Pocono Living Magazine - Oct/Nov 2023

Pocono Living Magazine and Pocono Family Magazine, two regional publications filled with articles, features and photography exploring and capturing the real Pocono Mountains living experience.

Pocono Magazines, LLC

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Food & Wine Editor

Jamie Marra

PHOTOGRAPHY & ART

John Anzivino

Gayle C. Brooke

Ray Caswell

Pat Coyle

Randall FitzGerald

Ashley Hall

Maurice Harmon

Susan Hartman

Marlana Holsten

Ann H. LeFevre

Barbara Lewis

Marie Liu

Harry Loud

Regina Matarazzo

Janet Mishkin

John L. Moore

Michael Murphy

Justine Nearhood

Roseanna Santaniello

Tom Stone

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kimberly Blaker

Roseanne Bottone

Kathy Dubin-Uhler

Sandra Gordon

Rebecca Hasting

Amanda Kuhn

Amy Leiser

Marie Liu

Jamie Marra

Suzanne McCool

Janet Mishkin

John L. Moore

Allison Mowatt

Jim Werkheiser

Kim Williams

Marty Wilson

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS

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Our publications can be found at many locations throughout the Pocono Mountains region, and are available by subscription.

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“Autumn… the year’s last, loveliest smile.”

— William Cullen Bryant

> Hidden Lake by Maurie Harmon

OSBOURNE RUSSELL

By John L. Moore

Anovice hunter, 20-year-old Osborne Russell watched as his companion shot a grizzly bear that was “digging and eating roots in a piece of marshy ground near a large bunch of willows.”

Wounded in the shoulder, the bear ran into the brush, and the men pursued it.

“We walked around the bunch of willows where the bear lay, keeping close together, with our rifles ready cocked and presented towards the bushes,” Russell said.

Suddenly, “we heard a sullen growl about 10 feet from us, which was instantly followed by a spring of the bear toward us, his enormous jaws extended and eyes flashing fire.”

The hunters “took to our heels, separating as we ran, the bear taking after me.”

When the bear realized “I could outrun him, he left and turned to the other, who wheeled about and discharged his rifle, covering the bear with smoke and fire.”

The shot had missed, and the bear suddenly “turned and bounded toward me.”

The enraged beast “came within about 10 paces of me, then suddenly stopped and raised his ponderous body erect, his mouth wide open, gazing at me with a beastly laugh.

In panicky desperation, Russell fired one shot. “I pulled trigger as I knew not what else to do and hardly knew that I did this, but it accidentally happened that my rifle was pointed towards the bear when I pulled.”

The ball pierced the bear’s heart. “He gave one bound from me, uttered a deathly howl and fell dead, but I trembled … for half an hour after,” Russell said.

This happened in the Rocky Mountains in 1834. The men were hunting for meat, not sport.

“We butchered him as he was very fat, packed the meat and skin on our horses and returned to the fort with the trophies of our bravery,” Russell said. “But I secretly determined in my own

Large numbers of Western Indians attended the 1837 Grand Rendezvous in the Green River Valley. This scene was painted by Alfred Jacob Miller.

mind never to molest another wounded grizzly bear in a marsh or thicket.”

Russell, who died in 1892, described the incident in a diary he kept during his years in the Rockies. A relative in 1914 published the diary as a book titled, “Journal of a Trapper or Nine Years in the Rocky Mountains: 1834-1843.”

Becoming a mountain man had been an unlikely career choice for Russell, who had grown up along the Kennebec River in Maine. When he was 16, he ran away from home in to become a sailor. That was in 1830.

By April 1834, his dream of a life at sea had evaporated. Russell had traveled to Independence, Missouri, and had joined an expedition of fur traders sponsored by the Columbia River Fishing and Trading Company. Its members were preparing to go west. They intended to cross the Rockies and travel to the Pacific Ocean. Although he had never hunted or trapped, Russell would soon find himself deep in Indian Country, carrying a flintlock rifle, shooting at buffalo, and meeting up with the bear.

“Our party consisted of 40 men engaged in the service,” Russell wrote in his journal.

Other members of the expedition included six men who went along as independent trappers; a botanist and an ornithologist, accompanied by two attendants; and a pair of Methodist missionaries, together with four attendants, all bound for Oregon.

One morning in late April, the expedition broke camp and left Missouri, headed west toward Kansas. “We were all equipped and mounted hunter-like” on horseback, Russell said. “About 40 men leading two loaded horses each were marched out in double file with joyous hearts.”

Becoming a mountain man had been an unlikely career choice for Russell, who had grown up along the Kennebec River in Maine. When he was 16, he ran away from home in to become a sailor.

