phenomenal. We get much of our food from Pocono ProFoods. I love the grilled octopus
By Juliet Dunham
and if you’re going to order a flatbread, the bacon chicken ranch is to die for. Leo does a great job with our ribs and the steaks are getting great reviews. Everything is delicious. If you don’t see something you want on the menu, ask. Leo will make it happen.” Jacqui wants diners to be happy, crafting the menu to offer something for everyone. From comfort classics like meatloaf and mashed potatoes to refined dishes like the grilled swordfish, Mountain Creek Grill welcomes the whole family and their palates. “We’re a family here. I’m here all the time. This is home. Our daughter is here three to four days a week. Our son is here every day when he’s home. Our employees know that they are family, too. Everyone is friendly and ready to provide a dynamic experience to our diners. The local students that went back to college are anxious to return to work when they are on break,” Calicchio explains with modesty. “We really wanted to bring something different and innovative to the Poconos. We wanted to give a different spin than most restaurants,” Jacqui says. The beautiful venue, exemplary food, and dedication to a superior customer experience is what the new Mountain Creek Grill is all about. For Jacqui, “It’s a lot of work. But life is work. And if you love what you do, is it really work?” Experience the new Mountain Creek Grill seven days a week for lunch, dinner, or drinks. Dress up, dress down- whatever you’d like. This is the place to come, relax, and make yourself at home. Mountain Creek Grill is located on Route 611 in Bartonsville, PA. For more information, call 570.517.2400 or visit mountaincreekgrill.com.
steak’o’licious A family friendly restaurant with a full menu that will satisfy all tastes.
3492 Route 611, Bartonsville, PA
570-517-2400
For our full menu and hours visit:
mountaincreekgrill.com
Bring in this coupon to redeem at Mountain Creek Grill
10%off your entire check* *Excludes alcoholic beverages and kids meals. Can not be combined with any other coupons or offers. Expires 6/30/2016
Brewery, Eatery, Family Fun! OPEN DAILY AT 11:01 AM
TAKE OUT AVAI LABL E
Steaks, Seafood, Salads, Chicken, Pasta, Authentic Pub Fare and Brick Oven Pizzas Hand Crafted Beer Brewed On Site, Guest Beers, Two Full Bars, Wines, Mixed Drinks and Martinis Wiffleball Stadium, Horseshoes, Bocce and Firkin Curling (seasonal) Free Brewhouse Tours & Tastings Daily at 12:30 pm Kids Menu & Game Room 1774 Sullivan Trail Tannersville PA
570-629-9399 www.barleycreek.com
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A Modern
Feature
Enrico Bartolini’s start in the furniture industry is firmly rooted at home– an idea conceived with a friend took shape because of his family. Bartolini was 25 years old and working as a carpenter when a friend asked for help building a table for a client of his boss. Amazed by the selling price of the finished table, Bartolini was determined to get his own furniture business started. Without much experience, but a tremendous amount of determination, he cleaned out his parents’ two-car garage and set up a small wood shop and finishing room. After taking over the back side of the garage and his grandmother’s garden, he asked his mother, a skilled seamstress, to set up a table and cutting room in their small basement. She agreed and guided him through the process of making cushions for his furniture. A career was born. Bartolini went from a sole proprietor, churning out original designs in his parents’ home to employing over 30 people and establishing his own factory in less than two years. At one point he had over 140 employees, all building furniture for his company. Bartolini was credited with being one of the leader’s in the ‘Ready To Assemble’ furniture industry (think Ikea). After a decade of selling to the largest furniture retailers in the country, business began to dwindle as Taiwanese and South American companies infiltrated and eventually took over the industry. Enrico closed his enterprise, but recalls the experience of being a business owner fondly. Some of his best memories were made on his grandmother’s picnic table. “My salesmen would stop by and we would sit at the picnic table because the shop did not have an office. I would give them peaches and pears from the trees in the yard along with some fresh tomato sandwiches from the garden,” Bartolini reminisces.
After a quick Google search earlier last year, Bartolini noticed that one of his earlier chaise designs was sold by an antique dealer for thousands of dollars. He decided to get his work back into the public view. Bartolini’s pieces have evolved over the years, from the more mainstream, mass-produced furniture, to the present high-end, one-of-a-kind designs savvy customers appreciate for their quality and unique design. “I love working with unique woods and blending them with polished metals and dyed finishes,” Bartolini explains as he walks through the crowded warehouse, once a part of the Schooley Colliery, adjacent to the Knox Mine shaft in Luzerne County. “When I come up with a design, I always see the shape and then I build it from there,” he explains. “Over the years I have come to meet and build relationships with many manufacturers around the world and have used some of their parts in the recipe of my designs.” Ideas are overflowing in his workshop and the love of what he does is present in every detail. “There is a trend for Mid-Century pieces right now,” explains Bartolini. His style (or recipe) is bold yet simple and organic. Stainless steel is mixed with wood and leather and accented with sumptuous Mongolian Fur on a modern chair. A chaise made of the same fabric and wood promises to be the favorite spot to rest and stare out at a beautiful view. Structured, polished metal provides the base for a glass table. Bartolini’s pieces are one of a kind and every one is a piece of art. Still based in northeastern Pennsylvania, Enrico Bartolini continues to craft his pieces from home, for homes all over the world. To view the collection, go to enricobartolini.com which will launch on December 1st.
