February / March 2016 by Pocono Magazines

February/March 2016

The Pocono Mountains' Magazine

THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF

Veronicaďż˝Murray

Complimentary

Pocono Magazines, LLC

On the cover…

publishing Pocono Living Magazine© & Pocono Family Magazine© 1929 North Fifth Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-424-1000, pmags@ptd.net PUBLISHER/EDITOR Larry R. Sebring WEB DESIGN/DIGITAL ISSUES Graphicus Design, LLC FOOD & WINE EDITOR Linda Zak INTERN Avize Batalova

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Amanda Belanger Devesh Ramdeo CONSULTANTS Dr. Jonathan A. Goldner, DO, FCCP, FCCM Suzanne F. McCool, M.C. Commissioner PHOTOGRAPHY & ART Veronica Murray Andrei Protsouk David Sandt Lisa Newberry James Chesnick James Smeltz Marlana Holsten Matt Siptroth William McKee Barbara Lewis Linda Zak Nancy Tully Eric Goins Vinzon Lee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Roseanne Bottone Dr. Jonathan Goldner Kathy Dubin-Uhler Amy Leiser Suzanne McCool ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE Linda Zak/484-264-7915 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Mandy Cunard

Proud Members of

Veronica Murray, photographer for the magazines, captured the essence of winter in the Poconos with the setting sun last winter.

JACOB STROUD CORPORATION

atershed A W

ciation sso

Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau

Brodhead

this photo of a leafless tree shadowed by

The information published in this magazine is believed to be accurate, but in some instances, may represent opinion or judgment. The publication’s providers do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of amy of the information and shall not be held liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, by or from the information. © 2015 Pocono Magazines. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the expressed written permission of the publisher.

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February/March 2016

What’s Inside 4 How Much Do You Know About Maple Sugaring?

courtesy of Monroe County Conservation District

10 Fun Activities for Kids and Pets

suggested by ASPCA

14 Ice Becomes An Industry in Poconos

by Amy Leiser

18 Eagle Watch Trips 20 The Photography of Veronica Murray 28 The Freezing Frogs of NE Pa 34 A Winter Frolic for the Family

by Kim Blakely

40 The Poconos Outdoors

PHOTO: VERONICA MURRAY

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 POCONO LIVING MAGAZINE© 3

PHOTO: JOE ZLOMEK

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How Much Do You Know About Maple Sugaring?

Sinzibuckwood…mokuks… maple moon…sugarbush… jack wax… If you are familiar with any of these terms then you know a thing or two about maple sugaring!

he process of collecting the sap from maple trees and turning it into pure maple syrup started long ago, more than 500 years! The Native Americans were the people to discover that the slightly sweet but watery sap could be cooked and turned into a sweet delicious treat. The time of year, usually in March, was referred to as the season of the “maple moon” when the tribes gathered in the sugarbush, a place where there were many maple trees. Maple sugar or sinzibuckwud (an Algonquin name) was an important resource for them. They relied on it to provide them with energy during the cold winter months. It was an important part of their meals which they used to sweeten what would otherwise have been bland food. They also used it for trading with other tribes that weren’t able to make it.

PHOTO: DAVID SANDT

COURTESY OF THE MONROE COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 POCONO LIVING MAGAZINE© 5

ART, CRAFTS AND ANTIQUES

8 Room Creative H s Full of andc Gifts for rafts & Reason or Any Season

Showcasing Over 30 Local Artists and A Working Pottery Studio 2822 Route 611 Tannersville, PA 18372 570-620-0039

www.VillageCraftersGallery.com

DANIEL S. VARIPAPA, GOLDSMITH 570-426-1888 39 NORTH 7TH STREET, SUITE 100 COURTHOUSE SQUARE, STROUDSBURG, PA

THE POTTING SHED Creative, Unique Designs Silk Florals, Live Plants & All Your Craft Needs! Directly Behind American Ribbon on Ann Street Stroudsburg, PA | 570-424-1174

HTheOUSE of CANDLES Oldest Candle Shop in the Poconos Candle Making Demos (10a-4p Daily) Gifts Jewelry Art Wood Carvings Mon-Sat 9a-5p 570-629-1953

www.houseofcandles.com

3371 Route 715 Henryville, Pa 18332

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SNYDER SHOES & Shoe Repair

he pioneers or pilgrims learned from the Native Americans about making maple sugar. They were very interested in making the sweet treat. In the beginning, the Pioneers adopted the Native American methods. These included using tomahawks to gouge the maple tress and mokuks or vessels made from tree bark used to collect the sap from the maple tree. To cook the sap the Native Americans used rocks from a hot fire to make the final product of maple sugar. Eventually the pioneers figured out other ways to collect and cook the sweet sap. When the maple syrup was finished they would often take the sweet delicious treat and drizzle it in the snow where, as it cooled, it turned into a gooey delicious treat called “jack wax”. Today maple sugaring is an important and lucrative industry. There are only a handful of places in the United States that can produce maple syrup. The methods of collecting and cooking the sap have evolved but in the end the process is still much the same. The sap has to be collected then cooked. There is a multitude of products that are now made from the maple sap including maple taffy, maple butter and much more. People are finding more ways to add it into their diets because it is pure and there aren’t any additives. In 2008 Pennsylvania produced 95,000 gallons of syrup and ranked seventh among the states that produce maple syrup, according to the United States Department of Agriculture Statistics Service.