 Artist George Catlin drew this 1845 picture of a bull buffalo grazing.

Osborne Russell’s life as a trapper and hunter in the Rocky Mountains provided more than enough adventure for an ordinary man’s lifetime, but Russell was no ordinary man. After leaving the Rockies, he went west to Oregon. When gold was discovered in California in 1848, he joined the gold rush and became a prospector.

“Some people here are getting gold by the pound per day, and others not making more than their board,” Russell said in a Nov. 10, 1849 letter to his sister, Eleanor Read of Lewiston, Maine.

Most miners never found enough gold to get rich. “The old miners, I think, average from $12 to $16 per day, estimating gold at $6 per ounce,” the 35-year-old Russell said. He added, “The most I have ever dug in a day was $100, but have frequently obtained $40 to $60 per day.”

Russell’s remarks to his sister were included in a 1914 edition of “Journal of a Trapper or Nine Years in the Rocky Mountains: 1834-1843.” The edition was edited and published by L.A. York, a newspaperman who was editor and owner of the Owyhee Avalanche, a weekly that operated in Silver City, Idaho, between 1897 and 1905.

York said he was Russell’s great-nephew and the grandson of the Eleanor Read to whom Russell wrote the letter.

On one occasion, Russell served as a judge in a murder trial that took place in the gold fields.

“Cities and towns are arising up among the hills and mountains in the gold region as if by the effect of magic,” Russell wrote. “The place where we are located is called

Gallowstown. It is situated 55 miles east of the city of Sacramento, on the south side, within four miles of the American River. It takes the name from the fact of our having hung three men for murder last winter. Your brother sat as one of the judges pro tempore on the trial.

“Since that dreadful execution, this has been one of the most quiet communities I ever lived in.”

Russell also told his sister that he and a partner, “an old neighbor from Oregon,” had established “the firm of Russell & Gilliam,” which had both a “provision store and a boarding house.”

Russell may not have struck it rich as a prospector, but he and his partner were succeeding as businessmen. “We are doing a thriving business for this country,” he told Eleanor.

But the partnership failed. According to York, his uncle and the “partner later acquired two vessels which plied between Sacramento and Portland, (Oregon). During one of his (Russell’s) trips to the mines, the partner absconded, after collecting all he could of the firm's money, taking one loaded boat to Oregon and also disposing of that.”

The theft ruined the firm, and Russell “spent the balance of his days trying to repay their creditors,” York reported.

In time, Russell came down with a severe ailment, “being attacked by what was termed ‘Miner's Rheumatism,’ which paralyzed him from the waist down, and he spent the last year of his eventful life in the county hospital at Placerville, El Dorado County,” York said.

Russell died in 1892. He was 78.

A woman and three prospectors pose for a 1850 photo in the California gold fields.

Other members of the expedition followed “with 20 head of extra horses and as many cattle to supply emergencies.”

Nathaniel J. Wyeth, who had organized the outfit, rode in front. Russell described Wyeth, an owner of the trading company, as a “persevering adventurer and lover of enterprise.”

In the rear came Captain Joseph Thing. Neither a trapper nor fur trader, Thing was an experienced sea captain who used the stars to navigate on the ocean. He had been “employed … to accompany the party and measure the route across the Rocky Mountains by astronomical observation,” Russell explained.

For nearly a week, the riders “traveled across a large and beautifully undulating prairie, intersected by small streams skirted with timber intermingled with shrubbery,” Russell said.

In early May, as they crossed the Kansas River, they passed a village of the Kaw or Kansas Indians. “They live in small, oval huts four or five feet high, formed of willow branches and covered with deer, elk or buffalo skins,” Russell said.

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“WOW, LookAtAllThatCandy!!”

 A mountain man on the trail. Sketch by Frederic Remington.

Aerial photo shows the Platte River twisting its way across southern Wyoming.

Photo by John L. Moore

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Wyeth led the expedition toward the northwest. The route took them “traveling over beautiful rolling prairies and encamping on small streams at night,” Russell said. They reached the Platte River on May 10, and followed the Platte for nearly three weeks.

When they reached the Green, “we found some white hunters, who informed us that the Grand Rendezvous of the whites and Indians would be on a small western branch of the river about 20 miles distant,” Russell said.

They arrived at the site of the rendezvous along a branch of the Green River the next day. The rendezvous had become a yearly event that attracted hundreds of Native Americans and mountain men of European descent. Held in Indian Country, it took place far to the west of the United States, which was much smaller than it is today. Everybody brought furs to trade for firearms, gun powder, flints, articles of clothing, and food stuffs such as coffee that Easterners brought from the U.S. in wagons.

