The Jim Thorpe Current - July 2019

The CURRENT

GO • SEE • DO JIM THORPE

The Jim Thorpe Current

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Serving The Jim Thorpe Area

Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary Fascinates Fans

July 2019 • 1

jimthorpecurrent.com I JULY 2019

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id you know a group of butterflies is sometimes called a “flutter”, they taste with their feet, and are found on every continent in the world except Antarctica? Butterflies are pretty fascinating creatures, and at Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary (BMBS) you can get up-close and personal with these incredible insects.

A great place to connect to the wonders of the natural world, kids and adults alike can agree, this place is a mustvisit. Mari Gruber, Sanctuary owner and “Butterfly Lady,” got her start in 2002. After attending a seminar on raising butterflies for her 50th birthday, Mari was hooked. “I became really interested in creating a space where everyone could experience nature in an intimate setting.”

But don’t let the name fool you; BMBS has more to offer than just butterflies. Exotic frogs and Axol, “the cutest aquatic salamander imaginable,” also call BMBS home. A wonderful nature-based gift shop is also on site. Mari explains that one of the things that makes BMBS so special is its dedicated crew.

“Our staff really know their science, and are happy to share and answer all questions.”

Located just outside of Jim Thorpe on Route 903, BMBS is open every day through August 25th, Thurs. through Mon. 115, Tue. & Wed. 2-6. From interactive Continued on page 10

Peach Music Festival Returns July 25-28 Montage Mountain Showcases “Must Attend” Event

By Christopher Holland The Current Contributing Writer

T

he past seven years, Montage Mountain near Scranton has been home to the Peach Music Festival, which quickly built a strong reputation and became one of the “must attend” summer musical gatherings in the midAtlantic.

This year, the festival is celebrating its eighth anniversary July 25-28, and the lineup is nothing short of impressive.

The festival that was inspired by The Allman Brothers Band – who have since disbanded and some members have passed away – has attracted thousands of people to northeast Pennsylvania for four days and three nights of music, art, camping and so much more.

Among heavy hitters for this year’s event are Phil Lesh &

Friends, Trey Anastasio Band, The String Cheese Incident, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Moe., Greensky Bluegrass, Blues Traveler, and many others.

The festival is set around a water park, giving off a strong family vacation vibe. It’s a family friendly event for all ages, and the case of musical talent scheduled for the weekend is enough to please even the pickiest of music lovers.

While camping is a primary option for most festival goers, there are many hotels and motels near the resort to meet your accommodation needs, no matter the budget.

Information on camping passes, nearby hotels and more is listed on the festival’s website.

The Peach campgrounds will open on Thursday, July 25 at 10 a.m. and will close at noon on Monday, July 29.

A four-day general admission pass to the festival is $169, or $219 with camping. A four-day Continued on page 5

A Look Inside Curiosities Coffee & Ice House and the Douglas House Marketplace

By Christopher Holland The Current Contributing Writer

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owntown Jim Thorpe has a plethora of unique storefronts and businesses offering exquisite merchandise, family friendly experiences, and food and beverage options from upscale dining to cozy coffee shops.

Through these, a group of local entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to bring some of those offerings under one roof.

Located in the Douglas House Marketplace at 77 Broadway lies Curiosities Coffee & Ice House, a vision that came to fruition by owners Scott Heffelfinger, Patrick Gremling, and Melanie and Joe Tatasciore.

The Douglas House Marketplace is one of the original Mauch Chunk Millionaire’s Row homes, originally occupied by Andrew Almerin Douglas (1818-1890), his wife Mary Ann Leisenring-Douglas (1824-1893), and their

three daughters. In his time, Douglas was an engineer for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, which was the economic engine in the county and beyond.

The building was purchased by Gremling’s family in the late 80’s and was converted into retail shops on the first and second floors within two years.

“We took full ownership with the passing of Pat’s mom in 2009,” Heffelfinger said.

Many remember his mother Anne from her 25 years in Jim Thorpe owning and operating the town’s largest antique business, Anne’s Early Attic.

In the spring of 2018, Heffelfinger and Gremling renovated the third floor of the building and became fulltime residents.

“Being recently retired and with us owning the building, it was an easy decision to open up a business here… We contemplated a number of types of shops but decided a Continued on page 7 food service business would be best

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July 2019 • 3

22nd Annual Briggs Farm Blues Festival Opens With 50th Anniversary Woodstock Tribute

By Daniel W. Burnett Special to The Current

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riggs Farm Blues has put together an eclectic lineup for its 22nd annual festival that opens with a 50th anniversary Woodstock tribute, aptly called BriggsStock.

Held about 45 minutes from Jim Thorpe on the lush grasslands of the family farm in Nescopeck, Luzerne County, this year’s festival runs four days, July 11-14.

In keeping with Briggs Family tradition, the event offers 21 acts featuring international, national and regional bands of various genres, including electric blues, delta-style blues, Americana roots music, soul and a bit of funk sprinkled into the mix. The family-oriented festival, just a few miles off Interstate 80, also offers camping, vendors and plenty of good things to chow on.

The Briggstock concert opens on the festival on Thursday, July 11, with Bret Alexander & Friends playing the enduring sounds from the iconic Woodstock Festival in upstate New York in 1969.

Alexander, a founding member of the Badlees who regularly plays in Jim Thorpe, has put together a host of guest musicians familiar to Carbon and Luzerne County music fans.

They include vocalist Ellie Rose, violinist Nyke Van Wyk, AJ Jump on the drums, vocalist Ed Randazzo, guitarists Rob and Tim Husty and keyboardist Cliff Starkey. Count on these roadtested troubadours to honor the Woodstock spirit in an entertaining and respectable way when the concert kicks off at 7 p.m.

“The volume of incredible music coming out of the Woodstock festival is unparalleled in live music history. What we’ve been doing at Briggs Farm over the past 22 years is in many ways an outcome of that festival …

The seed was planted in my soul way back,” festival founder Richard Briggs said.

On Friday and Saturday the two-stage festival transitions back into a blues venue, and Jim Thorpe music patrons will recognize some players from their past performances at the Mauch Chunk Opera House and Jim Thorpe Inn. They include Donna the Buffalo, Vanessa Collier, Clarence Spady, Bobby Kyle and Alexis P. Suter Ministers of Sound.

While the setting is bucolic and peaceful, the entertainment is anything but. Footstomping tunes by musicians who know how to get an audience on its feet traditionally

Pocono Raceway Partners Up For Forts USA 150

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Christone “Kingfish” Ingram is the headliner on July 13 at the Briggs Farm Blues Festival in Nescopeck. Courtesy of Briggs Farm Blues Briggs Farm veteran Vanessa Collier entertains the crowd at the 2018 festival on the main stage.

Collier also has appeared at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe. Mike Gendimenico/ Courtesy of Briggs Farm Blues

journey to the 250-year-old farm, and this year’s cast will not disappoint the 8,000-plus fans expected.

“Good festivals, such as Briggs Farm, are all about the total lineup from start to finish, artists that you not necessarily come to see initially but will blow you away by their performance.

This year is no exception. Don’t miss James Armstrong, Annika Chambers, King Solomon Hicks and Southern Avenue among many others,” said Michael Cloeren, founder and producer of the Pocono Blues Festival and now venue manager at Penns Peak.

The Saturday night headliner will be 20-year-old blues prodigy Christone “Kingfish” Ingram This young man’s guitar skills have caught the attention of greats like Buddy Guy, who has taken him under his wing on the touring circuit. Rolling Stone magazine called Ingram “the latest blues savior.”

The Sunday, July 14, Gospel Show starts at 11 a.m. with another appearance by the internationally known Slam Allen, who

A look from above at the 2018 Briggs Farm Blues Festival that drew around 8,000 people over a four-day period. David Evans/Courtesy of Briggs Farm Blues

peppers his set with a spicy flavor of blues, soul and rock-and-roll to deliver a stirring performance.

The show closes with Alexis P. Suter’s Ministers of Sound band. To say Suter’s vocals are powerful is an understatement. Her raw, robust style will deliver the message of hope and salvation clearly, forcefully and gracefully.

IF YOU GO Destination: 88 Old Berwick Highway, Nescopeck. Site is four miles off Interstate 80.

Tickets: Single-day ticket, multi-day packages and camping options available on website, www.briggsfarm.com.

To bring: Coolers and food allowed (food vendors also on site). Lawn chairs and blankets recommended.

Prohibited: Glass bottles, pets, fireworks, sky lanterns.

Parking: Free.

Service dogs: Permitted, but owners must present training certificate from the training facility. Therapy or comfort dogs not permitted.

LINEUP: Thursday, July 11: Briggstock by Bret Alexander & Friends, 7 p.m.

Friday, July 12: Donna The Buffalo, Southern Avenue, James Armstrong, Annika Chambers, Lonnie Shields, Clarence Spady, Miz, Robert Kimbrough Sr., Bobby Kyle & the Administrators. Music starts at 1:40 p.m.

Saturday, July 13: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Slam Allen, Vanessa Collier, Cedric Burnside, Heather Gillis, King Solomon Hicks, Mikey Junior, Nate Meyers, Scott Pemberton. Music starts at 1:10 p.m.

Sunday, July 14: Gospel Blues Show starts at 11 a.m.

Questions: Call 570-379-3342 or email inquiry to briggsfarmblues@gmail.com

ocono Raceway welcomes FORTS USA, an industry leader in fold-out shelters, as the presenting partners for the FORTS USA 150 ARCA Menards Series at ‘The Tricky Triangle’ on Friday, July 26, 2019.

“We are excited about our new partnership with FORTS USA,” said Pocono Raceway CEO, Nick Igdalsky.

“While visiting their manufacturing facility in Florida earlier this year, I saw firsthand how easy these fold-out shelters were to put up and how much technology went into making them durable. Their innovative products will be on display during our upcoming July NASCAR and ARCA race weekend.”

FORTS USA, whose acronym stands for fold-out rigid temporary shelters, provides fold-out shelters for first responders, military and hospitality organizations. All FORTS USA products are weather resistant and can be set up on any surface. FORTS USA fold-out shelters are produced by Elite Aluminum Corporation, a leading worldwide designer and manufacturer of structural insulated panels. Based out of Coconut Creek, Fla., the company has 30 years of experience in creating new and innovative solutions that exceed the expectations of their customers. To learn more about FORTS USA, visit www.FORTSUSA.com.

Events taking place at Pocono Raceway on Friday, July 26 include ARCA Menards Series practices and qualifying, NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series practice and qualifying and the FORTS USA 150 ARCA race.

Pocono Raceway’s Fan Fest, featuring six Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers, will also take place following the FORTS USA 150. More details, including a full schedule and drivers attending Fan Fest, will be announced soon. Kids, ages 12 and under are FREE to all events on Friday and adult tickets start at $10.

Visit www.poconoraceway.com or call 1-800-RACEWAY to get your tickets today.

The upcoming FORTS USA 150 will mark the 65th ARCA Menards Series race held at Pocono Raceway. The first ARCA race at ‘The Tricky Triangle’ was won by Bob Schacht in June 1987. Several other notable Pocono ARCA winners include Justin Allgaier, Chase Elliott, Bob Keselowski, Frank Kimmel, Kyle Larson and Joey Logano. Tim Steele has the most wins of any driver at Pocono Raceway, recording nine ARCA race victories from 1993 – 2001.

