The Jim Thorpe Current - July 2020

The CURRENT

GO • SEE • DO JIM THORPE

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Serving Carbon County and Beyond

July 2020 • 1

jimthorpecurrent.com I JULY 2020

Pocono Farm Complex Goes Big for Organics

By Tom Venesky Special to The Current LONG POND, PA – Five years ago, Ashley Walsh suffered from a severe stomach condition that made her sick on an almost daily basis.

The condition is called gastroparesis, and it impeded Walsh’s ability to digest food. To get enough nutrients from food, Walsh had to puree everything she ate.

Ultimately, she was faced with a last resort of feeding tubes and medication to lead a normal life.

But then Walsh found a remedy.

A Guide to Waterpark Resorts in the Poconos

By Rachel Camaerei Special to The Current

She turned to an organic lifestyle, and the dividends were immediate.

“I went from being sick five days a week to five days a month,” Walsh said. “A lot of people don’t realize the power of food as medicine.”

Walsh is hoping to change that and raise awareness of the benefits of organic food, and she’s not taking small steps to achieve the goal.

In 2015, she founded Pocono Organics, one of the largest organic farms in the Continued on page 15

N

o matter the season, you can make a splash in the Pocono Mountains. The region’s four indoor waterpark resorts provide a fun-filled escape for couples and families alike. They offer everything from exhilarating water slides and lazy river rides to wave simulators and even hot springs for soaking.

In addition to the waterparks, each of the resorts also has fun-filled amenities that include first-run movie theaters, mind-boggling escape rooms, and virtual reality experiences as well as a wide array of lodging options. Plan an unforgettable getaway at one of the thrill-filled waterpark resorts in the Poconos.

TENNIS ANYONE?

By Christopher Holland The Current Contributing Writer

J

ennifer Everett, a 27-year-old Lehighton native, is planting her roots back in Carbon County after living abroad and across the country.

A new and exciting business endeavor of Everett, Valley Royale is Carbon County’s newest hot spot, operating as a tennis club that offers membership services and more.

Everett attended Drexel University in Philadelphia and earned a bachelor’s degree in International Studies: International Business and Economics. After she graduated Drexel, she moved to China to teach English where she got involved with the startup ecosystem, including working on her own travel itinerary company.

After spending nearly a year in China, Everett relocated to Chile to continue working for and learning from startups.

Then, four years later she decided to move back to the United States and found herself in San Francisco, where she worked for some of the most notable companies in the world: IBM, Google, and where she still works, Uber.

But after some time in California, she decided it was time to come back to her roots and settle back in Carbon County. And with her move back home came a whole new adventure, Valley Royale.

Everett recently participated in a Q&A with The Current. This is her story about herself and the new tennis club.

The Current: What made you get into the business/industry and how long have you been doing it? Did you have prior experience before branching out on your own? If so, in what positions and where?

Jennifer Everett: I grew up playing tennis at the Maple Tree Inn and went on to play on Continued on page 9 Lehighton’s co-ed

Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark It’s always summer at Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark. A toasty 84 degrees year-round, Aquatopia offers the perfect temperature. Engineered to thrill, Aquatopia is loaded with fun-filled features, including the Bombora FlowRider, Lost River tubing adventure, obstacle-loaded Croc-O-Nile Crossing, Great Ka-na-gawa Wave Pool and 13 innovative waterslides, that include bowl slides and thrilling aqua-launch capsule-style slides. If you need a break from the action, Aquatopia has reservable poolside cabanas, a swim-up bar, restorative hot springs, and plenty of tasty bites at the Colonial Commons.

Beyond the waterpark, adventurous guests at Camelback Lodge can try to outsmart the Game of Stones escape room, tackle the K2 Climb ropes course, Continued on page 4

A Conversation with Jennifer Everett of Valley Royale, Carbon County’s New Tennis Club

Jennifer Everett of Valley Royale Tennis Club

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The 165-Mile Challenge: It’s Easier Than You Think

By Emily Dings D&L Assistant

What does 165 miles look like?

Sometimes we hear that 165 feels like an intimidating number of miles for a Tail on the Trail challenge. After all, isn’t that about the length of six marathons? If you didn’t start logging miles when the challenge began in May, how could you possibly catch up if you started a month or two into the challenge period?

It turns out it’s easier than you think. Let’s say you started on July 1. If you logged just one mile each day from July 1 through November 2, you’d already have 125 miles in the bag.

On 20 of those days, log two miles instead. Boom! You’ve hit 165 miles.

If you’ve never taken the 165-Mile Challenge, here are some reasons why this is the perfect year to give it a shot.

It gives you an excuse to explore new parts of the D&L and other trails.

Do you know why we chose 165 as the number for this challenge? It’s because this is the approximate mileage of the D&L Trail. How much of the 165 miles have you covered? If you’ve been feeling cooped up during the pandemic period, the D&L and THE LINK Trails offer vast expanses where you can get your miles in safely as you take in fresh air. You may find a trailhead just a few miles away that offers an inviting new fitness experience. Check out our Virtual D&L Bike Rides for a preview of a few different trail excursions you might want to try. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with returning to your tried-and-true favorite trail stretch, either!

Research shows that when people exercise outdoors, they exercise for longer and burn more calories. The experience of walking, running, or biking on a trail is so pleasurable— with the sun shining on your face and the breeze drifting through the trees—that we tend to focus less on time and distance and more on the experience itself. So you may just find that you just got in an extra mile without even realizing it.

It pushes you to try new types of exercise and keep up a regular fitness routine.

Although ordinarily we encourage Tail on the Trail users to get as many of their miles on the actual trail as possible (see above), the 2020 165-Mile Challenge kicked off during a period that was anything but ideal. As we adjusted to the fact that this year trail activity might

not be a safe option for all participants, we got creative.

With our partner St. Luke’s, we decided on a digital event for the May 2 kickoff—a virtual Walk with a Doc video featuring Dr. Joanne Calabrese—and developed a collection of at-home exercise materials to help participants stay safe as they kept fit. An important part of this process was creating a mileage conversion chart so that people could log miles after doing activities such as aerobics, weight lifting, or even doing yard work. We also created a series of Bingo cards for users to complete as they knocked out various fitness, safety and nutrition activities. Getting a Bingo will net you an extra five miles!

Did you know that 20 minutes of yoga is equivalent to one mile? Or that 21 minutes of high-intensity aerobics converts to two miles? You’ll soon see that by including so many different kinds of activity in your mileage count, it will be easier to keep up a regular routine and you’ll crush the challenge in no time.

It’s a great way to stay connected to friends, family and colleagues.

If you’re missing spending time with your favorite people, Tail on the Trail is a great way to stay connected. Share the program with a friend and challenge each other to see who can get the most miles in per week or complete the challenge first. We also have a long list of community and corporate groups that have joined the program and develop extra challenges within their groups. Some of our participants include Just Born, Girls on the Run, BBraun, Crayola, and number of school districts. If you’d like to register your group, just email tailonthetrail.org!

You get awesome stuff!

Although receiving Tail on the Trail swag shouldn’t be the main motivation for completing our challenges, there’s no denying that it’s a nice perk! Past years’ prizes have included Tail on the Trail fleece blankets, portable coolers, rain jackets, and camping lanterns. We love to see participants out sporting their gear from past challenges year after year. And when someone asks you how you got that awesome item, you get to see the look on their face when you tell them you completed 165 miles!

Remember that although 165 miles is a long distance, you’ve still got over four months to do it, and a number of options to suit your exercise preference. At the time of this writing, nearly 400 people have already crossed the finish line (though we hope they’ll keep logging miles anyway). Take the 165-mile challenge today. You’ve got this!

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WATERPARKS - continued from page 1

or scale The Ascent, a towering indoor rock climbing wall. There’s even an on-site spa that offers a range of treatments from massages to facials. The range of lodging options at the resort makes it easy to plan a couple’s getaway or a family reunion.

They have cozy single bedroom suites, twobedroom lofts, and three-bedroom condos, equipped with perks like toasty fireplaces, panoramic balconies, and spacious kitchens.

Split Rock Resort & Golf Club Split Rock Resort is brimming with family-friendly adventures year-round.

Aptly nicknamed H2OOOOhh!, the resort’s crowd-pleasing indoor waterpark offers everything from exhilarating drops to totfriendly play areas. For thrill-seekers, there are three slides with four-story drops as well as a rip-roaring wave pool and features Pennsylvania’s first FlowRider surf machine.

There’s plenty for younger visitors too, including Jungle Falls, Leapin’ Lillypads, and a kid-friendly activity pool.

If you are staying at Split Rock Resort there are a smorgasbord of other on-site attractions to choose from, including cosmic bowling, a nostalgic arcade, and a movie theater that showcases first-run feature films.

When booking lodging, you can choose among suites, cottages, villas, and rooms in the historic lodge, which overlooks Lake Harmony.

Great Wolf Lodge Great Wolf Lodge includes a 79,000 square-foot waterpark that stays a summer-y 84 degrees year-round. It has 13 water slides and a four-story, tree house-style water fort.

Tiny tots can splash around in the kid-friendly activity pools and explore the pint-sized Whooping Hollow playground while older kids can cruise Crooked Creek or surf the swells in the Slap Tale Pond Wave Pool. Of course, there are also plenty of thrills on Alberta Falls, a tandem-tube ride with an exhilarating fourstory drop. For a more mellow experience, rent a cabana or take a soak in one of the resort’s two different hot springs.

After a day of splashing around in the waterpark, you can continue the fun outside the waterpark. Great Wolf Lodge is loaded

with family-friendly activities, including an on-site Build-A-Bear Workshop, nightly story time, and Howl at the Moon Glow Golf. There’s even a Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream parlor. The resort also treats guests to newly renovated suites that cater to families of all sizes, and include everything from tent and cave themed suites to fireplace-equipped loft suites.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions In the heart of the Pocono Mountains, the 220,000-square-foot indoor waterpark at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is the largest in the country. Themed after an African safari, the park has many unique features like the 270-foot Elephant’s Trunk corkscrew water slide, the leisurely Lazy River, and the zerodepth entry Coral Cove aquatic play area.

You can also explore vivid underwater worlds with the resort’s virtual reality experience,

or take advantage of the waterpark’s familyfriendly lessons and become a curious great white shark or a graceful mermaid for the afternoon. When you are ready to kick back and relax, you can indulge in the waterpark’s party cabanas, swim-up cocktail bar, and indoor and outdoor spas.

Beyond the waterpark, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions offers a buffet of familyfriendly perks and amenities. After a day of water slides and lazy river rides, take a wild ride in the 7-D Motion Theater, gather family and friends for a game of laser tag, or challenge yourself at the resort’s ancient Egyptian-themed escape room, Wrath of Anubis. When it’s time to call it a day, the resort has multiple accommodation options from single rooms to five-bedroom suites.

Waterpark resorts are just the beginning.

With 2,400 square miles to explore, the

Poconos has hidden gems all throughout the region. While visiting, be sure to check out our towns, outdoor adventures, activities, restaurants and so much more!

We recommend calling ahead to your destination before traveling to ensure nothing has changed. When you’re ready to visit, we’ll be here to welcome you.

Rachel is the Communications Manager for the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.

As a native to the Poconos, Rachel works to rediscover the beautiful place she calls home.

Blogging for the bureau since 2017, she’s able to pursue her passions for writing, learning and traveling. When she’s not sharing her stories, this Penn State alum enjoys hiking, yoga and photography. Keep up with her blog posts on our website and social media platforms, or reach out to her at rcamaerei@poconos.org.

