Blogs

Can you believe we are approaching Labor Day weekend? Where did the summer go and how do I get it back? Don't get me wrong, autumn in the Pocono Mountains is spectacular, but I'm a summer girl at heart. I loved the 90 degree days and blistering sun but I along with most of you will welcome the fall season with open arms while enjoying one last weekend filled with sun, fun, food and music! Where "pray tell" will the sun, fun, food and music be? At StroudFest of course! 

StroudFest is this Saturday, September 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine! If you are an early riser why not start the holiday weekend off with a 5k race then you will be able to indulge in all the delectable treats you will find as you meander through the Fest. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m.  You'll be fast and furious as you make your way through Stroudsburg all the while previewing what's to come.

As I mentioned earlier there will be sun, fun, food and music, which means everyone will be happy so bring the entire family. For you music lovers be prepared for live entertainment on four stages and for all the foodies out there make sure you wear pants that expand so you have room for everything the fest has to offer. Don't forget to bring a nonperishable food item as the United Way of Monroe County will be on hand collecting them for our local food pantries. As the major sponsor of the event, the United Way (UW) is also kicking off this year's campaign at StroudFest with a goal of raising 1.2 million dollars. 

Visit the UW booth at the corner of Main and North 7^th streets and visit their partner agencies' booths for a chance to win an overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge ($350 value). Be sure to stop by the main stage near the courthouse at 3:30 p.m. for some electrifying announcements. If you would like to make a monetary donation to the United Way of Monroe County please contact me. Enjoy this last weekend of the summer season, and I'll catch you on the flip side.

Ciao for now...

Something starts to happen once August rolls into town. We all feel it but may not know what it is. We often think it has to do with the pending end of the summer season, or the excitement that the kids will soon be back in school. And some believe it's that fall will quickly begin it's trek through the Pocono Mountains. The truth of the matter is we are anticipating the start of the football season. There is nothing that quite compares to the tingling that occurs when the first rustling of training camp reports hit the wires, or you're friends start calling to make sure your ready for your fantasy draft. 

Now I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that football has always been a huge part of my life, but I can honestly say for the past seven years it's been one of my best friends and worst enemies. Last year I took my love for the game to a new level and joined a fantasy league. I guess you could say I was a walk on. This league just so happens to be made up of my brother, eight of his closest friends from high school (who for obvious reasons I now consider my friends) and me. Yes, I am the only girl because someone backed out at the last minute, and they knew I wanted in! We make the perfect 10.  Anymore teams and you're picking benchwarmers by round nine.

After a tumultuous first year I was more than eager to construct the perfect team. With our draft day quickly approaching I began scouring the web for the top fantasy picks and prayed I would have a decent number in the lineup. Turns out I ended up picking sixth, and I don't think it was a blessing. I remembered the things that angered me the previous year. Like... I didn't have a great running back or wide receiver from either of the teams I chose my quarterbacks from. So I tried to rectify that situation. I focused on what I was doing while trying to pick up on last year's winners' strategies. Doing that led me to pick two running backs from the same team! Not part of the plan and in the end I'm scared! Being the only girl puts the pressure on. There is no way I want to end up last and wouldn't it be incredible if I beat all the boys? 

In case you haven't realized it from what you have read so far, football is a social sport and none of us want to sit home alone and watch a game. If you want to have a stellar football season, join a fantasy league and do your draft in the Pocono Mountains! There is still time this season but if you, like me, have already made your cuts keep us in mind for next year. Believe me, we make it easy, and you'll have more fun than you would in your friend's basement!

Ciao for now... 

Looking for a unique way to celebrate your special someone's birthday? Maybe you're interested in an extraordinary dining experience, or a romantic weekend getaway. In any case I have the perfect place to experience all three and even more. ..

When a friend of mine called and asked me where he could take his girlfriend to celebrate her 50^th birthday, he said he wanted it to be a weekend she would cherish forever. My wheels started spinning, and I quickly gave him all the information I had on The French Manor  in South Sterling. I have to admit that a small part of my decision was selfish as I knew Mark and I would be celebrating the weekend with them, and I have always wanted to stay there. After a few phone calls back and forth we were lucky to secure a Spa Suite for the birthday couple and rooms in the Manor House for Mark & I and Frank & Lisa. 

We all arrived on Saturday, checked in, drank champagne and prepared for tea in Hanna's Cafe. After tea we had more champagne (don't forget we were celebrating Tracey's 50^th) and looked forward to dinner in the AAA rated four-diamond restaurant. Dinner began with scrumptious appetizers & salads, intermezzo to cleanse our pallets then the much anticipated main course. It was an enchanting evening that continued the next morning with breakfast on the patio and messages in Le Spa Foret.

We rounded out the weekend with stops in Hawley and Honesdale and a walk around The French Manor's property. If you are looking for a weekend escape you won't soon forget this is the place for you! Celebrate life...

Ciao for now!