4 • July 2019

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pocono bits The 29th Annual Great Tastes of PA Wine & Food Festival continues to draw thousands to Split Rock Resort

Great Tastes of PA Wine & Food Festival Attracts Thousands to Lake Harmony Split Rock Resort’s Annual Great Tastes of PA Wine & Food Festival June 22 & 23 returned for year 29 with 36 Pennsylvania wineries offering tastings, over 150 food and craft vendors; plus, three stages of live entertainment from some of the area’s hottest bands that drew thousands to Lake Harmony!

A feast for the senses–attendees explored wineries; a wide variety of talented vendors sharing familiar and unique talents and fare; in addition to, succulent scents of savory BBQ, smoked eats, sweets and much more that filled the air.

Merely days after event wrap-up, resort coordinators review and look to planning another awesome attraction for next year’s 30-Year monumental celebration. Watch for updates at SplitRockResort.com plus social media shares on intriguing points to participate!

Entertainment echoed across three stages; surrounded by wineries, food and craft vendors sharing delightful sounds, sights and scents at Split Rock.

Veterans Get into the Canal Museum FREE on July 4th

The National Canal Museum is celebrating our nation’s independence by offering veterans free admission on the 4th of July. As a Blue Star Museum, active military members and their families are already free throughout the summer. The museum is located at 2750 Hugh Moore Park Road in Easton, PA. By the way, Hugh Moore Park is a great place for a July 4th picnic. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the park for your use. For friends and family who aren’t into history, there’s plenty of other fun stuff in the park including the dog park, bike skills course, geocaches and even Pokemon! If it’s a hot one, there’s a selection of cold drinks and ice cream in the Welcome Center to keep you cool. Just no fireworks please – they scare the mules.

Wildlands Conservancy Honors Friend of the Lehigh River Award Recipients

Wildlands Conservancy, the premier nonprofit land trust of the Lehigh Valley and Lehigh River watershed, announced Kathy Henderson, director of economic development for the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation, and Zettlemoyer Auction Co. as the recipients of the organization’s 2019 Friend of the Lehigh River Award.

The Friend of the Lehigh River Award is Wildlands’ annual acknowledgment of individuals, groups, organizations, businesses, institutions, or governmental entities that deserve to be recognized for their commitment to preserving, protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Lehigh River and its watershed.

2019 Friend of the Lehigh Award Winners: Kathy Henderson, Director of Economic Development for the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC): Henderson is a leading advocate for Lehigh River as both a critical natural resource and a contributor to Carbon County’s economic vitality. Through her capacity with CCEDC, she was integral to the development the Carbon County Return on Environment report that was released last year.

Henderson was actively engaged in the realization of the Lehighton Outdoor Center last spring, a rafting, biking and kayaking business situated along the Delaware & Lehigh Trail in Lehighton, and she supported the designation of the Borough of Lehighton as a Trail Town.

To help support the outdoor recreation industry in connection with the Lehigh River, Henderson is championing river access and recreational development through the revitalization of Packerton Yards, an approximately 80-acre riverfront property outside of Lehighton.

Zettlemoyer Auction Co.: Zettlemoyer Auction Co. has lead the live auction

portion of Wildlands’ Green Gala for all 36 years of the event, first with the company’s founder – Ralph Zettlemoyer – all the way to Ralph’s grandson, Eric. Along with raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Wildlands’ conservation and education mission, the auction company donates their time and talent to many local conservation groups, including National Wildlife Turkey Federation and Ducks Unlimited. Within Ralph’s tenure as auctioneer, Zettlemoyer Auction Co. generously donated its time and talent to effectively raise more than $1 million in funds for conservation organizations right within the Lehigh Valley and Lehigh River watershed.

Wildlands Conservancy is the premier nonprofit land trust of the Lehigh Valley and Lehigh River watershed. For more information about the organization and its programs visit www.wildlandspa.org.

St. Luke’s to Expand Gnaden Huetten Emergency Department and Open Walk-In Care Center at Palmerton

In the year and a half since the St. Luke’s / Blue Mountain merger, tremendous progress has been made expanding access to high quality, low cost health care at St. Luke’s Gnaden Huetten and Palmerton campuses.

Some of St. Luke’s investments to date include: • Renovation of the Older Adult Behavioral Health Unit at Gnaden Huetten • Expanded specialty services – Cancer Center, Sleep Center, Diabetes Center, Wound Care Center with hyperbaric chambers • New chiller at Gnaden Huetten • Refurbished boiler at Palmerton • Expansion of St. Luke’s Cardiology Associates • Additional physicians and surgeons in various specialties • Upgraded technology – Epic and Workday • Enhanced employee benefits and compensation • Purchase of 108 acres in Franklin Township for a new campus.

Next up, St. Luke’s Gnaden Huetten’s emergency department (ED) will offer expanded care as a new St. Luke’s Care Now walk-in urgent care facility opens in place of the emergency department at the Palmerton Campus. The changes will take effect July 1.

“These developments will allow St. Luke’s to offer the most cost effective and highest quality comprehensive care possible for the patients of both St. Luke’s Palmerton and Gnaden Huetten campuses,” said John Nespoli, President of St. Luke’s Gnaden Huetten and Palmerton campuses.

St. Luke’s Care Now facilities have proven extremely successful and effective throughout the Network. Care is quicker, less expensive and more convenient. In fact, the average cost of a visit to a St. Luke’s Care Now is $25 while the average cost of an ED visit at most hospitals can be as high as $125. St. Luke’s Care Now facilities offer call-ahead

scheduling, walk-in X-ray, lab services and on-site access to common prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. In the case off a life-threatening emergency, the patient may be transported to the expanded ED at the Gnaden Huetten Campus.

Among the enhancements to the Gnaden Huetten ED: More beds More behavioral health beds New equipment Refurbished interior Additionally, St. Luke’s is expanding patient transportation services for Carbon County, introducing: A critical care transport ambulance to Jim Thorpe, operating with a critical care RN, paramedic and EMT A transit wheelchair van for both Gnaden Huetten and Palmerton A daily shuttle from Palmerton to Gnaden Huetten’s outpatient lab and radiology services.

“Consolidating emergency services at one site – along with investing in new facility upgrades, technology and transportation and bringing new physicians to Carbon County – will improve care for our community,” Nespoli said.

Pocono Mountain Regional Police K-9 Fundraising Program

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department (PMRPD) and help support their K-9 Unit for an entire year!

Pocono Raceway is offering a special fundraising ticket program where 15% of each ticket sold will benefit the PMRPD’s Foundation and their support of the K-9 Unit.

The fundraising goal has been set at $4,900.

This would provide training and supplies for the K-9 Unit for one full year.

The PMRPD K-9 Unit consists of Corporal Matt Nero, Officer Joe Lutkowski, Creed (a two-year-old Belgian Malinois) and Hilo (a two-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd.) This unit has seized astounding sums of drug currency and narcotics that’s value exceeds millions. They work closely with FBI, DEA and neighboring agencies, to keep drugs and organized crime off our streets and busy interstates. Often the ‘lead’ in dangerous situations, exposing concealed weapons and apprehending felons, K9 Units here and across the country continue to protect our officers…our community.

The PMRPD serves Pocono Raceway, Mount Pocono Borough and the Townships of Barrett, Coolbaugh, Tobyhanna, and Tunkhannock.

Naturally Yours The Organic Shop

SUSTAINABLE GOODS FOR LOW IMPACT LIVING • Organic Cotton, Bamboo & Cotton Clothing For Men & Women • All Natural Personal Care Items • Fair Trade Clothing & Accessories • Locally Crafted Jewelry

81 Broadway (570) 325-8209 in Downtown Jim Thorpe

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Fireworks and Fourth of July Festivities Take Over The Poconos!

July 2019 • 5

PEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL - continued from page 1

“reserved” pass, which provides a reserved seat in the 100 level during each night’s headlining act and the artist performing directly before the headliner, is $349 or $399 with camping.

A four-day VIP pass is $550, or $600 with camping. The VIP pass includes: access to the festival grounds, access to the VIP club, a reserved seat in the first 30 rows of the 100 level, VIP only sets featuring Peach artists, access to VIP viewing are close to main stage, access to VIP second stage viewing area, three meal vouchers, complimentary water and sports drinks, drink specials, private restrooms, limited edition Peach

Festival poster, festival laminate, festival t-shirt and parking.

A super VIP pass is also available for $1,100, or $1,150 with camping. It includes everything in the standard VIP package along with extra perks including drink tickets, golf cart transportation, and more.

Single day tickets, which do not include camping, are $79.

Tickets for children are $75. Children under the age of 5 do not require a pass.

For more information regarding tickets, travel, accommodations, daily lineups and more, visit www.thepeachmusicfestival.com.

The Lineup

(in no particular order)

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he Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency (JTTA) is proud to announce a partnership between the JTTA and Sam Miller Field to produce this year’s Fireworks display and related festivities, known as the “Jim Thorpe Hometown Festival”.

Earlier this year, the American Legion announced it was no longer producing the “Stay At Home Festival”, after years of generous contributions of time, energy and resources.

The JTTA and community officials then met to discuss the need to continue Fireworks in Jim Thorpe, agreeing this was an important piece of “the fiber of an American small town”.

Sam Miller Field then ‘stepped up to the plate’, offering to partner and host the event at Sam Miller Field. The two organizations met with Jim Thorpe Mayor Michael Sofranko, and plans began to insure a fireworks display and festival would continue for the residents of Jim Thorpe!

The Festival has been organized as a community event, and proceeds benefiting Sam Miller Field, located at 122 North Avenue in Jim Thorpe.

The Festival is planned for Saturday, July 6th, at the field, and features food from participating local organizations, games, rides and live music! The festivities begin a 12 Noon, continuing throughout the day, and culminating with the fireworks show at 10PM! The Festival also continues on Sunday, July 7th with food, rides, games and live music.

Scheduled Music (times TBA) Jay Smar • Bee’s Knees • Oldie’s Rockin’ Duo • John Ambrose

More Great Spots in the Poconos to see 4th of July Fireworks Don your red, white and blue this Fourth of July. Enjoy an abundance of food, music and fun during the day as you gear up for crowd pleasing fireworks at night.

Revel in all things American and celebrate Independence Day in the Pocono Mountains.

Read on for a list of upcoming fireworks displays to enjoy this July.

Honesdale Central Park Date: Monday, July 1 Time: Festivities begin: 6:30 pm

Fireworks begin at dusk Cost: Free; donations accepted Enjoy a fun-filled evening with children’s activities, food vendors and live entertainment in Downtown Honesdale. Rain date is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2.

Mount Airy Casino Resort Date: Thursday, July 4 Time: 9:30 pm Cost: Free All are welcome to celebrate the Fourth of July. Channel your inner Uncle Sam and sit back and relax as you watch the night sky light up with a beautiful fireworks demonstration.

Fireworks over Lake Wallenpaupack Date: Thursday, July 4 Time: Fireworks begin approximately 9:15 pm Cost: Free; donations accepted Join us for a fireworks spectacular over Lake Wallenpaupack! Enjoy this traditional celebration on the lake, in your car, or from your seat at the Wallenpaupack Area High School. Rain date scheduled for Friday, July 5.

Split Rock Resort & Golf Club Date: Friday, July 5 Time: Fireworks begin at dusk Cost: $10/per car; 25% will be donated to the Lake Harmony Fire Department Experience a fireworks celebration over Lake Harmony. Free to hotel guests, just show your room key! Rain date is scheduled for Saturday, July 6.