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July 2020 • 5

SUMMER CLEARANCE I

EVENT

n 1933 a gallon of gas cost 10 cents, a brand new automobile could be purchased for $445.00 and Joseph C. Reagle opened Reagle Dodge. Many things have changed throughout the past but one thing that remains constant at the dealership is our family. Our family continues to own and operate Reagle Dodge with the same values and respect as when we first opened the doors in 1933. It is and continues to be a privilege to serve the Slate Belt and surrounding communities as the lead dealer of Dodge vehicles in our area.

We are proud of our dedicated sales staff & knowledgeable finance associates. We take pride in our service department made up of expertly trained 5 Star technicians with over 100 years of combined experience. Reagle Dodge offers a 24 hour towing service 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We also carry inventory of OEM parts. We take pleasure in making your experience fun, easy and hassle-free! Anything automotive that you may need can be found right here at Reagle Dodge.

1223 Blue Valley Drive • Pen Argyl, PA • 844-284-8335 • www.reagledodge.net

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pocono bits Schools Working to Create Reopening Plans for the Fall

As students across our region finish out this school year learning from home, district leaders are grappling with what’s to come in the fall.

Governor Wolf says schools will reopen in September, but what that reopening will look like is still unknown.

“One of my colleagues used the term ‘brick to click’ and we need to be able to go from brick to click and go back from click to brick,” said John Rushefski, superintendent of the Jim Thorpe Area School District.

As districts prepare for the new school year, which could include inperson learning, online learning, or a mix of both, Rushefski is one of hundreds of Pennsylvania school leaders facing tough decisions.

“This is going to be difficult but at the same time we’re up for the challenge and we have to be up for the challenge because we do need to open up our schools in September,” said Rushefski.

Like Rushefski, Northern Lehigh and Northampton’s superintendents are preparing for the same scenarios. They know even if kids are back in buildings, school will be different.

“People have to understand even with the green, there’s still going to be limitations,” said Joseph Kovalchik, superintendent of the Northampton Area School District.

Those limitations could include wearing face masks, smaller classes, staggering start times, and eating lunch in classrooms.

“At the high school we have approximately 650 students eat lunch at one particular time, at the elementary school we might have 150 to 200 kids eat lunch at the same time. That’s not going to happen in the fall,” said Kovalchik.

Implementing physical distancing on buses is also a concern for districts.

“It becomes very expensive to add additional bus runs to get kids back and forth to school following those guidelines.

That’s a huge barrier,” said Matthew Link, superintendent of the Northern Lehigh School District.

“We’re looking at possibly 15 kids on one particular bus so we’re going to have to do some creative planning and thinking outside the box for all that to work,” added Kovalchik.

And even if the new year starts in one way, schools need to be ready to adapt to another if a second wave of the virus hits.

“We need to be fluid and realize that whatever we decide, we need to be nimble and say ‘Okay next month this may look different,” said Link.

The state is expected to release more guidelines for reopening schools in the next week or two.

Jim Thorpe, Northampton and Northern Lehigh all hope to have a plan in place for next school year by mid-summer. (www.brctv13.com)

No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum Reopens to Visitors

“The No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford, PA is very pleased to reopen for business and welcome visitors for the 2020 season” said Dale W. Freudenberger, Secretary of the Panther Creek Valley Foundation (PCVF). “Carbon County’s recent green phase designation following the Covid-19 pandemic has allowed us

to recently reopen one of Pennsylvania’s premier Anthracite coal heritage attractions” said Freudenberger. No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum is located just off US Route 209 in the Borough of Lansford, midway between Jim Thorpe and Tamaqua, PA in the Southern Anthracite Coal Field and the beautiful Pocono Mountains.

Zachary Petroski, President of the PCVF, reminded visitors of our schedule for the remainder of 2020. He stated “The No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum will be open Wednesday through Sunday through the end of October. During November we will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Group tours of 20 or more are welcome, but please call for reservations.”

The underground mine tours are offered hourly at 11, 12, 1, 2, and 3 PM. Mine tours last approximately 1 hour. The No.9 Mining Museum is open 10 to 4 and houses one of the region’s largest collections of coal mining artifacts, tools, photographs, and special exhibits. In the gift shop, visitors will find souvenirs, shirts, hats, photos, books, snacks and more.

For the continued health and safety of everyone, and due to the nature of our tours, we are requiring that visitors wear a face mask while on the mine tour, in the mining museum, and gift shop as well as practice social distancing. A hand sanitizer station is setup in the gift shop area.

For group tour reservations or questions, call our office at 570-645-7074 or email us at no.9minemuseum@gmail.com.

LIKE us on Facebook for the latest information on special events, news updates and more or visit our website at no9minemuseum. wixsite.com. The No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum is operated by the Panther Creek Valley Foundation, a 501c3 Pennsylvania non-profit corporation.

Multi-Year Scholarship Established in Jimmie Johnson’s Name at Monroe Career & Technical Institute

The Mattioli Foundation, in conjunction with Pocono Raceway, have established the Jimmie Johnson Legacy Scholarship for students pursuing professional skills at the Monroe Career & Technical Institute (MCTI.) This scholarship recognizes and celebrates the achievements of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.

“Jimmie Johnson is a champion on and off the track,” said Nick Igdalsky, Director of the Mattioli Foundation and CEO of Pocono Raceway. “In addition to being one of the most accomplished NASCAR competitors of all time, Jimmie will go down as one of the best ambassadors our industry has had the privilege to know. Our extended Raceway family appreciates all he has done to support youth-based efforts to bring new fans into our sport, STEAM-related program for educators and students, and introducing inclusive initiatives, such as our infield playground, for those of all abilities to enjoy together. The establishment of this scholar ensures Jimmie Johnson’s legacy

with live on within our community for years to come.”

The Jimmie Johnson Legacy Scholarship will provide $4,800 to students at MCTI each year, for the next 23 years. This timeframe correlates to the number of seasons in which Johnson has competed in at least one NASCAR-sanctioned race. For each additional year in which Johnson compete in a NASCAR race at ‘The Tricky Triangle,’ the Mattioli Foundation and Pocono Raceway will add one additional year of support for this scholarship. Those eligible to receive portions of this scholarship include students who have demonstrated professional skills throughout their time at MCTI. Professional skills, as outlined by MCTI, teach and assess such things as attendance, work ethic, teamwork, etc. MCTI stresses these skills as a result of employers requesting to find strong, dedicated individuals for their respective organizations.

“MCTI is excited and honored to be sharing the Jimmie Johnson Legacy Scholarship, afforded by the Mattioli Foundation and Pocono Raceway, to the deserving students of our school,” said Dennis Virga, Director, Monroe Career & Technical Institute. “MCTI strives to provide the high-tech career and technical training to students along with professional skills associated with their career field to ensure individuals are properly prepared to enter the workforce. Thank you!”

To learn more about the Monroe Career & Technical Institute, visit www.monroecti.org.

“I want to thank the Mattioli Family and Pocono Raceway,” said Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet. “What an honor to know that the Jimmie Johnson Legacy Scholarship will be able to make a difference in the community for many years. Supporting education initiatives is important to Chani and me and is the focus of our foundation. It’s especially nice to know that this gift will help continue that mission and have an impact in the Pocono area. Thanks again to the Mattioli Foundation and track.”

Weis Markets Hometown Heroes Program Kicks Off

Weis Markets and Pocono Raceway are proud to announce the Weis Markets Hometown Heroes program.

This community-focused initiative will identity and recognize everyday individuals who have gone above and beyond. Weis Markets is the official grocery store of Pocono Raceway.

Weis Markets is marking its third year as a Pocono Raceway partner. To nominate a Weis Markets Hometown Hero, go to: www. poconoraceway.com/hometown.

Members of the Weis Markets staff, Pocono Raceway Fan Council and Pocono Raceway employees will select one overall ‘Hometown Hero’ and one person to receive the ‘Above & Beyond Award.’ The selected ‘Hometown Hero’ will receive a $500 Weis Markets Gift Card and a VIP experience, for four, to the NASCAR events at Pocono

Naturally Yours The Organic Shop

OPEN: Sunday and Monday 10 til 6 / Friday and Saturday 10 til 8

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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July 2020 • 7

pocono bits Raceway in 2021.

The ‘Above and Beyond Award’ recipient will receive a $250 Weis Markets Gift Card and a $250 Pocono Raceway Gift Card.

Nominations for the Weis Markets Hometown Heroes program are due by July 22, 2020.

“We are proud to team up with Pocono Raceway to recognize the everyday heroes in the communities we serve”, said Ron Bonacci, Vice President of Advertising and Marketing at Weis Markets. “As a locally focused company, we’ve seen firsthand how people in our communities come together to help each other during challenging times. We look forward to recognizing our Hometown Heroes.”

Country Store Permanently

May

Close

A family-owned store in Carbon County will shut down next month and may not reopen. Miller’s Country Store on Fairyland Road near Lehighton is closing on July 20th.

The owner’s daughter tells Newswatch 16 her parents are in poor health. Caring for them, running the store, and operating the family’s Fairyland Farm has been tough.

The farm will continue to operate.

The family hopes to come up with a way to keep the store in business. For now, Miller’s Country Store in Carbon County will be selling off products through July 20. (www.wnep.com)

Carbon County Fair Canceled Amid Pandemic

Add the Carbon County Fair to the list of events that have been canceled this summer.

Organizers said because there are so many unknowns associated with COVID-19, they thought it was best for the safety of patrons, vendors, entertainers and volunteers to cancel.

They said they hope to see everyone at the fair in August of 2021 in Palmerton.

Students Start Drills and Practices for Fall Sports at Jim Thorpe Area School

Some student-athletes from Carbon County are about to get back on the field.

Jim Thorpe Area School Board approved a plan last week to start drills and practices beginning on July 1.

Athletes will begin practicing in small groups outside. They are encouraged to stay 6 feet apart when feasible and sports equipment will be disinfected as much as possible.

“Before they even step on to the field, they will certainly have that temperature check, questions, and of course we’re going to have a very clean environment and sterile,” Jim Thorpe Area Superintendent John Rushefski said.

The school district is allowing fans to watch competitions, but they must stay 6 feet apart, wear a mask, and the crowd has to be under 250 people.

“We’re going to see what that looks like with that 250 capacity, especially for a sport like football, it’s going to be difficult.

I would imagine some other sports that threshold may be easier to meet,” Rushefski said.

Rushefski said there is already a set schedule for fall sports competitions.

The school district plans to stick to that schedule as long as it is safe.

(www.wnep.com)

Supporting Renters COVID-19 Pandemic

through

Although the Pocono Mountains is showing significant improvement in its COVID-19 numbers, the need for assistance in the community will continue long past the pandemic. As individuals and families struggle to pay their bills, Pocono Mountains United Way is working to educate renters about their rights and

options while also developing an eviction mediation program to help both tenants and landlords.

According to Governor Tom Wolf, no evictions or foreclosures can take place in Pennsylvania through July 10, 2020. It is important to note that this is not a rental forgiveness program and people will be responsible for paying back-rent once the governor’s executive order expires.

In addition, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has ordered that essential utilities such as electric and natural gas cannot be shut off due to failure of payment, although it’s unclear when that grace period will expire. This does not include phone or cable bills.

“The housing crisis in the Pocono Mountains has existed long before COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, 2 out of every 5 households in Monroe County struggled to pay monthly bills,” said Michael Tukeva, Pocono Mountains United Way President/CEO. “We are concerned for families, especially now, who do not have a financial safety net to fall back on.”

Pocono Mountains United Way recommends the following options to those who are struggling with rent or utility payments: • Don’t wait to ask for help and reach out to assistance providers right away.

• Even if you cannot pay the full amount, pay what you can. Make sure to call your creditors to explain your situation.