They reached present-day Fort Laramie, Wyoming, on June 1. The Laramie River joined the Platte at this location. Russell noted that it was here that he observed “the first perceptible commencement of the Rocky Mountains.”

Wyeth’s men were along the Platte when Russell, whose birthday was June 12, turned 20.

The travelers continued along the Platte until mid-June, when they began following the Sweetwater, a tributary that took them up “a rocky, mountainous country.” At one point, they left the Sweetwater, “crossed the divide between the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and encamped on Sandy Creek, a branch running into Green River, which flows into the Colorado of the West.

“Here we met with two companies of trappers and traders,” Russell said. These were the Rocky Mountain Fur Company and the American Fur Company.

“The two companies consisted of about 600 men, including men engaged in the service, white, half-breed, and Indian fur trappers,” Russell said. The mountainous country “abounded with buffalo, antelope, elk and bear and some few deer along the river.”

Wyeth sold part of his merchandise to the Rocky Mountain Fur Company, one of whose owners was Jim Bridger. In time, Bridger became one of the most famous adventurers of the American West.

“For nearly a week, the riders ‘traveled across a large and beautifully undulating prairie, intersected by small streams skirted with timber intermingled with shrubbery.’”

In June 1837, Osborne Russell was among the hundreds of mountain men who gathered at the Grand Rendezvous along the Green River near the present-day town of Daniel in western Wyoming.

“Here we found the hunting parties all assembled waiting for the arrival of supplies from the States,” Russell said. He described the people who attended the event as “a mixed multitude.”

The whites, he said, “were chiefly Americans and Canadian French, with some Dutch, Scotch, Irish (and) English …” The many natives who came were “half-breed and full-blood Indians of nearly every tribe in the Rocky Mountains.”

They all brought furs to trade for manufactured goods shipped in from the East. As they waited, “some were gambling at cards, some playing the Indian game of ‘hand’ and others horse racing ... here and there. … small groups collected under shady trees relating the events of the past year, all in good spirits and health, for sickness is a stranger seldom met with in these regions.

Deep in Indian Country, the mountain men and natives alike lived off the land. “Sheep, elk, deer, buffalo and bear skins mostly supply the mountaineers with clothing, bedding and lodges, while the meat of the same animals supply them with food,” Russell said. “They have not the misfortune to get any of the luxuries from the civilized world but once a year, and then in such small quantities that they last but a few days.”

It was July 5 when “a party arrived from the (United) States with supplies,” Russell said. “The cavalcade consisted of 45 men and 20 carts drawn by mules … Joy now beamed in every countenance.

“Some trappers received letters from their friends and relations; some received the public papers and news of the day; others consoled themselves with the idea of getting a blanket, a cotton shirt or a few pints of coffee and sugar to sweeten it …”

Russell listed prices for these commodities, all at 1837 values: “sugar $2 per pint, coffee the same, blankets $20 each, tobacco $2 per pound, alcohol $4 per pint and common cotton shirts $5 each.”

In return trappers received $4 or $5 per pound for beaver.

“In a few days the bustle began to subside. The furs were done up in packs ready for transportation to the States, and parties were formed for hunting the ensuing year.”

A well-dressed and outfitted mountain man left the Grand Rendezvous in style as he headed back to the mountains for another year’s work. Here’s how Russell described him:

“A trapper’s equipment … is generally one animal upon which is placed one or two epishemores (saddle blankets), a riding saddle and bridle, a sack containing six beaver traps, a blanket with an extra pair of moccasins, his powder horn and bullet pouch with a belt, to which is attached a butcher knife, a wooden box containing bait for beaver, a tobacco sack with a pipe and implements for making fire, with sometimes a hatchet fastened to the pommel of his saddle.

“His personal dress is a flannel or cotton shirt (if he is fortunate enough to obtain one, if not antelope skin answers the purpose of over and undershirt), a pair of leather breeches with blanket or smoked buffalo skin leggings, a coat made of blanket or buffalo robe, (and) a hat or cap of wool, buffalo or otter skin. His hose are pieces of blanket wrapped around his feet, which are covered with a pair of moccasins made of dressed deer, elk or buffalo skins, with his long hair falling loosely over his shoulders, completes his uniform. He then mounts and places his rifle before him on his saddle.

“Such was the dress equipage of the party, myself included, now ready to start.”

 A trapper heads to the Grand Rendezvous with his furs carried on his pack horse. Sketch by Frederic Remington.