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Classic
“When I come up with a design, I always see the shape and then I build it from there.� Local Flair
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See the collection at: enricobartolini.com Website launching December 1st
TIME-HONORED
TRADITION
FROM A TRUSTED LOCAL BUILDER View our portfolio online at rwbuff.com or browse timberframe1.com for more information 50 Storm Street • Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 476-5437 Local Flair
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Feature
F
or as long as she could recall, Dorothy Vaccaro dreamed of cooking in a sunny yellow and cobalt French provincial-style kitchen. It was sheer happenstance that made her dream possible.
“I had been in and out of several kitchen centers only to walk out discouraged by remarks that the warm yellow cabinets I wanted so badly were unavailable to me,” said Vaccaro stirring a fragrant and hearty beef soup. “I was told yellow cabinets would be very, very expensive.” Months later, while her husband got his haircut in downtown Stroudsburg, Vaccaro wandered into the nearby Schnaitman’s Flooring America showroom. “I was immediately amazed by the tremendous selection,” Vaccaro said. “Spectacular tile. Beautiful color and texture as far as you could see. Then, there they were. My beautiful yellow cabinets! And John and June made it happen.” Long-time home improvement veterans and showroom owners, John and June Schnaitman managed Vaccaro’s complete kitchen remodel starting with Decora Maple cabinetry in a Beeswax color with full overlay doors. Tall 36” wall cabinets with generous 13” depth accommodate larger serving plates and feature full crown molding at the ceiling. Cabinet doors enhanced with frosted reed glass in the lighted over-the-sink cabinet include Beeswax interiors, beautifully showcasing collected serving pieces. Warm metal hardware adds casual elegance. Low voltage, under-cabinet lighting on a dimmer provides a soft glow and well-lighted work space. Since no room decorated in the French Country style would be complete without an armoire to store pots and pans, linens, or tableware, installer Chris Schnaitman crafted a new butler’s pantry. Finished in the Beeswax color and accented with reed glass doors, the butler pantry includes a matching countertop and lighted interior creating a real stunning gathering and serving space. The rustic floor and backsplash is imported Italian porcelain tile in a soft shade of blue. The hand-painted mural over the sink is bordered by a darker porcelain blue frame molding. Hand-painted decos over the range are bordered by blue rope molding and additional decos are installed at random throughout the space. The warm tile floor was installed with Ditra electric radiant heat by Schluter. It operates on a 7-day programmable thermostat for maximum convenience and energy efficiency. “It was a sheer delight working with June and John,” stated Vaccaro. “Our complete kitchen remodel started on June 30th and by mid-August, my dream had come to life. Where others said no, the Schnaitmans made our entire experience pleasant and very rewarding. We could not be happier.” To learn more, visit schnaitmansflooringamerica.com.
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AT SCHNAITMAN’S FLOORING AMERICA
Get Inspired!
Attend a free Kitchen & Bath Project Planning seminar on Saturday October 10th from 10am-6pm at the store- 825 Main Street in Downtown Stroudsburg
Photos by Bob Weidner, Designed 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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With one number you can now conveniently access our entire physician network:
1-866-PMC-DOCS TOBYHANNA Mountain Healthcare Center • PMC Immediate Care • Family Care • Internal Medicine • OB/GYN
• Digital Mammography • Occupational Medicine • Medical Lab • Rotating Specialists
BARTONSVILLE Bartonsville Plaza
Blakeslee
• Primary Care coming soon
DINGMANS FERRY PMC Physician Associates
• Primary Care coming soon
• OB/GYN • Hematology/Medical Oncology • General Surgery coming soon
EAST STROUDSBURG 447 Office Plaza
Cresco/ Mountainhome
• PMC Immediate Care • Occupational Medicine • Lab and X-ray BLAKESLEE PMC Physician Associates
CRESCO/MOUNTAINHOME PMC Physician Associates
Tobyhanna
• Pediatrics • Internal Medicine • Maternal-Fetal Medicine • Cardiology • Plastic Surgery • Pulmonology/Critical Care • Medical Lab • ENT coming soon
MONROE COUNTY
BARTONSVILLE PMC Bartonsville Healthcare Center - Bartonsville Square
• Hematology/Medical Oncology • Behavioral Health • Occupational Medicine • Lab and X-ray
• Primary Care
Schedule an appointment today Call Center now open 7am-7pm M-F and 8am-12pm Sat
call: 1-866-PMC-DOCS (1-866-762-3627) email: pmcdocs@poconomedicalcenter.org online: PoconoMedicalCenter.org/pmcdocs
• Gynecology
• Primary Care
Stroudsburg • Primary Care • Women’s Breast Health Portland Brodheadsville Center • OB/GYN STROUDSBURG • Urogynecology PMC Physician Associates • Advanced Wound Care Stroud West Center • Family Care • Vascular Surgery and Lab • Pediatrics • Endocrinology • Pulmonology • Behavioral Health BRODHEADSVILLE PORTLAND • Imaging Center West End Healthcare Center PMC Physician Associates • Primary Care • OB/GYN • PMC Immediate Care • Pediatrics • Cardiology • General Surgery
EAST STROUDSBURG Women’s Health Center
EAST STROUDSBURG West Main Street
East Stroudsburg
Bartonsville
Dingmans Ferry
EAST STROUDSBURG Pocono Medical Center • ESSA Heart & Vascular Institute • Hughes Cancer Center • Level III Trauma Center • Level III NICU • NEPA Hip & Joint Replacement • General Surgery • Bariatric Surgery • Neurosciences Program coming soon • Cardiology • OB/GYN • Infectious Diseases • Pediatrics • PMC Immediate Care • Pulmonology/Critical Care • Digital Mammography • Diagnostic Imaging • Medical Lab • Rotating Specialists