• Right now, you cannot be legally evicted. If you are receiving threats from your landlord, visit PoconoUnitedWay. org for more information or call the 211 helpline.

Please note the full amounts of bills will eventually be owed and in the meantime, you may still receive notices from landlords and utility companies.

SAVE THE DATE 3rd Annual #CycleOutHomelessness Bike Trail Fundraising Event

Presented by All One Charities

Saturday, September 12, 2020 Start at Weissport Park Enjoy the D&L Bike Trail, Live Professional Singer Tammy G., Prizes, Food, and Basket Raffle Registration opens on July 11th at www.familypromisecarboncounty.org #CycleOutHomelessness

Background of Event:

Family Promise of Carbon County is in our third year of this annual event and we are working hard to assemble our community, supporters and volunteers for a day of giving and experiencing the beautiful nature in our community while riding to benefit the children and families experiencing homelessness in our county. We believe this event allows us to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of those experiencing homelessness while we bring to light the needs of our shelter program.

Due to COVID-19 participation can be virtual as a Ride, Walk or Run! Social Distancing and CDC requirements will be followed at the park to ensure participant health and wellness.

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VALLEY ROYALE - continued from page 1

tennis team. When I visited home last July that was the first time that I had heard about it being closed and for sale. Once I learned that the Lehighton tennis team had to practice on Palmerton high school’s courts and play all away matches, I was heartbroken for the students. I immediately got to work on a business plan to see if I could open the courts back up for the Lehighton tennis team. Soon after, I spoke with the township to ensure I could reopen the property as a tennis club and spoke to school staff about having the tennis team play on the courts again as they had for over 20 years.

By mid-November, I closed on the property and flew home from San Francisco for good on Christmas Eve. Ever since then, I’ve been focused on renovating the first floor of the home, pro shop, and starting to landscape the property - in addition to starting my first business while continuing to work for Uber!

Even though I watched my dad run his own dental practice all my life, it wasn’t until I moved to China in 2015 that I found the start-up community and really got inspired by the people that built their ideas. While I started doing freelance work for them such as writing, marketing, and user research, I also started working on a travel itinerary app with another American woman. A year later, we decided to part ways, but the thrill of creating something of value to others always stuck with me and I knew I was going to create something else eventually.

For the tennis club in particular, as soon as I put my offer in, I spoke with the township, the school, the USTA, and previous club members to learn about what the Club should become. My dad helped me with the business plan, I developed the branding and name myself, a friend designed the logo, and Norb Lienhard is helping me with the tennis program.

The Current: What are the main services provided by the store? What events do you host?

Everett: My goal with the Valley Royale is to build a community space for people to play tennis, relax, and bond. We currently offer round robins, social hours, camps, day clinics, and private lessons taught by Norb Lienhard, the Jim Thorpe tennis coach of the girls and boys team. Pickleball nights and USTA tournaments are in the works as well!

The tennis club property includes the tennis courts, spectator viewing, two lounges (one is for coworking), dining room, kitchen, pro shop, and garden. These areas are available for private events. We’ve already held our first date night on the courts and have reservations for office parties and family dinners.

I also partner with small local businesses for events. So far we’ve had Pancho’s Mexican food truck and on July 4th, Native Yoga will host yoga on the courts. We also have a fun DIY workshop coming up in August.

The Current: Where does most of your clientele come from?

Everett: We have members across Lehighton, Jim Thorpe, Palmerton, and even Easton!

The Current: If you didn’t have prior experience in the business/industry, what did you do leading up to opening your store?

Everett: Even though I worked for big companies like IBM, Google, and Uber after my start-up stint, I have always made sure to develop my entrepreneurial skills with books, workshops, and events. Since I was living in San Francisco for the past four years, it was easy to learn from the community around me.

The Current: Were there any challenges that you encountered while going through the process of getting proper permits, licensures, etc. to open your business? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them?

Everett: There certainly were unexpected challenges, but something magical that happened was when I was waiting to hear from the Mahoning zoning officer about if I could re-open the property as a tennis club - they sent me the original letter from Charles Diehl who requested to build the tennis courts back in 1977! It was amazing to read it because I felt that my vision for the property was mirrored by his original intentions as well. I plan to display the letter somewhere in the Club!

The Current: Where are the sources from where your products come from? Are they locally sourced?

Everett: I am currently looking at wholesale distributors to stock our pro shop, which we hope to stock with racquets, balls, accessories, snacks, and beverages.

The Current: How many employees do you have? Do you expect to bring more people on staff in the future?

Everett: I currently have two employees: a tennis instructor, Norb Lienhard and a Valley Royale assistant, Daniel Teets. As we offer more services, we could potentially bring more people on, but not at this time.

The Current: What are the business hours? How would you describe the atmosphere at the business?

Everett: I’m an early riser so I open the doors at 7:00 a.m. for people that want to get their tennis session in early. I close at sunset, by 9:00 p.m. I live and work here throughout the day so while I want it to be a comfortable and relaxed environment, I want this to be a place where things grow people, community, relationships, goals.

The Current: What’s the most exciting element of owning your business?

Everett: My favorite part of re-opening the tennis club has been meeting all the people in the area that have memories here. It’s been really special to hear their stories and watch their faces as they see the improvements that I’ve made so far.

The Current: Is there anything specific that you’d like to mention about your business?

Everett: I am so excited to be back in my hometown and to give back to the place that gave me my roots to even have the foundation to do this in the first place.

I truly want to become a supportive part of the community and hope to inspire students to travel, explore, learn and understand the impact that they can then make on our area from having those experiences.

The Current: What does the future look like for your business? Do you have any

special events coming up?

Everett: At this time, I am focusing on developing our tennis program to attract new and younger members. I began playing tennis when I was 10 years old and I am hopeful to help other kids find a safe sport to play during this time. We are holding a Junior camp July 20 to 22 and pro tennis instructor, Bill Neal will be teaching. We even have racquets on hand for kids that may not have a racquet yet.

The Current: How can people learn more about your business and how to get involved?

Everett: We have two websites: valleyroyale.com for general information and valleyroyaletennis.com for booking tennis programs, in addition to our Facebook and Instagram pages.

The Current: Do you own any other businesses?

Everett: I run an online support community for women called the Breakup Committee where we help women understand, process, and grow from their breakups.

10 • July 2020

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The Jim Thorpe Current

outdoors

CCEEC

PERSPECTIVE Carbon County Environmental Education Center

Dear Friends and Members, he Carbon County Environmental Education Center is planning two fundraisers this summer, encouraging area residents to enjoy the outdoors while benefiting the Tcenter’s wildlife rehabilitation and education programs.

The ninth annual Rattlesnake Run 5k race has been changed to a virtual event this year. Participants register online, run 3.1 miles, anywhere and any time through July 18, then upload results through a website to receive prizes and a finisher’s certificate.

Results will be posted for runners to see how their finish times compare to others in the same age category.

On Sunday, July 19, the EEC offers its annual whitewater rafting trek through the generosity of Whitewater Rafting Adventures of Nesquehoning. This year’s trip is limited to the first 70 pre-paid registrants. Due to COVID-19 concerns, participants may only register in groups of four people or more, who arrive at the rafting center together then share a group raft. Rafts hold four to seven persons each.

The center has lost nearly all operating income due to COVID-19, yet has continued to offer wildlife rehabilitation services to the community. Anyone finding an injured or possibly orphaned wild animal can contact the EEC for advice and assistance. This spring alone, EEC staff have cared for hundreds of birds, mammals and reptiles in need of rehabilitation.

More information on the fundraisers and on other opportunities to help the wildlife center is available at www.carboneec.org, or by calling (570) 645-8597.

Plant Native!

Showy exotic plants might make for colorful gardens, but to most native insects and other wildlife, they make for sterile landscapes with no useful resources.

Native plants not only help wildlife, they require less maintenance, and help stem a rising tide of ticks and invasive insects like spotted lanternflies.

The Pennsylvania Native Plant Society is a great resource for learning and doing more with natives. The organization advocates conservation of native plants and their habitats and promotes the increased use of native plants in the landscape You can find out more about this all-volunteer, non-profit organization by visiting them online at www.panativeplantsociety.org Spotted Lanternfly Control Now is the time to watch for spotted lanternfly nymphs on your property. The invasive insect is not yet in its colorful adult form, and control is more effective at this stage of the life cycle.

If you do find the flies, we urge you to consider the circle trap method rather than the sticky tape! Wildlife centers across the state have been admitting birds, bats, and squirrels accidentally caught in the tape, and to date, none have survived after removal.

Please circle trap! But if you MUST use the tape, be sure to • Cut the commercially supplied tape into thirds--do not use the full width • Apply it ONLY where you see the insects • Cover it with wire • Check it frequently Susan Gallagher, Chief Naturalist

Counting Trail Use in Turbulent Times

By Brian Greene D&L Director of Trails and Conservation and Data Scientist

W

hen going out on the D&L Trail recently you might have had a common thought: “Wow, there are a lot of people out on the trail today.” Maybe you caught it at a popular time. Perhaps you were out on that first warm day when everyone feels that primal call of spring to get outdoors. As the data scientist for the D&L, I often try to take these qualitative insights and measure them in quantitative ways.

One of my main projects is counting trail users. This turns out to be much more difficult than you would imagine. For one, the D&L Trail is an exceptionally long trail with 146 miles currently open for use and lots of places people can get on and off. Plus, people tend to use the trail at all hours of the day and have many different modes of transportation (walking, running, cycling, etc.).

So, we know that we cannot count every single person who visits the trail. As a result, we designed a system to representatively monitor the entire trail so that we can estimate use. We use machines called trail counters which place invisible beams across the trail.

When a person walks or bikes past this beam, a trail count is recorded.

Recently, with COVID-19 shutting down much of the economy, one of the few options people had for activities outside their home was recreating outdoors on a trail or at a park. Our trail counters monitor this so we can track the results. So, that feeling you had that there were a lot of people out on the trails? The data backs it up and demonstrates it in two ways.

Seasonal Increases First, when we compare the trail counts of cyclists from a month in 2020 to the same month in 2019, we see large seasonal increases. Overall, from five different trail counters we saw monthly increases of 144% (March), 63% (April), and 105% (May).

But when you look at the sites individually, you will see some sites as high as 255%.

Interestingly, trail counts were already higher in January and February due to climate change, resulting in a warmer winter that had virtually no snow.

Year

Jan

2019

1119 608

Feb

March April

May

2020

1996 2090 8272 21555 43889

Percent Change

78.4% 243.8% 143.7% 62.8% 104.9%

3395 13243 21421

Overall Volume Increases Second, while the previous data shows a seasonal trend, I was interested in looking at an overall volume trend. To do this, I analyzed the highest month count in 2019 (August) and compared what the percent change was for that count. For comparison, while March and April 2020 saw a large seasonal increase, their total counts were still lower than the max in 2019.

However, in May, the D&L Trail recorded its highest count for cyclists ever. This was likely the result of warmer weather and continued restrictions on activities outside of the home. May 2020 saw a 32.7% increase on the 2019 maximum count. This data point along with other information—like national bike sales increasing—leads me to believe that we are seeing new trail users as a result of the COVID–19 pandemic.

What does this mean? To me, this is hard data that shows that trails are a critical part of communities. Moreover, it reveals that in turbulent times trails provide an essential place for people to recreate, de-stress, and stay healthy.

We need trails more than ever, and more people are using the D&L Trail more than ever before. That’s why it’s important that we practice proper trail etiquette and support trails. You can support the D&L Trail in many ways including volunteering, telling public officials how much you value trails, and making a donation to the D&L. Every bit helps, and I hope all our new trail users do their part to ensure a vibrant and resilient D&L Trail for everyone to enjoy.