Russell didn’t record many details of the 1834 rendezvous even though Wyeth’s men remained at the event for nearly two weeks, “On the 2nd of July we renewed our march towards the Columbia River,” Russell said.

Wyeth eventually took the expedition all the way to the Pacific Ocean, but Russell never went that far.

In mid-July, “we emerged from the mountains into the great valley of the Snake River. Wyeth selected a site along the Snake and told his men that they would “stop, build a fort and deposit the remainder of his merchandise.”

They erected “a stockade 80 feet square, built of cottonwood trees set on end, sunk 2½ feet in the ground and standing about 15 feet above, with two bastions eight feet square at the opposite angles,” Russell said.

The structure took two weeks to complete, and Wyeth named it Fort Hall. It was located in southeastern Idaho near the presentday community of Fort Hall. On Aug. 5, “the Stars and Stripes were unfurled to the breeze at sunrise in the center of a savage and uncivilized country, over an American trading post,” Russell said.

The next morning, Wyeth “departed for the mouth of the Columbia River.” He left Russell and 11 others to garrison the fort, with orders to protect the company’s supplies and to trade with the Snake and Bannock Indians.

“I now began to experience the difficulties attending a mountaineer,” Russell said. He lamented that “although the country abounded with game, still it wanted experience to kill it.”

To survive, members of the garrison would have to hunt for their food even though they had done little if any hunting. Even “the man left in charge of the fort” had had “very little experience in hunting game with the rifle,” Russell said. Most of the others were “all raw hands.”

 A monument marks the location of Fort Hall that Osborne Russell and other mountain men built in southeastern Idaho in 1834 as a trading post for the Columbia River Fishing and Trading Company.

Photo by J.F. Hobbs

 Mountain men in the foreground have come down to the Green River Valley for the Grand Rendezvous of 1837. Also present was Alfred Jacob Miller, an American artist who painted this scene of the event.

 The scene shows the dangers that Indian hunters faced when hunting a grizzly bear on horseback. George Catlin painted the picture.

The time had now come for the men to learn how to hunt. About a week after Wyeth left for Oregon, Russell and three companions went on a quest for buffalo meat. They traveled about 30 miles and camped along a tributary of the Snake.

“Here we found several large bands of buffalo. We went to a small spring and encamped. I now prepared myself for the first time in my life to kill meat for my supper, with a rifle. I had an elegant one, but had little experience in using it.”

Even so, “I approached the band of buffaloes, crawling on my hands and knees within about 80 yards of them, then raised my body erect, took aim and shot at a bull.

“At the crack of the gun the buffaloes all ran off excepting the bull which I had wounded. I then reloaded and shot as fast as I could until I had driven 25 bullets at, in and about him, which was all that I had in my bullet pouch.”

Despite its wounds, “the bull still stood, apparently riveted to the spot,” Russell said. “I watched him anxiously for half an hour in hopes of seeing him fall, but to no purpose. I was obliged to give it up as a bad job and retreat to our encampment without meat.”

When Russell reached camp, he learned that one of his companions “had killed a fat (buffalo) cow whilst shooting 15 bullets at the band.”

The next day the novice hunters returned to the herds, and “succeeded in killing another cow and two bulls. We butchered them, took the meat and returned to the fort.”

J ohn L. Moore continues to pursue his lifelong interests in Pennsylvania’s colonial history and archaeology. The Northumberland writer has published 11 non-fiction books about Pennsylvania’s 16th and 17th century. John’s latest book, 1780: Year of Revenge, is currently available in book stores or from the online bookstore Sunbury Press Inc. This book is the 3rd volume in his Revolutionary Pennsylvania Series and tells the story of Indian raids all across the Pennsylvania Frontier — including the Poconos and Minisinks — in the year following General Sullivan’s 1779 invasion of the Iroquios homeland.

Over the years John has participated in archaeological excavations of Native American sites along the Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers. A professional storyteller, he recently took part in the Heritage Festival at Frances Slocum State Park near Wilkes-Barre. He told the true story of Frances Slocum, a 5-year-old girl who lived as a Native American after being kidnapped by Indians during the American Revolution. The park was named for her.

CELEBRATING AND PROTECTING NATIONAL PARKS Courtesy

of StatePoint

When visiting one of the stunningly diverse 419 national park sites nationwide, experts say it is important to recognize the individuals who have spoken up over the decades to protect and enhance these incredible places, as well as the work that is still needed.

“It’s difficult to imagine what the U.S. would be like without the Grand Canyon or the Great Smoky Mountains or the Statue of Liberty. National parks offer more than hiking paths, beachfronts and mountaintops,” says Theresa Pierno, president and CEO of

the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). “We find a sense of identity and inspiration in these treasured places. They speak to who we are as Americans.”