Skytop Lodge Fourth of July Celebration Date: Friday, July 5 Time: Fireworks begin at dusk Cost: $10/car Keep the holiday spirit going with celebrations at Skytop. Indulge in live music, concessions and cash bar. A VIP seating area is available for the best seat on the property for resort guests.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area Date: Friday, July 5 Time: 7 pm to 10 pm Fireworks begin between: 9 to 9:30 pm Cost: $15/car benefits Shawnee Volunteer Fire Company Commemorate America’s birthday with outside food and craft vendors, a magic show, and live DJ. Bring your own blankets and chairs for a firework display on the slopes.

Rain date is scheduled for Saturday, July 6.

Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark Date: Saturday, July 6 Time: 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm Cost: Free with Camelbeach admission and open to the public after 6 p.m.

This Fourth of July bash includes music, an abundance of food, and extended access to all waterpark attractions. Just keep an eye on the clock; you don’t want to miss the fireworks!

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Phil Lesh & Friends Trey Anastasio Band The String Cheese Incident Joe Russo’s Almost Dead Moe. Greensky Bluegrass Lotus Warren Haynes & Grace Potter Blues Traveler Lettuce Stephen Marley Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Dopapod Marcus King Band The Infamous Stringdusters Yonder Mountain String Band Billy Strings The Inaugural Peach Guitar Pull Allman Betts Band Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band Cory Wong (of Vulfpeck) The Motet Aqueos Ghost Light Larkin Poe Magic City Hippies Fruition Big Something Andy Frasco & The UN Joanne Shaw Taylor Percy Hill

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Southern Avenue Maggie Rose Organ Freeman Kitchen Dwellers Magic Beans Mungion Bumpin Uglies Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers Leah Blevins Upstate Hayley Jane & The Primates Thumpasaurus Kat Wright Cycles Goose Bishop Gunn Bobby Lee Rodgers Michigan Rattlers

6 • July 2019

Food & Drink

By Aillinn Brennan Special to The Current

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Drinks of The Revolution FLAVOR

“My manner of living is plain...a glass of wine and a bit of mutton.”

- George Washington It seems he enjoyed his wine but his appetite was much broader as his expense account shows great expenditures for beer, cider, brandy, port, sherry, liqueurs, rum, spirits and Madeira. In his autobiography based on the expense account Madeira is his favorite drink, which he “never drank more than a bottle a night.”

In Military Journals from this period, alcohol is prescribed for celebrating victories, encouraging enlisting, and for fatigue.

Washington’s soldiers had an allowance for 1 quart of beer a day from the commissary. Punch, another popular drink of the time was noted to be in bowls large enough to swim a swan!

“Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants to see us happy.”

- Benjamin Franklin

West Broadway Watermelon Margaritas

On May 13, 1787, George Washington dropped in on Benjamin Franklin who “opened up a cask of dark beer to entertain him.” In a Franklin autobiography, he mentions a large China beer jug which he “fell in love with at first sight; for I thought it looked like a fat jolly dame, clean and tidy with a neat blue and white calico gown on, goodnatured and lovely, and put me in the mind of somebody.”

As a young man in London he worked for a printing press where an “alehouse boy attended always in the house, to supply the workmen.”

Franklin, who only drank water at work, got the nick name, “WaterAmerican” for not partaking with his peers, who were all “great guzzlers of beer.” He explains their belief that drinking “strong ale,” will make one “strong to labor,” but he disagrees with them and proves his point when they note him going up and down the stairs with two letter sets one in each hand, while they carried only one with two hands. Why was the “Water-American” stronger than them?

You know, tending the gardens on West Broadway can get very hot this time of year!

No better way we know of than to cool off with an impromptu ‘Porch Party’! And for that, not much better than an icy-cold margarita!

Not too sweet, not syrupy, but super-refreshing!

Give it a try and see if you agree. Enjoy!

“Good wine is a daily necessity for me.”

- Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson is well known for his passion for wine and his belief that America could be a producer of great wines. At his estate at Monticello he grew American and European varieties with not much success but that did not deter him from his dreams and enthusiasm for wine. As ambassador to France (1784-89) he became a true connoisseur of wine. He traveled extensively through-out all of France’s famed regions and to Germany and Italy, where he immersed himself in wine culture and purchased it great quantities.

As President Jefferson, the White House had an impressive cellar with wines from famed regions such as Margaux, Hermitage and Yquem.

One of the most expensive bottles of wine ever sold is thought to have been one of Jefferson’s wines, a 1787 Château Lafite. It sold to Malcolm Forbes in 1985 for $132,000 (Euro) and unfortunately gained the name “billionaires’ vinegar.” Forbes placed the bottle on display under warm lights where the cork dried out and dropped right into the bottle!

This Fourth, raise your glass of wine, beer, cider, brandy, port, sherry, liqueur, rum, spirits, punch or Madeira and toast these great men of the Revolution!

Aillinn Brennan is proprietor of The Marion Hose Bar located at 16 W. Broadway in Jim Thorpe. For more visit www.marionhosebar.com

Ingredients: • 2 teaspoons sugar [for the rim of the glass] • 1 lime wedge • 3 1/2 cups cubed seeded watermelon • 1/2 cup tequila • 2 tablespoons sugar • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice • 1 tablespoon Triple Sec • Lime wedges or watermelon balls Procedure: Step 1

Place 2 teaspoons sugar in a saucer. Rub the rims of 6 glasses with 1 lime wedge; spin rim of each glass in sugar to coat. Set prepared glasses aside.

Step 2

Combine watermelon and next 4 ingredients (through Triple Sec) in a blender; process until smooth. Fill each prepared glass with 1/2 cup crushed ice.

Add 1/2 cup margarita to each glass.

Garnish with lime wedges or melon balls, if desired.

The Parsonage Bed and Breakfast 61 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe theparsonagebandb.com

A CASUAL AND RELAXED PLACE TO HAVE FUN

Sing Along Nights Drink Specials 1980’S Retro Games and Videos

43 Broadway • Jim Thorpe, PA

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Delicious Low-Carb Recipes Perfect for a Cookout

ood on the grill, carb-loaded side dishes and high-sugar desserts are at the center of most seasonal cookouts. But this doesn’t mean you need to avoid those countless neighborhood barbecues to ensure you stay on track with your healthy lifestyle.

Courtney McCormick, manager of Clinical Research & Nutrition for South Beach Diet, recommends these five lowercarb recipes that are great to bring along to any cookout.

• Shredded Chicken Chili: Just toss some chicken, beans, tomatoes and a combination of chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and oregano in your slow cooker and let that magic machine do all the work. Six hours later, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken and plenty of flavorful fixings for fewer calories than a chicken prepared in a sugary or cheesy sauce.

• Avocado Tuna Sandwiches: Mix lemon juice, avocado, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl and add canned tuna fish.

Scoop onto a slice of whole grain bread with arugula, sliced cucumbers and red onions and you’ve got yourself a delicious sandwich to eat in place of that hamburger.

• Skinny Shrimp Fajitas: You won’t miss the tortilla with this recipe! Combine shrimp, onion, bell pepper, olive oil and dry fajita spices such as chili powder, garlic, onion, cumin and paprika in a large bowl. Pour into a

veggie basket or place on skewers and let the grill do the work for you.

• Pesto Cilantro Dip: Bake walnuts at 275 degrees until golden brown, then chop cilantro, garlic, and walnuts in a food processor for about 25 seconds. With the machine running, pour olive oil in a steady stream. Add sour cream, lemon juice and salt.

Pulse a few times to combine and you’re done!

Serve with fresh veggies.

“This recipe is quick and simple,” says McCormick. “It contains minimal ingredients and it is packed with healthy fats. Plus, it keeps five days in the refrigerator and freezes for up to a month.”

• South Beach Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a BBQ staple and this recipe for a lighter version of it is easy as 1-2-3! Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, celery seed and a sugar substitute. Add cabbage and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper and refrigerate until ready to serve.

For more details on these recipes and other great tips and tricks to lose weight and live healthier, visit South Beach Diet’s website The Palm at palm.southbeachdiet.com/ cookout-low-carb-recipes.

Remember, cookouts don’t need to wreak havoc on your healthy diet. By making some simple swaps and choosing healthier options, you’ll stay on track while still enjoying time outdoors with family and friends. (StatePoint)

July 2019 • 7

Sidewalk Sale in Jim Thorpe

J

im Thorpe hosts the 14th Annual Merchants and Neighbors Sidewalk Sale! If you are looking for a great bargain, a fun shopping experience, or love to find hidden treasures, then come to Jim Thorpe’s historic Downtown District.

Make a day of it – we suggest that visitors simply park behind the train station visitors center and stroll our tree-lined shaded streets that are steeped in history and local color.

Walk from the Train Station, past Hazard Square and head up roadway to the Old Jail on West Broadway. Be sure to include Race Street and Opera House Square as well, and you’ll discover over 45 vendor tables or sites.

Date: July 6, 2019 - July 7, 2019 Time: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM CURIOSITIES - continued from page 1

Fun, Healthy Food Facts Broccoli contains twice the vitamin C of an orange

1% of Americans are vegetarians

Apples are made of 25% air, which is why they float

Strawberries, blackberries and raspberries are not actual berries

Avocado has highest protein content of all fruit Cabbage is 91% water Cherries are a member of the rose family Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries Honey is the only edible food that never goes bad Eggplants are fruits and classified as berries

There are close to 10,000 varieties of apples Cranberries bounce like a rubber ball when ripe Almonds are a member of the peach family Cucumbers are 96% water A bunch of bananas is called a hand

Peanuts are legumes, not nuts

Fresh eggs sink in water and rotten eggs will float

Ginger can reduce exercise-induced muscle pain by 25%

Noodles were invented in China, not Italy

based on its ability to draw customers into the building for the other shops,” Heffelfinger said.

“We were approached by our current business partners [the Tatasciore’s] to team together and that also became an easy decision based on their decades of restaurant ownership experience,” he added.

Other business located in the Douglas House Marketplace include Stonekeep Meadery, Bee Stung (owned by Melanie Tatasciore), Scentimental Journey, Rosser Art & Glass, Venturi Art & Photography, and Swartz’s Etchings and More.

Heffelfinger said that he and his husband Gremling, along with the Tatasciore’s wanted to be more than a coffee shop and more than a predictable ice cream parlor.

“Our beverage menu includes coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, cold brew, chai tea, and gourmet teas, as well as a variety of cold beverages in bottles, cans and a soda fountain… We went high-end when picking our espresso machine because good espresso is key to the quality of our hot beverage menu,” he said.

On the sweet side, Curiosities offers hand-crafted ice cream, milkshakes, tiramisu, lava cakes, fruit sorbet, gelato bomba, ice cream floats and a variety of baked goods.

“Through the colder months we serve a variety of soups… For the summer, we are offering gourmet Sabrett’s hot dogs with a variety of delicious toppings,” he said.

Heffelfinger and his team like to use as many local sources as possible for their products.

“We pride ourselves in serving fresh, locally roasted coffee beans from Mauch Chunk Coffee Roasters and our ice cream is hand crafted locally as our own brand: Curiosities Ice Cream,” he said.

He said that their specialty dessert items are not available locally and that Curiosities carries them exclusively. He noted that most of them are authentic Italian desserts from Little Italy in New York.

He said that all of the owners helped remodel the shop back to a quaint chic Victorian atmosphere in the formal parlor of the Douglas mansion.

