ppmag_10_2008_issuu by Pocono Parent

October / November 2008

Pocono Community Church Announces the Opening of ...

The Foundation that lasts a lifetime… • Early Childhood Education certified staff • Licensed Nurse on premises • On-site professional kitchen & dining area serving nutritious meals & snacks daily • Infants ( 6weeks-12 months) • Toddler I (1-2 years) • Toddler II (2-3 years) • Pre- Kindergarten (3-5 years) • Full Day Kindergarten • Kid’s Club ( Before and after school

enrichment program for 5-10 years) • Spectacular outside & indoor play areas designed with safety & fun as our primary goals.

Open Monday through Friday 5AM to 7PM Convenient Route 209 Marshall’s Creek Location

Classes Filling Quickly

For more information, to schedule a tour, or to register your child, call (570) 223-2217

• Ages 6 months and up • Weekdays and Saturdays (Scotrun location only)

Get Fit and Have Fun at Non-Members Welcome!

IN MOTION Fitness Classes

Pool Parties

• Ages 4-years and up • Weekdays and Saturdays • Cardio, Strength, Stretching and Nutrition! (Both locations)

(Scotrun location only)

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Route 611 North 570-620-1990

Marshalls Creek

Meadow Lake Plaza, Route 209 570-223-7725

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Table of

Contents Keep Family Thanksgiving Traditions Alive...........................6 The Playroom

Kid Games for Halloween.................7

Get Off to a Good Start. ....................................8 Restaurant Review

Furino’s Pizza....................................10

If your Family Suffers from “Report Card” Surprise.........................................12 Family Practice Corner

When a Prenuptual Agreement is Important...................14

“Stuff” You Always Wanted to Know about Teachers, but Were Afraid to Ask By Bonnie Kraeutler, Preschool Director

A Holistic Mom: Parenting from the Heart By Nina De Santo, a Pocono’s Holistic Mom

Creating A Healthy Family, Part 1

By Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP

Family Finance

Money, Money, Money.....................18

Reader’s Talkback.....................23 Family Travel Tips

Experience Autumn’s Bounty..........26

Ask Dr. Waters

Marcellus Shale Drilling in Pennsylvania.................................28

Fall Family Expo: Announcement...........................32

16 24 30

Kids Korner.................................34 Teen & Tween..............................35 Health & Medical Resources. ....................................36 Marketplace. ...............................37 Pet Tails. ........................................38 On The Cover Special Thanks to New Beginnings Daycare

© 2008 by Pocono Parent, LLC. All rights reserved. Published bimonthly. No portion of PoconoParent Magazine may be reproduced without written permission. Address subscription inquiries and address changes to Pocono Parent, LLC P.O. Box 291 Analomink, PA. 18320. The acceptance of advertising by PoconoParent Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the product or services offered. Reader correspondence are welcome. PoconoParent Magazine assumes no financial responsibility for errors in advertisements. PoconoParent Magazine is a registered trademark of Pocono Parent, LLC.

From the Editor’s Desk

Dear Families and Friends,

very year at this time, I feel compelled to “give thanks”, and I encourage each of you to do the same for your blessings. The economy, with our current housing market and gas prices may have us doubting our financial futures, but we must remain hopeful and thankful for what we DO have in these financially “trying” times. The color of the changing leaves and the crisp, cool air are reminders that the seasons are changing and that we should be thankful for the beauty that surrounds us. Mother Nature has supplied us with bountiful blessings! Enjoy time outdoors with your children this fall. Visit a pumpkin patch, go apple picking, or simply visit a local farm and buy fresh produce. Not only is it more affordable than the local grocery store, it is fresher, healthier for you, and helps to support our local farmers. The Pocono Mountains are a magical place to live in the fall and winter seasons! Embrace the beauty and majesty of the mountains, and their ever changing views. Celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving with your family this year with a new perspective. Have fun, be thankful and simply rejoice in the fact that you are together; that is what “living” is about! I wish you simple abundance and joy!

Kindest regards,

Teri

PoconoParent

™

The Pocono’s Family Resource

Publisher

Editor

David O’Brien

Teri O’Brien

Graphic Design

Contributing Writers:

Michael Dombrowski Edward Fader Jennifer Goodall Karen Klinger

Account Executives

Jennifer Haines Veronica Talbot

Photography:

Maria Marchiano, Creation on Location Kim McCambley, Candid Camera Creations Louise Reeves, Photography by Louisa Michael Straub Photography

Erin Baehr Nina DeSanto Darota Gasienica-Kozak Donna Hamilton Bonnie Kraeutler Lara McCarthy Susan Mehler-Bostick Joe Memoli David T. O’Brien Kate, Teen Jada, Tween Dr. Waters

MISSION STATEMENT The PoconoParent Magazine is a reliable printed family resource committed to providing its’ readers with useful information and professional area contacts. It is our priority to assist in connecting parents with appropriate resources in order to ensure a pleasurable experience living and raising children in the Pocono Mountains!

Dr. ANTHONY S. DIECIDUE

DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY

EYE ASSOCIATES OF MONROE COUNTY

www.eyeassociatesonline.net

October/November 2008 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com

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www.PoconoParent Magazine.com October/November 2008

ach family, big or small, loud or quiet, has its own traditions that are followed more or less unchanged for a long period of time. Keeping these family traditions alive is not only the responsibility of the parents, but also the grandparents, the uncles and aunts, the family friends and in most cases, the responsibility of children. Whether you consider a family tradition to be the annual family vacations to that special place you visit every year, the Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas presents and birthday parties, the fact remains that families come closer and share the memories of past rituals performed to honor everyone.

When children are still young, so too are parents, family traditions seem to be more sentimental and involve a lot of playing around. As kids get older and parents as well, families try to keep their traditions alive by reaching mutual agreements among the family members. The son that wants to go to a football match and escape the tradition of having to sit down, like every other Sunday, with his whole ten-member family for dinner, can cause some trouble when allowed not to be present often. Keeping the tradition is thus not only the responsibility of the parents in a family, as people seem to believe, but also that of children who will at some point create their own traditions and strive to keep them alive in their own families. Understanding the importance of spending those precious moments with your parents or with your children, will lead you to cherish the instances you had a chance to speak through your actions. As kids enter college, or even graduate school, traditions fall apart. Some deny this fact by supporting that exactly because children spend less time with their folks they feel the need to do so and use those

family traditions as an excuse to visit the house they grew up in. Whichever the case may be, the fact remains that families need those times together and family bonds do develop. Although in many cases these are greatly different from the past, bonds exist because of the family traditions that still exist. Thus, it is imperative for a family to find the right time in order to celebrate the fact that family is what you love most in the world. As a kid your family was the world you knew. As an adult, your family is the world you feel safe in. Cherish and keep these family traditions alive by doing what you used to do as a kid. Remember, and if you are given the chance help your mother bake cookies, wrap presents and put them under the Christmas tree, set up the Thanksgiving dinner, buy the cake your brother or sister will blow the birthday candles on. Do whatever it takes. These are some of the most precious moments you can share with your beloved ones. Do not forget or let them vanish. Celebrate families and togetherness this Thanksgiving Day with some time-honored traditions, which give us a sense of family identity and meaningfulness that can last for generations. Here are some ideas for starting new family traditions - and for revering the old ones: 1. Sit down with your family and reminisce about your childhood celebrations. What do you remember most about Thanksgiving and the days that follow? Thanksgiving traditions can be much more than just food and recipes. In what ways did your childhood traditions symbolize particular values, such as abundance, generosity, the importance of family? What would you like to do that’s the same? What would you do like to do differently?