Made in USA 112 Washington st. • East stroudsburg, Pa • 570-421-0610

WINTER SO MANY END-OF-SEASON SAVINGS!

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70% 585 MAIN ST STROUDSBURG, PA | 570-421-7950 1471 RT 209 BRODHEADSVILLE, PA | 570-992-3865

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431 Main Street • Stroudsburg, PA 18360 Phone: 570-424-6431 • Email: rsr1@ptd.net www.readysetrunpoconos.com

Specialists in Running & Walking FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 POCONO LIVING MAGAZINE© 7

PHOTO: JULIA FREEMAN-WOOPERT

PHOTO: MARTYN E JONES

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Can

field’s Pet &

Fa bu

m g, PA

315 Main St. Str oud s

570-421-1821 Dog Training & Obedience in Stroudsburg

og A trainepdyddog! is a hap

Fun Activities For Kids And Pets Suggested by the ASPCA

1501 North 5th Street, Stroudsburg PA 18360-6782

Sitstaynplay.net • (570) 872-9748

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Healthy play habits between kids and family pets don’t always come naturally—children need guidance in interacting safely and respectfully with animals. Luckily the best way to learn how to play nice is to enjoy lots of great games together. ASPCA behaviorists offer some fun, age-appropriate activities that help develop trust and a loving bond between your kids and pets.

Play Time Arrange play dates for your kids and pets— supervised by you—to help build a mutual respect in the same way that play dates between children create healthy friendships.

Activities Kids 6 Months To 2 Years Old: n Your child can lie on the floor and your dog or cat can jump over him. n You and your child can hide and then call your pet to come find you. n Young children love peek-a-boo games. Try holding up a cloth so that your pet is concealed. Let your child pull the cloth aside, making your pet “appear.” n If your pet is gentle, your child can smear his own fingers and toes with peanut butter or a soft cheese product and let your pet lick them clean. (Try this with your fingers first. If your pet’s nibbling is too rough, choose another activity.) n Children in a high chair, crib or playpen can drop food for your pet to enjoy, but please avoid using animal treats because your child might eat them. It is also ESSENTIAL to avoid using foods that are dangerous to pets. Stick to healthy people foods such as green beans, carrot sticks, apple slices (without seeds), unsalted pretzels and plain, cooked pasta.

PHOTO: FREEIMAGES.COM

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 POCONO LIVING MAGAZINE© 11

Kids 3 To 8 Years Old: n Your child and dog can race with each other to a designated finish line. If necessary, you can run with your dog on a leash. n Your child can throw a toy for your pet to retrieve.

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Pocono Living on your Mac, PC, iPad or smartphone

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n Armed with treats, your child can hide while you stay with your pet. When your child calls out, let your pet go search for him. When your pet finds him, let your child give the treats as a reward. n If your dog likes to chase water sprayed from a hose or water gun, your child can operate the sprayer or toy gun. While you’re supervising, have your child spray the ground a few feet away from your dog and then rapidly move the stream of water away from her, along the ground. (Watch your dog for signs that she’s not having fun anymore. If she isn’t actively chasing or trying to bite the stream of water, it’s time to stop.) n Your child and pet can team up to find treats that you’ve hidden. While your pet can excel at finding things hidden near the ground, your child can find things hidden higher-up. n Your child can entice your pet to chase a toy tied to the end of a rope. You can also buy an inexpensive lunge whip from a horse tack or feed store and tie a ball or other toy to the end of it. Then your child can twirl the whip in a big circle and let your pet chase the toy.

Kids 9 To 13 Years Old: n Children of this age can benefit from attending basic dog obedience classes with their dogs. n Your child can play soccer-type games and Frisbee with your dog. n Some children appreciate the challenge of competing with a dog in agility or in games such as flyball. Your child can search the Internet or library to find new tricks to teach your pet, such as Roll Over, Shake, Sit Up and Beg. P

Visit

AndreiArt.com to order online or visit the Studio Gallery 7 N. 6th Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 AndreiProtsouk@gmail.com 570.476.4407

Veronica’s

Vision

PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO BOOTH

570-807-5920

lookbest we want you to

your

EYE ASSOCIATES

PHOTO: FREEIMAGES.COM

MONROE

COUNTY

208 Main Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 www.EyeAssociatesOnline.net 570-476-1114 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 POCONO LIVING MAGAZINE© 13

Ice Becomes an Industry in Poconos

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ne hundred years ago, Monroe County was a leader in northeastern Pennsylvania’s ice production and distribution business. The ice was initially harvested from our lakes for use locally by both residents and resorts catering to tourists. As demand for ice grew, Monroe County ice companies began to transport their ice to areas outside Monroe County including New York and Philadelphia. Although it hasn’t been so this year, the freezing winter temperatures of the Poconos guaranteed a large crop of ice and provided employment to hundreds of local citizens throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Harvesting ice was hard, cold work. Beginning in January, or even December if the weather had been cold enough, laborers flocked to the frozen lakes looking for employment. In particular, many farmers were able to earn a little extra income by harvesting ice.