“Mel was the vision behind the décor deciding on a unique Damask wallpapered feature wall and the addition of old photos capturing Mauch Chunk’s history,” he said.

“We wanted to educate visitors of the town’s enchantment showing the pioneers of its creation as well as the various levels of history—industrial and recreational, as well as the famous name change to Jim Thorpe.”

He noted that many people are curious of how Mauch Chunk became the town named after the legendary Olympic athlete, Jim Thorpe.

“We played off that curiosity in naming our business,” he said.

Most of the business’ clientele varies based on days of the week.

“Weekends are mostly tourists enjoying the town… Weekdays give us an opportunity to chat more with our patrons and we find about half of them are visitors and half are local folks,” he said.

He said that taking the time to learn about their guests and educate them on the town’s history has been a nice bonus as well.

“We’re not just taking orders through a drive thru window… Chatting across the counter has given me the opportunity to meet some really interesting people,” he said.

Right now, Curiosities is mainly staffed by the owners, but they expect to add parttime staff as the busy summer season grows.

The business is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and hours will expand as town traffic dictates.

He said that they’re still in the learning phase when it comes to business flow in Jim Thorpe.

“We have adapted our menu a few times and have added nice “take home” items like bagged coffee beans, loose leaf tea, espresso bean facial scrubs and jewelry,” he said.

“These are all unique and presented as great gift ideas for family, friends and coworkers.”

He said that everyone who owns a business in Jim Thorpe has learned the busy periods carry them through the slower ones.

“We’re very pleased with our growth so far and have seen a lot of repeat customers, and that is key to the success of any business,” he said.

Heffelfinger and Gremling are also coowners of The Woods Camping Resort in Lehighton.

The Tatasciore’s have many years of restaurant experience and have owned and operated many successful restaurants throughout the Lehigh Valley. They currently own and operate The Shanty on 19th in Allentown.

“What has been the most exciting for me is our excellent ratings,” Heffelfinger said about Curiosities.

“We serve great products but it’s also great to see the comments on the décor and the customer service... When people recommend us as a “must stop,” there’s not much more that we can ask for.”

8 • July 2019

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

arts

Great Expectations at Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation • July 21 - August 24 Opening Reception: Sunday, July 21, 4 - 6pm

One of the works in the show - “Faulkner Plan” by Brian Wiggins

“I went home, with new matters for my thoughts, though with no relief from the old.”

- Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

T

he Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation is pleased to present the opening of Great Expectations, an exhibition that aligns with our foundation’s mission to expose the public to fine abstract art, from both old masters and new artists, and to educate current and future generations on the significant styles of Abstract Expressionism.

This group show brings together several young and mid-life artists - all local to Pennsylvania - with the great expectation of showcasing how the abstract tradition continues to influence contemporary art in surprisingly new ways.

Jim Thorpe has always been a town that cultivates and appreciates the arts. That is precisely why we originally decided to open an art foundation in this charming town in 1985.

Sadly, the foundation is only open on the weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day, due to the expense of heating such a large, historic building.

The Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation resides in the former Presbyterian Church of Mauch Chunk, which dates back to the 1850s and houses Tiffany and Le Farge stained glass windows and intricate, hand carved woodwork.

This special and dramatic building is home to one of the largest and most historically pertinent collections of American Abstract Expressionism in Pennsylvania.

Focusing primarily on The New York School of Abstract Expressionism, the exhibition center in Jim Thorpe is an ideal setting for these dramatic works.

The opening reception for Great Expectations will be held on a Sunday evening

to provide Jim Thorpe locals the opportunity to enjoy the exhibition after the weekend tourist rush.

The artists participating in Great Expectations include: Pat Badt, Aillinn Brennan, Claire Giblin, Ryan Hnat, Gary Jurysta, Joel Le Bow, Sarah Macneill, Shozo Nagano, Robert Stark, and Brian Wiggins.

Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation Anita Shapolsky, Director and Founder 20 West Broadway in Jim Thorpe 570.325.5815 • www.asartfoundation.org Sat & Sun, 11:00am - 5:00pm Memorial Day to Fall Foliage

The Jim Thorpe Current

The Art of Portraiture

By Yvonne Wright The Current Contributing Writer

Art Takes Many Forms

The aim of Art is to present not the outward appearance of things, but their inner significance; for this, not the external manner and detail, constitutes true reality.”

(Aristotle, 384-322 BC)

I

n an age obsessed with ‘selfies’ and supported by technology at the tap of one’s finger, the importance of portraiture as a skillfully executed depiction of a person that shows his/her inner essence (i.e., a physical representation beyond likeness and an artistic interpretation of the subject’s personality, along with desired aesthetics) has been confusingly muddled in a sea of images. On the one hand, we have a tradition of figurative portraiture so richly represented by generations of artists in North America and Europe gradually declining in its prominence, in favor of abstraction and nonfigurative art. Avant-garde Modernist artists has distorted the outward appearances of things in pursuit of true reality and emotional assertion.

On the other hand, however, there is a continuation of portraiture as a photographic record, with random and instant dissemination of images aided by technology.

By definition, portraits are intended to display the physical attributes of the persons portrayed, usually posed gracefully standing, sitting or reclining, half-length, or horse-mounted, sometimes nude, or showing just a head. Family portraits often gain lifelong gratitude from succeeding generations for their artistic merit and monetary value. A truly successful portrait captures the quintessential characteristics of the person portrayed, the embodiment of one’s spirit, beyond delineation.

Varieties of photographic snapshots abound (typically taken with digital phones or webcams) of people’s faces gazing directly at the camera, in order to engage most captivatingly with the audience once the image is shared on social media. Even a most arresting ‘selfie,’ born of an impulsive shoot-and-upload exercise, has the shelf life of a tropical fruit. And yet, the tidal wave of popularity in self-documenting life as it unfolds has reached new levels of frankness, rarely experienced before, and seemingly inexhaustible.

Throughout human history, there has been an undeniably deeply rooted longing for immutable, everlasting existence, especially when achieved and preserved through works of art. It is believed that the earliest human ‘portraits’ were created in the Neolithic period by covering human skulls with pottery plaster, thereby reconstructing the ancestor’s features with considerable care. Made by the Mediterranean cultures between 9000 and 6000 BC (BCA) and used primarily for burial rituals, they denote portraiture art during prehistoric times. Ancient Greek and Roman artisans brought the art of portraiture to anatomical perfection, encompassing compositional and technical superiority and psychological insight, while providing a valuable historical account at the same time. In subsequent centuries, cultures and aesthetic ideals redefined portraiture even further, elevating artists above tradesmen, with plenty of Fortune Teller by Yvonne Wright demand and respect for their work.

Whether painted or sculpted, fine art portraits can take considerable time to complete, often demanding hours of uncomfortable posing. French Impressionist Paul Cézanne reportedly insisted on at least 100 sittings from his clients to complete a painting. While others, like Hans Holbein the Younger, a German Renaissance painter, opted for more effective use of time and drew the subject’s face from life first, and then set up a rack with an empty dress to finish the job. Either way, for centuries portraits have performed an important function recording people’s status, physical beauty, class belonging, occupation and ancestral lineage. Opulently attired, or disarmingly intimate, this widely popular genre has generated some of the most enduring portrayals of individuals we now cherish as a cultural heritage.

Unlike the ‘selfies’ of today, fine art portraits convey multiple meanings and intellectual insights. Shimmering surfaces of rich dabs of paint on canvas or chisel marks on stone cannot be fully replicated by a digital pixel, no matter how sophisticated the app is. However, digitally produced or traditionally executed, portraits serve as means of expressing and preserving the essential nature of life, and humanity’s search for immortality.

Yvonne Wright is the owner of STUDIO YNW at 100 West Broadway in Jim Thorpe.

She can be reached at studio.ynw@gmail.com

WHY WEISSPORT ? WHY NOT !

Is Brought To You By The Following Weissport Neighbors

Jeff and Sharon Elder Now Displayed in Chantilly Goods

Jay and Angie Frey

The Jim Thorpe Current

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

July 2019 • 9

M indful M oments

By Shelley Jaye Jim Thorpe Massage & Wellness Studio

mind·ful·ness

(NOUN)

1. the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.

2. a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

Words Are Powerful Mindful Mouthfuls . . .

“Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?”

TinyBudda.com

I

ask you to take a moment to, a few breaths to digest that statement, “words are powerful.” In our incorporation of mindfulness, we need to include conscious delivery of our words.

Have you ever been engaged in a conversation that included opposing points of view? Often during these types of negotiation, we speak words that are not true. We may in the moment believe them to be true. Perhaps in our reality, in that moment they are true. It is possible that there are two truths.

We may use words that are not necessary.

Words that are intended to allow us to believe that we are right. Is it necessary to be right?

While we are trying to come to an agreement or finding balance in a compromise, most importantly our words must be from our heart, reflecting our kindness. If in the moment, you are not able to respond in beneficial manner, I invite you to put time and space between the event and your response.

As we speak mindfully our relationship, business interactions and communication with our community become authentic and reflective.

Remembering our words carry the essence of who we are.

With Gratitude for allowing me to share my thoughts and energy.

Shelley Please feel free to write to me and share your thoughts and comments.

Email me at JimThorpeMassage@ gmail.com Please write “Mindful Moments,” in the subject line.

4000+ PAINTBALL PLAYERS RE-CREATE THE INVASION OF NORMANDY

JIM THORPE, PA – The Invasion of Normandy was the largest invasion in history involving approximately three million troops crossing from England to the beaches of Normandy. In a recreation of the fateful landing, Skirmish will be hosting over 5,000 players, spectators, and vendors on July 12th, 13th and 14th.

Starting promptly at noon on Saturday, Skirmish’s five landing crafts – Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha, and Utah (named for the five beaches of the original invasion) will disgorge Allied warriors for their assault across 75 yards of wide open beachhead. New this year, Skirmish has added “The Atlantic Wall”, along with a few bunkers, tanks and a disabled military helicopter for cover. This initial invasion is the largest paintball battle in the world with over 1,000,000 shots fired in the first half hour of the game alone.

The madness doesn’t stop with the beach assault. The Invasion of Normandy is a 3-day event that includes the largest paintball trade show in the industry, a warm up game on Friday night in Skirmish’s two castles, the invasion on Saturday and Sunday and a stage show complete with an award ceremony and raffle in which players can win all the latest paintball guns and gear.

Skirmish has hosted The Invasion of Normandy for seventeen consecutive years. Every year this scenario game continues to get bigger and better. This year we hope to once again break our previous world record for most players of 4,300. With four countries and thirty nine states already represented, 2019 is looking like it will be another world record breaking game.

For more information on The Invasion of Normandy, please visit www.Skirmish.com or call 1-800-SKIRMISH (1-800-754-7647). Members of the media looking to acquire Press Credentials or Invasion of Normandy photos, please contact Nikki Hurley, Director of Marketing, at 570732.0690.

About Skirmish Located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Skirmish is only 2 hours west of New York City and 90 minutes north of Philadelphia. The compound features over 50 award-winning paintball fields on 750 acres of top-notch terrain. Skirmish is the World’s Leader in paintball and has been in the industry for over 35 years. Skirmish also has whitewater rafting and biking trips available.

For more information, please visit www.skirmish.com or call 1-800-SKIRMISH (1-800-754-7647).

10 • July 2019

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY- continued from page 1

programs and kids creative spaces, to short films, there’s plenty to see and do at BMBS. Be on the lookout for special events, too.