Who loves getting dressed up and spending time with awesome people?  I do!  Last Thursday I had the privilege of attending the 7^th Annual Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser at Skytop Lodge in the gorgeous Pocono Mountains of PA.  The evening started with me and "the girls" (Brittany, Gillian & Nina) primping and powdering to perfection, then making our grand entrance onto the south porch for happy hour.  We chatted and mingled with the other guests, had our photo taken after a walk down the red carpet and waited with great anticipation for the lobster fest to begin.  We were not disappointed.

This year's theme was "Making a Difference," and the Pocono Mountains community did that in a big way.  Over $162,000 was raised and distributed to Pocono Services for Families & Children, Equi-Librium, Monroe County Meals on Wheels and Big Pocono Little League Challenger Program.  It's hard not to embrace a fundraiser where 100% of ticket sales and sponsorships benefit the non-profit organizations of our local community.  This is possible because of the generosity of Sanofi Pasteur who graciously covers all the overhead costs for the evening. 

Following the check presentations the phenomenal lobster and clam buffets were opened and we ate like queens and kings.  Soon the band, The Soulbusters, took the stage and the dancing began.  We quickly grabbed the props provided, including top hats and white gloves and hit the dance floor!  It was an incredible evening of networking, laughing and giving back to the community.  If you are interested in more information regarding any of the non-profits listed above or attending next year's event, please contact me.  Here's to dressing up and having fun!  Until next time...

Ciao for now...

I'm wondering how many of you can guess what my favorite nightlife pastime is. Anyone who knows me knows that it's a no brainer... I love to dance!  From the very first time I stepped foot on the dance floor at Maingate, I was hooked.  I was seventeen, had a midnight curfew and couldn't believe I hadn't been exposed to the awesomeness of nightclub dancing sooner!  That was the beginning of a long and beautiful friendship.  I truly was a dancing queen in every sense of the term.  Every weekend my friends and I would put on our sexiest dancing shoes, hot outfits (which I believe could have been called costumes on some occasions) and hit every under 21 club within a 75 mile radius. 

This trend continued well into our late 20's and early 30's.  The only thing that changed is we were soon old enough to add alcohol to our evenings and the DJ's fell by the wayside happily replaced by live bands. This brings me to one of the most exciting things to happen to Pocono Mountains nightlife in years!  Every Friday night desaki presents it's Summer Band Series with extraordinary live dance bands.  Last Friday when Sweetwater took the stage I was thrilled!  They played everything from Lady Gaga to Michael Jackson to Heatwave and my feet immediately pulled me to the dance floor. If you haven't been to desaki to enjoy their Japanese hibachis, then boogie your buttocks down there on a Friday night and dance the night away.  They have drink specials from 8-10 pm and the bands start at 9pm!!

The best part of the summer band series is that if you mention PMC or the Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center your $5 cover charge will be donated to the Pocono Health Foundation.

Hope to see you soon!  Ciao for now...

Believe it or not there are occasions where this socialista needs some down time.  On Sunday I traded in my stiletto's and cocktail dress for a pair of jeans, four-inch wedges with straps and a black & white strapless top and hopped on the back of Marks motorcycle for a magnificent scenic tour of three of our extraordinary counties.  It's easy to forget that I live in one of the most awe -inspiring places in the Northeast... I was reminded on Sunday, this blog will remind you!

I'm sure many motorcycle aficionados have a mapped out plan of their intended course, we never do.  The conversation usually goes something like this. "We should go for a motorcycle ride today.  Yea, we should.  Long or short ride?  Long ride.  Ok."  The significance of determining the length of the ride is critical to me as it means I'll be trading sunglasses for clear riding glasses, a tank top for a hoodie and leather coat and open toes for socks & boots.   With temperatures hovering around 90 degrees on Sunday, I'm sure you are thinking I'm crazy, but when you're on the back of a bike cruising the winding, tree lined roads, most often near a body of water, that 90 degrees can quickly turn to 60 when the sun goes down, and it did!

We began our trek by traveling north on Route 447... intending to head to one of our favorite restaurants but it quickly became apparent that Mark needed sunscreen so we stopped in the delightful town of Mountainhome to grab some, lube up and get going.  We soon found ourselves at The Hotel in New Foundland where we enjoyed a feast of nachos and one of the best cheesesteak sandwiches I have ever had, and refreshments of course.  We hopped back on the bike and took one of the most breathtaking journeys through Hamlin & Lake Ariel, over to Honesdale via the Owego Turnpike where we stopped at Yatsonsky's Farm for fresh tomatoes and homemade black raspberry ice cream, it was fantastic! 

We traveled down US Route 6 and onto Beach Lake Highway where we passed roads with descriptive names like Tree Trail Lane and Steephill Road.  We stopped along the banks of the Lackawaxen River (PA's 2010 river of the year) to marvel at the Bald Eagles nests perched high atop the pine trees. That was about the time we realized we had inadvertently crossed state lines and were now in NY with no helmets on.  We made a hasty retreat back down Beach Lake Highway, onto US Route 6 and continued into Hawley, PA.  Again we found ourselves cruising along the banks of the Lackawaxen just taking in the natural beauty the Pocono Mountains offers its residents and guests.  We found ourselves in Greely, PA where I have fond memories of "band camp" and eventually made our way onto Route 402 for the last leg home.  One more stop was made at Peck's Pond Inn, where I bundled up and wished that I had brought boots, thank BMW for heated seats! 