2. Make a small booklet or a mini scrapbook album (which you can either make or purchase.) Write “Five Things I Love About My Family and Friends” and keep it out on the table during your Thanksgiving celebration. Each guest can come and record thoughts and insights. Other themes to try: “Five Things I’m Thankful For” or “Five Wishes for my Family and Friends.” An even simpler approach would be to put one sheet of cardstock out for each year - and combine them together over the years in a Thanksgiving Gratitude Scrapbook. 3. Keep a Family Gratitude Journal through the year. Each night, a family member can share something that they are grateful for. Share the highlights of this family tradition at the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day. 4. Involve the entire family in Thanksgiving decorations. 5. Show your gratitude to an unsung hero. Get together with your family and decide on a person or a group in your community who could use an extra pat on the back, ie. firefighters, soldiers, police officers, volunteers. Put together a special plate of goodies and deliver it (or pack it up for shipping) as a family. 6. Preserve your traditions. After the meal, record everyone’s favorite activities. Appoint one person to be the scribe - or ask everyone to jot down a few thoughts. And don’t forget to take lots of photos. It’s fun to place disposable cameras throughout the house so everyone can capture bits of the action.

These are some of the most precious moments you can share with your beloved ones

all is in the air and Halloween not far behind, now is the time to start thinking about the great Halloween games for the kids who will be knocking on your doors. Of course if you are throwing a Halloween party you will want to find not only great games, but also spooky decorations, and icky treats as well. A good selection of games, crafts, and activities will keep the party running smoothly even after the younger goblins have given up the ghosts.

Older children might enjoy games such as ghoul and fright or other scarier Halloween themed games while younger kids might find them too frightening or complicated to consider. Toddlers tend to really love pumpkins so any game with a pumpkin as a theme will generally retain a toddler’s rapt attention. Toddlers also tend to prefer short games with few rules. You can even use the same game with

Other great Halloween gaming ideas include games that encourage the use of imagination and creativity. Craft projects are generally a hit, as children love bringing something home with them, especially if it’s something they made with their own hands. Be creative with your crafting projects and offer several to choose from. Some kids may choose to try them all! Older kids often like the ooey gooey gross-out types of games. Be as creative as you can be with the contents of your pantry. Can you make intestines or cauliflower brains? Be creative and see what great things you can come up with. Also, if you have children of your own, let them help in the planning process, it will make them feel valued and special. You’ll find your children to be a great asset to you since all children have really great imaginations! You might be surprised with what their demented little minds can come up with. I know my kids constantly surprise me. Whatever games you choose for your Halloween fun remember the goal is fun and you really need to be flexible or no one will be having much fun. Halloween only happens once a year so make this party one that will create happy memories for a lifetime!

October/November 2008 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com

games, f o n o i select will A good tivities c a d n a ing crafts, r ty runn e a p e h t th keep en after v e y l h t ave smoo oblins h . g r e g n sts you the gho p u n e giv

A little bit of organization will go a long way towards plenty of games to keep the ghouls and zombies at bay long enough to bring out some smiles and avoid any uncomfortably quiet moments as adults scramble to find something else to entertain the kids. If you have a few backups in mind this can go a long way towards the oh so important skill of buying a little more time. Also be sure to provide prizes for your games. Even boring games will keep a child’s attention a little longer if there is the hope of a prize when all is said and done. It is also vitally important that you choose games that are age appropriate for your party guests.

different themes and toddlers will tend to remain well entertained. Marshmallow bobbing, scavenger hunts and the Monster freeze dance are also great fun for your smaller partygoers.

Get off to a Good Start

By Joe Memoli, Former School Principal, Educator

www.PoconoParent Magazine.com October/November 2008

ht’s if a great nig llowed sleep were fo s by a nutritiou eryone breakfast, ev a better would enjoy . quality of life

hildren customarily study compound words in the early years. Teachers, employing sound educational strategies including a student’s prior knowledge, introduce words that are commonly known to most children. Hence, familiar words such as baseball, homework, and raincoat are prime examples of compound words in the primary grades. Teachers may also use words from other disciplines also categorized as compound words. Breakfast is an all-important compound word. Perhaps a bit more abstract than the above examples, it readily joins health and language in an intriguing lesson. “Break the fast” provides the needed nourishment after a peaceful night’ sleep. In addition to compound words, students also study homophones, words that are spelled differently but sound alike. Examples include or, ore and oar, to, too and two, weak and week, and capitol and capital. Daze and days is an interesting set of homophones as it relates to the compound word breakfast.

Get Your Home Ready For The Holidays

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In a recent article by Wendy Cole in the October issue of Connections magazine, it was reported that the majority of American children simply do not get the required 10 to 11 hours of sleep nightly. The number of children who attend school without eating a nutritional breakfast compounds the problem. Children generally follow in their parents’ footsteps and, if their parents skip breakfast, then children will also. Without adequate sleep and proper nutrition, the question remains are children in a daze during the school days? Remember the old adage that children learn more often from what we do than what we say. Since 1977 the average combined workweek for the typical two –career family has increased from 81 hours to 91 hours. We live in a 24/7 society attempting to burn the candles at both ends by going to bed later and rising earlier. Instead, if a great night’s sleep were followed by a nutritious breakfast, everyone would enjoy a better quality of life. It’s a lesson that may simply lessen the daily stress.

Our readers are dedicated parents

They want to know what services are available for their children and themselves including health, education, child care, leisure time activities, and day-to-day needs such as food and clothing. They also buy homes, cars, food and clothing; they plan leisure time; they demand quality health care, pursue careers and healthy lifestyles and make up the greatest buying power in America today.

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October/November 2008 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com

TUMBLEBEES

Review URINO‘S

P I Z Z A By David T. O’Brien

on’t let the name fool you. This is not just another “Pizza Joint”. Furino’s Pizza opened its doors July of 2008 and boasts a comprehensive menu. It is a clean, brightly lit, eatin Italian restaurant located at the junction of 209 and Beaver Road in Syndersville.

www.PoconoParent Magazine.com October/November 2008

I had an opportunity to dine here with three of my boys recently and we were all pleasantly surprised. Yes, you can have pizza and according to a reliable local it is “very good.” The boys on the other hand decided to sample the menu. One had baked ziti, with a side salad another ordered the perogies which also came with a side salad and my youngest had chicken fingers. I was

tempted by the evening special – a steak sandwich accompanied by a bowl of cream of broccoli soup. We were advised by the waitress that we could order a 2 liter bottle of soda and she would provide 4 cups with ice. We all thought that this was a great idea. Instead of paying $1.95 each for a soda, our complete beverage order was only $2.50. When eating out as a large family it’s the little things that drive you insane but also make you go Hmm! Our food arrived, and there were noises of glee from the boys. We ate and drank heartily and all concluded that this was a “do again”. The baked ziti got great raves, the perogies were wow! The chicken was complimented by honey mustard sauce and given thumbs up. My steak sandwich was a real surprise! I mean “real”; the steak was freshly sliced beef (not thin artificial stuff), smothered in mozzarella cheese sandwiched between a garlic hoagie.

If you want excellent Italian food at fast food prices (Our total out of pocket was $32.00 for four), visit Forino’s Pizza and tell them you read their review in PoconoParent Magazine. They are open 7 days a week 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Call 570-992-1888 for more information.

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From s r e ff u S y l i m a F If Your prise – r u S ” d r a C t r o p “Re Cure e h t s i n o i t a c i n Commu By Lara McCarthy, Director of Education If your child…

Develops low self-esteem as report card time approaches • Refuses to discuss her grade expectations • Receives test scores that do not reflect his daily performance • Struggles to complete her daily homework • Gradually begins not to show you his graded assignments and projects • Loses interest in learning •

Your family may suffer from “report card surprise.”

www.PoconoParent Magazine.com October/November 2008

The first report card of the year can create feelings of pride, happiness and excitement for many parents. It can also produce feelings of anxiety and frustration for those who are surprised by their child’s grades. However, effective and continuous communication among teachers, parents and students can help minimize the “report card surprise.”

11/30/2008

Report cards are part of every child’s academic experience, and don’t need to be a surprise to parents. If a parent is surprised by a poor report card, it often means that they haven’t been effectively communicating with their child or their child’s teacher throughout the year. Maintaining open and continuous lines of communication with children and teachers throughout the school year, and not just when report cards are issued, will help parents stay informed about their child’s progress and help them avoid the report card surprise. Students who are surprised by their own report cards also need to improve their communication and organization patterns. A student who surprisingly receives a D or a failing grade on his report card learns the hard way that he needs to regularly talk with his teachers and stay on top of school work, homework and test results. Students should never be surprised by their report card grades. Organization is an essential part of a student’s education. By tracking test scores and all other assignments throughout the year and speaking regularly with teachers and parents, students are prepared for their grades come report card time, and can work to improve their performance prior to report cards.