Treasure Hunts happen on Mondays and every Friday is Grandparents’ Day, where grandparents receive free admission with each full-priced child admission. Visit on a “Super Sunday” with the crew from CCEEC. Live birds of prey, snakes and turtle shows start at 5:15 p.m, are just $6 per person and include light refreshments after the show. For a complete list of events, visit

www.bearmountainbutterflies.com and visit the Events page.

A trip to BMBS is not only fun and educational, but it’s affordable, too. Visitors age 3-61 can spend a day at the sanctuary for $8, with discounts offered to seniors (age 62+), active duty military, and veterans.

During regular public walk-in hours, no reservations are needed.

BMBS is a great location for school field trips, scout outings, and private parties. And will also bring the butterflies to you - a great option for schools and other organizations that are unable to make the trip. For more information, contact BMBS through the website. The calendar fills up fast, so schedule your event well in advance.

From native Pennsylvania species to neo-tropicals from Florida, the butterflies at Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary are aflutter and awaiting your arrival. See you there!

The Ultimate Guide to Pocono Biking

By Rachel Camaerei Communications Coordinator for the PMVB

H

it the trails! With 67,000 acres to explore, what are you waiting for? The Poconos is king when it comes to outdoor adventure, so gear up for some biking.

We’ve broken down biking based on skill-level from beginner to expert. Check out the parks and trails below, grab your helmet and start peddling!

1. For Beginner Cyclists

If you’re still getting the hang of things or biking for the first time, Promised Land State Park offers six-and-a-half miles of paved roads. Take in the beauty of the park as you push around Promised Land Lake. Be sure to take it easy because here, riders share the road.

Insider Tip: Want to kick it up a notch? Promised Land State Park permits mountain biking on designated trails only within Delaware State Forest.

2. For Moderate Explorers

The Switchback Railroad Trail is among the most historic trails in Pennsylvania’s Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. The hard-packed dirt trail yields up to 18 miles of adventure for both bikers and hikers alike. This trail traces through Mauch Chunk Lake Park and along the outskirts of Jim Thorpe.

Insider Tip: Biking downhill toward Jim Thorpe is the easier navigation of the trail; the grade in reverse is more difficult.

3. For Adventure Seekers

Celebrating it’s 30-year anniversary, The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor

runs throughout the state, but 24.4 miles trace the Poconos from White Haven to Jim Thorpe. You can always split up sections of this trail for shorter rides. The Lehigh Gorge Trail interconnects with the D&L Rail Trail, which runs through the scenic Lehigh Gorge State Park.

Insider Tip: For a fun challenge, link up with Pocono Biking to experience part or all of the trail!

By Amy Moyer Century 21 Select Group Realtors

H

ello everyone! In this month’s real estate column, I would like to focus on the many beautiful lakes in our area. The nice weather is finally upon us, so we’re all looking to get out and enjoy some water fun! With so many options available, it’s helpful to know a little bit about them.

We are fortunate enough to have two great Pennsylvania State Parks in our county. The lakes and beaches are well-maintained and open to the public. Hickory Run and Beltzville State Parks are free to use and enjoy seasonal, from dawn to dusk. There are also hiking trails and concessions. Beltzville is probably the most popular. The 949-acre man-made lake spreads over 20 miles. People love to travel here and enjoy a day on the beach.

Not far from the historic town of Jim Thorpe is Mauch Chunk Lake Park. This is a county park with a lake available to the public for a fee. Hickory Run and Mauch Chunk Lake even have camping sites for those who love to sleep outdoors. Along with these public options, there are some amazing lake communities for homeowners to enjoy. A few of the ones we will touch on are Lake Harmony, Big Boulder Lake, Bear Creek Lakes, and Towamensing Trails.

Towamensing Trails is a community of single-family homes with many different uses. The homes can be full-time, vacation or second homes, and many are used as vacation rental investments. The word ‘Towamensing’ is a Le Nape Indian word that means ‘Nature’s Wonders’.

The community lake is 190 acres of sparkling waters used for swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, etc. They even stock it with fish periodically. It is only available to home-owners, tenants, and approved guests. It allows electric trolling motors, but not gas-powered boats.

Golf carts and ATVs are permitted. However,

The Jim Thorpe Current please make sure to look into the rules and costs associated, including yearly registration.

The community has a large clubhouse, which includes a game room, bar, and restaurant.

There is an outdoor pool, beach area, and playground. The outdoor pavilion is new this year, and everyone seems to love it! Some of the activities to enjoy here are baseball, basketball, volleyball, and tennis.

Another great lake community in our area is Bear Creek Lakes. This association has so much to offer! The 160-acre lake is used for sailing, kayaking, swimming, and is even fully stocked with fish. There are 2 private beaches and a heated Olympic-sized pool! The clubhouse and pavilion are available for homeowners to rent for their own private parties.

They also plan so many exciting events throughout the year, including paint-n-sip parties, sand castle building contests, arts and crafts, fishing contests, and much more. If you just wanted to play games . . . the choices include tennis, shuffleboard, bocce ball, baseball, basketball, and volleyball. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, and a pavilion.

The powerboat lake of the area is Lake Harmony. It is a glacial lake spreading 2½ miles on over 125 acres. Gas-powered boats are allowed here, so many locals and vacationers come to enjoy jet and water-skiing. There are even restaurants that you can paddle up to and enjoy a bite to eat!

This lake is offered specifically to owners from the Split Rock area and Lake Harmony Estates owners, as well as their vacation tenants.

However, the public is welcomed to dine at any of the food spots and take advantage of the mini golf and water park. Split Rock also holds many public festivals throughout the year, including wine, beer, and cigar fests.

Lake Harmony’s sister lake, Big Boulder, is less than a mile away. This is a man-made lake which has condos and townhomes overlooking the water and ski slopes. The owners and members of the Lake Club are allowed to use electric motorboats on this lake. Being a member of the Lake Club also provides exclusive access to the outdoor pool and beach area. With the lake and ski area, there is nonstop fun all year round!

We hope we have enlightened you on some of the water excitement you can enjoy in the Jim Thorpe/Lake Harmony area this summer. Get out and experience it!

Born and raised in the Pocono area, you can visit Million Dollar Producer Amy Moyer at www.AmySellsPa.com.

4. For Experienced Riders

The McDade Recreational Trail runs 32 miles throughout the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. From vertical drops to flat straightaways, this challenging, packed gravel path runs along the beautiful Delaware River.

Bring your own bike or rent one through Edge of the Woods Outfitters – the only bike rentals in the DWGNRA! Due to the region’s recent storm damage, visit the DWGNRA’s website or call for trail updates.

Insider Tip: Mountain and hybrid bikes are recommended; bring an inflatable tire along for the ride.

5. For Mountain Bikers Ready for an extreme ride? Feel like a BMX pro at Blue Mountain Bike Park. Experience the downhill thrills at Pennsylvania’s highest vertical. Bring your own full suspension bike or rent one on-site to conquer the varied terrain on 25 trails. A lift-service brings you back to the top of the trails, so you can crush the mountain again and again.

Insider Tip: Sorry newbies, all riders must have previous mountain biking experience.

Shortage of Homes for Sale in the Lehigh Valley Forcing Buyers into Carbon County

H

ome buyers are leaving the Lehigh Valley market in search of the Lehighton, Palmerton, Jim Thorpe areas of Carbon County, real estate experts say.

After years of rising prices and dwindling inventory, more and more home buyers are being forced out of the Lehigh Valley and into such neighboring areas as Carbon County, real estate experts say.

Housing affordability in 2018 reached a 10-year low, yet the appetite for home buying remained strong enough to drive prices upward nationally, according to the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors. The group reported national home prices rose 53% from February 2012 to September 2018.

Carbon County experienced one of its best years for home sales likely because homes weren’t available in the Lehigh Valley, the group said.

Cass Chies, a real estate broker in Palmerton, is not surprised.

“We’re in a great economy and we see home sales trending again,” Chies said, noting the majority of buyers are looking to escape the high property taxes in New York, New Jersey and the Philadelphia areas.

“We’re also seeing many snow birds coming back to their roots to be closer to their families and (have a) permanent residence.”

In Carbon County, home sales were up

12.8% this past year.

There were 1,162 new listings and the year closed with 331 active listings.

The last time the county saw a boom like this was just before what is known in the real estate industry as the “housing bubble “of 2008. Then, housing prices peaked in early 2006, started to decline in 2006 and 2007, and reached new lows by 2012. And Chies said even more factors come into play when comparing the era of the two markets.

Chies said buyers are attracted to Palmerton, Lehighton and Jim Thorpe for its easy access onto Route 903 – a route running through the rural areas of the Pocono Mountains. The Route 903 Extension makes it easy for residents commute to New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley, she said.

“So many of these buyers are seeking this area for vacation homes,” she added.

This area and surrounding areas are seeing new construction for the first time since 2009-10, Chies noted.

Carbon County offers more bang for a buyer’s buck due to fewer listings available in the Lehigh Valley, Chies said.

“Buyers can find a larger home with more land and more for their money,” she said. courtesy lehighvalleylive.com

The Jim Thorpe Current

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

July 2019 • 11

Update:

Phase II of Mansion House Pedestrian Bridge Project

By Lauren Golden Trail & Stewardship Manager

A

t long last, I am very happy to say that construction of the Lock 1 Retaining Wall and Trail (Phase II of the Mansion House Pedestrian Bridge) is moving along nicely. Initially this project took a long time to get started, and then once it started, it flooded. And flooded again. Three and a half weeks of flooding, to be exact. Precast panels with a stone pattern designed to match the adjacent lock and bridge abutment were installed bit by bit, but they are now all up and being prepped for paint. Alterations to some sewer pipes and the construction of a footer went smoothly and the ramped trail subsurface is in.

So why did this area flood and how will that impact trail use in the future? Good question!

This area is literally the river bank that was between the Lehigh Canal and the Lehigh River.

When the river water rises, the bank is submerged. Knowing this, the D&L and our engineers built the Mansion House Pedestrian Bridge roughly 17 feet above the average river level so that this new bridge wouldn’t suffer the fate of the previous Mansion House bridge, which was washed away in a flood. A long ramp was then needed to connect the existing towpath (south of the water treatment plant) to the bridge along the river bank. Not only does this ramp connect the two points in the trail, but it also raises the trail up out of the floodway, so that the trail stays dry even when the river level rises.

You can see in Photo 3 from May that the river was so high that the retaining wall panels were submerged. When the water is that high the contractor cannot access the site, let alone work. This is the cause of the delay in the project. Photos 1 and 2 are from mid-June, and you can see progress. Additional concrete work remains, as well as resurfacing of nearly a mile of trail southward from the bridge, but we are working closely with the borough to keep the project moving as much as mother nature will allow.

We are grateful to everyone for your patience, but also your excitement. Please continue to respect the contractor by staying out of the project limits, marked by Trail Closed signs.

Enthusiastic supporters like you are what have made this project a reality!

Photo 1 of the construction site showing the progress being made recently, looking south from the bridge at the retaining wall reinforced ramp.

Photo 2 (above) showing progress made on the retaining wall recently, looking north from the trail at the retaining wall reinforced ramp and bridge.

Photo 3 (right) shows the flooding of the construction site in May 2019.

Correction: The Current mistakenly reported in our June 2019 Issue that the Mansion House Bridge was slated to open on June 30th. We sincerely regret the error and any confusion it may have caused.