DID YOU KNOW? MAUCH CHUNK LAKE PARK The Mauch Chunk Lake Park is located in the Boroughs of Jim Thorpe and Summit Hill and earned recognition as the National Watershed of the Year in 1978.

The park began as a flood control project because of the mountainous terrain and confinement of the Mauch Chunk Creek that flows beneath the town of Jim Thorpe.

Major flooding occurred here frequently that resulted in the destruction of property.

The flood control phase of the Mauch Chunk Creek Watershed Project was completed in 1972 about one month prior to record rainfall amounts attributed to Tropical Storm Agnes.

It was estimated at the time that the completion of the dam prevented over $2 million in damages to the local residents and community. County government officials viewed the flood control project as an opportunity to also provide recreation and the Mauch Chunk Lake Park was later dedicated in August of 1974.

Today the park exceeds 150,000 visitors annually and has become a popular vacation destination for many families. The park has facilities for camping, swimming, picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.

The Jim Thorpe Current

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July 2020 • 11

12 • July 2020

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The Jim Thorpe Current

14th Annual “Sturm Cup” Golf Outing Registration Now Open

F

ORE! Attention all golfers…register now for the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation’s (CCEDC) “14th Annual “Sturm Cup” Golf Outing on Friday, September 11, 2020.

This year’s event will be hosted at the Split Rock Golf Club located at 140 Wolf Hollow Run Road, Lake Harmony. It is sponsored by: Mauch Chunk Trust Co., Blue Mountain Resort, Edwards Business Systems, The Equinox Agency, Corporate Images, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.

Marlyn Kissner, CCEDC’s Executive Director, shares, “We are absolutely thrilled to be celebrating our 14th year as host of the CCEDC “Sturm Cup” Golf Outing, which is one of our Chamber’s signature events and largest annual fundraisers. Some of the best business deals and networking happen on the golf course, so we invite everyone to come out and support your Carbon Chamber and enjoy yourself while doing something positive for your business.”

This year, golfers can expect a four-person scramble format, 18 holes of golf with cart, awards for Flight Winners, registration gift package, Putter Driving Contest, breakfast and lunch, contests, silent auction and exciting prizes.

The day will start with breakfast at 8am, a shotgun start at 9am followed by lunch and awards at 2pm.

In addition, the Chamber is looking for Silent Auction Partners, who would like to promote their business to 150 prominent business leaders, to donate merchandise and gift items.

Golfers, secure your spot, register now and conveniently pay online at CarbonChamber. org. Take advantage of the EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT AVAILABLE UNTIL JULY 19, 2020: $100 each golf participant or $400 for a foursome. Beginning July 20th, pricing will be $125/ golfer and $450/foursome.

If you would like to become a sponsor or donate an auction item, please contact the CCEDC office at 610.379.5000 or e-mail: info@carboncountychamber.org.

Learn more about the CCEDC’s 14th Annual “Sturm Cup” Golf Outing at www. carboncountychamber.org.

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July 2020 • 13

Dr. Rose Mattioli, Pocono Raceway Matriarch, Passes at Age 92

D

r. Rose Mattioli, matriarch of the Mattioli family and Pocono Raceway, peacefully passed away at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, June 29. She was 92 years old. Dr. Rose was adored by her family, as well as countless members and fans in the motorsports and surrounding communities.

Dr. Rose and her late husband Dr. Joseph ‘Doc’ Mattioli co-founded Pocono Raceway in 1968, which remains a familyowned-and-operated business. Dr. Rose and Doc worked side-by-side and, through their tireless passion and commitment, became one of the most admired and loved families in motorsports.

As a trailblazer for women and families in motorsports, and in her community, Dr. Rose always led from the heart. She created an indelible legacy of compassion, purpose, and philanthropy which has influenced countless lives in the sport and Northeast Pennsylvania.

“Dr. Rose was the heart and soul of Pocono Raceway for over 50 years. She would often tell us, ‘I love Pocono and auto racing more than Doc,’ and we believed her. While Doc moved the mountains, Rose moved your spirit. Dr. Rose’s contributions to motorsports and her philanthropic efforts will always live in a class of their own. She played a vital role in allowing women into auto racing garage areas during an era where they were otherwise unwelcome.

Additionally, Dr. Rose and Doc gave back to the community, often anonymously and without hesitation. Her passing has motivated us to remain steadfast, now more than ever, to never waiver from Rose and Doc’s commitment of always doing right by our Pocono Raceway family, our fans, our local community and the auto racing industry. While we will miss her, we take comfort in knowing Rose and Doc are reunited and that their legacy will live on forever.” – The Mattioli and Igdalsky Families She is survived by her daughters Looie and Michele, and son Joseph III, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Dr. Rose Mattioli with her husband and Pocono Raceway co-founder, Dr. Joseph ‘Doc’ Mattioli

The Mattioli and Igdalsky families also wish to thank Jessica Rene, Rose’s loving caregiver, for the support and companionship which Dr. Rose dearly cherished.

Born and raised in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, Rose met Joseph Mattioli while attending Temple University in 1947. The couple secretly eloped one year later and ‘officially married,’ in the presence of family and friends, on August 5, 1950. While celebrating the first birthday of their first child, Looie, and pregnant with their second child, Joseph III, Rose graduated first in her class from Temple University’s School of Podiatric Medicine in June of 1952. They welcomed their third

child, Michele, in 1955. That same year, Drs. Joseph and Rose opened their dental and podiatric practices in Northeast Philadelphia.

In the mid-1960s, Rose and Doc took on a new business venture in Long Pond, Pa. They developed a large acreage of land and helped build Pocono Raceway. The track would host its first major motorsports event in 1971 on the famed 2.5-mile superspeedway, now known as ‘The Tricky Triangle.’ Rose and Doc would eventually move from Philadelphia and make the beautiful Pocono Mountains their home.

While neither knew anything about auto racing, in addition to facing multiple financial burdens, their perseverance and drive helped Pocono Raceway succeed through

it all. Pocono Raceway has become one of the most picturesque and most beloved motorsports and entertainment venues in the world. Guests who annually visit have always been considered more than spectators or fans - they are considered ‘family.’

In addition to bringing world-class auto racing and entertainment to their ‘family,’ Dr. Rose and Doc gave back to the Pocono Mountains community and the surrounding Northeast Pennsylvania region. When a local need arose, the Mattioli’s would be among the first to respond and, often anonymously and without media attention. Today, the Mattioli name decorates many buildings and the established Mattioli Foundation funds a bevy of scholarships and charitable organization. This includes organizations such as the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Salvation Army, United Way of Monroe County, Lehigh Valley Healthy Network, the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, Jimmie Johnson Legacy Scholarship at Monroe Career & Technical Institute and The NASCAR Foundation.

In honor of the trailblazing efforts, tireless dedication, commitment and passion of Dr. Rose, Pocono Raceway launched their first all-women’s initiative with the creation of the Rose Pedals in 2017. Continuing the Mattioli spirit of community, philanthropy, and service, the Rose Pedals have provided volunteer assistance in areas of need to include Meals on Wheels, Women’s Resource Center, Family Promise of Monroe County and Operation Touch of Home among other agencies and organizations. The Rose Pedals’ future vision includes a mentoring program built on the foundation of service to work toward expanding opportunities for girls and women in the community by providing tools to recognize their power, potential and accomplishments.

Services for Dr. Rose Mattioli will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, her family asks for donations be sent to any charity of the donors’ choosing.

14 • July 2020

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The Jim Thorpe Current

health • wellness Pennsylvania Health Officials: Lyme Disease has Symptoms Similar to COVID-19

Pennsylvania health officials are warning people about Lyme Disease and the coronavirus.

They say Lyme Disease has similar symptoms as those for COVID-19. That includes fever, chills, and a headache.

Officials say over the past few months there’s been an increase of people going to the ER for tick bites. Those bites can lead to Lyme Disease, which affects the heart, joints, and nervous system.

Health experts say you can keep from getting bitten by avoiding high grass, using repellent with at least 20% DEET, and doing a self-check.

New LVHN Services Opens in Mahoning Township

Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) opened LVHN Imaging and Breast Health Services in the Carbon Plaza Mall on June 1. The new outpatient center is located in the former Payless shoe store at 1205 Blakeslee Blvd. Dr. East in Mahoning Township.

The health network offers services that include radiology, ultrasound, 3D screening mammography and lab services through Health Network Laboratories (HNL Lab Medicine) at that location.

“This facility is specifically designed

to meet the unique needs of the Carbon County population,” said Terrence Purcell, President, Lehigh Valley Hospital–Carbon. “Community members and LVHN patients will no longer have to travel for general x-ray and ultrasound services, women will be able to receive screening mammograms closer to home, and those who use the current HNL Lab Medicine location in Lehighton will benefit from a second location.”

The addition of an outpatient center in Lehighton is LVHN’s latest expansion of services in Carbon County. LVHN announced in August it would build a new hospital along Blakeslee Blvd. (Route 443) in Mahoning Township, about a mile from the new outpatient center. Township supervisors approved the project in November. The new hospital will be called Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)− Carbon and will be built on an open property purchased by the health network cattycorner to the Walmart Superstore on Blakeslee Blvd.

LVHN also opened two ExpressCARE locations in Lehighton and Palmerton in 2019. ExpressCARE Lehighton is located at 363 North First Street. It is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. ExpressCARE at Palmerton began seeing patients in October at 528 Delaware Ave. The Palmerton location is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.

Other LVHN services and specialists already available in the area include family practice, hematology oncology, cardiology, neurology, pulmonary and critical care medicine, vascular surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, rehab and laboratory services through HNL Lab Medicine.

For more information about any of these services contact LVHN.org/Carbon or call 888-402-LVHN.

Coronavirus Resources

1-866-STLUKES InfoLink@sluhn.org www.slhn.org/covid-19#

888-402-LVHN (5846) www.lvhn.org/testing-services /coronavirus-covid-19-care

St. Luke’s Launches “Return to Work” Program for Businesses During COVID

S

t. Luke’s Occupational Medicine, in collaboration with St. Luke’s Behavioral Health, St. Luke’s Fitness Centers, and St. Luke’s Care Now sites, are launching a Return to Work program for businesses as our local communities begin to open at this point during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As the situation stabilizes, we are planning a measured and strategic approach to allowing Pennsylvanians to return to work safely to prevent a resurgence of the virus,” says Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s website. “This must be done in the most effective, efficient and risk-averse method possible to balance our return to economic stability, while at the same time continuing to keep Pennsylvanians safe by controlling the spread of disease.”

“We are planning for the days and weeks ahead when we will not only safely return Pennsylvanians to work but return to a different and more resilient Pennsylvania,” continues the site. “While we cannot be certain of the future path of this disease, our decisions will be driven first by prioritizing the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians.”

“The St. Luke’s Return to Work program provides a variety of services to employers and their employees including clinical evaluation of employees at our Care Now facilities as well as providing mental wellness care and more,” says Benjamin Guerin, sales director for St. Luke’s Occupational Medicine.

“We are ready to support businesses in the area to offer a comprehensive and robust package of services covering diet, healthy living, mental wellness, and medical policy, all provided by our professional and dedicated team,” Guerin adds.

St. Luke’s Return to Work Program includes the following components: Return to Work Evaluations Care Now sites provide comprehensive physical and clinical evaluation of employees.

Medical Policy Consultation Board Certified Occupational Medicine physicians are available to help employers develop medical policy and guidance based on the company’s policy needs.

Mental Well-Being Support Licensed mental health professionals are available to provide education and wellbeing support to empower employees and help them recognize and overcome stressors related to work life balance.