Additionally, national parks offer veterans, active-duty members and their families places of solace, healing and reflection, while honoring their service. More than a quarter of our national park sites commemorate military history, from Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, to places such as Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, where Buffalo Soldiers were the first park rangers.

National parks don’t exist as they do today by accident. Today, Florida Panthers still roam in Florida’s Everglades; hikers in Joshua Tree don’t gaze at what would have been the country’s largest landfill; and the country’s diverse and shared history is celebrated in national parks, from Cesar Chavez to Birmingham to Stonewall, thanks to the work of conservationists, including NPCA.

For 100 years, NPCA has served as a fearless defender of national parks. The idea for NPCA came at the urging of the first National Park Service director, Stephen Mather and his colleague, Robert Sterling Yard, who believed that national parks needed a voice, separate from the federal government, whose sole responsibility was to protect and enhance them for present and future generations.

“The earliest park advocates shared a goal that lives on today, of ensuring the wonder of these places is preserved,” says Pierno. Each of us serves as beneficiaries of their vision and action. Now it’s our turn to ensure that 100 years from now, people will still be able to watch Old Faithful erupt at Yellowstone, learn about the history of our democracy at Independence Hall and stand in amazement as brown bears wade into Brooks Falls searching for fish at Katmai in Alaska.”

Unfortunately, national parks continue to face threats, including pollution that is harming their air and water, climate change, energy development, inadequate federal funding and a list of repair needs that is nearly $12 billion across the entire National Park System. Experts say that parks are also threatened by attempts to derail policies and laws meant to protect these treasured places -- from carving up national monuments for development to fast-tracking oil and gas leasing in and near some of America’s last truly wild places. To learn more, visit npca.org/100.

“We need our national parks, and they need us to stand up and be a voice,” says Pierno.

“We find a sense of identity and inspiration in these treasured places. They speak to who we are as Americans.”

POCONO

FIRST PLACE

By Kim Hicks

SECOND PLACE TIE

By

Susan Hunter • CANON EOS REBEL T6

SECOND PLACE TIE

By Raymond Caswell • OLYMPUS E-M1 MARKIII

THIRD PLACE TIE

By Lynn Pryor

THIRD PLACE TIE

B y Roseanne Santaniello • NIKON COOLPIX P900

By Carol Harrington • CANON POWERSHOT SX60

HONORABLE MENTION

By Susan Hunter •

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By Carol Harrington • CANON POWERSHOT

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By Jayne Lesh-Marquet • SAMSUNG GALAXY S23

CANON EOS REBEL T6

SX60

FIRST PLACE TIE

By Patricia MacCabe • Apple iPhone 12

Tallest Water Fall in PA - Raymondskill Falls, by Thomas Dillon Artist

SECOND PLACE TIE

SECOND PLACE TIE

Full Rainbow, Camp Papillon, Stroudsburg, PA, By Robin Bryan • Apple iPhone 13

Bushkill Falls, by Thomas Dillon Artist

THIRD PLACE

Mill Creek Falls in Loyalsock State Forest PA by Artist Thomas Dillon • NIKON COOLPIX P900

By Robert Baxter

HONORABLE MENTION

Country Road in Fall by Joan Wismer Willis

By Maurie Harmon • OLYMPUS E-M5MarkII

By Patricia Santoro

FIRST PLACE

Sunflower by Raymond Caswell • OLYMPUS E-M1 MARKIII

SECOND PLACE

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By Kim Detrick

HONORABLE MENTION

White Oak, Pleasant Mount by Mary Therese McKane • SAMSUNG SM-G990U

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Blueberries by Kim Hicks

Bee Yoga by Joan Wismer Willis

Top Crops

HISTORICAL STRUCTURES

FIRST PLACE

Tulips with Barn by Joan Wismer Willis

SECOND

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The Shed by Harry Loud • SONY DSC-RX10M4

PLACE TIE

What Lives Inside by Joan Wismer Willis • SONY DSC-RX10M4

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AMPLIFY AUTUMN CURB APPEAL

5 HOME RENOVATION PROJECTS TO TACKLE THIS FALL

Courtesy of Family Features

With lower temperatures and milder conditions, fall provides a perfect opportunity to tackle that home renovation to-do list. Whether you plan on making minor improvements or wholesale changes are on the horizon, taking on a few DIY projects can help you boost your home's curb appeal (and its value) while also prepping for colder weather in the days ahead.