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Listing
T
hree generations of the Clarke family have grown up in this historic 1949 stone home situated on over one acre fronting Skytop Lake. Upon entering this nearly 6,000 square foot home through the inviting courtyard into the grand living room, one can’t help but be captivated by the stunning lake views. Recalling summers spent exploring the lake, the Lodge and all the amenities Skytop has to offer, homeowner Mary Clarke Zigo reminisces, “We made so many great family memories here. We would spend the entire summer, and Dad would travel from Washington D.C. to be here on weekends. The kids would leave the house in the morning and not come back until after five for dinner! Skytop is such a wonderful and social place. We had the best old-fashioned family fun here.” David Clarke, another of the six siblings, spoke of large family clam bakes, and gathering on the lawn and dock to watch the fireworks across the lake at Skytop Lodge. The Clarke children inherited this home after the passing of their mother earlier this year. Now, with their own growing families and busy lives, the home is not as accessible as it once was to the family. “This house has a great layout because it is set mainly on one floor,” Zigo explained as we explored the large open family room with stone fireplace that her mother once used as a studio. The home also features an original mid-century kitchen with butler’s pantry, a sunny dining room and breakfast nook, all with gorgeous natural light. Each of the main rooms of this home has spectacular lake views. In addition, the house has six very spacious bedrooms and five and a half baths. The western exposure allows for dramatic sunsets views from the flagstone patio, screened porch and dock. Directly across the lake from the house is Skytop Mountain, the boathouse, and historic Skytop Lodge up on a hill in the distance. Skytop lakefront homes are in great demand. Two have sold in the past year, both within weeks of coming on the market. These special lakefront homes don’t become available very often, making them all the more desirable. Prior to this year, it had been eight years since the last one was offered. To view the full listing details of this home go to PoconosLuxuryRE.com or phone Caroline Salvino, Associate Broker, Classic Properties, at 570.977.1777 to set up a private showing appointment.
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luxury
For real estate go straight to the
authority.
Caroline Salvino was born and raised in Northeast Pennsylvania. She knows the landscape, the communities, and she understands what people look for in a lifestyle home. As a multi-million dollar producer, 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
Little Italy in the Poconos Now taking your holiday orders! Cookie Trays • Pies • Pastries • Deli Platters Hot Trays • Custom Gift Baskets!
• Full Restaurant Menu • BYOB • Catering Available • Italian Grocery Specialties
570-424-9500
• Bakery & Delicatessen
All baking done on premises. Open Tues-Sun.
• Serving Lunch & Dinner
Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday.
PipoloEatery.com
1523 N. 9th Street Route 611 • Across from Home Depot Local Flair
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Feature
bringing the By Juliet Dunham
“We always knew we wanted the rustic look for our new house. We knew EZ Mountain existed; one day on our way up to Lake Naomi we stopped and that was it,” Joel Grossman explains. He and his wife B.J. completed their lakefront home in July 2014, furnishing much of it from EZ Mountain Rustic Furniture in Tannersville. “Much?! Try like all of it!” he laughs. Just up the road, also on picturesque Lake Naomi, Lisa and Anthony Coniglione added themed elements to their new home, too. “It’s always what I wanted. We lived in Colorado for two and a half years and I just loved that rustic feeling on the lake,” explains Lisa. Their Miller Drive home is “Camp Conig,” a mountain lake retreat from their full-time home in Cranberry, New Jersey. Grossmans recently downsized their primary residence in New Jersey to an apartment in NYC. Both couples’ Lake Naomi homes are sanctuaries for them, their children, and in Joel and B.J.’s case, grandchildren, too. Coincidentally, each abode was built by the same company- Oak Ridge Construction in Pocono Pines. Throughout each home, the natural design of log furniture is accented by hearty fabrics with lodge motif. Entry benches and tables welcome guests while front porch rocking chairs beg for a lazy afternoon, enjoying idyllic natural surroundings. Bedroom sets exude mountain charm, but different types of wood and different color finishes allow for a personal look in each space. “We’re not match-y match-y people. We really liked that you can do the same theme in all the rooms but they all look different. Tim has enough of a selection with different kinds of wood- red cedar, aspen, oak. It’s great,” explains Joel. “It was just so easy. I even ordered the mattresses from Tim and they’re so comfortable. It was one-stop shopping. Everything just arrived and was perfect,” Lisa details. Lisa, Tony, Joel, and B.J. all agree- the EZ Mountain experience was ideal. Everything was high quality with a fair price point, and Tim and his family customized pieces to suit each homeowner’s taste. A table now residing in her foyer is one such piece- Tim modified the tabletop for Lisa, making it the perfect accent for her design aesthetic. For Joel, “We like dealing with local, small owned places. It’s like dealing with your family. He’s there, his son is there. You meet his wife. It’s great. They even let us try out a couple of pieces we weren’t sure about... they sent them up and we fell in love with them.”