12 • July 2019

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

The Jim Thorpe Current

music • entertainment SUNDAYS, JULY 7, 28 CAFE ARIELLE AT STABIN MUSEUM

THURSDAY, JULY 11 INN AT JIM THORPE

Summer Is Here!

LIVE MUSIC @ BROADWAY GRILLE: JOHN DAVID AMBROSE

• Massage & Bodywork

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM broadwaygrillepub.com (570) 732-4343

• Warm Stone Massage

• Massage for the Childbearing Year • Reflexology • Dry Brushing • European Facial • Acne Facial • Facial Waxing • Acupuncture • Reiki & Energy Work •Paraffin Hand Treatment • Spa Foot Treatment • Massage and Facial Combo

PENN’S PEAK

STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES SUNDAY LIVE JAZZ

THURSDAYS, JULY 4, 11, 18, 25 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING STRAWBERRY JAM

Classic 1960’s and 1970’s rock 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696 THURSDAY, JULY 4 INN AT JIM THORPE

BROADWAY GRILLE OPEN JAM W/ JOSH FINSEL IN THE UNDERGROUND 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM broadwaygrillepub.com (570) 732-4343

Earle and his current, perhaps best ever, bunch of Dukes take on songs with a spirit of reverent glee and invention. The tunes are all over the place and so is the band, offering max energy on such disparate entries as the bluegrass rave-up “Sis Draper” and talking blues memoir of “Texas 1947.”

Doors open 7:00 PM Showtime 8:00 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9661 $30 FRIDAY, JULY 12 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

THE DAVID BROMBERG QUINTET

PEACE FROG (DOORS TRIBUTE)

“The reason man created stringed instruments.

David touched them with a lover’s fingers and they moaned that true love right back at him.

Wood and wire and flesh spoke.” – Jerry Jeff Walker on David Bromberg Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-4009 Tickets $36

FRIDAY, JULY 5 INN AT JIM THORPE

LIVE MUSIC @ BROADWAY GRILLE: MATT FILER

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM broadwaygrillepub.com (570) 732-4343 CAFE ARIELLE

PIANO LOUNGE

CAFE ARIELLE

DINNER AND A MOVIE Enjoy dinner at Cafe Arielle and allow us to escort you to our cozy screening room for a “Vintage” feature length film. Drink voucher included with admission. cafearielle.net (570) 325-5588 268 West Broadway INN AT JIM THORPE

PENN’S PEAK

LIVE MUSIC AT BROADWAY UNDERGROUND: MAGIC STEW 9:00 PM - 11:59 PM broadwaygrillepub.com (570) 732-4343 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING TIMMY FITZ Timmy Fitz Timmy Fitz (/Singer Songwriter/ Rock/Blues) - Played the Philadelphia/New Jersey/New York circuit in the late 80s and 90’s.

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696

BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING REGINA SAYLES

Regina Sayles is a dynamic singer/ songwriter who blends her musical abilities with a love for performance.

Her capacity to blend various genres such as pop, jazz, soul and country gives even the most diverse audience something to match their musical taste.

6:30 PM – 9:30 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696 SUNDAY, JULY 14 INN AT JIM THORPE

LIVE MUSIC @ BROADWAY GRILLE: STEVE BROSKY 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM broadwaygrillepub.com (570) 732-4343 THURSDAY, JULY 18 INN AT JIM THORPE

BROADWAY GRILLE OPEN JAM W/ JOSH FINSEL IN THE UNDERGROUND 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM broadwaygrillepub.com (570) 732-4343 FRIDAY, JULY 19 PENN’S PEAK

RONNIE MILSAP

BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING AREA 52

BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

SATURDAY, JULY 6 INN AT JIM THORPE

6:30 PM - 9:30 PM broadwaygrillepub.com (570) 732-4343

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM broadwaygrillepub.com (570) 732-4343

AREA 52 is a trio that plays all of your favorite Motown, R&B, and Rock hits from the 60’s all the way to today!

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696

Chris Gratz(piano/vocals/guitar) and LeahBeth Evans(vocals) Provide you with classic rock contemporary hits, country, jazz and everything in between!

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696

LIVE MUSIC @ BROADWAY GRILLE: BANDANA BROS

LIVE MUSIC @ BROADWAY GRILLE: TOM ACKER

Skyler Stabin takes over the gallery and performs your requests at the first ever “Sky Piano Lounge” event Cash Bar, no cover, music starts at 9:00pm cafearielle.net (570) 325-5588 268 West Broadway

THE FROST DUO

SATURDAY, JULY 13 INN AT JIM THORPE 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JULY 5 - 6 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

Peace Frog, the highly-acclaimed tribute to The Doors, from Venice Beach, California, pays homage to Jim Morrison and The Doors by recreating the magic and intensity of a Doors concert experience.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-4009 Tickets $28

Atlantic City program director Steve Raymond, a longtime fan of INXS, raved after listening to only part of one song, “Wow! These guys have got the vibe down. Really impressive!”

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-4009 Tickets $26

LIVE MUSIC @ BROADWAY GRILLE: ERIC SZOLLOSY

268 West Broadway in Downtown Jim Thorpe 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM www.cafearielle.net (570) 325-5588

“Embrace and love your body.

It’s the most amazing thing you will ever own.”

- Unknown

jenny –––––––– 760.408.4029 –––––––– jim thorpe

LIVE MUSIC @ BROADWAY GRILLE: BRUNSON & MAKOFKA 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM broadwaygrillepub.com (570) 732-4343

Jimthorpemassage.com

• Tandem ~ Four Handed Massage

SUNDAY, JULY 7 INN AT JIM THORPE

JJ GREY & MOFRO AND JONNY LANG WITH NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS

Born blind (his family thought it was retribution for sin), Ronnie Milsap’s grandparents gave the boy over to the North Carolina State School for the Blind hoping for a better chance. There, Milsap discovered music – deviating from the school’s classical curriculum to explore the nascent realms of race music, rock & roll and jazz.

Doors open 6:00 PM Showtime 8:00 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9661 $25 INN AT JIM THORPE

LIVE MUSIC @ BROADWAY GRILLE: TOM STORM From the days of playing greasy local juke joints to headlining major festivals, JJ Grey remains an unfettered, blissful performer, singing with a blue-collared spirit over the bone-deep grooves of his compositions.

Doors open 5:30 PM Showtime 6:30 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9661 $38 SATURDAY, JULY 13 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

KICK SALUTES INXS

KICK is already garnering the attention, admiration, and accolades of seasoned “ears” in the music industry. Radio personalities in several markets have been quick to offer praise; WZXL /

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM broadwaygrillepub.com (570) 732-4343 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

DJ LAYNE “DOC” ROBERTS On air personality at Colossal Radio, Lehighton. Enjoy the Party Music & Classic Rock of the 60’s & 70’s.

Join us for some music and fun lakeside on our patio, weather permitting.

6:00 – 10:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696

The Jim Thorpe Current

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

July 2019 • 13

music • entertainment Crystal Blue Persuasion, I Think We’re Alone Now, Hanky Panky, Crimson & Clover, Draggin’ The Line, Mony, Mony and Sweet Cherry Wine are just a few of the many hits from Tommy James..........23 gold records, 9 platinum albums and over 100 million records sold worldwide...in addition to his 32 Billboard Hot 100 charting hits, many have been covered by artists around the world.

Doors open 6:00 PM Showtime 8:00 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9661 $33

DECK PARTIES WEDNESDAY, JULY 3 Becky & The Beasts FRIDAY, JULY 5 Nightwind THURSDAY, JULY 18 Kartune THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 Large Flowerheads Blue Moon Brewing Company and Sharp Energy present the 2019 Deck Party Series with free live entertainment on the patio!

6:30pm until 9:00pm - Rain or Shine! www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9661

SUNDAY, JULY 21 INN AT JIM THORPE

LIVE MUSIC @ BROADWAY GRILLE: DINA HALL 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM broadwaygrillepub.com (570) 732-4343 THURSDAY, JULY 25 PENN’S PEAK

LEONID & FRIENDS In just three short years, Moscow-based Leonid & Friends have blown the minds of legions of fans with their uncanny ability to capture the spirit, musicality and fire of American supergroup Chicago.

Doors open 6:00 PM Showtime 8:00 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9661 $24 FRIDAY, JULY 26 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

FRANK SINATRA (BY THE TONY SANDS ORCHESTRA)

FRIDAY, JULY 19 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

FIRESIDE COLLECTIVE WITH SERENE GREEN

The Fireside Collective, “Bluegrass, Newgrass, perhaps Progressive folk…”

These are some descriptions mandolinist and songwriter Jesse Iaquinto chooses to identify with. Serene Green is the collective musical vision of Pennsylvania musicians Quentin Fisher, Michael Johnson, Shane McGeehan, and Steve Leonard. This band’s passion for playing together comes from a deep love for traditional bluegrass music.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-4009 Tickets $21 SATURDAY, JULY 20 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING ROBBIE WALSH & JACK FOLEY Robbie Walsh & Jack Foley perform live at Boulder View Tavern Twenty-five years of experience, strong vocals, and musical talent.

An acoustic set of 60’s to 80’s classic rock hits.

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

BENNIE & THE JETS (THE MUSIC OF ELTON JOHN)

Sinatra That’s Life Concert A Tribute To Frank Sinatra Starring Tony Sands. You’ll never get a chance to see Frank Sinatra, or even Frank Sinatra Jr., perform in concert, but some people say that Tony Sands is the next best thing. Atlantic City Reviews of the That’s Life Concert have praised Sands not only for his uncanny vocal re-creation of Sinatra, but for his mannerisms that help create the illusion that Ol’ Blues Eyes is back.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-4009 Tickets $38 CAFE ARIELLE

DRESS UP PARTY Dress Up and get out on the dance floor.

Incredible sound system, hip atmosphere, craft cocktail service. $10 advance - $15 at the door cafearielle.net (570) 325-5588 Cafe Arielle 268 West Broadway

JIM THORPE BOROUGH DIRECTORY energy, exploration, and passion. At the heart of Incendio’s sound is the Latin or Spanish guitar, which they can play with total abandon, as well as with the most delicate touch. Their music is not solely flamenco, classical, Middle Eastern, Celtic, jazz, rock, trance, or pop, but all of them. Each song conjures bold, romantic images.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-4009 Tickets $23 SATURDAY - SUNDAY, JULY 27 - 28 PENN’S PEAK

MOUNTAIN WINE FESTIVAL

Live Music, Delicious Food, Air Conditioned, Local Artisans, Panoramic Views, A Great Time with Wine, Food & Friends! Local Wineries Include: Tolino, Vynecrest, Black River, Franklin Hill, Soaked Winery, Blue Mountain, Shade Mountain, Winery at Wilcox, Naylor Wine Cellars. $25 tickets available at: Mountain Wine Festival Website http://mountain-winefestival.eventcreate.com/ Must be 21+ to attend Music: Saturday Mother Nature’s Sons-Noon to 2:30pm Dina Hall with Andy Kilcoyne-2:30 to 5pm Music: Sunday The Mighty Two - Noon to 2:30pm Leighann & Company - 2:30 to 5pm FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

101 East 10th Street Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 www.jtborough.org

General Information (570) 325-3025 Emergency 9-1-1 Emergency Management (570) 325-3097 Water (570) 325-2631 Sewerage (570) 325-2547 Zoning and Codes (570) 325-3025 Streets (570) 325-2844 School District (570) 325-3691 Police Department (570) 325-4995 Fire Department (570) 325-3811

ALBERT CUMMINGS

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-4009 Tickets $24

FIRESIDE COLLECTIVE with SERENE GREEN Mauch Chunk Opera House • Friday, July 19

BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING MOTHER NATURE’S SONS Rock - Classic Rock - Jam 6:00 – 10:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696 PENN’S PEAK

ROOTS & BOOTS TOUR: SAMMY KERSHAW, COLLIN RAYE AND AARON TIPPIN If your thing is the music of Elton John and his band, then Bennie & the Jets can perform the perfect show for you. Greg Ransom plays the Elton John character with aplomb, but most importantly – he has mastered the songs, both vocally and on the piano.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-4009 Tickets $26 INN AT JIM THORPE

LIVE MUSIC AT BROADWAY UNDERGROUND: AMBROSE & FRIENDS 9:00 PM - 11:59 PM broadwaygrillepub.com (570) 732-4343 PENN’S PEAK

TOMMY JAMES AND THE SHONDELLS

Doors open 6:00 PM Showtime 8:00 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9661 $39 SATURDAY, JULY 27 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING THE THIRD NUT “The Third Nut”: one of the area’s hottest acoustic trios, officially formed in July 2005.