Onsite Employee Temperature Monitoring The St. Luke’s team of healthcare professionals are trained to perform accurate measurements using non-contact infrared thermometers.

Fitness, Dietary, and Healthy Living Recommendations St. Luke’s exercise physiologists, dieticians and athletic trainers can provide guided recommendations for getting back on track after time off including dietary education and fitness guidance.

St. Luke’s ExecuHealth A program offering executives a focused, evidence-based picture of their overall health and well-being in one day. This comprehensive physical ensures your executives can perform at their optimum level.

“You can trust St. Luke’s now more than ever to provide you with the highest quality of care from our dedicated team of professionals,” says Guerin. “We’re here, and we’re ready for you.”

For more information, visit sluhn.org/COVID-19, call St. Luke’s InfoLink at 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537), option 4 or email InfoLink@sluhn.org.

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July 2020 • 15

health • wellness POCONO ORGANICS - continued from page 1

country. Situated across from Pocono Raceway in Monroe County, the sprawling complex consists of a 30,000-square-foot main facility, 381 acres of farmland and 38,000 square feet of greenhouse space.

For now.

“We plan on tripling over time to 120,000 square feet of greenhouse,” Walsh said on June 18 during the facility’s grand opening. “This is a global center for organic research, education and discovery.”

The main facility features an organic market, café, food lab and an enormous packaging and processing plant.

Larger yet, however, are the greenhouses. Currently there are eight, and each one encompasses nearly 5,000 square feet of space. Produce is grown on the ground inside the greenhouses, and 35-foot ceilings covered with a polycarbonate material from Israel allow enough light diffusion that artificial illumination isn’t necessary.

Each greenhouse is controlled for humidity, rain and light and a rotation of

cover crops, such as clover and vetch, are planted right inside.

While the greenhouses are home to traditional produce varieties such as sweet corn and tomatoes, some unusual crops thrive as well.

“We have a tropical bay where things like avocado, papaya and banana trees are grown, right here in the Poconos,” Walsh said. “It greatly reduces expenses if we can grow it right here.”

Outside, approximately 120 acres of the land is farmed, and cover crops are a vital component to the organic operation.

Farm director Jonathan Skaro said rye, oats and clover are commonly used, while turnips and radishes are planted as cover crops in new fields. The farm also employs no-till, minimum tillage and moldboard plowing on the fields, and weeds are controlled through rolleddown cover crops, rotations and flame weeding.

“Where we do plow, we’ll plant taproot cover crops such as turnips that will shove right through the plow pan,”

Skaro said. “The soil really benefits from that.”

Prior to founding Pocono Organics, Walsh was an assistant director for Fox Sports. She admits that she doesn’t have an agriculture background, and that’s why Pocono Organics partnered with the Rodale Institute on the regenerative organic agriculture concept.

Jeff Moyer, CEO of Rodale, said Pocono Organics will reshape the future of food production by basing its model on soil health.

“Their commitment to being a catalyst for change is evident in everything they do,” Moyer said. “And it’s based on the link of regenerating the soil and producing healthy food.”

Currently, the facility is a USDA certified organic farm and soon will be Regenerative Organic Certified.

The goals of healthy food and sustainability are far-reaching with Pocono Organics. In addition to a focus on organics and soil health, the farm utilizes a rainwater collection system for irrigation, and much of the facility’s electricity comes from the nearby 25acre solar farm at Pocono Raceway. The complex also houses Rodale’s hemp research work and is home to more than 300,000 honey bees that pollinate crops.

There is also a strong agritourism component on the property, including a large event space, community workshops and organic gardening classes. In addition, Pocono Organics serves the local community through its Clean Food, Dirty Hands school education and Veteran Farmer Training programs.

While June 18 marked the official grand opening, Walsh said the business opened its doors to the public on Earth Day. As fresh produce was becoming difficult to find in grocery stores, Walsh said she decided to open Pocono Organics to curbside pickup to help fill the void.

The facility had no problem meeting the demand, she said, and the response from the community has been a pleasant surprise.

“It’s been overwhelming and we’ve had many loyal customers come back again and again,” Walsh said. “The fact that this is full circle — we plant it, harvest, wash and package it right here — really appeals to people.”

Just like the organic lifestyle appealed to Walsh not that long ago as she tried to control gastroparesis.

“It got so bad that they wanted to remove part of my stomach and put me on feeding tubes. That wasn’t an option for me, but at that point I figured I had nothing to lose and I tried organics, which eventually led to this,” Walsh said.

“This was my dream, and sometimes opportunity is disguised in adversity.”

Jonathan Skaro, farm director for Pocono Organics, stands in front of a greenhouse with rows of sweet corn and other produce. The facility currently has 38,000 square feet of greenhouse space and there are plans to triple that in the future. photo by Tom Venesky

16 • July 2020

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taste

The Jim Thorpe Current

Wine and Cheese, Food & Drink

Please!

Top Tips to Plant, Grow and Care for a Container Garden

C

ontainer gardens are a viable and popular cultivation option, especially for those who have limited sunexposed spaces or are looking to start small and learn the basics of gardening.

“Containers, whether bought or recycled, are a great place to plant herb and vegetable gardens,” says landscape designer, Doug Scott of Redeem Your Ground in Atlanta, Ga. “But to get it right, there are a few things to keep in mind.”

To help you successfully cultivate a container garden, Scott offers the following pointers:

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

Contributing Writers Aillinn Brennan Rachel Camaerei Emily Dings Susan Gallagher Brian Greene Kathy Henderson Christopher Holland Marlyn Kissner Amy Moyer Tom Venesky Yvonne Wright

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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 210 locations throughout the Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania Area.

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• Well-drained, not dry or overly wet soil, is necessary for herb and vegetable growth, so using bottom-draining pots with a peatbased potting soil specifically formulated for herbs and veggies will facilitate proper soil drainage and moisture retention.

• The proper container size depends on what you’ll be growing. Most small herbs do well in pots as small as eight inches in diameter, while larger plants may require a gallon pot or larger. For visual interest, consider repurposing items around the house to use as your container, such as an old pail.

• Incorporate a “thriller, filler, spiller” planting approach to maximize space and aesthetic appeal. This means tall focal plants in back, middle layer plants that fill in, and plants that will cascade over the container in front.

• Soil dries out more quickly in container gardens than garden beds, especially if you place containers outdoors in the sun.

Perform daily soil moisture checks. You may need to water outdoor container gardens every day – and possibly twice a day – in extremely hot weather.

• Place your container garden where it will get the optimal amount of sunlight – between six and eight hours a day.

The beauty of container gardens is their movability. You can even follow the sun as exposure changes throughout the seasons.

Always refer to the care tags on the specific plant to determine a prime location.

• Gardens planted in a container are entirely dependent on you to provide nutrients. Start out with an organic, rich potting soil formulated for container gardens. Then, going forward, fertilize your container every two to four weeks by pouring a nutrient-rich liquid solution directly into the soil.

• Don’t forget to reap what you sow.

Harvesting will generally help increase yields and prevent plants from outgrowing their containers. For best results, use this five-step method: water plants before harvesting, make clean cuts, keep them clean, dry your harvest quickly and store them away from sunlight and moisture.

More expert advice is available online.

Scott has partnered with Exmark, a leading manufacturer of commercial mowers and equipment on a video series for DIY homeowners called “Done in a Weekend.”

Among the free videos is “Contain Your Enthusiasm,” offering tips to help you successfully plant, grow and care for herbs and vegetable container gardens. To view the video, as well as access other videos in the series covering a range of home and garden topics, visit Exmark.com/DIY. There are a few important considerations that every container gardener should know.

Be sure you’re equipped with the proper tools and knowledge before getting started.

(StatePoint)

By Aillinn Brennan Special to The Current

R

ed, white and rosé wines all have their perfect cheese mate.

Sauvignon Blanc, the perfect summer sipper with his refreshing grapefruit-ie freshness, tropical fruit notes and characteristic tartness pairs perfectly with the grassy, tangy and tart Chèvre, a French goat cheese.

Rosé, light and fruity is the essence of summer in a glass and provides a nice contrast to a decedent Cremeaux De Bourgogne, a cheese from the Burgundy region in France. It’s a triple cream which in cheese lingo translates to a cheese made from cows’ milk that is enriched with cream.

To be the real deal in Burgundy it must have a fat content of 75% or more. It’s the butter of cheese! This gooey, sweet and nutty cheese is delicious with the lightness of a rosé. Add some sweet seasonal fruits and you have the perfect summer cheese plate.

When we picture a wine and cheese pairing there is a glass of red wine in it.

A California Cabernet Sauvignon, with its, bold astringent oakiness, big fruit dark berry and stone fruit flavors like black currant, plum, and ripe cherry is an easy pair with many cheeses. Think of it as the easy button of wine and cheese pairing.

A favorite to try with that bold red is a Grana Padano, a cheese from the EmiliaRomagna region in northwest Italy. This cheese closely resembles the more familiar Parmigiano-Reggiano. It is made from raw (unpasteurized) cow’s milk.

“Grana” means “grain,” which makes for a cheese with a flaky, crystalline and chewy texture. Big red wines have a lot of tannins, which causes them to be drying on the palate. Cheese with its fat content remedies the situation creating a sip, nibble, repeat cycle. It’s why we love it!

When in doubt, scout it out. Cheeses are regional, and are produced with many rules, just like wines. A Bordeaux wine can only be called a “Bordeaux” if it has been produced under a bunch of complicated rules.

It’s the same with cheese. The foods and drinks that are produced under these regional rules tend to go perfectly together. These are what the people who live in these regions have enjoyed eating and drinking together for centuries.

For example, the Gascony region of France is famous for its Pâté, and guess what pairs perfectly with Pâté, the sweet white wines which are also produced in this region.

In Spain, the La Mancha region produces wonderful red wines made from the Tempranillo grape which have cherry, leather and earthy notes. The same region also produces the famous Manchego cheese made from the milk of the Manchega breed of sheep. Another, love thy neighbor match.

So, a sip and staycation this summer?

Wine and cheese are your ticket!

Aillinn Brennan is proprietor of The Marion Hose Bar located at 16 W. Broadway in Jim Thorpe.

For more visit www.marionhosebar.com

The Jim Thorpe Current

taste

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

July 2020 • 17

10 Tips: Eating Foods Away from Home

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estaurants, convenience and grocery stores, or fast-food places offer a variety of options when eating out. But larger portions can make it easy to eat or drink too many calories. Larger helpings can also increase your intake of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. Think about ways to make healthier choices when eating food away from home.

Recipe

POCONO ORGANICS

Organic Summer Spaghetti Course: Appetizer Cuisine: Italian Prep Time: 5 Minutes Total Time: 20 Minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients: • 1lb. organic spaghetti, boiled in salt water • 1lb. mixed heirloom squash, julienne • 4 cloves of fresh garlic, sliced thin • 8oz. mixed cherry tomatoes, halved • 4oz. extra virgin olive oil • 1 cup fresh basil • 2oz. Italian parsley, chopped • 1 lemon, zest and juice • 1 pinch chili flake • 6oz. Parmesan, grated • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• In a saucepan, add olive oil over medium heat with garlic, squash, and salt. Cook for five minutes or until tender.

• Add cherry tomatoes and cook five minutes more.

• Add cooked pasta and toss.

• Add lemon, zest, and half of the cheese.

Toss and transfer to a plate or bowl.

• Top with remaining cheese, herbs and freshly cracked pepper.

www.poconoorganics.com

Consider your Drink Choose water, fat-free or low-fat milk, unsweetened tea, and other drinks without added sugars to complement your meal.

Savor a Salad Start your meal with a salad packed with vegetables to help you feel satisfied sooner. Ask for dressing on the side and use a small amount of it.