“There’s a serenity and calmness you find on the lake. We just love it.”
The Conigliones and Grossmans struggle to cite their favorite piece of furniture- they love everything! The dining room table at “Camp Conig” is breathtaking, and B.J. Grossman is quick to adulate the saddle barstools in her kitchen. Creating their bucolic dwellings was truly “ez” at the Tannersville shop. Each item only enhanced what they love most about their Lake Naomi retreats. Lisa’s sentiments were echoed by everyone: “There’s a serenity and calmness you find on the lake. We just love it.” Visit EZ Mountain Rustic Furniture near the intersection of Routes 611 and 715 in Tannersville, PA. For more information, call 570.629.0166 or visit ezlogbeds.com
7,000 sq. ft. Custom-Built Log Home Overlooking The Appalachian Mountains.
331’ Of Shoreline, Lynx Outdoor Kitchen & Boat Dock Come with this Outstanding Contemporary Home.
Brick Quinn ASSOCIATE BROKER
Cell: 570-350-6052 • Office: 570-402-8524 Fax: 866-903-2103 • brickq@ptd.net www.brickquinn.remaxagent.com
Your lifestyle home awaits. Call now!
Lakefront Craftsman Style Home with 6 Cottages on Lake Wallenpaupack.
Traditional River Front Home with Guest House and Stunning Views.
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Looking for an Exceptional experience? Look no further! Buck Hill Falls 27-hole Donald Ross designed golf course is an excellent way to spend your day. And the Fairway Grille is open for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whether you’re starting or ending your round we invite you to enjoy your favorite beverage from our fully stocked bar or enjoy one of our signature dishes handcrafted by our Executive Chef. Call 570-595-7730 to Reserve your Tee Time Call 570-595-3535 to make your Dining Reservation www.buckhillfalls.com
Plan your with us.
M
ountaintop Lodge has ten rooms and suites in the main lodge and four cabin suites. Purchase a package or just a couple nights! Your stay includes: •A full cooked to order breakfast each morning •Assistance with planning any activities or meals in the area • Membership to the Lake Naomi Club to use the Platinum Club Amenities, which vary by season, include a 277 acre lake, beaches, indoor pool, outdoor pools, fitness center, tennis center, golf course and more!
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2137 Route 940 • Pocono Pines, PA 570.646.6636 • MountaintopLodge.com
855-LNLODGE
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Feature
Photos by Bill Cardoni
N
ear the river, nestled deep in the woods, just a short distance from the Delaware National Forest, sits a rustic timber frame home. Sounds like the beginning of a fairytale, right? For Mark Biedlingmaier, his new home is just that- it is his dream come true. The home, located in Dingman’s Ferry, is quite a ways from his full time residence in Washington D.C., where he works in the State Department. Sitting on his deck, gazing at the forest, it is easy to understand why Mark is so happy in this space. Here, the chaos of D.C. feels light years away and the only background noise is the soothing sound of chirping birds. Having served closely with military counterparts in both Iraq and Afghanistan, he was particularly sensitized to war zone casualties, suicides, and traumatic injuries which in some instances will require long-term rehabilitation. For this reason, Biedlingmaier explains, “I intend to use this as a healing space someday to help soldiers suffering from PTSD.” Creating this sanctuary has been a three year process. Biedlingmaier, who grew up visiting the Poconos with his family, was downsizing his D.C. home and exploring real estate in NEPA. He bought the Dingmans Ferry parcel at auction, 70 acres of land upon which two old homes stood. Choosing a builder was easy; R.W. Buff of Stroudsburg was repeatedly recommended as a professional builder of the highest quality. The initial project was to completely renovate the
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older structure: a once dilapidated homestead is now a beautiful stone farmhouse, serving as a guest cottage. The next task was major- The Manor House. After removing a 25 year old modular home and preparing the site, the R.W. Buff team began building Mark’s dream. From the start, Biedlingmaier knew what he wanteda large, welcoming, and open home constructed to last generations. The R.W. Buff team suggested timber framing, an ancient method of building using large wood timbers with traditional joinery methods. “Timber frame fits perfectly into the landscape,” Mark explains. Joe Holbert of R.W. Buff agrees: “The concept we were given by Mr. B. for the house was begging to include at least some timber frame. So we did a hybrid frame, including both structural timbers and traditional stick framing. We had met an impressive timber framing company a few years back at a trade show. When this project came along, I gave them a call. This project was a great opportunity for us to start a relationship with Woodhouse, a passionate and well run Pennsylvania company.” Throughout the construction process, Biedlingmaier knew he made the right choice in R.W. Buff. “Joe [Holbert, Project Manager] and designer Mike Weida carefully translated my vision into this product of perfection, class, and distinction. To them, I was more a co-