BY AMY LEISER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MONROE COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION WWW.MONROEHISTORICAL.ORG

Harvesting ice from lakes was not as simple as chipping away at the sheet. First, the lake had to be prepared, by plowing away any snow, then scraping the ice to a smooth surface with large, horse-drawn planes. Next, the boundary of the area to be harvested was scored into the ice with a hand cutter. The boundary had to be marked carefully, as all of the blocks needed to be the same size to make storing the blocks easier and more efficient. After the boundary was marked, a worker with a horse-drawn “cutter” would score a checkerboard pattern in the harvesting area. The cutter, which resembled a strange mix of a child’s sleigh and an old-fashioned plow, had two runners. One runner was a guide plane, with which the cutter operator would carefully follow the boundary line. The other runner was an actual cutter, that carved a two-inch deep groove into the ice. The cutter operator would then turn his horse and make the next pass, scoring one line at a time. The runners on the cutter were exactly forty-four inches apart. By the time the cutter operator was finished, the lake had been scored into a grid-work of 44x44 inch blocks.

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IT WAS THE POCONO MOUNTAIN ICE COMPANY THAT TURNED LOCAL ICE INTO AN INDUSTRY

A QualityCare 40 Providing

for over

years.

GETZ

PERSONAL CARE HOME • Assistance with Tasks of Daily Living • Delicious Home-Cooked Meals • Extensive Entertainment, Social & Wellness Programs • Medication Management • Family Atmosphere • A Scenic, Country Setting

1026 Scenic Dr, Kunkletown, PA 18058 Route 534 at the Village of Jonas www.getzpersonalcare.com • (570) 629.1334

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fter the layout was complete, another horsedrawn sleigh was used. This tool, an all iron ice plow, had adjustable blades on three runners and was used to retrace the grid, scoring the ice to within four inches of the bottom of the ice sheet. As the ice was now too weak to hold the weight of horses, the final step in the process was cutting through the ice blocks by hand with long-bladed saws. Workers would saw off very large sections of the sheet, then ride them as they were floated or pulled across the ice toward the ice house. As they approached the ice house, the men would break the large sections into their 44 inch squares with a series wedgelike of bars. Monroe County boasted many lakes and thus many ice companies. While local merchants had been cutting and distributing ice since the 1880s, it was the Pocono Mountain Ice Company that turned local ice into industry. In 1893, investors from Easton established the Pocono Ice Company in Pocono Pines. These investors initially devoted $30,000 into the new company and built an ice house capable of storing 104,000 tons of ice. By 1900, the Pocono Ice Company was so successful, the promise of profit drew more companies to the area. The Pocono Ice Company rapidly became the largest with ice plants in both Tobyhanna and Gouldsboro. Poponoming Ice Company was established at Saylor’s Lake, employed 30 men with 20 teams of horses, and was capable of storing 30,000 tons of ice. Interestingly, the ice houses were eventually torn down, and the lumber was used to build cottages along the lake front. Trout Lake and Mountain Springs Lake in Reeders boasted a storage capacity of 130,000 tons of ice. The Tunkhannock Ice Company on Stillwater Lake built a 10-room storage house and could house 31,000 tons of ice. The American Ice Company housed 57,000 tons of ice on the shores of Lake Naomi. By the end of the 1930s, modern electric refrigerators replaced the ice boxes. Ice could be made at home easily, and eventually there was no need for ice to be harvested from frozen Monroe County lakes. The ice harvesting tradition still continues today. The Coolbaugh Township Historical Association, in conjunction with the Leonard family, schedules yearly ice harvests on Mill Pond #1 in Tobyhanna. P

PAINT THE MOUNTAIN PINK Saturday, February 6, 2016

Held at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Come and enjoy many activities including a raffle! All proceeds to benefit Hope For Strength Breast Cancer Fund.

Raffle prizes include: Ski & Stay package from Mont Blanc Ski Resort, Canada (includes 2 nights’ lodging for 4 persons plus lift tickets for 4 persons for two days) Other prizes include a FLOW snowboard, GIRO helmet, Bolle’ goggles donated by The Starting Gate, Bushkill, PA, and a gift card from The Loft in Tannersville, PA

Plus! The first 200 people will receive a FREE knit headband compliments of Shawnee Mountain Ski Area! Tickets $10. Need not be present to win. Winners will be drawn on Saturday, February 6th at 4:00 p.m. For tickets contact cabowyer@ptd.net, 570-977-0872 or visit our website, hopeforstrength.com O UR S UPP ORT E R S