Share a Main Dish Divide a main entree between family and friends. Ask for small plates for everyone at the table.

Select from the Sides Order a side dish or an appetizer-sized portion instead of a regular entree. They’re usually served on smaller plates and in smaller amounts.

Pack your Snack Pack fruit, sliced vegetables, low-fat string cheese, or unsalted nuts to eat during road trips or long commutes. No need to stop for other food when these snacks are ready-to-eat.

Fill your Plate with Vegetables and Fruit Stir-fries, kabobs, or vegetarian menu items usually have more vegetables. Select fruits as a side dish or dessert.

Compare the Calories, Fat, and Sodium Many menus now include nutrition information. Look for items that are lower in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. Check with your server if you don’t see them on the menu. For more information, check the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website.

Pass on the Buffet Have an item from the menu and avoid the “all-you-can-eat” buffet. Steamed, grilled, or broiled dishes have fewer calories than foods that are fried in oil or cooked in butter.

Get your Whole Grains Request 100% whole-wheat breads, rolls, and pasta when choosing sandwiches, burgers, or main dishes.

Quit the “Clean your Plate” Club Decide to save some for another meal. Take leftovers home in a container and chill in the refrigerator right away.

18 • July 2020

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

The Jim Thorpe Current

arts

Art Born of Fire

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: GEORGE P. DENNIS

By Yvonne Wright The Current Contributing Writer

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bservably, among the many techniques artists have had at their disposal over the centuries to creatively express themselves, none seems more physically demanding and endurance testing than blacksmithing. The fundamental aspects of hand forging beautiful objects out of metals, and hammering red-hot raw materials into desirable shapes, has at its core undeniable elements of fatigue and hardship. Therefore, to pursue such a calling, an artist needs to be born with a passion for metalworking as hot-burning in the heart as the equivalent skills and strength necessary to wield the tools.

In ancient times, the blacksmithing techniques of heattreating bronze, wrought iron, or steel to the ideal forging temperatures that allowed metals to become malleable enough to be hand hammered into submission and desirable forms (done quickly, yet carefully to avoid surface cracking), was a closely kept secret for centuries, known only among the initiated.

Whether they were the Hittite, Egyptian or Phoenician craftsmen who first introduced humanity to blacksmithing, eventually the mighty smiths with their fire burning forges could be found working feverishly across the globe and civilizations - fabricating a vast variety of objects needed at the time: from common tools and cooking utensils, to weaponry, horseshoeing and wheelwrighting - only to be outperformed, but not defeated, by the mechanized and often automated manufacturing processes of the Industrial Age. In recent decades there has been a resurgence of traditional manual blacksmithing workshops in North America and Europe. Artists, in particular, are drawn to the aesthetic possibilities rather than utilitarian components of metal - engaging themselves in a process of threedimensional conceptualization that also requires a healthy dose of physical labour, preferring to work with the tools and techniques introduced centuries ago, while braving the heat and the sweat of the forge… Concurrently, there are growing numbers of buyers in our modern times that are interested in functional, hand made and unique objects (e.g., wrought iron furniture, decorative railings and gates, wine racks, etc.) inadvertently creating a high contemporary demand for blacksmithing arts.

Coaldale, PA born blacksmith-artist George P. Dennis found his calling in the traditional blacksmithing trade combined with modern methods of manipulating metals after a series of career moves and job related experiences that enabled him to gain a knowledge and fascination with heavy metals. George calls the blacksmithing trade a relaxing and most enjoyable vocation, because it motivates him to channel his inner need for creative expression into beautifully crafted decorative objects and sculptures. “Blacksmithing is my life long passion for ornamental metal work” George explains, that started when I was growing up in Lansford.”

First by watching, then by helping his grandfather John (Jinx) Solack perform various welding and metalworking tasks for local businesses, his early artistic sensitivities didn’t stop there. George credits his mother Kathryn, a student of local artist Queenie Stein of Palmerton, for introducing him to pen and ink drawing, watercolour painting and photography, encouraging her young artist-in-the-making to find his own style. “Oil painting was a big factor when I was young” admits George, “using [my mother’s] oil paints, I eventually found my style of applying the paint in thick

Bronze Decorative Objects by George Dennis - Photo: Lynn Hontz

layers, known as impasto.”

Intuitively motivated by the pioneering spirit of Pennsylvania’s early days, George has always been interested in self-sufficiency. With a degree in Mechanical Technology, and a certificate in Welding, when it came to learning anything new about the vocation he loved, he even offered to work for free in exchange for this valuable knowledge. It all paid off, and George P. Dennis has became an expert on working with metals, having had a long and fulfilling career in the heavy-duty truck industry that involved among other responsibilities truck repairs, truck driving, and finally, teaching CDL courses at Lehigh County Vocational Technical School.

Working for a living and raising a family have not stopped George from being an artist. Over time, a variety of metal sculptures, tools and ornate designs of leaves and flowers, often embellished with interlaced patterns, began to populate his basement. Needing a more professional space, a “Hephaestus’ cave” of his own, where wrought metalworks could be conceptualized and safely produced, led the artist to buy a property in his home town, and set up a blacksmithing shop with welding and plasma cutting services at Patterson Street in Lansford.

Today, following in the tradition of blacksmith-artist which came before him, George’s workshop is a place where the artist happily spends a great deal of time heating, hammering and welding metal bits into elegantly finished articles, sometimes as delicate as necklaces, forged from a variety of materials like iron, bronze (George’s favourite medium), copper and brass.

“My metal pendants, penannular brooches, ornamental tools, and sculptures portray objects as I interpret them [explains the artist] with most ideas taken from nature.

Ideally, these pieces will inspire young men and women to express themselves through art. Hopefully my work can be appreciated for many decades by future generations.” And appreciated they shall be for their superb craftsmanship and originality, finding their way into people’s hearts. The artist’s works are currently displayed at “Myst” restaurant in Jim Thorpe, “The Arts Barn” in Schuylkill Haven, and “This N That Finds U” vintage store in Palmerton.

George is an active member of several professional associations: The Artist Blacksmith Association of North America (ABANA) and the Pennsylvania Artist Blacksmiths’ Association (PABA), as well as the Carbon County Art League (CCAL), where he took on the role of the League’s CoSecretary. George P. Dennis is also a founder of DFS Designs - Metal Work with Serious Innovation company.

Many contemporary blacksmith-artists are renowned for their work and featured in prestigious art galleries, museums and public places around the globe. The individuality of their signature styles is what attracts big collectors and local buyers alike. Most of all, these hand made products exemplify time-enduring aesthetics that speak of human ingenuity, perseverance and strength. The artist can be contacted here: dfsdesignspa@gmail.com, or dfsdesigns.net.

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

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

Carbon County art League Cancels July Meeting

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ith great regret, the upcoming (July) meeting of the Carbon County Art League (CCAL), held every second Wednesday of the month, has been cancelled. Based on CDC continuing recommendations for social distancing, the monthly workshops and artist presentations will not be available as scheduled, postponed until it is safe to do so!

The Carbon County Art League is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports local artists of all ages, working in all mediums. Any artist in need of assistance, or interested in joining the league, can contact us here: info@ carboncountyart.com.

For more information and updates visit https://carboncountyart.wixsite. com/carbon-county-art. Stay well, stay safe, stay creative!

See more alliterations at victorstabin.com

The Jim Thorpe Current

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

July 2020 • 19

music • entertainment THURSDAYS, JULY 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

SATURDAY, JULY 11 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

Classic 1960’s and 1970’s rock 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696

Join us for a live performance featuring Andy Sleboda on acoustic guitar 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696

SATURDAY, JULY 4 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

SUNDAY, JULY 12 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING STRAWBERRY JAM

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING ANDY SLEBODA

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING TONY ALOSI Tony Alosi Tony Alosi has been singing and playing Solo guitar at venues in the Philadelphia Tri State Area since 2000. He performs top 40 and timeless classics in a unique soulful way. Smooth textured powerful vocal tones and fiery fusion guitar permeate his live performances.

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

FRIDAY, JULY 24 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

CLINT BLACK

ROCK ROYALTY Tribute to the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING BANDANA BROTHERS Vocals and Acoustic – Josh Cuprill Vocals and Lead – Brian Roder Percussion Extraordinaire – Tyrone Bradley Bass – Kenny Hatt Music….Simple and Easy.

Playing Rock, Country, Pop & all in between!

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 PENN’S PEAK

Rock Royalty: A tribute to the legends of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. Incredible renditions of Heart, ELO, Steely Dan, Jethro Tull, Stones, and more. Comprised of nine amazingly gifted, versatile, and seasoned musicians bringing their truth and talent to the stage!

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $24 SATURDAY, JULY 25 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

It is one of the most storied careers in modern music. Clint Black surged to superstardom as part of the fabled Class of ‘89, reaching #1 with five consecutive singles from his tripleplatinum debut, Killin’ Time. He followed that with the triple-platinum Put Yourself in My Shoes, and then a string of platinum and gold albums throughout the ‘90s. Perhaps most impressively, Clint wrote or co-wrote every one of his more than three dozen chart hits, including “A Better Man,” “Where Are You Now,” “When My Ship Comes In,” “A Good Run of Bad Luck,” “Summer’s Comin’,” “Like the Rain” and “Nothin’ But the Taillights,” part of a catalog that produced 22 #1 singles and made him one of the most successful singer/ songwriters of the modern era.

Doors open 6:00 PM Showtime 8:00 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9661 $46 FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 PENN’S PEAK

SATURDAY, JULY 18 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

BENNIE AND THE JETS Elton John Show

STEAL YOUR PEACH A mixture of some of hardest-working musicians in the Philadelphia area specializing in a mashup concept, Steal Your Peach fuses the music of The Allman Brothers Band and The Grateful Dead. Each has multiple projects currently both original and not, and have formed a bond here with some of our favorite and most influential music, paying close attention to detail of all of the original music, while also adding our own improv to the mix making each show unique and exciting, and to create a very tangible symbiotic experience between the band and the listeners.

There is nothing like coming back to pay homage to the music that inspired us all to play. We have played Brooklyn Bowl, Trocadero Theater, Ardmore Music Hall, Underground Arts, Abbey Bar at Appalachian Brewing Company, River Street Jazz Cafe, Stout’s Brewery, The 8×10, Gypsy Sally’s, The Acoustic, Mexicali Live, and more Two Shows Doors open 5:30 PM – Showtime 6:00 PM Doors open 8:30 PM – Showtime 9:00 PM Tickets: One Show $20 Both Shows $30 mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249

BOAT HOUSE ROW The Yacht Rock Experience 1. In the musical sense, yacht rock refers to the highly polished brand of soft rock that emanated from Southern California between 1976 and 1984. The term is meant to suggest the kind of smooth, mellow music that early yuppies likely enjoyed while sipping champagne on their yachts.

2. Significant “yacht rockers” include Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, Toto and many more.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $24

FRIDAY, JULY 31 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

FRIDAY, JULY 24 PENN’S PEAK

BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

CRAIG MORGAN A multi-faceted entertainer, Craig Morgan has made a name for himself as a country music icon, TV personality, celebrated outdoorsman and patriotic Army veteran. One of country music’s best-loved artists, Morgan has charted 25 songs on Billboard and thrills massive crowds with signature hits including “Bonfire,” Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “International Harvester,” “This Ole Boy,” “Wake Up Loving You,” and the four week No. 1, “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”

Most recently, Morgan released his first new music in over three years, the faith-filled tribute to his son Jerry — “The Father, My Son, And The Holy Ghost.” The song hit No. 1 on iTunes All Genres Top Songs chart as Blake Shelton led a viral campaign that gained support from the entertainment community.