worker than a customer, and to me, they became my friends as well as my contractors.” The most astounding elements of this project lie in the details and finishes, handcrafted by R.W. Buff ’s workers and trade partners. From the fireplace constructed of stone picked on the home site and a mantle crafted from unused beams, to the old soap stone laundry sink reclaimed from the property and used for the bar, their passion to create timeless details is obvious. Biedlingmaier has successfully blended the rugged timber frame style with his own eclectic design taste. His diverse collection of art and antiques from around the world creates pockets of defined spaces throughout the house: “Africa,” “Asia,” and “Church and State” are just a few themed rooms that envelop guests in Biedlingmaier’s world travels. From start to finish, Mark Biedlingmaier’s home was crafted locally. R.W. Buff, of course, but the list continues: interior designer Dayne Altemose of Bangor ensures every painting, furnishing and treasure is in its perfect spot. The Artisans of the Anvil, of Stroudsburg created the sculptured railing leading down to the Church and State Room. Biedlingmaier is proud of the project and amazed by the level of care and talent each person put into his new home. As he looks out into the peace of his new world, he marvels, “They created my dream.”
For more information about RW Buff, call 570.476.5437. To see their portfolio of work, visit rwbuff.com.
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Out & About
Mady’s Snow Day 2015
Photos Courtesy of: Madcat Freelance Photography
More than 900 people enjoyed a “Snow Day” on August 16, 2015 at Barley Creek Brewing Company. Music, food, beer, a climbing wall, whiffle ball and more entertained all who attended. The evening was capped off with real SNOW flying around the pavilion at the Pint Sized Park and fireworks. Mady’s Angels, the non-profit organization operated in honor and remembrance of Madyson Law, raises funds for a slew of causes in our area, also providing three scholarships annually to East Stroudsburg High School North art students. This year’s Snow Day raised over $25,000. For more information about Mady’s Angels and its beneficiaries, visit www.madysangels.org
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St. Luke’s Orthopaedic Specialists welcome
Now in Your Neighborhood! St. Luke’s Pocono MRI Imaging and Diagnostic Center 3 Parkinsons Road East Stroudsburg 570-645-1835
Stacey Gallacher, MD
Fellowship-Trained in Shoulder, Elbow and Trauma Surgery The newest addition to our team, Dr. Gallacher completed her orthopaedic surgery residency at Brown University, fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery at Yale University and a trauma fellowship at Brown University. Comprehensive care for bone and joint problems, including: general adult, pediatric and geriatric orthopaedics; shoulder and elbow conditions; sports injuries; and fracture care. New patients are welcome. Call 570-645-1835 or visit www.sluhn.org/orthospecialists to schedule an appointment.
St. Luke’s Orthopaedic Specialists is a member of St. Luke’s Physician Group and affiliated with St. Luke’s University Health Network.
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Feature
INSURING THE POCONOS’ FUTURE Rick Newman is the founder of The Newman Agency. His Farmers Insurance agency has just celebrated their first anniversary, so I wanted to check in with Rick to learn about what motivated him to bring the Farmers brand to Stroudsburg. So Rick… what brought you to the Pocono Mountains? “Well, I grew up in South Jersey and began visiting The Pocono Mountains to ski Camelback in 1970. In 1974 I became a ski instructor and over many years on the mountain I developed friendships with a number long time residents of Monroe County. Since I play a fair amount of golf, fly fish, hike, camp, canoe and hunt, I found myself in the Poconos quite a bit over the years. In December of 1999, just prior to retiring from the title insurance industry, I purchased 4.5 acres with a cottage on the Brodhead Creek in Canadensis. I moved in, and spent the next three years expanding its footprint. I did not initially plan to live in the Poconos year round, but the more time I spent here, the more I felt content and at peace in my quiet little valley in Barrett Township. I traveled quite a bit during that time, and found our proximity to airports and metro areas worked well for me, plus my family and many of my oldest friends were within a two hour drive.” Tell me about your professional life prior to forming The Newman Agency. “I lived in Princeton, New Jersey and Bucks County, Pennsylvania for most of my 25-year career in the insurance industry and commercial lending. In 2004 following a buy out and short retirement, I formed Commercial Capital Network (www.innfinancing.com), which provides financing services to the hospitality industry in 48 states. I am still active in commercial lending, but I was looking to invest in a second business, one that was not connected to the real estate industry for a change.” Opening a new business is such a challenge, why did you take the risk and why Monroe County? “In late 2013 I discovered that Farmers Insurance was expanding their agency network in North Eastern Pennsylvania and that the Pocono Mountain Region was an open territory. While compiling information for my analysis of the market, I observed something interesting about the census data for Monroe County. When compared to its neighboring counties Lehigh and Northampton, Monroe was almost identical. I was honestly expecting greater disparity, but was pleased to find such similarities.” The following was taken from the US Census Bureau: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/42/42089.html
Lehigh
Northampton
Monroe
High School Graduation Rate 2009-2013 Bachelor’s Degree of Higher 2009-2013 Home Ownership Rate 2008-2012 Median Value Owner Occupied Dwellings 2009-2013 Per Capita Income 2009-2013 Median Household Income 2009-2013
86.8% 28.1% 67.5% $164,700 $27,923 $54,923
88.7% 26.6% 73.1% $212,100 $29,266 $60,097
89.6% 23.8% 80.0% $191,800 $25,494 $57,408
Census data does not include data for the owners of vacation homes.