Making investments now - like putting time and money toward long-term energy efficiency - can pay off down the road, whether you're planning for a potential sale or simply looking to get more enjoyment out of your home. Plus, many exterior upgrades can be completed by homeowners, meaning there's no need to hire a professional when it's time to give your home a refresh.

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UPGRADE WITH STONE VENEER

Natural and textured home trends continue to rise, leading many building pros and homeowners to gravitate toward stone veneer, or manufactured stone, as it can replicate the look of real stone. The wide range of exterior and interior applications means you can add comfort, character and beauty while complementing your existing style. Consider an option like Versetta Stone from Westlake Royal Building Products, which offers homeowners

“Making investments now - like putting time and money toward long-term energy efficiency - can pay off down the road, whether you’re planning for a potential sale or simply looking to get more enjoyment out of your home.”

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE THE MOUNTAINS FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

Celebrate the holidays surrounded by great company and even better cuisine in the Pocono Mountains. From romantic dinners by candlelight to farm-to-table experiences, our local chefs are serving up something for every palate. Visit PoconoMountains.com to see all of our mouth-watering dining options and make your reservation.

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REFRESH PORCH COLUMNS

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10 TO-DOS FOR HOME AND YARD WINTERIZATION

Courtesy of BPT

Scarves. Pumpkin spice lattes. Leaves crunching underfoot. Sweater season is moving in fast, which means it's time to start transitioning to fall maintenance to make sure your home and yard are ready for winter. The following are 10 things you can do to prepare for the cold and wet weather ahead.

1. INTERSEED YOUR LAWN

A summer of heavy use can take its toll on even the healthiest of lawns. If your turf has some thin or bare patches, fall is the ideal time to reseed. A turf specialist at a garden shop or university extension office can help you choose the right kind of seed for your local conditions. After spreading the seed, water lightly and frequently (if it doesn't rain) to keep the soil slightly damp until the seed germinates.

For those who live in the warmer, Southern regions of the U.S., interseeding with cool season grass seed can help you enjoy a lush green lawn year-round. Speak with a local landscaper or your university extension office to determine the best timing, seed and process for interseeding with cool season grasses as warm season lawns turn dormant.

2. WINTERIZE YOUR IRRIGATION SYSTEM

If the ground in your area freezes down to the depth of your irrigation pipes during the winter, be sure to shut off the water to the system and drain the pipes before the first freeze.

3. LOWER YOUR MOWER BLADES

For the last few mowings in the fall (and the first few in the spring), set your lawn mower blades at the lowest recommended height for your type of turf. You no longer need the height of the grass to shade the soil and keep it cool, and minimizing the amount of moisture that's trapped by the grass can help prevent fungal disease.

4. REMOVE THE LEAVES

Don't leave your lawn buried under a thick layer of leaves. If you don't want to rake, try mulch mowing — chopping the leaves up into small pieces allows them to decompose more quickly, so that they fertilize the grass instead of suffocating it. You may need to mow more frequently to keep up with the falling leaves, even if the grass itself isn't growing quickly.

Photo courtesy of BPT

5. CLEAN UP YOUR YARD

Any object that sits on your grass all winter can create a dead spot. To protect your lawn, remove toys, furniture and other items from the grass. Be sure to cover or store anything that's not designed to be out in the rain or snow indoors.

6. PREP YOUR EQUIPMENT FOR SPRING LAWN

CARE

In addition to seeding, another great way to get a jumpstart on spring is to give your lawn mower a tune-up. By sharpening the blades before you put it away for the winter, it will be ready to get back to work when the grass starts growing again in the spring.

7. CHECK YOUR ROOF, GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

Leaks can lead to costly water damage, so check for potential trouble spots now, before the winter storms start. Look for broken shingles and damaged flashing around vents, chimneys and skylights; clean the leaves out of your gutters; and add extensions to your downspouts if the water runs less than three feet away from the foundation of the house.

8. CHECK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS FOR LEAKS

Eliminating air leaks around doors and window frames is one of the most effective ways to lower your heating bills. Caulk and replace weatherstripping where needed to prevent cold air (and potentially water) from entering. Don't forget to make sure the seal between the garage door and the ground is tight as well.

9. SERVICE YOUR HEATING SYSTEM

Before you turn your heating system on for the winter, have it cleaned and inspected by a professional. Regular preventive maintenance will keep it running safely and efficiently and make sure minor issues are resolved before they become major problems.

10. TEST YOUR EMERGENCY POWER GENERATOR

Winter wind and ice storms can bring down power lines and cause lengthy blackouts. If you live in an area where power outages are common and you have an emergency backup generator, test it now, and make sure you have engine oil and filters on hand.