He’s reunited with BBR Music Group’s flagship label Broken Bow Records, his record label home from 2002 to 2008, for upcoming new music.

Doors open 7:00 PM Showtime 8:00 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9661 $33 SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 PENN’S PEAK

KICK – THE INXS EXPERIENCE

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING TIMMY FRITZ JUDY COLLINS & ARLO GUTHRIE

Timmy Fitz (/Singer Songwriter/Rock/Blues) – Played the Philadelphia/New Jersey/New York circuit in the late 80s and 90’s. During that time he was the frontman/vocalist for a few original bands from the Philadelphia area – World War III, MetalWolf (Wolvz), FX-Shon (aka: X-Poze,) , and Outta Control to name a few. Today Tim spends most of his spare time laying down tracks in his home studio where he writes, records, masters, and plays all the instruments (except drums) on the material for this solo home recording project…. just keeping the music alive!

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

If your thing is the music of Elton John and his band, then this is 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. His band is top-shelf too, pulling together all the parts of a master’s music and performing it like you want to hear it.

Benny and the Jets have performed all across the country and also overseas, last summer entertaining our troops in Iraq. This is a classy show, pure fun and great music, sung and played as it should be.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $30

Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence shines brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 55-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century.

Arlo Guthrie has been known to generations as a prolific songwriter, social commentator, master storyteller, actor and activist. Born in Coney Island, New York in 1947, Arlo is the eldest son of Marjorie Mazia Guthrie, a professional dancer with the Martha Graham Company and founder of The Committee to Combat Huntington’s Disease, and America’s most beloved singer/writer/ philosopher/artist Woody Guthrie. Arlo has become an iconic figure in folk music in his own right with a distinguished and varied career spanning over fifty years.

Doors open 6:00 PM Showtime 8:00 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9661 $46

KICK – The INXS Experience is the USA’s most captivating salute and tribute to the internationally acclaimed rock band, INXS. Formed in 2014, two years after INXS stopped touring, KICK – The INXS Experience has beautifully managed to capture the spirit of INXS in both its sound and live performance, bringing the highest level of musicianship to the audience while showing a true passion for the music of INXS. Vocalist, guitarist, and singer-songwriter Cory Massi is the founding frontman of KICK, and has long held a respect and admiration for the late great Michael Hutchence. Massi even auditioned for the reality TV show, Rockstar: INXS, in 2004, where contestants competed to become the new lead vocalist for INXS. The focus has been on faithfully recreating the music in its most powerful sense; an inthe-pocket bottom end from bass player Don Leslie and drummer Gary Forbes, a brilliant combination of piano and synth by John Cassidy, the signature guitar tones produced by guitarist Todd King and Jason Taylor, the saxophone by Nottingham, England’s Tom Wheat, and the spot-on lead vocals by Cory Massi, all lend to a powerful high-energy show.

Two Shows Doors open 5:30 PM – Showtime 6:00 PM Doors open 8:30 PM – Showtime 9:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $26

MIKE DELGUIDICE AND BIG SHOT Recording Artist Mike DelGuidice - living a dream. After many years of playing Billy Joel’s music in his band Big Shot, Mike DelGuidice now lives a dream come true. In October of 2013, Billy Joel was so impressed by Mike’s singing, Joel personally hired Mike to join his band.

When you hear Mike sing, it’s easy to see why Billy Joel was so taken with DelGuidice.

And now you can see Mike on tour with Billy Joel all over the US & world in major arenas and stadiums including every month at the iconic Madison Square Garden. On Billy Joel’s recent SiriusXM Channel you can hear Billy talking about Mike and how much he sounds just like him Doors open 7:00 PM Showtime 8:00 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9661 $25

CONTACT US FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION JD@JimThorpeCurrent.com

570.399.1400

20 • July 2020

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

The Jim Thorpe Current

biz briefs COVID-19 Small Financing Assistance

Business

Communities and businesses in Carbon County continue to feel the increased impact of COVID-19. Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corp.

(CCEDC) has been engaged since the onset of this outbreak to be sure businesses stayed informed and know what assistance is available.

CCEDC has announced their COVID Shutdown Loan Program. Low interest loans of $1,000 to $2,500 are available to small businesses located in Carbon County that have been affected by the COVID pandemic at a fixed interest rate of 1%.

Monthly payments will be deferred for the first 6 months of the loan. Loan funds may be used for expenses that were incurred after April 1, 2020 and include utility expenses, rent or mortgage and business supplies.

In addition, Governor Tom Wolf announced a $225 million statewide grant program to support small businesses that were impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis and subsequent business closure order.

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) will distribute the funds to the 17 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) across the state which will in turn administer the funding in the form of grants. The three CDFI’s that serve Carbon County are Rising Tide, Metro Action and Reinvestment Fund.

Eligible businesses will be able to use the grants to cover operating expenses during the shutdown and transition to re-opening, and for technical assistance including training and guidance for business owners as they stabilize and relaunch their businesses.

Businesses can begin applying for the grants by the end of June. For information on both of these programs, contact the CCEDC today at 610-379-5000.

Gov. Wolf Announces $40 Million in CARES Act Funding Available to Address Dairy Industry Relief, Food Security

Governor Wolf announced the availability of $40 million in funding through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support Pennsylvania’s dairy industry and food security programs, following months of uncertainty and loss from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry represents the very best of who we are – something that’s been seen since the very beginning of our COVID-19 mitigation efforts,” Gov. Wolf said. “That’s why it’s critical that we open these programs to support Pennsylvania’s farmers today. This CARES funding is going to an industry that gives back every day to ensure that Pennsylvanians have access to fresh food.”

“I’m extremely proud of our agricultural industry, which was hit with the most drastic market changes, yet they continued to show up for their communities,” said Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.

“The industry understands that hunger should not be our next pandemic and took action. I’m grateful that the governor is ensuring that our farmers, and in particular our dairy farmers, receive much needed financial support.”

Specifically, $15 million will provide an opportunity for dairy farmers to receive

direct relief payments and $5 million will reimburse dairy farmers who participate in the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) program by donating excess dairy product to the commonwealth’s charitable food system.

Any dairy farm that experienced financial losses due to discarded or displaced milk during the COVID-19 emergency disaster may apply for assistance. Each farm with a documented loss will receive a minimum of $1,500 and an additional prorated share of the remaining funds, not to exceed the actual amount assessed by the handler. The deadline to apply for the Dairy Indemnity Program is September 30, 2020.

Also, $15 million will go to the State Food Purchase Program, which provides cash grants to counties for the purchase and distribution of food to low income individuals, and $5 million will go to the PASS program to reimburse the agricultural industry for the costs involved in harvesting, processing, packaging and transporting food that they donate to the charitable food system. The PASS program helps to support Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry in all 67 counties and reduce waste of agricultural surplus by making connections between production agriculture and the non-profit sector.

Throughout the COVID-19 public health crisis, the Wolf Administration has comprehensively addressed food security across multiple agencies to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to food.

For information as it relates to agriculture during COVID-19 mitigation in Pennsylvania visit agriculture. pa.gov/COVID. For the most accurate, timely information related to Health in Pennsylvania, visit on.pa.gov/coronavirus.

Congratulations to the Leadership Carbon graduating class of 2020

Graduates include; Mary Jeanne Durishin, St. Luke’s Health Network; Jonathan Fenkner, Mauch Chunk Trust Company;Melissa Gordon, St. Luke’s Health Network; Jessica Gould, Ampal; Meredith Koons, CETCO; Rachael Krajcirik, St. Luke’s Health Network; Emily Kress, Pencor Services; Melissa Kuruts, Lehigh Valley Health Network; Candy Madera, St. Luke’s Health Network; Velka Sanchez, Mauch Chunk Trust Company; Meghan Sander, Finance of America; Hilary Smith, Pencor Services; Emily Stahler, St. Luke’s Health Network; Amber Zuber, Lehigh Carbon Community College.

Chamber & Blue Ridge Cable TV13 Announce Summer Stimulus Program

The Pocono Chamber of Commerce and the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development have teamed up with Blue Ridge Cable TV13 to bring you a Summer Stimulus Marketing Program, to lead the way to recovery in Monroe and Carbon Counties.

The Pocono Chamber of Commerce and the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development are currently seeking area businesses that are willing to provide two gift cards ($25 or more each) to give away during BRCTV13’s Summer Stimulus Gift Card Giveaway!

BRCTV-13 will give away one gift card every day from June 29th through September 4th, winners will be announced during the Pocono, Valley and Night Reports, and mailed to each winner.

BRCTV-13 viewers will be invited to enter for their chance to win at www.brctv13.

Visit www.carboncountychamber.org/carbon-strong

Do You Suffer from Digital Concussion?

By Kathy Henderson CCEDC Director of Economic Development

H

eadaches.

Dizziness.

Dialed pupils. Discombobulation. Have you experienced those problems, as you attend yet another Zoom or Teams meeting? I have but I can also add to that list double vision.

We have a lot of new things coming at us lately. The pandemic and sheltering at home are just a portion of the challenges that we are facing on a daily basis. Working remotely is very new to many of us and attending meetings or training sessions virtually while it is very convenient, can also lead to physical problems.

I read an article in Entrepreneur Magazine the other day by Jason Feifer that approached this subject. He wrote about comedian Nicole Arbour who realized that she was having the symptoms that I mentioned earlier. She sent a message to the director of the Huberman Lab at Stanford University, Andrew Huberman who is a professor of neuroscience. He told her “It immediately made sense, all the symptoms have deep roots in the biology of vision and in brain science.” After further discussions, they came up with the term “digital concussion.”

Huberman used the term digital concussion metaphorically to describe a set of like symptoms while an actual concussion involves damage to the brain. He goes on to say; “there is zero evidence that up-close screen time damages the brain the same way a physical insult to the head does.”

The good news is digital concussions are very treatable. Those of us who are working from home or attending a myriad of meetings and training sessions virtually are putting a ton of strain on our eyes which can lead to very real pain.

If you can assume you have no other diagnosis that may be causing these symptoms, Mr. Huberman suggests trying the following:

com. The second gift card will be raffled off at the 2020 Chamber Golf Outings!

“This is such a unique opportunity for our region’s business owners” Said Liz Blose, Regional Coordinator for the Pocono Chamber of Commerce.

“Businesses are going to not only receive fantastic exposure through BRCTV-13’s on-air feature, but they will continue to receive exposure through the Chamber event pages now through the end of Summer as we gear up for the Pocono & Carbon Chamber Golf Outings. I am also excited to bring some excitement and joy to those from our community who win the gift cards. I hope the stimulus gift cards help them create fun summer memories with their families and friends.”

Participating Businesses Will Receive significant recognition on three newscasts including their name, location, and tagline or slogan, Value of their prize announced (ex. $25 gift card from...), their businesses name listed on BRCTV-13’s website where the contestants enter to win and a total of six announcements on air including the replays of the newscasts!

They will also receive recognition as a raffle sponsor for the Chamber’s Golf Tournament on August 7 and/or September 11, 2020. Sponsor recognition includes; raffle

CHAT CHAMBER Get light during the day. When we’re inside all the time, we’re not getting the kind of natural light that our bodies are used to. “Get some sunlight exposure to your eyes in the late afternoon,” he says, and do it without sunglasses. If you can’t step outside, spend some time near a window.

Look around, intentionally. In our homes, we’re often up close to things like screens and walls. That’s straining and can be especially bad for children. Huberman suggests shifting your perspective. “Keep your head and eyes stationary. If they move around a little bit, no big deal,” he says. “And instead of looking at one point, without moving your eyes, just kind of dial out your gaze so that you can see the ceiling above you, on either side of you, and below you. You’re relaxing those muscles.”