This comparison is interesting, but something kept nagging at me about the data. I could not put my finger on it until it struck me… census data does not include personal information for the owners of vacation homes. As you know, the Census Bureau collects data from full time residents only. Monroe County has a very large number of second/vacation homes when compared to both Northampton and Lehigh, so the educational, per capita and median income data for Monroe County is misleading. These part time residents contribute to the vitality of our economy as they pay taxes, shop, buy groceries, go out for dinner, take in local points of interest, attend church and they buy insurance. The financial impact this segment of our population has on our economy must be considerable, but it was not being measured. In short I discovered the market was much larger than I initially thought, so I decided it prudent to move forward with the Farmers opportunity . How do you feel about your future of Monroe County? “The short answer is… I believe in Monroe County! I am convinced there is much more going on than people may realize. In the end this research re-enforced my belief that Monroe County is a wonderful place to live, raise a family and a welcoming environment to start a new business.” I have been fortunate right from the beginning. I secured our wonderful location at 8th and Main Streets in Stroudsburg, a beautiful turn of the century building with a private parking lot. I was further blessed to recruit two highly experienced and qualified associates to staff our offices. Not to brag, but I am please to say we achieved our 12-month performance objective by the end of our 7th month, and our 18-month goal at the end of out 1st year, so I am feeling pretty optimistic about our future.” Tell us what you have planned for the upcoming year. I am planning several initiatives to promote the Farmers brand more broadly throughout Monroe County. We have wonderful offices and great location with a private parking lot, (a rare asset in Stroudsburg) to accommodate customers. We encourage visitors and enjoy meeting our clients. Internet shopping for must have insurance products may work for some people, we however seem to attract clients who prefer the personal service only a local member of their community can provide. It is my firm belief that “people by people, before they buy goods or services”, so we will continue to build on our relationships in the communities we serve. For more information about Farmers Insurance and your local agent Rick Newman, stop by the office at 800 Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA, visit thenewmanagency.com, or call 570.503.7100.
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THE NEWMAN AGENCY 570-503-7100
800 Main Street • Stroudsburg, PA • Reserved Client Parking
Read our reviews at www.TheNewmanAgency.com
Out & About
Sanofi’s Annual Community Fundraiser
Photos by VIP Studios | vipstudiosinc.com
The 12th Annual Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser, held July 30, 2015, awarded more than $200,000 to a record number of Monroe County non-profit organizations. Recipients this year were Family Promise of Monroe County, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Pocono Alliance, Pocono Mountain Public Library, The Salvation Army, and Women’s Resources of Monroe County. Since its inception in 2004, the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser has grown to be the largest single fundraiser event in Monroe County, giving back more than $1.85 million to the community.
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Out & About
The 2015 Buck Hill Skytop Music Festival
The sixth season of the Buck Hill/Skytop Music Festival enjoyed record attendance at its Broadway, jazz, chamber music, cabaret and pop concerts during this past summer. The 10 day performing arts extravaganza featured performers from all over the world as well as locally based talent. The festival’s Young Scholars and Student Chorus programs gave 50 Monroe County students the opportunity to train with professional artists and share the stage with Broadway performers. The festival’s new Student Apprentice program provided 10 students with the opportunity to work with the festival’s creative team on producing the original musical, “The Lost Girl,” which was selected from more than 60 submissions to the festival’s First Annual Developmental Theater Lab. Visit poconofest.org for more information on the Buck Hill Skytop Music Festival.
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Local Flair
Merry
The Difference is
eat, drink and be
Now is the time to book your holiday
parties in Stroudsburg’s most stylish dining destination! We offer small and large party rooms. Call and find out how we can help you plan the perfect event this year.
Join us for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily Specials Available! 3150 Route 715 in Henryville, PA (570) 620-1880 • Open 7 Days a Week • BYOB Open Tues.-Sun. 7am-8pm • Mon. 7am-2pm Closed Mondays beginning November 2nd
James Diamond Creator of Fine Jewelry
FALL into CASH We buy all forms of precious metal in any condition!