It shouldn’t take a surprise report card for parents and teachers to communicate effectively. The following advice can help parents maintain clear communications with their children and teachers to begin seeing academic results before the holidays:

Tips for Talking To Children

• Develop a parent/teacher relationship with your child’s teacher and talk with this teacher at least once a month throughout the year. Remember that your child’s teacher has direct contact with your child every school day and can offer invaluable insight into your child’s day. • Your child’s teacher can benefit from background information about him – talk about activities he likes, special needs, close friends, motivation and things going on at home. • Find out what the teacher’s expectations are for the year and what type of curriculum she has set for the students. Have this insight at the start of school and keep track of it throughout the year. • Talk to the teacher about any major programs or activities that are set for the year. Is there an annual science fair? A field trip schedule? Major papers? Tests? • Remember – teachers are busy people, too. Find out the easiest way to communicate – by email, phone or in person. Finding the right communication method will make it easier to speak on a regular basis.

According to a recent study, sixtysix percent of North American teachers say parents are surprised by their child’s report cards. These same teachers offered the following suggestions for parents to avoid the report card surprise and help their child succeed in school: • Maintain open lines of communication throughout the year with your child and the teacher. • Stay involved in your child’s education. • Review his homework on a daily basis and be available to help him. • Talk to your child about her assignments and how she feels she is doing in school. • Be informed about his assignments by reading weekly reports and checking his backpack or planner.

• Be proactive and interested in her activities both in and out of school. • Visit your child’s classroom for a desk check at least twice a month. • If you suspect your child may be having problems contact the teacher to see what things can be done to help. • Be sure to watch for regular progress reports from the teacher. • Get to know your child’s strengths/weaknesses. • Feel free to visit the classroom or call with questions. • Starting from an early age, have regular discussions and encourage all family members to talk about their day. • Help your child get organized. Try using a weekly folder for homework and a daily progress report. • Consider supplemental education.

Report cards are part of every child’s academic experience, and don’t need to be a surprise to parents.

October/November 2008 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com

• Talk about school every day. Make it a regular part of the family’s routine. • Don’t wait until report cards are issued to talk about school and grades. Frequently discuss with her how she is doing in each subject and what grade she anticipates receiving. • Encourage your child to tell you about his day. Find out what he learned and what his favorite activities are. • Teach your child that education is important to your family. • Discuss goals and objectives for the school year. This may be a great way to learn about difficulties your child is having in specific subject areas. • If your child is having trouble in school, talk about a method to help organize her schedule, subjects and activities. A calendar can be a great way to track tests, homework, activities and study plans. • Talk with your child about his extracurricular activities, such as team sports or after-school jobs. Being overscheduled may affect his grades. • Set improvement goals for your child. This will help her work towards an attainable grade for each class. • Talk with your child about his study habits and develop a study plan. Set aside specific time for studying, projects and activities each evening and make sure that he has a properly equipped and well-lit area to work. • Communicate with your child about her school experiences. Know what she is thinking and feeling. Also, openly talk with her about her worries and concerns as well as her joys and achievements.

Tips for Talking to Teachers

WHEN A PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT IS IMPORTANT By Darota Gasienica-Kozak, Esq.

any clients inquire as to whether a prenuptial agreement is necessary to their particular situation. A prenuptial agreement is one where two people, who intend to marry each other, set forth the rights of each person in the property of the other in the event of divorce or death. Unfortunately, the answer to whether a prenuptial agreement is necessary may only be answered on a case by case basis. The reason is that each individual

has different reasons for entering into a prenuptial agreement. Some general factors for deciding to have a prenuptial agreement drafted could be the following: (a) The size of your estate; (b) Your age; (c) The existence of children from prior marriages; (d) The differences in your premarital estate; (e) Protection of a family business; (f) Definition of the parameters of your relationship as to financial commingling in the future; (g) Future support of a spouse; or (h) Prevention of divorce litigation in the future.

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In February 1988, some amendments were adopted to the Pennsylvania Divorce Code and on January 28, 2005, the most recent amendments were adopted. One of those amendments addresses prenuptial agreements. These agreements

because it was unreasonable; or even if the elimination of spousal support causes a spouse to be eligible for public assistance. This statute also sets forth when a prenuptial agreement will be held to be invalid. An agreement will be held invalid when the party challenging the agreement did not execute the agreement voluntarily or when the party, prior to execution (1) was not provided a fair and reasonable disclosure of the parties’ assets; (2) did not waive the right to disclosure; and (3) did not have adequate knowledge of the property or financial obligations of the other party.

Each individual has different reasons for entering into a prenuptial agreement

Therefore, if you find yourself planning a wedding, one of the important tasks on your “to do” list should be to research whether a prenuptial agreement is necessary for your situation or schedule a consultation with a family law attorney to advise you of your rights.

are treated the same as any other contract and can be set aside only for fraud, misrepresentation, or duress, as well as by clear and convincing evidence of a lack of full and fair disclosure of one’s financial position. These agreements will not be set aside if one of the signatories is unrepresented; if it was signed too close to the wedding;

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Most clients make the decision with regard to the importance of a prenuptial agreement when they are advised by the attorney of the parties’ rights in the absence of a prenuptial agreement. A discussion of the parties’ rights would include not only reference to the Pennsylvania Divorce Code but will also reference the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code, ERISA, COBRA, and the support guidelines. For example, the purpose of a prenuptial agreement is to create parties’ rights and obligations if the parties were to separate or divorce. The party would have to be educated as to what the spouse would be entitled to by law in the absence of a prenuptial agreement and also understand alimony, alimony pendente lite, support, and equitable distribution and how the prenuptial agreement addresses these various issues, rights, and obligations. It is also extremely important to have full and fair disclosure of the assets and liabilities of both parties involved in order for the agreement to withstand any challenge to its validity.

You Always Wanted to Know About Teachers, but Were Afraid to

By Bonnie Kraeutler, Preschool Director

ell, school has gotten off to a great start. This morning was the first day that the children were at preschool. We had a really nice morning. There were a couple of kids who were not quite sure that they wanted to be here; but, they fought back their tears and got on with the job at hand. I was so proud of them. Our parents did well, too. I didn’t see any weeping in the hallway. However; there were some concerned faces. What makes a parent worry about his child in a new situation? It is the fear of the “unknown” ? To help combat this fear and give all of you a little insight into the lives of my preschool teachers, this month’s article will be “Stuff you always wanted to know about teachers, but were afraid to ask.” While I can only speak for the teachers in our school, I am sure that teachers at other grade levels wouldn’t mind if I let you in on these little items. 1. We really don’t mind vomit. Yup, it’s true. Working with children requires you to deal with a certain amount of “bodily fluids”. You should never be embarrassed if your child” yaks” on the teacher. If

you sent a healthy child to school this morning, who had some kind of “accident” by the afternoon, don’t hang your head in shame when you pick him up. Kids get sick. We help them clean up. Life goes on. End of story. However, this leads to #2…

5.We enjoy your children. It is not an act. We really like being with kids. Otherwise we would have never chosen a career where on any given day we are underpaid, undervalued, AND have vomit on our shoes! Your kids delight us. We can be having the crappiest of days and your children make us smile. Small salaries can be supplemented with hugs, laughter, and a new skill learned. Some days when everything is “clicking” we feel like we are richer than Donald Trump. Ahhhh, but this brings us to #6…