“You’ll never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” - Unknown

www.hopeforstrength.com

Eagle Watch Trips

Weston Senior Living Center at Hillcrest Personal Care & Independent Living

6000 Running Valley Road Stroudsburg, PA 570-629-2410 www.WestonSLC.com

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PHOTOS: VERONICA MURRAY

Monroe County Conservation District’s Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center Sponsors Eagle Watch Trips Join Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman on Fridays, February 5, and 12 for a trip to the upper Delaware River in search of our national symbol, the Bald Eagle. Once a rare sight, many wintering and resident eagles now inhabit this region and the probability for sightings is high. Meet at the EE Center at 8:30am and return 5:30pm. Cost: $28/nonmembers, $22/EE Center members and includes bus transportation. Participants should pack a lunch and binoculars and dress for the weather. Stops will be made for coffee and snacks. Pre-registration is required and limited. Refunds will be given only if notification is made at least one week in advance. To pre-register for the program, please call the E. E. Center at (570) 6293061, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and most Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information on other programs we offer visit our website at www. mcconservation.org.

Pocono Environmental Education Center Eagle Watch Saturday, February 6 – 9:00am-3:00pm, $20 Join us on a trip north in search of eagles and other rare wintering birds such as ravens. Visit the Mongaup Reservoir, the Delaware River, and the Eagle Institute to look for winter residents and nesting pairs. Bring a lunch, camera, and warm clothes. Call to reserve a seat in van.

Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagle Institute Learn about eagles and their habitat on the Marion "Becky" Finch Memorial Excursion, Sat, Feb. 13, 2016 – 10:00am to Sat, Feb. 13, 2016 – 1:00pm Place: Upper Delaware Visitor Center Lackawaxen, PA Join us to pay tribute to a long-time supporter and volunteer in the most fitting way we know how: by sharing the awesome eagle watching experience. Learn about eagles in our region, how they returned from the brink of extinction, and the habitat they need to thrive while you take a scenic drive with an expert guide on a heated bus and look for eagles. Seats are limited and reservations are required; call 570-2263164, 845-583-1010, or email info@delawarehighlands. org to reserve your spot. $20 for non-members;

$15 for members. Dress warmly in layers and wear waterproof boots. Bring binoculars, camera, snacks, and a bagged lunch. Snow date: Sunday, February 14th Note: Refunds are not issued for trips unless the trip is cancelled due to weather on both Saturday and Sunday. *The Estate of Becky Finch generously contributed the funding to pay for this memorial excursion to benefit the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, whose work was valued by Becky.* find our trained volunteers standing by to help you with extra binoculars, spotting scopes and answers to your questions.

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Veronica

Peltz

EAST STROUDSBURG

Murray

Veronica is the owner of the Cinder Inn in East Stroudsburg. In her spare time she takes her Nikon 3200 to the local parks and has become an accomplished wildlife photographer. She has had several of her photos published in local media. Veronica is adept at capturing wildlife in motion. Her fantastic shot of an Osprey flying with a trout in its beak was a first place winner in Pocono Living Magazine last year. And, she is very active in supporting causes for fighting cancer in our community.

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733 Main Street Stroudsburg, PA Cupcake Shop & Nostalgic Candy

Exciting “How-to” Culinary Classes

570-730-4944 ldiemer@ptd.net www.Kitchen-Chemistry.com

Enlighten Yourself

With Our Gourmet Popcorn Watch us make over 80 Different Flavors Fresh in the store!

570-476-KORN (5676) www.PopcornBuddhaUSA.com

266 River Road, between Delaware Water Gap & Shawnee on Delaware

Located in Eagle Valley Mall, East Stroudsburg (at the intersection of Rtes. 447 & 209) Behind PNC Bank

Phone: 570-420-1101 Fax: 570-420-1201

Voice of Business Since 1910 556 Main Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570.421.4433

www.GreaterPoconoChamber.com

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love the first days of spring. The vernal equinox is a day of celebration for me overshadowed only my wedding anniversary and the last day of school. The latter part of March brings brighter sun, the rich aromas of organic decay, and the calling of our earliest spring frogs. Life, it seems, is renewed…and more than figuratively at that. There are three species of frogs in the Poconos that literally do “come back to life”. The Wood frog, Gray tree frog and Spring peeper burrow under the leaf litter in the fall and literally freeze until the ground thaws in the spring. It’s a feat of nature that we are just beginning to really understand and can reproduce in humans only in science fiction movies. Special proteins cause the water in the blood to freeze first. This ice sucks most of the water out of the frog's cells. If water inside cells were to freeze, it would break them open, killing the frog. At the same time the frog's liver starts making large amounts of glucose, the same sugar we burn for energy, which packs into cells preventing their collapse and freezing. This syrupy solution helps prevent any more water from being pulled out of the frog's cells, which would destroy them. Humans lack these special proteins. So when our skin freezes, we get frostbite, which sucks all the water out of our cells and causes them to collapse. Even after thawing, it's too late. All the cells are broken because humans haven't made all that sugar. The frogs, however, enter a state of suspended animation. Inside the cells there's thick sugary syrup, while outside the cells all the water is frozen. They may stay like this for months at temperatures down to 20°F. The heart stops and there is no brain activity. When temperatures warm and the ice melts, the frogs thaw. Water slowly flows back into the cells, blood starts flowing again, and the frog revives. In less than a day, the heart begins to beat, pumping blood through the thawed “frog-cicle”, it starts to blink, then breathe, then it hops away.