Spending a bit of time in the fall to prepare your home and yard will allow you to enjoy the winter months with peace of mind. What's more, the effort you invest in the health of your lawn now can pay dividends in the spring by jumpstarting your turf's growth and minimizing weeds. Have you completed everything on the list? It must be time to curl up with a good book, a hot beverage and relax!

It’s not just a day of shopping here in the Pocono Mountains—it’s an experience. Wander our historic streets. Explore our art galleries. Find unique local goods. And stop for a bite at one of our top-rated neighborhood restaurants along the way. Discover all of our shopping and sights now at PoconoMountains.com.

“By sharpening the blades before you put it away for the winter, it will be ready to get back to work when the grass starts growing again in the spring.”

Photo courtesy of StatePoint

3 TIPS TO HELP FIRST-TIME HIKERS GEAR UP FOR THE TRAIL

Courtesy of StatePoint

Being new at anything can be intimidating. What’s great about hiking is that it’s free and open to all, no matter where you live or your level of experience. You also don’t need much gear or education to get started.

Ready to find the nearest trail? Check out these three tips and hike your way to greater fitness, well-being and adventure.

(570) 421-2091

Hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 9pm Sunday 10am - 7pm

Corner of Ninth St. & Sarah St. In Beautiful Downtown Stroudsburg

1. FIND COMMUNITY

The world of hiking gear, apparel and footwear is vast, which might be a bit confusing for those new to the outdoor experience. Look for brands that make things simple. For example, KEEN Footwear is on a mission to make the outdoors more accessible by providing high-quality footwear at inclusive price points.

Some outdoor and sporting goods stores host outdoor skills workshops and group-led trips to help consumers feel comfortable prior to hitting the trail. For example, REI offers virtual and in-person courses in topics like hiking and backpacking, along with lessons in everything from being bear aware to avoiding common stings and bites. These classes and events are a terrific opportunity to meet like-minded people with whom to share future outdoor adventures.

“KEEN Footwear is on a mission to make the outdoors more accessible by providing high-quality footwear at inclusive price points.”

THE POTTING SHED

Air Tours

2. TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET

While you don’t need much to enjoy a hike, it’s important to have proper footwear for the terrain that’s comfortable, fits well and has the right technology features.

Expensive, bulky hiking boots that need to be broken in are not always the right answer for a newer hiker. Innovative solutions are emerging however. The KEEN Targhee has been keeping feet comfortable on the trail for more than 17 years. It’s a go-to hiking boot for backcountry overnights and hiking in rugged terrain. KEEN has created a new option that offers all of the most important features of its iconic, trail-tested Targhee collection with a fresh approach and inclusive pricing. The Circadia line is a back-to-basics alternative that provides the protection and stability of a hiking boot with a lighter, more sneaker-like feel. Expect out-of-the-box comfort, all-day cushioning, and stability on any trail surface, from dirt to gravel. It’s a great choice for local day hikes and short out-and-backs.

Another solid option from KEEN is Ridge Flex. Because this boot requires less energy on the part of the hiker, it’s known as the “e-bike of hiking boots,” and is ideal for beginners and experts alike. This is due to the KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology that makes it easier to flex the boot right out of the box.

Thanks to this design, this boot bends where others may crack and weaken over time, making it a good long-term investment for hikers interested in multi-day backpacking and thru-hikes (hiking a long-distance trail end-to-end).

3. PRIORITIZE SAFETY

As with any outdoor activity, checking the weather is a must before heading out on a hike in order to have the right apparel for comfort, whether that is heat, wind or the cold. Be sure to bring extra food and water, or a way to purify water on the go, along with a simple first-aid kit and tools to start a fire. Don’t forget your cell phone, but be aware that cell phones do not always work on hiking trails.

It’s also a good idea to read up on the trail you’re planning to tackle to ensure it meets your abilities. Always tell a friend or family member when and where you’re hiking and what time you expect to return.

Whether you’re hoping to spot some elusive wildlife or you’re a fitness buff looking to get a great workout in nature, the outdoors is for you. And with a few simple preparations, you’ll be ready to hit the trail with confidence.

POCONO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

AWARDED AMERICAN WATER CHARITABLE FOUNDATION 2023 WATER AND ENVIRONMENT GRANT

Dingmans Ferry – August 30, 2023 – Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) announced today that it was awarded an American Water Charitable Foundation 2023 Water and Environment grant, supporting PEEC’s work to provide local and regional students with educational programs focused on watershed stewardship.