2. We know when you are trying to sneak a sick child into school. Don’t do it. Even if it is three days before Christmas and you have shopping to do. It is bad form to bring a sick kid to school. Nothing makes a teacher crabby faster. Your sick child is spreading germs to all the other kids and 6. We also enjoy being with our to us as well. We OWN kids. We love to do not want to with you during We really like being chat spend Christmas the school day. It is with kids. Otherwise great to speak with sneezing and sniffling. we would have never people taller than four chosen a career where feet. However, be 3. We want to know careful that you don’t on any given day if you have a hang around too long we are underpaid, question or chatting. At our school concern. We undervalued, AND have we have less than an hate “parking lot vomit on our shoes! hour between morning politics.” That and afternoon classes. is when you are If you stay and chat for worried or irritated about an issue forty five minutes we are going and head out to talk (or gripe) to have a hard time getting ready about it with the other parents. for the next group of kids. It Confrontation is hard. I hate it; may also mean that we will not but, if you have a problem, let us have time to gulp down lunch or know upfront and we will try to use the potty. At the end of the correct it. We really just want to day every minute that we spend teach your child and make you chatting with you is a minute that both feel happy and secure; which we are taking away from our own leads to #4… children. It might make us late to pick them up at school activities. 4. We will never “take it out” on It might make us miss our chance your kid. Just suppose you to do some quick errands on the came to see me and we had a way home. spirited discussion about one of our preschool policies. By I hope that the start to your school “spirited” I mean that by the year was as smooth as ours. As I end of the conversation we were write, tomorrow the youngest of our both speaking through gritted preschool children will be starting teeth. This kind of thing happens class. I’ll be saying my prayers sometimes. It is not what we tonight that they also enjoy a great strive for, but occasionally, people start. Now that you know what is will disagree. Be assured that going on inside your child’s teacher’s your child will not suffer in any head I hope that you feel confident way because of our disagreement. and secure that it is going to be That is childish and petty. We a wonderful school year! Happy will continue to always treat your learning! child with love and respect…even if you are making us crazy!

Here are few more miscellaneous items that you may find interesting…. *We are just as scared of disappointing you as you are of disappointing us. *We love summer vacation as much as the kids do…it is the reward for the shoe vomit *We get frustrated with snow days, too. The first few are great. We love being home in our jammies, but as the winter season drags on and on, we get as frustrated as you. We hate the inconsistency and general chaos that lots of snow time brings. *We hate the amount of paperwork that is required to be a teacher these days. It takes too much time and takes away from the kids. *We are nervous when we are in front of a large group of parents. We love to have programs were your children can show you skills learned. Those cute programs require a lot of work on our part and no matter how calm and relaxed we look, we are on the verge of hysteria inside.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY By Erin Baehr, Financial Advisor, EFP(r), EA

y far, the number one reason people call me is that they want to get their finances organized. They feel like instead of managing their money, their money is managing them, and it’s not a good feeling! Most of us do have a love/hate relationship with money, and getting control of our money is a lot like getting control of our diet—for any long term change to take hold, we first have to understand why we do what we do, become aware of our particular financial dysfunctions and work to improve them. The first step in putting money in its place is to determine the role it plays in our life. How much energy is spent each day earning money, buying stuff, paying bills, figuring

out how to get more money, and when you have it, deciding what to do with it? Financial issues play a bigger role in our lives than we may realize. Stress about money can impact our marriages, our relationships, and our health. Setting workable goals and laying out a plan to achieve them can go a long way to relieve that stress. A big picture point of view will put things into perspective for you. Take an honest look at your life goals and beliefs; write down what matters most to you. Is it spending more time with your family? Having a comfortable lifestyle? Professional accomplishments and the accolades that go along with them? Homeschooling or being a stay-athome mom?

www.PoconoParent Magazine.com October/November 2008

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After you’ve made the list, reexamine it while considering how you spend your time and money now. Are your financial habits in line with what is important to you? Or by not paying attention, are you spending your resources in ways that are distracting you from what is important? When our behaviors contradict what we value it also leads to stress. If you find that you are working against your goals, think hard about whether you are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to change and live a life more congruent with your values. If staying home with your children is important, are you willing to give up some dinners out or dress your children in hand-me-downs? Or if spending more time with your family is important, are you willing to work fewer hours and take your time climbing up the corporate ladder? There are no judgments here; it’s a matter of what fits for your family, and the joy that can come from purposefully working toward your goals.

Money Blindness People afflicted with money blindness typically would rather do anything else, including cleaning the litter box, than deal with money. “Seeing” their finances brings

A big picture point of view will put things into perspective for you. full responsibility on your partner. Besides, when you do reach your goals, it’s much more fun to be part of the team then cheering from the sidelines.

Money Squeamishness Those with money squeamishness see money as bad or corrupt, and live by the (misquoted) motto: money is the root of all evil. To pursue money is seen as tacky or greedy, and money-squeamish people sometimes take pride in their anti-materialism, to an extreme. They likely grew up in a home where either money was very tight and disliking money became a defense against feeling deprived, or in a home where money was valued above all else. Others simply have an acute awareness of the people in the world with less than they have, and so they feel guilty for having any money at all. What they have a hard time realizing is that their squeamishness is working against their own best interests. Money is neither inherently good nor evil; it is the way it is used that can be good or bad. Earning more money yourself does not cause the poor to become poorer; in fact by

earning more you have more power to help the needy and do good in the world, in addition to building a more secure future for your family. No, it isn’t fair that I was born into a comfortable, secure family while others were born into abject poverty and finding food each day is a struggle. But instead of feeling guilty, I can be grateful, generous, and willing to share what I have.

Money Denial, or the Prince Charming Syndrome People with money denial are always waiting to be rescued, and therefore find no reason to take responsibility for their own financial destiny. They’re waiting for that inheritance, that promotion, that lottery, and even in this day and age, for Prince Charming. We no longer live in a society where we work for a company an entire career with the promise of a pension and lifelong health benefits. The government isn’t likely to be our safety net either. Even if you do have a Prince Charming to take care of you, 90% of women will end up alone, losing their spouse through either death or divorce, and will need to be responsible for their ultimate financial security. The fact of the matter is that it is up to each of us to manage our finances well and make them last. Waiting for our own personal version of Prince Charming just wastes precious time that could be spent preparing for the future. These are just three ways our unhealthy mindsets can get in the way of accomplishing our goals. The key is to recognize our issues and work at changing a little at a time. Small, positive changes over a long period of time can bring amazing results, and before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to organized finances and less stress!

October/November 2008 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com

Once you have a handle on what really matters to you, it’s time to draw a road map to achieve those goals. Make a list of your goals; putting them in writing makes them more “real.” Write down specific action steps you can take, and be realistic—for instance, if you cope with stress by indulging in “retail therapy,” vowing to never enter another mall is a failure waiting to happen, like me saying I’ll never have chocolate again. If you don’t treat the underlying behaviors, it is too easy to be sidetracked and give up the plan. If we know ahead of time what our money issues are, it is easier to recognize them and plan a different way to react ahead of time. Let’s talk about three problematic patterns: Money blindness, Money squeamishness, and Money denial.

anxiety, so they choose not to see. They just don’t “do money.” But financial ignorance is not bliss, and leaving the finances to your spouse does not relieve you of the responsibility. Both partners should participate fully, so each knows the situation and can have equal input. Never mind the small but present risk of putting your financial security in jeopardy by leaving it entirely in your partner’s hands, it can be unfair to put the burden of