622 Main Street Stroudsburg newberrysyardofale.com
570.517.0130
Diamond Engagement Rings • Wedding Bands Birthstones • Bracelets • Dealers Welcome We sell in-stock jewelry wholesale! 1418 Pocono Blvd. in the of Mt. Pocono, PA 570-839-8384 | jamesdiamondjewelry.com Home of The Goldfather!
Local Flair
45
Out & About
Monroe Farmers Market’s Farm-to-Fork Harvest Dinner
Shawnee Inn recently hosted Monroe Farmers Market’s annual Farm-to-Fork Harvest Dinner on Sunday, September 13th. The event kicked off at ShawneeCraft Brewery, featured farm-fresh food prepared by an all-star team of chefs, golf cart tours of the island farm, and live music by The Water Street Band. For more info about Monroe Farmers Market, visit monroefarmersmarket.com
46
Local Flair
Find your
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.
zen ...
A bed and breakfast sanctuary where mind, body and spirit flourish in a relaxing woodland setting. 570.476.0203 | SantoshaOnTheRidge.com 121 Santosha Lane | East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
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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.
CRC588407 (12/12) CS 7338896 FAS012B 04/13
Local Flair
47
Out & About
Women’s Resources Butterfly Release for Peace 2015
Women’s Resources uses a release of monarch butterflies every year to raise awareness about the strength of survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Butterflies, though fragile looking, possess an inner strength to break free of their confining cocoon to start new lives. This is a good metaphor for the ordeal that survivors endure, breaking free of their dark world of abuse, seeking support at Women’s Resources, learning they have the wings to fly free and live their own lives away from violence and fear. Joined by friends, supporters, community members and survivors, hundreds of monarch butterflies are released at once symbolizing not only strength but the unity we have together to end the violence. This year’s event was held on September 9 at Weiler Corporation in Cresco.
Pocono Garlic Festival at Shawnee Mountain
On Sunday, September 6th, Chef Chris Mullins of The Blakeslee Inn, Chef Jim Cuscani and the Chef of Quench Juice and Smoothie Bar battled it out at the Annual Chopped Competiotin at The Pocono Garlic Festival. Ultimately, Chef Mullins won the top prize, but not without a great fight!
48
Local Flair
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Christmas & Primitive Folk Art Decor Gifts • Soy Candles Seasonal Items Christmas Tree Farm Woodsy... Eclectic... Nature Oriented
570-842-1266 | www.briarpatchthornhurst.com 278 Pine Grove Rd | Thornhurst, PA 18424 Local Flair
49
Flair Finds
A Touch of Americana
Earth tones and a patriotic theme make this art piece a great addition to any space in your home. Available at Theo B Price Store in Cresco, PA. 570.595.2501
Trick or Treat
This folk art-style jack-olantern is ready to greet your guests. Available at Theo B Price Store in Cresco, PA. 570.595.2501
Home and Hearth
Bring the natural elements of the Pocono Mountains into your home with this artisan-made natural stone lamp. Available at Red Run Gallery, Route 940, Pocono Pines, 570.643.9075
A Family of Birds
These quirky little birds add a pop of color wherever they pirch. Available at Theo B Price Store in Cresco, PA. 570.595.2501
Sip in Style
Each Karma “Elements� mug features a folkloric design and inspirational message. Available in several designs at Liztech Gallery on Crystal Street in East Stroudsburg., liztech.com, 570.424.3177
For Lovers of Nature
Crafted wooden handmade servingware adds an artisanal quality to your tabletop this holiday season! Available at Red Run Gallery, Route 940, Pocono Pines, 570.643.9075
Fun & Functional
Add a little kitsch to your kitchen with Lily & Val chalkboard tea towels! Available in several designs at Liztech Gallery on Crystal Street in East Stroudsburg. liztech.com 570.424.3177
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Local Flair
eat, shop, celebrate
local.
Whether you need decadent, flavorful cupcakes, or a handmade gift for yourself or a loved one, you’ll find it at the Kitchen Chemistry or Pocono Soaps family of shoppes in Downtown Stroudsburg!
10 N. 7th St. • Stroudsburg 570-421-1791 pocono-soap.com
733 Main St. • Stroudsburg 570-730-4944 kitchen-chemistry.com
Professional Home Treatments Home Decor • New/Estate Furniture Interior Design • Boutique • Accessories 1124 Route 390 • Mountainhome, PA Hours: Mon. 10-4, Closed Tues. & Sun. Wed.-Sat. 10-4
570.982.3897
THE POCONOS’ PREMIER
DINING EXPERIENCES The
Frogtown Inn 6 Acres
Restaurant p: 570.595.6282 f: 570.595.9599
www.FrogtownRestaurants.com
p: 570.895.4460 f: 570.243.8199
Local Flair
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The Poconos’ Premier Personal Training Studio 2564 Route 940 Pocono Summit, PA 18346
(570) 243-8880
DTFitnessGroup.com Specializing in youth fitness with our family friendly fitness studio and knowledgeable, friendly trainers and staff. Come see what the buzz is about! Call to book your session.