The Fantastic Freezing Frogs of Northeastern Pennsylvania

SPRING PEEPERS ARE TINY TREE FROGS WHICH ARE NAMED "HYLA CRUCIFER" FOR THE X MARK FOUND ON THEIR BACKS

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 POCONO LIVING MAGAZINE© 29

WOOD FROGS ARE OUR EARLIEST EMERGING FROGS, SOMETIMES CALLING WHILE THERE IS STILL SNOW ON THE GROUND 30 POCONO LIVING MAGAZINE© FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

DINING IN THE POCONOS

The next time you think you are so cold you are “freezing to death”, think about our little tongue-flicking, bug-eating froggy friends frozen in suspended animation under the leaves. Spring really is a season of “renewed life”.

Freezing Frog Facts WOOD FROGS are our earliest emerging frogs, sometimes calling while there is still snow on the ground and they will continue until the end of April. They sound a lot like more like ducks than frogs, with a sound very “quack-like”. They are quite small, measuring on average around 2”, with the females larger than the males, as is typical for all frogs. Although the color varies from tan to brown or even grayish, all wood frogs have a prominent black mask which makes them among the easiest frogs to identify. There is also a white line on the upper lip. They live in moist woodlands from Georgia all the way into the Arctic Circle. Listen for them at night right now!!! SPRING PEEPERS are one of my favorite little frogs. They are tiny( 1-1 ½”) tree frogs which are named Hyla crucifer for the X (or crucifix) mark found on their backs. These are the small frogs we hear in magnificent (although less impressive than in decades past) chorus on warm spring evenings, calling “peep, peep, peep” by the hundreds in wetland areas. In a large group they almost sound like “jingle bells”. Most people believe they are hearing some sort of insect, but these little frogs just make a tremendous volume when hundreds are seeking mates all at the same time! As all tree frogs, peepers have “toe pads” which allow them to cling to vegetation in wetlands. GRAY TREEFROGS are often mistaken for peepers, but are slightly larger, have yellow on the underside of the hind legs and the belly is white. Of course, you have to pick the frog up to see that! The color of the Gray treefrog varies with its background and environmental factors such as season and humidity, but shades of gray are most common with black blotches on the back. Variations of brown, green, and gray colors have been noted. Green colors are more prominent during the breeding season and in yearling frogs. Calling begins in April and the sound is a high pitched trilling. Gray tree frogs have been seen clinging to windows on people’s houses.

SINCE 1984

Pocono Diner

7 DAYS AW 6AM - 1 EEK! 0PM

serving breakfast, lunch & dinner

Complimentary Forever Discount Card An Original 1950’s Kullman Diner 2726 Rt. 611 Tannersville, PA PHONE: 570-629-1450

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 POCONO LIVING MAGAZINE© 31

DINING IN THE POCONOS

Angels Cafe` &

Catering

All you can eat “Soup-er” Bar Tuesday-Friday

Hours:

Sunday Breakfast Buffet

Tue.-Fri. 9:30a-5:00p Sat & Sun 8:30a-1:30p

9am-1pm

Find out more at:

A Full Breakfast & Lunch Menu Everyday

www.LittleAngelsCafe.com

901 Main St., Stroudsburg, PA

570-424-8810

Local’s Favorite for Over 30 Years Homemade Soups & Pies Breakfast Served All Day Reasonable Prices! 1427 N. 5th St, Stroudsburg, PA

570-421-6193 Open 6am Daily

620 Main Street Downtown Stroudsburg, Pa

570.424.2415 BYOB. Open M-T-W-F-S Sun. for Dinner after 3pm. Closed Tues.

• Chef Owned & Operated • Homemade Soups Prepared Fresh Daily • Where Locals have been enjoying good food in a relaxed, safe & fresh atmosphere for over 40 years Route 611 (834 N. 9th St) Stroudsburg, PA

570-421-2329

Authentic Italian Cuisine

Taste the Difference Right Here! 331 N. Courtland Street E. Stroudsburg, PA 570-424-7499

www.BovinosPizzeria.com

Creative Sandwiches Homemade Ice Cream & Cakes Cappuccino & Espresso

the only authentic irish pub in the poconos Siamsairishpub.com • 570-421-8434 636 Main St. Stroudsburg, pa 18360

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Sweet Creams Café 429 Main Street • Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570.421.7929

Kresgeville

featuring

OPEN LATE! Large Selection of IPA & Craft Beers Daily Dinner Specials

Live Entertainment Every Weekend! Route 209 South

Flat Breads Soups & Salads Tapas Slider Sandwhiches

Downtown Kresgeville

610-681-4482

CherrysFamilyRestaurant.com

Cherry Valley Vineyard

KUNKLETOWN PUB A Small Hotel with a Big History. Serving Travelers & Locals for Over 150 Years!