“Serving Parents…Loving Children” Pocono Community Church

arla hits the snooze button at least twice before finally getting out of bed at 5 AM. She grabs a quick shower and cup of coffee before stumbling down the hallway to wake her three, young children in order to get everyone out the door by 6:15 AM. Her oldest goes to first grade at a local, public school, but the two younger children are shuttled back and forth during the day between an older relative and a good, family friend. Carla’s juggling act is one all too familiar to many parents in the Pocono region. And like Carla, while those parents may be working jobs outside of the home for 40+ hours a week, their hearts are with their children 24/7. Stories such as Carla’s fueled the vision of Pastor Dave Crosby and the leadership team at Pocono Community Church to birth a daycare facility that would live the motto: “Serving Parents…Loving Children”. As parents themselves, the people behind New Beginnings Daycare know that along with safety and educationally appropriate activities, an environment with teachers, aides and directors who first and foremost love and understand the needs of children is paramount in making their care choices. The state of the art facility housing NBD, now under construction on Highway 611 in Tobyhanna, will open its doors on January 5, 2009. Under the direction of Dr. Janet Shelton, a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience, NBD will be a fullservice daycare for children who are infant through age 5 (not yet Kindergarten eligible) with amazing opportunities for 75 children and their families. In addition, there

will be space for 75 elementary aged children in both before and after school programs. While the new facility and cuttingedge play areas will certainly be impressive to the community, Dr. Shelton’s primary focus is on the people attached to NBD: staff, families and most of all, children. “At NBD, all teachers will be early childhood credentialed with thorough state and federal background and history checks. In addition to providing the basics that will include nutritious lunches and snacks, we are committed to bringing children days filled with a wonderful mix of academic, social, emotional and spiritual educational experiences. Essentially, we have set out to provide an environment that offers the same level of love, care and excellence that we would want and expect for our own children.” Registration for New Beginnings Daycare is now open at www. newbeginningsdaycare.org where one may also find a wealth of information regarding deadlines, tuition and employment information. NBD does have slots for HeadStart and those receiving state support, so be sure to make mention, if applicable, upon application.

www.newbeginningsdaycare.org

As parents themselves, the people behind New Beginnings Daycare know that along with safety and educationally appropriate activities, an environment with teachers, aides and directors who first and foremost love and understand the needs of children is paramount in making their care choices.

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Wiley’s Premier Birthday Party Package:

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Conditions: Minimum of 10 guests required, 40 guests max including adults. Two-week advance reservations requested. Wristband required to enter the waterpark, including adults. No outside food or beverage may be brought in the resort or waterpark area. One adult per five children. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required at time of reservation. Deposit is applied towards party balance. Full payment and guarantee count of attendees is due 72 hours prior to event. All major credit cards accepted. No personal checks accepted. * Rate excludes tax and gratuity.

Dear Editor

I have to write to tell you how much I enjoy your magazine. I am a grandmother raising my two grandchildren which can be a daunting task at times. It is a different world then when I raised my own two children. Your magazine gives me insight, information, and ideas for our family, and I thank you for that. Keep up the good work.

Eva, Albrightsville Dear PoconoParent Magazine,

I received my first copy of your magazine in the mail after subscribing online, and I am so very happy. I used to pick it up at my pediatrician’s office but getting it at home is great! You do such a great job with informative articles and ideas for families. I look forward to every issue. Thank you for providing this free to families- it means a lot.

Erica, Marshall’s Creek

Dear Editor,

Thank you for providing local families with useful information. I have called upon several of the businesses that I saw advertised in your magazine, and every one of them has delivered quality service. It is so hard to know who to trust, but when I see them in your magazine, I feel like I can trust them. Thank you for all of the great contacts and keep them coming!

• Ages 4 months to 5 years old • After school Ages 5 years to 13 years old. • Breakfast provided for 2 years to after school children. • Homework help is available at no extra charge, Director has Master's Degree in General education/Special education. • Experienced and CDC teachers Monday thru Friday, Pre-kindergarten 4-5 yr olds Pre-School 2-3 yr olds • Convenient to route 80. School buses drop off and pick up for JTL and East Stroudsburg Elementary. • Small Family orientated day care with mature staff

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October/November 2008 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com

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By Nina De Santo, a Pocono’s Holistic Mom

ince I was a little girl I can remember the herbal remedies my mom and grandmother use to cook up for the sick to help them recover. They would soak people in herbal baths, apply poultices, apply homemade ointments to wounds, and prepare herbal tinctures that were added to beverages to drink. My grandmother and her healing modalities were a big part of my childhood and had a major impact on me. We lived in a two family house in Jersey City, New Jersey. My grandparents lived downstairs and my parents, Connie and Sal and my brother Philip and I lived upstairs. The doors were always open and it felt like we all lived in one big house. I can still remember waking up on Sunday mornings to the smell of tomato sauce cooking for Sunday “Pranzo’ and the sound of Dean Martin playing in the background. We would all sit down to dinner together, we’d talk and we would laugh. There was such a unity and wholeness about being together and

creating such precious memories. I realize now as an adult how truly precious those memories are and how lucky I was to have experienced such a wonderful childhood. My mom was such and still is an unselfish mom. She always put her children before any thing else. I remember people sometimes criticizing her and saying, “Connie, you are too much for your family” My mom would just smile and not murmur a word. I remember being sick as a child and my mom lying next to me in bed. She would hold me and in that moment, I wouldn’t feel sick anymore. It was as if her energy would heal me. I would sometimes hear my mom come into my room at night to check in on me and I could feel her kiss my head and whisper, “I love you”. I felt so safe and I would drift off into such a deep sleep, knowing my mom was always there. There is no other bond like that of a mother and her child. All of our experiences, especially as children set a foundation as to the type of parent we will be. I find myself now as a mother following the same steps my mother took raising us. I nurture my son on all levels. It’s not just about the physical needs, like feeding and diapering. It’s about his mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. I call it “complete mothering”. I am asked by many what is “Holistic Parenting” I always begin by saying, “It is parenting the” whole child.” It is an empowerment of both mother and child. It is parenting intuitively and consciously. It is parenting on a whole and complete level, balancing and connecting on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual planes. It is understanding that everything is interconnected.” Now, of course, after that explanation most people look at me like I have 2 heads! Sounds like you need an owner’s manual. The important thing to remember is that parents and children are inter-connected that result in the growth and development of each.

Balance brings harmony and harmony brings optimum health. Holistic moms share a common bond: a desire to be the best parents possible by providing our children with the physical, emotional, and spiritual upbringing that will nurture them and allow them to reach their greatest potential. Parent from the heart, and use your intuition to make the best decisions for you and your child. Children today are faced with so many challenges. It is our duty to protect them and nurture them. We have to be teachers and role models for our children. We have to be what we want our children to be. As a holistic mom, I teach my son, through my actions that we are all connected on a higher level. The animal kingdom, plant species and all of mankind are all interconnected. If one is out of balance then all will be affected. Parenting holistically is looking at the big picture. All of our choices have a rippling affect. Think of the impact on the world if we all taught our children to recycle. Think of the impact on the world if we demonstrated to our children to eat local produce and support our farmers. Making personal changes in your life does have a global impact. We are just not connected to each other; we are connected to a greater purpose. This is holistic parenting; understanding the relationship of being interconnected and maintaining a balance. Being a holistic mom means to parent the WHOLE child. There is no secret formula, just use your intuition and follow your heart. You will never be wrong. The best advice I can give to someone is to throw out all of the books, listen to your heart and follow the guidance. There is so much truth in the saying, “Mother knows best”.

utumn is truly one of our most breathtaking seasons’, and once the time of year that working families pulled together to gather their harvest before winter set in. Most of us have no idea what that was like, possibly something we read or saw on a T.V. show. Now we only have to decide which grocery store to visit and stock our shelves and freezers.

Experience Autumn’s Bounty By Susan Mehler-Bostick, Travel Consultant

We can however take advantage of the region we live in and get outdoors with our families for some first hand experience! A visit to one of the many local farms allows you the opportunity to bring home the “bounty”. Better yet, would be a fall road trip! There are numerous locations within a few hours; one that promises an array of possibilities is Bucks County. Bucks County, Pennsylvania is widely known for

its small towns and quaint villages like New Hope, Quakertown and Yardley. It also offers abundant attractions, farms and vineyards. A great place to start is Shady Brook Farm; they offer pick-yourown crops, homemade ice cream, Pumpkinfest and other special events and festivals. A trip to this farm or any of the other markets and vineyards in Bucks County would be a great treat and a wonderful memory for you and your family. Bucks County is also famous for a their family friendly venues. None other than Sesame Place, The Crayola Factory and Peddler’s Village. Sesame Place is the perfect site to share in your child’s imagination, furry friends, whirling rides and wonderful shows. The park is open until October 25th and is offering some

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wonderful special events: Halloween Spooktacular and the Creepy Feature Show. Why not join Elmo, Big Bird, Bert and Ernie and rediscover the kid in you? Peddler’s Village is located in the heart of Bucks County featuring over 70 specialty shops, great restaurants and Giggleberry Fair a family entertainment center. Giggleberry Fair is full of family fun and offers something for all ages, featuring Giggleberry Mountain one of the largest indoor obstacle courses in the region, or ride on the magical Grand Carousel, spend some time in the interactive Discovery Land or have some fun in the arcade “Game Room”. Bucks County has a variety of accommodations, wonderful Bed & Breakfasts, stunning Country Inns and fabulous full service hotels. So consider a beautiful Fall Weekend Get-Away with your family. Experience the rambling country roads with the many specialty shops, farmers markets, antique shops, art galleries, wineries and restaurants that make Bucks County so special.