Relax with breath. “If you really want to trigger the relaxation response quickly, the way to do this is with what’s called a ‘double inhale,’” Huberman says. Take two breaths in, and then exhale deeply. Repeat.

Dim the lights at night. “As much as possible,” Huberman says, “try and keep the lights low in your home after the hours of about 11 p.m.”

There you have it. Simple solutions to a new yet very real problem and yet another definition to add to Webster’s dictionary in addition to the scores of others that we have come to use in the last several months. donor listing on the Chamber’s golf event page, raffle donor listing on the Chamber’s golf emails, and raffle donor shout-out on social media (Facebook and Twitter).

Businesses who are willing to provide three gift cards valued at $25 each will receive exposure not only on BRCTV-13, but also at BOTH the Pocono & Carbon Chamber Golf Outings.

If your businesses is interested in participating in this fantastic opportunity and receiving amazing exposure just by donating two gift cards please contact our Chamber Staff.

CARES Act Funding for Small Businesses Now Available

Governor Tom Wolf announced that small businesses across Pennsylvania can now apply for grants to offset lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shutdown order.

“In unprecedented times, like those we are currently facing, collaboration is imperative to getting help to those who need it most, as quickly and effectively as possible,” said Gov. Wolf. “This joint effort between my administration, the legislature, and The Pennsylvania CDFI Network will provide critical assistance to Pennsylvania’s small businesses, putting them on better financial footing as they begin to reopen.”

The COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance program, announced earlier this month, will provide $225 million in grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to eligible businesses through Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding.

Beginning tomorrow, June 30, eligible businesses may begin applying for the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance program here.

The first application window will remain open for ten days. Applications will

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biz briefs continue to be accepted after 10 business days but will be considered for future rounds of funding, as this is not a first-come, first-served program. Applications will be prioritized and selected for funding based on the program criteria.

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) will distribute the funds to the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which will then administer the funding in the form of grants.

Today, DCED Secretary Dennis Davin joined state Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Senator Vincent Hughes, Senator John Blake, Representative Jordan Harris, Mark Masterson of Northside Community Development Fund, Leslie Benoliel of Entrepreneur Works, Jim Burnett of West Philadelphia Financial Services, and Dan Betancourt from the Community First Fund at a virtual press conference to announce the opening of the first of four application windows.

Eligible businesses will be able to use the grants to cover operating expenses during the shutdown and transition to re-opening, and for technical assistance including training and guidance for business owners as they stabilize and relaunch their businesses.

The funds will be available through three programs: • $100 million for the Main Street Business Revitalization Program for small businesses that experienced loss as a result of the governor’s March 19, 2020 order relating to the closure of all non-lifesustaining businesses and have or will incur costs to adapt to new business operations related to COVID-19; • $100 million for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Revitalization Program for small businesses that experienced loss as a result of the business closure order, have or will incur costs to adapt to new business operations related to COVID-19, and in which socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51 percent interest and also control management and daily business operations.

• $25 million for the Loan Payment Deferment and Loss Reserve Program, which will allow the CDFIs the opportunity to offer forbearance and payment relief for existing portfolio businesses that are struggling due to the impact of COVID, as well as shore up the financial position of the CDFIs that are experiencing significant increased defaults in their existing loan portfolios.

Archery Addictions LTD & Skin Deep Grand Reopening Celebration & Open House

The Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corp. (CCEDC) invites you to join us on Saturday, July 11, 2020 from 11:00am – 12:30pm for Archery Addictions’ and Skin Deep’s Grand Reopening Celebration & Open House at 400 Interchange Road in Lehighton. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place at 12:00pm and an Open House will be held from 11:00am-8:00pm.

Come check out their NEW LOCATION and enjoy networking, a facility tour, gun and bow representative consults and demonstrations, food and beverages, door prizes and much more! Colossal Radio’s Layne “The Doc” Roberts will also be broadcasting LIVE! Chosen to be the facility of FITA State shoots, both Indoors and Outdoors, for 2013, Archery Addictions, LTD has been the East Coast’s largest ultimate archery destination since 2012. Their brand new facility in Lehighton features indoor target lanes, a full-service pro shop, and more!

Archery Addictions caters to all shooters, from novice up to expert, with a variety of lessons, leagues, tournaments, group outings, and parties. They also carry a full line of hunting clothing and accessories.

An online store is coming soon! For more information, call 484-623-4900 or visit archeryaddictions.com.

Skin Deep Permanent Cosmetics of Lehighton is owned by Tina Madden, Licensed Aesthetician, Eyelash Extensions

Technician, MicroNeedling Therapist, Permanent Cosmetic Artist and Medical Tattoo Artist.

They specialize in microblading, permanent cosmetics, scar camouflage and areola tattooing. They also offer microblading classes and eyelash extensions. Skin Deep’s goal for the future is to offer free Areola Tattooing for breast cancer survivors. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 570-4014452 or visit skindeepllc.com.

This event is free and open to the public! Register online at: www. carboncountychamber.org or by phone at 610-379-5000.

Sarah Schweitzer Joins the Team at Ateira’s on First, Lehighton

Sarah Schweitzer joins the team at Ateira’s on First, Lehighton Sarah Schweitzer Studied Culinary Arts/ Baking and Pastry Arts at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts Home Gourmet.

She brings a lot of wonderfully brilliant ideas to the table. Sarah has recently joined the staff as Sous-chef at Ateira’s on First in Lehighton.

Coal Miner’s Heritage Festival July 12 at No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum

Now that Carbon County is in the green phase, the 13th Annual Coal Miner’s Heritage Festival will proceed as scheduled on Sunday July 12, 2020 from 10 to 5. The annual event is held on the grounds of the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford, Carbon County, PA. This unique, fun and educational event celebrates northeastern Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal region history, ethnic heritage, food, music, crafts and customs.

It’s not too late to sign up as a vendor or crafter to participate in this year’s event. To receive a registration form and festival flyer, email Dale Freudenberger at dalefreud@ gmail.com or call him at 610-597-6722 and leave a message. “The Annual Coal Miners Heritage Festival is presented by the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford and is our largest annual event” said Freudenberger. Admission to the festival grounds and parking are free and the event is held rain or shine. Exhibitors, crafters, vendors and local organizations will be offering a variety of goods for sale or display.

Visitors can take an underground tour of the No. 9 Coal Mine throughout the day for a nominal charge. The No. 9 Mine is the world’s oldest operating deep mine having been opened in 1855 by the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company. It was last mined in 1972 by the Lanscoal company. The guided underground mine tours are available throughout the day. The

average temperature in the mine is about 52 degrees so a light jacket or sweater are recommended. Visitors will ride into the mine in the safety of enclosed mine cars pulled by an original mine locomotive.

Everyone must wear a mask on the mine tour or while in the museum. Visitors are asked to practice social distancing on the festival grounds during the festival and a hand sanitizer station will be available. The nearby No. 9 Coal Mining Museum, housed in the original 1912 brick miner’s wash shanty, houses one of the largest collections of anthracite coal mining artifacts, tools, photographs and memorabilia in the coal region.

The festival is held on the large sprawling grounds surrounding the Mining Museum. In keeping with the theme, the coal miner’s competition is always the most popular event. Anyone over the age of sixteen is invited to participate in the coal shoveling competition where competitors shovel a pile of coal in the shortest time. In past years, this had been a very competitive event drawing participants from all over the region. Trophies will be awarded to the winners. The coal shoveling competition will begin at 2:00 and is free to enter.

Many interesting and fun exhibits will highlight our Anthracite Coal region heritage and culture. The old time ‘Wash Day’ demonstrations will show the evolution and chore of washing clothes by hand in the coal patch towns. Other exhibits include 19th century death, mourning and funeral customs, a display of items that used to be sole in company stores, local historical society exhibits, vintage coal region works of art, mine safety and rescue displays, a restored vintage mine lokie, an operating antique coal screen, a display of old time moonshine making equipment, the miners ‘bath day’ display, antique coal region beer trays exhibit, and original antique coal company signs from more than 80 coal companies from the coal region.

A variety of great music typically found in the coal region will be featured throughout the day.

Coal region re-enactors will stroll the grounds in their authentic coal patch town outfits. They will perform a special skit at 1:00. On display will be several early antique vehicles from the early 1900s, and a traditional modern home delivery hi-lift coal truck. There is no formal car show at this event.

If you don’t come for anything else, come for the great combination of homemade, coal region ethnic foods as well as other popular summertime festival foods offered up by local organizations and quality food vendors.

Children’s entertainment will be offered

including the popular old time coal sack races with prizes for the winners, bounce house and children’s games, and “Buster the Clown.”

Anyone who would like to register as a crafter or vendor or has questions, should contact Dale Freudenberger at dalefreud@ gmail.com or by phone at 610-597-6722 and leave a message.

JIM THORPE BOROUGH DIRECTORY 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

Let’s Get Back in the Game . . .

On a Very Special Day!

By Marlyn Kissner CCEDC Executive Director

Accredited Investors

O

n Friday September 11th, Patriot’s Day, Split Rock Golf Club will be host to this year’s “Sturm Cup” golf tournament. What a perfect day to honor those who lost their lives and the families, who endured such a painful day as well as honoring our amazing first responders.

As Americans, we were all affected by 911 after we were under attack. We endured, rose above, came together and helped others to rebuild our country – mentally and physically. Much like what is happening today… as we navigate this terrible virus and challenging, unsettled climate, we must work together to help, respect, assist, support and ¯LIFT EACH OTHER UP. Please join us for some fun as we get back on the golf course, enjoy one another, and patronize an awesome golf club as we come together to support the Chamber’s efforts. We are blessed to have

Uncertain Times Call For Certain Measures

Ensure Your Financial Future such amazing members and thank you all for being by our side in these unchartered waters.

Now it is certainly time to re-build our downtowns, communities, businesses and Nation – we can all do this together with open hearts and lots of love.

We look forward to seeing you sporting your Red White & Blue golf gear on September 11th and appreciate your partnership and support!

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The Mauch Chunk Opera House

The Mauch Chunk Opera House originally called the Capitol Theater, was built in 1881 by architect Addison Hutton. Officially opening in 1882 and located at the end of what was known as millionaires row in Mauch Chunk, as Jim Thorpe was then called.

Originally it was designed as a 900-seat concert hall with a farmers’ market on the first floor. It was originally one of the earliest Vaudeville theaters in America.

Used as an silent movie screen, after Vaudeville’s decline, it was then sold in 1962 to a local purse factory for a warehouse. Then, it was abandoned and mainly used as a warehouse until 1975. In 1975 it was acquired by the newly formed Mauch Chunk Historical Society for the price of one dollar, who helped refurbish it. It reopened for local productions, including a “haunted theater” and holiday events.

In 2003, local residents Vincent DeGiosio and Christine McGorry Degiosio, and businessman and gallery owner Daniel Hugos extensively refurbished and booked new entertainment acts for the local theater. Presently, it holds around 400 patrons.

The Mauch Chunk Opera House • 14 West Broadway • (570) 325-0249 • MCOHJT.COM

WHY WEISSPORT? WHY NOT! The Weissport Warriors Extends its Sincere Appreciation to all of our Local Healthcare Workers

Stay Strong - Stay Vigilant - Stay Weissport

Weissport Warriors Against Alzheimer’s PUTTING THE “WE” BACK IN WEISSPORT

Learn how you can join the effort to end Alzheimer’s Disease!!

For information on the Weissport Warriors please contact Jeff Elder at (484) 221-0325 For program information please call Jeff Dauber at 570-822-9915

Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline - 800-272-3900

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