Brick Oven Pizza

sit, relax & dine among the grapevines

TUE - Taco Night WED - Pasta Night THUR - Wing Night FRI - Prime Rib 610-895-4255

Tours, Tastings & Special Events

Wine with Heart

GIFT

CERTIFICATES ONLINE!

130 Lower Cherry Valley Road Saylorsburg, PA 18353 570-992-2255

www.CherryValleyVineyards.com

Compton's

Classic American Fine Dining 6180 Rt. 209 Stroudsburg, PA 570-992-6634

www.StoneBar.com

Open 6 AM Daily

Pancake House

HOME OF THE DOUBLE “TRIPLE PLAY”

570-424-6909

www.ComptonsPancakeHouse.com PARK AVENUE -STROUDSBURG -PA EXIT 307 OFF 1-80 • NEXT TO SUNOCO STATION

Rudy’s FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 POCONO LIVING MAGAZINE© 33

DINING IN THE POCONOS

Cherry’s Restaurant

34 34 POCONO POCONOLIVING LIVINGMAGAZINE MAGAZINE©©FEBRUARY/MARCH FEBRUARY/MARCH2016 2016

A Winter Frolic for the Family

Blizzard Blast and Cold Weather Fun

If your kids are like most, school snow closings are the highlight of the winter season. Get into the spirit of the season with some of these fun outdoor activities. After you’ve expended your energy outdoors, there is plenty to do indoors too.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 POCONO LIVING MAGAZINE© 35

Photo Courtesy of GETTY IMAGES

by Kim Blakely

Outdoor Winter Frolic Take a snowshoe hike. Purchase or borrow snowshoes for the family and take a walk through the woods or field. Take your compass, and tie brightly colored strips of fabric to tree branches to mark your path. Dress warm and keep track of time to prevent overtiring and frostbite. Look for animal tracks and burrows; identify trees by the bark and shape of their trunks; learn how to tell the time or direction by the position of the sun; and other nature and survival activities. Visit an ice sculpture show. Look for these captivating displays on college campuses, in city parks, and even indoor arenas. Check with your local chamber of commerce or state travel bureau for an events listing. Visit a zoo. During the winter season, zoos often bring guest animals and offer special exhibits. Arctic and cold climate animals may be more active, and indoor exhibits may be easier to view because of smaller crowds.

Build an igloo or snow fort. Choose a day when the snow is good for packing. Use a square or rectangular container often available in toy departments for building snow forts. Be sure to stagger the blocks for support. Take a winter carriage ride. Look for horse drawn carriages in tourist or trendy towns and quaint villages. Bundle up, take warm blankets and hot beverages, and enjoy a cozy ride through a snowy, festive town. Enjoy a winter fest. Visit your chamber of commerce or state travel bureau website for a list of winter festivals and events. Activities to seek include light displays, fireworks, winter sport competitions, recreational activities, exhibits and ice sculpture displays, sleigh rides, snowshoe tours, and more. Have a snow-sculpting contest, and invite your neighbors to participate. Roll a snowball as large as you can. Then fill buckets with snow and carefully dump them on top.

Photo Courtesy of MORGUEFILE

36 POCONO LIVING MAGAZINEÂŠ FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

Photo Courtesy of MORGUEFILE

Gently pack the snow and smooth it with your mittens. Sculpt and shape your creation using small shovels and gardening tools. When your sculpture is complete, gently pack and smooth it with your hands again. Make an ice tree. Instead of throwing out your holiday tree, make use of it as a winter display. Stand it in your yard, turn the water hose on low, and spray upward and toward the trunk of the tree. As ice forms, continue spraying until you achieve your desired effect.

Bundle up, take warm blankets and hot beverages, and enjoy a cozy ride through a snowy, festive town. Photo Courtesy of MORGUEFILE

Go sledding. If you have small hills in your backyard, use a trash bag for sliding down. Better yet, head to some real hills with your toboggan or sled, keeping safety rules in mind for safe wintery fun. FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 POCONO LIVING MAGAZINEÂŠ 37

Photo Courtesy of MORGUEFILE

Indoor Activities for Blustery Days Head to a museum. Most cities, even small towns, have a historical museum. Hands-on science, art, or natural history museums are found in most metropolitan areas or at nearby universities. Grab your roller blades or skates and head to your nearby indoor rink. These old fashioned arenas, updated for today’s kids, are great for parents and kids alike. If you’ve never roller-skated, take a class at the rink. Create an indoor snow family. Purchase white and black clay from an arts and crafts supply. Roll snow people out of the white clay and shape hats with the black. Make arms with tiny twigs, scarves from narrow fabric strips, eyes and buttons out of whole pepper, and noses from broken orange colored toothpicks. Tour a manufacturing plant. Tours are often available to the public even if not publicized. Just call and see. View the winter sky. Visit a planetarium to see constellations and some of the brightest stars of the year. Photo Courtesy of MORGUEFILE

Hold a winter movie fest. Invite friends over, rent a selection of movies and ask everyone to bring their pillows or beanbag chairs. Don’t forget the popcorn and hot chocolate. Or, if you’ve had enough of winter, make it a Hawaiian luau. Choose summery or vacation movie themes, serve cold drinks with little umbrellas and fruit on top, and don’t forget the beach towels.