Kelly Daly, PEEC’s Executive Director, commented, “PEEC is thrilled to receive support from the American Water Charitable Foundation to extend our PEEC Into the Classroom programming to more schools in the region. In addition to promoting environmental stewardship, PEEC invites schools to visit our campus within the National Park where they can form an authentic connection to nature and Learn Naturally!”

The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and aims to support highimpact projects and initiatives that further American Water’s commitment to ESG, as well as inclusion, diversity and equity.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation remains committed to participating and investing in organizations and programs that benefit the diverse communities served by American Water,” said Carrie Williams, president, American Water Charitable Foundation. “We are proud to further American Water’s ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor and strong partner in the community.”

Learn more about PEEC’s mission and community impact at peec.org.

ABOUT POCONO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

The Pocono Environmental Education Center, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, between Milford and Bushkill, PA. PEEC advances environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park.

ABOUT AMERICAN WATER

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With

a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT AMERICAN WATER CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf and follow the American Water Charitable Foundation on Facebook.

Contact: Janine Morley, Marketing Coordinator

(570) 828-2319

Email: jmorley@peec.org

“PEEC is thrilled to receive support from the American Water Charitable Foundation to extend our PEEC Into the Classroom programming to more schools in the region.”

Photo courtesy of Marlana Holsten

5 EXPERT TIPS TO HELP YOU PRIORITIZE YOUR PET'S HEALTH

Ahealthy pet doesn't happen by accident. Even a dog or cat without preexisting health conditions needs their owner's help to live their best life and maintain their well-being. Check out these five tips from pet experts at Purina who explain how to prioritize your pet's health to keep your four-legged companion happy and healthy.

1. PROVIDE COMPLETE AND BALANCED NUTRITION

Ensuring your pet is receiving proper nutrition is key. "Many pet foods on the market today are meant to be the only source of nutrition for pets," said Jason Gagné, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), Veterinary Technical Communications. "That's why it's critical that they're 100 percent complete and balanced for the intended life stage.

When you see "complete & balanced" on your pet's food, it means that it provides your pet the right amount of all essential nutrients and in the right proportions that their bodies need.

2. GET PLENTY OF EXERCISE

Nothing strengthens the bond between you and your pet like doing something energetic together. Whether you take your dog for a walk in a place you both love or play a new game with your cat, spending quality time together is top of the list when it comes to showing your pet you love them and care for their well-being. Not only are pets kept active, but pet owners also reap the health benefits here.

“When you see “complete & balanced” on your pet’s food, it means that it provides your pet the right amount of all essential nutrients and in the right proportions that their bodies need.”

Courtesy of BPT

Photo courtesy

3. TAKE CARE OF THEIR SKIN AND COAT

Brushing your pet isn't just for looks. Taking care of your dog's skin and coat is important for your pup's health. "A dog's skin and coat is their largest organ and protects their bones, muscles and other organs," says Gagné. "It also plays a vital role maintaining body temperature."

Using a supplement like EverRoot Skin & Coat oil is a great option if your dog has sensitive skin, as it includes skin-loving nutrients like MCTs, vitamin E, DHA & EPA.

4. TEACH THEM NEW SKILLS

Investing time in your pet is a wonderful way to show them how much you care, and it's another great way to care for their physical and mental health. "Teaching new skills will help keep their minds sharp, is a great form of entertainment and can incorporate physical activity as well," said Dr. Ragen McGowan, PhD, Animal Behavior Scientist. "Interactive puzzle toys for dogs or food maze bowls for cats and dogs are great ways to keep them mentally fit."

5. CONSIDER USING SUPPLEMENTS

To make sure you're doing everything you can to keep your pet as healthy as possible, consider using supplements to help address their specific needs.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements offers options to help with a variety of circumstances pet parents may encounter. For example, FortiFlora is a probiotic supplement that contains a safe and effective strain of beneficial bacteria to promote normal intestinal microflora, which means digestive and immune support for cats and dogs.

"If your dog or cat is displaying anxious behaviors, ask your veterinarian about Calming Care, a probiotic supplement that helps pets maintain calm behavior and cope with external stressors," said McGowan. And for owners who feel their cat could use help staying hydrated, Hydra Care is a nutrient-enriched water which has been shown to increase total liquid intake when compared to cats consuming only water and dry food.*

To find more products that support pet health, visit ProPlanVetDirect.com and EverRoot.com.

*Cats must consume at least 2 oz per 5 lbs of bodyweight daily for benefit.

They count on your mammogram too.

To take care of others, you need to take care of your own health. Screening mammograms can find breast cancer in its earlier, most treatable stages. Make the time for your annual mammogram today –your loved ones will thank you tomorrow.

Schedule your mammogram

LVHN.org/mammo