They specialize in tight, seamless vocal harmonies offered within a broad mix of musical styles.

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

INCENDIO

In both Italian and Spanish, incendio means fire and this is an especially fitting name for a musical group whose sound is all about

T

he Fireside Collective, “Bluegrass, Newgrass, perhaps Progressive folk…”

These are some descriptions mandolinist and songwriter Jesse Iaquinto chooses to identify with.

“Depending on where you come from and your experience with folk music, you may think we’re very traditional, or on the other hand, consider us a progressive act. We appreciate both ends of the spectrum and may lie on a different end on any given night.”

While roots music lies at the core of the Collective’s songs, a willingness to explore the boundaries and present relevant new material remains fundamental.

Serene Green is the collective musical vision of Pennsylvania musicians Quentin Fisher, Michael Johnson, Shane McGeehan, and Steve Leonard. This band’s passion for playing together comes from a deep love for traditional bluegrass music. The members

of Serene Green share a common goal to influence the legacy of bluegrass music with original songwriting and compositions, while honoring the traditions set forth by the pioneers of bluegrass music.

Fireside Collective burst onto the scene in early 2014 following the release of “Shadows and Dreams.” The album weaves bluegrass, funk, rock, and blues influences into a refreshing representation of modern folk music.

From the opening track “Poor Soul” with it’s energetic bluegrass overtones to the closer “Shine the Way Home”, the album takes listeners on a journey through simple love songs to complex themes such as metaphysics and coexistence. The album, recorded in Asheville at Sound Temple Studios, features guest musicians from Asheville’s rich acoustic music scene alongside members of the Fireside Collective.

14 • July 2019

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

The Jim Thorpe Current

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biz briefs Sturm Cup Golf Outing Sept. 13

In less than three short months, we invite you to break out those clubs, get your lucky golf attire ready, and bring your best game to our 13th Annual CCEDC “Sturm Cup” Golf Outing on Friday, September 13th at Split Rock Golf Club in Lake Harmony. (Yes, that’s our 13th annual golf outing on Friday the 13th, so despite the obvious superstitions and black cats, we think that this coincidence is pretty lucky!)

The “Sturm Cup” Golf Outing is one of your Chamber’s biggest fundraiser events and a fantastic opportunity to have fun and network with other like-minded business professionals. And since our outing falls on Friday the 13th, you can be sure to be in store for extra fun and plenty of surprises!

Registration is currently open and Early Bird Pricing is available until July 31st: Just $100/Golfer and $400/Foursome! So, don’t wait and register now before that early bird flies away!!!

If you are not a golfer but would still like to attend the outing to network, promote your business and support your Chamber, feel free to come for lunch (Only $20!), become a sponsor or donate an auction item.

We look forward to seeing you on the green!

Rep. Doyle Heffley to Host Open House at New District Office

Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) cordially invites residents of the 122nd Legislative District to join him on Tuesday, July 2, for an open house at his new district office in Weissport, located at 204B Bridge St. This special event will be held from 4-6 p.m.

Earlier this year, Heffley moved the office to a location that was more affordable and accessible for constituents.

“This open house is an opportunity for residents to get better acquainted with me and my staff and learn about the wide range of services we offer,” said Heffley. “We’re looking forward to celebrating our new location with the people we serve.”

Services offered at Heffley’s district offices include: • Applications for Property Tax/Rent Rebate program.

• Unclaimed property recovery.

• Driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals.

• Assistance with PennDOT paperwork (lost cards, changes, corrections, special registration plates, vanity plates and temporary placards for persons with disabilities).

• PACE and PACENET applications for senior citizens.

• Referrals to agencies to resolve staterelated matters.

• Information about legislation and new laws.

Light refreshments will be served.

Contact: Andy Briggs at 717.260.6474

everyone should make time to speak with and learn from him.”

SCORE is non-profit volunteer organization providing free mentoring services to small business owners at every stage…concept, launch, growth, scale and successful exit. Lou became a Volunteer Mentor following a successful career as Inventor, Business Leader and Executive Coach. He’s beginning his third year with SCORE. This Carbon County Women in Business event is sponsored by the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Andreas Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning and Lehighton KIA. The

“Bringing Your Business Future into Focus” Business Luncheon

By Kathy Henderson Director Economic Development Carbon Chamber & Economic Development

The Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) invites all business professionals to attend their Carbon County Women in Business Luncheon Event on Thursday, July 11, 2019 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Macaluso’s Restaurant on the Patio in Nesquehoning.

The Chamber welcomes back guest speaker, Louis Allegra, Volunteer Mentor at SCORE Lehigh Valley for his 20/20 Clarity Workshop: “Bringing Your Business Future into Focus.” While we can’t predict the future, we can certainly prepare for it! Lou will explain how steps taken in the early stages of your business and due diligence during the growth of your business will bring future success into focus for you.

Attendees will leave with concrete actions to take that day!

Alice Wanamaker, CCEDC Membership Director and A.V.P. of the GLVCC Northern Region, shares, “Louis works with so many of our businesses in Carbon County through his work with SCORE. He is a business guru, and

group meets every second Thursday of the month for lunch, networking and personal and professional development. Men are also welcome to attend.

A portion of all Carbon County Women in Business luncheons and events in 2019 will benefit the new Carbon County Women in Business Dressing for the Career of Your Dreams Program. This new initiative will help provide low income women entering the workforce with appropriate clothing for a job interview to give them the confidence they need to succeed!

Registration is required at the CCEDC website. Please register online at: www. carboncountychamber.org or via phone at 610-379-5000

Main Street Comeback!

E

very town has a business district and whether the street is called “Main Street” or known by another name doesn’t really matter. It’s the place where business takes place. At least in some cases it used to.

In days gone by the business districts of our small towns here in Carbon County and many other places across America were beehives of activity. You could find anything you wanted or needed in locally owned shops just by walking down the main street. From shoes to clothes to hardware and candy.

In the early 1970’s that all seemed to fade with the advent of shopping malls.

These were the new places to be with everything under one roof. They drew businesses and shoppers away from the downtowns.

Well I’m here to tell you that Main Street is staging a comeback! We have seen it in Jim Thorpe and Palmerton. Lehighton and Lansford both have energetic volunteer groups in the Lehighton Downtown Initiative (LDI) and Lansford Alive!

Lehighton has recently finalized a second visit by a Main Street consultant in cooperation with the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors. It was a very robust and successful three-day series focusing on the 4 points of the Main Street program which are Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Vitality.

Why is the downtown important?

Downtowns support local independent businesses that in turn support local families. Your downtown is a symbol of community economic health and a partnership between the private sector and the public sector. Downtowns instill community pride and protect community history. They are also a destination for Heritage Travelers who spend 2.5 times as much money as other visitors, visit twice as many places and stay longer.

The downtowns can serve as an

CHAT

CHAMBER

incubator for new small businesses which are the successes of tomorrow. This stimulates the local economy and helps reduce sprawl.

Cumulative estimates based on statistics gathered by the National Main Street organization from 1980 to December 31, 2017 for all designated Main Street America communities nationwide show that reinvestment in physical improvements were $74.73 billion. There were 138,303 new businesses created and 614,716 new jobs created with 276,790 buildings rehabilitated.

These numbers prove that by utilizing the Main Street approach we don’t have to reinvent the wheel. We can develop a plan that will help revitalize our downtowns. One point of that plan should be attracting developers that are willing to purchase buildings and do the rehab work. Then put businesses in that will be successful and flourish.

This is a big task for us undertake but undertake it we must. The Main Street program is a map to help us take back our downtowns and make them vibrant once again.

This is a call to action for anyone who has an interest and desire to once again shop our downtowns to get involved!

Contact the CCEDC if you want more information or to get involved. The success of our downtowns depends on all of us. khenderson@carboncountychamber.org (484) 464-9576

The Jim Thorpe Current

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

events calendar TUESDAY • JULY 2 14TH ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE & RIDE FOR RED EVENT Pocono Raceway and the American Red Cross invite blood donors to attend the 14th Annual Pocono Raceway Blood Drive and Ride for the Red. All presenting blood donors will entered for a chance to win three prize packages, complimentary lunch, $10 Electronic Gift Card and an American Red Cross t-shirt and the opportunity to enter for a chance to win one of three Pocono Raceway premium ticket giveaways. Additionally, the first 200 presenting blood donors will receive a Pocono Raceway $50 Gift Card. The Pocono Raceway Blood Drive will take place at the Raceway, located at 1234 Long Pond Road in Long Pond, from 1-7 pm. Appointments to donate blood can be made by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org and using sponsor code POCONO. THURSDAY - SUNDAY • JULY 4 - 8 HARRY POTTER AND THE 8 MOVIE MARATHON! 4th of July weekend, The Mahoning Drive-In Theater is extending a very special invitation to attend a weekend of wizardly wonder! *Thursday ~ Friday ~ Saturday ~ Sunday* We proudly present ALL EIGHT Harry Potter films in order and on 35mm FILM over FOUR nights! Don’t miss out on this multi-day cine-magic event!

Thursday - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) Friday - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) Saturday - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) Sunday Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011) Come early for vendors, games, and more! Tickets https://www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/4190905 The Mahoning Drive-In Theater 635 Seneca Road, Just Off Route 443 in Lehighton. 610-683-7243 • $10 General Admission, $7 Children 12 & Under, $10 Overnight Pass FRIDAY • JULY 5 FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS Split Rock Resort & Golf Club, 428 Moseywood Road in Lake Harmony. Watch our Independence Day Fireworks show over beautiful Lake Harmony. Fireworks begin at dusk. $10/per car; 25% will be donated to the Lake Harmony Fire Department.

Rain date July 6. www.splitrockresort.com SATURDAY • JULY 6 JIM THORPE HOMETOWN FESTIVAL 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (raindate July 7) Sam Miller Field, 122 North Street in Jim Thorpe

Patio Party Thursdays!

At Blue Mountain Thursday Nights just got a whole lot better! Come join us every Thursday as we amp up our FREE Concert Series, where we have a different band rocking the house from 6-9pm. Our food & drink specials make this night even better!