52
Local Flair
During the month of December, we’ll be giving away cool local gifts of all kinds, from dining gift certificates, to jewelry, there’s something for everyone, and the only way to win is to like our Facebook page and participate. Look for new giveaways each day, starting December 1st.
www.facebook.com/localflair Local Flair
53
Listing
T
he Pocono lifestyle is defined in this custom crafted South Canann home, located just miles from Lake Wallenpaupack in the Western Wayne School District. The 85-acre retreat, is surrounded by mature hardwoods, orchards, and miles of trails for horseback and ATV riding. The estate is a hunter’s paradise! The 7,500 square foot five bedroom, six bath home is the perfect retreat for any family. From the 12’ stone and brick fireplace with grinding wheel mantle, holds 5’ logs to the brick exterior reclaimed from the original Pierce-Arrow Car Manufacturing Plant or the first cobblestone pavers reclaimed from streets in NEPA which grace the basement walls- no detail has been overlooked. Now that the owner’s children have all left, Matt and Kimberly are ready to downsize. “It has been so great raising our childern in the area,” Kimberly says, “the kids loved every second of adventure they found on this property.” Matt is an avid hunter and he doesn’t have to leave the property to find his share of great game, “the land is amazing. The exceptional hunting and landscape is what I will miss most, but I built this home with every detail in mind and it is such a special place.” This propety is exclusively listed by Bob Kelly of Kelly Realty Group, Keller Williams Real Estate, located at 637 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360. For more information, call 570.242.4400. For additional photos, and take a vitual tour, visit poconoshomesales.com.
54
Local Flair
Dine in casual style.
The fresh flavors of Fall found here! Eagle Valley Corner • East Stroudsburg, PA 570-421-4460 • peppesbistro.com Live Entertainment Every Friday Early Bird & Happy Hour Specials Daily 4-6pm
always there’s
a party at...
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
55
Repricing, Not Retrenching by Thomas Byrne Director of Fixed Income Wealth Strategies & Management LLC Stroudsburg, PA Office: 570-424-1555 thomas.byrne@wsandm.com www.wsandm.com
W
hat happened to the stock market? From the perspective of this fixed income strategist; nothing unusual. Fixed income strategists tend to view things from a more fundamentals-based perspective than typical momentumoriented equity traders. Thus, the equity market performance was not surprising. In my opinion, what we are experiencing is a repricing to reality versus prior (lofty) expectations. Equity markets appeared as if they were priced for the following scenario: • Fed accommodation would encourage mortgage lending and credit-fuel spending by consumers. • China would reverse its decline and its demand for commodities and equipment would increase. • The global demand for commodities (specifically oil) would outstrip supply. • Stimulus from the European Central Bank and Bank of Japan would put their respective economies on a U.S.-like recovery trajectory. What has really happened (at least thus far): • U.S. GDP has been stuck in the 2.0% to 2.5% range, in spite of record stimulus. • Due to both lower consumer credit demand and tighter lending regulations, debt-fueled spending has been lower than expected. • Globalization and technology has changed the job/wage landscape. • Monetary policy accommodation in Europe and Japan has been unable to overcome structural economic deficiencies. • China’s economy continues to slide, reducing commodities demand, while oil production is at an all-time high. I believe all that is happening is that markets are resetting to an economic environment in which many foreign economies face challenging conditions, but where the U.S. economy exhibits much resiliency. Thus, I favor higher-quality domestic asset classes in both equities and fixed income. Now is not the time to panic, in my opinion, but it is time to reassess your tolerance for risk. My motto is: Know what you own and own what you know.
Investing in securities is subject to risk and may involve loss of principal. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Private Advisor Group, a registered investment advisor. Private Advisor Group and WS&M LLC Bond Squad are separate entities from LPL Financial.
56
Local Flair
Let Wealth Strategies & Management LLC SOLVE the Financial Puzzle for You
Wealth Strategies & Management LLC (WS&M) offers a unique approach to financial services, providing the depth of resources most associated with a large firm and combining it with the personalized customer service expected of a boutique advisory firm. Backed by over 100 years of combined experience, WS&M services a broad range of clientele including business owners, pre-retirees and retirees. WS&M prides itself on its superior attention to client relationships and access to a broad selection of financial strategies. Utilizing a proprietary financial analysis process, WS&M evaluates all aspects of each client’s financial health in order to create a road map to pursue shortterm financial goals and long-term financial security. The end result is that WS&M clients are educated and informed about where their finances stand, how their money is working for them, and how they will work towards their future financial aspirations.
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Phone 570-424-1555 | www.WSandM.com 907 Main Street, Suite 102 | Stroudsburg, PA 18360 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.
Parting Shot
PHOTO BY ANTONIO PLAZA antonioplazaphoto.com
"Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty." -Albert Einstein
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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
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.