The New Women’s Wellness Center of the Poconos Pocono Medical Center is proud to announce the opening of our new Women’s Wellness Center of the Poconos. Conveniently located at our 447 Office Plaza site in East Stroudsburg, the Center offers comprehensive women’s health services including gynecological and obstetrics care, ultrasounds, lab services, contraceptive counseling, and minimally invasive surgeries. One of the area’s few ob-gyn providers, our expert physicians and skilled staff are housed in modern, cutting-edge facilities making PMC’s new Women’s Wellness Center of the Poconos a convenient choice for women’s health care, close to home.

Women’s Wellness Center of the Poconos 200 Building, 447 Office Plaza East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 570-421-3401

• • • • •

Mo n e y Pro b le m s No t En o u gh Ti m e ? He a lt h Issu e s? L i t t le o r No Ed u c a t i o n ? Un h a p p y a t Wo rk ?

October/November 2008 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com

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Marcellus Shale Drilling in Pennsylvannia Y

ou may have heard about Marcellus Shale drilling starting to be aggressively explored in Pennsylvania. Those living in Monroe County should not get too excited about becoming overnight millionaires by offering drilling rights to one of the natural gas companies seeking to lease your land for profit. Many geologists agree that Monroe County does not possess the necessary geological structure to make this type of gas drilling a worthwhile endeavor. However, there are areas of Pennsylvania that could see a lot of drilling activity in the coming years especially those counties along the state’s northern border. What does any of this have to do with drinking water you ask? Plenty. A process called “hydraulic fracturing” is the method used to extract natural gas trapped deep inside the earth. Generally a gas well is dug about 5,000 feet deep before making a right angle to drill horizontally into the coveted shale formation. Before natural gas can be extracted from such wells, about three million gallons of water must be extracted from each well drilled. This water is severely contaminated with salt, metals, acid and natural radioactivity. To add insult to injury, drilling operators must add additional chemicals and acids to help break up the shale. These additives used by gas drilling companies do not have to be publicly disclosed as it is considered proprietary information. Just to be clear, each well drilled will produce about three million gallons of toxic waste water which must be dealt with. There is only five

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(570) 460-1580 estimates believe some 50 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas could be available in the area stretching from upstate New York, across PA into Ohio and a big portion of West Virginia. At best this will boost our national reserves by 750 days based on current U.S. consumption! In my opinion a shortterm fix that at best lines the pockets of a select few while producing huge amounts of contaminated water that NEEDS to be disposed of properly.

The Penn State School of Forest Resources has completed a water guide for landowners who are considering leasing their land to gas drilling companies. The jargon for the wastewater created by drilling is called “brine”. This guide states that “gas well brine contains levels of some pollutants that are far above levels considered safe for drinking water”. The guide continues by saying that “even small amounts of brine pollution can result in a significant impact to drinking water quality”.

Disposing of gas drilling brine is going to be a significant challenge. Each wastewater treatment facility is responsible for any water it puts back into our drinking water supply. Some areas in the U.S. use deep disposal wells to return the toxic wastewater back into the ground. However, the geology in PA is not suited for this type of disposal.

Here is something perhaps even more depressing. The best guess

As usual I predict big business will prevail regardless of the environmental

impact gas drilling will have on Pennsylvanians. With websites like www.leaseauctionhouse.com where individuals can list their land for oil & gas leases, I don’t think most land owners think about the impact to PA’s natural resources. The drilling boom has begun and the wastewater treatment facilities will soon be overloaded. It’s a case of the proverbial “cart before the horse”. DEP’s position is clear on this issue. “Our challenge is to enforce the law, and industry’s challenge is to abide by the law” said Tom Rathbun a spokesperson for DEP. “We’ll help them any way we can, but it’s not our job to find them a place to dispose of their water. It’s their job to make sure they do it right.” Let’s hope everyone, let’s hope.

October/November 2008 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com

industrial wastewater treatment plants in Pennsylvania permitted to receive and treat this type of wastewater. A great concern is that this chemical laden waste water must be transported by truck to one of the five facilities. Can you guess how many tanker trucks it takes to handle this amount of volume? Would you believe about 600 tankers? Remember that we are only talking about one single well and the byproduct that it produces.

By Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP

hat does being healthy truly mean? The word itself stems from an Old English word meaning “whole.” Somehow our society moved away from this understanding of health. Now, many people tend to think the term healthy simply applies to one’s body. Specifically, many people think that being healthy means the absence of disease in the body. Actually, being healthy means much more than that. In fact, at its core healthy actually means being holistic. Being healthy means functioning at your best physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. This is the wholeness indicated in the origin of the word. Functioning at your best does not mean seeking or maintaining a state of perfection. Different people have different optimal states. Someone with a disability can be optimally healthy. They simply have a different baseline than someone who does not have a disability. The level of optimal health might even fluctuate within the same person at various points in her life. For example, a healthy woman might be able to ride a bike at peak speed for fifteen miles, but if she is eight months pregnant she might not be able to comfortably sit on a stationary bicycle. This

doesn’t mean she isn’t healthy, it simply means her baseline has temporarily shifted. There are five arenas that primarily impact health. Each arena not only affects individual health, but also affects the overall health of the family unit. This article will describe each arena and how it applies to an individual. In the next issue, you will learn how these arenas apply to the health of the family unit.

Being healthy means functioning at your best physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. The first arena is the most obvious. It is the physical arena. The physical arena is not only the body, but also the tangible things you put in, on, or do to your body. This category includes things people readily associate with physical health, like diet and exercise, as well as less obvious things in one’s physical environment. These include pets, toiletries, detergent, and household cleaning solutions. It also includes the neighborhood in which you live,

Part 1 air pollution, and water quality. All these items can impact one’s health. For example, people who live in rural areas typically have healthier lungs than people who live in crowded cities. Exposure to indoor pollutants that stem from carpets, paint, or household cleaners might adversely affect someone sensitive to toxins. A child with eczema might be more sensitive to certain soaps, lotions, and detergents. The next two arenas are often confused with each other. They have distinct meanings, though they closely influence each other. The mental arena is different from the emotional arena. The mental arena is the arena that deals with thoughts and beliefs. This arena is impacted by mental constructs such as judgments, opinions, worry, and mental chatter. Mental chatter is the little voice inside your head. Your inner voice can either be a major asset in creating health, or a major obstacle. It is an asset if your natural tendency is to dwell on positive thoughts that encourage and uplift you. It is an obstacle if you tend to dwell on negative thoughts that discourage or deplete you. The emotional arena is the arena of feelings. Many people confuse thoughts and opinions with

emotions. Emotions are feelings such as happy, sad, love, angry, fear, jealousy, or enthusiasm. An example of an unhealthy emotional arena is road rage. An example of a healthy one is a joyful person. People often blend the mental and emotional arenas when they use the statement, “I feel that…” Usually they actually mean, “I think that…” For example, the statement, “I feel that you should have listened to my opinion,” is inaccurate. An accurate statement would either be, “I think you should have listened to my opinion,” or “I feel angry that you didn’t listen to my opinion.” The fourth arena is the social arena. This is the arena that involves relationships, support systems, hobbies, and work. This arena can promote health by bringing balance and satisfaction to one’s life. It can also indicate that someone is at risk for imbalances in other arenas. For example, if someone is physically fit, eats well and exercises regularly and is generally a positive and happy person, but is a workaholic without any supportive relationships, that person is probably not living their best life. They would likely be even happier and more energetic if they had a balanced social arena. They are also at risk for imbalance in the emotional and mental arenas because they have no social outlets to balance work, or emotional support system if challenges arise in their life.