Be sure to videotape the skits for hilarious family memories.

Make up funny skits with friends then put on a show for parents. Choose household products and create silly advertisements. Make up goofy songs or poems about 38 38POCONO POCONOLIVING LIVINGMAGAZINE MAGAZINE© ©FEBRUARY/MARCH FEBRUARY/MARCH2016 2016

Photo Courtesy of MORGUEFILE

each product and dress up for the part. Be sure to videotape the skits for hilarious family memories. Put together a winter emergency kit. A car emergency kit should include spare hats, mittens, scarves, and boots, a flashlight, and other items in case you are stranded. Your home kit should include items for a snow in or power loss. Everyone work together to create a list and gather items for your kits. String a snowflake streamer. Make snowflakes by folding white paper several times and then trimming different shapes around the edges. Open the snowflakes, string them on a piece of yarn, and hang it across the room. Visit the library then snuggle up for a relaxing read. At the library, learn how and where to find books on your favorite interests such as sports, science, or a hobby and choose several to bring home. Don’t forget to check out the music CDs, audio books, videos, computer games, and magazines for plenty of indoor entertainment. Get away at a weekend resort. Check your travel agency for one of the many winter resorts for outdoor enthusiasts that offer activities and accommodations for the whole family. Try downhill or cross country skiing, snowshoe excursions, and more.

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Make a winter-safety trivia game. Buy a pack of small index cards then have parents write a question on each card related to winter safety with the answers written below. To play the game, take turns reading the questions while other players shout their answers. The first person with the correct answer scores a point.  Kimberly Blaker, of Arizona, is an author and freelance writer. Her articles have appeared in more than 200 newspapers, parenting and women’s magazines, and other publications throughout the U.S. FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 POCONO LIVING MAGAZINE© 39

The Poconos Outdoors n Saturdays, Feb 6, 20 & 27, Sundays, Feb 7, 21 & 28 INTRO TO SNOWSHOEING Learn the basics of snow shoes and enjoy a winter stomp through the woods. No experience necessary – we provide the equipment and teach you everything you need to know. Register early to guarantee a spot. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570828-2319, or www.peec.org.

n Saturday, Feb 6 ART OPENING: JIM & DENISE THOMSON - “WILDLIFE OF THE WATER GAP AND BEYOND” - Jim and his wife Denise have traveled all over the United States and Canada in search of magnificent creatures. Enjoy a photo exhibit of animals that come from near and far. Opening Reception: 11am - 1pm. Kettle Creek EE Center, 570-629-3061, or www.mcconservation.org.

n Tuesday, Feb 9 TREE TAPPING DAY All ages are invited to join us at 10am as we tap maple trees in the Meesing Sugarbush outside of Marshall’s Creek. This day is set aside for setting up all of the things necessary to get ready for our 2016 Maple Sugaring Season. We’ll tap trees, run the tube collection lines, set up the evaporator, and more. You are welcome to spend one hour or the entire day with us in the Sugarbush. There is no charge for the day, and we will provide warm beverages! You’ll need to dress in warm layers and wear boots as we trudge through the Sugarbush. The event is weather permitting and we suggest you call and pre-register and so we can update you on conditions. It will certainly be a fun day in the Sugarbush! Note: Inclement weather date is Wednesday, February 10th. Kettle Creek EE Center, 570-629-3061, or www. mcconservation.org.

PHOTOS: VERONICA MURRAY

“WINTER WONDERLAND” FAMILY NATURE GETAWAY WEEKEND Adults $225 / Child, Commuter, and Day Rates Available. Bring your friends and family to experience PEEC in the wintertime. Cross country skiing, animal tracking, nature hikes, crafts, campfire and more! Price includes three nights of lodging and meals from Friday dinner to Monday lunch. Join us for a wonderful winter weekend! Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570-828-2319, or www.peec.org.

n Saturday, Feb 13 WINTER TREE ID - Trees are easy to identify in the summer with their leaves, but do you know how to identify them in the winter? Join Environmental Educator Karen N. Boyle at 10am for a program that will teach you how. Cost: $5/nonmembers, $3/ children under 12. EE Center members FREE. Kettle Creek EE Center, 570-629-3061, or www. mcconservation.org.

n Saturday, Feb 20 TREE PEST & DISEASE MANAGEMENT - Invasive pests and tree diseases can have devastating ecological, economical, and social impacts in our communities. Although several of our native PA tree species have already been affected, there is new hope for recovery on the horizon. Join us at 10am for a presentation discussing the Chestnut Blight, the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, the Emerald Ash Borer, and Dutch Elm Disease, and learn what scientists are doing to save our native trees. Cost: $5/nonmembers, $3/children under 12. EE Center members FREE. Kettle Creek EE Center, 570-629-3061, or www. mcconservation.org.