Enjoy these Live Bands and a View: July 11th Graystone All-Stars July 18th Naked Soul Band July 25th Captain Eric & the Shipwrecks August 1st Ned Ryerson & the Groundhogs www.skibluemt.com 1660 Blue Mountain Drive in Palmerton

Executive Editor/Publisher

Jeffrey “JD” Diaz 570.399.1400 - JD@JTCurrent.com

For Editorial

call: 570.399.1400 e-mail: edit@JimThorpeCurrent.com

Contributing Writers Aillinn Brennan Daniel W. Burnett Rachel Camaerei Lauren Golden Kathy Henderson Christopher Holland Shelley Jaye Amy Moyer Yvonne Wright

For Advertising Jay Pelc • 917.957.1713

JAY@JimThorpeCurrent.com

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Info@JimThorpeCurrent.com

Published by

Stony Creek Media, LLC. PO Box #222 Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229 570 . 399 . 1400

The Jim Thorpe Current is published monthly and distributed to over 185 locations throughout the Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvanaia Area.

Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2019 Stony Creek Media, LLC. all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.

Please Send Your Calendar Listings To: Calendar@JimThorpeCurrent.com While we can’t predict the future we can certainly prepare for it. Louis Allegra, Volunteer Mentor with SCORE Lehigh Valley, will explain how steps taken in the early stages of your business, and due diligence during the growth of your business, will bring future success into focus for you. You will leave with concrete actions to take...beginning today.

Networking 11 am - 12 pm • Lunch & Program at 1 pm $20 Members $25 Future/Non-Members FRIDAY - SUNDAY • JULY 12 - 14 THE WORLD’S LARGEST SCENARIO GAME! Two days of scenario actions plus a FREE Castle Nights game on Friday. Over 4,000 players gather to recreate the Infamous World War II DDay. Join the Allies and defend their championship status or flank the Germans as they attempt to take back their title! $69.99 per person. Skirmish Paintball 211 N. Meckesville Rd. in Albrightsville. Call 570-325-8430 or email info@skirmish.com for more information.

SATURDAY - SUNDAY • JULY 6 - 7 WHITEWATER DAM RELEASE WEEKEND You’ll be surrounded by state park protected mountains while enjoying 12 miles and 4-5 hours of Class II, III whitewater rafting and breathtaking scenery. Whitewater rafting adventures with us are fun, thrilling, and memorable. In fact, it’s an adventure that everyone from ages 8 and up can enjoy – no experience necessary! Not only will you paddle through 17 sets of rapids, but you’ll also laugh, get wet and have an amazing day outdoors.

There is nothing like a whitewater dam release rafting trip on the Lehigh River in Jim Thorpe! Pocono Whitewater, 1519 State Route 903 in Jim Thorpe. 570-325-8430 $69.99 (ages 8 & up) SATURDAY - SUNDAY • JULY 6 - 7 14TH ANNUAL MERCHANTS AND NEIGHBORS SIDEWALK SALE! If you are looking for a great bargain, a fun shopping experience, or love to find hidden treasures, then come to Jim Thorpe’s historic Downtown District. Make a day of it – we suggest that visitors simply park behind the train station visitors center and stroll our tree-lined shaded streets that are steeped in history and local color. Walk from the Train Station, past Hazard Square and head up roadway to the Old Jail on West Broadway. Be sure to include Race Street and Opera House Square as well, and you’ll discover over 45 vendor tables or sites. Noon - 5:00pm

SUNDAYS • JULY 7, 14, 21, 28 SUNDAYS ON THE VERANDA AT THE HARRY PACKER MANSION INN 1:00pm to 4:00pm Enjoy a libation on the veranda of the Harry Packer Mansion this summer. Sunday specials include, blood orange bubblies and lemon fizzes, sit in a setting like no other as you take a break during the weekend. At The Harry Packer Mansion Inn, 19 Packer Ave in Jim Thorpe. Parking available across the street from the mansion in the county lot. $5 mansion tour, free entrance to the veranda. For more info email pat.handwerk@gmail.com MONDAY - SATURDAY • JULY 8 - 13 POCONO MOUNTAIN CARNIVAL This 93rd annual Pocono Mountain Volunteer Fire Company event features midway rides for all ages, live music, Wednesday night fireworks, games along the midway and under the big top, nightly cash bingo, raffles including a $30,000 cash prize, a variety of tasty fair food and the annual Beef Roast Night on Saturday. Free event admission includes concerts by Kartune (Monday), Who Knows Band (Tuesday), Tommy Guns Band (Wednesday), Acoustic Pursuit and Tracksuit Panda (Thursday), Southbound (Friday), and Mostly Jazz Trio and McWilliams Brothers Band (Saturday). Ride tickets are $1.50 each, $30 for 20 tickets, or $60 for 50 tickets plus 1 free ride. (Rides take 2 or more tickets each.) On Monday, rides are only 1 ticket each. On Thursday, every ride is reduced by 1 ticket. Visit DreamlandAmusements.com for additional midway information.

Pocono Mountain Fire Station No. 1 866-666-3247 20 Murray Street in Mount Pocono poconocarnival.com THURSDAY • JULY 11 CARBON COUNTY WOMEN IN BUSINESS JULY LUNCHEON “Bringing Your Business Future Into FOCUS” Join us at Macaluso’s Restaurant on the patio for Carbon County Women in Business’ July Luncheon as we welcome LV SCORE’s Louis Allegra back for an exciting 20/20 Clarity Workshop called “Bringing Your Business Future into Focus.”

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SATURDAY • JULY 13 DINNER ON THE CANAL: CANAL STORIES & SONGS 5:30 – 8:00 pm $55 per person (for 10% member discount, contact Loretta) Roy Justice has been bringing history to life through stories and songs for more than 30 years. Spend an evening with Roy traveling back in time to the 19th-century when Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company canal boats traveled the Lehigh and Delaware canals from Bristol to White Haven. Roy will share the history, character, and life-style of the people who built the canal, tended the locks, and captained the boats through his unique blend of stories and songs. Culinary Experts will be providing a scrumptious summer picnic. This will be a 2 1/2 hour cruise with a lift-lock experience.

BYOB wine and beer. Seating limited to 60. Dinner Cruises not suitable for children under the age of 10. Contact Loretta Susen at loretta@delawareandlehigh.org or 610-923-3548 x221, with questions or more information.

ROCKING RESCUE 9 Weissport Borough Park on Park Street in Weissport • Creature Comforts Vet Clinic 10:00am - 2:00pm • CAR SHOW Hosted by “Palmerton Pace-Makers” 11:00am - 3:00pm $5 per Car Entry Fee, Prizes and Dash Plaques, Great Food • All Classic Rock Music Entertainment 10:00am - 8:30pm • Animal rescues & shelters on hand with pets available for adoption and information for the betterment of animals.

• All 501c3 animal rescues set up Free of Charge for adoptions, education and rescue.

• Step Back in Time Equine Pony Rides

CONTACT US FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION advertise@JimThorpeCurrent.com

570.399.1400

• Silent Auction sponsored by Carbon County Friends of Animals Winners will be Drawn 6:00pm • Bake Sale, Dunk Tank, BMARS Tent, Games, Bouncy House, Train, Obstacle Course • Resources/Information on Low Cost Spay Neuter / TNR • Crafters - Small Businesses • Flea Market & Yard Sale space available - $10 Spots • Gombert Amusements for the Kids • Raffle - 50/50 Every Band Set For more info, contact Donna Crum at 610-703-6558 or dcrum@ptd.net SATURDAY - SUNDAY • JULY 13 - 14 SPARTAN RACE AT BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT Distance: 5 miles, fastest time should be around 40 minutes.

Longest times will be close to 2 hours. This is a chip-timed event.

Start Times: Starts at 8am, waves of 200 athletes will be released every 20 minutes across 5 groups (Elite, Confirmed, Morning, Afternoon, Late Afternoon). YOUR exact start time in the group you registered for will be posted here a few days prior to event date.

At Blue Mountain Resort $10 parking for compact cars, $20 for SUV’s and $50 for campers For more visit https://www.skibluemt. com/upcoming-events/spartan-race SUNDAY • JULY 28 GANDER RV 400 Pocono Raceway will host the Gander RV 400 on Sunday, July 28, 2019 with events leading up to the race all weekend. Gear up for Sundays race with some Saturday fun including the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practices and qualifying, NASCAR Gander Outdoors Series qualifying and the Gander Outdoors 150 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.

Pocono Raceway - 1234 Long Pond Road in Long Pond, PA faninfo@poconoraceway.com • (800) 722-3929

Back to the 80’s Bar

80s Nintendo Challenge Monday Night Special.

High Score for the game of the night wins a prize (Different prize each week) $1.00 Miller Lite and Yuengling Lager 16 oz. Drafts 5:00 to 10:00 pm every Monday.

43 Broadway in Downtown Jim Thorpe backtothe80sbar.com

library calendar Summer Reading at the Dimmick is underway! Our theme this year is A Universe of Stories. Sign up for the reading challenge and come out to events for a chance to win some fun prizes! Follow our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DimmickMemorialLibrary/ to keep up to date on all of the activities we have planned!

Story-time will be held every Tuesday from 10-11AM. The themes will be July 3rd Theme: Aliens, July 8th Theme: Planets, July 16th Theme: Moon, July 23rd Theme: Galaxies and July 30th Theme: World Building.

The Dimmick will be closed on Thursday July 4th in observance of Independence Day. We will reopen on Friday July 5th at 9 am.

Our Board of Directors meeting is on Tuesday, July 9th at 5:30 PM in Borough Hall in Jim Thorpe.

The Dimmick Lego Club will meet from 4pm-5:30pm on Wednesday, July 10th and Wednesday, July 24th.

The Dimmick Book Club will be meeting on Wednesday, July 10th at 7 PM in the library.

The Coaltown Crafters will be meeting on Thursday, July 11th at 7 PM. All crafters welcome!

The Dimmick Lab Rats: STEM Saturday event will be on Saturday July 13th from 10 AM – 1 PM. Stop in, explore and learn in a fun, relaxed atmosphere! Every month we will do a themed project aimed to teach you more about the science of the world around us.

The Dimmick Library is hosting astrologer Amy D. July 17th at 5:30 pm to talk about astrology and how the star charts may affect you.

This session, she will be discussing the planets and minor aspects.

Unlock new knowledge about yourself!

Astronomer Tom Wildoner of The Dark Side Observatory will be at the Dimmick Library on July 20th from 11am-1pm to give us a guide to the night sky and any astronomical events for July. He will discuss what constellations, stars, planets, conjunctions and meteor showers to be on lookout for in the sky, complete with photography of each event.

The Dimmick Library will be hosting its first Dimmick Library Comic Con® on July 27th from 10 AM to 3 pm. We will be hosting panels on cosplay and video gaming topics. A retro video game station will be set up for people to compete on as well as guided Dungeons and Dragons sessions for all ages. Lots of nerdy fun for the whole family.

Comic-Con is a registered trademark of San Diego Comic Convention.

Used with permission.

Stop in any time throughout the month of July to view the art of Ron Chupp. 20% of the proceeds of the show benefit the library directly.

The Dimmick Library will be continuing our Summer Saturday Hours until August 31st. The library will be open 9am- 1pm on Saturdays.

Check our Facebook page for more up-to-date information!

Dimmick Memorial Library • 54 Broadway in Jim Thorpe • 570-325-2131 • www.dimmicklibrary.org

16 • July 2019

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

The Jim Thorpe Current