Considering all the arenas which impact health will help you and your family members become truly healthy. Focusing on the holistic meaning of health will also help you focus on attaining and maintaining a state of wellness, rather than simply focusing on preventing, treating, or curing illness. Since we usually get what we focus on, it is better to focus on “being healthy,” instead of “not getting sick.” Be well!

Offer Expires 11/30/2008

October/November 2008 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com

The last arena is the spiritual arena. This is the arena that deals with your values and life philosophy. It is the arena that helps you make sense out of life. For many people, this comes from their religious beliefs, but the spiritual arena is not about religion. It is about the core beliefs that motivate and inspire people to live their best life. This is the arena that helps people get through tragedies. It also helps them feel satisfied with their life. A balanced spiritual arena can also help someone deal with challenges in any of the other arenas. For example if someone must deal with cancer (physical), a negative self-image (mental), depression( emotional) or a divorce (social), having a strong spiritual arena will assist them in dealing with that challenge. Conversely, someone who has the other four arenas balanced, but an unbalanced spiritual arena, might feel extremely unsatisfied with life or think their life is meaningless.

In Town Guide

Coming Soon to PoconoParent Magazine...

Where do you want to go “In Town” today?

Looking for places to go with your family, local shopping destinations, or a great place to eat out? PoconoParent helps you locate all the hot spots for Shopping, Dining, Family Fun, Learning & Services all in one easy to read listing.

www.PoconoParent Magazine.com October/November 2008

Monroe County Area

• Analomink • Bartonsville • Blakeslee • Brodheadsville • Buck Hill Falls • Canadensis • Cresco • Delaware Water Gap

• East Stroudsburg • Effort • Gilbert • Henryville • Kresgeville • Kunkletown • Long Pond • Marshalls Creek

• Mount Pocono • Mountainhome • Pocono Lake • Pocono Manor • Pocono Pines • Pocono Summit • Reeders • Saylorsburg

• Sciota • Scotrun • Shawnee on Delaware • Stroudsburg • Swiftwater • Tannersville • Tobyhanna

Bartonsville

East Stroudsburg Stroudsburg

Crafts

Amusement

Crafts

SAMPLE

Garden of Beadin

50 Rt 611 • Bartonsville 570-426-9168

Parties and classes for children and adults. Just bring your camera to capture the fun.

Instruction

Sylvan Learning Center

Fountain Court, Rt 611 • Bartonsville 570-629-6600

Sylvan will pinpoint the skills your child needs and develop a summer program to help master them.

Camp Big Wheel

3226N 5th St • East Stroudsburg 570-424-5499

www.bigwheelskating.com Learn the basics of soccer, roller skating, roller hockey, volleyball and more!

Restaurants

Dansbury Depot

50 Crystal St • East Stroudsburg 570-476-0500

www.dansburydepot.com For food, fun, drinks, & don’t forget the trains.

Lotsa Plasta Fun

Stroud Plaza • Stroudsburg 570-422-0888

Plastercrafts for all ages with daily specials.

Preschool

Creative Learning Center Preschool Weslyean Church • Stroudsburg 570-420-0706

Creating lasting impressions for God. Preschool and vacation bible school services.

Call 1-800-417-1623 or Email us at ads@poconoparent.com

Something for the Whole Family

An Important Announcement from

PoconoParent Magazine

& Gift Shop • Infant/Toddler Educational Toys, Puzzles & Puppets • Books, Pennsylvania & American History Educational Games • “Green” Products; Teas, Creams & Soaps • Art • Clothing • Jewelry

10% off Toys with coupon Route 611, Tannersville

www.silver-arrow-gallery.com

2008 PoconoParent Magazine regrets to inform you that due to circumstances beyond our control the Fall Family Expo scheduled for October 11, 2008 at the Stroudsburg Junior High School has been postponed.

2009

Please join us for our Spring Family Expo

(570) 992-1614

Saturday May 9, 2009.

Times and location will be updated on our website in the near future.

For More Information Visit us at

Route 115 • Brodheadsville

www.poconoparentmagazine.com

r wonderful artisits that ou to ks an th ial ec sp a e giv like to PoconoParent Magazine would display your talents and to d ou pr ry ve e ar e W . ed blish submitted their work to be pu e good work. encourage you to keep up th

Kate Adriela tist in your family, email ar or r ite wr g un yo g rin pi as If you have an red for future issues of ide ns co be to us to s ion iss your subm PoconoParent Magazine at

Teen

Kate,13

GivingThanks for your Blessings Tween I am thankful for alot of things. I am thankful for my parents, my friends, my dog and my fish. I have friends who don’t have all of the stuff that I have like a DS, Nintendo Wii, and my own TV in my room. So, I am thankful for all of that stuff too. On Thanksgiving Day we go to my grandma’s house, and we have a big turkey dinner and everyone always has to say one thing that they are thankful for. I think that is a good idea, because it makes you think about what you have. Sometimes we don’t think about that stuff all year long. So Thanksgiving is a good time to think about it. If you don’t think you have anything to be thankful for, just look outside at the beautiful trees, and sun and sky. There is always something to be thankful for!

Want to write for Teen orTween? Lets us know. We are always looking for new writers. Jada,11 Please feel free to Email us at editor@poconoparent.com

October/November 2008 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com

How do you give thanks for your blessings? For many of us it is not as easy as it sounds, but just because something is difficult for us, does not mean we shouldn’t do it. If you are like me, sometimes it is easier to remember the bad things much more easily than the good. If this is the case than something you can do to remember and look back on all of your blessings is create a gratitude journal. You can record all of the things you are grateful for, and look back on them if you ever need to. If you have trouble coming up with a blessing, sometimes you can take a bad situation and make something positive out of it. For example, “If I hadn’t tripped and dropped my books, than I wouldn’t have met the nice person that helped me.”Think of all of the people that make positive contributions to your life. One thing many of us teens do is think about all of the stuff we don’t have, and not about what we do have. If you find yourself doing this, stop what you are thinking, and take a minute to look around and be grateful everything you have. Everyone has someone, or something in their life that makes it a little more difficult. If this is the case take a minute and look at all that you accomplished because of your obstacle. Did someone’s insults push you to work harder to prove yourself? Even the negative forces in your life can be hidden blessings, worthy of your gratitude. In conclusion, there are many things that you can be thankful for even if it seems like there is nothing. Embrace them and allow them to improve your life.

Health& Medical Resources

Gynecology

Nursing Services

Chiropractic

In Home Nursing Services 570-223-6206

Chiropractic

Gwen Watford—Miller, Rn, BSN 12 Village Center Marshalls Creek, Route 209 N

Ophthalmology

Health Partners

of the Poconos

Dr. Filipkowski

Our readers are dedicated parents

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CALL

1-800-417-1623 ads@poconoparent.com

(570) 421-8876 217 Park Ave • Stroudsburg, PA

Dentistry

Pocono Eye Associates, Inc.

East Stroudsburg • 570.421.8842 Brodheadsville • 570.992.4000 Tobyhanna • 570.895.4550

Joseph B. Conahan, M.D. Mark P. Gotchel, M.D. Harry P. Saras, M.D. Douglas A. Young, M.D. Gerald J. Negvesky, M.D. Amit Gupta, M.D. Frank G. Baloh, M.D. Donald B. Rush, O.D. Derek J. Pyle, O.D. Robert B. Flemming, O.D. Harold B. Wagner, O.D.

Orthodontics

Pocono Orthodontics 134 Washington Street East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

Dr. Kilareski Dr. Viechnicki

(570) 421-0383

Family Practice Podiatrists

“For Total Foot Care, Trust the Doctor with Over 20 Years Experience”

Willaim F. Dunleavy D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S. D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S.