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n Saturdays, Feb 20 & 27 “BRIDGE THE GAP” CROSS COUNTRY SKIING ON THE MCDADE TRAIL Enjoy the winter woods with beginner ski lessons. Learn the basics of cross country skiing and practice on an old logging road loop. You decide how many loops to ski. McDade Trail dates funding provided by the William Penn Foundation. Skis, poles & boots provided - register w/shoe size to guarantee a spot. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570-828-2319, or www.peec.org.

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n Thursday, Feb 25

n Saturday, Mar 5

LAKOTA WOLF PRESERVE FIELD TRIP Learn about some of the world’s most amazing animals as we explore the Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia, NJ and observe the 4 different packs of wolves living there (plus foxes and bobcats too). This is a great wildlife photography opportunity—don’t forget your camera! If we’re lucky, maybe we can hear a wolf howl! Meet at the EE Center at 9am and return at 1:30pm. Cost: $28/non-members, $24/ EE Center members. Pre-registration and payment is required and limited. Refunds will be given only if notification is made at least one week in advance. Note: Inclement weather date is Friday, February 26th. Kettle Creek EE Center, 570-629-3061, or www.mcconservation. org.

SUGAR SHACK SCRAMBLE 9:00am-12:30pm, $12. Join us for a hike through the woods out to the “Two Saps” Sugar Shack and enjoy hot cocoa and pancakes with fresh maple syrup! Sign up in advance for a 9am or 9:30am start time. Spaces limited! Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570828-2319, or www.peec.org.

n Saturday, Feb 27 ANIMAL TRACKING 10:00am-12:00pm, $5. Animals leave behind clues that give us glimpses into their lives. Explore our natural areas for tracks, trails, scat, territory marks, eat marks, and other signs that animals leave as they travel through the fields and forests of the Poconos. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570828-2319, or www.peec.org.

n Saturday, Mar 5 ECOZONE DISCOVERY ROOM! 1:00-4:00pm, $2 per person. Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave, and dig in a fossil pit! Explore this indoor discovery room and enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability and the local environment. No registration required. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570-828-2319, or www.peec. org.

n Sunday, Mar 6 SUNDAY FOR SINGLES Enjoy a guided hike on a PEEC trail. This program is all about exploring nature and meeting new people. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570828-2319, or www.peec.org.

n Saturday, Mar 12

n Sunday, Mar 13

“SPRING CLEANING” VOLUNTEER DAY 10:00am-12:00pm, Free. Come lend a hand with some springtime projects around our campus. Call for details. Pre-registration required. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570828-2319, or www.peec.org.

DO IT YOURSELF DAY: PARACORD BRACELETS 1:00-3:00pm, $5. Join us for an afternoon and learn how to make your own paracord bracelet! We’ll provide the supplies and teach you everything you need to know. Pre-registration required. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570-828-2319, or www.peec.org.

n Saturday, Mar 13 LITTLE ECO EXPLORERS: FOXES 10:00am-12:00pm, $5 per child. A fun hands-on program for young children! Join us for a story, craft, and activity focusing on a particular critter. Call for details. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570-828-2319, or www.peec.org.

n Saturday, Mar 19 ECOZONE DISCOVERY ROOM! 1:00-4:00pm, $2 per person. Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave, and dig in a fossil pit! Explore this indoor discovery room and enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability and the local environment. No registration required. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570-828-2319, or www.peec. org.

PHOTOS: VERONICA MURRAY

PHOTO: VERONICA MURRAY

n Saturday, Mar 19

n Saturday, Mar 26

WOODCOCK WALK 6:30-8:00pm, Free. Join us for a walk to see the mysterious woodcock and its spectacular springtime mating display. Ages 10+ please. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570-828-2319, or www.peec.org.

FIRE BUILDING 10:00am-12:00pm, $5. Learn some primitive and modern fire making skills. Try your hand at a flint & steel fire and more! Ages 10+ please. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570-8282319, or www.peec.org.

n Sunday, Mar 20

THE “EASY DOES IT” HIKE 1:00-3:00pm, Free. Enjoy a nice leisurely walk through the woods. Join us for easy hikes, slow paces and interpretive natural history. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570-828-2319, or www.peec.org.

BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR 9:00am-4:00pm, $30. Grab your camera and join us for a tour of the historic buildings in the Park. This is the perfect time of year to shoot black and white photos. Pack a lunch and dress warm. Call to reserve a seat in the van. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570-8282319, or www.peec.org.

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Pocono Mountain Public Library Tobyhanna, PA 570-894-8860 www.poconomountpl.org

Clymer Library Pocono Pines, PA 570-646-0826 www.clymerlibrary.org

Western Pocono Community Library Brodheadsville, PA 570-992-7934 www.wpcl.lib.pa.us

Eastern Monroe Public Library Branches Hughes Library (main branch) Stroudsburg, PA 570-421-0800 www.monroepl.org Pocono Township Branch Tannersville, PA 570-629-5858 Smithfield Branch Marshalls Creek, PA 570-223-1881 Bookmobile 570-421-0880 x49

“SPRING CLEANING” VOLUNTEER DAY 10:00am-12:00pm, Free. Come lend a hand with some springtime projects around our campus. Call for details. Preregistration required. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 570-828-2319, or www.peec.org.

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