If you are a NEPA resident, please take some time to escape into our natural landscape and if your aren't; you must plan a trip to one of the most beautiful places on earth.  Check out 800poconos.com for help planning that trip!  Ciao for now...

I'm standing at home plate, the pitcher is on the mound and the sun is high in the sky. He checks first base, winds up and throws the first pitch. It's coming in a little high and right over the plate... just like I love them. I swing and the ball flies over the left/center field fence! A home run! I can't lie, I was shocked. It's not like I've never swung a bat before, but this was the first time I have ever played wiffle ball, and I like it! 

The venue is Barley Creek Brewing Company where every Thursday young and old(er) gather to try their hands at wiffle ball, horseshoes and Bocce. I gathered six co-workers and we headed over right after work. Final touches were being tended to on both the horseshoe and ball fields, so we each grabbed a beverage and talked strategy. Well... maybe we didn't talk strategy, but we did talk. With food and drink specials all night long it was easy to enjoy ourselves. Although we didn't win our game, I felt awesome about how well we played as a team and it was an easy loss to swallow as our opponents were four fit guys in their 20's. "We," the PMVB Players that evening consisted of four women with an average age of 43!

Now that I have piqued your interest, I expect to see you at Barley Creek tomorrow at 6pm to cheer us on. If you are so inclined grab a few friends get there a little early and sign up to play. You can't miss the fun at the upper deck and with this heat a cold beverage is definitely in order!

See you tomorrow! Ciao for now...

As our resident socialista I don't think it's a stretch to believe that I have natural leadership abilities. I'm sure you could find someone who disagrees with that but you won't change my mind. Now I'm not saying that I am brilliant or have incredible problem solving skills... that would be a stretch. What I am saying is that I have the ability to positively influence people and affect change. 

Are you asking yourself what exactly does this have to do with the Pocono Mountains? Yesterday, I along with 23 coworkers spent the afternoon at PEEC. The Pocono Environmental Education Center located in Dingmans Ferry, PA, is a unique treasure nestled in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. What makes it a treasure? First, let's start with the natural beauty of the region. PEEC has embraced the "leave no trace" methodology giving its students a true wilderness experience. Secondly, PEEC's educational opportunities are endless and thirdly they have perfected their team building clinics.

Do you have a staff that needs a pick-me-up or a lesson in non-verbal communication? Are you having issues with cooperation among your teams? If so, you need to book an afternoon at PEEC. Their staff will engage your employees, loosen their muscles and put smiles on their faces. It's easy to forget how enjoyable it is to spend time with colleagues outside of the office, PEEC will remind you! Even after falling on my face during one of our challenges I can honestly say I had a blast!!

Please check out PEEC's website for a complete list of their camps, educational clinics, hiking trails and rental facilities. You won't be disappointed!!

Ciao for now...

Last week your resident socialista (that would be me) had the opportunity to transform into an Italian fashionista for an evening. You may ask yourself what is an Italian fashionista, I know I did and what I discovered was short cocktail dresses, bold colors and stilettos. My dress was a stunning Kelly green, my stilettos were hot, and I was ready to hit the town. It was a night in the Piazza at Schmidt's in Philadelphia celebrating the 32^nd Annual Philadelphia Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (PAMPI) Awards Gala. It was an amazing evening under the stars where awards were presented in the following categories:

Planner of the Year
Supplier of the Year
Chapter Leader of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Presidents Award

Also recognized was the new incoming President of the PAMPI, our very own David Jackson, director of sales for the PMVB. 

Hors d'oeuvres were served in the open air while wine and vodka flowed freely and new friendships were made. Dinner began with a delicious salad and antipasto followed by grapefruit intermezzo. The main course was beef or fish, both delightfully prepared. We rounded out the evening with delectable cupcakes & coffee. Dancing and photos in the photo booth made this event one to remember. 

If you are looking for a place to hold your next corporate meeting, training session, team-building or family reunion, look no further than the Pocono Mountains... we do meetings!!

Ciao for now...

For those of you who know me, you are quite familiar with my love of Barley Creek's Summerfest. I believe that I have only missed one because I was out of town, much to my dismay. This is one of the premier social events of the summer in the Pocono Mountains. Live music by the Maybabies, incredible summer eats like BBQ ribs and pulled pork sandwiches, and as with any respectable summer event, FIREWORKS! What may be the best part of the event is that the proceeds benefit the Pocono Township Volunteer Fire Company.

Now if you have never attended a Barley Creek Summerfest you have definitely missed out. The upper deck is a magnificent setting for this spectacular late afternoon to evening event. The large bar and covered tent seating are excellent but pale in comparison to the enormous dance floor, where if you must know... we always get our groove on! I have plenty of photos that speak for themselves. 

Throw on a pair of flip-flops, your favorite shorts and a tank top, grab your best friends and head to Barley Creek this Saturday, June 19 from 4 - 10 p.m. I promise you will have a blast and then you'll be able to say you attended one of the leading summer events in the magnificent Pocono Mountains!

Ciao for now...