• Quality Foot Care with Old Fashioned Concern • Board Certified - American Board of Pediatric Surgery • Chief - Department of Podiatry - Easton Hospital • Fellow of American Colege of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

610-252-4412 570-421-8800 3800 William Penn Hwy • Easton

175 E. Brown St, Suite 103 • E. Stroudsburg

Automotive For Quality Repair at a Price thats Fair

Marketplace

Ken’s Auto

Health & Beauty

Service Center • Struts & Shocks • Brakes • Exhaust • Batteries • Tune-Ups • Fuel Injection • Motor Work • Transmissions

• Remote Starters • Radiators • Oil, Lube, & Filter • Carburetors • Air Conditioning • Computer • Diagnostics

H E R B A L I F EI DS K

For all your car Repairs, Parts & Accessories

• All Natural Nutritional Products • No Artificial Sweeteners, Flavors or Colors • Family Targeted Nutrition

Call Sarah at

Schedule aT H E te O U Girls Nite OUT!

Quality Reliable Service Over 13 Years Experience PA State Inspection

570-424-2258

447 & Brushy Mt Road • East Stroudsburg

• Naturally based skin care Products • Holiday Gift Sets Available • Great Business Opportunity

Awards

ABC

Trophies, Inc. & Engraving bjectives: Sell Product • ADVERTISING • AWARDS ence: female SPECIALTIES • FLAGS & ary Message (Headline): Discovery • GIFTS & SIGNS Toys ACCESSORIES • BABY SHOE BRONZING Image: Logo Call (570) 421-3370 Txt: Entertainment/Childcare

570 431-0346

Call Torah at (570) 629-0552

for a Free Catalog or to place an order

Independent Educational Consultant

• Personal Party Planning • Invitations, Party Favors, & Set-up Included

Call Jennifer

Financial Planning

Life can be stressful.

Your ﬁnances don’t have to be.

FEE-ONLY PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING

Erin Baehr, CFP®, ChFC, EA ebaehr@baehrfinancial.com

ph 570.223.1550 fax 877.282.5641

www.baehrﬁnancial.com

Shawnee Square Suite 203C • PO Box 224 • Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA 18356

• Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Counseling, Education, Prevention, and Awareness • 24-Hour Hotline • Emergency Shelter • Relocation Assistance • Children’s Counseling Services • Justice System and Medical Advocacy • Empowerment Support Groups

● Book a 4 Meals in 4 minutes Home Show

A GIRLFRIENDS FIX

● Earn 40% Off a Party Staple

Massage ~ Tanning ~ Gift Shop Carol Ann Shanahan, CMT By Appointment Office# 570-223-2246

www.agirlfriendsfix.com

Contact Lorraine (570) 424-3149

● Earn Extra Money Working From Home ● Be Part of a Dynamic Team!

Instruction

Pocono Conservatory for the Arts • • • •

Dance Instruction Arts-in-Education Programs Artistic Workshops Adult Extension Programs

570-476-6600 School

TloSn Our Lady of Mt Carmel U K D N O Sa e ic M rv A Full Se DIA “Faith-Based, Academic Excellence” • Family Hair Salon • Color-Hi-Lites

• Hair Extensions & Hair Pieces • Waxing

Appointments Only

570-420-1006

Mention This Ad For A Special Discount

Health

I Plan Your Children’s Parties

Dedicated to Non-Violence & Individual Dignity 500 W. Harford Street Milford, PA 18337 570. 296.2827 • 570.296.HELP

Home Based Business

BEAUTY SUPPLY the last minute changes. Per our conversation, nge the phone number to 570.807.8500. Also, & BRAIDING by appointment e yellow "Discovery Toys" at the top and add Braiding & Weaving 5120 RTE 209 Marshalls Creek, PA ant Educational Consultant" somewhere near my (NEXT TO FRIENDLYS) 570.213.4246

Call Jenny 570.807.8500

Safe Haven, Inc Of Pike County

THE BODY SHOP

• Roller Hockey Leagues Forming • No School - No Problem! • Before School Session • Birthday Parties are Best at Big Wheel • After School Session

• Educational Toys • Birth to Adult • Home Party Option • Receive Free Toys

Health

 West Main Street, PO Box , Delaware Water Gap

• Rape Crisis Center • Domestic Violence Crisis Center • 24 Hour Hotline • Counseling • Emergency Shelter

• Information and Referral • Accompaniment • Support Groups • Free & Confidential

women’s resources

80 Ridge Street, Roseto PA • 610-588-2629

† Affordable, Quality, Non-Denominational Education † Staffed By Experienced Certified Teachers Accredited By The Middle States Association Of Schools † Extended Curriculum: Art, Computer, Music, Spanish & Library Media Science † Academic & Athletic Extracurricular Activities Available † After School Care Available Registrations now † Conveniently Located being accepted

for the 2008-2009 academic year Call today for a personal tour or information packet

Travel

of monroe county

Phone: () - Fax: () - toll free 866-421-4200

(570) 223-2678

Susan Mehler-Bostick, Travel Consultant E-mail: SusieB@ptd.net

Monday Night

all Siamsa Specialties $10

Tuesday Night

Pasta night $10 variety of dishes to choose from.

Wednesday Night Prime Rib night $14.95.

This is our dog Jax. We adopted him 6 years ago from a shelter. He was abused by his previous owner. He was scared for a long time, until he got to know us really well. He can sit and dance, and look really cute. He’s 11 years old now and a 6 lb. bundle of love!!

Tyler & John Carlo • Smoke Free Family Dining All Day Every Day

• Private Party Room Available www.PoconoParent Magazine.com October/November 2008

Various Menus To Choose From

• Now Serving Sunday Brunch • Kitchen Now Open Till 1:45 (Late Night Bar Menu Available) Call to make reservations or for more information

570-421-8434

See Our Website for Events & Specials

www.siamsairishpub.com

This my dog Sunday she is a chow chow and Julius is the orange tabby. They both love to play toys with me.

Peyton

Pronounce it - "sheem-sa"

Is your Pet Special? Tell us your Tale

636 Main Street • Rt 80 Exit 307 Stroudsburg, PA 18360

Send your tale in 75 words or less with your pets name and color photograph to

IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT

Open: Monday -Saturday 11-2 • Sunday 11-2 Happy Hour: 5-7 Monday - Friday

pettails@poconoparent.com

Miss Margaret’s

Musical Theatre Dance Ages 3-18

• Ongoing registration September thru June

Ages 3-18

Ballet, Tap, Gym Combo, Jazz, z, Modern, Lyrical, Hip Hop, American Sign Language Dance

In the Poconos

Newborns - 5 Years w/ Adult A Music Together® Class is: • A community of families sharing songs, instrument play, rhythm chants, and movement activities in a relaxed, playful, non-performance oriented setting. •Music learned through developmental appropriate activities that support and respect the unique learning styles of very young children • Parents and caregivers contributing to the enrichment of their child’s music environment regardless of their own musical abilities

Once a Week for 45 minutes Call for Class Schedule

Reeders Studio

for more information Call (570) 629-0808 or visit www.mmdmta.com

Would you like your Child in a small classroom... with only 5 other Children... Individual Attention

Studio 2

SWtuorkdoifoArt1

Communic ation Con • Learn to si nection gn an

d sing • Increase Vo ca & Communic bulary Skills • Enjoy Circle ation tim Challenging e that is Hands-on, & Fun

3ning o i d u t r S puter Lea have

ComEach Chilnd Cwoilml puter

w y Skills their O puter Literac kills m lS o a C c e ti c a u • Introd Early mathem d p n a lo t e v e e b ha •D r the alp • Maste cognition re letter

nd Paint gh • Draw a riting Skills throu -w re P e s •U rms xpression Artistic E , Shapes & Art Fo rs lo o C • Learn

Ongoing Enrollments Thru May - Tannersville Studio, Rt 611 (next to Friendly’s) Our Learning Arts Center is the Next Step in your child’s Early Childhood Development and Education

For More Information Call (570) 629-0808 or Visit www.mmdmta.com